bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reconstructing the Social Construction of Reality
Authors: Fraser Norman M. , Turcan Romeo V.
Published: January 2025

What is the relationship between legitimation and institutionalization? We take a fresh look at a more complex and nuanced landscape than has previously been documented. Our approach is to view legitimation and institutionalization as separate, though related, processes. We engage in theory building to develop a typology suggesting four different ways in which the social construction of reality can be achieved: instantiating (mutual causal emergence, coming into being), realizing (legitimating toward institutionalization), aspiring (legitimating from institutionalization) and missing (mutual causal suppression, unrealized potential). Our typology contributes a new foundational framework for the sociology of knowledge for better explicating socially constructed reality, not only in periods of stability but also in the uncertainty of liquid times and states.
Advances in the preparation, applications, challenges, and future trends of polysaccharide‐based gels as food‐grade delivery systems for probiotics: A review
Authors: Zang Jianwei , Yin Zelin , Ouyang Huidan , Liu Yuanzhi , Liu Zebo , Yin Zhongping
Published: January 2025

Probiotics are highly regarded for their multiple functions, such as regulating gut health, enhancing the immune system, and preventing chronic diseases. However, their stability in harsh environments and targeted release remain significant challenges. Therefore, exploring effective protection and delivery strategies to ensure targeted release of probiotics is critically important. Polysaccharides, known for their non‐toxicity, excellent biocompatibility, and superior biodegradability, show broad prospects in probiotic delivery by forming physical barriers to protect the probiotics. Particularly, polysaccharide‐based gels (PBGs), with their unique “spider‐web” like structure, capture and ensure the targeted release of probiotics, significantly enhancing their efficacy. This review discusses common polysaccharides used in PBG preparation, their classification and synthesis in food applications, and the advantages of PBGs as probiotic delivery systems. Despite their potential, challenges such as inconsistent gel properties and the need for improved stability remain. Future research should focus on developing novel PBG materials with higher biodegradability and mechanical strength, optimizing the physicochemical properties and cross‐linking methods, as well as designing multilayered structures for more precise release control. Additionally, exploring the co‐delivery of probiotics with prebiotics, active ingredients, or multi‐strain systems could further enhance the efficacy of probiotic delivery.
Assessing plasma‐activated water as an acidic and sanitizer solution in clean‐in‐place (CIP) and comparing efficacy with other traditional CIP chemicals
Authors: Ghevariya Dhruv , Salvi Deepti
Published: January 2025

Cleaning‐in‐place (CIP) is the most commonly used cleaning and sanitation procedure for removing fouling deposits. Traditional CIP includes a series of chemical cleaning cycles, including alkaline, acid, and sanitizer. However, these chemicals are hazardous to the environment and employees. Plasma‐activated water (PAW), generated by exposing water to plasma (the fourth state of matter), was selected as a CIP cleaning solution due to its acidic pH and antimicrobial properties. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of PAW as a CIP cleaning solution for dairy (whey)‐ and plant (pea)‐based fouling removal. PAW was used in place of acid in traditional CIP for fouling removal in a continuous system and to test alkaline neutralizing capacity. Later, individual CIP chemicals were used to evaluate their efficacy against mixed‐species biofilms. All the treatments were performed in triplicate, and a significant difference was determined using a one‐way analysis of variance (ANOVA) at p < 0.05. Traditional CIP with acid and CIP with PAW were able to reduce dairy‐based protein fouling by 49% and 15%, respectively. However, CIP with acid and PAW removed 100% plant‐based protein fouling deposits. Moreover, PAW was able to neutralize more alkaline residues compared to acid in the CIP cycle. The result also showed that PAW alone reduced biofilms on whey and pea protein deposits by 4.2 and 3.0 log CFU/coupon, while traditional CIP sanitizer achieved reduction by 1.8 and 3.2 log CFU/coupon, respectively. PAW, being an eco‐friendly solution, can be a viable alternative to sanitizer in traditional CIP.

Practical Application

Plasma‐activated water (PAW) could be a promising eco‐friendly alternative solution to traditional cleaning‐in‐place (CIP) chemicals in the food industry. By effectively removing fouling deposits while also neutralizing alkaline residues, PAW shows promise for industrial applications in dairy‐ and plant‐based food processing facilities. Its ability to remove biofilms from protein deposits suggests potential benefits for maintaining sanitation standards in food production environments, making PAW a viable option for improving cleaning practices while minimizing environmental impact and ensuring employee safety.
Rethinking gender differences: An investigation of comorbid psychopathology and alcohol use disorder in veterans
Authors: Craft William H. , Padula Claudia B.
Published: January 2025

Background

While men have been found to drink more alcohol and have higher rates of alcohol‐related mortality, women tend to experience higher rates of alcohol‐related consequences, including psychological comorbidities and worse alcohol use disorder (AUD) outcomes. However, gender differences in comorbid psychopathology and associations with AUD outcomes among veterans are less well understood.

Methods

Veterans (N = 126; 32 women) receiving inpatient treatment for AUD completed baseline clinical measures including the Beck Depression Inventory‐II, Beck Anxiety Inventory, Early Life Stress Questionnaire, and PTSD Checklist for DSM‐5. Alcohol use was assessed with the Timeline Followback for the 90 days prior to the baseline assessment and again at 1‐, 3‐, and 6‐month follow‐ups. Gender differences in baseline alcohol and psychopathology measures were examined using Fisher's exact test and Mann–Whitney U test. Linear/logistic regression was used to examine associations between comorbid psychopathology and alcohol relapse/use severity post‐study.

Results

Consistent with prior literature, statistically significant gender differences in psychopathology were observed, with women reporting higher anxiety (p < 0.001), depression (p = 0.001), early life stress (p < 0.001), and PTSD (p < 0.001) at baseline. Higher early life stress was also associated with higher anxiety, depression, and PTSD. Statistically significant gender differences were not observed for alcohol use in the 90 days prior to the study. Similarly, gender was not associated with relapse or severity of use at 1‐, 3‐, or 6‐month follow ups (ps > 0.05). Psychopathology measures were not associated with relapse or severity of use at any time point (ps > 0.05).

Conclusion

Our study highlights that women veterans are drinking similar quantities of alcohol to men, supporting emerging evidence of a narrowing gender gap in alcohol use. Women also have a higher psychiatric burden than men; thus, identifying ways to mitigate comorbidity among women veterans should be a health priority.
Micra Leadless and Transvenous Pacemaker: A Single‐Center Comparative Study of QRS Wave Duration Resulting From Different Pacing Sites
Authors: Yu Yichi , Yang Xiaomin , Lian Xiaoming , Zhao Yan , Liu Bo , Feng Xiangfei , Wang Qunshan , Li Yigang
Published: January 2025

Objective

To compare the paced QRS duration on different sites in age‐, gender‐, and indication‐matched patients implanted with Micra leadless pacemakers and conventional transvenous pacemakers (TV‐PM).

Method

A total of 82 patients from Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University, were enrolled, including two groups of 41 patients matched according to gender, age, and pacemaker indications, who underwent Micra and TV‐PM implantations, respectively. The baseline data of the patients, the pacing site described using three‐ and nine‐partition methods, and the paced QRS duration on 12‐lead electrocardiogram were then analyzed.

Results

Overall, patients in our population were on average 79.2 years of age and mostly male (75.6%). Atrioventricular node dysfunction was the most common indication (56.1%) for pacemaker therapy. Mid‐septum, especially Site 5, is the implantation site for most patients in both groups. Micra (145 ms) and TV‐PM (133 ms) both had the narrowest‐paced QRS at high septum, but Micra may exhibit significantly more reduced QRS duration than TV‐PM at low septum (Micra vs. TV‐PM: 143.0 [142.8–156.5] ms vs. 163.5 ± 17.5 ms, p = 0.044).

Conclusion

The narrowest‐paced QRS complex for Micra leadless pacemakers is achieved at high septum, and pacing at low septum by Micra may acquire shorter QRS duration than conventional TV‐PM.
A Rare Case of Anterior Wall Combined With Inferior Wall Wellens Syndrome
Authors: Zhang Lei
Published: January 2025

This article describes a woman who presented to the hospital with recurrent chest pain. The electrocardiogram revealed positive and negative biphasic T waves in the anterior and inferior leads, which subsequently deepened. Upon recurrence of chest pain, the T waves reverted to upright. Coronary angiography indicated the presence of three‐vessel coronary artery disease. The occurrence of Wellens' T wave sign in the precordial leads frequently suggests left anterior descending artery disease, while the presence of positive and negative biphasic T waves in the inferior wall leads may also indicate lesions in the right coronary artery or left circumflex artery.
Hypothermic machine perfusion in uterus transplantation in a porcine model: A proof of concept and the first results in graft preservation
Authors: Sousa Carla Héléna , Mercier Marion , Rioux‐Leclercq Nathalie , Flecher Erwan , Bendavid Claude , Val‐Laillet David , Ferrant Juliette , Jaillard Sylvie , Loiseau Emma , Branchereau Julien , Berkane Yanis , Nyangoh Timoh Krystel , Carton Isis , Le Lous Maëla , Lavoue Vincent , Dion Ludivine
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Graft optimization is a necessity in order to develop uterus transplantation from brain‐dead donors, as a complement to living donors, as these grafts are rare and the last organs retrieved in multiple organ donation. The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility and interest of hypothermic machine perfusion (HMP) in uterus transplantation using a porcine model; secondary outcomes were the evaluation of the graft's tolerance to a prolonged cold ischaemia time and to find new biomarkers of uterus viability.

Material and Methods

Fifteen uterus allotransplantations were performed in a porcine model, after 18 h of cold ischaemia, divided in three groups: Static cold storage in a HTK solution, HMP (with the VitaSmart (™) machine Bridge to Life Ltd.) with a UW‐MP solution, and static cold storage in a UW solution. The main outcome was macroscopic: uterine arteries pulsatility, recoloration, and bleeding at the cut. Secondary outcomes were histological analyses (Zitkute and inflammation scores), caspase3 immunohistochemistry and plasmatic dosage of biomarkers.

Results

14/15 allotransplantations were performed according to the protocol and met the criteria of macroscopic vitality. Grafts treated with HMP (MP did not show significantly more tissue) damage than the recipient's uterus, contrary to grafts in static cold storage, independently of the solution used. This difference disappeared one and 3 h after uterus transplantation. Plasma dosages before and after uterus transplantation did not allow to identify a new biomarker of uterus viability.

Conclusions

HMP is feasible in a porcine model, without inflicting damage on the grafts during cold ischaemia time. Grafts exposed to HMP seemed to better endure reperfusion phenomena, but this advantage did not last over time.
Continuous Blood Gas Control Based on Active Disturbance Rejection Control During Ex Vivo Porcine Liver Perfusion
Authors: Zhao Yilong , Lyu Xin , Sun Zhen , Zhang Xiaoliang , Cen Jin , Yang Tianhang , Xu Xiaoliang , Xing Wenhui , Zhao Sihan , Wang Bidou , Luo Gangyin
Published: January 2025

Background

Membrane oxygenators facilitate extracorporeal gas exchange, necessitating the monitoring of blood gas. Recent advances in normothermic machine perfusion (NMP) for ex vivo liver offer solutions to the shortage of donor liver. However, maintaining physiological blood gas levels during prolonged NMP is complex and costly.

Methods

We introduce a noninvasive and economical approach for regulating the blood gas during NMP of ex vivo porcine livers. By monitoring gas fractions at the outlet of oxygenator, real‐time adjustments of blood gas can be made without the online blood gas analyzer. The method involves constructing multivariate linear regression (MLR) models, aligning target setpoints of gas, and employing active disturbance rejection control (ADRC) to achieve closed‐loop regulation.

Results

Ex vivo porcine liver perfusion experiments demonstrated the effectiveness of the method, maintaining blood gas within physiological levels over 24 h (oxygen partial pressure: 150.36 ± 3.33 mmHg, carbon dioxide partial pressure: 41.34 ± 0.91 mmHg).

Conclusion

ADRC‐based continuous regulation of gas fraction at the outlet of oxygenator is a feasible and effective approach for managing blood gas during ex vivo porcine liver perfusion.
The economics of Canadian immigration levels
Authors: Doyle Matthew , Skuterud Mikal , Worswick Christopher
Published: January 2025

If immigration can benefit the Canadian economy, but must be limited to realize the benefit, what is the optimal level? The Canadian government is increasing immigration rates to levels not reached since the 1920s in the hope of addressing labour shortages and sluggish economic growth. We argue that economic immigration in the Canadian context should aim to raise GDP per capita in the population, including the newcomers, and examine the potential for increases in Canadian immigration rates to achieve this objective. Our analysis suggests that Canada is not well positioned to leverage heightened immigration to increase GDP per capita owing primarily to weak capital investment and quantity–quality tradeoffs in immigrant selection. We propose a policy rule for defining the optimal level of economic immigration.
Five‐Year Results of One‐Piece Zirconia Oral Implants Supporting Three‐Unit Fixed Dental Prostheses
Authors: Kohal Ralf‐Joachim , Vach Kirstin , Butz Frank , Patzelt Sebastian Berthold Maximilian , Burkhardt Felix
Published: January 2025

Objectives

The purpose of the present prospective case series was to investigate the clinical and radiological outcome of one‐piece zirconia implants fabricated from 3Y‐TZP with a moderately roughened endosseous surface (Sa = 1.24 μm) to support three‐unit fixed dental prostheses (FDP) after five years in function.

Materials and Methods

Twenty‐seven patients received a total of 54 implants in a one‐stage surgery with immediate provisionalization. Peri‐implant bone loss was assessed using standardized radiographs. Additionally, soft‐tissue parameters were analyzed. Statistical analyses were conducted using linear mixed regression models and Wilcoxon Signed Rank tests (p < 0.05). All patients participated in an annual maintenance program.

Results

Eighteen implants were lost up to the 5‐year follow‐up, resulting in a cumulative survival rate of 66.67%. The mean marginal bone loss of the remaining implants amounted to 1.89 mm. Probing depth, clinical attachment loss, and bleeding on probing increased from prosthesis insertion to the 5‐year follow‐up, while the plaque index showed no significant changes during the same period.

Conclusions

The investigated one‐piece zirconia implant showed low survival rates as compared to previously reported survival rates of one‐piece zirconia or two‐piece titanium implants. Implant failure was attributed to peri‐implantitis, leading to the necessity of implant removal. The implant is not commercially available.
Chronic pain after colorectal cancer treatment: A population‐based cross‐sectional study
Authors: Elfeki Hossam , Alharbi Reem A. , Juul Therese , Drewes Asbjørn M. , Christensen Peter , Laurberg Søren , Emmertsen Katrine J.
Published: January 2025

Aims

With the recently validated tool for estimating chronic pain after colorectal cancer surgery, the aims of this study were to calculate the prevalence and to identify predictive risk factors for chronic pain after colorectal cancer treatment.

Method

Clinical data from colorectal cancer patients treated between 2001 and 2014 were obtained from the Danish Colorectal Cancer Group database. In 2016, all survivors were invited to participate in a national cross‐sectional questionnaire study on long‐term functional outcomes, including the chronic pain questionnaire. The prevalence of chronic pain was analysed in groups based on demographic data and treatment‐related factors. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to determine significant predictors of chronic pain, displayed as odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals.

Results

The response rate was 63.8%, representing 11 600 patients (7127 colon and 4473 rectal cancer patients). The overall prevalence of pain was 41.5%, with 15.4% having major pain. Major pain was more prevalent in rectal cancer patients than colon cancer patients (16.7% vs. 14.5%, p < 0.001). Predictors for major pain were: young age <60 years [OR 1.7 (95% CI 1.51–1.91)]; female sex [OR 1.63 (95% CI 1.46–1.82)]; an open surgical approach [OR 1.18 (95% CI 1.05–1.33)]; chemotherapy [OR 1.32 (95% CI 1.18–1.49)]; radiotherapy [OR 1.39 (95% CI 1.17–1.65)]; permanent stoma [1.56 (95% CI 1.31–1.86)]; comorbidity [OR 1.69 (95% CI 1.5–1.9)]; anastomotic leakage [OR 1.31 (95% CI 1.05–1.64)].

Conclusion

Chronic pain is prevalent after colorectal cancer surgery. All patients should be informed about the risks before cancer treatment, particularly those who are at an increased risk of developing major pain.
Hot child in the city: Drivers of urban buffelgrass presence in Tucson, Arizona
Authors: Hovanes Katherine A. , Gornish Elise S. , Thies Sawyer , Baldwin Elizabeth , Ossanna Lia , Dosamantes Elena , Lien Aaron
Published: January 2025

Invasive species distributions and ecological impacts in natural ecosystems have been broadly studied, but invasive species urban distributions and impacts on human populations warrant further investigation. Urban areas are highly disturbed environments at high risk of invasion by non‐native species, and urban infrastructure can influence the dispersal and abundance of invasive species. Furthermore, in areas with concentrated human populations, invasive species may pose a risk to human as well as native biota. Here, we examine (1) how high‐traffic roadways and the presence of suitable habitat influence buffelgrass abundance in residential areas and (2) whether buffelgrass differentially invades residential areas across socioeconomic levels and racial diversity indices in Tucson, Arizona. We found that, within residential areas, the presence of vacant lots was positively associated with buffelgrass abundance; however, there was no relationship between other suitable habitat types and buffelgrass abundance. We found no relationship between road type and buffelgrass abundance in residential areas. We found that lower‐income communities were more likely to be invaded by buffelgrass, but there was no relationship between racial diversity index and buffelgrass abundance. Understanding drivers of invasive species presence and abundance in urban areas is necessary to inform urban management strategies to prevent spread to surrounding wildlands.
Identifying the Views and Needs of Family Physicians on Providing Care to Living Kidney Donors: A Cross‐Sectional Survey
Authors: Loban Katya , Trinh Emilie , Gaudio Kathleen , Nijjar Diya , Robert Jorane‐Tiana , Lam Ngan , McKay Scott , Badenoch Heather , Fortin Marie‐Chantal , Bugeja Ann , Mainra Rahul , Dipchand Christine , Sandal Shaifali
Published: January 2025

Optimizing the long‐term care and follow‐up of living kidney donors (LKDs) has been challenging, and prior LKDs have reported suboptimal healthcare experiences. Long‐term care of LKDs is largely undertaken by primary care practitioners such as family physicians (FPs). We conducted a cross‐sectional survey of Canadian FPs (n = 151). In our sample, 21.9% of participants reported that ≥1 patient had expressed interest in becoming a LKD, and 39.9% provided care to prior LKDs. While 55.5% knew how to find information on living kidney donation, 75.5% reported that information was not available in their practice. Only a minority had formal training in living kidney donation (<5%), and self‐reported knowledge was low (median = 3 [scale 1 = not strong to 10 = very strong]). Knowledge improved significantly with educational activities, resources, experience, and practice needs. Attitudes toward living kidney donation were generally favorable with 71.5% stating that FPs should be involved in post‐donation care. Clinical care guidelines (78.8%) were the most desired resource, followed by clear communication and reliable contact at transplant centers. Our findings inform the transplant community of an avenue to optimize LKD care by better‐supporting FPs, who provide care to LKDs. This may enhance data collection on LKD outcomes and potentially increase donation rates.
Evaluation of the Effect of Loperamide on the Cardiac Repolarization Interval Using Exposure–Response Analysis
Authors: Valenzuela Belén , Gisleskog Per Olsson , Cirillo Iolanda , Coenen Erwin , Ariyawansa Jay , Ali Saberi Rana , Takhtoukh Samiha , Pérez‐Ruixo Juan José , Ackaert Oliver
Published: January 2025

This analysis assessed the relationship between the plasma concentrations of loperamide and its N‐desmethyl loperamide meta‐ bolite (M1) and the potential QT interval prolongation at therapeutic and supratherapeutic doses. The exposure–response analysis was performed using the data from healthy adults participating in a randomized, double‐blind, single‐dose, four‐way (placebo; loperamide 8 mg [therapeutic]; loperamide 48 mg [supratherapeutic]; moxifloxacin 400 mg [positive control]) crossover study. The electrocardiographic measurements extracted from 12‐lead digital Holter recordings were time‐matched to pharmacokinetic sampling of loperamide/M1. The primary response variable was placebo‐adjusted change from baseline in Fridericia‐corrected QT interval (ΔΔQTcF); the exposure variable was loperamide and/or M1 concentration. A total of 53 participants with 1408 time‐matched pharmacokinetic and ΔΔQTcF measurements was analyzed. Hysteresis between both loperamide and M1 concentrations and ΔΔQTcF was observed with supratherapeutic dose. The pre‐specified linear concentration‐ΔΔQTcF relationship was driven by M1 concentrations in the effect compartment. The model‐predicted mean ΔΔQTcF at the geometric mean of the maximum concentration in the effect compartment was −0.526 msec (90% CI, −1.51 to 0.462) following 8‐mg dose (2.1 ng/mL) and 6.06 msec (90% CI, 3.86–8.27) following 48‐mg dose (14.2 ng/mL). The upper bound of two‐sided 90% CI was < 10 msec for both doses. The sensitivity analysis considering loperamide concentrations in the effect compartment instead of M1 as input for the concentration‐ΔΔQTcF analysis confirmed these findings. The data showed that loperamide or M1 does not have an effect on cardiac repolarization that exceeds the threshold of regulatory concern in healthy participants at doses of 8 and 48 mg.
Sodium‐glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors and outcomes in transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy: Systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Karakasis Paschalis , Theofilis Panagiotis , Patoulias Dimitrios , Schuermans Art , Vlachakis Panayotis K , Klisic Aleksandra , Rizzo Manfredi , Fragakis Nikolaos
Published: January 2025

Background

Transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR‐CM) commonly leads to heart failure but has traditionally been an exclusion criterion in randomized clinical trials (RCTs) of sodium‐glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i); therefore, the effects of these drugs in this population remain undocumented. In light of recent studies, this meta‐analysis aimed to investigate the effect of SGLT2i on the prognosis of patients with ATTR‐CM.

Methods

A comprehensive search of Medline, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library was conducted up to November 17, 2024. Study selection, data extraction and quality assessment were carried out independently by two investigators. Associations of SGLT2i with outcomes were pooled using random‐effects meta‐analyses.

Results

A total of five studies (9766 participants, 4 propensity score‐matched) were included. The use of SGLT2i was associated with significant reductions in all‐cause mortality [hazard ratio (HR) .54, 95% confidence interval (CI) .44–.66], cardiovascular mortality (HR .39, 95% CI .23–.65), major adverse cardiovascular events (HR .71, 95% CI .61–.83), and heart failure hospitalizations (HFHs) (HR .63, 95% CI .52–.77) compared to non‐use. The odds of cardiac arrhythmias were significantly lower among SGLT2i users compared to non‐users [odds ratio (OR) .73, 95% CI .65–.83]. Specifically, SGLT2i use was associated with significant reductions in the odds of atrial fibrillation (AF) (OR .75, 95% CI .62–.91), ventricular tachycardia (OR .72, 95% CI .59–.88), and sudden cardiac arrest (OR .71, 95% CI .50–.99).

Conclusions

The use of SGLT2is may be associated with a more favourable prognosis in patients with ATTR‐CM. Adequately powered, long‐term RCTs are required to validate the available observational evidence.
Responsible Use of Population Neuroscience Data in the ABCD: Towards Standards of Accountability and Integrity
Authors: Brown Sandra A. , Garavan Hugh , Jernigan Terry L. , Tapert Susan F. , Huber Rebekah S. , Lopez Daniel , Murray Traci , Dowling Gayathri , Hoffman Elizabeth A. , Uddin Lucina Q.
Published: January 2025

This editorial focuses on the issue of data misuse that is increasingly evidenced in social media as well as some premiere scientific journals. This issue is of critical importance to open science projects in general, and ABCD in particular, given the broad array of biological, behavioural and environmental information collected on this American sample of 12,000 youth and parents. ABCD data are already widely used with over 1,200 publications and twice as many citations per year as expected (relative citation index based on year, field and journal). However, the adverse consequences of misuse of data and inaccurate interpretation of emergent findings from this precedent setting study may have a profound impact on disadvantaged populations and perpetuate biases and societal injustices.
Bridging the work governance divide: Pluralism and performance
Authors: de Oliveira Gustavo Magalhães , Saes Maria Sylvia Macchione , de Amorim Wilson Aparecido Costa , Grandori Anna
Published: January 2025

This article introduces a new direction of studies that looks at the Workplace of the Future through enlarged interdisciplinary lenses. This article bridges the divide between different traditions – human resource management, industrial relations and economic democracy – arguing theoretically and demonstrating empirically their complementarity in designing a workplace that better responds to the challenges posed by increasingly conflicting demands, such as flexibility and safeguards; quality of life and quality of productive output; diversity of workforce; and diversity of contexts and institutions. We hypothesise and find (using the largest available dataset on work‐related systems CRANET) that the response may lie in adopting ‘pluralist’ work governance models, blending mechanisms that differ in kind and are recommended by different disciplinary traditions: ‘highly powered incentives’, worker representation and voice rights, communitarian practices and formal personnel systems. We also show that pluralist systems in the ‘private governance’ sphere are complementary with strong labour‐related institutions in the ‘public governance’ of work; and indicate how those findings can lead to a better understanding of how to take into account institutions, such as governments, regulations and industries, in shaping and designing the workplace of the future. In particular, the finding that a pluralist configuration consistently outperforms other configurations across industries and countries suggests that a pluralist trait may be a universally valid attribute of workplace governance, even though the specific mechanisms that create that variety are different and context‐dependent.
A Recursive Model Approach to Include Epigenetic Effects in Genetic Evaluations Using Simulated DNA Methylation Effects
Authors: López‐Catalina Adrián , Ragab Mohamed , Reverter Antonio , González‐Recio Oscar
Published: January 2025

The advancement of epigenetics has highlighted DNA methylation as an intermediate‐omic influencing gene regulation and phenotypic expression. With emerging technologies enabling the large‐scale and affordable capture of methylation data, there is growing interest in integrating this information into genetic evaluation models for animal breeding. This study used methylome information from six dairy cows to simulate the methylation profile of 13,183 genotyped animals. The liability to methylation was treated as an additive trait, while a trait moderated by methylation effects was also simulated. A multiomic model (GOBLUP) was adapted to incorporate methylation data in genomic and genetic evaluations, using the traditional BLUP method as a benchmark. The GOBLUP accurately recovered heritability estimates for the liability to methylation in all low, medium and high heritability scenarios and was consistent at estimating the heritability for the epigenetics‐moderated trait of interest at a low–medium heritability of 0.14. The genetic variance recovered by the BLUP model was influenced by the h2 of the liability to methylation, and a part of the methylation variance for the phenotypic trait was captured as additive. The h2 of the phenotypic trait partially relies on the h2 value for the methylation windows in the traditional model. A newly proposed estimated epigenetic value (EEV) combines the traditional additive genetic information from genotyping arrays with epigenetic information. The correlation between the traditional estimated breeding value (EBV) and EEV was high (0.92–0.99 depending on the scenario), but the correlation of the EEV with the true breeding value was higher than the correlation between the traditional EBV and the TBV (0.85 vs. 0.75, 0.71 vs. 0.66 and 0.61 vs. 0.62 depending on the scenario). This study demonstrates that the GOBLUP multiomic recursive model can effectively separates additive and epigenetic variances, enabling improved breeding decisions by accounting for genetic liability to DNA methylation. This enables more informed breeding decisions, optimising selection for desired traits. Emerging sequencing techniques offer new opportunities for cost‐effective simultaneous acquisition of genetic and epigenetic data, further enhancing breeding accuracy.
Integrative Machine Learning of Glioma and Coronary Artery Disease Reveals Key Tumour Immunological Links
Authors: He Youfu , You Ganhua , Zhou Yu , Ai Liqiong , Liu Wei , Meng Xuantong , Wu Qiang
Published: January 2025

It is critical to appreciate the role of the tumour‐associated microenvironment (TME) in developing strategies for the effective therapy of cancer, as it is an important factor that determines the evolution and treatment response of tumours. This work combines machine learning and single‐cell RNA sequencing (scRNA‐seq) to explore the glioma tumour microenvironment's TME. With the help of genome‐wide association studies (GWAS) and Mendelian randomization (MR), we found genetic variants associated with TME elements that affect cancer and cardiovascular disease outcomes. Using machine learning techniques high dimensional data was analysed to obtain new molecular sub‐types and biomarkers that are important for prognosis and treatment response. F3 was identified as a top regulator and revealed potential angiogenic and immunogenic characteristics within the TME that could be harnessed in immunotherapy. These results demonstrate the potential of machine‐learning approaches in identifying and dissecting TME heterogeneity and informing treatment in precision oncology. This work proposes improving the immunotherapeutic response through targeted modulation of relevant cellular and molecular interactions.
The effect of exercise on GDF‐15 levels in individuals with prediabetes: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Yıldırım Ayaz Elif , Mesci Banu , Üner Özden Ezgi , Kaya Fatoş Nimet , Dincer Berna , İşman Ferruh Kemal , Oğuz Aytekin
Published: January 2025

Aims

Growth differentiation factor‐15 (GDF‐15) is an inflammatory cytokine that increases in prediabetes and is known for its anorexigenic effects. This study aims to evaluate the effects of a 12‐week exercise program on GDF‐15 in individuals with prediabetes.

Materials and Methods

In this multicenter, parallel‐group, randomized‐controlled trial, 64 patients aged 18–60 diagnosed with prediabetes were randomized in a 1:1 ratio into the exercise group (E) and the control group (C). Additionally, 32 patients who were planned to start metformin were included in the metformin group (M). Participants in the exercise group engaged in aerobic exercise at 50–70% of their maximum heart rate for 60 min, 3 days a week. Serum GDF‐15 levels were evaluated at the beginning and the end of the 12th week.

Results

The mean age of the 91 participants who completed the study was 46.13 ± 8.52 years, and 23.1% were male. Basal GDF‐15 levels were similar among the groups (E = 668.6 ± 415.1, C = 651.8 ± 352.5, M = 603.6 ± 387.2, P = 0.47). At the 12th week, GDF‐15 levels were lower in the E compared to the C, while higher in the M compared to the C (E = 383.1 ± 215.6, C = 556.4 ± 285.6, M = 810.8 ± 498.0, P < 0.001). In inter‐group comparisons, no significant change was observed in the C between the 0th and 12th weeks, while GDF‐15 decreased in the E (P < 0.001) and increased in the M (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

It was determined that in individuals with prediabetes, GDF‐15, which serves both as a biomarker of metabolic disorder and has a negative regulatory effect on appetite, decreased with 12 weeks of aerobic exercise and increased with metformin administration.
Characterization of Allobodo yubaba sp. nov. and Novijibodo darinka gen. et sp. nov., cultivable free‐living species of the phylogenetically enigmatic kinetoplastid taxon Allobodonidae
Authors: Packer Julia A. , Zavadska Daryna , Weston Elizabeth J. , Eglit Yana , Richter Daniel J. , Simpson Alastair G. B.
Published: January 2025

Kinetoplastids are a large and diverse protist group, spanning ecologically important free‐living forms to medically important parasites. The taxon Allobodonidae holds an unresolved position within kinetoplastids, and the sole described species, Allobodo chlorophagus, is uncultivated, being a necrotroph/parasite of macroalgae. Here we describe Allobodo yubaba sp. nov. and Novijibodo darinka gen. nov. et sp. nov., both free‐living bacterivores isolated into monoeukaryotic cultures. Electron microscopy shows that both A. yubaba and N. darinka have a microtubular prism in the feeding apparatus (absent in A. chlorophagus), and an ovoid eukinetoplast, rather than pan‐kDNA as in A. chlorophagus. Phylogenetic analyses of SSU rDNA sequences robustly place A. yubaba as the sister to A. chlorophagus, while N. darinka branches separately within Allobodonidae, as a sister group of undescribed freshwater isolates. We view Allobodonidae as containing at least four genus‐level clades: Allobodo (A. chlorophagus and A. yubaba n. sp.), an undescribed fresh‐water clade, an undescribed marine clade, and now Novijibodo—with N. darinka as its sole known member. Electron microscopy also revealed a rod‐shaped gram‐negative bacterial cytoplasmic endosymbiont in our N. darinka isolate. The availability of these species in monoeukaryotic culture should facilitate future research, including resolving the position of Allobodonidae using phylogenomic approaches.
Ultrastructure of Olkasia polycarbonata (Euglenozoa, Euglenida) demonstrates cytoskeletal innovations associated with the feeding and flagellar apparatuses
Authors: Palka Maia V. , Manglicmot Regine Claire , Lax Gordon , Wakeman Kevin C. , Leander Brian S.
Published: January 2025

Euglenids are flagellates with diverse modes of nutrition, including the photosynthetic Euglenophyceae, which acquired plastids via secondary endosymbiosis with green algae, and a diverse assemblage of predators of bacteria and other microeukaryotes. Most heterotrophic euglenids have never been cultivated, so their morphology remains poorly characterized and limited to only a few studies. “Ploeotids” are a paraphyletic group representing much of the diversity of heterotrophic euglenids and are characterized by their feeding apparatus and a rigid pellicle of 10–12 longitudinally arranged strips. Ploeotid‐like euglenids gave rise to the Spirocuta, a large clade of heterotrophic and photosynthetic euglenids defined by a flexible pellicle of helically arranged strips. Using single‐cell approaches, we report the first ultrastructural characterization of Olkasia polycarbonata, a ploeotid that is consistently positioned as the sister lineage to the Spirocuta in multigene phylogenetic analyses. O. polycarbonata shares several morphological characteristics with members of Spirocuta, such as prominent swellings on the paraxonemal rods and a robust feeding apparatus consisting of rods and vanes. These morphological traits are consistent with the phylogenetic position of O. polycarbonata and demonstrate an increase in cytoskeletal complexity that occurred prior to the key strip duplication event in the most recent common ancestor of Spirocuta.
A deep dive into bryophyte genome space reveals opposing evolutionary trends in the sister lineages, mosses and liverworts
Authors: Fujiwara Tao , Liu Hong‐Mei , Zhu Rui‐Liang , Schneider Harald
Published: January 2025

Among the lineages of the tree of life, land plants exhibit a remarkably high genomic disparity because of their distinct evolutionary trajectories in the phylogenetic history of their major lineages. The macroevolutionary pattern of genomic evolution has been mainly investigated to obtain insights into well‐studied lineages such as angiosperms, but little attention has been given to many important lineages such as bryophytes. This study was designed to resolve this gap by comparing the genomic evolution trajectories of mosses and liverworts. Thus, a data set comprising chromosome number and genome size was compiled, including previously published and newly generated data that were used to trace the phylogenetic history of these two parameters among mosses and liverworts via ancestral state reconstruction and phylogenetic comparative analyses. Contrasting patterns of chromosome number and genome size evolutions were detected between the two sister lineages. Mosses accumulated high chromosome number disparity via repeated whole‐genome duplications and descending dysploidy but maintained a small genome size. By contrast, the chromosome number of liverworts was highly conserved, and heterogeneous trends in genome size evolution were identified among major lineages. These contrasting patterns may be partly explained by the difference in genomic dynamics: Active dynamics enables genome downsizing and reorganization in mosses, whereas genome stability leads to the accumulation of large genomes in liverworts. The results of this study confirmed the distinct trends of genomic evolution in bryophytes.
Multi‐study examination of criminal‐legal professionals' use of risk assessments in pretrial decision‐making
Authors: Knes Anna S. , Lowder Evan M. , Thai Mindy L. , Reuter Sydney M. , Kent Autumn R.
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Risk assessments represent a contemporary solution to reform bail practices. Current research suggests such tools can promote nonfinancial release. However, fewer studies have examined why judges may not regularly adhere to pretrial risk assessments and how other pretrial practices may affect risk assessment‐guided decision‐making.

Aim

This study examined how long‐standing and newer pretrial practices—the presence of counsel at first appearance, continued reliance on traditional bail setting practices and the use of structured guidelines—informs pretrial release decision.

Methods

We conducted a national, cross‐sectional survey of 146 US criminal‐legal professionals representing defence attorneys (37.2%), pretrial services officers (26.4%), prosecutors (14.0%), judges (8.3%), and other roles (14.0%). The survey involved three randomized vignette scenarios and questions on respondents' background and perceptions of risk assessments. In each vignette, participants rated their probability of a release on recognizance, detention, bail and supervision decision. Analyses incorporated a combination of t‐tests, ANOVAs and multiple regressions.

Results

Findings indicated the absence of counsel at first appearance and presence of a traditional bail system led to a lower likelihood of releasing on recognizance, while the provision of structured guidelines did not alter participants' likelihood of releasing on recognizance, assigning bail or assigning significantly higher bail amounts. Participants' race, political affiliation and confidence in daily decision‐making were associated with certain release decisions.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest other pretrial practices limit the consideration of risk assessment information in decision‐making. To promote greater adherence to risk assessment tools, we recommend strategies to curtail discretionary use of bail when pretrial risk assessments are present.
Nursing as a Functional System of Society. A Systems Theoretical Perspective on Nursing and the Research Object of Nursing Science
Authors: Dietrich Christopher
Published: January 2025

The transformation of societies' age structures has intensified the need for nursing care, especially in economically developed regions of the world. This will necessitate societal decisions that determine how care needs are met in the long term. This article offers a sociological perspective on nursing care using Luhmann's systems theory. To make the designation of a functional nursing system with independent observation plausible, social changes were traced based on historical events, semantics, and other social structures to develop the primary view of the nursing system. On this basis, a functional definition of the nursing system and its relationship to problems and problem‐solving is possible. This proposal is intended to clarify the fundamental questions of nursing science: What is nursing and what is behind it? Through abstraction, this article develops a unified representation of nursing's distinct way of observation to support the determination of a unique research object for nursing science as an academic discipline. In line with Brandenburg's statement that nursing science must follow the interests of others as long as it is not possible to conquer a terrain occupied by the discipline independently, the need to develop a genuine discipline remains. Only then, it is assumed, can nursing science significantly contribute to other functional systems and to societal decisions that will determine how care needs are addressed in the future.
Ability of CHA2DS2‐VASc/R2CHA2DS2‐VASc Scores to Predict Complications Related to Cardiac Implantable Electronic Devices
Authors: Söner Serdar , Aktan Adem , Kılıç Raif , Güzel Hamdullah , Taştan Ercan , Okşul Metin , Cömert Adnan Duha , Coşkun Mehmet Sait , Söner Hülya Tosun , Özbek Mehmet , Demir Muhammed , Güzel Tuncay
Published: January 2025

Background

Globally, the number of cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) is increasing. In our study, we aimed to investigate whether CHA2DS2‐VASc and R2CHA2DS2‐VASc scores are predictive of CIED‐related complications.

Methods

Our investigation was carried out with a multicenter retrospective design. Patients who underwent CIED surgery at two cardiac centers in Turkey between January 2011 and May 2023, 1676, were evaluated. The patients were divided into two groups according to their R2CHA2DS2‐VASc scores. Patients with R2CHA2DS2‐VASc ≥ 5 were included in group 1 (380 patients), and patients with R2CHA2DS2‐VASc < 5 (1296 patients) were included in group 2. The primary outcome was defined as the cumulative events. Each component of cumulative events, such as hematoma, pericardial effusion, pneumothorax, and infection, was also defined as a secondary outcome.

Results

The study's patient population had an average age of 62.9 ± 14 years. Pneumothorax (1.8% vs. 1.3%, p = 0.444), pericardial effusion or tamponade (0.35% vs. 0.2%, p = 0.659), and clinically significant hematoma (1.1% vs. 0.6%, p = 0.376) were comparable between the groups. Infection‐related devices and cumulative events classified as primary outcomes were higher in the R2CHA2DS2‐VASc ≥ 5 group (6.1% vs. 1.2%, p < 0.001; 7.6% vs. 3.2%, p < 0.001, respectively). Modeling analyses showed that the CHA2DS2‐VASc score and HT were also independent predictors of device‐related infection and cumulative events.

Conclusion

In the R2CHA2DS2‐VASc ≥ 5 groups, infection related to the device system and cumulative events were higher. Patients with an R2CHA2DS2‐VASc score of 5 or more and a high CHA2DS2‐VASc score should be evaluated more carefully regarding infection and cumulative events before and after the operation.
Do patients with fibromyalgia syndrome and healthy people differ in their opinions on placebo effects in routine medical care?
Authors: van Lennep Johan P. A. , Meijer Simone , Karacaoglu Merve , Rippe Ralph , Peerdeman Kaya J. , van Middendorp Henriët , Evers Andrea W. M.
Published: January 2025

Objectives

Placebo effects can relieve acute and chronic pain in both research and clinical treatments by learning mechanisms. However, the application of placebo‐based treatment strategies in routine medical care is questioned. The current study investigated the opinions of patients with fibromyalgia and healthy controls regarding learning of placebo effects and their practical applications.

Method

An online survey asked 158 age‐ and sex‐matched adult patients and controls (79 per group) to rate the perceived influence of various placebo learning mechanisms on pain relief, and the acceptability and perceived effectiveness of placebo‐based strategies (open‐label, closed‐label, dose‐extending, and treatment‐enhancing strategies). Respondents' knowledge about placebo effects was obtained through a 7‐item quiz.

Results

The groups did not differ in the perceived influence of placebo learning mechanisms on pain relief (p = 0.217). Controls considered closed‐label and treatment‐enhancing strategies more acceptable than patients (p = 0.003 and p < 0.001), whereas controls perceived all strategies more effective. In both groups, closed‐label strategies were significantly less acceptable than any other strategy (p‐values < 0.001), and treatment‐enhancing or dose‐extending strategies were most acceptable. Higher acceptability was predicted by higher perceived effectiveness ratings (p < 0.001). Also, increased placebo knowledge was related to higher acceptability (p = 0.03) and perceived effectiveness (p < 0.001).

Discussion

This survey suggests that both the medical history of patients and knowledge about placebo effects affect the acceptability and perceived effectiveness of placebo‐based strategies. Furthermore, strategies that are transparent, assumed effective, or combined with existing medical treatments are deemed most acceptable. Keeping these factors in mind is essential for the clinical implementation of placebo‐based strategies in routine medical care.