bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intersections of family expressiveness and adolescent mental health: exploring parent–adolescent relationships as a mediator
Authors: Sabah Aiche , Alduais Ahmed
Published: September 2024

Purpose

This study investigates the mediating role of parent−adolescent relationships in the impact of family emotional expressiveness on adolescent psychological adjustment. This study aims to elucidate the mechanisms by which positive family dynamics and strong parent−child bonds influence adolescents' psychological resilience and well-being.

Design/methodology/approach

The study involved 463 middle school students (241 boys and 222 girls) from Chlef, Algeria. Data was collected using the self-expressiveness in the family questionnaire (SEFQ), the parent−adolescent relationship scale (PARS) and the strengths and difficulties questionnaire (SDQ). Descriptive statistics, correlations and mediation analysis were performed to examine the relationships among family emotional expressiveness, parent−adolescent relationships and psychological adjustment.

Findings

The results reveal moderate positive correlations among family emotional expressiveness, parent−adolescent relationships and psychological adjustment. Mediation analysis indicates that parent−adolescent relationships partially mediate the effects of family emotional expressiveness on psychological outcomes, with both direct and indirect effects being statistically significant.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the field of mental health by exploring the nuanced interplay between family dynamics, parent−adolescent relationships and psychological adjustment within the Algerian cultural context. While the quantitative nature of the study limits the depth of contextual insights, the findings underscore the importance of considering family emotional expressiveness and the quality of parent−adolescent relationships in interventions aimed at promoting adolescent psychological well-being. The study highlights the partial mediating role of parent−adolescent relationships, indicating that other factors may also influence the association between family expressiveness and adolescent adjustment. This emphasizes the need for a comprehensive, culturally-sensitive approach that addresses various influences on adolescent development. It should be noted that while the family unit and parenting styles have been extensively researched, this study offers a fresh perspective by focusing on these dynamics within a specific cultural setting.
Exploring online advocacy mechanisms through self-presentation: a comparative analysis between e-commerce website customers
Authors: Shoukat Muhammad Haroon , Elgammal Islam , Khan Mukaram Ali , Selem Kareem M.
Published: September 2024

Purpose

Underpinning social identity theory (SIT) and service-dominant logic (SDL), the current paper seeks to explore the effect of self-presentation on online brand advocacy (OBA). Furthermore, this paper investigates the mediating role of hedonic value and the moderating role of customer interaction with e-commerce websites (i.e. Amazon, Walmart and eBay).

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from customers of three e-commerce platforms (i.e. Walmart, Amazon and eBay) using a structured questionnaire – multi-group analysis applied on SmartPLS 4.4.

Findings

Self-presentation has a positive role in increasing hedonic value and its impact on OBA. The moderating effect of customer interaction on these relationships is also investigated and found to be significant.

Social implications

Our findings underscore the significance of fostering inclusive online communities and favorable online settings. Existing findings are consistent with overarching objectives of digital empowerment and enhanced online interaction quality. This paper contributes to harmonious and collaborative digital societies by encouraging personalized experiences that foster a sense of belonging among diverse customers.

Originality/value

This paper adds to the existing body of knowledge by comparing customer behavior on three major e-commerce platforms, going beyond the traditional focus on a single platform. Drawing on SIT and SDL, this paper provides a distinct nomological framework for OBA that unifies disparate constructs, filling theoretical gaps in our understanding of online customer behavior.
CEO compensation risk and pay for luck asymmetry
Authors: Ning Yixi , Zhong Ke , Chen Lihong
Published: September 2024

Purpose

This study aims to examine the effect of CEO compensation risk, as measured by the proportion of equity-based pay (option and stock awards) relative to total compensation and pay sensitivity to stock volatility, on CEO pay for luck asymmetry. This paper also empirically examines CEO compensation risk as a mediating variable between the regulatory changes and CEO pay for luck asymmetry.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper test the proposed two hypothesis that CEO compensation risk is positively associated with the degree of CEO pay for luck asymmetry; and the pay related regulations implemented around 2006 could mitigate the degree of CEO pay for luck asymmetry using the fixed-effects regression models.

Findings

Consistent with the managerial talent retention hypothesis, this paper finds that CEO compensation risk, as measured by the equity-based pay as a proportion of CEO total compensation and CEO pay sensitivity to stock volatility, is positively associated with the degree of CEO pay for luck asymmetry. In addition, this paper find that CEO pay for luck asymmetry is significantly reduced by the major regulatory changes on executive compensation implemented around 2006.

Research limitations/implications

This study is among the very few studies exploring the impact of CEO compensation risk on pay for luck asymmetry in the literature. While the major purpose of the widely used stock options is to align executive interests and shareholder values, it also tends to increase the risk level of CEO compensation. So, a well-designed CEO pay package should protect risk-averse CEOs from bad luck for the retention purpose, which is also beneficial to shareholder wealth maximization. Therefore, future research on executive compensation needs to examine the issue from various perspectives.

Practical implications

For board of directors who is responsible for the compensation of CEOs, it is necessary to consider a broad range of factors when designing an optimal CEO pay package.

Social implications

The findings on the impact of regulations on CEO pay for luck asymmetry suggest that the executive-pay-related regulations around 2006 have indeed achieved some of their intended goals to significantly lower pay for nonperformance asymmetry, whereby CEO pay sensitivity to stock volatility has been identified as a major mediating variable.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature on executive pay for luck asymmetry in several perspectives. First, this paper finds that CEO compensation risk has a positive impact on the degree of CEO pay for luck asymmetry. Second, this paper finds that the CEO pay for luck asymmetry has been mitigated after 2006 when various regulatory changes on executive compensation began to be implemented in the USA. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is among the very few studies investigating these issues in the literature.
Digitalization and economic development: lessons from globalized developing countries
Authors: Sinha Madhabendra , Roy Samrat , Tirtosuharto Darius
Published: September 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to empirically investigate the dynamic interlinkages among globalization, digitalization and economic development in the top 75 most globalized countries from 2000 to 2019. The selection of the 75 most globalized developing countries is based on the overall scores of the KOF Globalization Index (2021).

Design/methodology/approach

The research design is based on secondary data collected from the World Bank (2021), the International Telecommunication Union (2021) and the KOF Globalization Index (2021). The study uses panel unit root tests followed by the panel cointegration techniques. Further, the estimation uses panel fully modified ordinary least squares and panel dynamic ordinary least squares methods.

Findings

The empirical results reveal that the effect of globalization on economic development is sensitive to different estimation procedures; in some cases, but not in every case, the effect is positive and significant. However, the positive and significant effect of digitalization on economic development is robust across all estimated models. Long-run equilibrium relationships and bidirectional causalities strongly affirm the nexus among globalization, digitalization and economic development, substantiating the interconnectedness among 75 developing economies.

Originality/value

The study reinstates that the forces of globalization and digitalization will be instrumental in shaping the selected most globalized economies in the long run. Adopting various econometric methodologies takes care of the time-specific and cross-sectional dynamics, as evident in the panel framework considered in this study. The empirical findings truly ascertain the theoretical synergy among the forces of globalization leading to more digitalization and economic development. This makes the empirical interplay highly conducive to framing long-term policies to expand the information communication network in terms of its access and reach.
Completing 3D point clouds of individual trees using deep learning
Authors: Bornand Aline , Abegg Meinrad , Morsdorf Felix , Rehush Nataliia
Published: September 2024

In close‐range remote sensing data collected in a forest, occlusion often causes incomplete or sparse point cloud representations of individual trees, impeding accurate 3D reconstruction of tree architecture and estimation of tree height and volume. Recent developments in deep learning (DL) for 3D data have produced approaches for point cloud completion, which could potentially be applied to trees.

We explored the potential of a DL approach to fill gaps in dense point clouds representing the main structures of deciduous trees by applying an existing transformer‐based completion model (PoinTr). Complete point clouds are required as training data, but even dense terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) data sets contain gaps caused by occlusion, making it nearly impossible to acquire such data. We therefore investigated the ability of point cloud completion models trained on a range of synthetic data sets to handle occlusion patterns in real‐world point clouds.

Despite the limited data set, we successfully fine‐tuned a general pre‐trained completion model to fill gaps within 1 m3 segments of tree point clouds. Fine‐tuning on synthetic tree data improved the model's ability to complete tree objects compared with training on diverse artificial objects. However, the quality of the predictions was influenced by the level of sophistication of the synthetic data. Our results demonstrate that incorporating even limited real‐world TLS data during training can considerably improve completion results but may introduce additional noise in the predictions.

3D point cloud completion with DL has the potential to improve and fill gaps in point clouds of individual trees, facilitating further steps in the processing and analysis of 3D forest data.
In vitro immuno‐prevention of nitration/dysfunction of myogenic stem cell activator HGF, towards developing a strategy for age‐related muscle atrophy
Authors: Tanaka Sakiho , Elgaabari Alaa , Seki Miyumi , Kuwakado So , Zushi Kahona , Miyamoto Junri , Sawano Shoko , Mizunoya Wataru , Ehara Kenshiro , Watanabe Naruha , Ogawa Yohei , Imakyure Hikaru , Fujimaru Reina , Osaki Rika , Shitamitsu Kazuki , Mizoguchi Kaoru , Ushijima Tomoki , Maeno Takahiro , Nakashima Takashi , Suzuki Takahiro , Nakamura Mako , Anderson Judy E. , Tatsumi Ryuichi
Published: September 2024

In response to peroxynitrite (ONOO−) generation, myogenic stem satellite cell activator HGF (hepatocyte growth factor) undergoes nitration of tyrosine residues (Y198 and Y250) predominantly on fast IIa and IIx myofibers to lose its binding to the signaling receptor c‐met, thereby disturbing muscle homeostasis during aging. Here we show that rat anti‐HGF monoclonal antibody (mAb) 1H41C10, which was raised in‐house against a synthetic peptide FTSNPEVRnitroY198EV, a site well‐conserved in mammals, functions to confer resistance to nitration dysfunction on HGF. 1H41C10 was characterized by recognizing both nitrated and non‐nitrated HGF with different affinities as revealed by Western blotting, indicating that the paratope of 1H41C10 may bind to the immediate vicinity of Y198. Subsequent experiments showed that 1H41C10‐bound HGF resists peroxynitrite‐induced nitration of Y198. A companion mAb‐1H42F4 presented similar immuno‐reactivity, but did not protect Y198 nitration, and thus served as the control. Importantly, 1H41C10‐HGF also withstood Y250 nitration to retain c‐met binding and satellite cell activation functions in culture. The Fab region of 1H41C10 exerts resistivity to Y250 nitration possibly due to its localization in the immediate vicinity to Y250, as supported by an additional set of experiments showing that the 1H41C10‐Fab confers Y250‐nitration resistance which the Fc segment does not. Findings highlight the in vitro preventive impact of 1H41C10 on HGF nitration‐dysfunction that strongly impairs myogenic stem cell dynamics, potentially pioneering cogent strategies for counteracting or treating age‐related muscle atrophy with fibrosis (including sarcopenia and frailty) and the therapeutic application of investigational HGF drugs.
Oocytes maintain low ROS levels to support the dormancy of primordial follicles
Authors: Qin Shaogang , Chi Xinyue , Zhu Zijian , Chen Chuanhe , Zhang Tuo , He Meina , Gao Meng , Zhao Ting , Zhang Jingwen , Zhang Lifan , Zheng Wenying , Chen Ziqi , Wang Wenji , Zhou Bo , Xia Guoliang , Wang Chao
Published: September 2024

Primordial follicles (PFs) function as the long‐term reserve for female reproduction, remaining dormant in the ovaries and becoming progressively depleted with age. Oxidative stress plays an important role in promoting female reproductive senescence during aging, but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we find that low levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) are essential for sustaining PF dormancy. Compared to growing follicles, oocytes within PFs were shown to be more susceptible to ROS, which accumulates and damages PFs to promote reproductive senescence. Mechanistically, oocytes within PFs were shown to express high levels of the intracellular antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1), counteracting ROS accumulation. Decreased SOD1 expression, as a result of aging or through the experimental deletion of the Sod1 gene in oocytes, resulted in increased oxidative stress and triggered ferroptosis within PFs. In conclusion, this study identified antioxidant defense mechanisms protecting PFs in mouse ovaries and characterized cell death mechanisms of oxidative stress‐induced PF death.
Local CEOs and asymmetric cost behaviour
Authors: Ding Wenhong , Guan Wei , Ke Yun , Olsen Kari Joseph , Shi Zhenyang
Published: September 2024

We examine the effect of a local CEO (i.e., the CEO's state of origin is the same as his/her firm's headquarter states) on a firm's strategic capacity choices and the resulting cost asymmetry. We find that firms with local CEOs demonstrate greater cost asymmetry. Place attachment, local advantage and agency cost theory could all influence a firm's cost asymmetry. To differentiate between these explanations, we use a consequence test that examines the association between asymmetric costs and future performance. Our results indicate that the greater cost asymmetry in firms with local CEOs is associated with higher future firm value, which suggests that the greater cost asymmetry from local CEOs arises due more to a local advantage. We include several cross‐sectional tests to explore when this result is more or less pronounced. Our results suggest that geographically segmented labour markets play an important role in a firm's resource capacity decisions.
On the Occurrence of Pelusios gabonensis in the Taï National Park (Côte d'Ivoire)
Authors: Koné Drissa , Diarrassouba Adboulaye , Diagne Tomas , Luiselli Luca
Published: September 2024

Many species of terrestrial and freshwater chelonians are at risk of extinction, particularly rainforest species due to massive habitat loss. Therefore, the presence of peripheral and isolated populations can have considerable conservation value. This article confirms the presence of Pelusios gabonensis in an area of mature forest in western Côte d'Ivoire for which fragmentary data existed in the literature. It would therefore be important to study the conservation status and the genetics of the Ivorian populations given their huge geographic distance with conspecifics from the Lower Guinean forests.
Exploring recent advances in drugs severe cutaneous adverse reactions immunopathology
Authors: Cadot Romane , Gery Perrine , Lenief Vanina , Nicolas Jean‐François , Vocanson Marc , Tauber Marie
Published: September 2024

Severe cutaneous adverse reactions to drugs (SCARs) are rare but life‐threatening delayed allergies. While they primarily affect the skin, they can also affect internal organs. Accordingly, they present with diverse clinical symptoms that vary not only between SCARs subtypes but also among patients. Despite the availability of topical and systemic treatments, these only address the symptoms and not the cause. To develop more effective therapies, it is necessary to elucidate the complexity of the pathophysiology of SCARs in relation to their severity. In line with the new type IV hypersensitivity reactions nomenclature proposed by the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (EAACI), this review highlights the current insights into the intricate immune mechanisms engaged, the interplay between the culprit drug and genetic predisposition in drug presentation mechanisms, but also how external factors, such as viruses, are implicated in SCARs. Their relevance to the development of targeted medicine is also discussed.
The infectious capacity of Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus aureus, and Staphylococcus saprophyticus in a porcine model of urinary tract infection
Authors: Stærk Kristian , Heidtmann Christoffer Vogsen , Hjelmager Janni Søvsø , Ewald Jesper Dupont , Nielsen Carsten Uhd , Nielsen Poul , Andersen Thomas Emil
Published: September 2024

The purpose of this study was to establish a porcine model of urinary tract infection (UTI) with gram‐positive uropathogens. Ten female domestic pigs were experimentally inoculated with human UTI isolates of Enterococcus faecalis (n = 3), Staphylococcus saprophyticus (n = 3), or Staphylococcus aureus (n = 4) and followed with regular urine samples. Bladders and kidneys were aseptically removed at termination (5–7 days post infection) and assessed by gross pathology and bacterial enumeration. Enterococcus faecalis (n = 3 of 3) and S. aureus (n = 2 of 4) successfully colonized the pig bladders. Inoculation with S. saprophyticus never resulted in detectable bacteriuria. All infected pigs had cleared the infection spontaneously before termination. Surprisingly, three (of four) pigs inoculated with S. aureus led to spontaneous infection with opportunistic pathogens. Also, one pig colonized with E. faecalis resulted in spontaneous infection with E. coli. In conlusion, the pig supports experimental UTI with E. faecalis for up to 24 h but not prolonged infection. S. aureus and S. saprophyticus fails to cause UTI in pigs and other animals should be considered for studying these pathogens.
Letter: Enhancing gastric cancer prevention—The need for a comprehensive three‐tier emergency management strategy. Authors' reply
Authors: Ligato Irene , Annibale Bruno , Esposito Gianluca
Published: September 2024

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Ligato et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17872 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.18260
Editorial: Advancing care in Crohn's disease—Time to standardise bowel preparation scales. Authors' reply
Authors: Solitano Virginia , Ma Christopher , Jairath Vipul
Published: September 2024

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Solitano et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.18210 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.18269
Ulinastatin attenuated cardiac ischaemia/reperfusion injury by suppressing activation of the tissue kallikrein‐kinin system
Authors: Zhang Qin , Ruan Hang , Wang Xiaochuan , Luo Ailin , Ran Xiao
Published: September 2024

Background and Purpose

Ulinastatin has beneficial effects in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery due to its anti‐inflammatory properties, but the underlying mechanism remains unclear.

Experimental Approach

We used samples from patients undergoing CABG, a model of cardiac ischaemia–reperfusion injury (IRI) in mice and murine cardiac endothelial cell cultures to investigate links between ulinastatin, the kallikrein‐kinin system (KKS), endothelial dysfunction and cardiac inflammation in the response to ischaemia/reperfusion injury (IRI). These links were assessed using clinical investigations, in vitro and in vivo experiments and RNA sequencing analysis.

Key Results

Ulinastatin inhibited the activity of tissue kallikrein, a key enzyme of the KKS, at 24 h after CABG surgery, which was verified in our murine cardiac ischaemia–reperfusion model. Under normal conditions, ulinastatin only inhibited kallikrein activity but did not affect bradykinin (B1/B2) receptors. Ulinastatin protected against IRI, in vivo and in vitro, by suppressing activation of the kallikrein‐kinin system and down‐regulating B1/B2 receptor‐related signalling pathways including ERK/ iNOS, which resulted in enhanced endothelial barrier function, mitigation of inflammation and oedema, decreased infarct size, improved cardiac function and decreased mortality. Inhibition of kallikrein and knockdown of B1, but not B2 receptors prevented ERK translocation into the nucleus, reducing reperfusion‐induced injury in murine cardiac endothelial cells.

Conclusions and Implications

Treatment with ulinastatin exerts a protective influence on cardiac reperfusion by suppressing activation of the kallikrein‐kinin system. Our findings highlight the potential of targeting kallikrein /bradykinin receptors to alleviate endothelial dysfunction, thus improving cardiac IRI.
Immune regulatory and anti‐resorptive activities of tanshinone IIA sulfonate attenuates rheumatoid arthritis in mice
Authors: Panwar Preety , Andrault Pierre Marie , Saha Dipon , Brömme Dieter
Published: September 2024

Background and Purpose

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease characterized by chronic inflammation and painful joint destruction. Current treatments are helpful in RA remission, but strong immunosuppressive activity and patient resistance are clinical issues. This study explores a dual‐action inhibitor, possessing both anti‐inflammatory and anti‐resorptive properties, as a novel treatment for RA.

Experimental Approach

Therapeutic efficacy and mechanisms of ectosteric (tanshinone IIA sulfonate [T06]) and active site‐directed (odanacatib [ODN]) inhibitors of cathepsin K (CatK) were evaluated in RA mouse models. Pathology was assessed through biochemical analyses and histopathological examination. Flow cytometry analysis was performed to characterize immune cells. Anti‐inflammatory effects of T06 on nuclear factor kappa beta (NF‐κB) pathway were studied in macrophages.

Key Results

T06 effectively lowered the number of joint‐resident immune cells, accompanied by significantly reduced production of inflammatory cytokines and collagenolytic proteases. This also included the suppression of Th17 cells and IL‐17, resulting in the reduction of osteoclasts in arthritic joints and amplification of the overall anti‐resorptive effect of T06, which has been attributed to its selective inhibition of the collagenolytic activity of CatK by preventing its oligomerization. The anti‐inflammatory mechanism of T06 was based on blocking the phosphorylation of IκBα in the NF‐κB pathway, resulting in reduced activation and expression of inflammatory cytokines. In contrast, ODN had no effect on inflammation and disease progression and was limited to the inhibition of CatK.

Conclusions

The combined anti‐resorptive and anti‐inflammatory activities characterize T06 as a novel therapeutic agent for RA.
Breaking All the Rules: Information Technology Procurement in the Government of Canada
Authors: Boots Sean , Clarke Amanda , Brousseau Chantal , Lajoie Anne‐Michèle
Published: September 2024

The Government of Canada has recently faced intense parliamentary and public scrutiny of the role played by private contractors in its information technology (IT) projects, most notably in the case of the ArriveCAN application. With these ongoing investigations as its backdrop, this article analyzes patterns in federal government IT procurement between 2017 and 2022, drawing on a comprehensive analysis of the federal contracting open dataset. We reveal that the federal government betrays accepted best practice in modern government IT procurement on several key dimensions, including on contract values and lengths; on the diversity of suppliers; on the source of IT expertise; and in the management of intellectual property. We argue that the Canadian approach to IT procurement is an historically overlooked but crucial driver of its failing digital reform efforts. We conclude by turning to IT procurement policy reforms gaining traction outside Canada that may help the Government of Canada improve how it buys and deploys IT going forward—a task we argue is essential if the government wants to avoid future IT contracting scandals and deliver on its long‐standing promise of digital era modernization.
Revisiting dezocine for opioid use disorder: A narrative review of its potential abuse liability
Authors: Barr Gordon A. , Schmidt Heath D. , Thakrar Ashish P. , Kranzler Henry R. , Liu Renyu
Published: September 2024

Aims

Opioid use disorder (OUD) remains a serious public health problem. Opioid maintenance treatment is effective but under‐utilized, hard to access under existing federal regulations, and, once patients achieve OUD stability, challenging to discontinue. Fewer than 2% of persons with OUD stop using opioids completely. There have been calls from public advocacy groups, governmental agencies, and public health officials for new treatments for OUD. Dezocine, a non‐scheduled opioid previously used in the United States and currently widely prescribed in China for pain management, could be a candidate for a novel OUD treatment medication in the U.S. Nonetheless, to date, there have been no reviews of the clinical and preclinical literature detailing dezocine's abuse potential, a key consideration in assessing its clinical utility.

Discussion

There are no English language reports of human abuse, dependence, or overdose of dezocine, despite years of extensive clinical use. There are a few case reports of dezocine abuse in the Chinese literature, but there are no reports of overdose deaths. Dezocine is perceived as an opioid and is “liked” by opioid‐experienced human and non‐human primates, properties that are not dose‐dependent and are mitigated by ceiling effects—higher doses do not result in more “liking.” There is little withdrawal, spontaneous or precipitated, in humans, monkeys, rats, or mice treated chronically with dezocine alone. However, at some doses, dezocine can precipitate withdrawal in humans and monkeys dependent on other opioids. In rodents, dezocine reduces the severity of morphine withdrawal and the rewarding properties of other opioids.

Conclusions

Although dezocine is reinforcing in humans and monkeys with prior or concurrent opioid use within a restricted dose range, there are only a few anecdotal reports of dezocine abuse despite of the long history of use in humans. Given the evidence of dezocine's limited abuse potential, it could be useful both as a treatment for OUD. However, in‐depth studies would be required for dezocine to be re‐considered for clinical use.
Splenic flexure adenocarcinoma: A national cohort analysis of extent of surgical resection and outcomes
Authors: Kohn Julia F. , Boatman Sonja , Wang Qi , Marmor Schelomo , Hassan Imran , Madoff Robert D. , Gaertner Wolfgang B. , Goffredo Paolo
Published: September 2024

Aim

The optimal extent of resection for splenic flexure adenocarcinoma remains debated. These tumours straddle the left‐ and right‐sided vasculature with lymphatic drainage in a watershed area; current guidelines recommend either segmental or extended colectomy. We analysed surgical management of splenic flexure tumours and compared outcomes between approaches.

Method

The Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results database was searched for adults with Stage I–III splenic flexure adenocarcinoma, 2004–2019.

Results

Of 5238 patients, 55% underwent extended colectomy. Compared to segmental colectomy, these patients were more likely to have advanced stage. On multivariable analysis, age ≤ 65 years remained independently associated with extended colectomy. Although fewer nodes were examined in segmental colectomy (median 14 vs. 16, p < 0.001), the number of positive nodes (both, median 0 [interquartile ratio 0–2], p = 0.20) and the lymph node ratio were similar between cohorts. Surgical approach was not significantly associated with increased positive nodal yield in adjusted analyses. Five‐year overall and disease‐specific survival were 73% and 84% for segmental and 72% and 83% for extended colectomy (p > 0.4); these remained comparable after adjustment.

Conclusions

Nationally, we observed similar rates of segmental and extended colectomy for splenic flexure adenocarcinoma. Extended colectomy was not more common in Stage III disease, indicating lack of stage migration, and was not associated with better oncological outcomes. These observations support current practice involving either approach, which should be tailored to patient‐related factors and preferences, while considering technical aspects and quality of life.
Temporal and trophic niche partitioning among arboreal ants in a Neotropical woodland savanna
Authors: Zuanon Lino Abdelnour , Quero Adilson , Neves Karen Christina , Vasconcelos Heraldo Luis
Published: September 2024

Niche partitioning is a key mechanism for explaining species coexistence, including the coexistence of ants in trees of the Brazilian savanna (cerrado). However, we have limited information on the extent to which arboreal ant species exploit different food resources and/or have different daily foraging schedules.

We tested these ideas through a baiting experiment, and by measuring the isotopic signature (δ15N) and the critical thermal maximum (CTmax) of the 14 most common species found in a typical cerrado tree species. Although most species foraged on all bait types offered, species‐specific preferences were noted for about one‐third of the species. We also found a wide variation in mean δ15N between species, reflecting interspecific differences in trophic position.

Most (71.4%) species foraged predominantly on a given period of the day, ranging from strictly nocturnal species to those that foraged mainly in the afternoon. Species with a higher heat tolerance (higher CTmax) often foraged at warmer periods of the day than those with a lower tolerance.

Despite the evidence of trophic and temporal niche partitioning, other mechanisms, such as nesting site specialization and behavioural trade‐offs, are required to explain species coexistence in this arboreal ant assemblage, as several species pairs largely overlapped both in their diet and time of foraging. Importantly, our results provide additional support for the idea that physiological restriction to high temperatures is important for understanding interspecific differences in foraging activity schedules.
Musculoskeletal Symptoms and Misdiagnoses in Children With Acute Myeloid Leukaemia: A Nationwide Cohort Study
Authors: Jensen Anne Birthe Helweg , Andersen Helene Riis Pontoppidan , Jensen Sarah Thorius , Jensen Christina Friis , Amstrup Jesper , Mathiasen René , Henriksen Kasper Amund , Hasle Henrik , Callesen Michael Thude , Brix Ninna
Published: September 2024

Objectives

Childhood cancer often presents with non‐specific signs and symptoms that might mimic non‐malignant disorders including musculoskeletal diseases, potentially leading to rheumatic and orthopaedic misdiagnoses. We aimed to compare clinical presentation, diagnostic interval and survival in paediatric acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) with and without initial musculoskeletal symptoms.

Methods

This nationwide retrospective, cohort study reviewed medical records of 144 children below 15 years diagnosed with AML in Denmark from 1996 to 2018.

Results

Musculoskeletal symptoms occurred in 29% (42/144) of children with AML and 8% (11/144) received an initial musculoskeletal misdiagnosis, being mainly non‐specific and pain‐related. The children with and without musculoskeletal symptoms did not differ markedly up to the diagnosis of AML and blood counts were affected equally in both groups. However, the children with prior musculoskeletal symptoms were more likely to have elevated levels of LDH and ferritin. Furthermore, they revealed a tendency towards a longer total interval (median 53 days vs. 32 days, p = 0.07), but the overall survival did not differ.

Conclusion

AML should be considered as an underlying cause in children with unexplained musculoskeletal symptoms and abnormal blood counts. Concomitant elevation of LDH and ferritin should strengthen the suspicion.
Efficacy and Safety of Frontline Single‐Agent Rituximab in Extranodal Marginal Zone Lymphoma
Authors: Mazzoni Camilla , Argnani Lisa , Casadei Beatrice , Broccoli Alessandro , Gabrielli Giulia , Fabbri Nicole , Gugliotta Gabriele , Pellegrini Cinzia , Carella Matteo , Bagnato Gianmarco , Gentilini Marianna , Morigi Alice , Maglio Pierluca , Cantelli Martina , Stefoni Vittorio , Zinzani Pier Luigi
Published: September 2024

First‐line therapy for patients with extranodal marginal zone lymphoma (EMZL) is not well established, except for eradication therapy for Helicobacter pylori in early gastric MZL. Various regimens, for example, locoregional treatment and systemic chemo‐immunotherapy, can be used depending on the site and stage of disease. Single‐agent rituximab is a useful approach in the setting of localized, low‐intermediate risk EMZL. The aim our research was to analyze the effectiveness and safety of single‐agent rituximab (375 mg/m2 once weekly for 4 weeks) in naïve EMZL in a real‐life setting. The primary endpoint was the overall response rate (ORR), secondary endpoints were progression‐free (PFS), overall (OS) and disease‐free survivals (DFS), and drug tolerability. Fifty‐nine patients were analyzed. Median time between diagnosis and rituximab was 3.6 months. The ORR was 89.9%, with 67.8% complete response (CR). Median DFS and PFS were reached at 6.3 and 5.3 years, respectively. After a median follow‐up of 5 years, median OS was not reached. The most common adverse event was infusion reaction, reported in 28 cases, mainly during the first infusion and easily manageable. Single‐agent rituximab may represent a valid therapeutic option in the first‐line treatment of EMZL, at least for localized disease, with a favorable toxicity profile.
Extracellular vesicle and CRISPR gene therapy: Current applications in Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and Huntington's disease
Authors: Akyuz Enes , Aslan Feyza Sule , Gokce Enise , Ilmaz Oguzkan , Topcu Feyzullah , Kakac Seda
Published: September 2024

Neurodegenerative diseases are characterized by progressive deterioration of the nervous system. Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and Huntington's disease (HD) are prominently life‐threatening examples of neurodegenerative diseases. The complexity of the pathophysiology in neurodegenerative diseases causes difficulties in diagnosing. Although the drugs temporarily help to correct specific symptoms including memory loss and degeneration, a complete treatment has not been found yet. New therapeutic approaches have been developed to understand and treat the underlying pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases. With this purpose, clustered‐regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats/CRISPR‐associated protein (CRISPR/Cas) technology has recently suggested a new treatment option. Editing of the genome is carried out by insertion and deletion processes on DNA. Safe delivery of the CRISPR/Cas system to the targeted cells without affecting surrounding cells is frequently investigated. Extracellular vesicles (EVs), that is exosomes, have recently been used in CRISPR/Cas studies. In this review, CRISPR/Cas and EV approaches used for diagnosis and/or treatment in AD, PD, ALS, and HD are reviewed. CRISPR/Cas and EV technologies, which stand out as new therapeutic approaches, may offer a definitive treatment option in neurodegenerative diseases.
Effects of the manufacturing process on the flexural properties of EBMed lattice structures
Authors: Bellini Costanzo , Borrelli Rosario , Di Cocco Vittorio , Franchitti Stefania , Iacoviello Francesco , Mocanu Larisa Patricia , Sorrentino Luca
Published: September 2024

Lattice structures are very interesting since they present good mechanical properties coupled with lightness. Today, the maturity reached by additive manufacturing technologies allows the production of such structures. However, the mechanical properties of the constituting material can be affected by the process itself, because of the particular geometry. In fact, in a previous work, the mechanical characteristics of the bulk‐printed material were used for modelling the bending behavior of lattice‐cored specimens made of Ti6Al4V and produced through electron beam melting (EBM) process, but a certain discrepancy with experimental results was found. Therefore, in this work, a procedure was proposed to determine the mechanical properties of the material the lattice specimen is made of, in order to reduce the gap between the numerical and the experimental results. By considering the redetermined yield strength, such mismatch was reduced. Moreover, the metallographic analysis of the material found that the α laths of the α + β microstructure, typical of the studied alloy, were thinner than those of bulk specimens, and the presence of α′ martensite was discovered too. The fracture surface analysis determined a ductile failure mode for the lattice core while a fragile mode for the skins.
BYSTANDERS, JEWS, AND HISTORICAL INTERPRETATION
Authors: Dean Carolyn J.
Published: September 2024

This article revisits the vast historiography on everyday life in Vichy France to address the moral questions and historical claims implicit in the bystander category. It addresses how historians conceive the relationship between bystanders and Jews, arguing that they implicitly erase the structural violence between the two groups by reproducing the liberal ethics implicit in the slogan “never again” in their own method—and in spite of their commitment to a boundary between history and memory. Drawing on the insights of postcolonial and political theory, it suggests that the category, if rethought, might account for popular complicity in genocidal violence.
PRIDASE 2024 guidelines for reporting diagnostic accuracy studies in endodontics: Explanation and elaboration
Authors: Pigg Maria , Nagendrababu Venkateshbabu , Duncan Henry F. , Abbott Paul V. , Fouad Ashraf F. , Kruse Casper , Patel Shanon , Rechenberg Dan K. , Suresh Nandini , Shetty Yedthare Naresh , Dummer Paul M. H.
Published: September 2024

The Preferred Reporting Items for Diagnostic Accuracy Studies in Endodontics (PRIDASE) 2024 guidelines are based on the Standards for Reporting of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies (STARD) 2015 guidelines and the Clinical and Laboratory Images in Publications (CLIP) principles, with the addition of items specifically related to endodontics. The use of the PRIDASE 2024 guidelines by authors and their application by journals during the peer review process will reduce the possibility of bias and enhance the quality of future diagnostic accuracy studies. The PRIDASE 2024 guidelines consist of a checklist containing 11 domains and 66 individual items. The purpose of the current document is to provide an explanation for each item on the PRIDASE 2024 checklist, along with examples from the literature to help readers understand their importance and offer advice to those developing manuscripts. A link to the PRIDASE 2024 explanation and elaboration document is available on the Preferred Reporting Items for study Designs in Endodontology (PRIDE) website (https://pride‐endodonticguidelines.org/pridase/) and on the International Endodontic Journal website (https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/page/journal/13652591/homepage/pride‐guidelines.htm).
Multiomic‐based immune response profiling in migraine, vestibular migraine and Meniere's disease
Authors: Cruz‐Granados Pablo , Frejo Lidia , Perez‐Carpena Patricia , Amor‐Dorado Juan Carlos , Dominguez‐Duran Emilio , Fernandez‐Nava Maria Jose , Batuecas‐Caletrio Angel , Haro‐Hernandez Elisheba , Martinez‐Martinez Marta , Lopez‐Escamez Jose A.
Published: September 2024

Migraine (MI) is the most common neurological disease, affecting with 20% of the world population. A subset of 25% of MI patients showcase concurrent vestibular symptoms, which may classify as vestibular migraine (VM). Meniere's disease (MD) is a complex inner ear disorder defined by episodes of vertigo associated with tinnitus and sensorineural hearing loss with a significant autoimmune/autoinflammatory contribution, which symptoms overlap with VM. Blood samples from 18 patients with MI (5), VM (5) and MD (8) and 6 controls were collected and compared in a case–control study. Droplet‐isolated nuclei from mononuclear cells used to generate scRNAseq and scATACseq data sets from MI, VM and MD. MI and VM have no differences in their immune transcriptome; therefore, they were considered as a single cluster for further analyses. Natural Killer (NK) cells transcriptomic data support a polarisation triggered by Type 1 innate immune cells via the release of interleukin (IL)‐12, IL‐15 and IL‐18. According to the monocyte scRNAseq data, there were two MD clusters, one inactive and one driven by monocytes. The unique pathways of the MI + VM cluster were cellular responses to metal ions, whereas MD monocyte‐driven cluster pathways showed responses to biotic stimuli. MI and MD have different immune responses. These findings support that MI and VM have a Type 1 immune lymphoid cell response, and that there are two clusters of MD patients, one inactive and one Monocyte‐driven.
Thirty‐day mortality risk in patients following radiofrequency and cryoballoon ablation for atrial fibrillation across the entire nation of Poland: An 8‐year analysis from the National Health Fund of Poland
Authors: Orczykowski Michal , Kowalski Marcin , Parikh Valay K. , Topczewska Magdalena , Urbanek Piotr , Robert Bodalski , Derejko Pawel , Glowniak Andrzej , Swierzynska‐Wodarska Ewa , Bilinska Maria , Szumowski Lukasz
Published: September 2024

Introduction

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained arrhythmia, and catheter ablation (CA) is a primary therapeutic option. However, the 30‐day all‐cause mortality risk associated with CA for AF may be underestimated due to selection bias. Our study aimed to assess 30‐day mortality in an unselected cohort of patients.

Methods

Data from the National Health Fund‐Poland covered over 99% of nationwide radiofrequency ablation (RF) or cryoballoon ablation for AF, with 100% recorded deaths. The study included consecutive CA procedures in adult patients between 2012 and 2019. Thirty‐day mortality rates were calculated for each age group.

Results

A total of 31 214 CAs for AF were performed on 26 767 patients (34.8% female). Forty‐four percent of patients had hypertension, 31.2% had coronary artery disease, 14.4% had heart failure, 11% had diabetes mellitus, 5.6% had malignant neoplasms, 2.7% had a previous myocardial infarction, 2.5% had a previous stroke, and 2.2% had kidney disease. Thirty‐two deaths (0.1%) occurred within 30 days, with the highest mortality in the oldest age group (>80 years). Statistical analysis revealed higher incidences of kidney disease (p < 0.001) and heart failure (p = 0.001) in patients who died within 30 days. Mortality risk did not significantly differ between cryoballoon and RF ablation, as well as first and subsequent ablation for AF. The risk of death within 7 days postablation for AF was 1 in 2750 procedures, while the risk of death on the same day postablation was 1 in 6250 procedures.

Conclusions

The 30‐day mortality rate in a large, unselected AF ablation cohort, covering 99% of procedures in the country, is low except for the oldest patients. This factor should be taken into consideration when offering CA for AF.
Identification of novel M2 macrophage‐related molecule ATP6V1E1 and its biological role in hepatocellular carcinoma based on machine learning algorithms
Authors: Zhao Sen , Liu Meimei , Zhou Hua
Published: September 2024

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains the most prevalent form of primary liver cancer, characterized by late detection and suboptimal response to current therapies. The tumour microenvironment, especially the role of M2 macrophages, is pivotal in the progression and prognosis of HCC. We applied the machine learning algorithm—CIBERSORT, to quantify cellular compositions within the HCC TME, focusing on M2 macrophages. Gene expression profiles were analysed to identify key molecules, with ATP6V1E1 as a primary focus. We employed Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) and Kaplan–Meier survival analysis to investigate the molecular pathways and prognostic significance of ATP6V1E1. A prognostic model was developed using multivariate Cox regression analysis based on ATP6V1E1‐related molecules, and functional impacts were assessed through cell proliferation assays. M2 macrophages were the dominant cell type in the HCC TME, significantly correlating with adverse survival outcomes. ATP6V1E1 was robustly associated with advanced disease stages and poor prognostic features such as vascular invasion and elevated alpha‐fetoprotein levels. GSEA linked high ATP6V1E1 expression to critical oncogenic pathways, including immunosuppression and angiogenesis, and reduced activity in metabolic processes like bile acid and fatty acid metabolism. The prognostic model stratified HCC patients into distinct risk categories, showing high predictive accuracy (1‐year AUC = 0.775, 3‐year AUC = 0.709 and 5‐year AUC = 0.791). In vitro assays demonstrated that ATP6V1E1 knockdown markedly inhibited the proliferation of HCC cells. The study underscores the significance of M2 macrophages and ATP6V1E1 in HCC, highlighting their potential as therapeutic and prognostic targets.
Bullous pemphigoid burden of disease, management and unmet therapeutic needs
Authors: Werth V. P. , Murrell D. F. , Joly P. , Ardeleanu M. , Hultsch V.
Published: September 2024

Bullous pemphigoid (BP) is an autoimmune blistering disease that can have a profound negative impact on quality of life. BP most often affects the elderly, a population with a high medical burden and special safety concerns. In this review, we outline the BP disease course, diagnosis, epidemiology and comorbidities, and describe tools commonly used to assess BP disease activity and severity and the impact of BP on health‐related quality of life. We also outline biologic treatments currently under investigation for the treatment of BP and highlight the importance of considering safety when treating elderly patients.