bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Using a virtual patient system to improve medical students’ confidence in clinical diagnosis: a controlled study
Authors: Lee Yew Kong , Lee Ping Yein , Lau Yee Ling , Ng Chirk Jenn , Ng Wei Leik , Chiew Thiam Kian , Abdullah Adina , Vadivelu Jamuna , Amir Amirah , Tan Christina Phoay Lay , Chin Caroline Kwong Leng
Published: June 2024

Purpose

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of using a virtual patient (VP) software program in increasing clinical reasoning skills confidence among medical students.

Design/methodology/approach

A quasi-experimental design was used to compare the outcomes of students’ confidence levels on clinical reasoning between problem-based learning (PBL) and VP program with 122 pre-clinical Year 2 medical students. History taking, physical examination, clinical investigations and diagnosis was investigated using four PBL cases in the oncology block. Pre- and post-differences in mean confidence scores between the arms were compared, as well as mean difference by type of case and skill category.

Findings

A total of 122/156 (78.2%) students participated; n = 55 were from 7 VP groups and n = 67 were from 13 control arm groups. For the primary outcome, the VP arm showed a statistically significant increase in confidence measures among 11/16 (4 cases × 4 skills) categories, compared to 4/16 for the control arm. The proportion of the students who indicated an improved confidence was statistically significant for the cervical cancer case for physical examination (60.0% improved in VP vs 12.5% in control), investigation (60.0% VP vs 18.8% control) and diagnosis (60.0% in VP vs 25.0% in control). Finally, analysis by case showed an increment in overall mean scores from the start to end of the case within the VP arm while the pattern was erratic in the control arm cases.

Originality/value

The study results showed that incorporating the VP into PBL was more effective in increasing students’ clinical reasoning confidence levels compared to the usual PBL. As the study utilized existing PBL cases, it demonstrates how medical schools can incorporate digital VP tools into pre-clinical years before students' transition to learning from actual patients in the clinical years.
Theoretical framework for carbon trading in the built environment
Authors: Kukah Augustine Senanu Komla , Jin Xiaohua , Osei-Kyei Robert , Perera Srinath
Published: June 2024

Purpose

This conceptual paper aims to develop a theoretical framework for carbon trading in the built environment through theories to expand current knowledge on components of carbon trading systems.

Design/methodology/approach

This theoretical framework was developed and supported with existing theories and past empirical literature from built environment, economics and finance. Underlying theories used in the framework were selected due to their significance and applicability to carbon trading projects. Hypotheses set in the study summarise the propositions developed from the theories and past empirical literature.

Findings

The framework reveals four major components of carbon trading for the built environment. Six hypotheses were further proposed to unravel the resultant influence of their interactions on each component in the trading system.

Research limitations/implications

This paper sought to undertake a theoretical review of classical theories and past studies on carbon trading. Even though a systematic review was undertaken, the constructs in the theoretical framework may not be exhaustive.

Practical implications

This study contributes and advances the body of knowledge on the components that comprise the mechanism of how carbon trading operates in the built environment. Theoretically, the framework developed serves as a multi-dimensional guide on the operations of carbon trading in the built environment.

Originality/value

The theoretical framework developed endeavours to consolidate multi-faceted theories from varying disciplines on the components that comprise carbon trading in the built environment.
Determinants of purchase intention towards halalcertified cosmetic products among nonMuslims
Authors: Ibeabuchi Chukwuebuka , Ehido Amauche , Fawehinmi Olawole , Aigbogun Osaro
Published: June 2024

Purpose

There is paucity of research on the significant criteria that non-Muslims consider when purchasing halal cosmetics. Consequently, this paper aims to apply the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) and the health belief model (HBM) to investigate the effects of subjective norms (SN), perceived behavioural control (PBC), halal certification and health consciousness on attitude; as well as the impact of attitude on promoting the intention to purchase halal cosmetic products among non-Muslims.

Design/methodology/approach

Data collection involved the use of a web-based survey of 238 non-Muslim respondents that are resident in Malaysia, a south east Asian country reputed for being the global hub for halal products. The proposed model was evaluated using Smart PLS 3.3.5.

Findings

According to the structural model results, halal certification, health consciousness and SN have significant relationships with attitude. In addition, there are significant relationships between attitude, health consciousness, SN and the intention to purchase halal cosmetic products. In contrast, there is no correlation between halal certification, PBC and intention to purchase halal cosmetics. Furthermore, attitude significantly mediates the relationships between halal certification, SN, health consciousness and intention to purchase halal cosmetics. However, attitude did not significantly fulfil the role of a mediator in the relationship between PBC and intention to purchase halal cosmetic products.

Originality/value

The study findings provide valuable insights to companies targeting non-Muslim markets. The study findings contend how halal cosmetic production/marketing companies may customize their marketing activities based on social and health perspectives, thereby increasing the consumers’ social expectations and confidence in halal cosmetics production standards and guaranteeing safety to influence their attitudes and quickly penetrate the new market for non-Muslim consumers who make a relatively unexplored population.
Modeling of barriers to digital transformations in Indian manufacturing small and medium-sized enterprises
Authors: Borana Nikita , Gaur Tejendra Singh , Yadav Vinod
Published: June 2024

Purpose

In recent times, digital transformation (DT) has witnessed a surge in popularity, not only within large enterprises (LEs) but also among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Various sectors, including manufacturing, have shown a keen interest in embracing DT for their operational and supply chain needs. Beyond delivering benefits such as improved product quality, revenue growth, enhanced customer service and heightened safety measures, DT offers a range of advantages, including heightened productivity, risk mitigation and environmental protection. However, in developing countries like India, manufacturing SMEs encounter significant challenges when attempting to embrace DT. Therefore, this study aims to identify and model the obstacles that impede DT adoption within the context of Indian manufacturing SMEs.

Design/methodology/approach

The literature review was used to pinpoint the barriers to adopting DT. Subsequently, these identified barriers underwent validation within the specific context of Indian manufacturing SMEs through the assessment of an expert team. The expert team proceeded to model these barriers using the interpretive structural modeling approach.

Findings

This study shows that high investment, return on investment and multiskilled workforces are the most crucial barriers to DT adoption. The proposed study aids policy and decision-makers in identifying the connections and dependencies between the barriers.

Originality/value

It provides a guideline for practitioners to deal with DT adoption barriers in the Indian manufacturing SMEs.
Outsourcing or in-housing: remanufactured product warranty of independent remanufacturer
Authors: Meng Lijun , Xue Jingya , Zhang Baoyou , Xia Hongying
Published: June 2024

Purpose

This study attempts to determine the optimal pricing and warranty strategies for remanufactured products offered by independent remanufacturers (IRs). Specifically, it takes into account price competition and warranty service competition between the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) and IR, ultimately providing recommendations on the selection of warranty service modes for IRs.

Design/methodology/approach

This study considers two warranty modes for IRs: in-housing and outsourcing. Based on game theory, this study identifies the conditions under which the warranty service for remanufactured product is outsourced to retailers in IR-remanufacturing mode. Furthermore, this study investigates how this strategic decision affects closed-loop supply chain (CLSC) operations by comparing the two modes in terms of profit, consumer surplus (CS), quantity and overall social welfare (SW).

Findings

Firstly, the provision strategy for IRs' warranty on remanufactured products depends mainly on the retailer’s warranty cost. If retailers have lower costs for warranties, IR opts to outsource the remanufactured product warranty to the retailer. Second, when retailers offer warranties at a lower cost, IRs prefer outsourcing remanufactured product warranty to retailers. In this way, it will maximize both the remanufacturer’s and retailer’s profits while achieving the optimal total profit for the entire supply chain. However, it’s not beneficial for the OEM. Third, the IR’s preference for warranty service provision strategy is influenced by customers’ acceptance of remanufactured product, customer sensitivity toward remanufactured product warranty and economies of scale in warranty service.

Practical implications

The findings offer operational insights into IR decision-making in selecting warranty service provision strategies for remanufactured products.

Originality/value

This study is among the first to examine warranty provision strategy for IRs in CLSC.
Sustainability accounting reporting: issues for the automobile industry
Authors: García-Piña Rosete Juan Carlos , Hernandez Barros Rafael
Published: June 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to highlight the imperative need for an internationally accepted standard for sustainability accounting reporting, not exclusive to the analyzed sector but across all industries.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses an enhanced analysis of existing empirical literature on accounting reporting for sustainability efforts in corporate practices. The study uses two statistical techniques: multiple linear regression analysis and structural equations modeling, focusing on a sample drawn from the Newsweek Green Rankings within the automobile industry. Specifically, the analysis is conducted on data spanning from 2014 to 2016, covering three years and comprises 25 corporations from the Global Fortune 500 list.

Findings

The empirical analysis reveals a significant gap in sustainable reporting practices, highlighting the challenges of nonstandardized managerial accounting across the globe. This research portrays key benefits including enhanced data accessibility and the adoption of sustainable practices across industries. Furthermore, assisting in academic research.

Research limitations/implications

The study addresses challenges in researching sustainability constraints across various dimensions. The obtained empirical data could inform stakeholders, including accounting setters and managers in the automobile industry, about the pressing need to set uniform sustainability constraints comprehensively and to implement global reporting standards to foster transparency and accountability.

Practical implications

The sustainability accounting setters, such as Sustainability Accounting Standards Board and International Financial Reporting Standards Foundation, face the challenge of adopting globally accepted accounting standards for sustainability reporting. The statistical evidence correlates sustainable variables with three profitability margins (earnings before interest and taxes, earnings before interest taxes, depreciation and amortization and pretax), providing empirical proof of the degree of correlation among them.

Social implications

This paper aims to collaborate with the Meditari Accountancy Research Journal in bridging the gap in international standards for sustainability accounting reporting. It emphasizes the global significance of achieving a standardized approach to reporting for sustainability and its potential positive impact on corporations, governments, academic research teams and society.

Originality/value

Diverse societal stakeholders have advocated for the implementation of a more sustainable world. Currently, there is no international agreement on how to report for sustainability efforts. This paper evidences this gap, which if persistent would not allow for an accurate evaluation of progress and fulfillment of goals, causing a subpar performance without standard measures.
Beyond the loom: understanding handloom product purchase motivations using the extended theory of planned behavior
Authors: K Arunarjun , T
Published: June 2024

Purpose

This study aims to identify the variables affecting consumers’ decision to buy handloom products. To build a more complete model to help us reach this goal, consumer satisfaction (CS) and e-commerce (ECOM) variables were added to Ajzen’s theory of planned behavior (TPB).

Design/methodology/approach

Data were obtained from 412 participants who were consumers of Pochampally handloom silk sarees (PHSS). Information was obtained through a structured questionnaire from February to July 2023, and an online survey was conducted using Google Forms. A study was conducted to empirically examine this phenomenon using the Warp PLS version 8.0.

Findings

This study reveals that CS affects the purchasing behavior of PHSS. Similarly, ECOM had no direct impact on respondents’ PHSS purchasing behavior, attitudes and perceived controls, significantly impacting their purchase intentions (PIs). Subjective norms have a negative effect on PHSS product PIs.

Originality/value

This study investigates the differences between consumer attitudes and actions. To increase handloom product consumption in developing nations, it is necessary to understand the cause of this difference. Few studies have been conducted in India using the TPB. This study contributes to this research field.
Leveraging supply chain visibility for implementing just-in-case practices: the roles of knowledge and digital resources bundling
Authors: Yu Wantao , Jacobs Mark , Chavez Roberto , Song Yongtao
Published: June 2024

Purpose

This study aims to explore how bundling knowledge resources (i.e. knowledge integration mechanisms [KIMs]) and digital resources (i.e. big data-powered artificial intelligence [BDAI]) can enhance supply chain visibility (SCV) capabilities for implementing just-in-case (JIC) practices.

Design/methodology/approach

Analysis of survey data from Chinese manufacturers was conducted to test the proposed hypotheses.

Findings

The results reveal a significant positive effect of KIMs on BDAI, as well as positive effects of both BDAI and KIMs on SCV. Furthermore, the results suggest that SCV partially mediates the KIMs–JIC relationship and fully mediates the BDAI–JIC relationship.

Originality/value

This study advances the digital SC and inventory management literature by proposing and empirically testing a digital JIC model that explores how to bundle knowledge and digital resources into SC capabilities for managing JIC inventory in uncertain and digital times.
Creating a shared vision of preparing scholarly practitioners: an EdD faculty collaborative autoethnography
Authors: Lambrev Veselina , Cruz Bárbara C. , Kiefer Sarah M. , Shaunessy-Dedrick Elizabeth
Published: June 2024

Purpose

In this collaborative autoethnographic study, four faculty members in a US-based Doctor of Education (EdD) program reflected individually and collectively in the authors’ community of practice through reflective journaling, self-reflection and discussion sessions to analyze the individual stories critically. This study aims to examine the influence of the authors’ involvement with an EdD program on the academic approaches to teaching, research and mentoring EdD students.

Design/methodology/approach

Professional practice doctorates have emerged in response to the growing need for practitioners to use evidence for continuous improvement. Although the literature has highlighted faculty members as change agents redefining the EdD as a professional practice doctorate, minimal research has explored how their involvement in such design work may affect their academic practices.

Findings

The authors perceived the involvement with the EdD program as transforming the faculty practices in five ways (i.e. shifting the epistemologies, embracing practice-based pedagogies, engaging in practice-based research, mentoring scholarly practitioners and intentional community building) and creating a shared vision of preparing scholarly practitioners.

Originality/value

The authors draw implications for redesigning EdD programs through participation in a faculty community of practice, prompting faculty to shift their practices to better support scholarly practitioners and affecting their identity as teachers, mentors and program developers.
Appearance vanity or achievement vanity: which better predicts young consumers’ decision-making orientations?
Authors: Cengiz Hakan , Gokce Arpa Rabiya , Sezgin Kubra Nur
Published: June 2024

Purpose

This study aims to operationalize consumer decision-making styles as higher-order constructs and investigates the influence of two distinct subdimensions of consumer vanity – namely, appearance vanity and achievement vanity – on consumer decision-making orientations (CDMO).

Design/methodology/approach

Using data from an online survey of 319 young adults, the authors construct a higher-order structural model capturing the following three orientations: social/conspicuous, utilitarian and undesirable. The partial least squares structural equation modeling approach was used to test the validity of the higher-order structural model and the hypothesized relationships.

Findings

Results, confirming the higher-order structure of consumer decision-making styles, highlight the distinctive impacts of the vanity dimensions on different CDMOs. Specifically, appearance vanity predominantly affects social and undesirable orientations, and achievement vanity influences utilitarian orientation.

Originality/value

While several theoretical classifications of consumer decision-making styles have been proposed in the past, none of the earlier studies leveraged those classifications as higher-order models. Addressing this literature gap, this study provides empirical evidence associating CDMOs with a specific consumer trait – vanity – thereby validating the higher-order nature of consumer decision-making styles.
Risk factors for recurrent biliary obstruction following endoscopic biliary stenting in patients with unresectable ampullary cancer: A multicenter retrospective study
Authors: Sugiura Ryo , Kuwatani Masaki , Kin Toshifumi , Matsumoto Ryusuke , Ikeda Yuki , Sano Itsuki , Hirata Koji , Yoshida Makoto , Masaki Yoshiharu , Ono Michihiro , Hirata Hajime , Yamato Hiroaki , Onodera Manabu , Nakamura Hideaki , Taya Yoko , Ehira Nobuyuki , Nakajima Masahito , Kawabata Hidemasa , Ihara Hideyuki , Kudo Taiki , Kato Shin , Katanuma Akio ,   Hokkaido Interventional EUS/ERCP study (HONEST) group
Published: June 2024

Objectives

Unresectable ampullary cancer (AC) is a rare disease entity. The risk factors for recurrent biliary obstruction (RBO) following endoscopic biliary stenting (EBS) for unresectable AC remain unknown. In this study we aimed to evaluate the cumulative RBO rate and to identify risk factors for RBO following palliative EBS in patients with unresectable AC.

Methods

This multicenter retrospective observational study enrolled consecutive patients with unresectable AC who had undergone palliative EBS between April 2011 and December 2021. The cumulative rate of and risk factors for RBO following palliative EBS were evaluated via multivariate analysis.

Results

The study analysis comprised 107 patients with a median age of 84 years (interquartile range 79–88 years). Plastic stents (PSs) and self‐expandable metal stents (SEMSs) were placed in 53 and 54 patients, respectively. Functional success was accomplished in 104 (97.2%) patients. Of these, RBO occurred in 62 (59.6%) patients, with obstruction and complete/partial migration occurring in 47 and 15 patients, respectively. The median time to RBO was 190 days. Multivariate analysis showed that PS was associated with a higher rate of RBO compared to SEMS (hazard ratio [HR] 2.48;P < 0.01) and that the presence of common bile duct stones/sludge immediately after EBS was an independent risk factor for RBO (HR 1.99;P= 0.04).

Conclusions

The use of SEMS compared to PS during EBS reduced the time to RBO in patients with unresectable AC. Common bile duct stones/sludge immediately after EBS was a risk factor for RBO.
Effects of early social isolation and adolescent single prolonged stress on anxiety‐like behaviors and voluntary ethanol consumption in female Long Evans rats
Authors: Pitcairn Stacy R. , Ortelli Olivia A. , Weiner Jeffrey L.
Published: June 2024

Background

Exposure to stress during childhood and adolescence is a risk factor for alcohol use disorder (AUD) and comorbid conditions, including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). We previously established an adolescent social isolation (SI) model that leads to the emergence of a wide range of behavioral risk factors for AUD, including increased anxiety‐like behavior, locomotor activity, and ethanol consumption in male and female rats. Here, we sought to test the hypothesis that SI may increase vulnerability to single prolonged stress (SPS), a rodent model of PTSD.

Methods

Female Long Evans rats (n = 8/group) were either single‐housed or group‐housed (GH) (4/cage) on postnatal day 21. One week later, rats underwent testing in the open field test (OFT), elevated plus‐maze (EPM), and successive alleys test (SAT). Following initial behavioral testing, a subset of SI/GH rats were exposed to SPS. All rats were then tested on the novelty‐suppressed feeding test (NSFT) followed by fear conditioning and home cage two‐bottle choice to assess ethanol consumption.

Results

SI significantly increased activity in the OFT and anxiety‐like behavior on the SAT, but not the EPM. While SI and SPS alone had no effect on the NSFT, exposure to both stressors significantly increased approach latency. Complex effects of stress history were observed across a 3‐day fear conditioning paradigm and no group differences were observed with home cage ethanol consumption, regardless of prior ethanol exposure.

Conclusions

The results from this study provide novel evidence that SI interacts with SPS in female rats to influence behavior in assays of unconditioned anxiety‐like behavior (NSFT) and conditioned fear. Surprisingly, stress exposure had no effect on home cage ethanol consumption. Ultimately, these models provide useful avenues to examine the interaction between stressful experiences, alcohol exposure, biological sex, and the neurobiological adaptations underlying potential risk factors for psychiatric conditions.
The abundant fraction of soil microbiomes regulates the rhizosphere function in crop wild progenitors
Authors: de Celis Miguel , Fernández‐Alonso María José , Belda Ignacio , García Carlos , Ochoa‐Hueso Raúl , Palomino Javier , Singh Brajesh K. , Yin Yue , Wang Jun‐Tao , Abdala‐Roberts Luis , Alfaro Fernando D. , Angulo‐Pérez Diego , Arthikala Manoj‐Kumar , Corwin Jason , Gui‐Lan Duan , Hernandez‐Lopez Antonio , Nanjareddy Kalpana , Pasari Babak , Quijano‐Medina Teresa , Rivera Daniela S. , Shaaf Salar , Trivedi Pankaj , Yang Qingwen , Zaady Eli , Zhu Yong‐Guan , Delgado‐Baquerizo Manuel , Milla Rubén , García‐Palacios Pablo
Published: June 2024

The rhizosphere influence on the soil microbiome and function of crop wild progenitors (CWPs) remains virtually unknown, despite its relevance to develop microbiome‐oriented tools in sustainable agriculture. Here, we quantified the rhizosphere influence—a comparison between rhizosphere and bulk soil samples—on bacterial, fungal, protists and invertebrate communities and on soil multifunctionality across nine CWPs at their sites of origin. Overall, rhizosphere influence was higher for abundant taxa across the four microbial groups and had a positive influence on rhizosphere soil organic C and nutrient contents compared to bulk soils. The rhizosphere influence on abundant soil microbiomes was more important for soil multifunctionality than rare taxa and environmental conditions. Our results are a starting point towards the use of CWPs for rhizosphere engineering in modern crops.
Combination of risk alleles of PNPLA3, TM6SF2, and HSD17B13 of donors can predict recurrence of steatotic liver disease after liver transplantation
Authors: Makino Kenta , Ishii Takamichi , Ogiso Satoshi , Nakakura Akiyoshi , Nishio Takahiro , Fukumitsu Ken , Uebayashi Elena Yukie , Munekage Fumiaki , Horie Hiroshi , Iwaki Kentaro , Ito Takashi , Hatano Etsuro
Published: June 2024

Aims

This study aimed to identify the genetic risk factors from donors or recipients that contribute to postliver transplantation (LT) steatotic liver disease (SLD), focusing on the genetic risk score (GRS) based on single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in SLD patients.

Methods

This retrospective study included 55 Japanese SLD recipients and their respective donors. Genotyping of PNPLA3, TM6SF2, and HSD17B13 was undertaken, and the combined GRS was calculated. The relationship between the GRS and the incidence of posttransplant SLD was also evaluated.

Results

The SLD recipients had a high prevalence of post‐LT graft steatosis/steatohepatitis (76.4% and 58.2%, respectively). Although the recipients had a high frequency of risk alleles, there was no relationship between the number of risk alleles for each SNP and the incidence of posttransplant SLD. In contrast, an increased number of risk alleles for any SNP in the donor was correlated with high incidence rates of both post‐LT steatosis and steatohepatitis. A multivariable analysis showed that a high donor GRS was an independent risk factor for graft steatosis (odds ratio 8.77; 95% CI, 1.94–52.94; p = 0.009). Similarly, a high donor GRS was an independent risk factor (odds ratio 6.76; 95% CI, 1.84–30.78; p = 0.007) for post‐LT graft steatohepatitis.

Conclusions

Donor risk alleles of PNPLA3, TM6SF2, and HSD17B13, rather than recipient risk alleles, have been implicated in the development of posttransplant SLD. The combination of these donor risk alleles into a GRS could predict the development of posttransplant SLD.
Optimising Sowing Window for Wheat Cultivars Under RCP 4.5 and RCP 6.0 Scenarios During the 21st Century in Indian Punjab
Authors: Prabhjyot‐Kaur  , Sandhu Sandeep Singh , Kothiyal Shivani
Published: June 2024

A simulation study was conducted for assessing the climate change impact on wheat cultivars (HD2967 and PBW725) under RCP 4.5 and RCP 6.0 scenarios for four agroclimatic zones (AZ) of Punjab. The yield trend during 70 years (2025–95) using the CERES‐Wheat model was assessed for different sowing windows (end October to end November). The maximum/minimum temperature and rainfall, respectively, during the season varied between 25–27°C/9–12°C and 27–103 mm (AZ II), 24–27°C/8–13°C and 37–105 mm (AZ III), 24–26°C/9–12°C and 20–80 mm (AZ IV) and 23–26°C/9–12°C and 30–71 mm (AZ V). The climatic conditions largely vary across the state, because of which only AZs II, III and V were found productive for wheat crop with most of the years lying in the high yield (>5000 kg/ha) category. The sowing of HD2967 during mid to end November would be suitable adaptation strategy for wheat growers in the state.
Misinformation interventions decay rapidly without an immediate posttest
Authors: Capewell Georgia , Maertens Rakoen , Remshard Miriam , van der Linden Sander , Compton Josh , Lewandowsky Stephan , Roozenbeek Jon
Published: June 2024

In recent years, many kinds of interventions have been developed that seek to reduce susceptibility to misinformation. In two preregistered longitudinal studies (N1 = 503, N2 = 673), we leverage two previously validated “inoculation” interventions (a video and a game) to address two important questions in misinformation interventions research: (1) whether displaying additional stimuli (such as videos unrelated to misinformation) alongside an intervention interferes with its effectiveness, and (2) whether administering an immediate posttest (in the form of a social media post evaluation task after the intervention) plays a role in the longevity of the intervention. We find no evidence that other stimuli interfere with intervention efficacy, but strong evidence that immediate posttests strengthen the learnings from the intervention. In study 1, we find that 48 h after watching a video, participants who received an immediate posttest continued to be significantly better at discerning untrustworthy social media posts from neutral ones than the control group (d = 0.416, p = .007), whereas participants who only received a posttest 48 h later showed no differences with a control (d = 0.010, p = .854). In study 2, we observe highly similar results for a gamified intervention, and provide evidence for a causal mechanism: immediate posttests help strengthen people's memory of the lessons learned in the intervention. We argue that the active rehearsal and application of relevant information are therefore requirements for the longevity of learning‐based misinformation interventions, which has substantial implications for their scalability.
Unravelling infiltrating T‐cell heterogeneity in kidney renal clear cell carcinoma: Integrative single‐cell and spatial transcriptomic profiling
Authors: Chen Haiqing , Zuo Haoyuan , Huang Jinbang , Liu Jie , Jiang Lai , Jiang Chenglu , Zhang Shengke , Hu Qingwen , Lai Haotian , Yin Bangchao , Yang Guanhu , Mai Gang , Li Bo , Chi Hao
Published: June 2024

Kidney renal clear cell carcinoma (KIRC) pathogenesis intricately involves immune system dynamics, particularly the role of T cells within the tumour microenvironment. Through a multifaceted approach encompassing single‐cell RNA sequencing, spatial transcriptome analysis and bulk transcriptome profiling, we systematically explored the contribution of infiltrating T cells to KIRC heterogeneity. Employing high‐density weighted gene co‐expression network analysis (hdWGCNA), module scoring and machine learning, we identified a distinct signature of infiltrating T cell‐associated genes (ITSGs). Spatial transcriptomic data were analysed using robust cell type decomposition (RCTD) to uncover spatial interactions. Further analyses included enrichment assessments, immune infiltration evaluations and drug susceptibility predictions. Experimental validation involved PCR experiments, CCK‐8 assays, plate cloning assays, wound‐healing assays and Transwell assays. Six subpopulations of infiltrating and proliferating T cells were identified in KIRC, with notable dynamics observed in mid‐ to late‐stage disease progression. Spatial analysis revealed significant correlations between T cells and epithelial cells across varying distances within the tumour microenvironment. The ITSG‐based prognostic model demonstrated robust predictive capabilities, implicating these genes in immune modulation and metabolic pathways and offering prognostic insights into drug sensitivity for 12 KIRC treatment agents. Experimental validation underscored the functional relevance of PPIB in KIRC cell proliferation, invasion and migration. Our study comprehensively characterizes infiltrating T‐cell heterogeneity in KIRC using single‐cell RNA sequencing and spatial transcriptome data. The stable prognostic model based on ITSGs unveils infiltrating T cells' prognostic potential, shedding light on the immune microenvironment and offering avenues for personalized treatment and immunotherapy.
ATF3 is involved in rSjP40‐mediated inhibition of HSCs activation in Schistosoma japonicum‐infected mice
Authors: Li Jing , Zhang Jiali , Zhang Bei , Chen Guo , Huang Min , Xu Boyin , Zhu Dandan , Chen Jinling , Duan Yinong , Gao Wenxi
Published: June 2024

Schistosomiasis is a parasitic disease characterized by liver fibrosis, a process driven by the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and subsequent collagen production. Previous studies from our laboratory have demonstrated the ability of Schistosoma japonicum protein P40 (SjP40) to inhibit HSCs activation and exert an antifibrotic effect. In this study, we aimed to elucidate the molecular mechanism underlying the inhibitory effect of recombinant SjP40 (rSjP40) on HSCs activation. Using a cell model in which rSjP40 inhibited LX‐2 cell activation, we performed RNA‐seq analyses and identified ATF3 as the most significantly altered gene. Further investigation revealed that rSjP40 inhibited HSCs activation partly by suppressing ATF3 activation. Knockdown of ATF3 in mouse liver significantly alleviated S. japonicum‐induced liver fibrosis. Moreover, our results indicate that ATF3 is a direct target of microRNA‐494‐3p, a microRNA associated with anti‐liver fibrosis effects. rSjP40 was found to downregulate ATF3 expression by upregulating microRNA‐494‐3p in LX‐2 cells. This downregulation led to the inhibition of the expression of liver fibrosis proteins α‐SMA and COL1A1, ultimately alleviating liver fibrosis caused by S. japonicum.
Identification of RFC4 as a potential biomarker for pan‐cancer involving prognosis, tumour immune microenvironment and drugs
Authors: Yu Lei , Li Jing , Zhang Mingyang , Li Yu , Bai Jing , Liu Pengxia , Yan Jia , Wang Changshan
Published: June 2024

RFC4 is required for DNA polymerase δ and DNA polymerase ε to initiate DNA template expansion. Downregulated RFC4 inhibits tumour proliferation by causing S‐phase arrest and inhibiting mitosis, resulting in the reduction of tumour cells. RFC4 has been implicated that it plays an important role in the initiation and progression of cancers, but a comprehensive analysis of the role of RFC4 in cancer has not been performed. We comprehensively analysed the expression, prognosis, methylation level, splicing level, relationship of RFC4 and immune infiltration, and pan‐cancer immunotherapy response used various databases (including TCGA, GTEx, UALCAN, Oncosplicing, TIDE, TISCH, HPA and CAMOIP), and experimented its biological function in HCC. Through pan‐cancer analysis, we found that RFC4 is significantly upregulated in most tumours. The tumour patients with high expression of RFC4 have poor prognosis. The methylation level and variable splicing level of RFC4 were abnormal in most tumours compared with the adjacent tissues. Furthermore, RFC4 was closely associated with immune cell infiltration in various cancers. RFC4 was significantly co‐expressed with immune checkpoints and other immune‐related genes. The expression of RFC4 could indicate the immunotherapy efficacy of some tumours. The RFC4 expression was associated with sensitivity to specific small molecule drugs. Cell experiments have shown that downregulated RFC4 can inhibit cell cycle and tumour cell proliferation. We conducted a systematic pan‐cancer analysis of RFC4, and the results showed that RFC4 can serve as a biomarker for cancer diagnosis and prognosis. These findings open new perspectives for precision medicine.
A validation study of the accuracy of the atrial pace map assessed with intracardiac pattern matching: Potential utility of non‐pulmonary vein mapping
Authors: Wakamatsu Yuji , Nagashima Koichi , Hayashida Satoshi , Watanabe Ryuta , Hirata Shu , Hirata Moyuru , Sawada Masanaru , Kurokawa Sayaka , Okumura Yasuo
Published: June 2024

Background

Identification of infrequent nonpulmonary vein trigger premature atrial contractions (PACs) is challenging. We hypothesized that pace mapping (PM) assessed by correlation scores calculated by an intracardiac pattern matching (ICPM) module was useful for locating PAC origins, and conducted a validation study to assess the accuracy of ICPM‐guided PM.

Methods

Analyzed were 30 patients with atrial fibrillation. After pulmonary vein isolation, atrial pacing was performed at one or two of four sites on the anterior and posterior aspects of the left atrium (LA, n = 10/10), LA septum (n = 10), and lateral RA (n = 10), which was arbitrarily determined as PAC. The intracardiac activation obtained from each pacing was set as an ICPM reference consisting of six CS unipolar electrograms (CS group) or six CS unipolar electrograms and four RA electrograms (CS–RA group).

Results

The PM was performed at 193 ± 107 sites for each reference pacing site. All reference pacing sites corresponded to sites where the maximal ICPM correlation score was obtained. Sites with a correlation score ≥98% were rarely obtained in the CS‐RA than CS group (33% vs. 55%, P = .04), but those ≥95% were similarly obtained between the two groups (93% vs. 88%, P = .71), and those ≥90% were obtained in all. The surface areas with correlation scores ≥98% (0[0,10] vs. 10[0,35] mm2, P = .02), ≥95% (10[10,30] vs. 50[10,180] mm2, P = .002) and ≥90% (60[30,100] vs. 170[100,560] mm2, P = .0002) were smaller in the CS‐RA than CS group.

Conclusions

ICPM‐guided PM was useful for identifying the reference pacing sites. Combined use of RA and CS electrograms may improve the mapping quality.
Transgenerational cross‐susceptibility to heat stress following cold and desiccation acclimation in the Angoumois grain moth
Authors: Mpofu Precious , Machekano Honest , Airs Paul M. , Nyamukondiwa Casper
Published: June 2024

The Angoumois grain moth, Sitotroga cerealella (Olivier), is a significant cosmopolitan primary pest of cereals worldwide and has thrived in divergent environments. However, the mechanisms underlying its survival in multiple contrasting environments are poorly understood. Here, we hypothesised that when facing diverse environmental stress, F1 generation exhibits transgenerational cross‐protection as a mechanism to persist under divergent stressful environments. Notably, F1 acclimation to cold or desiccation conditions could either enhance or lower heat tolerance in the F2 generation. Specifically, we tested whether typical diurnal fluctuations and/or winter rapid or chronic cold temperatures (18–22°C) as well as desiccation acclimation of F1 parental population yields transgenerational cross‐protection/susceptibility to heat stress on F2 offspring. F1 moths were exposed to cold hardening (2 h), chronic (72 h) and variable (fluctuating between 18 and 22°C for 72 h) temperature treatment groups. Desiccation treatment included incubation at 0%–1% relative humidity (24 h). F2 generation moths were then assessed for heat tolerance using critical thermal maxima (CTmax) at three different ramping rates (0.06, 0.25 and 0.5°C/min) as well as heat knockdown time (HKDT). Findings indicated that (i) desiccation, cold hardening and chronic low‐temperature acclimations in F1 reduced heat tolerance in F2 populations and (ii) ramping rate was crucial to decipher differences between treatment groups, with lower ramping rates associated with lower CTmax. Transgenerational cross‐susceptibility to heat stress indicates possible fitness costs of exposure to multiple contrasting stressors in the Angoumois grain moth and can be used in designing physical pest management strategies.
What does racial ascription have to do with perception of Swedishness?
Authors: Osanami Törngren Sayaka , Nyström Marcus
Published: June 2024

How do Swedes, who are not exposed to administrative routines of reporting race and ethnicity, perceive, and categorize faces with different phenotypical features? This study examines identity contestation that can occur and address how race affects the way you are perceived as Swedish. A sample of Swedish participants were asked to assign racial categories to images of faces with different phenotypes, identify the skin color of the faces and rate how ‘Swedish’ the faces are perceived. We also use eye‐tracking to explore whether participants look differently at the faces of different racial groups. The results show greater identity contestation among Latino and Black faces. Moreover, while Swedish respondents identify the skin color of faces self‐identified as Black as darker compared to other racial backgrounds, the differences in skin color reported between Asian, White and Latinos were very small. Despite these small differences in the perception of skin color among Asian, White, and Latino faces, faces self‐reported as White were rated as significantly more Swedish by the respondents compared Asian and Latino faces. All these results contribute to the understanding of not only how race matters in Sweden but also to the understanding of constructivist nature of race.
Diagnóstico de hipoglucemia persistente en una unidad de recién nacidos: características para un análisis a cinco años
Authors: Serrano Sepúlveda María Carolina , Atencia Cindy Margarita , Montealegre Adriana del Pilar , Silva Valencia María Juliana , Gómez G. Ángela Camila , Herrera Verónica
Published: June 2024

Objetivo: Caracterizar a los pacientes con hipoglucemia persistente atendidos del 1 de enero del 2016 hasta el 31 de diciembre del 2021 en la unidad neonatal del Hospital Universitario San Ignacio (Colombia). Metodología: Estudio descriptivo de cohorte histórica. Resultados: De 6452 recién nacidos hospitalizados en la unidad de recién nacidos del Hospital San Ignacio, 390 (6%) tuvieron diagnóstico de hipoglucemia. De estos últimos pacientes, 17 (4,3% del total) tenían hipoglucemia persistente. La incidencia acumulada por año estuvo entre el 2% y el 11%. En el mismo periodo, por cada 1000 egresos hospitalarios en la unidad de recién nacidos, entre 1 y 7 pacientes tuvieron diagnóstico de hipoglucemia persistente. Conclusiones: La hipoglucemia persistente es una entidad poco frecuente; sin embargo, siempre debe tenerse en cuenta cuando se diagnostique hipoglucemia neonatal; adicionalmente, debe realizarse una muestra crítica en el periodo de hipoglucemia para establecer la etiología y ofrecer un tratamiento adecuado.
Ultrasound-guided thrombin injection combined with micro-coils embolization for treatment of thoracoacromial artery pseudoaneurysm
Authors: Bao Yuhan , Meng Qingkai , Xue Jie
Published: June 2024

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Piezogenic papules
Authors: Lebecque Olivier , Falticeanu Ana , Mulquin Nicolas
Published: June 2024

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Ultrasound examination for injury of the wrist extensor retinaculum
Authors: Wu Wei-Ting , Chang Ke-Vin , Mezian Kamal , Ricci Vincenzo , Özçakar Levent
Published: June 2024

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Recurrence of cardiac myxoma three decades after first extraction – never say never
Authors: Meter Mijo , Jurišić Zrinka , Fabijanić Damir
Published: June 2024

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An atypical case of pediatric anaplastic lymphoma kinase-positive anaplastic large cell lymphoma limited to the skin on chest wall detected by ultrasound
Authors: Li Yixuan , Tan Yifei , Luo Hong
Published: June 2024

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Fetal cerebral arteries in a new ultrasonographic perspective
Authors: Zhu Zhengfeng , Li He-Zhou , Wu Juan
Published: June 2024

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Unexpected finding: a patient with choledocholithiasis found mass at the lower end of common bile duct
Authors: Zhang Wei , Hou Sen-Lin , Lian Kun , Tian Jiao , Hou Yan-Kun , Zhang Li-Chao
Published: June 2024

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A case of alveolar soft tissue sarcoma detected by ultrasound examination
Authors: Zhao Yihan , Zhang Shuhe , Wang Dandan , Jin Guangming
Published: June 2024

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The ufmylation cascade controls COPII recruitment, anterograde transport, and sorting of nascent GPCRs at ER
Authors: Xu Xin , Huang Wei , Bryant Christian N. , Dong Zheng , Li Honglin , Wu Guangyu
Published: June 2024

Ufmylation is implicated in multiple cellular processes, but little is known about its functions and regulation in protein trafficking. Here, we demonstrate that the genetic depletion of core components of the ufmylation cascade, including ubiquitin-fold modifier 1 (UFM1), UFM1 activation enzyme 5, UFM1-specific ligase 1 (UFL1), UFM1-specific protease 2, and UFM1-binding protein 1 (UFBP1) each markedly inhibits the endoplasmic reticulum (ER)–Golgi transport, surface delivery, and recruitment to COPII vesicles of a subset of G protein–coupled receptors (GPCRs) and UFBP1’s function partially relies on UFM1 conjugation. We also show that UFBP1 and UFL1 interact with GPCRs and UFBP1 localizes at COPII vesicles coated with specific Sec24 isoforms. Furthermore, the UFBP1/UFL1-binding domain identified in the receptors effectively converts non-GPCR protein transport into the ufmylation-dependent pathway. Collectively, these data reveal important functions for the ufmylation system in GPCR recruitment to COPII vesicles, biosynthetic transport, and sorting at ER via UFBP1 ufmylation and interaction directly.
Applying whole genome sequencing to predict phenotypic drug resistance in
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
: leveraging 20 years of nationwide data from Denmark
Authors: Kurtzhals Mads Lindholm , Norman Anders , Svensson Erik , Lillebaek Troels , Folkvardsen Dorte Bek
Published: June 2024

Infection with
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
remains one of the biggest causes of death from a single microorganism worldwide, and the continuous emergence of drug resistance aggravates our ability to cure the disease. New improved resistance detection methods are needed to provide adequate treatment, such as whole genome sequencing (WGS), which has been used increasingly to identify resistance-conferring mutations over the last decade. The steadily increasing knowledge of resistance-conferring mutations increases our ability to predict resistance based on genomic data alone. This study evaluates the performance of WGS to predict
M. tuberculosis
complex resistance. It compares WGS predictions with the phenotypic (culture-based) drug susceptibility results based on 20 years of nationwide Danish data. Analyzing 6,230 WGS-sequenced samples, the sensitivities for isoniazid, rifampicin, ethambutol, and pyrazinamide were 82.5% [78.0%–86.5%, 95% confidence interval (CI)], 97.3% (90.6%–99.7%, 95% CI), 58.0% (43.2%–71.8%, 95% CI), and 60.5% (49.0%–71.2%, 95% CI), respectively, and specificities were 99.8% (99.7%–99.9%, 95% CI), 99.8% (99.7%–99.9%, 95% CI), 99.4% (99.2%–99.6%, 95% CI), and 99.9% (99.7%–99.9%, 95% CI), respectively. A broader range of both sensitivities and specificities was observed for second-line drugs. The results conform with previously reported values and indicate that WGS is reliable for routine resistance detection in resource-rich tuberculosis low-incidence and low-resistance settings such as Denmark.