bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The colocatome as a spatial -omic reveals shared microenvironment features between tumour–stroma assembloids and human lung cancer
Authors: Bouchard Gina , Zhang Weiruo , Li Irene , Ilerten Ilayda , Bhattacharya Asmita , Li Yuanyuan , Trope Winston , Shrager Joseph B , Kuo Calvin , Tian Lu , Giaccia Amato J , Plevritis Sylvia K
Published: September 2023

Computational frameworks to quantify and compare microenvironment spatial features of in-vitro patient-derived models and clinical specimens are needed. Here, we acquired and analysed multiplexed immunofluorescence images of human lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) alongside tumour– stroma assembloids constructed with organoids and fibroblasts harvested from the leading edge (Tumour-Adjacent Fibroblasts;TAFs) or core (Tumour Core Fibroblasts;TCFs) of human LUAD. We introduce the concept of the “colocatome” as a spatial -omic dimension to catalogue all proximate and distant colocalisations between malignant and fibroblast subpopulations in both the assembloids and clinical specimens. The colocatome expands upon the colocalisation quotient (CLQ) through a nomalisation strategy that involves permutation analysis and thereby allows comparisons of CLQs under different conditions. Using colocatome analysis, we report that both TAFs and TCFs protected cancer cells from targeted oncogene treatment by uniquely reorganising the tumour–stroma cytoarchitecture, rather than by promoting cellular heterogeneity or selection. Moreover, we show that the assembloids’ colocatome recapitulates the tumour–stroma cytoarchitecture defining the tumour microenvironment of LUAD clinical samples and thereby can serve as a functional spatial readout to guide translational discoveries.

Abstract Figure
Decoding biological age from face photographs using deep learning
Authors: Zalay Osbert , Bontempi Dennis , Bitterman Danielle S , Birkbak Nicolai , Shyr Derek , Haugg Fridolin , Qian Jack M , Roberts Hannah , Perni Subha , Prudente Vasco , Pai Suraj , Dekker Andre , Haibe-Kains Benjamin , Guthier Christian , Balboni Tracy , Warren Laura , Krishan Monica , Kann Benjamin H , Swanton Charles , Ruysscher Dirk De , Mak Raymond H , Aerts Hugo JWL
Published: September 2023

Because humans age at different rates, a person’s physical appearance may yield insights into their biological age and physiological health more reliably than their chronological age. In medicine, however, appearance is incorporated into medical judgments in a subjective and non-standardized fashion. In this study, we developed and validated FaceAge, a deep learning system to estimate biological age from easily obtainable and low-cost face photographs. FaceAge was trained on data from 58,851 healthy individuals, and clinical utility was evaluated on data from 6,196 patients with cancer diagnoses from two institutions in the United States and The Netherlands. To assess the prognostic relevance of FaceAge estimation, we performed Kaplan Meier survival analysis. To test a relevant clinical application of FaceAge, we assessed the performance of FaceAge in end-of-life patients with metastatic cancer who received palliative treatment by incorporating FaceAge into clinical prediction models. We found that, on average, cancer patients look older than their chronological age, and looking older is correlated with worse overall survival. FaceAge demonstrated significant independent prognostic performance in a range of cancer types and stages. We found that FaceAge can improve physicians’ survival predictions in incurable patients receiving palliative treatments, highlighting the clinical utility of the algorithm to support end-of-life decision-making. FaceAge was also significantly associated with molecular mechanisms of senescence through gene analysis, while age was not. These findings may extend to diseases beyond cancer, motivating using deep learning algorithms to translate a patient’s visual appearance into objective, quantitative, and clinically useful measures.
Systematic identification of transcriptional activator domains from non-transcription factor proteins in plants and yeast
Authors: Hummel Niklas F. C. , Markel Kasey , Stefani Jordan , Staller Max V. , Shih Patrick M.
Published: September 2023

Transcription factors promote gene expression via trans-regulatory activation domains. Although whole genome scale screens in model organisms (e.g. human, yeast, fly) have helped identify activation domains from transcription factors, such screens have been less extensively used to explore the occurrence of activation domains in non-transcription factor proteins, such as transcriptional coactivators, chromatin regulators and some cytosolic proteins, leaving a blind spot on what role activation domains in these proteins could play in regulating transcription. We utilized the activation domain predictor PADDLE to mine the entire proteomes of two model eukaryotes,Arabidopsis thalianaandSaccharomyces cerevisiae(1). We characterized 18,000 fragments covering predicted activation domains from >800 non-transcription factor genes in both species, and experimentally validated that 89% of proteins contained fragments capable of activating transcription in yeast. Peptides with similar sequence composition show a broad range of activities, which is explained by the arrangement of key amino acids. We also annotated hundreds of nuclear proteins with activation domains as putative coactivators; many of which have never been ascribed any function in plants. Furthermore, our library contains >250 non-nuclear proteins containing peptides with activation domain function across both eukaryotic lineages, suggesting that there are unknown biological roles of these peptides beyond transcription. Finally, we identify and validate short, ‘universal’ eukaryotic activation domains that activate transcription in both yeast and plants with comparable or stronger performance to state-of-the-art activation domains. Overall, our dual host screen provides a blueprint on how to systematically discover novel genetic parts for synthetic biology that function across a wide diversity of eukaryotes.

Significance Statement

Activation domains promote transcription and play a critical role in regulating gene expression. Although the mapping of activation domains from transcription factors has been carried out in previous genome-wide screens, their occurrence in non-transcription factors has been less explored. We utilize an activation domain predictor to mine the entire proteomes ofArabidopsis thalianaandSaccharomyces cerevisiaefor new activation domains on non-transcription factor proteins. We validate peptides derived from >750 non-transcription factor proteins capable of activating transcription, discovering many potentially new coactivators in plants. Importantly, we identify novel genetic parts that can function across both species, representing unique synthetic biology tools.
A mathematical model of photoinhibition: exploring the impact of quenching processes
Authors: Nies Tim , Matsubara Shizue , Ebenhöh Oliver
Published: September 2023

Plants are constantly exposed to changing environments, sometimes leading to extreme conditions and stress. For example, sudden exposure to high light leads to excess absorbed light energy, causing reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation. ROS damage the photosynthetic machinery, particularly the D1 protein in photosystem II (PSII), which therefore needs to be continuously repaired and replaced. The effect of the damage inflicted by high light is a prolonged decrease in photosynthetic efficiency. Hence, it is not surprising that photoinhibition has been subject to numerous experimental studies investigating its effects in the context of crop productivity. However, it has become apparent that classical measures of photoinhibition, i.e., changes in the chlorophyll fluorescence parameter Fv/Fm, are not only determined by the loss of PSII core function but also by processes such as energy transfer and quenching. Mathematical models can help dissect the influences on such fluorescence signals and quantify the contributions of various interacting mechanisms. We present a mathematical model with a dynamic description of the photosynthetic electron transport chain (PETC), non-photochemical quenching, and photoinhibition. With our model, we investigate the interconnection between quenching, photoprotection, and fluorescence using simulations and experimental data. We found that different energy-dissipating properties of intact and damaged PSIIs, as well as energy transfer between PSIIs, are critical components that need to be included in the model to ensure a satisfactory fit to the experimental data. We envisage that our model provides a framework for future investigations of photoinhibition dynamics and its importance for plant growth and yield.
Sustainability performance, executive compensation, market value, and say-on-pay voting adoption: evidence from the STOXX Europe 600
Authors: Issa Ayman , Hanaysha Jalal Rajeh
Published: September 2023

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the link between carbon emissions and market value for nonfinancial companies in the STOXX Europe 600 index, with a specific focus on the moderating effect of executive compensation.

Design/methodology/approach

To achieve the study’s purpose, this study uses data from the STOXX Europe 600 index between 2010 and 2021. The researchers use ordinary least squares regression analysis to examine the relationship between carbon emissions and market value while taking into account the moderating effect of executive compensation. The study also uses additional tests, such as the dynamic two-step system generalized method of moments regression and the difference in differences method.

Findings

The study reveals four key findings. First, there is a statistically significant negative relationship between carbon emissions and market value. Second, executive compensation has a negative moderating effect on the association between carbon emissions and market value. Third, Say-on-Pay regulations can encourage companies to adopt environmentally responsible practices, which can positively impact their market value. Finally, the study shows that the Paris Agreement motivates companies to prioritize sustainability, leading to potentially higher market values for those that are more environmentally responsible.

Practical implications

This study highlights the importance of considering environmental sustainability in corporate decision-making. It suggests that prioritizing sustainability can lead to financial benefits, as companies with lower carbon emissions tend to have higher market values. The findings also have important implications for regulators and investors.

Originality/value

This study provides novel insights into the link between carbon emissions and market value and the moderating effect of executive compensation. It also sheds light on the potential impact of Say-on-Pay regulations and the Paris Agreement on corporate sustainability practices and market values.
A five-year department-based electronic usage data analysis on electronic journal access, library training courses, and scholarly publications
Authors: Huang Chia-Chang , Chung Ching-Jung , Wu Yi-Ting , Hsu Po-Ting , Liang Jen-Feng , Yang Ying-Ying , Yang Jie Chi
Published: September 2023

Purpose

This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of a digital medical library, including department-based electronic journal access, library training course participation and scholarly publications.

Design/methodology/approach

The data on full-text electronic journal access, participants of library training courses and scholarly publications were exported from a digital medical library database during 2017–2021. In addition, electronic journal access and library training courses were divided into high-level and low-level groups, while scholarly publications were divided into physician and non-physician groups.

Findings

The scholarly publications had a positive correlation to library training courses and electronic journal access. Furthermore, scholarly publications showed a significant difference between the high-level and low-level electronic journal access groups but not between the high-level and low-level library training course groups. Scholarly publications and electronic journal access had positive correlations for both the physician and non-physician groups. Scholarly publications and library training courses, and electronic journal access and library training courses had positive correlations only in the non-physician group.

Practical implications

The importance of electronic journal access for scholarly publications is suggested based on the findings of the present study. The training courses held by the medical library had a positive effect on scholarly publications for the non-physician group.

Originality/value

The current study provides insights relevant to the electronic journal access of library-supported scholarly publications among medical departments. These results can serve as a reference for medical library development planning and decision-making in the future.
Organizational leadership and employee well-being in the construction industry: a bibliometric and scientometric review
Authors: Shi Jiaqi , Antwi-Afari Maxwell Fordjour
Published: September 2023

Purpose

The construction industry (CI) has been identified as one of the most challenging sectors for stakeholders to achieve organizational success. Although previous studies had examined both organizational leadership (OL) and employee well-being (EWB) in the CI, a bibliometric and systematic analysis of published articles is hitherto lacking. Therefore, this paper aims to conduct a bibliometric and scientometric review of published articles related to OL and EWB in the CI between 2008 and 2022.

Design/methodology/approach

A three-step method consisting of a bibliometric analysis, a scientometric analysis and an in-depth discussion were used. A total of 1,114 articles met the inclusion criteria. All articles were retrieved from the Scopus database.

Findings

The results present an in-depth discussion of the research publication trends, keywords co-occurrence analysis, document analysis and countries/regions analysis. This review paper identified three main research gaps in OL and EWB in the CI, namely, project management, technology innovation and people orientation. It also proposes “OL-EWB in the CI”' mechanisms and a theoretical framework to guide future research directions.

Originality/value

This review paper theoretically fills the gap in the lack of research summarizing OL and EWB in the CI and provides research gaps and trends for achieving a win-win situation for both companies and employees.
Forensic accounting research around the world
Authors: Ozili Peterson K.
Published: September 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to review the relevant forensic accounting research (FAR) around the world and suggests avenues for future research in forensic accounting.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used the thematic and systematic literature review methodology to analyse the existing literature in FAR.

Findings

The major thematic areas in the literature are fraud motivation, fraud consequences, fraud detection using forensic accounting techniques, forensic accounting theory, forensic accounting skills, forensic accounting education and forensic accounting jobs. The quantity of FAR is relatively small compared to the quantity of research in other accounting specializations. FAR is well developed in the USA and Canada and is less developed in Europe, Oceania and Asia. There is high interest in FAR in African countries. There is a relatively low global interest in internet information about “forensic accounting research” compared to global interest in other forensic accounting topics. Areas for future research include the role of the environment, digitalization, religiosity and sustainable development in forensic accounting.

Practical implications

FAR around the world is lopsided, as some regions have more advanced FAR compared to other regions. There is a need for even development of FAR across all regions and a need to publicize the outputs of FAR to a larger audience to increase people’s interest in forensic accounting.

Originality/value

The study extends the literature by presenting a rigorous thematic and systematic review of the existing literature. It highlights the depth of FAR, the major thematic areas, the benefits of FAR to society and the geographical reach of existing FAR.
Prosocial attributes relate to lower recidivism in justice-involved youth: preliminary evidence using a novel measure of prosocial functioning
Authors: Schmidt Adam T. , Duron Jacquelynn , Bergquist Becca K. , Bammel Alexandra C. , Maloney Kelsey A. , Williams-Butler Abigail , Hanten Gerri R.
Published: September 2023

Purpose

Though prosocial attributes are linked to positive outcomes among justice-involved adolescents and are a mainstay of numerous interventions, few measures have been specifically designed to evaluate prosocial functioning within this population. Although multiple instruments measuring aspects of prosocial behavior exist, these instruments were not designed to measure prosocial behaviors among youth in juvenile justice settings. This study aims to provide a preliminary validation of a new measure of prosocial attributes (the Prosocial Status Inventory – PSI), which was designed to comprehensively evaluate in greater depth the prosocial functioning of urban, justice-involved youth.

Design/methodology/approach

Youth (n = 51) were recruited as part of a larger study and were participants in a community-based mentoring program in a large, urban county in the Southern USA. Youth completed the PSI at baseline prior to their participation in the community-based mentoring program. The authors obtained follow-up data on recidivism from the county juvenile justice department.

Findings

PSI scores were positively related to a lower rate of recidivism and a decrease in offending frequency over a 12-month follow-up period.

Originality/value

The current findings complement previous work, suggesting that prosocial attributes are measurable and related to important outcomes among justice-involved youth and support the utility of strengths-based treatment approaches. Moreover, it provides preliminary evidence of the utility of a new self-report measure to assess these traits within a juvenile justice population.
Firms’ value impact of C2M mode empowered by big data based on event study
Authors: Li Bo , Xing Ruxiao , Guo Wenya , Tang Shixiang
Published: September 2023

Purpose

This study aims to analyze and discuss whether and how consumer-to-manufacturer (C2M) mode empowered by e-commerce retail platforms’ big data affects the stock returns of firms in supply chains.

Design/methodology/approach

This study selects 195 companies affected by four C2M events as samples and empirically analyzes the impact mechanisms of C2M mode on supply chain firms’ stock returns by event study.

Findings

This paper finds that C2M announcements own a positive impact on the stock returns of supply chain firms. Further, the results show that the business and financial characteristics play a significant impact on the relationship between the C2M mode and firm stock return performance. For example, C2M mode leads to huge stock returns when firms cooperate with the platforms related to their business content. In addition, the business scope can strengthen the positive promotion of C2M mode in stock returns, while business concentration weakens the positive promotion of C2M mode in stock returns.

Originality/value

The results found in this paper can provide practical guidance for the firms in supply chains to further apply C2M mode from the business characteristics and financial performance view.
Intergenerational transfer, parental support and housing: a literature review
Authors: Wang Xueqi , Squires Graham
Published: September 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to define intergenerational housing support and assesses and synthesizes the existing literature on intergenerational support for housing to identify trends and possible areas for future research.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology employed in this paper is a systematic literature review. A total of 32 articles were chosen for assessment. Upon thorough review, summary and synthesis, general trends and three specific themes were identified.

Findings

The review of 32 papers found that intergenerational support is a crucial strategy to help younger generations achieve homeownership. However, it also highlights the potential for social inequity resulting from unequal distribution of housing resources within families, especially regarding housing. Several potential gaps in the current research are identified, including the need for explicit attention to the provider's intention, exploration into the size and form of financial support for housing, understanding how parental housing resources differ in their transfer behaviors, and examining how parental motivations influence them to provide housing support.

Originality/value

This paper provides recommendations for further research on the topic, while also adding perspective to understand the micro-social mechanisms behind the intergenerational reproduction of socioeconomic inequality, especially in the housing market.
Signal recovery and noise suppression of the Ocean‐Bottom Cable P‐component data based on improved dense convolutional network
Authors: Wang Hongzhou , Lin Jun , Dong Xintong , Jiang Dandan
Published: September 2023

Effective attenuation of noise in seismic data is important for high‐quality seismic imaging. Noise suppression in Ocean‐Bottom Cable data is particularly challenging. The challenge for the geophysicist is to process the individual hydrophone and vertical geophone data up to a level where they can conveniently be combined for effective multiple suppressions. In this study, we propose a deep learning‐based solution for noise attenuation and signal recovery of the P‐component of Ocean‐Bottom Cable data. To effectively attenuate complex noise, a denoising model based on dense convolutional network is proposed for Ocean‐Bottom Cable data processing. The backbone of the denoising network uses dense blocks to extract the potential features. Dense connections are applied to fuse the features at each stage to further enhance the effective information and thus improve the reconstruction of the signal. A high‐quality training set was built for the training network to ensure that the trained model was suitable for noise suppression. Synthesis and field experiments show that the proposed method can completely eliminate complex noise and recover weak signals from the P‐component data of the Ocean‐Bottom Cable data.
The place of ‘culture’ in the Access to Knowledge movement: Comparing Creative Commons and yogic theories of knowledge transfer (Respond to this article at http://www.therai.org.uk/at/debate)
Authors: Fish Allison
Published: September 2023

A fundamental tenet of the Access to Knowledge (A2K) movement is that access to intangibles, especially educational and cultural works, should be open to all. Grounded in a human rights framework, this perspective links open and unfettered access to principles of social justice, freedom, and economic development. This article explores how mainstream A2K debates play out with respect to intangible cultural heritage. In doing so, the discussion contributes to an emerging literature highlighting the tension between individual and cultural rights in this movement through a comparative analysis of how select A2K activists and sanyasi (spiritual ascetics) react to debates surrounding intellectual property claims to yoga. On the one hand, A2K activists, specifically leaders from the Creative Commons community, place primacy on democratic modern law as a principle of social ordering to theorize yoga‐as‐information, information‐as‐disembodied, and information‐as‐neutral. This framework produces an undifferentiated public domain within which the practice naturally resides. In contrast, expert yoga practitioners rely on an interpretation of the guru‐disciple relationship to theorize yoga‐as‐knowledge, knowledge‐as‐embodied, and knowledge‐as‐powerful to conceptualize its placement in a stratified commons. The juxtaposition of these two accounts adds to emergent debates around the construction and management of the public sphere and/or versus the cultural commons, as well as the possibilities and limits both present for community and identity politics. While the article is informed by a larger ethnographic project, it primarily draws from nine months of fieldwork with sanyasi (spiritual ascetics) of the Satyananda lineage as well as my own involvement in the A2K movement.
Punching above their weight or falling flat? Flagship policy modernisation initiatives in Australia, Britain, Canada, and New Zealand
Authors: Craft Jonathan , Henderson Samuel
Published: September 2023

Concerns of a decline in public service policy capacity coupled with evolving policy advisory systems have seen public services seek to reform their policy capacity and practices. This article examines the flagship policy modernisation initiatives launched by the Australian, Canadian, British, and New Zealand governments. Comparative analysis reveals a shared emphasis on overarching objectives, but important differences in their design, how they are embedded within the public service, and their comprehensiveness. The New Zealand and British initiatives are found to be the most comprehensive and stable, while the Canadian and Australian approaches suffer from repeated reinvention exercises and resource and leadership precarity. An examination of these initiatives also provides new insights into understanding the trade‐offs and tensions around how these initiatives aim to address public service policymaking and effective advisory system participation.

Points for practitioners

The public service's role within advisory systems is evolving and needs to be carefully reconsidered.

Senior officials need to get serious about effectively scoping reform initiatives and being clearer about the trade‐offs associated with broad or more targeted approaches.

Initiatives are drastically under‐resourced even in the best of scenarios. Governments and senior officials need to step up and invest in sustainable and well‐institutionalised initiatives.

Practitioners will need to be creative about how and where they can access tools and approaches to improve their policymaking in cases where governments continue to under‐resource policy modernisation.
The addition of Cytosorb in patients on VA‐ECMO improves urinary output and ICU survival
Authors: Lovrić Daniel , Pašalić Marijan , Križanac Stefan , Kovačić Karla , Skorić Boško , Jurin Hrvoje , Miličić Davor , Premužić Vedran
Published: September 2023

Introduction

The aim of this study was to analyze the efficiency of CytoSorb adsorber in patients presenting with cardiogenic shock and treated with venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA‐ECMO).

Methods

Sixteen patients put on VA ECMO due to cardiogenic shock were included, stratified according to the use of Cytosorb adsorber in the first 24 h and compared across different clinical outcomes.

Results

Significantly lower vasopressor doses were required among patients treated with Cytosorb at the initiation and before weaning from ECMO. Furthermore, these patients showed significantly higher urine output before weaning and lower lactate levels during the extracorporeal support. Finally, the mortality rate was lower among the Cytosorb therapy group (22.2% vs 57.1%).

Conclusion

While a decrease in vasopressor doses was already associated with CytoSorb use, this is the first study showing an increase in urinary output and a trend towards better survival among patients on VA ECMO treated with CytoSorb.
Modeling compound hydrologic disturbances in the Rio Grande Headwaters
Authors: Schneider Katie E. , Rust Ashley , Hogue Terri
Published: September 2023

In recent decades, the western United States (U.S.) has experienced increasing magnitudes and frequencies of natural land cover disturbances that impact water budget partitioning. Post‐disturbance hydrologic response is often variable at the stream outlet and is difficult to detect and quantify with traditional before–after control–impact studies. This study uses a modified version of the U.S. Geological Survey's Monthly Water Balance Model (MWBM) to simulate and separate the hydrologic response to several forest disturbances, including (1) wildfire, (2) forest conversion (subalpine to mid‐elevation forest) and (3) a climate that is hotter and drier than present in the Rio Grande Headwaters (RGH) in Colorado, U.S. (this climate scenario was derived from an ensemble of climate scenarios from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project phases 3 and 5, which were selected based on water stress potential in the state of Colorado). We leverage historic post‐disturbance vegetation data in the RGH to add quantitative vegetation representation to the MWBM, then modeled synthetic future (2021–2050) streamflow scenarios as both single and compound disturbances. Relative to a baseline scenario, modeled scenarios predict several changes to average annual water trends over the final simulation decade (2041–2050); (1) decreases in average annual water yield under a hot and dry climate (−14%), except during the rising limb of annual snowmelt; (2) increases in average annual water yield (+32%) and peak runoff under a fire simulation; and (3) increases in average annual water yield (+24%) along with earlier and higher peak runoff under compound (fire + hot/dry) conditions. These findings show the strengths of hydrologic models in separating compound disturbance signals at the stream outlet and a need for quantitative vegetation representation within models to adequately represent dynamic disturbance conditions.
Production and composition of extracellular polymeric substances by a unicellular strain and natural colonies of Microcystis: Impact of salinity and nutrient stress
Authors: Reignier Océane , Bormans Myriam , Marchand Laetitia , Sinquin Corinne , Amzil Zouher , Zykwinska Agata , Briand Enora
Published: September 2023

The transfer of toxic cyanobacterial Microcystis blooms from freshwater to estuaries constitutes a serious environmental problem worldwide that is expected to expand in scale and intensity with anthropogenic and climate change. The formation and maintenance of Microcystis in colonial form is conditioned to the presence of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS). In this study, we attempted to better understand how the mucilaginous colonial form of Microcystis evolves under environmental stress conditions. In particular, we studied and compared the production and the composition of EPS fractions (attached and free) from natural colonies of a Microcystis bloom and from a unicellular M. aeruginosa strain under salinity and nutrient stress (representing a land‐sea continuum). Our results highlighted a greater production of EPS from the natural colonies of Microcystis than the unicellular one under nutrient and combined stress conditions dominated by the attached form. In comparison to the unicellular Microcystis, EPS produced by the colonial form were characterized by high molecular weight polysaccharides which were enriched in uronic acids and hexosamines, notably for the free fraction in response to increased salinities. This complex extracellular matrix gives the cells the ability to aggregate and allows the colonial cyanobacterial population to cope with osmotic shock.
The role of the cerebellum in internet gaming disorder—A systematic review
Authors: Mundorf Annakarina , Siebert Annabelle , Desmond John E. , Peterburs Jutta
Published: September 2023

Recent studies increasingly highlight involvement of the cerebellum in drug craving and addiction. However, its exact role, that is, whether the cerebellum is a critical component of a brain network underlying addictive behaviour, or whether it rather is a facilitator or mediator, is still unclear. Findings concerning the newly recognized internet gaming disorder (IGD) suggest that changes in cerebellar connectivity and functioning are associated with behavioural/non‐substance addiction. Here, we systematically review the literature on IGD and cerebellar involvement following the PRISMA guidelines. A total of 13 neuroimaging studies met the inclusion criteria. Studies utilized a broad range of diagnostic instruments and resulting cut‐off criteria, rendering it difficult to compare findings. Results on altered cerebro‐cerebellar connectivity in patients with IGD are mixed; most studies report altered or increased functional connectivity. Moreover, decreased cerebellar grey matter volume is reported. Studies have further indicated that differential activation patterns in the cerebellum may enable discrimination between healthy subjects and subjects with IGD, even allowing for prediction of treatment outcomes. Given the strong connectivity between the cerebellum and cerebral regions, the cerebellum may act as an intermediary between regions involved in craving and addiction and consequently affect symptoms of IGD. Results suggest differential involvement of the cerebellar lobes, emphasizing a need for high‐resolution parcellation of the cerebellum in future studies. However, the studies included in the present review have small sample sizes and include mostly male participants. Thus, results may have limited generalizability yet highlight a crucial role of the cerebellum in IGD that needs further investigation.
Three‐dimensional accuracy of endodontic access preparations using novel nonrestrictive static guides: A laboratory study
Authors: Elhakim Ahmed , Hwang Junghwan , Kim Sunil , Kim Euiseong , Kang Sumi
Published: September 2023

This study compared the accuracy of traditional endodontic access to conservative access cavities prepared with or without novel nonrestrictive endodontic access guides by operators with different levels of clinical experience without visual aids, using a three‐dimensional volumetric accuracy analysis method. The accuracy of the preparations was analysed using a novel 3D volumetric analysis by calculating the intersection and volume of the actual cavities to the planned model cavities. The experienced operator significantly outperformed the inexperienced operator in the free hand groups, while accuracy of conservative access cavities prepared using the novel guides were comparable and significantly higher than the other groups (p < 0.05). The results demonstrated clinical experience enhanced endodontic preparations accuracy and that nonrestrictive guides achieve accurate conservative access cavities which are independent of the operator skill level. Additionally, the three‐dimensional volumetric analysis is a consistent and objective method to judge the accuracy of guided endodontic techniques.
Post‐operative transfusion is associated with infrainguinal bypass graft failure: contemporary Australian tertiary centre experience
Authors: Koo Mei Ping Melody , Bookun Hansraj Riteesh
Published: September 2023

Backgrounds

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is an increasingly prevalent and highly morbid pathology affecting the older population. Infra‐inguinal bypass (IIB) surgery remains a robust revascularization option in these patients. This study aimed to identify modifiable predictors associated with graft patency and functional outcomes in contemporary Australian vascular surgical practice.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of patients undergoing IIB between 2010 and 2020 at a tertiary vascular surgery centre in Australia was performed. Data regarding patient demographics, co‐morbidities, pre‐operative investigations, bypass characteristics, and discharge outcomes were collected. Surveillance ultrasound scans were reviewed to gain information on graft patency and compliance up to 2 years post‐operatively. The primary outcome was graft failure. Secondary outcomes were mobility status and amputation‐free survival at 1 year.

Results

A total of 239 IIBs were performed on 207 patients during the 10‐year period. Significant predictors for primary graft occlusion included regional referral (P < 0.01), low pre‐operative haemoglobin level (P < 0.01), post‐operative transfusion requirement (P = 0.02), use of prosthetic conduit (P < 0.01) and non‐compliance to ultrasound surveillance (P < 0.01). Patients with a thrombosed graft were 2.4 times more likely to experience deterioration in mobility status (P < 0.01) and 8.6 times more likely to have major limb amputation or death at 1 year. The amputation‐free survival was 88.3% at 1 year.

Conclusion

Optimization of pre‐operative haemoglobin level for IIB should be advocated in clinical practice in order to reduce the risk of graft failure, deterioration in ambulatory function, major limb amputation and mortality.
Study of the paleochannel in the southeastern part of Pyongyang by using topographic and satellite image analysis: A possibility for successful survey of paleolithic site
Authors: Jon Jun‐Myong , Jon Yong‐Il , Kim Il‐Nam , Nam Il‐Ryong , Ji Won‐Hyok , Kang Ryong‐Il , Kang Jun‐Chol
Published: September 2023

There are Quaternary paleochannels in the left bank of the lower reaches of the Taedong River in the southeastern side of Pyongyang. We aimed to determine the possibility to find Paleolithic sites by locating terraces and paleochannels using digital elevation models (DEM) and Landsat ETM+. The study on paleochannels focused on survey of terrace of the 80–100 m high, associated with the Paleolithic site, performing topography (elevation, slope and aspect) analysis with DEM data and FCC (False Color Component), BR (Band Ratio), PCA (Principal Component Analysis), ISODATA, and SAM with Landsat ETM+ image. The results show that the analysis method using DEM and ETM+ is effective to find Paleolithic sites through surveys of terrace and paleochannel and analysis of facies.
Horné Srnie: Emulation of Carpathian insignia during the Urnfield inflation
Authors: Ondrkál Filip , Peška Jaroslav
Published: September 2023

Double‐armed insigniae of the Carpathian type are mysterious ceremonial symbols of the Urnfields representing the connection between ideological principles in the Western Carpathians. The Horné Srnie metal hoard shows that early Lusatian mountain communities developed an emulation strategy c.1325 BCE that shifts the origins of Lusatian metallurgy roughly by one century, using the elite style of the technologically advanced Piliny culture to represent their social status. The reproduction was motivated by the effort of Lusatian warrior‐priests to maintain their authority during the period of Urnfield societal reorganization and grew into the ‘homemade’ production of low‐quality cast specimens from recycled materials or metallurgical residues.
Barriers and enablers of active surveillance for prostate cancer: a qualitive study of clinicians
Authors: Pattenden Trent A. , Thangasamy Isaac A. , Ong Wee Loon , Samaranayke Dhanika , Morton Andrew , Murphy Declan G. , Evans Sue , Millar Jeremy , Chalasani Venu , Rashid Prem , Winter Matthew , Vela Ian , Pryor David , Mark Stephen , Loeb Stacy , Lawrentschuk Nathan , Pritchard Elizabeth
Published: September 2023

Objectives

To identify and explore barriers to, and enablers of, active surveillance (AS) in men with low‐risk prostate cancer (LRPCa), as perceived by PCa clinicians.

Patients and Methods

Urologists and radiation oncologists in Australia and New Zealand were purposively sampled for a cross‐section on gender and practice setting (metropolitan/regional; public/private). Using a grounded theory approach, semi‐structed interviews were conducted with participants. Interviews were coded independently by two researchers using open, axial, and selective coding. A constant comparative approach was used to analyse data as it was collected. Thematic saturation was reached after 18 interviews, and a detailed model of barriers to, and enablers of, AS for LRPCa, as perceived by clinicians was developed.

Results

A model explaining what affects clinician decision making regarding AS in LRPCa emerged. It was underpinned by three broad themes: (i) clinician perception of patients’ barriers and enablers; (ii) clinician perception of their own barriers and enablers; and (iii) engagement with healthcare team and resource availability.

Conclusions

Clinicians unanimously agree that AS is an evidence‐based approach for managing LRPCa. Despite this many men do not undergo AS for LRPCa, which is due to the interplay of patient and clinician factors, and their interaction with the wider healthcare system. This study identifies strategies to mitigate barriers and enhance enablers, which could increase access to AS by patients with LRPCa.
“I don't have the energy”: Racial stress, young Black motherhood, and Canadian social policies
Authors: Goddard‐Durant Sadie K. , Doucet Andrea , Tizaa Helena , Sieunarine Jane Ann
Published: September 2023

Significant socio‐economic, health, and mental health disparities due to highly entrenched and systemic anti‐Black racism in Canadian institutions, policies, and practices are now well documented in research and policy reports. Yet, few in‐depth studies have addressed the mental health impacts of anti‐Black racism on Canadian populations. This article is rooted in a community‐based, qualitative research project with young first and second‐generation Black Caribbean‐Canadian mothers and is informed by Black Feminist epistemologies and intersectional theories and methodologies. Our research demonstrates how participants’ childhood experiences with xenophobic and racist immigration policies and educational, child welfare, and childcare systems caused their future mental health challenges as young Black mothers, and how these struggles were exacerbated by their encounters with the racist, ageist, xenophobic medical, social, and mental health services they had to access as young mothers. Based on these findings, we recommend enhancements to current social policies to minimize the differential mental health impacts on young Black Canadian mothers.
Design, synthesis, and molecular docking studies of benzimidazole‐1,3,4‐triazole hybrids as carbonic anhydrase I and II inhibitors
Authors: Çelik İsmail , Acar Çevik Ulviye , Küçükoğlu Kaan , Nadaroglu Hayrunnisa , Bostancı Hayrani Eren , Işık Ayşen , Özkay Yusuf , Kaplancıklı Zafer Asım
Published: September 2023

In this study, with an aim to develop novel heterocyclic hybrids as potent enzyme inhibitors, we synthesized a series of 10 novel 2‐(4‐(4‐ethyl‐5‐(2‐(substitutedphenyl)‐2‐oxo‐ethylthio)‐4H‐1,2,4‐triazol‐3‐yl)‐phenyl)‐5,6‐dimethyl‐1H‐benzimidazole (5a–5j) derivatives and characterized by 1H‐NMR, 13C‐NMR, and HRMS. These compounds were evaluated for their inhibitory activity against hCA I and hCA II. All the compounds exhibited good hCA I and hCA II inhibitory activities with IC50 values in range of 1.288 μM–3.122 μM. Among all these compounds, compound 5e, with an IC50 value of 1.288 μM is the most active against carbonic hCA I. Compound 5h with an IC50 value of 1.532 μM is the most active against carbonic hCA‐II. Compounds 5a–5j were also evaluated for their cytotoxic effects on the L929 mouse fibroblast (normal) cell line. The compounds were also analyzed for their antioxidant capacity by TAS, FRAP, and DPPH activity. Enzyme inhibition kinetics showed all compounds 5a–5j to inhibit the enzyme by non‐competitive. The most active compound 5e for hCA I and compound 5h for hCA‐II were subjected to molecular docking, which revealed their binding interactions with the enzyme's active site, confirming the experimental findings.
A novel scoring system to predict survival in cirrhotic patients undergoing isolated lung transplantation: The PENS‐CEPT score
Authors: Hyzny Eric J. , Chan Ernest G. , Hage Chadi , Rachakonda Vikrant , Sanchez Pablo G. , Malik Shahid M.
Published: September 2023

Cirrhosis is usually regarded as a contraindication to isolated lung transplantation (ILT). We sought to determine which patients with cirrhosis could safely undergo ILT. Based on a retrospective analysis of patients with cirrhosis who underwent ILT at our center between 2007 and 2020, we developed an exclusionary algorithm (PENS‐CEPT: Pittsburgh ExclusioN Score in Cirrhotics Evaluated for Pulmonary Transplant) to help determine which patients can undergo ILT with minimal incurred risk from their underlying liver disease. The score utilizes a combination of readily available clinical data and the presence (or absence) of spontaneous portosystemic shunts on preoperative cross‐sectional imaging. Sixteen patients underwent ILT with a diagnosis of cirrhosis: nine with cystic fibrosis. On univariate analysis, only our model was able to predict 1 year survival. Of the nine patients that would have been approved using our model, there was only one short term death. Of the seven patients that would have been rejected by the model, all but one died within the first year with six dying of complications from liver failure. We are proposing a simple score utilizing routine clinical parameters and pre‐operative imaging to determine the safety of ILT in cirrhotic patients. Further studies are required to validate this scoring system with the goal of safely increasing the opportunity for cirrhotic patients who would otherwise be rejected for ILT.
Metastatic gastrointestinal stromal tumour in pleural fluid 19 years after initial diagnosis
Authors: Rodrigues Simoes Nathalie J. , Coconubo Daniel Martinez , Dunn Danielle R. , Gutmann Edward J.
Published: September 2023

Gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GISTs) are rarely encountered in pleural fluid samples. We report a case of GIST metastatic to pleural fluid almost two decades after the original diagnosis. Careful screening by a cytotechnologist, consideration of the clinical history, and judicious use of immunohistochemical stains facilitated the uncommon diagnosis.
Contribution of dorsal versus ventral hippocampus to the hierarchical modulation of goal‐directed actions in rats
Authors: Piquet Robin , Faugère Angélique , Parkes Shauna L.
Published: September 2023

Adaptive behaviour often necessitates that animals learn about events in a manner that is specific to a particular context or environment. These hierarchical organisations allow the animal to decide which action is the most appropriate when faced with ambiguous or conflicting possibilities. This study examined the role of hippocampus in enabling animals to use the context to guide action selection. We used a hierarchical instrumental outcome devaluation task in which male rats learn that the context provides information about the unique action‐outcome relations that are in effect. We first confirmed that rats encode and use hierarchical context‐(action‐outcome) relations. We then show that chemogenetic inhibition of ventral hippocampus impairs both the encoding and retrieval of these associations, while inhibition of dorsal hippocampus impairs only the retrieval. Importantly, neither dorsal nor ventral hippocampus was required for goal‐directed behaviour per se as these impairments only emerged when rats were forced to use the context to identify the current action‐outcome relationships. These findings are discussed with respect to the role of the hippocampus and its broader circuitry in the contextual modulation of goal‐directed behaviour and the importance of hierarchical associations in flexible behaviour.