bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characteristics of the leaders of social and environmental enterprises in Latin America and the relationship with the success of their businesses
Authors: Ramirez Lozano Julianna Paola , Marquina Feldman Percy Samoel , Peñaflor Guerra Renato
Published: February 2024

Purpose

This study aims to understand the leadership characteristics of founders of social and environmental enterprises in Latin America who have achieved business success with a focus on sustainability despite difficult social, economic, political and even health contexts in which they live.

Design/methodology/approach

This nonexperimental research is a qualitative, descriptive and exploratory study. Twenty-one in-depth interviews were conducted with social/environmental entrepreneurs of the Kunan Network (an organization that groups the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Peru).

Findings

The study analyzes the leadership profile and characteristics of entrepreneurs who have created profitable businesses with a social/environmental focus that solve relevant social problems and contribute to improving people’s quality of life and caring for the environment.

Research limitations/implications

Although only 21 business leaders with outstanding participation and positive social and environmental impact were included in this study, they were supported and recognized by the Kunan Network.

Originality/value

The study contributed to the conceptualization and understanding of the profile of leaders of social and environmental enterprises, whose main challenges are to solve social or environmental problems of society and contribute to improving the quality of life of people and the environment. Knowing the profile of these entrepreneurs generates value to the knowledge of the subject and contributes to understand and propose strategies to improve the ecosystem of social-environmental entrepreneurship in emerging countries such as Peru. This will contribute to the creation of relationships and alliances with various social actors: public, private, third sector, academia, among others, for the management and promotion of sustainable business.
Microbe‐induced plant resistance against insect pests depends on timing of inoculation but is consistent across climatic conditions
Authors: Sanchez‐Mahecha Oriana , Klink Sophia , Rothballer Michael , Sturm Sarah , Weisser Wolfgang W. , Zytynska Sharon , Heinen Robin
Published: February 2024

To cope with abiotic and biotic stressors, plants have developed mutualistic associations with beneficial soil microbes, but little is known about how extreme abiotic conditions impact on microbe‐induce resistance to insect herbivores.

Extreme temperatures are often accompanied by extremes in plant water availability, which together reduce plant growth and change plant physiology. There are potential consequences for increasing plant susceptibility to biotic stresses, and this poses a real challenge for plant productivity.

We evaluated how the effects of beneficial soil bacteria (Acidovorax radicis N35e) on barley plant growth and resultant resistance against aphid infestation (Sitobion avenae) were impacted by a single heatwave event across a plant water availability gradient. We also tested if timing of bacterial inoculation (before or after the temperature treatment) affected bacteria‐plant interactions on aphids.

We found that heatwaves affected plant biomass allocation from above‐ground to below‐ground tissues. Inoculation with A. radicis led to reduction of aphid numbers, but depended on timing of inoculation, and led to stronger resistance when inoculations occurred closer to aphid infestation. Remarkably, microbe‐induced resistance against aphids was consistent across heatwave and water availability treatments.

This study provides evidence that beneficial plant‐bacteria interactions may represent a potential solution for sustainable agricultural practices to enhance plant growth and response to insect pests under climate change. Future field trials should investigate the consistency of beneficial effects reported here for a better understanding of multispecies interactions in the context of global change.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Overcoming Common Anxieties in Knowledge Translation: Advice for Scholarly Issue Advocates
Authors: KERSHAW PAUL , ROSSA‐ROCCOR VERENA
Published: February 2024

Policy Points

Faced with urgent threats to human health and well‐being such as climate change, calls among the academic community are getting louder to contribute more effectively to the implementation of the evidence generated by our research into public policy.

As interest in knowledge translation (KT) surges, so have a number of anxieties about the field's shortcomings. Our paper is motivated by a call in the literature to render useful advice for those beginning in KT on how to advance impact at a policy level.

By integrating knowledge from fields such as political science, moral psychology, and marketing, we suggest that thinking and acting like marketers, lobbyists, movements, and political scientists would help us advance on the quest to bridge the chasm between evidence and policy.
Responsibilities of geographers: Are we role models or hypocrites?
Authors: Burton Alexander Luke
Published: February 2024

It is no longer enough, if it ever was, for geographers to publish research with no mind to practising it in their daily lives. This essay is quasi‐polemical, calling for us to consider both our responsibilities as geographers and our futures outside of research and to more consciously think about how to be role models of our discipline in both our professional and private lives. Such labours include asking how we can act sustainably in hosting, travelling to, and catering for conferences and how we can address our need to help build community and accommodate diversity, which are often present in calls to action in our research. Acknowledging the potential for hypocrisy also means being engaged citizen scientists and Anthropoceneans. Let us start a conversation: are we only communicators, or can we be role models, too?
Bidirectional association between breast cancer and meningioma: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Goh Chia Qi , Kaur Rajneesh , Ayeni Femi E. , Eslick Guy D. , Edirimanne Senarath
Published: February 2024

Background

An association between breast cancer and meningioma has been suggested in cohort studies. We aimed to perform a systematic review and meta‐analysis to determine whether there is an association between initial breast cancer and subsequent meningioma diagnosis and vice versa.

Methods

A systematic literature search was performed on Medline, Embase, Scopus and Google scholar from inception up to April 2023. A meta‐analysis of selected studies was performed using Review Manager 5.4.

Results

There were eight studies included in the systematic review. Seven had reported Standardized Incidence Ratio (SIR) for female patients and were suitable for the meta‐analysis. Only one study reported SIR for male patients. For the association between initial breast cancer and subsequent meningioma, in 795 000 female patients with follow‐up ranging from 7 to 13 years, the SIR was 1.27 (95% CI: 1.20–1.34, P‐value <0.00001). For the association between initial meningioma and subsequent breast cancer, in 28 000 female patients with follow‐up ranging from 6 to 15 years, the SIR was 1.32 (95% CI: 1.21–1.45, P‐value <0.00001). There were low heterogeneity and no significant publication bias.

Conclusion

There was a small but significant association between initial breast cancer and subsequent meningioma as well as initial meningioma and subsequent breast cancer in female patients. The potential underlying mechanisms and risk factors were unclear from current literature and would be a potential area for future research.
Efficacy and safety of avatrombopag in Chinese children with persistent and chronic primary immune thrombocytopenia: A multicentre observational retrospective study in China
Authors: Wang Zhifa , Zhang Aijun , Xu Zhongjin , Wang Nan , Zhang Jialu , Meng Jinxi , Dong Shuyue , Ma Jingyao , Hu Yu , Ouyang Juntao , Chen Zhenping , An Qi , Cheng Xiaoling , Wu Runhui
Published: February 2024

Avatrombopag (AVA) is a novel thrombopoietin receptor agonist (TPO‐RA) that has been recently approved as a second‐line therapy for immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) in adults; however, its safety and efficacy data in children are lacking. Here, we demonstrated the efficacy and safety of AVA as second‐line therapy in children with ITP. A multicentre, retrospective, observational study was conducted in children with persistent or chronic ITP who did not respond to or relapsed from previous treatment and were treated with AVA for at least 12 weeks between August 2020 and December 2022. The outcomes were the responses (defined as achieving a platelet count ≥30 × 109/L, twofold increase in platelet count from baseline and absence of bleeding), including rapid response within 4 weeks, sustained response at weeks 12 and 24, bleeding control and adverse events (AEs). Thirty‐four (18 males) patients with a mean age of 6.3 (range: 1.9–15.3) years were enrolled. The median number of previous treatment types was four (range: 1–6), and 41.2% patients switched from other TPO‐RAs. Within 4 weeks, overall response (OR) was achieved in 79.4% patients and complete response (CR, defined as a platelet count ≥100 × 109/L and the absence of bleeding) in 67.7% patients with a median response time of 7 (range: 1–27) days. At 12 weeks, OR was achieved in 88.2%, CR in 76.5% and sustained response in 44% of patients. At 24 weeks, 22/34 (64.7%) patients who achieved a response and were followed up for 24 weeks were evaluated; 12/22 (54.55%) achieved a sustained response. During AVA therapy, median platelet counts increased by week 1 and were maintained throughout the treatment period. The proportion of patients with grade 1–3 bleeding decreased from 52.95% at baseline to 2.94% at 12 weeks, while concomitant ITP medications decreased from 36.47% at baseline to 8.82% at 12 weeks, with only 9 (26.47%) patients receiving rescue therapy 23 times within 12 weeks. There were 61.8% patients with 59 AEs: 29.8% with Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events grade 1 and the rest with grade 2. These findings show that AVA could achieve a rapid and sustained response in children with persistent or chronic ITP as a second‐line treatment, with good clinical bleeding control and reduction of concomitant ITP therapy, without significant AEs.
The Connected We St@nd programme: A feasibility pilot study of an online self‐management intervention for adults on in‐centre haemodialysis and family caregivers
Authors: Sousa Helena , Ribeiro Oscar , Bártolo Ana , Costa Elísio , Ribeiro Fernando , Rodrigues Mário , Paúl Constança , Figueiredo Daniela
Published: February 2024

Objective

The ‘Connected We St@nd’ is an online self‐management intervention programme for people receiving in‐centre haemodialysis and family caregivers that combines an educational and psychosocial support component. This study aimed to evaluate its feasibility and acceptability before proceeding to a large‐scale trial.

Design

This was a pre‐post single‐arm feasibility pilot study conducted with adults undergoing in‐centre haemodialysis and family caregivers.

Methods

Feasibility was based on eligibility, consent, retention, completion and intervention adherence rates, while acceptability was assessed in post‐intervention focus group interviews.

Results

Twenty‐six people (16 adults on haemodialysis and 10 family caregivers) recruited through social networks completed the intervention. Consent, retention and completion rates were excellent (>90%) and eligibility (77.5%) and intervention adherence were satisfactory (69% for the psychosocial support sessions). Qualitative findings revealed that participants shared positive feelings regarding their participation in the programme. The valuable interactions with group peers and health psychologists during the support sessions, the perception of the adequacy and coherence of the programme's contents and materials and the participants' confidence in using the platform developed to deliver the intervention were some of the aspects highlighted as facilitators of intervention acceptability. Additionally, people on haemodialysis and caregivers reported that participation in the programme brought several educational and emotional benefits (e.g., additional disease‐related knowledge, improved communication and coping skills, greater confidence in managing dialysis complications or caregiving demands) that helped increase their self‐management skills and psychosocial adjustment to the demands of kidney failure and renal therapies.

Conclusions

The results suggested that the ‘Connected We St@nd’ programme is likely to be feasible and acceptable for adults on haemodialysis and family caregivers, thus representing a promising resource for the future of interdisciplinary renal rehabilitation. Suggestions were made to fine‐tune the intervention design to proceed with a large‐scale trial.
The nexus of ESG requirements and industry concentration
Authors: Tai Yenpo , Lee Mei‐Yu , Lo Chu‐Ping , Hsu Su‐Ying
Published: February 2024

This paper examines the environmental, social, and governance (ESG) requirements for an industry in an n‐oligopolistic model and investigates the relationship between the degree of industry concentration and the degree of ESG requirements. It is shown that the factors influencing the degree of ESG requirements include the number of firms, the elasticity of market demand, and the market concentration ratio. In the case of linear market demand, the degree of requirements is negatively affected by firm number only, regardless of the elasticity of market demand or market concentration ratio. In addition, the degree of ESG requirements is positively (negatively) related to the industry profit/concentration, when market demand is convex (concave). This paper demonstrates that the degree of ESG requirements is sensitive to firm number, market demand, and market concentration ratio and serves as a pragmatic reference for the government.
Reintegration of street‐connected children in Kenya: Evaluation of Agape Children's Ministry's Family Strengthening Programme
Authors: Greeson Johanna K. P. , Gyourko John R. , Wasch Sarah , Page Christopher S.
Published: February 2024

In Kenya, the number of street‐involved children continues to grow each decade, with most recent estimates as high as 250 000 to 300 000. Despite efforts by local government, nongovernmental organizations, and community‐based organizations to address this problem, most children who receive services end up returning to the streets. Since 2021, Agape Children's Ministry has provided time‐limited, crisis‐oriented services to families recently reintegrated through its Family Strengthening Programme (FSP). We conducted an exploratory programme evaluation of Agape's FSP to ascertain whether it is achieving the intended outcomes. Thirty families (n = 30 children; n = 38 caregivers) were enrolled in the FSP during the study window and participated in the evaluation. Family functioning and child well‐being increased to a statistically significant and large extent from before to after the intervention. All but two children remained reintegrated at the end of the study period. Results highlight the importance of using a holistic family‐based programme that reunites children with their healthiest possible family environment with a plan specifically tailored to their individual needs and unique family situations. Results also bring to the fore the need for broad governmental attention to basic needs of families as an important part of improving family functioning.
Severe isolated exudative vitreoretinopathy caused by biallelic FZD4 variants
Authors: Hoem Gry , Pastore Arianna , Bratland Eirik , Christoffersen Terje , Stornaiuolo Mariano , Douzgou Sofia
Published: February 2024

Familial exudative vitreoretinopathy (FEVR) is linked to disruption of the Norrin/Frizzled‐4 signaling pathway, which plays an important role in retinal angiogenesis. Severe or complete knock‐down of proteins in the pathway also causes syndromic forms of the condition. Both heterozygous and biallelic pathogenic variants in the FZD4 gene, encoding the pathway's key protein frizzled‐4, are known to cause FEVR. However, it is not clear what effect different FZD4 variants have, and whether extraocular features should be expected in those with biallelic pathogenic FZD4 variants. Biallelic FZD4 variants were found in a young boy with isolated, severe FEVR. His parents were heterozygous for one variant each and reported normal vision. In‐vitro studies of the two variants, demonstrated that it was the combination of the two which led to severe inhibition of the Norrin/Frizzled‐4 pathway. Our observations demonstrate that biallelic FZD4‐variants are associated with a severe form of FEVR, which does not necessarily include extraocular features. In addition, variants causing severe FEVR in combination, may have no or minimal effect in heterozygous parents as non‐penetrance is also a major feature in dominant FZD4‐FEVR disease. This underscores the importance of genetic testing of individuals and families with FEVR.
Correlation between neck circumference and hepatic steatosis determined by controlled attenuation parameter
Authors: Chirapongsathorn Sakkarin , Jinatongthai Pakapop , Sirichana Sudatip , Boonyavarakul Apussanee , Treeprasertsuk Sombat , Sansanayudh Nakarin
Published: February 2024

Neck circumference is an attractive method for determining metabolic profiles and has many advantages over waist circumference. However, the correlation between neck circumference and hepatic fibrosis has not been evaluated. The aim of this study was to evaluate the correlation between neck circumference and hepatic fibrosis and define the optimal cut‐off point for neck circumference to determine hepatic fibrosis. A cross‐sectional study (n = 333) was conducted among Thai healthcare workers at Phramongkutklao Hospital who received an annual health maintenance program. Neck circumference was measured at the lower margin of the laryngeal prominence. Fibroscan® with a controlled attenuation parameter was used to measure the degree of hepatic fibrosis and steatosis by an experienced, well‐trained operator. In the cross‐sectional analysis, it was found that the large circumference of the neck was associated with hepatic fibrosis (r = 0.19, p = .001) and hepatic steatosis (r = 0.58, p < .001). Hepatic fibrosis (r = 0.15, p = .004) and steatosis (r = 0.53, p < .001) were also associated with waist circumference. The neck circumferences of 40 and 34 cm were the best cut‐offs for male and female participants, respectively.Neck circumference is closely related to hepatic fibrosis and steatosis, which should be promoted and has a better advantage than waist circumference in the screening of hepatic steatosis.
The ELECLA trial: A multicentre randomised control trial on outcomes of neoadjuvant treatment on locally advanced colon cancer
Authors: Arredondo Jorge , Almeida Ana , Castañón Carmen , Sánchez Carlos , Villafañe Amaya , Tejedor Patricia , Simó Vicente , Baixauli Jorge , Rodríguez Javier , Pastor Carlos
Published: February 2024

Background

Colon cancer (CC) is a public health concern with increasing incidence in younger populations. Treatment for locally advanced CC (LACC) involves oncological surgery and adjuvant chemotherapy (AC) to reduce recurrence and improve overall survival (OS). Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) is a novel approach for the treatment of LACC, and research is underway to explore its potential benefit in terms of survival. This trial will assess the efficacy of NAC in LACC.

Methods

This is a multicentre randomised, parallel‐group, open label controlled clinical trial. Participants will be selected based on homogenous inclusion criteria and randomly assigned to two treatment groups: NAC, surgery, and AC or surgery followed by AC. The primary aim of this study is to evaluate the 2‐year progression‐free survival (PFS), with secondary outcomes including 5‐year PFS, 2‐ and 5‐year OS, toxicity, radiological and pathological response, morbidity, and mortality.

Discussion

The results of this study will determine whether NAC induces a clinical and histological tumour response in patients with CCLA and if this treatment sequence improves survival without increasing morbidity and mortality.

Registration number

NCT04188158.
The development of a cryptoglandular anal fistula quality of life scale (AF‐QoL)
Authors: Iqbal Nusrat , Alrubaiy Laith , Hart Ailsa , Siviter Rachel , Wilson Lynsay , Tozer Phil
Published: February 2024

Aim

Quality of life (QoL) is a crucial and core outcome in assessing the effectiveness of treatments for cryptoglandular anal fistula. Despite its extensive impact, there is a lack of patient‐centred, disease‐specific QoL measurement instruments of adequate quality. The aim of this study is to develop a disease‐specific measurement instrument that can accurately measure QoL for patients with cryptoglandular anal fistula.

Method

Semi‐structured qualitative patient interviews and a systematic review of current instruments were used to generate items for the draft instrument. This underwent successive rounds of cognitive interviews to refine its wording and structure. Individual item and overall scale content validity were determined by asking experts to rate the relevance of each item and those deemed irrelevant were removed. The final instrument then underwent psychometric testing and test–retest analysis to determine its sensitivity and stability.

Results

A total of 148 patients were involved in item generation, scale development and psychometric testing. A 22‐item measurement instrument has been developed; it is scored on a scale of 0–100, where 0 indicates the worst QoL and 100 demonstrates perfect QoL. The scale demonstrates excellent internal consistency (Cronbach‐α = 0.927), strong content and construct validity [correlation with Perianal Disease Activity Index = −0.713, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Anxiety (−0.659) and Depression (−0.673) subscales and Short Form‐12 physical (0.609) and mental (0.589) component scales] and strong reliability and responsiveness.

Conclusion

We have developed a cryptoglandular Anal Fistula Quality of Life scale (AF‐QoL), a comprehensive, disease‐specific patient reported outcome measure assessing QoL in patients with cryptoglandular anal fistula.
Investigation of pharmacokinetic drug interaction between clesacostat and DGAT2 inhibitor ervogastat in healthy adult participants
Authors: Sawant‐Basak Aarti , Bergman Arthur J. , Mancuso Jessica , Tripathy Sakambari , Gosset James R. , Mendes da Costa Laure , Esler William P. , Calle Roberto A.
Published: February 2024

Co‐administration of clesacostat (acetyl‐CoA carboxylase inhibitor, PF‐05221304) and ervogastat (diacylglycerol O‐acyltransferase inhibitor, PF‐06865571) in laboratory models improved non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)/non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) end points and mitigated clesacostat‐induced elevations in circulating triglycerides. Clesacostat is cleared via organic anion‐transporting polypeptide‐mediated hepatic uptake and cytochrome P450 family 3A (CYP3A); in vitro clesacostat is identified as a potential CYP3A time‐dependent inactivator. In vitro ervogastat is identified as a substrate and potential inducer of CYP3A. Prior to longer‐term efficacy trials in participants with NAFLD, safety and pharmacokinetics (PK) were evaluated in a phase I, non‐randomized, open‐label, fixed‐sequence trial in healthy participants. In Cohort 1, participants (n = 7) received clesacostat 15 mg twice daily (b.i.d.) alone (Days 1–7) and co‐administered with ervogastat 300 mg b.i.d. (Days 8–14). Mean systemic clesacostat exposures, when co‐administered with ervogastat, decreased by 12% and 19%, based on maximum plasma drug concentration and area under the plasma drug concentration–time curve during the dosing interval, respectively. In Cohort 2, participants (n = 9) received ervogastat 300 mg b.i.d. alone (Days 1–7) and co‐administered with clesacostat 15 mg b.i.d. (Days 8–14). There were no meaningful differences in systemic ervogastat exposures when administered alone or with clesacostat. Clesacostat 15 mg b.i.d. and ervogastat 300 mg b.i.d. co‐administration was overall safe and well tolerated in healthy participants. Cumulative safety and no clinically meaningful PK drug interactions observed in this study supported co‐administration of these two novel agents in additional studies exploring efficacy and safety in the management of NAFLD.
Comparative analysis of hospitalization risk for incident heart failure in non‐Hispanic Black versus non‐Hispanic White individuals with type 2 diabetes on empagliflozin (Empa‐AA): Insights from real‐world data
Authors: Mishriky Basem M. , Cummings Doyle M. , Fu Yuanyuan , Halladay Jacqueline R. , Jones Schuyler , Boan Andrea D. , Jones Sara , Patil Shivajirao P. , Powell James R. , Adams Alyssa , Irish William
Published: February 2024

Aim

There are limited data to evaluate hospitalization for heart failure (hHF) in non‐Hispanic Black (hereafter Black) or non‐Hispanic White (hereafter White) individuals without previous hHF. Our goal was to evaluate the risk of hHF among Black versus White patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) who were initially prescribed empagliflozin using real‐world data.

Methods

This multicentre retrospective cohort study included participants aged ≥18 years who had T2DM, were either Black or White, had no previous hHF, and were prescribed empagliflozin between August 2014 and December 2019. Our primary outcome was time to first hHF after the initial prescription of empagliflozin. A propensity‐score (PS)‐weighted analysis was performed to balance characteristics by race. The inverse probability treatment weighting method based on PS was used to make treatment comparisons. To compare Black with White, a PS‐weighted Cox's cause‐specific hazards model was used.

Results

In total, 8789 participants were eligible for inclusion (Black = 3216 vs. White = 5573). The Black cohort was significantly younger, had a higher proportion of females, and had a higher prevalence of chronic kidney disease, hypertension and diabetic retinopathy, while the White cohort had a higher prevalence of coronary artery disease. After adjustment for confounding factors such as age, gender, coronary artery disease, hypertension and diabetic retinopathy, the hazard ratio for first‐time hHF was not significantly different between the two racial groups [hazard ratio (95% confidence interval) = 1.09 (0.84‐1.42), p = .52].

Conclusion

This study showed no significant difference in incident hHF among Black versus White individuals with T2DM following a prescription for empagliflozin.
Synergetic impact of lipoprotein(a) and fibrinogen on stroke in coronary artery disease patients
Authors: Yang Cheng , Zhu Cheng‐Gang , Sui Yong‐Gang , Guo Yuan‐Lin , Wu Na‐Qiong , Dong Qian , Xu Rui‐Xia , Qian Jie , Li Jian‐Jun
Published: February 2024

Background

Emerging data suggested that lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] is an independent risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Previous studies indicated fibrinogen (Fib) had synergetic effect on Lp(a)‐induced events. However, combined impact of Fib and Lp(a) on ischemic stroke has not been elucidated.

Methods

In this prospective study, we consecutively enrolled 8263 patients with stable coronary artery diseases (CAD) from 2011 to 2017. Patients were categorized into three groups according to tertiles of Lp(a) levels [Lp(a)‐low, Lp(a)‐medium, and Lp(a)‐high] and further divided into nine groups by Lp(a) and Fib levels. All subjects were followed up for the occurrence of ischemic stroke.

Results

During a median follow‐up of 37.7 months, 157 (1.9%) ischemic strokes occurred. Stroke incidence increased by Lp(a) (1.1 vs. 2.1 vs. 2.5%, Cochran‐Armitage p < .001) and Fib (1.1 vs. 2.0 vs. 2.6%, Cochran‐Armitage p < .001) categories. When further classified into nine groups by Lp(a) and Fib levels, the incidence of ischemic stroke in group 9 [Lp(a)‐high and Fib‐high] was significantly higher than that in group 1 [Lp(a)‐low and Fib‐low] (3.1 vs. 6%, p < .001). The group 9 was associated with a highest risk for ischemic stroke (adjusted HR 4.907, 95% CI: 2.154–11.18, p < .001), compared with individuals in the Lp(a)‐high (adjusted HR 2.290, 95% CI: 1.483–3.537, p < .001) or Fib‐high (adjusted HR 1.184, 95% CI: 1.399–3.410, p = .001). Furthermore, combining Lp(a) with Fib increased C‐statistics by .045 (p = .004).

Conclusions

Current study first demonstrated that elevated Lp(a) combining with Fib evaluation enhanced the risk of ischemic stroke in patients with CAD beyond Lp(a) or Fib alone.
Sodium nitroprusside enhances stepping test performance and increases medium spiny neurons responsiveness to cortical inputs in a rat model of Levodopa‐induced dyskinesias
Authors: Ribeiro Danilo Leandro , Guimarães Rayanne Poletti , Bariotto‐dos‐Santos Keila , Del Bel Elaine , Padovan‐Neto Fernando E.
Published: February 2024

Levodopa (L‐DOPA) is the classical gold standard treatment for Parkinson's disease. However, its chronic administration can lead to the development of L‐DOPA‐induced dyskinesias (LIDs). Dysregulation of the nitric oxide–cyclic guanosine monophosphate pathway in striatal networks has been linked to deficits in corticostriatal transmission in LIDs. This study investigated the effects of the nitric oxide (NO) donor sodium nitroprusside (SNP) on behavioural and electrophysiological outcomes in sham‐operated and 6‐hydroxydopamine‐lesioned rats chronically treated with vehicle or L‐DOPA, respectively. In sham‐operated animals, systemic administration of SNP increased the spike probability of putative striatal medium spiny neurons (MSNs) in response to electrical stimulation of the primary motor cortex. In 6‐hydroxydopamine‐lesioned animals, SNP improved the stepping test performance without exacerbating abnormal involuntary movements. Additionally, SNP significantly increased the responsiveness of putative striatal MSNs in the dyskinetic striatum. These findings highlight the critical role of the NO signalling pathway in facilitating the responsiveness of striatal MSNs in both the intact and dyskinetic striata. The study suggests that SNP has the potential to enhance L‐DOPA's effects in the stepping test without exacerbating abnormal involuntary movements, thereby offering new possibilities for optimizing Parkinson's disease therapy. In conclusion, this study highlights the involvement of the NO signalling pathway in the pathophysiology of LIDs.
Fatigue life reinforcement of carbon black filled natural rubber under non‐relaxing torsion loadings and comparison with non‐relaxing tension loadings
Authors: Mouslih Yasser , Le Cam Jean‐Benoît , Ruellan Benoît , Jeanneau Isabelle , Canévet Frédéric
Published: February 2024

In this paper, the effect of non‐relaxing torsion loadings on the fatigue lifetime reinforcement of carbon black filled natural rubber is fully addressed. Torsion fatigue tests with different loading ratios have been performed with highly notched axisymmetric‐shaped specimens. Finite element analysis is used to predict the mechanical state at any point in the specimens. The prediction is significantly improved by taking into account the heterogeneous accommodation. The first Haigh diagram under fatigue torsion is built and analyzed by calculating the minimum loading in terms of the Cauchy stress as the normal stress to the crack for the minimum angle prescribed during the cycle. A strong lifetime reinforcement has been observed, which is found to be of the same amplitude to the one obtained under uniaxial tension with the same material. This has been confirmed by specific tests that combined non‐relaxing torsion and non‐relaxing tension loadings. Post‐mortem analysis carried out at the macroscopic and the microscopic scales enabled us to identify damage mechanisms, especially in the cases where the lifetime reinforcement was observed.
Nutrient conditions influence allelopathic capabilities of Ludwigia adscendens and other tropical macrophytes against Microcystis aeruginosa
Authors: Sim Darren Z. H. , Mowe Maxine A. D. , Mitrovic Simon M. , Tulsian Nikhil K. , Anand Ganesh S. , Yeo Darren C. J.
Published: February 2024

Macrophytes may release allelochemicals that suppress competing phytoplankton, although it is unclear how their effectiveness could be influenced by environmental nutrient conditions. To approach this, we conducted a series of bioassays against the bloom‐forming cyanobacterium Microcystis aeruginosa using extracts and exudates from potentially allelopathic macrophytes under varying nutrient conditions.

We screened six different tropical macrophytes and identified antialgal effects in both extracts and exudates of Ludwigia adscendens, Persicaria barbata, Pontederia crassipes and Vallisneria spiralis. Growth assays indicated that extract inhibitory effectiveness decreased as nutrient concentration increased from 5% to 50% strength.

Focusing on the potent antialgal extract of L. adscendens, we determined that its inhibitory effects were enhanced by specifically reducing the availability of either micronutrient or bicarbonate availability, indicating a role of these nutrients in protecting algal cells from allelochemicals.

Bioactivity‐guided fractionation and ultra‐performance liquid chromatography – mass spectrometry analyses of L. adscendens extract indicated that ellagitannins were the major constituent of bioactive extract fractions, suggesting an antialgal mechanism common to other tannic compounds. Novel allelopathic alkaloids and terpenoid compounds also were described, although their mechanisms of action are unknown.

Our findings provide evidence that the availability of carbon and micronutrients to cyanobacteria could influence the effects of macrophyte allelochemicals. This interaction between the nutrient environment and allelochemical sensitivity of cyanobacteria can be substantial, and studies or applications involving allelopathic interactions between macrophytes and phytoplankton should consider this.
Development of a Matrix‐Matched Barite Reference Material (NWU‐Brt) for Calibration of In Situ S Isotope Measurements by Laser Ablation Multi‐Collector Inductively Coupled Plasma‐Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Lv Nan , Bao Zhian , Nie Xiaojuan , Chen Kaiyun , Zhang Yan , Yuan Honglin
Published: February 2024

A new matrix‐matched reference material (NWU‐Brt) with sulfur isotope ratios resembling those of natural barites has been developed for in situ S isotope measurements by laser ablation multi‐collector inductively coupled plasma‐mass spectrometry (LA‐MC‐ICP‐MS). A 100 g quantity of natural barite crystal was milled to ultra‐fine particles and sintered to a solid block using a fast hot‐pressing sintering technique (FHPS). We report δ34S ratios determined by isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS), solution nebuliser multi‐collector inductively coupled plasma‐mass spectrometry (SN‐MC‐ICP‐MS) and LA‐MC‐ICP‐MS, involving up to six participating laboratories. The homogeneity of δ34S ratios of the synthesised barite was tested by LA‐MC‐ICP‐MS with an analytical spot size of 53 μm. The LA‐MC‐ICP‐MS results show that NWU‐Brt demonstrates a satisfactory homogeneous composition and is an appropriate material for calibrating δ34S ratios in barite. IRMS and SN‐MC‐ICP‐MS produced mean δ34S values of +14.17 ± 0.42‰ (2s) and +14.27 ± 0.23‰ (2s), respectively. The results of LA‐MC‐ICP‐MS analyses are consistent with the IRMS and SN‐MC‐ICP‐MS ratios within uncertainty. Overall, our results confirm the suitability of NWU‐Brt for the calibration of δ34S ratios in barite using LA‐MC‐ICP‐MS.
Community views on the secondary use of general practice data: Findings from a mixed‐methods study
Authors: Braunack‐Mayer Annette J. , Adams Carolyn , Nettel‐Aguirre Alberto , Fabrianesi Belinda , Carolan Lucy , Beilby Justin , Flack Felicity
Published: February 2024

Introduction

General practice data, particularly when combined with hospital and other health service data through data linkage, are increasingly being used for quality assurance, evaluation, health service planning and research. In this study, we explored community views on sharing general practice data for secondary purposes, including research, to establish what concerns and conditions need to be addressed in the process of developing a social licence to support such use.

Methods

We used a mixed‐methods approach with focus groups (November–December 2021), followed by a cross‐sectional survey (March–April 2022).

Results

The participants in this study strongly supported sharing general practice data with the clinicians responsible for their care, and where there were direct benefits for individual patients. Over 90% of survey participants (N = 2604) were willing to share their general practice information to directly support their health care, that is, for the primary purpose of collection. There was less support for sharing data for secondary purposes such as research and health service planning (36% and 45% respectively in broad agreement) or for linking general practice data to data in the education, social services and criminal justice systems (30%–36%). A substantial minority of participants were unsure or could not see how benefits would arise from sharing data for secondary purposes. Participants were concerned about the potential for privacy breaches, discrimination and data misuse and they wanted greater transparency and an opportunity to consent to data release.

Conclusion

The findings of this study suggest that the public may be more concerned about sharing general practice data for secondary purposes than they are about sharing data collected in other settings. Sharing general practice data more broadly will require careful attention to patient and public concerns, including focusing on the factors that will sustain trust and legitimacy in general practice and GPs.

Patient and Public Contribution

Members of the public were participants in the study. Data produced from their participation generated study findings.

Clinical Trial Registration

Not applicable.
Differences in integrated assessment and management of non‐communicable diseases (NCDs) for people with HIV across the WHO European region
Authors: Kraef Christian , Singh Sabine , Fursa Olga , Abutidze Akaki , Rukhadze Nino , Mulabdic Velida , Yancheva Nina , Mehmeti Murat , Balayan Tatevik , Harxhi Arjan , Trajanovska Jasmina , Mackintosh Claire , Duvivier Claudine , Beniowski Marek , Jilich David , Reikvam Dag Henrik , Tau Luba , Podlekareva Daria , Ryom Lene , Peters Lars , Kowalska Justyna , Kirk Ole ,   for the EuroSIDA Study Group
Published: February 2024

Objectives

We aimed to assess the extent of integration of non‐communicable disease (NCD) assessment and management in HIV clinics across Europe.

Methods

A structured electronic questionnaire with 41 multiple‐choice and rating‐scale questions assessing NCD assessment and management was sent to 88 HIV clinics across the WHO European Region during March–May 2023. One response per clinic was collected.

Results

In all, 51 clinics from 34 countries with >100 000 people with HIV under regular follow‐up responded. Thirty‐seven clinics (72.6%) reported shared NCD care responsibility with the general practitioner. Systematic assessment for NCDs and integration of NCD management were common overall [median agreement 80%, interquartile range (IQR): 55–95%; and 70%, IQR: 50–88%, respectively] but were lowest in central eastern and eastern Europe. Chronic kidney disease (median agreement 96%, IQR: 85–100%) and metabolic disorders (90%, IQR: 75–100%) were regularly assessed, while mental health (72%, IQR: 63–85%) and pulmonary diseases (52%, IQR: 40–75%) were less systematically assessed. Some essential diagnostic tests such as glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) for diabetes (n = 38/51, 74.5%), proteinuria for kidney disease (n = 30/51, 58.8%) and spirometry for lung disease (n = 11/51, 21.6%) were only employed by a proportion of clinics. The most frequent barriers for integrating NCD care were the lack of healthcare workers (n = 17/51, 33.3%) and lack of time during outpatient visits (n = 12/51, 23.5%).

Conclusion

Most HIV clinics in Europe systematically assess and manage NCDs. People with HIV appear to be screened more frequently than the general population at the same age. There are, however, larger gaps among eastern European clinics in general and for clinics in all regions related to mental health, pulmonary diseases and the employment of some essential diagnostic tests.
Living on the edge—Genomic and ecological delineation of cryptic lineages in the high‐elevation specialist Erebia nivalis
Authors: Augustijnen Hannah , Patsiou Theofania , Schmitt Thomas , Lucek Kay
Published: February 2024

Cold‐adapted species at high elevations may be especially impacted by global warming since they may be limited in their capacity to adapt to changing conditions or may be prevented from shifting their distributions upwards if no suitable habitats are available.

The latter may be true for Erebia nivalis, a high‐elevation specialist that mainly occurs in the Austrian Alps and on few mountaintops in Switzerland, where its taxonomic and conservation status remains unclear.

We aimed to clarify the relationships among geographically isolated populations of E. nivalis using whole‐genome resequencing data to reconstruct population connectivity and phylogenetic relationships. We inferred current and historical effective population sizes and combined these with tests for ecological differentiation based on available occurrence data to re‐evaluate the conservation status of E. nivalis.

Our results confirm that Swiss and Austrian E. nivalis should be considered different evolutionarily significant units for conservation purposes, as they are marked by moderate genomic differentiation, distinct demographic histories and a difference in the abiotic conditions of their habitats.

In both Austria and Switzerland, we found rapid uphill range shifts over the last decades, little population connectivity, low current effective population sizes and low genetic diversity. The above, combined with the low dispersal capacity of this 2‐year lifecycle species and its need to overwinter under snow, which is rapidly retreating from several regions of the Alps, leads us to suggest that the status of E. nivalis should be updated to ‘Vulnerable’ or ‘Endangered’ in the European, Swiss and Austrian Red Lists.
Prognostic significance of bone marrow fibrosis in diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma
Authors: Cetintepe Tugba , Ozkan Gamze , Kucukzeybek Betul Polat , Cetintepe Lutfi , Unal Demet Kiper , Solmaz Serife , Aygun Kemal , Acar Alev Garip , Bener Sadi , Çallı Aylin Orgen , Payzın Kadriye Bahriye
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most common subtype of non‐Hodgkin lymphomas. The aim of this study is to determine the relationship between the increase in the degree of fibrosis in the bone marrow and prognosis and mortality in newly diagnosed DLBCL.

Methods

Bone marrow biopsy of 153 newly diagnosed DLBCL patients was determined by staining with reticulin, Masson's trichrome histochemical stain, and the degree of fibrosis was determined.

Results

In the bone marrow biopsy performed at the time of diagnosis, bone marrow fibrosis (BMF) was observed in 70 patients. While BMF‐1 was detected in 42 patients (60%), BMF‐2 was detected in 25 patients (35%) and BMF‐3 was detected in 3 patients (4%). As the degree of BMF increased, the median overall survival and median progression‐free survival times were significantly shorter (p: 0.008), (p < 0.001). In patients with an increased degree of BMF, a significant decrease in leukocyte and neutrophil counts was observed after chemotherapy (p: 0.004).

According to the results of the multivariate Cox regression model, it was determined that high NCCN‐IPI risk (HR: 8.25; %95 CI: 1.09–62.52; p = 0.041) and being BMF ≥ 2 (HR: 3.75; %95 CI: 1.65–8.51; p = 0.002), increased the risk of death (p = 0.002, −2 loglikelihood = 392,553).

Conclusion

When the literature was reviewed, it was seen that this study was the first to define that bone marrow fibrosis grade 2 and above in DLBCL is a prognostic marker associated with worse survival. In the bone marrow pathology, which is examined to detect advanced disease in DLBCL, besides lymphomatous involvement, the detection of fibrosis grade is very important.
A relational analysis of migration in old age: How transnational ties affect migration decisions
Authors: Tomás Livia , Molina José Luis
Published: February 2024

Recently, the role of personal ties in migration decisions has received considerable attention. However, this aspect has seldom been studied in the context of retirement. This paper addresses this gap by shedding light on the composition of personal networks, types of mobility patterns and retirement locations for four groups of older adults. To this end, two methodological approaches are employed: (1) a qualitative Social Network Analysis to examine the composition of older adults' personal networks and (2) thematic coding to analyse the relational aspects of migration decisions. This paper draws on 29 semi‐structured interviews conducted in Spain and Switzerland in 2020 and 2021. The findings demonstrate that pre‐retirement migration trajectories shape personal network composition. Moreover, personal ties play a critical role in older adults' mobility patterns and choices of retirement location. Overall, this study provides valuable insights into the impact of personal networks on migration decisions of older adults.
Refugees as perceived threat: College students' attitudes towards refugees in South Korea
Authors: Yuk Joowon , Shin Hyoung‐jin
Published: February 2024

In 2018, the influx of Yemeni asylum seekers generated the unprecedented politicization of the refugee issue in South Korea. This paper explored South Korean attitudes towards refugees by collecting data from Korean college students. In doing so, we looked into what led to negative attitudes towards refugees and the role perceived threats play as a mediator. Following previous studies on intergroup threat theory, we noted that threat perception was a useful tool in understanding intergroup prejudice and anxiety as perceived threats and their antecedents were found to explain a significant amount of the attitudes towards refugees. We also found strong interconnections between prejudices towards different minority groups, including Islamophobia, homophobia and anti‐refugee attitudes. This finding supported the idea that such prejudices are part of a larger intolerant belief system towards minority groups in general.