bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluating the Impact of Robotic IPAA
Authors: Violante Tommaso , Ferrari Davide , Novelli Marco , Behm Kevin T. , Perry William R. , Mathis Kellie L. , Dozois Eric J. , Merchea Amit , Shawki Sherief S. , Larson David W.
Published: September 2024

Objective:

To compare robotic-assisted proctectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (R-IPAA) outcomes and laparoscopic proctectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (L-IPAA) within a specialized robotic surgery center, using matching techniques to minimize potential confounding factors.

Summary Background Data:

Minimally invasive approaches, particularly laparoscopy, have improved outcomes for IBD and FAP patients undergoing IPAA. Robotic-assisted surgery offers potential technical advantages, but its definitive superiority over laparoscopy in this context remains under debate.

Methods:

This retrospective, STROBE-compliant study analyzed 234 consecutive IPAA patients (117 robotic, 117 laparoscopic). Data encompassed patient demographics, intraoperative details, and postoperative outcomes. We employed various matching techniques to address potential bias. Primary endpoints focused on 30-day complications, readmissions, and reoperations, with secondary endpoints including hospital stay, blood loss, and stoma closure rates.

Results:

R-IPAA demonstrated a lower conversion rate to open surgery (P=0.02), a shorter hospital stay (P=0.04), and reduced blood loss (P=0.0003) compared to L-IPAA. While overall 30-day morbidity rates were similar (P=0.4), matched analyses suggested a trend towards fewer reoperations and 3-month IPAA-associated complications after diverting loop ileostomy closure in the robotic group. However, these differences did not reach statistical significance.

Conclusions:

In a high-volume robotic surgery center, R-IPAA reduced the risk of conversion to open surgery while reducing intraoperative blood loss and providing shorter length of stay with equivalent perioperative outcomes. Promising trends to reduce 30-day reoperations and surgical complications following DLI closure were observed after a matching analysis.
Direct Measurement of DCD Donor Potential
Authors: Mone Tom , Rosenthal Tom , Seto Tom
Published: September 2024

Background.

Existing methods of comparing organ procurement organization (OPO) performance use administrative data to indirectly measure donation after circulatory death (DCD). The purpose of this study was to categorize and quantify reasons that potential DCD donors do not progress to donation to facilitate the direct measurement of OPO donor potential.

Methods.

Records of all 18 685 potential organ donors referred to the organ procurement agency OneLegacy in 2021 and 2022 were reviewed, and reasons that cases did not proceed to donation were categorized and quantified. All hospital deaths were reviewed through tissue referrals and chart audits to assess whether potential organ donors were not referred.

Results.

There were 8349 potential DCD donors. Of these, 5640 cases were ruled out for clinical reasons, and 1458 cases were ruled out for factors unique to DCD, such as ventilation, which was never withdrawn. Of the 1251 ruled in for the family approach to donation consent, there were ultimately 191 donors with organs transplanted.

Conclusions.

OPO donor potential calculated from referral and hospital death record reviews is substantially lower than donor potential determined by administrative data, validating the need for direct measurement for regulatory purposes and performance improvement. For a usable direct measure of donor potential, DCD donor criteria must be codified, electronic donor records optimized, and audit processes developed.
Genomic epidemiology of mecC-carrying Staphylococcus aureus isolates from human clinical cases in New Zealand
Authors: Miller Hilary , Howard Julia , Elvy Juliet , Campbell Patrick , Anderson Trevor , Bakker Sarah , Eustace Alexandra , Perez Hermes , Winter David , Dyet Kristin
Published: September 2024

In 2011, a novel methicillin resistance gene, mecC, was described in human and bovine Staphylococcus aureus isolates. mecC-positive S. aureus is most commonly associated with livestock and wildlife populations across Europe and is particularly prevalent in hedgehogs, but only occasionally causes human infections. In this study, we characterize and investigate the origin of two human S. aureus isolates containing mecC genes from New Zealand. The two isolates were identified from patients with severe invasion infections as part of an S. aureus bacteraemia study. Whole-genome sequencing was used to characterize staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec (SCCmec) elements and perform phylogenetic comparisons with publicly available strains from mecC-associated clonal complexes, including isolates from hedgehogs from New Zealand and Europe/United Kingdom (UK), and livestock, wildlife and human isolates from Europe/UK. The two isolates from our study have almost identical SCCmec type XI elements containing a mecC gene. However, this gene contains a premature stop codon, consistent with the methicillin-susceptible phenotype observed for these isolates. Core genome SNP analyses showed that the two isolates are 234 SNPs apart and are most closely related to an isolate obtained from a New Zealand hedgehog. However, there are considerable differences in the mecC mobile element between the human and hedgehog isolates, indicating the presence of an as-yet-unknown reservoir of mecC S. aureus in the New Zealand environment.
Rhizobium aouanii sp. nov., efficient nodulating rhizobia isolated from Acacia saligna roots in Tunisia
Authors: Hsouna Jihed , Gritli Takwa , Ilahi Houda , Han Jia-Cheng , Ellouze Walid , Zhang Xiao Xia , Mansouri Maroua , Rahi Praveen , El Idrissi Mustapha Missbah , Lamrabet Mouad , Courty Pierre Emmanuel , Wipf Daniel , Bekki Abdelkader , Tambong James T. , Mnasri Bacem
Published: September 2024

Three bacterial strains, 1AS14IT, 1AS12I and 6AS6, isolated from root nodules of Acacia saligna, were characterized using a polyphasic approach. Phylogenetic analysis based on rrs sequences placed all three strains within the Rhizobium leguminosarum complex. Further phylogeny, based on 1 756 bp sequences of four concatenated housekeeping genes (recA, atpD, glnII and gyrB), revealed their distinction from known rhizobia species of the R. leguminosarum complex (Rlc), forming a distinct clade. The closest related species, identified as Rhizobium laguerreae, with a sequence identity of 96.4% based on concatenated recA-atpD-glnII-gyrB sequences. The type strain, 1AS14IT, showed average nucleotide identity (ANI) values of 94.9, 94.3 and 94.1% and DNA–DNA hybridization values of 56.1, 57.4 and 60.0% with the type strains of closest known species: R. laguerreae, Rhizobium acaciae and ‘Rhizobium indicum’, respectively. Phylogenomic analyses using 81 up-to-date bacteria core genes and the Type (Strain) Genome Server pipeline further supported the uniqueness of strains 1AS14IT, 1AS12I and 6AS6. The relatedness of the novel strains to NCBI unclassified Rhizobium sp. (396 genomes) and metagenome-derived genomes showed ANI values from 76.7 to 94.8% with a species-level cut-off of 96%, suggesting that strains 1AS14I, 1AS12I and 6AS6 are a distinct lineage. Additionally, differentiation of strains 1AS14IT, 1AS12I and 6AS6 from their closest phylogenetic neighbours was achieved using phenotypic, physiological and fatty acid content analyses. Based on the genomic, phenotypic and biochemical data, we propose the establishment of a novel rhizobial species, Rhizobium aouanii sp. nov., with strain 1AS14IT designated as the type strain (=DSM 113914T=LMG 33206T). This study contributes to the understanding of microbial diversity in nitrogen-fixing symbioses, specifically within Acacia saligna ecosystems in Tunisia.
Vibrio cholerae serogroup O5 was responsible for the outbreak of gastroenteritis in Czechoslovakia in 1965
Authors: Rouard Caroline , Njamkepo Elisabeth , Quilici Marie-Laure , Nguyen Scott , Knight-Connoni Victoria , Šafránková Renáta , Weill Francois-Xavier
Published: September 2024

Several authors have attributed the explosive outbreak of gastroenteritis that occurred in Czechoslovakia in 1965 to a toxigenic strain of Vibrio cholerae serogroup O37 based on unverified metadata associated with three particular strains from the American Type Culture Collection. Here, by sequencing the original strain preserved at the Czech National Collection of Type Cultures since 1966, we show that the strain responsible for this outbreak was actually a V. cholerae O5 that lacks the genes encoding the cholera toxin, the toxin-coregulated pilus protein and Vibrio pathogenicity islands present in V. cholerae O37 strains.
Outcomes of percutaneous transhepatic gallbladder drainage versus percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage for obstructive jaundice
Authors: Azami Tetsushi , Takano Yuichi , Tamai Naoki , Noda Jun , Yamawaki Masataka , Niiya Fumitaka , Maruoka Naotaka , Nishimoto Fumiya , Ishihara Akira , Nagahama Masatsugu
Published: September 2024

Percutaneous transhepatic gallbladder drainage (PTGBD) is an alternative to percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD) for cases of obstructive jaundice in which the bile duct obstruction is below the confluence of the cystic ducts. The present study aimed to evaluate the usefulness of PTGBD and PTBD in patients with obstructive jaundice. This study enrolled patients who had undergone percutaneous biliary drainage for acute cholangitis and obstructive jaundice at two institutions between January 2017 and March 2024. Fifty-five patients were included in this analysis. However, patients with intrahepatic or hilar bile duct stenosis, post choledocholithiasis, complex cholecystitis, total bilirubin levels < 2.0 mg/dL, and uncorrectable bleeding tendency and those who had undergone the procedure and later discontinued without puncture were excluded. The technical success rates, clinical success rates, and complication rates of the procedure were evaluated. The technical success rates were 96.3% (26/27) in the PTGBD group and 82.1% (13/28) in the PTBD group. The clinical success rates were 85.2% (23/27) in the PTGBD group and 67.9% (19/28) in the PTBD group. The complication rates were 11.1% (3/27) in the PTGBD group and 17.9% (5/28) in the PTBD group. Hence, the two groups did not significantly differ in any of the endpoints. The outcomes of PTGBD were comparable to those of PTBD in patients with obstructive jaundice. Hence, PTGBD is a reasonable treatment option for cases of obstructive jaundice in which PTBD is not feasible.
Structural and molecular basis of the epistasis effect in enhanced affinity between SARS-CoV-2 KP.3 and ACE2
Authors: Feng Leilei , Sun Zhaoxi , Zhang Yuchen , Jian Fanchong , Yang Sijie , Yu Lingling , Wang Jing , Shao Fei , Wang Xiangxi , Cao Yunlong
Published: September 2024

The recent emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants KP.2 and KP.3 has been marked by mutations F456L/R346T and F456L/Q493E, respectively, which significantly impact the virus’s interaction with human ACE2 and its resistance to neutralizing antibodies. KP.3, featuring F456L and Q493E, exhibits a markedly enhanced ACE2 binding affinity compared to KP.2 and the JN.1 variant due to synergistic effects between these mutations. This study elucidated the structures of KP.2 and KP.3 RBD in complex with ACE2 using cryogenic electron microscopy (Cryo-EM) and decipher the structural and thermodynamic implications of these mutations on receptor binding by molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, revealing that F456L mutation facilitates a more favorable binding environment for Q493E, leading to stronger receptor interactions which consequently enhance the potential for incorporating additional evasive mutations. These results underscore the importance of understanding mutational epistatic interactions in predicting SARS-CoV-2 evolution and optimizing vaccine updates. Continued monitoring of such epistatic effects is crucial for anticipating new dominant strains and preparing appropriate public health responses.
Phenome-Wide Association ofAPOEAlleles in theAll of UsResearch Program
Authors: Khajouei Ehsan , Ghisays Valentina , Piras Ignazio S. , Martinez Kiana L. , Naymik Marcus , Ngo Preston , Tran Tam C. , Denny Joshua C. , Wheeler Travis J. , Huentelman Matthew J. , Reiman Eric M. , Karnes Jason H.
Published: September 2024

Background

Genetic variation inAPOEis associated with altered lipid metabolism, as well as cardiovascular and neurodegenerative disease risk. However, prior studies are largely limited to European ancestry populations and differential risk by sex and ancestry has not been widely evaluated. We utilized a phenome-wide association study (PheWAS) approach to exploreAPOE- associated phenotypes in theAll of UsResearch Program.

Methods

We determinedAPOEalleles for 181,880All of Usparticipants with whole genome sequencing and electronic health record (EHR) data, representing seven gnomAD ancestry groups. We tested association ofAPOEvariants, ordered based on Alzheimer’s disease risk hierarchy (ε2/ε2<ε2/ε3<ε3/ε3<ε2/ε4<ε3/ε4<ε4/ε4), with 2,318 EHR-derived phenotypes. Bonferroni-adjusted analyses were performed overall, by ancestry, by sex, and with adjustment for social determinants of health (SDOH).

Findings

In the overall cohort, PheWAS identified 17 significant associations, including an increased odds of hyperlipidemia (OR 1.15 [1.14–1.16] perAPOEgenotype group;P=1.8×10-129), dementia, and Alzheimer’s disease (OR 1.55 [1.40–1.70];P=5×10-19), and a reduced odds of fatty liver disease (OR 0.93 [0.90–0.95];P=1.6×10-9) and chronic liver disease. ORs were similar after SDOH adjustment and by sex, except for an increased number of cardiovascular associations in males, and decreased odds of noninflammatory disorders of vulva and perineum in females (OR 0.89 [0.84–0.94];P=1.1×10-5). Significant heterogeneity was observed for hyperlipidemia and mild cognitive impairment across ancestry. Unique associations by ancestry included transient retinal arterial occlusion in the European ancestry group, and first-degree atrioventricular block in the American Admixed/Latino ancestry group.

Interpretation

We replicate extensive phenotypic associations withAPOEalleles in a large, diverse cohort, despite limitations in accuracy for EHR-derived phenotypes. We provide a comprehensive catalog ofAPOE-associated phenotypes and present evidence of unique phenotypic associations by sex and ancestry, as well as heterogeneity in effect size across ancestry.

Funding

Funding is listed in the acknowledgements.
Sampling Maize (Zea mays) Seed Endophytes
Authors: Wallace Jason G. , Laspisa Daniel
Published: September 2024

For most farmers, the production of maize grain is the ultimate goal of the entire field season. From the point of view of plant microbiome studies, seeds are particularly interesting in that they are the only avenue for vertical transmission of microbes from parent to offspring, though microbes can also enter maize seeds via wounds or silks. Although the presence of seed endophytes is well documented, their role, if any, in seed health and their effects on the next generation of plants are largely unknown. This protocol describes the isolation of seed endophytes. Its primary focus is properly sterilizing the seed surface, followed by grinding to release the endophytes. The end product is a cell suspension suitable for either culturing or DNA analysis.
Emergent pair symmetries in systems with poor man's Majorana modes
Authors: Cayao Jorge
Published: September 2024

Few-site Kitaev chains are promising for realizing Majorana zero modes without topological protection but fully nonlocal, which are known as poor man's Majorana modes. While several signatures have already been reported both theoretically and experimentally, it still remains unknown what is the nature of superconducting correlations in the presence of poor man's Majorana modes. In this paper, we study few-site Kitaev chains and demonstrate that they host pair correlations with distinct symmetries, entirely determined by the underlying quantum numbers. In particular, we find that a two-site Kitaev chain hosts local (odd-frequency) and nonlocal (odd- and even-frequency) pair correlations, both spin polarized and highly tunable by the system parameters. Interestingly, the odd-frequency pair correlations exhibit a divergent behavior around zero frequency when the nonlocal p-wave pair potential and electron tunneling are of the same order, an effect that can be controlled by the on-site energies. Since a divergent odd-frequency pairing is directly connected to the intrinsic spatial nonlocality of Majorana zero modes in topological superconductors, the divergent odd-frequency pairing here reflects the intrinsic Majorana nonlocality of poor man's Majorana modes but without any relation to topology. Our findings could help understanding the emergent pair correlations in few-site Kitaev chains.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
From “chosen ones” to “leftovers”: a historical analysis of China's vocational education and training system, 1949–2023
Authors: Hao Tiancong , Wang Weiping , Wang Geng , Yang Qiuyue , Ma Kang
Published: September 2024

Purpose

This paper examines students’ educational choices in vocational education and training (VET) to understand the low reputation of vocational education in China. By analysing the individualisation of these choices within structural and individual relationships, the study explores how the decline of state endorsement and the shift towards rational, individualistic actions influence students' decisions.

Design/methodology/approach

Multiple types of data were collected in this study, including administrative records, interviews and autobiographical stories, which were analysed using individualisation theory.

Findings

The research indicated three historical periods of the educational choice of Chinese VET students. Stage one (1978–1991) saw vocational education treated as “the first choice” for graduates. Stage two (1992–2000) was marked by the polarisation of educational choice during the social transition from a socialist planned economy to a market economy. During this period, more students started to choose academic high schools over vocational schools, even though the latter still had certain advantages for attracting the better-performing students. The third stage (2001-now) is a time in which vocational education is viewed as “the last choice” under the socialist market economy system. During this period, junior high school graduates prefer to enrol in academic high schools rather than in vocational schools. Aligned with the overall individualisation trend in Chinese society, vocational education decisions situated between societal structures and individuals are also experiencing a shift towards more micro-level individualized behaviours.

Research limitations/implications

The paper provides a historical analysis of education and training provision in China and the complexity of students’ educational choices, revealing the influencing factors across different stages.

Originality/value

This paper draws a comprehensive analysis of the developmental trajectory of vocational education in China across different historical periods, notably under the socialist planned economy and the socialist market economy systems.
Adoption of HR analytics for future-proof decision making: role of attitude toward artificial intelligence as a moderator
Authors: Arora Simple , Chaudhary Priya , Singh Reetesh K.
Published: September 2024

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the relationship between the adoption of human resource (HR) analytics and managerial decision-making (DM), with attitude toward artificial intelligence (AI) as a potential moderator.

Design/methodology/approach

This study was conducted in three phases. In Phase I, a comprehensive scale to measure the “Adoption of HR analytics” was conceptualized and developed. In Phase II, the scale was validated and operationalized. Finally, in Phase III, a survey of 377 managers was conducted, and a conceptual model was validated using structural equation modeling.

Findings

This study reveals that the adoption of HR analytics (HRA) and a positive attitude toward AI significantly influence DM. The findings suggest that the structural factors play the most important role in the adoption of HRA, followed by individual factors, value and system support.

Practical implications

These findings hold valuable implications for managers seeking integration of HRA and AI within organizational systems and processes. HR practitioners can evaluate their organization’s readiness for HRA, enabling them to build a future-proof workforce with the necessary skills. It can help managers make the adoption of AI-enabled HRA a reality. The study also helps to remove inhibitions and concerns of HR managers and employees related to AI.

Originality/value

This paper addresses the methodological, practical knowledge and evidence gap in the area of adoption of HRA and DM. It sheds light on the “future of work” in HR, highlighting a potential shift toward human-AI collaboration.
Green leadership and innovation: catalysts for environmental performance in Italian manufacturing
Authors: Ahsan Muhammad Junaid
Published: September 2024

Purpose

This quantitative study, rooted in the resource-based view (RBV) theory, aims to investigate the relationships among green transformational leadership, green process innovation, employee environmental beliefs and firm environmental performance in Italian manufacturing companies. This study unfolds a nuanced narrative of how strategic green transformational leadership, coupled with environmentally conscious processes, can synergistically enhance an organization's overall environmental performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The multi-item survey questionnaire used in this study was distributed to leaders in a diverse sample of Italian companies. A total of 296 valid responses were obtained from the surveys. The collected data were analysed using statistical methods such as correlation, confirmatory factor and structural equation modelling using SPSS software.

Findings

The direct influence of green transformational leadership on firm environmental performance is supported. It also confirms the positive impact of green process innovation on environmental outcomes. It identifies green process innovation as a mediator between green transformational leadership and firm environmental performance, and employee environmental beliefs moderate the link between green transformational leadership and firm environmental performance.

Research limitations/implications

This research contributes by advancing understanding within the RBV framework by elucidating the specific mechanisms through which green transformational leadership programs promote green process innovation, enhance environmental performance for organizational success, achieve sustainability goals and foster collaboration and stakeholder engagement.

Practical implications

This study emphasizes the significance of establishing green leadership programs, encouraging green process innovation and systematically monitoring environmental performance to accomplish organizational success and sustainability goals.

Originality/value

This study presents a novel and original examination by integrating the RBV theory on the relationships between green transformational leadership, green process innovation and firm environmental performance, shedding new light on the role of employee environmental beliefs.
The correlations between business ethics rules, talented human resource supply chain management and managing SMEs ethics: fresh insight from middle Eastern countries
Authors: AL-Shboul Moh'd Anwer
Published: September 2024

Purpose

In this study, we attempt to investigate and examine the correlations among enterprise culture (EC), business ethic rules (BERs) and talented human resource supply chain management (THRSCM) in service SMEs in the Middle East region.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is quantitative in nature and adopts the quantitative-deductive hypothesis testing approach. To do this, a self-administrated survey was used and carried out to reach managers, human resource (HR) staff and workers from various small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the service sector that are listed in the Chambers of the Industries of Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Jordan in the Middle Eastern countries.

Findings

The empirical findings show that THRSCM and the BERs have a strong, positive correlation. Further, it found that there is also a strong and positive correlation between the EC and the BERs. As a result, THRSCM and EC can be extremely important in advancing and implementing BERs in SME service businesses. HR staff members should receive greater attention when implementing the BERs to accomplish the company’s goals and give customers a positive image of their enterprises. The HRM division and the company must be deeply aware of the significance of the BERs in their enterprises.

Practical implications

These findings can give managers, executives and HR staff helpful information to support the creation and upkeep of efficient business ethics rules inside their service SMEs.

Originality/value

Because there is not much study on the relationships between THRSCM, EC and BERs in the Middle East, this article attempts to investigate these relationships and consider them a benchmark for other future studies in ethics. Furthermore, it significantly influences service SMEs in the Middle East region.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/IJSE-10-2023-0763.
Toward precise dense 3D reconstruction of indoor hallway: a confidence-based panoramic LiDAR point cloud fusion approach
Authors: Cheng Hongtai , Han Jiayi
Published: September 2024

Purpose

Indoor hallways are the most common and indispensable part of people’s daily life, commercial and industrial activities. This paper aims to achieve high-precision and dense 3D reconstruction of the narrow and long indoor hallway and proposes a 3D, dense 3D reconstruction, indoor hallway, rotating LiDAR reconstruction system based on rotating LiDAR.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper develops an orthogonal biaxial rotating LiDAR sensing device for low texture and narrow structures in hallways, which can capture panoramic point clouds containing rich features. A discrete interval scanning method is proposed considering the characteristics of the indoor hallway environment and rotating LiDAR. Considering the error model of LiDAR, this paper proposes a confidence-based point cloud fusion method to improve reconstruction accuracy.

Findings

In two different indoor hallway environments, the 3D reconstruction system proposed in this paper can obtain high-precision and dense reconstruction models. Meanwhile, the confidence-based point cloud fusion algorithm has been proven to improve the accuracy of 3D reconstruction.

Originality/value

A 3D reconstruction system was designed to obtain a high-precision and dense indoor hallway environment model. A discrete interval scanning method suitable for rotating LiDAR and hallway environments was proposed. A confidence-based point cloud fusion algorithm was designed to improve the accuracy of LiDAR 3D reconstruction. The entire system showed satisfactory performance in experiments.
Artificial intelligence in tourism: insights and future research agenda
Authors: Tuo Yanzheng , Wu Jiankai , Zhao Jingke , Si Xuyang
Published: September 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to systematically review the application of artificial intelligence (AI) in the tourism industry. By integrating human–computer interaction, machine learning, big data and other relevant technologies, the study establishes a comprehensive research framework that explores the systematic connections between AI and various facets of tourism.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper conducts a keyword co-occurrence analysis of 4,048 articles related to AI in tourism. The analysis identifies and classifies dominant topics, which are further refined through thematic literature review and manual coding for detailed discussion.

Findings

The analysis reveals five main topics: AI’s impact on tourist experience, AI in tourism marketing and prediction, AI in destination management, AI’s role in tourism enterprises and AI integration in strategic and regulatory framework. Each topic is reviewed to construct an integrated discussion that maps the current landscape and suggests directions for future research.

Originality/value

This paper transcends the fragmented discourse commonly found in the literature by establishing a unified framework that not only enhances understanding of the existing methodologies, theories and applications of AI in tourism but also identifies critical areas for breakthroughs, aiming to inspire a more humane and sustainable integration of AI in the tourism industry.
Social engagement is associated with sedentary time in older males but not females living in India: analysis of a cross-sectional survey
Authors: Dogra Shilpa , Adlakha Deepti
Published: September 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to describe the association between sedentary time and social engagement among older adults living in megacities in India.

Design/methodology/approach

Data from a cross-sectional survey conducted in New Delhi and Chennai were used for analysis. In the total sample (n = 528), 65% of older adults self-reported engaging in high (≥180 min/day) volumes of sedentary time. There were no associations between sedentary time and social engagement in older females.

Findings

Among older males, those reporting high levels of communicating or visiting with family and friends had lower odds of reporting ≥ 180 min/day of sedentary time (OR: 0.51, CI: 0.27–0.98) compared to those reporting low levels of this type of social engagement. Older males reporting high levels of participating in a club (OR: 2.27, CI: 1.19–4.3) or participating in religious activities (OR: 1.97, 1.01–3.85) were approximately two times more likely to report ≥ 180 min/day sedentary time compared to those reporting low levels of these types of social engagement.

Originality/value

These data suggest that the type of social activity appears to significantly affect self-reported sedentary time among older males, but not females. These findings have implications for interventions aimed at improving active aging among older adults living in megacities in India.
Digital Financial Inclusion and Diversity of Household Financial Asset Allocation: Evidence From China
Authors: Jiang Tingfeng , Li Wen , Sun Wenjie , Yang Zunhui
Published: September 2024

Using panel data from the China Household Finance Survey (CHFS) and the Digital Financial Inclusion Index (DFII) of Peking University, this paper investigates the impacts of DFI development on household financial asset allocation. The results show that DFI development significantly increases the diversity of household financial assets and enhances the breadth and depth of household participation in the investment of stocks, funds, and internet finance products. These effects remain robust to various tests, including the use of instrumental variables, reconstructing the dependent variable, and adopting different regression models. Specifically, DFI increases household asset diversity through two main channels: improving financial literacy and alleviating liquidity constraints. Additionally, the heterogeneity analyses indicate that the promotive effect of DFI is stronger for households with younger heads, higher risk aversion, and greater income uncertainty or those located in rural areas. This research underscores the importance of digital financial inclusion in fostering a more diverse asset allocation landscape in China, with potential implications for other economies as well..
The beetle's structural protein CPCFC making elytra tough and rigid
Authors: Bao Han , Liu Yuantao , Duan Yanwei , Chen Lei , Yang Qing
Published: September 2024

The insect cuticle, which serves as both a protective barrier and an efficient lever system for locomotion, is an extracellular matrix primarily composed of chitin and protein. The cuticle protein CPCFC characterized by a “CFC” motif containing 2 Cys split by the insertion of 5 residues is distributed across most insect species and specifically localized in the hard part of the cuticle. However, their physiological function is not fully understood. Here, we report 2 CPCFC proteins, TcCPCFC1 and TcCPCFC2, derived from the Coleopteran insect Tribolium castaneum. We revealed that TcCPCFC1 and TcCPCFC2 were predominantly expressed during the larval and adult stages of T. castaneum, respectively. The transcription downregulation of TcCPCFC1 significantly decreased the modulus and toughness of the elytral cuticle. We found that TcCPCFC proteins have high binding affinity to chitin. We cloned and produced recombinant TcCPCFC proteins and demonstrated that the addition of TcCPCFC proteins to chitin hydrogel greatly enhanced the hydrogel's modulus and toughness by forming denser chitin fibrous networks. Our findings reveal the functional role of CPCFC proteins in enhancing mechanical properties of insect cuticle, and we validate this process in vitro, and offer a protein candidate for fabrication of advanced chitin‐based materials.
Exploring best practices for user engagement in peace and conflict research
Authors: Bobo Thomas , Fontana Giuditta , Kemoklidze Nino
Published: September 2024

Peace and conflict scholars often engage in academic‐policy exchanges to both improve the rigour and relevance of their academic research and translate their findings into tangible policy and practical outcomes for peace and conflict resolution efforts. In a first effort of this kind, this paper explores best practices for user engagement in conflict and peace studies at three stages of academic research: identification of research questions, data collection and analysis, and dissemination of research findings. We draw on three strands of research: a review of academic literature on user engagement in conflict and peace studies, inductive thematic analysis of Impact Case Studies submitted to the 2021 UK Research Excellence Framework and experiential reflection on our own work as academics. We aim to provide practical suggestions based on concrete examples, before drawing more general conclusions on what makes for effective involvement of users in peace and conflict research. We find that the impact of specific activities hinges on their timing, format and continuity. We conclude that nurturing sustainable and mutually beneficial networks of partnerships based on mutual trust and open dialogue across professional cultures is key to effective and constructive user engagement in peace and conflict research.
Alcohol habits and alcohol‐related health conditions of self‐defined lifetime abstainers and never binge drinkers
Authors: Ekholm Ola , Bloomfield Kim , Thygesen Lau Caspar
Published: September 2024

Background

Prior research has shown that using lifetime abstainers as the reference group to examine the association between alcohol use and health‐related consequences has several disadvantages. The aim of the present study was to examine the consistency of self‐reported lifetime abstention and never‐binge drinking, respectively, using national, longitudinal data collected in 2019 and 2020. Additionally, the prevalence of alcohol‐related morbidity among lifetime abstainers was examined by linking survey data to alcohol‐related morbidity data in a national patient register.

Methods

Data come from the Danish Health and Wellbeing Survey in 2019 and from a follow‐up survey of the same individuals in 2020. A random sample of 14,000 individuals aged 15 years or older was drawn in mid‐August 2019. Data were collected between September and December 2019. All those who were invited to the survey in 2019 and who were still alive and living in Denmark were invited to participate in a follow‐up survey in 2020. Data in both waves were collected by self‐administered questionnaires. Both questionnaires included the standard questions on alcohol consumption from the European Health Interview Survey model questionnaire. Information on alcohol‐related morbidity was obtained from the Danish National Patient Register.

Results

In all, 5000 individuals completed the questionnaire in both waves. Approximately half (44.4%) of the individuals who declared that they were lifetime abstainers in 2020 (n = 252) had reported in 2019 to have drunk at some point in their life. Moreover, 39.7% contradicted earlier reported binge drinking. Furthermore, 2.4% of the respondents who defined themselves as lifetime abstainers in 2020 had earlier been diagnosed with an alcohol‐related health condition.

Conclusion

The present research reaffirms previous studies which have found self‐reported lifetime abstainers to be unreliable as a consistent reference group. Additionally, the results indicated that a non‐negligible proportion of lifetime abstainers had been diagnosed with an alcohol‐related health condition.
Dapagliflozin prevents reproductive damage caused by acute systemic inflammation through antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, and antiapoptotic mechanisms
Authors: Topsakal Senay , Ozmen Ozlem , Asci Halil , Gulal Abdurrahman , Ozcan Kadriye Nilay , Aydin Bunyamin
Published: September 2024

Dapagliflozin (DPG) is a sodium‐glucose cotransporter‐2 (SGLT2) inhibitor that has been suggested to possess anti‐inflammatory properties in diabetes. The aim of this study is to evaluate the role of DPG administration in preventing lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced damage in the female genital system. Thirty‐two female Wistar Albino rats were randomly allocated into four groups: control group, LPS group, LPS + DPG group and DPG group. At the end of the experimental phase, ovary, fallopian tube and uterus tissues were collected for histopathological, immunohistochemical, genetic and biochemical analyses. The findings showed that LPS caused histopathological changes characterized by marked hyperaemia, mild to moderate haemorrhage, oedema and neutrophil leucocyte infiltrations and degenerative and necrotic changes in the female genital tract. In addition, it decreased total antioxidant status (TAS), increased total oxidant status (TOS) and oxidative stress index (OSI) levels. LPS also increased the expressions of Cas‐3, G‐CSF and IL‐1β in the ovary, fallopian tubes and uterus immunohistochemically. While Claudin‐1 expression decreased, NLRP3 and AQP4 gene expressions increased due to LPS. However, DPG treatment prevented all these changes. The results of this study indicate that, DPG can be used to prevent LPS‐induced lesions in the female reproductive system.
Evaluation of HIV antiretroviral treatment adherence in 2019 using anonymized data from the French national health insurance claims data base: The COCOVIH study
Authors: Prevoteau du Clary F. , Majerholc C. , Zucman D. , Livrozet J.‐M. , Vallee A. , Laurendeau C. , Bouee S.
Published: September 2024

Objective

Adherence to antiretroviral treatment (ART) plays a key role in achieving viral suppression in people living with HIV. We aimed to quantify ART adherence in the entire French HIV‐infected population treated in 2019 and to determine factors of influence.

Methods

People living with HIV were identified using HIV diagnosis according to International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, Tenth Revision criteria, HIV‐specific laboratory tests, and prescription of antiretrovirals in 2019. Adherence was measured using the medication possession ratio (MPR; actual divided by theoretical number of tablets). Variables of interest included sex, age, type of ART, relevant comorbidities, and receiving supplementary universal health coverage for low‐income citizens (CMUc).

Results

Of the n = 211 124 people living with HIV identified between 2006 and 2019, we included n = 140 607 on ART with two or more prescription fills in 2019 in this analysis. In total, 87.5% of people living with HIV were receiving ART in 2019. Mean ± standard deviation MPR was 82.5 ± 22.7%; 57% of people living with HIV had an MPR ≥90%, and 12.7% had an MPR <50%. Those with an MPR ≥90% significantly differed between males and females (59.1% and 52.8%, respectively; p < 0.001), and between CMUc recipients and non recipients (54.1% and 57.6%, respectively; p < 0.001). MPR ≥90% rate was lower for those with chronic nephropathy (50.2%), renal failure (46.6%), and tuberculosis (50.1%), and for those using psychoactive substances (52.3%). Factors associated with MPR ≥90% in multivariable analysis were older age, male sex, not receiving CMUc, more recent HIV diagnosis, and triple (vs. dual) ART.

Conclusion

In 2019, the average MPR in people living with HIV was 82.5% according to the comprehensive French health care database. Besides sociodemographic variables such as older age, male sex, and not being a CMUc recipient (i.e. of low socioeconomic status), more recent HIV diagnosis and triple therapy were independently associated with better adherence, possibly reflecting advances in ART tolerability and dosing.
Phenotype of patients responsive to occipital nerve stimulation for refractory head pain
Authors: Paemeleire K , Van Buyten J-P , Van Buynder M , Alicino D , Van Maele G , Smet I , Goadsby PJ
Published: September 2024

Occipital nerve stimulation (ONS) has been employed off-label for medically refractory head pain. Identification of specific headache diagnoses responding to this modality of treatment is required. Forty-four patients with medically refractory head pain and treated with ONS were invited to participate in a retrospective study including a clinical interview and, if necessary, an indomethacin test to establish the headache phenotype according to the International Classification of Headache Disorders, 2nd edn (ICHD-II). We gathered data from questionnaires before implantation, at 1 month after implantation, and at long-term follow-up. Twenty-six patients consented and were phenotyped. At 1 month follow-up and at long-term follow-up a significant decrease in all pain parameters was noted, as well as in analgesic use. Quality of sleep and quality of life improved. Patient satisfaction was generally high as 80% of patients had ≥ 50% pain relief at long-term follow-up. The overall complication rate was low, but revisions were frequent. After phenotyping, two main groups emerged: eight patients had ‘Migraine without aura’ (ICHD-II 1.1) and eight patients ‘Constant pain caused by compression, irritation or distortion of cranial nerves or upper cervical roots by structural lesions’ (ICHD-II 13.12). Overuse of symptomatic acute headache treatments was associated with less favourable long-term outcome in migraine patients. We conclude that careful clinical phenotyping may help in defining subgroups of patients with medically refractory headache that are more likely to respond to ONS. The data suggest medication overuse should be managed appropriately when considering ONS in migraine. A controlled prospective study for ONS in ICHD-II 13.12 is warranted.
Empowering Support for Family Members of Patients With Traumatic Brain Injury During the Acute Care: Insights From Family Members and Nurses
Authors: Lindlöf Julia , Turunen Hannele , Coco Kirsi , Huhtakangas Justiina , Verhaeghe Sofie , Välimäki Tarja
Published: September 2024

Aim

To investigate the perceptions of family members (FMs) of patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) and nurses on empowering support and its implementation during the acute phase within Finnish neurosurgical and neurological care in hospital settings, focusing on identifying similarities and differences in their viewpoints.

Design

Participatory qualitative descriptive study.

Methods

Data were collected from seven FMs and 11 nurses using the World Café method in November 2019. An abductive approach was employed for data analysis, combining deductive interpretation within the conceptual framework of empowering support and inductive content analysis.

Results

Four main themes were identified: (1) FMs' diverse information and guidance needs of TBI, treatment and its impact on family life, (2) support based on empowering FMs in participation, competence and decision‐making, (3) empowering FMs through collaborative nursing practices and interprofessional support, and (4) internal and external hospital support enhancing and promoting the empowerment of FMs.

Conclusion

The perceptions of FMs and nurses regarding empowering support were largely consistent, yet diverged in its implementation in nursing practice. Nurses play a crucial role in fostering the empowerment of FMs; however, further research is needed to explore the impact of organisational and community factors on the implementation of empowering support.

Impact

Our study contributes to advancing nursing practices by underscoring the necessity for a paradigm shift towards a family‐centred approach. Furthermore, it emphasises the urgency for standardising nursing practices to ensure equitable access to empowering support for FMs, applicable across various care settings for patients with TBI.

Public Contribution

This review is part of a larger research project in which FMs of patients with TBI and nurses were involved in designing the project.

Reporting Method

This study was reported using the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Checklist for qualitative studies.
Episode‐level and clinical characterization of asymptomatic atrial fibrillation events
Authors: Ahluwalia Nikhil , Majumder Shubha , Koehler Jodi , Landman Sean , Sarkar Shantanu , Schilling Richard J.
Published: September 2024

Introduction

Not all patients experience debilitating symptoms during Atrial Fibrillation (AF), some are asymptomatic. The reasons for this inter‐ and intrasubject variability is unknown.

Purpose

The study objective was NOAH characterize episode‐level and clinical characteristics associated with symptomatic versus asymptomatic episodes of AF in patients with an implantable cardiac monitor (ICM).

Methods

Patients with an AF episode detected on an ICM between 2007 and 2021 with overlapping clinical data from aggregated Electronic Health Records in the Optum® deidentified data set were included. Symptomatic episodes were labeled in real‐time by the patient. Heart rate (HR) at onset, mean HR, AF Evidence Score (a measure of beat‐to‐beat irregularity), episode duration and Activity Index were evaluated for association with symptom status using multivariable regression modeling.

Results

11 267 patients had AF episodes with clinical data available. The 1776 (15.8%) patients who reported symptomatic AF episodes were younger (67 ± 12 years vs. 71 ± 11 years old, p < .001) and had fewer cardiovascular co‐morbidities than patients with asymptomatic AF exclusively. Symptomatic episodes were longer (5.5 [2.4, 14.4] h vs. 3.7 [1.7, 11] h, p < .001), had higher mean HR (103 ± 22 bpm vs. 88 ± 22 bpm, p < .001) and higher AF evidence scores (98 ± 27 vs. 82 ± 24, p < .001). These features were independently associated with symptomatic episodes on multivariable regression analysis and per‐subject analysis in patients who had both symptomatic and asymptomatic episodes.

Discussion

Episode‐level characteristics differed between symptomatic AF episodes versus asymptomatic episodes in patients with ICMs. Symptomatic patients also had less comorbidities. These parameters may be useful in understanding variable symptomatic manifestation and remote stratification of AF episodes.