bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
eP115 ‘Use of Artificial Intelligence in Predicting Outcomes of Emergency Surgical Procedures’
Authors: Shaikh Amarah Ghani , Saunders Jada , Khalifa Khalid
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming healthcare, particularly in surgery, by enabling data-driven decision-making. By predicting risks and potential complications before, during, and after surgery, AI assists clinicians in making more informed decisions and enhancing patient care. This review examines the application of AI across various surgical types, from general and emergency procedures to specialized fields like laparoscopy and colorectal surgery, aiming to improve predictions regarding outcomes such as mortality rates and surgical complications.

Methods

A thematic analysis of seven recent articles (2019-2024) was done, extracted from Pubmed database, on AI's role in predicting general surgery outcomes. Studies focusing on use of AI in emergency surgery cases were evaluated for their ability to predict key outcomes like postoperative complications, mortality, and hospital stay length.

Results

The studies revealed that AI models consistently outperformed traditional methods in predicting surgical risks and outcomes. They emphasized AI's ability to anticipate complications, mortality prediction for emergency surgeries and in assessing wound complications and refining laparoscopic surgery techniques.

Conclusion

AI tools are proving essential in surgery by enhancing outcome predictions and improving care quality. However, further research is needed for comprehensive integration into emergency surgical practices, ultimately aiming for personalized surgical care and reduced complications.
eP119 Improving the Management of Frailty in Emergency General Surgery at a Tertiary Centre: An Audit of Current Practice and Quality Improvement Project
Authors: Abbas Rahma , Jauniaux Benoit , Selvachandran Haran , Peasegood Joshua , Neill Callum , Chan Anthony
Published: January 2025

Background

Frailty is present in many older patients that present as a surgical emergency. The physiological decline from frailty is associated with poorer outcomes, thus it is crucial that these patients are identified early in the surgical pathway. The National Emergency Laparotomy Audit (NELA) stipulate that patients over age 65 should have a clinical frailty score (CFS) assessment and documentation at the first encounter with the clinical team. This allows Older Person's Assessment and Liaison (OPAL) teams to be consulted early to help guide a holistic overview of care needs. This audit assesses the implementation of the NELA recommendations at a tertiary surgical centre.

Methods

Two audit cycles were performed (May and September 2024) assessing all emergency general surgical admissions at Manchester Royal Infirmary for patients over age 65. Electronic patient records (EPR) were used to determine whether CFS was recorded and if OPAL were consulted. Quality improvement interventions included implementation of standardised rapid-use EPR documentation templates and staff education.

Results

Eighty-five patients were included in the audit. Prior to interventions, no patients admitted (0/47) had a CFS recorded and 13% (6/47) were reviewed by the OPAL team during their inpatient stay. Following intervention, a second audit cycle showed an improvement of CFS documentation to 50% (19/38) and OPAL review to 34% (13/38).

Conclusion

This audit demonstrates the effectiveness of EPR templates and staff training to improve early frailty identification and documentation in emergency surgical patients as well as better early OPAL involvement to improve clinical outcomes.
eP121 Compliance of Emergency General Surgery Operation Notes at a Major Tertiary Acute Hospital in the United Kingdom to GIRFT Guidelines: A Closed Loop Audit
Authors: Mallawaarachchi Gagana , Maharajh Sandeep , Almerie Qutayba , Goldsmith Paul , Macutkiewicz Christian , Chan Anthony
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Medicolegal claims and litigation costs is estimated at £8 billion per year within the NHS in England, with 10% of cases involving General Surgery. Clear documentation is therefore critical to allow transparency and fair resolution of any medicolegal dispute. Getting It Right First Time (GIRFT) works with many organisations including NHS Resolution to support the improvement of patient experiences and outcomes. This closed-loop audit assesses and improves compliance with GIRFT operation note guidelines within emergency general surgery where cases are more variable due to acute pathology.

Method

Operation notes for emergency procedures (appendicectomy, inguinal hernia repair, cholecystectomy and laparotomy involving bowel resection) Details were audited point by point against GIRFT Best Practise operation note guidelines.

Results

A total of 170 emergency surgeries were identified and analysed between February and May 2024 within our department. There were significant omissions of key surgical steps such as the identification of anatomic landmarks and intraoperative findings. We implemented a comprehensive Electronic Patient Record (EPR) operation note template based on GIRFT guidelines as a quality improvement measure. Notable improvements in documentation at a reaudit includes: appendicectomy (appendiceal base visible 0% to 68%, dissection of artery 46% to 96%), cholecystectomy (intraoperative findings 73% to 100%), inguinal hernia (testis in scrotum 0% to 100%) and laparotomy/bowel resection (staple-line check 5% to 66%).

Conclusion

This audit demonstrates the effectiveness of EPR templates as a tool to improve operative note documentation, and provides standardisation to promote clarity and transparency for both clinical and medicolegal purposes.
eP135 Human Factors and Quantitative Data: Diverging Perspectives on ICG Use in Emergency Bowel Surgery
Authors: Kulkarni Ankita , Sheth Camy , Swe Thin Thin , Tjhin Yovita , Pawa Nikhil
Published: January 2025

Background

Indocyanine Green (ICG) has emerged as a valuable tool in emergency bowel ischemia surgery due to its ability to enhance visualization of bowel perfusion. This meta-analysis aims to evaluate the role of ICG, focusing specifically on human factors that influence its efficacy and outcomes versus the quantitative data obtained from the same literature.

Methods

A systematic search was conducted on Embase and PubMed using the keywords: ICG, emergency, surgery, bowel, ischemia, and perfusion. Out of 266 articles identified, 32 original studies were included for analysis.

Results

ICG analysis is shown to be effective in predicting either true ischaemia or true bowel viability in 302 out of 308 cases identified. Discrepancies between visual assessment and ICG analysis were found in 38.3% (n=118) cases. Among these, ICG prediction is not always followed, resulting in further resections being needed (n=7) due to ongoing ischaemia.

Conclusion

ICG shows significant promise as a tool for enhancing surgical decision-making in emergency bowel ischemia. However, its clinical effectiveness is deeply influenced by key human factors, including surgeon expertise, patient characteristics (e.g. use of intra-operative inotropes, body weight), preoperative biases, and real-time decision adjustments (e.g. timing of assessment post fluorescence injection). The lack of interdisciplinary collaboration and challenges in interpreting fluorescence angiography further impact outcomes. Addressing these gaps in receptiveness, interdisciplinary integration, and decision frameworks is essential to fully harness the potential of ICG in improving surgical results. Future studies must prioritize these areas to optimize its clinical application.
Incomplete Ascertainment of Mortality in a Nationally Representative Longitudinal Study of Community-Living Older Americans
Authors: Gill Thomas M , Liang Jingchen , Vander Wyk Brent , Leo-Summers Linda , Wang Yi , Becher Robert D , Davis-Plourde Kendra
Published: January 2025

Background

In longitudinal studies of older persons, complete ascertainment of mortality is needed to minimize potential biases. To ascertain mortality in the National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS), investigators are advised to use its Sensitive files, which include month and year of death on most decedents who had not dropped out of the study. Because losses to follow-up are not insubstantial, ascertainment of mortality is likely incomplete.

Methods

We used linked Medicare data as the reference standard to determine the extent by which mortality is underestimated in NHATS through use of its recommended strategy. Ascertainment of mortality was compared between the two strategies over 10 years for 7,608 members of the 2011 cohort and 5 years for 7,498 members of the 2015 cohort.

Results

The Sensitive files did not identify a large number of decedents, leading to suboptimal sensitivity, ranging from 61.3% (2011 cohort, 10 years) to 75.5% (2015 cohort, 5 years). Some non-decedents were also misclassified as dead using the Sensitive files. Cumulative mortality rates were modestly lower for the recommended strategy, although the number of participants at risk decreased markedly over time. Mortality incidence rates were also modestly lower for the recommended strategy, with incidence rate ratios ranging from 0.88 (2011 cohort, 10 years) to 0.94 (2011 cohort, 5 years).

Conclusions

The strategy recommended by NHATS leads to incomplete ascertainment and, to a lesser degree, misclassification of mortality. Caution may be warranted when interpreting results of longitudinal analyses in NHATS that evaluate mortality using the recommended strategy.
Health literacy and psychological wellbeing of employees working from home in Germany—online survey results
Authors: Kleist Lara , Kühn Lukas , Wengemuth Eileen , Choi Kyung-Eun (Anna)
Published: January 2025

Employees’ psychological wellbeing is of special interest to employers, as mental illnesses are still the second most common reason for work absences. The psychological wellbeing of employees is determined by factors at an individual, interpersonal and organizational level. Health literacy encompasses both the individual and the organizational level and thus offers a good concept against the background of employees’ psychological wellbeing. Furthermore, demographic change increases skills shortages, while recently, other working models, such as increasing home office arrangements, benefit and challenge both employees and employers. Therefore, this study examines the associations between individual and organizational health literacy, work-from-home culture, and the psychological wellbeing of employees who mainly work from home. An anonymous open online survey via Facebook and Instagram advertisements was conducted in June 2023 in Germany. The questionnaire included nine thematic groups with validated and nonvalidated scales (e.g. WHO-5 Wellbeing-Index). Data from 103 participants were suitable for data analyses in IBM SPSS Statistics 23. Of the participating employees, 17% were assigned to males and 83% to females. The mean age was 49.5 years. Individual and organizational health literacy and work-from-home culture were positively associated with employees’ psychological wellbeing. Organizational health literacy mediated the effect of individual health literacy on employees’ psychological wellbeing. Individual and organizational health literacy totally mediated the impact of work-from-home culture. The study results highlight that individual and organizational health literacy provide useful concepts for practitioners and researchers regarding the psychological wellbeing of employees working from home and that both might play a crucial role in mediating the effect of organizational culture aspects on employees’ psychological wellbeing.
Enhancing young people’s pregnancy loss and fertility awareness and knowledge via schools: a way forward
Authors: Harnett Zara , O’Donoghue Keelin , Linehan Laura , Escañuela Sánchez Tamara , Cotter Rióna , Dineen Susan , Fitzgerald Brendan , Power Órla , Whelan Shelly , Peters Holly , Hennessy Marita
Published: January 2025

Pregnancy and infant loss, in the form of miscarriage, stillbirth or early neonatal death, occurs in 20–25% of all pregnancies. Despite its prevalence and associated physical and psychological impacts, there remains a lack of public awareness and understanding of pregnancy loss, including amongst people of reproductive age. Drawing on evidence from a preliminary review of peer-reviewed and grey literature, we make the case for enhancing pregnancy loss and (in)fertility awareness, specifically focusing on young people in second-level education. We situate our work within reproductive health and reproductive justice frames, recognizing the impact of social factors on people’s reproductive lives, and the need for multi-level interventions to enable people to fully realize their reproductive rights and goals. Although schools provide an important setting to learn about and discuss topics relating to sexual and reproductive health—including pregnancy loss and fertility—current evidence suggests that this is not happening, despite young people’s desire to engage in such conversations. While there are barriers to addressing sexual and reproductive health issues within schools (including lack of access to teacher training, continuing professional development, appropriate and engaging resource material, teacher discomfort and lack of confidence), it is important that interventions are developed in collaboration with all relevant knowledge users, including young people themselves. This will help to ensure that any interventions developed are relevant, acceptable, feasible and effective. Further research is needed to explore how education around pregnancy loss and fertility can be best delivered within school settings.
Intracranial neurenteric cyst in the cerebellopontine angle: a case report
Authors: Golden Nyoman , Awyono Steven , Lauren Christopher , Prakoso Dicky T
Published: January 2025

Neurenteric cysts, rare benign tumors, are most often found in the cervical or thoracic spinal cord, with intracranial occurrences being extremely uncommon. This case report describes a 52-year-old female with a neurenteric cyst in the cerebellopontine angle, presenting with headaches and balance disturbances. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a cystic lesion causing hydrocephalus, and surgical removal was performed using a retrosigmoid approach. Histopathological analysis confirmed the cyst as Type A neurenteric, characterized by ciliated columnar epithelium and goblet cells. Postoperatively, the patient showed significant improvement with resolved symptoms. Neurenteric cysts can mimic other cystic lesions radiologically, complicating diagnosis. Management typically involves surgical excision, although complete removal is often challenging due to cyst adherence to nearby structures. Recurrence rates remain high, necessitating long-term follow-up. This case highlights the importance of differential diagnosis and careful surgical planning in managing neurenteric cysts to optimize patient outcomes.
Antibiotic resistance mechanisms: the significance of gene swapping viruses
Authors: Shafaati Maryam , Harandi Hamid , Salehi Mohammadreza , Zare Maryam
Published: January 2025

Antibiotic resistance has become a serious concern for global health. Bacterial mutations are mainly responsible for the emergence of resistance. However, new studies have highlighted the critical role that gene-swapping viruses, often known as bacteriophages, play in the spread of antibiotic resistance genes. The horizontal transfer of resistance genes across bacteria, facilitated by bacteriophages, is one of the mechanisms underlying gene swapping that we discuss. Understanding the complex mechanism of gene-swapping viruses will help develop feasible solutions to antibiotic resistance. Understanding how bacteriophages contribute to antibiotic resistance has the potential to lead to novel therapies and more responsible antibiotic usage, ultimately protecting the effectiveness of these vital medications. We aim to provide a brief overview of the relationship between gene-swapping viruses and antibiotic resistance here.
Inhibition of prefrontal glutamatergic neuron activity during the recovery period following chronic stress disrupts fear memory in male rats: potential role of the infralimbic cortex
Authors: Judd Jessica M. , Peay Dylan N. , Kim Jinah L. , Smith Elliot A. , Donnay Megan E. , Miller Joel , Klein Jean-Paul , Nagy Erin K. , Acuña Amanda M. , Olive M. Foster , Conrad Cheryl D.
Published: January 2025

Chronic stress typically leads to deficits in fear extinction. However, when a delay occurs from the end of chronic stress and the start of fear conditioning (a “recovery”), rats show improved context-cue discrimination, compared to recently stressed rats or nonstressed rats. The infralimbic cortex (IL) is important for fear extinction and undergoes neuronal remodeling after chronic stress ends, which could drive improved context-cue discrimination. Here, glutamatergic IL neurons of Sprague-Dawley male rats were targeted for inhibition using inhibitory designer receptors exclusively activated by designer drugs (DREADDs) and daily injections of clozapine N-oxide (CNO) during a 21-day recovery period from chronic stress. Histological verification confirmed DREADDs in the IL with some spread to nearby medial prefrontal cortex (PFC) regions. CNO administration was then discontinued before fear conditioning started and behavioral testing thereafter so that behavioral assessments occurred without neuronal inhibition. Fear conditioning involved presenting male rats with three tone-foot shock pairings on 1 day, which was followed by 2 days of 15 tone-alone extinction sessions. Daily and repeated inhibition of mainly IL neurons during the 21-day recovery period did not disrupt fear learning or fear extinction in all groups (controls, stressed rats without a recovery, and stressed rats with a recovery). However, chronically stressed rats given a recovery and with DREADD activation showed impaired spontaneous recovery, indicating a failure to form a tone-foot shock association. The findings show that daily inhibition of mainly IL neurons prior to fear conditioning and extinction depends upon the changes that occur during the recovery period following the end of chronic stress.
Droughts and components of net farm income in select U.S. regions
Authors: Borisova Tatiana , McDonald Tia M. , Winters-Michaud Clayton , Miller Noah J. , Law Jonathan
Published: January 2025

Purpose

This paper explores the relationship between droughts and U.S. agricultural sector profitability in select U.S. regions. We also examine the extent to which the farm safety net, including direct government payments and the federal crop insurance program, may compensate for the impacts of drought on farm sector profitability.

Design/methodology/approach

Fixed effect regressions estimate the relationship between drought and profitability for the farm sector. The analysis uses a panel of annual, state-level net farm income and its subcomponents (from the USDA, Economic Research Service) and state-level annual drought measures constructed from county crop damage days (as reported in the Spatial Hazard Events and Losses Database for the United States, or SHELDUS). SHELDUS includes Severe (D2) or more intense drought shocks for the states east of the Rocky Mountains, and these states provide the focus for our analysis.

Findings

Market net farm income negatively correlates with the drought measures. This relation is partially driven by the increase in production expenses during drought episodes. Further, sales from inventories tend to increase during drought periods. A significant share of damages to sector performance are offset by federal crop insurance program indemnities. Finally, our results show that drought impacts and the effects of the farm safety net are distributed differently across geographic regions.

Originality/value

To our knowledge, this study is the first attempt to examine drought impacts on the components of agricultural profitability, including the farm safety net and production expenses, at the sector level.
Relevance of buffer zones in protecting World Heritage Sites (WHS) in urban contexts: case of Indian WHS
Authors: Dey Anindita , Pasupuleti Ram Sateesh
Published: January 2025

Purpose

Buffer zones are tools to protect the Outstanding Universal Value (OUV) of World Heritage Sites (WHS), whose delineation process depends on state parties. There is a lack of research on the concept and understanding of buffer zones, especially in the Indian context. The aim of this paper is to build a theoretical understanding of the concept and relevance of buffer zones for WHS of different scales, contexts and typologies.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a qualitative study analyzing secondary literature (global and Indian official documents, research and publications, etc.) using both thematic and comparative analysis. While thematic analysis was employed to code and decode existing literature, comparative analysis was done for nine Indian WHS.

Findings

This analysis shows some criteria are relevant across buffer zones globally but are not clearly established or documented. Moreover, in India, although there are nine relevant buffer zone criteria, most heritage sites focus on two criteria – Visual Integrity and Laws and Regulations. This paper argues that all nine criteria must be considered while defining buffer zones.

Originality/value

This is the first attempt at a comprehensive analysis and understanding of buffer zones based on different heritage contexts.
Low‐Intensity Pulsed Ultrasound Treatment Selectively Stimulates Senescent Cells to Promote SASP Factors for Immune Cell Recruitment
Authors: Gwak HyeRan , Hong Seoyoung , Lee Su Hyun , Kim In Woo , Kim Yonghan , Kim Hyungmin , Pahk Ki Joo , Kim So Yeon
Published: January 2025

As emerging therapeutic strategies for aging and age‐associated diseases, various biochemical approaches have been developed to selectively remove senescent cells, but how physical stimulus influences senescent cells and its possible application in senolytic therapy has not been reported yet. Here we developed a physical method to selectively stimulate senescent cells via low‐intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) treatment. LIPUS stimulation did not affect the cell cycle, but selectively enhanced secretion of specific cytokines in senescent cells, known as the senescence‐associated secretory phenotype (SASP), resulting in enhanced migration of monocytes/macrophages and upregulation of phagocytosis of senescent cells by M1 macrophage. We found that LIPUS stimulation selectively perturbed the cellular membrane structure in senescent cells, which led to activation of the intracellular reactive oxygen species‐dependent p38‐NF‐κB signaling pathway. Using a UV‐induced skin aging mouse model, we confirmed enhanced macrophage infiltration followed by reduced senescent cells after LIPUS treatment. Due to the advantages of ultrasound treatment, such as non‐invasiveness, deep penetration capability, and easy application in clinical settings, we expect that our method can be applied to treat various senescence‐associated diseases or combined with other established biochemical therapies to enhance efficacy.
Characterization of Human Senescent Cell Biomarkers for Clinical Trials
Authors: Farr Joshua N. , Monroe David G. , Atkinson Elizabeth J. , Froemming Mitchell N. , Ruan Ming , LeBrasseur Nathan K. , Khosla Sundeep
Published: January 2025

There is an increasing need for biomarkers of senescent cell burden to facilitate the selection of participants for clinical trials. p16Ink4a is encoded by the CDKN2A locus, which produces five variant transcripts in humans, two of which encode homologous p16 proteins: p16Inka4a, encoded by p16_variant 1, and p16ɣ, encoded by p16_variant 5. While distinct quantitative polymerase chain reaction primers can be designed for p16_variant 5, primers for p16_variant 1 also measure p16_variant 5 (p16_variant 1 + 5). In a recent clinical trial evaluating the effects of the senolytic combination, dasatinib + quercetin (D + Q), on bone metabolism in postmenopausal women, we found that women in the highest tertile for T‐cell expression of p16_variant 5 had the most robust skeletal responses to D + Q. Importantly, the assessment of p16_variant 5 was more predictive of these responses than p16_variant 1 + 5. Here, we demonstrate that in vitro, p16_variant 1 + 5 increased rapidly (Week 1) following the induction of DNA damage, whereas p16_variant 5 increased later (Week 4), suggesting that p16_variant 5 becomes detectable only when the abundance of senescent cells reaches some threshold. Further analysis identified a SASP panel in plasma that performed as well in identifying postmenopausal women with a positive skeletal response to D + Q. Collectively, our findings provide further support for the T‐cell p16_variant 5 assay as a biomarker for selecting participants in clinical trials of senolytic interventions. In addition, our data indicate that correlated plasma SASP markers could be used in lieu of the more technically challenging T‐cell p16 assay.

Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT04313634.
Disparities in Alcohol‐Associated Liver Disease Hospital Encounters Amongst a Texas‐Based Cohort of Patients
Authors: Cotter Thomas G. , Anouti Ahmad , Zhang Bill , Rady Elias D. , Patel Mausam , Patel Suraj , Ellis Daniel J. , Lieber Sarah R. , Rich Nicole E. , O'Leary Jacqueline G. , Mitchell Mack C. , Singal Amit G.
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Alcohol‐associated liver disease (ALD) disproportionately impacts men, racial and ethnic minorities, and individuals of low socioeconomic status; however, it's unclear how recent increases in ALD burden have impacted these disparities. We aimed to describe trends in racial, ethnic and socioeconomic disparities in alcohol‐associated hospital encounters.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study of adult hospital encounters with alcohol‐associated diagnoses from three health systems between January 2016 and December 2021. The cohort was divided into three eras: a ‘Historical Era,’ (Oct 2016—June 2018, used only for trends); ‘Era 1’ (July 2018—March 2020); and ‘Era 2’ (April 2020—December 2021). Kaplan Meier and Cox regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with overall survival.

Results

We identified 19,295 individuals with alcohol‐associated encounters (44.7% White, 29.8% Hispanic, and 21.8% non‐Hispanic Black (NHB) individuals), with a greater increase observed between eras 1 and 2 than the historical era and Era 1 (8.7% vs. 5.0%, p < 0.01). By age and sex, the greatest increases in encounters were observed in the youngest and oldest females but only the oldest males. By race and ethnicity, Hispanic individuals had greater increases in encounters compared to Black and White individuals (14.8% vs. 7.5% and 6.3%, p < 0.01). Older age (aSHR: 1.03, 95% CI: 1.03–1.0), higher MELD (aSHR: 1.08, 95% CI: 1.0–1.09), hepatic encephalopathy (aSHR: 1.42, 95% CI: 1.06–1.90), and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) (aSHR: 3.20, 95% CI: 2.29–4.49) were associated with increased mortality.

Conclusion

The highest increases of alcohol‐associated encounters were observed amongst young Hispanic and NHB women, highlighting variation in trends by age, sex, race and ethnicity. These disparities merit further investigation to elucidate underlying mechanisms and develop tailored interventions to improve ALD burden and outcomes.
Promoting effective transitions: Primary school social–emotional competencies predict secondary school reading and numeracy achievement
Authors: Carpendale Emma J. , Green Melissa J. , White Sonia L. J. , Williams Kate E. , Tzoumakis Stacy , Watkeys Oliver J. , Harris Felicity , O'Hare Kirstie , Carr Vaughan J. , Laurens Kristin R.
Published: January 2025

Background

The transition from primary to secondary school presents a challenging developmental milestone which often marks a decline in academic performance. Social–emotional skills are recognized as fundamental to academic success but longitudinal research is needed to determine the extent of their association over this transition period.

Aim

This study sought to determine the association between self‐reported social–emotional competencies of students in their final year of primary school (Year 6; age ~11 years) and reading and numeracy performance in their first year of secondary school (Year 7; age ~12 years).

Sample

The study used a large Australian sample (n = 23,865), drawn from the New South Wales Child Development Study population cohort.

Methods

The Middle Childhood Survey–Social–Emotional Learning assessment, administered during Year 6, comprises the five competencies defined by the Collaborative for Academic, Social and Emotional Learning (CASEL): Self‐Awareness, Self‐Management, Social Awareness, Relationship Skills and Responsible Decision‐Making. These data were linked with students' Year 7 reading and numeracy scores from the standardized National Assessment Program–Literacy and Numeracy measure. Associations were examined in multi‐level structural equation models which accounted for prior (Year 5) academic achievement and sociodemographic covariates. Multi‐group analyses explored invariance across girls and boys.

Results

Self‐Awareness and Self‐Management demonstrated significant and meaningful positive relationships with reading and numeracy performance. Associations with reading were invariant by sex but boys demonstrated significantly stronger associations than girls on numeracy.

Conclusion

Findings suggest that bolstering primary school students' intrapersonal social–emotional competencies may safeguard their academic achievement over the transition into secondary school.
Enforcing contracts: The role of state subsidies as a hybrid enforcement mechanism in contracts between tomato processors and farmers in Algeria
Authors: Assassi Sami , Kleftodimos Georgios , Benharrat Oualid , Bayraktar Aybike
Published: January 2025

Motivation

Contract farming plays a significant role in the growth of agriculture in many countries. Contracting poses substantial challenges when courts and companies are insufficiently developed, constraining the fulfilment of contracts. Exploring innovative contract enforcement mechanisms could yield valuable insights.

Purpose

We evaluate the effectiveness of state subsidies as a hybrid enforcement mechanism of the marketing contract developed by the Algerian government for tomato processors and their farmer suppliers.

Approach and methods

We examine the delivery decisions of Algerian tomato farmers to honour contracts or to deliver to the spot market. From the findings we evaluated the direct and indirect effects of subsidies on expanding the self‐enforcing range of contracts and on encouraging firms to establish private contract enforcement mechanisms. Propensity scoring was used to match farmers. The data come from a comprehensive database of contracted tomato producers and surveys of all tomato canneries in 2021.

Findings

Subsidies, by reducing processor costs and raising famer prices, help to make contracts self‐enforcing. Subsidies, moreover, encouraged half of the processors to adopt private contract enforcement mechanisms, above all loans to their supplier farmers. These mechanisms have had a positive, albeit moderate, effect on farmer deliveries.

Farmers still deliver only half of their contracts owing to weakening self‐enforcement as the subsidy can be accessed in the spot market.

Policy implications

Public subsidies can help enforce contracts in agricultural value chains, especially where legal systems are fragile. Strict control of access to subsidies and incentives is crucial to ensure that the contract price provides sufficient incentive to farmers and to encourage processors to provide additional incentives.
Noteworthiness of Sustainable Education in Higher Education: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Manchanda Khyati , Bhatia Nidhi , Parida Biswajita
Published: January 2025

The study delves into the integration of sustainability concepts into management curricula and identifies strategies that business leaders can employ to enhance their environmental consciousness. The study delves deeper into the literature on sustainability education in management curricula, addressing the fundamentals, bringing about significant changes and the tactics to be employed throughout each curriculum phase. The qualitative study is significant. It conducts in‐depth interviews with three cohorts of seven respondents each, representing subject facilitators, students and support staff. Interpretative thematic analysis revealed the following themes: management institution infrastructure, preference for sustainability skill sets, job market needs, new hires and philosophical knowledge. The study suggests that the implementation of educational strategies and activities aimed at learning transformation and sustainability knowledge should be coordinated with all the levels of an institute's operations. A provision of a holistic environment that takes into account both micro and macro sustainability aspects is required, and should be meticulously managed, so that the students who will become the managers of tomorrow have the potential to become green business leaders.
Exploring the Application of Large Language Models in Instrumentation and Control Engineering Education: A Questionnaire Survey and Examination Performance Analysis
Authors: Xu Wu , Wei Zhang , Yan Peng
Published: January 2025

This study investigates the use of Large Language Models (LLMs) by undergraduates majoring in Instrumentation and Control Engineering (ICE) at University of Shanghai for Science and Technology. We conducted a questionnaire survey to assess the awareness and usage habits of these LLMs among ICE undergraduates in ICE courses, focusing on the model types, frequency, self‐study tasks and post‐usage feedback. The survey results indicate that ChatGPT is the most frequently used model among ICE undergraduates. Furthermore, we evaluated the performance of GPT‐3.5 and GPT‐4 on a set of 342 ICE questions sourced from the China MOOC platform. The results reveal significant performance differences between GPT‐3.5 and GPT‐4 across various ICE sub‐disciplines and question types. GPT‐4 shows particular proficiency in understanding control technology and system, achieving an accuracy of 82.16%, compared to 68.42% for GPT‐3.5. Finally, we explore the factors influencing students use LLMs for ICE self‐study and propose strategies for teachers to incorporate LLMs into ICE courses. This study highlights the potential of LLMs to enhance ICE education and provides concrete examples of their application in engineering coursework.
First record of Euwallacea fornicatus Eichhoff (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae) in Spain
Authors: Goldarazena A. , Alcazar‐Alba M. D. , Hulcr J. , Johnson A. J.
Published: January 2025

The invasive polyphagous shot hole borer Euwallacea fornicatus (Eichhoff, 1868) was recorded in a public garden in Granada province, Andalusia, Southern Spain in April, 2022. This is the first record of a self‐sustaining population of this pest in an outdoor environment in Europe. This paper describes the morphological and molecular identification of the haplotype found in Spain. A recommended regulatory response is described, including a delimiting survey and an eradication program. The Spanish government is taking action to eradicate the pest.
Effects of HMG CoA reductase (HMGCR) deficiency on skeletal muscle development
Authors: Gunasekaran Mekala , Littel Hannah R. , Wells Natalya M. , Turner Johnnie , Campos Gloriana , Venigalla Sree , Estrella Elicia A. , Ghosh Partha S. , Daugherty Audrey L. , Stafki Seth A. , Kunkel Louis M. , Foley A. Reghan , Donkervoort Sandra , Bönnemann Carsten G. , Toledo‐Bravo de Laguna Laura , Nascimento Andres , Natera‐de Benito Daniel , Draper Isabelle , Bruels Christine C. , Pacak Christina A. , Kang Peter B.
Published: January 2025

Pathogenic variants in HMGCR were recently linked to a limb‐girdle muscular dystrophy (LGMD) phenotype. The protein product HMG CoA reductase (HMGCR) catalyzes a key component of the cholesterol synthesis pathway. The two other muscle diseases associated with HMGCR, statin‐associated myopathy (SAM) and autoimmune anti‐HMGCR myopathy, are not inherited in a Mendelian pattern. Statins inhibit HMGCR activity to generate their cholesterol‐lowering effects and are known to cause multiple types of adverse effects on skeletal muscle, while the antibodies associated with anti‐HMGCR myopathy specifically target this enzyme. The mechanism linking pathogenic variants in HMGCR with skeletal muscle dysfunction is unclear. We knocked down Hmgcr in mouse skeletal myoblasts, knocked down hmgcr in Drosophila, and expressed three pathogenic HMGCR variants (c.1327C>T, p.Arg443Trp; c.1522_1524delTCT, p.Ser508del; and c.1621G>A, p.Ala541Thr) in Hmgcr knockdown mouse myoblasts. Hmgcr deficiency was associated with decreased proliferation, increased apoptosis, and impaired myotube fusion. Transcriptome sequencing of Hmgcr knockdown versus control myoblasts revealed differential expression involving mitochondrial function, with corresponding differences in cellular oxygen consumption rates. Both ubiquitous and muscle‐specific knockdown of hmgcr in Drosophila led to lethality. Overexpression of reference HMGCR cDNA rescued myotube fusion in knockdown cells, whereas overexpression of the pathogenic variants of HMGCR cDNA did not. These results suggest that the three HMGCR‐related muscle diseases share disease mechanisms related to skeletal muscle development.
Severe sepsis‐associated acute kidney injury and outcomes: a longitudinal cohort study
Authors: Gallop Laura , Hickey Jack , Johnson Richard , Secombe Paul
Published: January 2025

Background

Sepsis‐associated acute kidney injury (SA‐AKI) is common among patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) with sepsis.

Aims

This study aimed to demonstrate an association between an episode of SA‐AKI and progression to dialysis dependence, with a view to identifying a cohort who may be suitable for intensive nephrology follow‐up.

Methods

Design: Retrospective data‐linkage cohort study. Setting: Alice Springs Hospital ICU, 10‐bed regional facility, housed in a 200‐bed regional hospital, located in Central Australia. Participants: All patients admitted with a diagnosis code associated with sepsis between 2015 and 2017. Main outcome measures: Primary outcome was a composite measure comprising death or initiation of maintenance dialysis within 5 years of the index case of sepsis leading to ICU admission.

Results

The unadjusted risk of the composite outcome was significantly higher in the SA‐AKI group (odds ratio (OR) 3.22, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.81–5.74, P < 0.01). This effect remains after adjustment for age, illness severity and co‐morbidities (adjusted OR (aOR) 2.64, 95% CI 1.22–5.68, P = 0.01). Progression to maintenance dialysis was the primary driver of this effect (OR 7.56, 95% CI 2.23–25.65, P = 0.02), although it was modified by the effect of confounders (aOR 7.3, 95% CI 0.7–75.94, P = 0.10).

Conclusions

These results demonstrate an association between an index episode involving SA‐AKI and the composite outcome in a defined population. Identification of this group may allow intensive nephrology follow‐up and secondary prevention with the goal of mitigating the risk of progression of disease with significant economic and personal benefits.
Paediatric Acute Urinary Retention in Central Queensland
Authors: Nasr Samah , Lim Jian Yang , Nugapitiya Saseema Sammani , Yu Dong , Khan Arifuzzaman , Pam Sunday
Published: January 2025

Background

The aetiology of paediatric acute urinary retention (PAUR) is poorly documented across English medical literature and none from Australasia. This study aimed to document incidence, aetiology and associated time to diagnoses and treatment of PAUR in regional Australia.

Methods

This was a retrospective study of children aged 0–17 years at presentation to two regional hospitals from 01.01.2008–31.12.2018. Data were extracted from patient files following a search for documented cases of acute urinary retention.

Results

There were 56 presentations from 53 children with sex ratio (M:F) of 1.4:1. The median age at presentation was 5.9 (IQR 2.8, 13.3) years, with bimodal peaks at 2–4 years and 12–16 years. Using Poisson regression model, the population incidence increased over the period (p < 0.05). The commonest aetiologies were post‐operative (13; 23%), medications excluding anaesthesia (7; 13%), urinary tract infection (UTI) (6; 11%) and phimosis/balanitis (6; 11%), faecal impaction (6; 11%), neoplasia (5; 9%) and uncertain (10; 18%). Time to diagnosis had a median of 3 (IQR 0,14.5) h and a mean of 9.2 (±13.7) h. Time to treatment had a median of 0 (IQR 0,2.5) h and a mean of 3.6 (±11.2) h. Most cases (43/47; 92%) had successful urethral catheterisation, with one requiring suprapubic tap. Nine cases (16%) spontaneously resolved. Analgesia was provided in 49 cases (88%). Majority (40; 71%) were discharged and 15(27%) cases referred.

Conclusion

The most common aetiologies for PAUR were post‐operative causes, medication use, UTI, phimosis/balanitis and faecal impaction, all providing opportunities for intervention. The incidence significantly increased over time. Diagnoses and treatment were early in most cases.
Fast and furious: The rapid turnover of microRNAs in plants
Authors: Guo Zhonglong , Yang Yixiang , Yang Xiaozeng
Published: January 2025

Plant miRNAs exhibit a dynamic and complex evolutionary landscape. Despite their rapid turnover, miRNAs play crucial roles in regulating key biological processes, underscoring their functional significance even when evolutionarily transient. This review explores the phenomenon of miRNA turnover through a comprehensive survey of miRNA conservation across land plants. We discuss how de novo miRNAs overcome challenges such as transcriptional activation, structural requirements for biogenesis, and functional integration into gene regulatory networks. Furthermore, we review the mechanisms of miRNA origination, including inverted duplication of target genes, derivation from retrotransposons or DNA transposons, spontaneous evolution, and a newly proposed mechanism through template switching mutations. Duplication of existing miRNAs plays a significant role in miRNA family expansion, driving the functional diversification and strengthening regulatory networks. While the phenomenon of miRNA loss has been preliminarily explored, its mechanisms remain insufficiently understood. To address this, we proposed three detailed steps to advance research into miRNA loss. This review provides an integrated perspective on the gain, expansion, and loss of plant miRNAs, offering insights into their evolutionary and biological significance.
‘Gig’ Work and Fatherhood: A Typology of Ride‐Share Fathers in Australia
Authors: Gulesserian Lisa , Veen Alex , Baird Marian
Published: January 2025

This paper examines what motivates fathers with dependent children to work in the gig economy and to what extent care considerations influence their decisions to perform this work. Integrating the literature on gig work, flexible work and the household dynamics of gig workers, this case study fills a gap by examining how well ride‐share work enables fathers to manage their work, unpaid domestic and childcare commitments. Drawing upon 35 semi‐structured interviews, we unpack these fathers' motivations for the work and identify two main drivers: working‐time and income‐earning flexibility. Applying social role theory, we explore how ride‐share work enables and/or restricts fathers' ability to care for their children and how it shapes their gender roles. We contribute to the literature by developing a typology based on ‘working time’ flexibility, used to care for their children, and ‘income earning’ flexibility, to provide for their families, differentiating between partnered and separated/divorced dads.
Quarterly GDP Estimates for the German States: New Data for Business Cycle Analyses
Authors: Lehmann Robert , Wikman Ida
Published: January 2025

To date, only annual information on economic activity is published for the 16 German states, thus, preventing the measurement of inter‐annual business cycle movements. We calculate quarterly regional real GDP estimates for the period between 1995 to 2021, thereby improving the database for Germany. We use the new data for an in‐depth business cycle analysis including the discussion of regional business cycle characteristics, the factors explaining these features, and the first state‐level output gap estimates at the quarterly frequency. The analysis reveals large heterogeneities in both the duration and amplitudes of state‐specific fluctuations as well as in the degrees of cyclical concordance. Especially the sectoral mix significantly explains the differences across the states' business cycle amplitudes. We further observe heterogeneous output gap profiles across the German states that also correlate with the regional sectoral mix. In 2021, the states with negative output gaps were those with a large share in service activities, which is the sector most affected by the COVID‐19 pandemic.
CmBBX28‐CmMYB9a Module Regulates Petal Anthocyanin Accumulation in Response to Light in Chrysanthemum
Authors: Zhou Li‐Jie , Peng Jialin , Chen Chuwen , Wang Yiguang , Wang Yuxi , Li Yanan , Song Aiping , Jiang Jiafu , Chen Sumei , Chen Fadi
Published: January 2025

Light is one of the most important environmental factors that affect plant growth and development. It also stimulates anthocyanin biosynthesis in plants. However, the precise molecular mechanisms through which light regulates anthocyanin biosynthesis, particularly in non‐model plant species, remain poorly understood. In this study, we discovered a CmBBX28‐CmMYB9a molecular module that is responsive to light and regulates anthocyanin biosynthesis in chrysanthemums. Specifically, CmBBX28 interacts with CmMYB9a, interfering with its binding to the promoters of target genes and reducing the protein abundance of CmMYB9a. This interaction downregulates the transcription of CmMYB9a's downstream anthocyanin‐associated genes, CmCHS, CmDFR, and CmUFGT. The expression of CmBBX28 was induced in the dark, and the accumulated CmBBX28 proteins interfered with the activation of CmMYB9a during anthocyanin biosynthesis. Concurrently, darkness also inhibited the expression of CmMYB9a to some extent. In contrast, light significantly induced the expression of CmMYB9a and suppressed the expression of CmBBX28, resulting in increased anthocyanin accumulation in chrysanthemum petals. Our findings reveal the mechanism by which light regulates anthocyanin biosynthesis in chrysanthemum flower petals.