bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Merchants and Traders on Hellenistic Delos
Authors: Reger Gary
Published: February 2024

Delos, a small island amid the Cyclades Islands in the Aegean Sea, was first colonized by Ionians in roughly the tenth century BCE. Throughout antiquity it served as an important cult and commercial center. This chapter examines the role played by Italian merchants and traders on Delos during the Hellenistic period, particularly after Delos was declared a “free” port by the Romans following the Third Macedonian War in 167/6, making it the most important transit point in the Aegean world for about one hundred years. The southern Italians stand out as especially influential residents; their activities in facilitating, financing, and promoting trade with the growing imperial power in Italy were central to the character of the island in this period.
Genetic Diversity and Virulence of Phytopathogenic Burkholderia glumae Strains Isolated from Rice Cultivars in Valleys of the High Jungle of Perú
Authors: Valdez-Nuñez Renzo A. , Ramos-Luna Lucero C. , Meza-Catalán Patricia P. , Asencios-Sifuentes Nayza R. , Ocaña-Rodriguez Angel W. , Chávez-Galarza Julio C. , Sandoval-Vergara Ana N. , Béna Gilles
Published: February 2024

Burkholderia glumae causes bacterial leaf blight in rice, and its global spread has been exacerbated by climate change. To understand the genetic diversity and virulence of B. glumae strains isolated from rice cultivars in Perú, 47 isolates were obtained from infected rice fields, all belonging to B. glumae, and confirmed by recA and toxB sequences. The BOX-PCR typing group has 38 genomic profiles, and these turn into seven variable number tandem repeats (VNTR) haplotypes. There was no correlation between clustering and geographical origin. Nineteen strains were selected for phenotypic characterization and virulence, using both the maceration level of the onion bulb proxy and inoculation of seeds of two rice cultivars. Several strains produced pigments other than toxoflavin, which correlated with onion bulb maceration. In terms of virulence at the seed level, all strains produced inhibition at the root and coleoptile level, but the severity of symptoms varied significantly between strains, revealing significant differences in pathogenicity. There is no correlation between maceration and virulence scores, probably reflecting different virulence mechanisms depending on the host infection stage. This is the first study to evaluate the VNTR diversity and virulence of Peruvian strains of B. glumae in two commercial cultivars.
Berkeleyomyces rouxiae Is Responsible for Black Root Rot on Multiple Milkweed Species in South Carolina
Authors: Yang Xiao , Colburn G. Curtis , Jeffers Steven N. , Chandran Predeesh
Published: February 2024

Several outbreaks of black root rot on four milkweed species occurred at a South Carolina plant nursery specialized in growing host plants of butterflies. The diseased plants included Asclepias asperula and A. incarnata in 2022 and A. speciosa and A. verticillata in 2023. Symptoms included wilting and stunting of foliage and distinct black lesions and decay on roots. Berkeleyomyces rouxiae was isolated from the diseased roots and identified based on morphological features, DNA sequences, and phylogenetic characteristics. Koch's postulates were completed to confirm its pathogenicity on A. incarnata and A. verticillata. Milkweed plants are an important food source for the monarch butterfly, an iconic North American treasure, as well as a nectar source for other pollinators. Outbreaks have caused significant plant losses at the plant nursery; however, it is unclear whether this disease could become an issue for milkweed plants in gardens and landscapes. Effective management of Berkeleyomyces species can be a challenge.
Coffee Fruit Rot: The Previously Unrecognized Role of Fusarium and Its Interactions with the Coffee Berry Borer (Hypothenemus hampei)
Authors: Serrato-Diaz Luz M. , Mariño Yobana A. , González Joselyn de Jesús , Goenaga Ricardo , Bayman Paul
Published: February 2024

Coffee fruit rot (CFR) is a well-known disease worldwide, mainly caused by Colletotrichum spp., the most important species being C. kahawae subsp. kahawae. In Puerto Rico, Colletotrichum spp. were identified as pathogens of coffee fruits. The coffee berry borer (CBB) was shown to be a dispersal agent of these fungi, and interaction of Fusarium with Colletotrichum affecting coffee fruits was suggested. In this study, we demonstrated that Fusarium spp. also cause CFR in Puerto Rico. Fusarium spp. are part of the CBB mycobiota, and this insect is responsible for spreading the pathogens in coffee fields. We identified nine Fusarium spp. ( F. nirenbergiae, F. bostrycoides, F. crassum, F. hengyangense, F. solani-melongenae, F. pseudocircinatum, F. meridionale, F. concolor, and F. lateritium) belonging to six Fusarium species complexes isolated from CBBs and from rotten coffee fruits. Pathogenicity tests showed that F. bostrycoides, F. lateritium, F. nirenbergiae, F. solani-melongenae, and F. pseudocircinatum were pathogens causing CFR on green coffee fruits. F. bostrycoides was the predominant species isolated from the CBB mycobiota and coffee fruits with symptoms of CFR, suggesting a close relationship between F. bostrycoides and the CBB. To our knowledge, this is the first report of F. bostrycoides, F. solani-melongenae, F. pseudocircinatum, and F. nirenbergiae causing CFR worldwide and the first report of F. lateritium causing CFR in Puerto Rico. Understanding the CFR disease complex and how the CBB contributes to dispersing different Fusarium spp. on coffee farms is important to implement disease management practices in Puerto Rico and in other coffee-producing countries.
Integrative transcriptomic and genomic analyses unveil the IFI16 variants and expression as MASLD progression markers
Authors: Kim Doyoon , Shah Masaud , Kim Jang Hyun , Kim JungMo , Baek Yang-Hyun , Jeong Jin-Sook , Han Sang-Young , Lee Yong Sun , Park Gaeul , Cho Jin-Han , Roh Young-Hoon , Lee Sung-Wook , Choi Gi-Bok , Park Jong Hoon , Yoo Kyung Hyun , Seong Rho Hyun , Lee Yeon-Su , Woo Hyun Goo
Published: February 2024

Background and Aims:

Metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) encompasses a broad and continuous spectrum of liver diseases ranging from fatty liver to steatohepatitis. The intricate interactions of genetic, epigenetic, and environmental factors in the development and progression of MASLD remain elusive. Here, we aimed to achieve an integrative understanding of the genomic and transcriptomic alterations throughout the progression of MASLD.

Approach and Results:

RNA-Seq profiling (n = 146) and whole-exome sequencing (n = 132) of MASLD liver tissue samples identified 3 transcriptomic subtypes (G1-G3) of MASLD, which were characterized by stepwise pathological and molecular progression of the disease. Macrophage-driven inflammatory activities were identified as a key feature for differentiating these subtypes. This subtype-discriminating macrophage interplay was significantly associated with both the expression and genetic variation of the dsDNA sensor IFI16 (rs6940, A>T, T779S), establishing it as a fundamental molecular factor in MASLD progression. The in vitro dsDNA-IFI16 binding experiments and structural modeling revealed that the IFI16 variant exhibited increased stability and stronger dsDNA binding affinity compared to the wild-type. Further downstream investigation suggested that the IFI16 variant exacerbated DNA sensing-mediated inflammatory signals through mitochondrial dysfunction–related signaling of the IFI16-PYCARD-CASP1 pathway.

Conclusions:

This study unveils a comprehensive understanding of MASLD progression through transcriptomic classification, highlighting the crucial roles of IFI16 variants. Targeting the IFI16-PYCARD-CASP1 pathway may pave the way for the development of novel diagnostics and therapeutics for MASLD.
The Clinical Course of Portopulmonary Hypertension and Outcomes With Endothelin Receptor Antagonist Treatment: Observational Study of Data From the US Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network
Authors: DuBrock Hilary M. , Jose Arun , Arendse Sarah , Martin Nicolas , Studer Sean , Rosenberg Daniel
Published: February 2024

Background.

Portopulmonary hypertension (PoPH) occurs in patients with advanced liver disease and can be a contraindication to liver transplant (LT). Improvement of hemodynamic parameters with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) therapies (including endothelin receptor antagonists [ERAs]) may help some patients to become eligible for LT.

Methods.

We conducted a retrospective secondary data analysis to describe the clinical course and management of PoPH in patients on a US registry LT waitlist and outcomes in patients receiving an ERA.

Results.

At the time of LT waitlist entry (1996–2019), patient characteristics and disease severity were similar in the 685 patients with PoPH enrolled overall (LT waitlist data set) and the 420 of them who underwent LT (LT data set). Most patients (92.0%) had a model for end-stage liver disease exception granted before entering the LT waitlist. Patients spent a median of 8.9 mo (interquartile range, 3.7–19.7) on the LT waitlist before undergoing LT. Overall, 77.1% of patients received PAH treatment at LT waitlist entry (ERAs, 30.1%). Hemodynamic parameters improved in ≥95% of patients between the first assessment versus the second (median interval, 9 mo) and last assessments (median interval, 14 mo). At the first assessment, 49.6% of patients had mean pulmonary arterial pressure ≥45 mm Hg versus 2.6% and 1.8% of patients at the second and last assessments, respectively; 47.5% of patients had pulmonary vascular resistance >450 dynes·s/cm5 versus 0.9% and 0.2% of patients at the second and last assessments. One-year survival was 90.6% (95% confidence interval [CI], 87.6-92.9) following LT waitlist entry and was 86.4% (95% CI, 82.6-89.5) after LT; 5-y survival was 67.4% (95% CI, 60.0-73.8) while on the LT waitlist (before LT) and was 75.6% (95% CI, 70.4-80.0) following LT.

Conclusions.

This large US study of patients with PoPH on an LT waitlist confirms that effective PAH treatments can help patients achieve acceptable hemodynamics, providing the opportunity to undergo LT.
A conversation towards post-colonial futures for disaster risk reduction in South Asia
Authors: Raju Emmanuel , Goswami Suchismita , Fernando Nishara , Rashid Mayeda , Akter Eti , Bhotia Nyima Dorjee , Sharan Aditi , Bhatt Mihir , Gaillard J.C.
Published: February 2024

Purpose

This conversation highlights the need to rethink how we approach disaster risk reduction in different South Asian contexts.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is based on the webinar held as part of Asia Week at the University of Copenhagen which was organised by Asian Dynamics Initiative and Copenhagen Centre for Disaster Research on the September 12, 2023.

Findings

The prominent themes emerging from this conversation represents hybridity, self-rule and self-recovery. Along with this we suggest a fundamental turn to ensuring hope, solidarity and empathy is part of a post-colonial future.

Originality/value

The conversation contributes to the ongoing discussions on moving away from colonial practices in disaster risk reduction and disaster studies broadly.
Influencing factors and improvement strategies of supply chain resilience of prefabricated construction from the perspective of dynamic capabilities: the case of China
Authors: Liu Xinnan , Meng Jiani , Wang Jiayi , Ji Yingbo
Published: February 2024

Purpose

This study adopts the perspective of dynamic capabilities to investigate influencing factors and proposes improvement strategies of supply chain resilience of prefabricated construction.

Design/methodology/approach

The structural equation model (SEM) is used to identify and verify the relationship between factors influencing supply chain resilience of prefabricated construction from the perspective of dynamic capabilities. The system dynamics (SD) model is constructed to dynamically simulate the specific effects of different influencing factors.

Findings

Results indicate that: (1) An evaluation index system for supply chain resilience of prefabricated construction containing five first-level indicators and 36 second-level indicators is constructed; (2) Ability to anticipate, ability to respond, ability to adapt, ability to recover and ability to learn are positively correlated with the supply chain resilience of prefabricated construction and (3) ANT3 (information system), RES1 (quick response), ADA3 (buffer stock) and LEA4 (trust) are the most leading factors influencing supply chain resilience of prefabricated construction over time.

Originality/value

This study fulfills the need for an in-depth exploration of the various influencing factors on supply chain resilience of prefabricated construction from the perspective of dynamic capabilities. Furthermore, this study provides improvement strategies to enhance supply chain resilience of prefabricated construction in China.
Four recommendations to increase the level of pervasion of change projects in higher education institutions: a case report
Authors: Preusse Joachim
Published: February 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this case report is to (1) to describe outputs of a change project at Muenster University of Applied Sciences (Germany), which targeted its “operational core” of professors and (2) on this basis to derive ideas on how to ensure a high level of pervasion of change projects in the higher education sector.

Design/methodology/approach

The author compiled data on the extent to which the project has penetrated the organisation derived from the project documentation, discusses satisfaction with the level of pervasion and presents four approaches to increase the level of organisational pervasion for similar projects. These were developed in introspective observations by the project team during project execution (2011–2021).

Findings

The level of pervasion achieved by the project was judged to be satisfactory overall, but in principle still capable of being increased, as there are clear differences between subject disciplines. Four approaches to increase the level of pervasion are derived: (1) explicit attention to and monitoring of informal structures, (2) use of milieu-specific segmentation techniques of target groups, (3) variations of the way change objectives are presented within the organisation and (4) a dynamisation of stakeholder management.

Practical implications

The paper offers guidance to change managers in higher education institutions on how to improve the planning phase of change projects. It is essential for change projects to achieve their intended outcome (project outcome) that the organisation is sufficiently pervaded in quantitative terms (project outputs). The recommendations presented in this paper should be of interest to all higher education staff involved in change management, as they can help to increase the level of organisational pervasion.

Originality/value

Although Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) are considered to be a type of organisation that is difficult to change, change projects are an integral part of their management practice, follow one another at an increasing pace and are often being driven forward in a network of several parallel projects. This paper presents recommendations to increase the success of change projects in HEIs. In summary, the recommendations suggest breaking down organisation-wide change projects to the organisational meso level.
High school teachers’ data set aesthetics
Authors: Delaney Victoria , Lee Victor R.
Published: February 2024

Purpose

With increased focus on data literacy and data science education in K-12, little is known about what makes a data set preferable for use by classroom teachers. Given that educational designers often privilege authenticity, the purpose of this study is to examine how teachers use features of data sets to determine their suitability for authentic data science learning experiences with their students.

Design/methodology/approach

Interviews with 12 practicing high school mathematics and statistics teachers were conducted and video-recorded. Teachers were given two different data sets about the same context and asked to explain which one would be better suited for an authentic data science experience. Following knowledge analysis methods, the teachers’ responses were coded and iteratively reviewed to find themes that appeared across multiple teachers related to their aesthetic judgments.

Findings

Three aspects of authenticity for data sets for this task were identified. These include thinking of authentic data sets as being “messy,” as requiring more work for the student or analyst to pore through than other data sets and as involving computation.

Originality/value

Analysis of teachers’ aesthetics of data sets is a new direction for work on data literacy and data science education. The findings invite the field to think critically about how to help teachers develop new aesthetics and to provide data sets in curriculum materials that are suited for classroom use.
Understanding the retention factors of prison officers within His Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS)
Authors: Hoefer Tamara , Polley Laura
Published: February 2024

Purpose

Avoidable voluntary turnover negatively impacts an organisation’s workforce and decreases its sustainability and productivity. His Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service’s (HMPPS) leaving rates are among the highest in the public sector. The purpose of this study is, thus, to support HMPPS in improving Band 3 prison officers’ (POs) retention and in developing an effective employee retention strategy.

Design/methodology/approach

Grounded in retention literature, the present study uses a mixed-methods, cross-sectional, phenomenological research design. Primary data was gathered using an online qualitative survey, which was sent to POs working at a public sector prison in the Northwest of England with less than five years of work experience.

Findings

The results highlight the impact of career development and training and development due to their importance to POs in comparison to the POs’ dissatisfaction with HMPPS’ performance in both factors. Furthermore, most expectations of retention factors were only partially met, illustrating the need to reform the existing recruitment process and the translation of expectations into the reality of the role. In conclusion, HMPPS should focus attention on performance-improvement, especially in relation to career development and training and development, as well as investigating and reforming the current recruitment processes.

Practical implications

Recommendations to improve the retention of POs include the improved management of career plans, an increased selection of managers based on their management abilities, increasing training opportunities and equating staff's access to them, and evaluating the effect of payment boosts.

Originality/value

The role of POs and their professional environment has not previously been combined with contemporary retention literature. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this research paper is the first of its kind using qualitative data to understand retention in the English and Welsh prison service.
Hubristic organizational leaders: a systematic literature review
Authors: Thakral Priyanka , Ghosh Koustab , Sharma Dheeraj
Published: February 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to integrate academic research on hubristic organizational leaders by proposing a comprehensive conceptual framework and research directions on the hubristic literature.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper systematically reviewed 25 years of literature on hubristic organizational leaders based on the PRISMA methodology.

Findings

The literature on hubristic leaders is analyzed, and a conceptual framework is presented that highlights the antecedent, consequence, mediators and moderators. Literature has primarily focused on the negative impact of hubris leadership concerning firm performance and destructive behaviors. Few scholars have explored the positive side of hubris leadership, relating it to innovation and product success.

Originality/value

This paper presents the first systematic review of hubristic organizational leaders, to the best of the authors’ knowledge. The review provides an improved grasp of the current status of research, trends and potential future research directions.
Tensions and contradictions: Exploring post‐primary teachers' perspectives and experiences of students with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Authors: Lynch Andrea , Davison Kevin
Published: February 2024

This article presents findings from a mixed methods study which explored the perspectives and experiences of post‐primary teachers in Ireland regarding students with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Using an anonymous online questionnaire (n = 239) and semi‐structured interviews (n = 8), this research examined teachers' views and opinions of ADHD, its impact in the classroom and their experiences with diagnosed students. Teachers reported that students with ADHD presented numerous challenges in the classroom which had a negative impact on teaching and learning, and they felt professionally ill‐equipped to properly support their students. We argue there are multiple tensions and contradictions at play within the Irish educational system which may be impacting both teachers' perspectives of students with ADHD and the inclusion of these students in the larger post‐primary context.
Distinct microbial communities in an ascidian–crustacean symbiosis
Authors: Hutchings Brenna , López‐Legentil Susanna , Stefaniak Lauren M. , Nydam Marie , Erwin Patrick M.
Published: February 2024

Ascidians are marine invertebrates known to occasionally host symbiotic crustaceans. Although the microbiomes of both ascidians and free‐living crustaceans have been characterized, there is no documentation of microbial communities in an ascidian–crustacean symbiosis. Samples of the solitary ascidian Ascidia sydneiensis and ambient seawater were collected in Belize. Four symbiotic amphipod crustaceans were retrieved from the branchial sac of the animal, and their microbiomes were compared with those from their ascidian host (tunic and branchial sac compartments) and seawater. Microbiome richness and diversity differed significantly between sample types, with amphipod microbiomes exhibiting significantly lower diversity than tunic and ambient seawater samples. Microbiome composition also differed significantly between sample types and among all pairwise comparisons, except for branchial sac and amphipod microbiomes. Differential operational taxonomic unit (OTU) analyses revealed that only 3 out of 2553 OTUs had significantly different relative abundances in amphipods compared with ascidian branchial sacs, whereas 72 OTUs differed between amphipod and tunic and 315 between amphipod and seawater samples. Thus, different body compartments of A. sydneiensis hosted distinct microbiomes, and symbiotic amphipods contained microbiomes resembling the region they inhabit (i.e., the branchial sac), suggesting that environmental filtering and co‐evolutionary processes are determinants of microbiome composition within ascidian–crustacean symbioses.
The heart is good: Hope and the good among interfaith communities in New Zealand
Authors: Haggar Sarah
Published: February 2024

This creative nonfiction piece reflects a snapshot of my experience studying the interfaith community in Auckland, New Zealand, from 2015 to 2016. My research was centered on a handful of interfaith organizations and groups who worked together from across different faiths to build a community of respect, education, and hope. Using the framework of the anthropology of the good (Robbins, 2013), I analyzed how their faith‐informed moral perspectives shaped their work and determination to spread peace despite the many obstacles they faced. Their hopes and fears for the future informed their work in the present. Using a variety of ethnographic vignettes, I highlight the threads of “hope” and “the good” in my participants' experiences. As such, this piece reflects core themes of my research and worldviews of my participants, while also providing an avenue of exploring how we do fieldwork, how we decide what is “relevant,” and how we build relationships of trust with our participants. As an emerging anthropologist and postgraduate student, these elements were tightly bound in my mind and this piece demonstrates how, in moving through fieldwork and analysis, these different facets of research coalesce and help to mutually constitute our ethnographic work.
Insights into the diagnosis and management of sarcoid uveitis: A review
Authors: Samalia Priya D. , Lim Lyndell L. , Niederer Rachael L.
Published: February 2024

Sarcoidosis is a leading cause of non‐infectious uveitis that commonly affects middle‐aged individuals and has a female preponderance. The disease demonstrates age, sex and ethnic differences in clinical manifestations. A diagnosis of sarcoidosis is made based on a compatible clinical presentation, supporting investigations and histologic evidence of non‐caseating granulomas, although biopsy is not always possible. Multimodal imaging with widefield fundus photography, optical coherence tomography and angiography can help in the diagnosis of sarcoid uveitis and in the monitoring of treatment response. Corticosteroid remains the mainstay of treatment; chronic inflammation requires steroid‐sparing immunosuppression. Features on multimodal imaging such as vascular leakage may provide prognostic indicators of outcome. Female gender, prolonged and severe uveitis, and posterior involving uveitis are associated with poorer visual outcomes.
Bowel preparation for elective colectomy in Crohn's disease: results from a global cohort study using the NSQIP database
Authors: Callado Gustavo Yano , de Almeida Leite Rodrigo Moisés , Araujo Sergio Eduardo Alonso , Barchi Leandro Cardoso , Seddiq Waleed , Correa Isabela Passarin , Junior Ulysses Ribeiro , Ricciardi Rocco
Published: February 2024

Aim

The role of bowel preparation before colectomy in Crohn's disease patients remains controversial. This retrospective analysis of a prospective cohort study aimed to investigate the clinical outcomes associated with mechanical and antibiotic colon preparation in patients diagnosed with Crohn's disease undergoing elective colectomy.

Method

Data were collected from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program participant user files from 2016 to 2021. A total of 6244 patients with Crohn's disease who underwent elective colectomy were included. The patients were categorized into two groups: those who received combined colon preparation (mechanical and antibiotic) and those who did not receive any form of bowel preparation. The primary outcomes assessed were the rate of anastomotic leak and the occurrence of deep organ infection. Secondary outcomes included all‐cause short‐term mortality, clinical‐related morbidity, ostomy creation, unplanned reoperation, operative time, hospital length of stay and ileus.

Results

Combined colon preparation was associated with significantly reduced risks of anastomotic leak (relative risk 0.73, 95% CI 0.56–0.95, P = 0.021) and deep organ infection (relative risk 0.68, 95% CI 0.56–0.83, P < 0.001). Additionally, patients who underwent colon preparation had lower rates of ostomy creation, shorter hospital stays and a decreased incidence of ileus. However, there was no significant difference in all‐cause short‐term mortality or the need for unplanned reoperation between the two groups.

Conclusion

This study shows that mechanical and antibiotic colon preparation may have clinical benefits for patients with Crohn's disease undergoing elective colectomy.
Joubert syndrome and hydrocephalus: Further expanding the phenotypic spectrum of a pleiotropic ciliopathy
Authors: Gana Simone , Valente Enza Maria
Published: February 2024

This commentary is on the Case Series by Gafner et al. on pages 948–957
Roles and competencies of the clinical psychologist in adult diabetes care—A consensus report
Authors: Snoek Frank J. , Anarte‐Ortiz Maria Teresa , Anderbro Therese , Cyranka Katarzyna , Hendrieckx Christel , Hermanns Norbert , Indelicato Liliana , McGuire Brian E. , Mocan Andreia , Nefs Giesje , Polonsky William H. , Stewart Rose , Vallis Michael
Published: February 2024

Aims

Psychological care is recognised as an integral part of quality diabetes care. We set out to describe the roles and competencies of the clinical psychologist as a member of the multidisciplinary adult diabetes care team, focused on secondary care.

Methods

The authors are clinically experienced psychologists involved in adult diabetes care, from Australia, Europe and North America, and active members of the international psychosocial aspects of diabetes study group. Consensus was reached as a group on the roles and competencies of the clinical psychologist working in adult diabetes secondary care, building both on expert opinion and a selective review and discussion of the literature on psychological care in diabetes, clinical guidelines and competency frameworks.

Results

The clinical psychologist fulfils multiple roles: (1) as a clinician (psychological assessment and therapy), (2) as advisor to the healthcare team (training, consulting), (3) as a communicator and promotor of person‐centred care initiatives and (4) as a researcher. Four competencies that are key to successfully fulfilling the above‐mentioned roles in a diabetes setting are as follows: (a) specialised knowledge, (b) teamwork and advice, (c) assessment, (d) psychotherapy (referred to as STAP framework).

Conclusions

The roles and competencies of clinical psychologists working in diabetes extend beyond the requirements of most university and post‐graduate curricula. There is a need for a comprehensive, accredited specialist post‐graduate training for clinical psychologists working in diabetes care, building on the proposed STAP framework. This calls for a collaborative effort involving diabetes organisations, clinical psychology societies and diabetes psychology interest groups.
Mind your marker: the effect of common auxotrophic markers on complex traits in yeast
Authors: Kaplan Keila , Levkovich Shon A. , DeRowe Yasmin , Gazit Ehud , Laor Bar‐Yosef Dana
Published: February 2024

Yeast cells are extensively used as a key model organism owing to their highly conserved genome, metabolic pathways, and cell biology processes. To assist in genetic engineering and analysis, laboratory yeast strains typically harbor auxotrophic selection markers. When uncompensated, auxotrophic markers cause significant phenotypic bias compared to prototrophic strains and have different combinatorial influences on the metabolic network. Here, we used BY4741, a laboratory strain commonly used as a “wild type” strain in yeast studies, to generate a set of revertant strains, containing all possible combinations of four common auxotrophic markers (leu2∆, ura3∆, his3∆1, met15∆). We examined the effect of the auxotrophic combinations on complex phenotypes such as resistance to rapamycin, acetic acid, and ethanol. Among the markers, we found that leucine auxotrophy most significantly affected the phenotype. We analyzed the phenotypic bias caused by auxotrophy at the genomic level using a prototrophic version of a genome‐wide deletion library and a decreased mRNA perturbation (DAmP) library. Prototrophy was found to suppress rapamycin sensitivity in many mutants previously annotated for the phenotype, raising a possible need for reevaluation of the findings in a native metabolic context. These results reveal a significant phenotypic bias caused by common auxotrophic markers and support the use of prototrophic wild‐type strains in yeast research.
Early endovascular approaches for treating acute mesenteric arterial occlusive disease in hemodialysis patients
Authors: Qu Siyuan , Wen Rui , Yan Mingming , Qin Jiao , Li Jiali
Published: February 2024

Background

Among hemodialysis patients, acute superior mesenteric artery (SMA) thrombosis a condition with a high mortality rate. Very few larger case series have been reported.

Method

We reviewed eight hemodialysis patients with diabetes mellitus and SMA thrombosis managed with endovascular therapy in our institution. Demographic, clinical, and radiological data were described. The patency of the SMA was assessed by computed tomography angiography (CTA) at one month after the endovascular procedure. At the last visit, clinical symptoms and check of mortality were recorded.

Results

Multidetector CTA scan revealed severe stenosis of SMA in 6 patients and SMA occlusion in the other two patients. The severe stenosis of SMA were verified by angiography. Balloon angioplasty without stenting was performed to obtain satisfactory patency of SMA. Seven of eight patients achieved resolution of abdominal pain after the endovascular procedure. One patient died of suspected intestinal necrosis after 6 days of balloon angioplasty. All seven surviving patients did not experience a recurrence of symptoms with a median follow‐up of 2 years. No significant residual stenotic or occlusive lesions were noted in follow‐up CTA at one month after the endovascular procedure.

Conclusion

SMA thrombosis should be systematically suspected in hemodialysis patients experiencing abdominal pain. Prompt diagnosis of SMA thrombosis as soon as possible and early endovascular therapy are required to obtain a favorable prognosis in the hemodialysis patient with SMA thrombosis.
Synergistic effect of combining dual enkephalinase inhibitor PL37 and sumatriptan in a preclinical model of migraine
Authors: Rossignol Jeanne , Ouimet Tanja , Poras Hervé , Dallel Radhouane , Luccarini Philippe
Published: February 2024

Objective

The aim of this study was to test whether a combination of sumatriptan with dual enkephalinase inhibitor PL37 would result in an additive or a synergistic effect.

Background

Combination treatment is frequently used to improve the therapeutic efficacy of drugs. The co‐administration of two drugs may result in efficacy at lower doses than those needed for either drug alone, thus minimizing side effects. Here, we tested the effect of the co‐administration of two drugs on cutaneous mechanical hypersensitivity (MH), a symptom often affecting cephalic regions in patients with migraine: dual enkephalinase inhibitor PL37, a small molecule that protects enkephalins from rapid degradation, and sumatriptan, a serotonin 5‐HT1B/1D receptor agonist.

Methods

We investigated the effects of oral administrations of sumatriptan, PL37, or their combination on changes in cutaneous mechanical sensitivity induced by a single intraperitoneal administration of the nitric oxide donor, isosorbide dinitrate (ISDN) in male rats. Mechanical sensitivity was assessed using von Frey filaments applied to the face of animals to determine pain thresholds. Isobolographic analysis was performed to determine the nature of the interaction between sumatriptan and PL37.

Results

Sumatriptan as well as PL37 each produced a dose‐dependent inhibition of ISDN‐induced cephalic MH. Median effective dose (ED50) values were 0.3 and 1.1 mg/kg for sumatriptan and PL37, respectively. An isobolographic analysis of the effect of combined doses of sumatriptan and PL37 based on their calculated ED50 values demonstrated a synergistic effect of the combination on cephalic MH, with an interaction index of 0.14 ± 0.04.

Conclusion

These results suggest that PL37 acts synergistically with sumatriptan to produce an anti‐allodynic effect in a rat model of migraine. Thus, combining PL37 and sumatriptan may be a useful therapeutic strategy in the management of migraine.

Plain Language Summary

There have been many advances in migraine treatment, but we still need more options that are effective and have few side effects. Sumatriptan is one available drug for acute treatment of migraine, but it does not work for every patient and is not suitable for some people. We tested a new drug called PL37 (that blocks enkephalinases) together with sumatriptan and the combination minimized side effects and allowed lower doses of the drugs for effective migraine treatment in an animal model.
Long‐term outcomes of Gamma Knife radiosurgery in treating glossopharyngeal neuralgia
Authors: Samanci Yavuz , Mürdün Elif , Çil Mahmut , Düzkalir Ali Haluk , Askeroglu Mehmet Orbay , Peker Selcuk
Published: February 2024

Glossopharyngeal neuralgia (GPN) is an unusual disorder causing severe, brief pain episodes in the areas supplied by the glossopharyngeal nerve. Initial treatment involves medications like carbamazepine, but if these are ineffective or cause side effects, interventional pain management techniques or surgery may be considered. Gamma Knife radiosurgery is becoming popular in managing GPN due to its lower risk of complications than surgical interventions like microvascular decompression or rhizotomy. In this retrospective case series, we examined the outcomes of Gamma Knife radiosurgery in eight patients with GPN. The decision to utilize Gamma Knife radiosurgery was made following specific criteria, including failed surgical interventions, patient preference against surgery, or contraindications to surgical procedures. Patients were administered radiation doses within the range of 80 to 90 Gy, targeting either the cisternal glossopharyngeal nerve or glossopharyngeal meatus of the jugular foramen. Evaluations were conducted before the Gamma Knife radiosurgery; at 3, 6, and 12 months after Gamma Knife radiosurgery; and annually thereafter. Pain severity was assessed using the modified Barrow Neurological Institute scale grades, with patients achieving grade I–IIIa considered to have a good treatment outcome and grade IV–V to have a poor treatment outcome. Pain control and absence of radiosurgery‐related complications were primary endpoints. The median age of the patients was 46.5 years, varying from 8 to 72 years. The median duration of pain was 32 months (range, 12–120 months). All patients, except one, were on polydrug therapy. All cases exhibited preoperative grade V pain. The median follow‐up duration after Gamma Knife radiosurgery was 54.5 months, varying from 14 to 90 months. The overall clinical assessments revealed a gradual neurological improvement, particularly within the first 8.5 weeks (range, 1–12 weeks). The immediate outcomes at 3 months revealed that all patients (8/8, 100%) experienced pain relief, with 25% (2/8) achieving a medication‐free status (Grade I). Three patients (37%) experienced a recurrence during the follow‐up and were managed with repeat Gamma Knife radiosurgery (n = 2) and radiofrequency rhizotomy (n = 1). At the last follow‐up, 88% (7/8) of patients had pain relief (Grades I–IIIa), with three (37%) achieving a medication‐free status (Grade I). No adverse events or neurological complications occurred. The patient who underwent radiofrequency rhizotomy continued to experience inadequately controlled pain despite medication (Grade IV). Gamma Knife radiosurgery is a non‐invasive, efficacious treatment option for idiopathic GPN, offering short‐ and long‐term relief without permanent complications.
Correlation between double‐stranded DNA and acute urticaria
Authors: Li Yuanyuan , Li Zhuo , Lu Jiayi , Qu Guangbo , Qin Qin , Zhang Chang , Bai Yuanming , Wang Daiyue , Luo Sihan , Li Bao , Han Yang , Chen Weiwei , Zhen Qi , Sun Liangdan
Published: February 2024

Background

Acute urticaria is a prevalent inflammatory dermatosis characterized by fulminant wheals, often accompanied by severe pruritis. It may also cause nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Numerous studies have substantiated the pivotal involvement of double‐stranded DNA (dsDNA) in autoimmunity. However, the role of dsDNA in the pathogenesis of acute urticaria is unclear.

Methods

We measured serum dsDNA levels in patients and controls. The relationship between dsDNA levels and environmental exposures (temperature, ultraviolet [UV] index, and season) was investigated by correlating disease onset dates with archived meteorological data. Finally, we used quantitative PCR to determine the expressions of genes encoding dsDNA receptors, single‐stranded RNA (ssRNA) receptors, exosome formation, and type I interferon in the peripheral blood of patients and controls.

Results

Serum dsDNA levels were significantly higher in patients with acute urticaria compared with controls (mean values 1.38 and 0.94 ng/ml, respectively, P < 0.001). dsDNA levels were higher in patients exposed to higher environmental temperatures and UV indices and were higher during the summer months. We also found that the expressions of genes encoding dsDNA receptors, ssRNA receptors, absent in melanoma factor 2 (AIM2)‐related inflammatory factors, and interferon alpha were up‐regulated in patients.

Conclusions

We demonstrated that serum dsDNA levels are elevated in acute urticaria and are influenced by climatic factors such as temperature, ultraviolet index, and season. We also found that elevated dsDNA promotes the expression of AIM2‐related factors and type I interferons. This study generates new hypotheses regarding the pathogenesis of acute urticaria and suggests novel therapeutic targets.
Structural disorder and oxygen octahedron evolution via defect engineering for properties enhancement in BF–BT ceramics
Authors: Li Bing , Zheng Ting , Wu Jiagang
Published: February 2024

The electrostrain properties of bismuth ferrite–barium titanate (BF–BT)‐based ceramics can be well regulated; however, this often occurs at the cost of piezoelectricity, and their electrostrain‐temperature stability is poor. To address these problems, defect engineering has been utilized to enhance the comprehensive properties via the unequal substitution of Na+. In this study, 0.69BiFeO3–0.3BaTiO3–0.01NaxNbO3 (BF–BT–NxN) (x = 0.8, 0.9, 1, 1.1, and 1.2) ceramics with different defect concentrations were prepared. Enhanced piezoelectricity and electrostrain (d33 = 165 pC/N and S = ∼0.22%, respectively) were obtained for the BF–BT–N0.9N ceramic. In particular, excellent temperature stability with a strain variation of only 12% from room temperature to 180°C was achieved. The introduction of NaxNbO3 reduced the degree of distortion of the oxygen octahedron, and the defects altered the local structure and heightened its disorder, leading to an enhancement in both the electrostrain and piezoelectric properties. In addition, the temperature‐dependent evolution of the oxygen octahedron structure was altered by defect engineering. A mutual compensation mechanism for the contribution of structural evolution and domain wall motion to electrostrain has been proposed to explain the excellent temperature stability.
Prior history of atrial fibrillation and arrhythmic outcomes: Data from the WEARIT‐II prospective registry
Authors: Goldenberg Ido , Younis Arwa , McNitt Scott , Klein Helmut , Goldenberg Ilan , Kutyifa Valentina
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Wearable cardioverter defibrillator (WCD) is utilized in patients with assumed but not yet confirmed risk for sudden cardiac death (SCD). Many of these patients also present with atrial fibrillation (AF). However, the rate of WCD‐detected ventricular or atrial arrhythmia events in this specific high‐risk cohort is not well understood.

Methods

In WEARIT‐II, the cumulative probability of any sustained or nonsustained VT/VF (WCD‐treated and nontreated), and atrial/supraventricular arrhythmias during WCD use was assessed using the Kaplan–Meier method by prior AF, with comparisons by the log‐rank test. The incidence of ventricular and atrial arrhythmia events were expressed as events per 100 patient‐years, and were analyzed by prior AF using negative binomial regression.

Results

WEARIT‐II enrolled 2000 patients, 557 (28%) of whom had AF before enrollment. Cumulative probability of any sustained or nonsustained WCD‐detected VT/VF during WCD use was significantly higher among patients with a history of AF than without AF (6% vs. 3%, p = .001). Similarly, the recurrent rate of any sustained or nonsustained VT/VF was significantly higher in patients with prior AF versus no prior AF (131.5 events per 100 patient‐years vs. 22.7 events per 100 patient‐years, p = .001). Patients with prior AF also had a significantly higher burden of any WCD‐detected atrial arrhythmias/SVT/inappropriate arrhythmias therapy (183.2 events per 100 patient‐years vs. 74.8 events per 100 patient‐years, p < .001).

Conclusion

Our results demonstrate that patients with a history of AF wearing the WCD for risk assessment have a higher incidence of ventricular arrhythmias that may facilitate the decision making for ICD implantation.
High‐pressure processing‐assisted in‐situ extraction of caffeine, chlorogenic acid, phenolic content, and antioxidant properties of green coffee bean
Authors: Baskaran Kamalapreetha , Radhakrishnan Mahendran
Published: February 2024

This research aimed to efficiently extract valuable bioactive compounds from green coffee beans (GCBs), meeting the rising demand for natural compounds in the pharmaceutical and food industries. The study sought to overcome the limitations of conventional extraction techniques, such as low efficiency, prolonged processing, and heat‐sensitive compound degradation, by employing an eco‐friendly solvent and high‐pressure assisted extraction. Experiments were conducted at different pressure levels (300, 400, and 500 MPa), treatment times (10, 20, and 30 min), and using water, ethanol, and their combination (1:1) as solvents. The study evaluated the impact of these variables on radical scavenging activity (RSA), caffeine content, chlorogenic acid (CGA) levels, total phenolic content (TPC), pH, cyclic voltammetry, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis. Results were compared with conventional extraction and untreated extracts. High‐pressure processing (HPP) significantly enhanced RSA, reaching a maximum of 94.872 ± 0.290%, except for ethanol extracts. CGA content decreased with increasing pressure, correlating with improved antioxidant activity. Caffeine content remained higher even at shorter treatment times (1.170 ± 0.131 mg/mL). The ethanolic extract at the lowest pressure and time yielded the highest TPC (74.130 ± 1.141 mg of GAE/mL). Importantly, pH showed no significant variations. SEM analysis revealed a denser microstructure in the residual green coffee powder. Voltammetric tests confirm potent antioxidant properties due to its polyphenolics oxidizing within the potential range. This study demonstrates HPP as an eco‐friendly method for extracting bioactive compounds from GCBs. It effectively addresses the limitations of conventional extraction techniques, offering a sustainable and efficient alternative.

Practical applications

High‐pressure‐assisted extraction is a novel method of extracting bioactives from natural products. The current study proposes the innovative approach to optimize the processing parameters for extracting the bioactives (total phenols, CGA, and caffeine) from the GCB under HPP with improved antioxidant properties. This greener approach of high‐pressure‐assisted extraction is an alternative method to conventional extraction. This can be achieved with limited time of extraction using water or ethanol:water as a prospective alternative solvent devoid of harmful chemicals to extract with higher natural antioxidant capacity. Also, extensive research on green coffee extracts has demonstrated that extracted bioactives find applications as functional ingredients, natural preservatives, and potential natural antioxidants in the pharmaceutical and food industries.