bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Loss of Dna2 nuclease activity results in decreased Exo1-mediated resection at DNA double strand breaks
Authors: Mojumdar Aditya , Granger Courtney , Lunke Martine , Cobb Jennifer A.
Published: October 2023

A DNA double strand break (DSB) is one of the most dangerous types of DNA damage that is repaired largely by homologous recombination (HR) or non-homologous end-joining (NHEJ). The interplay of repair factors at the break directs which pathway is used, and a subset of these factors also function in more mutagenic alternative (alt) repair pathways. Resection is a key event in repair pathway choice and extensive resection, which is a hallmark of HR, is mediated by two nucleases, Exo1 and Dna2. We observed differences in resection and repair outcomes in cells harbouring nuclease deaddna2-1 compared todna2Δpif1-m2 that could be attributed to the level of Exo1 recovered at DSBs. Cells harbouringdna2-1 showed reduced Exo1 localization, increased NHEJ, and a greater defect in resection compared to cells whereDNA2was deleted. Both the decreased level of resection and the increased rate of NHEJ indna2-1 mutants were reversed upon deletion ofKU70or ectopic expression of Exo1. By contrast, whenDNA2was deleted, Exo1 and Ku70 recovery levels did not change, however Nej1 increased as did the frequency of alt-EJ/ MMEJ repair. Our findings demonstrate that decreased Exo1 at DSBs contributed to the resection defect in cells expressing inactive Dna2 and highlight the complexity of understanding how functionally redundant factors are regulatedin vivoto promote genome stability.

Graphical Abstract
Image-Based Consensus Molecular Subtyping in Rectal Cancer Biopsies and Response to Neoadjuvant Chemoradiotherapy
Authors: Lafarge Maxime W , Domingo Enric , Sirinukunwattana Korsuk , Wood Ruby , Samuel Leslie , Murray Graeme , Richman Susan D , Blake Andrew , Sebag-Montefiore David , Gollins Simon , Klieser Eckhard , Neureiter Daniel , Huemer Florian , Greil Richard , Dunne Philip , Quirke Philip , Weiss Lukas , Rittscher Jens , Maughan Tim , Koelzer Viktor H
Published: October 2023

The development of deep learning (DL) models to predict the consensus molecular subtypes (CMS) from histopathology images (imCMS) is a promising and cost-effective strategy to support patient stratification. Here, we investigate whether imCMS calls generated from whole slide histopathology images (WSIs) of rectal cancer (RC) pre-treatment biopsies are associated with pathological complete response (pCR) to neoadjuvant long course chemoradiotherapy (LCRT) with single agent fluoropyrimidine.

DL models were trained to classify WSIs of colorectal cancers stained with hematoxylin and eosin into one of the four CMS classes using a multi-centric dataset of resection and biopsy specimens (n=1057 WSIs) with paired transcriptional data. Classifiers were tested on a held out RC biopsy cohort (ARISTOTLE) and correlated with pCR to LCRT in an independent dataset merging two RC cohorts (ARISTOTLE, n=114 and SALZBURG, n=55 patients).

DL models predicted CMS with high classification performance in multiple comparative analyses. In the independent cohorts (ARISTOTLE, SALZBURG), cases with WSIs classified as imCMS1 had a significantly higher likelihood of achieving pCR (OR=2.69, 95%CI 1.01-7.17, p=0.048). Conversely, imCMS4 was associated with lack of pCR (OR=0.25, 95%CI 0.07-0.88, p=0.031). Classification maps demonstrated pathologist-interpretable associations with high stromal content in imCMS4 cases, associated with poor outcome. No significant association was found in imCMS2 or imCMS3.

imCMS classification of pre-treatment biopsies is a fast and inexpensive solution to identify patient groups that could benefit from neoadjuvant LCRT. The significant associations between imCMS1/imCMS4 with pCR suggest the existence of predictive morphological features that could enhance standard pathological assessment.
Human Placenta-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Stimulate Neuronal Regeneration By Promoting Axon Growth And Restoring Neuronal Activity
Authors: de Laorden Elvira H. , Simón Diana , Milla Santiago , Portela-Lomba María , Mellén Marian , Sierra Javier , de la Villa Pedro , Moreno-Flores María Teresa , Iglesias Maite
Published: October 2023

Cell therapy is a cutting-edge medical approach that involves the use of cells to treat various diseases and conditions. It harnesses the remarkable regenerative and reparative abilities of cells to restore or replace damaged tissues and promote healing.

In the last decades, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have become the cornerstone of cellular therapy due to their unique characteristics. Specifically human placenta-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hPMSCs) are highlighted for their unique features, including ease to isolate, non-invasive techniques for large scale cell production, significant immunomodulatory capacity, and a high ability to migrate to injuries. Researchers are exploring innovative techniques to overcome the low regenerative capacity of Central Nervous System (CNS) neurons, with one promising avenue being the development of tailored mesenchymal stem cell therapies capable of promoting neural repair and recovery. In this context, we have evaluated hPMSCs as candidate for CNS lesion regeneration using a skillful co-culture model system. Indeed, we have demonstrated the hPMSCs ability to stimulate damaged rat-retina neurons regeneration by promoting axon growth and restoring neuronal activity both under normoxia and hypoxia conditions. With our model we have obtained neuronal regeneration values of 10-12% and axonal length per neuron rates of 19.99±0.77, μm/neuron. To assess whether the regenerative capabilities of hPMSCs are contact-dependent effects or it is mediated through paracrine mechanisms, we carried out transwell co-culture and conditioned medium experiments confirming the role of secreted factors in axonal regeneration. It was found that hPMSCs produce brain derived, nerve growth factors (BDNF, NGF) and Neurotrophin-3, involved in the process of neuronal regeneration and restoration of their physiological activity of neurons. The capability to access axonal physiology is crucial for studying information processing among neurons in healthy and diseased states. We confirm the success of our treatment using the patch clamp technique to study ionic currents in individual isolated living cells, confirming that in our model the regenerated neurons are electrophysiologically active.
Ubiquitin Ligase MARCH5 Regulates the Formation of Mitochondria Derived Pre-peroxisomes
Authors: Zheng Jun , Cao Zhihe , Wang Jinhui , Guo Yusong , Zhuang Min
Published: October 2023

Peroxisome biogenesis involves two pathways: growth and division from pre-existing mature peroxisomes andde novobiogenesis from the endoplasmic reticulum, with a contribution from mitochondria, particularly in peroxisome deficient cells. However, the key components that regulate peroxisomede novobiogenesis are largely unknown. Dual organelle localized ubiquitin ligase MARCH5 functions on peroxisomes to regulate pexophagy. Here, we show that mitochondria localized MARCH5 is essential for the formation of vesicles in thede novobiogenesis of peroxisomes from mitochondria. Loss of MARCH5 specifically impedes the budding of PEX3-containing vesicles from mitochondria, thereby blocking the formation of pre-peroxisomes. Overall, our study highlights a novel function of MARCH5 for mitochondria derived pre-peroxisomes, emphasizing MARCH5 as one key regulator to maintain peroxisome homeostasis.
Redetermination of the crystal structure of yttrium chromium tetraboride, YCrB4, from single-crystal X-ray diffraction data
Authors: Tokuda Makoto , Yubuta Kunio , Shishido Toetsu , Sugiyama Kazumasa
Published: October 2023

The structural parameters of yttrium chromium tetraboride YCrB4 were refined based on single-crystal X-ray diffraction data. YCrB4 is orthorhombic, having a space group of type Pbam (No. 55) and with lattice parameters of a = 5.9425 (2), b = 11.4831 (4), c = 3.4643 (1) Å. The Y and Cr atoms are located at Wyckoff 4h sites (x, y, 0) and B atoms at the Wyckoff 4g sites (x, y, 1/2). The first structural investigation of YCrB4 was performed using a single crystalline sample [Kuz'ma, (1970). Kristallografiya. 15, 372–374]. The present study successfully refined all the positional and atomic displacement parameters of the Y, Cr, and B atoms.
Crystal structure of 1-(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)-1H-imidazole
Authors: Dudeja Neil , Arreaga Briana C. , Brannon Jacob P. , Stieber S. Chantal E.
Published: October 2023

The crystal structure of the title compound, C15H20N2 or DippIm, is reported. At 106 (2) K, the molecule has monoclinic P21/c symmetry with four molecules in the unit cell. The imidazole ring is rotated 80.7 (1)° relative to the phenyl ring. Intermolecular stabilization primarily results from close contacts between the N atom at the 3-position on the imidazole ring and the C—H bond at the 4-position on the neighboring DippIm, with aryl–aryl distances outside of the accepted distance of 5 Å for π-stacking.
Synthesis, crystal structure and Hirshfeld surface analysis of diaquabis(o-phenylenediamine-κ2
N,N′)nickel(II) naphthalene-1,5-disulfonate
Authors: Suyunov Jabbor R , Turaev Khayit Kh. , Alimnazarov Bekmurod Kh. , Nazarov Yusuf E. , Mengnorov Islombek J. , Ibragimov Bakhtiyar T. , Ashurov Jamshid M.
Published: October 2023

The reaction of o-phenylenediamine (OPD), sodium naphthalene1,5-disulfonate (Na2NDS) and nickel sulfate in an ethanol–water mixture yielded the title compound, [Ni(OPD)2(H2O)2]·NDS or [Ni(C6H8N2)2(H2O)2](C10H6O6S2). This salt consists of a complex [Ni(OPD)2(H2O)2]2+ cation with two bidentate OPD ligands and trans aqua ligands, and a non-coordinating NDS2– anion, which is the double-deprotonated form of H2NDS. The NiII atom is situated at a center of inversion and exhibits a slightly tetragonally distorted {O2N4} octahedral coordination environment, with four shorter equatorial Ni—N bonds [2.0775 (17) and 2.0924 (18) Å] and a longer axial Ni—O bond [2.1381 (17) Å]. The OPD ligand is located about an inversion center and is nearly coplanar with the NiN4 plane [dihedral angle 0.95 (9)°]. In the crystal, the cations and anions are connected by charge-assisted intermolecular N—H...O and O—H...O hydrogen-bonding interactions into the tri-periodic network structure. Hirshfeld surface analysis indicates that the most important contributions to the crystal packing are from H...H (44.1%), O...H/H...O (34.3%), C...H/H...C (14.8%) C...C (6.5%) (involving the cations) and O...H/H...O (50%), H...H (25%), C...H/H...C (15.3%), C...C (8.2%) (involving the anions) interactions.
Influence of microstructure of CoCrNi medium entropy alloy on its corrosion behavior
Authors: Shi Junyu , Ling Shengli , Kuang Yinjie , Tong Yonggang , Hu Yongle , Deng Dunying
Published: October 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to reveal the effect of microstructure on the corrosion behavior of CoCrNi alloy in 3.5 Wt.% NaCl solution.

Design/methodology/approach

The as-cast CoCrNi alloy was prepared by arc melting, and the cold-rolled and annealed alloys were prepared by processing the as-cast alloy.

Findings

The experimental results showed that a protective passivation film was formed on the surfaces of these CoCrNi MEA, and the stability and compactness of alloys increased in the sequence of cold-rolled, as-cast and annealed CoCrNi alloys. The annealed CoCrNi alloys had the best pitting resistance.

Originality/value

This study proposes the effect of the microstructure of CoCrNi alloy on corrosion resistance.
A framework for evaluating campus facility management performance in light of project critical success factors using a multidimensional fuzzy logic approach
Authors: Gunduz Murat , Naji Khalid , Maki Omar
Published: October 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to present the development of a holistic campus facility management (CFM) performance assessment framework that incorporates a fuzzy logic approach and integrates a comprehensive set of key factors for successful management of campus facilities. The devised framework aims to cater to the needs of campus facilities management firms and departments for the purpose of gauging and assessing their performance across different management domains. Through this approach, facility management organizations can detect potential areas of enhancement and adopt preemptive steps to evade issues, foster progress and ensure success.

Design/methodology/approach

After a comprehensive analysis of the literature, conducting in-depth interviews with industry experts and employing the Delphi technique in two rounds, a total of 45 indicators critical to CFM success were identified and subsequently sorted into seven distinct groups. Through an online questionnaire, 402 subject-matter experts proficiently assessed the significance of the critical success indicators and their groups. A fuzzy logic framework was developed to evaluate and quantify a firm's compliance with the critical success indicators and groups of indicators. The framework was subsequently weighted using computations of the relative importance index (RII) based on the responses received from the questionnaire participants. The initial section of the framework involved a comprehensive analysis of the firm's performance vis-à-vis the indicators, while the latter part sought to evaluate the impact of the indicators groups on the overall firm's performance.

Findings

The utilization of fuzzy logic has uncovered the significant effects each effective CFM key indicator on indicators groups, as well as the distinct effects of each CFM indicators group on the overall performance of CFM. The results reveal that financial management, communications management, sustainability and environment management and workforce management are the most impactful indicators groups on the CFM performance. This suggests that it is imperative for management to allocate increased attention to these specific areas.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the advancement of current knowledge by revealing vital indicators of effective CFM and utilizing them to construct a thorough fuzzy logic framework that can assist in evaluating the effectiveness of CFM firms worldwide. This has the potential to provide crucial assistance to facility management organizations, facility managers and policymakers in their quest for informed decision-making.
“I’m really just scared of the White parents”: a teacher navigates perceptions of barriers to discussing racial injustice
Authors: Ellis Shimikqua Elece , Goering Christian Z.
Published: October 2023

Purpose

This study aims to explore the perceived barriers that a secondary English teacher faced when attempting to discuss racial injustice through young adult literature in Mississippi.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors rely on Critical Whiteness Studies and qualitative methods to explore the following research question: What are the barriers that a White ELA teacher perceives when teaching about racial injustice throughThe Hate U Give?

Findings

The authors found that there were several perceived barriers to discussing modern racial injustice in the Mississippi ELA classroom. The participating teacher indicated the following barriers: a lack of racial literacy, fears of discomfort and an urge to avoid politics.

Originality/value

Much has been written about the urgent need for antiracist teaching practices in secondary English classes. This article explores the barriers a white ELA teacher perceived when attempting to discuss modern racial injustice through literature instruction in a white context of the “four pandemics” (Ladson-Billings, 2021).
Determinants of fake news diffusion on social media: a systematic literature review
Authors: Shahzad Khurram , Khan Shakeel Ahmad , Iqbal Abid , Shabbir Omar , Latif Mujahid
Published: October 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the determinants causing fake information proliferation on social media platforms and the challenges to control the diffusion of fake news phenomena.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors applied the systematic review methodology to conduct a synthetic analysis of 37 articles published in peer-reviewed journals retrieved from 13 scholarly databases.

Findings

The findings of the study displayed that dissatisfaction, behavior modifications, trending practices to viral fake stories, natural inclination toward negativity and political purposes were the key determinants that led individuals to believe in fake news shared on digital media. The study also identified challenges being faced by people to control the spread of fake news on social networking websites. Key challenges included individual autonomy, the fast-paced social media ecosystem, fake accounts on social media, cutting-edge technologies, disparities and lack of media literacy.

Originality/value

The study has theoretical contributions through valuable addition to the body of existing literature and practical implications for policymakers to construct such policies that might prove successful antidote to stop the fake news cancer spreading everywhere via digital media. The study has also offered a framework to stop the diffusion of fake news.
Research progress of automatic grasping methods for garment fabrics
Authors: Wang Jianping , Shen Jinzhu , Yao Xiaofeng , Zhang Fan
Published: October 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to gain an in-depth understanding into the research progress, hot spots and future trends in smart gripping technology in the field of apparel smart manufacturing.

Design/methodology/approach

This work scrutinised the current research status of the five automatic grasping methods for garment fabrics including the pneumatic suction grasping, the electrostatic grasping, the intrusive grasping and the dexterous grasping. Specifically, the principles, characteristics, main devices and the impact on garment production were discussed.

Findings

In particular, soft finger of the dexterous grasping method has good flexibility and adaptability in the process of fabric grasping, which provides a new solution for garment production automation. Up to now, the reviewed method in general exhibit good grasping speed, high grasping stability and flat grasping process. However, in the face of complex fabric materials which are thin and flexible and do not return their original shapes when deformed in practical applications, the gripper for automatic fabric grasping need new technological breakthroughs in the positioning accuracy, grab efficiency and flexible grasping.

Originality/value

The outcomes offered an overview of the research status and future trends of the automatic grasping methods for garment fabrics in the field of apparel intelligent manufacturing. It could not only provide scholars with convenience in identifying research hot spots and building potential cooperation in the follow-up research but also assist beginners in searching core scholars and literature of great significance.
Women in top executive positions, external audit quality and financial reporting quality: evidence from Vietnam
Authors: Nguyen Quang Khai
Published: October 2023

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the effect of the presence of women in top executive positions on financial reporting quality (FRQ) and the role of external audit in enhancing the role of women in top executive positions.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a sample of 644 Vietnamese-listed firms from 2010 to 2020 and applies fixed-effect and dynamic system generalized method of moments techniques for empirical models to test the related hypotheses.

Findings

First, this study found a U-shaped relationship between women on the board and FRQ as well as women on the audit committee and FRQ. Second, female CEOs are positively associated with FRQ in small firms but there is no evidence of this in large firms. Third, a female chief accountant can enhance FRQ. Finally, external audit quality can reduce the negative effect of women on the board and the audit committee on FRQ and increase the positive impact of female chief accountants on FRQ.

Practical implications

The results support all risk-averse, ethical sensitivity and glass ceiling hypotheses in different contexts. This study provides important implications for firms to enhance FRQ by nominating women in a majority of top executive positions and simultaneously using high-quality external audit services.

Originality/value

The impact of women in top executive positions on controlling FRQ in different contexts is an original contribution to gender in management literature.
Do cosmopolitans care about the world? The effect of cosmopolitanism on the consumption of sustainable apparel
Authors: Gil Maria S. Soledad , Su Jin , Watchravesringkan Kittichai , Taras Vasyl
Published: October 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to empirically examine the impact of cosmopolitan consumer orientation (CCO) on sustainable apparel consumer behavior.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 469 US responses collected using MTurk were retained for the analysis after screening for unengaged responses. Structural equation modeling was used to confirm the factor structure of the measurement model and to analyze the structural model. A two-step cluster analysis using log-likelihood distance measure and Akaike's Information Criterion was conducted to explore consumer profiles and past behavior.

Findings

Based on the model results, CCO positively impacts apparel sustainability knowledge, attitude toward purchasing sustainable apparel, perceived norm and sustainable apparel purchase intention. Attitude and perceived norm also impact sustainable purchase intention. The two-step cluster analysis, based mainly on sustainable past behavior, reveals that the group of sustainability engaged consumers knows more about apparel sustainability, has a stronger intention to purchase sustainable apparel, is more cosmopolitan and shows a higher tendency to follow social norms. Consumers in this group also tend to live in metropolitan areas and are slightly younger than unengaged consumers.

Originality/value

This study expands CCO research linking two major trends in society and industry: cosmopolitanism and sustainable apparel consumer behavior. The study reveals that CCO uplifts consumers' sustainable behavior and provides evidence in support of CCO as a driver of sustainable consumer behavior. Moreover, results imply a positive future outlook for the diffusion of sustainable apparel, as well as a much-needed mainstream consumer adhesion to more sustainable lifestyles. Given the repercussions of the findings, this research has numerous theoretical as well practical implications.
Driving customer engagement and citizenship behaviour in omnichannel retailing: evidence from the fashion sector
Authors: Salem Suha Fouad , Alanadoly Alshaimaa Bahgat
Published: October 2023

Purpose

This study, grounded in the SOR theory, aims to enrich the understanding of customer citizenship behaviour in omnichannel fashion retail by examining how different customer experiences enhance customer engagement and how that engagement leads to customer citizenship behaviour. The influence of return policies on the relationship between customer engagement and customer citizenship behaviour was also examined.

Design/methodology/approach

Partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) is used to examine the framework of the proposed study with data collected through a survey (n = 251) to examine the opinions of the respondents about the variables mentioned. The authors also assessed the proposed framework using predictive power assessment using PLS predict.

Findings

The study results reveal that customers’ experiences of integration and flexibility in omnichannel retail are positively associated with their engagement. However, customer experiences of connectivity, consistency and personalization do not appear to affect customer engagement significantly in omnichannel retail. The return policy positively moderates the relationship between customer engagement and customer citizenship behaviour in the omnichannel fashion retail context. Predictive power assessment shows that the proposed model has high prediction accuracy.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the marketing literature by investigating different dimensions of consumer experience collectively and its impact on customer engagement and citizenship behaviour. Furthermore, the study contributes to omnichannel retail in fashion industry by testing the return policy as a moderator variable on the relationship between customer engagement and citizenship behaviour.
Positioning absorptive root respiration in the root economics space across woody and herbaceous species
Authors: Liang Shuang , Guo Hui , McCormack M. Luke , Qian Zihao , Huang Kehan , Yang Yin , Xi Meijie , Qi Xiangbin , Ou Xiaobin , Liu Yu , Juenger Thomas E. , Koide Roger T. , Chen Weile
Published: October 2023

1. Root respiration is essential for nutrient acquisition. The respiration rate of absorptive roots theoretically relates to the economics of carbon‐nutrient exchange, but its empirical role remains largely unexplored in the trait space defining nutrient uptake strategies.

2. Here, we measured the respiration rates of the distal, non‐woody, absorptive roots of 252 woody and herbaceous species from subtropical and temperate climate zones, including both arbuscular mycorrhizal and ectomycorrhizal fungal hosts.

3. We found a consistent and positive correlation between root respiration rate and specific root length (root length per dry weight), irrespective of growth form, mycorrhizal type and climate zone. Root respiration rate was also positively, but less strongly and less frequently correlated with root nitrogen concentration. Root morphology strongly explained the fast‐slow gradient of root respiration in the root economics space.

4. By quantifying the ratio of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal DNA copy number and root tissue DNA copy number using qPCR, we found that the morphology‐driven gradient did not explain the full variation in fungal collaboration; thick roots were consistently well colonised, but medium and thin roots displayed a wide range of colonisation intensity.

5. Synthesis: These results advance our understanding of the fundamental trait relationships that underpin the root economics space. Our study also provides a physiological linkage to the frequently measured root morphological traits and relates the root economics space to root‐derived carbon‐nutrient cycling processes.
Harnessing the roles of renewable energy, high tech industries, and financial globalization for environmental sustainability: Evidence from newly industrialized economies
Authors: Ghosh Sudeshna , Adebayo Tomiwa Sunday , Abbas Shujaat , Doğan Buhari , Sarkodie Samuel Asumadu
Published: October 2023

Scholars and policy makers are paying close attention to reduce climate problems for sustainable growth. The failure to enhance ecological integrity could increase greenhouse gas emissions. Therefore, this study examines the effect of economic complexity, high‐tech industries, renewables, natural resource abundance, and financial globalization on CO2 and ecological footprint for 10 selected newly industrializing countries for the period 1990 to 2018. We use Common Correlated Error Mean Group, Augmented Mean Group, panel causality, and Westerlund Error Correction Model of cointegration techniques that account for short‐run, and long‐run relationships across cross‐sectionally dependent and heterogeneous countries. The findings reveal long‐run interrelationships across the series of underlying observations. The long‐run empirical results show the development of high‐tech industries has statistically significant environmental welfare‐enhancing impact, whereas renewables and natural resource exploitation mitigate environmental challenges. However, economic complexity and financial globalization increase emissions and ecological footprint (ECF). The results confirm unidirectional causality from renewable energy to CO2 and ECF and further from natural resources to CO2 and ECF. Additionally, there exists bidirectional causality between financial globalization and ECF. Based on these findings, we suggest that these countries should revise their energy policies in order to allocate more funds for the renewable energy technologies so that environmental problems can be mitigated. Along with renewable energy, further investments should be made in high‐tech sector but economic complexity and financial globalization should be carefully handled.
The effect of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) Disease Activity Score and SLE Disease Activity Index 2000‐based remission states in patients with SLE on damage accrual
Authors: Chitpet Patamarwadee , Chaiamnuay Sumapa , Narongroeknawin Pongthorn , Asavatanabodee Paijit , Leosuthamas Pornsawan , Pakchotanon Rattapol
Published: October 2023

Background/Objective

This study aimed to compare the effect of the Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Score (SLE‐DAS) with the SLE Disease Activity Index 2000 (SLEDAI‐2K) remission state on damage accrual.

Methods

This study classified SLE patients from the Lupus Clinic of the Royal Thai Army (LUCRA) cohort based on the SLE‐DAS index, or Boolean‐based, and SLEDAI‐2K (Doria) remission state. Regression analysis models were constructed to identify predictors of the Lupus International Collaborating Clinics/American College of Rheumatology Damage Index (SDI) during follow‐up.

Results

There were 197 patients identified; 97 patients met at least one definition of remission state, and 100 patients were in the non‐remission group at enrollment. Of 97 patients, 97 achieved the SLE‐DAS index‐based definition, 74 achieved the SLE‐DAS Boolean‐based definition, and 55 achieved the Doria definition. The mean ± SD of follow‐up was 4.77 ± 0.6 years. The changes in SDI over time were non‐significantly lower in patients who met any definition of remission compared with those who did not. Multivariate analysis revealed that predictive factors for increased SDI were age and baseline SDI ≥ 1. SLE‐DAS index, Boolean, and Doria‐based definitions of remission at enrollment had no significant risk reduction on SDI compared with the non‐remission group (HR 0.7, 95% CI 0.37–1.32, p = .27; HR 0.73, 95% CI 0.37–1.44, p = .37; HR 0.8, 95% CI 0.39–1.65, p = .55, respectively).

Conclusions

Patients with SLE who achieved remission status according to the SLE‐DAS index or SLEDAI‐2K definitions did not show any significant difference in damage accrual compared to those who were not in remission.
PiCAM: A Raspberry Pi‐based open‐source, low‐power camera system for monitoring plant phenology in Arctic environments
Authors: Yang Dedi , McMahon Andrew , Hantson Wouter , Anderson Jeremiah , Serbin Shawn P.
Published: October 2023

Time‐lapse cameras have been widely used as a tool to monitor the timing of seasonal vegetation growth. These simple, relatively inexpensive systems can provide high‐frequency observations of leaf development and demography which are critical data sets needed to characterize plant phenology from species to landscapes. This is important for understanding how plants are responding to global changes, as well as for validating satellite‐derived phenology products.

However, in remote regions including the high‐latitude Arctic, deploying time‐lapse cameras could be challenging. The remoteness and lack of widespread power and telecommunications infrastructure limit options for the installation, maintenance and retrieval of data and equipment, and make it difficult for cameras to survive in extreme weather (e.g. long cold winters). To improve our understanding of Arctic phenology, new technologies are required to address these challenges.

Here, we present a novel, low‐power, compact, lightweight time‐lapse camera system, called power‐interval camera automation module (PiCAM). The PiCAM was designed with explicit consideration to simplify deployment (i.e. without a need for external power supplies) of camera systems and to address the challenges of camera survival in harsh Arctic environments. In this paper, we describe the design, setup and technical details of the PiCAM and provide a roadmap for how to build and operate these systems. As proof of concept, we deployed 26 PiCAMs at three low‐Arctic tundra sites on the Seward Peninsula, Alaska in early August 2021 for characterizing Arctic plant phenology.

Of the 26 PiCAMs, 70% remained active at the point of our revisit in late July 2022 despite the extreme winter temperatures they experienced (< −30°C, heavy snow cover). We extracted key plant phenology metrics from the PiCAMs and captured strong differences across key Arctic plant species. We showed that the PiCAM has the potential to be widely used for monitoring plant phenology across the broader Arctic region, addressing the need for ground‐based understanding of Arctic phenological diversity to develop knowledge of plant response to climate change and to validate remote sensing products.
As‐needed opioid dosing for emergency patients with a daily use of opioids
Authors: Galili Stine Fjendbo , Nikolajsen Lone , Bech Bodil Hammer , Kirkegaard Hans , Ahrensberg Jette
Published: October 2023

Background

Patients with a daily use of opioids have a higher risk of insufficient pain treatment during hospitalization than other patients. This study aimed to examine whether as‐needed opioid doses (PRN) were adequately adjusted when patients were admitted to the emergency department (ED) with pain.

Methods

Patients, with a daily use of opioids, who received PRN opioid within the first 3 h after admission at the ED at Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark, were prospectively included from February 2021 to June 2021. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients receiving an inadequate initial dose of PRN opioid, here defined as <15% of daily dose of opioids (DDO) based on sparse evidence, but aligning with the prevailing clinical practice. Secondary outcomes included risk of an inadequate PRN dose in relation to DDO (patients were dichotomized into two groups (DDO <60 or ≥60 mg/day).

Results

Among 252 patients admitted to the ED with a daily use of opioids, 149 were admitted with pain and 82 received a PRN opioid dose within 3 h. Twenty‐seven out of 82 (33%) patients received a PRN dose of <15% of DDO (95% CI: 23.7–43). When dichotomised; 10 out of 50 (20%) patients with a DDO <60 mg/day (95% CI: 10.0–33.7) versus 17 out of 32 (53.1%) patients with a DDO ≥60 mg/day (95% CI: 34.7–70.9) received an inadequate PRN dose (relative risk, RR: 2.65 [95% CI: 1.4–5.1]).

Conclusions

Patients with daily use of opioids presenting in the ED with acute pain had a high risk of inadequate PRN opioid dose, especially if the DDO was high. Awareness about and education focusing on sufficient PRN doses for patients with a daily use of opioids is (still) called for.
Cannabis craving in response to alcohol cues in the laboratory and in daily life among adolescents ages 15–17 years
Authors: Wycoff Andrea M. , Rogers Kristin , Parlette Brianna , Miranda Robert , Treloar Padovano Hayley
Published: October 2023

Background

Most adolescents who drink alcohol also use cannabis, and adolescents who use both substances experience worse long‐term outcomes than adolescents who use only one or the other. Recent clinical trials with adolescents and emerging adults show that alcohol cues are associated with elevated cannabis craving in the natural environment but not in the laboratory, highlighting cross‐cue reactivity as a potential intervention target. This study extends this work to a younger sample of adolescents at an earlier stage of substance use to examine the generalizability of prior findings and inform etiological mechanisms.

Methods

Participants were 81 adolescents aged 15–17 years who endorsed past‐month alcohol and lifetime cannabis use. They completed a laboratory cue reactivity protocol where they rated their cannabis craving during alcohol cue and control conditions. They also completed 24 days of ecological momentary assessment where they reported multiple times per day on their cannabis craving and whether alcohol cues were visible.

Results

Mixed models demonstrated lower cannabis craving following alcohol cue presentation in the laboratory compared to control cues, but higher cannabis craving during moments when alcohol was visible in daily life compared to moments when alcohol was not visible. Frequency of cannabis use at baseline was associated with greater cannabis craving in the laboratory and in daily life regardless of cue type or alcohol visibility, and cannabis craving following alcohol cue presentation in the laboratory was positively related to daily life cannabis craving across contexts.

Conclusions

This study adds to prior work suggesting that daily life cannabis craving is elevated when alcohol cues are visible. This cross‐cue reactivity may be one factor that drives and maintains alcohol and cannabis use in adolescence.
Embedded on‐site aged care pharmacists in Australia: Insights from early adopters of a new workforce model
Authors: Cross Amanda J. , Bell J. Simon , Steeper Michelle , La Caze Adam
Published: October 2023

Objective

To explore the roles of early adopters of Australia's embedded on‐site pharmacist model in supporting quality use of medications in residential aged care facilities (RACFs).

Methods

Qualitative semistructured interviews were conducted with 15 pharmacists working as embedded on‐site pharmacists, or beyond the scope of traditional consultant pharmacist roles in Australian RACFs. Interviews were audio‐recorded, transcribed and thematically analysed independently by two investigators using an inductive approach. Deductive analysis was also undertaken using a knowledge broker framework: knowledge manager, linkage agent and capacity builder.

Results

Dominant themes were roles and benefits of embedded pharmacists, factors associated with success and challenges. Roles and benefits included (1) resident‐level interventions and an enhanced ability to provide collaborative outcome‐focussed resident‐centred care, including timely input and follow‐up, and improved relationships with residents, family and interdisciplinary team; and (2) system‐level interventions such as contributing to clinical governance and quality improvement. Factors associated with success included personal capabilities and approach of the pharmacist, and organisational culture and sector‐wide support. Challenges included pharmacist workforce shortages, perceived lack of pharmacist readiness and difficulty determining an appropriate service model. Deductive coding demonstrated roles of embedded pharmacists were consistent with all three activities of a knowledge broker.

Conclusions

This study highlights the resident‐ and system‐level roles and benefits of embedded on‐site pharmacists, and provides a framework for defining this emerging workforce model in Australian RACFs.
Intraspecific variation in fruit production of African mahogany (Khaya anthotheca) in a semi‐deciduous East African rainforest
Authors: Okimat John Paul , Babweteera Fred , Ehbrecht Martin
Published: October 2023

Restoring valuable timber trees is a necessary part of regaining many ecosystem services and products provided by degraded tropical forests. However, knowledge of seed production, a regeneration prerequisite, is limited for many tropical timber tree species. We studied the fruit production of African mahogany (Khaya anthotheca) in a semi‐deciduous rainforest in East Africa, to provide information for ecological restoration programs. First, we quantified population variability and synchrony in fruit production. Then, we assessed how reproductive status and output were influenced by tree size, neighbourhood crowding, exchangeable cations, liana presence, and crown exposure. We found fruit production at the population level was weakly synchronised, with high interannual variability at the population and individual levels. Tree size determined reproductive status. Individual quantity of fruit produced increased with tree size but decreased with neighbourhood crowding. Our results indicate that K. anthotheca does not meet the criteria for mast fruiting. Our findings suggest that reproductive output in mahogany is regulated by tree size and competition. In addition to active protection, thinning to reduce competition around seed trees may boost fruit production at the individual tree level to provide seed for forest enrichment.
The Making of a Business Case for Unpaid Care and Domestic Work in the Global South: New Frontiers of Corporate Social Responsibility?
Authors: Gregoratti Catia , Tornhill Sofie
Published: October 2023

For some decades, feminist scholars have engaged with the new responsibilities that corporations assume to address gender inequalities, often critiquing forms of economic empowerment that ignore the significance of social reproduction. Recently, however, the idea of a business case for unpaid care and domestic work (UCDW) has caught traction, opening up new ways for businesses to showcase responsibilities for gender equality in the Global South. Taking cues from feminist debates on corporate agency for gender equality, this paper examines a three‐year partnership between Oxfam and Unilever's brand Surf, which aimed to recognise, reduce, and redistribute UCDW in the Philippines and Zimbabwe. Based on online material and interviews, we scrutinise how corporate and NGO goals coalesced around a business case for care and the governmental techniques assembled to act upon the problem of UCDW in the Global South. In comparison to the business case for women's economic empowerment we find that, for the corporation, the targeting of the social reproduction of groups of negligible economic interest is more difficult to justify and sustain. However, some of the techniques of governance used during the course of the partnership have been repurposed for political ends, charting different pathways to transform gender unequal responsibilities for social reproduction.
Impact of TP53‐induced glycolysis and apoptosis regulator on malignant activity and resistance to ferroptosis in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Toshida Katsuya , Itoh Shinji , Iseda Norifumi , Izumi Takuma , Yoshiya Shohei , Toshima Takeo , Ninomiya Mizuki , Iwasaki Takeshi , Oda Yoshinao , Yoshizumi Tomoharu
Published: October 2023

TP53‐induced glycolysis and apoptosis regulator (TIGAR) is an important gene that encodes a regulatory enzyme of glycolysis and reactive oxygen species (ROS) detoxification and is associated with worse prognosis in various cancers. Ferroptosis is a recently identified type of programmed cell death that is triggered by iron‐dependent lipid peroxidation. There are no reports on the prognostic impact of TIGAR on intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC), and its role in ferroptosis is unclear. Ninety ICC patients who had undergone hepatic resection were enrolled. Immunohistochemical staining for TIGAR was performed. The regulation of malignant activity by TIGAR and the association between ferroptosis and TIGAR were investigated in vitro. Twenty‐two (24.4%) patients were categorized into TIGAR‐high and ‐low groups by immunohistochemical staining. There were no noticeable differences in background factors between the two groups, but TIGAR positivity was an independent prognostic factor in disease‐free survival (hazard ratio [HR], 2.00; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.04–3.85, p = 0.0378) and overall survival (HR, 2.10; 95% CI, 1.03–4.30, p = 0.00422) in a multivariate analysis. In vitro, TIGAR knockdown (KD) decreased cell motility (cell proliferation/migration/invasion/colony‐forming capabilities) and elevated ROS and lipid peroxidation. This indicated that TIGAR KD induced ferroptosis. TIGAR KD‐induced ferroptosis was suppressed using liproxstatin. TIGAR KD decreased the expression of glutathione peroxidase 4, known as factor‐suppressing ferroptosis. The combination of TIGAR KD with cisplatin significantly induced more ferroptosis. In conclusion, TIGAR is associated with poor outcomes in ICC patients and resistance to ferroptosis.
Study of hispidulin in the treatment of uric acid nephropathy based on NF‐κB signaling pathway
Authors: Li Xiaoqian , Gu Yongqing , Ren Lihong , Cai Qingqing , Qiu Yan , He Jie , Qu Wei , Ji Wei
Published: October 2023

Uric acid nephropathy (UAN) is caused by purine metabolism disorders. UAN rat models were established in SD rats. The modeling rats received different doses of hispidulin (10, 20, 50 mg/mL). Febuxostat was applied as the positive drug. Serum creatinine, uric acid (UA), and cystatin‐C (cys‐C), neutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipocalin (NGAL), IL‐1β, IL‐8, TNF‐α, and IL‐6 in rats were detected. HE staining was done to assess kidney injury. UAN rats possessed prominent levels of serum creatinine, UA, cys‐C, and NGAL, which all reduced after hispidulin treatment in a dose‐dependent manner. HE staining determined the improvement of kidney injury after treatment, which was comparable to the efficacy of febuxostat. Hispidulin inhibited the release of IL‐1β, IL‐8, TNF‐α, and IL‐6 in UAN rats. Hispidulin enhanced autophagy in UAN rats, presenting as ascending LC3II/I ratio and downregulated P62. The increasing trend of inflammasome‐related proteins of NLRP3 and Caspase‐1 was changeovered by hispidulin. The activation of NF‐kB signaling was intercepted by hispidulin in UAN rats. Hispidulin can effectively improve renal function injury caused by UAN in rats. The mechanism may be related to the inhibition of inflammatory response induced by autophagy and activation of NF‐κB pathway.
Human midbrain dopaminergic progenitors
Authors: Wang Yu‐Kai , Feng Lin , Ma Ai‐Jin , Hao Jie , Zhang Ying , Chen Yue‐Jun , Chen Zhi‐Guo , Yu Jun‐Ying , Liu Yan , Liu Chang‐Mei , Zhang Yu , Wang Chang‐Lin , Teng Zhao‐Qian , Zhou Jia‐Xi , Li Tian‐Qing , Wang Liu , Fu Bo‐Qiang , Fu Yu Vincent , Zhu Li‐Jun , Liang Ling‐Min , Cao Jia‐Ni , Wang Lei , Zhou Qi , Xiang Andy Peng , Hu Bao‐Yang , Zhao Tong‐Biao
Published: October 2023

Human midbrain dopaminergic progenitors (mDAPs) are one of the most representative cell types in both basic research and clinical applications. However, there are still many challenges for the preparation and quality control of mDAPs, such as the lack of standards. Therefore, the establishment of critical quality attributes and technical specifications for mDAPs is largely needed. “Human midbrain dopaminergic progenitor” jointly drafted and agreed upon by experts from the Chinese Society for Stem Cell Research, is the first guideline for human mDAPs in China. This standard specifies the technical requirements, test methods, inspection rules, instructions for usage, labelling requirements, packaging requirements, storage requirements, transportation requirements and waste disposal requirements for human mDAPs, which is applicable to the quality control for human mDAPs. It was originally released by the China Society for Cell Biology on 30 August 2022. We hope that the publication of this guideline will facilitate the institutional establishment, acceptance and execution of proper protocols, and accelerate the international standardization of human mDAPs for clinical development and therapeutic applications.
Optimizing schools of cytology: Discussions from the 2022 ASC/IAC Cytology Education Symposium, North American Strategies, and European Symbiosis
Authors: Sturgis Charles D. , LeBlanc Jenna B. , Smith Michele A. , McNair Sean A. , Hansing Kara L. , Bammert Catherine E. , Russell Donna K. , Howell Joshua M. , Alperstein Susan A. , Lennen Kelly , Srebotnik‐Kirbis Irena , Paradis Veronika Anic , van Zuylen‐Manders Lia , Liikanen Eeva , Freund Gregory , Davey Diane D. , Goulart Robert , Yuil‐Valdes Ana , Vielh Philippe , Brainard Jennifer A. , Hitchens Sandra W. , Donnelly Amber
Published: October 2023

This report highlights information and outcomes from the November 2022 ASC/IAC joint Cytology Education Symposium, an annual conference organized by the Cytology Programs Review Committee. The manuscript provides information on shared educational opportunities and practices for cytology students and other learners in anatomic pathology, discusses recruitment strategies for schools of cytology, conveys teaching resources, introduces perspectives on virtual microscopy and online learning, and transmits information about wellness of students in schools of cytology.