bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimizing surveillance of low-risk metabolic dysfunction associated steatotic liver disease using transient elastography
Authors: Gopalakrishna Harish , Nair Gayatri B. , Salman Roghani Roham , Ravendhran Natarajan , Rotman Yaron
Published: February 2024

Background

Most people with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) lack significant fibrosis and are considered low-risk. Surveillance strategy for low-risk MASLD remains uncertain.

Aim

Identify which low-risk subjects can avoid follow-up vibration-controlled transient elastography (VCTE) within 1 year.

Methods

Retrospective analysis of two independent low-risk MASLD cohorts (baseline liver stiffness [LS] < 8kPa) with routine 6–12 months follow-up VCTE. The primary outcome was LS ≥ 8kPa on follow-up, requiring referral and further work-up according to current guidance. Predictors of the primary outcome on univariate and multivariate logistic regression were incorporated into a decision algorithm, and validated in an independent cohort.

Results

Of 206 subjects in the derivation cohort, 96 were low-risk. After a median of 10 months, 24 (25%) low-risk subjects had LS ≥ 8kPa. Baseline LS (P < 0.01) and ALT change from baseline (P = 0.02) (multivariate AUROC = 0.84 [0.74–0.94]) predicted the primary outcome, and were incorporated to a two-step decision algorithm. Low-risk subjects with baseline LS < 5.5 kPa can avoid repeating VCTE in a year, while those with LS > 6.8 kPa require one. For intermediate baseline LS (5.5–6.8kPa), repeat VCTE is only indicated when ALT increase > 6 U/L. The algorithm had 92% negative predictive value, 78% specificity, and 78% accuracy in the derivation cohort. In the validation cohort (n = 64), it had 91% NPV, 72% specificity, and 71% accuracy.

Conclusion

In low-risk MASLD, a simple algorithm combining baseline LS and ALT change can be used to safely avoid a repeat VCTE in a year.
Vaccination May Be Economically and Epidemiologically Advantageous Over Frequent Screening for Gonorrhea Prevention
Authors: Williams Austin M. , Gromov Dmitry , Spicknall Ian H. , Romero-Severson Ethan O.
Published: February 2024

Background

Gonorrhea's rapid development of antimicrobial resistance underscores the importance of new prevention modalities. Recent evidence suggests that a serogroup B meningococcal vaccine may be partially effective against gonococcal infection. However, the viability of vaccination and the role it should play in gonorrhea prevention are an open question.

Methods

We modeled the transmission of gonorrhea over a 10-year period in a heterosexual population to find optimal patterns of year-over-year investment of a fixed budget in vaccination and screening programs. Each year, resources could be allocated to vaccinating people or enrolling them in a quarterly screening program. Stratifying by mode (vaccination vs. screening), sex (male vs. female), and enrollment venue (background screening vs. symptomatic visit), we consider 8 different ways of controlling gonorrhea. We then found the year-over-year pattern of investment among those 8 controls that most reduced the incidence of gonorrhea under different assumptions. A compartmental transmission model was parameterized from existing literature in the US context.

Results

Vaccinating men with recent symptomatic infection, which selected for higher sexual activity, was optimal for population-level gonorrhea control. Given a prevention budget of $3 per capita, 9.5% of infections could be averted ($299 per infection averted), decreasing gonorrhea sequelae and associated antimicrobial use by similar percentages. These results were consistent across sensitivity analyses that increased the budget, prioritized incidence or prevalence reductions in women, or lowered screening costs. Under a scenario where only screening was implemented, just 5.5% of infections were averted.

Conclusions

A currently available vaccine, although only modestly effective, may be superior to frequent testing for population-level gonorrhea control.
Diagnosis and Management of Esophageal Fistulas After Lung Transplantation: A Case Series
Authors: Vanstraelen Stijn , Vos Robin , Dausy Marie , Van Slambrouck Jan , Vanluyten Cedric , De Leyn Paul , Coosemans Willy , Decaluwé Herbert , Van Veer Hans , Depypere Lieven , Bisschops Raf , Demedts Ingrid , Casaer Michael P. , Debaveye Yves , De Vlieger Greet , Godinas Laurent , Verleden Geert , Van Raemdonck Dirk , Nafteux Philippe , Ceulemans Laurens J.
Published: February 2024

Background.

Lung transplantations are highly complex procedures, often conducted in frail patients. Through the addition of immunosuppressants, healing can be compromised, primarily leading to the development of bronchopleural fistulas. Although esophageal fistulas (EFs) after lung transplantation remain rare, they are associated with significant morbidity. We aimed to investigate the clinical presentation, diagnostic approaches, and treatment strategies of EF after lung transplantation.

Methods.

All patients who developed EF after lung transplantation at the University Hospitals Leuven between January 2019 and March 2022 were retrospectively reviewed and the clinical presentations, diagnostic approaches, and treatment strategies were summarized.

Results.

Among 212 lung transplantation patients, 5 patients (2.4%) developed EF. Three patients were male and median age was 39 y (range, 34–63). Intraoperative circulatory support was required in 3 patients, with 2 needing continued support postoperatively. Bipolar energy devices were consistently used for mediastinal hemostasis. All EFs were right-sided. Median time to diagnosis was 28 d (range, 12–48) and 80% of EFs presented as recurrent respiratory infections or empyema. Diagnosis was made through computed tomography (n = 3) or esophagogastroscopy (n = 2). Surgical repair with muscle flap covering achieved an 80% success rate. All patients achieved complete resolution, with only 1 patient experiencing a fatal outcome during a complicated EF-related recovery.

Conclusion.

Although EF after lung transplantation remains rare, vigilance is crucial, particularly in cases of right-sided intrathoracic infection. Moreover, caution must be exercised when applying thermal energy in the mediastinal area to prevent EF development and mitigate the risk of major morbidity. Timely diagnosis and surgical intervention can yield favorable outcomes.
Empirical legal analysis simplified: reducing complexity through automatic identification and evaluation of legally relevant factors
Authors: Gray Morgan A. , Savelka Jaromir , Oliver Wesley M. , Ashley Kevin D.
Published: February 2024

This paper investigates the potential for reducing the complexity of AI and Law and empirical legal studies projects through a novel annotation methodology that relies on GPT Family Models to assist human annotators. Improving the speed, cost and quality of annotation could greatly benefit such projects. In modelling types of legal claims, researchers in the fields of empirical legal studies and AI and Law have long relied on manually annotating factors in case texts. To demonstrate our methodology, we employ cases and factors regarding whether a police officer has constitutional authority to detain a motorist on the basis of the officer’s suspicion that the motorist is trafficking drugs. Our results demonstrate how recent advances in text analytics can
reduce the burden
of identifying factors in large numbers of cases and improve machine learning models’ predictions of case outcomes.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘A complexity science approach to law and governance’.
Towards human-centred standards for legal help AI
Authors: Hagan Margaret
Published: February 2024

As more groups consider how AI may be used in the legal sector, this paper envisions how companies and policymakers can prioritize the perspective of community members as they design AI and policies around it. It presents findings of structured interviews and design sessions with community members, in which they were asked about whether, how, and why they would use AI tools powered by large language models to respond to legal problems like receiving an eviction notice. The respondents reviewed options for simple versus complex interfaces for AI tools, and expressed how they would want to engage with an AI tool to resolve a legal problem. These empirical findings provide directions that can counterbalance legal domain experts' proposals about the public interest around AI, as expressed by attorneys, court officials, advocates and regulators. By hearing directly from community members about how they want to use AI for civil justice tasks, what risks concern them, and the value they would find in different kinds of AI tools, this research can ensure that people's points of view are understood and prioritized, rather than only domain experts' assertions about people's needs and preferences around legal help AI.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘A complexity science approach to law and governance'.
GPT-4 passes the bar exam
Authors: Katz Daniel Martin , Bommarito Michael James , Gao Shang , Arredondo Pablo
Published: February 2024

In this paper, we experimentally evaluate the zero-shot performance of GPT-4 against prior generations of GPT on the entire uniform bar examination (UBE), including not only the multiple-choice multistate bar examination (MBE), but also the open-ended multistate essay exam (MEE) and multistate performance test (MPT) components. On the MBE, GPT-4 significantly outperforms both human test-takers and prior models, demonstrating a 26% increase over ChatGPT and beating humans in five of seven subject areas. On the MEE and MPT, which have not previously been evaluated by scholars, GPT-4 scores an average of 4.2/6.0 when compared with much lower scores for ChatGPT. Graded across the UBE components, in the manner in which a human test-taker would be, GPT-4 scores approximately 297 points, significantly in excess of the passing threshold for all UBE jurisdictions. These findings document not just the rapid and remarkable advance of large language model performance generally, but also the potential for such models to support the delivery of legal services in society.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘A complexity science approach to law and governance’.
Commissioning of a gantry beamline with rotator at a synchrotron-based ion therapy center
Authors: Pivi M. T. F. , Adler L. , Guidoboni G. , Kowarik G. , Kurfürst C. , Maderböck C. , Pavlovič M. , Prokopovich D. A. , Pullia M. G. , Rizzoglio V. , Strašík I.
Published: February 2024

This paper provides an overview of the worldwide first commissioning of a gantry beamline with a rotator at the MedAustron synchrotron-based proton/ion cancer therapy facility in Wiener Neustadt, Austria. The gantry beamline consists of the high energy beam transfer (HEBT) line and the gantry beam transport system. It transports the beam from the synchrotron to the gantry-room isocenter. The HEBT transports the beam from the synchrotron to the gantry entrance, which is the coupling point between the HEBT and the gantry. The rotator is one of the HEBT modules, thus it is an integral part of the gantry beamline. The MedAustron rotator is the worldwide first rotator system used to match slowly extracted asymmetric beams from the synchrotron to the rotating gantry. In this paper, main attention is paid to ion-optical and beam-alignment aspects of the beamline commissioning. A novel orbit-correction and beam-alignment technique has been developed specifically for the beamline with the rotator. While the theoretical concept of the rotator has existed for almost two decades, the MedAustron rotator is the first hardware implementation of this concept all over the world. The presented overview of the beamline commissioning includes a description of the principal technical solutions and main results of the first beam-transport measurements. Since the measured beam size and beam position agree well with theoretical predictions, one can conclude that the proof-of-concept of the rotator-matching has been successfully accomplished.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Dynamically encircling exceptional points for robust eigenstate generation and all-optical logic operations in a three-dimensional photonic chip
Authors: Li Chu , Li Meng , Wang Ruiqi , Chen Yang , Ren Xifeng , Yan Linyu , Li Qiang , Gong Qihuang , Li Yan
Published: February 2024

Dynamically encircling exceptional points (EEPs) in non-Hermitian systems have been utilized to realize robust on-chip mode conversions by taking the advantage that the output states are usually fixed and independent of the input states. This highly protects one of the specific eigenstates, but restricts their practical applications requiring superposition states. Here, we realize an on-chip robust eigenstate generator using a depth-varying 3D waveguide to overpass the EEP system. It not only preserves the robustness of the EEP system to generate one determinate eigenstate, but also generates another two-level eigenstate and arbitrary superposition states. Furthermore, by ingeniously combining two identical generators with a symmetric Y combiner, both the all-optical XOR and OR logic operations insensitive to the variations in the input light are realized by the destructive or constructive interference between the two generators' near-neighboring output signals. This paper paves the way for applications of EEP systems to highly robust state manipulations and information processing in integrated photonic and quantum devices.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Entrepreneurial practices towards entrepreneurial intentions from Chinese vocational college students: a mediation-moderation model
Authors: Qin Chengbin
Published: February 2024

Purpose

The entrepreneurial ecosystem within Chinese vocational colleges offers a unique platform to investigate the interplay between entrepreneurial passion, education and intention. This study aims to assess the effect of entrepreneurial education on alertness, passion and mindset, in turn, on entrepreneurial orientation and intentions. In addition, the study examines the mediating role of the entrepreneurial mindset between entrepreneurial passion and education; and to identify the moderating effect of entrepreneurial self-efficacy between entrepreneurial orientation and intentions.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a cross-sectional methodology based on self-reported data from students across various Chinese vocational colleges, the study used a quantitative method to derive its findings.

Findings

The results highlighted a strong positive effect of entrepreneurial education on passion, mindset and alertness. The study also found that an increased emphasis on entrepreneurial education fostered a proactive entrepreneurial orientation, a significant predictor of entrepreneurial intentions. The entrepreneurial mindset played a pivotal mediating role, enhancing the direct effects observed. Moreover, students with higher entrepreneurial self-efficacy exhibited a more substantial inclination towards entrepreneurial intentions, further buttressed by their orientation.

Originality/value

This study underscores the critical role of fostering passion, education and self-efficacy in cultivating entrepreneurial intentions among students in Chinese vocational colleges, offering valuable theoretical and managerial implications for educators and policymakers alike.
Thermal performance improvement in wavy microchannels using secondary channels
Authors: Paramanandam Karthikeyan , S Venkatachalapathy , Srinivasan Balamurugan , P V R Nanda Kishore
Published: February 2024

Purpose

This study aims to minimize the pressure drop across wavy microchannels using secondary branches without compromising its capacity to transfer the heat. The impact of secondary flows on the pressure drop and heat transfer capabilities at different Reynolds numbers are investigated numerically for different wavy microchannels. Finally, different channels are evaluated using performance evaluation criteria to determine their effectiveness.

Design/methodology/approach

To investigate the flow and heat transfer capabilities in wavy microchannels having secondary branches, a 3D conjugate heat transfer model based on finite volume method is used. In conventional wavy microchannel, secondary branches are introduced at crest and trough locations. For the numerical simulation, a single symmetrical channel is used to minimize computational time and resources and the flow within the channels remains single-phase and laminar.

Findings

The findings indicate that the suggested secondary channels notably improve heat transfer and decrease pressure drop within the channels. At lower flow rates, the secondary channels demonstrate superior performance in terms of heat transfer. However, the performance declines as the flow rate increased. With the same amplitude and wavelength, the introduction of secondary channels reduces the pressure drop compared with conventional wavy channels. Due to the presence of secondary channels, the flow splits from the main channel, and part of the core flow gets diverted into the secondary channel as the flow takes the path of minimum resistance. Due to this flow split, the core velocity is reduced. An increase in flow area helps in reducing pressure drop.

Practical implications

Many complex and intricate microchannels are proposed by the researchers to augment heat dissipation. There are challenges in the fabrication of microchannels, such as surface finish and achieving the required dimensions. However, due to the recent developments in metal additive manufacturing and microfabrication techniques, the complex shapes proposed in this paper are feasible to fabricate.

Originality/value

Wavy channels are widely used in heat transfer and micro-fluidics applications. The proposed wavy microchannels with secondary channels are different when compared to conventional wavy channels and can be used practically to solve thermal challenges. They help achieve a lower pressure drop in wavy microchannels without compromising heat transfer performance.
Servant leadership style and socially responsible leadership in university context: moderation of promoting sense of community
Authors: Kyambade Mahadih , Mugambwa Joshua , Nkurunziza Gideon , Namuddu Regis , Namatovu Afulah
Published: February 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the extent to which promoting sense of community moderates the relationship between servant leadership style and socially responsible leadership (SRL) of public universities in Uganda.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopted cross-sectional survey design to collect data at one point in time using self-administered questionnaires from 214 respondents to examine the relationship between servant leadership and socially responsible leadership with promoting sense of community as a moderator. The study used statistical package for social scientists (SPSS) PROCESS MACRO to establish clusters among the surveyed public universities and later a model was derived.

Findings

The study found a significant moderating effect of promoting sense of community on servant leadership and socially responsible leadership. Implying that investment in promoting sense of community creates awareness about the socially responsible leadership in public universities.

Practical implications

Managers of public universities need to pay keen interest in promoting sense of community to boost socially responsible leadership by building a strong servant leadership style through promoting sense of community for senior managers and leaders especially heads of departments, faculty deans and principals in public universities.

Originality/value

This study contributes to socially responsible leadership literature by advancing the idea that SRL is an important resource that enhances through instituting servant leadership and promoting sense of community in a complex environment. Ideally, servant leadership and promoting sense of community is one of the drivers of customer value, efficiency and effectiveness of public universities.
Advancing women to leadership in academia: does personal branding matter?
Authors: Heriberta Heriberta , Gaus Nurdiana , Paramma Muhammad Azwar , Utami Nursita
Published: February 2024

Purpose

Personal branding is a strategic tool of marketing and communication to define success in organisations. While it constitutes a conscious attempt to commodify self and audit self, it must be intentionally managed to obtain its optimum results. This study aims to illustrate how personal branding may also pose unintentional and unconscious strategic tool for women academics in academia to help them get wider visibility and increase their chances of getting into leadership positions.

Design/methodology/approach

We employed a case study approach and convenience sampling to select our unit of analysis. Three universities in both public and private universities in the eastern regions of Indonesia were purposefully selected, and interviews were held with 30 female leaders occupying and occupied middle and lower leadership hierarchies.

Findings

Our research shows that, despite their unintentional, unplanned and poorly designed personal branding, women have been able to advance to their current leadership positions by building their own rooms for practising their own preferred leadership values to get them visible and heard. This way is performed through a gendered networking, previous leadership experience and bureaucratic requirements. The consequence of such a practice may limit the range of visibility to getting noticed as worthy individuals for senior leadership roles. This might be one reason why women are scarcely found in senior leadership positions.

Originality/value

We propose that natural strategies of constructing, narrating and marketing or communicating personal branding in academia through authentic actions can also be helpful for the success of women to get to leadership roles in a smaller and ambient environment.
Examining the linkages between digitalisation, public service delivery and corruption in Ghana
Authors: Abdul-Salam Abdallah , Adam Ibrahim Osman , Alhassan Muftawu Dzang , Gbambegu Umar Abubakar , Nterful Joshua
Published: February 2024

Purpose

This study aims to examine the linkages between digitalisation, public service delivery and corruption in Ghana using survey data from 121 respondents in Ghana. The authors also examine the mediating role public service delivery offers on corruption.

Design/methodology/approach

This study relied on the capability theory as its theoretical lens and partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) as the data analysis technique.

Findings

Results from the PLS-SEM analysis show that public service delivery significantly reduces corruption, whilst digitalisation does not. However, public service delivery significantly mediated the relationship between digitalisation and corruption.

Research limitations/implications

This study’s limitation is that the data was collected from Ghana only. To enhance the generalisability of findings, future research could collect data from multiple countries. In addition, the study did not factor in the moderating effects of demographic variables such as information and communication technology (ICT) literacy. Future research could consider these variables, given the low ICT literacy level of individuals in developing countries. Finally, future researchers could triangulate results with interviews and focus groups to provide more value to the identified questionnaire-based data.

Practical implications

The findings of this study highlight the need for digitalisation to be included in Ghana’s national policy objectives and service delivery objectives. It is essential for the government to ensure broader public engagement with stakeholders, including citizens, to ensure that digitalisation goals are achieved. The study’s results indicate that digitalisation does not significantly influence corruption. This calls for the government of Ghana to consider raising the level of human capital for the successful planning and deployment of e-services. This includes raising citizen ICT literacy and adopting cutting-edge technology to fully realize the benefits of online services. Developing capabilities, e-government leadership, and public sector employees as enablers of online public services should go hand-in-hand. It is also important to build connected capacities in the country and enhance access to information and technology, along with increasing digital infrastructure.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to examine and offer a dual perspective on the role of digitalisation on public service delivery and corruption whilst considering the mediating role public service delivery offers on corruption.
Bankruptcy in the UK: Do Managers Talk the Talk Before Walking the Walk?
Authors: Ahmed Yousry , Elsayed Mohamed , Xu Bin
Published: February 2024

This study examines whether managers employ annual report textual disclosures as a conduit to communicate the probability of future corporate bankruptcy or to intentionally mislead stakeholders owing to impression management incentives. We conduct various examinations around the information content of the tone conveyed by textual disclosures in unstructured UK annual reports and the probability of corporate bankruptcy. We document that firms that communicate a more net positive tone are associated with lower bankruptcy risk. Importantly, this association is found to be stronger for firms whose managers have a lower incentive to mislead investors owing to better board monitoring, stringent stock market regulation, and Big 4 audits. We also offer complementary evidence that firms conveying a more net positive tone exhibit higher future performance and earnings persistence, and lower future performance volatility. These firms are also less likely to exhibit extreme corporate policies and to receive a qualified auditor's opinion. Overall, this study sheds light on whether managers tend to inform or misinform (bury their heads in the sand) about corporate bankruptcy.
Changes in the structure and functional properties of lactoferrin with different iron saturations before and after simulated high‐temperature short‐time heat treatments
Authors: Wang Mengqi , Luo Wenjing , Wu Xinyi , Zhang Wanyi , Li Hongbo , Li Hongjuan , Yu Jinghua
Published: February 2024

The major functional properties of lactoferrin (LF) samples before and after high‐temperature short‐time (HTST: 72°C/15 s, 85°C/15 s and 95°C/15 s) treatment were investigated by turbiscan stability index, circular dichroism spectroscopy and other methods. The lower the LF iron saturation, the higher the iron binding, antibacterial and antioxidant capacity, but more unstable after HTST treatment. 40%‐LF had the best physical and structural stability, but lower antibacterial and antioxidant capacity. Upon HTST treatment, the physical stability, antibacterial and antioxidant properties of LF samples were significantly reduced, especially for 95°C/15 s. Of note, LF with iron saturation higher than 15% was resistant to HTST treatment.
Appraisal of Australian and New Zealand paediatric sepsis guidelines
Authors: Sasse Rosemary , Borland Meredith L , George Shane , Jani Shefali , Tan Eunicia , Neutze Jocelyn , Phillips Natalie , Kochar Amit , Craig Simon , Lithgow Anna , Rao Arjun , Dalziel Stuart R , Williams Amanda , Babl Franz E , Went Grace , Long Elliot ,   the Paediatric Research in Emergency Departments International Collaborative (PREDICT) Network
Published: February 2024

Objective

Clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) are an important tool for the management of children with sepsis. The quality, consistency and concordance of Australian and New Zealand (ANZ) childhood sepsis CPGs with the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Healthcare (ACSQHC) sepsis clinical care standards and international sepsis guidelines is unclear.

Methods

We accessed childhood sepsis CPGs for all ANZ states and territories through Paediatric Research in Emergency Departments International Collaborative members. The guidelines were assessed for quality using the AGREE‐II instrument. Consistency between CPG treatment recommendations was assessed, as was concordance with the ACSQHC sepsis clinical care standards and international sepsis guidelines.

Results

Overall, eight CPGs were identified and assessed. CPGs used a narrative and pathway format, with those using both having the highest quality overall. CPG quality was highest for description of scope and clarity of presentation, and lowest for editorial independence. Consistency between guidelines for initial treatment recommendations was poor, with substantial variation in the choice and urgency of empiric antimicrobial administration; the choice, volume and urgency of fluid resuscitation; and the choice of first‐line vasoactive agent. Most CPGs were concordant with time‐critical components of the ACSQHC sepsis clinical care standard, although few addressed post‐acute care. Concordance with international sepsis guidelines was poor.

Conclusion

Childhood sepsis CPGs in current use in ANZ are of variable quality and lack consistency with key treatment recommendations. CPGs are concordant with the ACSQHC care standard, but not with international sepsis guidelines. A bi‐national sepsis CPG may reduce unnecessary variation in care.
Designing novel industrial and functional foods using the bioactive compounds from Nigella sativa L. (black cumin): Biochemical and biological prospects toward health implications
Authors: Alu'datt Muhammad H. , Rababah Taha , Al‐u'datt Doa'a G. F. , Gammoh Sana , Alkandari Sharifa , Allafi Ahmed , Alrosan Mohammad , Kubow Stan , Al‐Rashdan Haneen K.
Published: February 2024

Nigella sativa is one of the nutraceuticals that has gained popularity and studied extensively in recent decades as it is considered a safe medicinal plant for use as a dietary supplement. N. sativa contains a wide variety of bioactive substances, which include polyphenols, volatile oils (thymoquinone and p‐cymene), proteins, and peptides. The biological attributes of N. sativa include antioxidant, antimicrobial, antifungal, anti‐inflammatory, anticancer, antidiabetic, antihypertensive, hypolipidemic, and antioxidant activities, which have potential applications for the prevention of a variety of chronic diseases. In the food industry, N. sativa improves the sensory qualities, shelf life, strength, and freshness of foods, such as bread, pizza, biscuits, cookies, and cakes. This review discusses the industrial use of N. sativa, which includes processing technologies to enhance its health‐promoting properties as well as the isolation of nutraceutical components.
Histone deficiency and hypoacetylation in the aging retinal pigment epithelium
Authors: Dubey Sushil K. , Dubey Rashmi , Prajapati Subhash C. , Jung Kyungsik , Mohan Kabhilan , Liu Xinan , Roney Jacob , Tian Wenjian , Abney Jennifer , Giarmarco Michelle M. , Hernandez Alvaro G. , Liu Jinze , Kleinman Mark E.
Published: February 2024

Histones serve as a major carrier of epigenetic information in the form of post‐translational modifications which are vital for controlling gene expression, maintaining cell identity, and ensuring proper cellular function. Loss of histones in the aging genome can drastically impact the epigenetic landscape of the cell leading to altered chromatin structure and changes in gene expression profiles. In this study, we investigated the impact of age‐related changes on histone levels and histone acetylation in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and retina of mice. We observed a global reduction of histones H1, H2A, H2B, H3, and H4 in aged RPE/choroid but not in the neural retina. Transcriptomic analyses revealed significant downregulation of histones in aged RPE/choroid including crucial elements of the histone locus body (HLB) complex involved in histone pre‐mRNA processing. Knockdown of HINFP, a key HLB component, in human RPE cells induced histone loss, senescence, and the upregulation of senescence‐associated secretory phenotype (SASP) markers. Replicative senescence and chronological aging in human RPE cells similarly resulted in progressive histone loss and acquisition of the SASP. Immunostaining of human retina sections revealed histone loss in RPE with age. Acetyl‐histone profiling in aged mouse RPE/choroid revealed a specific molecular signature with loss of global acetyl‐histone levels, including H3K14ac, H3K56ac, and H4K16ac marks. These findings strongly demonstrate histone loss as a unique feature of RPE aging and provide critical insights into the potential mechanisms linking histone dynamics, cellular senescence, and aging.
Non‐alcoholic beverage consumption among US adults who consume alcohol
Authors: Bowdring Molly A. , McCarthy Denis M. , Fairbairn Catharine E. , Prochaska Judith J.
Published: February 2024

Background and Aims

Non‐alcoholic beverages (NABs) that mimic alcohol without inducing intoxication, such as non‐alcoholic beers, non‐alcoholic wines and spirit‐free drinks, are increasing in popularity. It is unknown whether NABs help to mitigate or stimulate alcohol use. The present study aimed to describe NAB consumption practices among US adults consuming alcohol, characterize who is likely to consume NABs and examine whether NAB use influences desire for and perceived consumption of alcohol.

Design and Participants

The survey study used data collected June–July 2023 from an on‐line convenience sample. The first survey (n = 1906) assessed frequency of NAB consumption among US adults who consume alcohol. A second more detailed survey on use patterns was conducted with 466 respondents who reported past‐year NAB consumption, of whom 153 (32.83%) screened positive on the CAGE questionnaire for alcohol use disorder (AUD).

Setting

This study took place in the United States.

Measurements

NAB consumption measures included type of NAB consumed, frequency, quantity, first consumption age, consumption reasons, consumption contexts and perceived effect on desire for and consumption of alcohol. Alcohol use measures included frequency, quantity and first consumption age.

Findings

Past‐year NAB use was endorsed by 28.44% of respondents (61.70% ever used). Non‐alcoholic liquor/‘mocktails’ were the most common NAB type consumed (83.69%). Compared with respondents without AUD, those who screened positive for AUD were significantly more likely to consume NABs in an effort to decrease or abstain from drinking alcohol [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 3.54, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 2.24–5.58] and 67.97% endorsed less alcohol consumption (3.23% endorsed more) due to their NAB use. NAB consumption frequency and quantity were significantly positively predicted by alcohol consumption frequency (AOR = 1.46, 95% CI = 1.17–1.83) and quantity (β = 0.25, 95% CI = 0.15–0.35), respectively.

Conclusion

Adults who consume alcohol and screen positive for alcohol use disorder report drinking non‐alcoholic beverages as a harm reduction strategy.
‘It sort of broke me’: A thematic analysis of the psychological experiences and coping strategies employed by Australian fire‐affected farmers
Authors: van der Kruk Shannen R , Gunn Kate M
Published: February 2024

Introduction

People exposed to bushfires are known to be at heightened risk of experiencing mental health challenges. When farms are impacted, farmers often risk losing not only their homes but also their businesses, containing their livestock, infrastructure and identities.

Objective

To understand the psychological experiences of farmers who have been exposed to fires on their farms and identify the coping strategies they already employ to recover and prepare psychologically for future bushfires.

Design

In‐depth, semi‐structured interviews were conducted face‐to‐face or via Zoom. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data, using a descriptive, essentialist approach. Sixteen farmers and/or their spouses (50% female; median age of 50.8 years), who owned and/or played an active role in the operation of a farming or pastoral enterprise and had been affected by a farm fire within the last 20 years, participated. Participants resided in inner regional, outer regional and remote South Australia and New South Wales.

Findings

Seven overarching themes and 22 subthemes resulted: (1) intense emotions in the aftermath, (2) long‐term psychological challenges, (3) deliberate focus on organising, prioritising and completing recovery‐focused tasks, (4) importance of seeking and/or accessing support to rebuild, (5) adopting a positive attitude and outlook, (6) (dis)engaging from/with community and social connection and (7) various strategies employed to self‐regulate emotions.

Discussion/Conclusion

This study demonstrates the unique set of psychological challenges Australian farmers experience in the wake of a farm fire and the coping strategies they report using to help them manage. Findings will inform the development of contextually and culturally appropriate bushfire recovery and preparedness initiatives that are tailored to meet the unique needs of farmers and build upon their existing strengths.
Brain imaging in children with neonatal cholestatic liver disease: A systematic review
Authors: Helt Thora Wesenberg , Johansen Lars Søndergaard , Faurholt‐Jepsen Daniel , Larsen Vibeke Andrée , Borgwardt Lise , Mortensen Jann , Brix Christensen Vibeke
Published: February 2024

Aim

To determine if children with neonatal cholestatic liver disease had concurrent and later findings on brain imaging studies that could be attributed and the cholestasis to contribute to the understanding of the impaired neuropsychological development.

Methods

Ovid MEDLINE and EMBASE were searched on July 21, 2022, and updated on March 26, 2023. Studies with children under 18 years of age with neonatal cholestasis and a brain scan at the time of diagnosis or later in life were included. Excluded studies were non‐English, non‐human, reviews or conference abstracts. Data were extracted on demographics, brain imaging findings, treatment and outcome. The results were summarised by disease categories. Risk of bias was assessed using JBI critical appraisal tools.

Results

The search yielded 12 011 reports, of which 1261 underwent full text review and 89 were eligible for inclusion. Haemorrhage was the most common finding, especially in children with bile duct obstruction, including biliary atresia. Some findings were resolved after liver transplantation.

Conclusion

Children with neonatal cholestasis had changes in brain imaging, which might play a role in impaired neuropsychological development, but longitudinal clinical research with structured assessment is needed to better qualify the aetiology of the impairment.
Advanced prescription of injectable anticancer drugs: Safety assessment in a European Comprehensive Cancer Centre using the risk matrix approach
Authors: Acramel Alexandre , Blondeel‐Gomes Sandy , Dupré Mathilde , Kayembe Ornella Tangila , Rochereau Aude , Escalup Laurence , Desmaris Romain , Jourdan Nathalie , Cordary Adeline , Vaflard Pauline , Cottu Paul , Bellesoeur Audrey
Published: February 2024

Aims

The purpose of this work was to assess failures in the advanced prescription of parenteral anticancer agents in an adult day oncology care unit with more than 100 patients per day.

Methods

An a priori descriptive analysis was carried out by using the risk matrix approach. After defining the scope in a multidisciplinary meeting, we determined at each step the failure modes (FMs), their effects (E) and their associated causes (C). A severity score (S) was assigned to all effects and a probability of occurrence (O) to all causes. These S and O indicators, were used to obtain a criticality index (CI) matrix. We assessed the risk control (RC) of each failure in order to define a residual criticality index (rCI) matrix.

Results

During risk analysis, 14 FMs were detected, and 61 scenarios were identified considering all possible effects and causes. Nine situations (15%) were highlighted with the maximum CI, 18 (30%) with a medium CI, and 34 (55%) with a negligible CI. Nevertheless, among all these critical situations, only three (5%) had an rCI to process (i.e., missed dose adjustment, multiple prescriptions and abnormal biology data); the others required monitoring only. Clinicians' and pharmacists' knowledge of these critical situations enables them to manage the associated risks.

Conclusions

Advanced prescription of injectable anticancer drugs appears to be a safe practice for patients when combined with risk management. The major risks identified concerned missed dose adjustment, prescription duplication and lack of consideration for abnormal biology data.
Penile cancer care in the Netherlands: increased incidence, centralisation, and improved survival
Authors: Vreeburg Manon T.A. , de Vries Hielke‐Martijn , van der Noort Vincent , Horenblas Simon , van Rhijn Bas W.G. , Hendricksen Kees , Graafland Niels , van der Poel Henk G. , Brouwer Oscar R.
Published: February 2024

Objective

To evaluate penile squamous cell carcinoma (PSCC) incidence and centralisation trends in the Netherlands over the past three decades, as well as the effect of centralisation of PSCC care on survival.

Patients and methods

In the Netherlands PSCC care is largely centralised in one national centre of expertise (Netherlands Cancer Institute [NCI], Amsterdam). For this study, the Netherlands Cancer Registry, an independent nationwide cancer registry, provided per‐patient data on age, clinical and pathological tumour staging, follow‐up, and vital status. Patients with treatment at the NCI were identified and compared to patients who were treated at all other centres. The age‐standardised incidence rate was calculated with the European Standard Population. The probability of death due to PSCC was estimated using the relative survival. Multivariable Cox regression analysis was performed to evaluate predictors of survival.

Results

A total of 3160 patients were diagnosed with PSCC between 1990 and 2020, showing a rising incidence (P < 0.001). Annual caseload increased at the NCI (1% in 1990, 65% in 2020) and decreased at other (regional) centres (99% to 35%). Despite a relatively high percentage of patients with T2–4 (64%) and N+ (33%) at the NCI, the 5‐year relative survival was higher (86%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 82–91%) compared to regional centres (76%, 95% CI 73–80%, P < 0.001). Patients with a pathological T2 tumour were treated with glans‐sparing treatment more often at the reference centre than at the regional centres (16% vs 5.0%, P < 0.001). After adjusting for age, histological grading, T‐stage, presence of lymph node involvement and year of diagnosis, treatment at regional centres remained a predictor for worse survival (hazard ratio 1.22, 95% CI 1.05–1.39; P = 0.006).

Conclusion

The incidence of PSCC in the Netherlands has been gradually increasing over the past three decades, with a noticeable trend towards centralisation of PSCC care and improved relative survival rate.
Predictive or imaginative futures? Experimenting with alternative future‐making approaches
Authors: Durante Ilaria , Dell'Era Claudio , Magistretti Stefano , Pham Cristina Tu Anh
Published: February 2024

Future‐making, the act of imagining and producing the future, is becoming increasingly relevant in scholarly and practitioner debates. In a constantly evolving society where the future is difficult to navigate, there is an urgent need to explore new and innovative ways of imagining plausible futures that are more desirable to people. The future‐making literature proposes different practices, tools, options and possibilities for envisioning futures and advancing the debate on issues that affect society. To explore how different future‐making approaches influence the generation of future scenarios, we conducted an experiment in which we asked 64 practitioners participating in teams to anticipate and imagine futures using two different future‐making approaches: predictive and imaginative. The resulting future scenarios were then evaluated by 227 practitioners in a postexperiment survey measuring their plausibility and desirability, as well as their similarities and differences in terms of future scenario generation. Our study contributes to both theory and practice. In particular, we contribute to the future‐making debate and enrich current understanding of the different processes and tools adopted in predictive and imaginative future‐making using an experimental approach. Our study also supports practitioners in unpacking the potential of adopting different types of future‐making, from predictive to imaginative.
Evaluating ecosystem protection and fragmentation of the world's major mountain regions
Authors: Theobald David M. , Jacob Aerin L. , Elsen Paul R. , Beever Erik A. , Ehlers Libby , Hilty Jodi
Published: February 2024

Conserving mountains is important for protecting biodiversity because they have high beta diversity and endemicity, facilitate species movement, and provide numerous ecosystem benefits for people. Mountains are often thought to have lower levels of human modification and contain more protected area than surrounding lowlands. To examine this, we compared biogeographic attributes of the largest, contiguous, mountainous region on each continent. In each region, we generated detailed ecosystems based on Köppen−Geiger climate regions, ecoregions, and detailed landforms. We quantified anthropogenic fragmentation of these ecosystems based on human modification classes of large wild areas, shared lands, and cities and farms. Human modification for half the mountainous regions approached the global average, and fragmentation reduced the ecological integrity of mountain ecosystems up to 40%. Only one‐third of the major mountainous regions currently meet the Kunming‐Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework target of 30% coverage for all protected areas; furthermore, the vast majority of ecosystem types present in mountains were underrepresented in protected areas. By measuring ecological integrity and human‐caused fragmentation with a detailed representation of mountain ecosystems, our approach facilitates tracking progress toward achieving conservation goals and better informs mountain conservation.
Cell adhesion and actin dynamics factors promote axonal extension and synapse formation in transplanted Drosophila photoreceptor cells
Authors: Iwanaga Riku , Yahagi Nagisa , Hakeda‐Suzuki Satoko , Suzuki Takashi
Published: February 2024

Vision is formed by the transmission of light stimuli to the brain through axons extending from photoreceptor cells. Damage to these axons leads to loss of vision. Despite research on neural circuit regeneration through transplantation, achieving precise axon projection remains challenging. To achieve optic nerve regeneration by transplantation, we employed the Drosophila visual system. We previously established a transplantation method for Drosophila utilizing photoreceptor precursor cells extracted from the eye disc. However, little axonal elongation of transplanted cells into the brain, the lamina, was observed. We verified axonal elongation to the lamina by modifying the selection process for transplanted cells. Moreover, we focused on N‐cadherin (Ncad), a cell adhesion factor, and Twinstar (Tsr), which has been shown to promote actin reorganization and induce axon elongation in damaged nerves. Overexpression of Ncad and tsr promoted axon elongation to the lamina, along with presynaptic structure formation in the elongating axons. Furthermore, overexpression of Neurexin‐1 (Nrx‐1), encoding a protein identified as a synaptic organizer, was found to not only promote presynapse formation but also enhance axon elongation. By introducing Ncad, tsr, and Nrx‐1, we not only successfully achieved axonal projection of transplanted cells to the brain beyond the retina, but also confirmed the projection of transplanted cells into a deeper ganglion, the medulla. The present study offers valuable insights to realize regeneration through transplantation in a more complex nervous system.