bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A novelPSMB8isoform associated with multiple sclerosis lesions induces P-body formation
Authors: Shaw Benjamin C. , Williams Jessica L.
Published: February 2024

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory and demyelinating disease of the central nervous system (CNS). Current therapies primarily target the inflammatory component of the disease and are highly effective in early stages of MS while limited therapies have an effect in the more chronic progressive stages of MS where resident glia have a larger role. MS lesions tend to be inflammatory even after the initial peripheral immune cell invasion has subsided and this inflammation is known to cause alternative splicing events. We used qPCR of normal-appearing white matter and white matter lesions from postmortem MS tissue,in vitrostudies, and immunostaining in MS tissue to investigate the alternative splicing of one gene known to be important during recovery in an animal model of MS,PSMB8. We found a novel, intron-retained isoform which has not been annotated, upregulated specifically in MS patient white matter lesions. We found that this novel isoform activates the nonsense-mediated decay pathway in primary human astrocytes, the most populous glial cell in the CNS, and is then degraded. Overexpression of this isoform in astrocytes leads to an increased number of processing bodiesin vitro, the primary site of mRNA decay. Finally, we demonstrated that MS white matter lesions have a higher burden of processing bodies compared to normal-appearing white matter, predominantly in GFAP-positive astrocytes. The increase in alternative splicing of thePSMB8gene, the stress that this alternative splicing causes, and the observation that processing bodies are increased in white matter lesions suggests that the lesion microenvironment may lead to increased alternative splicing of many genes. This alternative splicing may blunt the protective or reparative responses of resident glia in and around white matter lesions in MS patients.
Towards spin state tailoring of charged excitons in InGaAs quantum dots using oblique magnetic fields
Authors: Barr K. , Hourahine B. , Schneider C. , Höfling S. , Lagoudakis K. G.
Published: February 2024

We investigate the effect of oblique magnetic field configurations on a singly charged self-assembled quantum dot system as a means to tune the spin composition of the ground electron spin eigenstates. Using magneto-optical spectroscopy and Stokes polarimetry techniques, we evaluate the anisotropic g factors and characterize the polarization properties of the charged quantum dot system under oblique fields. We compare the results to a simple model that captures the resulting level structure and polarization selection rules for arbitrary magnetic field orientations. Under oblique magnetic fields, the system's ground spin eigenstates are composed of unequal superpositions of the electron spins. This provides an additional degree of freedom to tailor the composition of the ground spin states in charged quantum dots and based on this we demonstrate spin pumping and initialization of the tailored ground states, confirming that the double-Λ level structure of the charged quantum dot persists in oblique magnetic fields. These combined results show that the uneven weightings of the tailored spin states can yield systems with interesting behaviors, with a potential towards developing spin-selective readout schemes to further enhance the capabilities of spin qubits.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Goldberger-Treiman relation and Wu-type experiment in the decuplet sector
Authors: Bertilsson Magnus , Leupold Stefan
Published: February 2024

The leading-order chiral Lagrangian for the baryon octet and decuplet states coupled to Goldstone bosons and external sources contains six low-energy constants. Five of them are fairly well-known from phenomenology, but the sixth one is practically unknown. This coupling constant provides the strength of the (p-wave) coupling of Goldstone bosons to decuplet states. Its size and even sign are under debate. Quark models and quantum chromodynamics (QCD) for a large number of colors provide predictions, but some recent phenomenological analyses even suggest an opposite sign for the Delta-pion coupling. The Goldberger-Treiman relation connects this coupling constant to the axial charge of the Delta baryon. This suggests a Wu-type experiment to determine the unknown low-energy constant. While this is not feasible in the Delta sector because of the large hadronic width of the Delta, there is a flavor symmetry related process that is accessible; the weak semileptonic decay of the Omega baryon to a spin 3/2 cascade baryon. A broad research program is suggested that can pin down at least the rough size and the sign of the last unknown low-energy constant of the leading-order Lagrangian. It encompasses experimental measurements, in particular the forward-backward asymmetry of the semileptonic decay, together with a determination of the quark-mass dependences using lattice QCD for the narrow decuplet states and chiral perturbation theory to extrapolate to the Delta sector. Besides discussing the strategy of the research program, the present work provides a feasibility check based on a simple leading-order calculation.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Transversity Distributions and Tensor Charges of the Nucleon: Extraction from Dihadron Production and Their Universal Nature
Authors: Cocuzza C. , Metz A. , Pitonyak D. , Prokudin A. , Sato N. , Seidl R. ,   Jefferson Lab Angular Momentum (JAM) Collaboration
Published: February 2024

We perform the first global quantum chromodynamics (QCD) analysis of dihadron production for a comprehensive set of data in electron-positron annihilation, semi-inclusive deep-inelastic scattering, and proton-proton collisions, from which we extract simultaneously the transversity distributions of the nucleon and π+π− dihadron fragmentation functions. We incorporate in our fits known theoretical constraints on transversity, namely, its small-x asymptotic behavior and the Soffer bound. We furthermore show that lattice-QCD results for the tensor charges can be successfully included in the analysis. This resolves the previously reported incompatibility between the tensor charges extracted from dihadron production data and lattice QCD. We also find agreement with results for the transversity and tensor charges obtained from measurements on single-hadron production. Overall, our work demonstrates for the first time the universal nature of all available information for the transversity distributions and the tensor charges of the nucleon.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Crystal structure of tetrakis(μ-2-hydroxy-3,5-diisopropylbenzoato)bis[(dimethyl sulfoxide)copper(II)]
Authors: Shlian Daniel G. , Summers Rachael H. , Martinez Katelyn , Upmacis Rita K.
Published: February 2024

Metal complexes of 3,5-diisopropylsalicylate are reported to have anti-inflammatory and anti-convulsant activities. The title binuclear copper complex, [Cu2(C13H17O3)4(C2H6OS)2] or [Cu(II)2(3,5-DIPS)4(DMSO)2], contains two five-coordinate copper atoms that are bridged by four 3,5-diisopropylsalicylate ligands and capped by two axial dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) moieties. Each copper atom is attached to four oxygen atoms in an almost square-planar fashion, with the addition of a DMSO ligand in an apical position leading to a square-pyramidal arrangement. The hydroxy group of the diisopropylsalicylate ligands participates in intramolecular O—H...O hydrogen-bonding interactions.
Characterization of novel mevalonate kinases from the tardigrade Ramazzottius varieornatus and the psychrophilic archaeon Methanococcoides burtonii
Authors: Esquirol Lygie , Newman Janet , Nebl Tom , Scott Colin , Vickers Claudia , Sainsbury Frank , Peat Thomas S.
Published: February 2024

Mevalonate kinase is central to the isoprenoid biosynthesis pathway. Here, high-resolution X-ray crystal structures of two mevalonate kinases are presented: a eukaryotic protein from Ramazzottius varieornatus and an archaeal protein from Methanococcoides burtonii. Both enzymes possess the highly conserved motifs of the GHMP enzyme superfamily, with notable differences between the two enzymes in the N-terminal part of the structures. Biochemical characterization of the two enzymes revealed major differences in their sensitivity to geranyl pyrophosphate and farnesyl pyrophosphate, and in their thermal stabilities. This work adds to the understanding of the structural basis of enzyme inhibition and thermostability in mevalonate kinases.
Advanced exploitation of unmerged reflection data during processing and refinement with autoPROC and BUSTER
Authors: Vonrhein Clemens , Flensburg Claus , Keller Peter , Fogh Rasmus , Sharff Andrew , Tickle Ian J. , Bricogne Gérard
Published: February 2024

The validation of structural models obtained by macromolecular X-ray crystallography against experimental diffraction data, whether before deposition into the PDB or after, is typically carried out exclusively against the merged data that are eventually archived along with the atomic coordinates. It is shown here that the availability of unmerged reflection data enables valuable additional analyses to be performed that yield improvements in the final models, and tools are presented to implement them, together with examples of the results to which they give access. The first example is the automatic identification and removal of image ranges affected by loss of crystal centering or by excessive decay of the diffraction pattern as a result of radiation damage. The second example is the `reflection-auditing' process, whereby individual merged data items showing especially poor agreement with model predictions during refinement are investigated thanks to the specific metadata (such as image number and detector position) that are available for the corresponding unmerged data, potentially revealing previously undiagnosed instrumental, experimental or processing problems. The third example is the calculation of so-called F(early) − F(late) maps from carefully selected subsets of unmerged amplitude data, which can not only highlight the location and extent of radiation damage but can also provide guidance towards suitable fine-grained parametrizations to model the localized effects of such damage.
Examining the complexities of binding international law on international organisations
Authors: Mathur Samiksha , Agarwal Sonu
Published: February 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to discuss the positioning of international organisations (IOs) in the realm of international law. It proposes a more robust approach, arguing IOs have legal obligations akin to states to the extent which could be fulfilled by them. This paper suggests making IOs parties to international treaties like the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), International Covenant on Economic Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR) and Geneva Convention 1949 to codify their international responsibilities. In addition, it proposes amending multilateral treaties to grant IOs membership and create binding legal obligations for them, thereby enhancing the overall legal framework for IOs.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper opted for qualitative analytical approach of research by referring to international treaties and scholarly papers.

Findings

The authors have evaluated the bindingness of international law on IOs. The authors argue that jus cogens and customary international law are equally binding on IOs. However, treaties could only be binding on IOs to the extent of their consent. The authors have assessed prior violations of IOs. The authors argue that, to prevent such violations by IOs, creating obligations is the first step. Second, amendments are required in the existing international treaties that reflect the foundations of international humanitarian and international human rights law like the Geneva Convention 1949, ICCPR, and ICESCR, to permit IOs to join these treaties, resulting in binding international legal obligations.

Research limitations/implications

The most prominent assertion of this paper is that IOs as subjects of international law are bound by the principles of international law, including treaty law with consent, customary international laws, general principles of law and peremptory norms. To fulfil these obligations, a regime needs to be introduced wherein amendment is made in treaties to make IOs parties to them and structuring the law on responsibility for IOs. Considering the multifaceted nature of IO, the role it performs in contemporary times requires them to be bound by rules of international law just like states. There is a need to settle their position in global governance and give them more teeth to understand and fulfil their duties to ensure smooth functioning in the long run.

Originality/value

The paper fulfils an identified gap in the positioning of IOs under the international law.
Let's run green! Impact of runners' environmental consciousness on their green perceived quality and supportive intention at participatory sport events
Authors: Huang Yu , Chiu Weisheng
Published: February 2024

Purpose

Sustainability is a major global concern, and research has suggested a bidirectional relationship between participatory sport events and the natural environment. Against this background, we examined the influence of runners’ environmental consciousness on their perceptions of the quality of green initiatives and their supportive intention at a running event.

Design/methodology/approach

We collected questionnaire responses from 496 runners at an event held in Taiwan, and we used partial least squares structural equation modeling for our measurement and structural models.

Findings

Our findings revealed that environmental consciousness had a positive relationship with green perceived quality, and that green perceived quality, in turn, positively affected supportive intention. Green perceived quality also mediated the relationship between environmental consciousness and supportive intention, and running frequency moderated the relationship between environmental consciousness and supportive intention.

Practical implications

Stakeholders should promote the environmental consciousness of event participants and implement sustainable initiatives to enhance participants’ supportive intention towards participatory sport events.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature by examining the role of environmental consciousness, green perceived quality and supportive intention in the context of a running event. The findings highlight the importance of environmental sustainability in participatory sport events and provide valuable insights for event organizers and stakeholders in designing and implementing sustainable initiatives.
Investment efficiency of targeted S-curve industries: the roles of CEO duality and financial reporting quality
Authors: Nuanpradit Sirada
Published: February 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the association between the combined roles of chief executive officer (CEO)-chairman titles (CEO duality) and investment efficiency, defined as a lower deviation from expected investment for targeted S-curve firms used to propel an innovation-driven economy. This study also aims to investigate the moderating effect of financial reporting quality on this association.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper focuses on the ten targeted S-curve industries – under the definition of the Thailand 4.0 model – listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) from 2000 to 2019. Data related to CEO/chairman titles and investment supports were manually collected from the annual reports, the SET market analysis and reporting tool database and the company websites. Financial data used to estimate investment behaviors and discretionary accruals were extracted from 1999. The study analyzes unbalanced panel data using fixed-effects regressions. Additional tests embrace replacing the sample with nontargeted firms, partitioning into granted and nongranted firms, adding CEOs’ demographic moderators, using alternative variable measures and analyzing for lagged independent variables.

Findings

The main findings show that CEO duality reduces overinvestment but worsens underinvestment in targeted firms. Financial reporting quality (FRQ) appears to strengthen CEO duality in mitigating extreme spending but has no impact on the association between CEO duality and underinvestment. Additional results, for example, conclude that CEO duality has no association with both over- and underinvesting at nontargeted firms, but its effect becomes positively significant on overinvestment when financial reporting quality is high. The negative association between CEO duality and overinvestment is found only in government-granted and targeted firms. FRQ encourages CEO duality in lowering overinvestment among targeted firms without grants. CEOs’ female and serviced early years appear to elevate those main findings.

Practical implications

These findings assist innovative corporations in choosing a proper leadership structure to cope with investment inefficiency. The research gives the government and regulatory bodies an insight into the qualifications of the leadership structure and financial information that helps them put forward effective policies.

Originality/value

To the best of the author’s knowledge, this study is among the first to establish the association between CEO duality and investment efficiency for innovation-driven firms in a transforming economy. The study fills the gap in the literature on management, accounting and finance by unveiling the interplay between dual leadership and financial reporting in affecting the efficiency of investments.
Keeping promises in cause-related marketing campaigns: development and validation of promised impact evidence scale
Authors: Shanbhag Parthesh R. , Pai P. Yogesh , Pattusamy Murugan , Kidiyoor Gururaj , Prabhu Nandan
Published: February 2024

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the potential positive effects of cause-related marketing (CRM) campaigns that show evidence of commitment to espoused causes. It examines whether consumers respond positively when a CRM campaign promises to deliver proof of the espoused cause.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopted the grounded theory approach to conceptualize the promised impact evidence construct. A promised impact evidence scale was developed and validated using robust qualitative and quantitative methods, including item response theory estimates.

Findings

The study provides evidence for promised impact evidence as a reflective second-order latent construct. The promised impact evidence scale demonstrates strong internal consistency, reliability and validity. In addition, this study posits that promised impact evidence is an antecedent of advertising trust, purchase intention, advertising credibility and persuasive and selling intent.

Originality/value

This study positioned the promised impact evidence scale against the theoretical underpinnings of the persuasion knowledge model. Specifically, this scale contributes to existing knowledge because it applies the persuasion knowledge model in CRM campaigns by adopting an acceptance focus, as opposed to the rejection focus used in developing persuasion knowledge model scales.
Chemical, textural, antioxidant potential and sensory characterization of Foxnut powder (Euryale ferox) added bakery products
Authors: Kapoor Surbhi , Kaur Amarjeet , Kumar Vikas , Choudhary Monika
Published: February 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to assess the impact of incorporating foxnut powder (FP) into bakery products to evaluate their effect on product quality and nutritional characteristics.

Design/methodology/approach

Samples of refined flour (control) and refined wheat flour with varying levels of FP were prepared for each bakery item. Sensory evaluations using a nine-point hedonic scale were conducted. Different concentrations of FP (20% for cakes, 12.5% for bread and 12.5% for doughnuts) were tested to achieve sensory acceptability.

Findings

The addition of FP at specified concentrations achieved sensory acceptability in the tested bakery items, significantly impacting overall acceptability. Incorporating FP led to textural attribute alterations, including increased hardness, gumminess and chewiness, alongside reduced cohesiveness and elasticity. Color properties were influenced, affecting lightness, redness and yellowness of the bakery items. Proximate composition analysis highlighted shifts in moisture, protein, fiber, fat and ash content between control and accepted samples. Mineral content analysis revealed notable differences in calcium, potassium, iron, magnesium and sodium between control and accepted samples.

Originality/value

These findings demonstrate the potential of FP to enhance bakery products, offering promising industrial applications in producing nutritionally enriched and visually appealing baked products.
Family support is the strongest predictor that influences mother’s self-efficacy level on complementary feedings practices among toddlers in Tengger tribe
Authors: Muniroh Lailatul , Sulistyorini, Yuly , Abihail, Chrysoprase Thasya
Published: February 2024

Purpose

The low rate of exclusive breastfeeding and the early introduction of complementary feeding are among the causes of nutritional problems in children. The national coverage of exclusive breastfeeding in 2019 was 67.7%, surpassing the target of the 2019 Strategic Plan, which was 50%. However, there are still several practices of early and inappropriate complementary feeding (32.3%) that can be contributing factors to malnutrition problems in children. The purpose of this study was to determine the factors that influence mother’s self-efficacy levels regarding complementary feeding practices among toddlers in the Tengger tribe.

Design/methodology/approach

The study conducted was an observational study with a cross-sectional design. It focused on mothers with children aged 6–24 months in Wonokitri village, East Java. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire and information from the local health center. The analysis involved univariate and bivariate analysis using the chi-square test.

Findings

Most mothers were aged 20–34 years (78.9%), had a good level of knowledge (61.4%), the last education level of fathers and mothers was high school (47.4%; 54.4%), parents work as farmers (86.0%; 61.4%), Hinduism (98.2%), family income is less than the minimum wage (78.9%), and mothers receive good family support (73.7%). Most toddlers were boys (56.1%), aged 13–24 months (68.4%), and the second child (66.7%). Family support was the only factor that was significantly related to a mother’s self-efficacy in complementary breastfeeding practices (p-value = 0.042).

Research limitations/implications

It is hoped that more families and health workers will support mothers in giving food to their babies based on the guidelines.

Originality/value

This paper collects evidence from indigenous people of the Tengger tribe.
Habitat quality and biological community responses to innovative hydropower plant installations at transverse in‐stream structures
Authors: Knott Josef , Mueller Melanie , Pander Joachim , Geist Juergen
Published: February 2024

Ecological assessments of the effects of hydropower plants (HPPs) are often limited to aspects of entrainment, mortality, injuries, and passage of fish, whereas the effects on riverine habitats and biological communities in proximity to these structures are hardly documented.

In this study, aquatic communities comprising fish, macroinvertebrates, macrophytes and periphyton as well as physical and hydromorphological parameters were investigated in upstream and downstream river sections at five transverse structures at different seasons before and after the installation of an innovative HPP.

At all study sites, significant differences in the aquatic community composition between the assessed upstream and downstream sections were found after HPP construction, indicating distinct serial discontinuity.

Raising the damming target at the sites Großweil and Au deteriorated the habitat conditions in the upstream area close to the weir and presumably influenced in particular the macroinvertebrate community, where a significant decrease in the density of rheophilic mayfly, stonefly and caddisfly larvae was observed after HPP construction.

Synthesis and applications: The installation of different types of innovative HPPs has not improved the habitat conditions for rheophilic species, contrary to the promises raised by the developers of these concepts. Conversely, retrofitting existing weirs accompanied by further damming even significantly increased the effects of serial discontinuity and deteriorated the habitat conditions for rheophilic species in upstream sections. As evident from the findings of this study, habitat and biological community effects resulting from serial discontinuity should become better integrated into ecological assessments of HPP developments.
Linking foreign direct investment to financial deepening: Evidence from sub‐Saharan Africa
Authors: Abusomwan Osamede Success , Izevbigie John Norense
Published: February 2024

In this study, the nexus between Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and financial deepening is critically examined. The study employed a robust dynamic panel cross‐sectionally augmented distributed lag method for 31 countries in sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA). The results reveal that: (1) a strong significantly positive long run impact of FDI on financial deepening exists; (2) real gross domestic product (GDP), trade openness and government effectiveness stimulate the positive FDI–financial deepening nexus; (3) the strength of the FDI–financial deepening nexus also depends on the percentile position in the income distribution of SSA countries (countries in the upper strata of the income distribution evidently had stronger FDI–financial deepening relations than those in the lower strata and (4) real GDP, trade openness and government effectiveness also enhance financial deepening in SSA. The study recommends that governments in SSA should foster fiscal, financial and regulatory incentives for attracting FDI for improved financial depth in SSA by: strengthening the regulatory frameworks and institutions of governance through the removal of unwarranted governmental interferences in the administration of justice and electoral processes; removing multiple tax regimes; and stabilizing prices and exchange rate volatility via stimulating local productivity and guaranteeing the rule of law, political stability and security of life and property in the region.
Longitudinal cardiac dimensions in patients undergoing LVAD implantation
Authors: Meissner Florian , Szvetics Sophie , Galbas Michelle Costa , Russe Maximilian , Schibilsky David , Kaier Klaus , Czerny Martin , Bothe Wolfgang
Published: February 2024

Background

In conventional left ventricular assist devices (LVAD), a separate outflow graft is sutured to the ascending aorta. Novel device designs may include a transventricular outflow cannula crossing the aortic valve (AV). While transversal ventricular dimensions are well investigated in patients with severe heart failure, little is known about the longitudinal dimensions. These dimensions are, however, particularly critical for the design and development of mechanical circulatory support (MCS) devices with transaortic outflow cannula.

Methods

In an explorative retrospective cohort study at the University Medical Center Freiburg, Germany, the longitudinal cardiac dimensions of patients undergoing computed tomography angiography (CTA) before and, if available, after LVAD implantation were analyzed. Among others, the following dimensions were assessed: (a) apex to AV, (b) apex to mitral valve, (c) AV to sinotubular junction (STJ), (d) apex to STJ, (e) apex to brachiocephalic artery (BCA), and (f) AV to BCA.

Results

In total, 44 LVAD patients (36 male, age 55.8 years, height 1.75 m) were included. The longitudinal cardiac dimensions were (a) 114.5 ± 12.1 mm, (b) 108.0 ± 12.4 mm, (c) 20.9 ± 2.9, (d) 135.4 ± 13.4 mm, (e) 206.0 ± 18.3, and (f) 91.5 ± 9.8 mm. Postoperatively, (a) and (b) decreased by 31.5% and 39.5%, respectively (N = 14).

Conclusions

Longitudinal cardiac dimensions may be reduced by up to 40% after LVAD implantation. A better knowledge of these dimensions and their postoperative alterations in LVAD patients may improve surgical planning and help to design MCS devices with transventricular outflow cannula.
Persistently high HBsAg levels during HBeAg‐seropositive stage predict lower risk of hepatocellular carcinoma in chronic hepatitis B patients
Authors: Lin Hsin‐Che , Jeng Wen‐Juei , Liu Jessica , Pan Mei‐Hung , Lee Mei‐Hsuan , Batrla‐Utermann Richard , Lu Sheng‐Nan , Chen Chuen‐Fei , Yang Hwai‐I. , Chen Chien‐Jen
Published: February 2024

Background

High hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) level predicts hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients with low viral load. The role of longitudinal HBsAg levels in predicting HCC in HBeAg‐positive CHB patients remains unknown.

Method

HBeAg‐positive CHB participants from the REVEAL‐HBV cohort with ≥2 HBsAg measurements before HBeAg seroclearance were enrolled. Group‐based trajectory modelling identified distinct HBsAg trajectory groups during a median of 11 years of HBeAg‐positive status. Cox regression models were applied for investigating independent predictors of HCC and estimating adjusted hazard ratio (HRadj) with a 95% confidence interval (CI). A p‐value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

A total of 319 patients were enrolled and classified by HBsAg trajectory patterns as (A) persistently high group (n = 72): HBsAg persistently ≥104 IU/mL, and (B) non‐stationary group (n = 233): low HBsAg at baseline or declining to <104 IU/mL during the follow‐up. Group B had higher proportions of abnormal ALT levels, HBV genotype C and basal core mutation than group A (p < 0.05); age at entry and gender were comparable. The annual incidence of HCC in group A and group B were 0.37% and 1.16%, respectively (p = 0.03). In multivariate analysis, age >40 years (HRadj [95% CI] = 4.11 [2.26–7.48]), genotype C (HRadj [95% CI] = 4.39 [1.96–9.81]) and the non‐stationary group (HRadj [95% CI] = 3.50 [1.49–8.21]) were independent predictors of HCC. Basal core promoter mutation was the only risk factor of HCC in the persistently high HBsAg group (HRadj [95% CI] = 32.75 [5.41–198.42]).

Conclusion

Patients with persistently high HBsAg levels during HBeAg‐seropositive stage represent a unique population with low risk of HCC development.
Sensory and physicochemical characteristics of Japanese jidori chicken (Choshu‐Kurokashiwa) and broiler thigh meat: Effect of cooking procedure
Authors: Murata Shohei , Sasaki Keisuke
Published: February 2024

This study aimed to investigate the effects of various cooking procedures on the sensory and physicochemical properties of Japanese jidori chicken (Choshu‐Kurokashiwa) and broiler thigh meat. Thigh meats were cooked using three different procedures: grilling, boiling, and deep‐frying. Subsequently, we performed sensory evaluation by a trained panel and instrumental analysis on both raw and cooked meat to determine changes in pH, shear force value, cooking loss, nucleotide metabolite contents, and proximate, free amino acid, and fatty acid composition. From the sensory evaluation, “springiness” and “chewiness” were found to be characteristics of Choshu‐Kurokashiwa thigh meat among all cooking procedures. In terms of “juiciness” and “sulfur flavor,” chicken breed and cooking procedure interacted, and these were considerably higher in Choshu‐Kurokashiwa meat than in broiler meat only when boiling. In the instrumental analysis, Choshu‐Kurokashiwa meat showed a considerably higher shear force value and lower free amino acid content than broiler meat, regardless of the cooking procedure used. Again, in terms of cooking loss, chicken breed and cooking procedure interacted, and this was considerably lower in Choshu‐Kurokashiwa meat than in broiler meat only when boiling. These results showed that cooking procedure should be considered when describing the sensory characteristics of jidori thigh meat.
Prevalence of potentially inappropriate medications among newly treated patients with type 2 diabetes in UK primary care
Authors: Faquetti Maria Luisa , Frey Géraldine , Stämpfli Dominik , Weiler Stefan , Burden Andrea M.
Published: February 2024

Aims

The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of potentially inappropriate prescriptions (PIPs) in patients starting their first noninsulin antidiabetic treatment (NIAD) using two explicit process measures of the appropriateness of prescribing in UK primary care, stratified by age and polypharmacy status.

Methods

A descriptive cohort study between 2016 and 2019 was conducted to assess PIPs in patients aged ≥45 years at the start of their first NIAD, stratified by age and polypharmacy status. The American Geriatrics Society Beers criteria 2015 was used for older (≥65 years) patients and the Prescribing Optimally in Middle‐age People's Treatments criteria was used for middle‐aged (45‐64 years) patients. Prevalence of overall PIPs and individual PIPs criteria was reported using the IQVIA Medical Research Data incorporating THIN, a Cegedim Database of anonymized electronic health records in the UK.

Results

Among 28 604 patients initiating NIADs, 18 494 (64.7%) received polypharmacy. In older and middle‐aged patients with polypharmacy, 39.6% and 22.7%, respectively, received ≥1 PIP. At the individual PIP level, long‐term proton pump inhibitors (PPI) use was the most frequent PIP among older adults, and strong opioid without laxatives was the most frequent PIP in middle‐aged patients with polypharmacy (11.1% and 4.1%, respectively).

Conclusions

This study revealed that patients starting NIAD treatment receiving polypharmacy have the potential for pharmacotherapy optimization.
Effects of rifampicin on the pharmacokinetics and safety of carotegrast methyl in healthy subjects: A randomized 2 × 2 crossover study
Authors: Imai Hiromitsu , Oikawa Ichiro , Koyama Tetsuya , Matsuki Shunji
Published: February 2024

Aims

To evaluate the effect of the combination of carotegrast methyl with rifampicin, a potent inhibitor of organic anion transporter polypeptide, on the pharmacokinetics (PKs), safety and tolerability of carotegrast methyl.

Methods

In this 2 × 2 crossover study in 20 healthy Japanese adults, 10 subjects received carotegrast methyl 960 mg and rifampicin 600 mg on day 1 and received carotegrast methyl 960 mg on day 8. The subjects in the other sequence received the same treatments but in the opposite order. The 90% confidence interval (CI) of the geometric mean ratio of the Cmax and AUC0‐t for carotegrast, the main active metabolite of carotegrast methyl, with/without rifampicin was calculated. If the 90% CI fell within the range of 0.80‐1.25, this indicated the absence of any drug‐drug interaction. Adverse events (AEs) were monitored.

Results

The geometric mean ratios (90% CI) of the Cmax and AUC0‐t for carotegrast with/without rifampicin were 4.78 (3.64‐6.29) and 5.59 (4.60‐6.79), respectively, indicating that carotegrast has a PK interaction with rifampicin. The combination with rifampicin increased the exposure of carotegrast and also that of its metabolites. The incidence of any AEs with/without rifampicin was five (25.0%) and one (5.0%), respectively.

Conclusions

Coadministration of carotegrast methyl with rifampicin significantly increased the exposure of carotegrast compared with carotegrast methyl administration alone. In this single dose study, the incidence of AEs of carotegrast methyl with rifampicin increased compared with carotegrast methyl alone, but the incidence of adverse drug reactions did not increase with combination administration.
In search of respect and continuity of care: Hungarian women's experiences with midwifery‐led, community birth
Authors: Rubashkin Nicholas , Bingham Brianna , Baji Petra , Szebik Imre , Kremmer Sarolta , Vedam Saraswathi
Published: February 2024

Introduction

To describe and compare intervention rates and experiences of respectful care when Hungarian women opt to give birth in the community.

Methods

We conducted a cross‐sectional online survey (N = 1257) in 2014. We calculated descriptive statistics comparing obstetric procedure rates, respectful care indicators, and autonomy (MADM scale) across four models of care (public insurance; chosen doctor or chosen midwife in the public system; private midwife‐led community birth). We used an intention‐to‐treat approach. After adjusting for social and clinical covariates, we used logistic regression to estimate the odds of obstetric procedures and disrespectful care and linear regression to estimate the level of autonomy (MADM scale).

Findings

In the sample, 99 (7.8%) saw a community midwife for prenatal care. Those who planned community births had the lowest rates of cesarean at 9.1% (public: 30.4%; chosen doctor: 45.2%; chosen midwife 16.5%), induced labor at 7.1% (public: 23.1%; chosen doctor: 26.0%; chosen midwife: 19.4%), and episiotomy at 4.44% (public: 62.3%; chosen doctor: 66.2%; chosen midwife: 44.9%). Community birth clients reported the lowest rates of disrespectful care at 25.5% (public: 64.3%; chosen doctor: 44.3%; chosen midwife: 38.7%) and the highest average MADM score at 31.5 (public: 21.2; chosen doctor: 25.5; chosen midwife: 28.6). In regression analysis, community midwifery clients had significantly reduced odds of cesarean (0.35, 95% CI 0.16–0.79), induced labor (0.27, 95% CI 0.11–0.67), episiotomy (0.04, 95% CI 0.01–0.12), and disrespectful care (0.36, 95% CI 0.21–0.61), while also having significantly higher average MADM scores (5.71, 95% CI 4.08–7.36).

Conclusions

Hungarian women who plan to give birth in the community have low obstetric procedure rates and report greater respect, in line with international data on the effects of place of birth and model of care on experiences of perinatal care.
Paraproteinemia‐associated neuropathy with or without anti‐myelin‐associated glycoprotein antibody
Authors: Nakajima Masanori
Published: February 2024

Paraproteinemia‐associated neuropathy (PAN) develops with paraproteinemia and is mainly caused by the monoclonal proliferation of mature B cells, especially monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS). PAN tends to increase with age, and in a super‐aging society, its frequency is expected to increase. Among paraproteinemias, the immunoglobulin (Ig)G type is most common, but the frequency of PAN is reported to be higher for the IgM type. IgG/IgA‐type PAN includes MGUS, plasma cell myeloma, and polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, monoclonal gammopathy and skin changes syndrome. IgM‐type PAN includes anti‐myelin‐associated glycoprotein antibody‐associated neuropathy, chronic ataxic neuropathy with IgM antibody that recognizes disialosyl ganglioside and IgM‐type PAN without anti‐nerve antibodies. Light chain‐type PAN includes immunoglobulin‐related amyloidosis. PAN has the characteristics of a blood disease, as well as an immune‐mediated disease, and is treated by immunotherapy. As an example, anti‐myelin‐associated glycoprotein antibody‐associated neuropathy is treated with rituximab, plasmapheresis and intravenous immunoglobulin therapy, but their effectiveness has not been established. As novel treatments, lenalidomide, Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitors, B‐cell lymphoma 2 inhibitors and mimetic human natural killer‐1 epitope polymers have been investigated. By analyzing the human natural killer‐1‐related sugar chain structure as an antigen, the selective removal of pathological antibodies might be a new therapeutic target.
Increases in the use of drug testing kits among nightclub and festival attendees in New York City who use ecstasy, 2017–2022
Authors: Fitzgerald Nicole D. , Palamar Joseph J.
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Ecstasy (3,4‐methylenedioxymethamphetamine [MDMA]) is a drug commonly used by people who attend electronic dance music (EDM) events at nightclubs and dance festivals. Drug checking has gained popularity in recent years to test for adulterants, but epidemiology studies are needed to estimate potential shifts in prevalence of drug checking to further inform harm reduction efforts.

Methods

Adults entering randomly selected EDM events in New York City were surveyed in 2017 and 2022. Those reporting past‐year ecstasy use were asked if they tested their ecstasy in the past year using a drug testing kit and whether they found out or suspected their ecstasy contained other drugs. We compared estimates between 2017 and 2022.

Results

In 2017, an estimated 23.1% had tested their ecstasy, and this estimate increased to 43.1% in 2022 (86.6% increase, p = 0.006). Among those who tested their ecstasy, in 2017, 31.2% always tested their drug, and this increased to 60.6% in 2022 (94.2% increase, p = 0.026). In 2017, 59.6% of those who tested their ecstasy reported finding out or suspecting their drug was adulterated, which decreased to 18.4% in 2022 (69.1% decrease, p < 0.001). Suspected methamphetamine adulteration in particular decreased, from 21.9% in 2017 to 3.6% in 2022 (83.6% decrease, p = 0.007).

Discussion and Conclusions

The use of drug testing kits has increased among EDM event attendees who use ecstasy and, at the same time, among those who had tested their ecstasy, suspected adulteration has decreased. Continued interest in understanding ecstasy contents among this population suggests the need for formal drug checking services.
Value of intravenous alteplase before thrombectomy among patients with tandem lesions and emergent carotid artery stenting: A subgroup analysis of the SWIFT DIRECT trial
Authors: Mujanovic Adnan , Dobrocky Tomas , Pfeilschifter Waltraud , Remonda Luca , Caroff Jildaz , Behme Daniel , Seiffge David J. , Cereda Carlo W. , Kägi Georg , Leyon Joe , Piechowiak Eike I. , Costalat Vincent , Wagner Judith , Chabert Emmanuel , Meinel Thomas R. , Jansen Olav , Alonso Angelika , Loehr Christian , Liebeskind David S. , Gralla Jan , Fischer Urs , Kaesmacher Johannes ,   the SWIFT DIRECT investigators
Published: February 2024

Background and purpose

The value of intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) in eligible tandem lesion patients undergoing endovascular treatment (EVT) is unknown. We investigated treatment effect heterogeneity of EVT + IVT versus EVT‐only in tandem lesion patients. Additional analyses were performed for patients undergoing emergent internal carotid artery (ICA) stenting.

Methods

SWIFT DIRECT randomized IVT‐eligible patients to either EVT + IVT or EVT‐only. Primary outcome was 90‐day functional independence (modified Rankin Scale score 0–2) after the index event. Secondary endpoints were reperfusion success, 24 h intracranial hemorrhage rate, and 90‐day all‐cause mortality. Interaction models were fitted for all predefined outcomes.

Results

Among 408 included patients, 63 (15.4%) had a tandem lesion and 33 (52.4%) received IVT. In patients with tandem lesions, 20 had undergone emergent ICA stenting (EVT + IVT: 9/33, 27.3%; EVT: 11/30, 36.7%). Tandem lesion did not show treatment effect modification of IVT on rates of functional independence (tandem lesion EVT + IVT vs. EVT: 63.6% vs. 46.7%, non‐tandem lesion EVT + IVT vs. EVT: 65.6% vs. 58.2%; p for interaction = 0.77). IVT also did not increase the risk of intracranial hemorrhage  among tandem lesion patients (tandem lesion EVT + IVT vs. EVT: 34.4% vs. 46.7%, non‐tandem lesion EVT + IVT vs. EVT: 33.5% vs. 26.3%; p for interaction = 0.15). No heterogeneity was noted for other endpoints (p for interaction > 0.05).

Conclusions

No treatment effect heterogeneity of EVT + IVT versus EVT‐only was observed among tandem lesion patients. Administering IVT in patients with anticipated emergent ICA stenting seems safe, and the latter should not be a factor to consider when deciding to administer IVT before EVT.
ITAM‐based receptors in natural killer cells
Authors: Aguilar Oscar A. , Fong Lam‐Kiu , Lanier Lewis L.
Published: February 2024

The ability of cells of the immune system to acquire features such as increased longevity and enhanced secondary responses was long thought to be restricted to cells of the adaptive immune system. Natural killer (NK) cells have challenged this notion by demonstrating that they can also gain adaptive features. This has been observed in both humans and mice during infection with cytomegalovirus (CMV). The generation of adaptive NK cells requires antigen‐specific recognition of virally infected cells through stimulatory NK receptors. These receptors lack the ability to signal on their own and rather rely on adaptor molecules that contain ITAMs for driving signals. Here, we highlight our understanding of how these receptors influence the production of adaptive NK cells and propose areas in the field that merit further investigation.
Leaving no one behind: Why social protection must include displaced people
Authors: Polvanesi Mattia
Published: February 2024

UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, has the mandate to save lives and build better futures for millions of forcibly displaced and stateless people. This contribution sets out UNHCR’s mandated roles concerning displaced population groups and details the nature of the humanitarian and human development challenges that confront the international community. In this important regard, the social protection coverage extension objectives of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Global Partnership for Universal Social Protection (USP), to leave no one behind, are considered essential.
Insourcing versus outsourcing in a vertical structure
Authors: Shin Dongsoo , Strausz Roland
Published: February 2024

We study an agency model with vertical hierarchy—the principal, the prime‐agent and the subagent. The principal faces a project that needs both agents' services. Due to costly communication, the principal receives a report only from the prime‐agent, who receives a report from the subagent. The principal can directly incentivize each agent by setting individual transfers (insourcing), or sets only one overall transfer to an independent organization in which the prime‐agent hires the subagent (outsourcing). We show that insourcing is always optimal when the principal can perfectly process the prime‐agent's report. When the principal's information process is limited, however, outsourcing can be the prevailing mode of operation. In addition, insourcing under limited information process is prone to collusion between the agents, whereas no possibility of collusion arises with outsourcing.