bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Disorder-Free Data are All You Need: Inverse Supervised Learning for Broad-Spectrum Head Disorder Detection
Authors: He Yuwei , Guo Yuchen , Lyu Jinhao , Ma Liangdi , Tan Haotian , Zhang Wei , Ding Guiguang , Liang Hengrui , He Jianxing , Lou Xin , Dai Qionghai , Xu Feng
Published: October 2023

BACKGROUND

The development of artificial intelligence (AI)-based medical systems heavily relies on the collection and annotation of sufficient data containing disorders. However, the preparation of data with complete disorder types and adequate annotations presents a significant challenge, limiting the diagnostic capabilities of existing AI-based medical systems. This study introduces a novel AI-based system that accurately detects a broad spectrum of disorders without requiring any disorder-containing data.

METHODS

We obtained a training dataset of 21,429 disorder-free head computed tomography (CT) scans and proposed a learning algorithm called Inverse Supervised Learning (ISL). This algorithm learns and understands disorder-free samples instead of disorder-contained ones, enabling the identification of all types of disorders. We also developed a diagnosis and visualization software for clinical usage based on the system’s ability to provide visually understandable clues.

RESULTS

The system achieved Area Under the Curve (AUC) values of 0.883, 0.868, and 0.866 on retrospective (127 disorder types, 9,967 scans), prospective (117 disorder types, 3,054 scans), and cross-center (46 disorder types, 554 scans) datasets, respectively. These results demonstrate that the system can detect far more disorder types than previous AI-based systems. Furthermore, the ISL-based systems achieved AUC values of 0.893 and 0.895 on pulmonary CT and retinal optical coherence tomography (OCT), respectively, demonstrating that ISL can generalize well to non-head and non-CT images.

CONCLUSIONS

Our novel AI-based system, utilizing ISL, can accurately and broadly detect disorders without requiring disorder-containing data. This system not only outperforms previous AI-based systems in terms of disorder detection but also provides visually understandable clues, enhancing its clinical utility. The successful application of ISL to non-head and non-CT images further demonstrates its potential for broad-spectrum medical applications. (Funded by National Key R&D Program of China, National Natural Science Foundation of China)
WITHDRAWN: Culture or corruption: who gave red envelopes to the doctors in China?
Authors: Liu Taotao , Duan Yaocong , Luo Xi
Published: October 2023

Withdrawal Statement

The authors have withdrawn their manuscript owing to the need to verify the data. Therefore, the authors do not wish this work to be cited as reference for the project. If you have any questions, please contact the corresponding author.
Prolonged over-expression of PLK4 amplifies centrosomes through formation of inter-connected centrosome rosette clusters
Authors: Özcan Selahattin Can , Kalkan Batuhan Mert , Çiçek Enes , Canbaz Ata Alpay , Ayhan Ceyda Açılan
Published: October 2023

The centrosome cycle is a tightly regulated process to ensure proper segregation of chromosomes. Not surprisingly, centriole number is tightly controlled via multiple mechanisms, one of which involves PLK4, an upstream kinase facilitating centriole biogenesis and duplication. Aberrations in this process can result in supernumerary centrosomes, which are frequently observed in a variety of cancers due to high levels of PLK4. Interestingly, extra centrosomes induced by PLK4 over-expression go through unique intermediate structures called the centrosome rosettes (CRs), where the mother centriole is surrounded by numerous daughter centrioles. The maturation and molecular nature of these CRs have not been investigated in detail. Upon prolonged PLK4 over-expression, cells exhibited large centrosomes that were clustered and contained more than two CRs, which we defined as centrosome rosette clusters (CRCs). As expected, these structures required high PLK4 levels at two consecutive cell cycles and were still interconnected with canonical centrosomal linker proteins such as C-Nap1, Rootletin, and Cep68. Knockout of these linker proteins resulted in distancing of CRs and CRCs as observed by increased diameter of the CRCs in interphase. In contrast, Nek2 knockout inhibited the separation of CRCs in prometaphase, providing functional evidence for the binding of CRC structures with centrosomal linker proteins. These results suggest a cell cycle dependent model for PLK4 induced centrosome amplification, which occurs in two consecutive cell cycles: (i) CR state in the first cell cycle, and (ii) CRC state in the second cell cycle.

Author summary

The overexpression of PLK4 can lead to the formation of centrosome rosette structures, which harbor two centrioles around the mother centriole. Although the generation of centrosome rosettes by PLK4 overexpression has been previously investigated, little is known about the cell cycle-dependent maturation and linking of these structures. Here, we report that prolonged PLK4 overexpression results in amplification of centrosomes through the generation of centrosome rosette clusters (CRCs). These CRCs are interconnected via canonical centrosomal linker proteins such as C-Nap1, Rootletin, and CEP68 and are regulated by mechanisms controlling centrosome linking and separation. We also describe two different spatial binding types of amplified centrosomes following PLK4 induction: planar-oriented and circular-oriented. Since PLK4-associated centrosome amplification occurs naturally in both cancer and multiciliated cells, we believe that this research will contribute to a better understanding of the canonical mechanism of PLK4-induced centrosome amplification.
Extracellular matrix topography drives adrenergic to mesenchymal transition in neuroblastoma
Authors: Chronopoulos Antonios , Vemula Chandra , Chavez Ivan , Kennedy Rebekah , Asgharzadeh Shahab , Park JinSeok
Published: October 2023

Neuroblastoma (NB), the most common extracranial solid tumor in children, exhibits significant intra-tumoral heterogeneity with two interconvertible identities: adrenergic (ADRN) and mesenchymal (MES). MES cells exhibit phenotypes associated with metastasis and are enriched in relapse NB compared to ADRN. Thus, reprogramming from ADRN to MES may determine inferior NB outcomes, which needs better elucidation. Extracellular matrix (ECM) is an essential tumor microenvironment (TME) component that provides physical support as a scaffold and delivers mechanical cues. We demonstrate that high-risk NB has more topographically aligned ECM fibers than low-risk NB. Using nano-fabricated biomaterials mimicking ECM alignment, we reveal that ECM topography drives ADRN-MES reprogramming by enhancing cell-ECM interactions. This transition involves epigenetic and transcriptional changes, accompanied by enhanced phenotypic features of MES. Also, we uncover that ECM-driven reprogramming relies on the Rho-associated kinase pathway. Overall, ECM-driven ADRN-MES reprogramming provides insight into TME-targeted therapeutic strategies for suppressing MES and improving NB outcomes.
The impact of contemporary socio-economic and technological factors on container terminal performance
Authors: Abdul Rahman Noorul Shaiful Fitri , Othman Mohammad Khairuddin , Thai Vinh V. , Md. Hanafiah Rudiah , Hamid Abdelsalam Adam
Published: October 2023

Purpose

This present study uses political, economic, social, technological, legal and environmental (PESTLE) analysis and the strategic management theory to examine how external factors, namely the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the industrial revolution (IR) 4.0 technologies, the fuel price crisis and Sultanate of Oman Logistics Strategy (SOLS) 2040, affect the performance of container terminals in Oman.

Design/methodology/approach

A hybrid decision-making method that combined the analytical hierarchy process technique and Bayesian network model was used to achieve the objective of the present study.

Findings

The COVID-19 pandemic (54.60%) most significantly affected the performance of container terminals in Oman, followed by IR 4.0 technologies (19.66%), SOLS (17.00%) and fuel price crisis (8.74%). Container terminals in Oman were also found to perform “moderately,” considering the uncertainty of external factors.

Research limitations/implications

This study enriches existing literature by using PESTLE analysis to assess the impact of the external business environment on firm performance in the context of the maritime industry as well as highlights how challenging external environmental factors affect the performance of container terminals in Oman.

Originality/value

This study contributes to developing novel study models and determining the performance level of container terminals in Oman considering integrated uncertainties and external factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic, IR 4.0 technologies, the SOLS 2040 and the fuel price crisis.
Navigating towards hyperautomation and the empowerment of human capital in family businesses: a perspective article
Authors: Birkbeck Andrew , Rowe Lisa
Published: October 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the past and future impacts of automation on family businesses, with a focus on the opportunities for human capital empowerment.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper draws upon a contemporary literature search to examine a range of scholarly and practitioner perspectives of the challenges and benefits of automation, exploring the evolvement towards hyperautomation and the empowerment of human capital in family businesses.

Findings

Automation, transforming to hyperautomation, general purpose artificial intelligence (AI) and beyond has the possibility of radically improving productivity. Fear of job obsolescence has been present since the birth of modern automation, and whilst some jobs are at risk of redundancy, a net gain towards higher-skilled labour is already evident. Family business leaders must be prepared to react appropriately to the accelerating war for talent by implementing a strategy for human capital empowerment.

Originality/value

This unique paper synthesises developments in automation and proposes a future perspective centred upon the empowerment of human capital in family businesses.
Wall slip effects in Rayleigh–Bénard convection of viscoplastic materials
Authors: Aghighi Mohammad Saeid , Metivier Christel , Fakhri Sajad
Published: October 2023

Purpose

According to the research, viscoplastic fluids are sensitive to slipping. The purpose of this study is to determine whether slip affects the Rayleigh–Bénard convection of viscoplastic fluids in cavities and, if so, under what conditions.

Design/methodology/approach

The wall slip was evaluated using a model created for viscoplastic (Bingham) fluids. The coupled conservation equations were solved numerically using the finite element method. Simulations were performed for various parameters: the Rayleigh number, yield number, slip yield number and friction number.

Findings

Wall slip determines two essential yield stresses: a specific yield stress value beyond which wall slippage is impossible (S_Yc); and a maximum yield stress beyond which convective flow is impossible (Y_c). At low Rayleigh numbers, Y_c is smaller than S_Yc. Hence, the flow attained a stable (conduction) condition before achieving the no-slip condition. However, for more significant Rayleigh numbers Y_c exceeded S_Yc. Thus, the flow will slip at low yield numbers while remaining no-slip at high yield numbers. The possibility of slipping on the wall increases the buoyancy force, facilitating the onset of Rayleigh–Bénard convection.

Originality/value

An essential aspect of this study lies in its comprehensive examination of the effect of slippage on the natural convection flow of viscoplastic materials within a cavity, which has not been previously investigated. This research contributes to a new understanding of the viscoplastic fluid behavior resulting from slipping.
Synthesis of novel pyrazolyl quinolinone derivatives and their physicochemical applications on polyester
Authors: Ali Ali A. , Abass M. , El-Molla S.A. , Halim Shimaa Abdel , Ibrahim EL-Shimaa
Published: October 2023

Graphical abstract

Purpose

This study aims to synthesize new disperse dyes based on novel pyrazolyl quinolinone derivatives EQ1 and EQ2 and evaluate their characteristics after dyeing them on a polyester fabric.

Design/methodology/approach

New dispersed dyes based on pyrazolyl quinolinone derivatives were prepared and confirmed by different analyses, such as infrared spectroscopy, elemental microanalysis and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. They were dyed on a polyester fabric. The characteristics of dyed polyester were determined by color measurements such as a*, b*, L*, C*, E, Ho, R% and color strength. The electronic structures of EQ1 and EQ2 in gaseous state were investigated using density functional theory/B3LYP/6-311++G (d, p) level of theory.

Findings

The suitability of the prepared dyestuffs for dyeing on polyester fabrics has been investigated. The study was concerned with comparing the contrasting depth of shade and levelness. The study was concerned mainly with dye uptake and color measurements at two different temperatures. The results showed that the exhaustion values of dyes inside the polyester at 130°C were higher than those obtained at conventional dyeing temperature (100°C). The exhaustion values of EQ2 were greater than those of EQ1 at 130°C with 2.2%, while the brightness of EQ2 was higher than that of EQ1 at the two investigated temperatures. The results of molecular orbital calculations show that the studied compounds are planar. In addition, the ionization potential of EQ1 was lower than that of EQ2. The results of the theoretical study helped in understanding the dyeing behavior of the investigated azo dyes.

Originality/value

The prepared disperse dyes based on pyrazolyl quinolinone derivatives could be used in textile dyeing of polyester on an industrial scale.
Analysing the use of mixed methods in quality management literature
Authors: Moura e Sá Patrícia
Published: October 2023

Purpose

Little is known about the extent to which management and engineering publications dedicated to the study of quality management topics make use of mixed methods, what types of studies have been conducted and how effective mixed methods have been. The aim of the current paper is to analyse how mixed methods have been used in quality management research.

Design/methodology/approach

To address this purpose, a bibliometric analysis was conducted of papers using mixed methods designs to investigate quality management issues and published in the SCOPUS database. CiteSpace software was used to assist in the categorisation and mapping process.

Findings

Ninety articles were identified and analysed. The results show that mixed methods are mainly used either to compare different perspectives drawn from quantitative and qualitative data or to develop better measurement instruments. Sequential mixes occur more often than concurrent approaches. Moreover, there is a link between the purpose of the study and the approaches followed to combine qualitative and quantitative methods. Yet, the contribution of the use of mixed methods to achieving the aims of the study is not easy to assess as the purposes of using mixed methods are often not clearly stated.

Originality/value

As one of the first papers to examine how qualitative and quantitative methods are being combined in quality management research, this study is expected to contribute to the literature by providing some insights into how mixed methods can be more effectively used in this field.
Application of 3D computed tomography in emphysematous parenchyma patients scheduled for bronchoscopic lung volume reduction
Authors: Wei Ping , Tao Ru‐Jia , Lu Hai‐wen , Xu Jin‐Fu , Liu Yi‐han , Wang Hai , Li Ling‐Ling , Gu Ye , Cao Wei‐Jun
Published: October 2023

Bronchoscopic lung volume reduction (BLVR) is a feasible, safe, effective and minimally invasive technique to significantly improve the quality of life of advanced severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In this study, three‐dimensional computed tomography (3D‐CT) automatic analysis software combined with pulmonary function test (PFT) was used to retrospectively evaluate the postoperative efficacy of BLVR patients. The purpose is to evaluate the improvement of lung function of local lung tissue after operation, maximize the benefits of patients, and facilitate BLVR in the treatment of patients with advanced COPD. All the reported cases of advanced COPD patients treated with BLVR with one‐way valve were collected and analysed from 2017 to 2020. Three‐dimensional‐CT image analysis software system was used to analyse the distribution of low‐density areas <950 Hounsfield units in both lungs pre‐ and post‐ BLVR. Meanwhile, all patients performed standard PFT pre‐ and post‐operation for retrospective analysis. We reported six patients that underwent unilateral BLVR with 1 to 3 valves according to the range of emphysema. All patients showed a median increase in forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) of 34%, compared with baseline values. Hyperinflation was reduced by 16.6% (range, 4.9%‐47.2%). The volumetric measurements showed a significant reduction in the treated lobe volume among these patients. Meanwhile, the targeted lobe volume changes were inversely correlated with change in FEV1/FEV1% in patients with heterogeneous emphysematous. We confirm that 3D‐CT analysis can quantify the changes of lung volume, ventilation and perfusion, to accurately evaluate the distribution and improvement of emphysema and rely less on the observer.
Metabolic and microbial analyses of the surface and inner part of wet‐aged and dry‐aged beef
Authors: Bischof Greta , Witte Franziska , Sieksmeyer Thorben , Januschweski Edwin , Terjung Nino , Hertel Christian , Heinz Volker , Juadjur Andreas , Gibis Monika
Published: October 2023

The effects of aging and microbial growth on the metabolome of aged beef were investigated in this study. The metabolome of beef is influenced by the aging method applied. This includes the aging‐related changes in metabolism and the presence of microorganisms on the beef during aging that may affect the beef and its quality. The inner part and the trimmed surface of dry‐aged (the surface of dry‐aged beef is also called the “crust” due to its drying during aging) and wet‐aged beef were analyzed by 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy over aging periods up to 28 days at intervals of 7 days, and the former also by microbiological analysis. The metabolome detected by 1H NMR spectroscopy demonstrated changes over the aging time of beef and differed depending on the sampling location (surface or inner part of beef). The influence of the microbiota on changes in the metabolome can be negligible due to the low microbial growth on the surface of dry‐aged beef (<3 log CFU/g). Therefore, the aging‐related metabolism postmortem of the analyzed dry‐aged beef might be the main factor for metabolic changes. The significantly (p < 0.05) higher amino acids and inosine concentrations and lower inosine 5′‐monophosphate concentrations suggested enhanced protein degradation and energy metabolism in the wet‐aged beef compared to the dry‐aged beef, probably due to the combined influence of the aging and the microbiota on the wet‐aged beef and, thus, its metabolic changes.
Vaginal atrophy and genital pain in women on depot medroxyprogesterone acetate contraceptive injection
Authors: Perkins Nicky
Published: October 2023

Depot medroxyprogesterone acetate causes a hypo‐estrogenic state in over half of users although clinical vaginal atrophy causing superficial dyspareunia is thought rarely to occur. This is a case series of ten women using depot medroxyprogesterone acetate who presented with superficial dyspareunia and clinical vaginal atrophy. The women were treated with vaginal estriol cream and their contraception was discontinued or changed. All patients had either a complete resolution of symptoms or a substantial improvement at follow‐up, and the clinical and laboratory findings of vaginal atrophy had resolved. This case series demonstrates that vaginal atrophy may occur more frequently than previously thought.
Population structure of Vietnamese pigs using mitochondrial DNA
Authors: Ishihara Shinya , Arakawa Aisaku , Ba Nguyen V. , Dinh Nguyen C. , Ninh Pham H. , Okamura Toshihiro , Dang‐Nguyen Thanh Q. , Kikuchi Kazuhiro , Pham Lan D. , Taniguchi Masaaki
Published: October 2023

The D‐loop region on mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is frequently used for analyses of maternal lineages within domestic animal species. There are many native pig breeds in Vietnam, but their origins remain unclear. This study investigated maternal lineages using the D‐loop region on mtDNA of 260 samples collected from native pigs in 20 provinces across Vietnam. The D‐loop region of all samples was amplified and sequenced. We obtained 713 bp sequences of the D‐loop region for each sample excluding the repeat region, and variants on this region were used to construct a phylogenetic tree. We detected 50 haplotypes from Vietnamese native pigs, with 27 novel haplotypes. Phylogenetic tree analysis showed two haplotype groups: one for the MTSEA group, frequently found in domestic pigs in the mountainous areas of Cambodia and Laos; and the D2 group, found in pigs originating from Chinese pigs. No European haplotype was found. Haplotypes in northeast Vietnam comprised only haplotypes of the D2 group, whereas in areas from the northwest mountains to the south, we found haplotypes belonging to both the D2 and MTSEA groups. This study suggested that both origins contributed to maternal lineages of current populations of Vietnamese native pigs.
Attributes of preemptive conservation efforts for species precluded from listing under the U.S. Endangered Species Act
Authors: Stanley Annabelle E. , Epanchin‐Niell Rebecca , Treakle Tyler , Iacona Gwenllian D.
Published: October 2023

Preemptive conservation efforts to reduce threats have been credited with precluding the need to list some imperiled species under the U.S. Endangered Species Act (ESA). Such efforts can result in outcomes where species are conserved and regulatory costs associated with ESA listing are avoided. Yet, the extent and type of conservation effort involved in achieving preclusion from listing are not well understood. We quantified the attributes of conservation efforts identified as important for 43 species whose preclusion from listing was attributed to conservation efforts, as described in U.S. Federal Register documents that report the decisions not to list. We considered 2 features of preemptive conservation: effort applied (measured as the number of conservation initiatives) and number of conservation partners involved. We also quantified the type and location of conservation actions. We found a mean of 4.3 initiatives (range 1–22) and 8.2 partners (range 1–31) documented per precluded species; both measures of conservation effort were significantly and positively associated with the species’ range area and the proportion of private land across its range. The number of initiatives was also positively related to the number of threats affecting a species. Locations of conservation actions varied; more species had actions on public land than on private land (p = 0.003). Numbers of species with restorative actions (e.g., invasive species control) were similar to numbers with prohibitive actions. Our findings highlight relationships between species’ context and preemptive conservation activities, providing a first cross‐species analysis of conservation efforts for species that were precluded from listing under the ESA due to conservation.
Effect of educational intervention on computer‐aided‐design and computer‐aided‐manufacturing technology to preclinical dental students
Authors: Fischer Kathleen , Metz Michael , Sekula Michael , Katwal Diksha , Hannigan David , Williams Tarin
Published: October 2023

Introduction

This study evaluated the effectiveness of a video presentation instruction compared to the prevailing traditional lecture provided in the preclinical classroom when introducing computer‐aided design/computer‐aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) technology.

Materials and Methods

This study was conducted as a controlled educational trial (single‐blind) on 120 first‐year dental students. Students were assigned to two learning groups: the control (n = 60, traditional lecture) and the intervention (n = 60, video presentation). Both groups completed a self‐efficacy scale (SES) survey before instruction. Then, the intervention group actively participated in a one‐session video presentation while the control group was given a traditional lecture. After the presentations, student knowledge was assessed with a hands‐on simulated exercise that was scored out of 60 points. At last, students completed a post‐instruction student perception and attitude (SPA) survey. Inferential hypothesis testing was conducted with two‐sample t‐tests, and significance was defined as p ≤ .05.

Results

There were no significant differences in the student pre‐instruction SES scores between the control and intervention groups. After the video learning, CAD/CAM knowledge application during the hands‐on simulated exercise showed significantly higher results in the intervention group as the assessment scores from the intervention group averaged 13.6 ± 2.0 points higher than the control group (p < .001). The results from the post‐instruction SPA survey showed no statistically significant difference between groups.

Conclusion

With the video presentation technique, our first‐year dental students were able to greatly enhance their CAD/CAM application skills. The results from this study could be applied at other dental educational institutions with potential similar outcomes.
Covenanting Together to Manifest the One Church
Authors: Mateus Odair Pedroso
Published: October 2023

In this article, Odair Pedroso Mateus imagines himself as a participant at the founding assembly of the World Council of Churches (WCC) in 1948, writing a set of short notes about the proceedings of the gathering and setting out the main issues facing the newly founded WCC in its search for the visible unity of the churches.
Fracture mechanics approach to fatigue crack initiation at uniaxially loaded notches
Authors: Hammouda Mohammad M. I.
Published: October 2023

A fracture mechanics model is developed to simulate cracking events that may have taken place at the root of a notch in a uniaxially loaded plate made of a two‐phase alloy during the fatigue crack initiation life. The roughness of the notch surface resembles microcracks of different sizes and locations at the notch root along the plate thickness, where material grains of different phases, sizes, and strengths are distributed at random. Potential notch surface cracking activities are anticipated during loading cycles until the emergence of a through‐thickness crack that propagates from the notch root on the plate surface along its width. Thus, the duration of the experimentally defined fatigue crack initiation at the notch root can be calculated. The model is applied to previously published experimental data on symmetrically U‐shaped ferritic‐pearlitic steel notched plates subjected to constant amplitude cyclic uniaxial stresses with different stress concentration factors. Plates with a random configuration were virtually tested. The comparison of experimental results with corresponding predictions validates the model.
Public perception of dermatologists in Europe: Results from a population‐based survey
Authors: Richard Marie Aleth , Paul Carle , Nijsten Tamar , Gisondi Paolo , Salavastru Carmen , Taieb Charles , Trakatelli Myrto , Puig Luis , Stratigos Alex ,   the EADV burden of skin diseases project team
Published: October 2023

Background

The public perception of dermatology has been poorly investigated in Europe.

Objective

To determine the general public's perception of dermatologists in Europe.

Methods

This multinational, cross‐sectional study was conducted within the framework of the EADV population‐based survey on the ‘Burden of skin diseases in Europe’. Data were collected using a web‐based online survey on a representative sample of the general populations aged 18 years or more of 27 European countries. Proportional quota sampling with replacement design was used for each country.

Results

A total of 44,689 adult participants responded to the questionnaire, of whom 18,004 visited a dermatologist in the preceding 3 years. The dermatologist was the second most often visited specialist among all medical specialties, with 69.7%, 72.1%, 42.1% and 78.1% of participants in Western Europe (WE), Eastern Europe (EE), Northern Europe (NE) and Southern Europe (SE), respectively, having consulted a dermatologist over the past 24 months. Most participants across all regions agreed that the dermatologist was the first healthcare provider for chronic skin diseases (61.9% in WE, 69.8% in EE, 45.7% in NE and 60.4% in SE) and for skin cancers (65.5% in WE, 67.6% in EE, 42.4% in NE and 63.0% in SE). The five most common reasons for visiting a dermatologist among all participants were: naevi check‐up or skin cancer screening (20.2%), chronic skin diseases (16.5%), acute skin diseases (12.4%), cosmetic advice or procedure (10.2%), hyperpigmentation or congenital lesions (9.1%) and hair or nail disorder (7.7%). Most participants (84.6% in WE, 82.5% in EE, 78.3% in NE and 82.8% in SE) were very swatisfied/somewhat satisfied with the service provided.

Conclusion

Our study findings underscore the central role of dermatologists in skin health and highlights them as valued and trusted care providers across Europe. Understanding the perceived position of the dermatologist is the first step in improving health policy development and implementation. Notably, access to a dermatologist was lowest in NE, probably reflecting differences in healthcare organizational structures or possibly cultural differences in healthcare seeking behaviour.
Evaluation of the effect of herbal agents as management of radiodermatitis in breast cancer patients: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Que Suyun , Ma Xuanlei , Yang Tao , He Jiangtao
Published: October 2023

Objective

To evaluate the effectiveness of herbal agents in the prevention and therapy of radiodermatitis in breast cancer patients.

Methods

Randomized controlled trials were searched from databases such as PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) to assess the effectiveness of herbal agents compared to a standard medication or placebo in prevention or treatment of radiodermatitis in breast cancer.

Results

Data from 16 studies involving 1994 patients were included. This meta‐analysis included 10 clinical trials of 562 breast cancer patients treated with calendula, silymarin, or aloe vera for the prevention of radiodermatitis. Silymarin showed positive effects in ameliorating the damage of radiodermatitis, whereas the efficacy of calendula and aloe vera in the treatment of radiodermatitis lacks sufficient evidence.

Conclusions

Herbal medicine may show therapeutic effects on radiodermatitis in breast cancer, but more comprehensive investigations and clinical trials are required in the future.
Giving the Benefit of the Doubt: Investigating the Insurance‐Like Effect of CSR in Mitigating Negative Employee Reactions to Psychological Contract Breach
Authors: De Roeck Kenneth , Raineri Nicolas , Jones David A. , Scheidler Sabrina
Published: October 2023

Many studies document employees’ value‐creating reactions to perceptions of their organization's corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives. Unknown, however, is whether perceived CSR can have value‐protecting effects by mitigating employees’ negative responses when they believe the organization's other actions harm their interests, as proposed by theory on the insurance‐like effect of CSR. In this respect, we develop hypotheses about the moderating role of CSR‐based moral capital, such that higher levels mitigate the effect of psychological contract breach (PCB) on employees’ negative assessment of the organization (i.e., corporate hypocrisy) and associated value‐eroding responses (i.e., lower loyal boosterism and higher turnover intentions). In Study 1, we use data from time‐lagged employee surveys. In Study 2, we conduct two experiments in a causal‐chain design. The findings support nuanced hypotheses from our theorized model and provide new insights that contribute to the broader CSR literature on value‐protection and insurance‐like effects, micro‐CSR scholarship, and PCB research.
Exploring linguistic markers, threat appraisals, and genetic variation during mixed‐sex couples' conflict conversations
Authors: Denes Amanda , Crowley John P. , Gasiorek Jessica , Dhillon Anuraj , Bennett‐Brown Margaret , Winkler Kara L. , Ponivas Ambyre L. P.
Published: October 2023

How couples communicate during conflict interactions can have important implications for their relational well‐being. The theory of resilience and relational load provides a valuable lens for exploring the associations among couples' language use during conflict conversations and the extent to which such conversations are perceived as threatening to one's relationship, as well as whether genetic markers moderate such associations. Forty‐seven mixed‐sex couples had a conversation about a topic causing conflict in their relationship and provided saliva samples that were tested for their genotype (GG, AA, or AG) for oxytocin receptor gene rs53576. The results revealed that neither the use of communal language nor positive emotion words were associated with perceiving the conversation as less threatening to their relationship. Genetic variation did not moderate the associations with either positive emotion word use or communal language. However, a three‐way interaction between sex, OXTR, and positive emotion word use emerged in the post hoc analyses, indicating that positive emotion word use was negatively associated with threat appraisals for women with a GG genotype, and positively associated with threat appraisals for men with a GG genotype. Implications for mixed‐sex couples' communication and research on language use during conflict conversations are discussed.
Cross‐contamination in the kitchen: A model for quantitative microbiological risk assessment
Authors: Iulietto Maria Francesca , Evers Eric G.
Published: October 2023

A quantitative microbiological risk assessment model for the cross‐contamination transmission route in the kitchen (KCC) is presented. Bacteria are transmitted from contaminated (chicken) meat to hands, kitchen utensils, and other surfaces, subsequently contaminating a salad. The model aims to estimate the fraction of bacteria on the meat that is ingested due to cross‐contamination, determine the importance of the different transmission routes, and assess the effect of scenarios (interventions) on the fraction ingested. The cross‐contamination routes defined, bacterial source‐to‐recipient transfer fractions as available and derived from literature, and important characteristics (e.g., washing in cold water vs. hot water with soap) shaped the KCC model. With this model, 32 scenarios of an eight‐step preparation of a “meat and salad” meal in a domestic kitchen were stochastically simulated. The “cutting board‐salad” route proved dominant and the salad plays a major role in the final exposure. A realistic scenario (washing hands, cutting board, and knife with cold water after cutting the meat) estimates that a mean fraction of 3.2E − 3 of the bacteria on the meat is ingested. In the case of “hand washing with hot water and soap” and “cutting board and knife replacement,” the mean fraction ingested is 3.6E − 6. For a subsequent meal, where the contaminated sources were kitchen fomites, the estimated mean fraction is 4.3E − 4. In case of hamburger, part of the bacteria is unavailable for cross‐contamination, resulting in a mean fraction ingested of about 5.4E − 5. The role of the dishcloth in cross‐contamination transmission proved to be minor.
Psychosocial Health Education Within Community Mental Health Inpatient Recovery Wards In UK: Patients’ Voices
Authors: Rooney Joy M. , Brain Phil
Published: October 2023

Societies include people vulnerable to mental health distress; such people may find themselves detained. Mental health recovery wards seek to rehabilitate individuals who suffer severe, and enduring mental health distress, through community living, to re-establish, or learn new life-skills. The National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) recommended more structured group activity to improve interpersonal functioning, including psychologically informed approaches. Psychosocial health education is qualified teacher-led, rather than psychoeducation, psychology, or interventions implemented by other health professionals, peer support workers, or storytelling by patients to each other. This study outlines patients’ evaluations of psychosocial education within inpatient recovery/rehabilitation wards during 2016-2021. Patients (87%; n=82) who opted to attend 12 courses, provided anonymous voices through use of a numerical rating scale, manuscript written free text (n=93), and completed a short questionnaire (n=10), across two National Health Service (NHS) wards in the West Midlands, England, UK. Patients’ voices were qualitatively analysed thematically. Ten distinguished themes suggested that psychosocial education was interesting, enjoyable, sociable, transformative, of decent quality, and projected to be of much benefit to patients’ future lives. Ratings (n=270) were hierarchically analysed using GENSTAT to distinguish patients’ preferences. Preferences for courses from patients’ voices were exercise and mental health, wellness planning, feelings and emotions, Tai chi, mood and food, steps to confidence, stress busting, hearing voices, peer recovery, self-esteem, motivation, and bite size psychology. Patients believed education, with goal setting supported by all staff, provided new embedded knowledge, applicable to integration into society, with improved interpersonal functioning.
Struggle in the Bubble: The National Basketball Association’s Response to Player Activism in the 2020 Bubble
Authors: Brown Drew D. , Alexander Lisa Doris , Lewis Thabiti
Published: October 2023

The National Basketball Association (NBA) restarted its 2020 season by playing in a “bubble.” At the same time, a new wave of the “Black Lives Matter” movement was in full swing. Many players joined the movement with their own forms of activism, which the NBA responded to in various ways. This essay explores the NBA’s responses to player activism by using Critical Race Theory’s concept of “Interest Convergence” to analyze the gestures organized by the NBA and highlight the role race, racism, and capitalism played in the NBA’s responses. Overall, this essay argues that in order to capitalize on the popularity of the Black Lives Matter movement, and in the interest of its bottom line, the NBA engaged in three types of responses: compromise, acquiescence, and co-opt/manipulation.
The oscillating Fischer-Tropsch reaction
Authors: Zhang Rui , Wang Yong , Gaspard Pierre , Kruse Norbert
Published: October 2023

The mechanistic steps that underlie the formation of higher hydrocarbons in catalytic carbon monoxide (CO) hydrogenation at atmospheric pressure over cobalt-based catalysts (Fischer-Tropsch synthesis) have remained poorly understood. We reveal nonisothermal rate-and-selectivity oscillations that are self-sustained over extended periods of time (>24 hours) for a cobalt/cerium oxide catalyst with an atomic ratio of cobalt to cerium of 2:1 (Co
2
Ce
1
) at 220°C and equal partial pressures of the reactants. A microkinetic mechanism was used to generate rate-and-selectivity oscillations through forced temperature oscillations. Experimental and theoretical oscillations were in good agreement over an extended range of reactant pressure ratios. Additionally, phase portraits for hydrocarbon production were constructed that support the thermokinetic origin of our rate-and-selectivity oscillations.
Synthetic lethal mutants in
Escherichia coli
define pathways necessary for survival with RNase H deficiency
Authors: Das Sneha , Forrest Jonathan , Kuzminov Andrei
Published: October 2023

Ribonucleotides frequently contaminate DNA and, if not removed, cause genomic instability. Consequently, all organisms are equipped with RNase H enzymes to remove RNA-DNA hybrids (RDHs).
Escherichia coli
lacking RNase HI (
rnhA
) and RNase HII (
rnhB
) enzymes, the ∆
rnhA
∆
rnhB
double mutant, accumulates RDHs in its DNA. These RDHs can convert into RNA-containing DNA lesions (R-lesions) of unclear nature that compromise genomic stability. The ∆
rnhAB
double mutant has severe phenotypes, like growth inhibition, replication stress, sensitivity to ultraviolet radiation, SOS induction, increased chromosomal fragmentation, and defects in nucleoid organization. In this study, we found that RNase HI deficiency also alters wild-type levels of DNA supercoiling. Despite these severe chromosomal complications, ∆
rnhAB
double mutant survives, suggesting that dedicated pathways operate to avoid or repair R-lesions. To identify these pathways, we systematically searched for mutants synthetic lethal (colethal) with the
rnhAB
defect using an unbiased color screen and a candidate gene approach. We identified both novel and previously reported
rnhAB
-colethal and -coinhibited mutants, characterized them, and sorted them into avoidance or repair pathways. These mutants operate in various parts of nucleic acid metabolism, including replication fork progression, R-loop prevention and removal, nucleoid organization, tRNA modification, recombinational repair, and chromosome-dimer resolution, demonstrating the pleiotropic nature of RNase H deficiency.

IMPORTANCE

Ribonucleotides (rNs) are structurally very similar to deoxyribonucleotides. Consequently, rN contamination of DNA is common and pervasive across all domains of life. Failure to remove rNs from DNA has severe consequences, and all organisms are equipped with RNase H enzymes to remove RNA-DNA hybrids. RNase H deficiency leads to complications in bacteria, yeast, and mouse, and diseases like progressive external ophthalmoplegia (mitochondrial defects in RNASEH1) and Aicardi-Goutières syndrome (defects in RNASEH2) in humans.
Escherichia coli ∆rnhAB
mutant, deficient in RNases H, has severe chromosomal complications. Despite substantial problems, nearly half of the mutant population survives. We have identified novel and previously confirmed pathways in various parts of nucleic acid metabolism that ensure survival with RNase H deficiency.
De novo
assembly of
Roseomonas mucosa
isolates from healthy human volunteers used to treat atopic dermatitis
Authors: Barbian Kent , Bruno Daniel , Sykora Lydia , Ricklefs Stacy , Chaudhary Prem Prashant , Beare Paul A. , Myles Ian A. , Martens Craig M.
Published: October 2023

Roseomonas mucosa
is a bacterium that is found in the natural microbiota of human skin. Here, we present
de novo
sequence assemblies from
R. mucosa
isolated from the skin microflora of three healthy human volunteers that were used to treat atopic dermatitis patients.
Pseudomonas kielensis
str. Ze23jcel16 complete genome obtained through R10.4.1 Nanopore Flow cell chemistry
Authors: Serra Moncadas Lucas , Rogenmoser Janis , Hofer Cyrill , Rain-Franco Angel , Andrei Adrian-Stefan
Published: October 2023

Here, we report the complete genome of
Pseudomonas kielensis
str. Ze23jcel16 isolated from a freshwater sample. The high-quality chromosome was obtained employing R10.4.1 Nanopore Flow cell chemistry and was assembled as a circular element at 45× coverage, a length of 5.8 Mbp, and a G+C content of 61.15%.
Creation of a non-Western humanized gnotobiotic mouse model through the transplantation of rural African fecal microbiota
Authors: Van Den Ham Kristin M. , Little Morgan R. , Bednarski Olivia J. , Fusco Elizabeth M. , Mandal Rabindra K. , Mitra Riten , Li Shanping , Doumbo Safiatou , Doumtabe Didier , Kayentao Kassoum , Ongoiba Aissata , Traore Boubacar , Crompton Peter D. , Schmidt Nathan W.
Published: October 2023

Gut microbiota are increasingly being recognized as a contributing factor in the etiology of numerous diseases and as a potential determinant in the immune response to various treatments. Recent work has suggested that the suboptimal immunogenic response to vaccination in low- and middle-income countries may be associated with differences in the gut microbiome, which are known to be substantially different between Western and non-Western countries. However, insufficient consideration has been given to the characterization of non-Western microbiomes and their relationship with well-being and immunity. Humanized gnotobiotic mouse models have been used to better understand the causal associations between the gut microbiota and health outcomes but have largely been limited to the study of Western microbiota. Thus, we were interested in determining the applicability of gavage strategies used to humanize germ-free mice with Western microbiota to the humanization of germ-free mice with rural African fecal samples. Here, we assessed the impact of the number and frequency of gavages and the effect of a donor-matched diet on the colonization of Malian fecal microbiota in germ-free mice. One gavage was insufficient to provide a stable establishment of the Malian microbiome, whereas four weekly gavages resulted in a more consistent colonization of the human donor taxa. Interestingly, the donor-matched diet did not improve colonization over the fixed-formula, grain-based mouse chow. Subsequent phenotypic studies using African gut microbiota-humanized gnotobiotic mouse models will allow for a better understanding of the interaction between African gut microbiota and well-being and potentially aid in developing improved treatments for microbiota-dependent diseases in non-Western populations.

IMPORTANCE

There is increasing evidence that microbes residing within the intestines (gut microbiota) play important roles in the well-being of humans. Yet, there are considerable challenges in determining the specific role of gut microbiota in human diseases owing to the complexity of diverse internal and environmental factors that can contribute to diseases. Mice devoid of all microorganisms (germ-free mice) can be colonized with human stool samples to examine the specific contribution of the gut microbiota to a disease. These approaches have been primarily focused on stool samples obtained from individuals in Western countries. Thus, there is limited understanding as to whether the same methods used to colonize germ-free mice with stool from Western individuals would apply to the colonization of germ-free mice with stool from non-Western individuals. Here, we report the results from colonizing germ-free mice with stool samples of Malian children.