bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Problem Opioid Use Among US Military Veterans: Prevalence, Correlates, and Psychiatric Characteristics
Authors: Na Peter J. , Petrakis Ismene L. , Krystal John H. , Pietrzak Robert H.
Published: March 2024

Objective

Problem opioid use (POU) is a serious public health crisis in the United States. However, little research has examined the prevalence, correlates, and psychiatric characteristics of POU in vulnerable segments of the population, such as US military veterans.

Methods

Data were analyzed from the National Health and Resilience in Veterans Study, which surveyed a nationally representative sample of 2441 US veterans. Multivariable logistic regression models were conducted to identify correlates and psychiatric correlates of POU (defined as a positive screen on the Tobacco, Alcohol, Prescription Medication, and Other Substance Use Tool).

Results

A total 3.0% (95% confidence interval, 2.0%–4.5%) of US veterans screened positive for POU. Black, non-Hispanic race/ethnicity (odds ratio [OR], 3.83), lifetime alcohol use disorder (OR, 3.38), major depressive disorder (MDD; OR, 2.52), greater number of medical conditions (OR, 1.15), and disability in instrumental activities of daily living (IADL); OR, 1.86) were independently associated with POU. A significant interaction between IADL disability and MDD was observed (OR, 10.73)—among veterans with IADL disability, those with MDD had more than 6-fold greater POU than those without MDD (20.6% vs 3.2%). Furthermore, POU was associated with 2- to 3-folds greater odds of current generalized anxiety disorder and current posttraumatic stress disorder, and lifetime suicide attempt.

Conclusions

POU affects 3.0% of US veterans and is associated with Black race/ethnicity, lifetime physical and mental health morbidities, as well as current psychiatric disorders and lifetime suicide attempts. Results underscore the importance of assessing physical and mental health disorders in veterans at-risk for POU and addressing co-occurring psychiatric disorders associated with POU in this population.
Hospitalists' Attitudes and Experiences With Posthospitalization Care Transitions for Patients With Substance Use Disorders: A Cross-sectional Analysis
Authors: Incze Michael A. , Huebler Sophia , Chen David , Stofko Andrea , Wu Chaorong , Baylis Jacob D. , Wells Chesley , Babbel Danielle
Published: March 2024

Background

Medical hospitalizations are relatively common among individuals who have substance use disorders (SUDs) and represent opportunities for patient engagement and treatment. Posthospitalization transitions of care are an important element of providing full-spectrum inpatient SUD care; however, little is known about clinicians' experiences with postdischarge care transitions.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study surveying hospital-based medical clinicians (ie, “hospitalists”) across 2 large health systems in the state of Utah to assess current practices, barriers, facilitators, and perceptions toward posthospitalization care transitions for patients with SUDs. We used Wilcoxon signed-rank tests to identify the most impactful barriers and facilitators among all respondents. We used logistic regression models to explore the influence of hospitalists' attitudes toward providing SUD care on perceived barriers and facilitators.

Results

The survey was distributed to 429 individuals across 15 hospitals. Eighty-two hospitalists responded to the survey (response rate, 21.4%). Most respondents frequently cared for hospitalized patients with SUDs (n = 63, 77%) and prescribed medications for SUDs (n = 44, 56%). Four respondents (5%) felt that patients received adequate support during care transitions. Lack of social support (P < 0.001) and social factors such as lack of transportation (P < 0.001) were perceived as the largest barriers to successful care transitions. Conversely, a partnering outpatient clinic/clinician (P < 0.001) and outpatient-based care coordination (P < 0.001) were perceived as the strongest facilitators. Respondents' attitudes toward people with SUDs had a modest effect on perceived barriers and facilitators.

Conclusions

Hospitalists perceived increased outpatient SUD treatment infrastructure and transitional care supports as most important in facilitating posthospitalization care transitions for patients with SUDs.
Exploring the Possible Role of Cannabinoids in Managing Post-cardiac Surgery Complications: A Narrative Review of Preclinical Evidence and a Call for Future Research Directions
Authors: Pollak Uri , Avniel-Aran Adi , Binshtok Alexander M. , Bar-Yosef Omer , Bronicki Ronald A. , Checchia Paul A. , Finkelstein Yaron
Published: March 2024

Open-heart surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass often leads to complications including pain, systemic inflammation, and organ damage. Traditionally managed with opioids, these pain relief methods bring potential long-term risks, prompting the exploration of alternative treatments. The legalization of cannabis in various regions has reignited interest in cannabinoids, such as cannabidiol, known for their anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and neuroprotective properties. Historical and ongoing research acknowledges the endocannabinoid system's crucial role in managing physiological processes, suggesting that cannabinoids could offer therapeutic benefits in postsurgical recovery. Specifically, cannabidiol has shown promise in managing pain, moderating immune responses, and mitigating ischemia/reperfusion injury, underscoring its potential in postoperative care. However, the translation of these findings into clinical practice faces challenges, highlighting the need for extensive research to establish effective, safe cannabinoid-based therapies for patients undergoing open-heart surgery. This narrative review advocates for a balanced approach, considering both the therapeutic potential of cannabinoids and the complexities of their integration into clinical settings.
The Edmonton Symptom Assessment System is a valid, reliable, and responsive tool to assess symptom burden in decompensated cirrhosis
Authors: Donlan John , Zeng Chengbo , Indriolo Teresa , Li Lucinda , Zhu Enya , Zhou Joyce , Pintro Kedie , Horick Nora , Edelen Maria , Chung Raymond T. , El-Jawahri Areej , Ufere Nneka N.
Published: March 2024

Background:

While there is a growing need for interventions addressing symptom burden in patients with decompensated cirrhosis (DC), the lack of validated symptom assessment tools is a critical barrier. We investigated the psychometric properties of the revised Edmonton Symptom Assessment System (ESAS-r) in a longitudinal cohort of patients with DC.

Methods:

Adult outpatients with DC were prospectively recruited from a liver transplant center and completed ESAS-r at baseline and week 12. We examined reliability, floor/ceiling effects, structural validity, and known-groups validity. We examined the convergent and predictive validity of ESAS-r with health-related quality of life using the Short Form Liver Disease Quality of Life (SF-LDQOL) and responsiveness to changes in anxiety and depression using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 from baseline to week 12.

Results:

From August 2018 to September 2022, 218 patients (9% Child-Pugh A, 59% Child-Pugh B, and 32% Child-Pugh C) were prospectively recruited and completed the ESAS-r, SF-LDQOL, Patient Health Questionnaire-9, and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale at baseline and week 12 (n = 135). ESAS-r had strong reliability (Cronbach’s alpha 0.86), structural validity (comparative fit index 0.95), known-groups validity (Child-Pugh A: 25.1 vs. B: 37.5 vs. C: 41.4, p = 0.006), and convergent validity (r = −0.67 with SF-LDQOL). Floor effects were 9% and ceiling effects were 0.5%. Changes in ESAS-r scores from baseline to week 12 significantly predicted changes in SF-LDQOL (β = −0.36, p < 0.001), accounting for 30% of the variation. ESAS-r was strongly responsive to clinically meaningful changes in SF-LDQOL, Patient Health Questionnaire-9, and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale.

Conclusions:

ESAS-r is a reliable, valid, and responsive tool for assessing symptom burden in patients with DC and can predict changes in health-related quality of life. Future directions include its implementation as a key outcome measure in cirrhosis care and clinical trials.
The method of promoting blood circulation and removing blood stasis in the treatment of intracerebral hemorrhage: A systematic review and meta-analysis protocol of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Liu Mengnan , Li Ziyi , Xue Jinyi , Zou Yuan , Deng Ziwen , Yang Sijin
Published: March 2024

Background:

Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is ranked as the second leading cause of death worldwide, it is essential to find appropriate complementary treatment to improve the therapeutic effect of ICH. As a traditional Chinese medicine therapy to unclog blood vessels and restore normal blood flow, many clinical studies have preliminarily proved the effectiveness of the method of promoting blood circulation and removing blood stasis (PBCRBS) in treating ICH. However, this method was once recommended to be prohibited in modern medicine. The purpose of this study was to systematically evaluate the efficacy and safety of PBCRBS in the treatment of ICH and to provide an ideal complementary therapy for ICH.

Methods and analysis:

All the randomized controlled trials on treating ICH by PBCRBS from Pubmed and CNKI databases from the establishment of the database to August 2023 will be screened. The subject’s data extraction and the risk of bias assessment will be analyzed. The Cochrane scale, Jadad scale, and GRADE scale will be used to assess the risk of bias, the quality of the studies and results. Revman V.5.4 will be used for meta-analysis and the results will be expressed as relative ratio for binary data and mean difference or standardized mean difference for continuous data.

Result:

The results of this systematic review and meta-analysis will be published in a peer-reviewed journal.

Conclusion:

PBCRBS is an effective method for treating ICH.
Performance of a Claims-Based Frailty Proxy Using Varying Frailty Ascertainment Lookback Windows
Authors: Duchesneau Emilie D. , Stürmer Til , Kim Dae Hyun , Reeder-Hayes Katherine , Edwards Jessie K. , Faurot Keturah R. , Lund Jennifer L.
Published: March 2024

Background:

Frailty is an aging-related syndrome of reduced physiological reserve to maintain homeostasis. The Faurot frailty index has been validated as a Medicare claims-based proxy for predicting frailty using billing information from a user-specified ascertainment window.

Objectives:

We assessed the validity of the Faurot frailty index as a predictor of the frailty phenotype and 1-year mortality using varying frailty ascertainment windows.

Research Design:

We identified older adults (66+ y) in Round 5 (2015) of the National Health and Aging Trends Study with Medicare claims linkage. Gold standard frailty was assessed using the frailty phenotype. We calculated the Faurot frailty index using 3, 6, 8, and 12 months of claims prior to the survey or all-available lookback. Model performance for each window in predicting the frailty phenotype was assessed by quantifying calibration and discrimination. Predictive performance for 1-year mortality was assessed by estimating risk differences across claims-based frailty strata.

Results:

Among 4253 older adults, the 6 and 8-month windows had the best frailty phenotype calibration (calibration slopes: 0.88 and 0.87). All-available lookback had the best discrimination (C-statistic=0.780), but poor calibration. Mortality associations were strongest using a 3-month window and monotonically decreased with longer windows. Subgroup analyses revealed worse performance in Black and Hispanic individuals than counterparts.

Conclusions:

The optimal ascertainment window for the Faurot frailty index may depend on the clinical context, and researchers should consider tradeoffs between discrimination, calibration, and mortality. Sensitivity analyses using different durations can enhance the robustness of inferences. Research is needed to improve prediction across racial and ethnic groups.
Super giant basal cell carcinoma: a comprehensive systematic review
Authors: Kang Ajaipal S. , Kang Genelia , Kathuria Harjaap S.
Published: March 2024

Super giant basal cell carcinoma (SGBCC), defined as greater than 20 cm in diameter, is a rare oncological entity, with scarce literature. The authors conducted a review to characterize SGBCC, specifically with regards to age, sex predilection, risk factors, geographical location, body site, metastasis, and treatment. A systematic literature search was conducted from 1972 to 2023. All abstracts, studies, and citations were reviewed. The initial result showed 47 281 articles and were filtered down for human, skin, English language, and SGBCC. The authors identified 20 case reports for our analysis. The sample size was too small to conduct extensive statistical analysis. Majority of the cases were reported in North America and Europe. Males outnumbered almost females 2:1. The mean age was 61 years. The lesion was located on trunk in 16 out of 20 cases. In 13 out of 20 years, the lesion had been present for more than 10 years and 7 out of 20 cases reported metastasis. Several reports documented low socioeconomic status and poor mental health. Regarding treatment, 11 patients underwent surgery, radiation was utilized in 6 patients and immunotherapy (Vismodegib) in 4 patients. Although basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is known to have a favorable prognosis, SGBCC is highly aggressive with ability to metastasize. Our review reveals SGBCC is commonly diagnosed in males in their sixth decade, present for more than 10 years duration, risk factors include low socioeconomic status and poor mental health, commonly found on the trunk with a predilection for metastasis. The authors believe self-neglect is the likely etiology of the large size. Treatment options may be multimodal with a combination of surgery, radiation therapy or immunotherapy (Vismodegib).
Intestinal obstruction induced by portal vein thrombosis in a female undergoing oral contraceptive therapy: a case report with comprehensive review
Authors: William Munna , Yogi Tek Nath , Bhusal Amrit , Habib Mudasira , Raza Amjad Ali , Ahmad Waqar , Yadav Ajay Kumar , Rawal Objan Kumar , Pathik Pramod
Published: March 2024

Introduction:

Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) is a rare medical condition that obstructs blood flow in the portal vein, with cirrhosis as a common predisposing factor. However, its association with oral contraceptive pills (OCPs), particularly with progestins, remains inadequately explored. This case report aims to contribute to this understanding, focusing on the rare presentation of PVT-induced intestinal obstruction in a female on prolonged OCP therapy.

Case presentation:

A 45-year-old female presented with severe abdominal pain, vomiting, and constipation. Diagnosis revealed PVT-induced intestinal obstruction, an exceptionally rare occurrence in the context of prolonged OCP therapy. The patient’s symptoms improved with conservative management, including rivaroxaban, highlighting the crucial role of early intervention.

Discussion:

This case brings attention to the limited literature exploring the link between OCPs and PVT. Despite the generally safe reputation of OCPs, they can induce pro-thrombotic conditions, emphasizing the need for heightened clinical awareness. In this case, the rarity of intestinal obstruction in PVT, compounded by the absence of common risk factors, underscores the diagnostic challenges associated with such presentations.

Conclusion:

PVT-induced intestinal obstruction in a patient on prolonged OCP therapy is exceptionally rare, emphasizing the necessity for multidisciplinary management. It provides crucial insights into suspecting, identifying, and treating this uncommon complication in non-cirrhotic individuals, contributing to the limited existing literature on the subject.
“Opportunistic Care”: A Focus Group Study of Nurses’ Perspective on Caring for Long-term Cancer Survivors and Their Families
Authors: Elizondo Rodríguez Nerea , La Rosa -Salas Virginia , Leite Ana Carolina Andrade Biaggi , Domingo-Osle Marta , Nascimento Lucila Castanheira , García-Vivar Cristina
Published: March 2024

Background

The global population of long-term cancer survivors is increasing, thanks to advances in treatments and care. Healthcare systems are working to address the unique needs of these individuals. However, there remains a knowledge gap concerning nurses’ view on cancer survivorship care.

Objective

To identify nurses’ perspective of care for long-term cancer survivors and their families.

Methods

This qualitative descriptive study used 5 focus groups comprising 33 nurses from primary healthcare and specialized oncology care. Data analysis was conducted through thematic analysis, and the study received ethical approval.

Results

Long-term cancer survivors and their families often remained unrecognized as a distinct group within the healthcare system. Consequently, nurses provide what can be termed as “opportunistic care” during nurse-survivor encounters, addressing health needs beyond the purpose of the initial healthcare visit. This absence of a systematic or structured approach for this patient group has prompted nurses to seek the establishment of a comprehensive framework through survivorship care plans, thus ensuring a continuum of care for this specific population.

Conclusion

The lack of a structured approach to caring for long-term cancer survivors and their families, often invisible as a distinct population group, results in nurses providing care on an opportunistic basis.

Implications for practice

It is crucial to develop and implement survivorship care plans tailored to this population’s needs. Simultaneously, it is important to advance research in this area and establish an educational framework for nurses, enabling them to effectively address the care of long-term cancer survivors and their families.
Congenital Anomalies in Multiple Pregnancy: A Literature Review
Authors: Shin Jae Eun , Ko Hyun Sun , Bae Jin Young , Seong Won Joon , Ahn Tae Gyu , Han You Jung , Cho Geum Joon , Park In Yang
Published: March 2024

Importance

Multiple pregnancy is relatively common in many countries and is associated with various pregnancy complications, including preterm birth, low birth weight, and congenital anomalies. In particular, a poorer prognosis has been reported when congenital anomalies overlap with other pregnancy complications in multiple pregnancy compared with singleton pregnancy.

Objective

This study reviews the characteristics of congenital anomalies that occur in multiple gestations as compared with singleton pregnancies.

Evidence Acquisition

An extensive manual search of major electronic databases was conducted in June 2023. This literature review provides a comprehensive coverage of the congenital anomalies in multiple pregnancy.

Results

Most studies have shown that multiple gestations are associated with an increased risk of congenital anomalies compared with singleton pregnancies. In addition, higher rates of congenital anomalies and concordance have been observed in monozygotic versus dizygotic twins. The effect of assisted reproductive therapies on the risk of congenital anomalies appears to be smaller in multiple gestations than in singleton pregnancies.

Conclusions

Multiple pregnancy is significantly associated with an increased risk of congenital anomalies.

Relevance

This review provides obstetrical providers with the requisite knowledge to offer appropriate antenatal care and prenatal anomaly screening to patients with multiple pregnancies.

Target Audience

Obstetrics and gynecology specialists and family physicians.

Learning Objectives

After participating in this activity, the learners should be better able to explain the prevalence and trend of congenital anomalies in multiple pregnancy; describe the importance of zygosity in prevalence and concordance in multiple pregnancy; and describe the effect of assisted reproductive therapies on the risk of congenital anomalies.
“Diffuse Hot Pleura” in a Case of Recurrent Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Foot
Authors: Ashwathanaryana Abhiram G. , Krishna Sarin , Chaturmohta Arpan , Joshi Parvathi , Asrani Shubham
Published: March 2024

Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) is the second most common nonmelanoma skin cancer. Unlike basal cell carcinoma, regional lymph nodal metastases and subsequent distant site metastases are more common. Up to approximately 2% to 5% of cSCCs can result in distant metastases. Prognosis is dismal, and median survival is distinctly shortened in case of distant metastatic disease. Diffuse pleural metastases with distinctive overarching unilateral involvement are uncommon. Cutaneous SCC commonly metastasizes to lymph nodes, lungs, liver, bones, and skin. Diffuse unilateral pleural metastasis of cSCC of the foot is extremely rare. We report the case of a 54-year-old man with recurrent cSCC. On follow up restaging, 18F-FDG PET/CT revealed diffuse nodular bipleural (visceral and parietal) hypermetabolic right pleural thickening, which was later biopsied and turned out to be diffuse pleural metastases from cSCC giving appearance of “hot pleura.”
Tumor-Induced Parkinsonism Due to a Large Meningioma Diagnosed by 99mTc-TRODAT-1 SPECT/CT
Authors: Alipour Abdolmajid , Ghaedian Tahereh , Yazdani Babak , Rakhsha Abbas , Ostovan Vahid Reza
Published: March 2024

A 67-year-old woman complained of rest and postural tremors in her left upper extremity, associated with bradykinesia and gait disorder since 2 years ago, with no significant response to antiparkinsonism drugs. Dopamine transporter SPECT/CT revealed a remarkable area of 99mTc-TRODAT-1 uptake in a huge tumoral lesion in the right frontotemporal region, compressing and dislocating the right striatum with evidence of significant midline shift. The patient underwent surgical resection with a diagnosis of meningioma on preoperative MRI and postoperative histology report, experiencing a marked recovery in symptoms after 1 month.
Delineating the Role of ITGAM in Macrophage Dynamics and Cardiac Modulation during Sepsis-Induced Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Wang Qinxue , Huang Haobin
Published: March 2024

Background

Sepsis-induced cardiomyopathy (SIC) represents a critical complication of sepsis, characterized by reversible myocardial dysfunction and alterations. Despite extensive research, the molecular mechanisms underlying SIC remain poorly understood.

Methods

Utilizing bioinformatics analysis of RNA-seq and scRNA-seq data from the GEO database, we identified key immune cell populations and molecular markers associated with SIC. Our in vitro and in vivo studies focused on the roles of ITGAM and ICAM-1 in macrophage recruitment and transformation as well as the impact of these changes on cardiac function.

Results

Bioinformatics analysis revealed significant alterations in gene expression and immune cell composition in cardiac tissue during SIC, with macrophages being the predominant immune cell type. ITGAM was identified as crucial molecule in this process. In vitro experiments demonstrated an upregulation of ITGAM in macrophages and ICAM-1 in endothelial cells following LPS stimulation, indicating their roles in immune cell recruitment and interaction. Furthermore, the use of ITGAM-neutralizing antibodies led to reduced macrophages infiltration and initially improved cardiac function in SIC mice, but resulted in increased mortality in later stages. These findings highlight the dual role of ITGAM in SIC, facilitating early-stage inflammation and later-stage cardiac recovery.

Conclusion

This study elucidates the complex dynamics of immune cells in SIC, with a particular emphasis on the role of ITGAM in macrophage modulation. The findings provide new insights into the reversible nature of myocardial dysfunction in SIC and underscore the importance of targeted therapeutic strategies for effective sepsis management.

Highlights

Identifies ITGAM as a key modulator in macrophage dynamics during sepsis-induced cardiomyopathy (SIC).

Elucidates the impact of ITGAM on cardiac function in SIC.

Reveals new insights into the immune-cellular mechanisms in SIC pathology.
Effect of a male-targeted digital decision support application aimed at increasing linkage to HIV care among men: Findings from the HITS cluster randomized clinical trial in rural South Africa
Authors: Kim Hae-Young , Inghels Maxime , Mathenjwa Thulile , Shahmanesh Maryam , Seeley Janet , Matthews Phillippa , Wyke Sally , McGrath Nuala , Adeagbo Oluwafemi , Gareta Dickman , Yapa H. Manisha , Zuma Thembelihle , Dobra Adrian , Blandford Ann , Bärnighausen Till , Tanser Frank
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Linkage to HIV care remains suboptimal among men. We investigated the effectiveness of a male-targeted HIV-specific decision support app, Empowering People through Informed Choices for HIV (EPIC-HIV), on increasing linkage to HIV care among men in rural South Africa.

Methods

Home-Based Intervention to Test and Start (HITS) was a multi-component cluster-randomized controlled trial among 45 communities in uMkhanyakude, KwaZulu-Natal. The development of EPIC-HIV was guided by self-determination theory and human-centered intervention design to increase intrinsic motivation to seek HIV testing and care among men. EPIC-HIV was offered in two stages: EPIC-HIV 1 at the time of home-based HIV counseling and testing (HBHCT), and EPIC-HIV 2 at 1 month after positive HIV diagnosis. Sixteen communities were randomly assigned to the arms to receive EPIC-HIV, and 29 communities to the arms without EPIC-HIV. Among all eligible men, we compared linkage to care (initiation or resumption of antiretroviral therapy after >3 months of care interruption) at local clinics within 1 year of a home visit, which was ascertained from individual clinical records. Intention-to-treat analysis was performed using modified Poisson regression with adjustment for receiving another intervention (i.e., financial incentives) and clustering at the community level. We also conducted a satisfaction survey for EPIC-HIV 2.

Results

Among all 13,894 eligible men (i.e., ≥15 years and resident in the 45 communities), 20.7% received HBHCT, resulting in 122 HIV-positive tests. Among these, 54 men linked to care within 1 year after HBHCT. Additionally, of the 13,765 eligible participants who did not receive HBHCT or received HIV-negative results, 301 men linked to care within 1 year. Overall, only 13 men received EPIC-HIV 2. The proportion of linkage to care did not differ in the arms assigned to EPIC-HIV compared to those without EPIC-HIV (adjusted risk ratio=1.05; 95% CI:0.86-1.29). All 13 men who used EPIC-HIV 2 reported the app was acceptable, user-friendly, and useful for getting information on HIV testing and treatment.

Conclusion

Reach was low although acceptability and usability of the app was very high among those who engaged with it. Enhanced digital support applications could form part of interventions to increase knowledge of HIV treatment for men.

Clinical Trial Number:ClinicalTrials.gov#NCT03757104
Biosurfer for systematic tracking of regulatory mechanisms leading to protein isoform diversity
Authors: Murali Mayank , Saquing Jamie , Lu Senbao , Gao Ziyang , Jordan Ben , Wakefield Zachary Peters , Fiszbein Ana , Cooper David R. , Castaldi Peter J. , Korkin Dmitry , Sheynkman Gloria
Published: March 2024

Long-read RNA sequencing has shed light on transcriptomic complexity, but questions remain about the functionality of downstream protein products. We introduce Biosurfer, a computational approach for comparing protein isoforms, while systematically tracking the transcriptional, splicing, and translational variations that underlie differences in the sequences of the protein products. Using Biosurfer, we analyzed the differences in 32,799 pairs of GENCODE annotated protein isoforms, finding a majority (70%) of variable N-termini are due to the alternative transcription start sites, while only 9% arise from 5’ UTR alternative splicing. Biosurfer’s detailed tracking of nucleotide-to-residue relationships helped reveal an uncommonly tracked source of single amino acid residue changes arising from the codon splits at junctions. For 17% of internal sequence changes, such split codon patterns lead to single residue differences, termed “ragged codons”. Of variable C-termini, 72% involve splice- or intron retention-induced reading frameshifts. We found an unusual pattern of reading frame changes, in which the first frameshift is closely followed by a distinct second frameshift that restores the original frame, which we term a “snapback” frameshift. We analyzed long read RNA-seq-predicted proteome of a human cell line and found similar trends as compared to our GENCODE analysis, with the exception of a higher proportion of isoforms predicted to undergo nonsense-mediated decay. Biosurfer’s comprehensive characterization of long-read RNA-seq datasets should accelerate insights of the functional role of protein isoforms, providing mechanistic explanation of the origins of the proteomic diversity driven by the alternative splicing. Biosurfer is available as a Python package athttps://github.com/sheynkman-lab/biosurfer.
RESiLIENT (Resilience Enhancement with Smartphone in LIving ENvironmenTs) Trial: The Statistical Analysis Plan
Authors: Noma Hisashi , Furukawa Toshi A. , Tajika Aran , Sakata Masatsugu , Luo Yan , Toyomoto Rie , Horikoshi Masaru , Akechi Tatsuo , Kawakami Norito , Nakayama Takeo , Kondo Naoki , Fukuma Shingo , Christensen Helen , Kessler Ronald C. , Cuijpers Pim , Wason James
Published: March 2024

This document gives a statistical analysis plan of the acute intervention effects of the RESiLIENT (Resilience Enhancement with Smartphone in LIving ENvironmenTs) trial, designed as a master protocol including four 2×2 factorial trials to elucidate specific efficacies of five cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) skills (cognitive restructuring, behavioural activation, problem-solving, assertion training, and behavior therapy for insomnia) using the internet CBT program. This trial was registered within the UMIN Clinical Trials Registry in Japan (UMIN000047124). The study protocol has previously been published (BMJ Open 2023;13:e067850).
The Diversified Astrocyte Developmental Programs are Modulated by Primary Ciliary Signaling
Authors: Wang Lizheng , Guo Qianqian , Acharya Sandesh , Zheng Xiao , Huynh Vanessa , Whitmore Brandon , Yimit Askar , Malhotra Mehr , Chatterji Siddharth , Rosin Nicole , Labit Elodie , Chipak Colten , Gorzo Kelsea , Haidey Jordan , Elliott David , Ram Tina , Zhang Qingrun , Kuipers Hedwich , Gordon Grant , Biernaskie Jeff , Guo Jiami
Published: March 2024

Astrocyte diversity is greatly influenced by local environmental modulation. Here, we report that the vast majority of brain astrocytes across the entire brain possess a singular primary cilium, a specialized signaling antenna localized to cell soma. Comparative single-cell transcriptomics reveals that primary cilia mediate canonical Shh signaling to modulate astrocyte subtype-specific core features in synaptic regulation, intracellular transport, energy and metabolism. Independent of canonical Shh signaling, primary cilia are important regulators for astrocyte morphology and intracellular signaling balance. Dendritic spine analysis and transcriptomics reveal that perturbation of astrocytic cilia leads to disruption of neuronal development and global intercellular connectomes in the brain. Ultimately, mice with primary ciliary deficient astrocytes show behavioral deficits in sensorimotor function, sociability, learning and memory. Our results uncover a critical role for primary cilia in transmitting local cues that drive the region-specific diversification of astrocytes within the developing brain.
Effect of Sn on stacking fault energies in zirconium and its hydrides
Authors: Chakraborty P. , Mouton I. , Gault B. , Tehranchi A. , Neugebauer J. , Hickel T.
Published: March 2024

Hydrogen embrittlement in Zr-alloy fuel cladding is a primary safety concern for water-based nuclear reactors. Here we investigated the stabilization of planar defects within the forming hydrides by Sn, the primary alloying element of Zircaloy-4 used in the cladding. In order to explain the formation of hydrides and planar defects observed in our experiments, we performed atomic-scale calculations focusing on the solute interactions with generalized stacking faults in hcp α-Zr and fcc zirconium hydrides. Our calculations showed that an increase in Sn concentration leads to a stabilization of stacking faults in both the α-Zr and hydride phases. However, the solution enthalpy of Sn is lower in the α-Zr as compared to the other hydride phases, indicative of two competing processes of Sn depletion/enrichment at the Zr hydride/matrix interface. This is corroborated by experimental findings, where Sn is less soluble in hydrides and is mostly found trapped at interfaces and planar defects, indicative of stacking faults inside the hydride phases. Our systematic investigation enables us to understand the presence and distribution of solutes in the hydride phases, which provides a deeper insight into the microstructural evolution of such alloy's properties during its service lifetime.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Usability test and implications of an activity allocation mapping in complex organizations: perceptions about a software by emergency room agents
Authors: Pereira Lucas Melchiori , Ornstein Sheila Walbe
Published: March 2024

Purpose

Properly allocating an organization's activities within a building is vital to reducing the relational complexity arising from process–environment interactions. Multiple relationships are mapped, and certain interferences are only identified after these have been processed. The method/software employed for this task is Mapping Activity Environment Allocation (MAEA). However, data input and interpretation of results depend on the usability conditions of the organization's agents. This paper presents MAEA's usability test results.

Design/methodology/approach

Test sessions and interviews were carried out with seven agents registered at a University Hospital. Participants were instructed to think aloud during its use, and immediately afterward, responded to semi-structured interviews. Test sessions were audio recorded and screen captured.

Findings

Participants found the software easy to use and pointed out valuable implications for professional and academic use. In addition to relationship, priority and parallelism data, customized visualizations were created, including organizational charts, flowcharts and activity flow routes on the floor plan.

Practical implications

MAEA's simplicity allows non-designers to conduct evidence-based assessments and decisions. It allows designers to test their proposals during the programming and outline proposal stages.

Social implications

A more detailed definition of design requirements from the beginning increases the conditions to successfully achieve project goals.

Originality/value

The ability to map the allocation of activity-spaces in the pre-design phase of building architecture allows for early identification of interactions, aiding in the development of more robust project requirements during programming.
Factors influencing behavioural intention to avail omnichannel service among Gen Y consumers
Authors: Mishra Ruchi , Singh Rajesh Kumar , Paul Justin
Published: March 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the factors influencing the behavioural intention of Gen Y consumers to avail omnichannel service and to identify the relative influence of predictors in explaining the behavioural intention of Gen Y consumers to use omnichannel service.

Design/methodology/approach

Data collected through surveys from 287 Gen Y consumers has been analysed through structural equation modelling to examine direct and mediated relationships between the constructs influencing behavioural intention to use omnichannel service.

Findings

Findings indicate that perceived ease of use, social influence, perceived trust, and personal innovativeness positively affect behavioural intention to use omnichannel service, with the result accounting for 48% of the variance. We also demonstrate that perceived value and perceived ease of use mediate the association between personal innovativeness and behavioural intention to use omnichannel service.

Research limitations/implications

The study provides valuable insights into adopting technology-based offerings for Gen Y customers. The presented model can be extended for analysing consumers' behavioural intentions by considering additional variables, such as consumer personality traits and diverse cultural settings. The study may help managers and policymakers formulate a consumer-focussed strategy to win over modern retail consumers.

Originality/value

This study explores the behavioural intention of Gen Y consumers in availing omnichannel services. Further, the study contributes to the technology acceptance model (TAM), unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) or UTAUT2 theories that may need to be extended in the omnichannel shopping context.
Using simulations in project management education – impact on awareness and ability to navigate projects in a sustainable way
Authors: Ingason Helgi Thor , Eskerod Pernille
Published: March 2024

Purpose

Existing literature points out that conventional educational modes are not sufficiently motivational for students. Concurrently, the contemporary society requires awareness of sustainability within project management. The purpose of this paper is to investigate how the use of simulations in project management education can positively impact students’ awareness of sustainability and enhance their ability to navigate projects in a sustainable way.

Design/methodology/approach

Experiment where 26 experienced professionals with different backgrounds engaged in three extensive project management simulations with sustainable aspects and participated in pre- and post-assessments.

Findings

Our research shows that simulations have a high potential for enhancing learning on project management with sustainable aspects. We conclude that simulations can significantly contribute to enhancing student awareness of sustainability. This is through directly confronting them with three areas in which sustainability impacts project management, that is the management of environmental, social, and economic aspects; through handling opportunities, complexities, and adaptability; and by assuming responsibility for sustainable development in the simulation case.

Practical implications

We have shown that simulations – as a part of project management education – are highly likely to augment students' capacity to navigate their projects in a sustainable way.

Originality/value

This paper offers results of an empirical study on simulations as a means to create awareness of ability to navigate projects in a sustainable way. The paper provides extensive qualitative statements from participants, and thereby gives the reader insights into the raw data leading to insightful conclusions for the field of project management education.
Web intelligence-enhanced unmanned aerial vehicle target search model based on reinforcement learning for cooperative tasks
Authors: Gao Mingke , Zhang Zhenyu , Zhang Jinyuan , Tang Shihao , Zhang Han , Pang Tao
Published: March 2024

Purpose

Because of the various advantages of reinforcement learning (RL) mentioned above, this study uses RL to train unmanned aerial vehicles to perform two tasks: target search and cooperative obstacle avoidance.

Design/methodology/approach

This study draws inspiration from the recurrent state-space model and recurrent models (RPM) to propose a simpler yet highly effective model called the unmanned aerial vehicles prediction model (UAVPM). The main objective is to assist in training the UAV representation model with a recurrent neural network, using the soft actor-critic algorithm.

Findings

This study proposes a generalized actor-critic framework consisting of three modules: representation, policy and value. This architecture serves as the foundation for training UAVPM. This study proposes the UAVPM, which is designed to aid in training the recurrent representation using the transition model, reward recovery model and observation recovery model. Unlike traditional approaches reliant solely on reward signals, RPM incorporates temporal information. In addition, it allows the inclusion of extra knowledge or information from virtual training environments. This study designs UAV target search and UAV cooperative obstacle avoidance tasks. The algorithm outperforms baselines in these two environments.

Originality/value

It is important to note that UAVPM does not play a role in the inference phase. This means that the representation model and policy remain independent of UAVPM. Consequently, this study can introduce additional “cheating” information from virtual training environments to guide the UAV representation without concerns about its real-world existence. By leveraging historical information more effectively, this study enhances UAVs’ decision-making abilities, thus improving the performance of both tasks at hand.
Beyond tribal politics for e-participation and development: social media influence on Nigeria's 2023 presidential general election
Authors: Morah Doris Ngozi , Nwafor Oluchukwu Augustina
Published: March 2024

Purpose

The study investigates factors like media, tribal, religious and party politics' influence on Nigerias’ 2023 presidential election choice. It confirms dominant social media platforms and examines their influence on election polls, e-participation and political candidate choice. The main objectives of this study are to: investigate if tribal, religious and party politics affect the respondent’s choice of a presidential candidate, ascertain the respondent's most used social media platform for political engagement and determine how social media platforms influenced the election polls during the 2023 Nigerian presidential election.

Design/methodology/approach

A sample size of 384 registered voters was used to survey three states in Southeast Nigeria hinged on the technological acceptance model, the instrumentalist theory of ethnicity and the theory of reasoned action.

Findings

The study found that tribal politics did not influence political candidates during the 2023 Nigerian presidential election. However, religious and party politics influenced their choices as well as X (Twitter), found as the most used and most influential social media platform vital for enhancing participatory democracy and informing people at real-time.

Research limitations/implications

The researchers experienced challenges such as ensuring that the respondents filled the questions appropriately to reduce the number of void questionnaires and a funding problem since they had yet to receive any grant to enhance the study.

Originality/value

The study commends improved Internet connectivity and accessibility among the citizens for increased political engagement on social media. It also recommends that the Nigerian government enforce the rule of law in politics to enable diverse tribes and religions to experience democratic e-participation and development without marginalisation or subjugation by incumbent power. The findings affirm that social media is apt in political communication during the 2023 presidential elections in Nigeria. The study is a contribution to knowledge, timely and original.
SMED 4.0: a development of single minute exchange of die in the era of Industry 4.0 technologies to improve sustainability
Authors: Khakpour Rouhollah , Ebrahimi Ahmad , Seyed-Hosseini Seyed-Mohammad
Published: March 2024

Purpose

This paper recommends a method entitled “SMED 4.0” as a development of conventional single minute exchange of die (SMED) to avoid defect occurrence during production and improve sustainability, besides reducing setup time.

Design/methodology/approach

The method builds upon an extensive literature review and in-depth explorative research in SMED and zero defect manufacturing (ZDM). SMED 4.0 incorporates an evolutionary stage that employs predict-prevent strategies using Industry 4.0 technologies including the Internet of Things (IoT) and machine learning (ML) algorithms.

Findings

It presents the applicability of the proposed approach in (1) identifying the triple bottom line (TBL) criteria, which are affected by defects; (2) predicting the time of defect occurrence if any; (3) preventing defective products by performing online setting on machines during production as needed; (4) maintaining the desired quality of the product during the production and (5) improving TBL sustainability in manufacturing processes.

Originality/value

The extended view of SMED 4.0 in this research, as well as its analytical approach, helps practitioners develop their SMED approaches in a more holistic way. The practical application of SMED 4.0 is illustrated by implementing it in a real-life manufacturing case.
Analysis on the development of chemically-improved soil in railway engineering
Authors: Chen Feng , Wang Zhongjin , Zhang Dong , Zeng Shuai
Published: March 2024

Purpose

Explore the development trend of chemically-improved soil in railway engineering.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, the technical standards home and abroad were analyzed. Laboratory test, field test and monitoring were carried out.

Findings

The performance design system of the chemically-improved soil should be established.

Originality/value

On the basis of the performance design, the test methods and standards for various properties of chemically-improved soil should be established to evaluate the improvement effect and control the engineering quality.
Hotter drought and trade‐off between fast and slow growth strategies as major drivers of tree‐ring growth variability of global conifers
Authors: Wang Xuemei , Wang Xiangping
Published: March 2024

Temporal growth variability is an important indicator of ecosystem function under climate change. However, we still lack a unified understanding of how climate conditions, climate change (trends and variability), nitrogen (N) deposition, functional traits and stand factors together affect radial growth variability.

Using global conifer tree‐ring records (123 species from 1780 sites) during 1970–2010 to calculate growth variability, we assessed how abiotic and stand factors affect growth variability directly and indirectly via functional traits with boosted regression tree and structural equation models, and examined the differences among continents (North America, Asia and Europe).

We found: (a) growth variability was mainly affected by warm‐induced drought and increased at lower latitudes. Climate warming in winter could decrease growth variability, but this effect is by far not enough to offset the threat of hotter drought; (b) there existed a trade‐off between fast‐ and slow‐growing (drought tolerance) strategies for global conifer species, and abiotic and stand factors affected growth variability via functional traits. Contrary to common conjecture, species with higher drought tolerance revealed higher growth variability due to their occupation of more xeric sites, and may also because higher investment in drought tolerance leads to less investment remaining for growth; (c) older trees revealed higher growth variability due to their more conservative growth strategy, while at large scales, taller trees showed lower growth variability due to occupying more productive sites; and (d) moderate N deposition could reduce growth variability by leading conifers to adopt a more fast‐growing strategy (e.g. in Asia), but long‐term and excessive N deposition led to increased growth variability (e.g. in North America and Europe).

Synthesis. Our results suggest that coniferous forests in water‐limited regions should be more vulnerable to hotter drought, and the ‘fast–slow’ growth strategies may be key in regulating the effects of various abiotic and stand factors on ecosystem stability. Moreover, future hotter drought and N deposition will severely threaten conifer growth, especially for old trees and conifers at lower latitudes.