bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A comparison of photographic and spectrometric methods to quantify the colours seen by animal eyes
Authors: Tedore Cynthia
Published: November 2023

Quantifying how colours stimulate animal eyes is an essential first step in many areas of biology, from behavioural and visual ecology to neuroethology. Although multiple methods exist, their relative accuracies remain untested, leaving researchers unsure which methods are most accurate and which might be unacceptably inaccurate.

Here, I compare measurements from reflectance spectrometry and four camera‐based techniques to ground‐truth spectroradiometric measurements of radiance, using eight diverse visual systems. Because errors may compound through successive calculations, I calculate not only relative quantum catches but also chroma and colour contrasts.

I find that filters mimicking photoreceptor spectral sensitivity curves, through either custom fabrication or weighted additive combinations of bandpass filters (‘computational filters’), as well as reflectance spectrometry, are the most accurate techniques, with most R2 > 0.98. Statistical filters trained on the library of reflectance spectra in the multispectral image calibration and analysis (MICA) toolbox lag behind in accuracy, particularly for dark colours, with R2 values dipping as low as 0.23. However, the performance of these filters is vastly improved (all R2 > 0.96) if one (a) uses the full UV–VIS range of camera and animal vision, even for animals lacking UV photoreceptors and (b) expands the library of training spectra to include simulated low‐reflectance spectra. Statistical filters trained on either a 24‐ or 45‐colour chart (an alternative method offered by the MICA toolbox) vary wildly in accuracy, with R2 values ranging from 0.11 to 0.94, and should not be trusted.

For those requiring point measurements only, reflectance spectrometry is highly accurate within the constraints described in the main text. Those using photography and desiring the highest levels of accuracy should opt for custom‐fabricated or computational filters. Statistical filters trained on the MICA toolbox's library of natural spectra can be expected to be reasonably accurate for many combinations of visual systems and stimuli, but only if (a) the full UV–VIS spectrum is used and (b) the training library is expanded to include simulated low‐reflectance spectra. Statistical filters trained on a colour chart are highly unreliable and their use should be discontinued.
Measurement of innovation efficiency in logistic enterprises: Evidence from China based on the three‐stage DEA‐Malmquist index model approach
Authors: Zhou Guanglan , Xu Yiru , Zhang Fangping
Published: November 2023

Continuous improvement of technological innovation ability, adjustment of the development strategy, and enhancement of operational performance are of great theoretical and practical significance for logistics enterprises. This paper aims to analyze and evaluate the innovation efficiency of the logistics industry. The study utilizes the static three‐stage DEA model and the dynamic Malmquist index model, considering a total of 12 indicators related to innovation input, output, and environmental variables. A dataset of 2940 entries from 49 listed logistics enterprises from 2017 to 2021 was calculated. The analysis provides insights into the innovation efficiency of logistics enterprises from a static perspective and the innovation total factor productivity from a dynamic perspective and decomposition terms. Based on the analysis of environmental variables by the SFA model, it was found that DEA inefficiency is the combined result of environmental factors and management inefficiency. Environmental variables have both positive and negative effects on innovation. The improvement of the economic development level will lead to excess R&D investment. Increased government simple fund subsidies are not conducive to the efficient allocation of innovation resources within enterprises. The expansion of enterprise scale will increase R&D personnel and investment in fixed assets. A thriving technology market can encourage enterprises to improve their own conversion rate of scientific and technological output and give full play to their innovation ability. The dynamic Malmquist model analysis reveals a recution in the overall innovation efficiency of listed logistics enterprises over 5 years. The changes in total factor productivity and technological progress efficiency of all listed logistics enterprises are synchronized, with most enterprises exhibiting higher technological progress efficiency compared to comprehensive technical efficiency. The total factor productivity of logistics enterprise innovation is mainly affected by comprehensive technical efficiency.
Programmatic approach to patients with advanced ischemic cardiomyopathy: Integrating microaxial support into strategies for the modern era
Authors: Maigrot Jean‐Luc A. , Weiss Aaron J. , Tong Michael Z. Y. , Bakaeen Faisal , Soltesz Edward G.
Published: November 2023

Patients with advanced ischemic cardiomyopathy manifesting as left ventricular dysfunction exist along a spectrum of severity and risk, and thus decision‐making surrounding optimal management is challenging. Treatment pathways can include medical therapy as well as revascularization through percutaneous coronary intervention or coronary artery bypass grafting. Additionally, temporary and durable mechanical circulatory support, as well as heart transplantation, may be optimal for select patients. Given this spectrum of risk and the complexity of treatment pathways, patients may not receive appropriate therapy given their perceived risk, which can lead to sub‐satisfactory outcomes. In this review, we discuss the identification of high‐risk ischemic cardiomyopathy patients, along with our programmatic approach to patient evaluation and perioperative optimization. We also discuss our strategies for therapeutic decision‐making designed to optimize both short‐ and long‐term patient outcomes.
Reduced neurogenesis in human hippocampus with Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Cao Yan , Liu Pan , Bian Hongfei , Jin Sixuan , Liu Jiaqi , Yu Ning , Cui Huan , Sun Fengrun , Qian Xiaojing , Qiu Wenying , Ma Chao
Published: November 2023

Adult hippocampal neurogenesis (AHN), essential for the plasticity of hippocampal structure and function, may be disrupted in Alzheimer‘s disease (AD). However, the relationship between the changes in AHN and AD‐related pathology in humans remains uncertain. By utilizing advanced immunostaining techniques, we could identify multiple biomarkers representing different stages of AHN in postmortem human hippocampal tissue that exhibited various AD‐related neuropathological changes. In this study, we observed a significant presence of neurogenic cells in the hippocampus's dentate gyrus (DG) region in 30 individuals, including 14 individuals diagnosed with AD‐related neuropathological changes and the remaining 16 individuals without any neurological diseases. Further investigation revealed that patients with AD exhibited pronounced astrogliosis and reduced neurogenesis. Specifically, the number of neuroblasts, immature and early mature granule cells decreased significantly as AD advanced. Although the number of neural stem cells (NSCs) remained unchanged in AD patients compared with mentally healthy individuals, they tended to be more quiescent state regulated by Notch and bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling pathways. These abnormalities were strongly associated with the neuropathological alterations in AD patients. These research findings provide potential insights into the underlying mechanisms that underpin the pathogenesis of AD.
Holmes tremor in progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy: A video case report
Authors: Matsushima Takako , Ikeguchi Ryotaro , Iijima Mutsumi , Shimomura Ayato , Takahashi Shuntaro , Nakamichi Kazuo , Shimizu Yuko , Kitagawa Kazuo
Published: November 2023

Background

Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) is a rare demyelinating disease of the central nervous system caused by the John Cunningham virus. Various brain regions are affected by PML. Therefore, patients with PML show various neurological symptoms. However, tremors are rare neurological symptoms of PML.

Case Presentation

A 49‐year‐old man developed intermittent slow tremor in the left hand, bilateral dysesthesia and gait disturbance. Brain magnetic resonance imaging showed hyperintense lesions in the right parietofrontal lobe, right thalamus, left middle cerebellar peduncle, left dentate nucleus, pons and medulla oblongata on fluid‐attenuated inversion recovery images. The patient was positive for HIV antibodies. In addition, HIV‐1 RNA was increased. Quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction identified John Cunningham virus DNA in the cerebrospinal fluid; HIV‐associated PML was diagnosed. Surface electromyography showed 3‐Hz grouped discharges in the left flexor carpi ulnaris and extensor carpi radialis, which were consistent with Holmes tremor (HT). Although we administered antiretroviral therapy and mirtazapine, the neurological and radiological findings progressively worsened, and the patient died on day 90. Including the present case, there have been 10 reported cases of PML with HT.

Conclusions

Although tremors are rarely observed in PML, HT might be a common tremor phenotype in patients with PML. If the neurologist observes HT in patients with multiple brain lesions, PML should be considered.
Functional analysis of the CTNS gene exonic variants predicted to affect splicing
Authors: Li Changying , Zhang Ruixiao , Pan Fengjiao , Xin Qing , Shi Xiaomeng , Guo Wencong , Qiao Dan , Wang Zhi , Zhang Yiyin , Liu Xuyan , Zhang Yan , Shao Leping
Published: November 2023

Cystinosis is a severe, monogenic systemic disease caused by variants in CTNS gene. Currently, there is growing evidence that exonic variants in many diseases can affect pre‐mRNA splicing. The impact of CTNS gene exonic variants on splicing regulation may be underestimated due to the lack of routine studies at the RNA level. Here, we analyzed 59 exonic variants in the CTNS gene using bioinformatics tools and identified candidate variants that may induce splicing alterations by minigene assays. We identified six exonic variants that induce splicing alterations by disrupting the ratio of exonic splicing enhancers/exonic splicing silencers (ESEs/ESSs) or by interfering with the recognition of classical splice sites, or both. Our results help in the correct molecular characterization of variants in cystinosis and inform emerging therapies. Furthermore, our work suggests that the combination of in silico and in vitro assays facilitates to assess the effects of DNA variants driving rare genetic diseases on splicing regulation and will enhance the clinical utility of variant functional annotation.
Outcomes of initially nonoperative management of diverticulitis with abscess formation in immunosuppressed patients. DIPLICAB study COLLABORATIVE group
Authors: Ocaña Juan , García‐Pérez Juan Carlos , Fernández‐Martínez Daniel , Aguirre Ignacio , Pascual Isabel , Lora Paola , Espin‐Basany Eloy , Labalde‐Martínez María , León Carmen , Pastor‐Peinado Paula , López‐Domínguez Carlota , Muñoz‐Plaza Nerea , Valle Ainhoa , Dujovne Paula , Alías David , Pérez‐Santiago Leticia , Correa Alba , Carmona María , Fernández‐Cebrián José María , Die Javier ,   collaborators from The DIPLICAB Study Collaborative Group
Published: November 2023

Aim

Management of diverticulitis with abscess formation in immunosuppressed patients (IMS) remains unclear. The main objective of the study was to assess short‐ and long‐term outcomes between IMS and immunocompetent patients (IC). The secondary aim was to identify risk factors for emergency surgery.

Methods

A nationwide retrospective cohort study was performed at 29 Spanish referral centres between 2015–2019 including consecutive patients with first episode of diverticulitis classified as modified Hinchey Ib or II. IMS included immunosuppressive therapy, biologic therapy, malignant neoplasm with active chemotherapy and chronic steroid therapy. A multivariate analysis was performed to identify independent risk factors to emergency surgery in IMS.

Results

A total of 1395 patients were included; 118 IMS and 1277 IC. There were no significant differences in emergency surgery between IMS and IC (19.5% and 13.5%, p = 0.075) but IMS was associated with higher mortality (15.1% vs. 0.6%, p < 0.001). Similar recurrent episodes were found between IMS and IC (28% vs. 28.2%, p = 0.963). Following multivariate analysis, immunosuppressive treatment, p = 0.002; OR: 3.35 (1.57–7.15), free gas bubbles, p < 0.001; OR: 2.91 (2.01–4.21), Hinchey II, p = 0.002; OR: 1.88 (1.26–2.83), use of morphine, p < 0.001; OR: 3.08 (1.98–4.80), abscess size ≥5 cm, p = 0.001; OR: 1.97 (1.33–2.93) and leucocytosis at third day, p < 0.001; OR: 1.001 (1.001–1.002) were independently associated with emergency surgery in IMS.

Conclusion

Nonoperative management in IMS has been shown to be safe with similar treatment failure than IC. IMS presented higher mortality in emergency surgery and similar rate of recurrent diverticulitis than IC. Identifying risk factors to emergency surgery may anticipate emergency surgery.
Patient reported long‐term side effects on bowel function and anal pain in anal cancer survivors – 3‐ and 6‐year results from the Swedish national ANCA study
Authors: Axelsson Anna , Johansson Mia , Haglind Eva , Li Ying , Nilsson Per J. , Angenete Eva
Published: November 2023

Aim

The primary therapeutic option for anal cancer treatment is chemoradiotherapy resulting in 80% survival. The aim of this study was to assess long‐term bowel function impairment and anal pain at 3 and 6 years after anal cancer diagnosis, based on a hypothesis of an increase in impairment over time. A secondary aim was to investigate if chemoradiotherapy increased the risk for bowel impairment, compared to radiotherapy alone.

Method

The ANal CAncer study (ANCA) consists of a national Swedish cohort of patients diagnosed with anal cancer between 2011–2013. Patients within the study were invited to respond to a study‐specific questionnaire at 3‐ and 6‐years after diagnosis. Descriptive analyses for the primary endpoint and ordinal logistic regressions for secondary endpoint were performed.

Results

A total of 388 patients (84%) were included in the study. At 3 years of follow‐up, 264 patients were alive. A total of 195 of these patients (74%) answered a study specific questionnaire, and at 6 years 154 patients (67%). Fifty‐seven percent experienced bowel urgency at both 3 and 6 years. There was an increased risk for repeated bowel movement within 1 h (OR 2.44 [95% CI: 1.08–5.61, p = 0.03]) at 3 years in patients who had been treated by chemoradiation compared to radiotherapy alone.

Conclusions

Impairment in bowel function and anal pain after anal cancer treatment should be expected and remains after 6 years. This suggests that long‐term follow‐up may be necessary in some form after customary follow‐up. The addition of chemotherapy increases long‐term side effects of bowel function.
TGF‐β3 mediates mitochondrial dynamics through the p‐Smad3/AMPK pathway
Authors: Du Xinmei , Duan Mengmeng , Kan Shiyi , Yang Yueyi , Xu Siqun , Wei Jieya , Li Jiazhou , Chen Hao , Zhou Xuedong , Xie Jing
Published: November 2023

It is well recognized that mitochondrial dynamics plays a vital role in cartilage physiology. Any perturbation in mitochondrial dynamics could cause disorders in cartilage metabolism and even lead to the occurrence of cartilage diseases such as osteoarthritis (OA). TGF‐β3, as an important growth factor that appears in the joints of OA disease, shows its great potential in chondrocyte growth and metabolism. Nevertheless, the role of TGF‐β3 on mitochondrial dynamics is still not well understood. Here we aimed to investigate the effect of TGF‐β3 on mitochondrial dynamics of chondrocytes and reveal its underlying bio‐mechanism. By using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) for the number and morphology of mitochondria, western blotting for the protein expressions, immunofluorescence for the cytoplasmic distributions of proteins, and RNA sequencing for the transcriptome changes related to mitochondrial dynamics. We found that TGF‐β3 could increase the number of mitochondria in chondrocytes. TGF‐β3‐enhanced mitochondrial number was via promoting the mitochondrial fission. The mitochondrial fission induced by TGF‐β3 was mediated by AMPK signaling. TGF‐β3 activated canonical p‐Smad3 signaling and resultantly mediated AMPK‐induced mitochondrial fission. Taken together, these results elucidate an understanding of the role of TGF‐β3 on mitochondrial dynamics in chondrocytes and provide potential cues for therapeutic strategies in cartilage injury and OA disease in terms of energy metabolism.
Gene polymorphism and prediction of toxicity to platinum‐based chemotherapy in patients with gynecologic cancer
Authors: Huang Xuan , Li Junmin , Pang Xiaoying , Zhu Jialei , Pan Jiaqian , Li Yueyan , Tang Jing
Published: November 2023

The relationship between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) at various loci and adverse drug reactions (ADRs) in patients with gynecologic cancer receiving platinum‐based chemotherapy (PPCT) remains unexplored. This research aimed to investigate the correlation between SNPs at several loci (e.g., GSTP1 rs1695, MTHFR rs1801133, XPC rs2228001, TP53 rs1042522, and ERCC1 rs3212986) and ADRs in patients with gynecologic cancer receiving PPCT. A total of 244 patients with gynecologic cancer who received first‐line PPCT were included in this retrospective study. Blood fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used to detect genotypes. Logistic regression, Pearson's Chi‐square test, and Fisher's exact test were used to explore the correlations between these SNPs and the occurrence of ADRs. The logistic regression results showed that different genotypes of the five genes had no statistical significance in the overall grade greater than or equal to 3 ADRs. The results of Pearson's Chi‐square test showed the same results. On specific adverse reactions, we found that the rs1042522 GG genotype significantly increased the risk of grade greater than or equal to 3 leucopenia compared with the CG and the CC genotypes (p = 0.002). The rs1695 AG genotype showed higher correlation for grade greater than or equal to 3 neutropenia (p = 0.020). The rs2228001 CC genotype also had a higher risk for grade greater than or equal to 3 neutropenia (p = 0.003). This study found that whereas the overall grade greater than or equal to 3 adverse reactions in patients with gynecologic cancer receiving PPCT were not associated with SNPs, specific SNPs (rs1042522 GG, rs1695 AG, and rs2228001 CC) were linked to higher risks of leucopenia and neutropenia, indicating their potential as predictors of hematotoxicity in PPCT‐treated patients with gynecologic cancer.
Safety, pharmacokinetics, and target engagement of a brain penetrant RIPK1 inhibitor, SAR443820 (DNL788), in healthy adult participants
Authors: Hincelin‐Mery Agnes , Nicolas Xavier , Cantalloube Cathy , Pomponio Robert , Lewanczyk Pascale , Benamor Myriam , Ofengeim Dimitry , Krupka Emmanuel , Hsiao‐Nakamoto Jennifer , Eastenson Amy , Atassi Nazem
Published: November 2023

SAR443820 (DNL788) is a selective, orally bioavailable, brain penetrant inhibitor of receptor‐interacting serine/threonine protein kinase 1 (RIPK1). This phase I first‐in‐human healthy participant study (NCT05795907) was comprised of three parts: randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled single ascending dose (SAD; part 1a); 14‐day multiple ascending dose (MAD; part 2) parts that evaluated safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics (PK), and pharmacodynamics of SAR443820; and a separate open‐label, single‐dose part 1b (PK‐cerebrospinal fluid [CSF]) to assess SAR443820 levels in CSF. SAR443820 was well‐tolerated in healthy participants, and no treatment discontinuation related to an adverse event (AE) occurred. Most common AEs were dizziness and headache. No clinically meaningful changes were noted in laboratory values, vital signs, or electrocardiogram parameters. SAR443820 had a favorable PK profile, with plasma half‐lives (geometric mean) ranged between 5.7–8.0 h and 7.2–8.9 h after single and repeated doses, respectively. There were no major deviations from dose proportionality for maximum concentration and area under the curve across SAR443820 doses. Mean CSF‐to‐unbound plasma concentration ratio ranged from 0.8 to 1.3 over time (assessed up to 10 h postdose), indicating high brain penetrance. High levels of inhibition of activated RIPK1, as measured by decrease in pS166‐RIPK1, were achieved in both SAD and MAD parts, with a maximum median inhibition from baseline close to 90% at predose (Ctrough) after multiple dosing in MAD, reflecting a marked RIPK1 target engagement at the peripheral level. These results support further development of SAR443820 in phase II trials in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (NCT05237284) and multiple sclerosis (NCT05630547).
Trends in illicit drug use and their association with HIV transmission risks from behavioural surveillance of Australian gay and bisexual men
Authors: Takeuchi Jumpei , Chan Curtis , MacGibbon James , Broady Timothy R. , Lea Toby , Mao Limin , Bavinton Benjamin R. , Holt Martin
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Investigating drug trends among Australian gay and bisexual men (GBM) is crucial for understanding levels of use and the potential for harm, including HIV transmission risk.

Method

Using repeated, national, cross‐sectional survey data collected between 2012 and 2021 (69,567 surveys), trends of recent (previous 6 months) and frequent (weekly) drug use were analysed, using logistic regression models. The last round of data from each jurisdiction (6709 surveys) was used to compare GBM who reported no use, infrequent (less than weekly) use and frequent (at least weekly) use of party drugs to investigate the association between party drug use and HIV transmission risk, using multinomial logistic regression models.

Results

There was a significant upward trend in any recent drug use (from 58.4% in 2012 to 64.1% in 2021; p < 0.001). Frequent party drug use remained a minority practice over the period (consistently less than 3%). In cross‐sectional analysis, frequent party drug users were more likely to report behaviours with HIV transmission risks, such as condomless anal intercourse without biomedical prevention strategies (30.0% vs. 13.1%; adjusted relative risk ratio [aRRR], 2.08; 95% CI, 1.24–3.47), weekly group sex (16.3% vs. 0.6%; aRRR, 12.36; 95% CI, 5.75–26.56) and more than 20 recent sexual partners (42.5% vs. 5.0%; aRRR, 21.44; 95% CI, 5.82–78.89), compared with GBM who did not use party drugs.

Discussion and Conclusion

Our findings suggest that the frequent use of party drugs remains a marker of HIV transmission risk among Australian GBM, despite the increased adoption of biomedical HIV prevention strategies over the past few years.
The effect of sleep disorders, school jet lag, and anxiety in students 8–10 years of age on traumatic dental injuries
Authors: Bernardino Veruska Medeiros Martins , de Lima Larissa Chaves Morais , Granja Gélica Lima , Neves Érick Tássio Barbosa , de Paiva Saul Martins , Granville‐Garcia Ana Flávia
Published: November 2023

Background/Aim

Traumatic dental injuries (TDI) constitute a public health problem. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether sleep disorders, school jet lag, and anxiety are associated with TDI in schoolchildren 8–10 years of age.

Methods

An analytical, cross‐sectional study was conducted with 739 pairs of parents/guardians and children enrolled in public and private schools. The parents/guardians answered a socioeconomic questionnaire, the Sleep Disturbance Scale for Children, Circadian Energy Scale, and Revised Children's Manifest Anxiety Scale. Four examiners underwent calibration exercises for the diagnosis of TDI (K > 0.80) using the criteria proposed by Andreasen (2007). A directed acyclic graph was used for the formulation of the theoretical model and statistical adjustments. Unadjusted and adjusted robust binary logistic regression analyses were performed (α = 5%).

Results

The prevalence of TDI was 16.2%. The following variables remained associated with the outcome in the final model: family income less than or equal to the minimum monthly wage (OR = 1.77; 95% CI: 1.09–2.88; p = .02), child's height >137.6 cm (OR = 1.68; 95% CI: 1.06–2.64; p = .02), the occurrence of school jet lag (OR = 2.12; 95% CI: 1.27–3.53; p = .004), anxiety (OR = 1.77; 95% CI: 1.04–3.00; p = .04) and sleep disorders (OR = 1.63; 95% CI: 1.38–1.93; p = .05).

Conclusion

Children from families with a lower income, taller children, those with school jet lag, those with anxiety and those with sleep disorders had a greater occurrence of TDI.
Existentialism and Exemplars
Authors: Kirkpatrick Kate
Published: November 2023

In this paper, Kate Kirkpatrick argues that the recent return to moral exemplars in exemplarist moral theory might benefit from engaging with existentialists' use of exemplars in two ways: first, by considering the role of negative exemplars and the power of emotions other than admiration in moral formation; and second, by considering objections to exemplarist education, in particular Simone de Beauvoir's objection that narrative exemplars often serve an ideological function and perpetuate oppressive ideals — especially (but not only) about women. After situating this discussion in ancient and recent debates about the role of literary narratives in moral formation, Kirkpatrick outlines a moral perfectionist reading of Beauvoir and an objection to exemplarist moral theory's reliance on exemplars that “we” admire on the basis that “the admirable” often serves to promote the interests of the powerful rather than the flourishing of all human beings. Finally, while agreeing with this symposium's editors that efforts to improve our understanding of how to use narrative exemplars in educational settings are valuable, she asks how, given the force of the Beauvoirian objection, their criterion of “appropriate critical reflection” might be met.
Exploring the role of attention towards balance in chronic dizziness: Development of the Balance Vigilance Questionnaire
Authors: Ellmers Toby J. , Kal Elmar C.
Published: November 2023

Background and purpose

Vigilance towards balance has been proposed to underpin various chronic dizziness disorders, including persistent postural–perceptual dizziness (PPPD). The objective of this study was to develop (through patient input) a validated balance‐specific measure of vigilance that comprehensively assesses the varied ways in which this construct may manifest.

Methods

We developed the Balance Vigilance Questionnaire (Balance‐VQ) through patient and clinician feedback, designed to assess vigilance towards balance. We then validated the questionnaire in 497 participants consisting of patients diagnosed with chronic dizziness disorders (including 97 individuals diagnosed with PPPD) and healthy controls.

Results

The final six‐item Balance‐VQ was shown to be a valid and reliable way to assess vigilance towards balance. Scores were significantly higher in individuals diagnosed with PPPD compared to controls. Although scores were also higher in the PPPD group compared to individuals with diagnosed vestibular disorders other than PPPD, Balance‐VQ scores did not discriminate between the two groups when confounding factors (including dizziness severity) were controlled for. Scores did, however, independently discriminate between the PPPD group and individuals who experience dizziness in daily life, but who have not been diagnosed with a neuro‐otological disorder.

Conclusions

Our findings confirm that the Balance‐VQ is a valid and reliable instrument for assessing vigilance towards balance. As symptom vigilance has been identified as a key risk factor for developing chronic dizziness following acute vestibular symptoms or balance disruption, we recommend using the Balance‐VQ as a screening tool in people presenting with such symptoms.
COVID‐19 vaccination and relapse activity: A nationwide cohort study of patients with multiple sclerosis in Denmark
Authors: Stastna Dominika , Elberling Frederik , Pontieri Luigi , Framke Elisabeth , Horakova Dana , Drahota Jiri , Nytrova Petra , Magyari Melinda
Published: November 2023

Background and purpose

We evaluated whether there was a difference in the occurrence of relapses pre‐ and post‐COVID‐19 vaccination in a nationwide cohort of Danish patients with relapsing multiple sclerosis.

Methods

We conducted a population‐based, nationwide cohort study with a cutoff date of 1 October 2022. We used McNemar tests to assess changes in the proportion of patients with recorded relapses within 90 days and 180 days before and after first vaccine dose, and a negative binomial regression model to compare the 90 and 180 days postvaccination annualized relapse rate (ARR) to the 360 days prevaccination ARR. Multivariate Cox regression was used to estimate relapse risk factors.

Results

We identified 8169 vaccinated (87.3% Comirnaty) patients without a recorded history of a positive COVID‐19 test. We did not find statistically significant changes in the proportion of patients with relapses in the 90 days (1.3% vs. 1.4% of patients, p = 0.627) and 180 days (2.7% vs. 2.6% of patients, p = 0.918) pre‐ and postvaccination. Also, a comparison of the ARR 360 days before (0.064, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.058–0.070) with the ARR 90 (0.057, 95% CI = 0.047–0.069, p = 0.285) and 180 (0.055, 95% CI = 0.048–0.063, p = 0.060) days after vaccination did not show statistically significant differences. Lower age, higher Expanded Disability Status Scale score, and relapse within 360 days before vaccination were associated with a higher risk of relapse.

Conclusions

We did not find evidence of increased relapse activity following the administration of the first dose of the COVID‐19 vaccine.
The extent of cytochrome P450 3A induction by antiseizure medications: A systematic review and network meta‐analysis
Authors: Cohen Hagar , Mahajna Ghadeer , Ben‐Shushan Tomer , Matok Ilan , Eyal Sara
Published: November 2023

Objective

Antiseizure medications (ASMs) are commonly categorized as enzyme‐inducers and non‐enzyme‐inducers based on their propensity to enhance the metabolism of concomitantly administered drugs. This systematic review and network meta‐analysis aimed to rank ASMs as cytochrome P450 3A (CYP3A)‐inducers based on a comparative assessment of ASM‐induced reduction in the concentrations of sensitive substrate drugs.

Methods

The protocol was registered with PROSPERO (International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews; CRD42022335846), and the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analysis) standards were followed. We searched MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane until March 14, 2023 without an initial date restriction. Data were additionally obtained via the US Food and Drug Administration database. Studies had to be prospective, with ASM monotherapy for ≥5 days. The primary parameter was the magnitude of change in the area under the concentration–time curve of CYP3A substrates following treatment with the ASM. The standardized mean difference (SMD) was used as the point estimate for the indirect comparisons between ASMs using the pairwise method. Bias risk was assessed using the PKclin tool.

Results

We identified 14 open‐label, fixed‐sequence studies with 370 participants. The effect size of 600 mg/day carbamazepine did not differ from those of 300 mg/day phenytoin (SMD = −.06, 95% confidence interval [CI] = −.18 to .07) and 200 mg/day cenobamate (SMD = −.11, 95% CI = −.26 to .04). Carbamazepine at 600 mg/day was the strongest CYP3A‐inducer (P‐score = .88), followed by carbamazepine 400 mg/day (.83), phenytoin 300 mg/day (.79), and cenobamate 200 mg/day (.73). Eslicarbazepine (800 mg/day) ranked higher than cenobamate 100 mg/day and oxcarbazepine 900 mg/day (.60, .39, and .37, respectively).

Significance

Despite the limited number of studies, our network meta‐analysis emphasizes that the magnitude of ASM effects on CYP3A substrate metabolism is a dose‐dependent continuum. When possible, ASM classification as inducers should apply cutoff values tailored to the outcome. Prescribers should monitor plasma concentrations or clinical effects of CYP3A substrates and consider selecting concomitant medications accordingly.
Shifts in bacterial traits under chronic nitrogen deposition align with soil processes in arbuscular, but not ectomycorrhizal‐associated trees
Authors: Piñeiro Juan , Dang Chansotheary , Walkup Jeth G. V. , Kuzniar Teagan , Winslett Rachel , Blazewicz Steven J. , Freedman Zachary B. , Brzostek Edward , Morrissey Ember M.
Published: November 2023

Nitrogen (N) deposition increases soil carbon (C) storage by reducing microbial activity. These effects vary in soil beneath trees that associate with arbuscular (AM) and ectomycorrhizal (ECM) fungi. Variation in carbon C and N uptake traits among microbes may explain differences in soil nutrient cycling between mycorrhizal associations in response to high N loads, a mechanism not previously examined due to methodological limitations. Here, we used quantitative Stable Isotope Probing (qSIP) to measure bacterial C and N assimilation rates from an added organic compound, which we conceptualize as functional traits. As such, we applied a trait‐based approach to explore whether variation in assimilation rates of bacterial taxa can inform shifts in soil function under chronic N deposition. We show taxon‐specific and community‐wide declines of bacterial C and N uptake under chronic N deposition in both AM and ECM soils. N deposition‐induced reductions in microbial activity were mirrored by declines in soil organic matter mineralization rates in AM but not ECM soils. Our findings suggest C and N uptake traits of bacterial communities can predict C cycling feedbacks to N deposition in AM soils, but additional data, for instance on the traits of fungi, may be needed to connect microbial traits with soil C and N cycling in ECM systems. Our study also highlights the potential of employing qSIP in conjunction with trait‐based analytical approaches to inform how ecological processes of microbial communities influence soil functioning.
Feminist ethnoracial entrepreneurship among Latina elite and middle‐class entrepreneurs
Authors: Santellano Karina , Vallejo Jody Agius
Published: November 2023

Latinas represent one of the fastest‐growing groups of entrepreneurs in the United States, yet they are understudied in entrepreneurship research. Through three case studies of middle‐class and wealthy Latinas, we explore how ethnorace, gender, immigration, class, and community shape their entrepreneurial endeavors as they practice what we refer to as feminist ethnoracial entrepreneurship–entrepreneurial endeavors that aim to empower, assist, and/or build community amongst women through ethnic and gender‐specific services and experiences. Feminist ethnoracial entrepreneurship, in theory, aims to mitigate ethnoracial and gender inequality. Our participants draw from their lived experiences to inform their entrepreneurial motivations to make a profit and a social difference. By incorporating research centered on feminist approaches to entrepreneurship, we show how gender and the ethnoracial context combine with class to shape Latina entrepreneurs' ethnoracial capitalism and community empowerment practices at the levels of institutions, in community spaces, and markets as they navigate broader structures of racial and gender inequality. Our participants challenge structural ethnoracial and gender exclusion via entrepreneurial endeavors in finance that aim to address gender and racial gaps in access to commercial capital, by opening Latino coffee shops rooted in community and feminist ideology, and by fashioning physical and digital makers markets grounded in Chicana/Latina Feminisms.
Tools of imperialism or sources of international law? Treaties and diplomatic relations in early modern and colonial Southeast Asia
Authors: Amirell Stefan Eklöf
Published: November 2023

The history of treaty‐making, diplomacy, and international law has traditionally been written from Eurocentric perspectives, but since the middle of the 20th century, Southeast Asia has attracted relatively much attention because of the region's importance for the 17th‐century Dutch jurist Hugo Grotius. More recently, however, the interest in Southeast Asia's role in the history of international law and diplomacy in the early modern period has become more oriented toward understanding the dynamics of international relations and cross‐cultural diplomacy in Southeast Asia itself, rather than focusing on the region's role in European legal and intellectual history. The prolific treaty‐making and other diplomatic activities of the Dutch East India Company (VOC) during the 17th and 18th centuries have been the object of several studies, highlighting how the company adopted Asian practices of statecraft and at times functioned as a traditional ruler, tributary or stranger‐king, rather than as an omnipotent colonial power. Moreover, several recent studies have expanded the study of diplomacy and treaty‐making in Southeast Asia to imperial powers other than the VOC and into the 19th century. With regard to the practice of treaty‐making during the colonial era, three main themes in the current state‐of‐the‐art are identified: 1) Southeast Asian and inter‐cultural perspectives on treaties and treaty‐making; 2) the question of mutual consent or coercion and violence in treaty‐making; and 3) discrepancies between Asian and European treaty texts and biases in printed and digitised compilations of treaties.
Cultural factors and low‐salt consumption: A mixed methods approach
Authors: Debucquet Gervaise , Lombart Cindy , Crucean Doina , Le‐Bail Alain , Le‐Bail Patricia
Published: November 2023

Because bread consumption significantly contributes to salt intake and health risk, the acceptance of low‐salt reformulations has mainly been examined from an organoleptic perspective. However, the influence of cultural patterns has largely been neglected; working in the French context, our study aimed to fill this gap by considering the conflicts between health and cultural norms associated with bread, a totem food. We adopted a sequential and mixed (qualitative and quantitative) research approach based on interviews to grasp the cultural representations associated with bread and to sodium‐reduction strategy and based on a quantitative survey at worksite canteens that combined the overall sensory appreciation of a reformulated bread, along with a questionnaire on motivations and attitudes. We used structural equation modeling to explore the acceptance of this new bread, as well as segment analysis to highlight the potential heterogeneity among consumers. The results showed the influence of sensory appreciation and health motivations, which were found to be highly determined by the perceived benefits of a low‐salt diet. Unexpectedly, an attachment to the cultural values associated with traditional bread and seeking hedonism through salty food did not inhibit the consumption of reformulated bread. We discussed the scope of an approach embracing the normative pluralism around a totem food to better envision the future of low‐salt bread in collective food services. Practical implications can help restaurant managers promote sodium‐reduced meals while ensuring compliance with social normativity and cultural values.
Les syndicats protègent‐ils l'emploi en période de crise économique? Une expérimentation naturelle permise par la pandémie de COVID‐19
Authors: KIM Woo‐Yung
Published: November 2023

L'auteur considère la pandémie de COVID‐19 comme un choc exogène et examine si les syndicats ont accepté un ajustement des salaires et du temps de travail pour protéger l'emploi de leurs membres pendant la crise économique qu'elle a déclenchée. L'analyse, réalisée à partir de données de panel portant sur la période 2018–2020 en République de Corée, montre que les salariés syndiqués avaient une probabilité 1,9 fois plus forte de conserver leur poste. Il n'y a pas de différence significative concernant l'évolution du salaire, mais le temps de travail a davantage diminué parmi les travailleurs syndiqués. L'auteur en déduit que pendant cette période les syndicats ont protégé l'emploi en réduisant le temps de travail sans jouer sur les salaires.
Information et comportement d'évitement: effets de la publication de données relatives à la pollution de l'air sur l'offre de travail en Chine
Authors: SHEN Yu , SUN Wenkai
Published: November 2023

Les auteurs examinent les effets de la pollution sur l'offre de travail, sous un angle peu étudié: la publication d'informations sur la pollution. S'appuyant sur le lancement du programme national de publication des chiffres de la pollution atmosphérique en Chine, ils montrent, grâce à une analyse en doubles différences et à des données d'enquête sur les travailleurs migrants, que la publicité de ces données a entraîné une baisse significative du temps de travail des métiers en extérieur, donc un changement de comportement, et que mesurer le coût de la pollution sans prendre en compte le problème de l'asymétrie de l'information pourrait engendrer des biais.
Perspectives of mental health clinicians on physical health of young people with early psychosis
Authors: Hui Ting Ting , Garvey Loretta , Olasoji Michael
Published: November 2023

The aim of this study is to explore the views and understanding of youth mental health clinicians with regard to the physical health of young people with early psychosis and their perspectives on lifestyle interventions improving the health and well‐being of young people with early psychosis. Physical health disparities leading to premature mortality among people with mental illness are well evident in the literature. Mental health and physical health are directly correlated. The risk of poor physical health often begins before the onset of mental ill health. Young people with early psychosis are highly susceptible to poor physical health. A co‐designed integrated approach focusing on early prevention and intervention in overall well‐being and health is imminent for this targeted population to prevent poor physical health trajectory across the lifespan. Ten clinicians were recruited and participated in this study through semi‐structured interviews. Five themes were identified: (i) Impact of early psychosis, (ii) Focus of care, (iii) Conversations around physical health, (iv) Co‐location of specialist roles and (v) Health literacy. The findings of this study confirm the dimensional impact of early psychosis on the well‐being and health of young people through the vicious cycle of early psychosis. Promotion of health literacy along with social connectedness and elements of self‐determination, as well as having a prime focus on the individuals' experience in the journey of health promotion through participation in lifestyle interventions, has been identified as critically prominent.
Monitoring COVID‐19 vaccine effectiveness against COVID‐19 hospitalisation and death using electronic health registries in ≥65 years old population in six European countries, October 2021 to November 2022
Authors: Kislaya Irina , Sentís Alexis , Starrfelt Jostein , Nunes Baltazar , Martínez‐Baz Iván , Nielsen Katrine Finderup , AlKerwi Ala'a , Braeye Toon , Fontán‐Vela Mario , Bacci Sabrina , Meijerink Hinta , Castilla Jesús , Emborg Hanne‐Dorthe , Hansen Christian Holm , Schmitz Susanne , Van Evercooren Izaak , Valenciano Marta , Nardone Anthony , Nicolay Nathalie , Monge Susana ,   VEBIS‐Lot4 working group
Published: November 2023

Background

Within the ECDC‐VEBIS project, we prospectively monitored vaccine effectiveness (VE) against COVID‐19 hospitalisation and COVID‐19‐related death using electronic health registries (EHR), between October 2021 and November 2022, in community‐dwelling residents aged 65–79 and ≥80 years in six European countries.

Methods

EHR linkage was used to construct population cohorts in Belgium, Denmark, Luxembourg, Navarre (Spain), Norway and Portugal. Using a common protocol, for each outcome, VE was estimated monthly over 8‐week follow‐up periods, allowing 1 month‐lag for data consolidation. Cox proportional‐hazards models were used to estimate adjusted hazard ratios (aHR) and VE = (1 − aHR) × 100%. Site‐specific estimates were pooled using random‐effects meta‐analysis.

Results

For ≥80 years, considering unvaccinated as the reference, VE against COVID‐19 hospitalisation decreased from 66.9% (95% CI: 60.1; 72.6) to 36.1% (95% CI: −27.3; 67.9) for the primary vaccination and from 95.6% (95% CI: 88.0; 98.4) to 67.7% (95% CI: 45.9; 80.8) for the first booster. Similar trends were observed for 65–79 years. The second booster VE against hospitalisation ranged between 82.0% (95% CI: 75.9; 87.0) and 83.9% (95% CI: 77.7; 88.4) for the ≥80 years and between 39.3% (95% CI: −3.9; 64.5) and 80.6% (95% CI: 67.2; 88.5) for 65–79 years. The first booster VE against COVID‐19‐related death declined over time for both age groups, while the second booster VE against death remained above 80% for the ≥80 years.

Conclusions

Successive vaccine boosters played a relevant role in maintaining protection against COVID‐19 hospitalisation and death, in the context of decreasing VE over time. Multicountry data from EHR facilitate robust near‐real‐time VE monitoring in the EU/EEA and support public health decision‐making.
The multiple container loading problem with loading docks
Authors: Rajaei Maryam , Moslehi Ghasem , Reisi‐Nafchi Mohammad
Published: November 2023

This paper introduces a multiple container loading problem with practical constraints and loading situations at several docks. In the real world, items may be stored on several loading docks in the depot. So, to pack items stored on a dock, it may be necessary to move or reload the items loaded into the container at the previous docks. We present a realistic definition of reloading conditions and design a temporary loading pattern for each dock to reduce the reloading effort. We propose a column generation‐based heuristic algorithm that uses a tree search to solve the subproblem. The proposed algorithm can solve benchmark instances with one loading dock with only a 1.3% deviation from the literature's best results. It can also solve real‐world instances with several loading docks in reasonable running times and reduce the total cost by 21.6%, compared to the case where only one loading dock is considered.
The performance of bank portfolio optimization
Authors: Coelho Catarina , Santos José Luis , Júdice Pedro
Published: November 2023

Given a liability structure, the bank portfolio optimization determines an asset allocation that maximizes profit, subject to restrictions on Basel III ratios and credit, liquidity, and market risks. Bank allocation models have not been tested using historical data. Using an optimization model based on turnover constraints, we develop such tests, which document the superior performance of optimization strategies compared to heuristic rules, resulting in an average annual out‐of‐sample outperformance of 15.1% in terms of return on equity using our data set. This outperformance is remarkable and contrasts with the reported underperformance of several portfolio optimization methods in the case of investment management.