bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dasatinib plus prednisone as induction and consolidation for adults with Ph‐positive acute lymphoblastic leukaemia: A single‐arm, multicentre, phase 2 trial
Authors: Xie Mixue , Lu Ying , Ouyang Guifang , Li Xueying , Shi Ting , Yang Min , Le Jing , Hu Huixian , Zhang Li , Feng Weiying , Meng Haitao , Mai Wenyuan , Wei Juying , Qian Jiejing , Xu Gaixiang , Yang Chunmei , Zhou De , Lin Yin , Qian Suying , Kuang Yuemin , Zhang Liming , Zhu Weiguo , Yao Guoli , Wu Gongqiang , Hu Shao , Huang Xin , Wang Yungui , Tong Hongyan , Jin Jie , Zhu Hong‐Hu
Published: July 2023

To reducing chemotherapy‐related toxicity, the chemo‐free regimens become a new trend of Ph + ALL treatment. Therefore, we conducted a phase 2 trial of dasatinib plus prednisone, as induction (Course I) and early consolidation (Courses II and III) treating newly diagnosed Ph + ALL. The trial was registered at www.chictr.org.cn, ChiCTR2000038053. Forty‐one patients were enrolled from 15 hospitals. The complete remission (CR) was 95% (39/41), including two elderly induction deaths. By the end of Course III, 25.6% (10/39) of patients achieved a complete molecular response. With a median follow‐up of 15.4 months, 2‐year disease‐free survival (DFS) were 100% and 33% for patients who receiving haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) at CR1 and receiving chemotherapy alone respectively. When censored at time of HSCT, 2‐year DFS were 51% and 45% for young and elderly patients (p = 0.987). 2‐year overall survival were 45%, 86% and 100% for patients without HSCT, receiving HSCT after relapse and receiving HSCT at CR1 respectively. A total of 12 patients had marrow recurrences and one had CNS relapse, with 38% occurred early (between Courses I and III). IKZF1 gene deletion was shown to be associated with relapse (p = 0.019). This chemo‐free induction and early consolidation regimen was efficacious and well‐tolerated in de novo Ph + ALL. Allogeneic HSCT conferred definite survival advantage after chemo‐free induction.
Targeting emotional regulation using an Internet‐delivered psychological intervention for cancer survivors: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Smith Isabelle S. , Bind Marie‐Abèle , Weihs Karen L. , Bei Bei , Wiley Joshua F.
Published: July 2023

Objectives

This trial assessed the efficacy of an emotion‐focused, modular, Internet‐delivered adaptation of the Unified Protocol (UP) in improving cancer survivors' emotion regulation strategies.

Design

A two‐arm randomized controlled trial (1:1) was used to compare the efficacy of two Internet‐based interventions: UP‐adapted CanCope Mind (CM) and lifestyle‐focused active control CanCope Lifestyle (CL).

Methods

N = 224 cancer survivors randomized to CM or CL were assessed at baseline, between‐modules, at post‐intervention and 3‐month follow‐up on emotion regulation outcomes targeted by each CM module (Module 1: beliefs about emotions; Module 2: mindfulness; Module 3: cognitive reappraisal skills, catastrophizing, refocus on planning; Module 4: experiential avoidance). Primary analyses were intention‐to‐treat linear regressions using Fisher randomization tests for p‐values and intervals were used to compare groups with standardized mean difference (SMD) effect sizes.

Results

CanCope Mind participants (n = 61 completers) experienced moderate‐to‐large improvements (SMDs from .44–.88) across all outcomes at post‐intervention. CM's effects were larger than CL's (n = 75 completers) immediately post‐intervention and at 3‐month follow‐up for beliefs about emotions, mindfulness, cognitive reappraisals and experiential avoidance (all p's < .05). CM experienced greater improvements in catastrophizing immediately post‐intervention, with a trending effect at follow‐up. However, we could not reject the null hypothesis of identical between‐group effects for refocusing on planning both immediately post‐intervention and at follow‐up. Exploratory analyses revealed inconsistent between‐module effects.

Conclusions

In its entirety, CM is a promising intervention for improving and maintaining cancer survivors' adaptive emotion regulation, especially for mindfulness and experiential avoidance. This may have important clinical implications for promoting cancer survivors’ emotional functioning and general well‐being.
Diagnosis, treatment, and survival from kidney cancer: real‐world National Health Service England data between 2013 and 2019
Authors: Conroy Samantha , Catto James W.F. , Bex Axel , Brown Janet E. , Cartledge Jon , Fielding Alison , Jones Rob J. , Khoo Vincent , Nicol David , Stewart Grant D. , Sullivan Mark , Tran Maxine G.B. , Woodward Rose , Cumberbatch Marcus G.
Published: July 2023

Objectives

To report the NHS Digital (NHSD) data for patients diagnosed with kidney cancer (KC) in England. We explore the incidence, route to diagnosis (RTD), treatment, and survival patterns from 2013 to 2019.

Materials and Methods

Data was extracted from the Cancer Data NHSD portal for International Classification of Diseases, 10th edition coded KC; this included Cancer Registry data, Hospital Episode Statistics, and cancer waiting times data.

Results

Registrations included 66 696 individuals with KC. Incidence of new KC diagnoses increased (8998 in 2013, to 10 232 in 2019), but the age‐standardised rates were stable (18.7–19.4/100 000 population). Almost half of patients (30 340 [45.5%]) were aged 0–70 years and the cohort were most frequently diagnosed with Stage 1–2 KC (n = 26 297 [39.4%]). Most patients were diagnosed through non‐urgent general practitioner referrals (n = 16 814 [30.4%]), followed by 2‐week‐wait (n = 15 472 [28.0%]) and emergency routes (n = 11 796 [21.3%]), with older patients (aged ≥70 years), Stage 4 KCs, and patients with non‐specified renal cell carcinoma being significantly more likely to present through the emergency route (all P < 0.001). Invasive treatment (surgery or ablation), radiotherapy, or systemic anti‐cancer therapy use varied with disease stage, patient factors, and treatment network (Cancer Alliance). Survival outcomes differed by Stage, histological subtype, and social deprivation class (P < 0.001). Age‐standardised mortality rates did not change over the study duration, although immunotherapy usage is likely not captured in this study timeline.

Conclusion

The NHSD resource provides useful insight about the incidence, diagnostic pathways, treatment, and survival of patients with KC in England and a useful benchmark for the upcoming commissioned National Kidney Cancer Audit. The RTD data may be limited by incidental diagnoses, which could confound the high proportion of ‘emergency’ diagnoses. Importantly, survival outcomes remained relatively unchanged.
Brigatinib in Japanese patients with ALK‐positive non‐small‐cell lung cancer: Final results of the phase 2 J‐ALTA trial
Authors: Yoshida Tatsuya , Kumagai Toru , Toyozawa Ryo , Katayama Ryohei , Nishio Makoto , Seto Takashi , Goto Koichi , Yamamoto Nobuyuki , Ohe Yuichiro , Kudou Kentarou , Asato Takayuki , Zhang Pingkuan , Nakagawa Kazuhiko
Published: July 2023

The phase 2, single‐arm, multicenter, open‐label J‐ALTA study evaluated the efficacy and safety of brigatinib in Japanese patients with advanced ALK+ non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC). One expansion cohort of J‐ALTA enrolled patients previously treated with ALK tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs); the main cohort included patients with prior alectinib ± crizotinib. The second expansion cohort enrolled patients with TKI‐naive ALK+ NSCLC. All patients received brigatinib 180 mg once daily (7‐day lead‐in at 90 mg daily). Among 47 patients in the main cohort, 5 (11%) remained on brigatinib at the study end (median follow‐up: 23 months). In this cohort, the independent review committee (IRC)‐assessed objective response rate (ORR) was 34% (95% CI, 21%–49%); median duration of response was 14.8 months (95% CI, 5.5–19.4); median IRC‐assessed progression‐free survival (PFS) was 7.3 months (95% CI, 3.7–12.9). Among 32 patients in the TKI‐naive cohort, 25 (78%) remained on brigatinib (median follow‐up: 22 months); 2‐year IRC‐assessed PFS was 73% (90% CI, 55%–85%); IRC‐assessed ORR was 97% (95% CI, 84%–100%); the median duration of response was not reached (95% CI, 19.4–not reached); 2‐year duration of response was 70%. Grade ≥3 adverse events occurred in 68% and 91% of TKI‐pretreated and TKI‐naive patients, respectively. Exploratory analyses of baseline circulating tumor DNA in ALK TKI‐pretreated NSCLC showed associations between poor PFS and EML4‐ALK fusion variant 3 and TP53. Brigatinib is an important treatment option for Japanese patients with ALK+ NSCLC, including patients previously treated with alectinib.
Early home learning support and home mathematics environment as predictors of children's mathematical skills between age 4 and 6: A longitudinal analysis using video observations and survey data
Authors: Zhao Yiran Vicky , Gibson Jenny Louise
Published: July 2023

This large‐scale and longitudinal study examines early home support for learning, formal/informal home mathematics activities, and their associations with children's mathematical development between age two and six. Data were collected in Germany between 2012 and 2018, N = 1184 (49% girls, 51% boys), and 15% of children had parents with a migration history. Linguistically and mathematically stimulating, attentive, and responsive parent–child engagement at age two predicted children's mathematical skills at age four and six (small‐to‐medium effect size). Both formal and informal home mathematical activities at age five predicted children's mathematical skills at age six (small effect size), and were associated with children's prior mathematics attainment. This study also provides indicators where individual differences and social circumstances are relevant to understanding different early mathematics outcomes.
Noninvasive prenatal diagnosis of Mendelian disorders for consanguineous couples by relative genotype dosage
Authors: Fokstuen Siv , Quteineh Lina , Schwitzgebel Valérie M. , Köhler‐Ballan Bettina , Blouin Jean‐Louis , Abramowicz Marc , Nouspikel Thierry
Published: July 2023

Noninvasive prenatal diagnosis relies on the presence in maternal blood of circulating cell‐free fetal DNA released by apoptotic trophoblast cells. Widely used for aneuploidy screening, it can also be applied to monogenic diseases (NIPD‐M) in case of known parental mutations. Due to the confounding effect of maternal DNA, detection of maternal or biparental mutations requires relative haplotype dosage (RHDO), a method relying on the presence of SNPs that are heterozygous in one parent and homozygous in the other. Unavoidably, there is a risk of test failure by lack of such informative SNPs, an event particularly likely for consanguineous couples who often share common haplotypes in regions of identity‐by‐descent. Here we present a novel approach, relative genotype dosage (RGDO) that bypasses this predicament by directly assessing fetal genotype with SNPs that are heterozygous in both parents (frequent in regions of identity‐by‐descent). We show that RGDO is as sensitive as RHDO and that it performs well over a large range of fetal fractions and DNA amounts, thereby opening NIPD‐M to most consanguineous couples. We also report examples of couples, consanguineous or not, where combining RGDO and RHDO allowed a diagnosis that would not have been possible with only one approach.
Platelet‐activating factor antagonist‐based intensive antiplatelet strategy in acute ischemic stroke: A propensity score matched with network pharmacology analysis
Authors: Han Xiaoyan , Li Youjia , Chen Xuemin , Pan Dong , Mo Junning , Qiu Jiaming , Li Yi , Chen Yan , Huang Yan , Shen Qingyu , Tang Yamei
Published: July 2023

Background

Diterpene ginkgolides meglumine injection (DGMI) is a platelet‐activating factor receptor (PAFR) antagonist that can be used to treat acute ischemic stroke (AIS). This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of an intensive antiplatelet strategy based on PAFR antagonists and explored the underlying mechanisms of PAFR antagonists in AIS treatment.

Methods

This is a retrospective study applying propensity score methods to match AIS patients treated with DGMI to nontreated patients. The primary outcome was functional independence (modified Rankin Scale [mRS] 0–2) at 90 days. The safety outcome was bleeding risk. We used McNemar test to compare the efficacy outcome. Subsequently, the network pharmacology analysis was performed.

Results

161 AIS patients treated with DGMI in the study were matched with 161 untreated patients. Compared with untreated patients, DGMI‐treated patients had a significantly higher rate of mRS ranking 0–2 at 90 days (82.0% vs. 75.8%, p < 0.001), without increased risk of bleeding. The gene enrichment analysis showed that the overlap genes of DGMI targeted and AIS‐related enriched in thrombosis and inflammatory‐related signaling pathways.

Conclusions

An intensive antiplatelet strategy of DGMI plus traditional antiplatelet agents is effective in treating AIS and may work by mediating post‐stroke inflammation and thrombosis.
Mind the gap! Gender differences in alcohol consumption among Swedish ninth graders 1989–2021
Authors: Raninen Jonas , Ramstedt Mats , Thor Siri , Törrönen Jukka
Published: July 2023

Introduction

To examine gender differences in drinking habits among Swedish ninth graders over the period 1989–2021.

Methods

Annual school surveys with nationally representative samples of ninth‐grade students in Sweden covering the period 1989–2021, total sample of 180,538 students. Drinking habits were measured with self‐reports of frequency and quantity of use and frequency of heavy episodic drinking. Differences between genders were compared annually and differences were tested using logistic and ordinary least square regression models with cluster robust standard errors.

Results

Small gender differences in the prevalence of alcohol use during the first part of the study period were followed by an increasing gap over the past decade with girls being more likely to drink alcohol than boys. Boys consumed larger amounts of alcohol than girls during the first three decades of the studied period but no gender differences were found in later years. Binge drinking was more prevalent among boys during 1989 to 2000 but no systematic gender difference was found during the past 15 years.

Discussion and Conclusions

There used to be clear gender differences in drinking habits among ninth graders in Sweden with boys drinking more than girls. This gap has narrowed over the past three decades and among contemporary adolescents, no gender differences are found neither in binge drinking nor volume of drinking and the prevalence of drinking is even higher among girls.
Neuroethics and cultural context: The case of electroconvulsive therapy in Argentina
Authors: Castelli Paula , Guinjoan Salvador M. , Wajnerman‐Paz Abel , Salles Arleen
Published: July 2023

As neuroethics continues to grow as an established discipline, it has been charged with not being sufficiently sensitive to the way in which the identification, conceptualization, and management of the ethical issues raised by neuroscience and its applications are shaped by local systems of knowledge and structures. Recently there have been calls for explicit recognition of the role played by local cultural contexts and for the development of cross‐cultural methodologies that can facilitate meaningful cultural engagement. In this article, we attempt to fill this perceived gap by providing a culturally situated analysis of the practice of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in Argentina. ECT was introduced as a psychiatric treatment in Argentina in the 1930s but it is largely underutilized. While the use of ECT remains low in several countries, what makes the Argentinian case interesting is that the executive branch of government has taken a stance regarding both the scientific and moral appropriateness of ECT, recommending its prohibition. Here, we begin with a recent controversy over the use of ECT in Argentina and explain the legal recommendation to ban its application. Next, we offer an overview of some of the salient aspect of the international and local discussions on ECT. We argue that the governmental recommendation to ban the procedure should be rethought. While acknowledging the role that contexts and local conditions play in shaping the identification and assessment of the relevant ethical issues, we caution against using contextual and cultural considerations to avoid a necessary ethical debate on controversial issues.
Testing for associations between HbA1c levels, polygenic risk and brain health in UK Biobank (N = 39 283)
Authors: Ranglani Sanskar , Ward Joey , Sattar Naveed , Strawbridge Rona J. , Lyall Donald M.
Published: July 2023

Aim

To investigate whether continuous HbA1c levels and HbA1c‐polygenic risk scores (HbA1c‐PRS) are significantly associated with worse brain health independent of type 2 diabetes (T2D) diagnosis (vs. not), by examining brain structure and cognitive test score phenotypes.

Methods

Using UK Biobank data (n = 39 283), we tested whether HbA1c levels and/or HbA1c‐PRS were associated with cognitive test scores and brain imaging phenotypes. We adjusted for confounders of age, sex, Townsend deprivation score, level of education, genotyping chip, eight genetic principal components, smoking, alcohol intake frequency, cholesterol medication, body mass index, T2D and apolipoprotein (APOE) e4 dosage.

Results

We found an association between higher HbA1c levels and poorer performance on symbol digit substitution scores (standardized beta [β] = −0.022, P = .001) in the fully adjusted model. We also found an association between higher HbA1c levels and worse brain MRI phenotypes of grey matter (GM; fully‐adjusted β = −0.026, P < .001), whole brain volume (β = −0.072, P = .0113) and a general factor of frontal lobe GM (β = −0.022, P < .001) in partially and fully adjusted models. HbA1c‐PRS were significantly associated with GM volume in the fully adjusted model (β = −0.010, P = .0113); however, when adjusted for HbA1c levels, the association was not significant.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that measured HbA1c is associated with poorer cognitive health, and that HbA1c‐PRS do not add significant information to this.
National soil data in EU countries, where do we stand?
Authors: Cornu Sophie , Keesstra Saskia , Bispo Antonio , Fantappie Maria , van Egmond Fenny , Smreczak Bozena , Wawer Rafał , Pavlů Lenka , Sobocká Jaroslava , Bakacsi Zsófia , Farkas‐Iványi Kinga , Molnár Sándor , Møller Anders Bjørn , Madenoglu Sevinc , Feiziene Dalia , Oorts Katrien , Schneider Florian , da Conceição Gonçalves Maria , Mano Raquel , Garland Gina , Skalský Rastislav , O'Sullivan Lilian , Kasparinskis Raimonds , Chenu Claire
Published: July 2023

At the European scale, soil characteristics are needed to evaluate soil quality, soil health and soil‐based ecosystem services in the context of the European Green Deal. While some soil databases exist at the European scale, a much larger wealth of data is present in individual European countries, allowing a more detailed soil assessment. There is thus an urgent and crucial need to combine these data at the European scale. In the frame of a large European Joint Programme on agricultural soils launched by the European Commission, a survey was conducted in the spring of 2020, in the 24 European participating countries to assess the existing soil data sources, focusing on agricultural soils. The survey will become a contribution to the European Soil Observatory, launched in December 2020, which aims to collect metadata of soil databases related to all kind of land uses, including forest and urban soils. Based upon a comprehensive questionnaire, 170 soil databases were identified at local, regional and national scales. Soil parameters were divided into five groups: (1) main soil parameters according to the Global Soil Map specifications; (2) other soil chemical parameters; (3) other physical parameters; (4) other pedological parameters; and (5) soil biological features. A classification based on the environmental zones of Europe was used to distinguish the climatic zones. This survey shows that while most of the main pedological and chemical parameters are included in more than 70% of the country soil databases, water content, contamination with organic pollutants, and biological parameters are the least frequently reported parameters. Such differences will have consequences when developing an EU policy on soil health as proposed under the EU soil strategy for 2023 and using the data to derive soil health indicators. Many differences in the methods used in collecting, preparing, and analysing the soils were found, thus requiring harmonization procedures and more cooperation among countries and with the EU to use the data at the European scale. In addition, choosing harmonized and useful interpretation and threshold values for EU soil indicators may be challenging due to the different methods used and the wide variety of soil land‐use and climate combinations influencing possible thresholds. The temporal scale of the soil databases reported is also extremely wide, starting from the '20s of the 20th century.
Do Subject Matter Experts’ Judgments of Multiple‐Choice Format Suitability Predict Item Quality?
Authors: Berenbon Rebecca F. , McHugh Bridget C.
Published: July 2023

To assemble a high‐quality test, psychometricians rely on subject matter experts (SMEs) to write high‐quality items. However, SMEs are not typically given the opportunity to provide input on which content standards are most suitable for multiple‐choice questions (MCQs). In the present study, we explored the relationship between perceived MCQ suitability for a given content standard and the associated item characteristics. Prior to item writing, we surveyed SMEs on MCQ suitability for each content standard. Following field testing, we then used SMEs’ average ratings for each content standard to predict item characteristics for the tests. We analyzed multilevel models predicting item difficulty (p value), discrimination, and nonfunctioning distractor presence. Items were nested within courses and content standards. There was a curvilinear relationship between SMEs’ ratings and item difficulty such that very low MCQ suitability ratings were predictive of easier items. After controlling for item difficulty, items with higher MCQ suitability ratings had higher discrimination and were less likely to have one or more nonfunctioning distractors. This research has practical implications for optimizing test blueprints. Additionally, psychometricians may use these ratings to better prepare for coaching SMEs during item writing.
Longitudinal associations between quality of diet and disability over 7.5 years in an international sample of people with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Simpson‐Yap Steve , Neate Sandra L. , Nag Nupur , Probst Yasmine C. , Yu Maggie , Jelinek George A. , Reece Jeanette C.
Published: July 2023

Background and purpose

Modifiable lifestyle factors, including diet, have been implicated in multiple sclerosis (MS) progression, but prospective evidence is limited. The aim of this study was to examine prospective relationships between quality of diet and subsequent disability over 7.5 years in an international cohort of people living with MS (pwMS).

Methods

Data from 602 participants in the HOLISM (Health Outcomes and Lifestyle In a Sample of people with Multiple sclerosis) study were analysed. Quality of diet was assessed using the modified Diet Habits Questionnaire (DHQ). Disability was assessed using the Patient‐determined MS Severity Score (P‐MSSS). Characteristics of disability were assessed by log‐binomial, log‐multinomial and linear regression, adjusted for demographic and clinical covariates, as appropriate.

Results

Higher baseline total DHQ scores (>80–89, >89%) were associated with lower risks of increased P‐MSSS at 7.5 years (adjusted risk ratio [aRR] 0.46, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.23, 0.91 and aRR 0.48, 95% CI 0.26, 0.89, respectively), and with less P‐MSSS accrual (aβ = −0.38, 95% CI −0.78, 0.01 and aβ = −0.44, 95% CI −0.81, −0.06). Of the DHQ domains, fat subscore was most strongly associated with subsequent disability. Participants with reducing baseline‐to‐2.5‐ years total DHQ scores had greater risk of increased P‐MSSS at 7.5 years (aRR 2.77, 95% CI 1.18, 6.53) and higher P‐MSSS accrual (aβ = 0.30, 95% CI 0.01, 0.60). Participants reporting baseline meat and dairy consumption had greater risk of increased P‐MSSS at 7.5 years (aRR 2.06, 95% CI 1.23, 3.45 and aRR 2.02, 95% CI 1.25, 3.25) and higher P‐MSSS accrual (aβ = 0.28, 95% CI 0.02, 0.54 and aβ = 0.43, 95% CI 0.16, 0.69, respectively). However, reported meat consumption was confounded by quality of diet. Changes in meat or dairy consumption from baseline were inconsistently associated with subsequent disability.

Conclusions

We show for the first time robust long‐term associations between quality of diet and subsequent disability progression in pwMS. Subject to replication, dietary modification may represent a point of intervention for reducing disability in pwMS.
A sustainable circular supply chain network design model for electric vehicle battery production using internet of things and big data
Authors: Tavana Madjid , Sohrabi Mahsa , Rezaei Homa , Sorooshian Shahryar , Mina Hassan
Published: July 2023

Designing and developing sustainable circular supply chain networks for electric vehicle (EV) lithium‐ion battery recycling and production requires complex environmental sustainability and economic viability assessment. EVs use a lot of data for battery management and delivering optimum performance, and the Internet of Things (IoT) plays a major role in managing this data. This study develops a bi‐objective mixed‐integer linear programming model for designing a sustainable circular supply chain to manage the manufacturing, remanufacturing, and distribution of EV lithium‐ion batteries under uncertainty using the IoT and big data. The proposed model simultaneously minimizes total costs and CO2 emissions and uses IoT to improve network performance and create a traceable and secure environment. A fuzzy multi‐objective method solves the bi‐objective optimization model under uncertainty, and a simulation algorithm examines the effectiveness of the proposed model through simulated problems.
Lysosome pH‐regulated H+/K+ switching channel involved in maintaining lysosomal homeostasis
Authors: Wang Yizhen , Li Wei , Wang Qiaochu
Published: July 2023

Lysosomal pH setpoint and H+ homeostasis is key to the lysosome's functions. The Parkinson's disease‐risk protein TMEM175, originally identified as lysosomal K+ channel, works as a H+‐activated H+ channel and discharges the lysosomal H+ store when it is hyper‐acidified. Yang et al. indicate that TMEM175 is permeable for both K+ and H+ in the same pore and charges the lysosome with H+ under certain conditions. The charge and discharge functions are under regulation of the lysosomal matrix and glycocalyx layer. Their presented work indicates that TMEM175 performs as a multi‐functional channel regulating lysosomal pH in response to physiological conditions.
Prediction of potential fishing grounds of swordtip squid (Uroteuthis edulis) based on a physical–biochemical coupled model
Authors: Ito Takeshi , Takayama Katsumi , Hirose Naoki
Published: July 2023

Swordtip squid (Uroteuthis edulis), which is sometimes eaten alive (lively squid) in northwest Kyushu, Japan, is an economically important fish species in the region. However, the total catch of this species in Japan has declined by more than 80% in the last three decades. To understand and predict the spatio‐temporal distribution of fish species, we developed a one‐dimensional ecosystem (NPZD) model and a habitat suitability index (HSI) model for southwest Iki Island, northwest Kyushu, Japan. Subsequently, we conducted three numerical experiments with the HSI model, with and without the NPZD model data (with the NPZD model data: phytoplankton or zooplankton concentrations, without the NPZD model data: only the physical data of the ocean). In the HSI model with zooplankton concentrations, we found a stronger positive relationship between the HSI model values and the daily fisheries catch data of U. edulis than that using only the physical variables of the ocean as the environmental parameters. Our study thus indicates that the performance of the fishing ground prediction model will improve by utilizing the lower trophic ecosystem model such as zooplankton concentrations. Furthermore, our results would provide important implications for the efficiency of fishing operations and the conservation and management of this species.
Human‐induced salinity changes impact marine organisms and ecosystems
Authors: Röthig Till , Trevathan‐Tackett Stacey M. , Voolstra Christian R. , Ross Cliff , Chaffron Samuel , Durack Paul J. , Warmuth Laura M. , Sweet Michael
Published: July 2023

Climate change is fundamentally altering marine and coastal ecosystems on a global scale. While the effects of ocean warming and acidification on ecology and ecosystem functions and services are being comprehensively researched, less attention is directed toward understanding the impacts of human‐driven ocean salinity changes. The global water cycle operates through water fluxes expressed as precipitation, evaporation, and freshwater runoff from land. Changes to these in turn modulate ocean salinity and shape the marine and coastal environment by affecting ocean currents, stratification, oxygen saturation, and sea level rise. Besides the direct impact on ocean physical processes, salinity changes impact ocean biological functions with the ecophysiological consequences are being poorly understood. This is surprising as salinity changes may impact diversity, ecosystem and habitat structure loss, and community shifts including trophic cascades. Climate model future projections (of end of the century salinity changes) indicate magnitudes that lead to modification of open ocean plankton community structure and habitat suitability of coral reef communities. Such salinity changes are also capable of affecting the diversity and metabolic capacity of coastal microorganisms and impairing the photosynthetic capacity of (coastal and open ocean) phytoplankton, macroalgae, and seagrass, with downstream ramifications on global biogeochemical cycling. The scarcity of comprehensive salinity data in dynamic coastal regions warrants additional attention. Such datasets are crucial to quantify salinity‐based ecosystem function relationships and project such changes that ultimately link into carbon sequestration and freshwater as well as food availability to human populations around the globe. It is critical to integrate vigorous high‐quality salinity data with interacting key environmental parameters (e.g., temperature, nutrients, oxygen) for a comprehensive understanding of anthropogenically induced marine changes and its impact on human health and the global economy.
Questionnaire survey of geriatricians and primary care physicians' approaches to treating older patients with multimorbidity
Authors: Kimura Takuma , Shinmura Ken
Published: July 2023

Aim

Geriatricians and primary care physicians in Japan are expected to provide care to older patients with multimorbidity.

Methods

A questionnaire survey was carried out to understand the current approaches to older patients with multimorbidity. A total of 3300 participants, including 1650 geriatric specialists (G) and 1650 primary care specialists (PC) were enrolled. A 4‐point Likert scale was used to score the following items: diseases that cause difficulty in treatment (diseases), patient backgrounds that cause difficulty in treatment (backgrounds), important clinical factors and important clinical strategies. Statistical comparisons were made between the groups. In the Likert scale, higher scores show a greater degree of difficulty.

Results

We obtained responses from 439 and 397 specialists in the G and PC, respectively (response rates 26.6 and 24.1%). The overall scores for “diseases” and “backgrounds” were significantly higher in the G than those in the PC (P < 0.001 and P = 0.018). The top 10 items in the “backgrounds” and in the “important clinical strategies” were all matched between the groups. The overall score of the “important clinical factors” was not statistically different between the groups; however, “low nutrition,” “bedridden activities of daily living,” “living alone” and “frailty” were found only in the top 10 items of the G, and “financial problems” was found in those of the PC.

Conclusions

Geriatricians and primary care physicians have many similarities and differences in their approaches to multimorbidity management. Therefore, there is an urgent need to establish a system in which they can share a common understanding to manage older patients with multimorbidity. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2023; 23: 628–638.
Do auditors change their individual style? Examining the effects of client importance and competition on auditors' influence on earnings comparability in China
Authors: Chi Wuchun , Koh Kevin , Liu Yanghui , Long Xiaohai
Published: July 2023

Individual auditor style implies that two client firms audited by the same individual auditors are likely to have more comparable earnings than two client firms audited by different individual auditors within the same audit firm. We investigate whether auditors in China change their individual style to cater to demands of clients that are of high importance and are located in a competitive audit market. Using a propensity score match approach, we find evidence of higher earnings comparability between a pair of client firms audited by the same individual auditors. However, in subsamples of client firm pairs that are of high importance or are located in a competitive audit market, we find earnings comparability of client firms audited by the same individual auditors diminishes. Our findings suggest that due to the influence of economic bonding in auditor–client relations in China, individual auditors change their style to cater to client demands.
Alliance management capabilities in sustainability‐oriented collaboration: Problematization and new research directions
Authors: Vurro Clodia , Romito Stefano , Costanzo Laura A. , Ghobadian Abby , Russo Angeloantonio
Published: July 2023

Sustainability‐oriented collaboration, a heterogeneous set of formal interorganizational arrangements that vary considerably in size, membership, focus and functioning, but share the same interest in addressing sustainability challenges of public concern, is becoming a mainstay of corporate agenda setting. Yet, the more firms interact on social and environmental issues, the more the burdens and tensions of collaborating for sustainability become apparent. Research and practice increasingly question whether an alliance management capability (AMC) perspective can be adopted to explain variability in collaboration effectiveness. With the aim to investigate whether, and to what extent, existing sustainability‐oriented collaboration research integrates or challenges mainstream theory on AMC, we adopt a problematization method to unpack the root assumptions underlying the AMC construct. We find that self‐interest in economic value creation and capture, the need for homogeneity to favour knowledge accumulation and learning on alliance management, and predictable patterns of AMC deployment are consistently assumed by scholars to predict success in alliance management. Accordingly, we analyse AMC assumptions’ current integration in the study of sustainability‐oriented collaboration, conducting a systematic literature review on collaborative capabilities developed for, during and in response to sustainability challenges. In so doing, we identify what distinguishes sustainability‐oriented collaboration from mainstream strategic alliances and the related implications on the collaborative capabilities firms should develop and deploy when dealing with sustainability challenges. We elaborate on these and their implications for AMC constructs to provide a future research agenda, which integrates further theoretical perspectives and broadens the scope of existing ones.
cAMP responsive element modulator α promotes effector T cells in systemic autoimmune diseases
Authors: Carlsson Emil , Cowell‐McGlory Taylor , Hedrich Christian M.
Published: July 2023

T lymphocytes play a crucial role in adaptive immunity. Dysregulation of T cell‐derived inflammatory cytokine expression and loss of self‐tolerance promote inflammation and tissue damage in several autoimmune/inflammatory diseases, including systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and psoriasis. The transcription factor cAMP responsive element modulator α (CREMα) plays a key role in the regulation of T cell homeostasis. Increased expression of CREMα is a hallmark of the T cell‐mediated inflammatory diseases SLE and psoriasis. Notably, CREMα regulates the expression of effector molecules through trans‐regulation and/or the co‐recruitment of epigenetic modifiers, including DNA methyltransferases (DNMT3a), histone‐methyltransferases (G9a) and histone acetyltransferases (p300). Thus, CREMα may be used as a biomarker for disease activity and/or target for future targeted therapeutic interventions.
Synthesis and photoluminescence of novel blue‐emitting phosphor of Eu2+‐activated fluoroborate BaGaBO3F2
Authors: Zhang Suyin , Wei Qinhua , Yin Hang , Tang Gao , Chen Zhenhua , Xu Xiaoli , Qin Laishun
Published: July 2023

Pure and Eu2+‐activated fluoroborate BaGaBO3F2 was prepared using high‐temperature solid‐state reaction. BaGaBO3F2 is a wide band semiconductor with the indirect transition characteristic. The excitation and luminescence spectra of the phosphor were measured, and it was found that Eu2+‐activated BaGaBO3F2 exhibits a bright blue color under ultraviolet (UV) light. The narrow emission band peaked at 425 nm is attributed to the transitions of 4f65d→4f7(8S7/2), and the Stokes shift estimated for this phosphor sample is 3140 cm−1. The lifetime of the luminescence is also reported. The absolute quantum efficiency (QE) of the phosphor was evaluated, and it was found that the absolute QE decreases with increasing Eu2+ concentration. The phosphor shows an excellent quantum efficiency of 72.5% and a high thermal activation energy of 0.342 eV. The study concludes that Eu2+‐doped BaGaBO3F2 phosphor has promising luminescence application abilities and can be used as a blue‐emitting phosphor in a variety of applications.
Fabrication of high aspect ratio boron nitride nanotube–ZrB₂ composites and the effect of dispersion
Authors: Lee Minhyeok , Jung Unseok , Kim Jong‐Il , Jeong Hyeondeok , Kim Jaewoo , Moon Se Youn , Jang Se Gyu , Ryu Sung‐Soo , Kim Seong Yun , Lee Hunsu
Published: July 2023

Ultrahigh‐temperature ceramics (UHTCs) exhibit remarkable hardness and resistance to oxidative ablation, making them suitable for use in hypersonic environments, such as hypersonic aircraft and space shuttles. However, their low fracture toughness limits their applications as engineering materials. In this study, zirconium diboride, an extremely hard and oxidation‐resistant UHTC, was sintered with high aspect ratio boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) to improve the fracture toughness of UHTC. Although the high aspect ratio BNNTs tend to become entangled and are inefficient in improving the fracture toughness of the composite, the use of plasma functionalization can effectively disperse the BNNTs in UHTC, resulting in the increase in the fracture toughness of the UHTC composite.
An examination of learning ecologies associated with the Holocaust: The role of social media
Authors: Manca Stefania , Raffaghelli Juliana Elisa
Published: July 2023

Background

Holocaust memory and learning processes have become increasingly mediatised as a result of rapid technological advances. There is, however, little information available regarding how people learn about this topic informally through social media.

Objectives

This paper explores how adult learners develop their learning ecologies by using social media to learn about the Holocaust informally.

Methods

The study uses a learning ecology perspective to analyse the interests, expectations and learning process of a group of adult learners (N = 276). An online survey tool was developed to collect information on the interests, expectations, and benefits of learning about Holocaust‐related topics among online users of four Italian Holocaust museums' social media profiles (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube). Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to summarise the characteristics of the sample and to answer the research questions.

Results and Conclusions

The results show that most of the respondents are mostly women, with an average age of 50 and a higher level of education. In terms of interest and expectations, they are particularly interested in issues related to the intertwining of transnational and national memory. They also express a sense of civic responsibility with regard to the legacy of the Holocaust. Finally, components of the learning process show proactive behaviour and a preference for individual learning, while interaction with peers is considered less important.

Takeaways

There is an urgent need to understand how learners' preferences influence the development of learning ecologies and the types of content they are most likely to be exposed to as a result. It is also important for social media content providers to understand that learners are looking for quality resources and trustworthy content to further their education.
The influence of social media literacy on student engagement in online learning
Authors: Tran‐Duong Quoc Hoa , Vo‐Thi Ngoc‐Tram
Published: July 2023

Background

Recent years have seen the proliferation of online courses that have been initiated either in accordance with the natural rhythms of educational technology growths or in force majeure situations. This adds complexity to understanding the influence of potential factors on online student engagement.

Objectives

The present study conducted an essential inspection to explore the relationship between student social media literacy and their engagement in online learning settings.

Methodology

A sample of 1015 undergraduate students participated in this study and the partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS‐SEM) was chosen for evaluating the research model. In addition, to provide more information on the prioritization of strategic actions, the importance‐performance map analysis (IPMA) was also performed.

Results

In a two‐factor construct, social media literacy was found to have a significantly positive relationship with aspects of student engagement in the online learning environment. The influence of technical competence is still undeniable, but the effect of cognitive competence on online student engagement is more significant. In addition, appearing in the fourth quadrant (low performance ‐ high importance) in all IPMA presentations, the anticipatory reflection is the construct that should be prioritized for improvement to augment student engagement in online learning.
CEO prior uncertainty and pay–performance sensitivity
Authors: Lee Jiyoon
Published: July 2023

A CEO's pay–performance sensitivity (PPS) is higher in the first year of their tenure than in the following years. I explain this finding with reference to chief executive officer (CEO) prior uncertainty: Because of information asymmetry and/or uncertainty about the quality of the match between a CEO and a firm, first‐year compensation is often arranged to depend largely on performance. Consistent with this explanation, CEOs with higher prior uncertainty exhibit higher first‐year PPS. Also, PPS is higher for outsider CEOs than insider CEOs. Among outsider CEOs, first‐year PPS is lower for former executives of large public firms. An insider CEO's service time in a firm before becoming the CEO reduces first‐year PPS.
Rheological behavior and modeling of an ultrafiltration process for Aloe vera
Authors: Medina‐Torres L. , Guillen I. H. González , Núñez‐Ramírez D. M. , García‐Guzmán P. , Calderas F. , González Laredo R. F. , Gonzalez Lozano M. A. , Ramirez Torres L. A. , Manero O.
Published: July 2023

Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis Miller) is employed as a food supplement containing mucopolysaccharides which contribute to a healthy diet. Aloe vera mucilage is usually obtained through an evaporation process. An alternative process to preserve polysaccharide properties is ultrafiltration (UF), which impedes degradation of the compound by temperature. This work analyses the effect of the UF process on the mechanical and rheological properties of Aloe vera considering the following variables: temperature (T), input feeding rate (V), and transmembrane pressure (ΔPTM). The permeate flux varies according to the operating conditions exhibiting non‐Newtonian effects. The determination of the mass transfer coefficient is based on the analogy of transport phenomena (heat transfer to mass transfer) in non‐Newtonian fluids to obtain the permeate flux. The results show that when the mucilage is fed as a diluted shear‐thinning fluid, the UF efficiency is positively affected. To describe the rheological behavior of the concentrated mucilage, the power law and the Bautista‐Manero‐Puig (BMP) models are used and compared. Results suggest that the BMP model represents better the experimental data of permeate flux as a function of filtrate concentration with respect to the experimentally measured permeate flux.

Practical Applications

Currently, the use of Aloe vera mucilage as encapsulating agents, thickeners, emulsifiers, and wall materials is highly appreciated by the food and pharmaceutical industry. This research shows that the concentrate obtained from Aloe vera mucilage by ultrafiltration (UF) preserves its rheological properties, unlike other thermal processes. Results represent an interesting and promising alternative to estimate the properties of Aloe vera using more realistic rheological models with promising applications in the food and pharmaceutical industry. The Aloe vera mucilage increases the health benefits using the mucilage in different concentrations in different industrial processes.
Changes in preterm and extremely preterm birth rates in Japan after the introduction of obstetrical practice guidelines in 2008
Authors: Shimano Satoshi , Yamada Takashi , Cho Kazutoshi , Sengoku Kazuo , Mariya Tasuku , Saito Tsuyoshi
Published: July 2023

Aim

Obstetrical guidelines were established in Japan in 2008, and obstetrical diagnoses and treatments were subsequently standardized nationally. We examined changes in the preterm birth rate (PTBR) and extremely preterm birth rate (EPTBR) following the introduction of such guidelines.

Methods

Information on 50 706 432 live births in Japan between 1979 and 2021, including Japanese reproductive medicine, the childbearing age of pregnant women, and the employment status of reproductive‐age women between 2007 and 2020, were obtained from the Japanese government and academic societies. Regression analysis was used to compare chronological changes nationally and those of eight Japanese regions. Regional and national average PTBRs and EPTBRs from 2007 to 2020 were compared by using a repeated measures analysis of variance.

Results

From 1979 to 2007, PTBRs and EPTBRs in Japan increased significantly. However, from 2008, the national PTBR and EPTBR decreased until 2020 (p < 0.001) and 2019 (p = 0.02), respectively. From 2007 to 2020, overall PTBR and EPTBR were 5.68% and 0.255%, respectively. A significant difference in the PTBR and EPTBR existed between the eight Japanese regions. During this period, the number of pregnancies using assisted reproductive technology increased from 19 595 to 60 381, pregnant women became older, the employment rate of those of reproductive age increased, and nonregular employment was 54%, which was 2.5 times higher than for men.

Conclusions

In Japan, after obstetrical guidelines were enacted in 2008, PTRBs decreased significantly even under the pressure of increasing preterm births. Countermeasures may be necessary for regions showing high PTBRs.