bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Failing forward: the transformative power of writing in interdisciplinary ethnographic research
Authors: Varvne Hanna , Andrei Mariana
Published: July 2024

Purpose

To address complex societal challenges, particularly in the context of climate change, there is a growing interest in employing interdisciplinary ethnographic research (IER). This paper examines the experiences associated with participating in IER, drawing insights from a collaboration project that integrates organization studies with energy management research.

Design/methodology/approach

Within the context of a three-year interdisciplinary collaboration, the paper focuses on the performance of an interview and the analysis thereof. It draws from this example to highlight the difficulties in translating discipline-specific language and understanding failures in IER. Including an exploration of the process of recovery, involving analyzing research results and the subsequent collaborative writing of a paper.

Findings

The primary findings revolve around the challenges inherent in ethnography as an interdisciplinary method. These challenges include language barriers between disciplines and the complexities of comprehending and learning from failures in interdisciplinary research.

Originality/value

The contribution lies in its exploration of abductive reasoning in IER, shedding light on the complexities and opportunities associated with interdisciplinary collaboration in the making. By emphasizing the importance of going into the field before negotiating common ground, the approach presented provides a unique perspective that not only addresses challenges but also facilitates the development of involved disciplines and scholars through self-reflection.

Highlights

The paper shows the importance of both expertise and experience knowledge in interdisciplinary ethnographic research.

By using different writing styles, the importance of language and translations between disciplines is exemplified.

The paper provides an example of how to engage in abductive reasoning in interdisciplinary ethnographic research.

The paper calls for a broad understanding of failure and success in interdisciplinary ethnographic research.
Public interactions of auction participants and their impact on online auctions of nonperishable experience goods
Authors: Jaiswal Mayank
Published: July 2024

Purpose

The Internet has introduced new ways of conducting business. Online auction of nonperishable experience goods (NPEG) items, which are generally rare, expensive and durable and need to be experienced to be valued, is one area that is undergoing significant change. Online auction platforms are encouraging participants to interact publicly in a social media type comment format. This paper investigates how such public interactions impact the auction outcomes of NPEG.

Design/methodology/approach

Auction records of vintage automobiles sold between 2015 and 2023 on one of the biggest online auction platforms in the USA were collected. The dataset contains multiple variables per record such as winning bid price, number of comments by sellers and browsers and various details of the automobile, for example brand, vintage and mileage. Ordinary least squares was utilized to analyze close to 42,000 records in the dataset.

Findings

The paper found that comments in general are positively correlated with the winning bid; it also found that online buyers value browser comments higher than seller comments. Furthermore, the relationship between vintage and origin country and winning bid is enhanced by browser comments.

Originality/value

This research furthers theory on two fronts. Firstly, we analyze how auction outcomes are impacted when buyers, casual observers and sellers interact with each other publicly when the auction is ongoing. To the best of the author's knowledge, this is one of the first studies that delve into participant interactions in online ongoing auctions. Secondly, we investigate how potential buyers utilize participant interaction information to guide their decisions about the value of NPEG.
Sunlit ventures: maximizing photovoltaic power plant success through strategic investments
Authors: Agha Mohammad Ali Kermani Mehrdad , Moghadam Mohammadreza , Sahebi Hadi , Rezazadeh Moghadam Sheyda
Published: July 2024

Purpose

The primary aim of this study is to provide actionable guidance for augmenting profitability in photovoltaic power plant investments within Iran’s solar energy sector. By emphasizing prudent capital management and strategic investment decisions, our research seeks to assist emerging businesses in attaining sustained success in this domain.

Design/methodology/approach

This study presents a comprehensive approach to refined decision-making in Iran’s solar energy sector. Our methodology integrates the best-worst method, ArcGIS software for site selection, and the TOPSIS method for decision-making, aiming to enhance precision and reliability.

Findings

Our research has identified ten promising regions suitable for photovoltaic power plant installations in Iran. Leveraging the TOPSIS method, we have made optimal selections among these alternatives. Furthermore, our exhaustive cost analysis, incorporating factors like land prices, system maintenance, revenue estimation, and various financial scenarios, has yielded insights into project cost-effectiveness.

Originality/value

By filling a notable gap in the literature regarding optimal site selection and investment strategies for photovoltaic power plants in Iran, our research contributes to the sustainable development of solar energy infrastructure. Through a thorough literature review and the development of a novel methodology, we offer valuable guidance for businesses and investors seeking success in Iran’s solar energy sector. Our study represents a significant advancement by introducing a novel methodology that integrates the best-worst method, ArcGIS software, and the TOPSIS method for site selection and investment analysis. These findings furnish valuable guidance for businesses seeking success in the solar energy sector, thereby contributing to the sustainable development of renewable energy infrastructure in Iran and beyond.
Sukuk defaults: on distress resolution in Islamic finance
Authors: Zaheer Sajjad , van Wijnbergen Sweder
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This study aims to analyze three major defaults on Sukuk since 2007. These case studies make clear that, in most cases, the problems can be traced back to clauses and structures that made the Sukuk more like conventional bonds. The case studies highlighted the importance of the legal institutions of the country where ownership rights are likely to be contested. Strict adherence to Shariah (Islamic Jurisprudence) principles would have considerably simplified restructuring because Shariah compliance implies a clear allocation of property rights: in Sukuk, investors will receive full title to the underlying Sukuk assets in distress situations.

Design/methodology/approach

The study follows a qualitative research method base on detailed case studies of the Sukuk defaults occurred in the aftermath of financial crises 2007. The focus in this paper is on the resolution process following default, not on the reasons why the default was triggered to begin with. The authors analyze the Sukuk defaults from an Islamic finance perspective. Specifically, after providing basic information on each Sukuk (issuer, arranger, SPV, term period, rate of return, etc.), the authors present an exposition of the underlying contracts of each Sukuk, their structure, reasons for defaults and restructuring process thereafter. Finally, the authors provide a discussion on the critical issues related to Sukuk structures, namely, ownership of underlying Sukuk assets, rights of the investors including recourse, if any, to core assets in case of distress, risk factors including legal and Shariah risks regarding Sukuk structures, purchase undertakings and credit enhancements.

Findings

The case studies highlighted the importance of the legal institutions of the country where ownership rights are likely to be contested. Interestingly enough, strict adherence to Shariah (Islamic Jurisprudence) principles would have considerably simplified restructuring because Shariah compliance implies a clear allocation of property rights: in Sukuk, investors will receive full title to the underlying Sukuk assets in distress situations. So, the answer to the question the authors asked, is Islamic Finance failing to deliver on its promises, is a qualified no.

Originality/value

The paper provides in depth analysis of the Sukuk defaults and provide the main reasons for that along with recommendations that compliance to Shariah principles of ownership and risk sharing would reduce incidence of defaults and facilitates restructuring.
Geodesic algorithm: new approach to optimization of temporary fastener arrangement in airframe assembly process
Authors: Lupuleac Sergey , Pogarskaia Tatiana
Published: July 2024

Purpose

The purpose of the current study is development of effective and fast algorithm for optimization the arrangement of temporary fasteners during aircraft assembly.

Design/methodology/approach

Combinatorial nature, uncertain input data, sensitivity to mechanical properties and geometric tolerances are the specific features of the fastening optimization problem. These characteristics make the problem-solving by standard methods very resource-intensive because the calculation of the objective function requires multiple solution of contact problems. The work provides an extended description of the geodesic algorithm (GA) which is a novel non-iterative optimization approach avoiding multiple objective function calculations.

Findings

The GA makes it possible to optimize the arrangement of temporary fasteners during the different stages of the assembly process. The objective functions for the optimization are number of installed fasteners and quality of contact between joined parts. The mentioned properties of the GA also make it possible to introduce an automatic procedure for optimizing fastener arrangement into everyday practice of aircraft manufacturing.

Practical implications

The algorithm has been applied to optimization of the assembly process in Airbus company.

Originality/value

Performance of the GA is orders of magnitude greater than standard optimization algorithms while maintaining the quality of results. The use of the assembly process specifics is the main limitation of the GA, because it cannot be automatically applied to optimization problems in other areas. High speed of work and quality of the results make it possible to use it for real optimization problems on assembly line in the production of commercial airliners.
Expectations and experiences of group conflict during military training exercises and their impact on deployment self-efficacy: the role of positive psychological capital
Authors: Telecan Maria Ioana , Curseu Petru Lucian , Rus Claudia Lenuta , Ratiu Lucia
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This study aims to explore the intrapersonal underpinnings of conflict transformation and expression during military deployment exercises.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors collected data just before the onset and right after the ending of a military deployment training attended by several military units that were engaged in various operational exercises. The authors evaluated positive psychological capital (PsyCap) as well as expectations of task and relationship conflict before the deployment (N = 116 participants) and the experience of task and relationship conflict as well as deployment self-efficacy evaluated just after the deployment (N = 84).

Findings

PsyCap buffers conflict transformation and expression during military deployment. Relationship conflict reduces deployment self-efficacy evaluated after the deployment.

Research limitations/implications

The findings have implications for the development of personal strengths such as PsyCap and deployment self-efficacy, as well as for conflict management in military settings.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature on micro foundations of conflict emergence and explores the intrapersonal factors that impact conflict expression and transformation during military exercises.
Predictors, prevalence and outcome of hypertensive disorders in pregnancy in Nigerian tertiary health facilities
Authors: Abdurrahman Aisha , Adamu Aisha Nana , Ashimi Adewale , Adekunle Oguntayo O. , Bature Stephen B. , Aliyu Labaran D. , Akeem Owodunni , Abdullahi Hauwa , Lavin Tina , Daneji Sulaiman , Musa Basiru , Muazu Zulkiflu , Tukur Jamilu , Galadanci Hadiza Shehu
Published: July 2024

Objective

Determine prevalence, risk factors and outcomes of hypertensive disorders in pregnancy (HDP).

Design

Cross‐sectional analysis of data captured in the Maternal and Perinatal Database for Quality, Equity and Dignity (MPD‐4‐QED) between September 2019 and August 2020.

Setting

Fifty‐four referral level facilities in Nigeria.

Population

Women whose pregnancy ended (irrespective of the location or duration of pregnancy) or who were admitted within 42 days of delivery.

Methods

Descriptive statistics and multilevel mixed‐effects logistic regression models.

Main Outcome Measures

Prevalence of HDP, sociodemographic and clinical factors associated with HDP and perinatal outcomes.

Results

Among the 71 758 women 6.4% had HDP and gestational hypertension accounted for 49.8%. Preeclampsia and eclampsia were observed in 9.5% and 7.0% of all pregnancies, respectively. The predictors of HDP were age over 35 years (OR1.96, 95% CI 1.82–2.12; p < 0.001), lack of formal educational (OR 1.18, 95% CI 1.06–1.32; p = 0.002), primary level of education (OR 1.20, 95% CI 1.03–1.4; p < 0.002), nulliparity (OR 1.21, 95% CI 1.12–1.31; p < 0.001), grand‐multiparity (OR 1.36, 95%CI 1.21–1.52; p < 0.001), previous caesarean section (OR 1.26, 95%CI 1.15–1.38; p < 0.001) and previous miscarriage (OR 1.22, 95% CI 1.13–1.31; p < 0.001). Overall 3.7% of the patients with HDP died, with eclampsia having the highest case fatality rate of 27.9%. Stillbirth occurred in 11.9% of pregnancies with hypertensive disorders.

Conclusions

Hypertensive disorders in pregnancy are not uncommon in Nigeria. They are associated with adverse outcomes with over one‐quarter of women with eclampsia dying. The main predictors include older age, poor education, extremes of parity and previous CS or miscarriage. Maternal and perinatal outcomes are poor with about a quarter developing complications and about 1 in 10 having stillbirths.
Processing and validation of inpatient Medicare Advantage data for use in hospital outcome measures
Authors: Kyanko Kelly A. , Sahay Kashika M. , Wang Yongfei , Schreiber Michelle , Hager Melissa , Myers Raquel , Johnson Wanda , Zhang Jing , Yen Bing‐Jie , Suter Lisa G. , Triche Elizabeth W. , Li Shu‐Xia
Published: July 2024

Objective

To determine the feasibility of integrating Medicare Advantage (MA) admissions into the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) hospital outcome measures through combining Medicare Advantage Organization (MAO) encounter‐ and hospital‐submitted inpatient claims.

Data Sources and Study Setting

Beneficiary enrollment data and inpatient claims from the Integrated Data Repository for 2018 Medicare discharges.

Study Design

We examined timeliness of MA claims, compared diagnosis and procedure codes for admissions with claims submitted both by the hospital and the MAO (overlapping claims), and compared demographic characteristics and principal diagnosis codes for admissions with overlapping claims versus admissions with a single claim.

Data Collection/Extraction Methods

We combined hospital‐ and MAO‐submitted claims to capture MA admissions from all hospitals and identified overlapping claims. For admissions with only an MAO‐submitted claim, we used provider history data to match the National Provider Identifier on the claim to the CMS Certification Number used for reporting purposes in CMS outcome measures.

Principal Findings

After removing void and duplicate claims, identifying overlapped claims between the hospital‐ and MAO‐submitted datasets, restricting claims to acute care and critical access hospitals, and bundling same admission claims, we identified 5,078,611 MA admissions. Of these, 76.1% were submitted by both the hospital and MAO, 14.2% were submitted only by MAOs, and 9.7% were submitted only by hospitals. Nearly all (96.6%) hospital‐submitted claims were submitted within 3 months after a one‐year performance period, versus 85.2% of MAO‐submitted claims. Among the 3,864,524 admissions with overlapping claims, 98.9% shared the same principal diagnosis code between the two datasets, and 97.5% shared the same first procedure code.

Conclusions

Inpatient MA data are feasible for use in CMS claims‐based hospital outcome measures. We recommend prioritizing hospital‐submitted over MAO‐submitted claims for analyses. Monitoring, data audits, and ongoing policies to improve the quality of MA data are important approaches to address potential missing data and errors.
Effect of N‐acetylcysteine on neural alcohol cue reactivity and craving in adolescents who drink heavily: A preliminary randomized clinical trial
Authors: Green ReJoyce , Kirkland Anna E. , Browning Brittney D. , Ferguson Pamela L. , Gray Kevin M. , Squeglia Lindsay M.
Published: July 2024

Background

Alcohol craving is related to problematic alcohol use; therefore, pharmacotherapies that modulate alcohol craving are of interest. N‐acetylcysteine, an over‐the‐counter antioxidant, is a candidate pharmacotherapy for adolescent alcohol use with the potential to impact craving. Cue‐reactivity paradigms using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) can identify neural regions implicated in craving and serve as a screening tool for novel pharmacotherapy options.

Methods

This preliminary study examined the effect of N‐acetylcysteine on neural reactivity to alcohol cues and subjective craving among 31 non‐treatment‐seeking adolescents (17.6–19.9 years old, 55% female) who use alcohol heavily. In a randomized cross‐over design, participants completed three fMRI sessions: baseline and after a 10‐day course of N‐acetylcysteine (1200 mg twice daily) and matched placebo. The primary outcome was neural response to alcohol versus non‐alcohol beverage cues after N‐acetylcysteine versus placebo, with a secondary outcome of self‐reported subjective craving.

Results

In the full sample (n = 31), there was no effect of N‐acetylcysteine versus placebo on neural alcohol reactivity (ps ≥ 0.49; s = 0.00–0.07) or self‐reported acute alcohol craving (p = 0.18,  = 0.06). However, N‐acetylcysteine did reduce self‐reported generalized alcohol craving (p = 0.03,  = 0.15). In a subsample of youth who met criteria for past‐year alcohol use disorder (n = 19), results remained unchanged.

Conclusions

N‐acetylcysteine may not alter neural reactivity to alcohol cues or acute craving; however, it may reduce general subjective alcohol craving among adolescents who consume alcohol heavily.
Histological response of inflamed pulp to hydraulic calcium silicate cements in direct pulp capping: Systematic review of pulpitis models
Authors: Usta Sıla Nur , Keskin Cangül , Pirimoğlu Burcu , Aksoy Abdurrahman
Published: July 2024

This systematic review aimed to compare the histological response of inflamed pulpodentinal complex to the hydraulic calcium silicate cements in experimental animal models of pulpitis. Articles that evaluated the histological response of inflamed pulp to mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) in comparison with other restorative materials were selected and analysed in detail. The risk of bias assessment was conducted using SYRCLE's RoB tool. The GRADEpro tool was used to determine the overall quality of evidence. Out of the 2947 retrieved articles from databases, five articles fulfilled the inclusion criteria. MTA induced significantly more hard tissue formation compared to calcium hydroxide. The use of pulp‐capping material containing fluocinolone acetonide and ASP/PLGA‐ASP/ACP/PLLA‐PLGA composite membrane was comparable. This systematic review could not demonstrate enhanced efficiency of capping materials compared to MTA. Future well‐conducted animal studies are warranted for demonstrating the hard tissue formation abilities of pulp‐capping materials with convenient inflammatory conditions.
Change in farmer expectations from information surprises in the corn market
Authors: Fiechter Chad , Kuethe Todd , Langemeier Michael , Mintert James
Published: July 2024

Farmers make production decisions despite future output price uncertainty. As a result, farmers' expectation of future output price is an important determinant of investment and the supply of commodities. However, our understanding of the process by which farmers form their expectations is still limited. This study uses direct measures of farmers' financial condition expectations collected through the Purdue University–CME Group Ag Economy Barometer to measure the effect of surprise information on farmers' short‐ and long‐term expectations. The effect is identified using an event study framework previously used to examine the impact of market information on commodity futures markets. Using ordered logistic regressions and variation between professional and United States Department of Agriculture forecasts of corn ending stocks, we demonstrate that farmers' short‐term expectations of the financial condition of the broader agricultural economy is altered by surprise information. This study provides a novel step toward understanding the process by which farmers incorporate new information in their price expectations. For example, our findings suggest that farmers perceive short‐term corn market information surprises will affect the U.S. agricultural sector to a greater degree than their farm. Additionally, farmers do not perceive that short‐term corn market information surprises will carry long‐term implications.
Global prevalence of musculoskeletal pain in rural and urban populations. A systematic review with meta‐analysis. Musculoskeletal pain in rural and urban populations
Authors: Mesa‐Castrillon Carlos I. , Beckenkamp Paula R. , Ferreira Manuela , Simic Milena , Davis Phillip R. , Michell Antonio , Pappas Evangelos , Luscombe Georgina , Noronha Marcos De , Ferreira Paulo
Published: July 2024

Introduction

To systematically compare the global prevalence of musculoskeletal pain and care‐seeking in rural and urban populations.

Methods

A systematic review with meta‐analysis of observational studies reporting a direct comparison of rural and urban populations was conducted worldwide and included back, knee, hip, shoulder, neck pain and a broad diagnosis of ‘musculoskeletal pain’. A search strategy combining terms related to ‘prevalence’, ‘musculoskeletal pain’ and ‘rural’ was used on the following databases: MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, Scopus, and rural and remote health from their inception to 1 June 2022. Random‐effects meta‐analysis was used to pool the data. Results were presented as odds ratios (OR) along with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI).

Results

A total of 42 studies from 24 countries were included with a total population of 489 439 participants. The quality scores for the included studies, using the modified Newcastle Ottawa Scale tool, showed an average score of 0.78/1, which represents an overall good quality. The pooled analysis showed statistically greater odds of hip (OR = 1.62, 95% CI = 1.23–2.15), shoulder (OR = 1.42, 95% CI = 1.06–1.90) and overall musculoskeletal pain (OR = 1.26, 95% CI = 1.08–1.47) in rural populations compared to urban populations. Although the odds of seeking treatment were higher in rural populations this relationship was not statistically significant (OR = 0.76, 95% CI = 0.55–1.03).

Conclusion

Very low‐certainty evidence suggests that musculoskeletal, hip and shoulder pain are more prevalent in rural than urban areas, although neck, back and knee pain, along with care‐seeking, showed no significant difference between these populations. Strategies aimed to reduce the burden of musculoskeletal pain should consider the specific needs and limited access to quality evidence‐based care for musculoskeletal pain of rural populations.
Can a human right to good mental health be justified?
Authors: Bielby Phil
Published: July 2024

Can a human right to good mental health be justified? This is an under‐explored question: until recently, rights in relation to mental health have been framed and debated primarily in terms of their relevance to psychosocial disability and mental ill‐health/mental distress. By contrast, in this article, I propose the basis of a normative justification for a population‐wide right to good mental health, focusing in particular on individuals who do not experience mental ill‐health/distress or do not have (or may never have) a psychiatric diagnosis or a psychosocial disability. The article is structured into three parts. First, I will outline the emergence of a population‐wide right to good mental health in mental health discourse, led by recent reports published by the former United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Right to Health, Danius Pūras. I will then go on to explore what we might understand by ‘good mental health’. Finally, I will explain how a right to good mental health may be justified, drawing on insights from compassion, ‘vulnerable agency’, and James Wilson's account of ‘a right to public health’. I then respond to feasibility and demandingness concerns about such a right, which together inform the basis of the qualified public health right to good mental health I propose.
Shift in emergency department utilization by frequent attendees with sickle cell disease during the COVID‐19 pandemic: A multicentre cohort study
Authors: Rech J. S. , Cohen A. , Bartolucci P. , Santin A. , Chantalat Auger C. , Affo L. , Le Jeune S. , Arlet J. B. , Boëlle P. Y. , Steichen O.
Published: July 2024

While the coronavirus disease‐2019 (COVID‐19) might have increased acute episodes in people living with sickle cell disease (SCD), it may also have changed their reliance on emergency department (ED) services. We assessed the impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic and lockdowns on ED visits in adult SCD people followed in five French reference centres, with a special focus on ‘high users’ (≥10 visits in 2019). We analysed the rate of ED visits from 1 January 2015 to 31 December 2021, using a self‐controlled case series. Among 1530 people (17 829 ED visits), we observed a significant reduction in ED visits during and after lockdowns, but the effect vanished over time. Compared to pre‐pandemic, incidence rate ratios for ED visits were 0.59 [95% CI 0.52–0.67] for the first lockdown, 0.66 [95% CI 0.58–0.75] for the second and 0.85 [95% CI 0.73–0.99] for the third. High users (4% of people but 33.7% of visits) mainly drove the reductions after the first lockdown. COVID‐19 lockdowns were associated with reduced ED visits. While most people returned to their baseline utilization by April 2021, high users had a lasting decrease in ED visits. Understanding the factors driving the drop in ED utilization among high users might inform clinical practice and health policy.
Thromboprophylaxis during neoadjuvant chemotherapy for bladder cancer reduces thromboembolism and bleeding
Authors: Antonelli Luca , Wendel‐Garcia Pedro David , Deforth Manja , Afferi Luca , Leonardo Costantino , Esperto Francesco , Borghesi Marco , Antonelli Alessandro , Tully Karl , Umari Paolo , Albisinni Simone , Mari Andrea , Pichler Renate , Claps Francesco , Teoh Jeremy Yuen‐Chun , Roumiguié Mathieu , Schulz Gerald Bastian , Orecchia Luca , Soria Francesco , Roupret Morgan , Marcq Gautier , Poyet Cedric , Alrumayyan Majed , Rink Michael , Zamboni Stefania , Montes Maria Riaza , Okoye Steven , Campi Riccardo , Krajewski Wojciech , Mertens Laura , Culpan Meftun , Lavallée Luke T. , Moschini Marco , Held Ulrike , Fankhauser Christian Daniel ,   In collaboration with the EAU YAU urothelial carcinoma working group
Published: July 2024

Objectives

To assess the risk of venous thromboembolic events (VTEs) and bleeding with or without thromboprophylaxis during neoadjuvant chemotherapy in bladder cancer patients scheduled for radical cystectomy.

Materials and Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study in 4886 patients with non‐metastatic bladder cancer undergoing cystectomy across 28 centres in 13 countries between 1990 and 2021. Inverse probability weighting analyses were performed to estimate the effect of thromboprophylaxis on VTE and bleeding.

Results

In 147 patients (3%) VTEs were recorded within the first year. These occurred a median (interquartile range [IQR]) of 127 (82–198) days after bladder cancer diagnosis. Bleeding events occurred in 131 patients (3%) within the first year. These occurred a median (IQR) of 101 (83–171) days after cancer diagnosis. In inverse probability weighting analyses, compared to patients without thromboprophylaxis during chemotherapy, patients with thromboprophylaxis had not only a lower risk of VTE (hazard ratio [HR] 0.32, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.12–0.81; P = 0.016) but also a lower bleeding risk (HR 0.03, 95% CI 0.09–0.12; P <0.0001). The retrospective nature of the study was its main limitation.

Conclusions

In this retrospective analysis, the benefit of thromboprophylaxis during neoadjuvant chemotherapy before cystectomy is in line with data from randomised trials in other malignancies. Our data suggest thromboprophylaxis is protective against VTEs and should be the standard of care during neoadjuvant chemotherapy.
Woody encroachment: social–ecological impacts and sustainable management
Authors: Ding Jingyi , Eldridge David J.
Published: July 2024

Woody plants are encroaching across terrestrial ecosystems globally, and this has dramatic effects on how these systems function and the livelihoods of producers who rely on the land to support livestock production. Consequently, the removal of woody plants is promoted widely in the belief that it will reinstate former grasslands or open savanna. Despite this popular management approach to encroachment, we still have a relatively poor understanding of the effects of removal on society, and of alternative management practices that could balance the competing needs of pastoral production, biodiversity conservation and cultural values. This information is essential for maintaining both ecological and societal benefits in encroached systems under predicted future climate changes. In this review, we provide a comprehensive synthesis of the social–ecological perspectives of woody encroachment based on recent studies and global meta‐analyses by assessing the ecological impacts of encroachment and its effects on sustainable development goals (SDGs) when woody plants are retained and when they are removed. We propose a working definition of woody encroachment based on species‐ and community‐level characteristics; such a definition is needed to evaluate accurately the effects of encroachment. We show that encroachment is a natural process of succession rather than a sign of degradation, with encroachment resulting in an overall 8% increase in ecosystem multifunctionality. Removing woody plants can increase herbaceous plant richness, biomass and cover, but at the expense of biocrust cover. The effectiveness of woody plant removal depends on plant identity, and where, when and how they are removed. Under current management practices, either removal or retention of woody plants can induce trade‐offs among ecosystem services, with no management practice maximising all SDGs [e.g. SDG2 (end hunger), SDG13 (climate change), SDG 15 (combat desertification)]. Given that encroachment of woody plants is likely to increase under future predicted hotter and drier climates, alternative management options such as carbon farming and ecotourism could be effective land uses for areas affected by encroachment.
Conventional and Novel Treatment Strategies for Porokeratoses: A Narrative Review
Authors: La Yumeng , Zhu Jie , Mueller Simon M.
Published: July 2024

Porokeratoses are a heterogenous group of autoinflammatory keratinization disorders all characterized by the presence of a cornoid lamella. In addition to gene mutations affecting the mevalonate pathway, environmental factors such as UV radiation, immunosuppression, trauma, and infection are also thought to contribute to porokeratoses. To date, there are no management guidelines or levels of evidence for commonly used pharmacologic and non‐pharmacologic treatment options for porokeratoses. Conventional treatment strategies encompass topical and systemic drugs (e.g., salicylic acid, topical glucocorticoids, and retinoids), phototherapy, laser, and surgical interventions. Better insights into the pathogenesis of porokeratoses have paved the way for the development of novel therapeutic approaches, such as topical statins or the use of monoclonal antibodies. This narrative review aims to summarize both conventional and novel treatment options, including their level of evidence, advantages, and disadvantages.
Modalization and demodalization: On the phenomenology of negation
Authors: Banick Kyle
Published: July 2024

Negation is widely thought to be uniquely captured by the usual extensional Boolean connective in the setting of classical logic. However, there has been recent interest in a modal approach to negation. This essay examines the problem of modal negation with an Husserlian phenomenological lens. I argue that the Husserlian approach to negation contains an ambiguity which points to a pluralism about negation. On this view, negation begins its life as a modal notion with nonclassical properties, and the question of classical negation is a question of its demodalization. I reconstruct a phenomenological legitimation of the demodalization, but I remain skeptical about its wider prospects. Nevertheless, the phenomenological‐modal approach to negation answers the skepticism about the very possibility of debates about negation and gives valuable insight into the fundamental nature of the problem. The argument should be of interest both to those who are specifically interested in Husserl's logic and the relationship of phenomenology to intuitionistic (and other nonclassical) logics, as well as to philosophers of logic more generally interested in obtaining different angles on the problem of negation from a systematic perspective.
Evaluation of early fluoropyrimidine toxicity in solid organ cancer patients: a retrospective observational study in Australia
Authors: White Cassandra , Kendall Guy , Millington Tegan , Corcoran Bern , Paul Christine , Scott Rodney J. , Ackland Stephen
Published: July 2024

Background

Despite common global usage, fluoropyrimidine (FP; 5‐flurouracil and capecitabine)‐related chemotherapy toxicity is poorly reported in the literature, with serious toxicity ranging from 10% to 40% and early toxicity (within 60 days of exposure) quoted at 14%. Data reflecting the incidence of Grades 3–5 FP‐related toxicity in Australian cancer patients is scant, despite the significant impact of toxicity on patients (hospitalisations, intensive care unit (ICU) admissions and even death).

Aims

This retrospective audit evaluated Grades 3–5 toxicities in a contemporaneous cohort of 500 patients receiving FP chemotherapies within the Hunter‐New England Local Health District from June 2020 to June 2022. Data were extracted from public hospital records and oncology‐specific e‐records to determine rates of toxicity and associated hospitalisations, intensive care admissions and deaths that occurred within 60 days of first exposure to FP chemotherapy‐containing regimens.

Results

One hundred and fifty incidents of Grades 3–4 toxicity in the first 60 days led to 87 patients presenting to hospital (87/500, 17.4%). The most common serious toxicities were diarrhoea (39.3%), nausea and vomiting (22.7%) and febrile neutropaenia (10%). Four patients were admitted to the ICU, and four patients died of toxicity. Within the first 60 days, 22.2% of patients required treatment delays, 21.4% required dose reductions, and 7.8% of patients ceased treatment because of toxicities.

Discussion and Conclusion

Our experience reflects international reports and is likely generalisable to the Australian population. These data are a basis to understand the potential benefits of precision medicine strategies such as pharmacogenomic screening to improve patient tolerability and the cost‐effectiveness of FP chemotherapy prescribing.
Interleukin‐5 alleviates cardiac remodelling via the STAT3 pathway in angiotensin II‐infused mice
Authors: Shen Caijie , Wu Nan , Chen Xiaomin , Peng Jianye , Feng Mingjun , Wang Jian , Yu Yibo
Published: July 2024

Interleukin‐5 (IL‐5) has been reported to be involved in cardiovascular diseases, such as atherosclerosis and cardiac injury. This study aimed to investigate the effects of IL‐5 on cardiac remodelling. Mice were infused with angiotensin II (Ang II), and the expression and source of cardiac IL‐5 were analysed. The results showed that cardiac IL‐5 expression was time‐ and dose‐dependently decreased after Ang II infusion, and was mainly derived from cardiac macrophages. Additionally, IL‐5‐knockout (IL‐5−/−) mice were used to observe the effects of IL‐5 knockout on Ang II‐induced cardiac remodelling. We found knockout of IL‐5 significantly increased the expression of cardiac hypertrophy markers, elevated myocardial cell cross‐sectional areas and worsened cardiac dysfunction in Ang II‐infused mice. IL‐5 deletion also promoted M2 macrophage differentiation and exacerbated cardiac fibrosis. Furthermore, the effects of IL‐5 deletion on cardiac remodelling was detected after the STAT3 pathway was inhibited by S31‐201. The effects of IL‐5 on cardiac remodelling and M2 macrophage differentiation were reversed by S31‐201. Finally, the effects of IL‐5 on macrophage differentiation and macrophage‐related cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis were analysed in vitro. IL‐5 knockout significantly increased the Ang II‐induced mRNA expression of cardiac hypertrophy markers in myocardial cells that were co‐cultured with macrophages, and this effect was reversed by S31‐201. Similar trends in the mRNA levels of fibrosis markers were observed when cardiac fibroblasts and macrophages were co‐cultured. In conclusions, IL‐5 deficiency promote the differentiation of M2 macrophages by activating the STAT3 pathway, thereby exacerbating cardiac remodelling in Ang II‐infused mice. IL‐5 may be a potential target for the clinical prevention of cardiac remodelling.
Tumour burden score combined with albumin‐to‐alkaline phosphatase ratio predicts prognosis in patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Wang Sheng , Liu Maoyun , Xiang Lei , Qiu Haizhou , Cheng Luo , Huang Zuotian , Wen Tao , Xie Wenyuan , Li Sipeng , Zhang Cheng , Wang Genshu , Li Hui , Li Dewei
Published: July 2024

Tumour morphology (tumour burden score (TBS)) and liver function (albumin‐to‐alkaline phosphatase ratio (AAPR)) have been shown to correlate with outcomes in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC). This study aimed to evaluate the combined predictive effect of TBS and AAPR on survival outcomes in ICC patients. We conducted a retrospective analysis using a multicentre database of ICC patients who underwent curative surgery from 2011 to 2018. The Kaplan–Meier method was employed to examine the relationship between a new index (combining TBS and AAPR) and long‐term outcomes. The predictive efficacy of this index was compared to other conventional indicators. A total of 560 patients were included in the study. Based on TBS and AAPR stratification, patients were classified into three groups. Kaplan–Meier curves demonstrated that 124 patients with low TBS and high AAPR had the best overall survival (OS) and recurrence‐free survival (RFS), while 170 patients with high TBS and low AAPR had the worst outcomes (log‐rank p < 0.001). Multivariate analyses identified the combined index as an independent predictor of OS and RFS. Furthermore, the index showed superior accuracy in predicting OS and RFS compared to other conventional indicators. Collectively, this study demonstrated that the combination of liver function and tumour morphology provides a synergistic effect in evaluating the prognosis of ICC patients. The novel index combining TBS and AAPR effectively stratified postoperative survival outcomes in ICC patients undergoing curative resection.
Evaluation and management of knee osteoarthritis
Authors: Zhu Siyi , Qu Wenchun , He Chengqi
Published: July 2024

Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) significantly contributes to the global disability burden, with its incidence expected to escalate by 74.9% by 2050. The urgency to comprehend and tackle this condition is critical, necessitating an updated and thorough review of KOA. A systematic review up to February 26, 2024, has elucidated the principal aspects of KOA's pathogenesis, risk factors, clinical manifestations, and contemporary management paradigms. The origins of KOA are intricately linked to mechanical, inflammatory, and metabolic disturbances that impair joint function. Notable risk factors include age, obesity, and previous knee injuries. Diagnosis predominantly relies on clinical assessment, with radiographic evaluation reserved conditionally. The significance of rehabilitation assessments, informed by the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health framework, is highlighted. Treatment strategies are diverse, prioritizing nonpharmacological measures such as patient education, exercise, and weight management, with pharmacological interventions considered adjuncts. Intra‐articular injections and surgical options are contemplated for instances where conventional management is inadequate. KOA stands as a predominant disability cause globally, characterized by a complex etiology and profound effects on individuals’ quality of life. Early, proactive management focusing on nonpharmacological interventions forms the cornerstone of treatment, aiming to alleviate symptoms and enhance joint function. This comprehensive review underscores the need for early diagnosis, individualized treatment plans, and the integration of rehabilitation assessments to optimize patient outcomes. Further research is needed to refine prevention strategies and improve management outcomes for KOA patients.
Review of Pseudoloma neurophilia (Microsporidia): A common neural parasite of laboratory zebrafish (Danio rerio)
Authors: Schuster Corbin J. , Murray Katrina N. , Sanders Justin L. , Couch Claire E. , Kent Michael L.
Published: July 2024

Zebrafish (Danio rerio) is now the second most used animal model in biomedical research. As with other vertebrate models, underlying diseases and infections often impact research. Beyond mortality and morbidity, these conditions can compromise research end points by producing nonprotocol induced variation within experiments. Pseudoloma neurophilia, a microsporidium that targets the central nervous system, is the most frequently diagnosed pathogen in zebrafish facilities. The parasite undergoes direct, horizontal transmission within populations, and is also maternally transmitted with spores in ovarian fluid and occasionally within eggs. This transmission explains the wide distribution among research laboratories as new lines are generally introduced as embryos. The infection is chronic, and fish apparently never recover following the initial infection. However, most fish do not exhibit outward clinical signs. Histologically, the parasite occurs as aggregates of spores throughout the midbrain and spinal cord and extends to nerve roots. It often elicits meninxitis, myositis, and myodegeneration when it infects the muscle. There are currently no described therapies for the parasite, thus the infection is best avoided by screening with PCR‐based tests and removal of infected fish from a facility. Examples of research impacts include reduced fecundity, behavioral changes, transcriptome alterations, and autofluorescent lesions.
Gas5 regulates early‐life stress‐induced anxiety and spatial memory
Authors: Banerjee Dipanjana , Sultana Sania , Banerjee Sourav
Published: July 2024

Early‐life stress (ES) induced by maternal separation (MS) remains a proven causality of anxiety and memory deficits at later stages of life. Emerging studies have shown that MS‐induced gene expression in the hippocampus is operated at the level of transcription. However, the extent of involvement of non‐coding RNAs in MS‐induced behavioural deficits remains unexplored. Here, we have investigated the role of synapse‐enriched long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in anxiety and memory upon MS. We observed that MS led to an enhancement of expression of the lncRNA growth arrest specific 5 (Gas5) in the hippocampus; accompanied by increased levels of anxiety and deficits in spatial memory. Gas5 knockdown in early life was able to reduce anxiety and partially rescue the spatial memory deficits of maternally separated adult mice. However, the reversal of MS‐induced anxiety and memory deficits is not attributed to Gas5 activity during neuronal development as Gas5 RNAi did not influence spine development. Gene Ontology analysis revealed that Gas5 exerts its function by regulating RNA metabolism and translation. Our study highlights the importance of MS‐regulated lncRNA in anxiety and spatial memory.

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Computational modeling of social evaluative decision‐making elucidates individual differences in adolescent anxiety
Authors: Castagna Peter J. , Edgar Elizabeth V. , Delpech Raphaëlle , Topel Selin , Kortink Elise D. , van der Molen Melle J. W. , Crowley Michael J.
Published: July 2024

Adolescents experience significant developmental changes during a time of heightened sensitivity to social cues, particularly rejection by peers, which can be especially overwhelming for those with elevated levels of social anxiety. Social evaluative decision‐making tasks have been useful in uncovering the neural correlates of information processing biases; however, linking youths' task‐based performance to individual differences in psychopathology (e.g., anxiety symptoms) has proven more elusive. Here, we address this weakness with drift diffusion modeling to decompose youths' performance on the social judgment paradigm (SJP) to determine if this approach is useful in discovering individual differences in anxiety symptoms, as well as puberty, age, and sex. A sample of 103 adolescents (55 males, Mage = 14.49, SD = 1.69) completed the SJP and self‐report measures of anxiety, as well as self‐ and parent‐reported measures of puberty. The decision threshold parameter, reflecting the amount of evidence needed to make a social evaluative decision, predicted youth self‐reported anxiety, above and beyond typical metrics of SJP performance. Our results highlight the potential advantage of parsing task performance according to the underlying cognitive processes. Future research would likely benefit from applying computational modeling approaches to social judgment tasks when attempting to uncover performance‐based individual differences in psychopathology.