bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A developmentally controlled cellular decompartmentalization process executes programmed cell death in the Arabidopsis root cap
Authors: Wang Jie , Bollier Norbert , Buono Rafael Andrade , Vahldick Hannah , Lin Zongcheng , Feng Qiangnan , Hudecek Roman , Jiang Qihang , Mylle Evelien , Van Damme Daniel , Nowack Moritz K
Published: December 2023

Programmed cell death (PCD) is a fundamental cellular process crucial to development, homeostasis, and immunity in multicellular eukaryotes. In contrast to our knowledge on the regulation of diverse animal cell death subroutines, information on execution of PCD in plants remains fragmentary. Here, we make use of the accessibility of the Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) root cap to visualize the execution process of developmentally controlled PCD. We identify a succession of selective decompartmentalization events and ion fluxes as part of the terminal differentiation program that is orchestrated by the NO APICAL MERISTEM, ARABIDOPSIS THALIANA ACTIVATING FACTOR, CUP-SHAPED COTYLEDON (NAC) transcription factor SOMBRERO. Surprisingly, the breakdown of the large central vacuole is a relatively late and variable event, preceded by an increase of intracellular calcium levels and acidification, release of mitochondrial matrix proteins, leakage of nuclear and endoplasmic reticulum lumina, and release of fluorescent membrane reporters into the cytosol. In analogy to animal apoptosis, the plasma membrane remains impermeable for proteins during and after PCD execution. Elevated intracellular calcium levels and acidification are sufficient to trigger cell death execution specifically in terminally differentiated root cap cells, suggesting that these ion fluxes act as PCD-triggering signals. This detailed information on the cellular processes occurring during developmental PCD in plants is a pivotal prerequisite for future research into the molecular mechanisms of cell death execution.
Immunohistochemical Expression of Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 in the Skin of Patients Affected by COVID-19
Authors: Abdou Asmaa Gaber , Fayed Mona , Farag Azza Gaber Antar
Published: December 2023

Background:

After many recorded cases of acute pneumonia of unknown cause, the World Health Organization announced COVID-19 as the start of a new coronavirus disease pandemic in 2019. Angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 (ACE2) is reduced by a protease known as transmembrane serine type 2 in the host cell, which then activates the S protein of SARS-CoV-2 regulating coronavirus entry into the host cells.

Aim:

The aim of this study was to assess the immunohistochemical expression of ACE 2 in the skin of patients affected by COVID-19 with and without cutaneous manifestations and to correlate ACE2 expression with clinical and pathologic parameters.

Methods:

Skin biopsies were obtained from skin lesions of 25 patients presenting with cutaneous manifestations and from the left forearm of 22 patients without cutaneous manifestations. The specimens were processed for evaluation of histopathologic changes and ACE2 immunohistochemical evaluation.

Results:

Positive ACE2 expression was significantly higher in patients without cutaneous manifestations (96%) than those with cutaneous manifestations (72.7%). Positive ACE2 expression in the skin of affected patients was significantly associated with the presence of comorbidities, positive family history, high ABCD score, elevated lactate dehydrogenase, high D-dimer, rapid respiratory rate, and low oxygen saturation.

Conclusions:

The skin could be involved in COVID-19 infection in the form of inflammatory changes, such as pityriasis rosea–like lesions. Patients with COVID-19 who presented with cutaneous manifestations are usually less severe. The presence of ACE2 in the skin of patients with COVID-19 is an indicator of worse status. Patients with COVID-19 without skin manifestations showed higher positivity for ACE2, which may explain the severity of the cases.
Hemodynamic effects of positive end-expiratory pressure
Authors: Joseph Adrien , Petit Matthieu , Vieillard-Baron Antoine
Published: December 2023

Purpose of review

Positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) is required in the Berlin definition of acute respiratory distress syndrome and is a cornerstone of its treatment. Application of PEEP increases airway pressure and modifies pleural and transpulmonary pressures according to respiratory mechanics, resulting in blood volume alteration into the pulmonary circulation. This can in turn affect right ventricular preload, afterload and function. At the opposite, PEEP may improve left ventricular function, providing no deleterious effect occurs on the right ventricle.

Recent findings

This review examines the impact of PEEP on cardiac function with regards to heart-lung interactions, and describes its consequences on organs perfusion and function, including the kidney, gut, liver and the brain. PEEP in itself is not beneficious nor detrimental on end-organ hemodynamics, but its hemodynamic effects vary according to both respiratory mechanics and association with other hemodynamic variables such as central venous or mean arterial pressure. There are parallels in the means of preventing deleterious impact of PEEP on the lungs, heart, kidney, liver and central nervous system.

The quest for optimal PEEP settings has been a prominent goal in ARDS research for the last decades. Intensive care physician must maintain a high degree of vigilance towards hemodynamic effects of PEEP on cardiac function and end-organs circulation.
Latent Class Analysis of Social Needs in Medicaid Population and Its Impact on Risk Adjustment Models
Authors: Pandya Chintan J. , Wu JunBo , Hatef Elham , Kharrazi Hadi
Published: December 2023

Background:

A growing number of US states are implementing programs to address the social needs (SNs) of their Medicaid populations through managed care contracts. Incorporating SN might also improve risk adjustment methods used to reimburse Medicaid providers.

Objectives:

Identify classes of SN present within the Medicaid population and evaluate the performance improvement in risk adjustment models of health care utilization and cost after incorporating SN classes.

Research Design:

A secondary analysis of Medicaid patients during the years 2018 and 2019. Latent class analysis (LCA) was used to identify SN classes. To evaluate the impact of SN classes on measures of hospitalization, emergency (ED) visits, and costs, logistic and linear regression modeling for concurrent and prospective years was used. Model performance was assessed before and after incorporating these SN classes to base models controlling for demographics and comorbidities.

Subjects:

262,325 Medicaid managed care program patients associated with a large urban academic medical center.

Results:

7.8% of the study population had at least one SN, with the most prevalent being related to safety (3.9%). Four classes of SN were determined to be optimal based on LCA, including stress-related needs, safety-related needs, access to health care–related needs, and socioeconomic status–related needs. The addition of SN classes improved the performance of concurrent base models’ AUC (0.61 vs. 0.58 for predicting ED visits and 0.61 vs. 0.58 for projecting hospitalizations).

Conclusions:

Incorporating SN clusters significantly improved risk adjustment models of health care utilization and costs in the study population. Further investigation into the predictive value of SN for costs and utilization in different Medicaid populations is merited.
Postoperative Outcomes after Gastrointestinal Surgery in Patients Receiving Chronic Kidney Replacement Therapy
Authors: Palamuthusingam Dharmenaan , Hawley Carmel M. , Pascoe Elaine M. , Johnson David Wayne , Palamuthusingam Pranavan , Boudville Neil , Jose Matthew D. , Cross Nicholas B. , Fahim Magid
Published: December 2023

Objective:

This study evaluated the postoperative mortality and morbidity outcomes following the different subtypes of gastrointestinal (GI) surgery over a 15-year period.

Background:

Patients receiving chronic kidney replacement therapy (KRT) experience higher rates of general surgery compared to other surgery types. Contemporary data on the types of surgeries and their outcomes are lacking. KRT was defined as patients requring chronic dialysis (haemodialysis or peritoneal dilaysis) or having a fucntioning kidney transplant long-term.

Methods:

All incident and prevalent patients aged greater than 18 years identified in the Australia and New Zealand Dialysis and Transplant (ANZDATA) Registry as receiving chronic KRT were linked with jurisdictional hospital admission datasets between January 1 2000 until December 31 2015. Patients were categorised by their KRT modality (hemodialysis [HD], peritoneal dialysis [PD], home hemodialysis [HHD] and kidney transplant [KT]). GI surgeries were categorised: Upper gastrointestinal (UGI), bowel (small and large bowel), anorectal, hernia surgery, cholecystectomy and appendicectomy. The primary outcome was the rates of the different surgeries, estimated using Poisson models. Secondary outcomes were risks of 30-day/in-hospital postoperative mortality risk and non-fatal outcomes and were estimated using logistic regression. Independent predictors of 30-day-mortality were examined using comorbidity-adjusted Cox models.

Results:

Overall, 46,779 patients on chronic KRT were linked to jurisdictional hospital datasets, and 9,116 patients were identified as having undergone 14,540 GI surgeries with a combined follow-up of 76,593 years. Patients on PD had the highest rates of GI surgery (8 per 100-patient years), with hernia surgery being the most frequent. Patients on PD also had the highest risk of 30-day postoperative mortality following the different types of GI surgery, with the risk being more than 2-fold higher after emergency surgery compared to elective procedures. Infective postoperative complications were more common than cardiac complications. This study also observed a U-shaped association between body mass index (BMI) and mortality, with a nadir in the 30-35 kg/m2 group.

Conclusions:

Patients on chronic KRT have high rates of GI surgery and morbidity, particularly in those who receive PD, are older or are either underweight or moderately obese.
Understanding Hematoma Risk: Study of Patient and Perioperative Factors in a Large Cohort of Young Women Undergoing Reduction Mammaplasty
Authors: Stanek Krystof , Nussbaum Lisa , Labow Brian I , Chacko Sabeena , Ganske Ingrid M , Ganor Oren , Vinson Amy , Greene Arin K , Nuzzi Laura , Rogers-Vizena Carolyn R
Published: December 2023

BACKGROUND:

Despite high satisfaction rates, reduction mammaplasty can have complications such as hematoma. Factors such as age, tobacco use, and comorbidities are known contributors, whereas the influence of race, BMI, certain medications, and blood pressure (BP) remain contentious. This study investigates hematoma risk factors in young women undergoing reduction mammaplasty.

STUDY DESIGN:

A retrospective review was conducted including all female patients who underwent bilateral reduction mammaplasty at a single institution between 2012 and 2022. Data on demographics, BMI, medical comorbidities, surgical techniques, medications, and perioperative BP were collected. Differences between patients who developed a hematoma and those who did not were assessed using chi-square, Fisher’s exact, and t-tests. The relationship between perioperative BP and hematoma formation was assessed using logistic regression.

RESULTS:

Of 1,754 consecutive patients, 3% developed postoperative hematoma of any kind, with 1.8% returning to the operating room. Age (odds ratio [OR] 1.14, p = 0.01) and ketorolac use (OR 3.93, p = 0.01) were associated with hematoma development. Controlling for baseline BP, each 10 mmHg incremental increase in peak intraoperative BP (systolic BP [SBP]: OR 1.24, p = 0.03; mean arterial pressure: OR 1.24, p = 0.01) and postoperative BP (SBP: OR 1.41, p = 0.01; mean arterial pressure: OR 1.49, p = 0.01) escalated the odds of hematoma. Postoperative SBP variability also incrementally increased hematoma odds (OR 1.48, p < 0.01). Other factors, including race and surgical technique, were not significantly influential.

CONCLUSIONS:

Age, ketorolac use, and intra- and postoperative BP peaks and variability are risk factors for hematoma in reduction mammaplasty. This emphasizes the importance of perioperative BP management and optimizing pain management protocols.
Psychiatric and behavioral manifestations of Williams syndrome
Authors: Thom Robyn P.
Published: December 2023

Purpose of review

The purpose of this review is to synthesize recent advances in the psychiatric and behavioral manifestations of Williams syndrome, a rare genetic syndrome. Recent advances have focused on more deeply characterizing the social phenotype and developing social skill interventions, improving the assessment and treatment of anxiety, and exploring eating behaviors.

Recent findings

The social cognitive phenotype in Williams syndrome, which consists of both high social drive and social cognition deficits, is present cross-culturally and may be related to reduced eye gaze. Social skills training for adults with Williams syndrome has demonstrated promise. Adapted exposure therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy programs for children and adults respectively, have been piloted in Williams syndrome. The majority of adults with Williams syndrome are either underweight or overweight, and problematic food-related behaviors likely contribute to bodyweight status.

Williams syndrome is associated with a number of core social and psychiatric difficulties which have a significant impact on functioning and quality of life. Recent work has begun to utilize a more nuanced understanding of the clinical presentations of these problems to develop interventions tailored to this unique population. However, larger trials, particularly those inclusive of a more diverse Williams syndrome population, are needed.
Genomic insights into Enterococcus faecium isolates from marine bivalves highlight One Health concerns and healthcare linkages
Authors: Heim Amalie von Barner Tvedegaard , Janice Jessin , Bjørnholt Jørgen Vildershøj , Lunestad Bjørn Tore , Hegstad Kristin , Svanevik Cecilie Smith
Published: December 2023

Enterococci, especially

Enterococcus faecium

, are one of today’s leading causes of multidrug-resistant infections in hospital settings. The marine environment may harbour enterococci, but its role as an evolutionary niche and as a vector for the spread of enterococci is sparsely investigated. Hence, by applying enterococci in bivalves as a sentinel tool, this study aimed to describe the prevalence of enterocooci along the Norwegian coast and in addition the phylogeny of

E. faecium

in particular. Enterococci in batch samples of marine bivalves, harvested from 86 different locations, were quantitatively examined by a culture-dependent most probable number (MPN) method. Isolates were identified by MALDI-TOF-MS prior to antimicrobial susceptibility testing by broth microdilution. In-detail analyses of a representative selection of

E. faecium

isolates (n=148) were done by Illumina whole-genome sequencing, and assembled genomes were compared to closed

E. faecium

genomes in the public databases and to genomes from commensal and clinical isolates from Norway. Diversity among

E. faecium

within the same batch sample of bivalves was also explored. Enterococci were detected in 287 of the 471 examined bivalve samples, but in low concentrations with a median value of <18 MPN /100 g. From positive samples, 479 isolates of enterococci were identified belonging to ten different species, where

E. faecium

(n=247),

Enterococcus hirae

(n=114) and

Enterococcus faecalis

(n=66) were most frequently found. Resistance towards one or more antimicrobial agents was observed in 197 isolates (41 %), none of the isolates showed acquired resistance to vancomycin or linezolid. Phylogenetic analyses revealed high diversity among the

E. faecium

isolates and showed that the marine niche is dominated by strains from the non-clinical setting belonging to clade A2 (n=85) and B (

E. lactis

) (n=60). Only three isolates belonged to the hospital-associated clade A1 (ST80 and ST117). Two of these clustered with one isolate from a hospitalized patient and one from a non-hospitalized person. This study demonstrated a high prevalence, but low concentrations of enterococci in bivalves, and low levels of antimicrobial resistance.

E. faecium

genomes showed high population diversity and that very few

E. faecium

isolates in bivalves may have arisen from the human healthcare system. A systematic surveillance of target micro-organisms applying methods examining multiple isolates from the same bivalve sample provides important data to assess the enterococcal phylogeny, antimicrobial resistance and the level of faecal pollution in the marine environment.
Multiple sclerosis: Effects of fixed-dose combination of dimethyl fumarate and NADPH oxidase inhibitor on oxidative stress markers and neurobehavioral activity in mice model of cuprizone-induced demyelination
Authors: Gurubarath Mani , Dhananjayan Karthik
Published: December 2023

Background

Motor coordination (MC) and long-term recognition memory (LRM) are affected in people with multiple sclerosis (MS). The exact mechanism underlying the pathogenesis of MS is still unknown. However, oxidative stress is one of the underlying mechanisms of the pathogenesis of MS that is detrimental to myelin due to an imbalance in the levels of antioxidants. Dimethyl fumarate (DMF) is a first-line treatment for relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). Since OS plays a significant role in MS, in addition to DMF treatment, inhibition of NADPH oxidases (NOXs) may provide surplus glutathione (GSH) to prevent myelin loss. Hence, the objective of this study was to test the effect of a fixed dose of apocynin (50 mg/kg) combined with a fixed-dose DMF (30 mg/kg) on antioxidants, MC, and LRM in cuprizone (CUP)-induced mice model of demyelination.

Methods

The MC and LRM were evaluated by narrow beam and novel object recognition tests, catalase and superoxide dismutase activity by the degradation of hydrogen peroxide and nitroblue tetrazolium method; malondialdehyde by thiobarbituric acid assay, GSH by high-performance liquid chromatography, and presence of myelin by modified luxol fast blue staining.

Results

The combination therapy with DMF plus APO in CUP-fed mice preserved LRM and MC with a significant increase in catalase activity (1.15 ± 0.04 U/mg protein; p<0.001), superoxide dismutase activity (9.25 ± 0.10 U/mg protein; p<0.0001), and GSH (195.25 ± 22.75 nmol/mg protein,****p<0.0001) of the cerebral cortex versus disease control (98.52 ± 8.85 nmol/mg protein). APO plus DMF30 in CUP-fed mice also preserved myelin (p<0.001) at the corpus callosum of mice brains.

Conclusions

We conclude that APO combination with DMF might have protected myelin by modulating (increasing) the levels of antioxidants to act against CUP-induced oxidative stress and thereby preserved MC and LRM in the cuprizone-induced mice model of demyelination.
AI learns racial information from the values of vital signs
Authors: Velichkovska Bojana , Gjoreski Hristijan , Denkovski Daniel , Kalendar Marija , Mullan Irene Dankwa , Gichoya Judy Wawira , Martinez Nicole , Celi Leo Anthony , Osmani Venet
Published: December 2023

Background

Bias in medical practice is multifaceted, including treatment variations across race-ethnicity, unconscious bias in healthcare providers’ attitudes, and bias in clinical scores. However, far less is known about the potential racial bias in routinely collected, essential information in clinical decision-making, namely vital signs.

Research question

Do vital signs embed racial information that can be learned by AI algorithms?

Study Design and Methods

Retrospective cohort study of critically ill patients between 2014 and 2015 from the multi-centre eICU-CRD critical care database involving 335 Intensive Care Units (ICU) based in 208 US hospitals, containing 200,859 patient admissions. We extracted 10,763 critical care admissions of patients aged 18 and over, alive during the first 24 hours after admission to ICU with recorded self-reported race as well as at least two measurement of heart rate, oxygen saturation, respiratory rate, and blood pressure. Pairs of racial subgroups were matched based on age, gender, admission diagnosis and APACHE IV scores. Traditional machine learning algorithms, including XGBoost and Logistic regression were used to predict self-reported race using values of vital signs as an input.

Results

AI models derived from only six vital signs can predict patients’ self-reported race with an AUC of 0.74 (± 0.022) between White and Black patients. Technologies used to measure oxygen saturation are a significant source of self-reported racial information (AUC of 0.72 ± 0.028), in addition to blood pressure measurements (AUC of 0.63 ± 0.035). Care delivery practices do not present a significant source of racial information (AUC of 0.57 ± 0.019). However, even when controlling for these known factors, self-reported race can still be learned from vital signs, whose origin we cannot currently explain.

Interpretation

Vital signs embed racial information that can be learned by AI algorithms, posing a significant risk to equitable clinical decision-making. Mitigating measures might be challenging, considering fundamental role of vital signs.
Enzyme fluctuations data improve inference of metabolic interaction networks with an inverse differential Jacobian approach
Authors: Li Jiahang , Weckwerth Wolfram , Waldherr Steffen
Published: December 2023

The development of next-generation sequencing and single-cell technology has generated vast genome-scale multi-omics datasets. Dedicated mathematical algorithms are required to dissect intricate molecular causality within metabolic networks using these datasets. Based on the network analysis, recent research has introduced the inverse differential Jacobian algorithm, which combines metabolic interaction network construction and covariance matrix analysis of genome-scale metabolomics data to elucidate system regulatory factors near steady-state dynamics. Traditionally, these studies assumed metabolomics variations solely resulted from metabolic system fluctuations, acting independently on each metabolite. However, emerging evidence highlights the role of internal network fluctuations, particularly from the gene expression fluctuations, leading to correlated perturbations on metabolites.

In this article, we propose a novel approach that exploits these correlations to reconstruct relevant metabolic interactions. Thereby, enzymes exhibiting significant variances in activity values serve as indicators of large fluctuations in their catalyzed reactions. By integrating this information in an inverse Jacobian algorithm, we are able to exploit the underlying reaction network structure to improve the construction of the fluctuation matrix required in the inverse Jacobian algorithm. After a comprehensive assessment of three critical factors affecting the algorithm’s accuracy, we conclude that using the enzyme fluctuation data significantly enhances the inverse Jacobian algorithm’s performance. We applied this approach to a breast cancer dataset with two different cell lines, which highlighted metabolic interactions where fluctuations in enzyme gene expression yield a relevant difference between the cell lines.
Lanthanide Cathodophores for Multicolor Electron Microscopy
Authors: Abdul Rehman Sohaib , Conway Jeremy B. , Nichols Amy , Soucy Edward R. , Dee Amanda , Stevens Kristal , Merminod Simon , MacNaughton Isabella , Curtis Abigail , Prigozhin Maxim B.
Published: December 2023

Electron microscopy (EM) and fluorescence imaging are indispensable techniques that provide complementary information on cellular organization. Combining these two modalities is a long-standing challenge in bioimaging. In principle, it should be possible to use the electron beam both for ultrastructural imaging and for molecular localization. The latter could be accomplished by directly exciting suitable biomolecular labels and detecting their luminescence – a process termed cathodoluminescence (CL). Here, we achieve multicolor, single-particle CL imaging of sub-20-nm lanthanide nanocrystals (cathodophores) in the same field of view on the surface of a mammalian cell while simultaneously imaging cellular ultrastructure. In pursuit of this goal, we have developed a comprehensive framework for single-particle CL imaging of lanthanide nanocrystals. By mitigating nonlocal excitation due to secondary electrons, we achieved single-particle detection of multiple spectrally distinct types of sub-20-nm cathodophores. The smallest detectable cathodophores were sub-12 nm in diameter. We found that the CL emission rate scaled linearly with nanocrystal diameter. Furthermore, even in the absence of inert shells, cathodophores were not quenched in the context of mammalian cells processed for EM imaging using heavy-metal staining and sputter-coating. These findings establish cathodophores as promising biomolecular tags for multicolor EM. Moreover, our results inform general design rules for precise control and rational engineering of future generations of single-particle cathodoluminescent nanoprobes.
Biased cell adhesion organizes a circuit for visual motion integration
Authors: Carrier Yannick , Rio Laura Quintana , Formicola Nadia , de Sousa-Xavier Vicente , Tabet Maha , Chen Yu-Chieh David , Wislez Maëva , Orts Lisa , Pinto-Teixeira Filipe
Published: December 2023

Layer specific computations in the brain rely on neuronal processes establishing synaptic connections with specific partners in distinct laminae. In theDrosophilalobula plate neuropile, the axons of the four subtypes of T4 and T5 visual motion direction-selective neurons segregate into four layers, based on their directional preference, and form synapses with distinct subsets of postsynaptic neurons. Four bi-stratified inhibitory lobula plate intrinsic cells exhibit a consistent synaptic pattern, receiving excitatory T4/T5 inputs in one layer, and conveying inhibitory signals to an adjacent layer. This layered arrangement establishes motion opponency. Here, we identify layer-specific expression of different receptor-ligand pairs belonging to the Beat and Side families of Cell Adhesion Molecules (CAMs) between T4/T5 neurons and their postsynaptic partners. Genetic analysis reveals that Beat/Side mediated interactions are required to restrict T4/T5 axonal innervation to a single layer. We propose that Beat/Side contribute to synaptic specificity by biasing adhesion between synaptic partners before synaptogenesis.
Modeling the critical MCOR-causing deletion in mouse unveils aberrantSox21expression in developing and adult iris and ciliary body, and implicatesTgfβ2in MCOR-associated glaucoma and myopia
Authors: Angée Clémentine , Erjavec Elisa , Hadjadj Djihad , Passet Bruno , David Pierre , Kostic Corinne , Dodé Emmanuel , Zanlonghi Xavier , Cagnard Nicolas , Nedelec Brigitte , Crippa Sylvain V. , Bole-Feysot Christine , Zarhrate Mohammed , Creuzet Sophie , Castille Johan , Vilotte Jean-Luc , Calvas Patrick , Plaisancié Julie , Chassaing Nicolas , Kaplan Josseline , Rozet Jean-Michel , Taie Lucas Fares
Published: December 2023

Congenital microcoria (MCOR) is a rare hereditary developmental defect of the iris dilator muscle, frequently associated with high axial myopia and high intraocular pressure (IOP) glaucoma. The condition is caused by submicroscopic rearrangements of chromosome 13q32.1. However, the mechanisms underlying the failure of iris development and the origin of associated features remain elusive. Here, we present a 3D architecture model of the 13q32.1 region, demonstrating that MCOR-related deletions consistently disrupt the boundary between two Topologically Associating Domains (TADs). Deleting the critical MCOR-causing region in mice reveals ectopicSox21expression precisely aligning withDct, each located in one of the two neighbor TADs. This observation is consistent with the TADs’ boundary alteration and adoption ofDctregulatory elements by theSox21promoter. Additionally, we identifyTgfb2as a target gene of SOX21 and show TGFB2 accumulation in the aqueous humor of a MCOR-affected subject. Accumulation of TGFB2 is recognized for its role in glaucoma and potential impact on axial myopia. Our results highlight the importance of SOX21-TGFB2 signaling in iris development and control of eye growth and IOP. Insights from MCOR studies may provide therapeutic avenues for this condition but also for glaucoma and high myopia conditions, affecting millions of people.
Mamaearth: from a mother’s dilemma to a multi-crore brand
Authors: Modi Shailavi , Balaji Vedha
Published: December 2023

Learning outcomes

The case study has several objectives: to gauge the evaluation of the direct-to-consumer industry in the economy of India, to analyse the competition of the brands, to ascertain the evolution of smaller direct-to-consumer (DTC) brands on the purchasing capacity of consumers, to analyse challenges in branding in Tier 2 and 3 cities and to evaluate the strategic branding decisions of Mamaearth.

Case overview/synopsis

During her pregnancy, Ghazal Alagh and her husband Varun Alagh, the co-founders of Mamaearth, were looking for some good and natural products for their baby’s skincare. However, she could not find products that were 100% safe. Hence, as a concerned mother, she started using a few hands-on home remedies for her baby, which were 100% organic, and then the idea clicked to her to start a baby care brand named Mamaearth, which later also included personal care products. The company started as a DTC/internet-first brand in 2016, which only used to sell products online without any intermediaries when it was still trying to make its way in the market and was aware of the stiff competition by giants such as Hindustan Unilever and Proctor & Gamble, who were ruling the market for decades. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, the market saw a shift in consumer buying patterns. There was greater use of e-commerce touch points for shopping, as various digital platforms such as the official site of products, social media and mobile platforms were used by consumers during the pandemic, leading to digitalization in buying and digitalization of consumer shopping journey. These technology platforms were expected to play a substantial role in reaching and creating consumer awareness, transaction and retention post-COVID according to reports by Deloitte 2020. Moreover, such a shift in behaviour amidst the COVID-19 pandemic shot up sales of this DTC brand and made itself the big shot it is today, where they were looking to get into an initial public offering in just seven years of its launch. They re-evaluated their strategy, which helped them become the biggest brand in no time.

Complexity academic level

This case study is suitable for Doctor of Philosophy students.

Supplementary material

Teaching notes are available for educators only.

Subject code

CSS 8: Marketing.
The importance of the school principals' role in the digital transformation of the education sector
Authors: Al Nuaimi Hessa , Ahmad Syed Zamberi , Khalid Khalizani
Published: December 2023

Purpose

This study examines the critical elements that contribute to the effective adoption of educational digital resources (EDRs) in schools, with a focus on school principals and their leadership, from a strategic pedagogical standpoint.

Design/methodology/approach

Using survey data from 200 school principals, measurement and structure models are tested through structural equation modeling to quantify the impact between constructs.

Findings

The findings indicate that the most important factor influencing how effectively schools are transforming digitally is how beneficial school principals believe EDRs to be. Other important elements include the environment of the school, the technical assistance and service provided for the EDRs, and the professional and personal background of the principal.

Practical implications

Principals should be a fundamental component of educational plans for digital transformation, considering things like their age, leadership and teaching experience. Other components include contextual elements like school size, complexity and digital culture. A school principal's ability to promote an open dialogue – that enables educational communities to view the integration of EDRs into pedagogical models as an opportunity to improve outcomes – can assist a digital culture transition, rather than via the principal's authority or bureaucratic influence.

Originality/value

This research is among the pioneer to study the role of school principals in the UAE towards understanding the direction for digital transformation.
Explorations of clothing-typed wearable platforms: satisfaction evaluations and displacement measurements
Authors: Piao Jiaoli , Kim Yehyoun , Han Ru , Popov Darinka , Koo Sumin
Published: December 2023

Purpose

An increasing aging population and an increasing number of people suffering from musculoskeletal disorders have increased the demand for wearable robots. Comfortable, wearable robots that can be worn like clothing are currently being investigated. However, the embedded components may be displaced owing to the flexibility of the fabrics, which can lower the sensing accuracy and limit natural body movements. This study aims to develop clothing-type wearable platforms to minimize the displacement of embedded components such as sensors and actuators while maintaining comfort.

Design/methodology/approach

Four designs were developed using materials with different seam lines, that can serve as anchoring details, and flatlock stitches considering body movements and musculoskeletal structures. The wear evaluation experiment was filmed using a speed camera and analyzed using the TimeViewer software and SPSS 26.0. Based on these results, four clothing-type wearable platform designs were developed.

Findings

The variation in the location of a point in the armhole among the designs was marginal. Participants were satisfied with the functionality, practicality, wearability, efficiency and ease of use of the developed designs. A final clothing-type wearable platform was developed by applying a design with the least change in location, a suitable design for each area and wear comfort.

Originality/value

The results of this study contribute to the development of wearable robots by establishing clothing design data to minimize changes in sensor and actuator movements.
Abolishing the Act on System of Choice in Swedish eldercare: on arguments and replacements in the municipalities
Authors: Feltenius David , Wide Jessika
Published: December 2023

Purpose

Since 2009 Swedish municipalities may apply the Act on System of Choice (LOV) in, among other things, eldercare. About half of the 290 Swedish municipalities have chosen this within home-care services for older citizens, thus creating conditions for a welfare mix where private and public providers compete. Some of these municipalities later made decisions to abolish LOV. This article aims to analyse the arguments put forward by municipal politicians to abolish LOV and discusses if the case of abandoning LOV represents a case of re-municipalization.

Design/methodology/approach

Qualitative method was used to analyse decision protocols and media materials from 20 Swedish municipalities that had abolished LOV in home-care services.

Findings

The article shows that politics and ideology seem to have only a limited significance in abolishing LOV. The most important arguments found in the empirical materials were instead pragmatic and related to the transaction costs: in smaller municipalities about the weak position of private providers and in larger municipalities about reported cases of welfare crime and extensive needs to control and review. In smaller municipalities, LOV was replaced by public monopoly and in larger municipalities by other types of procurements.

Originality/value

With its focus on eldercare in party-dominated municipalities, the article adds knowledge to the literature on drivers of re-municipalization but also discusses possible delimitations of the concept of re-municipalization.
Triple Helix approach to innovation in Rwanda's agriculture resulted in a partnership between educational institutions and a private firm producing clean seed potatoes
Authors: Van Dijk Meine Pieter
Published: December 2023

Purpose

Higher productivity in the potato value chain in Rwanda requires good quality seed potatoes. The article analyzes how innovations were introduced in the framework of a development project resulting in a partnership between a firm and two educational institutions to produce better seed potatoes, using the Triple Helix approach.

Design/methodology/approach

In the Triple Helix model government, academia and the private sector work together to develop and introduce innovations. This led to producing and introducing improved seed potatoes at an affordable price through a public private partnership (PPP). Interviews with experts and a survey of local producers were carried out to identify factors influencing the success of the partnership.

Findings

A Service, Training and Innovation Center (STIC) has been created to produce the first clean potato seeds in Africa on a commercial scale, based on cultivation of in vitro potato plantlets and aeroponics to produce mini-tubers. It is called Seed Potato Advancement Centre, an education–enterprise partnership, using these plantlets to produce mini-tubers through aeroponics. Seed multipliers are responsible for the next three stages of seed multiplication. The final product is the certified potato, sold to ware potato farmers. The availability of disease-free seed potatoes in Rwanda gives a boost to the potato value chains and contributes to food security. The partnership was successful because of the support from the government and donors, with the private sector and the extension services helping to implement the innovations effectively.

Research limitations/implications

The limitation is that the number of experts interviewed is limited and the survey did not only deal with potato-related activities. The focus is on one region only, but the most important potato growing area in Rwanda.

Social implications

STICs function as a tool for cooperation between government, private sector and the knowledge sector to achieve commercial and development goals. They function as a channel for technology transfer. They allow applied research, including agronomic research; information collection; and dissemination, networking, training, organization of outreach activities. The model can be repeated in other sectors and countries.

Originality/value

The paper looks at a PPP in agriculture with educational institutions. Second, the Triple Helix and value chain literature is used to study the introduction and implementation of appropriate innovations, while factors determining the success of the partnership were identified. This concerns the first production of clean seed potatoes in Africa on a commercial scale.
Mapping the evolution of tourism research: the Spanish case
Authors: Martínez-Navarro Jesús , Campayo-Sánchez Fernando , Ostrovskaya Fedorova Liudmila
Published: December 2023

Purpose

This study aims to appraise the historical evolution of tourism research focused on Spain. Firstly, an analysis was conducted to assess the production and impact of research within this domain. Secondly, scientific mapping, specifically through co-word analysis, was used to identify and explore the principal research themes and their evolution in the field.

Design/methodology/approach

A historical approach was adopted in this study, using 1,100 bibliographic records obtained from the Scopus database. Science mapping was then conducted through co-word analysis of bibliographic data.

Findings

The results of the performance analysis provide insights into the volume, evolution and impact of the scientific documents published within the research area under investigation. Moreover, by adopting a longitudinal approach, science mapping through co-word analysis enables the definition of the intellectual structure within this research domain. In this regard, the main research themes are identified, conceptually assessed, and their evolution is examined across three distinct window periods: an initial research period (1972–2002), a growing research period (2003–2012) and a consolidation period (2013–2022).

Originality/value

The study provides a state-of-the-art position on tourism research related to Spain thus guiding future studies in the area. Furthermore, this study provides a comprehensive “snapshot” of the historical progression of tourism research in Spain, capturing the emblematic aspects that have emerged within the area over the investigated time period.
Police Use of Retrospective Facial Recognition Technology: A Step Change in Surveillance Capability Necessitating an Evolution of the Human Rights Law Framework
Authors: Murray Daragh
Published: December 2023

Retrospective facial recognition (RFR) marks a step change in police surveillance capability that has received surprisingly little attention to‐date. As the legal issues surrounding RFR are uncertain, and as legal challenge is likely, this article makes four key contributions. First, the surveillance capability made possible by RFR is set out. Second, human rights harms associated with RFR are examined, highlighting the ‘chilling effects’ of surveillance, and raising the possibility of compound human rights harm. Third, the assumption that the common law, coupled with police forces’ policy framework, may satisfy the ‘in accordance with the law’ test is challenged, and existing policy frameworks are evaluated. Fourth, the ‘necessity’ test is unpacked to better understand how evidence in favour of a RFR deployment could be presented, and how associated harm may be identified. This section asks whether the necessity test, as currently approached, is adequate in light of the emergence of RFR.
Polycystic ovary syndrome and risk of pre‐eclampsia: A national register‐based cohort study
Authors: Valdimarsdottir Ragnheidur , Vanky Eszter , Elenis Evangelia , Lindström Linda , Junus Katja , Jonsson Maria , Sundström Poromaa Inger , Wikström Anna‐Karin
Published: December 2023

Objective

To explore whether the association between polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and pre‐eclampsia depends on treated clinical hyperandrogenism and whether PCOS is associated with different subtypes of pre‐eclampsia.

Design

Nationwide register‐based cohort study.

Setting

Sweden.

Population

Nulliparous women with PCOS (n = 22 947) and non‐PCOS controls (n = 115 272) giving singleton birth at ≥22 gestational weeks during 1997–2015. Treated clinical hyperandrogenism was defined as filled prescriptions of anti‐androgenic drugs during 2005–2017 (n = 2301 among PCOS women).

Methods

The risk of pre‐eclampsia was estimated with conditional logistic regression, expressed as adjusted odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI). Adjustments were performed individually for confounders and predictors.

Main outcome measures

Overall pre‐eclampsia. Early/late (delivery <34/≥34 weeks) pre‐eclampsia. Pre‐eclampsia with or without a small‐for‐gestational‐age (SGA) infant.

Results

Compared with controls, women with PCOS had a 29% increased risk of pre‐eclampsia (predictor adjusted OR 1.29, 95% CI 1.20–1.39), with similar risk estimates for PCOS women with and without treated clinical hyperandrogenism. The association between PCOS and early pre‐eclampsia seemed stronger than its association with late pre‐eclampsia (predictor adjusted OR 1.64 (95% CI 1.33–2.02) and 1.26 (95% CI 1.17–1.37). Additionally, the association seemed slightly stronger between PCOS and pre‐eclampsia in women with an SGA infant than without.

Conclusions

Women with PCOS face an increased risk for pre‐eclampsia, especially early pre‐eclampsia and pre‐eclampsia with an SGA infant. We were unable to determine on the basis of available data, whether hyperandrogenism is associated with pre‐eclampsia.
Reduction of mosquito communities using the mass trapping method
Authors: Na Su Mi , Kim Dong Gun
Published: December 2023

This study was conducted to demonstrate the effect of the mass trapping of mosquitoes as an eco‐friendly physical control method. It was conducted at the Ansan Hwarang Auto Camping Site in Gyeonggi Province, Republic of Korea. The study period was approximately 1 month (from July 2 to July 30, 2018). Inner and outer traps were installed to control mosquitoes inside and outside the study area. The inner trap consisted of 5 digital mosquito monitoring system units placed inside the study area, whereas the outer trap included 26 MOSHOLE‐PRO units installed at 30 m intervals outside the study area. Both the inner and outer traps used carbon dioxide as an attractant. Additionally, the outer traps were grouped close to each inner trap using distance analysis and designated as Sn (n, inner trap number). According to the study results, analysis of the daily mean temperature and daily mean precipitation from 2017 to 2019 showed that the meteorological data were statistically insignificant. During the mass trapping period, the outer traps had the highest mean number of mosquitoes in the S1 group, whereas the other groups exhibited statistically similar results. Analysis of the mean number of mosquitoes in the inner trap confirmed a mean reduction rate of 59.39% through mass trapping, and the results were statistically significant (P < 0.001). This study confirms the effectiveness of mass trapping in reducing mosquito communities and suggests the possibility of creating mosquito‐free zones by targeting mosquitoes both inside and outside the study area.
Assessment of water resources carrying capacity using chaotic particle swarm genetic algorithm
Authors: Gao Yuqin , Gao Li , Liu Yunping , Wu Ming , Zhang Zhenxing
Published: December 2023

Water resources carrying capacity (WRCC) has been evaluated repeatedly to guide sustainable regional development, with the increasing conflicts over water resources between society and nature. Urban underlying surfaces are constantly changing under the rapid development of urbanization, which has changed the WRCC. The chaotic particle swarm genetic algorithm (CPSGA) is proposed in this study to evaluate the WRCC. It combines the genetic algorithm (GA), chaotic optimization algorithm (COA), and particle swarm optimization (PSO), as well as introduces the chaotic mapping of COA and the velocity position update strategy of PSO into the GA framework to strengthen the population quality and improve the algorithm's efficiency. The effectiveness of CPSGA was demonstrated using three typical functions. Nanjing, China, was used as the study area to evaluate the WRCC from 2015 to 2018. The results showed that the comprehensive evaluation scores of the WRCC of Nanjing from 2015 to 2018 were up to 0.83. In addition, the CPSGA had better astringency and stability than GA, COA, and PSO. The application indicated that the proposed methodology is feasible, providing a reference for conducting WRCC research elsewhere.