bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Changes in energy content of menu items at out-of-home food outlets in England after calorie labelling policy implementation: a pre-post analysis (2021-2022)
Authors: Essman Michael , Burgoine Thomas , Huang Yuru , Jones Andrew , Polden Megan , Robinson Eric , Sharp Stephen J. , Smith Richard , White Martin , Adams Jean
Published: August 2024

Importance

Eating from out-of-home food outlets (OHFO) is common and linked to poor dietary quality, weight gain, and obesity. In response, England implemented mandatory calorie labelling regulations in April 2022 to encourage reformulation and reduce calorie consumption. Few studies have examined the impact of a national calorie labelling policy on OHFO menus.

Objective

Examine pre-post changes in energy content of menu items from large OHFO in England after mandatory calorie labelling.

Design, Setting, and Participants

Observational study using data from MenuTracker, a longitudinal database of online menus. Data were collected in September 2021 (pre-policy) and September 2022 (post-policy) from large OHFO in England. 15,057 pre-policy and 15,988 post-policy menu items were included from 78 large OHFO chains present in both periods.

Intervention

Implementation of mandatory calorie labelling on menus of large OHFOs in England.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Mean energy content (kcal) of menu items, examined overall and by food group and chain type. Changes in energy content for removed, continuous, and new items to assess reformulation.

Results

Overall, a reduction of 9 kcal (95% CI: −16 to −1) in mean energy content was observed post-policy. Significant reductions per item in beverages (−36 kcal), burgers (−103 kcal), and mains (−30 kcal). By chain type, significant reductions per item in pubs, bars, and inns (−52 kcal), restaurants (−23 kcal), and entertainment venues (−49 kcal). Changes driven by removal of higher kcal items (458 kcal, 95% CI: 394 to 523) and addition of lower kcal items (434 kcal, 95% CI: 370 to 499). No significant change in energy content for continuously available items, indicating limited evidence of reformulation.

Conclusions and Relevance

The 2022 mandatory calorie labelling policy in England led to a small reduction in mean energy content of menu items, driven by removal of higher calorie items and addition of lower calorie items. Elsewhere, we did not find evidence of changes in kcal purchased or consumed, suggesting these menu changes did not focus on the most commonly consumed items. Further research is needed to evaluate longer-term menu changes and additional strategies to enhance policy impact on consumer behavior and public health.
Phenomenology of the flavor symmetric scoto-seesaw model with dark matter and
TM1
mixing
Authors: Ganguly Joy , Gluza Janusz , Karmakar Biswajit , Mahapatra Satyabrata
Published: August 2024

We propose a hybrid scoto-seesaw model based on the A4×Z4×Z3×Z2 non-Abelian discrete flavor symmetry. Light neutrino masses come from the tree-level type-I seesaw mechanism, and from the one-loop scotogenic contribution accommodating viable dark matter candidates responsible for the observed relic abundance of dark matter (DM). These contributions restore the atmospheric and solar neutrino mass scales, respectively. With only one right-handed neutrino, the model features specific predictions with the normal ordering of light neutrino masses, the lightest neutrino being massless, and only one relevant CP Majorana phase. Further, an experimentally favorable TM1 mixing scheme is realized with concrete correlations and constraints on the mixing angles and associated CP phases. The model predicts the atmospheric mixing angle to be in the upper octant with specific ranges 0.531(0.580)≤sin2θ23≤0.544(0.595), and the Dirac CP phase is restricted within the range ±(1.44–1.12)  rad. The Majorana phase is also tightly constrained, with the ranges 0.82–0.95 and 1.58–1.67 rad, which are otherwise unconstrained from neutrino oscillations. Strict predictions on the Majorana phases also yield an accurate prediction for the effective mass parameter for neutrinoless double beta within the range of 1.61–3.85 meV. The model offers a rich phenomenology regarding DM relic density and direct-search constraints, and the fermionic DM scenario has been discussed in detail, estimating its possible connection with the neutrino sector. As an example of the model studies at colliders, the SM Higgs in the diphoton decay channel is examined. The model predicts strictly vanishing τ→eγ, τ→3e decays and testable signals by MEG-II and SINDRUM/Mu3e experiments for the μ→eγ and μ→3e decays, respectively.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Demonstration of full polarization control of soft X-ray pulses with Apple X undulators at SwissFEL using recoil ion momentum spectroscopy
Authors: Kittel Christoph , Sarracini Antoine , Augustin Sven , Yang Ningchen , Al Haddad Andre , Ferrari Eugenio , Knopp Gregor , Knurr Jonas , Morillo-Candas Ana Sofia , Swiderska Iwona , Prat Eduard , Sammut Nicholas , Schmidt Thomas , Bostedt Christoph , Calvi Marco , Schnorr Kirsten
Published: August 2024

The ability to freely control the polarization of X-rays enables measurement techniques relying on circular or linear dichroism, which have become indispensable tools for characterizing the properties of chiral molecules or magnetic structures. Therefore, the demand for polarization control in X-ray free-electron lasers is increasing to enable polarization-sensitive dynamical studies on ultrafast time scales. The soft X-ray branch Athos of SwissFEL was designed with the aim of providing freely adjustable and arbitrary polarization by building its undulator solely from modules of the novel Apple X type. In this paper, the magnetic model of the linear inclined and circular Apple X polarization schemes are studied. The polarization is characterized by measuring the angular electron emission distributions of helium for various polarizations using cold target recoil ion momentum spectroscopy. The generation of fully linear polarized light of arbitrary angle, as well as elliptical polarizations of varying degree, are demonstrated.
Synthesis, crystal structure and Hirshfeld surface of ethyl 2-[2-(methylsulfanyl)-5-oxo-4,4-diphenyl-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-1-yl]acetate (thiophenytoin derivative)
Authors: El Moutaouakil Ala Allah Abderrazzak , Kariuki Benson M. , Alsubari Abdulsalam , Al-Sulami Ahlam I. , Allehyani Basmah H. , Alsulami Wafa O. , Mague Joel T. , Ramli Youssef
Published: August 2024

The dihydroimidazole ring in the title molecule, C20H20N2O3S, is slightly distorted and the lone pair on the tri-coordinate nitrogen atom is involved in intra-ring π bonding. The methylsulfanyl substituent lies nearly in the plane of the five-membered ring while the ester substituent is rotated well out of that plane. In the crystal, C—H...O hydrogen bonds form inversion dimers, which are connected along the a- and c-axis directions by additional C—H...O hydrogen bonds, forming layers parallel to the ac plane. The major contributors to the Hirshfeld surface are C...H/H...C, O...H/H...O and S...H/H...S contacts at 20.5%, 14.7% and 4.9%, respectively.
Conceptual design and analysis of a box fan-in-split-wing tiltrotor eVTOL aircraft
Authors: Oyama Yukei , Rostami Mohsen , Chung Joon
Published: August 2024

Purpose

With the advancements in electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft technology such as batteries, mechanisms, motors, configurations and so on, designers and engineers are encouraged to create unique and unconventional configurations of eVTOL aircraft to provide better capabilities and higher efficiencies to compete in the market. The box fan-in-split-wing tiltrotor eVTOL aircraft is an innovative design that aims to address the aerodynamic inefficiencies such as propeller effects in cruise and engine mounts drag that existed in traditional eVTOL aircraft designs such as vectored thrust, rotorcraft, lift + cruise and multi-copter configurations. This paper aims to propose a multi-disciplinary design process to conceptually design the box fan-in-split-wing Tiltrotor eVTOL aircraft.

Design/methodology/approach

An unconventional methodology was used to design the UAM aircraft, and the following parameters are considered: capable of vertical take-off and landing, highly aerodynamic with a high lift-to-drag ratio, low Cd0 modern and appealing, rechargeable or battery swappable and feature to minimise or negate propeller drag. A heavy emphasis on improving performance and weight based on aerodynamics was enforced during the conceptual design phase. MAPLA and XFOIL were used to identify the aerodynamic properties of the aircraft.

Findings

Upon determining the key parameters and the mission requirements and objectives, a list of possible VTOL configurations was derived from theoretical and existing designs. The fan in the wing/split wing was selected, as it could stow the propellers. A tiltrotor configuration was selected because of its ability to reduce the total number of lift props/motors, reducing powerplant weight and improving aerodynamic efficiency. For the propulsion configuration, a battery–motor configuration with a hexa-rotor layout was chosen because of its ability to complement the planform of the aircraft, providing redundant motors in case of failure and because of its reliability, efficiency and lack of emissions. Coupled with the fan-in-wing / split wing concept, the box wing seamlessly combines all chosen configurations.

Originality/value

The box fan-in-split-wing Tiltrotor eVTOL aircraft aims to address the aerodynamic inefficiencies of earlier designs such as propeller effects in cruise and engine mounts drag. The potential benefits of this aircraft, such as increased range, endurance and payload capacity, make it an exciting prospect in the field of Urban Air Mobility.
Problematic issues emerging during BIM implementation process in construction organizations
Authors: Kiet Tran Tuan
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Building information modeling (BIM) is a popular technology in modern construction, but its implementation faces numerous difficulties, which are known as problematic issues of BIM implementation (PIBIs). This study aims to identify and analyze PIBIs based on the perceptions of practitioners in Vietnamese BIM-implemented construction contractors and similar BIM adoption-level countries.

Design/methodology/approach

The research is conducted in three stages. After a comprehensive literature review, PIBIs are identified and ranked based on the Delphi method and questionnaire survey. Next, interpretive structural modeling (ISM) is used to provide a hierarchy of system PIBIs. Finally, the driving and dependence power of PIBIs are determined using Fuzzy-Matrice d'Impacts Croisés-Multiplication Appliquée à un Classement (MICMAC) analysis.

Findings

This study evaluates 32 PIBIs for small and medium contractors (SMCs) and 28 PIBIs for large contractors (LCs) in Vietnam. This study also develops a systematic framework for contextual relationships and analyzes the relationships among PIBIs using ISM-Fuzzy MICMAC analysis. The results show that different standards or techniques, modeling software limitations and information management significantly impacted LCs, while a lack of senior leadership support and incompatible software affected SMCs, causing other PIBIs.

Originality/value

This study is among the first attempts to investigate the problematic issues emerging during the BIM implementation process at the organizational level in Vietnam as well as other developing countries. The study results could be considered valuable references for BIM practitioners. Furthermore, this knowledge can enable contractors to avoid problems while adopting BIM, thereby increasing their ability to implement BIM successfully and using critical resources more efficiently.
Media coverage of food safety and expenditures for food away from home: empirical evidence from China’s family panel studies
Authors: Li Tao , Tian Zifang , Wang Yang , Zhang Caiping
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This study explores whether media coverage of Chinese food safety guide consumer behaviour and determines its impact.

Design/methodology/approach

Using data from the China Family Panel Studies, this study implements unsupervised machine learning methods to quantitatively identify themes in news media coverage of food safety across various provinces and regions. Based on these findings, this study examines the impact of coverage of food safety on consumer behaviour related to FAFH.

Findings

We find that media coverage of food safety in the restaurant sector significantly decreases household expenditure on FAFH relative to total expenditure. While negative coverage substantially decreases expenditure on FAFH, non-negative coverage significantly increases it. Reports of food safety incidents outside consumers’ province are negatively correlated with expenditure on FAFH, whereas reports within province significantly increases such spending. Further, the negative impact of media coverage on FAFH spending is less pronounced among higher-income families, households headed by individuals with high educational levels and those with low sensitivity to newspaper information. A robust government information infrastructure also mitigates this negative impact.

Research limitations/implications

The findings have important policy reference value for promoting the healthy development of catering and other life services by improving news reporting and the regulatory system.

Originality/value

This article employs machine learning methods to identify news reports related to food safety in the catering industry quantitatively and incorporates them into the study of household consumption in China. Consequently, this not only fills a gap in the existing literature but also provides a new perspective for interdisciplinary research in economics, sociology and computer science.
Complementary perspectives on knowledge-and market-seeking outward FDI of EMNEs: a review and agenda for future research
Authors: Choi Byungchul , Roh Taewoo , Park Byung Il , Park Jinho
Published: August 2024

Purpose

The foreign direct investment (FDI) motivations of emerging market multinational enterprises (EMNEs) are mainly twofold: acquisition of strategic assets in foreign markets, and foreign market penetration. While prior studies have delivered valuable insights, findings regarding the performance of those two types of FDI remain somewhat inconsistent or inconclusive. This study aims to develop complementary perspectives that can motivate scholars to explore the internal mechanisms of achieving goals for these two FDI types by providing a review of prior literature on EMNEs’ knowledge- and market-seeking FDI.

Design/methodology/approach

Indexed to the EBSCO database and Google Scholar from 2000 to 2020, 73 articles from 13 journals were selected and reviewed to identify the main research future research agendas.

Findings

Our findings show that the purpose of EMNEs’ FDI can be divided into value creation and value capturing, with the former pursuing knowledge-seeking and the latter pursuing market-seeking, according to our study, which draws on insights from innovation-focused literature.

Originality/value

International business (IB) scholars have extensively studied both knowledge-seeking and market-seeking outward FDI of EMNEs for decades. Our study contributes to the literature by providing the potential for integrating IB and innovation studies to extend the scope of EMNEs studies.
How managerial ties support sustainable business model innovation: the role of absorptive capacity and strategic flexibility
Authors: Bashir Makhmoor , Naqshbandi M. Muzamil
Published: August 2024

Purpose

The research on sustainable business model innovation (SBMI) has seen a surge over the years. However, despite the surge, the literature on the antecedents of SBMI is still at a budding stage. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to expand the literature on SBMI by investigating the influence of managerial ties on SBMI.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 200 SMEs in Saudi Arabia to test the conceptual model, which was analysed using structural equation modelling.

Findings

The findings highlighted the significance of managerial ties in promoting SBMI. Furthermore, the findings highlighted that managerial ties might not optimally result in SBMI uncles channelized through absorptive capacity. However, the findings could not confirm the moderating role of strategic flexibility.

Practical implications

The findings from this study have implications for SME owners, recommending that these firms develop managerial ties and absorptive capacities to realize the benefits of SBMI.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is one of the first to highlight the significance of managerial ties in promoting SBMI from an emerging market perspective.
ChatGPT and imaginaries of the future of education: insights of Finnish teacher educators
Authors: Vartiainen Henriikka , Valtonen Teemu , Kahila Juho , Tedre Matti
Published: August 2024

Purpose

In 2022 generative AI took the Internet world by storm. Free access to tools that can generate text and images that pass for human creations triggered fiery debates about the potential uses and misuses of generative AI in education. There has risen a need to check the popular utopian and dystopian narratives about AI against the diversity of hopes, concerns and future imaginaries that educators themselves associate with generative AI. The purpose of this study is to investigate the perspectives of Finnish teacher educators on the use of AI in education.

Design/methodology/approach

This article reports findings from a hands-on workshop in teacher training, where participants learned about how generative AI works, collaboratively explored generative AI and then reflected on its potential and challenges.

Findings

The results reveal nuanced, calm and thoughtful imaginaries rooted in deep understanding of educational policy, evaluation and the sociocultural context of education. The results cover teachers’ views on the impact of AI on learners’ agency, metacognition, self-regulation and more.

Originality/value

This article offers a unique exploration into the perceptions and imaginaries of educators regarding generative AI in specific (instead of “monolithic AI”), moving beyond dystopian views and instead focusing on the potential of AI to align with existing pedagogical practices. The educators contrasted the common techno-deterministic narratives and perceived AI as an avenue to support formative assessment practices and development of metacognition, self-regulation, responsibility and well-being. The novel insights also include the need for AI education that critically incorporates social and ethical viewpoints and fosters visions for a future with culturally, socially and environmentally sustainable AI.
Innovating with heart: family firms' decision to automate with emotional responsibility
Authors: D'Allura Giorgia Maria , Mariasole Bannò , Filippi Emilia
Published: August 2024

Purpose

The paper aims to explore how family involvement influences family firms (FF) decisions to innovate in automation (i.e. artificial intelligence, big data and robotics). Automation implies pronounced emotional significance within the shared societal consciousness, presenting specific intricacies that pose challenges to the strategic decision-making processes of FFs.

Design/methodology/approach

This study draws on the levels of ambivalence described in the literature and the FF archetypes (i.e. enmeshed FFs, balanced FFs and disengaged FFs), which are characterised by a different relationship between the family and the firm. Empirically, this study adopts a qualitative approach, conducting three case studies involving FFs that have registered patents in automation technologies.

Findings

A distinctive pattern emerged among the different FF archetypes in their approach to innovation in automation. Innovation in automation will be limited in enmeshed FFs (based on emotional concerns at the firm level), while it will be supported in balanced FFs (based on a balanced view between emotional concerns at the family level and economic aspects at the firm level) and in disengaged FFs (based on economic considerations at the firm level).

Originality/value

Our research, focussing on the strategic choice of family firms (FFs) to innovate in automation, fills an important gap and investigates an area with relatively scant research despite the current importance of automation. Additionally, we consider the ambivalence that characterises family firms, providing a nuanced understanding of how emotional dynamics within the family-business interface influence strategic decisions.
Banks’ internal governance obligations vis-à-vis money laundering risks emerging from the new technology-enabled means to transfer funds or value (“crypto assets”)
Authors: Minto Andrea
Published: August 2024

Purpose

The new technology-enabled means to transfer funds or value via crypto assets have prompted regulators and supervisors to question the effectiveness of the anti-money laundering (AML) regulatory framework. This paper aims to examine the recent developments of the EU AML legislation – leading up to the 2021 AML package – focusing in particular on the banks’ internal governance obligations.

Design/methodology/approach

The analysis is based on the legal dogmatic methodology and is therefore conducted thanks to a critical exam of the current and upcoming EU policy and legislation, taking into account the relevant literature and case-law.

Findings

The recent regulatory developments, culminating in the AML regulation, are strengthening the causal links between ML risk assessment–ML risk exposure–ML risk management, via internal governance procedures. One of the major AML regulatory strategies to react to the new challenges brought up by crypto assets amounts to a stricter and more demanding AML risk management regime imposed on banks.

Originality/value

The originality of this article lies in the analysis of the causal connection between money laundering risk identification and internal governance obligations. In particular, this article examines how the risk assessment will be shaping the organizational procedures, processes and internal functions necessary to manage the money laundering risks.
E-commerce adoption among entrepreneurial firms in Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Anabila Peter , Kumi Desmond Kwadjo , Ameyibor Leeford Edem Kojo , Allan Michael Mba
Published: August 2024

Purpose

The study investigates the role of e-commerce adoption on Ghana’s small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) business performance.

Design/methodology/approach

A sample of 309 owner-managers of entrepreneurial SMEs was employed using LISREL to determine the nature of the underlying relationships among the study constructs.

Findings

The findings show that adopting e-commerce significantly improves SMEs' performance. The study also found that trust effectively mediates the relationship between e-commerce adoption and SME business performance. Finally, the study found that firm agility moderates the relationship between e-commerce adoption and business performance.

Practical implications

The study recommends SMEs in Ghana seeking to grow their businesses capitalize on e-commerce capabilities to enhance their business performances while ensuring trusting relationships, especially in the delivery of e-commerce services consistently, to improve their contribution to overall business performance.

Originality/value

The findings would help managers of SMEs in Ghana to deliver optimum value in their e-commerce operations to improve their business performances in an uncertain world.
Characterization of stress‐dependent microcrack compliance and orientation distribution in anisotropic crystalline rocks
Authors: Sayers Colin M.
Published: August 2024

Crystalline rocks in the subsurface are of interest for geothermal energy extraction, nuclear waste storage, and, when weathered or fractured, as aquifers. Compliant discontinuities such as microcracks, cracks and fractures may nucleate and propagate due to changes in pore pressure, stress and temperature. These discontinuities may provide flow pathways for fluids and, if fracturing extends to surrounding rocks, may allow escape of fluids to neighbouring formations. Monitoring such rocks using sonic logs, passive seismic, borehole seismic and surface seismic requires understanding of the propagation of elastic waves in the presence of such discontinuities. These may have an anisotropic orientation distribution as in situ stress may be anisotropic. As crystalline rock may display intrinsic anisotropy due to foliation and the preferential orientation of anisotropic minerals, quantification of the relative importance of intrinsic and microcrack‐induced anisotropy is important. This may be achieved based on the stress sensitivity of elastic wave velocities. A method that allows both the orientation distribution of microcracks and the stress dependence of their normal and shear compliance to be estimated independently of the elastic anisotropy of the background rock is presented. Results are given for anisotropic samples of gneiss from Bukov in the Czech Republic and granite from Grimsel in Switzerland based on the ultrasonic velocity measurements of Aminzadeh et al. The microcrack orientation distribution is approximately transversely isotropic for both samples with a preferred orientation of microcrack normals perpendicular to foliation. This preferred alignment is stronger in the sample of gneiss than in the granite sample, and the normal and shear compliance of the microcracks decreases with increasing compressive stress. This occurs because the contact between opposing faces of the discontinuities grows with increasing compressive stress, and this results in a decrease in elastic anisotropy with increasing compressive stress. At low stress, the ratio of microcrack normal compliance to shear compliance is approximately 0.25 for the granite sample and 0.7 for the sample of gneiss. The normal compliance ZN for both samples decreases faster with increasing compressive stress than the shear compliance ZT, resulting in a decrease in ZN/ZT with increasing compressive stress.
Neuropathic pain has sex‐specific effects on oxycodone‐seeking and non‐drug‐seeking ensemble neurons in the dorsomedial prefrontal cortex of mice
Authors: Sarka Bailey C. , Liu Shuai , Banerjee Anjishnu , Stucky Cheryl L. , Liu Qing‐song , Olsen Christopher M.
Published: August 2024

Approximately 50 million Americans suffer from chronic pain, and nearly a quarter of chronic pain patients have reported misusing opioid prescriptions. Repeated drug seeking is associated with reactivation of an ensemble of neurons sparsely scattered throughout the dorsomedial prefrontal cortex (dmPFC). Prior research has demonstrated that chronic pain increases intrinsic excitability of dmPFC neurons, which may increase the likelihood of reactivation during drug seeking. We tested the hypothesis that chronic pain would increase oxycodone‐seeking behaviour and that the pain state would differentially increase intrinsic excitability in dmPFC drug‐seeking ensemble neurons. TetTag mice self‐administered intravenous oxycodone. After 7 days of forced abstinence, a drug‐seeking session was performed, and the ensemble was tagged. Mice received spared nerve injury (SNI) to induce chronic pain during the period between the first and second seeking session. Following the second seeking session, we performed electrophysiology on individual neurons within the dmPFC to assess intrinsic excitability of the drug‐seeking ensemble and non‐ensemble neurons. SNI had no impact on sucrose seeking or intrinsic excitability of dmPFC neurons from these mice. In females, SNI increased oxycodone seeking and intrinsic excitability of non‐ensemble neurons. In males, SNI had no impact on oxycodone seeking or neuron excitability. Data from females are consistent with clinical reports that chronic pain can promote drug craving and relapse and support the hypothesis that chronic pain itself may lead to neuroadaptations which promote opioid seeking.
Socio‐demographic factors and mental health trajectories in Australian children and primary carers: Implications for policy and intervention using latent class analysis
Authors: Afroz Nahida , Kabir Enamul , Alam Khorshed
Published: August 2024

Children's mental health status (MHS) is frequently influenced by their primary carers (PCs), underscoring the significance of monitoring disparities longitudinally. This research investigated the association between socio‐demographic clusters and mental health trajectories among children and their PCs over time. Data from waves 6‐9c2 of the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children (LSAC) were analyzed using Latent Class Analysis (LCA) to identify four socio‐demographic classes among children aged 10–11 years at wave 6. Multinomial logistic regression and predictive marginal analysis explored associations between classes and mental health outcomes. PCs in Class 4 (disadvantaged and separated families with indigenous children) exhibited higher odds of borderline and abnormal MHS compared to Class 1 (prosperous and stable working families) across all waves. However, while MHS of PCs' impacted children consistently, the association with socio‐demographic classes was significant only in wave 6. Class 4 children had elevated risks of mental illness compared to Class 1, while Class 3, characterized by educated working mothers, had lower risks. Reducing mental health risks entails addressing socio‐economic disparities, supporting stable family structures, and offering tailored interventions like counseling and co‐parenting support. Longitudinal monitoring and culturally sensitive approaches are crucial for promoting mental well‐being across diverse groups.
Editorial: Tracking the course of Wilson's disease
Authors: Moini Maryam , Roberts Eve A.
Published: August 2024

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Burghart et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.18060 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.18203
Evaluation of Efficacy and Safety in First‐Line Treatment Methods for Extensive‐Stage Small Cell Lung Cancer: A Comprehensive Comparative Study of Chemotherapy, Targeted Therapy Combined With Chemotherapy, and Immunotherapy Combined With Chemotherapy
Authors: Zhang Tiantian , Tao Lu , Chen Yufo , Zhang Shanshan , Liu Yang , Li Yumei , Wang Rui
Published: August 2024

Background

Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is a highly aggressive tumor with limited effectiveness in its standard chemotherapy treatment. Targeted antiangiogenic therapy and immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have demonstrated potential as alternative treatments for extensive‐stage SCLC (ES‐SCLC). However, there is insufficient comparative evidence available to determine the optimal first‐line treatment option between ICIs plus chemotherapy and targeted antiangiogenic therapy plus chemotherapy.

Objective

This study is aimed at analyzing clinical data from ES‐SCLC patients treated at the First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College between June 2021 and June 2023. The study compared the efficacy and safety of three first‐line treatment regimens: standard chemotherapy, antiangiogenic therapy combined with chemotherapy, and immune combination therapy.

Methods

Patients who met the inclusion criteria were divided into three groups: chemotherapy, immune combination therapy, and antiangiogenic therapy combined with chemotherapy. The study collected data on clinical characteristics, treatment regimens, and adverse reactions. The analysis included objective response rate (ORR), duration of response (DoR), disease control rate (DCR), progression‐free survival (PFS), and treatment safety.

Results

A total of 101 patients were included in the study, with 49 receiving chemotherapy alone, 19 receiving antiangiogenic therapy, and 33 receiving immune combination therapy. The ORRs were 78.9% for antiangiogenic therapy, 72.7% for immune combination therapy, and 42.9% for chemotherapy alone. The median PFS was 8.0 months for antiangiogenic therapy, 7.8 months for immune combination therapy, and 5.2 months for chemotherapy alone. Both combination therapy groups demonstrated superior efficacy compared to chemotherapy alone.

Conclusion

Targeted combined chemotherapy and immune combination chemotherapy showed superior efficacy as first‐line treatments for ES‐SCLC compared to chemotherapy alone, with manageable adverse reactions.
Functional differences in the mu opioid receptor SNP 118A>G are dependent on receptor splice‐variant and agonist‐specific recruitment of β‐arrestin
Authors: Patrick Casey , Ettah Utibeabasi , Nguyen Vu , Hart Caitlin , Atchley Evan , Mallela Krishna , Scheinman Robert I. , Monte Andrew A.
Published: August 2024

The OPRM1 gene codes for the mu opioid receptor (MOR) and polymorphisms are associated with complex patient clinical responses. The most studied single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in OPRM1 is adenine (A) substituted by guanine (G) at position 118 (118A>G, rs1799971) leading to a substitution of asparagine (Asn) for aspartic acid (Asp) at position 40 in the N terminus of the resulting protein. To date, no structural explanation for the associated clinical responses resulting from the 118A>G polymorphism has been proposed. We utilized computational modeling paired with functional cellular assays to predict unstructured N‐ and C‐terminal regions of MOR‐1. Using molecular docking and post‐docking energy minimizations with morphine, we show that the extracellular substitution of Asn at position 40 alters the cytoplasmic C‐terminal conformation, while leaving the G‐protein binding interface unaffected. A real‐time BRET assay measuring G‐protein and β‐arrestin association with MOR r generated data that tested this prediction. Consistent with this in silico prediction, we show changes in morphine‐mediated β‐arrestin association with receptor variants with little change in morphine‐mediated G‐protein association comparing MOR‐1 wild type (WT) to MOR‐1118A>G. We tested the system with different opioid agonists, the OPRM1 118A>G SNP, and different MOR splice variants (MOR‐1 and MOR‐1O). These results are consistent with the observation that patients with the 118A>G OPRM1 allele respond more readily to fentanyl than to morphine. In conclusion, the 118A>G substitution alters receptor responses to opioids through variable C‐terminal domain movements that are agonist and splice variant dependent.
Using exploratory pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic analyses to predict the probability of flu‐like symptoms in healthy volunteers and patients with chronic hepatitis B treated with the toll‐like receptor 7 agonist ruzotolimod
Authors: Jiang Qiudi , Zhang Yuchen , Duan Dan , Retout Sylvie , Upmanyu Ruchi , Glavini Katerina , Triyatni Miriam , Zhu Yonghong , Grippo Joseph F. , Jin Yuyan
Published: August 2024

Ruzotolimod (Toll‐like receptor 7 (TLR7) agonist, RG7854) is an oral, small molecule immuno‐modulator activating the TLR 7 and is being evaluated in patients with CHB. As with other TLR7 agonists, the study drug‐related adverse events of flu‐like symptoms have been reported in some participants during phase I studies with ruzotolimod. An exploratory analysis of the relationship between pharmacokinetic (PK)/pharmacodynamic (PD) and flu‐like symptoms was performed in participants from two phase I studies including both healthy volunteers and NUC‐suppressed CHB patients who received either single or multiple ascending doses of orally administered ruzotolimod. Linear and logistic regression were used to explore potential relationships between dose, flu‐like symptoms, PK, and PD. Generalized linear regression was performed to predict the probability of flu‐like symptoms of all intensities at different RO7011785 (the active metabolite of the double prodrug ruzotolimod) PK exposure. This analysis showed that single or multiple doses of ruzotolimod at ⩾100 mg, the immune PD (IFN‐α, neopterin, IP‐10, and the transcriptional expression of ISG15, OAS‐1, MX1, and TLR7) responses increase with the RO7011785 PK exposure, which increases linearly with the doses from 3 mg to 170 mg of ruzotolimod. The analysis also showed that the probability of flu‐like symptoms occurrence increases with PD responses (IFN‐α and IP‐10). Dose reduction of ruzotolimod can be an effective way to reduce the magnitude of PD response, thus reducing the probability of study drug‐related flu‐like symptoms occurrence at all intensity in the participants who are highly sensitive to PD activation and intolerant to flu‐like symptoms.
Very‐low‐calorie diet‐based intensive lifestyle intervention for remission of type 2 diabetes: Real‐world experience in a South Asian population
Authors: Dissanayake H. A. , Fernando D. R. , Nilaweera A. I. , Munasinghe T. D. , Kaushalya C. M. A. U. , Pulukkody M. M. , Katulanda P.
Published: August 2024

Aims

Very low‐calorie diet (VLCD) can induce weight loss and diabetes remission (DR) amongst people with obesity and recent‐onset type 2 diabetes (T2D). We aimed to determine the effectiveness and acceptability of VLCD in achieving DR amongst Sri Lankan adults with T2D.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was conducted in a diabetes practice where VLCD‐based Diabetes Remission Programme (VDRP) was offered for adults (>18 years) with T2D for <3 years and body mass index over 25 kg/m2. VLCD (~800 kcal/day, provided with/without diet replacement formula) was offered for 8–12 weeks, followed by gradual food reintroduction and exercise. DR was defined as HbA1c <6.5% at least 3 months after stopping glucose‐lowering medications.

Results

A total of 170 participants who enrolled in the VDRP (mean age 38.4 years [±11.1], men 68%, mean baseline HbA1c 86.9 [±18.1] mmol/mol (10.1 [±2.1]%), median duration of T2D 2 years [IQR 1–2]) and 87 (51%) of them followed the programme (attended at least one follow‐up visit). Amongst the individuals who followed the VDRP, 40.2% achieved DR (35/87), compared with 2.4% (2/83) amongst those who did not follow the VDRP (aHR 9.3, 95% CI 2.2–16.4, p = 0.002). The proportion achieving normoglycaemia (HbA1c < 6.5%) but continued to take glucose‐lowering medication was 20/87 among VDRP followers and 20/85 amongst VDRP non‐followers. The commonest reasons for not following the VDRP were too restrictive dietary quantity (92%) and difficulties in finding recommended food items (67%). Majority (79%) would recommend VDRP to others.

Conclusions

VDRP is effective in achieving T2D remission amongst Sri Lankan adults with recently diagnosed T2D and obesity. Over half of the participants followed the programme and over 75% would recommend it to others, indicating good acceptability.
‘We're taught green is good’: Perspectives on time in range and time in tight range from youth with type 1 diabetes, and parents of youth with type 1 diabetes
Authors: Tanenbaum Molly L. , Pang Erica , Tam Rachel , Bishop Franziska K. , Prahalad Priya , Zaharieva Dessi P. , Addala Ananta , Wong Jessie J. , Naranjo Diana , Hood Korey K. , Maahs David M.
Published: August 2024

Aims

Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems are standard of care for youth with type 1 diabetes with the goal of spending >70% time in range (TIR; 70–180 mg/dL, 3.9–10 mmol/L). We aimed to understand paediatric CGM user experiences with TIR metrics considering recent discussion of shifting to time in tight range (TITR; >50% time between 70 and 140 mg/dL, 3.9 and 7.8 mmol/L).

Methods

Semi‐structured interviews and focus groups with adolescents with type 1 diabetes and parents of youth with type 1 diabetes focused on experiences with TIR goals and reactions to TITR. Groups and interviews were audio‐recorded, transcribed and analysed using content analysis.

Results

Thirty participants (N = 19 parents: age 43.6 ± 5.3 years, 79% female, 47% non‐Hispanic White, 20 ± 5 months since child's diagnosis; N = 11 adolescents: age 15.3 ± 2 years, 55% female, 55% non‐Hispanic White, 16 ± 3 months since diagnosis) attended. Participants had varying levels of understanding of TIR. Some developed personally preferred glucose ranges. Parents often aimed to surpass 70% TIR. Many described feelings of stress and disappointment when they did not meet a TIR goal. Concerns about TITR included increased stress and burden; risk of hypoglycaemia; and family conflict. Some participants said TITR would not change their daily lives; others said it would improve their diabetes management. Families requested care team support and a clear scientific rationale for TITR.

Conclusions

The wealth of CGM data creates frequent opportunities for assessing diabetes management and carries implications for management burden. Input from people with type 1 diabetes and their families will be critical in considering a shift in glycaemic goals and targets.
A philosophy of science approach to the amyloid hypothesis of Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Daly Timothy
Published: August 2024

Disputes about the scientific validity of the amyloid‐β hypothesis of Alzheimer's disease have been held since the early 1990s, with little constructive progress made between opposing sides despite recent therapeutic progress. Here, I argue that philosophy of science can improve the chance of constructive debate by giving researchers technical language to describe and assess scientific progress. To do so, I interpret the amyloid hypothesis using a modified version of the research programme concept from philosopher of science Imre Lakatos. I first outline the amyloid‐β hypothesis and study critiques of its central place in Alzheimer's research. Then, I draw on the complexity of amyloid‐β and Alzheimer's research to discuss the limits of using concepts from popular philosophers of science Karl Popper or Thomas Kuhn, before finally arguing that an adaptation of the research programme concept can foster constructive debates about the science of Alzheimer's and within it. I will argue that the amyloid‐β hypothesis has contributed to significant progress in the Alzheimer's field based on what Lakatos called the “positive heuristic” (motivating the programme to test its predictions) and the “negative heuristic” (protecting the programme from refutation). I consider the amyloid research agenda to be progressive despite the fact that its claims about disease aetiology could be wrong.
Trajectory mapping and future charting of hydrogen energy policy: A systematic review
Authors: Meng Shuhan , Wu Xianhua , Li Hua , Wu You
Published: August 2024

This article conducts a systematic mapping and inductive analysis of existing work related to hydrogen energy policy in the Web of Science Core Collection from 1996 to 7 July 2023. First, based on bibliometrics, the research reveals the publication volume trends, influential contributors (countries, authors, organizations and journals). Second, bibliometric and content analysis were applied to vividly demonstrate the evolution of the research topic, discuss leading research topics, and provide valuable insights into issues that deserving appropriate attention in the future. The unequivocal role of policies in supporting the development of hydrogen energy is undeniable. In the future, the focal point of hydrogen energy policies should be concentrated on stimulating the creation of demand for green hydrogen, necessitating the effective evaluation of policy outcomes and ensuring the safety of hydrogen energy. Furthermore, the application scope of hydrogen energy extends beyond the transportation sector, holding potential for expansion into other high carbon‐emitting domains. With the strengthening of international collaboration in hydrogen energy, considerations of energy justice and fairness are poised to become pivotal factors in cooperation, exerting a profound influence on the attainment of long‐term development and environmental sustainability. These critical research directions will shape the future landscape of hydrogen energy policy and serve as an essential resource for policymakers, researchers, and stakeholders in this domain.
Family reaction to coming out (FRCO): A Spanish adaptation and validation of perceived parental reactions scale
Authors: Nebot‐Garcia Juan E. , Ballester‐Arnal Rafael , Ruiz‐Palomino Estefanía , Fernández‐García Olga , Gil‐Llario María Dolores
Published: August 2024

Family reactions to coming out can affect the mental health of individuals who disclose their sexual orientation or gender identity. Therefore, it is important to have an appropriate tool to assess them. The Perceived Parental Reactions Scale (PPRS) assessed perceived parental reactions to the disclosure of gay, lesbian, or bisexual sexual orientation by their children. We adapted the PPRS so that it can be answered by any individual belonging to a sexual or gender minority, and can be answered regarding any member of the family, not just parents. A total of 2627 individuals from Spain participated in this study, with a mean age of 31.59 (SD = 11.26). Participants completed the adapted PPRS questionnaire, now named the Family Reaction to Coming Out (FRCO). The FRCO assessed family reactions when disclosing their sexual orientation or gender identity. The majority of participants identified as cisgender men (47.5%) or cisgender women (44.9%), and as gay/lesbian (51.9%). A one‐factor model emerged through exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). The FRCO displayed excellent internal consistency and demonstrated good levels of invariance for participants' gender (male vs female vs nonbinary gender), family member's gender (male vs female), and type of family member (parents vs other family member). Supporting convergent validity, the FRCO has shown a positive correlation with fear of family reaction to coming out. These findings support the validity and reliability of the FRCO tool in assessing the reactions of any family member within the Spanish context.
Beauty is political!
Authors: Lage Mariana Luísa da Costa
Published: August 2024

Digital collage produced using the free software Photopea (Online Photo Editor) with free images from the Unsplash website to represent the experience I observed from a study that sought to identify the organizing process in a Black Collective, which articulates embodied political practices. It was Coletivo Encrespa, a social movement that values the use of curly/kinky hair, based in the city of Governador Valadares, in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil.
Factor V haemostatic diathesis impairing thrombin activation, membrane binding and circulating antigen level due to a novel compound heterozygous mutation, Leu1821Ser and Gly2192Cys
Authors: Talbot Kimberley , Song Jina , Perrier John R. , Jackson Shannon , MacGillivray Ross T. A. , Pryzdial Edward L. G.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Congenital factor V (FV) deficiency is a rare clotting disorder affecting ∼1 in 1,000,000, with bleeding severity that ranges broadly for poorly understood reasons.

Aim

To help understand the molecular basis of the observed phenotype in FV deficient patients, the genetics and biochemistry causing a patient's FV deficiency were evaluated.

Methods and Results

A 71‐year‐old female, who had serious life‐long bleeding upon provocation and profound menorrhagia that lead to hysterectomy, was found to have 3% of normal plasma FV antigen with normal electrophoretic mobility. Platelet FV was similarly low, although the banding pattern was less fragmented than normal. Plasma clotting activity was <1% of normal. Familial inheritance and DNA sequence analysis from peripheral blood leukocytes were consistent with novel compound heterozygosity with missense mutations in exon XVII, Leu1821 to Ser (L1821S) and exon XXV, Gly2192 to Cys (G2192C). The respective single‐mutation variants were expressed and purified. Explaining why the antigen level and activity were inequivalent, thrombin activation of recombinant (r) FV/L1821S was impaired, and rFV/G2192C was unable to bind to a procoagulant phospholipid membrane.

Conclusion

These findings are consistent with the observed phenotype, highlighting the importance of understanding FV biochemical function to rationalize clinical bleeding severity when the circulating antigen level is discordant.