bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gain of 1q confers an MDM4-driven growth advantage to undifferentiated and differentiating hESC while altering their differentiation capacity
Authors: Krivec Nuša , Couvreu de Deckersberg Edouard , Lei Yingnan , Al Delbany Diana , Regin Marius , Verhulst Stefaan , van Grunsven Leo A. , Sermon Karen , Spits Claudia
Published: September 2023

Gains of 1q are a highly recurrent chromosomal abnormality in human pluripotent stem cells. In this work, we show that gains of 1q impact the differentiation capacity to derivates of the three germ layers, leading to miss-specification to cranial placode and non-neural ectoderm during neuroectoderm differentiation and by poorer expression of lineage specific markers in hepatoblasts and cardiac progenitors. Competition assays show that the cells retain their selective advantage during differentiation, which is mediated by a higher expression ofMDM4, a gene located in the common region of gain.MDM4drives the winner phenotype of the mutant cells in both the undifferentiated and differentiating state by reducing the cells’ sensitivity to DNA-damage through decreased p53-mediated apoptosis. Finally, we find that cell density in culture plays a key role in promoting the competitive advantage of the cells by increasing DNA damage.
Mapping the substrate landscape of protein phosphatase 2A catalytic subunit PPP2CA
Authors: Brewer Abigail , Sathe Gajanan , Pflug Billie E. , Macartney Thomas J. , Sapkota Gopal P.
Published: September 2023

Protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) is an essential Ser/Thr phosphatase that regulates a plethora of cellular processes. PP2A operates as a holoenzyme complex, comprising one each of the scaffolding (A), regulatory (B) and catalytic (C) subunits. PPP2CA is the principal catalytic subunit of the PP2A holoenzyme complex. Although previous studies have reported many substrates of specific PP2A holoenzyme complexes, the full scope of PP2A substrates in cells remains to be defined. To address this, we generated HEK293 cells in which PPP2CA was homozygously knocked in with a dTAG, allowing for efficient and selective degradation of dTAG-PPP2CA with proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) targeting the dTAG. By employing an unbiased global phospho-proteomic analysis, we identified 6,280 phospho-peptides corresponding to 2,204 proteins that showed a significant increase in abundance upon dTAG-PPP2CA degradation, implicating them as potential PPP2CA substrates. Among these, some were established PP2A substrates, while most were novel. Bioinformatic analyses revealed the involvement of the identified potential PPP2CA substrates in many cellular processes, including spliceosome function, the cell cycle, RNA transport and ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis. We show that a pSP/pTP motif is a predominant target for PPP2CA. We confirmed some of our phospho-proteomic data with immunoblotting, by utilising commercially available phospho-specific antibodies. We provide an in-depth atlas of potential PPP2CA substrates and establish targeted degradation as a robust tool to unveil phosphatase substrates in cells.
Spatial transcriptomics reveals asymmetric cellular responses to injury in the regenerating spiny mouse (Acomys) ear
Authors: van Beijnum Henriëtte , Koopmans Tim , Tomasso Antonio , Disela Vanessa , te Lindert Severin , Bakkers Jeroen , Alemany Anna , Berezikov Eugene , Bartscherer Kerstin
Published: September 2023

In contrast to other mammals, the spiny mouse (Acomys) regenerates skin and ear tissue, which includes hair follicles, glands, and cartilage, in a scar-free manner. Ear punch regeneration is asymmetric with only the proximal wound side participating in regeneration. Here, we show that cues originating from the proximal side are required for normal regeneration and use spatially resolved transcriptomics (tomo-seq) to understand the molecular and cellular events underlying this process. Analyzing gene expression across the ear and comparing expression modules between proximal and distal wound sides, we identify asymmetric gene expression patterns and pinpoint regenerative processes in space and time. Moreover, using a comparative approach with nonregenerative rodents (Mus,Meriones), we strengthen a hypothesis in which particularities in the injury-induced immune response may be one of the crucial determinants for why spiny mice regenerate whereas their relatives do not. Our data are available in SpinyMine, an easy-to-use and expandable web-based tool for exploringAcomysregeneration-associated gene expression.
Developmental changes in retention and generalization of nonadjacent dependencies over a period containing sleep in 18-mo-old infants
Authors: Sweeney Lucia M. , Lara Hatty , Gómez Rebecca L
Published: September 2023

Sleep promotes the stabilization of memories in adulthood, with a growing literature on the benefits of sleep for memory in infants and children. In two studies, we examined the role of sleep in the retention and generalization of nonadjacent dependencies (NADs; e.g., a-X-b/c-X-d phrases) in an artificial language. Previously, a study demonstrated that over a delay of 4 h, 15 mo olds who nap after training retain a general memory of the NAD rule instead of memory for specific NADs heard during training. In experiment 1, we designed a replication of the nap condition used in the earlier study but tested 18-mo-old infants. Infants of this age retained veridical memory for specific NADs over a delay containing sleep, providing preliminary evidence of the development of memory processes (experiment 1). In experiment 2, we tested 18 mo olds’ ability to generalize the NAD to new vocabulary, finding only infants who napped after training generalized their knowledge of the pattern to completely novel phrases. Overall, by 18 mo of age, children retain specific memories over a period containing sleep, and sleep promotes abstract memories to a greater extent than wakefulness.
Islamic banks’ Sharia compliance disclosure: an international evidence
Authors: Benamraoui Abdelhafid , Moussa Tantawy , Hussien Alsohagy Mostafa
Published: September 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the disparity and compliance of information disclosures in Islamic banks (IBs). Specifically, the research examines IBs’ compliance with Sharia disclosure requirements.

Design/methodology/approach

To determine the extent of disclosures and compliance with Islamic business principles, content analysis is applied to the annual reports of a sample of IBs from 11 countries. A comprehensive reporting framework has also been developed to assess the transparency and compliance of IBs with Islamic business principles. Institutional theory and core Islamic principles are used to inform the study and its findings.

Findings

The results reveal that IBs demonstrate limited transparency on the key Sharia compliance issues, and there is a wide variation in the level of reporting across the countries studied. Moreover, the authors find that IBs located in the single integrated regulatory framework (RF) countries disclose more information, followed by those located in dual RF countries and then those located in Islamic RF countries.

Originality/value

This study presents a unique and comprehensive framework to assess the areas of Sharia disclosure by IBs and provides a conceptual rationing for the actual level of IBs’ Sharia reporting. This study also fills a significant gap in the literature, as most studies in this field are based on a single-country study. The results are deemed of direct relevance to IBs’ managers, investors, policymakers, regulators and the wider public, particularly in the Muslim world.
From job crafting to job quitting? Testing a wise proactivity perspective
Authors: Junker Tom L. , Fong Christine Yin Man , Gorgievski Marjan , Gawke Jason C.L. , Bakker Arnold B.
Published: September 2023

Purpose

This study investigates when and for whom job crafting may turn into job quitting. The authors hypothesize that approach job crafting relates more positively to turnover intentions and subsequent voluntary job changes among employees with (a) high (vs low) need for career challenges and (b) those with high (vs low) self-esteem.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 575 employees of a large public organization in the Netherlands with two measurement moments three months apart. Hypotheses were tested using cross-lagged regression analyses and path modeling.

Findings

Supporting the hypotheses, approach crafting related positively to an increase in turnover intentions only among employees with high need for challenge or high self-esteem. Moreover, via turnover intentions at Time 1, approach crafting related positively to the voluntary job change at Time 2 for employees with (a) high need for challenge, as well as those with (b) high self-esteem. These findings held after controlling for avoidance crafting.

Research limitations/implications

This study has been conducted in a relatively homogenous sample. Future research may test the predictions in a more heterogeneous sample, including participants from different cultural and economic contexts.

Practical implications

The authors advise human resource (HR) professionals to facilitate the job crafting efforts of employees with a high need for challenge and those with high self-esteem because these groups are particularly at risk of voluntarily quitting their jobs. Adopting insights from the wise proactivity model may help ensure that job crafting benefits both employees and employers.

Originality/value

This study brings clarity to the inconsistent relationships between job crafting and job quitting by using the wise proactivity model as an explanatory framework.
Exploring the impact of policy interventions on project performance through a PSM-DID approach: evidence from the Hong Kong construction industry
Authors: Li Xiaoying , Jin Xiujuan , Li Heng , Gong Lulu , Zhou Deyang
Published: September 2023

Purpose

Considering the substantial benefits derived from the use of Building Information Modeling (BIM) in construction projects, governments and its related sectors have introduced mandatory policies requiring the use of BIM. However, little is known about the impact of mandatory policies on BIM-based project performance. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to provide a systematical understanding on the impact of policy interventions on the implementation practice of innovative technologies.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper utilizes the propensity score matching and difference in differences (PSM-DID) method to investigate the impact of policy interventions on BIM-based project performance. Using the panel data collected from 2015 to 2021 in the Hong Kong construction industry, this paper explores the impact of the first mandatory BIM policy on the BIM-based project performance of three key stakeholders.

Findings

The subjective BIM performance and BIM return on investment (ROI) have significantly improved after implementing the mandatory BIM policy. The promotion effect of mandatory BIM policy on BIM-based project performance gradually increases over time. Moreover, the promotion effect of mandatory BIM policy on BIM performance shows significant heterogeneity for different stakeholders and organizations of different sizes.

Originality/value

This study examined the impact of policy interventions on BIM-based project performance. The research findings can provide a holistic understanding of the potential implications of innovative mandatory policy in performance improvement and offer some constructive suggestions to policymakers and industry practitioners to promote the penetration of BIM in the construction industry.
“Concept of workplace camaraderie: developing and testing an integrated model leading to incivility”
Authors: Burhan Quratulain , Malik Muhammad Faisal
Published: September 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to introduce the concept of workplace camaraderie and to investigate the mechanism through which workplace camaraderie influences incivility at the workplace. The study is explained by taking the sequential mediation of personal biases leading to cronyism and favoritism. Social identity theory is used as the underpinning theory to explain the framework adopted.

Design/methodology/approach

Positivism research philosophy followed by the deductive approach is followed to meet the objectives of the current study. In total, 171 employees working in public sector organizations were taken as the respondents to the study. A purposive sampling technique was used to collect the data through self-administrated questionnaires. Path model is used through Mplus to generate the results and test hypotheses.

Findings

The results suggested that workplace camaraderie significantly affects incivility at a workplace with the sequential mediation of personal biases leading to cronyism and favoritism.

Originality/value

Although several researchers have studied the link between camaraderie and other employees’ related attitudinal and behavioral outcomes, few have explored the roles of personal biases, cronyism and favoritism in the relationship to incivility. This study thus posits a novel sequential mediation mechanism, based on the social identity theory, through which camaraderie is translated into civil behavior. Moreover, this study adds value by investigating this model in the public sector, where camaraderie can come up with important consequences.
Analysis of instructional coaching: what, why and how
Authors: Nugent Gwen , Houston James , Kunz Gina , Chen Donna
Published: September 2023

Purpose

This study focused on unpacking the instructional coaching process, addressing key questions about what happens during a coaching session and what coaching elements predict teacher outcomes.

Design/methodology/approach

Using coaching observational data, the research examined critical coaching processes described in the literature: coaching practices (observation, feedback, reflective discussion and planning), the coach–teacher relationship, coaching strategies and coaching duration. The study also developed a path model documenting how coaching behaviors predicted teacher instruction.

Findings

Results showed that the coach talked more than the teacher and that most coaching time was spent in reflective discussion. The coach–teacher relationship was promoted by building rapport and reciprocal trust, with use of “we” language demonstrating that coach and teacher were working as a partnership. Most common coaching strategies were clarifying and the coach prompting the teacher to attend to teacher or student behaviors. Path model analysis showed that (a) the coach–teacher relationship quality predicted the level of teacher engagement in coaching and their instructional reflection and (b) the quality of coaching strategies predicted the overall quality of the classroom instruction.

Originality/value

The study provides empirical evidence about the active ingredients of coaching – those underlying processes that impact and improve teacher practice.
Well-being and mentoring in pre-service teacher education: an integrative literature review
Authors: Dreer-Goethe Benjamin
Published: September 2023

Purpose

Mentoring is an essential tool for teacher education, not least because it allows knowledge and experience sharing. Research findings suggest a close relationship between mentoring and the well-being of those involved. However, little is known about this relationship or the mechanisms involved. This paper aims to discuss the aforementioned issues.

Design/methodology/approach

Through an integrative literature review, important links between mentor and mentee well-being and certain aspects of mentoring are explored. The results of the review are then synthesised into a theoretical framework.

Findings

The framework developed here posits that the well-being of teachers relates to the quality of mentoring. This includes teachers' perceptions of mentoring and their decision to get involved, their contributions to functional mentor–mentee relationships and the selection and use of mentoring styles that support both mentor and mentee well-being. Moreover, the framework hypothesises that the quality of mentoring received by mentees is related to their well-being, which is in turn connected to their professional development. Most of these relationships appear to be bidirectional, meaning that mentee well-being also contributes to mentoring quality and mentor well-being. Finally, it is hypothesised that the well-being of both mentors and mentees is connected to the school context in which the mentoring takes place.

Originality/value

This work provides a novel, comprehensive framework for future examinations of the connections between well-being and mentoring. It synthesises the prior work on this topic by integrating findings from both the mentor and mentee perspectives into a single framework.
Analysts’ perceptions of cash flow reporting: earnings reliability, confidence and implications for evaluating firm performance
Authors: Kent Pamela Fae , Kent Richard , Killey Michael
Published: September 2023

Purpose

This study aims to provide insights into US and Australian analysts' views regarding the relative importance of disclosing the direct method (DM) or indirect method (IM) statement of cash flows and forecasting firm performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Evidence is collected from responses to 104 surveys and 52 interviews completed by US and Australian analysts from 2017 to 2022. The survey and interview questions are developed with reference to the literature.

Findings

US and Australian analysts believe that the DM format provides incremental benefits compared to the IM for (1) confirming the reliability of earnings; (2) improving earnings confidence; (3) more accurate ex ante forecasts of operating cash flow and earnings; and (4) identifying opportunistic accruals manipulation. Analysts view that DM disclosure can lower firm-level cost of equity, although US interviewees more uniformly expect lower costs of equity under DM disclosure when firms yield low earnings quality. DM disclosure is also more important during unstable economic periods, as proxied by COVID-19.

Originality/value

Limited research currently exists regarding disclosure of the DM or IM and its impact on analysts' forecasting accuracy, earnings quality, economic uncertainty and cost of equity. Previous research has relied on archival research to examine differences between the DM and IM methods and are limited by data availability. Our findings are particularly relevant to the US market with few US firms reporting the DM format.
Neural network-based direct robust adaptive non-fragile fault-tolerant control of amorphous flattened air-ground wireless self-assembly system
Authors: Wang Zhifang , Huang Quanzhen , Yu Jianguo
Published: September 2023

Purpose

In this paper, the authors take an amorphous flattened air-ground wireless self-assembling network system as the research object and focus on solving the wireless self-assembling network topology instability problem caused by unknown control communication faults during the operation of this system.

Design/methodology/approach

In the paper, the authors propose a neural network-based direct robust adaptive non-fragile fault-tolerant control algorithm suitable for the air-ground integrated wireless ad hoc network integrated system.

Findings

The simulation results show that the system eventually tends to be asymptotically stable, and the estimation error asymptotically tends to zero with the feedback adjustment of the designed controller. The system as a whole has good fault tolerance performance and autonomous learning approximation performance. The experimental results show that the wireless self-assembled network topology has good stability performance and can change flexibly and adaptively with scene changes. The stability performance of the wireless self-assembled network topology is improved by 66.7% at maximum.

Research limitations/implications

The research results may lack generalisability because of the chosen research approach. Therefore, researchers are encouraged to test the proposed propositions further.

Originality/value

This paper designs a direct, robust, non-fragile adaptive neural network fault-tolerant controller based on the Lyapunov stability principle and neural network learning capability. By directly optimizing the feedback matrix K to approximate the robust fault-tolerant correction factor, the neural network adaptive adjustment factor enables the system as a whole to resist unknown control and communication failures during operation, thus achieving the goal of stable wireless self-assembled network topology.
Challenges to reintegration: a case study of violent extremist detainees and their reintegration into Malaysian society
Authors: Zahari Afzal Izzaz , Zakaria Nor Balkish , Hanafiah Mohd Hizam , Ramli Lokman Effendi
Published: September 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to present a case study analysing the reintegration programs of Malaysian violent extremist detainees and prisoners. It explores the ongoing challenges faced by these individuals as they strive to reintegrate and assimilate into society.

Design/methodology/approach

Qualitative data was collected through interviews with 12 violent extremist detainees and prisoners who had successfully reintegrated into society. The life course perspective was used as the analytical framework, and data analysis was conducted using ATLAS.ti.

Findings

The study revealed common challenges faced by the participants in gaining societal acceptance, dealing with stigma and achieving economic stability. The results also highlighted the difficulties of sustaining livelihoods due to heightened vigilance in the surrounding environment.

Research limitations/implications

These findings enhance the understanding of factors influencing successful reintegration of people who were involved in violent extremism into mainstream society.

Practical implications

Government bodies, agencies or organisations and non-governmental organisations can implement these successful factors to prevent any issues of recidivism or resentment towards society.

Originality/value

This research contributes unique insights based on data from individuals who have undergone successful or partial successful reintegration. Detailed academic sharing of such information from a Southeast Asian country such as Malaysia is relatively scarce, given the specific procedures required for accessing such data.
Impact of noscapine on halting the progression of pentylenetetrazole induced kindling epilepsy in mice
Authors: Gupta Rishav , Soni Divya , Upadhayay Shubham , Dhureja Maanvi , Kumar Puneet
Published: September 2023

Epilepsy is caused by an excessive recurrent excitatory neuronal firing, characterized by motor, psychomotor, and sensory impairments. Current therapies fail to produce 100% outcomes because of the complexity of the disease, poor diagnosis, and upsurge to drug‐resistant epilepsy. The study repurposed the drug ‘noscapine’ mainly known for its anti‐tussive properties. For the management of epilepsy and its associated secondary complications. To confirm the effect of noscapine, adult mice were injected with pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) (35 mg/kg i.p.) on an alternate day for 29 days to induce epilepsy. Animals were pretreated with noscapine in three doses (5, 10, and 20 mg/kg i.p.) for 33 days. Various behavioural assessments like the open field test, Morris water maze, and tail suspension test were performed to observe animals' locomotor activity, spatial memory, and anxiety‐depressive behaviour. On the 34th day, animals were sacrificed, and brains were removed for biochemical estimations. Prolonged PTZ treatment reduced locomotor, learning activity, and increased anxiety‐depressive behaviour, which was further confirmed by reduced antioxidant levels such as reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase because of increased oxido‐nitrosative stress, that is, malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitrite in the brain. In comparison, noscapine pretreatment attenuated PTZ‐induced behavioural and biochemical changes in the animals. The results indicate that noscapine ameliorates the oxido‐nitrosative stress. However, studies indicate that oxido‐nitrosative stress is a significant concern for the GABAergic neurons and promotes the disease progression. Further studies are required to explore the molecular mechanism of noscapine, which might be a practical approach as a newer antiepileptic agent.
Seasonal dynamics of a glycan‐degrading flavobacterial genus in a tidally mixed coastal temperate habitat
Authors: Brunet Maéva , Le Duff Nolwen , Rigaut‐Jalabert Fabienne , Romac Sarah , Barbeyron Tristan , Thomas François
Published: September 2023

Coastal marine habitats constitute hotspots of primary productivity. In temperate regions, this is due both to massive phytoplankton blooms and dense colonisation by macroalgae that mostly store carbon as glycans, contributing substantially to local and global carbon sequestration. Because they control carbon and energy fluxes, algae‐degrading microorganisms are crucial for coastal ecosystem functions. Environmental surveys revealed consistent seasonal dynamics of alga‐associated bacterial assemblages, yet resolving what factors regulate the in situ abundance, growth rate and ecological functions of individual taxa remains a challenge. Here, we specifically investigated the seasonal dynamics of abundance and activity for a well‐known alga‐degrading marine flavobacterial genus in a tidally mixed coastal habitat of the Western English Channel. We show that members of the genus Zobellia are a stable, low‐abundance component of healthy macroalgal microbiota and can also colonise particles in the water column. This genus undergoes recurring seasonal variations with higher abundances in winter, significantly associated to biotic and abiotic variables. Zobellia can become a dominant part of bacterial communities on decaying macroalgae, showing a strong activity and high estimated in situ growth rates. These results provide insights into the seasonal dynamics and environmental constraints driving natural populations of alga‐degrading bacteria that influence coastal carbon cycling.
Anthropology and 1968: Openings and closures
Authors: Rio Knut M. , Bertelsen Bjørn Enge
Published: September 2023

It is now 50 years since 1968 and in this article we look back at the 1960s and the way that anthropology was shaped in those years. We find a period of rupture, generational upheaval, youthful exploration against authority and spiritual breaks with rationality and causality thinking, but also violent counter‐insurgency and inventions of new authoritarian state forms. Our purpose is to look back at that period and reframe how those years were formative for anthropology and neighbouring disciplines. We believe that anthropology experienced a liminal period, with Carlos Castaneda and Victor Turner as leading figures, and that the closures and denials of that sense of anti‐structure have marked the discipline after 1968. We draw on Deleuze and Guattari and their account of May 1968 as an event of ‘suffocation’ and a ‘return to the intolerable’.
Monetary Policy Mistakes and Remedies: An Assessment Following the RBA Review
Authors: Garnaut Ross , Vines David
Published: September 2023

This article responds to the Review of the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA), which was released on 20 April 2023. We describe the underperformance of the Australian economy over the past decade, and identify the contribution of RBA mistakes. We suggest remedies that would improve prospects for low inflation and unemployment. Returning to general prosperity requires better coordination of monetary, fiscal and macro‐prudential policy and of these with other aspects of economic policy‐making. We conclude that while the RBA Review makes some valuable suggestions about structure and process at the RBA, it provides little guidance on the content of policy.
Measuring the rarity of core‐delta distances in fingerprint patterns in the Dutch population
Authors: de Jongh Arent , Lubach Anko R. , Lie Kwie Sheryl L. , Loadsman‐Wammes Fleur D. L. V. , Alberink Ivo
Published: September 2023

In latent print examination, a conclusion on an individualization is primarily based on the presence of corresponding minutiae. Depending on the level of correspondence between the minutiae on the fingermark and on the reference print, a match is concluded. However, a fingermark is analyzed on all three levels: general pattern combined with core‐delta distance, minutiae, and third‐level detail. In the opinion of the authors, next to the conclusion based on minutiae, all information should be included in the final assessment of the evidence if present. In this study, we present the results of frequency data on the combination of fingerprint patterns and their core‐delta distances. The frequency data allow examiners to substantiate their subjective opinions on the strength of corresponding patterns and core‐delta distances based on measurements. The frequencies of the core‐delta distances in this study were obtained by encoding core‐delta distances in a collection of more than 20,000 fingerprints containing either a loop or a whorl pattern. The frequencies for the core‐delta distances of loop patterns were subsequently compared with data from the National Institute of Standards and Technology. This study will demonstrate that core‐delta distances in loop and whorl patterns contribute significantly to the overall evidential strength of fingerprint evidence. By adding pattern and core‐delta distance information to the evaluation of fingerprint evidence, more challenging fingermarks could be added to fingerprint case reports.
Pandemic disorientations and reorientations as legacies: Scoping review of COVID‐19 impacts on European cities
Authors: Działek Jarosław , Smagacz‐Poziemska Marta , Krzemińska Katarzyna , Pawlak Jakub
Published: September 2023

The COVID‐19 pandemic has disrupted modern urban ecosystems on an unprecedented scale. Many urban scholars have undertaken the challenge of documenting and analysing how this global health crisis has been experienced and coped with, resulting in a surge of studies on its impact on various cityscapes and domains of urban life. In this paper, we present findings from a scoping review of 138 articles on this subject published between the outbreak of the pandemic and the end of June 2022. Our review showcases scholarly accounts of cascading shifts that have occurred within urban ecosystems and provides a better understanding of conceptual and methodological alterations in research approaches. Because both the investigated impacts and the research strategies deal primarily with the consequences of losing the pre‐pandemic spatial, temporal, social, cultural, and political frames of reference, we adopt transdisciplinary disorientation theories as the review’s interpretive framework. This step proves to be fruitful in mapping and interpreting crises and breakdowns and also in revealing how an unexpected planetary ordeal has reoriented pre‐pandemic trends in urban development and transformed cities and urban life alike. We suggest that the disorienting pandemic experience can serve as a potent legacy for urban futures. However, the scale and distribution of post‐pandemic reorientations across European cities and their residents cannot yet be fully comprehended.
Deep learning to predict lymph node status on pre‐operative staging CT in patients with colon cancer
Authors: Bedrikovetski Sergei , Zhang Jianpeng , Seow Warren , Traeger Luke , Moore James W , Verjans Johan , Carneiro Gustavo , Sammour Tarik
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Lymph node (LN) metastases are an important determinant of survival in patients with colon cancer, but remain difficult to accurately diagnose on preoperative imaging. This study aimed to develop and evaluate a deep learning model to predict LN status on preoperative staging CT.

Methods

In this ambispective diagnostic study, a deep learning model using a ResNet‐50 framework was developed to predict LN status based on preoperative staging CT. Patients with a preoperative staging abdominopelvic CT who underwent surgical resection for colon cancer were enrolled. Data were retrospectively collected from February 2007 to October 2019 and randomly separated into training, validation, and testing cohort 1. To prospectively test the deep learning model, data for testing cohort 2 was collected from October 2019 to July 2021. Diagnostic performance measures were assessed by the AUROC.

Results

A total of 1,201 patients (median [range] age, 72 [28–98 years]; 653 [54.4%] male) fulfilled the eligibility criteria and were included in the training (n = 401), validation (n = 100), testing cohort 1 (n = 500) and testing cohort 2 (n = 200). The deep learning model achieved an AUROC of 0.619 (95% CI 0.507–0.731) in the validation cohort. In testing cohort 1 and testing cohort 2, the AUROC was 0.542 (95% CI 0.489–0.595) and 0.486 (95% CI 0.403–0.568), respectively.

Conclusion

A deep learning model based on a ResNet‐50 framework does not predict LN status on preoperative staging CT in patients with colon cancer.
Pupillary dilation velocity is reduced in intensive care unit patients with septic shock
Authors: Uhrenholt Stine , Linér Signe Maria , Stokholm Jannik , Christensen Thomas , Bestle Morten H.
Published: September 2023

Background

Septic shock is common in the intensive care unit (ICU). The pathophysiology is poorly understood but prolonged sympathetic activation leading to autonomic dysfunction may be involved. Pupillary light response (PLR) is a fast, inexpensive, noninvasive way to measure autonomic nervous system function. The aim of the study was to observe dilation velocity of the PLR (PLRdil.vel.) in patients with and without septic shock and explore whether other factors influenced the possible association. We hypothesized that the presence of septic shock in intensive care patients is associated with changes in sympathetic autonomic tone, which can be observed as changes in PLRdil.vel.

Methods

In this prospective observational cohort study, we included 91 adult patients acutely admitted to a mixed ICU. The patients were followed for the development of septic shock until ICU discharge. PLRdil.vel. was measured with a portable pupillometer two times a day. We used linear mixed models to analyze for an association between PLRdil.vel and septic shock along with several covariables.

Results

Ninety‐one patients were enrolled and of these, 35 were in septic shock. Septic shock was associated with a slowed PLRdil.vel of 0.3 mm/s (95% confidence intervals [CI −0.4; −0.2]).

Conclusions

Septic shock may be associated with changes in sympathetic autonomic tone which is supported by the findings from this study that septic shock was associated with a slower dilation velocity in the pupillary light reflex. Further studies should examine if the pupillary dilation velocity may serve as surrogate marker for changes in sympathetic autonomic nervous system activity in intensive care patients in septic shock. If so, future interventional studies should test if use of the pupillary dilation velocity may be used for earlier detection of septic shock, which could mean earlier institution of treatment measures for this condition.
Association of biological age with health outcomes and its modifiable factors
Authors: Liu Wei‐Shi , You Jia , Ge Yi‐Jun , Wu Bang‐Sheng , Zhang Yi , Chen Shi‐Dong , Zhang Ya‐Ru , Huang Shu‐Yi , Ma Ling‐Zhi , Feng Jian‐Feng , Cheng Wei , Yu Jin‐Tai
Published: September 2023

Identifying the clinical implications and modifiable and unmodifiable factors of aging requires the measurement of biological age (BA) and age gap. Leveraging the biomedical traits involved with physical measures, biochemical assays, genomic data, and cognitive functions from the healthy participants in the UK Biobank, we establish an integrative BA model consisting of multi‐dimensional indicators. Accelerated aging (age gap >3.2 years) at baseline is associated incident circulatory diseases, related chronic disorders, all‐cause, and cause‐specific mortality. We identify 35 modifiable factors for age gap (p < 4.81 × 10−4), where pulmonary functions, body mass, hand grip strength, basal metabolic rate, estimated glomerular filtration rate, and C‐reactive protein show the most significant associations. Genetic analyses replicate the possible associations between age gap and health‐related outcomes and further identify CST3 as an essential gene for biological aging, which is highly expressed in the brain and is associated with immune and metabolic traits. Our study profiles the landscape of biological aging and provides insights into the preventive strategies and therapeutic targets for aging.
Health claims denial for alcohol intoxication: State laws and structural stigma
Authors: Azagba Sunday , Ebling Todd , Hall Mark
Published: September 2023

Background

Some alcohol exclusion laws (AELs) allow health insurers to deny coverage to individuals injured due to being intoxicated. Evidence has shown that such AELs disincentivize health‐care providers to screen for alcohol while they deter treatment utilization by people with an alcohol use disorder (AUD). Certain states have changed AELs to enhance the health of people with an AUD, but these changes are not well documented in the extant literature. This study examined the current status and historical trends in AELs across US states.

Methods

We conducted a systematic legal analysis in 2023 to examine how state alcohol exclusion laws vary across the United States. These laws allow or prohibit insurers from denying coverage for injuries or deaths related to alcohol use. We classified the states into three categories: (1) States that explicitly permit alcohol exclusions, (2) States that explicitly ban alcohol exclusions, and (3) States that have no clear policy on alcohol exclusions.

Results

We found that 18 states still have alcohol exclusion laws, down from 37 in 2004. Meanwhile, the number of states that have explicitly banned AELs and prohibited insurers from applying alcohol exclusions (AEs) to their policies has increased from 3 to 15 in the same period. The remaining 17 states have no clear laws on AEs. We also noted that five states that repealed their AELs did not adopt any specific prohibition on AEs, and four states limited their prohibition to policies that cover hospital, medical, or surgical expenses.

Conclusions

Our systematic mapping reveals that some states have prohibited AELs in response to their detrimental effects. However, some states maintain these policies, and none has effectively outlawed AEs in the last 10 years, despite their possible role in reinforcing stigma.
Bovine Meissner‐like corpuscle and evolutionary ecology of mammalian somatosensory acuity
Authors: Bhat Ghulam M. , Bashir Samina , Jan Shah S. , Banoo Shamima , Khan Javeed A.
Published: September 2023

The mammalian snout has Meissner's corpuscles (MCs), which transmit epicritic sensations as the animal explores its surroundings. To comprehend the somatosensory acuity in mammals, we examined the structural organization and density of bovine Meissner‐like corpuscles (BMLCs) at various ages and compared the changes with other mammalian MCs. The skin from the snout of cows or oxen (2–11 years old) was obtained and processed through routine histological technique. Five‐μm thick sections were prepared, silver stained according to the Bielschowsky technique as modified by Winkelman and Schmidt (Mayo Clinic Proceedings, 1957, 217), and observed under a compound light microscope quantitatively and qualitatively. The glabrous skin of the cow snout consisted of two types of BMLCs: One was a cylindrical or elongated structure found in the dermal papillae. The other type was spherical and developed in the superficial layers of the epidermis. BMLCs consisted of both coarse and fine nerve fibres. In the young, the corpuscle comprised thin nerve fibres with indistinct cell outlines. In adults, nerve fibres in the corpuscles were closely packed, and networks, varicosities and end bulbs were well developed. With advancing age, the MCs attenuated into a disorganized mass of nerve fibres. The bovine snout is a highly evolved somatosensory organ due to its rich nerve supply and functionally resembles the anthropoid fingertip. Somatosensory acuity will be lower in the glabrous bovine skin than in primate glabrous skin of the fingertip, as the nerve terminals within the BMLCs are less elaborate in content and structural complexity.
Exploring alternatives for securing anatomical structures in capturing digital images: A comparative analysis
Authors: Turchenski Daniela G. , Franco Acir J. , Turchenski Rafael G. , Werner Laís C. , Weber Saulo H. , Gumiel Yohan B. , Michelotto Pedro V.
Published: September 2023

Teaching veterinary anatomy using digital platforms requires improved image quality, which may influence the fixation process. This study aimed to compare four embalming solutions for high‐colour‐quality images of different tissues compared to the original image. Four equine left pelvic limbs were cut into metameres and divided equally for application of 10% formaldehyde, 96% glycerine, 33% hypersaturated NaCl solution and modified Larssen solution, respectively, which was maintained for 3 days. After drying for 3 days at room temperature, photographs were obtained at time 0 (T0), without any fixation process (original colour); time 1 (T1), immediately after removal from the solutions; and every 24 h for 3 days (T2–T4). The image colour quality was investigated by digitally evaluating the cortical bone, tendon and bone marrow using histograms and CIEDE2000 as well as by 10 specialists in an online survey. CIEDE2000 and histograms revealed that all fixation solutions changed the original tissue colour at all the time points (p < 0.0001). According to the specialists, the 33% saline solution produced the best results compared to the original one. The modified Larssen solution demonstrated better results for the tendon, marrow and cortical bone at T3 (p = 0.0015). Considering the colour of digital images, the modified Larssen solution provided the best results; however, the visual evaluation by the specialists revealed the 33% saline solution as the best.
Social networks and technology adoption: Evidence from church mergers in the U.S. Midwest
Authors: Burlig Fiona , Stevens Andrew W.
Published: September 2023

How do social networks impact technology adoption? Exploiting a natural experiment in the mid‐20th century U.S. Upper Midwest, we find that social network expansions, in the form of mergers between congregations of the American Lutheran Church, led to increased rates of agricultural technology adoption among farmers. In counties that experienced a merger, the number of farms using chemical fertilizer increased by over 5%, and the total fertilized acreage increased by over 10% relative to counties without a merger. These effects are consistent with increased information sharing between farmers due to congregational mergers.
Small‐for‐gestational‐age fetus diagnosed in the second trimester: Possible etiologies and short‐term neonatal outcomes
Authors: Pasquini Lucia , Masini Giulia , Cagninelli Greta , Polimeno Teresa , Fratelli Nicola , Fichera Anna , Prefumo Federico
Published: September 2023

Introduction

The aim of our study was to investigate the causes of fetal growth <10th centile diagnosed <26 weeks’ gestation in singleton pregnancies and compare pregnancy outcomes in relation to the identified etiology.

Material and methods

Historical cohort study conducted in two Italian hospitals which included all small‐for‐gestational‐age fetuses diagnosed between 18+0 and 26+0 weeks over a 10‐year period. Fetuses were divided into three groups depending on the prenatally suspected etiology: chromosomal abnormalities (Group 1), malformations (Group 2) and isolated (Group 3). These groups were compared regarding pregnancy outcomes. Fetuses in Group 3 were divided into small‐for‐gestational‐age and fetal growth restriction following the Delphi Consensus criteria and the outcomes were further compared. Fisher's Exact or Mann–Whitney test were used for comparison of groups.

Results

In all, 435 fetuses were included. Of these, 20 cases (4.6%) were associated with chromosomal abnormalities (Group 1), 98 (22.5%) with fetal malformations (Group 2) and 317 (72.9%) were isolated (Group 3). A higher percentage of live births was reported for Group 3 (P < 0.001). Termination of pregnancy was more common in Group 1 (P < 0.001). No differences in gestational age at delivery, birthweight, intrauterine death or neonatal death were detected within groups. Growth‐restricted fetuses had lower gestational age at delivery, birthweight and number of live births (P < 0.001), higher rates of termination of pregnancy, intrauterine death (P < 0.001) and neonatal death <10 days (P = 0.002) compared to small‐for‐gestational‐age. In 17 cases a chromosomal abnormality, genetic syndrome or adverse neurological outcome was diagnosed after birth: six from Group 2 (11.3% of live births in this group) and 11 from Group 3 (4.3%).

Conclusions

We report that fetal growth <10th percentile diagnosed before 26 weeks is not isolated before birth in 27% of cases. Malformations and chromosomal abnormalities are common etiologies; therefore, detailed anomaly scans and invasive testing should be offered. In addition, there is a residual risk of neonatal death and postnatal diagnosis of a genetic syndrome or neurodevelopmental impairment despite normal prenatal tests. These results expand the small amount of information on the outcome of cases with very early diagnosis of impaired fetal growth currently available and highlight the importance of detailed counseling with couples.
Driveline infections in left ventricular assist devices—Incidence, epidemiology, and staging proposal
Authors: Dettbarn Elisabeth , Prenga Marjeta , Stein Julia , Müller Markus , Hoermandinger Christoph , Schoenrath Felix , Falk Volkmar , Potapov Evgenij , Mulzer Johanna , Knierim Jan
Published: September 2023

Background

Driveline infections (DLI) are a serious complication in patients with left ventricular assist devices (LVAD). Apart from the differentiation between superficial and deep DLI, there is no consensus on the classification of the severity of DLI. Little is known about risk factors and typical bacteria causing DLI in centrifugal‐flow LVADs.

Methods

In this single‐center study with 245 patients, DLI were classified by their local appearance using a modification of a score suggested by the Sharp Memorial group. The driveline exit site was inspected routinely every 6 months.

Results

Severe DLI were detected in 34 patients (15%) after 6 months and in 24 patients (22%) after 24 months. The proportion of patients with DLI increased significantly during the follow‐up (p = 0.0096). The most common bacteria in local smears were Corynebacterium, coagulase‐negative Staphylococcus, and Staphylococcus aureus. Fifty‐nine patients were hospitalized more than once for DLI. In these patients, S. aureus was the most common bacterium. It was also the most common bacterium in blood cultures. Higher BMI, no partnership, and a HeartMate 3 device were identified as risk factors for DLI in a multivariable cause‐specific Cox regression.

Conclusion

This study is a standardized analysis of DLI in a large cohort with centrifugal‐flow LVADs.