bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A novel heritage BIM (HBIM) framework development for heritage buildings refurbishment based on an investigative study of microorganisms
Authors: Cooney John Peter , Oloke David , Gyoh Louis
Published: July 2023

Purpose

This study aims to demonstrate the possibility of showing the functionality of complex microbial groups, within ancient structures within a process of refurbishment on a heritage building information modelling (BIM) platform.

Design/methodology/approach

Both a qualitative and qualitative research method will be used throughout, as observational and scientific results will be obtained and collated. This path being; phenomena – acquisition tools – storage – analysis tools – literature. Using this methodology, one pilot study within the scope of demolition and refurbishment, using suitable methods of collecting and managing data (structural or otherwise), will be used and generated by various software and applications. The principle methods used for the identification of such micro-organisms will incorporate a polymerase chain reaction method (PCR), to amplify DNA and to identify any or all spores present. The BIM/historical BIM (HBIM) process will be used to create a remotely-based survey to obtain and collate data using a laser scanner to produce a three-dimensional point cloud model to evaluate and deduce the condition, make-up and stature of the monument. A documentation management system will be devised to enable the development of plain language questions and an exchange information requirement, to identify such documentation required to enable safe refurbishment and to give health and safety guidance. Four data sampling extractions will be conducted, two for each site, within the research, for each of the periods being assessed, that being the Norman and Tudor areas of the monument.

Findings

From laboratory PCR analysis, results show a conclusive presence of micro-organism groups and will be represented within a hierarchical classification, from kingdom to species.

Originality/value

The BIM/HBIM process will highlight results in a graphical form to show data collected, particularly within the PCR application. It will also create standardisation and availability for such data from ancient monuments to make available all data stored, as such analysis becomes substantially important to enable the production of data sets for comparison, from within the framework of this research.
Perceived risk and second-hand clothing consumption: a moderated-moderation model
Authors: Koay Kian Yeik , Cheung Man Lai , Lom Hui Shan , Leung Wilson Ka Shing
Published: July 2023

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the three-way interaction effect of sanitary risk, aesthetic risk and psychological risk on consumers' purchase intention for second-hand clothing (SHC) based on perceived risk theory.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey method is used to collect data from consumers, and the final valid sample comprises 290 respondents. Partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) and PROCESS macro are used to analyse the data.

Findings

The results reveal that aesthetic risk moderates the negative influence of sanitary risk on purchase intention, such that the negative influence is stronger when aesthetic risk is high. In addition, the three-way interaction effect of sanitary risk, aesthetic risk and psychological risk on consumers' purchase intention for SHC is found to be significant. That is, the negative influence of sanitary risk on purchase intention is strongest when both aesthetic risk and psychological risk are high.

Originality/value

Previous studies have only examined the direct effect of perceived risk on consumers' purchase intention for SHC. This study contributes to perceived risk theory by examining the joint moderating effect of aesthetic risk and psychological risk on the relationship between sanitary risk and purchase intention in the context of SHC.
CEO international experience and firm performance revisited: What’s culture got to do with it?
Authors: Downes Meredith , Barelka Alex J.
Published: July 2023

Purpose

This paper examines the relationship between chief executive officer (CEO) international experience (IE) and firm performance. The authors also examine the symmetry of this relationship, whereby home and host countries would be interchangeable without any significant change in the impact of each cultural dimension on firm performance.

Design/methodology/approach

For a sample of CEOs from Fortune's list of Global 500 companies, firm performance was measured as average net margin for the first four years of CEO tenure. IE was the difference between home country culture and that where CEO experience was gained, based on the GLOBE cultural dimensions. Regression then tested the IE/firm performance relationship. For symmetry, distance direction was coded as either positive or negative, depending on whether home country score on a given dimension was higher or lower than that of the host. Moderator regression then tested for whether distance direction impacted the relationship between IE and firm performance.

Findings

Results show that overall distance between home and host cultures in aggregate does not have a significant effect on firm performance. However, for specific dimensions, greater distances between the CEO's countries of experience and that of the parent company on in-group collectiveness and performance orientation are associated with higher firm performance, and greater distances on power distance and assertiveness are associated with lower performance. The authors further find asymmetric patterns in the IE–performance relationship, attributable primarily to the fact that, when scores on performance orientation are greater for the home than host country, organizational performance is significantly enhanced.

Originality/value

This study's hypotheses are grounded in theory, combining the human capital perspective with cultural paradox theory. In addition, the authors offer a unique approach for measuring the dimensional distance of culture.
Transition management strategies of confiscated mafia-type firms: the role of public administrations and nonprofit organizations
Authors: Bisogno Marco
Published: July 2023

Purpose

This study aims to investigate transition patterns originating from the confiscation of mafia-type firms, examining public administrations and nonprofit organizations' roles.

Design/methodology/approach

This study investigates the case of “Calcestruzzi Ericina Libera,” a firm located in Sicily and confiscated from the Mafia in 1996. The analysis covers an extended period (approximately 25 years).

Findings

The empirical analysis documents the pivotal role of informal networks, comprising public administrations and nonprofit organizations. Confiscation processes are successful if transition management strategies are governed through a network and a collaborative approach is followed after the confiscation to support the firm.

Originality/value

Mafia-type firms have been examined academically from different perspectives, but few studies have focused on the steps taken after their confiscation.
Optimal financing strategy and contract design of supply chain with yield uncertainty under cap-and-trade regulation
Authors: Tang Ting , Xu Haiyan , Chen Kebing , Zhang Zhichao
Published: July 2023

Purpose

The purpose of the study is to investigate the financing channels and carbon emission abatement preferences of supply chain members, and further examine the optimal contract design of the retailer.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper develops a low-carbon supply chain composed of one retailer and one manufacturer, in which the retailer provides trade credit to the manufacturer. Considering the cap-and-trade regulation, the manufacturer with uncertain yield makes decision on whether to invest in emission abatement. There are bank loan and trade credit to finance production for the manufacturer and green credit to finance emission abatement investment. Meanwhile, the retailer may provide the manufacturer with three kinds of contracts to improve emission abatement efficiency, namely, revenue sharing, cost sharing or both sharing.

Findings

The results show that the retailer prefers to offer financing service at lower interest rate, but trade (and green) credit financing is always optimal for manufacturer and supply chain. The investment in emission abatement is value-added to all players. The sharing contracts offered by the retailer at lower sharing ratios can realize Pareto improvement of the system regardless of the financing scheme. However, comparing with the revenue or cost sharing contract, the existence of optimal sharing ratios makes the both sharing contract more favorable to the retailer.

Practical implications

The findings provide guidance for the emission-dependent manufacturer in financing and emission abatement decisions, as well as recommendations for the retailer to offer loan service and sharing contract.

Originality/value

This paper integrates green credit into bank loan or trade credit to analyze the financing decision of the manufacturer with uncertain yield and further considers the influence of three kinds of sharing contracts introduced by the retailer on improving operational performance.
Do perceived threats to psychological distance influence tourists' reactance and online Airbnb booking intentions during COVID-19?
Authors: Akhtar Naeem , Iqbal Siddiqi Umar , Islam Tahir
Published: July 2023

Purpose

The authors proposed a conceptual model by examining the influence of threats to their freedom on tourists’ psychological distance including social distance, spatial distance, and temporal distance, which effect psychological reactance and the consequent online Airbnb booking intentions. Furthermore, media intrusiveness as a moderator determines the boundary conditions between perceived threats to their freedom and social distance, spatial distance, and temporal distance.

Design/methodology/approach

Data was gathered from 491 Chinese travelers to provide empirical evidence. The authors performed data analysis in Amos 26.0 using structural equation modeling (SEM) and Hayes (2013) PROCESS macro.

Findings

The findings positively reinforced all the structural relationships of the study. Notably, media intrusiveness significantly moderates the association between perceived threats to their freedom and psychological distance (i.e. social distance, spatial distance, and temporal distance).

Research limitations/implications

The findings contribute significantly to the field of social psychology, advertising, and consumer behavior derive prolific implications for policymakers and sharing economy platforms. Lastly, by identifying limitations, this research opens doors for future scholars.

Originality/value

Governments' acute precautionary measures in response to the COVID-19 outbreak have confined individual freedom across the globe. This study illuminates how tourists conceive these preventative measures as perceived threats to their freedom, and subsequently engage psychological reactance.
UKSG 2023: scholarly communication for the information community
Authors: Oyelude Adetoun A.
Published: July 2023

Purpose

It reports new research and innovative ideas and technology presented at the UKSG Conference held in Glasgow, Scotland. The report is to disseminate outcomes from the conference plenaries, lightning talks, breakout sessions and exhibitions. Topics like open access, global equity, artificial intelligence and scholarly communication, research archiving and preservation among others are described as presented during the conference.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses the viewpoint method in reporting a United Kingdom Serials Group (UKSG) experience of a conference held in April, 2023 in Glasgow, Scotland.

Findings

The scholarly community debated much that is trending on various topics and concluded that a lot needs to be done in collaborations, open access, research into new ways of dealing with contemporary issues and new technologies.

Originality/value

The paper presents the issues discussed at the UKSG Conference 2023 have not been presented before. Current trends are brought to the fore.
Synthesis, metrological characterization, and dyeing properties of surface grafted viscose fabric using peroxydisulfate/ferrous II ions redox pair
Authors: Mostafa Khaled , Abdelaziz Nader , El-Sanabary Azza
Published: July 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to undertake surface graft copolymerization of viscose fabric via altering its fibrous properties by using acrylic acid (AA) as a carboxyl-containing monomer and peroxydisulfate (PDS) in presence of ferrous sulfate as a novel redox pair for initiating grafting. The latter process acted as an energy-saving process with respect to the reduction in polymerization temperature and maximizing the graft yield %, in addition to rendering the grafted viscose fabrics dye-able with cationic dye (crystal violet), which has frequently no direct affinity to fix on fabric.

Design/methodology/approach

To make graft copolymerization more efficient and economic, the optimum conditions for graft copolymerization were established. The graft yield % was determined as a function of initiator, catalyst and monomer concentrations and the material to liquor ratio, in addition to polymerization time and temperatures. Metrological characterizations via Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy of topographic morphological surface change have also been established in comparison with the ungrafted samples.

Findings

The maximum graft yield of 70.6% is obtained at the following optimum conditions: monomer (150 % based on the weight of fabric), PDS (50 m mole), ferrous sulfate (80 m mole) and sulfuric acid (30 m mole) at 40° C for 1.5 h using a liquor ratio of 30. Remarkably, grafting with AA enabled a multifold upsurge in color strength, with improvements in the fastness properties of cationically dyed grafted viscose fabric measured on the blue scale in comparison with untreated viscose fabric.

Originality/value

The novelty addressed here is undertaken with studying the effect of altering the extent of grafting of poly (AA)-viscose graft copolymers expressed as graft yield % in addition to carboxyl contents on cationic dyeing of viscose fabric for the first time in the literature. Moreover, rendering the viscose fabrics after grafting is dye-able with cationic dye with high brilliance of shades, which has regularly no direct affinity to fix on this type of fabrics.
Continuing complexity: The university careers of a scientific elite in relation to their class origins and schooling
Authors: Bukodi Erzsébet , Goldthorpe John H. , Steinberg Inga
Published: July 2023

We report on continuing research on the UK scientific elite, intended to illustrate a proposed new approach to elite studies and based on a prosopography of Fellows of the Royal Society born from 1900. We extend analyses previously reported of Fellows' social origins and secondary schooling to take in their university careers as under‐ and postgraduates. The composite term ‘Oxbridge’, as often applied in elite studies, is called into question, as members of the scientific elite prove to have been recruited more from Cambridge than from Oxford. Particular interest then attaches to the relation between Fellows' social origins and schooling and their attendance at Cambridge. Among Fellows whose university careers were made at Cambridge, those of more advantaged class origins and those with private schooling are over‐represented, although in this, as in various other respects, including Fellows' field of study, family influences persist independently of schooling. One suggestive interaction effect exists in that being privately educated increases the probability of having been at Cambridge more for Fellows from managerial than from professional families. Private schooling leading on to both undergraduate and postgraduate study at Cambridge can be identified as the educational ‘royal road’ into the scientific elite; and Fellows coming from higher professional and managerial families alike have the highest probability of having entered the elite in this way. But the most common route turns out in fact to be via state schooling and attendance at universities outside of ‘the golden triangle’ of Cambridge, Oxford and London; and this route is far more likely to have been followed by Fellows of all other class origins than higher professional. The relation between the degree of social skew in the recruitment of an elite and the degree of social homogeneity among its members can be more complex than has often been supposed.
Barriers to identification and reporting of child abuse and neglect experienced by medical officers and nursing staff in emergency departments of the Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District
Authors: Soh Huei Ti , Bhurawala Habib , Poulton Alison , Liu Anthony , Cush Kate , Griffiths Glenys , Gandham Sowmya
Published: July 2023

Objective

This structured survey sought to identify barriers to recognising and reporting potential child abuse by medical officers and nursing staff in the EDs of three Western Sydney hospitals. These include a large metropolitan teaching hospital, a small metropolitan hospital and a rural hospital.

Methods

A mixed approach of qualitative and quantitative study methodology was used to survey potential participants. The electronic survey was distributed to participants to assess knowledge and experiences with identifying child abuse presenting to the ED over a 6‐month period. A descriptive analysis of the data was performed.

Results

A total of 121 responses were received from 340 potential participants, giving a participation rate of 35%. The majority of the respondents were senior medical officers (38/110, 34%) or registered nurses (35/110, 32%). The study participants perceived the lack of time as the most significant barrier to reporting child abuse (85/101, 84%). This was followed by a lack of education (35/101, 34%), resources (33/101, 32%) and support (30/101, 29%).

Conclusion

The combination of hospital, departmental and individual staff issues such as time limitations, lack of resources, education and support are potential barriers to reporting suspected child abuse. We recommend tailored teaching sessions, improved reporting procedures and increased support from senior staff to overcome these barriers.
Prostate‐specific membrane antigen positron emission tomography detected local failure after post‐prostatectomy radiation therapy: Low rates of out‐of‐field recurrence validates current Australian prostate bed contouring guidelines
Authors: Shakespeare Thomas Philip , Yap Shaun Zheng Liang , Hsieh Michael , Tahir Abdul Rahim Mohd , Armstrong Shreya
Published: July 2023

Introduction

The Australian Faculty of Radiation Oncology Genitourinary Group (FROGG) developed prostate bed clinical target volume (CTV) contouring guidelines which were subsequently used to develop the National EviQ guidelines for adjuvant and salvage post‐prostatectomy radiotherapy (PPRT). These guidelines were based mainly upon consensus agreement. With the advent of prostate‐specific membrane antigen (PSMA) positron emission tomography (PET), sites of recurrence can now be detected with low prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) levels following radical prostatectomy. We evaluated sites of recurrence in patients treated with FROGG/EviQ CTVs to inform upcoming modifications of these guidelines.

Methods

At our institution, we use the FROGG/EviQ guidelines for PPRT. From 2015, patients with PSA failure following PPRT have been re‐staged using PSMA PET imaging. We identified patients with PET‐avid local, nodal, and distant recurrences, fusing them with original treatment plans to determine whether recurrences were within or outside the prostate bed CTV. Regional nodal failures were reviewed to determine if they were within current elective node contouring guidelines.

Results

Ninety‐four patients had positive PSMA PET following PPRT. Nine (9.6%) recurrences were local, seven being local‐only. One local recurrence (1.1%) was just superior to the contoured prostate bed CTV, located within the vas deferens. Seventy‐three (77.7%) patients had a component of node failure, with 56 (59.6%) having node‐only failure. Sites of nodal relapses were covered by standard contouring guidelines 60.3% of the time.

Conclusion

The low recurrence rate outside of current prostate bed CTV contouring guidelines is consistent with other studies using contemporary contouring, and validates the efficacy of the current FROGG/EviQ prostate bed CTV definition.
A phase II study of a doublet metronomic chemotherapy regimen consisting of oral vinorelbine and capecitabine in Chinese women with HER2‐negative metastatic breast cancer
Authors: Chai Yue , Liu Jiaxuan , Jiang Mingxia , He Maiyue , Wang Zijing , Ma Fei , Wang Jiayu , Yuan Peng , Luo Yang , Xu Binghe , Li Qiao
Published: July 2023

Background

This single‐arm prospective phase II trial was performed to assess the efficacy and safety of the dual oral metronomic vinorelbine and capecitabine (mNC) regimen in women with HER2‐negative metastatic breast cancer (MBC) in China.

Methods

The mNC regimen was administered to the enrolled cases, including oral vinorelbine (VNR) 40 mg three times weekly (on days 1, 3 and 5 every week) and capecitabine (CAP) 500 mg three times a day, until disease progression or intolerable toxicity. The primary endpoint was the 1‐year progression‐free survival (PFS) rate. Secondary endpoints included objective response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR), clinical benefit rate (CBR) and treatment‐related adverse events (TRAEs). Stratified factors included treatment lines and hormone receptor (HR) status.

Results

Between June 2018 and March 2023, 29 patients were enrolled into the study. The median follow‐up time was 25.4 months (range, 2.0–53.8). In the entire group, the 1‐year PFS rate was 54.1%. ORR, DCR and CBR were 31.0%, 96.6% and 62.1%, respectively. The mPFS was 12.5 months (range, 1.1–28.1). Subgroup analysis revealed that ORRs were 29.4% and 33.3% in first‐ and ≥second‐line chemotherapy, respectively. ORRs were 29.2% (7/24) and 40.0% (2/5) for HR‐positive MBC and metastatic triple‐negative breast cancer (mTNBC), respectively. Grade 3/4 TRAEs were neutropenia (10.3%) and nausea/vomiting (6.9%).

Conclusions

The dual oral mNC regimen showed very good safety features and improved compliance without loss of efficacy in both first‐ and second‐line treatments. The regimen also reached an excellent ORR in the mTNBC subgroup.
Alcohol sensitivity and tolerance encoding in sleep regulatory circadian neurons in Drosophila
Authors: Lange Anthony P. , Wolf Fred W.
Published: July 2023

Alcohol tolerance is a simple form of behavioural and neural plasticity that occurs with the first drink. Neural plasticity in tolerance is likely a substrate for longer term adaptations that can lead to alcohol use disorder. Drosophila develop tolerance with characteristics similar to vertebrates, and it is a useful model for determining the molecular and circuit encoding mechanisms in detail. Rapid tolerance, measured after the first alcohol exposure is completely metabolized, is localized to specific brain regions that are not interconnected in an obvious way. We used a forward neuroanatomical screen to identify three new neural sites for rapid tolerance encoding. One of these was composed of two groups of neurons, the DN1a and DN1p glutamatergic neurons, that are part of the Drosophila circadian clock. We localized rapid tolerance to the two DN1a neurons that regulate arousal by light at night, temperature‐dependent sleep timing, and night‐time sleep. Two clock neurons that regulate evening activity, LNd6 and the 5th LNv, are postsynaptic to the DN1as, and they promote rapid tolerance via the metabotropic glutamate receptor. Thus, rapid tolerance to alcohol overlaps with sleep regulatory neural circuitry, suggesting a mechanistic link.
EGCG attenuates METH self‐administration and reinstatement of METH seeking in mice
Authors: Si Zizhen , Wang Xidi , Yu Zhaoying , Ruan Yuer , Qian Liyin , Lin Shujun , Gong Xinshuang , Li Longhui , Huang Jing , Liu Yu
Published: July 2023

Methamphetamine (METH) use disorder is a chronic, relapsing disorder and involves frequent failures of self‐control of drug seeking and taking. Epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate (EGCG) is the most abundant polyphenolic compounds of green tea, which has shown great therapeutic effectiveness in neurological disorders. However, it is still unknown whether and how EGCG affects METH seeking behaviour. Here, we show nanostructured EGCG/ascorbic acid nanoparticles (EGCG/AA NPs) dose‐dependently reduced METH self‐administration (SA) under fixed‐ratio 1 (FR1) and progressive ratio (PR) reinforcement schedules in mice and shifted METH dose–response curves downward. Furthermore, EGCG/AA NPs decreased drug‐ and cue‐induced METH seeking. In addition, we found that METH SA led to a decrease in inhibitory postsynaptic currents (IPSCs) and increase in the AMPAR/NMDAR ratio and excitation/inhibition (E/I) ratio in ex vivo midbrain slices from ventral tegmental area (VTA) dopamine neurons. EGCG/AA NPs enhanced Gamma‐aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic inhibition and normalized the E/I ratio. EGCG restored the balance between excitation and inhibition in VTA dopamine neurons, which may contribute to the attenuation of METH SA. These findings indicate that EGCG is a promising pharmacotherapy for METH use disorder.
Comprehensive evaluation of hematospermia in patients with acute epididymitis compared to patients with isolated hematospermia
Authors: Dittmar Florian , Rosellen Jens , Reiser Leo , Fritzenwanker Moritz , Hauptmann Arne , Diemer Thorsten , Schuppe Hans‐Christian , Wagenlehner Florian , Pilatz Adrian
Published: July 2023

Background

Among the most commonly known causes of hematospermia are infections in the genitourinary tract, but no study exists that has comprehensively investigated hematospermia in patients with acute epididymitis.

Objectives

To assess the impact of hematospermia in patients with acute epididymitis and its association with clinical, microbiological, and semen parameters.

Materials and methods

Since May 2007, a total of 324 sexually active patients with acute epididymitis were recruited in a prospective cohort study. Patients received a comprehensive medical and sexual history, and clinical, sonographic, laboratory, and microbiological diagnostics. Antibiotic therapy was given according to European Association of Urology guidelines. Semen analysis was offered 14 days after the first presentation and initiation of therapy. Since 2013, a separate control group of 56 patients presenting with isolated hematospermia (= no other urogenital symptoms) was prospectively recruited, and differences between the groups were statistically evaluated.

Results

Of 324 patients with acute epididymitis, 50 patients (15%) had self‐reported hematospermia. This occurred with a median of 24 h before the onset of scrotal symptoms and was associated with significantly elevated prostate‐specific antigen levels compared to 274 patients without hematospermia (3.1 vs. 1.8 ng/ml, p < 0.01). The two most common etiological pathogens were Escherichia coli and Chlamydia trachomatis, and the bacterial spectrum was comparable in both epididymitis subgroups (p = 0.859). Semen analysis at 14 days still showed hematospermia in 24% of patients associated with massive leukocytospermia. Compared to the hematospermia control group, the two epididymitis subgroups showed significantly increased inflammation markers (pH, leukocytes, and elastase), reduced sperm concentration, and reduced levels of alpha‐glucosidase and zinc (always p < 0.01).

Discussion and conclusion

In sexually active patients who develop acute epididymitis, self‐reported hematospermia is evident in 15% of patients as early as one day before the onset of scrotal symptoms. Conversely, none of the 56 patients presenting with isolated hematospermia developed epididymitis within the next 4 weeks.
Outcomes after interruption of targeted therapy in patients with histiocytic neoplasms
Authors: Reiner Anne S. , Durham Benjamin H. , Yabe Mariko , Petrova‐Drus Kseniya , Francis Jasmine H. , Rampal Raajit K. , Lacouture Mario E. , Rotemberg Veronica , Abdel‐Wahab Omar , Panageas Katherine S. , Diamond Eli L.
Published: July 2023

Little is known about outcomes following interruption of targeted therapy in adult patients with histiocytic neoplasms. This is an IRB‐approved study of patients with histiocytic neoplasms whose BRAF and MEK inhibitors were interrupted after achieving complete or partial response by 18‐fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG‐PET). 17/22 (77%) of patients experienced disease relapse following treatment interruption. Achieving a complete response prior to interruption, having a mutation other than BRAFV600E, and receiving MEK inhibition only were each associated with a statistically significant improvement in relapse‐free survival. Relapse is common following treatment interruption however some patients may be suitable for limited‐duration treatment.
N6‐methyladenosine‐modified FAM111A‐DT promotes hepatocellular carcinoma growth via epigenetically activating FAM111A
Authors: Pu Jian , Xu Zuoming , Huang Youguan , Nian Jiahui , Yang Meng , Fang Quan , Wei Qing , Huang Zihua , Liu Guoman , Wang Jianchu , Wu Xianjian , Wei Huamei
Published: July 2023

As an epitranscriptomic modulation manner, N6‐methyladenosine (m6A) modification plays important roles in various diseases, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). m6A modification affects the fate of RNAs. The potential contributions of m6A to the functions of RNA still need further investigation. In this study, we identified long noncoding RNA FAM111A‐DT as an m6A‐modified RNA and confirmed three m6A sites on FAM111A‐DT. The m6A modification level of FAM111A‐DT was increased in HCC tissues and cell lines, and increased m6A level was correlated with poor survival of HCC patients. m6A modification increased the stability of FAM111A‐DT transcript, whose expression level showed similar clinical relevance to that of the m6A level of FAM111A‐DT. Functional assays found that only m6A‐modified FAM111A‐DT promoted HCC cellular proliferation, DNA replication, and HCC tumor growth. Mutation of m6A sites on FAM111A‐DT abolished the roles of FAM111A‐DT. Mechanistic investigations found that m6A‐modified FAM111A‐DT bound to FAM111A promoter and also interacted with m6A reader YTHDC1, which further bound and recruited histone demethylase KDM3B to FAM111A promoter, leading to the reduction of the repressive histone mark H3K9me2 and transcriptional activation of FAM111A. The expression of FAM111A was positively correlated with the m6A level of FAM111A‐DT, and the expression of methyltransferase complex, YTHDC1, and KDM3B in HCC tissues. Depletion of FAM111A largely attenuated the roles of m6A‐modified FAM111A‐DT in HCC. In summary, the m6A‐modified FAM111A‐DT/YTHDC1/KDM3B/FAM111A regulatory axis promoted HCC growth and represented a candidate therapeutic target for HCC.
Trabecular bone score and bone mineral density as indices of skeletal fragility in endogenous Cushing's syndrome
Authors: Boro Hiya , Mannar Velmurugan , Malhotra Rakhi , Alam Sarah , Khatiwada Saurav , Kubihal Suraj , Dogra Vinay , Golla Kiran Kumar , Mathew Uthara Elsa , Halebidu Tejaswi , Attri Bhawna
Published: July 2023

Objective

Endogenous Cushing's syndrome (CS) is a known cause of secondary osteoporosis. Vertebral fractures (VFs) in endogenous CS may occur despite normal bone mineral density (BMD). Trabecular bone score (TBS) is a relatively new, non‐invasive technique to assess bone microarchitecture. The objective of our study was to analyse the BMD and bone microarchitecture using TBS in endogenous CS and compare it with a group of age and sex‐matched healthy controls, and also analyse the factors predicting BMD and TBS.

Design

Cross‐sectional study of cases and controls.

Patients and measurements

We included 40 female patients with overt endogenous CS, out of which 32 were adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)‐dependent CS and 8 were ACTH‐independent. We also included 40 healthy, female controls. Both patients and controls were subjected to an assessment of biochemical parameters and BMD and TBS.

Results

Patients with endogenous CS had significantly lower BMD at the lumbar spine, femoral neck, and total hip and significantly lower TBS than healthy controls (all p < .001), while no significant difference was noted in the distal radius BMD (p = .055). In endogenous CS, a large proportion of patients, n = 13 (32.5%) had normal BMD for age (BMD Z‐score ≥ −2.0) with low TBS (L1‐L4 TBS ≤ 1.34). TBS correlated negatively with HbA1c (p = .006), and positively with serum T4 (p = .027).

Conclusion

TBS should be considered an important complementary tool in addition to BMD for the routine assessment of skeletal health in CS.
Electroacupuncture alleviates mechanical allodynia and anxiety‐like behaviors induced by chronic neuropathic pain via regulating rostral anterior cingulate cortex‐dorsal raphe nucleus neural circuit
Authors: Xu Yingling , Zhu Xixiao , Chen Yuerong , Chen Yeqing , Zhu Yichen , Xiao Siqi , Wu Mengwei , Wang Yifang , Zhang Chi , Wu Zenmin , He Xiaofen , Liu Boyu , Shen Zui , Shao Xiaomei , Fang Jianqiao
Published: July 2023

Aims

Epidemiological studies in patients with neuropathic pain have demonstrated a strong association between neuropathic pain and psychiatric conditions such as anxiety. Preclinical and clinical work has demonstrated that electroacupuncture (EA) effectively alleviates anxiety‐like behaviors induced by chronic neuropathic pain. In this study, a potential neural circuitry underlying the therapeutic action of EA was investigated.

Methods

The effects of EA stimulation on mechanical allodynia and anxiety‐like behaviors in animal models of spared nerve injury (SNI) were examined. EA plus chemogenetic manipulation of glutamatergic (Glu) neurons projecting from the rostral anterior cingulate cortex (rACCGlu) to the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN) was used to explore the changes of mechanical allodynia and anxiety‐like behaviors in SNI mice.

Results

Electroacupuncture significantly alleviated both mechanical allodynia and anxiety‐like behaviors with increased activities of glutamatergic neurons in the rACC and serotoninergic neurons in the DRN. Chemogenetic activation of the rACCGlu‐DRN projections attenuated both mechanical allodynia and anxiety‐like behaviors in mice at day 14 after SNI. Chemogenetic inhibition of the rACCGlu‐DRN pathway did not induce mechanical allodynia and anxiety‐like behaviors under physiological conditions, but inhibiting this pathway produced anxiety‐like behaviors in mice at day 7 after SNI; this effect was reversed by EA. EA plus activation of the rACCGlu‐DRN circuit did not produce a synergistic effect on mechanical allodynia and anxiety‐like behaviors. The analgesic and anxiolytic effects of EA could be blocked by inhibiting the rACCGlu‐DRN pathway.

Conclusions

The role of rACCGlu‐DRN circuit may be different during the progression of chronic neuropathic pain and these changes may be related to the serotoninergic neurons in the DRN. These findings describe a novel rACCGlu‐DRN pathway through which EA exerts analgesic and anxiolytic effects in SNI mice exhibiting anxiety‐like behaviors.
Novel approach toward minimally invasive surgery for mid‐transverse colon cancer: ‘moving the left colon’ technique
Authors: Iguchi Kenta , Sugano Nobuhiro , Sugiyama Atsuhiko , Saito Kentaro , Atsumi Yosuke , Kazama Keisuke , Numata Masakatsu , Mushiake Hiroyuki , Sato Tsutomu , Rino Yasushi
Published: July 2023

Aim

During surgery for mid‐transverse colon cancer (MTC), surgeons often face the dilemma of whether to mobilize the hepatic or splenic flexure. There is no established optimal minimally invasive surgical procedure for MTC.

Methods

We present our novel minimally invasive surgical technique, called the ‘moving the left colon’ technique for MTC, along with a video demonstration. The procedure involves four main steps: (i) mobilization of the splenic flexure using a medial‐to‐lateral approach, (ii) dissection of lymph nodes around the middle colic artery from the left side of the superior mesenteric artery approach, (iii) separation of the pancreas and transverse mesocolon and (iv) ‘moving the left colon’ and performing an intracorporeal anastomosis. By mobilizing the splenic flexure, anatomical landmarks are revealed, which enables safer dissection. Combining this technique with intracorporeal anastomosis allows for a safe and easy anastomosis.

Results

Between April 2021 and January 2023, a single‐skilled colorectal surgeon performed laparoscopic transverse colectomies using our new approach on three consecutive patients with MTC. The patients had a median age of 75 years (range 46–89 years). The median operative time was 194 min (range 193–228 min) and blood loss was 8 mL (range 0–20 mL). None of the patients experienced any perioperative complications and the median postoperative hospital stay was 6 days.

Conclusion

We introduced a novel approach for laparoscopic surgery for MTC. This technique can be performed safely and may help standardize minimally invasive surgery for MTC.
Limited Evidence of an Association Between Language, Literacy, and Procedural Learning in Typical and Atypical Development: A Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Oliveira Cátia M. , Henderson Lisa M. , Hayiou‐Thomas Marianna E.
Published: July 2023

The ability to extract patterns from sensory input across time and space is thought to underlie the development and acquisition of language and literacy skills, particularly the subdomains marked by the learning of probabilistic knowledge. Thus, impairments in procedural learning are hypothesized to underlie neurodevelopmental disorders, such as dyslexia and developmental language disorder. In the present meta‐analysis, comprising 2396 participants from 39 independent studies, the continuous relationship between language, literacy, and procedural learning on the Serial Reaction Time task (SRTT) was assessed across children and adults with typical development (TD), dyslexia, and Developmental Language Disorder (DLD). Despite a significant, but very small, relationship between procedural learning and overall language and literacy measures, this pattern was not observed at the group‐level when examining TD, dyslexic, and DLD groups separately. Based on the procedural/declarative model, a positive relationship was expected between procedural learning and language and literacy measures for the typically developing group; however, no such relationship was observed. This was also the case for the disordered groups (ps > .05). Also counter to expectations, the magnitude of the relationship between procedural learning and grammar and phonology did not differ between TD and DLD (ps > .05), nor between the TD and dyslexic group on reading, spelling, and phonology (ps > .05). While lending little support to the procedural/declarative model, we consider that these results may be the consequence of poor psychometric properties of the SRTT as a measure of procedural learning.
Who supports drug‐checking services in Australia? An analysis of 2019 National Drug Strategy Household Survey data
Authors: Caluzzi Gabriel , Torney Alexandra , Callinan Sarah
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Drug‐checking services can minimise the potential harms from drug use and have received increased attention in recent policy debates in Australia. In this brief report, we aim to better understand the prevalence of support for drug‐checking services among individuals of certain demographic groups, social status and social attitudes towards drug and alcohol policy.

Methods

This report uses data from the 2019 National Drug Strategy Household Survey, a national population study of alcohol and other drug use conducted triennially in Australia. We examined support for drug‐checking services descriptively, alongside associations between demographic, social and substance use variables and support of drug‐checking using Generalised Linear Model analyses with a Poisson distribution and log link.

Results

Overall, 56% of the sample supported policies related to drug‐checking services. Support was highest among those aged 25–34 years (62%), most socioeconomically advantaged (66%), with an income over $104,000 (64%), with a bachelor's degree or higher (65%), living in major cities (58%), recent consumers of commonly tested drugs (88%) and other drugs (77%), and risky drinkers (64%). In the multivariable model, those who were younger, women and had the highest level of education were more likely to support the policy compared to those who were aged 55+ years, men and had lower levels of education.

Discussion and Conclusion

This report highlights that, while there were different degrees of support based on demographic characteristics, substance use status and social attitudes towards drug and alcohol policy, the overall majority of the sample supported the provision of drug‐checking services.
Invasion genomics uncover complex introduction patterns of the globally invasive whitefly, Bemisia tabaciMED
Authors: Li Hongran , Wang Jicheng , Peng Yan , Guo Chenliang , Qu Wanmei , Yang Nan , Zhu Yongzhe , Jeong Inhong , Li Xianchun , Ghanim Murad , Xiao Yutao , Zhang Youjun , Chu Dong
Published: July 2023

Aim

The sweet potato whitefly, Bemisia tabaci MED is a globally invasive species that causes serious economic damage to agroecosystems. Despite the significant threat it poses to agricultural and economic crops worldwide, the global perspective of the invasion patterns and genetic mechanisms contributing to the success of this notorious pest is still poorly understood. The objective of this research was to enhance genome and population genetic analyses to better understand the intricate invasion patterns of B. tabaci MED.

Location

Samples were collected in native (Spain, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Cyprus, and Israel) and invaded regions (China, South Korea and North America).

Methods

We first assembled a chromosome‐scale reference genome of B. tabaci MED and then employed the restriction site‐associated 2b‐RAD method to genotype over 20,000 high‐quality single‐nucleotide polymorphisms from 29 geographical populations.

Results

A reference genome of B. tabaci MED, with a size of 637.47 Mb, was available. The majority of the assembled sequences (99%) were anchored onto 10 linkage groups, with an N50 size of 58.76 Mb, representing a significant improvement over previous whitefly genome assemblies. We identified rapidly expanded gene families and positively selected genes, probably contributing to successful invasion and rapid adaptation to the new environment. Population genomics analysis showed that three highly differentiated genetic groups were formed, and complex and extensive gene flow occurred across the Mediterranean populations. The genetic admixture patterns in East Asia populations were distinct from those in North America, indicating that they had different source populations.

Conclusions

The high‐quality, chromosome‐scale genome of B. tabaci MED offered opportunities for more comprehensive genome‐wide studies and provided solid foundation to the complex introduction events and the differential invasiveness of B. tabaci MED worldwide.
Government‐led e‐commerce expansion project and rural household income: Evidence and mechanisms
Authors: Chen Shiyi , Liu Wanlin , Song Hong , Zhang Qing
Published: July 2023

This paper examines the impacts of a government‐led e‐commerce expansion project on household income. We find that the project has led to increases in rural household income. The positive impacts are more prominent for lower‐income rural households. The income‐increasing effects are driven by the reduction in information search costs and transportation costs. The provision of complementary interventions for e‐commerce, such as promoting the internet‐related skills of farmers and the expansion of formal financial credit support is also important for the program's success. The results provide policy implications for the design and implementation of government‐led e‐commerce policies in developing economies.
Lake depth alters the trajectory of ontogenetic niche shifts in Eurasian perch (Perca fluviatilis) in small lakes
Authors: Trudeau Ashley , Mehner Thomas , Klefoth Thomas , Matern Sven , Nikolaus Robert , Arlinghaus Robert
Published: July 2023

The trophic niche of aquatic generalist predators is influenced by ontogeny, habitat characteristics, availability and type of prey, and competitive interactions. Many interrelated lake characteristics influence the availability of prey and may thereby impact foraging niches and the trajectory of ontogenetic niche shifts. Our work uses Eurasian perch (Perca fluviatilis) as a model species to examine the correlation of multiple lake and fish community characteristics with the size‐dependency of perch populations' realised trophic niche. We used carbon and nitrogen stable isotopes to correlate the changes in perch trophic position across a gradient of total lengths in seven gravel pit lakes that differed in lake morphology, habitat heterogeneity, productivity, structural complexity, and fish community composition. Perch populations in lakes with more shallow‐water habitat reached a higher trophic position at smaller sizes than perch in deeper lakes. However, the changes in trophic position with increasing size were less pronounced compared to perch from deeper lakes. Large individuals from the latter perch populations ultimately achieved higher mean trophic positions compared to fish from shallow lakes. Perch in lakes with more shallow‐water habitat may, therefore, achieve lower rates of piscivory because of higher relative availability of macroinvertebrates or greater competition with zooplanktivores. Our results suggest that large, piscivorous perch are more likely to develop in deeper lakes, and that these changes in perch trophic position across ontogeny are more strongly related to the depth of lakes than to the type of structured habitat in the littoral zone.
Collaborative plasma biomarkers for Parkinson disease development and progression: A cross‐sectional and longitudinal study
Authors: Jiao Yang , Zhu Xue , Zhou Xinyi , Li Yuanyuan , Zhou Liche , Zhao Aonan , Luo Ningdi , Niu Mengyue , Liu Jun
Published: July 2023

Background and purpose

Relying on a single biomarker for early diagnosis of Parkinson disease (PD) may not yield accurate results. We aimed to assess the combined diagnostic value of multiple biomarkers, including plasma CCL2, plasma CXCL12, and plasma neuronal exosomal α‐synuclein (α‐syn) for early stage PD diagnosis and their predictive value in PD progression.

Methods

This study included both cross‐sectional and longitudinal designs. The CCL2, CXCL12, and neuronal exosomal α‐syn levels were analyzed in 50 healthy controls (HCs) and 50 early stage PD patients. Then, a prospective follow‐up of 30 early stage PD patients was performed.

Results

In early stage PD, we observed a significant increase in CCL2, CXCL12, and plasma neuronal exosomal α‐syn compared to HCs (p < 0.05). Utilizing a combined diagnostic approach of CCL2, CXCL12, and α‐syn significantly improved the area under the curve (AUC = 0.89, p < 0.001). Spearman correlation analysis revealed that CCL2 levels were correlated with PD clinical stage and autonomic symptoms (p < 0.05). CXCL12 levels were associated with nonmotor symptoms (p < 0.05). Plasma neuronal exosomal α‐syn levels were connected to the clinical stage, motor symptoms, and nonmotor symptoms in early stage PD (p < 0.01). In the longitudinal cohort, the Cox regression analysis showed that high CCL2 levels were associated with motor progression after a mean follow‐up of 24 months.

Conclusions

Our study suggested that the combined measurement of plasma CCL2, CXCL12, and neuronal exosomal α‐syn can improve early stage PD diagnosis, and CCL2 may serve as a prognostic marker for PD progression.