bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Microtubule pivoting driven by spindle elongation rescues polar chromosomes to ensure faithful mitosis
Authors: Koprivec Isabella , Štimac Valentina , Mikec Petra , Tolić Iva M.
Published: June 2024

Polar chromosomes represent a subset of ∼7 chromosomes in human cells that first attach to the mitotic spindle behind the spindle pole. These chromosomes are delayed in congression to the metaphase plate and prone to segregation errors. Yet, their mechanism of congression remains elusive. By using stimulated emission depletion (STED) and lattice light-sheet (LLS) microscopy, here we show that polar chromosomes require a unique congression step to transit across the spindle pole. This step occurs independently of the known congression drivers, including CENP-E, kinetochore dynein, chromokinesins, and actomyosin. Instead, it relies on the pivoting of chromosome-carrying astral microtubules around the centrosome towards the spindle surface. During pivoting, polar chromosomes form complex attachments with astral microtubules that persist throughout the process. By altering the kinesin-5 Eg5/KIF11 activity to reverse, restore, or block spindle elongation, we show that spindle elongation drives the pivoting and dictates its direction and magnitude. We reveal impaired spindle elongation as a major cause of congression defects and segregation errors of polar chromosomes in RPE1 cells after Mps1 kinase inhibition, and in the high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma OVSAHO cells. Increasing spindle elongation efficiency by depleting the kinesin-4 KIF4A rescued polar chromosomes in OVSAHO cells, supporting the causal relationship between spindle elongation and resolution of polar chromosomes. We conclude that polar chromosomes depend on spindle elongation to propel the pivoting of their astral microtubules, enabling their contact with the spindle surface, congression, and proper segregation. In the context of disease, our findings suggest that altering spindle elongation has the potential to modify mitotic errors in certain cancer cells.
Imputation for Lipidomics and Metabolomics (ImpLiMet): Online application for optimization and method selection for missing data imputation
Authors: Ou Huiting , Surendra Anuradha , McDowell Graeme S.V. , Hashimoto-Roth Emily , Xia Jianguo , Bennett Steffany A.L. , Čuperlović-Culf Miroslava
Published: June 2024

Motivation

Missing values are often unavoidable in modern high-throughput measurements due to various experimental or analytical reasons. Imputation, the process of replacing missing values in a dataset with estimated values, plays an important role in multivariate and machine learning analyses. Three missingness patterns have been conceptualized: missing completely at random (MCAR), missing at random (MAR), and missing not at random (MNAR). Each describes unique dependencies between the missing and observed data. As a result, the optimal imputation method for each dataset depends on the type of data, the cause of the missing data, and the nature of relationships between the missing and observed data. The challenge is to identify the optimal imputation solution for a given dataset.

Results

ImpLiMet: is a user-friendly UI-platform that enables users to impute missing data using eight different methods. For the user’s dataset, ImpLiMet can suggest the optimal imputation solution through a grid search-based investigation of the error rate for imputation across three missingness data simulations. The effect of imputation can be visually assessed by histogram, kurtosis and skewness analyses, as well as principal component analysis (PCA) comparing the impact of the chosen imputation method on the distribution and overall behaviour of the data.

Availability and implementation

ImpLiMet is freely available athttps://complimet.ca/shiny/implimet/with software accessible athttps://github.com/complimet/ImpLiMet

Contact

steffanyann.bennett@uottawa.caandmiroslava.cuperlovic-culf@nrc-cnrc.gca.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics Advances online.
Genome-wide association study reveals the unique genetic structure of active blood donors
Authors: Clancy Jonna , Toivonen Jarkko , Lauronen Jouni , Koskela Satu , Partanen Jukka ,   FinnGen, Arvas Mikko , Ritari Jarmo
Published: June 2024

The healthy donor effect (HDE) refers to the observed lower mortality rate among blood donors compared to the general population. While membership biases such as HDE arise due to healthier individuals being more likely to participate, the extent to which it is influenced by genetic differences remains largely unclear. To elucidate the genetic basis of HDE, we conducted a genome-wide association study (GWAS) involving 53,688 active blood donors with extensive donation histories and 228,060 controls from biobank cohorts within the FinnGen project. Our results identified 2,973 genome-wide significant loci associated with repeated blood donation and impacting several health-related endpoints and protein level alteration. Importantly, significant variants related not only to blood groups but also influenced the predisposition to somatic and mental diseases, suggesting that HDE is not solely tied to blood donation eligibility criteria. In conclusion, in this work we show that HDE is partially explained by genetic factors affecting various disease categories.
Analyzing Diversity in Healthcare LLM Research: A Scientometric Perspective
Authors: Restrepo David , Wu Chenwei , Vásquez-Venegas Constanza , Matos João , Gallifant Jack , Celi Leo Anthony , Bitterman Danielle S. , Nakayama Luis Filipe
Published: June 2024

The deployment of large language models (LLMs) in healthcare has demonstrated substantial potential for enhancing clinical decision-making, administrative efficiency, and patient outcomes. However, the underrepresentation of diverse groups in the development and application of these models can perpetuate biases, leading to inequitable healthcare delivery. This paper presents a comprehensive scientometric analysis of LLM research for healthcare, including data from January 1, 2021, to July 1, 2024. By analyzing metadata from PubMed and Dimensions, including author affiliations, countries, and funding sources, we assess the diversity of contributors to LLM research. Our findings highlight significant gender and geographic disparities, with a predominance of male authors and contributions primarily from high-income countries (HICs). We introduce a novel journal diversity index based on Gini diversity to measure the inclusiveness of scientific publications. Our results underscore the necessity for greater representation in order to ensure the equitable application of LLMs in healthcare. We propose actionable strategies to enhance diversity and inclusivity in artificial intelligence research, with the ultimate goal of fostering a more inclusive and equitable future in healthcare innovation.
Entrepreneurial collective efficacy and team effectiveness in new venture teams: an investigation of moderated mediation mechanisms
Authors: Chen Ying , Klyver Kim , Zhou Xiaohu
Published: June 2024

Purpose

Based on the collective agentic perspective of social cognitive theory and supplemented by social support theory, this study aims to investigate how the entrepreneurial collective efficacy of entrepreneurial teams impacts team effectiveness. Specifically, this study hypothesizes that entrepreneurial collective efficacy is a critical factor affecting effectiveness through the mechanism of instrumental support to varying extents, depending on team size.

Design/methodology/approach

The hypotheses were tested on a Chinese sample of new venture teams (N teams = 81; N individuals = 335). A multisource questionnaire that included questions for team leaders and other team decision makers was designed. The data on entrepreneurial collective efficacy (six items) and instrumental support (four items) comprised the aggregate responses from all team members; the data on team effectiveness (seven items) was reported by team leaders.

Findings

The findings indicate that entrepreneurial collective efficacy is positively associated with team effectiveness through instrumental support, especially in small teams.

Originality/value

This study makes important contributions to the research related to exploring in uncertain environments (entrepreneurship) how (instrumental support) entrepreneurial collective efficacy impacts team effectiveness, as well as more particularly under what conditions (team size), all within the specific context of collectivistic cultures (China).
The close complementarity of museums and theme parks as a tourist package in European capital cities
Authors: Florido-Benítez Lázaro
Published: June 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyse museums and theme parks as a tourist package and how the proximity of airports to the city and public transport influence the development of this tourist package to stimulate tourism demand in cities.

Design/methodology/approach

Qualitative and quantitative indicators have been applied in our methodology to measure the most visited European theme parks and museums from 2012 to 2022. Moreover, the localisation of airports has allowed us to address the importance of theme parks and museums in cities and their regional economies.

Findings

The results suggest that the location of the city, entertainment complementary activity, airport proximity, intermodal passenger transport, air and train accessibility, tourism demand and supply, and a high concentration of population in cities have a high influence on the development of a tourist package that includes museums and theme parks to stimulate the tourism demand in European urban cities. London and Paris are two of the most visited cities in the world, and these are the most attractive European cities for tourists in terms of efficiency because tourists can optimize much better their space and time to visit the city’s tourist attractions during their holidays. Another important finding is that the public transport service plays an important role in museums and theme parks’ visits and the optimization of space-time for tourists when they are visiting a city and its tourist attractions on holidays, especially subways, trains and buses. Although time-space measures of accessibility in public transport in cities must be improved to optimize the time of the native population and tourists.

Originality/value

This research shows the complementary role of museums and theme parks as an attractive tourist package and an entertainment, cultural and educational activity to improve the quality of tourism supply and redistribute tourist flows in European countries. Moreover, there are limited studies that tackle the theme of parks and museums in a tourism context.
Inner struggle or identity fit – control configurations that improve management accountants’ sense of their identity
Authors: Burghardt Janine , Moeller Klaus
Published: June 2024

Purpose

This study aims to investigate which configurations of organizational-level and group-level management controls support an identity fit for management accountants in the management accounting profession. It aims to complement recent qualitative management accounting research. This stream just begun to use role and identity theory to investigate role expectations, conflicts and coping strategies of management accountants when they struggle with their work identity.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on configuration theory, this study uses a fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis to indicate all possible configurations of formal and informal management controls that improve management accountants’ sense of their identity in an organization. The analyses are based on the results of a cross-sectional survey of 277 management accountants from Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Liechtenstein.

Findings

The results show that a strong group culture and high psychological safety at the group level are relevant conditions for a high identity fit. Further, the configurations differ regarding the career stages of management accountants.

Originality/value

This study contributes to work identity research of management accountants and to research on formal and informal control configurations as a control package. It is of particular importance for various professions that are affected by role change, as from the findings on management accountants’ identity fit, implications can also be made for other organizational functions that need to engage in identity work.
The process of co-creating destination brand – the case of the Athens Tourism Partnership
Authors: Vlassi Eirini , Papatheodorou Andreas
Published: June 2024

Purpose

While the value of stakeholder involvement in destination marketing and branding has been emphasized, little research has been conducted on the inner workings of collaborative initiatives. Based on the case of the Athens Tourism Partnership, Greece, this study aims to map the value co-creation process as it unfolds in joint destination marketing and branding initiatives.

Design/methodology/approach

To capture the way partners collaborated to create the brand of the city, this study collected data through participant observation and analyzed it using Classical Grounded Theory principles.

Findings

The study reveals the different types of relationships and their characteristics that develop when an airline-airport-destination authority partnership is established to enhance destination brand and the potential dynamics of the collaborative initiatives.

Originality/value

The FiNE framework has been developed and can guide stakeholders who wish to collaborate to co-create the destination brand. This study offers theoretical and practical implications for destination authorities and tourism stakeholders to initiate, manage and implement collaborative initiatives that may empower the destination brand and deliver win-win outcomes.
Moderators of the relationship between turnover intentions and performance
Authors: Bui Hong T.M. , Pinto Jonathan , Tran Vu Aurelie Viet Ha , Mai Nhuan T. , Nguyen Thanh Q.
Published: June 2024

Purpose

Drawing from the theory of reasoned action, this study investigated the moderators of the relationship between turnover intentions and performance at work.

Design/methodology/approach

This study employed hierarchical multiple regression to test three proposed hypotheses regarding the above relationship. It used 1,011 dyad data from employees and their supervisors from eight professional organizations in Vietnam from employees and their supervisors to reduce research bias.

Findings

Employee attitude toward change and the level of job engagement of the employee affected the nature of the relationship between turnover intentions and job performance. When the attitude toward change was less favorable, the relationship between turnover intentions and job performance was positive. However, when the attitude toward change was more favorable, the relationship between turnover intentions and job performance was non-significant. For the moderating role of job engagement, we found that for employees with a high level of job engagement, the relationship between turnover intentions and job performance was positive. However, for employees with a low level of job engagement, the relationship between turnover intentions and job performance was non-significant.

Practical implications

Unlike the implications from previous research, turnover intentions of employees might not adversely affect their performance. Under two conditions – a high level of job engagement and a less favorable attitude toward change - employees with turnover intentions might actually perform better.

Originality/value

Unlike the vast number of studies that have investigated the relationship between job performance and turnover intentions (as a proxy of turnover), this paper focuses on the relationship between turnover intentions and job performance to show evidence for two important boundary conditions.
Study on the identification of key core technology “strangled” problem of the new generation information technology industry
Authors: Li Xing , Zheng Fangyuan , Qi Yong , Zhang Hanbo
Published: June 2024

Purpose

Key core technology is the most important weapon of the country, and breaking through the “strangled” problem is one of the real problems that China’s emerging industries and enterprises must solve. Accurately identifying the “strangled” problem will help China accelerate the realization of high-level scientific and technological self-reliance and win the battle against key core technologies.

Design/methodology/approach

Combined with the characteristics of key core technologies, the key core technology evaluation system was constructed from four dimensions: technology innovation, technology radiation, technology economy and technology safety. We adopt the entropy TOPSIS method to evaluate the patents, and the patents with the top 5% scores are identified as key core technology patents. Then, this study identifies key core technology “strangled” problems in three dimensions: technology value advantage, competitive advantage and quantitative advantage.

Findings

Taking the patent data of the global new generation information technology industry from 2011 to 2023 as a sample, 178 moderately “strangled” technologies and 49 severely “strangled” technologies are selected. The study results are consistent with the current situation of the new generation information technology industry’s development, and verify the feasibility and reliability of the key core technology “strangled” problem identification model.

Originality/value

This study uses patent data to identify key core technologies and “Strangled” in the new generation information technology industry. It can provide a reference for relevant national departments and agencies, as well as universities and enterprises.
Business excellence assessments – learning from award-winning organizations
Authors: Baig Atif , Mann Robin , Lockhart James , Macpherson Wayne
Published: June 2024

Purpose

The aim of the study is to identify best practices from Business Excellence (BE) award-winning organizations on the use of their BE self-assessment (internal assessment) and third-party assessment (external assessment including BE award assessments) for organizational improvement.

Design/methodology/approach

An explanatory sequential mixed methods approach was used to gather data from 50 organizations across 17 countries with varying degrees of BE maturity. Twenty of these, representing 40% of the sample, then participated in semi-structured interviews through which their understanding of the impacts of various practices was explored in more detail. From this sub-sample, three (3) emerged as exemplars used as the case studies reported here.

Findings

The findings from the first and broader study of the 50 organizations demonstrate a diverse approach to BE assessments, much of which is tailored to the maturity level of each organization. BE organizations with a high BE maturity level are more likely to conduct regular self-assessments and certificate assessment. Key practices identified in the case study organizations were their unique approach to preparing the organization for assessments irrespective of the BE award criteria, the use of mock assessments to prepare for award assessments, the use of customer-led assessments, thorough action plan review process, the use of internal assessments to grow internal capabilities, participation in regular award assessments, the use of external BE assessors and experts for assessments, increased use of technology to support the assessment process, and varying assessment types by organizational BE maturity.

Originality/value

This research provides a specific and valuable contribution to the existing BE literature by presenting contemporary, real-world examples of best practices in BE assessment. It offers a unique perspective on how award-winning organizations tailor their strategies to meet diverse business needs and strategic objectives.
Upper limit magnitudes for induced seismicity in energy industries
Authors: Cao Ngoc‐Tuyen , Eisner Leo , Jechumtálová Zuzana , Verdon James , Waheed Umair Bin
Published: June 2024

We adopt extreme value theory to estimate the upper limit of the next record‐breaking magnitudes of induced seismic events. The methodology is based on order statistics and does not rely on knowledge of the state of the subsurface reservoir or injection strategy. The estimation depends on the history of record‐breaking events produced by the anthropogenic activities. We apply the methodology to three different types of industrial operations: natural gas production, saltwater disposal and hydraulic fracturing. We show that the upper limit estimate provides a reliable and realistic upper bound for magnitudes of the record‐breaking events in investigated datasets including 15 publicly available datasets. The predicted magnitudes do not overestimate the observed magnitudes by more than 1.0 magnitude unit and underestimation is rare, probably resulting from insufficient sampling of the statistical distribution of the induced seismicity. The richest dataset, sourced from downhole and surface monitoring of the Preston New Road hydraulic fracturing, provides reliable estimates of the magnitudes over three orders of magnitudes with only slight underprediction of the largest observed event. While the detection of weaker events improves the performance of the method, we show that it can be applied even with a few observed record‐breaking events to provide reliable estimates of magnitudes. However, care must be taken to ensure that event catalogues are estimated consistently across a range of magnitudes.
Suppression of reed canarygrass by assisted succession: A sixteen‐year restoration experiment
Authors: Palacio‐Lopez Kattia , Hovick Stephen M. , Mattingly Kali Z. , Weston Leah M. , Hofford Nathaniel P. , Finley Logan , Tayal Aaron , Reinartz James A.
Published: June 2024

Assisted succession could enable long‐term restoration where successional trajectories stall due to competition from invasive plants. Many invasives are shade‐intolerant; therefore, interventions reducing light availability should suppress invasion and re‐establish successional processes. However, given how ubiquitous nonlinearities are in ecology, restoration success also depends on identifying critical system thresholds, for example invader abundances below which regeneration of desired species is possible. We report the successful use of assisted succession to restore a swamp forest invaded by Phalaris arundinacea (reed canarygrass; hereafter Phalaris), initiated by a high‐density planting of woody species to outcompete Phalaris by reducing light availability.

We established five pre‐planting treatments in a Phalaris near‐monoculture in Wisconsin, USA: herbicide‐only, herbicide+plough, herbicide+burn, mow+herbicide and control. In 2003 we planted 22 tree and shrub species at high densities, then in 2019 we censused the site to: (1) screen for long‐term differences among treatments, (2) evaluate long‐term effects of our interventions on community composition and (3) characterize the critical thresholds that enable invader suppression and restoration success.

Vegetation responses and light availability across our four pre‐planting invader removal treatments did not differ. Late fall glyphosate application suppressed Phalaris long enough that a dense canopy of native woody species could establish and eventually out‐shade it. Overstory tree and shrub densities of 0.071/m2 suppressed Phalaris to 50% cover, but, due to nonlinearities, much higher densities were needed to reduce light availability and thus Phalaris cover enough to shift the system from being invader‐dominated. Compositional similarities between juvenile woody species and the overstory suggest a long‐term restoration success.

Synthesis and applications. Invasive species management and the restoration of target plant communities can be aided by assisting successional trajectories that have stalled. We document a restoration strategy for forests invaded by shade‐intolerant invaders that is both effective and economical, as only a simple site preparation and single planting effort is required. Establishing a dense canopy of woody species in this way can break the feedbacks maintaining invader dominance and re‐introduce feedbacks enabling long‐term ecosystem recovery. We also illustrate the value of identifying critical thresholds influencing the abundance and impact of key invasive species.
Unpacking the behavioural outcomes of internal crisis communication: Underlining nexus of employee task performance, crisis responsibility and work well‐being to improve organizational reputation
Authors: Adamu Adamu Abbas , Raza Syed Hassan , Mohamad Bahtiar
Published: June 2024

The COVID‐19 pandemic has redefined the corporate sector's communication requirements to maintain organizational reputation among employees. This situation has led to lacklustre organizational performance and a decline in employee well‐being. However, little is known about how the sophisticated execution of internal crisis communication can foster productive employee responses. This study examines how internal communication during times of crisis strengthens employee task performance and well‐being, both of which are crucial for organizational success following the COVID‐19 pandemic. Drawing inspiration from situational crisis communication theory, the study primarily investigates the outcomes of internal crisis communication that generate favourable employee perceptions of their organization. A quantitative survey of 384 employees from various organizations was conducted, and the results indicated that efficient internal crisis communication enhances employee task performance, boosts employee well‐being and reduces crisis attribution, thus promoting employee behaviour that improves reputation. These findings contribute to the growing body of literature in public relations focused on understanding the psychological mechanisms underlying positive employee behavioural intentions during times of crisis. More importantly, strategic internal communication and maintaining a human element in employee interactions will benefit organizations in the long run. Practical implications for researchers and practitioners are discussed.
Do 360‐character Wireless Emergency Alert messages work better than 90‐character messages? Testing the risk communication consensus
Authors: Carlson Elizabeth J. , Bean Hamilton , Ratcliff Chelsea , Pokharel Manu , Barbour Joshua
Published: June 2024

Based on early evidence, risk communication scholars have come to believe that longer (360‐character maximum) mobile public warning messages generate more compliance than shorter (90‐character maximum) messages. This study used an experimental design to test that premise. The study measured participants' (N = 481) likelihood of compliance in response to a mock Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA) message, as well as alternatives to immediate compliance: seeking additional information, taking non‐recommended action, or ignoring the message. The study found that both longer and shorter messages generated relatively high levels of compliance, but longer messages did not generate higher levels of compliance. Rather than message length, risk personalization and hazard experience were stronger differentiators of WEA message response outcomes. Results included a moderation effect: Shorter messages produced slightly greater compliance than longer messages among people who reported lower levels of risk personalization. The study concluded that 90‐character messages may be more effective than previously believed. Consequently, the authors recommend renewed focus on public safety communication related to risk personalization and hazard experience.
Delayed positive responses of snowshoe hares to prescribed burning in a fire‐adapted ecosystem
Authors: Gigliotti L. C. , Boyd E. S. , Diefenbach D. R.
Published: June 2024

Wildlife populations near the periphery of a species’ range are vulnerable to changes in habitat conditions and climate. However, habitat management and maintenance can help with the persistence of these susceptible populations. Snowshoe hare (Lepus americanus) populations near the southern extent of their range are at risk of extirpation because of changing winter conditions, coupled with reduced early‐successional habitat. Prescribed fire has been used to restore and maintain early‐successional habitat in the southern range of snowshoe hares, but previous research suggests that burned areas might initially be unsuitable for hares. Therefore, more information is needed on the time required for hares to start using an area post‐burning, and the long‐term effects of prescribed fire on hare survival. We studied snowshoe hare habitat use and survival in northeastern Pennsylvania, where prescribed fire has been used for scrub oak barrens restoration. We used GPS locations from 71 hares and used resource selection functions to analyze hare selection for burned habitats of varying ages (0–12 years post‐burn) and known‐fate survival models to evaluate the effects of burning on survival. Hares started using burned areas ≥7 years post‐burning but avoided areas burned 0–6 years prior. In addition, hare survival was positively associated with the amount of old burn habitat (≥7 years post‐burn) used by an individual. Our results indicate that prescribed burning can be beneficial for hares, but that a time lag of ≥7 years is necessary for positive responses to occur. Planning burns within a mosaic of unburned areas could allow hares to persist during the 0–6 years post‐burn when areas are not suitable for hares, which in turn could benefit the persistence of southern snowshoe hare populations. Collectively, our results highlight the importance of long‐term demographic monitoring to understand wildlife population responses to management actions.
Evaluation of margins during radical prostatectomy: confocal microscopy vs frozen section analysis
Authors: Musi Gennaro , Mistretta Francesco A. , Ivanova Mariia , de Cobelli Ottavio , Bellin Andrea , Vago Gianluca Gaetano , Pravettoni Gabriella , Pala Oriana , Lepanto Daniela , Bottero Danilo , Piccinelli Mattia Luca , Tallini Matteo , Marvaso Giulia , Ferro Matteo , Petralia Giuseppe , Jereczek‐Fossa Barbara Alicja , Fusco Nicola , Renne Giuseppe , Luzzago Stefano
Published: June 2024

Objectives

To test the performance of ex vivo fluorescence confocal microscopy (FCM; Vivascope 2500M‐G4), as compared to intra‐operative frozen section (IFS) analysis, to evaluate surgical margins during robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP), with final pathology as the reference standard.

Methods

Overall, 54 margins in 45 patients treated with RARP were analysed with: (1) ex vivo FCM; (2) IFS analysis; and (3) final pathology. FCM margins were evaluated by two different pathologists (experienced [M.I.: 10 years] vs highly experienced [G.R.: >30 years]) as strongly negative, probably negative, doubtful, probably positive, or strongly positive. First, inter‐observer agreement (Cohen's κ) between pathologists was tested. Second, we reported the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of ex vivo FCM. Finally, agreement between ex vivo FCM and IFS analysis (Cohen's κ) was reported. For all analyses, four combinations of FCM results were evaluated.

Results

At ex vivo FCM, the inter‐observer agreement between pathologists ranged from moderate (κ = 0.74) to almost perfect (κ = 0.90), according to the four categories of results. Indeed, at ex vivo FCM, the highly experienced pathologist reached the best balance between sensitivity (70.5%) specificity (91.8%), PPV (80.0%) and NPV (87.1%). Conversely, on IFS analysis, the sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV were, respectively, 88.2% vs 100% vs 100% vs 94.8%. The agreement between the ex vivo FCM and IFS analyses ranged from moderate (κ = 0.62) to strong (κ = 0.86), according to the four categories of results.

Conclusion

Evaluation of prostate margins at ex vivo FCM appears to be feasible and reliable. The agreement between readers encourages its widespread use in daily practice. Nevertheless, as of today, the performance of FCM seems to be sub‐par when compared to the established standard of care (IFS analysis).
Growth hormone treatment for neurologic symptoms of post‐acute sequelae of COVID‐19
Authors: Wright Traver J. , Sheffield‐Moore Melinda , Pyles Richard B. , Randolph Kathleen M. , McGovern Kristen A. , Danesi Christopher P. , Lindsay Sarah E. , Zaidan Mohammed F. , Masel Brent E. , Urban Randall J.
Published: June 2024

Following SARS‐CoV‐2 infection, some patients develop lingering neurologic symptoms of post‐acute sequelae of COVID‐19 (PASC) that commonly include fatigue and “brain fog.” PASC symptoms are also linked with reduced growth hormone (GH) secretion, but GH treatment has not been tested to relieve symptoms. We enrolled 13 adults with neurologic PASC symptoms and peak stimulated GH secretion less than 10 ng/mL (glucagon stimulation) in a pilot study to receive 9 months of daily GH injections and an additional 3 months of off‐treatment assessment. We compared peak stimulated GH secretion at baseline and 12 months and assessed measures of cognition, metabolism, body composition, and physical performance over the first 6 months of treatment. Patient‐reported outcomes of fatigue, quality of life, sleep, and mood were recorded at baseline and compared with timepoints at 6, 9, and 12 months. GH treatment was associated with significantly improved scores for Brief Fatigue Inventory, Multidimensional Fatigue Symptom Inventory, Quality of Life Assessment of Growth Hormone Deficiency in Adults, Profile of Mood States, and Beck Depression Inventory‐II, with no significant change in Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Six months of adjunct GH treatment was not associated with significant changes in cognition, body composition, resting energy expenditure, or physical performance. Peak stimulated GH secretion was not altered at 12 months following 9 months of GH treatment. GH treatment significantly improved neurologic symptoms in PASC patients but cognition, sleep, and physical performance were not significantly altered.
Residual and emergent: Good mother ideals in China and the role of cultural values
Authors: Liu Yixuan , Xu Yi
Published: June 2024

Objective

The study aimed to explore how different groups of people perceive good mother ideals in China and the cultural and sociodemographic profiles of these groups.

Background

Good mother ideals have changed over time and become increasingly complex. The prevalence of intensive mothering has been supported mainly by media representation research and dominated by Western‐focused studies. How tensions between Confucianism and neoliberalism alter the good mother ideas in contemporary China requires further investigation.

Method

First, we used an open‐ended survey to collect good mother attributes. Then, we conducted a latent profile analysis with an online survey (N = 449) to divide people into subgroups according to their latent perception structures. Later, we ran multinominal logistic regressions to explore whether cultural values and sociodemographic variables can predict group membership.

Results

Collected attributes (N = 1,162) were organized into five categories: neutrality (37.87%), femininity (25.39%), motherhood (11.53%), family responsibilities (6.71%), and childcare responsibilities (18.5%). Moreover, we identified three groups holding different motherhood beliefs: Whatever, Average, and Perfectionist. Young people had higher odds to be in the Whatever group and held more flexible good mother ideals, and married women were 6.69 times more likely to be in the Perfectionist group than single men. Our findings also indicated that people in the Perfectionist group scored higher on attitudes toward family and Asian values.

Conclusion

Our research suggested that researchers must distinguish between dominant motherhood representation and lay perceptions of motherhood as well as pay attention to the cultural sensitivity of good mother ideals.
Novel insights into the GCN2 pathway and its targeting. Therapeutic value in cancer and lessons from lung fibrosis development
Authors: Piecyk Marie , Ferraro‐Peyret Carole , Laville David , Perros Frédéric , Chaveroux Cedric
Published: June 2024

Defining the mechanisms that allow cells to adapt to environmental stress is critical for understanding the progression of chronic diseases and identifying relevant drug targets. Among these, activation of the pathway controlled by the eIF2‐alpha kinase GCN2 is critical for translational and metabolic reprogramming of the cell in response to various metabolic, proteotoxic, and ribosomal stressors. However, its role has frequently been investigated through the lens of a stress pathway signaling via the eIF2α‐activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4) downstream axis, while recent advances in the field have revealed that the GCN2 pathway is more complex than previously thought. Indeed, this kinase can be activated through a variety of mechanisms, phosphorylate substrates other than eIF2α, and regulate cell proliferation in a steady state. This review presents recent findings regarding the fundamental mechanisms underlying GCN2 signaling and function, as well as the development of drugs that modulate its activity. Furthermore, by comparing the literature on GCN2's antagonistic roles in two challenging pathologies, cancer and pulmonary diseases, the benefits, and drawbacks of GCN2 targeting, particularly inhibition, are discussed.
Overarching Priorities for Health and Care Research in the United Kingdom: A Coproduced Synthesis of James Lind Alliance ‘Top 10s’
Authors: Crocker Joanna C. , Moore Lucy , Ogden Margaret , Crowe Sally , Khan Maaz , Schoemaker Casper , Roy Noémi B. A. , Taylor Mark , Gronlund Toto , Bueser Teofila , Tatum Madeline , Davies Benjamin , Finlay Teresa
Published: June 2024

Introduction

James Lind Alliance (JLA) Priority Setting Partnerships (PSPs) produce ‘Top 10’ lists of health and care research priorities through a structured, shared decision‐making process with patients or service users, carers and health or care professionals who identify questions that are most important to them. To date, over 150 PSPs in different areas of health and care have published research priorities. Some PSPs share similar priorities, which could be combined, promoted and addressed through collaborative research to increase value and reduce research waste.

Aim

The aim of this study was to identify overarching themes common to JLA PSP priorities across different areas of health and care.

Methods

Our analysis included ‘Top 10’ research priorities produced by UK‐based JLA PSPs between 2016 and 2020. The priorities were coded deductively by the Health Research Classification System (HRCS) health category and research activity. We then carried out online workshops with patients, service users and carers to generate new codes not already captured by this framework. Within each code, multistakeholder inductive thematic analysis was used to identify overarching themes, defined as encompassing priorities from three or more PSPs covering two or more health categories. We used codesign methods to produce an interactive tool for end users to navigate the overarching themes.

Results

Five hundred and fifteen research priorities from 51 PSPs were included in our analysis. The priorities together encompassed 20 of 21 HRCS health categories, the most common being ‘generic health relevance’ (22%), ‘mental health’ (18%) and ‘musculoskeletal’ (14%). We identified 89 overarching themes and subthemes, which we organised into a hierarchy with seven top‐level themes: quality of life, caregivers and families, causes and prevention, screening and diagnosis, treatment and management, services and systems and social influences and impacts.

Conclusion

There are many overarching themes common to research priorities across multiple areas of health and care. To facilitate new research and research funding, we have developed an interactive tool to help researchers, funders and patients or service users to explore these priority topics. This is freely available to download online.

Patient or Public Contribution

Patients or service users and carers were involved throughout the study, including deciding the aims, designing the study, analysing priorities to identify themes, interpreting and reporting the findings.
Coproducing Health Information Materials With Young People: Reflections and Lessons Learned
Authors: Faux‐Nightingale Alice , Somayajula Glenys , Bradbury Charlotte , Bray Lucy , Burton Claire , Chew‐Graham Carolyn A. , Gardner Aaliyah , Griffin Alex , Twohig Helen , Welsh Victoria
Published: June 2024

Background

This paper describes and critically reflects on how children and young people (CYP) acted as public advisors to coproduce health information materials about Long Covid for younger audiences. This work was underpinned by the Lundy model, a framework which provides guidance on facilitating CYP to actively contribute to matters which affect them.

Methods

Coproduction activity sessions took place with CYP in schools as well as video conferences with a CYP stakeholder group and CYP with Long Covid. Activities encouraged CYP to focus on the content, format, and design of materials and used problem‐based and collaborative learning to encourage engagement with the project. Using a range of methods and open discussion, CYP codesigned a series of Long Covid health information materials for younger audiences.

Results

Sixty‐six CYP (aged 10–18), and two young adults were involved. CYP codesigned specifications for the final materials and provided feedback on early designs. The project led to the development of a series of health information materials targeted at CYP: a short social media campaign with six short videos and a 12‐page illustrated leaflet about Long Covid; released on social media and distributed in local area. All the CYP were positive about the project and their involvement.

Discussion

Involving CYP led to the development of innovative and engaging information materials (influence). Developing rapport was important when working with CYP and this was facilitated by using approaches and activities to establish an environment (space) where the CYP felt comfortable sharing their views (voice) and being listened to (audience) by the adults in the project. Working with external groups who are willing to share their expertise can help the meaningful involvement of voices ‘less heard’.

Public Contribution

One CYP coapplicant contributed to the project design and facilitation of PPIE sessions, 64 CYP were involved in the PPIE sessions to design and feedback on materials. Two young adult media producers worked with CYP to produce these materials, another CYP supported this process. Three public contributors were involved in the preparation of this manuscript.
Health Literacy Levels of Patients With Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis and Their Parents
Authors: Doğan Yahya , Karaca Nur Banu , Buran Sinan , Atabey Gerlegiz Ege Nur , Aliyev Emil , Bayındır Yağmur , Bilginer Yelda , Ünal Edibe , Özen Seza
Published: June 2024

Background

The aim of this study was to reveal the relationship between the health literacy (HL) levels of children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) and their parents, and the general health status and physical performance of the children.

Methods

This study included 79 children aged 9–18 years with a diagnosis of JIA and one of their parents. HL levels were evaluated with the Turkish version of the Health Literacy for School‐Aged Children and Turkish Health Literacy‐32 (THL‐32) for children and Adult Health Literacy Scale (AHLS) for their parents. The Childhood Health Assessment Questionnaire (CHAQ), 6‐minute walk test (6‐MWT), 10‐meter walking test (10‐MWT) and 10‐stair climbing test (10‐SCT) was used to evaluate the children. Juvenile Arthritis Biopsychosocial Questionnaire (JAB‐Q) was used to assess the children's and parents' psychosocial status and perception of health.

Results

HL levels of patients with JIA were 16.5% low HL, %55.7 moderate HL and 27.8% high HL. According to THL‐32 scale score, HL level of parents were as follows: inadequate, 3.8%; problematic, 22.8%; sufficient, 34.2%; and excellent, 39.2%. Children's HL levels increase positively as they get older, and no significant relationship was found with other parameters. The AHLS, CHAQ and JAB‐Q scores were better in the group with higher education levels of the parents. No statistically significant association was found between the HL of the children and that of the parents.

Conclusion

In our study, it was found that the high education levels of the parents positively affected the quality of life and physical condition of their children and parental HL levels. In addition, it was shown that the HL levels of children with JIA were not statistically related to other parameters.

Patient or Public Contribution

Children diagnosed with JIA and one of their parents actively participated in the study. Feedback from children and families provided important information about obtaining and using HL information before and during the study. The importance of therapy programs and information focusing on the patient and their family, as well as the inter‐multidisciplinary approach, in combating a chronic disease at an early age was reinforced by the feedback received from patients and their families.
The Lived Experience of Informal Caregivers of People Who Have Severe Mental Illness and Coexisting Long‐Term Conditions: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Carswell C. , Brown J. V. E. , Shiers D. , Ajjan R. , Balogun‐Katung A. , Bellass S. , Holt R. I. G. , Jacobs R. , Kellar I. , Lewisohn C. , Lister J. , Siddiqi N. , Sidorova I. , Coventry P.
Published: June 2024

Background

People with severe mental illness (SMI) experience higher rates and poorer outcomes of physical long‐term conditions (LTCs). The management of SMI and LTCs is highly complex and many people with SMI rely on informal carers for support, which may lead to high levels of caregiver burden, and caregiver burnout. Caregiver burnout can result in poor health outcomes for informal carers and a reduction in the quality of care they are able to provide. Therefore, it is important to understand the caring experience to identify and address factors that contribute to burden and burnout.

Methods

This paper reports a secondary qualitative analysis of semistructured interviews and focus groups conducted with informal carers of people who have coexisting SMI and LTCs. We recruited 12 informal carers in England between December 2018 and April 2019. The transcripts were coded and analysed thematically.

Results

We identified two overarching themes and five subthemes. The themes included ‘Fighting on all fronts: Mounting strain between demands and resources’, which described the challenge of providing care in the context of coexisting SMI and LTCs, and ‘Safekeeping: The necessity of chronic hypervigilance’, which captured how informal carers' roles were defined by managing high‐risk situations, leading to hypervigilance and paternalistic approaches to care.

Conclusion

The experience of informal carers for people with SMI and coexisting LTCs is marked by limited access to support and the management of significant risk, which could contribute to high caregiver burden. Further primary research is needed to understand how the experiences of the caregiver role for people with SMI and LTCs influence caregiver burden.

Patient or Public Contribution

Our PPI panel DIAMONDS Voice provided guidance on this study from conception, design and development of interview guides and recruitment materials to final write‐up. DIAMONDS Voice consists of service users and carers who have experience of SMI and LTCs. Three carer members reviewed the final manuscript, and two are credited as authors.