bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
India’s solar energy research: performance and social network analysis
Authors: Yaseen Ufaira , Gul Sumeer
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This study aims to measure the research landscape of the solar energy literature published in India during the years 1989–2022, indexed in the Web of Science (WoS) database. The study examines the performance analysis and social network analysis of the literature.

Design/methodology/approach

The literature on solar energy published in India and indexed in the WoS between 1989 and 2022 was retrieved using a string of 13 related and synonymous terms as per the Dewey Decimal Classification Scheme and Sears list of Subject Headings. Excluding all other document types, a total of 16,623 journal articles were retrieved. Quantitative and visualization techniques were applied to analyze the data. VOSViewer was used to map the collaborative patterns among different entities.

Findings

India has published 16,623 journal articles over 33 years, spanning from 1989 to 2022, with an average annual growth rate of 19.64 and a compound annual growth rate of 16.06. The Department of Science and Technology emerges as the prominent funding agency, while Indian Institute of Delhi (IIT Delhi) is the most productive institute. More than 125 countries collaborate with India in the field, with the USA being the topmost collaborator. Prof. Bhim Singh from IIT Delhi is the most prolific author, while Solar Energy published from the United Kingdom by Elsevier is the most preferred journal.

Research limitations/implications

The study is limited to the WoS’s Core Collection database. Hence, the results cannot be generalized across other databases.

Practical implications

The results of the study will be of extreme importance to the Indian scientific community, policymakers and policy planners, as it may help them in the reorientation of future research directions and the judicious allocation of resources.

Originality/value

The study demonstrates the essentiality of the field by tracking the research progress in the field over time and the importance of collaboration. The study is a valuable tool for identifying trends and assessing the impact of the research.
Retail investor activism and corporate environmental investments: evidence from green attention
Authors: Li Xiaofei , Li Weian , Xu Jian , Wang Lixiang
Published: July 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the role of retail investors’ green attention in promoting corporate environmental investments (EIs) using a communication sample on “Hudongyi” from 2011 to 2022.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, Python is used to capture data and text analysis techniques to obtain green attention information. In the word-matching process, words are matched in the target document one by one based on the preset dictionary and vocabulary rules. In addition to employing fixed effects, this study also incorporates instrumental variables using two-stage least squares (2SLS) estimation and applies the Heckman two-step method to verify the regression results.

Findings

First, this paper empirically examines the positive influence of retail investors’ green attention on EIs. Second, the findings show that retail investors’ green attention promotes EIs through decreasing principal-agent costs and principal-principal costs. Third, the results show that retail investor’s supervision effect is strengthened under the following three circumstances: executives with stronger green conception, corporations with less information asymmetry and areas with higher level of investor protection.

Practical implications

Our findings broaden the scope of prior research by exploring the impact of retail investor activism on nonfinancial outcomes, contributing to understanding the “black box” of how investor attention fosters EIs. Moreover, by leveraging the power of technology, retail investors have evolved from being the “silent majority” to being actively engaged. The internet has empowered retail investors by providing them with access to information and enabling them to exercise “voice” rights by appealing companies to engage in pro-environmental activities. Our study can provide useful suggestions for the green development of listed companies in China, as well as in other emerging countries.

Originality/value

Unlike other studies that focus on the deterrent effect and corporate financial outcomes of retail investors, we focus on the supervisory effect of retail investors and verify its role in driving EIs. This fills the knowledge gap in prior studies and contributes new insights to explain EIs and extends the understanding of retail investor activism.
Brazilian entrepreneurs’ tax morale from an institutional perspective: evidence from the telecommunications sector
Authors: Lima Ricardo , Cunha Victoria Barboza de Castro , Nascimento Thiago Cavalcante
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This research aims to describe the factors influencing the tax morale of entrepreneurs in the Brazilian telecommunications industry.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors surveyed a sample of 167 entrepreneurs from the sector using structured online self-assessment questionnaires analyzed quantitatively through the partial least squares structural equation modeling technique.

Findings

The results indicate that risk of detection, severity of punishments and tax justice represent determining factors for the tax morale of entrepreneurs, though their age also contributes to explaining tax behavior, proving to be a significant control variable. These findings presuppose a predominance of institutional pressures from the regulatory and normative pillars on this group, in contrast to evidence from previous studies dealing with tax morale among ordinary citizens.

Originality/value

The theoretical implications are fourfold. The authors address a gap in the study of tax morale at the organizational level, integrate the entrepreneurship literature in specific sectors with tax policies through neo-institutional theory, support changes in the tax legislation of an emerging economy with widespread biases of corruption and add more diversity to the perceived legitimacy of its current tax system. Practical recommendations include the creation of public policies particularly targeted at younger entrepreneurs predominant in this sector to build a regulatory framework that incorporates both tax justice and severity of punishments to foster trust between taxpayers and tax authorities; using the institutional legitimacy mechanism to elicit a more isonomic performance of the tax authorities; and reevaluating the risk of detection strategies.
Artificial intelligence (AI) and strategic planning process within VUCA environments: a research agenda and guidelines
Authors: Biloslavo Roberto , Edgar David , Aydin Erhan , Bulut Cagri
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This study demonstrates how artificial intelligence (AI) shapes the strategic planning process in volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous (VUCA) business environments. Having adopted various domains of the Cynefin framework, the research explores AI's transformative potential and provide insights regarding how organisations can harness AI-driven solutions for strategic planning.

Design/methodology/approach

This conceptual paper theorises the role of AI in strategic planning process in a VUCA world by integrating extant knowledge across multiple literature streams. The “model paper” approach was adopted to provide a theoretical framework predicting relationships among considered concepts.

Findings

The paper highlights potential application of the Cynefin framework to manage complexities in strategic decision-making process, the transformative impact of AI at different stages of strategic planning, the required strategic planning characteristics within VUCA to be supported by AI and the attendant challenges posed by AI integration in the uncertain business landscape.

Originality/value

This study pioneers a theoretical exploration of AI's role in strategic planning within the VUCA business landscape, guided by the Cynefin framework. Thus, it enriches scholarly discourse and expands knowledge frontiers.
Accessible tourism: using technology to increase social equality for people with disabilities
Authors: Domínguez Vila Trinidad , Rubio-Escuderos Lucía , Alén González Elisa
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Information and communication technologies are being increasingly used across various sectors including the tourism industry. However, equitable access to online information remains a significant challenge, especially for people with disabilities (PwD). There is a pressing need for research into the accessibility of the internet to promote social equality. This study aims to identify patterns in both the technical accessibility and the content information related to accessibility and disability that is available on the official websites of leading global tourist destinations.

Design/methodology/approach

A cluster analysis assessed the technical accessibility of the websites, while a principal component analysis evaluated the content information concerning accessibility and disability.

Findings

There has been a substantial improvement in the technical accessibility of tourism websites over that described in earlier studies. There have been no advances in content information on accessibility and disability, which continues to be very heterogeneous and dispersed.

Originality/value

This evaluation of the technical accessibility and content related to accessibility and disability on tourism websites provides a basis for developing strategies to eliminate barriers that PwD encounter in accessing tourism information. To augment the efficacy of big data inputs, it is imperative to homogenise variables associated with technical access and content information on accessibility. Such standardisation will improve the functionality of algorithms critical to the Internet of Things and artificial intelligence technologies. These enhancements are likely to spur innovations that bridge the inequality gap and promote environments where technology serves as a cornerstone of social inclusion and equality.
Current paradigms and future challenges in harnessing gut bacterial symbionts of insects for biodegradation of plastic wastes
Authors: Dar Mudasir A. , Xie Rongrong , Zabed Hossain M. , Pawar Kiran D. , Dhole Neeraja P. , Sun Jianzhong
Published: July 2024

The ubiquitous incorporation of plastics into daily life, coupled with inefficient recycling practices, has resulted in the accumulation of millions of metric tons of plastic waste, that poses a serious threat to the Earth's sustainability. Plastic pollution, a global problem, disrupts the ecological balance and endangers various life forms. Efforts to combat plastic pollution are underway, with a promising avenue being biological degradation facilitated by certain insects and their symbiotic gut microorganisms, particularly bacteria. This review consolidates existing knowledge on plastic degradation by insects and their influence on gut microbiota. Additionally, it delves into the potential mechanisms employed by insects in symbiosis with gut bacteria, exploring the bioconversion of waste plastics into value‐added biodegradable polymers through mineralization. These insights hold significant promise for the bio‐upcycling of plastic waste, opening new horizons for future biomanufacturing of high‐value chemicals from plastic‐derived compounds. Finally, we weigh the pros and cons of future research endeavors related to the bioprospection of plastic‐degrading bacteria from underexplored insect species. We also underscore the importance of bioengineering depolymerases with novel characteristics, aiming for their application in the remediation and valorization of waste plastics.
Rural community‐centred co‐planning for sustainable rural health systems
Authors: Hyett Nerida , Hutchinson Mandy , Doyle Donna , Adem Trevor , Coghill Dallas , Harvey Pamela , Lees Catherine , O'Sullivan Belinda
Published: July 2024

Objective

Sustaining rural healthcare services is challenging because of numerous systemic factors. Rural communities can inform the design of sustainable rural health models; however, further evidence of effective co‐design is needed to guide implementation. The study aim was to co‐design a series of place‐based and evidence‐informed rural health models, to improve local health system sustainability.

Setting

A rural region (categorised as Modified Monash Model 5) defined by three adjoining Shires in Central and Northwest Victoria, Australia.

Participants

A health executive co‐planning network led the co‐design, with input and oversight from a broader cross‐sector group. Healthcare professionals (n = 44) and consumers and carers (n = 21) participated in interviews, and an online survey was completed by healthcare professionals (n = 11) and consumers and carers (n = 7) to provide feedback on the preliminary results.

Design

Community‐based participatory action research was applied incorporating co‐design methods and systems thinking. Data were collected through qualitative interviews followed by an online feedback survey. Mixed method data analysis (QUAL‐quant) was conducted with qualitative directed content analysis of interview transcripts and quantitative descriptive analyses of survey responses to aid prioritisation.

Results

Healthcare priorities, strengths and challenges, and proposed rural health models are described. A rural health system sustainability strategy was developed with three integrated pillars: 1. Workforce strengthening, 2. Integrated health services and 3. Innovative models of care.

Conclusion

Community‐centred co‐design with rural health stakeholders was effective for generating locally tailored ideas and potential health models that emulate community strengths and resources, and provide a foundation for further planning, implementation and evaluation.
Natural selection drives emergent genetic homogeneity in a century-scale experiment with barley
Authors: Landis Jacob B. , Guercio Angelica M. , Brown Keely E. , Fiscus Christopher J. , Morrell Peter L. , Koenig Daniel
Published: July 2024

Direct observation is central to our understanding of adaptation, but evolution is rarely documented in a large, multicellular organism for more than a few generations. In this study, we observed evolution across a century-scale competition experiment, barley composite cross II (CCII). CCII was founded in 1929 in Davis, California, with thousands of genotypes, but we found that natural selection has massively reduced genetic diversity, leading to a single lineage constituting most of the population by generation 50. Selection favored alleles originating from climates similar to that of Davis and targeted loci contributing to reproductive development, including the barley diversification loci
Vrs1
,
HvCEN
,
Ppd-H1
, and
Vrn-H2
. Our findings point to selection as the predominant force shaping genomic variation in one of the world’s oldest biological experiments.
Resetting tropospheric OH and CH
4
lifetime with ultraviolet H
2
O absorption
Authors: Prather Michael J. , Zhu Lei
Published: July 2024

The decay of methyl chloroform, a banned ozone-depleting substance, has provided a clear observational metric of mean tropospheric hydroxyl radical (OH) abundance. Almost all current global chemistry models calculate about 15% too much OH and thus too rapid methane loss. Methane is a short-lived climate forcer, critical to achieving global warming targets, and this error affects our model projections of climate change. New observations of water vapor absorption in the ultraviolet region (290 to 350 nanometers) imply reductions in sunlight with key photolysis rates decreasing by 8 to 12% in the near-surface tropical atmosphere. Incorporation of this new mechanism in a chemistry-transport model reduces OH and methane loss by only 4%, but combined with other proposed mechanisms, such as tropospheric halogen chemistry (7%), we may be able to resolve this conundrum.
Enhancing physical activity and augmenting upper limb function in sedentary stroke survivors: the transformative impact of chair transitions
Authors: Hasegawa Aya , Yamaga Takayoshi , Nakanishi Kousuke
Published: July 2024

In post-stroke individuals with walking difficulties, prolonged sitting can lead to increased mortality. Interventions targeting increased physical activity for these individuals are limited. Consequently, many such stroke survivors become reliant on wheelchairs, leading to prolonged inactivity. This report highlights a case where a chronic stroke patient, with walking challenges, was transitioned from a wheelchair to regular chair sitting by nursing staff in a facility lacking specialised rehabilitation professionals. This simple act of transitioning from a wheelchair to a chair during daily routines led to improvements in the patient’s physical activity and upper limb functionality and reduced the need for help during meals.
Trends in CVD Risk Factors for Youth with Incident Diabetes: SEARCH for Diabetes in Youth
Authors: Bell Ronny A. , Rigdon Joseph , Bellatorre Anna , Dabelea Dana , D’Agostino Ralph , Divers Jasmin , Dolan Lawrence M. , Jensen Elizabeth , Liese Angela D. , Lustigova Eva , Marcovina Santica M. , Merjaneh Lina , Pettitt David J. , Pihoker Catherine , Shah Amy S. , South Andrew M. , Wagenknecht Lynne E.
Published: July 2024

Objectives. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death and disability among persons with diabetes. Early intervention on cardiovascular risk factors (CRFs) is important in reducing CVD burden. The SEARCH for Diabetes in Youth study assessed CRFs in incident cohorts of youth aged <20 years established from 2002 to 2016. Research Design and Methods. Regression models assessed trends over each incident year for lipids (total cholesterol (TC), HDL‐c, LDL‐c, triglycerides (TG), VLDL‐c, and non‐HDL‐c), kidney function (albumin/creatinine ratio (ACR) ≥30 and ≥300, cystatin C, serum creatinine and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR)), systolic and diastolic blood pressure (BP) z‐scores, BMI z‐score, waist circumference (WC), and an inflammatory marker (C‐reactive protein (CRP)). Models were stratified by diabetes type (type 1 diabetes (T1D), N = 4,600; type 2 diabetes (T2D), N = 932) and adjusted for age at diagnosis, sex, race/ethnicity, and diabetes duration. An interaction analysis assessed differential time trends by type. Results. For youth with T1D, all CRFs significantly improved over time, with the exception of ACR > 300, cystatin C, serum creatinine, eGFR, and CRP. For youth with T2D, TC, LDL‐c, and non‐HDL‐c significantly improved, while eGFR, BMI z‐score, and CRP significantly worsened. Significant differences in trends over time by type were seen for TC, HDL‐c, BMI z‐score, BP z‐scores, WC, and CRP. Conclusions. Overall, improvements in CRFs were more often observed in youth with T1D. Youth with T2D had worsening trends over time in BMI z‐score, CRP, and kidney function. Further research is needed to better understand these trends and their implications for long‐term CVD risk.
A Finite‐Time Fractional‐Order Error Extended State Observer for Hypersonic Vehicle
Authors: Zhao Mingfei , Song Jia , Hu Yunlong , Li Wenling
Published: July 2024

To address the challenges posed by strong coupling, nonlinearity, and rapid time‐varying dynamics in hypersonic vehicle (HV), this study presents an active disturbance rejection control (ADRC) scheme based on finite‐time fractional‐order error extended state observer (FTFOEESO). To begin, a control‐oriented HV model is established. Subsequently, the FTFOEESO is developed to accurately estimate and compensate for strong disturbances and uncertainties. Unlike traditional FOESO, this observer does not alter the physical interpretation of the estimated variables or introduce unknown disturbances. Furthermore, this approach has demonstrated significant potential in mitigating high‐frequency noise. Theoretical analysis has confirmed that the observation error of FTFOEESO is uniformly bounded. Finally, this paper conducts experiments using both conventional simulation and semiphysical simulation systems. Simulation studies and comparisons have revealed that the ADRC based on FTFOEESO possesses superior anti‐interference and antinoise capabilities.
Supplementary Table from PTP4A2 Promotes Glioblastoma Progression and Macrophage Polarization under Microenvironmental Pressure
Authors: Chouleur Tiffanie , Emanuelli Andrea , Souleyreau Wilfried , Derieppe Marie-Alix , Leboucq Téo , Hardy Serge , Mathivet Thomas , Tremblay Michel L. , Bikfalvi Andreas
Published: July 2024

Supplemental Table
Supplementary Figure 8 from PTP4A2 Promotes Glioblastoma Progression and Macrophage Polarization under Microenvironmental Pressure
Authors: Chouleur Tiffanie , Emanuelli Andrea , Souleyreau Wilfried , Derieppe Marie-Alix , Leboucq Téo , Hardy Serge , Mathivet Thomas , Tremblay Michel L. , Bikfalvi Andreas
Published: July 2024

Proportion of neutrophils in CD45+ cells in P3 xenografts
Supplementary Figure 4 from PTP4A2 Promotes Glioblastoma Progression and Macrophage Polarization under Microenvironmental Pressure
Authors: Chouleur Tiffanie , Emanuelli Andrea , Souleyreau Wilfried , Derieppe Marie-Alix , Leboucq Téo , Hardy Serge , Mathivet Thomas , Tremblay Michel L. , Bikfalvi Andreas
Published: July 2024

Immunostainings of Cd45 and GFP labeling of leukocytes and tumor cells respectively
Transforming Education for Digital Age
Authors: Kingston Carol Linda , Cutillas Anesito L , Domingo Marinelle S
Published: July 2024

In today's rapidly evolving educational landscape, the integration of technology has become a funda- mental and transformative aspect of teaching and learning. This abstract provides an overview of the key themes and considerations surrounding the integration of technology in education, highlighting its impact on pedagogy, student engagement, and the learning environment. The adoption of technology in education offers numerous advantages, including enhanced accessibility, personalized learning experiences, and improved communication. This abstract explores the various ways in which technology can be effectively integrated into teaching and learning, from interactive digital resources and online collaboration platforms to adaptive learning systems and virtual reality applications. Furthermore, this abstract discusses the challenges and concerns associated with technology integra- tion, such as the digital divide, privacy and security issues, and the need for professional development for ed- ucators. It emphasizes the importance of a well-balanced and thoughtful approach to technology integration, considering the unique needs and circumstances of both students and teachers. The abstract also touches upon the evolving role of educators as facilitators of technology-mediated learning, highlighting the shift from tra- ditional teacher-centered approaches to more student-centered and collaborative models. Additionally, it dis- cusses the importance of digital literacy and responsible technology usage in preparing students for the de- mands of the 21st-century workforce. Overall, this abstract provides a concise overview of the multifaceted relationship between technology and education, emphasizing the potential for innovation, increased engagement, and improved learning out- comes, while acknowledging the importance of addressing challenges and ensuring equitable access to tech- nology-enhanced learning experiences. It serves as an introductory guide to the complex and dynamic land- scape of integrating technology in the field of teaching and learning.
AI and Creativity The Intersection of Art and Technology
Authors: Maravilla Wes Harven , Malang Bernandino P , Anoop M , Nithya B
Published: July 2024

This book chapter explores the interaction of artificial intelligence (AI) and art, with a particular emphasis on the ethical issues that emerge within this dynamic subject. As AI technologies enter the creative sphere, problems about authorship, agency, prejudice, and societal impact grow more pressing. This chapter navigates the complicated terrain of AI-generated art by thoroughly exploring several ethical frameworks and case studies, tackling ethical quandaries such as cultural appropriation, data privacy, and creativity commodification. This chapter seeks to educate practitioners, scholars, and policymakers by critically examining the ethical implications of AI in art, fostering a nuanced understanding of the ethical landscape surrounding artificial intelligent art and advocating for responsible innovation in this burgeoning field.
FAIR Enough: Develop and Assess a FAIR-Compliant Dataset for Large Language Model Training?
Authors: Raza Shaina , Ghuge Shardul , Ding Chen , Dolatabadi Elham , Pandya Deval
Published: July 2024

The rapid evolution of Large Language Models (LLMs) highlights the necessity for ethical considerations and data integrity in AI development, particularly emphasizing the role of FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) data principles. While these principles are crucial for ethical data stewardship, their specific application in the context of LLM training data remains an under-explored area. This research gap is the focus of our study, which begins with an examination of existing literature to underline the importance of FAIR principles in managing data for LLM training. Building upon this, we propose a novel frame-work designed to integrate FAIR principles into the LLM development lifecycle. A contribution of our work is the development of a comprehensive checklist intended to guide researchers and developers in applying FAIR data principles consistently across the model development process. The utility and effectiveness of our frame-work are validated through a case study on creating a FAIR-compliant dataset aimed at detecting and mitigating biases in LLMs. We present this framework to the community as a tool to foster the creation of technologically advanced, ethically grounded, and socially responsible AI models.
The subgenus Astomyrme Schwartz, 1984 in the Iberian Peninsula: associating Physetopoda pusilla (Klug in Waltl, 1835) with Smicromyrme suberratus Invrea, 1957, and description of the hitherto unknown female of S. matritentis (Mercet, 1905) (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae)
Authors: MATIAS RAFAEL
Published: July 2024

The sexually dimorphic mutillid wasps (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) are generally poorly known insects; in the Iberian Peninsula several common and widespread species are known from only one sex, for which sex-associations still need to be established. Such is the case with Smicromyrme (Astomyrme) suberratus Invrea, 1957, known only from males, and Physetopoda pusilla (Klug in Waltl, 1835), known from females. In this paper, making use of conclusive sex-association experiments and other elements, S. suberratus and P. pusilla are discovered to be opposite sexes of the same species, nearly 200 years after the female holotype was collected; female (including holotype) and male are redescribed, complemented with an illustrated account of their intraspecific variation. New combination and new synonymy are proposed for Smicromyrme (Astomyrme) pusillus (Klug in Waltl, 1835), comb. nov. (=Mutilla subcomata Radoszkowski, 1888, syn. nov. and =Smicromyrme suberrata Invrea, 1957, syn. nov.). The geographical distribution of the male sex (mostly western Mediterranean), suggests the female of a similar, cryptic species, may represent the records of P. pusilla in eastern areas, where the male (i.e. S. suberratus) is currently unknown. The Iberian endemic Smicromyrme matritensis (Mercet, 1905) is newly found in Portugal, its hitherto unknown female is described, and the male redescribed. Structural features of both males and females place these two species unequivocally in the subgenus Astomyrme Schwartz, 1984; diagnostic features of Astomyrme females are discussed. Notes are presented regarding a third Iberian Astomyrme, S. (A.) opistomelas Invrea, 1950. An updated key to the Smicromyrme Thomson, 1870 of the Iberian Peninsula is included.
Genome-wide analysis of histone modifications can contribute to the identification of candidate cis-regulatory regions in the threespine stickleback fish
Authors: Okude Genta , Yamasaki Yo Y. , Toyoda Atsushi , Mori Seiichi , Kitano Jun
Published: July 2024

Background

Cis-regulatory mutations often underlie phenotypic evolution. However, because identifying the locations of promoters and enhancers in non-coding regions is challenging, we have fewer examples of identified causative cis-regulatory mutations that underlie naturally occurring phenotypic variations than of causative amino acid-altering mutations. Because cis-regulatory elements have epigenetic marks of specific histone modifications, we can detect cis-regulatory elements by mapping and analyzing them. Here, we investigated histone modifications and chromatin accessibility with cleavage under targets and tagmentation (CUT&Tag) and assay for transposase-accessible chromatin-sequencing (ATAC-seq).

Results

Using the threespine stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus) as a model, we confirmed that the genes for which nearby regions showed active marks, such as H3K4me1, H3K4me3, and high chromatin accessibility, were highly expressed. In contrast, the expression levels of genes for which nearby regions showed repressive marks, such as H3K27me3, were reduced, suggesting that our chromatin analysis protocols overall worked well. Genomic regions with peaks of histone modifications showed higher nucleotide diversity within and between populations. By comparing gene expression in the gills of the marine and stream ecotypes, we identified several insertions and deletions (indels) with transposable element fragments in the candidate cis-regulatory regions.

Conclusions

Thus, mapping and analyzing histone modifications can help identify cis-regulatory elements and accelerate the identification of causative mutations in the non-coding regions underlying naturally occurring phenotypic variations.
Association between sleep duration and possible sarcopenia in middle-aged and elderly Chinese individuals: evidence from the China health and retirement longitudinal study
Authors: Chen Linfeng , Li Qingyun , Huang Xiaoyun , Li Zhong
Published: July 2024

Background

Sarcopenia is a common cause of disability in the aging population, and managing sarcopenia is an important step in building intrinsic capacity and promoting healthy aging. A growing body of evidence suggests that sleep deprivation may be a mediator of the development of sarcopenia. The purpose of this study was to explore the longitudinal association between sleep duration and possible sarcopenia using data from a national sample.

Methods

Two waves of data from the CHARLS database for 2011 and 2015 were used in this study. All possible sarcopenia participants met the Asia Working Group for Sarcopenia 2019 (AWGS 2019) diagnostic criteria. Sleep duration was assessed using a self-report questionnaire, and sleep duration was categorized as short (≤ 6 h), medium (6–8 h), or long (> 8 h) based on previous studies. Longitudinal associations between sleep duration and possible sarcopenia will be calculated by univariate and multifactorial logistic regression analyses and expressed as odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results

A total of 5654 individuals participated in the follow-up study, with a prevalence of possible sarcopenia of 53.72% (578) in the short sleep duration group, 38.29% (412) in the medium sleep duration group, and 7.99% (86) in the long sleep duration group. According to the crude model of the second-wave follow-up study, short sleep durations were significantly more strongly associated with possible sarcopenia than were medium and long sleep durations (OR: 1.35, 95% CI: 1.17–1.55, P = 0.000). The association between short sleep duration and possible sarcopenia was maintained even after adjustment for covariates such as age, gender, residence, education level, BMI, smoking status, alcohol consumption and comorbidities (OR: 1.18, 95% CI: 1.02–1.36, P = 0.029). In the subgroup analysis, short sleep duration was associated with low grip strength (OR: 1.20, 95% CI: 1.02–1.41, P = 0.031).

Conclusions

Sleep deprivation may be closely associated with the development of possible sarcopenia in middle-aged and elderly people, which provides new insights and ideas for sarcopenia intervention, and further studies are needed to reveal the underlying mechanisms involved.
Atypical chronic myeloid leukemia found in a patient with eosinophilia for six years: a case report
Authors: Jiang Moqin , Chen Meng , Yan Lixiang , Zhang Ying , Yang Xiangdong , Zhang Weifeng
Published: July 2024

Background

Atypical chronic myeloid leukemia (aCML) is a highly aggressive type of blood cancer that falls under the category of myelodysplastic/myeloproliferative neoplasms (MDS/MPN). In the fifth edition of the WHO classification of tumors, this category has been renamed MDS/MPN with neutrophilia. Although eosinophilia is commonly observed in blood cancers, it is rarely seen in aCML.

Case presentation

This study presents a case of aCML that was diagnosed six years after the patient developed eosinophilia. The patient had undergone tests to rule out other primary and secondary diseases, but the eosinophilia remained unexplained. Treatment with corticosteroids and hydroxyurea had proven ineffective. Six years later, the patient experienced an increase in white blood cells, primarily neutrophils. After ruling out other possible diagnoses, a combination of morphologic and molecular genetic findings led to the diagnosis of aCML. The patient responded well to treatment with azacitidine.

Conclusions

This study summarizes the current state of aCML diagnosis and management and discusses the possible connection between eosinophilia and aCML.
Preoperative prediction of histopathological grading in patients with chondrosarcoma using MRI-based radiomics with semantic features
Authors: Li Xiaofen , Zhang Jingkun , Leng Yinping , Liu Jiaqi , Li Linlin , Wan Tianyi , Dong Wentao , Fan Bing , Gong Lianggeng
Published: July 2024

Background

Distinguishing high-grade from low-grade chondrosarcoma is extremely vital not only for guiding the development of personalized surgical treatment but also for predicting the prognosis of patients. We aimed to establish and validate a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based nomogram for predicting preoperative grading in patients with chondrosarcoma.

Methods

Approximately 114 patients (60 and 54 cases with high-grade and low-grade chondrosarcoma, respectively) were recruited for this retrospective study. All patients were treated via surgery and histopathologically proven, and they were randomly divided into training (n = 80) and validation (n = 34) sets at a ratio of 7:3. Next, radiomics features were extracted from two sequences using the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) algorithms. The rad-scores were calculated and then subjected to logistic regression to develop a radiomics model. A nomogram combining independent predictive semantic features with radiomic by using multivariate logistic regression was established. The performance of each model was assessed by the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis and the area under the curve, while clinical efficacy was evaluated via decision curve analysis (DCA).

Results

Ultimately, six optimal radiomics signatures were extracted from T1-weighted imaging (T1WI) and T2-weighted imaging with fat suppression (T2WI-FS) sequences to develop the radiomics model. Tumour cartilage abundance, which emerged as an independent predictor, was significantly related to chondrosarcoma grading (p < 0.05). The AUC values of the radiomics model were 0.85 (95% CI, 0.76 to 0.95) in the training sets, and the corresponding AUC values in the validation sets were 0.82 (95% CI, 0.65 to 0.98), which were far superior to the clinical model AUC values of 0.68 (95% CI, 0.58 to 0.79) in the training sets and 0.72 (95% CI, 0.57 to 0.87) in the validation sets. The nomogram demonstrated good performance in the preoperative distinction of chondrosarcoma. The DCA analysis revealed that the nomogram model had a markedly higher clinical usefulness in predicting chondrosarcoma grading preoperatively than either the rad-score or clinical model alone.

Conclusion

The nomogram based on MRI radiomics combined with optimal independent factors had better performance for the preoperative differentiation between low-grade and high-grade chondrosarcoma and has potential as a noninvasive preoperative tool for personalizing clinical plans.
Neuromyelitis Optica spectrum disorder complicated with pure red cell aplasia: a case report
Authors: Jiang Wanqing , Wang Jue , Feng Yu , Liu Qian , Liu Mingjun , Sun Huiying , Zhang Kun , Ji Qingyu , Jia Peifei , Liu Xuewen
Published: July 2024

Background

Pure red cell aplasia (PRCA) in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) has not been reported before. This study presents a patient with NMOSD who developed PRCA.

Case presentation

A 54-year-old female was admitted in January 2023 for dysuria and progressive numbness and weakness of lower limbs. She had difficulty standing and walking in a straight line. Both lower limbs were positive for the Babinski and Chaddock signs. MRI showed abnormal signals in the spinal cord. Aquaporin-4-IgG (AQP-4-IgG) was positive (1:320), and NMOSD was confirmed. Intravenous immunoglobulin and methylprednisolone were given, and the symptoms improved. She received maintenance treatment with methylprednisolone tablets, and the dosage was gradually reduced. She was readmitted for fatigue, palpitations, and shortness of breath in May 2023. Bone marrow aspiration and biopsy showed elevated erythroid precursors and erythroid hypoplasia, with normal megakaryocytes and myeloid precursors. Chest CT showed no mediastinal lymph node enlargement or thymoma. PRCA secondary to NMOSD was diagnosed. Recombinant human erythropoietin was given. Her condition improved after 1.5 months, as indicated by blood cell count and imaging.

Conclusions

This case suggests that PRCA can be secondary to NMOSD. A comprehensive immune function and bone marrow evaluation might be necessary if abnormal blood cells are found while managing NMOSD.
Assessment of women’s needs and wishes regarding interprofessional guidance on oral health in pregnancy – a qualitative study
Authors: Ebinghaus Merle , Agricola Caroline Johanna , Schmittinger Janne , Makarova Nataliya , Zyriax Birgit-Christiane
Published: July 2024

Background

Poor oral and dental health due to oral dysbiosis during pregnancy increases the risk for negative pregnancy outcomes. Communicating the importance of oral health is therefore essential in reducing the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. Professional guidance could substantially support women’s positive perception of their own competence. Information on oral health should be provided by healthcare professionals such as midwives, obstetricians and dentists. The aim of this study was to assess the needs, wishes and preferences of pregnant women in Germany, regarding interprofessional collaboration and guidance on oral health during pregnancy.

Methods

Sources of information, preferences regarding information supply as well as the need for interprofessional collaboration of involved healthcare professions were investigated in six online focus groups with pregnant women. In addition, three expert interviews with a midwife, an obstetrician and a dentist were conducted. The focus groups and interviews were analysed using qualitative content analysis according to Kuckartz.

Results

25 pregnant women participated in focus groups. Pregnant women in all trimesters, aged 23 to 38 years, were included. Many women did not receive any or received insufficient information on oral health during pregnancy and wished for more consistent and written information from all involved healthcare providers. The extent of oral health counselling women received, heavily relied on their personal initiative and many would have appreciated learning about the scientific connection between oral health and pregnancy outcomes. An overall uncertainty about the timing and safety of a dental visit during pregnancy was identified. Interviews with experts provided additional insights into the working conditions of the involved healthcare professionals in counselling and emphasised the need for improved training on oral health during pregnancy in their respective professional education as well as thematic billing options in relation to this topic.

Conclusion

Guidance of women on oral health during pregnancy appears to be insufficient. Providing information adapted to the needs, wishes and preferences of women during pregnancy as well as the implementation of this topic in the education of involved healthcare professionals could contribute to an improved prenatal care for pregnant women and subsequently a reduced risk of negative pregnancy outcomes.
Understanding the experience, treatment preferences and goals of people living with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) in Australia
Authors: Fifer Simon , Godsell Jenni , Opat Stephen , Hamad Nada , Lasica Masa , Forsyth Cecily , Morand Louisa , Smeaton Erica , Winton Sharon , Puig Andrea , McGeachie Marija
Published: July 2024

Background

Listening to patient voices is critical, in terms of how people experience their condition as well as their treatment preferences. This research explored the patient journey, therapy attributes and goals among treatment experienced adults with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). We sought to understand patient experiences, needs and expectations to identify areas for improvement of treatment and care delivery.

Methods

Two online surveys were developed for completion by CLL patients. In Stage 1, participants completed a best-worst scaling (BWS) task to evaluate eleven previously validated healthcare journey moments that matter (MTM). Responses were used to generate the patient experience index (PEI) score. In Stage 2, participants completed a survey that included both a discrete choice experiment (DCE) to assess drivers of treatment preferences by evaluating the relative attribute importance (RAI) of seven features and a BWS exercise which explored long-term treatment goals.

Results

Twenty-five patients completed Stage 1 and thirty patients Stage 2. Treatment experience was balanced between oral and intravenous medication. The most important/least satisfied MTM were treatment effectiveness, access to support and other treatments as well as monitoring progress. The median PEI score was 66.2 (out of 100). DCE results demonstrated that patients most value treatments for CLL that are associated with prolonged progression free survival (PFS; RAI: 24.6%), followed by treatments that have a lower risk of severe side effects and lower out-of-pocket costs (RAI: 19.5%, 17.4%, respectively). The remainder of the weight in decision making (38.5%) was split between the remaining attributes, namely ‘mild to moderate side effects’ (13.4%), ‘long-term risks’ (12.2%), type of treatment (i.e., oral, IV or a combination of oral and IV; 8.7%) and treatment duration (i.e., ongoing versus fixed; 4.2%). Patients preferred oral to intravenous therapy. The most valued long-term treatment goal was to be physically healthy, followed by living a long life, spending time with family/friends, and avoiding hospitalization.

Conclusion

Treatment experienced patients with CLL are focused on receiving effective, safe therapies and value long PFS. Consideration and discussion of other attributes, such as once daily dosing, oral only medication, out-of-pocket costs and access to support services may affect patient treatment choices and ultimately enhance their healthcare experience and outcomes.
Straight intramedullary MultiLoc nails for displaced proximal humeral fractures: health status, radiographic results, clinical outcome, and complications
Authors: Chen Wei , Zhang Zhenhua , Zhu Chunhui , Song Zhiwen , Liu Zhiyuan
Published: July 2024

Background

The treatment of the displaced proximal humerus fractures (PHF) still facing a lot of unsolved problems. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical effect of MultiLoc nails for the treatment of PHF and present outcomes of patients with different Neer’s classification and reduction quality.

Methods

Adult patients with PHFs were recruited and treated with MultiLoc nail. Intraoperative data, radiographic and functional outcomes, as well as occurrence of postoperative complications were assessed.

Results

48 patients met inclusion and exclusion criteria and were included in this study. The DASH Score were 32.2 ± 3.1 points at 12 months, and 37.3 ± 2.5 points at the final follow-up. The mean ASES score at 12 months and final follow-up were 74.4 ± 6.2 and 78.8 ± 5.1, respectively. The mean CM Score in all 48 patients reached 68 ± 6.4 points at the final follow-up, relative side related CM Score 75.2 ± 7.7% of contralateral extremity. The incidence rate of complications was 20.8%. Patients with fracture mal-union, adhesive capsulitis were observed but no secondary surgeries were performed. There was no significantly difference of DASH Score 12 months after surgery and at the last follow-up among patients with different Neer’s classification or reduction quality. However, functional outcomes such as ASES score and CM score were significantly influenced by severity of fracture and the quality of fracture reduction.

Conclusions

Our study demonstrated that MultiLoc nails is well suited for proximal humeral fractures, with satisfactory health status recovery, good radiographic results, positive clinical outcomes and low rates of complications. The treatment for four part PHF still faces great challenges. Accurate fracture reduction was an important factor for good functional result.