bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Holistic Ecosystem for Clinical Protocols and Trials Management
Authors: Christopoulou Stella C.
Published: March 2024

The proposed Holistic Ecosystem for clinical Protocols and Trials Management (clinicalNET) project aims to establish a human and technical network of healthcare researchers, business partners, and stakeholders. The consortium will include specialists from various fields, including healthcare management, medicine, computer engineering, marketing, publishing, and public relations. The project will design and implement a semantically enabled information system for representing data and knowledge gathered during clinical trials. The clinicalNET project will define specifications for healthcare management services and knowledge engineering techniques, creating an intelligent collaborative web tool for information production and provision in healthcare. It will follow EU health policies and promote participation from leading researchers, stakeholders, and organizations. The clinicalNET will provide a health holistic ecosystem approach with open standards, trusted networks, and co-creator networks.
Change in Striatal Functional Connectivity Networks Across Two Years Due to Stimulant Exposure in Childhood ADHD: Results from the ABCD Sample
Authors: Kaminski Adam , Xie Hua , Hawkins Brylee , Vaidya Chandan J.
Published: March 2024

Widely prescribed for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), stimulants (e.g., methylphenidate) have been studied for their chronic effects on the brain in prospective designs controlling dosage and adherence. While controlled approaches are essential, they do not approximate real-world stimulant exposure contexts where medication interruptions, dosage non-compliance, and polypharmacy are common. Brain changes in real-world conditions are largely unexplored. To fill this gap, we capitalized on the observational design of the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) study to examine effects of stimulants on large-scale bilateral cortical networks’ resting-state functional connectivity (rs-FC) with 6 striatal regions (left and right caudate, putamen, and nucleus accumbens) across two years in children with ADHD. Bayesian hierarchical regressions revealed associations between stimulant exposure and change in rs-FC of multiple striatal-cortical networks, affiliated with executive and visuo-motor control, which were not driven by general psychotropic medication. Of these connections, three were selective to stimulants versus stimulant naive: reduced rs-FC between caudate and frontoparietal network, and between putamen and frontoparietal and visual networks. Comparison with typically developing children in the ABCD sample revealed stronger rs-FC reduction in stimulant-exposed children for putamen and frontoparietal and visual networks, suggesting a normalizing effect of stimulants. 14% of stimulant-exposed children demonstrated reliable reduction in ADHD symptoms, and were distinguished by stronger rs-FC reduction between right putamen and visual network. Thus, stimulant exposure for a two-year period under real-world conditions modulated striatal-cortical functional networks broadly, had a normalizing effect on a subset of networks, and was associated with potential therapeutic effects involving visual attentional control.
The Association of Advanced Care Planning and Good Death in Palliative Elderly Acute Myeloid Leukemia Patients in Thailand
Authors: Tungjitviboonkun Songphol
Published: March 2024

Background

The goal of treatment for elderly AML patients is palliative care rather than curative chemotherapy. Advanced care planning (ACP) plays a crucial role in good death. However, the factors associated with ACP and good death have not been well described.

Objective

This study aimed to characterize the association between advanced care planning and the outcome of good death in elderly AML patients.

Method

AML patients aged ≥60, who received less intensive treatment from August 2020 to December 2021, were interviewed and prospectively followed. All clinical data and potential factors related to ACP and good death were collected.

Results

Seventeen AML patients were included during the study period. The median age was 73 years (range 63-88). Twenty-five patients had passed away, with a median survival of 5.5 months. Thirteen patients had undergone ACP. Among them, twelve patients with ACP had passed away, and all had achieved good death, while six out of fifteen in the non-ACP group had achieved good death (p=0.003). Two-thirds of the ACP group initially expected to live for a year when undergoing ACP but later revised their expectations downward. In the non-ACP group, only two patients who achieved a good death were aware that AML would be the cause of death, whereas five out of six in the non-good death group were not aware of it. However, it was found that prognosis understanding alone did not correlate with successful end-of-life care. No other significant factors associated with patient outcomes were identified. Factors associated with the initiation of ACP discussions included decreased platelet count and increased blast count from baseline. Palliative performance status was not predictive when assessed too late. The median time from palliative consultation to death was 3.5 months, which appeared sufficient for patient preparation.

Conclusion

The key factor associated with good death was the initiation of ACP discussions with the patient. Decreased platelet count and increased blast count from baseline could serve as warning signs.
Ischemic cerebral lesions after Carotid Stenting versus Carotid Endarterectomy: A Systematic review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Loufopoulos Georgios , Manaki Vasiliki , Tasoudis Panagiotis , Meintanopoulos Andreas Stylianos , Kouvelos George , Ntaios George , Spanos Konstantinos
Published: March 2024

Background

Recent randomized controlled trials have demonstrated similar outcomes in terms of ischemic stroke incidence after carotid endarterectomy (CEA) or carotid artery stenting (CAS) in asymptomatic carotid disease, while CEA seems to be the first option for symptomatic carotid disease. The aim of this meta-analysis is to assess incidence of silent cerebral microembolization detected by Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) following these procedures.

Methods

A systematic search was conducted using PubMed, Scopus and Cochrane databases including comparative studies involving symptomatic or asymptomatic patients undergoing either CEA or CAS, and reporting on new cerebral ischemic lesions in post-operative MRI. The primary outcome was the newly detected cerebral ischemic lesions. Pooled effect estimates for all outcomes were calculated using the random-effects model. Pre-specified random effects meta-regression and subgroup analysis were conducted to examine the impact of moderator variables on the presence of new cerebral ischemic lesions.

Results

25 studies reporting on total 1827 CEA and 1500 CAS interventions fulfilled the eligibility criteria. The incidence of new cerebral ischemic lesions was significantly lower after CEA comparing to CAS, regardless of the time of MRI assessment (first 24 hours; OR: 0.33, 95% CI: 0.17-0.64, p<0.001), (the first 72 hours, OR: 0.25, 95% CI 0.18-0.36, p<0.001), (generally within a week after the operation; OR: 0.24, 95% CI: 0.17-0.34, p<0.001). Also, the rate of stroke (OR: 0.38, 95% CI: 0.23-0.63, p<0.001) and the presence of contralateral new cerebral ischemic lesions (OR: 0.16, 95% CI 0.08-0.32, p<0.001) were less frequent after CEA. Subgroup analysis based on the study design and the use of embolic protection device during CAS showed consistently lower rates of new lesions after CEA.

Conclusions

CEA demonstrates significant lower rates of new silent cerebral microembolization, as detected by MRI in postoperative period, compared to CAS.
The LEADING Guideline. Reporting Standards for Expert Panel, Best-Estimate Diagnosis, and Longitudinal Expert All Data (LEAD) Studies
Authors: Eijsbroek Veerle C , Kjell Katarina , Schwartz H Andrew , Boehnke Jan R , Fried Eiko I , Klein Daniel N , Gustafsson Peik , Augenstein Isabelle , Bossuyt Patrick M M , Kjell Oscar N E
Published: March 2024

Background

Accurate assessments of symptoms and illnesses are essential for health research and clinical practice but face many challenges. The absence of a single error-free measure is currently addressed by assessment methods involving experts reviewing several sources of information to achieve a more accurate or best-estimate assessment. Three bodies of work spanning medicine, psychiatry, and psychology propose similar assessment methods: The Expert Panel, the Best-Estimate Diagnosis, and the Longitudinal Expert All Data (LEAD) method. However, the quality of such best-estimate assessments is typically very difficult to evaluate due to poor reporting of the assessment methods and when they are reported, the reporting quality varies substantially. Here, we tackle this gap by developing reporting guidelines for such best-estimate assessment studies.

Methods

The development of the reporting guidelines followed a four-stage approach: 1) drafting reporting standards accompanied by rationales and empirical evidence, which were further developed with a patient organization for depression, 2) incorporating expert feedback through a two-round Delphi procedure, 3) refining the guideline based on an expert consensus meeting, and 4) testing the guideline by i) having two researchers test it and ii) using it to examine the extent previously published studies report the standards. The last step also provides evidence for the need for the guideline: 10 to 63% (Mean = 33%) of the standards were not reported across thirty randomly selected studies.

Results

The LEADING guideline comprises 20 reporting standards related to four groups: TheLongitudinal design(four standards); theAppropriate data(four standards); theEvaluation – experts, materials, and procedures(ten standards); and theValiditygroup (two standards).

Conclusions

We hope that the LEADING guideline will be useful in assisting researchers in planning, conducting, reporting, and evaluating research aiming to achieve best-estimate assessments.
Near horizon linearized gravity and soft theorem
Authors: Mao Pujian , Zhang Kai-Yu , Zhou Bochen
Published: March 2024

In this paper, we study the linearized gravity theory in the near horizon region of the Schwarzschild black hole in four dimensional spacetime. Under the Newman-Unti gauge, we derive the most general near horizon symmetry and solution space without any near horizon fall-off condition. There are four towers of surface charges that are generic functions on the horizon associated to the near horizon symmetry. With suitable near horizon fall-off conditions, we reveal a soft graviton theorem from the Ward identity of the near horizon supertranslation in both coordinates space and momentum space.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Prosperity or futility? Effects of micro-regeneration on neighborhood commercial vitality
Authors: Liu Guiwen , Yang Yue , Li Kaijian , Shrestha Asheem , Zhuang Taozhi
Published: March 2024

Purpose

Micro-regeneration can effectively enhance a neighborhood’s commercial vitality and serve as a viable approach to boost economic benefits. However, the small scale of micro-regeneration efforts and the fragmented nature of information currently limit the availability of strong empirical evidence demonstrating its impact on neighborhood commercial vitality. The aim of the study was to examine the link between micro-regeneration and neighborhood commercial vitality, focusing on the average, time-lag, spatial spillover, and spatial heterogeneity effects.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the panel data set of 1,755 neighborhoods in Chongqing from 2016 to 2021 as the research sample, the difference-in-differences (DID) method was employed in this study to explore the impact micro-regeneration has on neighborhood commercial vitality.

Findings

The results illustrate that: (1) micro-regeneration can promote neighborhood commercial vitality in terms of the number and types of local consumption amenities by 27.76 and 5.89%, respectively, with no time-lag effect; (2) the positive spillovers can exist within the range of 5,000 meters–5,500 meters of regenerated neighborhoods; and (3) the effect of micro-regeneration on neighborhood commercial vitality can be greater in peripheral areas than in core areas of the city.

Originality/value

The findings fill the knowledge gap on the relationship between micro-regeneration and neighborhood commercial vitality. Additionally, the results on the time-lag effect, spatial spillover effects, and spatial heterogeneity provide practical implications that can support the government and private sector in developing temporal and spatial arrangements for micro-regeneration projects.
How project knowledge management develops volatile organizational memory
Authors: Versiani Angela França , Abade Pollyanna de Souza , de Carvalho Rodrigo Baroni , De Muÿlder Cristiana Fernandes
Published: March 2024

Purpose

This paper discusses the effects of enabling conditions of project knowledge management in building volatile organizational memory. The theoretical rationale underlies a recursive relationship among enabling conditions of project knowledge management, organizational learning and memory.

Design/methodology/approach

This research employs a qualitative descriptive single case study approach to examine a mobile application development project undertaken by a major software company in Brazil. The analysis focuses on the project execution using an abductive analytical framework. The study data were collected through in-depth interviews and company documents.

Findings

Based on the research findings, the factors that facilitate behavior and strategy in managing project knowledge pose a challenge when it comes to fostering organizational learning. While both these factors play a role in organizational learning, the exchange of information from previous experience could be strengthened, and the feedback from the learning process could be improved. These shortcomings arise from emotional tensions that stem from power struggles within knowledge hierarchies.

Practical implications

Based on the research, it is recommended that project-structured organizations should prioritize an individual’s professional experience to promote organizational learning. Organizations with well-defined connections between their projects and strategies can better establish interconnections among knowledge creation, sharing and coding.

Originality/value

The primary contribution is to provide a comprehensive view that incorporates the conditions required to manage project knowledge, organizational learning and memory. The findings lead to four propositions that relate to volatile memory, intuitive knowledge, learning and knowledge encoding.
Managing ecosystems with resist–accept–direct (RAD)
Authors: Williams Byron K. , Brown Eleanor D.
Published: March 2024

In recent years considerable interest has been generated in a new approach known as resist–accept–direct, or RAD, for managing ecosystems in the face of climate change. Under RAD, strategic responses to climate change are described in terms of three broad categories: resisting climate transformation, accepting the transformation and continuing to manage as best one can, and directing the transformed system toward novel ecological conditions. In particular, the potential for integrating RAD and adaptive management has been broadly considered, though absent a decision‐making framework needed for implementation.

We propose a hierarchical decision scheme for RAD that accounts for strategy selection among the three RAD options, as well as adaptive decision making within each option. We use stochastic models and uncertainties about ecosystem processes to account for the dynamics of climate‐transformed ecosystems, and show how these features can be used to inform RAD strategies. Operationally, the approach involves decisions at two levels: one level involves choosing a policy for each strategy, and the second level involves deciding which strategy has the greatest policy value.

The structure described here extends recent work in climate change adaptation, by including Markovian decisions under climate change, strategy‐specific policies, and value functions for assessing and selecting RAD strategies. We provide a hierarchical accounting of decisions and responses, and develop rules for the timing of those decisions.

Combining RAD and adaptive management can help to organize thinking about ecological conservation under climate change, and focus attention on mechanisms for making decisions. We believe the structure presented here can facilitate conservation efforts under the non‐stationary climate conditions we are sure to face for the foreseeable future.
How the training pathways and capacity of rural physicians inform their scope of practice: A qualitative study examining the experiences of Australian and international medical graduates in South‐East New South Wales, Australia
Authors: Burgis‐Kasthala Sarath , Bain‐Donohue Suzanne , Tailby Ellen , Stonestreet Kathryn , Moore Malcolm
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Current strategies to address shortages of rural doctors focus on developing a pipeline for rural generalist practice. Limited research has explored how doctors’ professional journey engenders the skills required to practice rurally.

Objective

This paper analyses how rural general practitioners’ clinical pathway informs their scope of practice and future retention.

Design

Qualitative thematic analysis using semi‐structured telephone interviews. Twenty‐one general practitioners appointed in their local health district of Murrumbidgee and Southern New South Wales, Australia, within the past 10 years. Participants comprised 10 Australian medical graduates (AMG) and 11 international medical graduates (IMG).

Findings

AMGs and IMGs contrasted how their pathway into rural practice, and capacity to work rurally, informed their scope of practice. Australian medical graduates’ familiarity with rural areas was consolidated through congruous experiences, including at rural clinical schools. Paradoxically, the fluency of their training limited the amount of unsupervised experience and confidence AMGs gained. Together with a focus on work‐life balance, this limited many to providing mainstream general practice, precluding extending their scope of practice. International medical graduates described disseminated experiences, often unsupervised in high‐volume contexts. However, a lack of professional opportunities prevented them from extending their scope of practice.

Discussion

IMG and AMG motivation and pathway for working rurally differ. Respective cohorts have concerns regarding requisite skills and knowledge for rural practice, which incorporates opportunity and recognition. Entry points for training should be variable to allow consideration of life stage, prior skill development and extension of scope of practice.

Conclusion

Doctors’ scope of practice is informed by their pathways into rural practice. Australian medical graduates may not gain adequate competence during expedited training programs to confidently undertake extended clinical activities. International medical graduates, however lacked the opportunities and support, to utilise their expertise in rural practice. Complementarily utilising the expertise and commitment of both AMGs and IMGs may synergistically address workforce shortages.
The relationship between emotional intimate partner violence and other forms of violence: A metaanalytic review
Authors: Palmer Megan L. , Keilholtz Brooke M. , Vail Summer L. , Spencer Chelsea M.
Published: March 2024

The present study aimed to explore the relationship between emotional intimate partner violence (IPV) and different forms of violence (e.g., stalking perpetration and victimization, physical IPV perpetration and victimization, sexual IPV perpetration and victimization, and controlling behaviors) using a meta‐analysis. Data from 188 studies, yielding 382 effect sizes, were used to compare the strength of correlates for IPV victimization versus perpetration, as well as gendered results. This meta‐analysis found, in order of strength, controlling behaviors victimization, physical IPV victimization, physical IPV perpetration, sexual IPV victimization, stalking victimization, and sexual IPV perpetration were significantly associated with emotional IPV victimization. The meta‐analysis also found, in order of strength, emotional IPV perpetration was positively associated with stalking perpetration, physical IPV perpetration, causing injury to a partner, controlling behaviors victimization, sexual IPV perpetration, physical IPV victimization, controlling behaviors perpetration, and sexual IPV victimization. This study found limited significant differences around gender, with physical IPV victimization approaching significance for emotional IPV perpetration for women. The current study highlights the implications associated with early assessment and intervention in cases of IPV.
Is rising student debt affecting retirement savings? Evidence from the survey of consumer finances
Authors: Batkeyev Birzhan , Ertugrul Mine , Krishnan Karthik , Wang Pinshuo
Published: March 2024

Using exogenous changes in the personal bankruptcy treatment of student loans as well as the level of student debt, we find that student debt has a negative effect on household retirement savings. This negative relation is present for younger and older individuals, and is larger for the latter group, indicating lower levels of retirement savings for precisely those who can least afford it. We also find that student debt is related to greater borrowing on retirement plans. Households with more student debt expect to have insufficient retirement income and are less able to plan financially for the long term.
Qualitative analysis of migrants' network data: Using conceptual reflexivity to reveal the ‘magic trick’
Authors: D'Angelo Alessio , Ryan Louise
Published: March 2024

While in recent years, qualitative social network analysis (SNA) has advanced considerably – particularly in migration research – there is still an overall tendency to focus more on issues of network structure and on the generation of data, rather than on how data can be interpreted and analysed qualitatively in practice. In this article, we discuss how a genuinely qualitative SNA should not only apply qualitative techniques in generating visual and oral network data but also in the analytical processes. Building on our earlier work, we advance methodological debates by presenting the idea of ‘conceptual reflexivity’: an awareness of how our thinking about networks and the ways in which we interact with participants – and the wider field – inform layers of meaning making. Using two recent examples from our migration research, we explore the inter‐subjectivity of the research encounter, offering insights into the ‘craft’ of qualitative SNA and the epistemological issues underpinning it. In doing so, we aim to make analytical processes more open and visible, to reveal, so to speak, what goes on behind the curtain: the ‘magic trick’ of how qualitative SNA is performed.
New insights into ILC2 memory
Authors: Martinez‐Gonzalez Itziar , Takei Fumio
Published: March 2024

Group 2 Innate Lymphoid Cells (ILC2s) are innate lymphocytes involved in type 2 immunity. ILC2s are abundant at the barrier tissues and upon allergen exposure, respond to epithelial‐derived alarmins by producing type 2 cytokines (e.g., IL‐5 and IL‐13). Upon activation, some of these activated ILC2s acquire immunological memory and can mount enhanced responses upon further allergen encounters. Here, we review recent findings of the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying immune memory in ILC2s both in mice and humans and discuss the implications of memory ILC2s in the context of allergic diseases.
Impact of turbidity on the gill morphology and hypoxia tolerance of eastern sand darter (Ammocrypta pellucida)
Authors: Firth Britney L. , Craig Paul M. , Drake D. Andrew R. , Power Michael
Published: March 2024

Anthropogenic stressors such as agriculture and urbanization can increase river turbidity, which can negatively impact fish gill morphology and growth due to reduced oxygen in the benthic environment. We assessed the gill morphology, field metabolic rate (FMR), and two hypoxia tolerance metrics (oxygen partial pressure at loss of equilibrium, PO2 at LOE, and critical oxygen tension, Pcrit) of eastern sand darter (Ammocrypta pellucida), a small benthic fish listed as threatened under the Species at Risk Act in Canada, from rivers in southern Ontario. Field trials were conducted streamside in the Grand River (August 2019; mean NTU 8) and in the comparatively more turbid Thames River (August 2020; mean NTU 94) to test the effect of turbidity on each physiological endpoint. Gills were collected from incidental mortalities and museum specimens, and were assessed using hematoxylin and eosin and immunofluorescent staining. The between‐river comparison indicated that turbidity significantly increased interlamellar space and filament width but had no significant influence on other gill morphometrics or FMR. Turbidity significantly increased PO2 at LOE (i.e., fish had a lower hypoxia tolerance) but did not significantly impact Pcrit. Therefore, although turbidity influences hypoxia tolerance through LOE, turbidity levels were not sufficiently high in the study rivers to contribute to measurable changes in gill morphology or metabolism in the wild. Determining whether changes in gill morphology or metabolism occur under higherturbidity levels would help resolve the ecological importance of turbidity on species physiology in urban and agricultural ecosystems.
The Role of Passive Descent and Epidural Analgesia in Outcomes Associated With Prolonged Pushing Among Nulliparous Individuals in Midwifery Care
Authors: Erickson Elise N. , Hersh Sally R. , Wharton Mariah R. , Bovbjerg Marit L. , Tilden Ellen L.
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Efforts to reduce primary cesarean birth may include supporting longer second stages of labor. Although midwifery‐led care is associated with lower cesarean use, little has been published on associated outcomes of prolonged second stage (≥3 hours of pushing) for nulliparous individuals in US hospital‐based midwifery care. Epidural analgesia and the role of passive descent in midwifery‐led care are also underexplored in relation to the second stage. In this study, we report the incidence of prolonged second stage stratified by epidural analgesia and/or passive descent. Secondary aims included calculating the odds of cesarean birth, obstetric anal sphincter injury (OASI), postpartum hemorrhage (PPH), and neonatal complications.

Methods

Data were collected prospectively from a single academic center in the United States from 2012 through 2019. Our cohort analysis of labors attended by midwives for nulliparous, term, singleton, and vertex pregnancies included both descriptive and inferential statistics comparing outcomes between prolonged versus nonprolonged pushing groups. We stratified the sample and quantified second stage outcomes by epidural analgesia and by use of passive descent.

Results

Of the 1465 births, 17% (n = 247) included prolonged pushing. Cesarean ranged from 2.2% without prolonged pushing to 26.7% with prolonged pushing. Fetal malposition, epidural analgesia, and longer passive descent were more common among those with prolonged active pushing. Despite these factors, neither odds for PPH nor poor neonatal outcomes were associated with prolonged pushing. Those with more than one hour of passive descent in the second stage who also had prolonged active pushing had lower odds for cesarean but higher odds for OASI relative to those who had little passive descent before pushing for more than 3 hours.

Discussion

Prolonged pushing occurred in nearly 2 of 10 nulliparous labors. Fetal malposition, epidural analgesia, and prolonged pushing were commonly observed with longer passive descent, cesarean, and OASI. Passive descent in these data likely reflects individualized midwifery care strategies when pushing was complicated by fetal malposition or other complexities.
Corporate philanthropy, political connections, and costs of equity capital
Authors: Liu Chuyuan , Tang Jing , Huang Chenghao
Published: March 2024

We examine how investors' perceptions of firms' philanthropic behaviors alter the effect of corporate philanthropy on costs of equity capital. Using a sample of Chinese A‐share listed firms from 2007 to 2018, we find that firms making philanthropic donations have higher equity financing costs. In contrast, firms without politically connected executives, experiencing provincial official turnovers, and located in provinces with fiscal pressure do not see an increase in costs of equity capital. In addition, Chinese investors consider strategic corporate philanthropy to establish political connections less valuable after anticorruption campaigns are launched, hence requiring higher rates of return from firms making monetary donations. Overall, this paper provides evidence that investors' perceptions of firm behavior are shaped by unique institutional factors in emerging markets, resulting in unintended economic consequences for firms.
Toward diverse SOGIESC‐transformative theorizing in nursing: A revisitation and expansion of Im and Meleis' guidelines for gender‐sensitive theorizing
Authors: Cleofas Jerome Visperas
Published: March 2024

Over two decades have passed since Im and Meleis proposed “gender‐sensitive theories” as a category of nursing theories in 2001. Since then, the global conditions of women and minoritized identities across the various spectra of sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, and sexual characteristics (SOGIESC) have changed. Moreover, feminist theorizing has evolved, prompting the need to update how nurses theorize and research the interactions of gender and health in their practice. This discursive essay aims to (1) provide a summary of Im and Meleis' characterization and guidelines in the development of gender‐sensitive theories in nursing and present exemplars that use these guidelines; (2) assess the gender‐sensitive nursing theory guidelines in terms of gender‐responsiveness; and (3) expand the transformative potential of gender‐sensitive theorizing in nursing by proposing Diverse SOGIESC‐Transformative Theories. Diverse SOGIESC‐Transformative Theories include three additional aspects to enhance the transformative potential of gender‐responsive theorizing in nursing: inclusion of diverse SOGIESC, elaboration of intersectionality, and consideration of men and masculinities.
China's Motivation for Providing Medical Aid during COVID‐19
Authors: Wu Yue
Published: March 2024

The global economy has been adversely affected by the COVID‐19 pandemic, leading to setbacks in development progress. Against this backdrop, donor countries have increased their expenditure on medical aid as part of their foreign assistance. As an emerging donor from the developing world, China has also been actively involved in providing medical assistance to other countries since 2020. This paper intends to investigate and elucidate China's motivation to offer medical aid to other countries amid the COVID‐19 pandemic. To this end, it utilizes a combination of quantitative and qualitative research methods. Specifically, the Tobit model is employed to conduct regression analyses on China's medical assistance during the pandemic. Additionally, two case studies, namely Chinese aid to Pakistan and the Democratic Republic of Congo, are examined to gain insights into the specific motivations driving China's medical aid. The results of this paper indicate that China's motivation for providing medical assistance during COVID‐19 is multifaceted, including self‐interested economic and political‐diplomatic factors rather than purely altruistic motives. Furthermore, the allocation of China's medical aid is significantly influenced by whether the recipient country is involved in the Belt and Road Initiative.
The Role of ISO Organization in improving the Higher Education –HE– Management Performance through Specialized Standards
Authors: Abdelaziz Samir
Published: March 2024

Specialized standards offered by international organizations such as ISO are a group of management tools that higher education institutions can adopt and implement to improve their management performance. Over the past several years, higher education institutions have been increasingly encouraged to provide quality and credible services and programs. In turn, this requires the adoption of specialized standards from independent organizations. The optimal choice for most institutions is the ISO standards as the body has a global reputation for quality standards.Therefore, this study investigates the role of ISO in enhancing higher education management performance through certified standards. The study adopts a secondary research method based on a qualitative research strategy using an exploratory research design to investigate the topic. A total of 50 empirical research articles were analyzed. The results show that ISO standards enhance management performance by enabling higher education institutions to implement quality management practices.
The Effect of Social Determinants of Health on Clinical Recovery Following Concussion: A Systematic Review
Authors: Hunt Tamerah N. , Roberts Kylie , Taylor Erica M. , Quintana Carolina P. , Kossman Melissa K.
Published: March 2024

Context: Concussion evaluations include a multifaceted approach; however, individual differences can influence test score interpretations and validity. Social determinants of health (SDoH) differentially affect disease risk and outcomes based upon social and environmental characteristics. Efforts to better define, diagnose, manage, and treat concussion have increased, but minimal efforts have focused on examining SDoH that may affect concussion recovery. Objective: This review examined previous research that examined the effect of SDoH on concussion recovery of athletes. Evidence Acquisition: CINAHL, MEDLINE, PsycInfo, and SPORTDiscus databases were used to search the terms “concussion” AND “recovery,” “youth, adolescent, teen and/or adult,” and “social determinants of health” and variations of these terms. The evidence level for each study was evaluated using the 2011 Oxford Center for Evidence-Based Medicine Guide. Evidence Synthesis: Seven thousand nine hundred and twenty-one articles were identified and screened for inclusion. Five studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in this systematic review. Using the Downs and Black Quality Index, the studies included in this review were deemed high quality. Conclusion: Though limited literature exists, there is preliminary evidence to suggest that SDoH (specifically, economic stability, education access and quality, and social and community context) may have an impact on the clinical recovery from concussion. The dimensions evaluated varied between studies and the results were inconsistent. No single factor consistently affected clinical recovery; however, private insurance and race appear to have an association with the speed of recovery. Unfortunately, the potential intersection of these variables and other preinjury factors limits the ability to make clear recommendations. While most of the studies in this review are retrospective in nature, future efforts should focus on training clinicians to prospectively evaluate the effect of SDoH on concussion recovery and injury outcomes. Funding and registration for this systematic review were not obtained nor required.
Multiring basin formation constrains Europa’s ice shell thickness
Authors: Wakita Shigeru , Johnson Brandon C. , Silber Elizabeth A. , Singer Kelsi N.
Published: March 2024

Jupiter’s moon Europa hosts a subsurface ocean under an ice shell of uncertain thickness. Europa has two multiring basins that exhibit several concentric rings. The formation of these multiring basins is thought to be sensitive to the thickness and thermal structure of the ice shell. Here, we simulate multiring basin forming impacts on Europa finding that a total ice shell greater than 20 kilometers thick is required to reproduce observed ring structures. Thin ice shells (<15 kilometers thick) result in compressional tectonics inconsistent with observed ring structures. Our simulations are also sensitive to the thermal structure of the ice shell and indicate that Europa’s at least 20-kilometer ice shell is composed of a 6- to 8-kilometer-thick conductive lid overlying warm convecting ice. The constraints on Europa’s ice shell structure resulting from this work are directly relevant to our understanding of the potential habitability of Europa.
Quantum control of exciton wave functions in 2D semiconductors
Authors: Hu Jenny , Lorchat Etienne , Chen Xueqi , Watanabe Kenji , Taniguchi Takashi , Heinz Tony F. , Murthy Puneet A. , Chervy Thibault
Published: March 2024

Excitons—bound electron-hole pairs—play a central role in light-matter interaction phenomena and are crucial for wide-ranging applications from light harvesting and generation to quantum information processing. A long-standing challenge in solid-state optics has been to achieve precise and scalable control over excitonic motion. We present a technique using nanostructured gate electrodes to create tailored potential landscapes for excitons in 2D semiconductors, enabling in situ wave function shaping at the nanoscale. Our approach forms electrostatic traps for excitons in various geometries, such as quantum dots, rings, and arrays thereof. We show independent spectral tuning of spatially separated quantum dots, achieving degeneracy despite material disorder. Owing to the strong light-matter coupling of excitons in 2D semiconductors, we observe unambiguous signatures of confined exciton wave functions in optical reflection and photoluminescence measurements. This work unlocks possibilities for engineering exciton dynamics and interactions at the nanometer scale, with implications for optoelectronic devices, topological photonics, and quantum nonlinear optics.
Molecular basis for substrate transport of
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
ABC importer DppABCD
Authors: Hu Tianyu , Yang Xiaolin , Zhu Yuanchen , Liu Fengjiang , Yang Xiuna , Xiong Zhiqi , Liang Jingxi , Lin Zhenli , Ran Yuting , Guddat Luke W. , Rao Zihe , Zhang Bing
Published: March 2024

The type I adenosine 5′-triphosphate (ATP)–binding cassette (ABC) transporter DppABCD is believed to be responsible for the import of exogenous heme as an iron source into the cytoplasm of the human pathogen
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
(
Mtb
). Additionally, this system is also known to be involved in the acquisition of tri- or tetra-peptides. Here, we report the cryo–electron microscopy structures of the dual-function
Mtb
DppABCD transporter in three forms, namely, the
apo
, substrate-bound, and ATP-bound states. The
apo
structure reveals an unexpected and previously uncharacterized assembly mode for ABC importers, where the lipoprotein DppA, a cluster C substrate-binding protein (SBP), stands upright on the translocator DppBCD primarily through its hinge region and N-lobe. These structural data, along with biochemical studies, reveal the assembly of DppABCD complex and the detailed mechanism of DppABCD-mediated transport. Together, these findings provide a molecular roadmap for understanding the transport mechanism of a cluster C SBP and its translocator.
In situ structural insights into the excitation-contraction coupling mechanism of skeletal muscle
Authors: Xu Jiashu , Liao Chenyi , Yin Chang-Cheng , Li Guohui , Zhu Yun , Sun Fei
Published: March 2024

Excitation-contraction coupling (ECC) is a fundamental mechanism in control of skeletal muscle contraction and occurs at triad junctions, where dihydropyridine receptors (DHPRs) on transverse tubules sense excitation signals and then cause calcium release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum via coupling to type 1 ryanodine receptors (RyR1s), inducing the subsequent contraction of muscle filaments. However, the molecular mechanism remains unclear due to the lack of structural details. Here, we explored the architecture of triad junction by cryo–electron tomography, solved the in situ structure of RyR1 in complex with FKBP12 and calmodulin with the resolution of 16.7 Angstrom, and found the intact RyR1-DHPR supercomplex. RyR1s arrange into two rows on the terminal cisternae membrane by forming right-hand corner-to-corner contacts, and tetrads of DHPRs bind to RyR1s in an alternating manner, forming another two rows on the transverse tubule membrane. This unique arrangement is important for synergistic calcium release and provides direct evidence of physical coupling in ECC.
Apelin stimulation of the vascular skeletal muscle stem cell niche enhances endogenous repair in dystrophic mice
Authors: Le Moal Emmeran , Liu Yuguo , Collerette-Tremblay Jasmin , Dumontier Simon , Fabre Paul , Molina Thomas , Dort Junio , Orfi Zakaria , Denault Nicolas , Boutin Joël , Michaud Joris , Giguère Hugo , Desroches Alexandre , Trân Kien , Ellezam Benjamin , Vézina François , Bedard Sonia , Raynaud Catherine , Balg Frederic , Sarret Philippe , Boudreault Pierre-Luc , Scott Michelle S. , Denault Jean-Bernard , Marsault Eric , Feige Jerome N. , Auger-Messier Mannix , Dumont Nicolas A. , Bentzinger C. Florian
Published: March 2024

Impaired skeletal muscle stem cell (MuSC) function has long been suspected to contribute to the pathogenesis of muscular dystrophy (MD). Here, we showed that defects in the endothelial cell (EC) compartment of the vascular stem cell niche in mouse models of Duchenne MD, laminin α2–related MD, and collagen VI–related myopathy were associated with inefficient mobilization of MuSCs after tissue damage. Using chemoinformatic analysis, we identified the 13–amino acid form of the peptide hormone apelin (AP-13) as a candidate for systemic stimulation of skeletal muscle ECs. Systemic administration of AP-13 using osmotic pumps generated a pro-proliferative EC-rich niche that supported MuSC function through angiocrine factors and markedly improved tissue regeneration and muscle strength in all three dystrophic mouse models. Moreover, EC-specific knockout of the apelin receptor led to regenerative defects that phenocopied key pathological features of MD, including vascular defects, fibrosis, muscle fiber necrosis, impaired MuSC function, and reduced force generation. Together, these studies provide in vivo proof of concept that enhancing endogenous skeletal muscle repair by targeting the vascular niche is a viable therapeutic avenue for MD and characterized AP-13 as a candidate for further study for the systemic treatment of MuSC dysfunction.
Conditional expression of FumA in
Aspergillus niger
enhances synthesis of L-malic acid
Authors: Zhang Chi , Shi Man , Xu Yingyan , Yang Dongdong , Lu Ling , Xue Feng , Xu Qing
Published: March 2024

Currently, the L-malic acid titer achieved through
Aspergillus niger
fermentation reaches 201 g/L, meeting industrial demands satisfactorily. However, the co-presence of structurally similar fumaric acid and succinic acid in fermentation products suggests a theoretical potential for further improvement in L-malic acid production. In the tricarboxylic acid cycle, fumarate reductase mediates the conversion of succinic acid to fumaric acid. Subsequently, fumarase catalyzes the conversion of fumaric acid to L-malic acid. Notably, both enzymatic reactions are reversible. Our investigation revealed that
A. niger
contains only one mitochondria-located fumarase FumA. Employing CRISPR-Cas9 technology, we performed a replacement of the
fumA
promoter with a doxycycline-induced promoter Tet. Under non-inducing condition, the conditional strain exhibited increased levels of fumaric acid and succinic acid. It strongly suggests that FumA mainly promotes the flow of fumaric acid to L-malic acid. Furthermore, a promoter PmfsA that is exclusively activated in a fermentation medium by calcium carbonate was identified through RNA-sequencing screening. Utilizing PmfsA to regulate
fumA
expression led to a 9.0% increase in L-malic acid titer, an 8.75% increase in yield (glucose to L-malic acid), and an 8.86% enhancement in productivity. This research serves as a significant step toward expediting the industrialization of L-malic acid synthesis via biological fermentation. Additionally, it offers valuable insights for the biosynthesis of other organic acids.

IMPORTANCE

This study focuses on enhancing L-malic acid synthesis by modifying the tricarboxylic acid cycle within the mitochondria of
Aspergillus niger
. We emphasize the significant role of fumarase in converting fumaric acid into L-malic acid, enhancing our understanding of metabolic pathways in
A. niger
. The precise regulation of
fumA
is highlighted as a key factor in enhancing L-malic acid production. Furthermore, this research introduces a stringent conditional promoter (PmfsA), exclusively activated by CaCO
3
. The utilization of PmfsA for
fumA
expression resulted in heightened L-malic acid titers. The progress in metabolic engineering and bioprocess optimization holds promise for expediting industrial L-malic acid synthesis via biological fermentation. Moreover, it carries implications for the biosynthesis of various other organic acids.
Supplemental Material: Foreland basin development in response to Proto-Tethyan Ocean closure, western North China Block
Authors: Sun Jiaopeng , Dong Yunpeng
Published: March 2024

Figure S1: Representative photomicrographs (cross-polarized light) of Cambrian and Ordovician samples selected for detrital zircon U-Pb geochronology. Figure S2: Representative cathodoluminescence images of zircons analyzed from Cambrian and Ordovician samples. Table S1: Laser ablation–inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry data of detrital zircons from the Cambrian and Ordovician sandstones from eastern Qilian Orogen and western North China Block. 
Cervical cancer in a transgender man: lessons learnt to improve care
Authors: Barrison Lauren , Hoskins Ebony
Published: March 2024

We describe a case of rapid progression of cervical dysplasia to stage IVB cervical cancer in a previously healthy transgender young adult man on testosterone therapy. The cancer diagnosis came 7 months after routine pap smear showed low-grade dysplasia with high-risk human papillomavirus in preparation for gender-affirming hysterectomy/bilateral-salpingo-oophorectomy. After diagnosis, our patient faced unique challenges as a transgender man receiving gynecologic oncology care. This case highlights the challenges of and barriers to cervical cancer screening and treatment that transgender men confront. This case also considers whether gender-affirming testosterone therapy is associated with cervical cancer risk. We offer suggestions on how to improve cervical cancer screening and treatment for the transgender population.
Acute myocardial infarction revealed by recurrent ventricular tachyarrhythmias detected by remote monitoring
Authors: Bencardino Gianluigi , Telesca Alessandro , Comerci Gianluca , Burzotta Francesco
Published: March 2024

Remote monitoring (RM) of cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIED) represented a major improvement in clinical practice and has been used with multiple indications. Many parameters monitored on a daily basis by current CIED can indeed assist in clinical practice (eg, decompensated heart failure) by providing the patient with optimal timing for anticipated outpatient visit or urgent medical care. Recognition of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is not usually considered among the capabilities of RM. We present the case of an AMI occurring without any ischaemic symptoms but associated with recurrent ventricular tachyarrhythmias effectively treated by multiple interventions of the implantable cardioverter defibrillator and promptly detected by RM personnel, who recommended the patient to quickly access to the emergency department where diagnosis and revascularization of an otherwise untreated myocardial infarction was performed.