bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Associations with spontaneous and indicated preterm birth in a densely phenotyped EHR cohort
Authors: Costello Jean M. , Takasuka Hannah , Roger Jacquelyn , Yin Ophelia , Tang Alice , Oskotsky Tomiko , Sirota Marina , Capra John A.
Published: November 2023

Background

Preterm birth (PTB) is the leading cause of infant mortality and follows multiple biological pathways, many of which are poorly understood. Some PTBs result from medically indicated labor following complications from hypertension and/or diabetes, while many others are spontaneous with unknown causes. Previously, investigation of potential risk factors has been limited by lack of data on maternal medical history and the difficulty of classifying PTBs as indicated or spontaneous. Here, we leverage electronic health record (EHR) data (patient health information including demographics, diagnoses, and medications) and a supplemental curated pregnancy database to overcome these limitations. Novel associations may provide new insight into the pathophysiology of PTB as well as help identify individuals who would be at risk of PTB.

Methods

We quantified associations between maternal diagnoses and preterm birth using logistic regression controlling for maternal age and socioeconomic factors within a University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), EHR cohort with 10,643 births (nterm= 9692,nspontaneous_preterm= 449,nindicated_preterm= 418) and maternal pre-conception diagnosis phenotypes derived from International Classification of Diseases (ICD) 9 and 10 codes.

Results

Eighteen conditions significantly and robustly (False Discovery Rate (FDR)<0.05) associated with PTBs compared to term. We discovered known (hypertension, diabetes, and chronic kidney disease) and less established (blood, cardiac, gynecological, and liver conditions) associations. Type 1 diabetes was the most significant overall association (adjusted p = 1.6×10-14, adjusted OR = 7 (95% CI 5, 12)), and the odds ratios for the significant phenotypes ranged from 3 to 13. We further carried out analysis stratified by spontaneous vs. indicated PTB. No phenotypes significantly associated with spontaneous PTB; however, the results for indicated PTB largely recapitulated the phenotype associations with all PTBs.

Conclusions

Our study underscores the limitations of approaches that combine indicated and spontaneous births together. When combined, significant associations were almost entirely driven by indicated PTBs, although our spontaneous and indicated groups were of a similar size. Investigating the spontaneous population has the potential to reveal new pathways and understanding of the heterogeneity of PTB.
Encapsulation of AAVs into protein vault nanoparticles as a novel solution to gene therapy’s neutralizing antibody problem
Authors: Collins Logan Thrasher , Beatty Wandy , Moyo Buhle , Alves-Bezerra Michele , Hurley Ayrea , Lou Qing , Zhou Z. Hong , Lagor William , Bao Gang , Ponnazhagan Selvarangan , McNally Randall , Rome Leonard H. , Curiel David T.
Published: November 2023

Although adeno-associated virus (AAV) has enjoyed enormous success as a delivery modality for gene therapy, it continues to suffer from the high prevalence of preexisting neutralizing antibodies in human populations, limiting who can receive potentially life-saving treatments. In this regard, AAV therapies generally also must be administered as a single dose since neutralizing antibodies develop in patients who receive the virus. Strategies for circumventing these issues remain limited. As a novel solution, we employed SpyTag-SpyCatcher molecular glue technology to facilitate packaging of AAVs inside of recombinant protein vault nanoparticles. Vaults are endogenous particles produced by mammalian cells. We therefore hypothesized that they may shield packaged molecules from neutralizing antibodies. Vaults have previously been utilized to deliver drugs and proteins into cells, but our study represents the first time anyone has packaged an entire virus inside of a vault. We showed that our vaultAAV (VAAV) delivery vehicle transduces cells in the presence of anti-AAV neutralizing serum. VAAV is positioned as a new gene therapy delivery platform with potential to overcome the neutralizing antibody problem and perhaps even allow administration of multiple doses, expanding the scope of AAV treatments.
Filter-aided expansion proteomics
Authors: Dong Zhen , Zhu Yi , Zhang Fangfei , Wu Chunlong , Chen Ting , Chen Jiayi , Jiang Wenhao , Xiao Qi , Zheng Shu , Piatkevich Kiryl D. , Guo Tiannan
Published: November 2023

Integration of hydrogel-based tissue expansion and mass spectrometry-based proteomics enables high spatial resolution analysis of global protein expression in tissues. Here, we introduce a filter-aided tissue expansion proteomics (FAXP) method with optimized hydrogel preparation and treatment steps for spatial proteomics analysis of formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) specimens. Compared with our original ProteomEx method, FAXP, partially automated with robotics, exhibited 14.5-fold higher volumetric resolution, increased peptide yield leading to 250% more protein identifications, and 50% time consumption for sample preparation. We demonstrated its application in clinical colorectal tissue samples. We further integrated it with laser capture microdissection for proteomic analysis of subcellular organelles.
CRISPR-Cas12a exhibits metal-dependent specificity switching
Authors: Nguyen Giang T. , Schelling Michael A. , Buscher Kathryn A. , Sritharan Aneisha , Sashital Dipali G.
Published: November 2023

Cas12a is the immune effector of type V-A CRISPR-Cas systems and has been co-opted for genome editing and other biotechnology tools. The specificity of Cas12a has been the subject of extensive investigation both in vitro and in genome editing experiments. However, in vitro studies have often been performed at high magnesium ion concentrations that are inconsistent with the free Mg2+concentrations that would be present in cells. By profiling the specificity of Cas12a orthologs at a range of Mg2+concentrations, we find that Cas12a switches its specificity depending on metal ion concentration. Lowering Mg2+concentration decreases cleavage defects caused by seed mismatches, while increasing the defects caused by PAM-distal mismatches. We show that Cas12a can bind seed mutant targets more rapidly at low Mg2+concentrations, resulting in faster cleavage. In contrast, PAM-distal mismatches cause substantial defects in cleavage following formation of the Cas12a-target complex at low Mg2+concentrations. We observe differences in Cas12a specificity switching between three orthologs that results in variations in the routes of phage escape from Cas12a-mediated immunity. Overall, our results reveal the importance of physiological metal ion conditions on the specificity of Cas effectors that are used in different cellular environments.
Muscle contractile properties directly influence shared synaptic inputs to spinal motor neurons
Authors: Cabral Hélio V. , Inglis J Greig , Cudicio Alessandro , Cogliati Marta , Orizio Claudio , Yavuz Utku , Negro Francesco
Published: November 2023

Alpha band oscillations in shared synaptic inputs to the alpha motor neuron pool can be considered an involuntary source of noise that hinders precise voluntary force production. This study investigated the impact of altering muscle length on the shared synaptic oscillations to spinal motor neurons, particularly in the physiological tremor band. Fourteen healthy individuals performed low-level dorsiflexion contractions at ankle joint angles of 90° and 130°, while high-density surface electromyography (HD-sEMG) was recorded from the tibialis anterior (TA). We decomposed the HDsEMG into motor units spike trains and calculated the motor units’ coherence within the delta (1-5 Hz), alpha (5-15 Hz) and beta (15-35 Hz) bands. Additionally, torque steadiness and torque spectral power within the tremor band was quantified. Results showed no significant differences in torque steadiness between 90° and 130°. In contrast, alpha band oscillations in both synaptic inputs and force output decreased as the length of the TA was moved from shorter (90°) to longer (130°), with no changes in delta and beta bands. In a second set of experiments, evoked twitches were recorded with the ankle joint at 70° and 130°, revealing longer twitch durations in the longer muscle lengthen condition compared to the shorter. These experimental results, supported by a simple computational simulation, suggest that increasing muscle length enhances the muscle’s low-pass filtering properties, influencing the oscillations generated by the Ia afferent feedback loop. Therefore, this study provides valuable insights into the interplay between muscle biomechanics and neural oscillations.
A qualitative exploration to understand consumers' meat preferences in an emerging market through the TPB model
Authors: Parida Rashmi Ranjan , Gadekar Mahesh
Published: November 2023

Purpose

This paper investigates the factors and how they lead to meat choice decisions based on preferred slaughter practices. The literature has established the role of psychological factors and morality perception in meat choice decisions. However, it explores how consumers' behavioural intention is impacted towards alternative meat when consumer guilt is activated in different cultural settings.

Design/methodology/approach

This study included in-depth interviews with consumers from India's emerging market due to its multicultural dimension and diverse religious beliefs about meat consumption. The authors conducted 17 interviews to explore antecedents towards non-halal meat choices.

Findings

Utilizing the Theory of planned behaviour (TPB), this paper explores research gaps related to meat consumption preferences based on preferred slaughter practices in an emerging market context. The findings uncover and add to understanding meat preferences in varied cultural contexts that affect consumer choices. The authors advance the current understanding of TPB from the perspective of behavioural intention toward non-halal meat.

Practical implications

The study's findings have significant implications for all the organizations/outlets dealing with non-vegetarian food products, whether packaged or fresh and for meat sellers.

Originality/value

The study is unique in identifying the meat choice preferences based on slaughter practice through the extended prism of TPB. The market chosen for this study is one of the biggest consumer markets and its growing continuously.
Investigating the impact of person-organization fit on employee well-being in uncertain conditions: a study in three central European countries
Authors: Jaškevičiūtė Vaida , Zsigmond Tibor , Berke Szilárd , Berber Nemanja
Published: November 2023

Purpose

The objective of this research is to explore the relationship between person-organization fit and employee well-being in the context of uncertainty across three Central European countries: Lithuania, Slovakia and Hungary.

Design/methodology/approach

This study employed a survey-based approach to gather primary data from Lithuania, Slovakia and Hungary, resulting in a total of 1,140 respondents. The survey utilized a structured questionnaire designed with a five-point Likert scale. The questionnaire consisted of three main sections: person-organization fit, employee well-being and demographic information. Person-organization fit was assessed through a 3-item scale, while employee well-being was evaluated using an 18-item scale that included 3 dimensions: life well-being, workplace well-being and psychological well-being. Partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was employed to analyze the survey data.

Findings

The findings of the study reveal significant positive relationships between person-organization fit and three dimensions of employee well-being – life well-being, workplace well-being and psychological well-being – in three Central European countries: Lithuania, Slovakia and Hungary. Notably, there were discernible differences between Hungary and Lithuania, as well as between Slovakia and Lithuania. Conversely, no significant distinctions were observed between Hungary and Slovakia in relation to these variables.

Originality/value

This research has the potential to shed light on how the alignment between individual values and organizational values impacts employee well-being, particularly within the context of volatile periods such as the COVID-19 pandemic. This understanding can guide organizations in fostering a work environment that supports employees. Furthermore, the results of this study create the prospect of providing actionable guidance to organizations aiming to strengthen their approaches for enhancing employee well-being across dimensions such as life well-being, workplace well-being and psychological well-being.
Financial fraud victimization: an examination of distress and financial complications
Authors: Golladay Katelyn A. , Snyder Jamie A.
Published: November 2023

Purpose

This study expands the empirical understanding of financial fraud victims and the consequences that emerge as a result of financial fraud victimization. In addition, this study aims to assess the impact of the unique role victims play in financial fraud and the impact self-identifying as a victim has on the negative consequences they experience.

Design/methodology/approach

Data from the Supplemental Fraud Survey to the National Crime Victimization Survey are used to assess the negative consequences of financial fraud victimization.

Findings

Results suggest that victims of financial fraud experience increased distress and financial complications following their victimization experience. In addition, self-reported victim status is found to significantly increase a respondent’s likelihood of reporting emotional distress and financial complications. Implications for research, theory and policy are discussed.

Originality/value

While empirical studies on the consequences of identity theft victimization have been increasing in recent years, financial fraud victimization remains understudied. Given the victim involvement in financial fraud, the consideration of financial fraud independent of identity theft fraud is vital.
Motivational factors to paying zakat through institutions: a multigroup analysis of urban and suburban muzakki based on digital payment scheme
Authors: Sunarsih Sunarsih , Hamdani Lukman , Rizal Achmad , Yusfiarto Rizaldi
Published: November 2023

Purpose

This study aims to empirically explore several factors that encourage muzakki (zakat payers) to pay their zakat through institutions by elaborating on their extrinsic and intrinsic motivations as the composite factors regarding the attitude and intention improvement of muzakki. This study specifically studies zakat payment via digital means and categorizes the muzakki groups into two (urban and suburban) to be considered in the results.

Design/methodology/approach

Overall, this study gathers the data from 298 muzakki using a partial least squares technique the multigroup analysis to compare the analysis.

Findings

This study found that different sociodemographic aspects will result in varied performances of motivation in using technology between the two groups. Furthermore, positive preference aspects, such as muzakki’s attitude, can be a catalyst in improving their motivation to pay zakat through institutions.

Practical implications

The findings of this study can be used as a foundation to improve the technology-based services that will be more accessible and reachable. Provision of technical follow-ups regarding the utilization of technology, including community-based digital platform socializations, availability of online customer service that will respond to muzakki’s needs and synergy between stakeholders, are the primary obligations that a zakat institution must fulfill.

Originality/value

As far as the researchers are concerned, the studies focusing on the motivational factors and attitude of muzakki as an intervention in paying zakat via institutions are limited in numbers, especially studies on digital payment. In this study, however, classifying the groups into two will help gain a deeper understanding of this topic.
Using entrepreneurial competencies and action to profile entrepreneurs: a CHAID analysis approach
Authors: Botha Melodi
Published: November 2023

Purpose

Entrepreneurial trait and behaviour approaches are used to identify differing entrepreneurial profiles. Specifically, this study aims to determine which entrepreneurial competencies (ECs) can predict entrepreneurial action (EA) for distinct profiles, such as male versus female, start-up versus established and for entrepreneurs within different age groups and educational levels.

Design/methodology/approach

The research was conducted using a survey method on a large sample of 1,150 South African entrepreneurs. Chi-squared automatic interaction detection (CHAID) algorithms were used to build decision trees to illustrate distinct entrepreneurial profiles.

Findings

Each profile has a different set of ECs that predict EA, with a growth mindset being the most significant predictor of action. Therefore, this study confirms that a “one-size-fits-all” approach cannot be applied when profiling entrepreneurs.

Research limitations/implications

From a pedagogical standpoint, different combinations of these ECs for each profile provide priority information for identification of appropriate candidates (e.g. the highest potential for success) and training initiatives, effective pedagogies and programme design (e.g. which individual ECs should be trained and how should they be trained).

Originality/value

Previous work has mostly focused on demographic variables and included a single sample to profile entrepreneurs. This study maintains much wider applicability in terms of examining profiles in a systematic way. The large sample size supports quantitative analysis of the comparisons between different entrepreneurial profiles using unconventional analyses. Furthermore, as far as can be determined, this represents the first CHAID conducted in a developing country context, especially South Africa, focusing on individual ECs predicting EA.
Technology adoption theories towards environmentally sustainable pharma 4.0: a rational selection approach
Authors: Toshniwal Ved Prabha , Jain Rakesh , Soni Gunjan , Mangla Sachin Kumar , Narula Sandeep
Published: November 2023

Purpose

This study is centered on the identification of the most appropriate Technology Adoption (TA) model for investigating the adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies within pharmaceutical and related enterprises. The aim is to facilitate a smooth transition to advanced technologies while concurrently achieving environmental sustainability.

Design/methodology/approach

Selection of a suitable TA theory is carried out using a hybrid multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) approach incorporating PIvot Pairwise RElative Criteria Importance Assessment (PIPRECIA) and Fuzzy Measurement of alternatives and ranking according to Compromise solution (F-MARCOS) methods. A group of three experts is formulated for the ranking of criteria and alternatives based on those criteria.

Findings

The results indicate that out of all six TA models considered unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) model gets the highest utility function value, followed by the technical adoption model (TAM). Further, sensitivity analysis is conducted to confirm the validity of the MCDM model employed.

Research limitations/implications

Challenging times like COVID-19 pointed out the importance of technology in the pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors. TA studies in this area can help in the identification of critical factors that can assist pharmaceutical firms in their efforts to embrace emerging technologies, enhance their outputs and increase their efficiency.

Originality/value

The novelty of this research lies in the fact that the utilization of a TA theory prior to its implementation has not been witnessed in existing scholarly literature. The utilization of a TA theory, specifically within the pharmaceutical industry, can assist enterprises in directing their attention toward pertinent factors when contemplating the implementation of emerging technologies and achieving sustainable development.
The combined effects of habitat fragmentation and life history traits on specialisation in lichen symbioses
Authors: Berlinches de Gea Alejandro , Verdú Miguel , Villar‐dePablo Mar , Pérez‐Ortega Sergio
Published: November 2023

Interactions between organisms are determined by life‐history traits. Ecological strategies regarding species specialisation range from generalist to highly specialised relationships. Although it is expected that habitat fragmentation's effect on species abundance and survival depends on their degree of specialisation and life‐history traits, few studies have delved into the interplay between interaction specialisation, life‐history traits and habitat fragmentation.

Here, we investigate the combined effect of habitat fragmentation, forest structure and life‐history traits (growth form and reproductive mode) on the specialisation of lichen‐forming fungi (mycobionts) toward their photosynthetic partners (photobionts) in lichen symbioses.

We studied mycobiont specialisation in epiphytic lichen communities present in 10 fragments of Quercus rotundifolia forest embedded in an agricultural matrix. Both mycobionts and photobionts were identified DNA barcoding and mycobiont specialisation was measured through interaction parameters calculating the relative number of interactions (normalised degree; ND) and the specialisation of each species based on its discrimination from a random selection of partners (d'). Phylogenetic generalised linear mixed models were used to analyse the effect of patch size as well as the life history traits growth form (crustose, foliose, fruticose) and reproduction mode (sexual vs. asexual) on mycobiont specialisation.

Both mycobiont and photobiont richness along the patch size gradient followed a hump‐back pattern, which was more pronounced in photobionts. Mycobionts forming crustose thalli established the largest number of interactions. Mycobiont specialisation (d') was larger for fruticose and foliose forms and species with vegetative reproduction. Along the gradient of fragment size, the relative number of interactions decreased and the specialisation of mycobionts with vegetative reproduction increased.

Synthesis. The study of mycobiont specialisation towards their photobionts in epiphytic lichen communities in a fragmented Mediterranean forest revealed a complex interaction between species' life history traits and habitat fragmentation. In particular, this interplay had a significant impact on the specialisation of mycobionts. The results show the ability of some species to modulate their specialisation according to habitat conditions, suggesting that some species may be more resilient to abiotic changes than expected.
Limited theoretical and empirical evidence that response diversity determines the resilience of ecosystems to environmental change
Authors: Ross Samuel R. P.‐J. , Sasaki Takehiro
Published: November 2023

Response diversity describes the variation in species' ecological responses to environmental change, where higher response diversity represents a greater variety of species–environment responses. The concept complements the insurance hypothesis that biodiversity increases and stabilizes ecosystem functions because population declines of one species with environmental change are compensated for by opposing responses of others. Accordingly, response diversity is a promising, but still largely untested, candidate mechanism explaining the generally positive relationship between biodiversity and ecosystem stability across a range of systems. In the 10 years since, Mori et al. (2013, Biological Reviews, 88, 349–364) reviewed the relationship between response diversity and ecological resilience (a key dimension of stability), the topic has garnered significant attention. Their review has attracted over 600 citations to date and continues to be well cited. However, in a recent review of empirical work on response diversity, we found fewer than 50 studies empirically measuring what the authors called response diversity. Here we discuss possible reasons for the slow uptake of empirical response diversity research, including lack of standardized methods and heavy data requirements, as well as next steps to achieve a robust framework for empirical research on response diversity and stability, such as by leveraging new methods and coordinating research efforts through interdisciplinarity. By identifying a disconnect between interest in response diversity and theoretical and empirical work on the topic, we hope this article will shed light on the challenges studies of response diversity must overcome, in turn catalyzing new avenues of research on response diversity, ecological stability, and ecosystem functioning.
Public sector innovation for sustainable development goals: A comparative study of innovation types in Thailand and Korea
Authors: Suchitwarasan Chutima , Cinar Emre , Simms Chris , Kim Jae‐Yeon
Published: November 2023

The aim of this paper is to compare the focus (strategy, capacity, and operation) and locus (internal and external) of innovation types of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)‐oriented public sector innovation (PSI) in Thailand and Korea and to contribute to the limited understanding of the role of national context in PSI. Our study analysed 263 SDGs‐oriented innovations based on the new typology proposed by Chen et al. The findings identified that the orientation of SDGs‐oriented PSI is more external and policy innovation is the most common type in both countries. These distributions, however, vary depending on the contextual differences in administrative and technological contexts, resulting in SDGs‐oriented PSI in Korea emphasised on strategy focus, whereas Thailand emphasised capacity focus. This also demonstrates a temporality between strategy, capacity, and operations foci in Korea, but Thailand attempted to fill the capacity gap through SDGs‐oriented innovation. Insights from this empirical study can assist public managers in selecting innovation portfolio configurations applicable to their national context.

Points for practitioners

In executing public sector innovation, public sector organisations (PSOs) should consider the innovation focus (strategy, capacity, and operation) and the innovation locus (internal and external).

For SDGs‐oriented innovation, mission and policy innovation should introduce the necessary strategies in the public services before capacity and operation focus.

Public managers and practitioners should adopt an innovation portfolio approach to develop and introduce a variety of innovation types.

Public managers should consider their national context to select the configuration of their innovation portfolios.
Stratigraphy, palaeogeography and evolution of the lower Nanaimo Group (Cretaceous), Georgia Basin, Canada
Authors: Girotto Kristian , Dashtgard Shahin E. , Huang Chuqiao , MacEachern James A. , Gibson H. Daniel , Cathyl‐Huhn Gwyneth
Published: November 2023

The Cretaceous lower Nanaimo Group in the Georgia Basin, Canada comprises multiple depositional phases with distinct depocentres that accumulated in a tectonically active forearc basin setting. Basal coarse‐clastic strata are preserved in paleotopographic depressions and grade upwards into coal‐bearing coastal plains and shallow‐marine deposits. Coal‐bearing and shallow‐marine strata grade laterally into and are overlain by, regionally extensive mudstones and turbidites deposited in deep water. A glauconitic sandstone bed within the deep‐water strata is interpreted as a condensed section and underlies a major disconformity that developed during a pause in the deposition of the lower Nanaimo Group. A second major coarse‐clastic succession occurs hundreds of metres above the glauconite bed in the central Georgia Basin and comprises conglomerate, sandstone, mudstone and coal deposited in continental depositional environments. The shift in sedimentation from the northern Georgia Basin to the central Georgia Basin is interpreted to record the emergence of an island (Nanoose Uplift) in the central Georgia Basin that acted as a major sediment source to the adjacent depocentres. The stratigraphic break between the coal‐bearing coarse‐clastic strata in the northern Georgia Basin and the significantly younger coal‐bearing coarse‐clastic strata in the central Georgia Basin indicates that the lower Nanaimo Group was deposited in distinct depocentres. Between the older, coarse‐clastic strata in the north and younger, coarse‐clastic strata in the central Georgia Basin, we hypothesize that a major deepwater canyon system (Qualicum Canyon) existed and transferred sediment from the semi‐restricted Georgia Basin to the Pacific Ocean to the west. Development of the Qualicum Canyon and exposure of the Nanoose Uplift during deposition of the younger, central coarse‐clastic strata suggests that syntectonic activity drove basin uplift and erosion and this occurred throughout the deposition of the lower Nanaimo Group.
“Fighting the invisible system”: A grounded theory study of the experiences of child protection social workers in England
Authors: Brazil Charlie , Nolte Lizette , Rishworth Barbara , Littlechild Brian
Published: November 2023

This article reports on an exploration of social workers' perspectives on the social policy and agency processes that shape their experiences of working in child protection services. A qualitative constructivist grounded theory methodology was employed, and 17 qualified social workers and managers were recruited. Social workers described working within an oppressive system, balancing unrealistic demands placed on them, and struggling to restore balance and hope. They shared how this filtered into the work they do with families and the role that relationality and peer support has in surviving the work.
When young people age out of care: Foster care in a life course and network perspective
Authors: Oterholm Inger , Höjer Ingrid
Published: November 2023

Research highlights the importance of supportive relations for young people leaving care. Foster carers give an important contribution to such support. However, there is less knowledge about foster carers' views about the relational contact after the young person has aged out of care. This article explores foster carers' perspectives building on interviews with foster carers from both Norway and Sweden about their views on relational continuity. Life course and network theory are used as theoretical lenses to understand the opportunities and challenges for further contact both with cares and extended foster family. Findings suggest that foster carers have a lifelong perspective, still the relationship can be uncertain and some result in breaks. Viewed from a life course perspective, the relationships can also be renewed, and foster carers and other members of the foster family seem to be important sources of support for young people with a care background.
Evaluation of route choice for walking commutes to school and street space optimization in old urban areas of China based on a child‐friendly orientation: The case of the Wuyi Park area in Zhengzhou
Authors: Haotian Han , Jing Huang , Xinfeng Jia , Jiantao Zhang , Jianwei Guo
Published: November 2023

Walking to school promotes the health of school‐aged children. The safety and comfort of the walking environment are lacking in China due to the prioritization of motorized traffic. This paper focuses on the choice of walking routes for school‐aged children commuting in old urban areas of China. A walking route choice model is constructed by combining a weighted Voronoi diagram and the closest facility analysis in ArcMap. The walking route choices of school‐aged children from home to school and the flows along routes are analysed. Based on the model results, targeted design suggestions for updating existing street spaces are proposed.
MET overexpression in ovarian cancer via CD24‐induced downregulation of miR‐181a: A signalling for cellular quiescence‐like state and chemoresistance in ovarian CSCs
Authors: Kwon Ji Eun , Jang Yeonsue , Yun Bo Seong , Kang Suki , Kim Yon Hee , Kim Baek Gil , Cho Nam Hoon
Published: November 2023

Increased expression of CD24 and MET, markers for cancer stem‐like cells (CSCs), are each associated with ovarian cancer severity. However, whether CD24 and MET are co‐expressed in ovarian CSCs and, if so, how they are related to CSC phenotype manifestation remains unknown. Our immunohistochemistry analysis showed that the co‐expression of CD24 and MET was associated with poorer patient survival in ovarian cancer than those without. In addition, analyses using KM plotter and ROC plotter presented that the overexpression of CD24 or MET in ovarian cancer patients was associated with resistance to platinum‐based chemotherapy. In our miRNA transcriptome and putative target genes analyses, miR‐181a was downregulated in CD24‐high ovarian cancer cells compared to CD24‐low and predicted to bind to CD24 and MET 3'UTRs. In OV90 and SK‐OV‐3 cells, CD24 downregulated miR‐181a expression by Src‐mediated YY1 activation, leading to increased expression of MET. And, CD24 or MET knockdown or miR‐181a overexpression inhibited the manifestation of CSC phenotypes, cellular quiescence‐like state and chemoresistance, in OV90 and SK‐OV‐3 cells: increased colony formation, decreased G0/G1 phase cell population and increased sensitivity to Cisplatin and Carboplatin. Our findings suggest that CD24‐miR‐181a‐MET may consist of a signalling route for ovarian CSCs, therefore being a combinatory set of markers and therapeutic targets for ovarian CSCs.
Bridging bytes and biopsies: A comparative analysis of ChatGPT and histopathologists in pathology diagnosis and collaborative potential
Authors: Oon Ming Liang , Syn Nicholas L , Tan Char Loo , Tan Kong‐Bing , Ng Siok‐Bian
Published: November 2023

Background and aims

ChatGPT is a powerful artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot developed by the OpenAI research laboratory which is capable of analysing human input and generating human‐like responses. Early research into the potential application of ChatGPT in healthcare has focused mainly on clinical and administrative functions. The diagnostic ability and utility of ChatGPT in histopathology is not well defined. We benchmarked the performance of ChatGPT against pathologists in diagnostic histopathology, and evaluated the collaborative potential between pathologists and ChatGPT to deliver more accurate diagnoses.

Methods and results

In Part 1 of the study, pathologists and ChatGPT were subjected to a series of questions encompassing common diagnostic conundrums in histopathology. For Part 2, pathologists reviewed a series of challenging virtual slides and provided their diagnoses before and after consultation with ChatGPT. We found that ChatGPT performed worse than pathologists in reaching the correct diagnosis. Consultation with ChatGPT provided limited help and information generated from ChatGPT is dependent on the prompts provided by the pathologists and is not always correct. Finally, we surveyed pathologists who rated the diagnostic accuracy of ChatGPT poorly, but found it useful as an advanced search engine.

Conclusions

The use of ChatGPT4 as a diagnostic tool in histopathology is limited by its inherent shortcomings. Judicious evaluation of the information and histopathology diagnosis generated from ChatGPT4 is essential and cannot replace the acuity and judgement of a pathologist. However, future advances in generative AI may expand its role in the field of histopathology.
Probiotic Bacillus spp. enhance TLR3‐mediated TNF signalling in macrophages
Authors: Winther Katrine Damgaard , Boll Erik Juncker , Sandvang Dorthe , Williams Andrew R.
Published: November 2023

Probiotics have been reported to have immunomodulatory properties in the context of infectious disease and inflammation, although the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. Here, we aimed to determine how different probiotic bacterial strains modulated macrophage function during TLR3 stimulation mimicking viral infection. We screened 14 different strains for their ability to modulate TNF‐α, IL‐6 IL‐10, IFN‐α, IFN‐β and IFN‐γ secretion in RAW 264.7 macrophages with or without poly(I:C) stimulation. Seven strains were selected for further analysis using primary porcine alveolar macrophages. In‐depth transcriptomic analysis on alveolar macrophages was conducted for two strains. Most strains induced a synergistic effect when co‐incubated with poly(I:C) resulting in increased levels of IL‐6 and TNF‐α secretion from RAW 264.7 cells. This synergistic effect was found to be TLR2 independent. Only strains of Bacillus spp. could induce this effect in alveolar macrophages. Transcriptomic analysis indicated that the increased TNF‐α secretion in alveolar macrophages after co‐incubation with poly(I:C) correlated with significant upregulation of TNF and IL23A‐related pathways. Collectively, our data show that probiotic bacteria possess strain‐dependent immunomodulatory properties that may be harnessed to enhance innate immune responses to pathogens.
Real‐world reported adverse events related to systemic immunomodulating therapy in patients with atopic dermatitis: Results from the TREAT NL (TREatment of ATopic eczema, the Netherlands) registry
Authors: Musters A. H. , van Lookeren F. L. , van der Gang L. F. , Middelkamp‐Hup M. A. , Bosma A. L. , Jessurun N. T. , Lapeere H. , Nguyen A. L. , Ouwerkerk W. , de Schepper S. , Gerbens L. A. A. , Spuls P. I.
Published: November 2023

Background

Evidence on the (long‐term) safety of systemic immunomodulating therapies in atopic dermatitis (AD) generated by real‐world data is sparse.

Objectives

To describe real‐world reported adverse drug reactions (AEs) related to systemic immunomodulating therapy in patients with AD and to compare the incidence rates of AEs with the Summaries of Product Characteristics (SmPCs).

Methods

We conducted an observational prospective multi‐centre cohort study, using the TREAT NL registry. All severe AEs, AEs of special interest and serious AEs in adult and paediatric patients on systemic immunomodulating treatment (ciclosporin, methotrexate, azathioprine, mycophenolic acid, dupilumab, tralokinumab, baricitinib and upadacitinib) were assessed. Incidences rates of all (potentially) drug‐related AEs were standardized in patient years and compared to the cumulative incidences in the associated SmPCs.

Results

We collected 422 patient years of safety data from 266 patients, of whom 129 (48.5%) reported a total of 224 (potentially) drug‐related AEs. Compared to dupilumab's SmPC, higher incidence rates were found for four AEs (reported ≥5 times): eosinophilia, blepharitis, dry eyes and head and neck erythema (i.e. dupilumab facial redness). A higher incidence rate of fatigue was found in patients on oral methotrexate in our cohort compared to the SmPC. Two new drug‐related AEs (reported ≥5 times) were found in patients on dupilumab, including non‐infectious conjunctivitis and meibomian gland dysfunction.

Conclusions

Real‐world reported AEs captured in AD patient registries can add information on the estimated incidence of AEs and benefit clinical decision aids. Future studies using data derived from the TREAT NL registry combined with data from other registries within the TREAT Registry Taskforce will provide more information on (rare) AEs associated with immunomodulating therapy in AD patients.
Cholesterol and low‐density lipoprotein as a cause of psoriasis: Results from bidirectional Mendelian randomization
Authors: Zhou Qiujun , Jin Xiaoliang , Li Hui , Wang Qionglin , Tao Maocan , Wang Jinhui , Cao Yi
Published: November 2023

Background

Psoriasis is an inflammatory disease that affects many people. However, the causal effect of lipid metabolism on psoriasis has not yet been verified. This study aimed to identify the genetic relationship between serum lipid levels and psoriasis.

Methods

Bidirectional two‐sample Mendelian randomization (MR) was used to analyse the causal relationship between cholesterol and psoriasis. The outcome of the forward causality test was psoriasis. In the analysis of reverse causality, psoriasis was exposed, and 79 single‐nucleotide polymorphisms were detected in the genome‐wide association study (GWASs) database from the IEU GWASs Project. MR‐Egger regression, inverse variance‐weighted, weighted median, weighted mode and simple mode were used for the MR analyses.

Results

The level of triglyceride, lipase member N, chylomicrons, extremely large very low‐density lipoprotein (VLDL) particles, high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels, cholesterol esters in large HDL, cholesterol esters in medium HDL and cholesterol esters in medium VLDL have not affected the development of psoriasis. However, total cholesterol, total free cholesterol, low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels, cholesterol esters in large VLDL and cholesterol esters in medium LDL were unidirectional causal effects on psoriasis.

Conclusion

Bidirectional two‐sample MR analysis indicated that high levels of total cholesterol, total free cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, cholesterol esters in large VLDL and cholesterol esters in medium LDL are genetic risk factors for psoriasis.
Factors and presenting symptoms associated with intestinal spirochaetosis in men who have sex with men: A systematic review
Authors: Rabuszko Lucy , Chessell Callum , Llewellyn Carrie , Richardson Daniel
Published: November 2023

The transmission dynamics and presenting symptoms of intestinal spirochaetosis (Brachyspira pilosicoli, Brachyspira aalborgi) are poorly understood but is seen more frequently in men who have sex with men (MSM) where sexual transmission may occur. We aimed to systemically review the literature to define the factors and presenting symptoms associated with intestinal spirochaetosis in MSM. We systematically searched three bibliographical databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE and Scopus) for manuscripts written in English up to November 2022. The primary author conducted an initial screen and three authors conducted independent reviews to determine the final eligible manuscripts. We only included manuscripts where there were specific data on factors and presenting symptoms associated with intestinal spirochaetosis in MSM. Fifteen manuscripts published between 1981 and 2022 met the inclusion criteria that included 188 MSM. Sexually transmitted intestinal spirochaetosis in MSM was associated with—living with HIV (including having a low CD4 count <200 mm3), having a concomitant sexually transmitted infection, a history of a sexually transmitted infection, co‐infection with intestinal parasites; and sexual behaviour including oro‐anal sexual contact, oro‐genital contact, fisting, condom‐less anal sex, receptive anal sex, multiple non‐regular sexual partners and increased number of lifetime sexual partners. The presenting symptoms of MSM with intestinal spirochaetosis were diarrhoea, abdominal pain, constitutional symptoms and proctitis, including rectal pain, rectal bleeding rectal discharge, flatulence and tenesmus. We have highlighted some biological and behavioural factors and presenting symptoms associated with intestinal spirochaetosis in MSM which provide insight for clinicians, guidelines and future public health control strategies.
Efficacy and safety of high‐intensity, high‐frequency, non‐focused ultrasound parallel beams for facial skin laxity
Authors: Gold Michael H. , Biron Julie
Published: November 2023

Background

Ultrasound energy has been used for dermal rejuvenation to treat fine lines, wrinkles and to lift lax skin. High intensity ultrasound waves induce thermal injury in the dermis, stimulating neocollagenesis and neoelastinogenesis.

Objective

To assess the efficacy, utility, and safety of a novel ultrasound device that uses high‐intensity, high‐frequency, non‐focused ultrasound parallel beams to lift lax facial skin in the eyebrow, submental, and neck areas.

Materials and Methods

Fifteen subjects aged 40–69 years were enrolled in a prospective clinical trial. Two treatment sessions were performed with the high‐intensity non‐focused ultrasound parallel beam device followed by 3‐ and 6‐month follow‐up visits. Treatment results were assessed by study investigators, evaluating baseline and posttreatment photographs by applying physician global aesthetic improvement scale. Pain was evaluated immediately after each treatment using 0–10 visual analog scale. Any adverse event that occurred during the study period was documented and examined.

Results

Fifteen subjects with a mean age of 55 ± 2 years completed the study. Photographs that were taken at baseline and follow‐up visits were compared and examined. An improvement pattern was detected in all treated areas in both follow‐up visits and persisted stably throughout the study. The mean pain score was 5.6 according to the visual analog scale.

Conclusion

The novel ultrasound device that uses high‐intensity, high‐frequency, non‐focused ultrasound parallel beam was shown to improve safely and efficiently facial lax skin resulting in eyebrow, submental, and neck skin lift while experiencing tolerable pain.
Acquisition, application, and distribution of health literacy from culturally sensitive type 2 diabetes education among Arabic‐Speaking migrants in Denmark: A longitudinal qualitative analysis
Authors: Andersen Anne Mette Juul , Jervelund Signe Smith , Maindal Helle Terkildsen , Hempler Nana Folmann
Published: November 2023

Background

Effective self‐management of type 2 diabetes requires adequate health literacy (HL) and a supportive network. Diabetes self‐management education and support programmes play a crucial role in improving these factors. However, limited research exists on how such programmes can support health literacy among migrants and facilitate the dissemination of knowledge within their social networks.

Aim

This study aimed to investigate the perspectives of Arabic‐speaking informants with a migrant background in relation to how their type 2 diabetes‐related health literacy was acquired, applied and distributed within social networks through participation in a culturally sensitive diabetes self‐management education and support (DSMES) programme.

Methods

Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 12 informants during the programme and three to 7 months later, from September 2019 to May 2020. Abductive analysis was applied using HL and distributed health literacy (DHL) theory as frameworks.

Results

The analysis generated three themes: (1) sources of health information and the development of health literacy; (2) changes towards active self‐management; and (3) distributed health literacy. Prior to programme participation, informants faced challenges in navigating conflicting information from family, friends and social media. After participating in the programme, they reported improvements in HL, particularly in knowledge acquisition. Many became more actively engaged in decision‐making and exhibited improved health behaviours, such as dietary choices. Nonetheless, some informants continued to struggle with choosing appropriate prevention and treatment strategies. Notably, certain informants acted as HL mediators, sharing their newly acquired knowledge within their social networks in Denmark and abroad.

Conclusion

Culturally sensitive diabetes self‐management education programmes have the potential to enhance HL among migrants, leading to the distribution of relevant diabetes knowledge within their social networks. Future studies should explore how members of migrants' social networks perceive their supportive role in type 2 diabetes management. Programmes can benefit from emphasising critical HL and exploring how participant‐informants effectively communicate diabetes‐related knowledge within their networks to address misinformation and conflicting information.