bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
VIACOT: a web server for interactive visualization and comparison of cell lineage trees
Authors: Yang Junnan , Li Zizhang , Zhang Xiaoyu , Chen Feng , Wu Peng , Yang Wenjing , He Xingxing , Shan Yuyan , Yang Jian-Rong
Published: November 2024

The cell lineage tree (CLT) records some or all cell division events during the development of multicellular organisms, as well as the functional characteristics of terminal cells, and is therefore commonly considered one of the most fundamental types of biological data. The combining of single-cell RNA sequencing with DNA barcoding has recently led to the rapid accumulation of CLT datasets. Unlike biological sequence data, web-based analysis and visualization tools for CLT data are currently lacking. In order to facilitate studies surrounding CLT, we built a webserver named VIACOT (Visualize Interactively And COmpare Trees). VIACOT is not only a comprehensive repository of published CLT datasets, but also a web tool that enables three preliminary analyses of preprocessed CLT datasets, including. (i) interactive visualization of CLT allowing fine-grain or coarse-grain exploration. (ii) calculations of correlations among single-cell metrics, such as gene expression levels, either using the original metrics or their phylogenetic independent contrasts. (iii) comparison among different CLTs to identify differences in cell fate. We anticipate that VIACOT will be a useful tool for exploration and biological interpretation of CLTs.
Freeze-tolerant crickets fortify their actin cytoskeleton in fat body tissue
Authors: van Oirschot Maranda L. , Toxopeus Jantina
Published: November 2024

Animals that overwinter in temperate climates must prevent or repair damage to their cells to survive winter, but we know little about how they protect cellular structure at the cytoskeletal level. Both chilling (no ice formation) and freezing (ice formation) are hypothesized to cause substantial challenges to cell structure and the cytoskeleton. The spring field cricketGryllus veletisbecomes freeze-tolerant following a 6-week acclimation to fall-like conditions, during which they differentially express multiple cytoskeleton-related genes. We tested the hypothesis thatG. veletisalter their cytoskeleton during acclimation to support maintenance of cytoskeletal structure during freezing and thawing. We used immunocytochemistry and confocal microscopy to characterize changes in microfilaments (F-actin, a polymer of G-actin) and microtubules (a polymer of α- and β-tubulin) in three tissues. While we saw no effect of acclimation on microtubules, crickets increased the abundance of microfilaments in fat body and Malpighian tubules. When we chilled or froze these freeze-tolerant crickets, there was no apparent damage to the actin or tubulin cytoskeleton in fat body, but there was decreased cytoskeleton abundance in Malpighian tubules. When we froze freeze-intolerant (unacclimated) crickets, microfilament abundance decreased in fat body tissue, while microfilaments were unaffected by chilling to the same subzero temperature. Our study shows that freeze-tolerant crickets are able to prevent or rapidly repair ice-induced damage to the actin cytoskeleton in fat body, likely due to preparatory changes in advance of freezing – i.e., during acclimation. We suggest future directions examining the mechanisms that underlie these structural changes.

Summary Statement

Freeze-tolerant crickets (Gryllus veletis) modify their actin cytoskeleton in select tissues to prevent freeze-induced cellular damage, while freeze-intolerant crickets of the same species experience irreparable cytoskeleton damage during freezing.
Effects of primary-care led self-management and low carbohydrate diet on glycaemic control in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus: study protocol of a cluster randomised controlled trial
Authors: Chadwick Joshua , Ganeshkumar P , Kathiresan Jeyashree , Shewade Hemant Deepak , Madhanraj K , Devika S , Lokesh S
Published: November 2024

Introduction

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) poses a significant global health burden, contributing to mortality and morbidity primarily through its complications such as renal failure, cardiovascular events, and others. Dietary patterns, particularly low carbohydrate diet and diabetes self-management education (DSME) have shown promise in improving glycaemic control and other metabolic parameters. However, evidence on the safety and long-term efficacy of such diets including health education, especially in populations like India with a high carbohydrate dietary tradition, is limited. This paper outlines a randomised controlled trial to determine the effectiveness of adopting a low carbohydrate diet in addition to standard care for T2D patients compared to those following standard care alone.

Methods and analysis

This is a cluster randomized controlled trial that adheres to the Recommendations for Interventional Trials as outlined by the Standard Protocol Items. The study will be conducted in 16 urban primary health centres (UPHCs). UPHCs randomized to either standard care or low carbohydrate diet intervention. Outcome: generating evidence on improving HbA1c levels without increasing anti-hyperglycaemic medication. This will be achieved through the use of CGM technology and personalized nutrition counselling, which will focus on dietary carbohydrate restriction for patients with T2DM.

Discussion

Results of this study will be published in peer-reviewed journals. The trial will provide insights into the efficacy and feasibility of implementing low carbohydrate diets and DSME in T2D management within public health settings. This protocol is registered on Clinical Trials Registry-India. The registration number for this trial is CTRI/2024/02/062202.
Visual outcome and associated risk factors in patients following small incision cataract surgery at the National Referral Hospital, Bhutan
Authors: Tamang Sandip , Lepcha Nor Tshering , Dukpa Mendu , Tenzin Karma
Published: November 2024

Purpose

To evaluate small incision cataract surgery visual outcomes and associated risk factors in a tertiary eye care center in Bhutan.

Methods

This was a hospital-based prospective longitudinal study. A total of 310 patients who met the eligibility criteria were included in the study.

Results

The mean age of the patients was 68.36 (SD: 12.74 years), and 157 (50.6%) were male. 285 (91.94%) of the cataract-operated eyes had best-corrected vision greater than 6/60, while 25 (8.06%) of the eyes had vision less than 6/60. 47 individuals (15.16%) had pre-existing ocular co-morbidity. Intraoperative complications were seen in 19 eyes (6%). At the 6-week follow-up visit, based on best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), 90.65% had a good visual outcome. Analysis of multiple logistic regression showed that patients with preoperative ocular comorbidities (OR 50.92; 95% CI 10.23, 253.37) and those with operative complications (OR 16.59; 95% CI 3.54, 77.70) were significantly associated with poor visual outcome.

Conclusions

This study shows that cataract surgery can restore good visual acuity. However, patients should be followed up on for a longer period, and greater emphasis should be given to monitoring outcomes after cataract surgery.
ALS driven by mutant NEK1 aggregation is accelerated byPmlloss, but clinically reversed through pharmacologic induction ofPml-mediated degradation
Authors: Georgiadou Panagiota , Erkaya Bahriye , Kawakita Michiko , Sahin Egemen , Öztürk Harun , Tiryaki Fatmanur , Yildiz Kutay , Özgenç Idil , Pekbilir Emre , Dogan Sukru Anil , Lallemand-Breitenbach Valérie , Vargas Stephanie , Prochiantz Alain , Firat-Karalar Elif Nur , de Thé Hugues , Sahin Umut
Published: November 2024

Germinal mono-allelic loss-of-function mutations ofNEK1drive Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) at variable penetrance, potentially through haploinsufficiency. Modeling the ALS-associated Arg812Ter mutation in mice revealed that the resulting truncated NEK1 (NEK1t) is aggregation-prone, notably in alpha-motoneurons (αMNs), and drives multiple ALS-like symptoms when bi-allelically expressed. Promyelocytic leukemia (Pml) is a key genetic interactor, since its loss allows for ALS symptoms to occur even inNek1wt/tanimals, mimicking the human situation.Pmlprecludes disease onset by promoting SUMO-facilitated degradation of NEK1tproteins.Pmlupregulation by interferon alpha or poly(I:C) eliminates NEK1taggregates in αMNs ofNek1t/tanimals, dramatically improving ALS-associated symptoms and extending survival by 6 months. Our study highlights the role of NEK1 aggregates in ALS pathogenesis and identifies interferon or poly(I:C) as a promising candidate therapy acting throughPml-triggered degradation of toxic misfolded proteins.
Versatile Stain Transfer in Histopathology Using a Unified Diffusion Framework
Authors: Yan Xudong , Yuan Mingze , Lu Yao , Zhang Ying , Chen Zifan , Bao Peng , Li Zehua , Dong Bin , Yang Li , Zhang Li , Zhou Fangxu
Published: November 2024

Histological staining is vital in clinical pathology for visualizing tissue structures. However, these techniques are laborious and time-consuming. Digital virtual staining offers a promising solution, but existing methods typically rely on Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs), which may suffer from artifacts and mode collapse. Motivated by the success of diffusion models, we present DUST, a novelDiffusion-basedUnified framework for versatileStainTransfer in histopathology. To enhance domain awareness and task-specific performance, we propose a dual encoding strategy that integrates the stain types of both the source and target domains. Additionally, we introduce a dynamic dual-output head to address the unstable intensity issue encountered with conventional DDPM implementations. Validated on a curated fourstain kidney histopathological dataset (H&E, MT, PAS, and PASM), DUST demonstrates superior versatile stain transfer capabilities. Our research highlights the potential of diffusion models to advance virtual staining, paving the way for more efficient digital pathology analyses.
Assessment of the Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Students toward Passive Smoking at the University of Abuja, Nigeria
Authors: Jethniel George Killian , Azumara Stephen Ikechukwu , Ishaya Iliya , Akpobasa Philip Tobi , Atu Mercy Onyeani
Published: November 2024

Background

Passive smoking, also known as involuntary or secondhand smoking, is a substantial public severe health concern, leading to illness, disability, and death. The attitude, practice, and knowledge of students towards passive smoking have not been adequately addressed in Nigeria. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the attitude, practice, and knowledge of passive smoking among undergraduate students at the University of Abuja.

Methods

This cross-sectional study employed a multi-stage sampling technique to include 355 students at the University of Abuja, Nigeria. A self-completed questionnaire was utilized to gather information on socio-demographics, attitudes regarding passive smoking, practice of passive smoke exposure, and awareness of passive smoking.

Results

Exposure to passive smoke was reported by 60.4% of the participants, 80.6% exhibited a solid comprehension of passive smoking, and most of the participants (98.9%) had a positive attitude towards passive smoking. Characteristics such as level of study and age were identified as statistically significant, showing p-values of 0.000 and 0.001, respectively.

Conclusion

Our study highlights that even though students at the University of Abuja exhibit a commendable level of knowledge and a positive attitude toward passive smoking prevention, the high prevalence of exposure indicates a significant gap between awareness and practice. Therefore, university authorities in Nigeria should develop educational initiatives to decrease exposure to passive smoke and establish control policies towards mitigating exposure to passive smoking among students in Nigerian universities.
Short-Term Mortality After Opioid Initiation Among Opioid-Naïve and Non-Naïve Patients with Dementia: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Hwang Yeon-Mi , Hah Jennifer M. , Bramen Jennifer E. , Hadlock Jennifer J. , Hernandez-Boussard Tina
Published: November 2024

Background

Despite the ongoing opioid epidemic, the mortality risk of opioid initiation in patients with dementia or mild cognitive impairment (MCI) remains understudied despite their vulnerability. This study evaluates mortality risks associated with opioid use in patients diagnosed with dementia or MCI by comparing outcomes between new and consistent users.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study using data from Northern California academic healthcare system (2015/01/01-2024/07/31), including 27,757 patients aged 50–100 with dementia or MCI. Of these, 14,105 received opioids after diagnosis and were classified as new (opioid-naïve; n=9444) or consistent (non-naïve; n=4663) users. Cox regression assessed 14-day mortality risk. Aalen’s additive model examined time-varying impact. Causes of death were extracted from clinical notes using GPT-3·5-Turbo. Findings were validated in community healthcare system cohort (n=207,873) across western U.S. states (2015/01/01-2023/05/31).

Findings

In the primary cohort, 4.1% (572/14105) of patients died within 14 days of opioid exposure. New users had a significantly higher 14-day mortality risk than consistent users (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 2·00 [1·59–2·52]; P<0·0001). The validation cohort had a 14-day mortality rate of 6·2% (7022/113343) with a smaller difference between new (n=77,204) and consistent (n=36,194) users (aHR 1·20 [1·13–1·27]; P<0·0001). In both cohorts, elevated risk stabilized after day 30. In the primary cohort, respiratory conditions, particularly pneumonia, were more prevalent among new users who died early.

Interpretation

Opioid initiation in these patients is associated with increased short-term mortality in new users, underscoring the need for cautious initiation and close monitoring during the first month.

Funding

NIH
Protocol: Waiting time and ways of accessing specialized health services in public hospitals in Ecuador
Authors: Armijos Briones Marcelo , Intriago Sammy Figueroa , Lanata Flores Antonio , Benitez Sellán Pablo , Toala Oscar Marcillo , Ayala Aguirre Patricia Estefanía
Published: November 2024

This study aims to determine the waiting time and the forms of access to specialized health services in public hospitals in Ecuador. A representative sample of 32 hospitals under the Ministry of Public Health was considered, with 26 selected by accessibility convenience. Data will be collected using a structured questionnaire. Patients will be asked about the number of days they waited for their medical appointments and the method used to schedule their appointments. The study distinguishes between standardized access, based on Ecuador’s formal referral and counter-referral system, and non-standardized access methods, such as personal connections or hospital staff involvement. The data of this protocol are registered and publicly accessible at:https://dx.doi.org/10.17504/protocols.io.261ge5z7wg47/v1

We expect to identify a correlation between waiting times and the type of access to specialized medical services, with non-standardized access potentially leading to shorter waiting times. This research may highlight disparities in the system and suggest areas for improvement in equity and efficiency within the healthcare referral process. To do so, a structured survey will be used. Since a construct is not needed to determine the waiting time or the forms of access, it was not necessary to validate the instrument. However, we did validate the understanding of the questions and the response options in several places in the country. According to the results According to the results of the validation of the instrument, pollsters will be instructed to inform users about the meaning of the question on ethnic identification, which was difficult to understand in the country’s coastal areas.
Comprehensive evaluation of AT(N) imaging biomarkers for predicting cognition
Authors: Earnest Tom , Yang Braden , Kothapalli Deydeep , Sotiras Aristeidis ,   the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: November 2024

Background and Objectives

Imaging biomarkers enablein vivoquantification of amyloid, tau, and neurogenerative pathologies that develop in Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). Interest in imaging biomarkers has led to a wide variety of biomarker definitions, some of which potentially offer less predictive value than others. We aimed to assess how different operationalizations of AD imaging biomarkers affect prediction of cognition.

Methods

We included individuals from ADNI who underwent amyloid-PET ([18F]-Florbetapir), tau-PET ([18F]-Flortaucipir), and volumetric MRI imaging. We compiled a large collection of imaging biomarker definitions (42 in total) spanning different pathologies (amyloid, tau, neurodegeneration) and variable types (continuous, binary, non-binary categorical). Using cross-validation, we trained regression models to predict neuropsychological performance, both globally and across different subdomains (Phenotype Harmonization Consortium composites), using different combinations of biomarkers. We also compared these biomarker models to support vector machines (SVMs) trained to predict cognition directly from imaging regions of interest. In a subsample of individuals with CSF biomarker readouts, we repeated experiments comparing the accuracy of models using imaging and fluid biomarkers. Additional analyses tested the predictive strength of imaging biomarkers when limited to specific clinical stages of disease (cognitive unimpaired vs. impaired) and when modeling longitudinal cognitive change.

Results

Our sample included 490 people (247 female) with a mix of no impairment (n=288), mild impairment (n=163), and dementia (n=39). While almost all biomarkers tested were predictive of cognitive performance, we observed substantial variability in accuracy, even for measures of the same pathology. Tau biomarkers were the single most accurate single predictors, though combination of biomarkers spanning multiple pathologies were more accurate overall. SVM models were generally more accurate than models using traditional biomarkers. Incorporating continuous or non-binary categorical biomarkers was beneficial only for tau and neurodegeneration, but not amyloid. Patterns of results were largely consistent when considering different clinical stages of disease, neuropsychological domains, and longitudinal cognition. In the CSF subsample (n=246), imaging biomarkers strongly outperformed CSF versions for cognitive prediction.

Discussion

We demonstrated that different imaging biomarker definitions can lead to variability in downstream predictive tasks. Researchers should consider how their biomarker operationalizations may help or hinder the assessment of disease severity.
Scattering amplitudes in the Randall-Sundrum model with brane-localized curvature terms
Authors: Chivukula R. Sekhar , Mohan Kirtimaan A. , Sengupta Dipan , Simmons Elizabeth H. , Wang Xing
Published: November 2024

In this paper we investigate the scattering amplitudes of spin-2 Kaluza-Klein (KK) states in Randall-Sundrum models with brane-localized curvature terms. We show that the presence of brane-localized curvature interactions modifies the properties of (4D) scalar fluctuations of the metric, resulting in scattering amplitudes of the massive spin-2 KK states which grow as O(s3) instead of O(s). We discuss the constraints on the size of the brane-localized curvature interactions based on the consistency of the Sturm-Liouville mode systems of the spin-2 and spin-0 metric fluctuations. We connect the properties of the scattering amplitudes to the diffeomorphism invariance of the compactified KK theory with brane-localized curvature interactions. We verify that the scattering amplitudes involving brane-localized external sources (matter) are diffeomorphism-invariant, but show that those for matter localized at an arbitrary point in the bulk are not. We demonstrate that, in Feynman gauge, the spin-0 Goldstone bosons corresponding to helicity-0 states of the massive spin-2 KK bosons behave as a tower of Galileons, and that it is their interactions that produce the high-energy behavior of the scattering amplitudes. We also outline the correspondence between our results and those in the Dvali-Gabadadze-Porrati model. In an Appendix we discuss the analogous issue in extra-dimensional gauge theory, and show that the presence of a brane-localized gauge kinetic-energy term does not change the high-energy behavior of corresponding KK vector boson scattering amplitudes.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Factors influencing quantum evaporation of helium from polar semiconductors from first principles
Authors: Dheer Lakshay , Tan Liang Z. , Lyon S. A. , Schenkel Thomas , Griffin Sinéad M.
Published: November 2024

While there is much indirect evidence for the existence of dark matter (DM), to date it has evaded detection. Current efforts focus on DM masses over ∼GeV—to push the sensitivity of DM searches to lower masses, new DM targets and detection schemes are needed. In this work, we focus on the latter—a novel detection scheme recently proposed to detect 10–100 meV phonons in polar target materials. Previous work showed that well-motivated models of DM can interact with polar semiconductors to produce an athermal population of phonons. This new sensing scheme proposes that these phonons then facilitate quantum evaporation of He3 from a van der Waals film deposited on the target material. However, a fundamental understanding of the underlying process is still unclear, with several uncertainties related to the precise rate of evaporation and how it can be controlled. In this work, we use density functional theory calculations to compare the adsorption energies of helium atoms on a polar target material, sodium iodide, to understand the underlying evaporation physics. We explore the role of surface termination, monolayer coverage, and elemental species on the rate of He evaporation from the target material. Using this, we discuss the optimal target features for He-evaporation experiments and their range of tunability through chemical and physical modifications such as applied field and surface termination.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
SKA sensitivity to potential radio emission from dark matter annihilation in Ursa Major III
Authors: Zhang Peng-Long , Bi Xiao-Jun , Chang Qin , Yin Peng-Fei , Zhao Yi
Published: November 2024

The recently discovered stellar system, Ursa Major III/UNIONS 1, may be the faintest and densest dwarf spheroidal satellite galaxy of the Milky Way. Owing to its close proximity and substantial dark matter (DM) component, Ursa Major III emerges as a highly promising target for DM indirect detection. It is known that electrons and positrons originating from DM annihilation can generate a broad radio spectrum through the processes of synchrotron radiation and inverse Compton scattering within galaxies. In this study, we investigate the potential of the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) in detecting radio signatures arising from DM annihilation in Ursa Major III over a 100 hour observation period. Our analysis indicates that the SKA has strong capabilities in detecting these signatures. For instance, the SKA sensitivity to the DM annihilation cross section is estimated to reach O(10−30)−O(10−28)  cm3 s−1 in the DM mass range from several GeV to ∼100  GeV for the e+e− and μ+μ− annihilation channels. The precise results are significantly influenced by various astrophysical factors, such as the strength of magnetic field, the diffusion coefficient, and the DM density profile in the dwarf galaxy. We discuss the impact of the uncertainties associated with these factors, and find that the SKA sensitivities have the potential to surpass the current constraints, even when considering these uncertainties.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Signatures of Spinon Dynamics and Phase Structure of Dipolar-Octupolar Quantum Spin Ices in Two-Dimensional Coherent Spectroscopy
Authors: Potts Mark , Moessner Roderich , Benton Owen
Published: November 2024

We study how sharp signatures of fractionalization emerge in nonlinear spectroscopy experiments on spin liquids with separated energy scales. Our model is that of dipolar-octupolar rare earth pyrochlore materials, prime candidates for realizing quantum spin ice. This family of three-dimensional quantum spin liquids exhibits fractionalization of spin degrees of freedom into spinons charged under an emergent U(1) gauge field. We show that the technique of two-dimensional coherent spectroscopy can identify clear signatures of fractionalized spinon dynamics in dipolar-octupolar quantum spin ices. However, at intermediate temperatures, spinon dynamics are heavily constrained in the presence of an incoherent spin background, leading to a two-dimensional coherent spectroscopy response. At lower temperatures, a sharp signal emerges as the system enters a coherent spin liquid state. This lower temperature signal can in turn distinguish between zero-flux and π-flux forms of quantum spin ice.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Symmetries as Ground States of Local Superoperators: Hydrodynamic Implications
Authors: Moudgalya Sanjay , Motrunich Olexei I.
Published: November 2024

Symmetry algebras of quantum many-body systems with locality can be understood using commutant algebras, which are defined as algebras of operators that commute with a given set of local operators. In this work, we show that these symmetry algebras can be expressed as frustration-free ground states of a local superoperator, which we refer to as a “super-Hamiltonian.” We demonstrate this for conventional symmetries such as Z2, U(1), and SU(2), where the symmetry algebras map to various kinds of ferromagnetic ground states, as well as for unconventional ones that lead to weak ergodicity-breaking phenomena of Hilbert-space fragmentation (HSF) and quantum many-body scars. In addition, we show that the low-energy excitations of this super-Hamiltonian can be understood as approximate symmetries, which in turn are related to slowly relaxing hydrodynamic modes in symmetric systems. This connection is made precise by relating the super-Hamiltonian to the superoperator that governs the operator relaxation in noisy symmetric Brownian circuits and this physical interpretation also provides a novel interpretation for Mazur bounds for autocorrelation functions. We find examples of gapped (gapless) super-Hamiltonians indicating the absence (presence) of slow modes, which happens in the presence of discrete (continuous) symmetries. In the gapless cases, we recover hydrodynamic modes such as diffusion, tracer diffusion, and asymptotic scars in the presence of U(1) symmetry, HSF, and a tower of quantum scars, respectively. In all, this demonstrates the power of the commutant-algebra framework in obtaining a comprehensive understanding of exact symmetries and associated approximate symmetries and hydrodynamic modes, and their dynamical consequences in systems with locality.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Structures of Trichomonas vaginalis macrophage migratory inhibitory factor
Authors: Srivastava Aruesha , Nair Aryana , Dawson Omolara C. O. , Gao Raymond , Liu Lijun , Craig Justin K. , Battaile Kevin P. , Harmon Elizabeth K. , Barrett Lynn K. , Van Voorhis Wesley C. , Subramanian Sandhya , Myler Peter J. , Lovell Scott , Asojo Oluwatoyin A. , Darwiche Rabih
Published: November 2024

The unicellular parasitic protozoan Trichomonas vaginalis causes trichomoniasis, the most prevalent nonviral sexually transmitted disease globally. T. vaginalis evades host immune responses by producing homologs of host proteins, including cytokines such as macrophage migration inhibitory factor. T. vaginalis macrophage migration inhibitory factor (TvMIF) helps to facilitate the survival of T. vaginalis during nutritional stress conditions, increases prostate cell proliferation and invasiveness, and induces inflammation-related cellular pathways, thus mimicking the ability of human MIF to increase inflammation and cell proliferation. The production, crystallization and three structures of N-terminally hexahistidine-tagged TvMIF reveal a prototypical MIF trimer with a topology similar to that of human homologs (hMIF-1 and hMIF-2). The N-terminal tag obscures the expected pyruvate-binding site. The similarity of TvMIF to its human homologs can be exploited for structure-based drug discovery.
Context matters? The influence of happiness, trust, democracy and economic development on DEI policies in communications in Latin America and the Caribbean
Authors: Labarca Claudia , Sadi Gabriel , Álvarez Nobell Alejandro
Published: November 2024

Purpose

Although significant research has been developed in the Global North regarding diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) in the communication field, the subject has been neglected in the Latin American and Caribbean region. The purpose of this paper is twofold: on the one hand, this article analyzes to what extent DEI policies are implemented in LAC organizations, and on the other, it examines how four contextual variables (trust, democracy, economic development and happiness) impact the development of DEI in the region.

Design/methodology/approach

A dataset corresponding to the 2022/2023 edition of the Latin American Communication Monitor is used. For the study of DEI policies and their relationship with communication management in the region, four dimensions of study are defined, as well as two indices related to DEI.

Findings

The most relevant category linked to DEI for LAC professionals is generation and age, above other usually more consolidated categories such as gender or sexual orientation. As for contextual variables, only democracy seems to really influence the incorporation of DEI policies in communications, given that generalized trust would not affect their implementation, while happiness and economic development do not show conclusive evidence.

Originality/value

This study can contribute to expanding the knowledge on the corporate communication field by conducting contextualized and more inclusive research and, therefore, decolonizing proposals from the Global North.
Understanding graphic designers’ usage behavior of generative artificial intelligence tools
Authors: Qiu Ting , Yang Di , Zeng Hui , Chen Xinghao
Published: November 2024

Purpose

The rapid development of generative artificial intelligence has witnessed its widespread integration across various industries, contributing to enhanced productivity. However, a comprehensive exploration of the underlying factors influencing the behavior of graphic designers in employing such tools remains incomplete. This research aims to amalgamate the IDT theory with the UTAUT2 model to construct a structural model, delving into the factors affecting graphic designers’ behavior in using GenAI tools.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey was conducted with 394 respondents, and the results were analyzed using PLS-SEM.

Findings

The findings reveal that most factors proposed in both the UTAUT2 and IDT theories exert positive influences. Notably, the study highlights that AI anxiety significantly influences designers’ usage behavior.

Originality/value

This research provides a theoretical foundation and practical guidance for both graphic designers and AI developers.
Effects of technological diversity and core technologies on R&D efficiency
Authors: Park Soohyun , Yoo Hyoung Sun
Published: November 2024

Purpose

This study investigates the effects of related and unrelated technology diversity on R&D efficiency and how a firm’s unique core technology moderates this relationship. In particular, this study aims to address the research gap in the technological diversity literature by examining whether the effects of related and unrelated technological diversity on R&D efficiency are consistent in the context of R&D-intensive firms.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a panel dataset of 516 top R&D investors worldwide from 2012 to 2018, the paper tests hypotheses on how the ambivalence of technological diversity affects R&D efficiency depending on the level of diversity.

Findings

Unrelated technological diversity has an inverted U-shaped curve relationship with R&D efficiency, which indicates that there exists an optimal point of unrelated technological diversity. Additionally, core technology plays a contingent role in this relationship by alleviating the volatility of the inverted U-shaped relationship between unrelated technological diversity and R&D efficiency.

Originality/value

This study makes an original contribution to the technological diversity literature by adopting an approach not limited to specific countries or industries, focusing on R&D-intensive contexts. Furthermore, the paper distinguishes the various types of technological diversity, considering that the motivations and strategic objectives underlying technological diversity vary depending on the specific type. This allows researchers to gain a deeper insight into how different types of diversity strategies impact R&D efficiency.
Local Leaflets: Constituency Issue Messaging at the 2024 General Election
Authors: Duggan Alan , Milazzo Caitlin , Trumm Siim
Published: November 2024

The 2024 general election brought about a significant change in the parliamentary balance of power. There has already been much attention devoted to the issues that dominated the national campaign. Using original leaflet data from the OpenElections project, this study extends the focus to explore the issues emphasised in local electoral communications put forward by parties and candidates in their constituency campaigns. The article reveals that the top issues featured in election leaflets were health, the economy and the environment. There is also evidence of considerable variation across parties in terms of the issues emphasised, as well as in the focus of the discussion within issue areas and the keywords they tended to prioritise. These findings suggest that, while political elites recognise the need to engage with the key issues of the campaign, how they engage with an issue depends on many factors, including their own record and/or the perceived shortcomings of their opponent(s).
Rousseau's Second Discourse and Social Contract: Challenging the Received View
Authors: Holm Andreas Beck
Published: November 2024

According to conventional wisdom, Rousseau's two key texts, the Second Discourse and the Social Contract, are tied together as question and answer. This is the view that is challenged in the present article. It is demonstrated how the Social Contract cannot, in fact, be more than a partial solution to the problems defined by the Second Discourse, and it is pointed out how Rousseau's Project for Corsica is a far more plausible answer to the challenges presented by him in the earlier work. This conclusion has significant consequences for our understanding of Rousseau's political philosophy in general, as well as his position in relation to later theoretical currents in political philosophy.
Direct sales and bargaining
Authors: Donna Javier D. , Pereira Pedro , Pu Yun , Trindade Andre , Yoshida Renan C.
Published: November 2024

Cutting out the intermediary and selling directly to consumers is an increasingly common strategy by manufacturers. We develop a structural model of vertical relations where manufacturers bargain with retailers and sell their products directly to consumers. Direct sales generate potential consumer gains due to additional competition and product variety but also increase manufacturers' bargaining leverage, thereby increasing upstream and downstream prices and potentially reducing consumer welfare. We estimate the model using data from the outdoor advertising industry to quantify the bargaining‐leverage and welfare effects of direct sales. We discuss the relevance of the bargaining‐leverage effect for vertical merger evaluation.
A Mendelian randomization study of alcohol use and cardiometabolic disease risk in a multi‐ancestry population from the Million Veteran Program
Authors: Kember Rachel L. , Rentsch Christopher T. , Lynch Julie , Vujkovic Marijana , Voight Benjamin , Justice Amy C. ,   Million Veteran Program, Assimes Themistocles L. , Kranzler Henry R.
Published: November 2024

Background

Observational studies link moderate alcohol consumption to reduced risk of cardiometabolic diseases, including coronary heart disease (CHD) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D). Mendelian randomization (MR) studies suggest that these associations are due to confounding. We present observed and genetically proxied associations between alcohol consumption and the incidence of CHD and T2D among African Americans (AA), European Americans (EA), and Hispanic Americans (HA) from the Million Veteran Program.

Methods

We conducted two retrospective, nested case–control studies of 33,053 CHD and 28,278 T2D cases matched to five controls each at the time of the event (index date). We used the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test–Consumption (AUDIT‐C) score closest in time prior to the index date to estimate alcohol exposure. Models were adjusted for smoking, body mass index (BMI), chronic kidney disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and the use of statins or antihypertensive medications. MR analyses used either a single variant in ADH1B or a genetic score (GS) as instrumental variables.

Results

Observational analysis showed a U‐shaped association of alcohol consumption with CHD and T2D risk. However, in MR analyses, neither ADH1B genotype‐predicted (in 36,465 AAs, 146,464 EAs, and 11,342 HAs) nor GS‐predicted (in EAs) alcohol consumption was associated with CHD risk. Similarly, T2D was not associated with alcohol consumption predicted either by ADH1B genotype (in 42,008 AAs, 109,351 EAs, and 13,538 HAs) or GS (in EAs). Multivariable MR analyses that adjusted for the effects of blood pressure and smoking also showed no association between alcohol consumption and cardiometabolic diseases.

Conclusions

We replicate prior observational studies that show a U‐shaped association between alcohol consumption and cardiometabolic diseases, but MR findings show no causal association between these traits. This is largely consistent with previous MR analyses in EAs and expands the literature by providing similar findings in AA and HA populations.
Impact of Early Intervention for Early Psychosis on Suicidal Behavior—A Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Tahmazov Elkhan , Bosse Jordan , Glemain Benjamin , Nabbe Patrice , Guillou Morgane , Blachier Athéna , Walter Michel , Lemey Christophe
Published: November 2024

Introduction

Early‐onset psychotic disorders include the prodromal phase and the first‐episode psychosis (FEP). They constitute a high‐risk period for suicidal behavior. Early intervention for psychosis (EIP) consists of intervening as early as possible. The effectiveness of early intervention on overall prognosis has been reported in numerous studies, and EIP services are emerging worldwide. Several authors report an improvement in suicidal behavior, but no study has looked at all the data.

Aims of the Study

The aim of work is to study whether early intervention for psychosis has an impact on deaths by suicide and suicide attempts, and study which intervention methods have an impact on suicidal behavior.

Methodology

By respecting the PRISMA criteria, previously declared on PROSPERO, by exploring 5 medical databases (PubMed, Cochrane, PsycINFO, Scopus, Embase), from their creation dates, published until 20/02/2023, in English, we carried out a meta‐analysis. The articles selected had to deal with the EIP and deaths by suicide or suicide attempts. Our primary outcome is the deaths by suicide and the secondary outcome the suicide attempt.

Results

The exhaustive search identified a total of 2310 references. Nine articles were included. Their intervention modalities were pharmacotherapy, psychotherapy, case‐management, or related services, and psycho‐social therapies. Our meta‐analysis shows that early intervention for early‐onset psychotic disorders is associated with a statistically significant reduction by a third in deaths by suicide (ORa = 0.66 (0.49–0.88), p = 0.005) and by a third in suicide attempts (ORa = 0.66 (0.50–0.86), p = 0.002), with non‐significant heterogeneity. Sensitivity analyses excluding the study with statistical difficulties due to the absence of an event and studies with a high risk of bias point in the same direction, that is a statistically significant reduction and non‐significant heterogeneity.

Conclusion

The literature shows that early intervention programs are associated with positive impact on deaths by suicide and suicide attempt. This is the first meta‐analysis of early intervention in early psychotic disorders and its impact on suicidal risk. The deployment of EIP should be supported worldwide in order to intervene as early as possible and prevent the risk of suicide.

Trial Registration: PROSPERO CRD42022366976
Quantifying the impacts of stoat and cat incursions on reintroduced bird populations in a predator‐fenced wildlife sanctuary
Authors: Parker K.A. , Lovegrove T.G. , Maitland M. , Parlato E. , Stone Z. , Armstrong D.P.
Published: November 2024

Control of introduced predators is essential for conserving many threatened species, but species range in vulnerability. Therefore, efficient conservation management requires estimating the vulnerabilities of different threatened species to introduced predators. Here, we quantify population responses of reintroduced toutouwai (Petroica longipes), popokatea (Mohoua albicilla) and tīeke (Philesturnus rufusater) to incursions of stoats (Mustela erminea) and cats (Felis catus) to a 588‐ha predator‐fenced sanctuary in Aotearoa New Zealand. There were fewer than 0.5 detections per year for both predator species from 2004 to 2016, but stoat detections increased >10‐fold from 2017 to 2019 and cats >30‐fold from 2020 to 2021. We estimated the growth and persistence of each bird population pre‐ and post‐2017. This involved fitting integrated population models to survival, reproduction and count data for toutouwai and tīeke, and fitting a variation of the Moran–Ricker model to 5‐min point counts for popokatea. We used these models to derive λmax, the finite rate of increase at zero density, which must be >1 for a population to persist. Popokatea showed no sign of impacts, with λmax estimated to be 1.68 (95% CRI 1.49–1.97) up to 2017 and 1.87 (1.42–2.62) after 2017. Toutouwai had tentative decreases in survival and reproduction, dropping the estimated λmax from 1.28 (1.10–1.51) to 1.06 (0.83–1.41). Tīeke survival dropped dramatically from 2017 to 2019, but returned to pre‐2017 levels when stoats were reduced, but recruitment was reduced and remained low, presumably due to cats. λmax was estimated to be 1.74 (1.04–2.70) on pre‐2017 rates; 1.14 (0.80–1.71) if only recruitment were predator‐affected; and 0.79 (0.36–1.36) if both adult survival and recruitment were predator‐affected. Our results therefore indicated that this level of stoat and cat incursion was inconsequential for popokatea, tentatively reduced toutouwai persistence from safe to marginal, and would have driven tīeke to extinction.
Alternatives to Injectable Adrenaline for Treating Anaphylaxis
Authors: Pouessel Guillaume , Neukirch Catherine
Published: November 2024

Adrenaline is the first line treatment for anaphylaxis and adrenaline auto‐injectors (AAI) allow reliable, safe and ergonomic administration in the community. However, AAIs have significant limitations and adrenaline is often not used in anaphylaxis. Innovations to administer adrenaline via alternative routes may potentially improve usage rates and treatment effectiveness. Here, we describe the known limitations and barriers to AAI use in anaphylaxis. We then summarise current data for adrenaline devices which use alternative routes of administration for treating anaphylaxis. Several novel devices are in development, which deliver adrenaline via nasal, sublingual or transcutaneous routes. Pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic and safety studies have compared these treatments with AAI or intramuscular adrenaline via needle and syringe. The first non‐injectable adrenaline delivery device for emergency treatment of anaphylaxis was approved in Europe and the United States. Neffy, an adrenaline nasal spray, is licensed for use in adult and paediatric patients who weigh at least 30 kg. In the near future, multiple alternatives to injectable adrenaline may be available for managing anaphylaxis, overcoming some, but not all of the limitations of AAIs.
Deconvoluting zavegepant drug–drug interactions: A phase I study to evaluate the effects of rifampin and itraconazole on zavegepant pharmacokinetics
Authors: Bhardwaj Rajinder , Malatesta Jo Ann , Madonia Jennifer , Anderson Matt S. , Morris Beth , Matschke Kyle T. , Croop Robert , Bertz Richard , Liu Jing
Published: November 2024

Zavegepant is a calcitonin gene‐related peptide receptor antagonist for acute migraine treatment. This Phase I, open‐label, fixed‐sequence study evaluated the effects of itraconazole (a strong cytochrome P450 3A4 [CYP3A4] and P‐glycoprotein [P‐gp] inhibitor) on the pharmacokinetics of intranasal/oral zavegepant and the effects of rifampin (a strong inducer of CYP3A4 and P‐gp; and an inhibitor of organic anion transporting polypeptide 1B3 [OATP1B3]) on oral zavegepant in healthy participants. In the intranasal/oral zavegepant–itraconazole cohort, participants received a single 10‐mg dose of zavegepant nasal spray on Day 1, followed by oral zavegepant (50 mg) on Day 3. Itraconazole 200 mg once daily was administered from Days 4 to 12. On Day 7 zavegepant nasal spray and on Day 11 oral zavegepant were coadministered with itraconazole. In the oral zavegepant–rifampin cohort, participants received oral zavegepant (100 mg) on Day 1, rifampin 600 mg once daily on Days 2–10, and rifampin with zavegepant on Day 11. No significant change in zavegepant exposure was observed following coadministration of itraconazole with zavegepant nasal spray. For oral zavegepant coadministered with itraconazole, the area under the curve from 0 to infinity (AUC0−inf) and the maximum observed concentration (Cmax) of oral zavegepant increased by 59% and 77%, respectively. For oral zavegepant coadministered with rifampin, the AUC0−inf and Cmax of oral zavegepant increased by approximately 2.3‐ and 2.2‐fold, respectively. These results suggest that OATP1B3 and intestinal P‐gp are the more prominent pathways, as opposed to CYP3A4, for a zavegepant drug–drug interaction. Coadministration of OATP1B3 inhibitors with zavegepant nasal spray should be avoided.