bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Parkinsonism in bipolar disorder: a clinical-neuroimaging study
Authors: Nishio Yoshiyuki , Amemiya Kiyomi , Ohyama Jun
Published: February 2024

Background

Parkinsonism is a frequently encountered symptom in individuals with bipolar disorder (BD). It can be drug-induced, co-occurring with Parkinson’s disease (PD), or a genuine motor abnormality of BD itself. This study aims to clarify the primary pathophysiology of parkinsonism in BD.

Methods

Sixteen patients with BD and parkinsonism were recruited from consecutive patients who were referred to a neurology clinic at a tertiary psychiatric center. The patients underwent clinical assessments, dopamine transporter single-photon computed tomography (DAT-SPECT), cardiac MIBG scintigraphy, and morphometric MRI. The positivity or negativity of Lewy body disease (LBD) biomarkers was determined based on the visual assessment of DAT-SPECT and heart-to-mediastinum ratio on cardiac MIBG scintigraphy. Four out of the 16 participants received 300-600mg of levodopa.

Results

Thirteen patients were diagnosed with BD type 1, and 12 had experienced > 5 previous mood episodes. Parkinsonism developed more than 10 years after the onset of BD and after the age of 50 years in all patients. Four cases were positive for LBD biomarkers. Six patients with negative LBD biomarkers showed reduced striatal uptake with z-scores below -2.0. MRI morphometry revealed varying degrees of brain atrophy in most patients. Three of the 4 patients did not respond to 600mg of levodopa.

Conclusions

This study suggests that the majority of parkinsonism in BD is not due to PD/LBD. Parkinsonism may be a genuine motor abnormality of BD in late life.
Assessing the performance of Laboratory professionals following a day of malaria microscopy training in Kano, Nigeria
Authors: Ayando Oluwaseunayo Deborah , Ravi Nirmal , Obinnaya Okoronkwo Marizu
Published: February 2024

Malaria is a global health burden with a projection of 247 million cases in 2021 in 84 countries known to be malaria-endemic. The majority of the cases are expected to occur in WHO African Region countries inclusive of Nigeria where the disease is a public health concern particularly in the northern regions. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a one-day malaria microscopy training program for laboratory professionals in Kano, Nigeria, and to assess the impact of the training on their proficiency in detecting malaria parasites. A total of 56 medical laboratory professionals from both public and private healthcare facilities participated in the training, which was based on the WHO basic microscopy learners guide. The training included theoretical and practical components, focusing on blood film preparation, staining techniques, and identification of Plasmodium species. Participants’ knowledge was assessed before and after the training using a pre-test and post-test survey, and their proficiency in malaria diagnosis was evaluated through the examination of a panel of stained blood slides. The sensitivity and specificity of the participants in detecting malaria parasites were determined as 66% and 34% respectively, indicating moderate sensitivity but very low specificity. A significant improvement in participants’ knowledge of malaria detection was observed post-training, with private facilities showing a median knowledge score increase from 47.5% to 65.0%, and public facilities from 55.0% to 70.0%. However, the overall agreement between participant readers and an expert reader, measured by the kappa coefficient, was zero, suggesting no agreement beyond chance. The study highlighted the need for enhanced training and standardization in malaria microscopy to improve diagnostic accuracy. Despite the moderate increase in knowledge and sensitivity post-training, the low specificity and agreement underscore the importance of ongoing education and quality assurance measures in malaria diagnosis, especially in high-prevalence settings like Kano.
Sex-Mismatching in Isolated Heart Transplant Confers No Postoperative Risk
Authors: Dale Reid , Leipzig Matt , Bahatyrevich Nataliya , Pines Katharine , Chen Qiudong , Teuteberg Jeffrey , Woo Y. Joseph , Currie Maria
Published: February 2024

Introduction

For heart transplantation, optimal donor-recipient matching is an important factor in the ongoing development of the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) continuous distribution framework. Donor-recipient sex-mismatch has decreased since the 1990s, but this may be related to the risk posed by size mismatching, particularly when donor hearts are undersized. Thus, the impact of sex-mismatching, controlling for other factors including size mismatch, is uncertain.

Methods

Adult first-time, isolated heart transplant patients from the UNOS database between October 1, 1987 and December 31, 2022 were analyzed. Cohorts were separated into male and female recipients. Propensity score matching on known preoperative risk factors was performed. Equivalence testing via Two One-Sided Testing (TOST) was performed to assess between-arm equivalence in postoperative outcomes. Survival differences were measured by the between-arm ratio of Restricted Mean Survival Time and binary outcome differences by the Odds Ratio (OR).

Results

In the propensity matched cohort, we found significant equivalence between arms in both male (TOST P<0.001) and female (TOST P<0.001) recipients for overall survival at all temporal endpoints, postoperative treatment for rejection within one year, and pre-discharge dialysis.

Conclusions

Sex-mismatch in isolated heart transplantation confers no additional risk to postoperative outcomes when controlling for other factors, including size mismatch. Consequently, sex-mismatch should not factor into individual assessments of organ acceptance or be incorporated into any national organ allocation policy. Increasing the acceptance of sex-mismatched donors has the potential to expand the donor pool and increase female donor utilization.
Activity-dependent regulation of vascular cholesterol metabolism acts as a negative feedback mechanism for neurovascular coupling
Authors: Profaci CP , Foreman KL , Spieth L , Coelho-Santos V , Berghoff SA , Fontaine JT , Jeffrey DA , Palecek SP , Shusta EV , Saher G , Shih AY , Dabertrand F , Daneman R
Published: February 2024

Brain function is dependent on a continuous supply of bloodborne oxygen and nutrients. Because neurons require a greater supply of oxygen and nutrients when active, there is increased local blood flow following neuronal activity. The underlying mechanisms of this hyperemia are termed neurovascular coupling (NVC). Many complex processes contribute to NVC, and there is still much unknown about how vascular physiology adapts to changes in neuronal activity and blood flow. Here we show that neuronal activity increases brain endothelial expression of genes related to cholesterol synthesis and uptakein vivo, and that shear stress is sufficient for upregulation of these genesin vitro. We previously found that treatment with PLX5622 induces upregulation of the same cassette of cholesterol-related genes in brain endothelial cells. In the present study, we find that increasing brain endothelial cholesterol synthesis and/or uptake, either with PLX5622 or targeted AAV-mediated expression of LDLR, inhibits brain arteriole dilation in response to capillary K+stimulation, and this deficit is rescued by cholesterol depletion. Together, these data suggest that neuronal activity regulates brain endothelial cholesterol, which in turn blocks endothelial retrograde signaling and vasodilation, thus acting as a negative feedback mechanism for NVC.
The impact ofBacillus coagulansX3 on available nitrogen content, bacterial community composition, and nitrogen functional gene levels when composting cattle manure
Authors: Liu Biao , Chen Wei , Wang Zhen , Guo Zhaohui , Li Yongmei , Xu Lijuan , Wu Minxi , Yin Hongmei
Published: February 2024

This study was designed to probe available nitrogen levels, bacterial community composition, and the levels of nitrogen functional genes present when composting cattle manure with or without the addition ofBacillus coagulansX3. Bacterial supplementation was associated with the prolongation of the thermophilic stage and improved maturity of the resultant compost. At the maturity stage, samples to whichB. coagulansX3 had been added exhibited significant increases in ammonium nitrogen, nitrate nitrogen, and total nitrogen levels. The dominant bacterial phyla observed in these composting samples were Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Actinobacteriota, and Chloroflexi.B. coagulansX3 addition resulted in significant increases in relative Firmicutes abundance during the thermophilic and cooling stages, while also increasingamoAandnosZgene abundance and reducingnirSgene levels over the course of composting. Together, these data suggest thatB.coagulansX3 supplementation provides an effective means of enhancing nitrogen content in the context of cattle manure composting through the regulation of nitrification and denitrification activity.
Thg1 family 3’-5’ RNA polymerases as tools for targeted RNA synthesis
Authors: Jayasinghe Malithi I. , Patel Krishna J. , Jackman Jane E.
Published: February 2024

Members of the 3’-5’ RNA polymerase family, comprised of tRNAHisguanylyltransferase (Thg1) and Thg1-like proteins (TLPs), catalyze templated synthesis of RNA in the reverse direction to all other known 5’-3’ RNA and DNA polymerases. Discovery of enzymes capable of this reaction raised the possibility of exploiting 3’-5’ polymerases for post-transcriptional incorporation of nucleotides to the 5’-end of nucleic acids without ligation, and instead by templated polymerase addition. To date, studies of these enzymes have focused on nucleotide addition to highly structured RNAs, such as tRNA and other non-coding RNA. Consequently, general principles of RNA substrate recognition and nucleotide preferences that might enable broader application of 3’-5’ polymerases have not been elucidated. Here, we investigated the feasibility of using Thg1 or TLPs for multiple nucleotide incorporation to the 5’-end of a short duplex RNA substrate, using a templating RNA oligonucleotide providedin transto guide 5’-end addition of specific sequences. Using optimized assay conditions, we demonstrated a remarkable capacity of certain TLPs to accommodate short RNA substrate-template duplexes of varying lengths with significantly high affinity, resulting in the ability to incorporate a desired nucleotide sequence of up to 8 bases to 5’-ends of the model RNA substrates in a template-dependent manner. This work has further advanced our goals to develop this atypical enzyme family as a versatile nucleic acid 5’-end labeling tool.
Local Anesthetic Systemic Toxicity in Pregnancy: A Retrospective Cohort Analysis
Authors: de Valle Micah K. , Adkison Michael , Stevenson Cooper , Maredia Ruhi , Murugan Shobana
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Local Anesthetic Systemic Toxicity (LAST) is a rare complication of regional anesthesia. Pregnancy is a risk factor due to gestational physiologic changes. Labor and disorders of pregnancy can mask or delay symptoms of LAST, slowing appropriate intervention. This study examines LAST within a larger cohort and identifies features that help distinguish LAST in pregnancy from nonpregnant patients.

Methods

The TriNetX database was used to compare pregnant and nonpregnant patients with LAST from 2013 to 2023. Cohorts were matched on age, race, obesity status, diabetes, metabolic disorders, local anesthetic type, and cardiovascular, liver, kidney, and respiratory disease. Outcomes included prodromal symptoms of LAST and symptoms of cardiac and central nervous system excitation and depression.

Results

Matching occurred for 276 pregnant and 276 nonpregnant patients. Pregnant cohorts had a significantly higher risk of cardiac depression (RR, 1.96 [95% CI 1.44 - 2.66], p<0.01) and significantly lower risk of cardiac excitation (RR, 0.38 [95% CI 0.22-0.63], p<0.01), prodromal symptoms (RR, 0.17 [95% CI 0.09 - 0.33], p<0.01), central nervous system excitation (RR, 0.44 [95% CI 0.21-0.90], p=0.02), and central nervous system depression (RR, 0.24 [95% CI 0.13-0.48], p<0.01) than nonpregnant cohorts.

Conclusion

Pregnant patients with LAST were more likely to exhibit cardiac depression and less likely to manifest prodromal symptoms, cardiac excitation, and central nervous system excitation and depression than nonpregnant patients. Physiological changes during pregnancy and prompt detection and treatment may explain these differences. These findings highlight the variable nature of LAST and how pregnancy may influence its clinical presentation.

Key Messages

Local anesthetic systemic toxicity, a rare complication of regional anesthesia, has variable manifestations within the cardiovascular and central nervous systems. This study identifies local anesthetic systemic toxicity in a larger cohort relative to previous literature, revealing a distinct presentation in pregnant patients compared to their nonpregnant counterparts. These findings emphasize the diverse nature of local anesthetic systemic toxicity and indicate severe complications in pregnancy. Recognition of subtle clinical manifestations in pregnant patients receiving local anesthesia aids accurate diagnosis and timely intervention in the event of toxicity. The present study provides additional insight into local anesthetic systemic toxicity and sets the stage for further investigations in pregnant patients.
The real-world evidence to the effects of primary psychological healthcare system in diluting risks of suicide ideation in underrepresented children/adolescents: an observational, multi-center, population-based, and longitudinal study
Authors: Li Wei , Liu Xuerong , Zhang Qianyu , Tian Xiaobing , Ren Jidong , Han Xiaodi , Shen Chang , Li Yanyan , Chen Ji , Xia Lei , Zhang Jingxuan , Wu Yi , Gong Jie , Lan Hai , Wu Yan ,   Psychological Health Guard for Children and Adolescents Project of China (CPHG) consortium,   Chinese Open Science Network (COSN) consortium, Feng Zhengzhi , Chen Zhiyi
Published: February 2024

Background

Establishing primary psychological healthcare system to prevent suicide was eagerly advocated. However, it remains unclear whether such policy-driven and low-cost healthcare systems could be practical, especially with equal benefits for underrepresented children/adolescents. We aimed to examine the real-world practical effects of primary psychological healthcare system in preventing suicide ideation among children/adolescents, particularly underprivileged ones.

Method and Findings

The study employed an observational, multi-center, population-based and longitudinal design. 19,140 children/adolescents sampled from lower- and middle-income areas of western China (Nanchong) with 1-year followed-ups were included, of which majority to underrepresented underprivileged ones. The primary outcome was the incidence for reporting severe suicide ideation after practicing primary psychological healthcare system at 0.5-year and 1-year follow-ups, as contrasts to baseline. Subgroup analysis was conducted to examine the equal benefits of system for underrepresented children/adolescents. After instigating such system, the risks of reporting suicide ideation for included children/adolescents were found significantly lower compared with the control group at 0.5-year (adjust odds ratios [aOR] 0.28, 95%CI 0.23-0.33; p<0.001) and 1-year follow-ups (aOR 0.28, 95%CI 0.23-0.33; p<0.001). The effects were also observed among underrepresented children/adolescents including “left-behind” children/adolescents, “single-parent” children/adolescents and children/adolescents in especially difficult circumstance (CEDC, all pcorrected < 0.001). The effects in CEDC and “left-behind” children/adolescents were found non-inferior to typical developing cohort (all pcorrected < 0.01).

Conclusions

Primary psychological healthcare system was practically effective in reducing risks of suicide ideation in children/adolescents in 1-year, at least, but not yet with fully equal benefits for all the underprivileged ones.
Molecular regulation ofBna1205ams1required for male fertility and development of a recessive genic male-sterility system inBrassica napus
Authors: Xiao Lijing , Zhang Jinze , Yu Kunjiang , yang Xu , Wang Qian , Jin Hairun , Ouyang Qingjing , Tian Entang
Published: February 2024

Through the comprehensive use of two pollination control systems of cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) and genic male sterility (GMS), the rapeseed yield was increased by more than 20%. However, more hybrid production systems and detailed mechanisms underlying male sterility are required. Here, we reported a novel two-line hybrid production system of 1205A for GMS and also investigated the underlying mechanism for male sterility. Five co-segregated kompetitive allele specific PCR (KASP) markers were developed and validated, which could be used for transferring the male sterility trait into externalB. napusbreeding lines and developing further two-line hybrid production systems of GMS. Inheritance studies detected one gene locus ofBna1205ams1for regulating the male sterility of 1205A. As a potential candidate gene ofBna1205ams1,BnaC03g27700Dwas fine mapped and narrowed down to a 181.47 kb region on chrC03 and validated by functional analysis. The mutation ofBnaC03g27700Din 1205A resulted in large metabolic fluctuations, most of which were involved in aborted tapetal PCD, which could lead to reduced pollen fertility with abnormal pollen exine. The developed new GMS line of 1205AB provided us with the opportunity to identify a new male sterility gene ofBnaC03g27700DinB. napus. The study ofBnaC03g27700Daims to renew the annotation of the gene and provide new resources for basic research on the genetic control of male sterility.
Predictors of good contraception attitude and practice among female students of television studies in Nigeria: a secondary analysis
Authors: Adeoye Philip Adewale , Adeniji Tolu , Agbo Hadizah Abigail
Published: February 2024

Background

Globally contraceptive uptake among young people is increasing; so too is the high unmet need for family planning among this population, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. This study assessed attitude and practice item predictors of contraception among female students of Television studies in Nigeria.

Methods

This is a secondary analysis of a cross-sectional study among 227 female TV undergraduates in Nigeria; selected through a simple random technique by balloting. Data was analyzed using SPSS V.25 and qualitative data were presented as frequencies and proportions. Predictors of good attitude and practice were determined by multivariable logistic regression. P-value<0.05 was adjudged significant.

Results

most (91%) of respondents are aware of contraception. Most (94.9%) of the respondents have had unplanned pregnancies and only 42.1% had ever used contraception. Predictors of good attitude include good knowledge that female sterilization is one way to avoid pregnancy (aOR: 2.244 [95%CI: 1.170, 4.304]; p=0.015); and opportunity for switching in case of side-effect (aOR: 2.310 [95%CI: 1.166, 4.578]; p=0.016); and using both condoms and pills is very effective (aOR: 1.965 [95%CI: 1.005, 3.840]; p=0.048). The predictor of good contraceptive practice is a poor perception of the adequacy of the current method being used (aOR: 3.236 [95%CI: 1.455, 7.196]; p=0.004).

Conclusion

This study shows that most respondents are aware of contraception. However, they show poor attitudes to and practice of contraception. There is a need to consolidate comprehensive sex education in all secondary and tertiary institutions; especially in non-science disciplines to improve the attitude and practice of contraception and ensure reproductive well-being and educational development of the girl-child. There is also the need for community action through community dialogue to improve poor contraceptive attitudes among young women.
Ethnic differences in the manifestation of early-onset type 2 diabetes
Authors: Kibirige Davis , Hill Anita V , Katte Jean Claude , Sekitoleko Isaac , Lumu William , Knupp Julieanne , Squires Steven , Hattersley Andrew , Smeeth Liam , Jones Angus G , Nyirenda Moffat J
Published: February 2024

Aims/Hypothesis We undertook phenotypic characterization of early-onset and late-onset type 2 diabetes (T2D) in adult Black African and White European populations with recently diagnosed T2D to explore ethnic differences in the manifestation of early-onset T2D. Methods Using the Uganda Diabetes Phenotype study cohort of 500 adult Ugandans and the UK StartRight study cohort of 714 White Europeans with recently diagnosed islet autoantibody negative type 2 diabetes, we compared the phenotypic characteristics of participants with early-onset T2D (diagnosed at <40 years) and late-onset T2D (diagnosed at ≥40 years). Results One hundred and thirty four adult Ugandans and 113 White Europeans had early-onset T2D. Compared with late-onset T2D, early-onset T2D in White Europeans was significantly associated with a female predominance (52.2% vs. 39.1%, p=0.01), increased body mass index (mean [95% CI]- 36.7 [35.2-38.1] kg/m2 vs. 33.0 [32.4-33.6] kg/m2, p<0.001), waist circumference (112.4 [109.1-115.6] cm vs. 108.8 [107.6-110.1] cm, p=0.06), and a higher frequency of obesity (82.3% vs. 63.4%, p<0.001). No difference was seen with the post-meal C-peptide levels as a marker of beta-cell function (mean [95% CI]- 2130.94 [1905.12-2356.76] pmol/L vs. 2039.72 [1956.52-2122.92], p=0.62). Conversely, early-onset T2D in Ugandans was associated with less adiposity (mean [95% CI] waist circumference- 93.1 [89.9-96.3] cm vs. 97.4 [95.9-98.8] cm, p=0.006) and a greater degree of beta-cell dysfunction (120-minute post-glucose load C-peptide mean (95% CI) level- 896.08 [780.91-1011.24] pmol/L vs 1310.10 [1179.24-1440.95] pmol/L, p<0.001), without female predominance (53.0% vs. 57.9%, p=0.32) and differences in the body mass index (mean [95% CI]- 27.3 [26.2-28.4] kg/m2 vs. 27.9 [27.3-28.5] kg/m2, p=0.29). Conclusions/Interpretation These differences in the manifestation of early-onset T2D underscore the need for ethnic-specific therapeutic and preventive approaches for the condition.
Classical nonrelativistic fractons
Authors: Prakash Abhishodh , Goriely Alain , Sondhi S. L.
Published: February 2024

We initiate the study of the classical mechanics of nonrelativistic fractons in its simplest setting—that of identical one-dimensional particles with local Hamiltonians characterized by a conserved dipole moment in addition to the usual symmetries of space and time translation invariance. We introduce a family of models and study the N-body problem for them. We find that locality leads to a “Machian” dynamics in which a given particle exhibits finite inertia only if within a specified distance of another particle. For well-separated particles, this dynamics leads to immobility, much as for quantum models of fractons discussed before. For two or more particles within inertial reach of each other at the start of motion, we obtain an interesting interplay of inertia and interactions. Specifically, for a solvable “inertia only” model of fractons, we find that two particles always become immobile at long times. Remarkably, three particles generically evolve to a late time state with one immobile particle and two oscillating about a common center of mass with generalizations of such “Machian clusters” for N>3. Interestingly, these Machian clusters exhibit physical limit cycles in a Hamiltonian system even though mathematical limit cycles are forbidden by Liouville's theorem.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Prop-2-ynyl 3-methoxy-4-(prop-2-ynyloxy)benzoate
Authors: Moodley Cresten , Muller Alfred , Belay Yonas H.
Published: February 2024

The title compound, C14H12O4, comprises of two crystallographically independent molecules in the asymmetric unit, linked via C—H...O interactions to form dimeric entities. The allylic groups are twisted out of the phenyl planes with dihedral angles varying between 7.92 (13) and 25.42 (8)°. In the crystal, the packing follows a zigzag pattern along the c-axis direction. The absolute configuration of the sample could not be determined reliably.
The role of tour guide competency in the cultural tour experience: the case of Cappadocia
Authors: Kul Erdim , Dedeoğlu Bekir Bora , Nuray Küçükergin Fulden , De Martino Marcella , Okumus Fevzi
Published: February 2024

Purpose

This study investigates to what extent the values perceived by tourists throughout cultural tours impact their overall satisfaction levels and behavioral intentions related to the destination. This study further examines the moderating role of tour guide competency in the relationship patterns concerned.

Design/methodology/approach

Empirical data were collected via a survey from 420 foreign tourists who visited Cappadocia and participated in guided cultural tours. Partial least squares-structural equation modeling was used for data analysis.

Findings

Study results reveal that the effects of quality, emotional, monetary and social value perceptions of tourists gained through cultural tour experiences on their overall satisfaction levels and the effects of overall satisfaction on recommendation and revisit intention are positive and significant. Furthermore, the moderating role of tour guide competency is significant and positive in the relationships between quality value and satisfaction and between satisfaction and revisit intention.

Originality/value

This study offers a critical analysis of discoveries concerning the pivotal role of tour guide competency within the cultural tour experience.
Parent company personnel embeddedness and stock price crash risk: evidence from Chinese enterprise groups
Authors: Li Yanxi , Meng Delin , Hu YunGe
Published: February 2024

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the influence of parent company personnel embedding on the stock price crash risk (SPCR) of listed companies, along with the moderating effect of disparate locations between parent and subsidiary companies and other major shareholders.

Design/methodology/approach

This research empirically tests hypotheses based on a sample of listed subsidiaries in China during the period between 2006 and 2021.

Findings

Our results demonstrate that personnel embeddedness in the parent company significantly alleviates SPCR in subsidiaries. This effect is even more substantial when the parent and subsidiary companies are in different places. However, other major shareholders in the subsidiary company weaken it. Our additional analysis indicates that, relative to executive embeddedness, director embeddedness exerts a stronger effect on the SPCR of the subsidiary. Mechanism examination reveals that the information asymmetry and the level of internal control (IC) within the subsidiary are significant channels through which the personnel embeddedness from the parent company influences the SPCR of the subsidiary.

Originality/value

This study expands the literature on how personnel arrangements in corporate groups within emerging countries influence SPCR. We have extended the traditional concept of interlocking directorates to corporate groups, thereby broadening the understanding of the governance effects of interlocking directors and executives from a group perspective.
Critical pedagogy and disability in participatory research: a review
Authors: May Emma
Published: February 2024

Purpose

The literature review explores how multidisciplinary approaches based on critical pedagogy and participatory research can provide frameworks for equitable partnerships and genuine participation in educational design and research practices. Additionally, the essay aims to expand understandings of equitable engagement within educational research and design based on principles from critical pedagogy.

Design/methodology/approach

The essay draws from diverse literature in the learning sciences, health informatics, industrial design, disability studies, ethnic studies, rehabilitation science, and to a lesser extent HCI research to understand how critical pedagogy and participatory research methods can provide useful frameworks for disabled peoples' equitable engagement and genuine participation in educational research and design. The literature reviewed in the paper concern topics such as participatory approaches to community development with disabled adults, the implementation of university-initiated community partnerships, participatory research with students and disabled people, and the importance of culturally-responsive research practices. The design literature in this review explores various arenas such as the co-design of assistive technologies with disabled children and adults and the design of curricula for students with and without disabilities. This review focuses on research practices that engender disabled peoples' participation in educational research and design, with focus on developing multidisciplinary frameworks for such research.

Findings

The literature review concludes that participatory research methods and critical pedagogy provide useful frameworks for disabled peoples’ participation in educational design and research practices. Critical pedagogy and participatory design allow for the genuine participation of disabled people in the research process.

Social implications

Emphases on collaboration and collective knowledge-building in social transformation are present in scholarship concerning critical pedagogy, participatory research, and disability studies. However, these connections have been routinely underexplored in the literature. This paper aims to underscore these integral connections as a means to build solidarity between disabled and other marginalized people.

Originality/value

The connections between participatory research methods, critical pedagogy, and disability studies have been previously underexplored. The literature review proposes a combined approach, which has the potential to radically transform multiple realms of research beyond the learning and information sciences.
The impact of relationship marketing practices on companies’ market and financial performance in emerging markets
Authors: Rebiazina Vera , Sharko Elena , Berezka Svetlana
Published: February 2024

Purpose

The paper aims to reveal the impact of relationship marketing (RM) practices adopted by companies in emerging markets on their market and financial performance (FP) over a long-term, 13-year perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

The research design combines primary empirical data from 229 Russian companies, based on the Contemporary Marketing Practices (CMP) survey, and objective FP data from official statistical databases for 2008–2020 to verify the impact of RM practices on market and FP in the long term.

Findings

The research underlines the significant impact of RM practices. It is important to notice that the effect of product development (PD) on marketing performance is mediated by competitor orientation. PD affects market and FP, whose roles vary with the return on assets (ROA).

Research limitations/implications

Research design supplements the subjective survey data with the objective FP data on the ROA to avoid common method bias.

Practical implications

Implementation of RM practices by Russian companies can increase their effectiveness of performance in the long term.

Originality/value

This research shows the positive impact of RM practices on the FP of Russian firms over the past 13 years.
Effects and mechanisms of action of Nigella Sativa on adipokines: a comprehensive systematic review of animal and clinical studies
Authors: Malek Mahdavi Aida , Javadivala Zeinab
Published: February 2024

Purpose

This systematic review aims to gain the studies regarding the effect of Nigella Sativa (N. sativa) on adipokines including leptin, adiponectin and resistin.

Design/methodology/approach

Search was carried out using databases Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed and Google Scholar with no restriction on language or date until February 2023 and alert services were applied to identify any paper after the primary search.

Findings

Eighteen animal and human studies were eligible for the current systematic review. Leptin and resistin levels showed a downward tendency after consuming N. sativa and its ingredients [e.g. oil, thymoquinone (TQ) and thymol] as well as its extracts (e.g. water extract). Furthermore, considering 4 of 8 animal research studies and 2 of 5 human studies that evaluated adiponectin levels, a significant increase was observed after using N. sativa and its ingredients (e.g. oil, TQ and thymol).

Originality/value

The present paper collates evidence from animal and human studies regarding the effect of N. sativa on adipokines including leptin, adiponectin and resistin.
The effects of fortification of yogurt with various functional flours on survival and growth of probiotic bacteria and sensory properties of the yogurt
Authors: DeBruyne Alissa Nicole , Hekmat Sharareh
Published: February 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to determine the viability of Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GR-1 (L. rhamnosus GR-1) in five yogurt samples with or without quinoa, chickpea, soybean and rice flour over various fermentation periods and refrigerated storage durations, with a focus on exploring the potential of functional foods, which provide health benefits beyond nutritional value. Additionally, the study aimed to evaluate consumer acceptance of yogurt fortified with functional flour. Using a nine-point hedonic scale, from 1 (dislike extremely) to 9 (like extremely), participants rated appearance, flavour, texture and overall acceptability.

Design/methodology/approach

The samples were inoculated with the probiotic strain L. rhamnosus GR-1 and fermented for 0, 2, 4 and 6 h at 38°C, followed by refrigerated storage at 4°C for 1, 15 and 30 days, respectively. Microbial enumeration was performed throughout fermentation and storage to assess the viability of L. rhamnosus GR-1. A sensory evaluation involving 86 participants was conducted to assess the consumer acceptability of the yogurt samples.

Findings

Notably, L. rhamnosus GR-1 achieved viable counts of 108 colony-forming units per mL in all treatments at all fermentation time points. Over the 30-day storage period, no statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) in average pH values were observed among the five treatments, and within each treatment, pH levels remained stable, with an overall mean of 4.2 ± 0.64. Treatment 4, which featured rice flour fortification, received higher hedonic scores from sensory panellists in terms of appearance, flavour, texture and overall acceptability. These findings indicate that incorporating functional flours in conjunction with cow’s milk effectively promotes and preserves the viability of L. rhamnosus GR-1 in yogurt.

Originality/value

Exploring the potential of probiotic yogurt enriched with diverse functional flours to enhance nutritional content and health benefits as well as attract new consumers, this study addressed a critical gap in understanding consumer perceptions and generated insights for creating innovative and health-promoting dairy products.
Adopting immersive technologies in construction training: determining educational decision-making criteria through a Delphi technique
Authors: Gutierrez-Bucheli Laura , Goh Jian Tsen , Rashidi Ali , Maxwell Duncan , Digby Ross , Fang Yihai , Pook Henry , Arashpour Mehrdad
Published: February 2024

Purpose

In the realm of construction education, the investigation of immersive learning and extended reality (XR) technologies has experienced a surge in recent times. Nevertheless, there remains a notable lack of comprehension surrounding the most efficient ways to integrate these technologies into tailored teaching approaches for vocational construction training. This research study aims to pinpoint the key factors that construction vocational education and training (VET) providers must consider when introducing XR technologies into their training schemes.

Design/methodology/approach

This study conducted an in-depth literature review to develop an initial framework to summarise training, technology and institutional factors influencing the educational-technology integration of XR technologies in VET. In addition, this study utilised a Delphi technique, including semi-structured group discussions and two rounds of online follow-up questionnaires, to capture VET experts’ judgements on the importance of decision-making criteria.

Findings

This study has identified the critical factors to be considered in the VET sector when adopting XR technologies. Findings revealed institutional factors were the most important criteria for participants, followed by training and technology factors.

Research limitations/implications

The current decision-making process focuses on selecting XR technologies rather than evaluating their performance after implementation. Therefore, more research is needed to monitor the implementation of this technology in curricula from a senior management perspective. This will help to understand the cost and value factors related to the value proposition of XR technologies in courses.

Practical implications

To ensure the success and long-term viability of the technology-curriculum interface, it is important to consider factors such as the availability of technical and educational support, data security and cost-effectiveness. It is also crucial to focus on ease of use and content development that emphasises instruction to create engaging content for learners.

Originality/value

The potential impact of this study is underpinned by two facts: (1) it constitutes the first effort made in the field to comprehensively elicit VET expert judgements in relation to XR technologies, and (2) it offers decision-making criteria that are at play in seeking to take advantage of high-cost technologies that are rapidly evolving. While there is no simple checklist for XR implementation, this study takes a step further to identify significant factors influencing XR integration in vocational construction training.
From death comes life: Large vertebrate carrion enhances seedling establishment in clonal ericaceous shrubs
Authors: Arnberg Mie P. , Eycott Amy E. , Steyaert Sam M. J. G.
Published: February 2024

Carrion can have disproportionally large effects on ecological processes and community dynamics. During decomposition, the influx of growth‐limiting nutrients can create small‐scale disturbances with high soil cover known as ‘cadaver decomposition islands’ (CDIs). Such disturbances can allow for altered plant species composition, increased biomass production or provide microsites for regeneration. Carcasses also provide a resource for omnivorous scavengers, which have the potential to direct endozoochorous seed dispersal towards developing CDIs.

In this study, we investigated functional links between the scavenger community, carcass‐induced disturbances in vegetation and the seedling establishment of berry‐producing ericaceous species. We experimentally placed out 30 vertebrate carcasses of various species in a boreal forest ecosystem, each paired with a control and a mechanically disturbed plot to track vertebrate animal activity (i.e. dispersal vectors), vegetation changes (i.e. recruitment windows) and seedling establishment. We hypothesized that carcass size and season of experimental deposition would affect (H1) scavenger community composition and (H2) formation of CDIs, and that (H3) seedling establishment of ericaceous species is more abundant at CDIs compared with control or disturbed plots without carcass deposition.

We found that carcass presence effectively created a spatiotemporal hotspot of animal activity and that 94% of observations of vertebrates at carcasses were of species with the potential for ericaceous seed dispersal. Larger carcasses (e.g. moose, reindeer) attracted similar and abundant vertebrate communities, whereas observations at small carcasses (e.g. red fox) resembled those at control plots (H1). Only larger carcasses led to CDI formation (i.e. potential recruitment microsites), while plots with small carcasses resembled control plots (H2). Surprisingly, the season of carcass deposition did not influence vertebrate composition at carcass plots or CDI formation (H1–2). Seedlings were significantly more abundant in CDIs compared with mechanical disturbance and control plots (H3). Overall, CDIs contained about 4 and 19 times more seedlings compared with disturbed and controls, respectively.

Our study demonstrates how individual carcasses in a boreal forest landscape can facilitate sexual reproduction in ericaceous keystone species. We suggest that this pathway also occurs in other ecosystems and that it may contribute to the genetic diversity of plant populations.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Plus ça change, plus c'est la même chose: Mackie Motors v RCI and Baird Textiles v Marks and Spencer
Authors: Campbell David
Published: February 2024

In Mackie Motors v RCI, the High Court and the Court of Appeal dismissed an argument based on the ‘relational contract’ in a way which recalled its dismissal 20 years earlier in Baird Textiles v Marks and Spencer. It did not seem to have had any effect that after the 2013 ‘landmark decision’ of Leggatt J in Yam Seng v ITC the ‘relational contract’ has been considered an ‘established concept’ in a number of High Court decisions. But these decisions have all been received very coolly by the Court of Appeal, and the High Court decision in Mackie Motors may indeed represent an acceptance of the attitude of the Court of Appeal. This note will argue that, if this is the case, it would constitute a regrettable failure to develop the relational contract as a concept of great practical value in cases such as Baird Textiles and Mackie Motors. It would also constitute an even more regrettable failure to use the relational contract to understand good faith and the nature of all contractual obligations along one of the lines set out by Leggatt J in Yam Seng.
Damage caused by Leptoglossus occidentalis Heidemann (Hemiptera: Coreidae) on Pinus pinea L. cones varies with feeding season
Authors: Ponce‐Herrero Laura , Ponce Díaz Ana , Pando Fernández Valentín , Alves‐Santos Fernando Manuel , Pajares Alonso Juan Alberto
Published: February 2024

The commercialization of pine nuts generates major economic benefits for the Mediterranean basin. This has been reduced due to an increase in cone and seed damage associated with the spread of the western conifer seed bug (WCSB) throughout the Mediterranean region and the Dry Cone Syndrome appearing on pine cones. Studies on several conifer species have associated cone and seed damage with WCSB feeding.

To relate cone and seed damage of stone pine to WCSB feeding, one exposure and exclusion trial of cones to the feeding of the natural WCSB population was carried out. To determine the seasonality of cone and seed damage caused by this pest, another trial consisting of bagging cones with insects was performed with first‐, second‐ and third‐year cones at different stages of cone development.

The natural WCSB population was associated with cone abortion in second‐year cones (unprotected: 43.6% vs. protected: 2.7%), a decreased number of seeds per cone (82.0 vs. 105.3), kernel yield (1.8% vs. 3.8%) and proportion of sound kernels (35.6% vs. 73.6%), and numerous types of kernel damage.

Cone mortality in first‐ and third‐year cones bagged with insects decreased as the bagging date advanced. A temporal sequence of kernel damage in third‐year cones (aborted, dry embryo without endosperm, and totally or partially damaged endosperm) was reported for seed development and the timing of WCSB feeding.

Our findings may be useful in the management of WCSB populations to prevent significant damage to the stone pine nut crop.
Effect of medium cut‐off and high‐flux hemodialysis membranes on blood pressure assessed by ambulatory blood pressure monitoring
Authors: Silva Monique Vércia Rocha , Carvalho Aluízio Barbosa , Manfredi Silvia Regina , Cassiolato José Luiz , Canziani Maria Eugênia Fernandes
Published: February 2024

Background

Hypertension is one of the most critical risk factors for cardiovascular disease, which is the leading cause of death in hemodialysis (HD) patients. Medium cut‐off (MCO) membrane increases the clearance of medium molecules, which could improve blood pressure (BP) control. This study aimed to compare the effect of MCO and high‐flux hemodialysis membranes on BP assessed by ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM).

Methods

This is a pre‐established secondary analysis of a 28‐week, randomized, open‐label crossover clinical trial. Patients were randomized to HD with MCO or high‐flux membranes over 12 weeks, followed by a 4‐week washout period, and then switched to the alternate membrane treatment for 12 weeks. ABPM was started before the HD session and ended at least 24 h later in weeks 1, 12, 16, and 28.

Results

32 patients, 59% male, with a mean age of 52.7 years, and 40% with unknown CKD etiology, were enrolled. The dialysis vintage was 8 years, and more than 70% of the patients had hypertension. Regarding 24‐h BP control, morning diastolic BP showed an increase in the high‐flux compared to stability in the MCO group (interaction effect,p = 0.039). The adjusted ANOVA models showed no significant difference in the morning BP levels between the groups. Considering only the period of the HD session, patients in the MCO, compared to those in the high‐flux membrane group, showed greater BP stability during dialysis, characterized by smaller variation in the pre‐post HD systolic and minimum systolic BP (treatment effect,p = 0.039, andp = 0.023, respectively).

Conclusions

MCO membrane seems to have a beneficial effect on morning BP and favors better BP stability during HD sessions.
Sample size determination for interval estimation of the prevalence of a sensitive attribute under non‐randomized response models
Authors: Qiu Shi‐Fang , Lei Jie , Poon Wai‐Yin , Tang Man‐Lai , Wong Ricky S. , Tao Ji‐Ran
Published: February 2024

A sufficient number of participants should be included to adequately address the research interest in the surveys with sensitive questions. In this paper, sample size formulas/iterative algorithms are developed from the perspective of controlling the confidence interval width of the prevalence of a sensitive attribute under four non‐randomized response models: the crosswise model, parallel model, Poisson item count technique model and negative binomial item count technique model. In contrast to the conventional approach for sample size determination, our sample size formulas/algorithms explicitly incorporate an assurance probability of controlling the width of a confidence interval within the pre‐specified range. The performance of the proposed methods is evaluated with respect to the empirical coverage probability, empirical assurance probability and confidence width. Simulation results show that all formulas/algorithms are effective and hence are recommended for practical applications. A real example is used to illustrate the proposed methods.