bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ecological not social factors explain brain size in cephalopods
Authors: Basava Kiran , Bendixen Theiss , Leonhard Alexander , George Nicole Lauren , Vanhersecke Zoé , Omotosho Joshua , Mather Jennifer , Muthukrishna Michael
Published: May 2024

Social factors have been argued to be the main selection pressure for the evolution of large brains and complex behavior on the basis of data from mammals and birds. Coleoid cephalopods (octopuses, squid, and cuttlefish) have large brains, complex nervous systems and show signs of intelligent behavior comparable to that of birds, cetaceans, and primates. However, many cephalopods live largely solitary, semelparous, short lives, and many are cannibalistic, leaving little to no opportunity for parental care, complex group dynamics, or social learning. This suggests that the large brains found in cephalopods are not the result of social selection pressures. Here, motivated by the predictions of the “Asocial Brain Hypothesis” formal model, we compare the relationships between brain size and social, ecological, and other factors in cephalopods, predicting that ecological factors should be the primary selection pressure. Consistent with these predictions, we find that benthic (seafloor) habitats—arguably more complex environments than open-ocean (pelagic) habitats—are strongly associated with larger brain sizes, whereas measures of sociality are not, therefore suggesting ecology as a primary selection pressure on brain size in cephalopods. These results align with the “Asocial Brain Hypothesis,” which predicts that ecological complexity rather than sociality drives the evolution of large brains in asocial animals. Our findings challenge the long-standing emphasis on social drivers of brain expansion and show that ecological selection pressures can produce complex brains in highly divergent evolutionary lineages, which diverged from vertebrates over 500 million years ago. This result highlights the need for more general frameworks that capture different pathways to large brains and intelligence—both social and asocial—and underscores the power of modeling and comparative approaches to unify disparate findings in the study of brain evolution.
Pupil dilations prior to freely timed actions reflect the reported timing of conscious intention
Authors: Gavenas Jake , Schurger Aaron , Maoz Uri
Published: May 2024

Freely timed actions are typically preceded by a slow anticipatory buildup of cortical brain activity, which has been extensively studied. However, such free actions are also preceded by slow pupil dilations in both humans and other animals, which have barely been examined. We investigated the neurocognitive significance of antecedent pupil dilations (APDs) in a voluntary-action paradigm. Participants performed self-paced actions and reported the timing of movement, conscious intention, or other events using a clock. APDs began a second or more before movement, and control conditions suggest that they did not reflect processing related to reporting demands, motor execution, or general anticipation. Critically, APD timing covaried with the reported timing of intention awareness but did not covary with the reported timing of overt movement or an external stimulus. Furthermore, decoding algorithms could distinguish APDs with above-chance accuracy more than 500 milliseconds before button-press. Our results suggest that APDs reflect a shift in awareness prior to movement onset and potentially offer a non-invasive method of predicting spontaneous movements before they occur.

Highlights:

1. Freely timed movements are preceded by antecedent pupil dilations (APDs).

2. APDs do not reflect reporting, motor execution, or general anticipation.

3. APDs are informative of upcoming movements 500+ milliseconds before button-press.

4. APD timing specifically correlates with timing of intention awareness.
Human striatal progenitor cells that contain inducible safeguards and overexpress BDNF rescue Huntington’s disease phenotypes in R6/2 mice
Authors: Simmons Danielle A. , Selvaraj Sridhar , Chen Tingshuo , Cao Gloria , Sauto Camelo Talita , McHugh Tyne L.M. , Gonzalez Selena , Martin Renata , Simanauskaite Juste , Uchida Nobuko , Porteus Matthew , Longo Frank M.
Published: May 2024

Huntington’s disease (HD) is an autosomal-dominant neurodegenerative disorder characterized by striatal atrophy. Reduced trophic support due to decreased striatal levels of neurotrophins (NTs), mainly brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), contributes importantly to HD pathogenesis; restoring NTs has significant therapeutic potential. Human pluripotent stem cells (hPSC) offer a scalable platform for NT delivery but has potential safety risks including teratoma formation. We engineered hPSCs to constitutively produce BDNF and contain inducible safeguards to eliminate these cells if safety concerns arise. This study examined the efficacy of intrastriatally transplanted striatal progenitor cells (STRpcs) derived from these hPSCs against HD phenotypes in R6/2 mice. Engrafted STRpcs overexpressing BDNF alleviated motor and cognitive deficits and reduced mutant huntingtin aggregates. Activating the inducible safety switch with rapamycin safely eliminated the engrafted cells. These results demonstrate that BDNF delivery via a novel hPSC-based platform incorporating safety switches could be a safe and effective HD therapeutic.
Insulin Resistance Increases TNBC Aggressiveness and Brain Metastasis via Adipocyte-derived Exosomes
Authors: Qiu Yuhan , Chen Andrew , Yu Rebecca , Llevenes Pablo , Seen Michael , Ko Naomi Y. , Monti Stefano , Denis Gerald V.
Published: May 2024

Patients with triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) and comorbid Type 2 Diabetes (T2D), characterized by insulin resistance of adipose tissue, have higher risk of metastasis and shorter survival. Adipocytes are the main non-malignant cells of the breast tumor microenvironment (TME). However, adipocyte metabolism is usually ignored in oncology and mechanisms that couple T2D to TNBC outcomes are poorly understood. Here we hypothesized that exosomes, small vesicles secreted by TME breast adipocytes, drive epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and metastasis in TNBC via miRNAs. Exosomes were purified from conditioned media of 3T3-L1 mature adipocytes, either insulin-sensitive (IS) or insulin-resistant (IR). Murine 4T1 cells, a TNBC model, were treated with exosomesin vitro(72h). EMT, proliferation and angiogenesis were elevated in IR vs. control and IS. Brain metastases showed more mesenchymal morphology and EMT enrichment in the IR group. MiR-145a-3p is highly differentially expressed between IS and IR, and potentially regulates metastasis.

Significance

IR adipocyte exosomes modify TME, increase EMT and promote metastasis to distant organs, likely through miRNA pathways. We suggest metabolic diseases such as T2D reshape the TME, promoting metastasis and decreasing survival. Therefore, TNBC patients with T2D should be closely monitored for metastasis, with metabolic medications considered.
Toward the Feynman rule for
n
-point gluon Mellin amplitudes in
AdS/CFT
Authors: Chu Jinwei , Kharel Savan
Published: May 2024

We investigate the embedding formalism in conjunction with the Mellin transform to determine tree-level gluon amplitudes in AdS/CFT. Detailed computations of three to five-point correlators are conducted, ultimately distilling what were previously complex results for five-point correlators into a more succinct and comprehensible form. We then proceed to derive a recursion relation applicable to a specific class of n-point gluon amplitudes. This relation is instrumental in systematically constructing amplitudes for a range of topologies. We illustrate its efficacy by specifically computing six to eight-point functions. Despite the complexity encountered in the intermediate steps of the recursion, the higher-point correlator is succinctly expressed as a polynomial in boundary coordinates, upon which a specific differential operator acts. Remarkably, we observe that these amplitudes strikingly mirror their counterparts in flat space, traditionally computed using standard Feynman rules. This intriguing similarity has led us to propose a novel dictionary: comprehensive rules that bridge AdS Mellin amplitudes with flat-space gluon amplitudes.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Mellin amplitude for
n
-gluon scattering in anti–de Sitter spacetime
Authors: Chu Jinwei , Kharel Savan
Published: May 2024

In AdS/CFT, we introduce a robust method for computing n-point gluon Mellin amplitudes, applicable in various spacetime dimensions. Using the Mellin transform and a recursive algorithm, we efficiently calculate tree-level gluon amplitudes. Our approach simplifies the representation of higher-point amplitudes, eliminating the need for complicated integrations. Crucially, the resulting amplitudes closely mirror those in flat space, allowing a straightforward dictionary between the two settings circumventing explicit calculations.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Allyship against interpersonal pregnancy discrimination: exploring observers’ spontaneous responses toward pregnancy self-disclosure, interpersonal discrimination and male allyship
Authors: Warren Meg Aum , Bock Haley , Sekhon Tejvir , Winkelman Katie
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Pregnant employees experience considerable interpersonal discrimination. This study explores the range of possible reactions of observers to pregnancy self-disclosure, interpersonal discrimination and various allyship interventions, and the attentional processes that lead to those reactions. Consequently, it uncovers socio-cognitive processes underlying support for and backlash toward pregnancy in the workplace.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used a thought-listing technique to explore observers’ spontaneous thoughts related to pregnancy. Working adults were randomly assigned to read through one of the six scenarios depicting pregnancy self-disclosure, interpersonal discrimination and male allyship interventions (i.e. stating the organization’s anti-discrimination policy, confronting the transgressor by calling out sexism, pivoting the conversation to highlight the strengths of the pregnant employee and a hybrid intervention combining highlighting strengths and confrontation) after which participants listed the top three thoughts that came to their mind (1,668 responses). Responses were thematically analyzed to explore spontaneous reactions toward the pregnant employee, transgressor and ally in the scenario.

Findings

Surprisingly, across all scenarios, the most sexist thoughts emerged during pregnancy self-disclosure, even in the absence of any transgression. After a transgression occurred, any allyship intervention was better than none in eliciting lesser sexist backlash against the pregnant employee. Stating the organization’s anti-discrimination policy was most beneficial for the pregnant employee in eliciting the least sexist backlash but at the cost of generating unfavorable impressions of the ally. Calling out the transgressor’s bias elicited the most sexist backlash toward the pregnant employee, yet it created favorable impressions of the ally. In contrast, highlighting the strengths of the pregnant employee created the most favorable impression of the ally while eliciting a few sexist thoughts about the pregnant employee. Overall, the hybrid intervention was the most effective at balancing the competing goals of generating support for the pregnant employee, creating favorable impressions of the ally, as well as holding the transgressor accountable.

Originality/value

This study demonstrates that the type of allyship intervention critically redirects the attentional focus of observers to certain aspects of a discrimination episode and relevant schemas which can generate support or backlash toward targets, transgressors and allies, thereby advancing or obstructing equity and inclusion in organizations.
Pharmaceutical exports and patents in India – a systems approach
Authors: Bhattacharyya Sucharita , Chaudhuri Bibek Ray , Chatterjee Susmita , Chakraborty Debashis
Published: May 2024

Purpose

The Indian pharmaceutical industry currently faces multiple challenges, including rising costs and slowing export growth, which in turn have limited its ability to expand presence in global canvas. Given the nature of sectoral dynamics, a pharmaceutical firm must undertake huge investments in R&D to introduce product innovation, in turn enhancing market share and sustaining profit streams. The development of novel medicines, confirmed by the granting of patent rights, provides a pharma company edge over its competitors. In addition, presence of innovator firms within the industry invigorates the sectoral value chain and raises efficiency. Hence, it is important to analyze whether granting patent rights enhances the exports of pharmaceutical products in the Indian context.

Design/methodology/approach

The current study explored this question using a simultaneous-equation framework. Specifically, the authors use the methods developed by Davidson and MacKinnon (1993) and Greene (2003) to obtain heteroscedasticity-consistent estimates. The time-series properties of the data were further probed, and robust estimates were used to test the theory. Methods developed by Baltagi (1981) have been used further to refine the authors’ estimations.

Findings

After controlling for relevant variables, it is observed that granting of patents caused a significantly positive impact on pharmaceutical exports. Furthermore, the change in the patent administration regime had a significant impact on patent fillings, which further impacted their exportability. Compared to patents granted patents filed had a higher impact on pharmaceutical exports.

Originality/value

This study attempts to apply the framework developed by Goldstein and Khan (1978) with necessary modifications to suit the context of a developing country. The application of the 3SLS method to estimate the export supply equation for pharmaceutical products is a novel approach to the research question in general and to the Indian context in particular. System autocorrelation and heteroscedasticity tests were performed to refine the results further.
Designing experiential learning activities with generative artificial intelligence tools for authentic assessment
Authors: Salinas-Navarro David Ernesto , Vilalta-Perdomo Eliseo , Michel-Villarreal Rosario , Montesinos Luis
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This article investigates the application of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) in experiential learning for authentic assessment in higher education. Recognized for its human-like content generation, GenAI has garnered widespread interest, raising concerns regarding its reliability, ethical considerations and overall impact. The purpose of this study is to explore the transformative capabilities and limitations of GenAI for experiential learning.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses “thing ethnography” and “incremental prompting” to delve into the perspectives of ChatGPT 3.5, a prominent GenAI model. Through semi-structured interviews, the research prompts ChatGPT 3.5 on critical aspects such as conceptual clarity, integration of GenAI in educational settings and practical applications within the context of authentic assessment. The design examines GenAI’s potential contributions to reflective thinking, hands-on learning and genuine assessments, emphasizing the importance of responsible use.

Findings

The findings underscore GenAI’s potential to enhance experiential learning in higher education. Specifically, the research highlights GenAI’s capacity to contribute to reflective thinking, hands-on learning experiences and the facilitation of genuine assessments. Notably, the study emphasizes the significance of responsible use in harnessing the capabilities of GenAI for educational purposes.

Originality/value

This research showcases the application of GenAI in operations management education, specifically within lean health care. The study offers insights into its capabilities by exploring the practical implications of GenAI in a specific educational domain through thing ethnography and incremental prompting. Additionally, the article proposes future research directions, contributing to the originality of the work and opening avenues for further exploration in the integration of GenAI in education.
The association between institutional setting, cultural intelligence and social interaction in a divided society: a study among students
Authors: Idilbi Nasra , Arieli Daniella , Satran Carmit , Ali Saleh Ola , Halperin Ofra
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This study aims to explore the perception of students from conflicted groups studying nursing together regarding the intergroup encounter. Specifically, this study focused on Jewish and Arab students in a nursing undergraduate program at an Israeli college. This study focused on the association between two factors [students’ cultural intelligence (CQ) level and their satisfaction with the support provided by the college] and the degree of closeness or social interaction Arab and Jewish students experience.

Design/methodology/approach

Accordingly, 362 students completed three anonymous questionnaires during December 2022, focused on (1) CQ (2) satisfaction with the academic setting and (3) experience of intergroup social interaction.

Findings

The results revealed that (1) Arab students (minority group) demonstrated higher CQ than Jewish students, especially regarding awareness of cultural differences and motivation for intercultural encounters. (2) Arab students experienced the intergroup encounter with Jewish students as closer and warmer than Jewish students did. (3) Despite being a minority group in Israel, Arab students’ satisfaction with the college’s support was higher than that of Jewish students. (4) Satisfaction with the support provided by the college was the main factor associated with the sense of social interaction, having a higher correlation with it than the degree of CQ.

Originality/value

Fostering CQ through curricula alone is insufficient in shaping intergroup experiences of students studying together in a divided society. To encourage social interaction between students in academia in divided societies, educational institutions need to ensure their students’ sense of support is high.
KL-SG High-Speed Rail – a catalyst for national economic development
Authors: Permalu Sri Viknesh , Nagarajoo Karthigesu
Published: May 2024

Purpose

In an increasingly interconnected world, transportation infrastructure has emerged as a critical determinant of economic growth and global competitiveness. High-speed rail (HSR), characterized by its exceptional speed and efficiency, has garnered widespread attention as a transformative mode of transportation that transcends borders and fosters economic development. The Kuala Lumpur – Singapore (KL-SG) HSR project stands as a prominent exemplar of this paradigm, symbolizing the potential of HSR to serve as a catalyst for national economic advancement.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is prepared to provide an insight into the benefits and advantages of HSR based on proven case studies and references from global HSRs, including China, Spain, France and Japan.

Findings

The findings that have been obtained focus on enhanced connectivity and accessibility, attracting foreign direct investment, revitalizing regional economies, urban development and city regeneration, boosting tourism and cultural exchange, human capital development, regional integration and environmental and sustainability benefits.

Originality/value

The KL-SG HSR, linking Kuala Lumpur and Singapore, epitomizes the potential for HSR to be a transformative agent in the realm of economic development. This project encapsulates the aspirations of two dynamic Southeast Asian economies, united in their pursuit of sustainable growth, enhanced connectivity and global competitiveness. By scrutinizing the KL-SG High-Speed Rail through the lens of economic benchmarking, a deeper understanding emerges of how such projects can drive progress in areas such as cross-border trade, tourism, urban development and technological innovation.
Gendered processes of recruitment to elite higher educational institutions in mid‐twentieth century Britain
Authors: Worth Eve , Muggleton Naomi , Reeves Aaron
Published: May 2024

This article uses rare and detailed data on matriculants to the University of Oxford during the middle decades of the twentieth century as a prism through which to consider gendered processes of recruitment to elite institutions. The article makes four key claims. First, the broader shifts in middle‐class women's labour market participation in the mid‐century are reflected in patterns of maternal occupation among matriculants, shifting from being predominantly housewives to professionals across the period. Related to this, the fathers of matriculants had similar professions whether their child was male or female, but mothers’ professions varied much more between male and female students. There was much more variation between mothers and fathers of students who attended what we term ‘elite’ schools. Finally, across the mid‐twentieth century, the number of male students from elite schools declined significantly, whereas the number of women students who had attended an ‘elite’ school was much steadier. Given the centrality of Oxford for processes of elite recruitment, these trends in their matriculants will have far wider implications for who gets access to elite positions in the decades after these shifts were occurring, revealing in some ways the continuity of class privilege and the increasingly salient role of mother's occupation in processes of elite reproduction.
The spatial pattern and association network of green finance development: Empirical evidence from China
Authors: Jiang Tangyang , Xu Juanjuan , Yu Yang , Jahanger Atif , Balsalobre‐Lorente Daniel
Published: May 2024

Green finance is a market‐driven approach to achieve the “double carbon” goal. However, the existing research predominantly focuses on the connotations and empowerment aspects of green finance. Notable regional disparities exist in China's financial markets and resource endowments, resulting in uneven levels of green finance development among various areas, significantly impeding the overall green transformation of the economy and society. In light of this, our paper explores the spatial patterns and association network of green finance development in China. The research findings indicate that: (1) The development of green finance in China exhibits an “east high, west low” spatial distribution pattern, with significant spatial clustering observed among neighboring provinces. The eastern region displays a “H‐H” clustering, while the western region shows an “L‐L” clustering. (2) The spatial correlation distribution of provincial green finance in China demonstrates an eastward concentration and westward dispersion trend, with strong correlation areas gradually expanding. Notably, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Shanghai, and the Beijing‐Tianjin‐Hebei urban agglomerations lead nationally in attractiveness. (3) The external radiation capability of provincial green finance is progressively improving, with provinces such as Beijing, Hebei, Hubei, and Sichuan likely to occupy strategic structural positions, possessing greater development advantages. This study not only expands the theoretical scope of existing green finance research but also provides a practical reference for coordinating and achieving the high‐quality development of regional green finance from a practical perspective.
Bumblebees attend to both the properties of the string and the target in string‐pulling tasks, but prioritize the features of the string
Authors: Zhou Dongbo , Dong Shunping , Ge Jin , Chittka Lars , Wang Cai , Wen Chao , Wen Junbao
Published: May 2024

Previous studies have demonstrated that associative learning and experience play important roles in the string‐pulling of bumblebees (Bombus terrestris). However, the features of the target (artificial flower with sugar reward) and the string that bees learn in such tasks remain unknown. This study aimed to explore the specific aspects of the string‐flower arrangement that bumblebees learn and how they prioritize these features. We show that bumblebees trained with string‐pulling are sensitive to the flower stimuli; they exhibit a preference for pulling strings connected to flowers over strings that are not attached to a target. Additionally, they chose to pull strings attached to flowers of the same color and shape as experienced during training. The string feature also plays a crucial role for bumblebees when the flower features are identical. Furthermore, bees prioritized the features of the strings rather than the flowers when both cues were in conflict. Our results show that bumblebees solve string‐pulling tasks by acquiring knowledge about the characteristics of both targets and strings, and contribute to a deeper understanding of the cognitive processes employed by bees when tackling non‐natural skills.
Chromosome‐level genome assembly of Pedicularis kansuensis illuminates genome evolution of facultative parasitic plant
Authors: Fang Longfa , Li Mingyu , Zhang Jia , Jia Chenglin , Qiang Yuqing , He Xiaojuan , Liu Tao , Zhou Qiang , Luo Dong , Han Yuling , Li Zhen , Liu Wenxian , Yang Yongzhi , Liu Jianquan , Liu Zhipeng
Published: May 2024

Parasitic plants have a heterotrophic lifestyle, in which they withdraw all or part of their nutrients from their host through the haustorium. Despite the release of many draft genomes of parasitic plants, the genome evolution related to the parasitism feature of facultative parasites remains largely unknown. In this study, we present a high‐quality chromosomal‐level genome assembly for the facultative parasite Pedicularis kansuensis (Orobanchaceae), which invades both legume and grass host species in degraded grasslands on the Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau. This species has the largest genome size compared with other parasitic species, and expansions of long terminal repeat retrotransposons accounting for 62.37% of the assembly greatly contributed to the genome size expansion of this species. A total of 42,782 genes were annotated, and the patterns of gene loss in P. kansuensis differed from other parasitic species. We also found many mobile mRNAs between P. kansuensis and one of its host species, but these mobile mRNAs could not compensate for the functional losses of missing genes in P. kansuensis. In addition, we identified nine horizontal gene transfer (HGT) events from rosids and monocots, as well as one single‐gene duplication events from HGT genes, which differ distinctly from that of other parasitic species. Furthermore, we found evidence for HGT through transferring genomic fragments from phylogenetically remote host species. Taken together, these findings provide genomic insights into the evolution of facultative parasites and broaden our understanding of the diversified genome evolution in parasitic plants and the molecular mechanisms of plant parasitism.
Review article: Evaluation and care of the critically ill patient with cirrhosis
Authors: Kosuta Iva , Premkumar Madhumita , Reddy K. Rajender
Published: May 2024

Background

The increase in prevalence of liver disease globally will lead to a substantial incremental burden on intensive care requirements. While liver transplantation offers a potential life‐saving intervention, not all patients are eligible due to limitations such as organ availability, resource constraints, ongoing sepsis or multiple organ failures. Consequently, the focus of critical care of patients with advanced and decompensated cirrhosis turns to liver‐centric intensive care protocols, to mitigate the high mortality in such patients.

Aim

Provide an updated and comprehensive understanding of cirrhosis management in critical care, and which includes emergency care, secondary organ failure management (mechanical ventilation, renal replacement therapy, haemodynamic support and intensive care nutrition), use of innovative liver support systems, infection control, liver transplantation and palliative and end‐of life care.

Methods

We conducted a structured bibliographic search on PubMed, sourcing articles published up to 31 March 2024, to cover topics addressed. We considered data from observational studies, recommendations of society guidelines, systematic reviews, and meta‐analyses, randomised controlled trials, and incorporated our clinical expertise in liver critical care.

Results

Critical care management of the patient with cirrhosis has evolved over time while mortality remains high despite aggressive management with liver transplantation serving as a crucial but not universally available resource.

Conclusions

Implementation of organ support therapies, intensive care protocols, nutrition, palliative care and end‐of‐life discussions and decisions are an integral part of critical care of the patient with cirrhosis. A multi‐disciplinary approach towards critical care management is likely to yield better outcomes.
Updates in characteristics and survival rates of cirrhosis in a nationwide cohort of real‐world U.S. patients, 2003–2021
Authors: Tran Sally , Zou Biyao , Lee KeeSeok , Kam Leslie , Yeo YeeHui , Henry Linda , Cheung Ramsey , Nguyen Mindie H.
Published: May 2024

Background

Adverse outcomes of cirrhosis remain a top priority.

Aims

We examined the distribution of cirrhosis causes, HCC incidence and mortality and related changes over time in a nationwide U.S. cohort.

Methods

A retrospective study of a national sample of commercially insured patients with cirrhosis from Optum's de‐identified Clinformatics® Data Mart Database (CDM).

Results

A total of 628,743 cirrhosis cases were identified with 45% having NAFLD, 19.5% HCV, and 16.3% ALD. African Americans had the highest rate of decompensation (60.6%), while Asians had the highest rate of HCC (2.4%), both p < 0.001. African Americans more frequently had HCV (28.4%) while Hispanic/Latinos more frequently had NAFLD (49.2%, p < 0.001). Patients in the 2014–2021 cohort were significantly older (63.0 ± 12.8 vs. 57.0 ± 14.3), less frequently decompensated (54.5% vs. 58.3%) but more frequently had HCC (1.7% vs. 0.6%) and NAFLD (46.5% vs. 44.2%), all p < 0.001. The overall annual incidence of HCC was 0.76% (95% CI: 0.75–0.77) with a 5‐year cumulative incidence of 4.03% (95% CI: 3.98–4.09), with significant variation by sex, race/ethnicity, and cirrhosis aetiology. The overall median years of survival were 11.4 (95% CI: 11.3–11.5) with a 5‐year cumulative survival of 73.4% (95% CI: 73.3%–73.6%), also with significant disparities in similar subgroups (lowest in cryptogenic cirrhosis and worse in 2014–2021 vs. 2003–2013). The 2014–2021 period was independently associated with worse survival (aHR: 1.14, 95% CI: 1.08–1.20).

Conclusions

HCC incidence and survival vary by aetiology among patients with cirrhosis, with cryptogenic cirrhosis having the lowest survival and lower survival in the more recent time period.
Anticholinergic deprescribing: A case report demonstrating improved cognition and function with minimal adverse withdrawal effects
Authors: Lundby Carina , Farrell Barbara , Wilson Amanda
Published: May 2024

Anticholinergic‐induced cognitive impairment may be partially reversible upon cessation. A barrier to deprescribing of anticholinergics is the unknown risk of anticholinergic adverse drug withdrawal events (ADWE), with only limited information available on the incidence, timing and severity of anticholinergic ADWE. We report the case of a 76‐year‐old woman who experienced significant cognitive improvement following deprescribing long‐term use of a strong anticholinergic drug, doxepin, and dose reduction of another possible anticholinergic agent. The patient decided to abruptly stop taking doxepin, despite a planned careful taper with twice weekly monitoring, but did not experience any severe anticholinergic ADWE and subsequently had significantly improved cognitive function. Future research should focus on better understanding the risk of anticholinergic ADWE so that anticholinergic deprescribing decisions, including how often and by how much to taper, can be made confidently and safely.
Impacts of tumor microenvironment during neoadjuvant chemotherapy in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Sugawara Kotaro , Fukuda Takashi , Murakami Chiaki , Oka Daiji , Yoshii Takako , Amori Gulanbar , Ishibashi Kumiko , Kobayashi Yasuhito , Hara Hiroki , Kanda Hiroaki , Motoi Noriko
Published: May 2024

With the advent of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), a better understanding of tumor microenvironment (TME) is becoming crucial in managing esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) patients. We investigated the survival impact of TME status and changes in patients with ESCC who underwent neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) followed by surgery (n = 264). We examined immunohistochemical status (CD4+, CD8+, CD20+, Foxp3+, HLA class‐1+, CD204+, and programmed death ligand‐1 [PD‐L1+]) on 264 pre‐NAC and 204 paired post‐NAC specimens. Patients were classified by their pre‐ and post‐NAC immune cell status and their changes following NAC. Our findings showed that pre‐NAC TME status was not significantly associated with survival outcomes. In contrast, post‐NAC TME status, such as low level of T cells, CD4+ T cells, and high PD‐L1 combined positive score (CPS), were significantly associated with poor overall survival (OS). Notably, TME changes through NAC exerted significant survival impacts; patients with consistently low levels of T cells, low levels of CD4+ T cells, or high levels of PD‐L1 (CPS) had very poor OS (3‐year OS: 35.5%, 40.2%, and 33.3%, respectively). Tumor microenvironment changes of consistently low T cells, low CD4+ T cells, and high PD‐L1 were independent predictors of poor OS in multivariate Cox hazards analyses, while factors indicating post‐NAC status (T cells, CD4+, and PD‐L1 [CPS]) alone were not. Therefore, we suggest that the consistently low T/high PD‐L1 group could benefit from additional therapies, such as ICIs, and the importance of stratification by the TME, which has recently been recognized.
Clinical outcomes associated with neoadjuvant therapy for the treatment of resectable non‐small cell lung cancer in real‐world practice
Authors: Huang Xiaojie , Pang Guanchao , Mao Zhirong , Li Baizhou , Teng Zhihua , Yang Yan , Qiu Zijian , Chen Xiuxiu , Wang Pingli
Published: May 2024

Background

In order to improve survival outcomes in resectable non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), strategies for neoadjuvant therapy need to be revisited. We evaluated and compared the efficacy of different neoadjuvant therapeutic modalities in a real‐world setting.

Methods

A total of 258 patients with clinical stage IIA to IIIB NSCLC was included. All the patients underwent surgical resection after one to four cycles of neoadjuvant treatment consisting of chemotherapy (83), immunotherapy (23), and immunotherapy plus chemotherapy (152).

Results

The radiologic response rate in the combined immunochemotherapy group was 67.8%, higher than that of 48.2% in the chemotherapy group and 4.3% in the immunotherapy group (p < 0.001). An improved major pathological response (MPR) was also achieved in the combined therapy group compared with the chemotherapy group and the immunotherapy group (53.9% vs. 10.8% vs. 8.7%, p < 0.001). Patients in the combined therapy group had a significant trend toward longer disease‐free survival than those in the chemotherapy alone group (3‐year disease‐free survival [DFS] of 68.79% vs. 50.81%; hazard ratio [HR] for progression or death, 0.477; p = 0.003). Multivariate Cox analysis identified radical surgery (HR, 0.328; p = 0.033), ypN0–1 stage (HR, 0.591; p = 0.038) and MPR result (HR, 0.362; p = 0.007) to be independent prognostic factors for DFS.

Conclusions

Neoadjuvant treatment with a combination of immunotherapy plus chemotherapy appears to achieve higher radiological and pathological responses than monotherapy for IIA‐IIIB NSCLC. Log‐rank analysis showed that a better outcome could be expected in patients with the addition of immunotherapy to neoadjuvant chemotherapy if compared with patients with chemotherapy alone in terms of DFS.
Endoscopic ultrasound‐guided gastrointestinal anastomosis: Are we there yet?
Authors: Dhir Vinay , Jaurrieta‐Rico Cesar , Singh Vivek Kumar
Published: May 2024

Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) is increasingly used as a therapeutic approach for gastrointestinal diseases, especially with the advent of lumen‐apposing metal stents (LAMS). This has led to a rise in of EUS‐guided gastrointestinal anastomosis procedures. Due to the reliability of intestinal conduits with LAMS, indications for EUS‐guided gastrointestinal anastomosis are becoming more common and trend to potentially be standard care for gastric outlet obstruction, afferent loop syndrome, and EUS‐directed transgastric interventions such as EUS‐directed endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. Retrospective and prospective data indicate that the procedure is becoming widely adopted with promising outcomes. This article aims to review the existing literature on EUS‐guided gastrointestinal anastomosis and predict its future developments.
Look beneath the surface – Endoscopic removal of a fishbone completely embedded in the esophageal wall
Authors: Bragança Sofia , Carvalho Lourenço Luís , Cardoso Mariana
Published: May 2024

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Your feelings are reasonable: Emotional validation promotes persistence among preschoolers
Authors: Jeon Jeewon , Park Daeun
Published: May 2024

Persistence is a critical factor that significantly predicts life outcomes. Although individual differences in persistence emerge early in life, the knowledge of effective strategies for cultivating persistence in young children remains limited. Based on these two studies, we suggest that emotional validation, defined as the acceptance of emotions without judgment, is a beneficial technique for promoting persistence in the wake of frustration. Study 1 examined 150 parents of children aged 4–6 years and found that parents’ tendency to validate their children's emotions was positively associated with children's trait persistence. We conducted a randomized experiment (N = 93, aged 4–6 years) in Study 2 to establish a causal relationship between emotional validation and persistence in preschoolers. Children who received emotional validation feedback (n = 31) exhibited higher levels of persistence than those who received emotional invalidation (n = 31) and no feedback (baseline, n = 31) on a frustrating task. The persistence between the emotional invalidation and no‐feedback conditions was not statistically different. This finding highlights the vital role of emotional validation in promoting persistence in children at trait and state levels. In summary, this study offers a compelling strategy for empowering young children with resilience and determination when they encounter challenges.

Research Highlights

Parental emotional validation predicts the trait‐level persistence of children aged 4−6 years.

Children who received emotion‐validation feedback persisted longer on a task than those who received emotion‐invalidation feedback or no feedback.

Children in the emotion invalidation condition did not differ from those in the no‐feedback condition in terms of persistence.

Future studies are required to investigate the mechanisms underlying emotional validation in promoting task persistence in children.
Inferred drought‐induced plant allocation shifts and their impact on drought legacy at a tropical forest site
Authors: Worden Matthew A. , Famiglietti Caroline A. , Levine Paul A. , Ma Shuang , Bloom A. Anthony , Bonal Damien , Stahl Clément , Konings Alexandra G.
Published: May 2024

While droughts predominantly induce immediate reductions in plant carbon uptake, they can also exert long‐lasting effects on carbon fluxes through associated changes in leaf area, soil carbon, etc. Among other mechanisms, shifts in carbon allocation due to water stress can contribute to the legacy effects of drought on carbon fluxes. However, the magnitude and impact of these allocation shifts on carbon fluxes and pools remain poorly understood. Using data from a wet tropical flux tower site in French Guiana, we demonstrate that drought‐induced carbon allocation shifts can be reliably inferred by assimilating Net Biosphere Exchange (NBE) and other observations within the CARbon DAta MOdel fraMework. This model‐data fusion system allows inference of optimized carbon and water cycle parameters and states from multiple observational data streams. We then examined how these inferred shifts affected the duration and magnitude of drought's impact on NBE during and after the extreme event. Compared to a static allocation scheme analogous to those typically implemented in land surface models, dynamic allocation reduced average carbon uptake during drought recovery by a factor of 2.8. Additionally, the dynamic model extended the average recovery time by 5 months. The inferred allocation shifts influenced the post‐drought period by altering foliage and fine root pools, which in turn modulated gross primary productivity and heterotrophic respiration for up to a decade. These changes can create a bust‐boom cycle where carbon uptake is enhanced some years after a drought, compared to what would have occurred under drought‐free conditions. Overall, allocation shifts accounted for 65% [45%–75%] of drought legacy effects in modeled NBE. In summary, drought‐induced carbon allocation shifts can play a substantial role in the enduring influence of drought on cumulative land‐atmosphere CO2 exchanges and should be accounted for in ecosystem models.
Metabolism effects of static magnetic field‐assisted freezing on shrimp (Penaeus vannamei)
Authors: Zhu Qijian , Fu Shiqian , Yang Huicheng , Lin Bangchu , Lou Yongjiang , Li Yongyong
Published: May 2024

Shrimp undergo rapid deterioration after death, primarily due to enzyme activity and microbial growth, with freezing serving as its primary preservation method. In this study, shrimp underwent both conventional freezing (CF) and magnetic field‐assisted freezing (MF), and the shrimp meat's metabolites were scrutinised via metabonomic analysis techniques. The results demonstrate that MF treatment effectively preserved umami components like glutamic acid (log2(FC) = 0.37) and inosinic acid (1.02) while inhibiting the accumulation of spoilage‐related metabolites such as inosine (HxR) (−2.51), hypoxanthine (Hx) (−1.43) and uric acid (UA) (−1.24). Moreover, specific compounds, including 3‐methylhistidine, 1,6‐bisphosphate, phosphatidylcholine (PC), phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), HxR, Hx and UA were recognised as potential biomarkers throughout the freezing process. This research offers crucial insights into the intricate molecular mechanisms behind magnetic field‐assisted freezing.
Poverty and public works: Evidence from Hungary
Authors: Colombarolli Claudia , Gábos András
Published: May 2024

This paper investigates how being employed in public works exposes workers and their households to poverty. Public works consist of centrally planned and financed works targeting long‐term unemployed or inactive. Evidence is primarily negative concerning improved employment trajectories, while we still know little about the poverty outcomes. To examine this, we draw on the 2014–2019 cross‐sectional data of the EU‐SILC survey for Hungary. Hungary has invested significantly in these programmes over the last few years, and since 2014, it has provided a unique opportunity to access income and public works information within EU‐SILC. Results highlight the relevance of both quantity and quality of employment. Public workers are better off than long‐term unemployed. However, they show higher poverty risk than non‐public workers (about twice as much). Living with non‐public workers substantially reduces their poverty risk, while households of only public workers struggle more to avoid poverty.
Clinical characteristics and survival outcomes of elderly patients with de novo metastatic germ cell tumors
Authors: Kirisawa Takahiro , Okuno Tomoya , Hagimoto Hiroki , Matsuda Ayumu , Maejima Aiko , Shinoda Yasuo , Nakamura Eijiro , Komiyama Motokiyo , Fujimoto Hiroyuki , Matsui Yoshiyuki
Published: May 2024

Objectives

To determine the outcomes for elderly patients with de novo metastatic germ cell tumors and the influence of patient age on adherence to standard chemotherapy.

Methods

A total of 150 patients who were initially diagnosed with metastatic germ cell tumors and treated at our institution between 2007 and 2021 were included. Patients were classified according to three age groups: aged <40, 40–49, and ≥50 years. Clinicopathological features, adherence to standard first‐line chemotherapy, overall survival, and disease‐free survival were compared between these groups. We also analyzed the outcomes of patients who received low‐intensity induction chemotherapy due to adverse events and/or comorbidities.

Results

There was no significant difference in any of the survival outcomes and in the rate of adherence to standard first‐line chemotherapy between the three age groups, although elderly patients with intermediate/poor prognosis group tended to receive less‐intense chemotherapies. The rate of febrile neutropenia as a chemotherapy‐related adverse event was significantly higher in patients aged ≥50 years. No statistical significance in survival outcomes was detected between the group of patients who received relatively low‐intensity induction chemotherapy and those who received adequately intensive planned chemotherapy.

Conclusions

The adherence rate of standard fist‐line chemotherapy of elderly patients is almost comparable to that of younger patients, although some adverse events should be carefully managed. Even elderly patients with metastatic germ cell tumors can aim for equivalently good survival outcome like younger populations, with effort to adhere to standard chemotherapy.
Mediation of psychological ownership between green human resources management and nursing faculty's green behavior
Authors: Tawfik Ahmed Farghaly , El‐Ashry Ayman Mohamed , El‐fattah Mahgoub Shimaa Abd , Mohamed Sanaa Hassan
Published: May 2024

Background

Greening organizations have become a top priority for decision‐makers in the 21st century. Psychological ownership can be improved through responsible administration, which, in turn, improves green behavior.

Aim

Investigating the mediating role of psychological ownership in the relationship between green human resources management (HRM) and green behavior among nursing faculty.

Design and method

A correlational analytical research design was utilized to conduct the study following the STROBE guidelines. A convenience sample of 204 academic staff was used. Four data collection tools were used: sociodemographic characteristics, the green HRM questionnaire, the Psychological Ownership Scale, and the Green Behaviour Scale.

Results

Faculty members who perceive strong green HRM practices are more likely to have heightened psychological ownership, positively influencing their engagement in green behavior. Conversely, weaker perceptions of green HRM are associated with lower levels of green behavior. Psychological ownership was found to act as a partial mediator between green HRM and green behavior. Even when considering the influence of psychological ownership, green HRM has a significant and direct impact on green behavior.

Conclusion

Faculty members who perceive a high level of green HRM practices are more likely to have a high level of psychological ownership that, in turn, influences their green behavior.

Implications for nursing and health policy

Workshops on psychological ownership and green behavior can foster environmental sustainability. Policies should integrate green HRM practices into nursing education and healthcare facilities, recognizing psychological ownership's role. Incentivizing green initiatives can motivate staff, aligning with broader conservation goals. Encouraging an ethos of environmental stewardship benefits both the healthcare and sustainable development agendas.