bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An autoinhibited state of 53BP1 revealed by small molecule antagonists and protein engineering
Authors: Cui Gaofeng , Botuyan Maria Victoria , Drané Pascal , Hu Qi , Bragantini Benoît , Thompson James R. , Schuller David J. , Detappe Alexandre , Perfetti Michael T. , James Lindsey I. , Frye Stephen V. , Chowdhury Dipanjan , Mer Georges
Published: April 2023

The recruitment of 53BP1 to chromatin, mediated by its recognition of histone H4 dimethylated at lysine 20 (H4K20me2), is important for DNA double-strand break repair. Using a series of small molecule antagonists, we demonstrate a conformational equilibrium between an open and a pre-existing lowly populated closed state of 53BP1 in which the H4K20me2 binding surface is buried at the interface between two interacting 53BP1 molecules. In cells, these antagonists inhibit the chromatin recruitment of wild type 53BP1, but do not affect 53BP1 variants unable to access the closed conformation despite preservation of the H4K20me2 binding site. Thus, this inhibition operates by shifting the conformational equilibrium toward the closed state. Our work therefore identifies an auto-associated form of 53BP1 — autoinhibited for chromatin binding — that can be stabilized by small molecule ligands encapsulated between two 53BP1 protomers. Such ligands are valuable research tools to study the function of 53BP1 and have the potential to facilitate the development of new drugs for cancer therapy.
Alternative mRNA splicing controls the functions of the histone H3K27 demethylase UTX/KDM6A
Authors: Fotouhi Omid , Nizamuddin Sheikh , Falk Stephanie , Schilling Oliver , Knüchel-Clarke Ruth , Biniossek Martin L. , Timmers H.Th. Marc
Published: April 2023

Background

TheUTX/KDM6Ahistone H3K27 demethylase plays an important role in development and is frequently mutated in cancers such as urothelial cancer. Despite many studies on UTX proteins, variations in mRNA splicing have been overlooked.

Methods

Using Nanopore sequencing, we present a comprehensive analysis ofUTX/KDM6Asplicing events in human cell lines and in tissue samples from bladder cancer and normal epithelium.

Results

The central region ofUTXmRNAs encoded by exons 12 to 17 undergoes extensive alternative splicing. Up to half of all stable mRNAs (8-48% in bladder tissues and 18-58% in cell lines) are represented by theUTXcanonical isoform lacking exon 14 encoding a nuclear localization sequence, hence localize to the nucleus, unlike cytonuclear localization of the canonical isoform. Chromatin association was also higher for exon 14-containing isoform compared to the canonical UTX. Using quantitative mass spectrometry, we found that all UTX isoforms integrated into the MLL3 and MLL4, PR-DUB and MiDAC complexes. Interestingly, one of the novel UTX isoforms, which lacks exons 14 and 16, fails to interact with PR-DUB and MiDAC complex members.

Conclusion

UTXmRNAs undergo extensive alternative splicing that controls the subcellular localization of UTX and its interactions with other chromatin regulatory complexes.

Simple Summary

UTX/KDM6Ais a histone H3K27 demethylase and plays an important role in mammalian development and human diseases such as urothelial cancer. We identified a region encompassing exons 12-17 ofUTXthat undergoes extensive splicing events. As a result, a nuclear localization sequence located in exon14 is missing in a considerable part ofUTXtranscripts in different cell lines and tissues from normal bladder epithelium and bladder cancer. Mass spectrometry analysis showed a role for this region in binding to the epigenetic PR-DUB and MiDAC complexes. UTX was also more extensively bound to chromatin when the alternative splicing region presented. Our study showed that alternative splicing ofUTXtranscripts plays an important role in its functions.
Thickness independence of antiferroelectric domain characteristic sizes in epitaxial PbZrO3/SrRuO3/SrTiO3 films
Authors: Flores Gonzales Jamil Eduardo , Ganzha Alexander , Kniazeva Maria , Andronikova Daria , Vakulenko Alexander , Filimonov Alexei , Rudskoy Andrey , Richter Carsten , Dasgupta Arvind , Gao Ran , Burkovsky Roman
Published: April 2023

Domain configuration in epitaxial antiferroelectric films has been studied by X-ray nanoscopy, with the extraction of information about the domain sizes beyond the beam-size limit. The objective of this article is to understand how film thickness (the cases of 50 and 1000 nm are explored) and temperature (20 and 200°C) affect the nanodomain configuration of PbZrO3/SrRuO3/SrTiO3 thin films. It is found that the majority of antiferroelectric domains in both films are too small to be directly mappable, because many of them are simultaneously illuminated by the nanobeam (60 × 100 nm) most of the time. Nevertheless, these small sizes can be studied by analysing the diffraction peak width, which is, in the simplest approximation, inversely proportional to the domain size. With this approach it is identified that the characteristic (most probable) domain size does not depend on the film thickness and is ∼13 nm, while the scarcer larger domains do depend on it. An increase of the temperature to 200°C (just below the nominal antiferroelectric-to-cubic transition temperature) results in a slight increase in the characteristic size. These results are compared with those in ferroelectric films, where domain sizes are pronouncedly thickness dependent, and the relevant methodological question on the possibility of neglecting the interference of X-ray waves scattered by different nanodomains in the nanodomain assembly is also discussed.
On the question of entrepreneurial breakthrough or failure in Africa: a framework for analysis
Authors: Yeboah-Assiamah Emmanuel , Hossain Farhad , Mamman Aminu , Rees Christopher J.
Published: April 2023

Purpose

Having the right intent, aspiration, ability and attitude to become an entrepreneur has become the mantra in the extant literature to be driver of entrepreneurship and small and medium enterprise (SME) growth. Why would zealous and ambitious individuals with all rightful attributes so required of entrepreneurs have to fizzle out few years after venturing into business or SMEs? Perhaps these same individuals may relocate to other jurisdictions and would establish successful firms even beyond their imaginations. Beyond the individual’s entrepreneurial attributes, there are other external countervailing forces which either “enable” or “impede” entrepreneurial drive and SME growth processes. Adopting the theory of planned behavior, this study conceptualizes a systems framework to analyze how SMEs either flourish or fail in developing countries.

Design/methodology/approach

The study relies on secondary sources of data. It adopts a critical stage review of secondary data.

Findings

The study argues that the interplay of “internal factors” and “external factors” of prospective entrepreneurs provides a useful framework to explain the general SME outlook of an economy. The study postulates that many internally driven prospective SME entrants (with entrepreneurial attitudes, abilities and aspirations) mostly in the developing economies may have their dreams shattered because of obstructive external ecological elements which tend to frustrate new business entrants as well as existing ones.

Originality/value

With the aid of a framework, this study conceptualizes a comprehensive framework to analyze how SMEs either flourish or fail in developing countries.
Reality checked? Conceptualising the relationship between work experience, abroad experience and university students' work value preferences
Authors: de Boer Peter , Bordoloi Prantik
Published: April 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to explore the degree of variance in work value preferences espoused by university students based on whether the students are in possession of work experience and experience abroad. Vocational identity development (VID) was used as a theoretical lens to explore the extent to which being in possession of experience in these two areas shapes vocational identity.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire (n = 1,188) was employed to measure the relative salience for 8 latent work values constructs and 25 individual-level work values. Respondents were classified into two groups based on work experience and abroad experience, and the differences in work value preferences between these groups were explored.

Findings

The authors' comparison of sample groups revealed that respondents without experience abroad attached significantly greater importance to specific work values (e.g. stability, extrinsic motivation and leisure) than those with sojourner experience. The relative salience of specific work values (e.g. altruistic and extrinsic motivation) was found to be significantly greater for respondents without work experience than those with such experience, however, not to the extent of abroad experience. VID as a theoretical framework was found to be valuable in conceptualising how work value preferences appear to be the outcome of a process of co-construction between an individual and his environment.

Research limitations/implications

The reasons as to how and why changes in work value salience occur cannot be conclusively established due to the exploratory nature and conceptual design of the present study.

Practical implications

The findings suggest work and abroad experience play a pivotal role in shaping respondents' work values and, more generally, the VID. This reinforces the need for cooperation between higher education and industry to provide experiential learning opportunities and career guidance to enhance graduate employability and contribute to long-term engagement of talent in tight labour markets.

Originality/value

The value of these findings is that the findings contribute to greater conceptual understanding of the relationship between work experience, abroad experience and work value preferences. This is particularly relevant to academic staff and curriculum developers at a tertiary level in preparing and guiding university students in their interactions with professional practice.
A 30-year bibliometric assessment and visualisation of emotion regulation research: applying network analysis and cluster analysis
Authors: Rahaman Samsur , Govil Punita , Khan Daud , Jevremov Tanja D.
Published: April 2023

Purpose

The emotion regulation research has drawn considerable attention from academicians and scholars in the contemporary world. As a result, the publications that are specifically dedicated to emotion regulation research are rapidly escalating. Therefore, this study aims to conduct a bibliometric analysis of research articles that have been published in the field of “emotion regulation.” The study primarily examines the growth and development of scholarly publications, seminal studies, influential authors, productive journals, research production and collaboration among countries, emerging research themes, research hotspots and thematic evolution of emotion regulation research.

Design/methodology/approach

The Web of Science Core Collection database was used to gather the study’s data, which was then analysed using VOSviewer and Bibliometrix, Biblioshiney open-source package of the R language environment.

Findings

The study’s results reveal that the research on emotion regulation has grown significantly over the last three decades. Notably, Emotion and Frontiers in Psychology are the most dominant and productive journals in the field of emotion regulation research. The most prominent author in the area of emotion regulation is identified as James Gross, followed by Gratz, Wang and Tull. The USA is at the forefront of research on emotion regulation and has collaborated with most of the developed countries like Germany, England and Canada. The keyword analysis revealed that the most potential research areas in the field of emotion regulation are functional magnetic resonance imaging, amygdala, post-traumatic stress disorder, borderline personality disorder, alexithymia, emotion dysregulation, depression, anxiety, functional connectivity, neuroimaging, mindfulness, self-regulation, resilience and coping. The thematic evolution reflects that the research on emotion regulation has recently focused on issues including Covid-19, non-suicidal self-injury, psychological distress, intimate partner violence and mental health.

Originality/value

The results of this study highlighted the current knowledge gaps in emotion regulation research and suggested areas for further investigation. The present study could be useful for researchers, academicians, planners, publishers and universities engaged in emotion regulation research.
Identifying the enablers of HR digitalization and HR analytics using ISM and MICMAC analysis
Authors: Verma Sunakshi , Rana Neeti , Meher Jamini Ranjan
Published: April 2023

Purpose

This study aims to identify the enablers of human resource (HR) digitalization and HR analytics. This paper also aims to build a relationship map using interpretive structural modeling.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic literature review is used to identify the key enablers of HR digitalization and HR analytics. Ten expert opinions have been taken from the key officials of IT firms located in New Delhi North Central Region.

Findings

This study is focused on the enablers of HR analytics. It is found that change management (CM) in the organization is the key enabler of implementing HR digitalization and analytics in an organization. However, other elements like learning culture, training and development, E-learning management and HR transformation (HRT) play a vital role in implementing HR analytics. It is also found that implementing artificial intelligence for HR practices is the ultimate goal for every organization.

Research limitations/implications

Management teams in IT firms should focus on the continuous learning process in the organization. The CM should be expedited for digitalization and adoption of HR analytics. Managers must go through the ramification of HRT, which possesses diligence in HR analytics and artificial intelligence.

Originality/value

This study explicitly talks about the enablers of HR digitalization and HR analytics. It also explores the relationship between the enablers. This study also describes the driving and dependence power of all the enablers.
A humanoid robot teleoperation approach based on waist–arm coordination
Authors: Fan Xinyang , Shu Xin , Tu Baoxu , Liu Changyuan , Ni Fenglei , Jiang Zainan
Published: April 2023

Purpose

In the current teleoperation system of humanoid robots, the control between arms and the control between the waist and arms are individual and lack coordinated motion. This paper aims to solve the above problem and proposes a teleoperation control approach for a humanoid robot based on waist–arm coordination (WAC).

Design/methodology/approach

The teleoperation approach based on WAC comprises dual-arm coordination (DAC) and WAC. The DAC method realizes the coordinated motion of both arms through one hand by establishing a mapping relationship between a single hand controller and the manipulated object; the WAC method realizes the coordinated motion of both arms and waist by calculating the inverse kinematic input of robotic arms based on the desired velocity of the waist and the end of both arms. An integrated teleoperation control framework provides interfaces for the above methods, and users can switch control modes online to adapt to different tasks.

Findings

After conducting experiments on the dual-arm humanoid robot through the teleoperation control framework, it was found that the DAC method can save 27.2% of the operation time and reduce 99.9% of the posture change of the manipulated object compared with the commonly used individual control. The WAC method can accomplish a task that cannot be done by individual control. The experiments proved the improvement of both methods in terms of operation efficiency, operation stability and operation capability compared with individual control.

Originality/value

The DAC method better maintains the constraints of both arms and the manipulated object. The WAC method better maintains the constraints of the manipulated object itself. Meanwhile, the teleoperation framework integrates the proposed methods and enriches the teleoperation modes and control means.
Business cycle transmission between France and United Kingdom
Authors: Dadej Mateusz
Published: April 2023

Purpose

The literature mostly investigates the business cycle transmission of the United Kingdom (UK) and France as a part of a wider group (e.g. European Exchange Rate Mechanism or G7), despite their historical links and regional significance. Thus, herein paper aims to analyse the inter-dependence of these economies and how a shock from one of them affects the other for the data since 1978 to 2019.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, first, preliminary statistics were calculated in order to describe the historical relationship between these countries. The econometric part estimates the vector auto-regression model (VAR) to assess the inter-dependence of the economies. VAR model allows further to inspect the impulse response functions that shows the shock dynamics from one country to another. In order to verify if a shock from one of the economies is important to another, the study uses granger causality test.

Findings

The study establishes a strong link between these countries. A business cycle is transmitted significantly between the economies of France and UK, with a single standard deviation shock from France resulting in a long term effect of 0.4% change in gross domestic product (GDP) of UK and 1% vice versa. Additionally changes in GDP of both of the countries significantly Granger-cause change to GDP of the corresponding economy.

Originality/value

This is the first empirical study investigating the business cycle transmission between France and UK and providing a quantitative assessment of their inter-dependence.
When does self-employment equalise income? Evidence from developing countries
Authors: Yerrabati Sridevi
Published: April 2023

Purpose

A lack of sufficient gainful employment opportunities in developing countries means that those at the bottom of the income ladder resort to self-employment for survival. While self-employment equalises inequality by providing earning opportunities to such individuals due to the ease of entry, it also creates a competitive environment among the self-employed, consequently widening inequality. In light of this, the study aims to determine the optimal level at which self-employment narrows inequality.

Design/methodology/approach

Five-yearly average data from 72 developing countries covering 2000–2019 is used. Inequality measures include Gini, and self-employment includes total, male and female participation levels. The empirical analysis is based on the dynamic two-step system Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) estimation approach, two-stage instrumental variables (2 SLS IV) approach and Sasabuchi (1980) and Lind and Mehlum (2010) test. Several robustness checks are used to validate the findings.

Findings

Prima facie, the study's findings suggest that self-employment equalises inequality in developing countries. The income-equalising effect can be seen, however, when the total, male and female self-employment levels are below the optimal of 54.22% of total employment, 52.50% of male employment and 54.19% of female employment, respectively. Inequality widens when self-employment exceeds these optimal levels. Further, the income-narrowing effect of self-employment is larger than its income-widening effect. When self-employment is below its optimal level, it reduces inequality 80 times more effectively than when it widens above the optimal levels. The corresponding figures for male and female self-employment are 90 and 52, respectively. Second, the income-equalising effects of self-employment are gender-specific.

Practical implications

Developing countries striving to achieve SDG 10 should limit self-employment to the above-mentioned levels. To this end, an inclusive approach to reducing inequality requires these countries to use selective and targeted policy interventions to create gainful employment opportunities for those above the identified optimal levels and eventually assist them in utilising these opportunities.

Originality/value

To the best of the author’s knowledge, this is the first study to determine the optimal levels at which self-employment equalises income in developing countries. As such, it makes novel contributions to both labour and development economics.
IoT-based entrepreneurial city: a new model of urban governance to achieve economic sustainability
Authors: Eynolghozat Mohammad , Ziyae Babak , Rezvani Mehran
Published: April 2023

Purpose

One of the challenges of urban management is to provide an entrepreneurial environment for the general population, which can be realized by the development of the entrepreneurial city, which will ultimately cause economic sustainability. In order to create an entrepreneur city, it is necessary to create and develop some infrastructures, one of the most important of which is Internet of things (IoT)-based technological infrastructures, so that municipalities have a leading role. The purpose of this paper is to investigate this phenomenon.

Design/methodology/approach

The research method is a case study type, and a triangulation mixed-method research design has been used for it. For data collection in the quantitative section, questionnaire tools and in the qualitative section, interview tools as well as coding related upstream documents in the municipality were used.

Findings

The findings showed that with the development of the IoT infrastructure, the conditions will be provided for creating an entrepreneurial city and its formation process will be accelerated, so that it will eventually leading to economic sustainability. It was also found that the conditions for the development of urban entrepreneurship based on IoT in the metropolis in question are not favorable. Finally, suggestions were made to improve this situation.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the entrepreneurship literature and economic sustainability by explaining a new concept of an entrepreneurial city and defines the role of IoT infrastructure in its development. Existing literature on the systematic use of IoT in applied fields is still scarce, and this study provides useful insights into it.
Power asymmetries in supply chains and implications for environmental governance: a study of the beef industry
Authors: Chamanara Sanaz , Goldstein Benjamin P. , Newell Joshua P.
Published: April 2023

Purpose

Supply chain governance constitutes the rules, structures and institutions that guide supply chains toward various objectives, including environmental sustainability. Previous studies have provided insight into the relationship between governance and sustainability but have overlooked two crucial dimensions: power dynamics and the influence of outside actors. This paper aims to address these two gaps by measuring differential power (i.e. power asymmetries) among actors across the supply chain, including external actors.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper quantifies power dynamics across the entire chain through a structured survey in which supply chain participants rank their peer’s ability to affect environmental and social outcomes. This paper tests this approach by surveying 200 industry professionals (e.g. feedlot owners, retailers) and external actors (e.g. NGOs) in the US beef sector.

Findings

Respondents ranked the most powerful actors as follows: feedlot owners; processing plant owners; and regulatory agencies. Results also revealed that trade associations, retailers and cow–calf producers and ranchers perceive a sense of powerlessness. This study reveals multiple power nodes and confirms a shift in the power structure depending on which indicator respondents considered (e.g. environmental impacts vs employee safety). This study concludes that the buyer–producer dichotomy often used to assess supply chain governance fails to capture the complex dynamics among actors within supply chains.

Originality/value

This study demonstrates a novel approach to measure perceptions of power in supply chains. This method enables researchers to map networks of power across entire supply chains, including internal and external actors, to advance understanding of supply chain governance dynamics. Previous studies have misidentified who governs environmental outcomes in supply chains, and NGOs have overestimated the power of consumers and retailers to influence producers.
Older adults’ acceptance of ready‐to‐eat meals in relation to food choice and sensory ability
Authors: Chaffee Olivia , Ross Carolyn F.
Published: April 2023

With the growing population of older adults, a deeper understanding of their food choice and acceptance is vital to improving older adult dietary intake. The objectives of this study were to: (1) determine acceptance of three ready‐to‐eat (RTE) meals developed for older adults (age = 60+); (2) characterize the oral health status and food choices of these older adults and relate these data to meal acceptance. Participants (n = 52; average age = 71.7) completed an initial session that evaluated oral health and sensory perception followed by a home‐use test of three RTE meals developed from a previous conjoint analysis study: teriyaki chicken with rice, marinated tofu and carrots, and vegetable ratatouille. Sensory evaluation measured liking of various meal components. Participant food choices were evaluated with the Food Choice Questionnaire (FCQ). Few participants suffered from reduced sensory ability; all had good quality oral health. Sensory evaluations revealed that the marinated tofu meal was liked significantly less than the other two meals (p < 0.0001). FCQ results clustered participants into two clusters; the responses of Cluster 1 were significantly higher for 29 of the 36 items (p < 0.05). The factors of greatest average importance were sensory appeal (4.6), health (4.3), and price (3.9) in Cluster 1 (n = 30) and sensory appeal (3.8), health (3.6), and weight control (3.2) in Cluster 2 (n = 20). Sensory appeal and health were significantly more important (p < 0.0001) to Cluster 1. Results of this study suggest that sensory appeal and health greatly contribute to food choice which was reflected in the sensory acceptance of the RTE meals.

Practical Application

Older adults may suffer from sensory loss, but sensory appeal of food is still greatly important to them. Healthy and nutritious food is also important to older adult food choice. Food products developed for older adults should be formulated to provide both nutrition and a pleasant sensory experience, while also keeping price and convenience in mind.
Abnormal serum levels of magnesium, phosphate, and zinc in ICU patients—Characteristics, management, and outcomes: The WhyTrace cohort study
Authors: Vesterlund Gitte K. , Thorsen‐Meyer Hans‐Christian , Møller Morten H. , Brunak Søren , Strøm Thomas , Perner Anders , Kaas‐Hansen Benjamin S.
Published: April 2023

Background

Abnormal serum levels of magnesium, phosphate, and zinc appear common in intensive care unit (ICU) patients, but the epidemiology, management, and associations with outcomes are less well described. We described these factors and estimated associations with outcomes in a large dataset of Danish ICU patients.

Methods

We included adults who were acutely admitted to 10 general ICUs in Denmark between October 2011 and January 2018. From the dataset, we obtained characteristics of patients who had serum levels measured of magnesium, phosphate, or zinc, including data on supplementation. We used joint models with death as a competing outcome to estimate the associations between abnormal serum levels and time to successful extubation and, for magnesium, also incident tachyarrhythmia.

Results

We included 16,517 of 36,514 patients in the dataset. The cumulative probability of hypomagnesemia within 28 days was 64% (95% confidence interval [CI] 62–66); of hypophosphatemia 74% (95% CI 72–75); and of hypozincemia 98% (95% CI 98–98). Supplementation of magnesium was used in 3554 out of 13,506 (26%) patients, phosphate in 2115 out of 14,148 (15%) patients, and zinc in 4465 out of 9869 (45%) patients. During ICU stay, 38% experienced hypermagnesemia, 58% hyperphosphatemia, and 1% hyperzincemia. Low serum levels of magnesium, phosphate, and zinc were associated with shorter time to successful extubation, and high serum magnesium and phosphate and low serum zinc with the competing risk of increased mortality, but too few serum measurements made the results inconclusive.

Conclusion

In this multicenter cohort study of acutely admitted ICU patients, most experienced low serum levels of magnesium, phosphate, or zinc during ICU stay, many received supplementation, and experiencing both low and high serum levels during ICU stay was not uncommon. Associations between serum levels and clinical outcomes appeared inconclusive because the data proved unfit for these analyses.
High‐Intensity interval training reduces transcriptomic age: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Lohman Trevor , Bains Gurinder , Cole Steve , Gharibvand Lida , Berk Lee , Lohman Everett
Published: April 2023

While the relationship between exercise and life span is well‐documented, little is known about the effects of specific exercise protocols on modern measures of biological age. Transcriptomic age (TA) predictors provide an opportunity to test the effects of high‐intensity interval training (HIIT) on biological age utilizing whole‐genome expression data. A single‐site, single‐blinded, randomized controlled clinical trial design was utilized. Thirty sedentary participants (aged 40–65) were assigned to either a HIIT group or a no‐exercise control group. After collecting baseline measures, HIIT participants performed three 10 × 1 HIIT sessions per week for 4 weeks. Each session lasted 23 min, and total exercise duration was 276 min over the course of the 1‐month exercise protocol. TA, PSS‐10 score, PSQI score, PHQ‐9 score, and various measures of body composition were all measured at baseline and again following the conclusion of exercise/control protocols. Transcriptomic age reduction of 3.59 years was observed in the exercise group while a 3.29‐years increase was observed in the control group. Also, PHQ‐9, PSQI, BMI, body fat mass, and visceral fat measures were all improved in the exercise group. A hypothesis‐generation gene expression analysis suggested exercise may modify autophagy, mTOR, AMPK, PI3K, neurotrophin signaling, insulin signaling, and other age‐related pathways. A low dose of HIIT can reduce an mRNA‐based measure of biological age in sedentary adults between the ages of 40 and 65 years old. Other changes in gene expression were relatively modest, which may indicate a focal effect of exercise on age‐related biological processes.
Computed tomography Coronary angiography in rural referral hospitals: A single‐Centre experience
Authors: McLucas Michael , King James , McGee Michael
Published: April 2023

Objective

To describe the first 9 months of a newly established computed tomography coronary angiogram (CTCA) over the period of the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of the first 9 months of a CT‐CA program.

Design

Data were collected for the period of June 2020 to March 2021. Information reviewed included demographics, risk factors, renal function, technical factors and outcomes including Calcium Score and Coronary Artery Disease Reporting and Data System (CAD‐RADS).

Setting

A single Rural Referral Hospital in regional New South Wales.

Participants

Ninety‐six CTCAs were reviewed. Ages ranged from 29 to 81 years. 37 (39%) male, 59 (61%) female. 15 (15.6%) identified as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander.

Main Objective Outcomes

CTCA is a viable alternative to invasive coronary angiogram in appropriate populations for regional areas.

Results

Eighty‐eight (91.6%) were considered technically satisfactory. Mean heart rate was 57 beats per minute with a range of 108. Cardiovascular risk factors included hypertension, dyslipidemia, smoking status, family history and diabetes mellitus. Of patients with CAD‐RADS scores 3 or 4 who underwent subsequent invasive coronary angiogram (ICA), 80% were determined to have operator‐defined significant stenosis. Significant cardiac and non‐cardiac findings were extensive.

Conclusions

CTCA is a safe and efficacious imaging modality for low‐ to moderate‐risk chest pain patients. There was acceptable diagnostic accuracy and the investigation was safe.
Acute diverticulitis in immunosuppressed patients: a 12‐year management experience
Authors: Ahmadi Navid , Ahmadi Nima , Ravindran Praveen , Kim Tae Jun , Byrne Christopher M. , Young Christopher J.
Published: April 2023

Background

Diverticular disease of the colon occurs commonly in developed countries. Immunosuppressed patients are thought to be more at risk of developing acute diverticulitis, worse disease, and higher complications secondary to therapy. This study aimed to assess outcomes for immunosuppressed patients with acute diverticulitis.

Method

A retrospective single‐centre review was conducted of all patients presenting with acute diverticulitis at a major tertiary Australian hospital from 2006 to 2018.

Result

A total of 751 patients, comprising of 46 immunosuppressed patients, were included. Immunosuppressed patients were found to be older (62.25 versus 55.96, p = 0.016), have more comorbidities (median Charlson Index 3 versus 1, P < 0.001), and undergo more operative management (13.3% versus 5.1%, P = 0.020). Immunosuppressed patients with paracolic/pelvic abscesses (Modified Hinchey 1b/2) were more likely to undergo surgery (56% versus 24%, P = 0.046), while in patients with uncomplicated diverticulitis, there was no difference in immunosuppressed patients undergoing surgery (6.1% versus 5.1% P = 0.815). Immunosuppressed patients were more likely to have Grade III‐IV Clavien‐Dindo complication (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Immunosuppressed patients with uncomplicated diverticulitis can be treated safely with non‐operative management. Immunosuppressed patients were more likely to have operative management for Hinchey 1b/II and more likely to have grade III/IV complications.
The influence of the COVID‐19 pandemic on lung cancer surgery in Queensland
Authors: Kirk Frazer , Crathern Kelsie , Chang Shantel , Yong Matthew S. , He Cheng , Hughes Ian , Yadav Sumit , Lo Wing , Cole Christopher , Windsor Morgan , Naidoo Rishendran , Stroebel Andrie
Published: April 2023

Background

The coronavirus disease‐19 (COVID‐19) pandemic poses unprecedented challenges to global healthcare. The contemporary influence of COVID‐19 on the delivery of lung cancer surgery has not been examined in Queensland.

Methods

We performed a retrospective registry analysis of the Queensland Cardiac Outcomes Registry (QCOR), thoracic database examining all adult lung cancer resections across Queensland from 1/1/2016 to 30/4/2022. We compared the data prior to, and after, the introduction of COVID‐restrictions.

Results

There were 1207 patients. Mean age at surgery was 66 years and 1115 (92%) lobectomies were performed. We demonstrated a significant delay from time of diagnosis to surgery from 80 to 96 days (P < 0.0005), after introducing COVID‐restrictions. The number of surgeries performed per month decreased after the pandemic and has not recovered (P = 0.012). 2022 saw a sharp reduction in cases with 49 surgeries, compared to 71 in 2019 for the same period.

Conclusion

Restrictions were associated with a significant increase in pathological upstaging, greatest immediately after the introduction of COVID‐restrictions (IRR 1.71, CI 0.93–2.94, P = 0.05). COVID‐19 delayed the access to surgery, reduced surgical capacity and consequently resulted in pathological upstaging throughout Queensland.
Precalving behavior in dairy cattle with different calving times
Authors: Shinada Wakana , Gakumazawa Naoya , Koshikawa Shizu , Ito Takahiro , Fujiwara Tetsuo , Takahashi Masahiro , Chida Yasushi , Okada Keiji , Deguchi Yoshitaka
Published: April 2023

Predicting the calving time in dairy cattle can help in avoiding calving accidents and reducing burdens on animal caretakers. In this study, we analyzed the behavior of pregnant dairy cattle for 7 days prior to calving, to assess the feasibility of predicting the calving time. Eleven Holstein cows were divided into two groups based on their calving times, that is, in the morning (the Morning Parturition Group) or the evening (the Evening Parturition Group). Their behavior was recorded on video. An analysis was conducted of the daily occurrences of each type of behavior and the number of switches of behavior during the day and at night. A statistical analysis was conducted, using a two‐way factorial analysis. The behavioral sequence was analyzed using an adjacency matrix. Hierarchical structure charts were created, using Interpretive Structural Modeling. The results suggest that feeding and exploratory behaviors are associated with the calving time period and thus can be useful when predicting that period. The hierarchical structure charts suggest that the Morning Parturition Group had no definite behavioral sequence pattern, unlike the Evening Parturition Group. The detection of an unstable behavioral sequence pattern might predict the calving time period.
Graduate employment: Does the type of higher education institution matter?
Authors: Tavares Orlanda , Sin Cristina , Sá Carla , Pereira Francisco , Amaral Alberto
Published: April 2023

The paper analyses whether the type of institution from which students graduate has an impact on their unemployment propensity. It uses official data on the Portuguese higher education system, for 2018, at the program/institution level, which provides information on graduate unemployment, as well as demographic and socioeconomic background information. A fractional probit model on graduates’ propensity for unemployment is estimated. Results suggest that polytechnic graduates face higher unemployment propensity than university graduates, maintaining inequalities present in students’ previous trajectories. Policies targeting socioeconomic segregation need to address not only access to higher education but also the transition to the labor market.
The role of the adenosine system in epilepsy and its comorbidities
Authors: Baltos Jo‐Anne , Casillas‐Espinosa Pablo M. , Rollo Ben , Gregory Karen J. , White Paul J. , Christopoulos Arthur , Kwan Patrick , O'Brien Terence J. , May Lauren T.
Published: April 2023

Epilepsy is one of the most serious and common chronic neurological conditions, characterised by recurrent hypersynchronous electrical activity in the brain that lead to seizures. Despite over 50 million people being affected worldwide, only ~70% of people with epilepsy have their seizures successfully controlled with current pharmacotherapy, and many experience significant psychiatric and physical comorbidities. Adenosine, a ubiquitous purine metabolite, is a potent endogenous anti‐epileptic substance that can abolish seizure activity via the adenosine A1 G protein‐coupled receptor. Activation of A1 receptors decreases seizure activity in animal models, including models of drug‐resistant epilepsy. Recent advances have increased our understanding of epilepsy comorbidities, highlighting the potential for adenosine receptors to modulate epilepsy‐associated comorbidities, including cardiovascular dysfunction, sleep and cognition. This review provides an accessible resource of the current advances in understanding the adenosine system as a therapeutic target for epilepsy and epilepsy‐associated comorbidities.

LINKED ARTICLES

This article is part of a themed issue Therapeutic Targeting of G Protein‐Coupled Receptors: hot topics from the Australasian Society of Clinical and Experimental Pharmacologists and Toxicologists 2021 Virtual Annual Scientific Meeting. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v181.14/issuetoc
Protective indigenous collective value of Ubuntu and child neglect: Implications for rural child protection practice
Authors: Abdullah Alhassan , Bentum Hajara , Frederico Margarita , Mensah Felix , Jordan Lucy P. , Emery Clifton R.
Published: April 2023

Theories on collective efficacy and social support suggest that indigenous values that support collective practices and sanction community obligations to childcare would be protective against child neglect. Likewise, new qualitative findings show that collective values are stronger in rural areas than in urban. This study tested the claims that the value of Ubuntu, which is a symbolic cultural value of ‘being for others’, will be protective against the likelihood of neglect; this relationship will be stronger in rural compared with urban communities in Ghana. Using data obtained from a nationally representative sample of 1100 mothers (from 22 communities) in Ghana, we tested the claims using fixed effects logistic regression. The Ubuntu norms were significantly endorsed in rural communities compared with the urban. The overall model showed that higher levels of Ubuntu are associated with lower odds of child neglect (OR .47, [.29, .76] p < 0.05), and the relationship remained significant only in the rural sample (OR .13, [.06, .31] p < 0.001). Similar evidence was recorded for the Ubuntu norms of community care and compassion. The results suggest that child protection in rural Ghana can be fruitful when interventions are developed to boost the value of Ubuntu and the norms of collective childcare.
Association of nitric oxide synthase gene polymorphism with asthma: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Fan Zeru , Liu Tao , Na Wei
Published: April 2023

Introduction

This study examines the associations between asthma and nitric oxide (NO) synthase (NOS) gene polymorphisms.

Methods

After a systematic literature search in electronic databases, studies were selected based on eligibility criteria. Data were extracted from research articles and were synthesized and tabulated. Where a particular polymorphism data were reported by multiple studies, meta‐analyses of odds ratios were performed, or odds ratios reported by individual studies were pooled.

Results

Twenty studies (4450 asthma patients and 5306 non‐asthmatic individuals) were identified. Many studies did not find any association between CCTTT repeat polymorphism in NOS2 gene and asthma. However, a study reported that pretreatment mean exhaled NO levels in asthmatics were found to be significantly higher in genotypes with higher number of CCTTT repeats. Also, alleles with <11 CCTTT repeats were associated with poor asthma treatment outcomes. A single nucleotide polymorphism, G894T, in NOS3 gene was not found to be significantly associated with asthma by at least four studies. However, a T allele at this locus was associated with lower NO levels. Also, G894T frequency was significantly higher in asthmatic children who responded to inhaled corticosteroids along with long‐lasting beta2‐agonists. A T allele of NOS3 786C/T polymorphism increased the probability of bronchial asthma with comorbid essential hypertension in asthma patients. Asthma severity also differed for different Ser608Leu exon 16 variants of NOS2 gene.

Conclusions

Several polymorph NOS gene variants are identified, some of which appear to have influence on asthma prevalence or outcomes. However, data are varying depending on the nature of variant, ethnicity, study design, and disease parameters.
Reopenable‐clip over‐the‐line method for closure of gastric endoscopic full‐thickness resection defect
Authors: Tani Yasuhiro , Uedo Noriya , Nomura Tatsuma
Published: April 2023

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Do psychotic experiences act as effect modifiers in youths with common mental health problems allocated to transdiagnostic cognitive behavioural therapy versus management as usual? Secondary analyses of the Mind‐My‐Mind randomized trial
Authors: Rimvall Martin Køster , Vassard Ditte , Christensen Robin , Nielsen Sabrina Mai , Pagsberg Anne Katrine , Correll Christoph U. , Jeppesen Pia
Published: April 2023

Background

Psychotic experiences (PEs) are common in help‐seeking youths with non‐psychotic mental health problems, yet the clinical importance of PEs as potential effect modifiers of psychotherapy interventions has been scarcely examined. We examined if PEs were associated with a differential response to transdiagnostic cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) aimed at common emotional and behavioural problems.

Methods

We present secondary analyses from the Mind My Mind (MMM) trial that randomized 396, 6‐16‐year‐old youths to either 9–13 sessions of transdiagnostic modular community‐based CBT (MMM) or community‐based management as usual (MAU). MMM was superior to MAU in reducing parent‐reported impact of mental health problems according to the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). PEs were assessed by semi‐structured screening interviews at baseline. The contrast between subgroups (presence/absence of PEs) was calculated to test if PEs are potential effect modifiers regarding the change in parent‐reported SDQ‐impact (primary outcome, rated 0[low]‐10[high]) and other SDQ‐related outcomes.

Results

Baseline PEs were present in 74 (19%) of youths. The superior effect of MMM on changes in SDQ‐impact from baseline to week 18 was not effect modified by the presence of PEs (PEs[yes] −0.89 [95%CI −1.77;‐0.01] vs. PEs[no] −1.10 [95%CI −1.52;‐0.68], p‐value for interaction .68). For secondary outcomes similar patterns were observed.

Limitations Statistical power was limited to show if PEs modified treatment response. Replication and meta‐analytic evidence are needed.

Conclusions

The beneficial effects of MMM transdiagnostic CBT did not differ by PE‐status, indicating that youths with emotional and behavioural problems could be offered such psychotherapy irrespective of co‐occurring PEs.
Large fibrosarcoma of the equine distal limb treated by surgical excision using a harmonic scalpel
Authors: Bellitto Nicholas A. , McMaster Mattie , Alvim Ailidh , Byrne Christian A.
Published: April 2023

An 18‐year‐old Warmblood gelding was presented for investigation of a large, firm mass over the medial and plantar aspect of the left distal metatarsal and fetlock region. The mass was first identified 4 months prior to referral, following a traumatic incident, and had over time gradually increased in size. Clinical examination and diagnostic imaging revealed a large soft tissue mass adjacent to the metatarsophalangeal joint and digital flexor tendon sheath, with no overt involvement of underlying bone. The mass was surgically excised under general anaesthesia using a harmonic scalpel with limited margins to avoid compromise of adjacent anatomical structures. Following histology, the mass was diagnosed as a fibrosarcoma. Twelve months after surgical resection, no signs of recurrence were evident. This report demonstrates that fibrosarcoma of the equine distal limb may be successfully managed with surgical excision. The use of a harmonic scalpel should be considered as an alternative to sharp excision when treating fibrosarcoma or other infiltrative tumours, particularly those located in regions where only limited surgical margins may be achieved.