bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Secreted cytokines from inflammatory macrophages modulate sex differences in valvular interstitial cells on hydrogel biomaterials
Authors: Félix Vélez Nicole E. , Tu Kristi , Guo Peng , Reeves Ryan R. , Aguado Brian A.
Published: November 2024

Patients with aortic valve stenosis (AVS) experience fibrosis and/or calcification in valve tissue, which leads to heart failure if left untreated. Inflammation is a hallmark of AVS and secreted cytokines from pro-inflammatory macrophages are thought to contribute to valve fibro-calcification by driving the activation of valvular interstitial cells (VICs) to myofibroblasts. However, the molecular mechanisms by which inflammatory cytokines differentially regulate myofibroblast activation as a function of biological sex are not fully defined. Here, we developed anin vitrohydrogel culture platform to culture male and female valvular interstitial cells (VICs) and characterize the sex-specific effects of inflammatory cytokines on VIC activation to myofibroblasts and osteoblast-like cells. Our data reveal that tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) modulates female-specific myofibroblast activation via MAPK/ERK signaling, nuclear chromatin availability, and osteoblast-like differentiation via RUNX2 nuclear localization. Collectively, hydrogel biomaterials as cell culture platforms are critical for distinguishing sex differences in cellular phenotypes.
Orthrus: an AI-powered, cloud-ready, and open-source hybrid approach for metaproteomics
Authors: Chiang Yun , Collins Matthew James
Published: November 2024

While metaproteomics provides invaluable insight into microbial communities and functions, significant bioinformatics challenges persist due to data complexity and the limitations of database searching. We introduceOrthrus, a hybrid approach combining transformer-basedde novosequencing (Casanovo) and database searching with rescoring (Sage+Mokapot). Benchmarking againstPEAKS®11,MaxQuant, andMetaNovo,Orthrusdemonstrates high peptide outputs, taxonomic diversity, and proteome coverage.Orthrusis Python-based and accessible to all via Google Colaboratory.
Temperature modulates the dissemination potential ofMicrosporidia MB,a malaria-blocking endosymbiont ofAnophelesmosquitoes
Authors: Otieno Fidel Gabriel , Barreaux Priscille , Belvinos Affognon Steeven , Makhulu Edward Edmond , Onchuru Thomas Ogao , Wairimu Anne Wambui , Omboye Stancy Mandere , King’ori Cynthia Nyambura , Mawuko Sokame Bonoukpoè , Kebira Anthony Nyamache , Herren Jeremy Keith
Published: November 2024

The endosymbiontMicrosporidia MBis a promising malaria control strategy that inhibits the development ofPlasmodiumnaturally inAnophelesmosquitoes. To be successful, it would be necessary to significantly increase the prevalence ofMicrosporidia MBin populations of malaria mosquitoes to decrease the malaria transmission potential of the mosquito population. However, very little is known about the role of temperature in driving the prevalence ofMicrosporidia MBinfections in mosquito populations. By rearing mosquito larvae under four air temperature regimes (22°C, 27°C, 32°C and 37°C), we show that warm temperatures favour the growth ofMicrosporidia MBinfected larvae. In addition,Microsporidia MBinfected larvae developed faster compared to the uninfected offspring of the same mothers. Starting with 10Microsporidia MBinfected mothers, our population growth model showed that, at 32°C, it would take 15-35 days to reach a population of 1000Microsporidia MBinfected mothers; this represents a dissemination potential of 4.7, 1.3 and 1.7 times higher compared to 22°C, 27°C and 37°C, respectively. Despite a relatively high mosquito mortality rate (20% more compared to 27°C), 32°C was estimated the best temperature for rearingMicrosporidia MBinfected larvae due to the shorter development time and high infection rate. This study gives insight into the favourable conditions forMicrosporidia MBmass rearing and potential release strategies in malarious regions.

Importance

Malaria parasites transmitted byAnophelesmosquitoes cause a life-threatening disease, imposing a massive toll on human health and economic sustainability in sub-Saharan Africa. Relying only on insecticide- and drug-based control products whose efficacy has been eroded by resistance to control malaria is not sufficient anymore. New innovative approaches are urgently needed andMicrosporidia MB, a naturally occurring symbiont across Africa is capable of inhibitingPlasmodiumtransmission inAnopheles gambiaes.l.. Its success in adverting a rebound of malaria cases will depend on the infection dynamic of the symbiont over time and space. Through experimental studies on field derived mosquitoes and mathematical modelling, we demonstrate thatMicrosporidia MBdissemination potential increase with temperature within a viable range forAnophelesmosquitoes, due to trade-offs between mosquito development and survival and the symbiont growth. Future studies should now investigate how fluctuating temperatures modulate thePlasmodiumtransmission blocking performance in nature.
Pan-Cancer Genetic Profiles of Mitotic DNA Integrity Checkpoint Protein Kinases
Authors: Rasteh Ayana Meegol , Liu Hengrui , Wang Panpan
Published: November 2024

BACKGROUND

The mitotic DNA integrity checkpoint signaling pathway is potentially involved in cancers that regulate genomic stability where protein kinases play a pivotal role. 16 total protein kinase genes are involved in this pathway: ATM, BRSK1, CDK1, CDK2, CHEK1, CHEK2, MAP3K20, NEK11, PLK1, PLK2, PLK3, PRKDC, STK33, TAOK1, TAOK2, and TAOK3. This study aims to provide pan-cancer profiles of the protein kinases in mitotic DNA integrity checkpoint signaling gene set for potential prognostic and diagnostic purposes, as well as future potential therapeutic targets for cancer in a clinical setting.

METHODS

Multi-omic data was acquired for the 16 genes; over 9000 samples of 33 types of cancer were analyzed to create pan-cancer profiles of SNV, CNV, methylation, mRNA expression, pathway crosstalk, and microRNA regulation networks.

RESULTS

The SNV profile showed that most of these genes have a high SNV mutation frequency across some cancer types, such as UCEC and SKCM. The CNVs of some of these genes are associated with the survival of UCEC, KIRP, and LGG. BRCA, KIRC, LUAD, and STAD might be affected by the mRNA expression of these genes which might involve regulation of copy number, methylation, and miRNA. In addition, these genes also cross-talk with some known cancer pathways.

CONCLUSION

The protein kinases in mitotic DNA integrity checkpoint signaling may play a role in cancer development and, with adequate research, could potentially be developed as biomarkers for cancer diagnosis and prognosis. However, further efforts are necessary to validate their clinical value for diagnosis and prognosis and to develop practical applications in clinical settings. Nevertheless, these pan-cancer profiles offer a better overall understanding as well as useful information for future reference regarding mitotic DNA integrity checkpoint signaling in cancer.
From initiations to sales: leveraging social media referral initiatives on customer willingness to participate in the cosmetics landscape in Sri Lanka
Authors: Jayasuriya Nisha , Jayasinghe Punmadara Shyam Kumari , Rajapaksha Ashani , Dharmasiri Tharushi , Sumanasinghe Damith , Dasanayake Ayesha
Published: November 2024

Purpose

Referral marketing can be identified as the commercial form used to encourage word-of-mouth (WOM) communication. It has become popular in recent times, supporting organisations to attract new customers towards making strides in how customers are pursued to purchase certain types of products/industries. However, some factors impact the success of referral marketing programmes. This study focuses on analysing the impact of such factors as brand, rewards and celebrity endorsement on user engagement in social media referral marketing programmes.

Design/methodology/approach

Further, this study discusses the moderating impact of social ties on this relationship mainly focusing on the cosmetic industry. The data were collected from respondents with exposure to referral marketing programmes through the social media platforms: Facebook, LinkedIn, WhatsApp and Instagram. The structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) was used to analyse the data collected.

Findings

The results of the study revealed that brand, reward and celebrity endorsement significantly impact the participation willingness of customers in social media referral marketing programmemes. Moreover, it showed that the social tie moderates only the brand impact on the participation willingness of customers, whereas it does not moderate the impact of rewards and celebrity endorsement on the participation willingness of customers. In doing so, the study looks extensively into the elements that drive or shape customer behaviour within this specific market niche by investigating the effect of brand, incentives and endorsements by celebrities on customer engagement.

Originality/value

Accordingly, this study sheds light on the complex relationship among brands, rewards and celebrity endorsements, while also considering social ties within the context of social media referral marketing initiatives. It also delivers useful information for academics as well as practitioners. Limited studies have been conducted in this field, and therefore, this study adds some knowledge, also highlighting the moderation effect of social ties.
Indulging in virtual luxuries: unveiling the allure of impulse buying in metaverse
Authors: Jee Teck Weng , Zhao Si-Di , Wee Gabriel Wei-En , Kalantari Hassan D , Wei-Han Tan Garry
Published: November 2024

Purpose

This study aimed to examine consumers’ impulse purchases of luxury products in the metaverse, specifically by exploring how consumers’ motivational and emotional experiences affect virtual luxury product purchases in the metaverse.

Design/methodology/approach

An online survey was administered to a total of 230 users of various metaverse platforms in China. The data were analysed using partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) disjoint two-stage approach.

Findings

The findings indicated that motivational experience (goal importance and goal interest) and positive emotion (fantasy, feeling and fun) have positive effects on impulse buying of luxury products in the metaverse, but none for negative emotions (loneliness and isolation).

Practical implications

This study indicated that understanding and leveraging consumers’ motivational experiences and positive emotions can drive their impulse buying behaviour of luxury products in the metaverse, hence providing virtual and brand retailers with a testbed for their products before they launch in the physical market.

Originality/value

This study enriches our comprehension of consumers’ metaverse luxury purchases by delving into the impacts of motivational and emotional experiences on impulse buying behaviours.
Effects of entrepreneurial bricolage on innovation performance and firm performance: perspectives from Ghanaian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)
Authors: Abukari Abdul Jelil , Li Wenyuan , Alhassan Alolo Abdul Rasheed Akeji , Wisdom Wise Kwabla Pomegbe , Epezagne Assamala Ingrid Ruth , Sulemana Ibrahim
Published: November 2024

Purpose

The study constructs a novel theoretical model based on resource orchestration theory and examines it using data from Ghanaian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Design/methodology/approach

Entrepreneurial bricolage (EB) represents a creative mechanism by which SMEs navigate resource challenges to become competitive. The purpose of this paper is to examine the link between EB to both innovation performance and firm performance among manufacturing SMEs in Ghana. In addition, we also examine the mediating role of polychronicity in the relationship between EB, innovation performance and firm performance.

Findings

The results suggest that EB positively and significantly influences both innovation performance and firm performance. Furthermore, polychronicity partially mediates the relationship between EB and innovation performance and between EB and firm performance.

Originality/value

This study enhances our understanding of the conditions under which EB may facilitate the attainment of innovation and firm performance among manufacturing SMEs. These findings also proffer practical and managerial implications for managing SMEs under resource constraints.
Breeding distrust during artificial intelligence (AI) era: how technological advancements, job insecurity and job stress fuel organizational cynicism?
Authors: Sharma Kanika , Davidson Benny Godwin J. , George Jossy P. , Muttungal Peter Varghese
Published: November 2024

Purpose

This study examines how technological advancements and psychological capital contribute to job stress. Furthermore, the paper examines how job insecurity, job stress and job involvement influence the cynicism of recently laid-off employees. Despite various research studies, there is a lack of understanding of employees’ views on their work future and its probable influence on their job behaviors in this era of technology.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative method was used to collect a sample of 403 recently laid-off employees. The research tool of this study was a questionnaire, and the sampling technique was stratified random sampling. IBM SPSS and AMOS software were utilized to ensure the trustworthiness and accuracy of constructs via factor analysis. The proposed hypotheses were tested using structural equation modeling.

Findings

The analysis showed that technological advancements, specifically in job-related stress, job involvement and job insecurity, significantly affect organizational cynicism. Job involvement is negatively associated with employee’s cynicism.

Practical implications

The current study adds to the comprehension of shifts in the perceived behavior of employees toward their organizations due to factors like the adoption of new technology in the organization, job stress, job insecurity and job involvement. Accordingly, there will be a need to form a favorable working atmosphere so that employees can perform their jobs with positive psychology and without any insecurity or stress.

Originality/value

The study is thought to contribute to the literature in terms of measuring organizational cynicism while layoffs continue due to AI advancements.
Extracurricular internships and university students’ evaluation of higher learning: a cross-cultural adaptation perspective
Authors: Li Huan , Dai Weiwei , Li Xiaoshi
Published: November 2024

Purpose

As competition in the graduate labor market intensifies, extracurricular internships have become increasingly popular among university students. This paper explores whether and how students’ evaluation of the higher learning that they have received changes during extracurricular internships.

Design/methodology/approach

We interviewed 47 undergraduate students who had extracurricular internships across five Chinese universities. Data were analyzed innovatively through the lens of cross-cultural adaptation theory, which guides us to view internships as a transition from university culture to workplace culture through the stress-adaptation-growth dynamic.

Findings

The findings reveal that participants faced stress from multiple sources at the beginning of their internships, which collectively prompted them to adapt proactively to the workplace culture. While acquiring new habits and trying to acculturate into the surrounding work milieu, many participants deculturated from their old habits and student identity, putting aside higher learning. As the adaptation progressed, over half of the participants even began to critique university curricula and depreciate the value of higher learning.

Originality/value

The study offers theoretical insights into internships and the broader university-to-work transition as well as practical implications for universities in balancing learning and employability goals from a novel cross-cultural adaptation perspective.
Evaluating the benefits and risks of facial recognition payment systems adoption in Malaysia
Authors: Lim Hui Ting , Vafaei-Zadeh Ali , Hanifah Haniruzila , Nikbin Davoud
Published: November 2024

Purpose

Current developments in the FinTech payment industry have shown a rapid revolution in Industry 4.0, and understanding the factors affecting individual acceptance of facial recognition payment (FRP) is crucial. Hence, this study aims to evaluate the benefits and risks of FRP system adoption in Malaysia.

Design/methodology/approach

The perceived risks and benefits framework is adopted as the foundation in this study to examine the various risks and benefits that users perceive, along with the trust factor, to study the relationships between these variables. Data were collected via an online questionnaire, and the hypotheses were tested using Partial Least Squares analysis on 277 responses.

Findings

The results revealed that perceived risk is a significant predictor of users' intention to use the FRP system. Privacy risk and financial risk significantly influence perceived risks, while security risk does not. Although convenience, perceived ease of use and perceived trust positively influence perceived benefits, perceived benefits do not significantly influence adoption intention. Moreover, perceived trust negatively affects perceived risks while positively affecting both perceived benefits and adoption intention. Additionally, personal innovativeness moderates the relationship between perceived risks and the intention to use the FRP system.

Practical implications

This study helps policymakers and service providers understand individuals’ concerns and expectations regarding FRP systems. It aids practitioners in developing strategies to build trust, address innovativeness differences and mitigate risks, serving as a roadmap for integrating these systems into Malaysia's financial landscape.

Originality/value

This study distinguishes itself from prior research by evaluating FRP system adoption in Malaysia through the lens of perceived risks and benefits framework. It also explores personal innovativeness as a moderator, examining its impact on the relationship between usage intention and perceived risks and benefits. Additionally, it highlights perceived trust as a crucial factor influencing individuals' intention to adopt FRPs.
Exploiting a non-mainstream financial scheme to innovate: SMEs in the developing world
Authors: Tajeddin Mahdi , Simba Amon , Liguori Eric W. , Edeh Jude , Nuhu Nuraddeen
Published: November 2024

Purpose

The study aims to explore the role of non-mainstream financial schemes in supporting innovation within SMEs in developing countries, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. It investigates how informal credit, business group affiliation and foreign and state ownership arrangements influence SMEs’ innovative activities in environments with limited access to formal financial resources.

Design/methodology/approach

The research utilizes data from the World Bank’s Enterprise Surveys, focusing on 8,466 firms across 11 sub-Saharan African countries from 2011 to 2020. A logistic regression analysis was conducted to assess the impact of various financial sources on SMEs’ innovation outputs, particularly incremental innovations, due to data constraints on radical innovations.

Findings

The findings reveal that informal credit significantly supports SME innovation, while business group resources can hinder innovative activities by restricting firms to routine tasks. State ownership positively influences innovation, whereas the impact of foreign ownership is inconclusive. These results highlight the critical role of alternative financial mechanisms in the innovation activities of SMEs in resource-limited settings.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature by providing empirical evidence on the effects of non-mainstream financial schemes on SME innovation in developing countries. It offers new theoretical insights into how SMEs navigate financial constraints to foster innovation and suggests policy implications for improving financial support systems for SMEs in such contexts. The research underscores the importance of contextualizing entrepreneurship studies to better understand the unique challenges and opportunities faced by SMEs in developing regions.
The faster the better? Comparing sustainability performance information in fast and luxury fashion
Authors: Tickle Matthew , Hannibal Claire , Zapparoli Mieda
Published: November 2024

Purpose

Fashion brands, including fast and luxury segments, receive harsh criticism for engaging in unethical practices such as poor working conditions and environmental damage. As a result, fashion supply chains are pressured by stakeholders to publicly disclose internal supply chain performance information and to show a high level of supply chain transparency. This paper compares supply chain transparency in fast and luxury fashion in Europe.

Design/methodology/approach

By applying the maturity curve of fashion supply chain transparency, developed by Muratore and Marques (2022), the websites of 20 fast and 20 luxury fashion brands were analysed and classified as Opaque, Translucent or Transparent.

Findings

Despite its reputation, fast fashion demonstrated higher levels of transparency than luxury fashion. Luxury fashion only performed better in terms of the accessibility of sustainability information. Luxury brands avoided disclosing key transparency information, suggesting that they may be operating in contradiction to that which is inferred on their websites.

Originality/value

The findings of the study shed light on the sustainability credentials of the fashion industry, which has the potential to influence the purchase intentions of consumers, particularly millennials and Generation Z. Implications for practice are developed to highlight how fashion can improve its supply chain transparency.
ISO 9001 as a catalyst: linking staff training to university performance
Authors: Iqbal Shahzaf
Published: November 2024

Purpose

This study investigates the impact of staff training on university performance (UP), focusing particularly on the mediating role of ISO 9001 implementation in the higher education (HE) sector.

Design/methodology/approach

Employing a quantitative research design, data were collected via online surveys using purposive sampling techniques from academic and administrative staff affiliated with ISO 9001-certified universities. Subsequent analysis utilized SmartPLS-4 software.

Findings

The findings indicate that staff training significantly influences both ISO 9001 standard implementation and UP. Additionally, the mediating effect of ISO 9001 in the relationship between staff training and UP was found to be positive and significant.

Research limitations/implications

Limitations of the study include its cross-sectional design, reliance on purposive sampling and exclusive focus on academic and administrative staff from seven ISO-certified universities in Pakistan, potentially limiting generalizability. Nonetheless, the study enriches the discourse on quality management in HE by emphasizing the role of staff training in fostering knowledge creation and enhancing staff competencies within organizational learning theory (OLT), and by integrating ISO 9001 into the dynamic capability theory (DCT) framework.

Practical implications

The study provides practical insights for policymakers, administrators and quality managers, emphasizing the importance of staff training, resource allocation for compliance and continuous improvement efforts to effectively implement ISO 9001 requirements and enhance overall UP.

Originality/value

This study contributes by introducing ISO 9001 adoption as a mediator between staff training and UP while integrating OLT and DCT theories within the university context.
Analyzing Healthcare Production Under Uncertainty in a State‐Contingent Framework
Authors: Shankar Sriram
Published: November 2024

In health care, decision‐makers grapple with uncertainty, influencing production choices. This paper introduces a model exploring healthcare production under uncertainty using a state‐contingent framework. Employing a parametric model and a general utility function, it calculates decision‐makers' subjective probabilities for potential future states. Through numerical examples, it illustrates how optimal production choices are made. The model defines production technologies as state‐allocable, facilitating resource allocation among various states and allowing for substitution of state‐specific outputs. This approach offers more flexibility compared to traditional production analyses, empowering healthcare producers to better adapt and respond to uncertainties.
Navigating the Limits of Diagnosis: Young Adults' Experiences of Chronic Living
Authors: Harper Imogen , Kenny Katherine , Broom Alex
Published: November 2024

Young adults living with chronic illness often experience considerable uncertainty across the emotional, cultural and medical spheres of their everyday lives. The process of seeking, receiving and reckoning with a diagnosis has frequently been an in‐road for qualitative examinations of these experiences. As a result, the biomedical diagnosis has often taken centre stage in research concerning how uncertainty is managed and/or more stability is found. However, the significance of diagnosis can shift over time, and in many cases, the promise of diagnosis deteriorates as life unfolds. This study draws on a series of in‐depth qualitative interviews with 33 young adults (ages 19–29) living with a range of chronic illnesses, which include auto‐immune illnesses, fatigue syndromes and neurological conditions. Undertaking an inductive interpretative analysis based on constructivist grounded theory, we examine the role and meaning of diagnosis for our participants and find that they iteratively de‐centre diagnosis in various circumstances. We suggest that while the way young adults manage chronic illness may involve seeking a diagnosis, navigating the shortcomings of diagnosis takes a significant emotional toll, and a failure to recognise this work is one important way that the experience of chronic illness when young can be misunderstood.
Microbial biosensors for diagnostics, surveillance and epidemiology: Today's achievements and tomorrow's prospects
Authors: Capin Julien , Chabert Emile , Zuñiga Ana , Bonnet Jerome
Published: November 2024

Microbial biosensors hold great promise for engineering high‐performance, field‐deployable and affordable detection devices for medical and environmental applications. This review explores recent advances in the field, highlighting new sensing strategies and modalities for whole‐cell biosensors as well as the remarkable expansion of microbial cell‐free systems. We also discuss improvements in robustness that have enhanced the ability of biosensors to withstand the challenging conditions found in biological samples. However, limitations remain in expanding the detection repertoire, particularly for proteins. We anticipate that the AI‐powered revolution in protein design will streamline the engineering of custom‐made sensing modules and unlock the full potential of microbial biosensors.
Design, potential and limitations of conjugation‐based antibacterial strategies
Authors: Derollez Elisabeth , Lesterlin Christian , Bigot Sarah
Published: November 2024

Over the past few decades, the global spread of antimicrobial resistance has underscored the urgent need to develop innovative non‐antibiotic antibacterial strategies and to reduce antibiotic use worldwide. In response to this challenge, several methods have been developed that rely on gene transfer by conjugation to deliver toxic compounds or CRISPR systems specifically designed to kill or resensitize target bacterial strains to antibiotics. This review explores the design, potential, and limitations of these conjugation‐based antibacterial strategies, focusing on the recent advances in the delivery of CRISPR systems as antibacterial effectors.
Aggregate tone and gross domestic product
Authors: Demers Elizabeth , Gaertner Fabio B. , Kausar Asad , Li Heather , Steele Logan B.
Published: November 2024

We examine whether the change in earnings announcement textual tone, aggregated across individual publicly traded firms, helps predict gross domestic product (GDP) growth. The literature finds that changes in aggregate accounting earnings do help predict GDP growth, but only when aggregate earnings changes are negative. Because conservative accounting rules limit managers' ability to communicate positive news promptly, we examine the tone of quarterly corporate earnings announcements as a possible source of timely positive information provided by firms. We find that the change in aggregate tone in the earnings announcements from the same quarter in the previous year predicts one‐quarter‐ahead GDP growth, but only when the change is positive. Our study contributes to the literature by investigating the relation between aggregate corporate disclosure tone and macroeconomic outcomes.
Age‐related loss of intestinal barrier integrity plays an integral role in thymic involution and T cell ageing
Authors: Conway Jessica , De Jong Erica N. , White Andrea J. , Dugan Ben , Rees Nia Paddison , Parnell Sonia M. , Lamberte Lisa E. , Sharma‐Oates Archana , Sullivan Jack , Mauro Claudio , van Schaik Willem , Anderson Graham , Bowdish Dawn M. E. , Duggal Niharika A.
Published: November 2024

The intestinal epithelium serves as a physical and functional barrier against harmful substances, preventing their entry into the circulation and subsequent induction of a systemic immune response. Gut barrier dysfunction has recently emerged as a feature of ageing linked to declining health, and increased intestinal membrane permeability has been shown to promote heightened systemic inflammation in aged hosts. Concurrent with age‐related changes in the gut microbiome, the thymic microenvironment undergoes a series of morphological, phenotypical and architectural alterations with age, including disorganisation of the corticomedullary junction, increased fibrosis, increased thymic adiposity and the accumulation of senescent cells. However, a direct link between gut barrier dysbiosis and thymic involution leading to features of immune ageing has not been explored thus far. Herein, we reveal strong associations between enhanced microbial translocation and the peripheral accumulation of terminally differentiated, senescent and exhausted T cells and the compensatory expansion of regulatory T cells in older adults. Crucially, we demonstrate that aged germ‐free mice are protected from age‐related increases in intestinal permeability, highlighting the direct impact of mucosal permeability on thymic ageing. Together, these findings establish a novel mechanism by which gut barrier dysfunction drives systemic activation of the immune system during ageing through thymic involution. This enhances our understanding of drivers of T cell ageing and opens up the possibility for the use of microbiome‐based interventions to restore immune homeostasis and promote healthy ageing in older adults.
Accredited investor tests: How to balance, access, entrepreneurial funding, and investor protection?
Authors: Humphery‐Jenner Mark
Published: November 2024

Regulators seek to balance investor protection with the costs of that protection. This often leads to a distinction between “accredited” and “retail” investors. Only “accredited” investors can invest in certain “risky” or “illiquid” assets, including start‐ups and wholesale funds. But what should be the “bar” to be classified as “accredited”? Should people be able to qualify via income, wealth, or education? Should they be able to self‐certify? Thus, this article considers the situation in the US, UK, and Australia and argues in favour of letting people qualify via wealth, income, and education and being able to self‐certify.
Twelve‐year review of horse‐related trauma registry presentations to a regional Australian Emergency Department
Authors: Neville Emily K. , Neville Christine C. , Hicks Henry
Published: November 2024

Background

The size, strength, and unpredictability of horses, makes any interaction a potential situation for minor to severe injury. Despite this, horses continue to be popular for work and recreational activities. There have been five recent Australian publications that have examined various aspects of horse‐related trauma, but none have been conducted in regional New South Wales (NSW). This study aims to report on the pattern of horse‐related trauma that met the Institute of Trauma Injury Management's (ITIM) Trauma Registry criteria for people who presented to the emergency department at a regional NSW hospital, Australia.

Methods

An analysis of horse‐related trauma extracted from the Wagga Wagga Base Hospital's Trauma Registry from 2012 to 2023 was undertaken. Demographic and clinical variables were reported on all people (n = 85) and statistically evaluated.

Results

The cohort median age was 46 years (range 2–78). Males represented 51.8%. Fall from mounted position was the most common mechanism of injury (84.7%) followed by kick while unmounted (11.7%). The head (45.9%) and chest (32.9%) were the most common regions of injury with head (45.9%) and fractures (44.7%) the most common types of injury. 11.8% of people required ICU admission.

Conclusion

Horse‐related trauma, whether a person is mounted or unmounted, causes mild to severe injuries and can require hospitalization. Horse‐related trauma has the potential to significantly impact morbidity, result in death and must not be underestimated. Establishing a protocol for horse‐related trauma presentations and increasing awareness of injury patterns sustained from this mechanism has the potential to improve diagnosis and reduce morbidity.
Evaluation of safety criteria for enoxaparin bridging in patients with left ventricular assist devices in an outpatient care setting
Authors: Lam Lee D. , Czer Lawrence S. , Runyan Carmelita , Otarola Ieeshiah , Jang Jason , Lau Jason , Gau Mignon , Hernandez Katrina , Ngo Tram , Aguillon Mario , Huie Newman , Chen Julie W. , Cole Robert , Moriguchi Jaime , Volod Oksana
Published: November 2024

Background

Appropriate anticoagulation is crucial for the success of left ventricular assist device patients. Currently, there is no consensus on the optimal management of their subtherapeutic INR in ambulatory setting. Our goal is to evaluate both the short‐term adverse events and long‐term outcomes of enoxaparin bridging at a major transplant center, following the implementation of bridging safety criteria.

Methods

In total, 85 patients' medical records were reviewed between 7/2019 and 5/2022, with 51 patients meeting safety criteria were bridged with enoxaparin and 34 non‐bridged. The primary endpoint was the occurrence of major bleeding/thrombosis events within 30 days of bridging. The secondary endpoint was freedom from events 30 days after enoxaparin initiation and overall patient survivability until the last follow‐up.

Results

Within 30 days, no major bleeding/thrombotic events were noted. After 30 days, the major bleeding rate was 5.8% in bridged vs. 11.8% in non‐bridged patients (p = 0.02). Overall, 3‐year survival was 78% in the bridged vs. 49% in non‐bridged patients (p < 0.001). In patients with no events, 3‐year survival was 80% in bridged vs. 58% in non‐bridged (p < 0.001). In the patients with bleeding events, 3‐year survival was 55% in bridged vs. 51% in non‐bridged (p = 0.11). At 1 year, freedom from bleeding in the bridged patients was 81% in patients with no events vs. 0% in those with an event (p < 0.0001).

Conclusion

When eligibility criteria for safe bridging were applied, the use of enoxaparin bridging was associated with no major bleeding/thrombotic events during bridging and improved 3‐year survival in LVAD patients. Economically, using outpatient enoxaparin resulted in substantial healthcare savings, fewer readmissions, and improved quality of life.
Slowing myopia progression with cylindrical annular refractive elements (CARE) spectacle lenses—Year 1 results from a 2‐year prospective, multi‐centre trial
Authors: Chen Xiaoqin , Wu Min , Yu Cui , Ohlendorf Arne , Rifai Katharina , Boeck‐Maier Christina , Wahl Siegfried , Yang Youhua , Zhu Yi , Li Lihua , Sankaridurg Padmaja
Published: November 2024

Purpose

To evaluate the effectiveness of 12 months of spectacle lens wear incorporating cylindrical annular refractive elements (CARE) in slowing myopia progression compared to single vision (SV) spectacle wear.

Methods

In an ongoing 2‐year prospective, double‐masked, multi‐centre clinical trial, 240 Chinese children aged 6–13 years, spherical equivalent refractive error (SE) −0.75 D to −5.00 D were randomised to one of three groups of 80 participants each to wear: SV spectacle lens (N = 80), CARE spectacles (7 mm central clear zone surrounded by treatment zone incorporating CARE with mean surface power of +4.6 D) and CARE S (9 mm central clear zone surrounded by treatment zone comprising CARE with mean surface power of +3.8 D). Cycloplegic SE and axial length (AL) were measured at 6‐month intervals.

Results

Compared to baseline, changes in SE and AL were significantly different between the groups at both 6 and 12 months (p < 0.001, linear mixed model). Adjusting for site, group, parental myopia and age, at 12 months, the estimated change in SE and AL with 95% CI with SV was −0.65 D (CI: −0.56 to −0.74 D)/0.32 mm (CI: 0.29–0.36 mm). In comparison, the estimated change in SE/AL at 12 months with CARE was −0.35 D (−0.26 to −0.44 D)/0.19 mm (0.15–0.22 mm) and with CARE S was −0.36 D (−0.27 to −0.46 D)/0.21 mm (0.18–0.25 mm) at 12 months. Progression was slower with CARE and CARE S compared to SV (p < 0.05) but did not differ from each other (p = 0.793 and 0.336 for SE and AL, respectively).

Conclusions

In children with myopia, after 12 months of lens wear, both CARE and CARE S spectacle lenses significantly slowed myopia progression compared to SV lenses.
Efficacy of intravitreal faricimab therapy for polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Arnold‐Vangsted Andreas , Schou Marianne G. , Balaratnasingam Chandrakumar , Cehofski Lasse J. , Chhablani Jay , van Dijk Elon H. C. , Eriksen Nathalie S. , Grauslund Jakob , Hajari Javad N. , Sabaner M. Cem , Schneider Miklos , Subhi Yousif
Published: November 2024

Polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) is an aneurismal type of macular neovascularization that show similarities with age‐related macular degeneration and diseases that are part of the pachychoroid disease spectrum. Exudative changes in PCV can be treated with intravitreal anti‐vascular endothelial growth factor monotherapy; however, a combination therapy with photodynamic therapy may be required. In this systematic review and meta‐analysis, we evaluated the efficacy of faricimab for PCV. We searched 12 literature databases for eligible studies. All study evaluation and data extraction were made by two authors in duplicate. Studies eligible for analysis were included for a qualitative and quantitative review. We identified seven studies with data from 150 eyes with PCV, five studies were of treatment‐naïve eyes who were commenced in faricimab monotherapy, and two studies were of switch‐over to faricimab from other anti‐VEGF drugs. After faricimab loading dose in treatment‐naïve eyes, the best‐corrected visual acuity (BCVA) remained stable at −0.09 (95% CI: −0.20–0.03) logMAR, central retinal thickness (CRT) decreased −169 (95% CI: −311–−27) μm, and 48.7 (95% CI: 32.5–65.0) % of eyes obtained polyp closure. In switch‐over eyes, 57%–67% experienced fluid reduction and 21% were able to extend their treatment interval. In conclusion, faricimab monotherapy for PCV leads to acceptable clinical outcomes in terms of stable BCVA, reduction of CRT, and high incidence of polyp closure. Some cases may benefit from a switch to faricimab. However, long‐term efficacy studies and controlled comparative studies are warranted.
Management of Muscle Cramps in Patients With Cirrhosis: A Systematic Review of Randomised Controlled Trials
Authors: Roberts Andrew T. , Makar Joseph , Abdelmalak Jonathan , Sinclair Marie , Testro Adam , Majumdar Avik
Published: November 2024

Background

Muscle cramps are common in patients with cirrhosis. Despite their prevalence and impact on health‐related quality of life, there are no widely used clinical practice guidelines for management of muscle cramps in cirrhosis. The aim of this review was to critically evaluate current evidence regarding treatment of muscle cramps in cirrhosis.

Methods

A systematic review using PubMed, MEDLINE (Ovid), Embase, and Scopus databases was performed on 30 June by two independent reviewers to identify randomised controlled trials (RCTs) reporting interventions for muscle cramps in cirrhotic patients.

Results

Twelve RCTs evaluating 13 distinct interventions were identified. Baclofen, methocarbamol, orphenadrine, and taurine supplementation reduced cramp frequency, severity, and duration when compared to placebo. Human albumin, pregabalin, and quinidine reduced cramp frequency compared to placebo. Pickle juice reduced cramp severity compared to placebo. BCAA supplementation and calcium carbonate were found to reduce cramp frequency compared to baseline. Stretching demonstrated a signal towards reducing cramp severity and frequency, and meditation had a signal towards reducing severity only when compared to baseline. Electro‐acupuncture was the only intervention which demonstrated no therapeutic effect. Pregabalin was the only agent associated with significant side effects that limited its use.

Conclusion

Methocarbamol, orphenadrine, and taurine supplementation were found in placebo‐controlled RCTs to be effective in reducing cramp frequency, severity, and duration in cirrhotic patients. All other interventions reported aside from electro‐acupuncture demonstrated a positive impact on cramps. High‐quality RCTs are needed to further investigate the use of these treatments in terms of comparative efficacy and safety.
Syringin ameliorates dextran sulphate colitis via alteration oxidative stress, inflammation NF‐κB signalling pathway and gut microbiota
Authors: Zhao Juhui , Zhang Qingqing , Hao Xudong
Published: November 2024

Background

The objective of the current study was to investigate the potential effects of syringin against dextran sulphate colitis (DSS)‐induced ulcerative colitis (UC) in mice.

Material and methods

In vitro study was performed on the RAW 264.7 cells and cytokines and inflammatory level were estimated. The oxidative stress, inflammatory cytokines, apoptosis and inflammatory parameters were estimated. The mRNA expression and faecal samples were estimated in the colon tissue.

Results

Syringin treatment enhanced the body weight, colon length and reduced the disease activity index (DAI), spleen index. Syringin treatment remarkably suppressed the level of nitric oxide (NO), myeloperoxidase (MPO), intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 (ICAM‐1) and vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM‐1) along with alteration of antioxidant parameters. Syringin treatment also altered level of cytokines in the serum and colon tissue; inflammatory parameters viz., platelet‐activating factor (PAF), cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2), prostaglandin (PGE2), inducible nitric oxide synthetase (iNOS), nuclear factor κ‐B (NF‐κB); matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) level. Syringin significantly (p < 0.001) enhanced the level of nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor (Nrf2) and heme oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1). Syringin remarkably altered the relative abundance of gut microbiota like Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, F/B ratio, Verrucomicrobia and Actinobacteria.

Conclusion

Syringin exhibited the protective effect against DSS‐induced UC in mice via alteration of NF‐κB signalling pathway.
Loneliness trajectories and psychological distress in youth: Longitudinal evidence from a population‐based sample
Authors: Kirwan Emma M. , Luchetti Martina , Burns Annette , O'Súilleabháin Páraic S. , Creaven Ann‐Marie
Published: November 2024

This pre‐registered secondary analysis aimed to examine distinct longitudinal loneliness trajectories in youth and whether these trajectories were associated with psychological distress at final follow‐up in the UK Household Longitudinal Study. Participants (N = 827, 55.1% female, Time 1: M ± SD = 16.50 ± 0.50 years) provided data during Waves 9, 10 and 11. K‐means longitudinal clustering analysis was used to identify clusters of participants with distinct loneliness trajectories across measurement waves. We identified four clusters demonstrating distinct trajectories of loneliness: stable low (40.7%), stable high (20.6%), moderate decreasing (19.6%) and low increasing (19.1%). Compared to ‘stable low loneliness’, ‘stable high’ and ‘low increasing’ loneliness clusters were significantly associated with psychological distress at Wave 11 following adjustment for sex, ethnicity, parent's highest educational achievement and Wave 9 psychological distress. The current study offers an important contribution to the literature on patterns of youth loneliness and mental health consequences.
Between east and west, between past and future: The effects of exclusive historical victimhood on geopolitical attitudes in Hungary and Serbia
Authors: Ivanović Jovan , Vincze Orsolya , Jevtić Miloš , Szabó Zsolt , Csertő István , Choi Sarah Y. , Liu James H.
Published: November 2024

In Eastern Europe, collective victim beliefs have become integral elements of national ideologies, especially amid rising geopolitical polarization. In this study, we investigated how exclusive victimhood was related to geopolitical attitudes in Hungary and Serbia. The study involved Serbian (N = 630) and Hungarian (N = 471) adult national samples stratified by gender, age, political orientation, and place of residence. As expected, exclusive victimhood predicted higher support for a geopolitical shift from the West (i.e., EU and US) to the East (i.e., Russia and China) via Euroscepticism in both samples. In Serbia, the strongest indirect effect was observed among participants with neutral attitudes towards the war in Ukraine. In Hungary, there was no expected moderated mediation while the direct effect of exclusive victimhood on the West‐to‐East geopolitical shift was largest for pro‐Russian participants and non‐significant for pro‐Ukrainian participants. Different measures of ethnic identity showed no expected moderation effect, but an exploratory analysis revealed that exclusive victimhood partially mediated the relationship between identity measures (superiority and attachment) and support for a pro‐Eastern (vs. pro‐Western) geopolitical orientation. We discuss how the construals of the past based on exclusive victimhood shape future geopolitical preferences of the public in Hungary and Serbia.