bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Implementing Artificial Intelligence for Emergency Radiology Impacts Physicians' Knowledge and Perception
Authors: Hoppe Boj Friedrich , Rueckel Johannes , Dikhtyar Yevgeniy , Heimer Maurice , Fink Nicola , Sabel Bastian Oliver , Ricke Jens , Rudolph Jan , Cyran Clemens C.
Published: October 2023

Purpose

The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of implementing an artificial intelligence (AI) solution for emergency radiology into clinical routine on physicians' perception and knowledge.

Materials and Methods

A prospective interventional survey was performed pre-implementation and 3 months post-implementation of an AI algorithm for fracture detection on radiographs in late 2022. Radiologists and traumatologists were asked about their knowledge and perception of AI on a 7-point Likert scale (−3, “strongly disagree”; +3, “strongly agree”). Self-generated identification codes allowed matching the same individuals pre-intervention and post-intervention, and using Wilcoxon signed rank test for paired data.

Results

A total of 47/71 matched participants completed both surveys (66% follow-up rate) and were eligible for analysis (34 radiologists [72%], 13 traumatologists [28%], 15 women [32%]; mean age, 34.8 ± 7.8 years). Postintervention, there was an increase that AI “reduced missed findings” (1.28 [pre] vs 1.94 [post], P = 0.003) and made readers “safer” (1.21 vs 1.64, P = 0.048), but not “faster” (0.98 vs 1.21, P = 0.261). There was a rising disagreement that AI could “replace the radiological report” (−2.04 vs −2.34, P = 0.038), as well as an increase in self-reported knowledge about “clinical AI,” its “chances,” and its “risks” (0.40 vs 1.00, 1.21 vs 1.70, and 0.96 vs 1.34; all P's ≤ 0.028). Radiologists used AI results more frequently than traumatologists (P < 0.001) and rated benefits higher (all P's ≤ 0.038), whereas senior physicians were less likely to use AI or endorse its benefits (negative correlation with age, −0.35 to 0.30; all P's ≤ 0.046).

Conclusions

Implementing AI for emergency radiology into clinical routine has an educative aspect and underlines the concept of AI as a “second reader,” to support and not replace physicians.
[18F] FDG PET/CT Imaging in a Rare Case of Sarcoidosis With Involvement of Epididymis
Authors: Algodayan Sarah , Priftakis Dimitrios , Fraioli Francesco , Bomanji Jamshed
Published: October 2023

Genitourinary involvement of sarcoidosis is an uncommon occurrence. In this report, we present [18F] FDG PET/CT of a young adult man with sarcoidosis involving the epididymis, and we discuss the utility of FDG PET imaging in diagnosis and assessment of response to treatment.
Simulated Participants' Experiences and Challenges With Online and Face-to-Face Interactions During COVID-19
Authors: Hamad Nabtta Bashir , Folorunsho Evelyn Funke
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Direct patient contact is essential when training health professionals for future patient-centered interactions. Simulated participants (SPs) play a critical role during training; however, limited information is available about their personal perspectives. This study explored SPs at the College of Medicine and Health Sciences experiences, adaptations, and preferences regarding online and face-to-face encounters.

Methods

After ethical approval, a qualitative research study using structured in-depth interviews was conducted online with 16 SPs, applying critical incident narratives and storytelling. Interview data were transcribed and encoded using thematic framework analysis, after which member checking was conducted to increase credibility.

Results

All SPs acknowledged the benefits of online delivery models during the pandemic, including the convenience of working from home, continued clinical skills training, and personal protection from COVID infection. Participants preferred face-to-face delivery over online encounters, except for one SP, who saw no difference. Challenges included technical issues, communication problems, and lack of realism.

Conclusions

Although these results cannot be generalized, all participants acknowledged the relevance of online portrayals during the pandemic. Most preferred face-to-face delivery models for improving role-playing and enhancing personal communication to achieve better patient outcomes, while one SP had no preference. The use of concurrent online and face-to-face methods may more effectively engage SPs in simulation-based education. Before restructuring programs, further research is needed, including a deeper exploration of students' and educators' perspectives.
Book-Binding Technique in Totally Laparoscopic Distal Gastrectomy with Billroth I Reconstruction: Clinical Results and Outcomes in 188 Patients with Gastric Cancer
Authors: Ota Mitsuhiko , Oki Eiji , Hu Qingjiang , Nonaka Kentaro , Nambara Sho , Nakanishi Ryota , Nakanoko Tomonori , Kimura Yasue , Yoshizumi Tomoharu
Published: October 2023

BACKGROUND:

Laparoscopic gastrectomy is widely used as a curative treatment for gastric cancer. Although delta-shaped anastomosis is commonly used for Billroth I anastomosis after totally laparoscopic distal gastrectomy (TLDG), it has some drawbacks. The book-binding technique (BBT) was developed as an alternative, and this study aimed to examine its short-term results in 188 consecutive cases.

STUDY DESIGN:

This retrospective study included patients who underwent BBT reconstruction after TLDG for gastric malignancy between 2011 and 2020. BBT is a technique for intracorporeal gastroduodenostomy, which is a triangular anastomosis with a linear stapler that does not require additional dissection or rotation of the duodenum. The short-term outcomes of BBT reconstruction and postoperative endoscopic findings were analyzed.

RESULTS:

This study evaluated 188 patients who underwent TLDG and BBT reconstruction. Anastomotic stenosis and leakage occurred in 1.1% and 0.5% of the patients, respectively. The median time to the first diet was 3.1 days, and the median postoperative hospital stay was 11.9 days. BBT anastomoses were performed by 19 surgeons and took an average of 32.8 minutes to complete, with completion times decreasing as the surgical team became more proficient. On endoscopy performed 1 year postoperatively, 5.2% had reflux esophagitis (grade A or higher), 67.8% had gastritis (grade 1 or higher), 37.4% had residual food (grade 1 or higher), and 37.4% had bile reflux (grade 1).

CONCLUSIONS:

BBT is a safe and feasible method for intracorporeal gastroduodenostomy in TLDG for patients with gastric malignancy and demonstrates good surgical outcomes.
ILIAD: A suite of automated Snakemake workflows for processing genomic data for downstream applications
Authors: Herrick Noah , Walsh Susan
Published: October 2023

Background

Processing raw genomic data for downstream applications such as imputation, association studies, and modeling requires numerous third-party bioinformatics software tools. It is highly time-consuming and resource-intensive with computational demands and storage limitations that pose significant challenges that increase cost. The use of software tools independent of one another, in a disjointed stepwise fashion, increases the difficulty and sets forth higher error rates because of fragmented job executions in alignment, variant calling, and/or build conversion complications. As sequencing data availability grows, the ability of biologists to process it using stable, automated, and reproducible workflows is paramount as it significantly reduces the time to generate clean and reliable data.

Results

TheIliadsuite of genomic data workflows was developed to provide users with seamless file transitions from raw genomic data to a quality-controlled variant call format (VCF) file for downstream applications.Iliadbenefits from the efficiency of the Snakemake best practices framework coupled with Singularity and Docker containers for repeatability, portability, and ease of installation. This feat is accomplished from the onset with download acquisitions of any raw data type (FASTQ, CRAM, IDAT) straight through to the generation of a clean merged data file that can combine any user-preferred datasets using robust programs such as BWA, Samtools, and BCFtools. Users can customize and direct their workflow with one straightforward configuration file.Iliadis compatible with Linux, MacOS, and Windows platforms and scalable from a local machine to a high-performance computing cluster.

Conclusion

Iliadoffers automated workflows with optimized time and resource management that are comparable to other workflows available but generates analysis-ready VCF files from the most common datatypes using a single command. The storage footprint challenge of genomic data is overcome by utilizing temporary intermediate files before the final VCF is generated. This file is ready for use in imputation, genome-wide association study (GWAS) pipelines, high-throughput population genetics studies, select gene candidate studies, and more.Iliadwas developed to be portable, compatible, scalable, robust, and repeatable with a simplistic setup, so biologists who are less familiar with programming can manage their own big data with this open-source suite of workflows.
Blocking Formation of Neurotoxic Reactive Astrocytes is Beneficial Following Stroke
Authors: Prescott Kimberly , Münch Alexandra E. , Brahms Evan , Weigel Maya M. , Inoue Kenya , Buckwalter Marion S. , Liddelow Shane A. , Peterson Todd C.
Published: October 2023

Microglia and astrocytes play an important role in the neuroinflammatory response and contribute to both the destruction of neighboring tissue as well as the resolution of inflammation following stroke. These reactive glial cells are highly heterogeneous at both the transcriptomic and functional level. Depending upon the stimulus, microglia and astrocytes mount a complex, and specific response composed of distinct microglial and astrocyte substates. These substates ultimately drive the landscape of the initiation and recovery from the adverse stimulus. In one state, inflammation- and damage-induced microglia release tumor necrosis factor (TNF), interleukin 1α (IL1α), and complement component 1q (C1q), together ‘TIC’. This cocktail of cytokines drives astrocytes into a neurotoxic reactive astrocyte (nRA) substate. This nRA substate is associated with loss of many physiological astrocyte functions (e.g., synapse formation and maturation, phagocytosis, among others), as well as a gain-of-function release of neurotoxic long-chain fatty acids which kill neighboring cells. Here we report that transgenic removal of TIC led to reduction of gliosis, infarct expansion, and worsened functional deficits in the acute and delayed stages following stroke. Our results suggest that TIC cytokines, and likely nRAs play an important role that may maintain neuroinflammation and inhibit functional motor recovery after ischemic stroke. This is the first report that this paradigm is relevant in stroke and that therapies against nRAs may be a novel means to treat patients. Since nRAs are evolutionarily conserved from rodents to humans and present in multiple neurodegenerative diseases and injuries, further identification of mechanistic role of nRAs will lead to a better understanding of the neuroinflammatory response and the development of new therapies.
A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND META-ANALYSIS ON THE EFFECT OF CURCUMIN (TURMERIC) ON FASTING BLOOD GLUCOSE AND GLYCATED HAEMOGLOBIN IN PATIENTS WITH TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS
Authors: Innocent David Chinaecherem , Innocent Rejoicing Chijindum , Kumar Ramesh , Rabaan Ali A. , Emerole Chiagoziem Ogazirilem , Ayando Oluwaseunayo Deborah , Dike Ihuoma Chimdimma , Duruji Chinazaekpere Oguguo
Published: October 2023

Background

Hyperglycemia is a recurring metabolic condition known as diabetes mellitus. When glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) >6.5% and fasting blood glucose (FBG) continuously falls below 126 mg/dl, it is clinically diagnosed. Type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and the emergence of diabetic complications are mostly mediated by oxidative stress and chronic inflammation. Research on the use of natural anti-inflammatory and antioxidant substances, such as curcumin (turmeric), as an adjuvant treatment in the management of T2DM is becoming more and more popular. However, the effects of curcumin on glycemic control in T2DM patients have varied according to the outcomes of randomised control trials. Therefore, this systematic review/meta-analysis was aimed at synthesizing findings from different RCTs to determine the effect of curcumin on fasting blood glucose and glycated haemoglobin in patients with T2DM.

Method

Searches were conducted in electronic databases and other sources such as PubMed, CINAHL, CENTRAL, ProQuest, Web of Science, Health Technology Assessment (HTA), Scopus, LILACS,clinicaltrials.govand google scholar. Key search terms use included curcumin, fasting blood glucose, glycated haemoglobin, and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Relevant RCTs conducted within the last 12 years (2009-2022) were selected and assessed against the inclusion criteria. A summary of the search strategy was presented on a PRISMA flow chart. Data were extracted using standardised data extraction forms and meta-analysis was performed using the RevMan version 5.3. and results presented using forest plots.

Results

Five RCTs with a total of 349 participants were included in the meta-analysis. Curcumin supplementation significantly reduced fasting blood glucose and glycated haemoglobin in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus when compared with the usual drugs. FBG (MD: -1.84, 95% CI: -4.92 to 1.24, P=0.24, I2=15%). HbA1c (MD: -0.24, 95% CI: -0.55 to 0.07, P=0.13, I2=0%).

Conclusion

Curcumin supplementation is effective in the management of T2DM and diabetic complication. Further research on ways to bypass the challenges of bioavailability such as the use of nano-micelles may produce greater therapeutic effects on diabetes management.
Quantification of membrane fluidity in bacteria using TIR-FCS
Authors: Barbotin Aurélien , Billaudeau Cyrille , Sezgin Erdinc , Carballido-López Rut
Published: October 2023

Cell membrane fluidity is an important phenotypic feature that regulates the diffusion, function and folding of transmembrane and membrane-associated proteins. It is particularly interesting to study it in bacteria as variations in membrane fluidity are known to affect fundamental cellular processes such as respiration, transport and antibiotic resistance. As such key parameter, membrane fluidity is regulated to adapt to environmental variations and stresses like temperature fluctuations or osmotic shocks. Membrane fluidity has been however scarcely studied quantitatively in bacterial cells, mostly because of the lack of available tools. Here, we developed an assay based on total internal reflection fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (TIR-FCS) to directly measure membrane fluidity in live bacteria via the diffusivity of fluorescent membrane markers. We used this assay to quantify the fluidity of the cytoplasmic membrane of the Gram-positive model bacteriumBacillus subtilisin response to a cold shock, caused by a shift from 37°C to 20°C. In our experimental conditions, steady-state fluidity was recovered within 30 mins, and the steady-state fluidity at 20°C was about half of that at 37°C. Our minimally invasive assay opens up exciting perspectives and could be used to study a wide range of phenomena affecting the bacterial membrane, from disruption by antibiotics, antimicrobial peptides, or osmotic shocks.

Significance

Using fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS) with total internal reflection fluorescence (TIRF) illumination, we measured the diffusion speed of fluorescent membrane markers as a readout for membrane fluidity of growingB. subtiliscells. Quantification of the effect of cold shock provided unique information about the dynamics of the plasma membrane ofB. subtilis. The unprecedented capability of TIR-FCS to quantify membrane fluidity in living bacteria opens the door to a whole set of new studies that will shed light on the bacterial plasma membrane and its interactions with the environment.
Differential kinematic coding in sensorimotor striatum across species-typical and learned behaviors reflects a difference in control
Authors: Hardcastle Kiah , Marshall Jesse D. , Gellis Amanda , Klibaite Ugne , Wang William , Chalyshkan Selimzhan , Ölveczky Bence P.
Published: October 2023

The sensorimotor arm of the basal ganglia is a major part of the mammalian motor control network, yet whether it is essential for generating natural behaviors or specialized for learning and controlling motor skills is unclear. We examine this by contrasting contributions of the sensorimotor striatum (rodent dorsolateral striatum, DLS) to spontaneously expressed species-typical behaviors versus those adapted for a task. In stark contrast to earlier work implicating DLS in the control of acquired skills, bilateral lesions had no discernable effects on the expression or detailed kinematics of species-typical behaviors, such as grooming, rearing, or walking. To probe the neural correlates underlying this dissociation, we compared DLS activity across the behavioral domains. While neural activity reflected the kinematics of both learned and species-typical behaviors, the coding schemes were very different. Taken together, we did not find evidence for the basal ganglia circuit being required for species-typical behaviors; rather, our results suggest that it monitors ongoing movement and learns to alter its output to shape skilled behaviors in adaptive and task-specific ways.
From Context to Code: Rational De Novo DNA Design and Predicting Cross-Species DNA Functionality Using Deep Learning Transformer Models
Authors: Dahiya Gurvinder Singh , Bakken Thea Isabel , Fages-Lartaud Maxime , Lale Rahmi
Published: October 2023

Synthetic biology currently operates under a framework dominated by trial-and-error approaches, which hinders the effective engineering of organisms and the expansion of large-scale biomanufacturing. Motivated by the success of computational designs in areas like architecture and aeronautics, we aspire to transition to a more efficient and predictive methodology in synthetic biology. In this study, we report a DNA Design Platform that relies on the predictive power of Transformer-based deep learning architectures. The platform transforms the conventional paradigms in synthetic biology by enabling the context-sensitive and host-specific engineering of 5′ regulatory elements—promoters and 5′ untranslated regions (UTRs) along with an array of codon-optimised coding sequence (CDS) variants. This allows us to generate context-sensitive 5′ regulatory sequences and CDSs, achieving an unparalleled level of specificity and adaptability in different target hosts. With context-aware design, we significantly broaden the range of possible gene expression profiles and phenotypic outcomes, substantially reducing the need for laborious high-throughput screening efforts. Our context-aware, AI-driven design strategy marks a significant advancement in synthetic biology, offering a scalable and refined approach for gene expression optimisation across a diverse range of expression hosts. In summary, this study represents a substantial leap forward in the field, utilising deep learning models to transform the conventional design, build, test, learn-cycle into a more efficient and predictive framework.
Genomic insights into the comorbidity between type 2 diabetes and schizophrenia
Authors: Arruda Ana Luiza , Khandaker Golam M. , Morris Andrew P. , Davey Smith George , Huckins Laura M. , Zeggini Eleftheria
Published: October 2023

Multimorbidity represents an increasingly important public health challenge with far-reaching implications for health management and policy. Mental health and metabolic diseases have a well-established epidemiological association. In this study, we investigate the genetic intersection between type 2 diabetes and schizophrenia. We use Mendelian randomization to examine potential causal relationships between the two conditions and related endophenotypes. We report no compelling evidence that type 2 diabetes genetic liability potentially causally influences schizophrenia risk andvice versa. Our findings show that increased body mass index (BMI) has a protective effect against schizophrenia, in contrast to the well-known risk-increasing effect of BMI on type 2 diabetes risk. We identify evidence of colocalization of association signals for these two conditions at 11 genomic loci, six of which have opposing directions of effect for type 2 diabetes and schizophrenia. To elucidate these colocalizing signals, we integrate multi-omics data from bulk and single-cell gene expression studies, along with functional information. We identify high-confidence effector genes and find that they are enriched for homeostasis and lipid-related pathways. We also highlight drug repurposing opportunities including N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonists. Our findings provide insights into shared biological mechanisms for type 2 diabetes and schizophrenia, highlighting common factors that influence the risk of the two conditions in opposite directions and shedding light on the complex nature of this comorbidity.
Intellectual capital in hospitality and tourism: a critical review and future research agenda
Authors: Dzenopoljac Vladimir , Senic Vladimir , Labben Thouraya Gherissi , Arici Hasan Evrim , Koseoglu Mehmet ali
Published: October 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to provide a critical review of the intellectual capital (IC) research in hospitality and tourism (HT) literature.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses 141 research papers published on IC in HT between 2003 and 2021 to offer the findings of a systematic review of publications that cover the issue of IC as a holistic concept, rather than just a component of it, within the sector.

Findings

The progress on the topic is addressed. The authors' findings also reveal the related research productivity, main themes compared to other service sectors and methodologies applied in the knowledge field. In order to provide a tangible structure in the field, a research agenda is offered.

Research limitations/implications

This study analyzed the development of IC research in the HT literature by focusing on journal articles in the Scopus database. The findings could aid researchers in (re)designing their study goals so they may add to both general IC literature and literature related to HT.

Originality/value

A strong positive relationship between IC and HT organizations’ performance has been demonstrated, but no study has previously mapped the research constituents of publications in IC research. To contribute to the endeavor of knowledge consolidation on this subject, the authors' paper covers the research that has been done so far on the under-researched issue of IC in HT from a new perspective.
Fostering the use of sustainable design to reduce energy use and GHG emissions at Canadian universities: a life cycle cost analysis approach
Authors: Walsh Philip R. , Dunne Holly , Nikoubakht-Tak Omid
Published: October 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the application of sustainable building design and operation within a university setting to determine its economic efficacy and potential for further university investment.

Design/methodology/approach

This study incorporated a life cycle cost analysis (LCCA), simple payback period and discounted payback period calculations to determine the return on investment, including a sensitivity analysis when comparing the energy use and financial benefits of the sustainable design of a multi-use facility at Toronto Metropolitan University with buildings of similar size and use-type.

Findings

It was found that there is a positive business argument for Canadian Universities to consider the use of sustainable design to reduce energy use and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. A reasonable payback period and net present value within an institutional context were determined using a life-cycle cost assessment approach.

Research limitations/implications

This study was limited to the measure of only a single location. Certain assumptions regarding energy pricing and interest rates and the related sensitivities were anchored on a single year of time, and the results of this study may be subject to change should those prices or rates become significantly different over time. Considerations for future research include a longitudinal approach combined with a more detailed analysis of the effect of use-type on the variables discussed.

Practical implications

For university administrators, the results of this study may encourage institutions such as universities to approach new building projects through the lens of energy efficiency and environmental sustainability.

Social implications

GHG emissions are a well-proven contributor to global climate change, and buildings remain a significant source of GHG emissions in Canada due to their winter heating and summer cooling loads. As a result, sustainable building design on university campuses can mitigate this impact by optimizing and reducing energy consumption.

Originality/value

Research related to the economic evaluation of sustainable building design on university campuses is generally limited, and this study represents the first of its kind in regard to an LCCA of a sustainably designed building on a Canadian University campus.
Dynamics of male society at work in Japanese firms: inclusion of female self-initiated expatriates in the labour force?
Authors: Yorozu Chie
Published: October 2023

Purpose

This research aims to explore whether or not the widely adopted diversity management strategy of Japanese firms aids female self-initiated expatriates' careers. Japan is famous for its male-dominated society (e.g. Hofstede, 2003), which seems to conflict with the recent fading of this strategy in Japanese firms. To what extent does the strategy work for Japanese organisations and how do female self-initiated expatriates perceive it?

Design/methodology/approach

An interview-based qualitative methodology is used to collect testimony from female self-initiated expatriates who are currently working fulltime in Japanese firms. The interviews were conducted with 22 female expats who come from 13 different countries.

Findings

Although the strategy aims for equality, gender still matters in Japanese society and within firms. The interviews found that male-centred rules set out every single step for local employees' behaviours. “Male things” are defined everywhere at work, which makes female expats sceptical of Japan and Japanese firms. The dynamics of the male-based rule seem to eliminate female expats from the centre of organisational society.

Originality/value

Discussion over female expatriates has been increasing due to the frequent movement of international labour to Japan. Also gender fairness has been pushed by the international community, including Japanese. These factors, however, have yet to be explored in the context of the Japanese workplace for female international expatriates. What do we know about female expats working in Japan? What does the male dominance mean for female expats? This study provides an initial insight on female and expatriate diversity management in Japan.
Comparison of generational loyalty models and loyalty programs for Millennial, Generation X, and Baby Boomer hotel customers
Authors: Whalen Elizabeth A. , Bowen John T. , Baloglu Seyhmus
Published: October 2023

Purpose

This research explores differences in consumer behavior across generational cohorts, particularly focusing on customer loyalty. With Millennials becoming the largest generational cohort, it is crucial to understand loyalty variations, given that many loyalty programs were established during the Baby Boomer era. This study investigates two vital aspects for hotel companies aiming to enhance guest loyalty: antecedents to loyalty and loyalty program design.

Design/methodology/approach

In part 1, a loyalty model was tested using corporate social responsibility (CSR), personalization, brand identity, and trust as antecedents for customer loyalty in full-service hotels. The study developed models for the overall sample and each generational cohort. Part 2 explored generational preferences regarding commonly offered hotel loyalty program benefits.

Findings

The study revealed no significant differences across generational cohorts in the loyalty model. Antecedents had similar effects on loyalty creation across all three cohorts. In part 2, the four most desired benefits for all generations were upgrades, customized service, late check-out, and empathetic employees.

Practical implications

This research supports Millennials' loyalty to hotels and highlights the importance of benefits that offer immediate advantages during a stay, such as upgrades, late check-out, empathetic employees, and personalization. These findings emphasize the need for loyalty program designs that provide faster rewards and personalization options.

Originality/value

This study pioneers the examination of hotel customer loyalty models across three generations and evaluates loyalty benefits across these cohorts. The results hold significance for researchers and practitioners in the field.
‘Planning for a healthy baby and a healthy pregnancy’: A critical analysis of Canadian clinical practice guidelines for the treatment of opioid dependence during pregnancy
Authors: Martin Fiona S. , Gosse Meghan , Whelan Emma
Published: October 2023

As opioid fatalities rise in North America, the need to improve the supports available to those who are dependent on opioids and pregnant has become more urgent. This paper discusses the social organisation of drug treatment supports for those who are pregnant, using Canadian clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) for methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) as a case study. Pregnant patients are a priority population for MMT, both in Canada and internationally; the regulatory bodies that oversee MMT in Canada are the provincial Colleges of Physician and Surgeons and Health Canada. The paper analyses MMT CPGs published by these agencies, comparing their general recommendations to those specific to pregnant patients. We demonstrate that the guidelines address few treatment considerations for pregnant patients, other than improved birth outcomes and child welfare, despite acknowledging their more complex needs. Drawing on social science studies of gender and drugs, we argue that MMT CPGs therefore perpetuate the intensified surveillance and foetal prioritisation that have long generated barriers to care for opiate‐dependent pregnant patients. We also discuss how and why the CPGs ultimately only reinforced these current limitations in the drug treatment sector.
Cystic lung disease in adult Indigenous Australians in the Northern Territory of Australia
Authors: Mishra Kritika , Fazal Rumana , Howarth Timothy , Mutai John , Doss Arockia X , Heraganahally Subash S
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Indigenous Australians have a high prevalence of chronic lung diseases. However, no previous studies have reported on cystic lung disease in an Indigenous patient cohort.

Methods

This report describes 20 adult Indigenous patients noted to have incidental lung cysts on chest computed tomography (CT) while being referred to undergo lung function tests in the Northern Territory of Australia.

Results

Of the total 20 Indigenous patients demonstrating presence of pulmonary cysts on chest CT scan, 13/20 (65%) were males with a mean age of 49.9 years (range 24–74 years), with no significant difference in age between males and females. The majority reported a smoking history and spirometry demonstrated moderate reduction in lung function parameters. While there was no pattern in the size or location of cysts, most demonstrated multiple cysts (55% had ≥5 cysts) with bilateral involvement (65%), alongside a range of concurrent pulmonary radiological abnormalities. The aetiology for lung cysts was largely unknown.

Conclusion

This is the first report to illustrate cystic lung disease within an Indigenous population. Further radiology studies are required to investigate the causes and prognostications of cystic lung disease in Indigenous patients.
Report on the brain of the monk seal (Monachus monachus, Hermann, 1779)
Authors: Graïc Jean‐Marie , Mazzariol Sandro , Casalone Cristina , Petrella Antonio , Gili Claudia , Gerussi Tommaso , Orekhova Ksenia , Centelleghe Cinzia , Cozzi Bruno
Published: October 2023

The Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus, Hermann, 1779) is an endangered species of pinniped endemic to few areas of the Mediterranean Sea. Extensive hunting and poaching over the last two centuries have rendered it a rare sight, scattered mainly in the Aegean Sea and the western coast of North Africa. In a rare event, a female monk seal calf stranded and died in southern Italy (Brindisi, Puglia). During due necropsy, the brain was extracted and fixed. The present report is the first of a monk seal brain. The features reported are remarkably typical of a true seal brain, with some specific characteristics. The brain cortical circonvolutions, main fissures and the external parts are described, and an EQ was calculated. Overall, this carnivore adapted to aquatic life shares some aspects of its neuroanatomy and physiology with other seemingly distant aquatic mammals.
TP53 mutation and human papilloma virus status as independent prognostic factors in a Norwegian cohort of vulva squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Dongre Harsh Nitin , Elnour Rammah , Tornaas Stian , Fromreide Siren , Thomsen Liv Cecilie Vestrheim , Kolseth Ingrid Benedicte Moss , Nginamau Elisabeth Sivy , Johannessen Anne Christine , Vintermyr Olav Karsten , Costea Daniela Elena , Bjørge Line
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Vulva squamous cell carcinoma (VSCC) develops through two separate molecular pathways—one involving high‐risk human papilloma virus infection (HPV‐associated), and the other without HPV infection (HPV‐independent) often involving TP53 mutation. HPV‐associated VSCC generally has a better progression‐free survival than HPV‐independent VSCC. The aim of this study was to determine TP53 mutation status using immunohistochemistry, compare different methods of HPV detection and correlate both with survival in a retrospective cohort of 123 patients with VSCC.

Material and methods

Immunohistochemistry for p53, Ki67 and p16INK4A (a surrogate marker for HPV infection) was performed on formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded tissues from a cohort of surgically treated VSCC patients to identify molecular subtypes of VSCC. Presence of HPV infection was detected by HPV DNA PCR and HPV mRNA in situ hybridization (ISH). The Pearson chi‐square test and multivariable Cox regression model were used to investigate the association of different parameters with progression‐free survival and disease‐specific survival (DSS), and Kaplan–Meier curves were used to show the association of different parameters with survival.

Results

The results of p53 and p16INK4A immunohistochemistry confirmed three VSCC subtypes associated with different prognosis. The TP53 mutation status was identified as an independent prognostic factor of worse progression‐free survival (p = 0.024) after adjustment for FIGO stage. p16INK4A immunohistochemistry, mRNA ISH, and DNA PCR had excellent concordance in terms of HPV detection. According to the multivariable Cox regression model, the presence of hrHPV mRNA correlated significantly with increased progression‐free survival (p = 0.040) and DSS (p = 0.045), after adjustment for other confounders.

Conclusions

p53 and p16INK4A immunohistochemistry stratify VSCC cohort into three subtypes with TP53mutated patients having the worst prognosis. The detection of hrHPV mRNA by ISH was an independent predictor of increased survival. Thus, the combined detection of p53 and HPV mRNA might improve risk stratification in VSCC.
Uncertainty about predation risk: a conceptual review
Authors: Crane Adam L. , Feyten Laurence E. A. , Preagola Alexyz A. , Ferrari Maud C. O. , Brown Grant E.
Published: October 2023

Uncertainty has long been of interest to economists and psychologists and has more recently gained attention among ecologists. In the ecological world, animals must regularly make decisions related to finding resources and avoiding threats. Here, we describe uncertainty as a perceptual phenomenon of decision‐makers, and we focus specifically on the functional ecology of such uncertainty regarding predation risk. Like all uncertainty, uncertainty about predation risk reflects informational limitations. When cues are available, they may be novel (i.e. unknown information), incomplete, unreliable, overly abundant and complex, or conflicting. We review recent studies that have used these informational limitations to induce uncertainty of predation risk. These studies have typically used either over‐responses to novelty (i.e. neophobia) or memory attenuation as proxies for measuring uncertainty. Because changes in the environment, particularly unpredictable changes, drive informational limitations, we describe studies assessing unpredictable variance in spatio‐temporal predation risk, intensity of predation risk, predator encounter rate, and predator diversity. We also highlight anthropogenic changes within habitats that are likely to have dramatic impacts on information availability and thus uncertainty in antipredator decisions in the modern world.
Redesigning Graduate Education
Authors: Hardin Dianne , Westcott Michael , Berno Tom
Published: October 2023

There is a revolution happening in education: It is being led by students, entrepreneurs and passionate professionals & academics that want to break down the traditional silos of education and prepare more empathetic, creative leaders for tomorrow's challenges.

Insights gleaned from DMI's futurED conference in the service of graduate‐level education that uses design thinking—for both designers and business professionals.
Decolonial Pedagogy Against the Coloniality of Justice
Authors: Maldonado‐Torres Nelson , Bañales Xamuel , Lee‐Oliver Leece , Niyogi Sangha , Ponce Albert , Radebe Zandi
Published: October 2023

This article explores the darker side of appeals to justice and social justice within liberal settings, particularly the US academy, where these terms are frequently mobilized to counter decolonial knowledge formations and aspirations. The authors draw from Frantz Fanon's critique of justice in colonial settings to demonstrate ways in which the coloniality of justice appears in the context of debates regarding the design and implementation of an Ethnic Studies requirement at the California State University and the California Community College Systems. They view the decolonial pedagogy and epistemology of Ethnic Studies as an important dimension of the search for decolonial justice.
A SCORPAN‐based data warehouse for digital soil mapping and association rule mining in support of sustainable agriculture and climate change analysis in the Maghreb region
Authors: Belkadi Widad Hassina , Drias Yassine , Drias Habiba , Dali Mustapha , Hamdous Samira , Kamel Nadjet , Aksa Djemai
Published: October 2023

Sustainable agriculture is becoming increasingly important in the face of growing environmental challenges. One key aspect of sustainable agriculture is managing soil resources effectively. In this context, digital soil mapping (DSM) has emerged as a powerful tool to understand soil variability better and inform land management decisions. This paper proposes a comprehensive data warehouse for DSM that supports climate change analysis. Our architecture integrates frequent itemset mining (FMI) and association rules mining (ARM) to extract insights from large‐scale soil data. We review related studies in soil data warehousing and ARM, identify gaps, and propose a data warehouse architecture leveraging the galaxy multidimensional model for DSM based on the SCORPAN model, which incorporates all relevant soil forming factors. We employ and compare A‐priori, FP‐growth, and ECLAT algorithms to efficiently mine frequent itemsets and generate association rules. Our intensive experiments evaluation demonstrates that FP‐growth outperforms the other algorithms in accuracy, scalability, and speed and requires less memory. Additionally, we utilized correlation metrics for ARM, such as lift, cosine, kulc, and Imbalance ratio, to obtain the most significant and relevant association rules. These rules provide valuable insights into the complex relationships between soil properties and environmental factors, which can inform land management decisions and improve sustainable agriculture practices. This work contributes to the growing body of research on DSM and data‐driven approaches to sustainable agriculture.
Ninety years of change, from commercial extinction to recovery, range expansion and decline for Antarctic fur seals at South Georgia
Authors: Forcada Jaume , Hoffman Joseph I. , Gimenez Olivier , Staniland Iain J. , Bucktrout Pete , Wood Andrew G.
Published: October 2023

With environmental change, understanding how species recover from overharvesting and maintain viable populations is central to ecosystem restoration. Here, we reconstruct 90 years of recovery trajectory of the Antarctic fur seal at South Georgia (S.W. Atlantic), a key indicator species in the krill‐based food webs of the Southern Ocean. After being harvested to commercial extinction by 1907, this population rebounded and now constitutes the most abundant otariid in the World. However, its status remains uncertain due to insufficient and conflicting data, and anthropogenic pressures affecting Antarctic krill, an essential staple for millions of fur seals and other predators. Using integrated population models, we estimated simultaneously the long‐term abundance for Bird Island, northwest South Georgia, epicentre of recovery of the species after sealing, and population adjustments for survey counts with spatiotemporal applicability. Applied to the latest comprehensive survey data, we estimated the population at South Georgia in 2007–2009 as 3,510,283 fur seals [95% CI: 3,140,548–3,919,604] (ca. 98% of global population), after 40 years of maximum growth and range expansion owing to an abundant krill supply. At Bird Island, after 50 years of exponential growth followed by 25 years of slow stable growth, the population collapsed in 2009 and has thereafter declined by −7.2% [−5.2, −9.1] per annum, to levels of the 1970s. For the instrumental record, this trajectory correlates with a time‐varying relationship between coupled climate and sea surface temperature cycles associated with low regional krill availability, although the effects of increasing krill extraction by commercial fishing and natural competitors remain uncertain. Since 2015, fur seal longevity and recruitment have dropped, sexual maturation has retarded, and population growth is expected to remain mostly negative and highly variable. Our analysis documents the rise and fall of a key Southern Ocean predator over a century of profound environmental and ecosystem change.
Exploring the barriers and facilitators to volunteering as an intervention for those with long‐term neurological conditions: How make therapeutic volunteering possible?
Authors: Eisenhut Helene , Collett Johnny , Yazdani Farzaneh
Published: October 2023

Background

Volunteering may have therapeutic benefits, but little is known about its requirements and potential for people with neurological conditions (pwNC).

Design

Two separate focus groups were conducted in Darmstadt, Germany: one group consisting of six pwNC and another group consisting of four health care professionals and three volunteering service providers. The focus groups were audio‐recorded, transcribed and data were managed using NVivo12. The thematic analysis was applied.

Results

Four main themes were identified: (1) Impact of volunteering, (2) Individualisation, (3) Developmental space and (4) Funded supported volunteering.

Conclusion

According to the findings, volunteering can be used as a strategy to enhance physical, mental and social well‐being in disease management for people with long‐term neurological conditions.

Patients or Public Contribution

Facilitators for accessibility of therapeutic volunteering; involvement of pwNC.
THE MANIFESTO, THE TIMELINE, AND THE MEMORY SITE: THE 22 JULY 2011 ATTACKS IN NORWAY AND THE CHRONOPOLITICS OF GENRE
Authors: Jordheim Helge
Published: October 2023

In addition to being heinous crimes, acts of terrorism are complex chronopolitical events. Perpetrators, victims, survivors, families, and authorities manage their relationship to the events by engaging with and giving shape to time, or, rather, to a plurality of times. To perform this time work, they avail themselves of different genres, which serve as chronopolitical tools. This article discusses three such genres: the manifesto, the timeline, and the memorial site. These genres belong not only to different phases of the terror attacks but also to different actors. They are used to shape temporal progression in ways that enable specific forms of action, survival, and memory. The article takes the 22 July 2011 attacks in Norway as an example to map and analyze the role of these chronopolitical genres in managing the multiple times of terror.
Crime in Border Regions: The Scandinavian Case of Öresund, 1998–2001
Authors: Ceccato Vânia , Haining Robert
Published: October 2023

This article compares offense patterns at two points in time in Öresund, a Scandinavian border region that spans Sweden and Denmark. The aim of the analysis is to contribute to a better understanding of the relationships between crime and demographic, socioeconomic, and land use covariates in a border area that has been targeted with long‐term investments in transport. The changes effected by the construction of the Öresund bridge might be expected to have an impact on both the levels and the geographies of different offenses by creating new sites for offending and new, more vulnerable, transient groups. The article focuses on identifying and explaining changes in the geography of crime before and after the bridge was built. Spatial statistical techniques and GIS underpin the methodology employed. The article shows that there have been changes in the levels and the geography of some offenses. Crime in border regions is likely to be of growing interest in Europe as a result of European Union (EU) enlargement and increasing intra‐European cross‐border movement facilitated by improved communication systems.
Studies on peptide amidase‐catalysed C‐terminal peptide amidation in organic media with respect to its substrate specificity
Authors: Čeřovský Václav , Kula Maria‐Regina
Published: October 2023

Peptide amidase‐catalysed amidations of the C‐ terminal carboxylic group of peptides were studied using model substrates of a large series of Nα‐protected di‐, tri‐, tetra‐ and penta‐peptides in the presence of NH4HCO3 as the ammonium source. The maximal yields of amide syntheses were achieved in a medium consisting of acetonitrile with 20–25 vol% of dimethylformamide and 3 vol% of water. Under these conditions, the substrate specificity of the enzyme was more restricted in the synthetic reaction than was found for the amide hydrolysis. Elongation of the peptide chain had a negative effect on enzymic amidation. Thus the direct amidation of Nα‐t‐butoxycarbonyl‐protected Leu‐enkephalin resulted in a low yield of protected enkephalin amide.