bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Auditor communication on critical audit matters: Timing, inspection likelihood, and the audit committee
Authors: Whitfield Aubrey R. , Kang Yoon Ju , Trotman Ken T.
Published: January 2024

In response to the extended audit report regulations implemented in the United States and internationally, both audit firms and regulators have increased scrutiny over critical audit matters/key audit matters (collectively referred to as CAMs) through internal and external inspections. At the same time, auditors and audit committees (ACs) have altered the content and timing of CAM‐related discussions by communicating specific planned audit procedures earlier in the audit process. This study explores the effect of early communication of CAM‐related audit procedures to the AC and increased scrutiny from inspections on auditors' propensity to adjust planned audit procedures in the presence of newly identified audit risks. Based on self‐justification theory, we predict and find that early communication of planned audit procedures to the AC causes auditors to be less likely to adjust planned audit procedures even when additional risks arise that necessitate change, especially when inspection is likely. This has the potential for diminished audit quality. Interviews with audit partners provide context for how these findings relate to the current auditing environment.
Voluntary disclosures regarding open market repurchase programs
Authors: Bargeron Leonce , Bonaimé Alice , Docimo William , Feng Mei , Thomas Shawn
Published: January 2024

This paper studies voluntary disclosures that firms have suspended, resumed, or completed their open market repurchase programs. Voluntary disclosures of repurchase status updates are common and value‐relevant. They also inform subsequent repurchase activities: voluntary disclosers are more likely to complete their repurchase programs and to initiate new repurchase programs than firms with undisclosed repurchase status changes. Moreover, firms that disclose repurchase suspensions experience larger returns to subsequent repurchase authorizations, consistent with a reward for establishing a reputation for transparency via voluntary bad news disclosure. Finally, exploiting a change in repurchase reporting requirements, we document that voluntary updates are less frequent when mandatory disclosure increases. An important exception, however, is when macroeconomic uncertainty is high, such as during the Great Recession and the COVID‐19 pandemic.
Assessing gladiolus varieties for planting time using a phenological model based on agro‐meteorological indices
Authors: Kaur Ravijot , Jhanji Shalini
Published: January 2024

Phenological models serve as a potent tool in management practices and determining flowering time in ornamental crops. Schwab's staging system for development of gladiola that relies on easily identifiable visual characteristics was used in the study to describe the detailed developmental stages and requirement of agrometeorological indices for each stage. The study was conducted with five gladiolus varieties planted at four different times to characterize the varieties for planting time. Plants under September and October plantings completed their phenological development in less time and accumulated fewer agrometeorological indices because of favourable temperature and short day conditions. The phenological model revealed that Punjab Lemon Delight and Punjab Glance could be planted in September as their blooming was delayed by 32 and 17 days, respectively and corm harvesting by 48 and 43 days respectively, when planted in December. The delay in blooming was 18 and 15 days respectively for Punjab Glad 3 and CPG and corresponding values for corm harvesting were 30 and 26 days when planting was done in December indicating that these varieties could be suitable for late planting. White Prosperity could be planted in October or November because when comparing planting in these 2 months, the number of days to bloom and the number of days to corm harvesting were similar.
Evaluation of clinical outcomes of efficacy in food allergen immunotherapy trials, COFAITH EAACI task force
Authors: Rodríguez del Río Pablo , Álvaro‐Lozano Montserrat , Arasi Stefania , Bazire Raphaëlle , Escudero Carmelo , Patel Nandinee , Sandoval‐Ruballos Monica , Vazquez‐Ortiz Marta , Nowak‐Wegrzyn Anna , Blümchen Katharina , Dunn Galvin Audrey , Deschildre Antoine , Greenhawt Matthew , Schnadt Sabine , Riggioni Carmen , Remington Benjamin C. , Turner Paul , Fernandez Rivas Montserrat
Published: January 2024

Food allergy is a global public health problem that until recent years lacked any aetiological treatment supported by academy, industry and regulators. Food immunotherapy (AIT) is an evolving treatment option, supported by clinical practice and industry trial data. Recent AIT meta‐analyses have highlighted the difficulty in pooling safety and efficacy data from AIT trials, due to secondary heterogeneity in the study. An EAACI task force (CO‐FAITH) initiated by the Paediatric Section was created to focus on AIT efficacy outcomes for milk, egg and peanut allergy rather than in trial results. A systematic search and a narrative review of AIT controlled clinical trials and large case series was conducted. A total of 63 manuscripts met inclusion criteria, corresponding to 23, 21 and 22 studies of milk, egg and peanut AIT, respectively. The most common AIT efficacy outcome was desensitization, mostly defined as tolerating a maintenance phase dose, or reaching a particular dose upon successful exit oral food challenge (OFC). However, a large degree of heterogeneity was identified regarding the dose quantity defining this outcome. Sustained unresponsiveness and patient‐reported outcomes (e.g. quality of life) were explored less frequently, and to date have been most rigorously described for peanut AIT versus other allergens. Change in allergen threshold assessed by OFC remains the most common efficacy measure, but OFC methods suffer from heterogeneity and methodological disparity. This review has identified multiple heterogeneous outcomes related to measuring the efficacy of AIT. Efforts to better standardize and harmonize which outcomes, and how to measure them must be carried out to help in the clinical development of safe and efficacious food allergy treatments.
The aetiology of preterm birth and risks of cerebral palsy and cognitive impairment: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Ylijoki Milla , Sentenac Mariane , Pape Bernd , Zeitlin Jennifer , Lehtonen Liisa
Published: January 2024

Aim

The associations between the aetiology of preterm birth and later neurodevelopmental outcomes are unclear. A systematic review and meta‐analysis examined the existing evidence.

Methods

The PubMed and Embase databases were searched for papers published in English from inception to 16 December 2020. We included original papers on the causes of preterm birth and the risks of cerebral palsy (CP) and suboptimal cognitive development. Two reviewers independently evaluated the studies and extracted the data.

Results

The literature search yielded 5472 papers and 13 were selected. The aetiology of preterm birth was classified under spontaneous or medically indicated delivery. A meta‐analysis was performed, comprising 104 902 preterm infants from 11 papers on CP. Preterm infants born after a medically indicated delivery had a lower CP risk than infants born after spontaneous delivery, with a pooled odds ratio of 0.59 (95% confidence interval 0.40–0.86). This result was robust in the subgroup and sensitivity analyses. Cognitive development was reported in three papers, which suggested that worse outcomes were associated with medically indicated deliveries.

Conclusion

The aetiology of preterm delivery may contribute to the risk of CP and cognitive delay. Further research is needed, using individual‐level meta‐analyses to adjust for possible confounders, notably gestational age.
Beyond the lone hero: How interpersonal feedback seeking helps entrepreneurs to engage with their social environment
Authors: Drencheva Andreana , Stephan Ute , Patterson Malcolm
Published: January 2024

Entrepreneurs are often depicted as lone heroes. However, they are encouraged to seek and use feedback from their social environment to refine their venture ideas and enhance performance. Surprisingly, systematic research on entrepreneurs' feedback‐seeking is in its infancy, and this nascent research is marked by conceptual vagueness about the feedback‐seeking process and the limitations of related concepts. This article leverages the rich research on feedback seeking from organizational behavior/applied psychology to explicate the nature of entrepreneurs' interpersonal feedback seeking while considering the specific demands of entrepreneurship. We delineate feedback seeking from related concepts and theorize a process model of how entrepreneurs seek feedback to pursue instrumental, ego, symbolic, and relational goals, resulting in outcomes not only for entrepreneurs but also for their ventures and immediate and wider social environments. This article provides a foundation for research on entrepreneurs' feedback seeking that is attentive to their personal goals and vulnerabilities while also considering the impact of this process on their social environment. Our conceptual model also offers new insights for organizational behavior/applied psychology research on feedback seeking in relation to the future of work.
How students can be effective citizens in the digital age: Establishing the Teachers' Perceptions on Digital Citizenship Scale
Authors: von Gillern Sam , Rose Chad , Hutchison Amy
Published: January 2024

As teachers are purveyors of digital citizenship and their perspectives influence classroom practice, it is important to understand teachers' views on digital citizenship. This study establishes the Teachers' Perceptions of Digital Citizenship Scale (T‐PODS) as a survey instrument for scholars to investigate educators' views on digital citizenship for their students. Drawing upon existing research, a theorized model of digital citizenship was developed and validated via a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), resulting in a 14‐item four‐factor model. Factor constructs include digital ethics, participation and engagement, informed citizens and civic know‐how. As teachers' views can shift over time, particularly with the emergence of new technologies, scholars can utilize T‐PODS as they investigate educators' perceptions of digital citizenship across time and context.

Practitioner notes

What is already known about this topic

Digital citizenship is crucial for modern society and involves becoming a well‐informed and responsible participant in digital spaces.

A few instruments exist for measuring digital citizenship, which have focused on the behaviours and perceptions of young people, including children and university students.

Teachers play an important role in helping children develop their digital citizenship skills.

What this paper adds

This study presents a new validated model that conceptualizes four key constructs of digital citizenship: digital ethics, participation and engagement, informed citizen and civic know‐how.

It also demonstrates the relationship between these constructs and their connections to the literature.

This article also establishes the Teachers' Perceptions of Digital Citizenship Scale (T‐PODS), a 14‐item survey instrument that measures teachers' perceptions of these four constructs.

Implications for practice and/or policy

Researchers and educators can use T‐PODS to understand teachers' perceptions of digital citizenship across time, locations and contexts.

Drawing upon the four key constructs, teachers can identify and address constructs, skills and processes that are most applicable to their students and educational goals.

Policymakers and curriculum developers can utilize these four constructs to develop both targeted and well‐rounded digital citizenship educational experiences.
Anti‐tumor efficacy of emodin on colorectal cancer cells via targeting lncRNA HLA complex P5
Authors: Yan Chongxian , Sun Long , Wang Guobo , Yao Yuyi , Shao Jianli , Zhou Weihua , Zhu Zhihua , Luo Shuchai , Han Li
Published: January 2024

Emodin is a naturally occurring anthraquinone derivative with a variety of pharmacologic effects, but its role and regulatory mechanism in colorectal cancer (CRC) remain to be investigated. Thus, the aim of this study is to explore the effect of emodin on CRC cells. A gradient of emodin and long noncoding RNA HCP5 overexpression plasmid/small interfering RNA targeting HCP5 (siHCP5) were used for treating CRC cells. Expression levels of RNAs and proteins were detected by utilizing quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot. The viability, migration, and invasion of CRC cells were tested via cell counting kit‐8, wound healing, and Transwell assays. In HT29 and HCT116 cells, the viability, migration, and invasion, along with HCP5 expression, were suppressed by emodin in a dose‐dependent manner. HCP5 overexpression elevated the viability, migration as well as invasion, and up‐regulated N‐cadherin, MMP‐2, and MMP‐9 levels, while reducing E‐cadherin expression. Nevertheless, silencing of HCP5 inhibited the viability, migration as well as invasion, and down‐regulated N‐cadherin, MMP‐2 and MMP‐9 expression levels, while increasing E‐cadherin expression. Additionally, the promoting role of HCP5 overexpression in CRC cells was reversed by emodin, while the suppressive role of siHCP5 was enhanced by emodin in CRC cells. Our study indicates that emodin is a promising agent to inhibit CRC progression through suppression of HCP5 expression.
Not so Black and White: Interracial marriage and wages
Authors: Houseworth Christina , Fisher Jonathan
Published: January 2024

We examine wages of Black and White interracially married individuals compared to their intramarried counterparts in the United States. We find a raw interracial marriage wage penalty for White spouses and a raw interracial marriage wage premium for Black spouses. The differential disappears for females, but not for males, when controlling for selection on standard wage equation variables. Negative selection on unobservables into interracial marriage explain the White male penalty. We find a larger penalty for White males and a smaller premium for Black males in states that were forced to allow interracial marriage by the Supreme Court.
The effect of structural reforms on employment and the trade–labour link: Robust evidence from Europe and Central Asia
Authors: Rovo Natasha , Crespo Cuaresma Jesus , Vincelette Gallina A.
Published: January 2024

We use Bayesian model averaging techniques to assess the role of different types of structural and institutional variables and their interaction with specific characteristics of the economy, as determinants of employment dynamics for 30 economies in Europe and Central Asia. We find that, once short‐run dynamics are controlled for, common structural determinants for the employment rate emerge, including tax rates, human capital, availability of technology, labour market regulation and trade openness. The results show that the effect of labour market regulation on employment outcomes is affected by other characteristics, such as trade openness. Focusing on the trade–labour link, we find that labour market reforms toward a more flexible labour market have a positive impact on employment ratios, and this effect is stronger for economies characterised by relatively low level of trade barriers. In addition, the positive employment effects from labour market regulation reforms are stronger; the less flexible is the initial labour market regulatory framework. These findings bring important policy insights related to the employment potential of further structural reforms and trade integration for the countries in the region.
Biological ammonium transporters: evolution and diversification
Authors: Williamson Gordon , Harris Thomas , Bizior Adriana , Hoskisson Paul Alan , Pritchard Leighton , Javelle Arnaud
Published: January 2024

Although ammonium is the preferred nitrogen source for microbes and plants, in animal cells it is a toxic product of nitrogen metabolism that needs to be excreted. Thus, ammonium movement across biological membranes, whether for uptake or excretion, is a fundamental and ubiquitous biological process catalysed by the superfamily of the Amt/Mep/Rh transporters. A remarkable feature of the Amt/Mep/Rh family is that they are ubiquitous and, despite sharing low amino acid sequence identity, are highly structurally conserved. Despite sharing a common structure, these proteins have become involved in a diverse range of physiological process spanning all domains of life, with reports describing their involvement in diverse biological processes being published regularly. In this context, we exhaustively present their range of biological roles across the domains of life and after explore current hypotheses concerning their evolution to help to understand how and why the conserved structure fulfils diverse physiological functions.
Protecting an artificial savanna as a nature‐based solution to restore carbon and biodiversity in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
Authors: Djiofack Brice Yannick , Beeckman Hans , Bourland Nils , Belanganayi Basile Luse , Laurent Félix , Ilondea Bhely Angoboy , Nsenga Laurent , Huart Alain , Longwwango Menard Mbende , Deklerck Victor , Lejeune Geert , Verbiest William W. M. , Van den Bulcke Jan , Van Acker Joris , De Mil Tom , Hubau Wannes
Published: January 2024

A large share of the global forest restoration potential is situated in artificial ‘unstable’ mesic African savannas, which could be restored to higher carbon and biodiversity states if protected from human‐induced burning. However, uncertainty on recovery rates in protected unstable savannas impedes science‐informed forest restoration initiatives. Here, we quantify the forest restoration success of anthropogenic fire exclusion within an 88‐ha mesic artificial savanna patch in the Kongo Central province of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo). We found that aboveground carbon recovery after 17 years was on average 11.40 ± 0.85 Mg C ha−1. Using a statistical model, we found that aboveground carbon stocks take 112 ± 3 years to recover to 90% of aboveground carbon stocks in old‐growth forests. Assuming that this recovery trajectory would be representative for all unstable savannas, we estimate that they could have a total carbon uptake potential of 12.13 ± 2.25 Gt C by 2100 across DR Congo, Congo and Angola. Species richness recovered to 33.17% after 17 years, and we predicted a 90% recovery at 54 ± 2 years. In contrast, we predicted that species composition would recover to 90% of old‐growth forest composition only after 124 ± 3 years. We conclude that the relatively simple and cost‐efficient measure of fire exclusion in artificial savannas is an effective nature‐based solution to climate change and biodiversity loss. However, more long‐term and in situ monitoring efforts are needed to quantify variation in long‐term carbon and diversity recovery pathways. Particular uncertainties are spatial variability in socio‐economics and growing conditions as well as the effects of projected climate change.
Parental provisioning is weakly age‐dependent and heritable in a small passerine
Authors: Krist Miloš , Edme Anaïs , Höchsmannová Andrea , Janča Martin , Lisická‐Lachnitová Lenka , Ringlová Hana , Stříteský Jan
Published: January 2024

Parental care in birds encompasses many behaviours, from selecting nest‐sites and supplying eggs with nutrients to incubation and offspring provisioning. Unlike the early stages, where offspring are passive receivers of care, chicks actively solicit care after hatching. This may lead to either parent–offspring conflict or coadaptation, or both, if there is genetic variance in both parental provisioning and offspring begging. However, given that parental provisioning is highly responsive to brood size and age, its genetic determination is questioned. In this study, we used a multigenerational pedigree and 11 years of provisioning data to dissect the variation in this trait in the Collared Flycatcher Ficedula albicollis, and to examine whether offspring provisioning changes as parents age. We found that the parental provisioning rate was weakly repeatable (r = 0.088–0.213) and heritable (h2 = 0.052–0.158). Higher values were obtained when calculated based on within‐individual averages rather than individual measurements, and after adjusting for fixed effects. Older parents provisioned offspring at a lower frequency than younger ones. An additive genetic component in provisioning indicates potential for the evolution of parental care, parent–offspring coadaptation and indirect genetic effects on offspring traits. Future studies employing new tracking technologies, including accelerometers, radars and radio‐frequency identification readers, may help to determine whether senescence or increased experience causes the lower rate of offspring provisioning observed in older parents.
Preparation and application of microfiltration porous coal gangue–loess‐based ceramic membrane
Authors: Liu Kang , Zhang Ming , Li Miaoyu , Tong Zhi
Published: January 2024

The ceramic membrane is widely used in the field of domestic sewage treatment due to its high flexural strength, acid and alkali corrosion resistance, easy cleaning, and other advantages. This article uses coal gangue and loess as the main raw material (coal gangue:loess = 8:2), calcium carbonate as the pore‐forming agent, and carboxymethyl cellulose as the binder. The ceramic membrane was prepared by extrusion molding method and solid particle sintering method. The effects of pore‐forming agent content and sintering temperature on the physical and chemical properties of the ceramic membrane, such as flexural strength, microstructure, pure water flux, and acid‐base corrosion rate, were investigated. The results show that when the sintering temperature is 1000°C and the pore‐forming agent content is 10wt%, the pure water flux exceeds 1434L/h m2 MPa, the flexural strength exceeds 25.4 MPa, the porosity exceeds 46.9%, and the acid‐alkali corrosion rate of the ceramic membrane below 1.6%/0.15%. At this time, the treatment efficiency of domestic sewage is excellent, the removal rate of COD, suspended solids and ammonia nitrogen exceeds 27.66%, 99.9%, and 26.77%, respectively. This work has trend‐setting significance for the fabrication and application of low‐cost ceramic membranes.
Metastasis of skin squamous cell carcinoma in kidney transplant recipients
Authors: Alves Felipe F. C. , de Jesus Laura C. B. , Cristelli Marina P. , Enokihara Milvia M. S. e S. , Hirata Sérgio H. , Facina Anamaria da Silva , Tomimori Jane
Published: January 2024

Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) is the most common skin malignancy in kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) as a result of immunosuppression. A worldwide increase in kidney transplantation justifies the determination of prognostic biomarkers by collecting detailed patient data on metastasis development. This study aims to characterize the clinical, epidemiological, and histopathological profiles of KTRs who developed metastasis of cSCC. We conducted a retrospective single‐center study on 18 KTRs and 21 immunocompetent patients (ICs) with metastatic cSCC, using data from 2004 to 2021. ICs were older (median age 70.5 years) than KTRs (median age: 59.5 years). Both groups were predominantly male with Fitzpatrick skin phototype I/II. The primary tumor appeared around 83.5 months post‐transplant, usually in sun‐exposed areas (61.1%), though some non‐exposed areas in ICs (23.8%) contradicted literature findings. KTRs took longer to develop metastasis (median: 11.0 months) compared to ICs (median: 5.5 months). The mean size of the primary tumor was smaller in KTRs (2.50 cm2) compared to ICs (4.55 cm2). The main lymph node chain affected by metastasis was parotid lymph nodes in KTRs (27.8%) and cervical/axillar lymph nodes in ICs (both 19.0%). Both groups exhibited similar primary tumor grades and metastasis evolution, but KTRs had a higher prevalence of lymphovascular invasion. Metastasis of cSCC was more common in males with low skin phototype, in KTRs, particularly on the head and neck. The study suggests a possible link between lymphovascular invasion and metastasis development in KTRs.
Correlation of single nucleotide polymorphisms in the AGT gene with susceptibility to systemic lupus erythematosus in Northeast China
Authors: Wu Huitao , Zhang Xuan , Lin Guiling , Zhang Qi , He Ziman , Wang Zhe , Xu Wenlu , Yin Xiyu , Su Linglan , Zhuang Yanping , Gong Aimin
Published: January 2024

To investigate the correlation between susceptibility to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) rs699, rs4762 and rs1926723 in the AGT gene in the population of Northeast China, while also introducing a new method for early detection of SLE. A total of 856 cases of SLE patients and healthy volunteers who attended the First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University from January 2020 to December 2022 were recruited. Clinical information and biood samples were collected from particpants in this study. SNaPshot sequencing technology was used to sequence the bases of the rs699, rs4762 and rs1926723 in the AGT gene. The genetic stability of SNPs was analysed by means of Hardy–Weinberg (HWE) genetic equilibrium. The study examined the correlation between genetically stable SNPs and susceptibility to SLE using logistic regression analysis.

Rs699 did not adhere to the principles of the HWE genetic equilibrium (p < .01). Conversely, both rs4762 and rs1926723 conformed to the HWE genetic equilibrium (p > .05). However, no significant differences in genotypes and alleles frequencies of the rs4762 were observed between the two groups (p > .05). Furthermore, there was a significant difference in the distribution of AG, GG genotypes frequency and G allele frequency at the rs1926723 between the two groups (p < .001). Individuals with AG and GG genotypes and the G allele had a significantly lower frequency of SLE, indicating a potential genetic protective factor against susceptibility to the SLE.

The SNPs rs1926723 may be linked to the susceptibility to SLE, and the AG, GG genotypes and the G allele may be important protective factors for the development of SLE in Northeast China.
Between Real and Phantasy: Encouraging Creativity in the First Year Architectural Education Through Fairy Tales
Authors: Aras Lerzan
Published: January 2024

The first year architectural education is based on understanding the nature of creativity in design thinking, which serves to build a solid base for a real design process; and in studios several methods are used to develop it. This study aims to discuss how using fairy tales can serve as a tool for encouraging creativity in first year design studios. It is based on a 6‐week‐long basic design II summer school course where 20 architecture and interior architecture students were asked to write fairy tales in a fantasy genre and visualise their fairy tale environment. At the end of this experimental study, we learned four important lessons: (a) when Gen Z students meet design issues first, they can be more involved and interested if they are given the opportunity to reveal their dreams and imaginations without any restriction; (b) they can show their open‐mindedness, and accept the fact that a good presentation performance even with hand drawing is possible, without using technological tools; (c) fairy tales with their unique structures can lead them to advance their “out of the box” thinking. Combining phantasy with reality might be a good tool for liberating the power of imagination which ultimately can bring good design thinking abilities and enhanced creativity, and finally (d) a further study about how they implemented this experiment in their second year design problem is worthy of further analysis.
METTL14/miR‐29c‐3p axis drives aerobic glycolysis to promote triple‐negative breast cancer progression though TRIM9‐mediated PKM2 ubiquitination
Authors: Wu Hao , Jiao Yile , Guo Xinyi , Wu Zhenru , Lv Qing
Published: January 2024

The energy metabolic rearrangement of triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC) from oxidative phosphorylation to aerobic glycolysis is a significant biological feature and can promote the malignant progression. However, there is little knowledge about the functional mechanisms of methyltransferase‐like protein 14 (METTL14) mediated contributes to TNBC malignant progression. Our study found that METTL14 expression was significantly upregulated in TNBC tissues and cell lines. Silencing METTL14 significantly inhibited TNBC cell growth and invasion in vitro, as well as suppressed tumour growth. Mechanically, METTL14 was first found to activate miR‐29c‐3p through m6A and regulate tripartite motif containing 9 (TRIM9) to promote ubiquitination of pyruvate kinase isoform M2 (PKM2) and lead to its transition from tetramer to dimer, resulting in glucose metabolic reprogramming from oxidative phosphorylation to aerobic glycolysis to promote the progress of TNBC. Taken together, these findings reveal important roles of METTL14 in TNBC tumorigenesis and energy metabolism, which might represent a novel potential therapeutic target for TNBC.
AI adoption in America: Who, what, and where
Authors: McElheran Kristina , Li J. Frank , Brynjolfsson Erik , Kroff Zachary , Dinlersoz Emin , Foster Lucia , Zolas Nikolas
Published: January 2024

We study the early adoption and diffusion of five artificial intelligence (AI)‐related technologies (automated‐guided vehicles, machine learning, machine vision, natural language processing, and voice recognition) as documented in the 2018 Annual Business Survey of 850,000 firms across the United States. We find that fewer than 6% of firms used any of the AI‐related technologies we measure, though most very large firms reported at least some AI use. Weighted by employment, average adoption was just over 18%. AI use in production, while varying considerably by industry, was found in every sector of the economy and clustered with emerging technologies, such as cloud computing and robotics. Among dynamic young firms, AI use was highest alongside more‐educated, more‐experienced, and younger owners, including owners motivated by bringing new ideas to market or helping the community. AI adoption was also more common in startups displaying indicators of high‐growth entrepreneurship, including venture capital funding, recent product and process innovation, and growth‐oriented business strategies. Early AI adoption was far from evenly distributed: a handful of “superstar” cities and emerging hubs led startups' adoption of AI. These patterns of early AI use foreshadow economic and social impacts far beyond this limited initial diffusion, with the possibility of a growing “AI divide” if early patterns persist.
Effects of the pyriproxyfen and fenthion on the gonadal morphology of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus: Perciformes, Cichlidae)
Authors: Moises Marques e Silva Glaucia , Lins Oliveira Jorge Eduardo , B. Silva Farias Naisandra , Júnior Raimundo F. A. , Nascimento Wallace S.
Published: January 2024

Commercially available insecticides present acute toxicity to the health of fish and other aquatic organisms, which may impair the local aquaculture. This study evaluated the gonadal morphology of freshwater fish exposed to pyriproxyfen and fenthion. Forty‐five juvenile male Nile tilapias (Oreochromis niloticus) were divided into control, pyriproxyfen‐exposed (0.01 g/L), and fenthion‐exposed (0.001 g/L) groups. They were evaluated in three moments (30, 60, and 90 days). The variables analyzed were the gonadosomatic index (GSI), weight to length ratio, seminiferous tubules morphometry (diameter and height), tissue damage, and immunohistochemical analysis for caspase‐3, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐α), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Pyriproxyfen and fenthion injured the seminiferous tubule tissue, and the damage progressed according to the exposure time. In addition, the GSI gradually reduced over time in all groups compared with the first moment (30 days), while caspase‐3, TNF‐α, and VEGF values increased only in the fenthion‐exposed group. Therefore, pyriproxyfen and fenthion changed the gonadal morphology of male Oreochromis niloticus, which may affect their reproduction in the wild or captivity.
A systematic review and meta‐analysis of the efficacy of vonoprazan for proton pump inhibitor‐resistant gastroesophageal reflux disease
Authors: Simadibrata Daniel Martin , Lesmana Elvira , Fass Ronnie
Published: January 2024

Background and Aim

Up to 40% of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) patients experience inadequate symptom relief with a proton pump inhibitor (PPI), termed PPI‐resistant or refractory GERD. Vonoprazan, a potassium‐competitive acid blocker, has better efficacy than PPI in suppressing gastric acid secretion. This meta‐analysis summarizes the efficacy and safety of vonoprazan for treating PPI‐resistant GERD (both erosive esophagitis [EE] and non‐erosive reflux disease [NERD]).

Methods

Four electronic databases (Medline, Embase, SCOPUS, and CENTRAL) were searched for studies indexed until August 1, 2023. Both observational studies and clinical trials assessing the efficacy and safety of vonoprazan in PPI‐resistant GERD were included. Efficacy outcomes included healing and maintenance rates of EE and improvement of the Frequency Scale for Symptoms of GERD (FSSG) scores. Serious adverse events (SAEs) were considered a safety outcome. The modified Newcastle‐Ottawa Scale (NOS) was used to assess study quality.

Results

Twelve studies were included in this meta‐analysis. Healing rates of PPI‐resistant EE with vonoprazan 20 mg were 91.7% (95% CI 86.8–94.8%) and 88.5% (95% CI 69.7–96.2%) at weeks 4 and 8, respectively. For healed PPI‐resistant EE, the overall maintenance rates with vonoprazan 10 mg were 82.6% (95% 61.2–95.0%) at week 8, 86.0% (95% CI 72.1–94.7%) at week 24, and 93.8% (95% CI 69.8–99.8%) at week 48. FSSG scores were improved in 74.6% (95% CI 65.8–81.7%) and 51.9% (95% CI 37.8–65.7%) of patients at weeks 4 and 8. Overall, no SAE was reported.

Conclusion

Vonoprazan demonstrated high efficacy in the healing and maintenance of PPI‐resistant EE and moderate efficacy for the improvement of FSSG score. Vonoprazan was well tolerated in PPI‐resistant GERD patients.
Prenatal diagnosis and appearance of nasal chondromesenchymal hamartoma in a fetus: A case report
Authors: Su Yu‐Qing , Huang Shu‐Jing , Lin Yan‐Ting , Huang Mei , Zhang Xiao‐Dong , Zhuang Bi‐Mei , Jiang Jin‐Na , Bai Dong‐Yu , Lin Jin‐Rong , Su Yi‐Ming
Published: January 2024

We report a case of fetal nasal chondromesenchymal hamartoma (NCMH) first noted on prenatal ultrasound at 34 weeks. A solid‐cystic mass which predominantly hyperechoicgenic and relatively clear margin, was located on the left nasal cavity and pharynx, with anterior extension and moderate blood flow. Further follow‐up ultrasound examination depicted an enlargement of the tumor. Fetal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed an inhomogeneous signal lesion involving the ethmoid sinuses, nasal cavity, and pharynx. The infant, delivered via cesarean section at 37 + 5 weeks, required urgent neonatology intervention due to respiratory difficulties. Neonatal MRI and computer tomography were subsequently performed at 1 day after birth. Surgical excision occurred at 7 days, confirming NCMH via histological examination. Awareness of this entity, is essential to avoid potentially harmful therapies, especially in prenatal period. Considered NCMH in diagnosis when fetal nasal masses presenting with predominantly high‐level echo, well‐defined margins and moderate vascularity.
Bathymetric origin shapes the physiological responses of Pterygophora californica (Laminariales, Phaeophyceae) to deep marine heatwaves
Authors: Almeida‐Saá Antonella C. , Umanzor Schery , Zertuche‐González Jose Antonio , Cruz‐López Ricardo , Muñiz‐Salazar Raquel , Ferreira‐Arrieta Alejandra , Bonet Melià Paula , García‐Pantoja Jessica Anayansi , Rangel‐Mendoza Laura K. , Vivanco‐Bercovich Manuel , Ruiz‐Montoya Leonardo , Guzmán‐Calderón Jose Manuel , Sandoval‐Gil Jose Miguel
Published: January 2024

Kelp communities are experiencing exacerbated heat‐related impacts from more intense, frequent, and deeper marine heatwaves (MHWs), imperiling the long‐term survival of kelp forests in the climate change scenario. The occurrence of deep thermal anomalies is of critical importance, as elevated temperatures can impact kelp populations across their entire bathymetric range. This study evaluates the impact of MHWs on mature sporophytes of Pterygophora californica (walking kelp) from the bathymetric extremes (8–10 vs. 25–27 m) of a population situated in Baja California (Mexico). The location is near the southernmost point of the species's broad distribution (from Alaska to Mexico). The study investigated the ecophysiological responses (e.g., photobiology, nitrate uptake, oxidative stress) and growth of adult sporophytes through a two‐phase experiment: warming simulating a MHW and a post‐MHW phase without warming. Generally, the effects of warming differed depending on the bathymetric origin of the sporophytes. The MHW facilitated essential metabolic functions of deep‐water sporophytes, including photosynthesis, and promoted their growth. In contrast, shallow‐water sporophytes displayed metabolic stress, reduced growth, and oxidative damage. Upon the cessation of warming, certain responses, such as a decline in nitrate uptake and net productivity, became evident in shallow‐water sporophytes, implying a delay in heat‐stress response. This indicates that variation in temperatures can result in more prominent effects than warming alone. The greater heat tolerance of sporophytes in deeper waters shows convincing evidence that deep portions of P. californica populations have the potential to serve as refuges from the harmful impacts of MHWs on shallow reefs.
A Transformer‐Based microvascular invasion classifier enhances prognostic stratification in HCC following radiofrequency ablation
Authors: Wang Wentao , Wang Yueyue , Song Danjun , Zhou Yingting , Luo Rongkui , Ying Siqi , Yang Li , Sun Wei , Cai Jiabin , Wang Xi , Bao Zhen , Zheng Jiaping , Zeng Mengsu , Gao Qiang , Wang Xiaoying , Zhou Jian , Wang Manning , Shao Guoliang , Rao Sheng‐xiang , Zhu Kai
Published: January 2024

Background & Aims

We aimed to develop a Transformer‐based deep learning (DL) network for prognostic stratification in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients undergoing RFA.

Methods

A Swin Transformer DL network was trained to establish associations between magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) datasets and the ground truth of microvascular invasion (MVI) based on 696 surgical resection (SR) patients with solitary HCC ≤3 cm, and was validated in an external cohort (n = 180). The multiphase MRI‐based DL risk outputs using an optimal threshold of .5 was employed as a MVI classifier for prognosis stratification in the RFA cohort (n = 180).

Results

Over 90% of all enrolled patients exhibited hepatitis B virus infection. Liver cirrhosis was significantly more prevalent in the RFA cohort compared to the SR cohort (72.2% vs. 44.1%, p < .001). The MVI risk outputs exhibited good performance (area under the curve values = .938 and .883) for predicting MVI in the training and validation cohort, respectively. The RFA patients at high risk of MVI classified by the MVI classifier demonstrated significantly lower recurrence‐free survival (RFS) and overall survival rates at 1, 3 and 5 years compared to those classified as low risk (p < .001). Multivariate cox regression modelling of a‐fetoprotein > 20 ng/mL [hazard ratio (HR) = 1.53; 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 1.02–2.33, p = .047], high risk of MVI (HR = 3.76; 95% CI: 2.40–5.88, p < .001) and unfavourable tumour location (HR = 2.15; 95% CI: 1.40–3.29, p = .001) yielded a c‐index of .731 (bootstrapped 95% CI: .667–.778) for evaluating RFS after RFA. Among the three risk factors, MVI was the most powerful predictor for intrahepatic distance recurrence.

Conclusions

The proposed MVI classifier can serve as a valuable imaging biomarker for prognostic stratification in early‐stage HCC patients undergoing RFA.
Thyroid function, adipokines and mitokines in metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatohepatitis: A multi‐centre biopsy‐based observational study
Authors: Kouvari Matina , Valenzuela‐Vallejo Laura , Axarloglou Evangelos , Verrastro Ornella , Papatheodoridis Georgios , Mingrone Geltrude , George Jacob , Mantzoros Christos S.
Published: January 2024

Background and Aims

Thyroid axis is currently under investigation as a therapeutic target in metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). Thyroid function was examined herein in the full spectrum of disease.

Methods

Subjects were recruited and had liver biopsies in two Gastroenterology‐Hepatology Clinics (Greece and Australia) and one Bariatric‐Metabolic Surgery Clinic (Italy). The main working sample was n = 677 subjects with MASLD after excluding subjects with abnormal free thyroxine levels. Participants were classified according to thyroid‐stimulating hormone (TSH) standard criteria: Subclinical hyperthyroidism (<0.4 uIU/mL); Euthyroidism with relatively low (0.4 to <2.5 uIU/mL); euthyroidism with relatively high (2.5–4.0 uIU/mL); subclinical hypothyroidism (>4 uIU/mL).

Results

TSH as a continuous variable was positively associated with significant fibrosis (F ≥ 2), metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatohepatitis (MASH) and at‐risk MASH. Subclinical hypothyroidism was associated with fibrosis F ≥ 2 (odds ratio [OR] = 3.47, 95% confident interval [CI] [1.50, 8.05], p = .02), MASH (OR = 3.44, 95% CI [1.48, 7.98] p = .001) and at‐risk MASH (OR = 3.88, 95% CI [1.76, 8.55], p = .001), before and after controlling for adiposity, central obesity, and insulin resistance. When leptin, adiponectin, or growth differentiation factor‐15 were examined as moderators, significance was lost. Sex‐specific analysis revealed a strong association between TSH and the presence of significant fibrosis among women, eliminated only when adipokines/mitokines were adjusted for. Restricted cubic spline analysis revealed associations between TSH and liver outcomes (p‐values < .01) with inflection points for fibrosis F ≥ 2 being 2.49, for MASH being 2.67 and for at‐risk MASH being 6.96.

Conclusions

These observations provide support for studies on the administration of thyroid hormone in MASLD therapeutics for subclinical hypothyroidism and liver‐specific thyroid receptor agonists for subjects across the TSH continuum.
Dinucleotide biases in the genomes of prokaryotic and eukaryotic dsDNA viruses and their hosts
Authors: Forni Diego , Pozzoli Uberto , Cagliani Rachele , Sironi Manuela
Published: January 2024

The genomes of cellular organisms display CpG and TpA dinucleotide composition biases. Such biases have been poorly investigated in dsDNA viruses. Here, we show that in dsDNA virus, bacterial, and eukaryotic genomes, the representation of TpA and CpG dinucleotides is strongly dependent on genomic G + C content. Thus, the classical observed/expected ratios do not fully capture dinucleotide biases across genomes. Because a larger portion of the variance in TpA frequency was explained by G + C content, we explored which additional factors drive the distribution of CpG dinucleotides. Using the residuals of the linear regressions as a measure of dinucleotide abundance and ancestral state reconstruction across eukaryotic and prokaryotic virus trees, we identified an important role for phylogeny in driving CpG representation. Nonetheless, phylogenetic ANOVA analyses showed that few host associations also account for significant variations. Among eukaryotic viruses, most significant differences were observed between arthropod‐infecting viruses and viruses that infect vertebrates or unicellular organisms. However, an effect of viral DNA methylation status (either driven by the host or by viral‐encoded methyltransferases) is also likely. Among prokaryotic viruses, cyanobacteria‐infecting phages resulted to be significantly CpG‐depleted, whereas phages that infect bacteria in the genera Burkolderia and Staphylococcus were CpG‐rich. Comparison with bacterial genomes indicated that this effect is largely driven by the general tendency for phages to resemble the host's genomic CpG content. Notably, such tendency is stronger for temperate than for lytic phages. Our data shed light into the processes that shape virus genome composition and inform manipulation strategies for biotechnological applications.
Akkermansia muciniphila improves chronic colitis‐induced enteric neuroinflammation in mice
Authors: Yilmaz Ozgur , Okullu Sinem Oktem , Catakci Merve , Elmas Merve Acikel , Pinheiro Yuri , Arbak Serap , Demir Ekin , Schaefer Karl Herbert , Kolgazi Meltem
Published: January 2024

Background

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are chronic diseases that are not fully understood. Drugs in use can only be applied for a short time due to their side effects. Therefore, research is needed to develop new treatment approaches. In addition, it has been proven that IBD causes degeneration in the enteric nervous system (ENS). In recent years, it has been discussed that probiotics may have positive effects in the prevention and treatment of inflammatory enteric degeneration. Akkermansia muciniphila (A. muciniphila) is an anaerobic bacterium found in the mucin layer of the intestinal microbiota. It has been found that the population of A. muciniphila decreases in the case of different diseases. In light of this information, the curative effect of A. muciniphila application on colitis‐induced inflammation and enteric degeneration was investigated.

Methods

In this study, 5 weeks of A. muciniphila treatment in Trinitro‐benzene‐sulfonic acid (TNBS)–induced chronic colitis model was investigated. Colon samples were examined at microscopic, biochemical, and molecular levels. Fecal samples were collected before, during, and after treatment to evaluate the population changes in the microbiota. Specific proteins secreted from the ENS were evaluated, and enteric degeneration was examined.

Results

As a result of the research, the ameliorative effects of A. muciniphila were shown in the TNBS colitis model‐induced inflammation and ENS damage.

Discussion

In light of these results, A. muciniphila can potentially be evaluated as a microbiome‐based treatment for IBD with further clinical and experimental studies.
Early dental implant failure associated with postoperative infection: A retrospective 21‐year study
Authors: Sagnori Renata Silveira , da Fonseca Vitor José , Lima Luciano Henrique Ferreira , Goulart Douglas Rangel , Asprino Luciana , de Moraes Márcio , Sverzut Alexander Tadeu
Published: January 2024

Aim

There are several causes related to early dental implant failure, and infection is one of the most common risk factors in the initial phase of osseointegration. The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate early dental implant failure associated with postoperative infection and identify the factors associated with such failure.

Materials and Methods

A retrospective study was conducted, and the main predictor variable was early dental implant failure. The main cause of failure was postoperative infection, including factors related to early loss due to infection, such as installation site, type of implant–abutment connection used and presence of previous bone graft. Appropriate descriptive and multivariate statistics were computed, and Chi‐square tests and logistic binary regression were used to identify the factors related to early failure.

Results

The study sample consisted of 1674 patients, who had 4886 implants installed and were selected for statistical analysis. A total of 3219 implants were inserted in women and 1667 in men. The main outcome variable was early implant failure due to infection. There were 164 early failures in the study, accounting for 3.3% of the sample. Of those failures, 35 were a consequence of postoperative infection, resulting in 21.34% of early failures. The main risk factor identified was the presence of infection (odds ratio [OR] = 53.67, with 95% confidence interval [CI]).

Conclusions

The study's results suggest that infection may be considered a risk factor for early failure of osseointegrated implants.