bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bibliographical foundations of information science: a review essay
Authors: Hjørland Birger
Published: September 2024

Purpose

The narrow purpose of this article is to review de Fremery’s (2024) book about the bibliographic foundations of information science. The broader purpose is to consider the actual as well as the potential relevance of the field(s) of bibliography for information science besides the book under review.

Design/methodology/approach

This review essay examines the arguments put forward by de Fremery (2024), introduces concepts and traditional lore from the study of bibliography and presents internal conflicts or paradigms in the field of bibliography. It relates this information to foundational issues in information science.

Findings

De Fremery’s basic ambition of basing information science in the field of bibliography is important, and so is the attempt to consider bibliography in relation to contemporary information technologies such as machine learning and data science. The book under review fails, however, to describe the relations between different positions in bibliography, such as enumerative, analytical, descriptive, critical and historical bibliography in relation to information science. It rather tends to make problematic claims, for example, that scientific experiments are based on bibliographical methods, and to describe the relation of bibliography to information science on the basis of such interpretations. Nonetheless, the book is a serious attempt to consider the field of bibliography and thereby support the focus on documents in information science.

Originality/value

Information science often suffers because of ambiguities in the concept of information. When information science is understood as the study of literature-based answering, much else falls into place. The field of bibliography is a core concept for this understanding and re-orientation of information science, for example, by establishing the core relation between bibliography, information searching and knowledge organization.
Incubating innovation: the role of incubators in supporting business model innovation
Authors: Braun Sjard , Suoranta Mari
Published: September 2024

Purpose

The role of incubators in promoting startup growth has received close research attention, but the findings paint a conflicting picture. This study aims to reduce the ambiguity surrounding incubator impact by exploring how incubators can support startups with business model innovations – a significant growth factor for startups neglected in the incubation literature.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a multiple-case study design, the authors conducted semistructured interviews with incubator directors and startup founders, offering insights into their experiences. The transcripts were coded following the Gioia method.

Findings

This study shows that incubatees are exposed to and struggle with business model innovation. Therefore, this study explores how incubators can support startups in innovating their business models.

Research limitations/implications

This research reveals the importance of addressing the psychological needs of entrepreneurs in incubators. By offering emotional support, incubators can create a positive psychological environment, helping entrepreneurs face fears and challenges. This highlights the human side of entrepreneurship, which has not been considered in the incubation literature.

Practical implications

Incubator directors can strengthen their programmes’ impact by offering tailored support for business model innovation and facilitating network connections. Policymakers should encourage ecosystem collaboration and allocate resources to effective programmes.

Originality/value

This research fills a gap in the incubation literature by emphasizing the significance and need for support for business model innovation. This study also offers original insights into the psychological dimensions of entrepreneurship.
Development of a novel system for measuring femoroacetabular contact forces in hip arthroscopy
Authors: Gonçalves Sérgio B , Dantas Pedro , Guedes de Melo Francisco , Gouveia João , Guimarães Consciência José , Martins Jorge , Silva Miguel Tavares da
Published: September 2024

Purpose

Arthroscopic osteochondroplasty is a minimally invasive procedure that has been used to treat femoroacetabular impingement syndrome, leading to significant improvements in patients’ clinical outcomes and quality of life. However, some studies suggest that inadequate bone resection can substantially alter hip biomechanics. These modifications may generate different contact profiles and higher contact forces, increasing the risk of developing premature joint degeneration. To improve control over bone resection and biomechanical outcomes during arthroscopic osteochondroplasty surgery, this study aims to present a novel system for measuring femoroacetabular contact forces.

Design/methodology/approach

Following a structured design process for the development of medical devices, the steps required for its production using additive manufacturing with material extrusion and easily accessible sensors are described. The system comprises two main devices, one for measuring femoroacetabular contact forces and the other for quantifying the force applied by the assistant surgeon during lower limb manipulation. The hip device was designed for use within an arthroscopic environment, eliminating the need for additional portals.

Findings

To evaluate its performance, the system was first tested in a laboratory setup and later under in-service conditions. The 3D printing parameters were tuned to ensure the watertighness of the device and sustain the intraoperative fluid pressures. The final prototype allowed for the controlled measurement of the hip contact forces in real-time.

Originality/value

Using additive manufacturing and readily available sensors, the present work presents the first device to quantify joint contact forces during arthroscopic surgeries, serving as an additional tool to support the surgeon’s decision-making process regarding bone resection.
Cattle exclusion increases encounters of wild herbivores in Neotropical forests
Authors: Vélez Juliana , McShea William , Pukazhenthi Budhan , Rodríguez Juan David , Suárez María Fernanda , Torres José Manuel , Barrera César , Fieberg John
Published: September 2024

Ongoing habitat loss and species extinctions require managers to implement and quantify the effectiveness of conservation actions for protecting biodiversity. Fencing, when done properly, is an important management tool for conservation in landscapes where wildlife and domestic animals co‐occur, potentially enhancing habitat use through selective exclusion of domestic species. For instance, the fencing of forest patches in the Neotropics is expected to reduce the degradation of understory vegetation by cattle, releasing these resources for the native community of browsers and fruit consumers.

Here, we implemented an ecological experiment using a before‐after control‐impact design to quantify the effect of cattle exclusion on encounter probability of the native community of browsers and fruit consumers, and percent ground cover in multifunctional landscapes of the Colombian Orinoquía. We built 14 km of wildlife‐permeable fences along forest edges in four forest patches (i.e. blocks) containing control and fenced (treatment) sites. We installed 33 camera traps to obtain information about wildlife and cattle encounter probabilities, before and after the fences were constructed. We used Bayesian generalised linear mixed effects models to quantify the effect of fences via the interaction between the time period (before and after the fences were built) and treatment (control or fenced sites).

Fencing was effective at reducing encounter probabilities of cattle in the treated sites, and it had a positive impact on relative encounter probabilities of four of seven studied wildlife species (herbivores including the black agouti [dry season only], lowland tapir [dry season only] and spotted paca [both seasons] and an omnivore, the South American coati [rainy season only]). The effect of fencing was negative for the collared peccary but only during the dry season. No statistically significant effect was detected for the white‐lipped peccary or white‐tailed deer.

Synthesis and applications: We provide experimental evidence that fences are effective at selectively excluding cattle and increasing encounter rates of wild browsers and fruit consumers in forest patches where these species co‐occur with cattle. Our results highlight an important application of fencing ecology in Neotropical forests, where the implementation of wildlife‐permeable fences is feasible due to smaller body sizes of wildlife compared to domestic animals such as cattle.
L'effet de la crise Russo‐Ukrainienne sur la sécurité alimentaire en Afrique
Authors: Song Jacques Simon , Pondie Thierry Messie , Ngounou Borice Augustin , Mbognou Cérapis Nchinda , Mariko Ousmane
Published: September 2024

Cet article investigue l'effet de la Crise Russo‐Ukrainienne (CRU) sur la sécurité alimentaire observée d'un échantillon de 42 pays africains. Nous spécifions et estimons un modèle en données de panel par la Méthode des Moments Généralisés en Système (MMG‐S) et le Lewbel Doubles Moindres Carrés (LDMC) sur la période 2000‐2022. Nos résultats montrent que la CRU réduit significativement la sécurité alimentaire en Afrique. La robustesse des résultats est avérée par la prise en compte des variables de gouvernance et des canaux de transmission. Nous suggérons un arrangement institutionnel durable pour préserver la sécurité alimentaire.
Othering and ethics of belonging in migrants' embodied healthcare experiences
Authors: Subramani Supriya
Published: September 2024

At a time when national identities are being reasserted in Western Europe alongside moral and intellectual visions of a cosmopolitan order more inclusive than nationalism, what does belonging mean for immigrants who are non‐Europeans, particularly for women from South Asia, Africa and the Middle East? Based on the lived experiences of 23 women of diverse backgrounds, who are first‐generation immigrants, regarding their experiences while accessing the healthcare system in Zurich, Switzerland, I illustrate through migrant experiences how Othering and belonging are experienced within the web of chaotic meanings and social space one navigates. By employing a phenomenological–sociological approach, I present how embodied migrant experiences can capture the experiences of being an 'Other', as well as how moral emotions such as shame and humiliation can influence one's moral self and its significance to everyday moral discourse. While much of the academic discourse around belonging focuses on a place and its related connectedness to one's racial, gender and ethnic identity, here, I analyse cosmopolitanism's possibilities through Othering/belonging experiences within the healthcare context, and beyond. I conclude this paper with the key contributions of the ethics of belonging to the normative discourse on migration health.
Lost in Transition: A Cohort Analysis of Catch‐Up in Homeownership in Australia*
Authors: Atalay Kadir , Edwards Rebecca , Han Fang
Published: September 2024

We study how housing market conditions shape the housing careers of Australians. Utilising data from the Australian Census spanning from 1991 to 2021, we observe significant differences in ownership rates at age 30 across birth cohorts. Moreover, these differences widen significantly as housing affordability falls. Using synthetic cohort techniques, we evaluate the persistence of these differences. Our results reveal that while the homeownership rates of younger cohorts ‘catch up’ somewhat with those of their older counterparts, a substantial gap remains at age 50. Early access to homeownership is also linked to the ownership of larger homes by middle age. Our study underscores the long‐term consequences of housing market conditions on homeownership trajectories.
The economic roots of cross‐national similarity in voter preferences
Authors: Fortunato David , Juhl Sebastian , Williams Laron K.
Published: September 2024

We argue that economic and political integration leads voters' political preferences toward cross‐national convergence. Analyzing data on voter preferences across 30 European democracies from 1976 to 2022, we measure the similarity of preference distributions across state dyads over time, documenting an average increase in similarity over this period. We then model these associations statistically and find that greater similarity and complementarity in economic production and co‐participation in the European Union and the Eurozone are associated with increasingly similar voter preferences. The argument and analyses broaden our understanding of the political implications of globalization and also provide a theoretical and empirical foundation for two growing literatures: one on the cross‐national diffusion of parties' strategies and one on the political implications of macroeconomic stimuli such as trade shocks or banking crises.
Barriers for bariatric surgery in provincial New Zealand: a qualitative analysis
Authors: Cahill Henry Witcomb , McGuinness Matthew , Bissett Ian , Harmston Christopher
Published: September 2024

Background

Bariatric surgery is the most effective treatment for people with obesity. It has been shown that there's is a complex psychosocial overlay in the pathophysiology and treatment, which requires specific consideration when delivering care. There is a significant drop out rate for patients accepted on to bariatric programmes in New Zealand, resulting in failure to progress to surgical intervention.

Methods

We conducted individual, semi‐structured interviews with patients who were accepted onto the bariatric surgery programme but did not complete the programme, or receive an operation between 2015 and 2020. Grounded theory methodology was used to create an exploratory framework to identify and describe the themes encountered. An iterative process of thematic analysis and comparison between participants experiences was used to consolidate the shared key barriers. This study aims to explore patients experiences of a bariatric surgery programme to understand barriers and enablers to complete a bariatric programme and receive an operation. Adding to previous qualitative work investigating patients experience of bariatric surgery programmes in New Zealand.

Results

Five themes of barriers that patients face to receiving bariatric surgery were identified. These were preoperative weight loss requirement, experiencing the social stigma of obesity, communication, socioeconomic and geographic barriers, and community support. These five themes often co‐exist in patients experiences and combine, to cause patients to disengage with the bariatric service.

Conclusion

Many factors contribute to eligible patients not receiving bariatric surgery once accepted onto the programme. Specified weight loss goals was the most significant barrier. Community support and online resources were significant enablers. This study should inform changes to bariatric programmes in New Zealand.
The impact of preoperative treatments on the immune environment of rectal cancer
Authors: Wirta Erkki‐Ville , Elomaa Hanna , Ahtiainen Maarit , Hyöty Marja , Seppälä Toni T. , Kuopio Teijo , Böhm Jan , Mecklin Jukka‐Pekka , Väyrynen Juha P.
Published: September 2024

To improve local disease control, the use of preoperative radiotherapy either alone or combined with chemotherapy has become standard practice in rectal cancer, but it is unclear how these treatments modify the antitumoral immune response. We aimed to evaluate tumor histopathologic features and the prognostic effect of host immune response in rectal cancer with variable treatment modalities. Ninety‐five rectal cancers with short‐course radiotherapy (SRT), 97 with long‐course chemoradiotherapy (CRT), and 154 without preoperative treatments, were evaluated for histopathologic features including Crohn's‐like reaction (CLR). CD3+ and CD8+ immunohistochemistry and tumor cells were analyzed from tumor tissue microarray samples to calculate T‐cell densities and G‐cross function values to estimate cancer cell–T‐cell co‐localization (proximity score). We found that lymphocyte densities were diminished after SRT, but CLR was scarcer after CRT. Proximity score and CLR density were prognostic for survival in cancer without preoperative treatments and could be combined into an enhanced prognostic score (immune grade). In the irradiated tumors, CLR density remained prognostic while the impact of T‐cell infiltration was insufficient alone. In multivariable analysis, the immune grade proved to be an independent prognostic factor for survival. In conclusion, the immune contexture of rectal cancer harbors prognostic significance even after preoperative radiotherapy.
Major reduction in occurrence of anti‐c and anti‐E in pregnancy after more than 10 years of preventive matched transfusion with most benefit for c‐matching
Authors: Luken Jessie S. , Folman Claudia C. , Meekers Johan H. , Lukens Michael V. , van der Schoot C. Ellen , de Haas Masja
Published: September 2024

Extension with cE‐matching of the transfusion policy for women under 45 years to prevent alloimmunization and hemolytic disease of the foetus and newborn (HDFN) was evaluated. After implementation of cEK‐matching, anti‐c occurrence decreased from 46.8 to 30.4 per 100 000 pregnancies (RR 0.65, 95% CI 0.54–0.79), while anti‐E occurrence decreased from 122.1 to 89.9 per 100 000 pregnancies (RR 0.74, 95% CI 0.66–0.84). The c‐negative women showed a higher anti‐E occurrence before cEK‐matching and a more pronounced decline with the new policy. This indicates that cEK‐matched transfusion effectively reduces alloimmunization, and that a cK‐matched approach could prevent most transfusion‐related alloimmunization and HDFN.
Infant sensitivity to social contingency moderates the predictive link between early maternal reciprocity and infants' emerging social behavior
Authors: Paz Yael , Frenkel Tahl I.
Published: September 2024

The scientific study of love underscores the importance of dyadic reciprocity in laying the foundation for infants’ social development. While research establishes links between early reciprocity and children's social capacities, some infants appear to benefit from reciprocity more than others. A central feature of reciprocity is its contingent structure, that is, the extent to which maternal behaviors are temporally associated with and contingent upon infants’ dynamically changing cues. As such, infants’ sensitivity to social contingencies may define the extent to which an infant benefits from maternal reciprocity. The current study examined the role of infants’ sensitivity to social contingency (SC) in moderating associations between early maternal reciprocity and subsequent infants’ social behavior. The study followed 157 children (47% females), across the first year of life (4, 10, and 12 months) and at preschool age (48 months). Infants' SC at 4 and 10 months moderated the link between early maternal reciprocity and infants' prosocial behavior observed at 12 months. SC at 10 months moderated the link between early reciprocity and reported peer problems at 48 months. Maternal reciprocity predicted more helping behavior in infancy and fewer peer problems at preschool, but only for infants who displayed high SC. Findings highlight the contingent nature of reciprocal mother‐infant interactions revealing that an infant's sensitivity to breaks in social‐contingency moderates the developmental benefit of reciprocity. Future research is necessary to directly test the underlying mechanisms of these processes and better understand the individual characteristics of infants’ sensitivity to social contingency and its’ role in typical and atypical development.

Research Highlights

Individual differences in infants’ sensitivity to breaks in social contingencies may moderate the extent to which infants benefit from contingent reciprocal maternal behavior (i.e., maternal reciprocity).

Maternal reciprocity predicted more helping behavior in infancy and fewer peer problems at preschool, but only for infants who displayed high sensitivity to breaks in social contingency.

Findings highlight the contingent nature of reciprocal mother‐infant interactions revealing that infants’ sensitivity to breaks in social‐contingency moderates the developmental benefit of reciprocity.

Findings emphasize the need to develop measurement methods and direct empirical attention to the important yet understudied individual characteristic of infants’ sensitivity to social contingency and its role in shaping social development.
When do petrostates diversify their exports? Urgency, interests, and policy design in Egypt, Kazakhstan, and Malaysia
Authors: Blankenship Brian , Lisko Christian , Overland Indra , Urpelainen Johannes , Vakulchuk Roman , Yang Joonseok
Published: September 2024

Motivation

The need to diversify their economies is an enduring challenge for fossil fuel‐dependent countries, one which will become ever more important as the world seeks to decarbonize. But the conditions under which major oil‐producing countries (petrostates) seek to diversify their exports—and those under which their attempts succeed—are poorly understood.

Purpose

This article tests competing explanations for the successes and failures of petrostates' export diversification.

Methods and approach

We employ a comparative case study approach using qualitative evidence from two comparatively successful diversification cases—Egypt and Malaysia—and one less successful case—Kazakhstan—selected using a Theil index of export concentration.

Findings

The evidence indicates that Egypt and Malaysia's more successful outcomes stemmed more from necessity and policy design than from differences in domestic institutions and interests. All three countries were motivated to diversify by price volatility and declining revenues at various points from the 1980s to the 2000s and beyond, but reserve depletion was a greater threat in Egypt and Malaysia. As such, they adopted a more balanced approached to diversification, one that combined liberalization with state intervention.

Policy implications

These cases suggest that petrostates may be willing and able to diversify as the global shift toward renewables raises the prospect of unburnable oil reserves. Petrostates can diversify efficiently by using a basket of policies that includes a mix of economic liberalization and government intervention to create investment and incentives in non‐oil tradeable sectors and nurture infant industries. Opposition to reforms in petrostates can be addressed by selectively compensating vested interests.
Adipocyte maturation impacts daunorubicin disposition and metabolism
Authors: Li Zeyang , Ngu Rachael , Naik Aditya Anil , Trinh Kaitlyn , Paharkova Vladislava , Liao Hanyue , Liu Yulu , Zhuang Cindy , Le Danh , Pei Hua , Asante Isaac , Mittelman Steven D. , Louie Stan
Published: September 2024

Introduction

Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) is the most common type of childhood leukaemia with effective chemotherapeutic treatment. However, obesity has been associated with higher ALL chemoresistance rates and lower event‐free survival rates. The molecular mechanism of how obesity promotes chemotherapy resistance is not well delineated.

Objectives

This study evaluated the effect of adipocyte maturation on sequestration and metabolism of chemotherapeutic drug daunorubicin (DNR).

Methods

Using targeted LC‐MS/MS multi‐analyte assay, DNR sequestration and metabolism were studied in human preadipocyte and adipocyte cell lines, where expressions of DNR‐metabolizing enzymes aldo‐keto reductases (AKR) and carbonyl reductases (CBR) were also evaluated. In addition, to identify the most DNR‐metabolizing AKR/CBR isoforms, recombinant human AKR and CBR enzymes were subject to DNR metabolism. The results were further validated by AKR‐, CBR‐specific inhibitors.

Results

This report shows that adipocyte maturation upregulates expressions of AKR and CBR enzymes (by 4‐ to 60‐ folds, p < .05), which is positively associated with enhanced sequestration and metabolism of DNR in adipocytes compared to preadipocytes (by ~30%, p < .05). In particular, adipocyte maturation upregulates AKR1C3 and CBR1, which are the predominate metabolic enzyme isoforms responsible for DNR biotransformation to its metabolites.

Conclusion

Fat is an expandable tissue that can sequester and detoxify DNR when stimulated by obesity, likely through the upregulation of DNR‐metabolizing enzymes AKR1C3 and CBR1. Our data partially explains why obese ALL patients may be more likely to become chemoresistant towards DNR, and provides evidence for potential clinical investigation targeting obesity to reduce DNR chemoresistance.
Venetoclax Combined With FLAG‐IDA in Refractory or Relapsed Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Authors: Wille Kai , Dumke Marvin , Wilsdorf Nadine , Sadjadian Parvis , Schneider Artur , Jender‐Bartling Stephanie , Kolatzki Vera , Horstmann Anette , Meixner Raphael , Jiménez‐Muñoz Marina , Fuchs Christiane , Tischler Hans‐Joachim , Griesshammer Martin
Published: September 2024

Introduction

The prognosis of patients with refractory or relapsed AML (R/R‐AML) is very limited. To (re)achieve complete remission, there has recently been increasing evidence that the combination of venetoclax (VEN) with chemotherapy is associated with improved outcomes.

Patients and Methods

Our retrospective, single‐center study of 53 R/R‐AML patients with a median follow‐up time of 11.0 months compared standard salvage chemotherapy (FLAG‐Ida or HAM in n = 35 patients) with a combination of venetoclax (VEN) and FLAG‐Ida (FLAVIDA in n = 18 patients) concerning safety and efficacy.

Results

Regarding the primary endpoints, there was a statistically significant increased event free survival (EFS) in the FLAVIDA group compared to patients with standard chemotherapy based on the univariate log‐rank‐test and in the multivariate Cox regression analysis (HR 0.22 [95% CI 0.05, 0.97]). There were no differences between the two groups in terms of patients developing febrile neutropenia CTCAE III° and IV° or a delay in hematological recovery. In addition, a clear trend towards an improved overall response rate (78% vs. 51%) was demonstrated in the FLAVIDA group.

Conclusions

The FLAVIDA regimen represents a promising treatment alternative for R/R AML patients with a high response rate and significantly improved EFS compared to standard chemotherapy.
Differential efficacy of remote ischaemic conditioning in anterior versus posterior circulation stroke: A prespecified secondary analysis of the RICAMIS trial
Authors: Shen Xin‐Yu , Dai Ying‐Jie , Nguyen Thanh N. , Chen Hui‐Sheng
Published: September 2024

Background and Purpose

The benefit of remote ischaemic conditioning (RIC) in acute moderate ischaemic stroke has been demonstrated by the Remote Ischaemic Conditioning for Acute Moderate Ischaemic Stroke (RICAMIS) study. This prespecified exploratory analysis aimed to determine whether there was a difference of RIC efficacy in anterior versus posterior circulation stroke based on RICAMIS data.

Methods

In this analysis, eligible patients presenting within 48 h of stroke onset were divided into two groups: anterior circulation stroke (ACS) and posterior circulation stroke (PCS) groups. The primary endpoint was an excellent functional outcome, defined as a modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score 0–1 at 90 days.

Results

In all, 1013 patients were included in the final analysis, including 642 with ACS and 371 with PCS. Compared with the control group, RIC was significantly associated with an increased proportion of mRS scores 0–1 within 90 days in the PCS group (unadjusted odds ratio 1.6, 95% confidence interval 1.0–2.4, p = 0.04; adjusted odds ratio 2.0, 95% confidence interval 1.2–3.3, p = 0.005), but not in the ACS group (p = 0.29). Similar results were found regarding secondary outcomes including mRS score 0–2 at 90 days, mRS distribution at 90 days and change in National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score at day 12 from baseline. However, there was no significant interaction effect between stroke location and intervention on the primary outcome (pinteraction = 0.21).

Conclusion

Amongst patients with acute PCS who are not candidates for reperfusion treatment, RIC may be associated with a higher probability of improved functional outcomes. These findings need to be validated in prospective trials.
How to green the European auto ABS market? A literature survey
Authors: Latino Carmelo , Pelizzon Loriana , Riedel Max
Published: September 2024

This literature survey explores the potential avenues for the design of a green auto asset‐backed security (Green Auto ABS) by focusing on the European auto securitization market. In this context, we examine the entire value chain of the securitization process to understand the incentives and interests involved at various stages of the transaction. We review recent regulatory developments, feasibility concerns, and potential designs of a sustainable securitization framework. Our study suggests that a Green Auto ABS could be based on both a green use of proceeds and a green collateral‐based methodology.
RNA–DNA hybrids on protein coding genes are stabilized by loss of RNase H and are associated with DNA damages during S‐phase in fission yeast
Authors: Sagi Tomoko , Sadato Daichi , Takayasu Kazuto , Sasanuma Hiroyuki , Kanoh Yutaka , Masai Hisao
Published: September 2024

RNA–DNA hybrid is a part of the R‐loop which is an important non‐standard nucleic acid structure. RNA–DNA hybrid/R‐loop causes genomic instability by inducing DNA damages or inhibiting DNA replication. It also plays biologically important roles in regulation of transcription, replication, recombination and repair. Here, we have employed catalytically inactive human RNase H1 mutant (D145N) to visualize RNA–DNA hybrids and map their genomic locations in fission yeast cells. The RNA–DNA hybrids appear as multiple nuclear foci in rnh1∆rnh201∆ cells lacking cellular RNase H activity, but not in the wild‐type. The majority of RNA–DNA hybrid loci are detected at the protein coding regions and tRNA. In rnh1∆rnh201∆ cells, cells with multiple Rad52 foci increase during S‐phase and about 20% of the RNA–DNA hybrids overlap with Rad52 loci. During S‐phase, more robust association of Rad52 with RNA–DNA hybrids was observed in the protein coding region than in M‐phase. These results suggest that persistent RNA–DNA hybrids in the protein coding region in rnh1∆rnh201∆ cells generate DNA damages during S‐phase, potentially through collision with DNA replication forks.
Gastric Cancer Screening: Intention to Adhere and Patients' Perspective
Authors: Silva João Carlos , Dinis‐Ribeiro Mário , Tavares Fernando , Libânio Diogo
Published: September 2024

Background and Aims

Gastric cancer (GC) is the third cause of cancer mortality worldwide. A screening strategy that combines an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy (UGIE) with a screening colonoscopy may be cost‐effective in intermediate‐risk regions. This study aimed to evaluate the intention to adhere to combined endoscopic screening and assess knowledge of GC symptoms, risk factors, and barriers to screening.

Methods

Cross‐sectional study enrolling individuals eligible for CRC screening in northern Portugal, where a populational fecal occult blood test (FOBT) program is implemented. The validated PERCEPT‐PREVENT tool was applied across three groups: (a) not yet invited to CRC screening, (b) FOBT‐positive referred to colonoscopy, and (c) primary colonoscopy screening.

Results

A high acceptance rate was observed for combined endoscopic screening (94%; n = 264) [not yet invited to CRC screening 98% (n = 90) vs. FOBT‐positive referred to colonoscopy 90% (n = 103) vs. primary colonoscopy 97% (n = 71); p = 0.017], with the vast majority reporting intention to adhere in the setting of full reimbursement (97%; n = 255). Most respondents were unaware of any possible GC symptom (76%; n = 213), risk factor (73%; n = 205), and UGIE‐related complication (85%; n = 237). Regular follow‐up with the primary care physician (Odds Ratio (OR) 27.59, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.99–254.57), lower perceived negative health consequences of UGIE (OR 1.40, 95% CI 1.13–1.74), and lower perceived financial burden (OR 2.46, 95% CI 1.04–5.85) were the only factors independently associated with a higher intention to undergo combined screening.

Conclusions

Willingness to undergo combined endoscopic screening was notably high and positively impacted by lower perceived barriers. Additional efforts should be undertaken to improve levels of digestive health literacy.
Reclaiming & reasserting Third World womanhoods in U.S. higher education
Authors: Sicka Bhavika
Published: September 2024

This study combines narrative inquiry with Third World feminism to bring a nuanced and scopic perspective of Third World women student experiences in US higher education. Specifically, it utilises Talpade Mohanty's concept of Third World womanhood to visibilise the experiences of five Third World international female students. Understanding womanhood as transnationally fluid and contextual, I investigate how women international students from the Third World perceive themselves to be misrepresented or homogenised in Western higher education. I also examine how gender and foreignness act as dynamic, interrelated categories in doubly‐othering this population. The purpose is to identify how Third World women students enact agency and contest reductive stereotypes. Findings reveal that Third World women students confront a range of exclusions in the US university, including being typecast as poor, needy, and civilisationally lacking, which predicates the (over‐) representation of Third World women as constrained and backward. Third World feminism emerges as a powerful intervention to unsettle colonial and oriental discourses in education and empower minoritised women to determinate selfhood.
Exploring General Practitioners' Management of Self‐Harm in Young People: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Mughal Faraz , Saunders Benjamin , Lewis Martyn , Armitage Christopher J. , Dikomitis Lisa , Lancaster Gillian , Townsend Ellen , Chew‐Graham Carolyn A.
Published: September 2024

Background

General practitioners (GPs) are key to the frontline assessment and treatment of young people after self‐harm. Young people value GP‐led self‐harm care, but little is known about how GPs manage young people after self‐harm.

Aim

This study aimed to understand the approaches of GPs to self‐harm in young people and explore their perspectives on ways they might help young people avoid repeat self‐harm.

Methods

We conducted semi‐structured interviews with GPs from the National Health Service in England in 2021. GPs were recruited from four geographically spread clinical research networks and a professional special interest group. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. The study's patient and public involvement and community of practice groups supported participant recruitment and data analysis.

Results

Fifteen interviews were undertaken with a mean age of participants being 41 years and a breadth of experience in practice ranging from 1 to 22 years. Four themes were generated: GPs' understanding of self‐harm; approaches to managing self‐harm; impact of COVID‐19 on consultations about self‐harm; and ways to avoid future self‐harm.

Conclusion

Negative attitudes towards self‐harm within clinical settings are well documented, but GPs said they took self‐harm seriously, listened to young people, sought specialist support when concerned and described appropriate ways to help young people avoid self‐harm. GPs felt that relationship‐based care is an important element of self‐harm care but feared remote consultations for self‐harm may impede on this. There is a need for brief GP‐led interventions to reduce repeat self‐harm in young people.

Patient and Public Contribution

A study advisory group consisting of young people aged 16–25 years with personal experience of self‐harm and parents and carers of young people who have self‐harmed designed the recruitment poster of this study, informed its topic guide and contributed to its findings.
Efficacy of a new vacuum erection device (Vigor 2020) for erectile dysfunction: A retrospective study in Japan
Authors: Shirai Masato , Sano Masataka , Anno Yuta , Ishikawa Keisuke , Taniguchi Ayumu , Kure Akimasa , Uesaka Yuka , Nozaki Taiji , Fukuhara Shinichiro , Iwasa Atsushi , Kobayashi Kazuhiro , Kato Jun , Tsujimura Akira
Published: September 2024

Objectives

The vacuum erection device (VED) is a second‐line treatment tool recommended in erectile dysfunction (ED) guidelines but has long been unavailable in Japan. A new VED, Vigor 2020® (A & HB Company Limited, Tokyo, Japan), has now been manufactured and received medical approval from the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency in Japan. We conducted a retrospective observational study of ED patients who used Vigor 2020 in clinical practice.

Methods

We analyzed male ED patients aged ≥20 years treated with Vigor 2020 in our outpatient clinics. The primary endpoint was improvement of erection as evaluated by an Erection Hardness Score (EHS) of ≥1 point. Secondary endpoints were improvement of sexual function and adverse events as evaluated by the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) and Male Sexual Health Questionnaire for assessing ejaculatory dysfunction (MSHQ‐EjD).

Results

Thirty‐three patients (mean age, 57.21 [27–86] years) could be evaluated before and after using Vigor 2020. Among the 16 patients with baseline EHS ≤2, 14 (93.33%) improved by ≥1 point, and 10 of these 16 patients (62.50%) improved to EHS ≥3 and could insert vaginally. Significant improvement was observed for IIEF total score and for the MSHQ‐EjD in patients with an EHS of ≥3 after use of Vigor 2020. No patient experienced significant adverse events.

Conclusions

The Vigor 2020 may be an efficacious treatment tool for ED. Patients with significant ED experienced not only significant improvement of erection but also improvement of ejaculation with its use.
Dose compliance of estramustine phosphate in neoadjuvant chemohormonal therapy combined with degarelix acetate predicts the biochemical recurrence in patients with very high‐risk prostate cancer who underwent robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy
Authors: Kambe Takanari , Yamasaki Toshinari , Yamamoto Akihiro , Nagoshi Akihiko , Fujiwara Tasuku , Mine Yuta , Hagimoto Hiroki , Igarashi Atsushi , Kokubun Hidetoshi , Murata Shiori , Akagi Naoki , Hattori Yuto , Abe Yohei , Tsutsumi Naofumi , Shibasaki Noboru , Kawakita Mutsushi
Published: September 2024

Objectives

The objective of this study is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of neoadjuvant degarelix acetate and low‐dose estramustine phosphate for high−/very high‐risk prostate cancer.

Methods

Overall, 187 patients diagnosed with National Comprehensive Cancer Network high−/very high‐risk cTanyN0M0 localized prostate cancer who consented to undergo robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy after receiving neoadjuvant chemohormonal therapy for 6 months were prospectively enrolled between December 2017 and March 2023. Adverse events, perioperative and histopathological outcomes, and biochemical recurrence‐free survival rates were examined. Survival analysis compared the estramustine phosphate completion and reduction groups.

Results

Thirty‐six patients discontinued neoadjuvant therapy in <5 months owing to adverse events (n = 34) or other reasons (n = 2). Eleven were excluded for being in the postoperative castration range. Of the 140 patients who underwent surgery, 124 continued with two tablets of estramustine phosphate and 16 with one tablet. Overall, 82 patients were very high‐risk. Histopathological outcomes were significantly worse in the very high‐risk group than those in the high‐risk group. Very high‐risk status and estramustine phosphate reduction were significant factors in biochemical recurrence in multivariate analysis. The biochemical recurrence‐free survival rate in very high‐risk patients was significantly lower in the estramustine phosphate dose reduction group than in the completion group but not significant in high‐risk patients. Major adverse events were anemia (n = 174), elevated transaminase levels (n = 68), and deep vein thrombosis (n = 24). Severe adverse events included acute coronary syndrome (n = 4) and pulmonary embolism (n = 3).

Conclusions

Dose compliance with estramustine phosphate predicted biochemical recurrence in patients with very high‐risk prostate cancer undergoing robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy with neoadjuvant chemohormonal therapy.
Impact of oral health conditions on the quality of life of children and adolescents with sickle cell anemia: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Mattos Graça Maria Lopes , Costa Cayara Mattos , Malheiros Adriana Santos , Maciel Miriam Batalha , Bassi‐Dibai Daniela , Ferreira Meire Coelho , Tavarez Rudys Rodolfo De Jesus
Published: September 2024

Background

Sickle cell anemia (SCA) is the most common hemoglobinopathy in Brazil and worldwide and is part of a group of chronic genetic diseases resulting from abnormalities in the structure of hemoglobin.

Aim

To evaluate the impact of oral health conditions on the quality of life (QoL) of children and adolescents with SCA.

Design

This is a cross‐sectional study with a sample of 76 children and adolescents aged 8–14 years. For inclusion, they were required to have a diagnosis of HbSS SCA in their medical records, without a pain crisis or any dental emergency in the last three months. The children and adolescents with SCA were from Hematology and Hemotherapy Center of Maranhão. Demographic characteristics, socioeconomic status, oral hygiene, caries, malocclusion, and oral health‐related quality of life (OHRQoL) were assessed. OHRQoL was assessed using the Child Perceptions Questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, Student's t and Mann−Whitney tests were performed (α = 5%).

Results

Brown race was the most prevalent for both age groups (8–10 years—63.2% and 11–14 years—57.9%). Predominant monthly family income for both age groups was below $106. Visible plaque and gingival bleeding were higher in children aged 8–10 years. Dental caries significantly impacted the QoL of adolescents through the domain “oral symptom” (p = .031). Malocclusion significantly impacted the QoL of adolescents (“total score,” p = .026; “social well‐being”, p = .045).

Conclusion

Oral health impairment negatively affected the QoL of adolescents with SCA.
The uptake of the international pressure ulcer/injury prevention and treatment guidelines: An updated systematic citation analysis
Authors: El Genedy‐Kalyoncu Monira , Kottner Jan
Published: September 2024

The European Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel, National Pressure Injury Advisory Panel, and Pan Pacific Pressure Injury Alliance collaboratively developed three editions of the International Clinical Practice Guidelines for preventing and treating pressure ulcers/injuries in 2009, 2014, and 2019. Dissemination and uptake of these guidelines are important to improve care. The aim of this work was to provide an updated and expanded citation analysis of the three published guidelines. Referencing formats, citation counts, and global distribution of citations of the 2009, 2014, and 2019 guidelines were searched in the citation database Scopus from 2009 to 2023. Duplicates were removed manually. The search identified 330 referencing formats with 2887 citations from 2009 to 2023 for the three guideline editions. Citations displayed geographical diversity, with citation peaks observed approximately 4 years after each edition's release and ongoing citations to the present. The International Clinical Practice Guidelines for preventing and treating pressure ulcers/injuries updated since 2009 were cited more than 2800 times in the scientific literature exceeding the thresholds of highly cited papers in the field of clinical medicine. This indicates successful dissemination worldwide.
An augmented reality‐facilitated question‐prompt‐interaction‐evaluation approach to fostering students' case‐handling competence in technical and vocational education
Authors: Chang Chun‐Chun
Published: September 2024

Background

Cultivating students' problem‐solving knowledge and skills in the workspace has been regarded as a primary goal in technical and vocational education. To this end, students are usually guided to complete the learning of workspace knowledge and skills by following the question, prompt, interaction and evaluation (QPIE) procedure.

Objective

In conventional instruction, when teachers present questions of real cases to students, most of the class time is spent on the demonstration of relevant techniques and prompts. Meanwhile, trainers in conventional classrooms often have to guide multiple students simultaneously, making it challenging to provide individual guidance. Therefore, the present study proposed an AR (Augmented Reality)‐based QPIE training mode.

Method

To show the effectiveness of the proposed mode, this study recruited two classes of students from a technological university as the participants, and conducted an experiment using a unit of a professional training course. One class of 22 learners adopted the AR‐QPIE training mode, while the other class of 22 learners used the conventional QPIE (C‐QPIE) training mode.

Results and Conclusions

The results revealed that the AR‐QPIE training mode enhanced learners' learning achievement, self‐confidence, and several dimensions of learning perceptions more than the C‐QPIE training mode. Besides, in terms of the evaluation of case‐handling performance, the AR‐QPIE training mode could also significantly enhance learners' memory, comprehension, judgement, and calculation abilities in comparison with the C‐QPIE training mode. Yet, no significant differences in the application abilities could be found between the two groups. The proposed training mode of this study could train learners' case‐handling performance, and improve their self‐confidence in the workspace.
Mental health conditions of Colombian adolescent population: An approach to risk
Authors: Álvarez Consuelo V. , Ramírez Oscar M. C. , Palacio Natalia S.
Published: September 2024

Objective

To determine the mental health conditions of adolescents in the city of Manizales, Colombia, and explore risk regarding gender‐based differences.

Materials and Methods

Quantitative, nonexperimental, descriptive research with associative scope. A total of 316 adolescents were assessed using five scales to evaluate mental health conditions: the Perceived Stress Scale, Patient Health Questionnaire‐9, Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale, Penn Alcohol Craving Scale and The Substance Dependence Severity Scale. Univariate and bivariate analysis was performed, Chi square and Odds Ratio were tested.

Results

The findings indicated that being female is a risk factor for high levels of perceived stress, depressive episodes and anxiety. Additionally, adolescents who are not attending school are at higher risk for dependence and abuse of psychoactive substances. Conversely, being female acts as a protective factor against dependence on psychoactive substances.

Conclusions

The findings suggest a higher tendency among the participants towards experiencing depressive episodes. Regarding perceived stress, 71.5% of the participants fell into the low category, while 70.6% experienced a current episode of generalized anxiety.