bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Zhu Xinzhe , Xiao Zhiwen , Liu He , Zhang Pin , Deng Shengming , Ding Lei , Feng Jingjing , Luo Jianfeng , Ni Quanxing , Luo Guopei , Yu Xianjun
Published: December 2023

Objective:

To examine the characteristics of patients with pancreatic cancer with long-term survival.

Background:

Although pancreatic cancer is a highly lethal malignancy, a minority of patients experience long-term survival. The characteristics of these patients remain largely unidentified.

Methods:

An indolent subgroup was established using carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9), which is the best-validated biomarker for pancreatic cancer. Of 1558 patients, 13.9% were included in the CA19-9–normal (≤37 U/mL) subgroup.

Results:

A normal CA19-9 level was an independent variable for overall survival (median survival, 18.1 vs 9.7 months, hazard ratio = 0.53, P < 0.001). The 5-year survival of patients with stage IV CA19-9–normal cancer was higher than that of patients with stage I-IV CA19-9-high cancer (22.4% vs 6.8%, P = 0.034). The CA19-9–normal subgroup exhibited reduced levels of circulating glucose (P < 0.001) and increased expression of insulin (P < 0.001) compared with the CA19-9-high subgroup. Glucose was a substrate for CA19-9 biosynthesis through the hexosamine biosynthesis pathway. In addition, in pancreatic cancer animal models of diabetes, glucose control decreased CA19-9 levels and improved overall survival. In a clinical trial (NCT05306028) of patients before undergoing major anticancer treatments, glucose control decreased CA19-9 levels in 90.9% of the patients.

Conclusions:

CA19-9–normal pancreatic cancer is a strikingly indolent subgroup with low glucose and high insulin. Glucose control is a promising therapeutic strategy for pancreatic cancer.
Neighborhood-level Social Determinants of Health and Waitlist Mortality for Liver Transplantation: The Liver Outcomes and Equity Index
Authors: Zhou Kali , Lit Aaron , Kuo Leane S. , Thompson Laura K. , Dodge Jennifer L. , Mehta Neil , Terrault Norah A. , Ha Nghiem B. , Cockburn Myles G.
Published: December 2023

Background and Aims.

To examine neighborhood-level disparities in waitlist mortality for adult liver transplantation (LT), we developed novel area-based social determinants of health (SDOH) index using a national transplant database.

Methods.

ZIP Codes of individuals listed for or received LT in the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients database between June 18, 2013, and May 18, 2019, were linked to 36 American Community Survey (ACS) variables across 5 SDOH domains for index development. A step-wise principal component analysis was used to construct the Liver Outcomes and Equity (LOEq) index. We then examined the association between LOEq quintiles (Q1 = worst and Q5 = best neighborhood SDOH) and waitlist mortality with competing risk regression among listed adults in the study period and acuity circle (AC) era.

Results.

The final LOEq index consisted of 13 ACS variables. Of 59 298 adults waitlisted for LT, 30% resided in LOEq Q5 compared with only 14% in Q1. Q1 neighborhoods with worse SDOH were disproportionately concentrated in transplant regions with low median Model for End-Stage Liver Disease at transplant (MMAT) and shorter wait times. Five years cumulative incidence of waitlist mortality was 33% in Q1 in high MMAT regions versus 16% in Q5 in low MMAT regions. Despite this allocation advantage, LOEq Q1–Q4 were independently associated with elevated risk of waitlist mortality compared with Q5, with highest increased hazard of waitlist deaths of 19% (95% CI, 11%-26%) in Q1. This disparity persisted in the AC era, with 24% (95% CI, 10%-40%) increased hazard of waitlist deaths for Q1 versus Q5.

Conclusions.

Neighborhood SDOH independently predicts waitlist mortality in adult LT.
T-bet+ B Cells in Humans: Protective and Pathologic Functions
Authors: Nellore Anoma , Zumaquero Esther , Seifert Michael
Published: December 2023

The humoral immune system comprises B cells and plasma cells, which play important roles in organ transplantation, ranging from the production of both protective and injurious antibodies as well as cytokines that can promote operational tolerance. Recent data from conditions outside of transplantation have identified a novel human B-cell subset that expresses the transcription factor T-bet and exerts pleiotropic functions by disease state. Here, we review the generation, activation, and functions of the T-bet+ B-cell subset outside of allotransplantation, and consider the relevance of this subset as mediators of allograft injury.
Association of Neighborhood Deprivation and Transplant Center Quality with Liver Transplantation Outcomes
Authors: Munir Muhammad Musaab , Endo Yutaka , Mehdi Khan Muhammad Muntazir , Woldesenbet Selamawit , Yang Jason , Washburn Kenneth , Limkemann Ashley , Schenk Austin , Pawlik Timothy M
Published: December 2023

BACKGROUND:

Social determinants of health can impact the quality of liver transplantation (LT) care. We sought to assess whether the association between neighborhood deprivation and transplant outcomes can be mitigated by receiving care at high-quality transplant centers.

STUDY DESIGN:

In this population-based cohort study, patients who underwent LT between 2004 and 2019 were identified in the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients. LT-recipient neighborhoods were identified at the county level and stratified into quintiles relative to Area Deprivation Index (ADI). Transplant center quality was based on the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients 5-tier ranking using standardized transplant rate ratios. Multivariable Cox regression was used to assess the relationship between ADI, hospital quality, and posttransplant survival.

RESULTS:

A total of 41,333 recipients (median age, 57.0 [50.0 to 63.0] years; 27,112 [65.4%] male) met inclusion criteria. Patients residing in the most deprived areas were more likely to have nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, be Black, and travel further distances to reach a transplant center. On multivariable analysis, post-LT long-term mortality was associated with low- vs high-quality transplant centers (hazard ratio [HR] 1.19, 95% CI 1.07 to 1.32), as well as among patients residing in high- vs low-ADI neighborhoods (HR 1.25, 95% CI 1.16 to 1.34; both p ≤ 0.001). Of note, individuals residing in high- vs low-ADI neighborhoods had a higher risk of long-term mortality after treatment at a low-quality (HR 1.31, 95% CI 1.06 to 1.62, p = 0.011) vs high-quality (HR 1.12, 95% CI 0.83 to 1.52, p = 0.471) LT center.

CONCLUSIONS:

LT at high-quality centers may be able to mitigate the association between posttransplant survival and neighborhood deprivation. Investments and initiatives that increase access to referrals to high-quality centers for patients residing in higher deprivation may lead to better outcomes and help mitigate disparities in LT.
Mapping Structural Drivers of Insulin and its Analogs at the IGF-1 Receptor Using Molecular Dynamics and Free Energy Calculations
Authors: Sena Mohan Maruthi , C Ramakrishnan , Gromiha M. Michael , Chatterji Monalisa , Khedkar Anand , Ranganathan Anirudh
Published: December 2023

Insulin and insulin-like growth factor-1 receptors (IR, IGF-1R) belong to the family of receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs), and share close structural resemblance. However, these receptors exhibit distinct activity profiles and functions in vivo. Binding of insulin to IGF-1R results in additional growth-factor-like behavior and cell proliferation, but its ∼100-fold reduced affinity to IGF-1R limits off-target activity. However, insulin analogs with increased potency at IGF-1R have oncogenicity as a key safety concern. Hence, the ability to accurately predict potency of novel analogs at IGF-1R could represent a key breakthrough towards rational insulin design. To date, a comprehensive molecular level understanding of insulin interactions at IGF-1R has remained elusive. This study capitalized on recent advancements in structural biology that provided high resolution structures of IGF-1R bound to IGF-1 and insulin. Initially, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were employed to unravel the intricate interactions that characterize the receptor-ligand pairs. Next, free energy perturbation (FEP) calculations were performed to understand the increased affinity observed in insulin analogs, X10 and glargine. Subsequently, multiple mutations at the B10 position of insulin spanning different activities at IGF-1R and different metabolites of insulin glargine, encompassing various mitogenic potencies were studied using FEP. The calculations successfully captured directional shifts in potency for all studied mutants, with approximately 50% of the predicted values falling within 1 kcal/mol of experiment. Beyond its impressive accuracy, FEP’s ability to provide a detailed understanding of protein- and solvent-mediated contributions to the observed functional profiles underscores its utility in designing safe IGF-1R selective novel insulin analogs.
Reversing the decline of threatened koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) populations in New South Wales: Using genomics to define meaningful conservation goals
Authors: Lott Matthew J. , Frankham Greta J. , Eldridge Mark D.B. , Alquezar-Planas David E. , Donnelly Lily , Zenger Kyall R. , Leigh Kellie A. , Kjeldsen Shannon R. , Field Matt A. , Lemon John , Lunney Daniel , Crowther Mathew S. , Krockenberger Mark B. , Fisher Mark , Neaves Linda E.
Published: December 2023

Genetic management is a critical component of threatened species conservation. Understanding spatial patterns of genetic diversity is essential for evaluating the resilience of fragmented populations to accelerating anthropogenic threats. Nowhere is this more relevant than on the Australian continent, which is experiencing an ongoing loss of biodiversity that exceeds any other developed nation. Using a proprietary genome complexity reduction-based method (DArTSeq), we generated a data set of 3,239 high quality Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) to investigate spatial patterns and indices of genetic diversity in the koala (Phascolarctos cinereus), a highly specialised folivorous marsupial that is experiencing rapid and widespread population declines across much of its former range. Our findings demonstrate that current management divisions across the state of New South Wales (NSW) do not fully represent the distribution of genetic diversity among extant koala populations, and that care must be taken to ensure that translocation paradigms based on these frameworks do not inadvertently restrict gene flow between populations and regions that were historically interconnected. We also recommend that koala populations should be prioritised for conservation action based on the scale and severity of the threatening processes that they are currently faced with, rather than placing too much emphasis on their perceived value (e.g., as reservoirs of potentially adaptive alleles), as our data indicate that existing genetic variation in koalas is primarily partitioned amongst individual animals. As such, the extirpation of koalas from any part of their range represents a potentially critical reduction of genetic diversity for this iconic Australian species.
External validation of a deep-learning mandibular ORN prediction model trained on 3D radiation distribution maps
Authors: Humbert-Vidan Laia , Hansen Christian R , Patel Vinod , Johansen Jørgen , King Andrew P , Urbano Teresa Guerrero
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Background and purpose

Mandibular osteoradionecrosis (ORN) is a severe side effect affecting patients undergoing radiation therapy for head and neck cancer. Variations in the bone’s vascularization and composition across the mandible may influence the susceptibility to ORN. Recently, deep learning-based models have been introduced for predicting mandibular ORN using radiation dose distribution maps to incorporate spatial information. These studies, however, only feature internal validation on a holdout subset of the data used for training.

Materials and methods

This study externally validated a 3D DenseNet-40 (DN40) ORN prediction model on an independent dataset. Model performance was evaluated in terms of discrimination and calibration, with Platt scaling applied for improved external calibration. The DN40 model’s discriminative ability on the external dataset was compared to a Random Forest model on corresponding dose-volume histogram (DVH) data.

Results

The overall model performance was worse at external validation than at internal validation, with Platt scaling improving balance between recall and specificity but not significantly improving the overall calibration. Although the discrimination ability of the DN40 model was slightly lower at external validation (AUROC 0.63 vs. 0.69), this was statistically comparable to that of a DVH-based RF model for the same dataset (p-value 0.667).

Conclusions

Our results suggest that, in addition to potential model overfitting issues, dosimetric data distribution differences between the two datasets could explain the low generalisability of the DN40 ORN prediction model. Future work will involve a larger and more diverse cohort.
Jarsh Safety's Air-Conditioned Helmets: Opportunities for Productivity Enhancement
Authors: Narayanaswami Sundaravalli , Ravichandran N
Published: December 2023

Jarsh Safety received an order of 500 units of its Model S helmet. However, the order must be delivered within 15 days. Jarsh Safety was founded by three engineering college peers, who conceptualized air-conditioned, industrial safety helmets. This innovative revolutionary product offered industrial workers not only safety but aesthetics and comfort. The founders hoped that the product could change the perception of safety helmets from mandatory wear to desired wear. The case details the production process, staffing, raw material required and procurement lead time.
ETG: Connecting Africa to the World
Authors: Karna Amit , Tiwari Aarushi
Published: December 2023

What started as a FMCG distributor in 1967 in Kenya as Export Finance Company, is now a dynamic global conglomerate across 48 countries and 5 continents — Export Trading Group. ETG was taken over by the then CFO Mahesh Patel after exit of the founding stakeholders. It was then when the company shifted its focus to being a key regional player. In the next 35 years, the company grew systematically. Business focus evolved when Patel saw an opportunity in logistics in remote sub-Saharan Africa. This was followed by business expansion with supply chain diversification and significant infrastructure investments. All the different businesses amalgamated under a single group for better operations and ease of scaling up. They were later divided into six separate verticals for better management. Vamara (FMCG vertical) was launched in 2018 as the company moved towards digitalisation — externally and internally. ETG plans to focus on new business opportunities and continue to diversify across geographies and portfolios.
A numerical method to solve structural dynamic response caused by cable failure
Authors: Li Xuanzhi , Xue Suduo , Li Xiongyan , Liu Guanchen , Liu Renjie
Published: December 2023

Purpose

Instantaneous unloading with equal force is usually used to simulate the sudden failure of cables. This simulation method with equivalent force requires obtaining the magnitude and direction of the force for the failed cable in the normal state. It is difficult, however, to determine the magnitude or direction of the equivalent force when the shape of the cable is complex (space curve). This model of equivalent force may be difficult to establish. Thus, a numerical simulation method, the instantaneous temperature rise method, was proposed to address the dynamic response caused by failures of the cables with complex structural form.

Design/methodology/approach

This method can instantly reduce the cable force to zero through the instantaneous temperature rise process of the cable. Combined with theoretical formula and finite element model, the numerical calculation principle and two key parameters (temperature rise value and temperature rise time) of this method were detailed. The validity of this approach was verified by comparing it with equivalent force models. Two cable-net case with saddle curved surfaces were presented. Their static failure behaviors were compared with the dynamic failure behaviors calculated by this method.

Findings

This simulation method can effectively address the structural dynamic response caused by cable failure and may be applied to all cable structures.

Originality/value

An instantaneous temperature rise method (ITRM) is proposed and verified. Its calculation theory is detailed. Two key parameters, temperature rise value and temperature rise time, of this method are discussed and the corresponding reference values are recommended.
Managing a social business of Lilly Apartments’ Welfare Association – a tale of unending crises
Authors: Qureshi Jawaid Ahmed , Morah Ejindu Iwelu MacDonald
Published: December 2023

Learning outcomes

The learning objectives (or expected learning objectives and outcomes) are to be achieved by linking them with particular concepts, theories and models. These include conducting a situational analysis of the social business, namely, Lilly Apartments’ Welfare Association; explaining the characteristics and mindset of the leadership, particularly the social entrepreneurial leaders; analysing the conflict among the team members; and designing strategic solutions for combating crises and attaining operations’ effectiveness.

Case overview/synopsis

Lilly Apartments’ Welfare Association Karachi was registered under the Act of 1860 of the Government of Pakistan. The members established this Association to oversee the affairs of the maintenance of the apartments, including the provision of utilities, particularly water, sanitation, lifts, generators, parking, security and a park with a small play area for children. The front-burner issue of the Association consisted of mis-governance (causing underperformance), including maintenance of buildings within apartments; recovery of funds from the past executive committee (EC) members due to their massive corruption; managing defaulters’ issues (i.e., the members who did not pay their monthly maintenance fees) and deficiency of funds; inefficient and corrupt practices of the majority of the employees, including one manager and two supervisors; and task-related and personal conflicts between the leadership members. The EC of the Association was elected every year and presently it had only four months left. The research design used for this case study involved conducting 12 interviews, four each involving EC members, former EC members and senior residents, which were analysed to learn the challenges and achievements of the Association. Moreover, pertinent records of the Association were reviewed. The canons of research ethics and soundness were applied.

Complexity academic level

This case study is suitable for the students of social entrepreneurship or strategy or strategy and leadership. The study level is for graduates in management science, including MBA and EMBA students. This case study is suitable for teaching at any point but ideally near the middle or end of the aforementioned courses.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes are available for educators only.

Subject code

CSS 3: Entrepreneurship.
Understanding configurations of continuance commitment for platform workers using fuzzy-set QCA
Authors: Deng Ting , Tang Chunyong , Lai Yanzhao
Published: December 2023

Purpose

How to improve continuance commitment for platform workers is still unclear to platforms' managers and academic scholars. This study develops a configurational framework based on the push-pull theory and proposes that continuance commitment for platform workers does not depend on a single condition but on interactions between push and pull factors.

Design/methodology/approach

The data from the sample of 431 full-time and 184 part-time platform workers in China were analyzed using fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (FsQCA).

Findings

The results found that combining family motivation with the two kinds of pull factors (worker's reputation and algorithmic transparency) can achieve high continuance commitment for full-time platform workers; combining job alternatives with the two kinds of pull factors (worker's reputation and job autonomy) can promote high continuance commitment for part-time platform workers. Particularly, workers' reputations were found to be a core condition reinforcing continuance commitment for both part-time and full-time platform workers.

Practical implications

The findings suggest that platforms should avoid the “one size fits all” strategy. Emphasizing the importance of family and improving worker's reputation and algorithmic transparency are smart retention strategies for full-time platform workers, whereas for part-time platform workers it is equally important to reinforce continuance commitment by enhancing workers' reputations and doing their best to maintain and enhance their job autonomy.

Originality/value

This study expands the analytical context of commitment research and provides new insights for understanding the complex causality between antecedent conditions and continuance commitment for platform workers.
Effect of renewable energy consumption on environmental quality in sub-Saharan African countries: evidence from defactored instrumental variables method
Authors: Diallo Souleymane
Published: December 2023

Purpose

Sub-Saharan Africa is a region that is highly vulnerable to the effects of climate change. Renewable energy consumption could play a major role in mitigating the effects of climate change by improving environmental quality in the region. The purpose of this paper is to examine the effect of renewable energy consumption on environmental quality in sub-Saharan African countries.

Design/methodology/approach

The empirical investigation is based on the estimation of an augmented Green Solow model through the defactored instrumental variables approach on a sample of 34 countries over the period 1996 to 2018.

Findings

The results of two-stage defactored instrumental variables estimator show that renewable energy consumption improves environmental quality. Indeed, renewable energies have a significant negative influence on CO2 emissions. This result is robust when using the ecological footprint as an indicator of environmental quality.

Practical implications

In terms of implications, governments in Sub-Saharan Africa need to pursue policies to encourage investment in the renewable energy sector. This will promote renewable energy consumption, change the structure of the energy mix in favour of renewable energy, improve environmental quality and effectively combat climate change.

Originality/value

The originality of this research in relation to the existing literature lies at several levels. Firstly, the analysis is carried out using a unified framework combining the environmental Kuznets curve and the environmental convergence hypotheses. Secondly, this research uses a very recent econometric method. Finally, environmental quality is measured using two indicators.
The quest for sustainable sports management: evidence from the football industry
Authors: Tettamanzi Patrizia , Grazioli Francesco , Murgolo Michael
Published: December 2023

Purpose

This study investigates how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected the sustainability of sports business models by means of a specific case analysis, conducted on M-I Stadio S.r.l., the service management firm that provides all types of backstage activities related to football matches performed at San Siro Stadium in Italy.

Design/methodology/approach

Building on interviews on its management team's direct experience and on archival data, the authors depict the consequences of the pandemic in terms of corporate governance, accounting choices and overall strategic business development through information triangulation from a forward-looking perspective.

Findings

Complying with restrictions, M-I Stadio S.r.l. preserved its financial position by embracing digitalization, increasing information flows with partners and adopting a risk aversion behaviour. Overall, results indicate that the pandemic played a catalyst role in the transformation process of the football industry. Moreover, apart from the physical and virtual merge acceleration, well-being for athletes, society and the planet, transcending the gaming part of sports activities has also been taking place. The study also illustrates the foreseeable developments of sustainable sport management practices from a critical perspective.

Originality/value

Since the San Siro Stadium management company might represent one of the forefront companies, within the sports industry, this study results should be conveniently taken into consideration by sporting authorities and international bodies, emphasizing the relevance of sustainability (i.e. environmental and social practices within the sports industry) and digitalization so as to better prepare sports organizations and to provide the overall industry with the tools deemed necessary to navigate this important transition in a smoother way.
Impact of process and outcome quality on intention for continued use of voice assistants
Authors: Saavedra Álvaro , Chocarro Raquel , Cortiñas Mónica , Rubio Natalia
Published: December 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to understand how the perceived usefulness of voice assistants (VAs) is affected by the perceived quality of the process (interaction) and the outcome (information). The authors also aim to determine the extent to which the perceived usefulness of VAs improves the perceived privacy associated with their use and increases users’ intention to continue using them. Consumer technology innovativeness is included as a personal trait moderator, to compare the results between tech and nontech innovators. For this purpose, the authors use the framework of the uses and gratifications theory (U>).

Design/methodology/approach

A survey of 467 VA users was conducted and structural equation modeling was used to analyze the data.

Findings

The authors identify two main determinants of the perceived usefulness of VAs that influence users’ intention to continue using this technology, process quality and outcome quality. These two factors influence the continued use of VAs in different ways depending on the technology innovativeness of the consumers. The results show that tech innovators are oriented toward the interactive experience, and therefore, mainly value the process quality. In addition, nontech innovators are oriented toward a satisfactory response from VAs, and therefore, primarily value the outcome quality. In addition, the positive effect of perceived usefulness on perceived privacy is higher for tech innovators.

Originality/value

This study enhances the literature on the perceived usefulness of VAs within the framework of U>. It identifies two antecedents (process quality and outcome quality) of perceived usefulness and observes significant differences based on technological innovativeness.
Transcriptome‐derived molecular resources for the conservation of threatened butterflies in Korea
Authors: Patnaik Hongray Howrelia , Park Jie Eun , Sang Min Kyu , Song Dae Kwon , Jeong Jun Yang , Hong Chan Eui , Kim Yong Tae , Shin Hyeon Jun , Ziwei Liu , Hwang Hee Ju , Park So Young , Kang Se Won , Ko Jung Ho , Jeong Heon Cheon , Park Hong Seog , Jo Yong Hun , Han Yeon Soo , Patnaik Bharat Bhusan , Lee Yong Seok
Published: December 2023

Butterflies are expedient biodiversity indicators of a healthy environment. As virtuous pollinators, they provide environmental and economic benefits to the agricultural and natural ecosystem. The global loss of the butterfly community, especially in tropical regions, is causing irreparable damage to the ecological landscape. This decline in population is due to habitat degradation, forest succession, loss of symbiotic relations, economic loss due to flooding, forest development plans, low grassland area, global warming, and reforestation. Moreover, the limited information on the molecular resources of butterflies impedes informed conservation planning. The Threatened Species Initiative (TSI) of Korea has started to utilize the benefits of transcriptome‐guided discovery of molecular resources of a few butterfly species, and a few others are in the pipeline. The cataloging of new genes and genetic markers provides the possibility to promote selective utilization of fitness traits for adaptation of the species to the wild and a newer habitat. In this review, we assessed the versatility of whole‐transcriptome information of the Korean threatened butterfly species, such as the lycaenid Protantigius superans and Spindasis takanosis, the Nymphalid butterfly, Fabriciana nerippe, and the Papilionid species Parnassius bremeri. The schema employed under TSI, including the sequencing and downstream bioinformatics pipeline, could act as a reference for research outside of Korean butterflies. While the molecular resources are available to be exploited, their utilization for conservation is still in its infancy. It is important to synthesize these studies together to catalyze further conservation work applying genomics approaches.
Health‐care resource use among patients who use illicit opioids in England, 2010–20: A descriptive matched cohort study
Authors: van Hest Naomi , Brothers Thomas D. , Williamson Andrea , Lewer Dan
Published: December 2023

Background and aims

People who use illicit opioids have higher mortality and morbidity than the general population. Limited quantitative research has investigated how this population engages with health‐care, particularly regarding planned and primary care. We aimed to measure health‐care use among patients with a history of illicit opioid use in England across five settings: general practice (GP), hospital outpatient care, emergency departments, emergency hospital admissions and elective hospital admissions.

Design

This was a matched cohort study using Clinical Practice Research Datalink and Hospital Episode Statistics.

Setting

Primary and secondary care practices in England took part in the study.

Participants

A total of 57 421 patients with a history of illicit opioid use were identified by GPs between 2010 and 2020, and 172 263 patients with no recorded history of illicit opioid use matched by age, sex and practice.

Measurements

We estimated the rate (events per unit of time) of attendance and used quasi‐Poisson regression (unadjusted and adjusted) to estimate rate ratios between groups. We also compared rates of planned and unplanned hospital admissions for diagnoses and calculated excess admissions and rate ratios between groups.

Findings

A history of using illicit opioids was associated with higher rates of health‐care use in all settings. Rate ratios for those with a history of using illicit opioids relative to those without were 2.38 [95% confidence interval (CI) = 2.36–2.41] for GP; 1.99 (95% CI = 1.94–2.03) for hospital outpatient visits; 2.80 (95% CI = 2.73–2.87) for emergency department visits; 4.98 (95% CI = 4.82–5.14) for emergency hospital admissions; and 1.76 (95% CI = 1.60–1.94) for elective hospital admissions. For emergency hospital admissions, diagnoses with the most excess admissions were drug‐related and respiratory conditions, and those with the highest rate ratios were personality and behaviour (25.5, 95% CI = 23.5–27.6), drug‐related (21.2, 95% CI = 20.1–21.6) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (19.4, 95% CI = 18.7–20.2).

Conclusions

Patients who use illicit opioids in England appear to access health services more often than people of the same age and sex who do not use illicit opioids among a wide range of health‐care settings. The difference is especially large for emergency care, which probably reflects both episodic illness and decompensation of long‐term conditions.
A novel case of cutaneous, nasal and systemic fusariosis in a goat
Authors: Leschke DHZ
Published: December 2023

The clinical findings associated with nasal, cutaneous and systemic fusariosis in a 3‐year‐old billy Boer goat are summarised. The clinical features, treatment, postmortem findings and laboratory diagnostics are reported and discussed in the context of existing knowledge on mycoses of small ruminants. The goat presented primarily for respiratory signs (inspiratory dyspnoea) with unilateral left‐sided mucopurulent nasal discharge, and multifocal variably ulcerative and necrotic cutaneous nodules. Histopathology of nasal and cutaneous biopsies revealed necrotising pyogranulomatous inflammation with intralesional septate hyphal elements that correlated with culture of Fusarium oxysporum. The patient continued to deteriorate clinically during treatment with oxytetracycline and meloxicam, with the addition of sodium iodide and potassium iodide, and was humanely euthanased. Postmortem examination revealed multifocal nodular lesions throughout the kidneys, abdominal lymph nodes and lungs. These lesions were consistent with those identified antemortem from which F. oxysporum was cultured. Although treatment was unsuccessful, to the author's knowledge, no instance of rhinofacial or systemic caprine infection with Fusarium spp. has been documented in the veterinary literature, making this the first recognised instance of this form of infection in small ruminant species.
Cross‐talk between gastric cancer and hepatic stellate cells promotes invadopodia formation during liver metastasis
Authors: Ren Chuanfu , Yang Zhi , Xu En , Kang Xing , Wang Xingzhou , Sun Qi , Wang Chao , Zhang Liang , Miao Ji , Luo Banxin , Chen Kai , Liu Song , Shen Xiaofei , Lu Xiaofeng , Yin Kai , Wang Meng , Xia Xuefeng , Guan Wenxian
Published: December 2023

In gastric cancer (GC), the liver is a common organ for distant metastasis, and patients with gastric cancer with liver metastasis (GCLM) generally have poor prognosis. The mechanism of GCLM is unclear. Invadopodia are special membrane protrusions formed by tumor cells that can degrade the basement membrane and ECM. Herein, we investigated the role of invadopodia in GCLM. We found that the levels of invadopodia‐associated proteins were significantly higher in liver metastasis than in the primary tumors of patients with GCLM. Furthermore, GC cells could activate hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) within the tumor microenvironment of liver metastases through the secretion of platelet‐derived growth factor subunit B (PDGFB). Activated HSCs secreted hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), which activated the MET proto‐oncogene, MET receptor of GC cells, thereby promoting invadopodia formation through the PI3K/AKT pathway and subsequently enhancing the invasion and metastasis of GC cells. Therefore, cross‐talk between GC cells and HSCs by PDGFB/platelet derived growth factor receptor beta (PDGFRβ) and the HGF/MET axis might represent potential therapeutic targets to treat GCLM.
miR‐17‐92 cluster‐BTG2 axis regulates B‐cell receptor signaling in mantle cell lymphoma
Authors: Kawaji‐Kanayama Yuka , Tsukamoto Taku , Nakano Masakazu , Tokuda Yuichi , Nagata Hiroaki , Mizuhara Kentaro , Katsuragawa‐Taminishi Yoko , Isa Reiko , Fujino Takahiro , Matsumura‐Kimoto Yayoi , Mizutani Shinsuke , Shimura Yuji , Taniwaki Masafumi , Tashiro Kei , Kuroda Junya
Published: December 2023

B‐cell receptor (BCR) signaling is critically activated and stable for mantle cell lymphoma (MCL), but the underlying mechanism of the activated BCR signaling pathway is not clear. The pathogenic basis of miR‐17‐92 cluster remains unclear although the oncogenic microRNA (miRNA) miR‐17‐92 cluster is highly expressed in patients with MCL. We revealed that miR‐17‐92 cluster overexpression is partly dependent on SOX11 expression and chromatin acetylation of MIR17HG enhancer regions. Moreover, miR‐17‐92 cluster regulates not only cell proliferation but BCR signaling activation in MCL cell lines. To comprehensively identify miR‐17‐92 cluster target genes, we performed pulldown‐seq, where target RNA of miRNA was captured using the biotinylated miRNA mimics and magnetic bead‐coated streptavidin, and quantified using next‐generation sequencing. The pulldown‐seq identified novel miRNA target genes, including tumor suppressors such as BTG2 (miR‐19b), CDKN2A (miR‐17), SYNE1 (miR‐20a), TET2 (miR‐18, miR‐19b, and miR‐92a), TNFRSF10A (miR‐92a), and TRAF3 (miR‐17). Notably, the gene expression profile data of patients with MCL revealed that BTG2 expression was negatively associated with that of BCR signature genes, and low BTG2 expression was associated with poor overall survival. Moreover, BTG2 silencing in MCL cell lines significantly induced BCR signaling overactivation and cell proliferation. Our results suggest an oncogenic role of miR‐17‐92 cluster‐activating BCR signaling throughout BTG2 deregulation in MCL. Furthermore, this may contribute to the prediction of the therapeutic efficacy and improved outcomes of MCL.
Juvenile probation staff perceptions of engaging families in substance use services
Authors: Piper Kaitlin N. , Pankow Jennifer , Wood Jennifer D.
Published: December 2023

Objectives

Study objectives were to (a) understand juvenile justice staff members' experiences with engaging families in youth substance use services and (b) identify staff‐perceived barriers to family engagement across steps of substance use service provision.

Background

Lack of family involvement in juvenile justice system substance use (SU) services is a key barrier to successful treatment of justice‐involved youth.

Method

From June through November 2015, 33 focus groups were conducted at juvenile justice system probation sites across seven states. There were 263 participants, which included juvenile justice probation and behavioral health staff.

Results

Strategies to engage families in services were highly variable across the 33 juvenile justice sites. Juvenile justice staff members identified barriers to family engagement in SU services including family discomfort, distrust of juvenile justice staff, lack of family service compliance, difficulties accessing SU services, lack of transportation, insurance and cost barriers, low perceived need for treatment, lack of SU education, and SU treatment stigma.

Conclusion and Implications

Barriers to family engagement directly impact the success of SU service provision in juvenile justice settings. Implementation of strategies to engage families of justice‐involved youth (e.g., providing tangible, informational, and emotional support to families, and involving families in juvenile justice policy and care decisions) are critical to improving SU outcomes among this vulnerable population.
Health literacy, worry about unmet needs for medical care, and psychological well‐being among older Chinese adults
Authors: Li Jia , Wang Qi , Zhou Xiaochen
Published: December 2023

Aim

This study aims to examine the relationship between older adults' health literacy and their psychological well‐being and the role of worry about future unmet needs for medical care in mediating this relationship.

Methods

We adopted a sample of 965 older Chinese people aged 60+ (49.74% female) from the 2021 Chinese General Social Survey. A series of structural equation models (SEMs) were performed. Health literacy was measured by three items regarding older people's ability to understand medical professionals, ask them questions, and read medical instructions. A single‐item question was adopted to measure participants' worry about unmet needs for future medical care. Psychological well‐being was measured by three items regarding emotional problems and depressed or anxious mood in the past 4 weeks.

Results

Worry about future unmet needs for medical care mediates the relationship between lack of health literacy and Chinese older people's psychological well‐being. The indirect effect accounts for 22.3% of the total effect. The SEM model has a satisfactory model fit (goodness of fit index = 1.000, comparative fit index = 0.999, Tucker‐Lewis index = 0.997, root mean square error of approximation = 0.009, standardized root mean square residual = 0.023, chi‐square test = 50.96,  P = 0.321).

Conclusions

The findings of this study underscore the importance of improving communication quality between healthcare providers and older adults. Clinical interventions that promote health literacy and address worries about unmet needs for medical services may benefit older adults. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; 24: 202–207.
Current perspectives in avian nutrition: domestic animal models and their role in conservation management
Authors: Jarman Angela K. , Shaw Michelle E. , Grueber Catherine E.
Published: December 2023

As biodiversity declines, wildlife conservation focuses on in situ and ex situ management strategies. Zoo‐based breeding programmes are often designed to contribute to the conservation of species that are threatened in the wild. Diet contributes to the reproductive success, disease status and longevity of all animals. It is near‐impossible to replicate a species' diet in captivity using only the species they consume in the wild, but the nutritional composition of a wild diet, if known, can be closely matched using commercially available foods for which the nutritional composition has been calculated. Ecological research has identified food items of importance in the diet of many species. However, the nutritional composition of these food items is rarely evaluated, even though the composition of wild food items is important in understanding the dietary adaptations and requirements of wildlife. In contrast, the nutritional requirements of domestic species are well researched and can be used to predict a range of plausible nutrient requirements of some wild species, especially those with similar life histories. Access to wild populations provides further opportunities for nutritional science to determine the requirements of individual species. Small‐scale dietary experimentation undertaken at conservation institutions may show positive effects on health and welfare but is rarely published in the scientific literature. This review describes current standards in nutritional management of birds and recommends pathways for filling knowledge gaps. Research on mammals has dominated the nutrition literature, so there is a relative lack of nutritional management information for birds. We combine concepts of domestic animal nutrition with recent findings on the nutritional requirements of birds to provide a foundation for further studies of avian nutrition. We call for the broader zoological community to share data and collaborate on nutritional research to support conservation institutions in nutritional management of wild birds.
Prevalence of apical periodontitis and non‐retention of root‐filled teeth in hypertensive patients: Systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Cabanillas‐Balsera Daniel , Areal‐Quecuty Victoria , Cantiga‐Silva Cristiane , Cardoso Carolina de Barros Morais , Cintra Luciano Tavares Angelo , Martín‐González Jenifer , Segura‐Egea Juan J.
Published: December 2023

Background

Several studies have suggested a relationship between AP, as well as the loss of root‐filled teeth (RFT), and hypertension (HTN).

Objectives

The aims of this systematic review and meta‐analysis were to investigate the prevalence of AP, and non‐retention of RFT, in hypertensive patients.

Methods

A search was performed in PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, Scopus and EMBASE. The inclusion criteria established were studies published until February 2023, comparing hypertensive subjects with controls, assessing the prevalence of AP and/or providing data on the prevalence of non‐retained RFT. Meta‐analysis was performed using the RevMan (analyst) tool to determine the pooled prevalence of AP and loss of RFT. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk‐of‐Bias tool. The quality of evidence was assessed by GRADE.

Results

The search strategy identified 454 articles, and only eight met the inclusion criteria. Six studies had analysed the association between AP and HTN and two studies had analysed the association between non‐retention of RFT and HTN. Meta‐analysis showed and overall OR = 1.71 (95% CI = 0.92–3.16; p = .09) for the prevalence of AP among patients with HTN. The prevalence of non‐retention of RFT among patients with HTN has an overall OR = 1.78 (95% CI = 1.60–1.98; p = .000001). The risk of bias in the individual studies was low or moderate, and the quality of the overall evidence has shown a level of certainty very low.

Discussion

There is no association between the prevalence of AP and HTN. In addition, hypertensive patients have significantly increased odds of losing RFT. Given the high prevalence of hypertension, it is very common to perform root canal treatments on hypertensive patients. It is imperative to communicate this heightened risk to patients and recommend periodic monitoring of oral health and hypertension, paying special attention to this subset of patients.

Registration

PROSPERO CRD42022302385.
Promoting wound recovery through stable intestinal flora: Reducing post‐operative complications in colorectal cancer surgery patients
Authors: Chen Qiao , Wang Zhi , Wu Bai Xiang
Published: December 2023

In recent years, the relationship between intestinal flora and post‐operative recovery, particularly in colorectal cancer (CRC) surgery patients, it has been hypothesized that intestinal flora stability influences wound healing, reduces complications and improves overall recovery outcomes after surgical interventions. This study examined the relationship between intestinal flora stability and post‐operative recovery in patients undergoing CRC surgery. Between May 2020 and 2023, 80 CRC patients from our hospital's Colorectal Surgery Department were enrolled. A random number table was used to divide them into two categories. Both groups were subjected to distinct gastrointestinal preparation protocols. Indicators of clinical therapeutic effect, intestinal flora balance following surgery, post‐operative complications and quality of life were evaluated. The observation group, which adhered to a distinct gastrointestinal regimen, demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in post‐operative outcomes, with a clinical effectiveness rate of 97.5% compared to the control group's 75%. In addition, the observation group had a lower incidence of intestinal flora imbalance following surgery than the control group. The observation group had lower incidences of intestinal obstruction, infection, anastomotic leakage, incisional tumour implantation and delayed diarrhoea. Using the KPS score and the BMI, post‐treatment assessments of the observation group's quality of life revealed significant enhancements in comparison to the control group. Additionally, wound healing rates were superior in the observation group, with a correlation between stable intestinal flora and decreased wound infection rates. The type of post‐operative diet influenced the stabilization of the gut flora, with a high‐fibre diet producing superior results in both groups. The stability of intestinal flora influences the post‐operative rehabilitation of patients undergoing CRC surgery favourably. Appropriate bowel preparation and dietary considerations can reduce post‐operative complications, improve wound healing rates and enhance overall quality of life.