bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The mediating role of employee engagement on the relationship between learning culture and employee performance in service sector
Authors: Biswakarma Gangaram , Subedi Keshav
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Cultivation of a learning culture and subsequent enhancements in employee performance can be translated through employee engagement. This study aims to examine the mediating role of employee engagement in the relationship between the learning culture and employee performance.

Design/methodology/approach

This research adopted a quantitative approach, wherein 450 questionnaires were distributed among employees in both public and private sectors in Nepal. A total of 389 questionnaires were returned, followed by two to three reminders. Convenience sampling was utilized, and the data was collected through a questionnaire survey. Descriptive analysis and Structural Equation Modeling – Path analysis was used to describe and hypotheses testing. Data was analyzed using SmartPLS 4.0 and SPSS 24v.

Findings

It was found that employee engagement has a mediating effect on the relationship between the learning culture and employee performance. Learning culture also has a positive influence on employee engagement that eventually affects the performance of the employees. This conclusion suggests that fostering a learning culture within an organization should be focused on cultivating an environment that promotes active employee participation, thereby enhancing overall employee performance.

Originality/value

This article provides significant insights into the cultivation of a learning culture inside firms, with a specific focus on establishing an atmosphere that fosters active employee engagement to improve overall employee performance in the service sector. This tool has the potential to facilitate further investigation and progress within the area, while also promoting the adoption of evidence-based learning practices and their associated implications.
Soil mycobiome dissimilarity, independent of fungal guild, is associated with increased probability of plant coexistence
Authors: Collings Jeremy A. , Cook Emily J. , Delevich Carolyn A. , Diez Jeffrey M.
Published: August 2024

Major theories regarding microbe‐mediated plant community dynamics assume that plant species cultivate distinct microbial communities. However, few studies empirically assess the role of species‐associated microbial community dissimilarity in plant competitive dynamics.

In this study, we paired a competition experiment between eight annual forbs with characterisation of species‐associated fungal communities to assess whether mycobiome dissimilarity is associated with pairwise competitive dynamics.

Using a quantitative approach informed by modern coexistence theory, we found that fungal dissimilarity was correlated with both increased stabilising niche differences and fitness inequalities. Additionally, we found that the probability of coexistence increased with mycobiome dissimilarity.

When subsetting the community into different fungal functional groups (pathotrophs, saprotrophs, symbiotrophs), overall relationships between dissimilarity and competitive dynamics were independent of these functional groups.

Synthesis. These results suggest that fungal community divergence may play an important role in mediating plant competitive dynamics. Although fungal community dissimilarity is associated with both niche and fitness differences, complex biotic and/or abiotic interactions below‐ground may result in an observed correlation between fungal community dissimilarity and plant coexistence. Ultimately, this study suggests a novel approach to better understanding how microbiome dissimilarity may impact host community dynamics.
Germination ecology of Phytolacca americana L. in its invasive range
Authors: Panero Ilaria , Fiorentino Federico , La Montagna Dario , Crocenzi Giulia , Attorre Fabio , Fabrini Giuseppe
Published: August 2024

Invasive species are a worldwide problem, and the germination process is useful to understand the characteristics that allow alien species to be invasive and their projected response to global climate change. Phytolacca americana is one of the most invasive plants in Italy, and we tested, for different populations (from different altitudes) how light, temperature, and cold stratification affect seed germination. According to our analyses, P. americana produces an exceptionally high number of seeds that may potentially survive in soil for extended periods. Seeds subjected to cold stratification and exposed to warmer temperatures, both in light and darkness, exhibited faster germination, with a higher germination rate and a shorter T50. Seeds collected at the highest elevation (337 m a.s.l.) have germinated in all tested thermal conditions, albeit with a lower germination percentage and a longer T50 compared with seeds collected at lower elevations (5 and 50 m a.s.l.) and tested under warm and moderate temperatures. In general, P. americana seems to adapt to moderate‐warm temperatures (at low elevations) and moderate‐cool temperatures (at highest elevations) and appears to increase germination with seeds exposed to cold stratification. These results, in a scenario of climate change, show that the invasiveness of P. americana may increase in the future.
Crafting the unsayable: Making meaning out of racialised maternal health‐care encounters
Authors: Milton Sarah , McKnight Ulla
Published: August 2024

There are persistent and profound racialised inequalities in maternal and reproductive health in the UK. Yet in multiple settings, these disparities have been blamed on class or ethnicity, individuals and communities rather than the structures within which they live. In this study, we draw on narratives told within a ‘slow‐stitch’ craft workshop, organised in southern England for racialised women with reproductive trauma, to show how processes of racialisation and racism shape experiences of maternal and reproductive healthcare. Experiences of reproductive trauma were multiple and cumulative. The burden of knowledge of racialised disparities was carried into health‐care spaces, with plans made in advance to self‐manage in risky spaces. The constant management of racialised stereotypes and subsequent strategies of bodily and emotional containment ultimately was not protective and there was little agency over levels of care received in health‐care spaces. Perceptions surrounding racialised bodies shaped treatment, whilst proximities to whiteness afforded alternative realities. Taking a phenomenological approach we analyse race as a sensory, spatial and relational constellation haunted by long‐standing histories of fraught inequality. Bringing together in the crafting circle a group of women racialised in different ways enabled the sharing of “unspeakable” stories surrounding racism and reproductive trauma, and allowed race to be brought into being as a form of solidarity and connection.
An innovative walnut cracker: Self‐grading and multi‐station extrusion mechanism with high efficiency
Authors: Zhao Junhua , Li Li , Li Lingling , Zhang Yunfeng
Published: August 2024

The walnut cracking process is the most critical and delicate step for achieving high‐quality kernels. The traditional method for cracking (manually) is labor‐intensive, time‐consuming, and tedious. The existing cracking approaches are low production efficiency and serious walnut kernel breakage. Increasing cracking efficiency with minimum kernel breakage has been a challenging issue in the preliminary processing of walnuts. Therefore, this study develops an innovative walnut cracker with self‐grading and multi‐station extrusion, combined with theoretical investigation and experiment verification. First, a statistical analysis of walnut physical properties was conducted, including dimensions, shell thickness as well as shape characteristics. The mechanical properties of walnut cracking were examined by a series of experiments. Based on mechanical theory, a grading mechanism was designed for preliminary processing before walnut cracking. Then a shaftless screw conveying mechanism and an extrusion cracking mechanism were developed. To evaluate the cracker's performance, a comprehensive examination was carried out. The experiments yielded impressive results, with a grading rate of 87.3%, a shell‐breaking rate of 91.50%, and a kernel‐exposed rate of 84.72%. These outcomes signify a substantial improvement in production efficiency while minimizing kernel breakage. The developed walnut cracker plays a crucial role in walnut processing and kernel extraction, thereby elevating economic value.

Practical Application

A self‐grading multi‐station extrusion walnut cracker is developed, which includes a grading mechanism with a shaftless screw conveyor and a grid‐type trommel screen for conveying and classifying walnuts. This cracker can adapt to different walnut varieties by changing the gap‐adjusting guide to control the breaking gap. Compared to similar extrusion‐type walnut crackers, the developed cracker not only incorporates preliminary classification but also exhibits superior performance.

Highlights

A novel multi‐station extrusion mechanism for walnuts cracking is developed.

The cracker can accommodate various walnut sizes for self‐grading and screening.

The design with semi‐arc plates converts extrusion force into alternating stress.

The shell‐breaking rate and kernel‐exposed rate achieves 91.50% and 84.72%.
Role of artificial intelligence in Crohn's disease intestinal strictures and fibrosis
Authors: Chen Yi Fei , Liu Liu , Lyu Bin , Yang Ye , Zheng Si Si , Huang Xuan , Xu Yi , Fan Yi Hong
Published: August 2024

Crohn's disease (CD) is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the gastrointestinal tract. Intestinal fibrosis or stricture is one of the most prevalent complications in CD with a high recurrence rate. Manual examination of intestinal fibrosis or stricture by physicians may be biased or inefficient. A rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI) technique in recent years facilitates the detection of existing or possible intestinal fibrosis and stricture in CD through various modalities, including endoscopy, imaging examination, and serological biomarkers. We reviewed the articles on AI application in diagnosing intestinal fibrosis and stricture in CD during the past decade and categorized them into three aspects based on the detection methods, and found that AI helps accurate and expedient identification and prediction of intestinal fibrosis and stenosis in CD.
Duration of peripheral nerve blocks in opioid‐tolerant individuals: A study protocol
Authors: Jensen Mikkel Schjødt Heide , Sørensen Johan Kløvgaard , Nikolajsen Lone , Runge Charlotte
Published: August 2024

Background

Peripheral nerve blocks effectively alleviate postoperative pain. Animal studies and human research suggest that opioid tolerance may reduce the effectiveness of local analgesics. The reduced effectiveness has been observed in opioid‐tolerant humans and animals undergoing spinal and infiltration anaesthesia with both lidocaine and bupivacaine. However, the impact on peripheral nerve blocks in humans has not been evaluated. This study aims to assess the onset time and duration of a radial nerve block in opioid‐tolerant individuals compared to opioid‐naive individuals. We hypothesise that peripheral nerve blocks may be less effective in producing sensory and motor blockades in opioid‐tolerant individuals compared to their opioid‐naive counterparts.

Methods

Twenty opioid‐tolerant individuals will be matched by sex and age with opioid‐naïve counterparts. Participants will receive an ultrasound‐guided radial nerve block. The primary outcome is the difference in the duration of sensory nerve blockade between the two groups. The secondary outcomes include the onset time of sensory blockade, onset time of motor blockade, and difference in duration of motor nerve blockade.

Conclusion

This study will compare the effectiveness of a peripheral nerve block between opioid‐tolerant and opioid‐naïve individuals. Any found differences could support a specific postoperative protocol for opioid‐tolerant individuals regarding the use of peripheral nerve blocks.
Antibiotic stewardship with multiplex PCR for pneumonia in intensive care patients: A retrospective study
Authors: Wichmann Sine , Christensen Dorthe Ørsnes , Jensen Claus Antonio Juel , Bangsborg Jette , Kolpen Mette , Bestle Morten Heiberg
Published: August 2024

Background

Early initiation of targeted antibiotic therapy is important to achieve the best patient outcomes in intubated patients with pneumonia in the intensive care unit (ICU). This study aimed to investigate the applicability of multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in an ICU by comparing the test results to the results of conventional microbiological methods to assess the possible impact on antibiotic therapy.

Method

This retrospective study investigated adult patients with pneumonia on mechanical ventilation in the ICU. Tracheal aspirates were collected within 24h after intubation and the initiation of mechanical ventilation. Samples were initially tested by conventional microbiological methods and subsequently re‐evaluated with rapid multiplex PCR on stored samples. Concordance between the two methods was assessed. An intensivist and a microbiologist retrospectively reviewed the patients' electronic health records for relevant clinical details to evaluate the potential impact of multiplex PCR results on antibiotic therapy.

Results

In this study, 76 patients were enrolled and 55 (72.4%) tested positive for 95 pathogens using multiplex PCR, while conventional microbiological methods identified 40 pathogens in 32 (42.2%) patients. Concordance between the two methods was observed in 42 (55.3%) patients. Multiplex PCR detected 39 additional pathogens in 31 (40.7%) patients. Retrospective analysis indicated potential antibiotic de‐escalation in 35 (46.1%) patients and escalation in 4 (5.3%) patients. Multiplex PCR significantly reduced the turnaround time for test results.

Conclusion

In ICU patients with suspected pneumonia, multiplex PCR identified a higher number of pathogens compared to CMM. A retrospective assessment indicates that the use of multiplex PCR could potentially have prompted the de‐escalation of antibiotic therapy in nearly half of the patients. Therefore, multiplex PCR may serve as a supplement to CMM in guiding antibiotic stewardship.
The NLRP3 inhibitor Dapansutrile improves the therapeutic action of lonafarnib on progeroid mice
Authors: Muela‐Zarzuela Inés , Suarez‐Rivero Juan Miguel , Boy‐Ruiz Daniel , López‐Pérez Juan , Sotelo‐Montoro Marta , del Mar Navarrete‐Alonso Maria , Collado Isidro G. , Botubol‐Ares José Manuel , Sanz Alberto , Cordero Mario D.
Published: August 2024

The role of the inflammasomes in aging and progeroid syndromes remain understudied. Recently, MCC950, a NLRP3 inhibitor, was used in Zmpste24−/− mice to ameliorate the phenotypes. However, the safety of MCC950 was questioned due to liver toxicity observed in humans. Nevertheless, inhibition of the inflammasomes would be a beneficial therapy for progeria. Here, we show that OLT1177 (dapansutrile), other NLRP3 inhibitor, improved cellular and animal phenotypes using progeroid fibroblasts and a LmnaG609G/G609G mouse model. In both cases dapansutrile reduced progerin accumulation, NLRP3‐inflammasome activation and secretory phenotype of senescence, extended the lifespan of progeroid animals, preserved bodyweight, and reduced kyphosis, inflammation, and senescence. Interestingly, dapansutrile further improved the effect of lonafarnib, the only FDA‐approved drug for the progeria. The combination of both drugs reduced the inflammation and senescence, extended survival and ameliorated various progeroid defects both in vitro and in vivo, compared with treatment using lonafarnib alone. These findings and the safety of dapansutrile demonstrated in several clinical trials proposes it as a possible co‐adjuvant treatment with lonafarnid in HGPS.
Premature cognitive decline in a mouse model of tuberous sclerosis
Authors: Krummeich J. , Nardi L. , Caliendo C. , Aschauer D. , Engelhardt V. , Arlt A. , Maier J. , Bicker F. , Kwiatkowski M. D. , Rolski K. , Vincze K. , Schneider R. , Rumpel S. , Gerber S. , Schmeisser M. J. , Schweiger S.
Published: August 2024

Little is known about the influence of (impaired) neurodevelopment on cognitive aging. We here used a mouse model for tuberous sclerosis (TS) carrying a heterozygous deletion of the Tsc2 gene. Loss of Tsc2 function leads to mTOR hyperactivity in mice and patients. In a longitudinal behavioral analysis, we found premature decline of hippocampus‐based cognitive functions together with a significant reduction of immediate early gene (IEG) expression. While we did not detect any morphological changes of hippocampal projections and synaptic contacts, molecular markers of neurodegeneration were increased and the mTOR signaling cascade was downregulated in hippocampal synaptosomes. Injection of IGF2, a molecule that induces mTOR signaling, could fully rescue cognitive impairment and IEG expression in aging Tsc2+/− animals. This data suggests that TS is an exhausting disease that causes erosion of the mTOR pathway over time and IGF2 is a promising avenue for treating age‐related degeneration in mTORopathies.
Treatment engagement in comorbid alcohol use disorder and alcohol‐related liver disease: A qualitative exploration of barriers and facilitators with service users
Authors: Hemrage Sofia , Parkin Stephen , Kalk Nicola , Shah Naina , Deluca Paolo , Drummond Colin
Published: August 2024

Background

Effective interventions to improve patient outcomes in comorbid alcohol use disorder (AUD) and alcohol‐related liver disease (ARLD) remain a clinical unmet need. While the choice of abstinence is the cornerstone for the prevention of disease progression and mortality, evidence suggests a suboptimal engagement with treatment supporting recovery. This qualitative investigation aims to understand barriers and facilitators to treatment as experienced by this clinical population by applying a multidimensional adherence model proposed by the World Health Organization.

Methods

Twenty‐four participants with comorbid AUD and ARLD were recruited from an inpatient clinical setting. Data for this study were collected through semistructured, in‐depth interviews. Deductive analysis was organized by the Framework method, and theory‐driven themes were identified according to the multidimensional adherence model. This included factors across the social and economic, patient, condition, treatment, and healthcare system levels.

Results

The findings in this study indicate systematic challenges in maintaining continuity between primary, secondary, and community care. Aspects related to social and economic context, treatment, and healthcare systems were found to hinder engagement. Identified facilitators to engagement included the participatory role of family, shared lived experience of addiction/recovery, and therapeutic alliance with healthcare providers.

Conclusion

The understanding of these barriers and facilitators from a service user's perspective can bridge the treatment gap for this clinical population. This can provide an opportunity for the implementation of effective interventions and inform the development of policies promoting accessible care. Government and public health bodies have fundamental roles in shifting treatment paradigms in comorbid AUD and ARLD.
Long‐term effects of alcohol‐avoidance training: Do changes in approach bias predict who will remain abstinent?
Authors: Schenkel Edwin J. , Schöneck Robert , Becker Eni S. , Wiers Reinout W. , Lindenmeyer Johannes , Rinck Mike
Published: August 2024

Background

Patients with alcohol use disorder (AUD) tend to selectively approach alcohol cues in the environment, demonstrating an alcohol‐approach bias. Alcohol‐approach‐bias modification (Alcohol‐ApBM) effectively increases abstinence rates in patients with AUD when added to abstinence‐focused treatment, but the evidence for its proposed working mechanism (reduction of the alcohol‐approach bias) is limited. Moreover, not all patients benefit from Alcohol‐ApBM, and previous research did not identify reliable pretreatment predictors of Alcohol‐ApBM effectiveness. Therefore, the current study focused on learning processes during the Alcohol‐ApBM training itself. Specifically, we examined whether changes in approach‐avoidance tendencies over the course of Alcohol‐ApBM would predict abstinence after inpatient treatment.

Methods

The training data of 543 AUD patients in Germany (70% male, M = 47.96, SD = 9.08), receiving Alcohol‐ApBM training during inpatient treatment, were used to examine whether various aspects of learning during training predicted abstinence 1 year after treatment discharge, both separately and in interaction with potential sociodemographic and clinical moderators of Alcohol‐ApBM effectiveness.

Results

Overall, successful learning across six Alcohol‐ApBM training sessions was observed; that is, the approach tendency toward alcoholic stimuli was reduced over time. However, none of the examined learning parameters were predictive of abstinence, neither separately nor in combination with clinical or sociodemographic variables.

Conclusions

Previous studies have shown that Alcohol‐ApBM is an effective add‐on to abstinence‐focused treatment for AUD, and this study showed that learning took place during Alcohol‐ApBM training. However, specific learning parameters during training did not predict abstinence 1 year after treatment discharge. Therefore, we cannot specify which patients are most likely to benefit from ApBM with regard to abstinence after 1 year.
Maternal allergy‐preventive diet index, offspring infant diet diversity, and childhood allergic diseases
Authors: Venter Carina , Pickett‐Nairne Kaci , Leung Donald , Fleischer David , O'Mahony Liam , Glueck Deborah H. , Dabelea Dana
Published: August 2024

Background

Studies of childhood diet diversity and allergic disease have not examined additional associations with an offspring allergy‐linked maternal diet index during pregnancy. We studied both associations in a pre‐birth cohort.

Methods

Offspring allergic disease diagnoses were obtained from electronic medical records. Maternal and infant diet were self‐reported. Adjusted parametric Weibull time‐to‐event models assessed associations between maternal diet index, infant diet diversity and time to development of allergic rhinitis, atopic dermatitis, asthma, wheeze, IgE‐mediated food allergy, and a combined outcome of any allergic disease except for wheeze.

Results

Infant diet diversity at 1 year was associated with the risk of the combined outcome between 1 and 4 years of age (p = .002). While both maternal diet index and infant diet diversity at 1 year were associated with the risk of the combined outcome between 1 and 4 years of age (both p < .05), infant diet diversity at 1 year did not modify the association between maternal diet index and the risk of the combined outcome between 1 and 4 years of age (p = .5). The group with the lowest risk of the combined allergy outcome had higher maternal diet index and higher infant diet diversity.

Conclusions

The novel finding that both maternal diet index during pregnancy and infant diet diversity at 12 months are associated with the risk of a combined allergic disease outcome points to two targets for preventive interventions: maternal diet index scores during pregnancy and offspring diet diversity during infancy.
Enhancing linkage to care for hepatitis B, D, and C patients: A retrospective‐prospective study
Authors: Vargas‐Accarino Elena , Rando‐Segura Ariadna , Palom Adriana , Feliu‐Prius Anna , Martínez‐Campreciós Joan , Barreira Ana , Romero‐Vico Judit , Ruiz‐Cobo Juan Carlos , Llaneras Jordi , Riveiro‐Barciela Mar , Rodríguez‐Frías Francisco , Esteban Rafael , Buti María
Published: August 2024

Background

The WHO has set a goal to decrease viral hepatitis‐related fatalities by 65% by 2030.

Aims

To locate and retrieve to care all individuals diagnosed with hepatitis B, D or C, and investigate why they were not linked to appropriate medical management.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective‐prospective search for patients with hepatitis B, D or C virus (HBV, HDV and HCV) infection in the central laboratory database of the Barcelona northern health area (catchment population, 450,000). We reviewed records and contacted candidates for retrieval who were offered a specialist medical visit.

Results

We reviewed records of 3731 patients with viral hepatitis (January 2019–December 2022): 1763 HBsAg+, 69 anti‐HDV+ and 1899 HCV‐RNA+. Among these, 644 (37%) HBV, 20 (29%) HDV and 1116 (56%) HCV patients were not currently linked to care. The proportion of patients receiving appropriate care was higher in HBV and HDV (p < 0.0001), and a higher percentage of unlinked hepatitis C patients had low life expectancy/comorbidities (39%; p < 0.0001). After implementing the linkage strategy, 254 HBV, 16 HDV and 54 HCV patients were successfully reintegrated into care. Among 1780 patients requiring linkage, 638 (35.8%) had moved to another health area or were missing essential contact data.

Conclusions

Among patients with viral hepatitis who required appropriate specialist care and were eligible for contact, 64% with HBV, 100% with HDV and 27% with HCV were successfully reintegrated into care. Overall, 324 (47.2%) eligible patients were linked to care, indicating the success of this strategy.
Measuring plant functional specialization in urban environments with Grime's CSR strategies
Authors: Di Giulio Mara , Lososová Zdeňka , Carboni Marta , Ricotta Carlo
Published: August 2024

Question

Specialization refers to the degree of niche breadth of a species. Generalist species are able to persist in a broad range of habitats, whereas specialist species are adapted to a restricted range of environmental conditions. Cities host a great heterogeneity of habitats with variable degrees of human impact. This is generally reflected in the functional composition of the urban floras. The aim of our study is thus to explore whether the degree of functional specialization of urban plant assemblages varies among habitats subject to different degrees of human impact and disturbance regimes.

Location

Thirty‐two cities in Central Europe with more than 100,000 inhabitants.

Methods

We used a data set containing plots of urban floras sampled in seven habitat types within each city: historical city square, boulevard, residential area with a compact building pattern, residential area with an open building pattern, city park, early successional site, and mid‐successional site. These habitats differ in the level of human impact, ranging from moderately urbanized suburban habitats to the most urbanized habitats in the city center. For each plot, we calculated a recently introduced specialization index, which is based on the application of concentration measures to Grime's community‐level mean CSR strategies.

Results

Along the urbanization gradient, from peripheral to central habitats, we observed a marked intensification in the degree of functional specialization of urban habitats, which is primarily attributable to an increase in the selection of ruderal species.

Conclusions

Urban ecosystems are characterized by a wide variety of human impacts that affect the functioning of the resident species. Considering cities as heterogeneous systems is thus of paramount importance for understanding the mechanisms that drive the assembly of urban floras.
Approximating the ZPD? Young children's judgements of appropriate task level for learning
Authors: Jeong Jeein , Frye Douglas A.
Published: August 2024

This research examined how 3–6‐year‐olds judge appropriate levels of counting games based on a person's ability, desire for learning and degree of difficulty. Study 1 found that 3‐year‐olds did not consider a character's ability or desire, whereas older children gave high ability characters large number games and low ability characters small number games when the characters wanted to play a manageable game. However, older children gave large number games to characters who wanted to learn counting, regardless of their ability. In Study 2, in addition to a similar developmental change of jointly considering a character's ability and desire, it was found that 5‐and 6‐year‐olds were more sensitive to the degree of difficulty. They were more careful than younger children to choose exceedingly large number games given the character's ability and desire. Implications for children's understanding of the Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD) and goal orientation are discussed.
Phosphoribosyl pyrophosphate amidotransferase: Novel biomarker and therapeutic target for nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Kitagawa Yuki , Kondo Satoru , Fukuyo Masaki , Wakae Kousho , Dochi Hirotomo , Mizokami Harue , Komura Shigetaka , Kobayashi Eiji , Hirai Nobuyuki , Ueno Takayoshi , Nakanishi Yosuke , Endo Kazuhira , Sugimoto Hisashi , Wakisaka Naohiro , Kaneda Atsushi , Yoshizaki Tomokazu
Published: August 2024

Cancer cells show a dynamic metabolic landscape, requiring a sufficient supply of nucleotides to proliferate. They are highly dependent on de novo purine biosynthetic pathways for their nucleotide requirements. Phosphoribosyl pyrophosphate amidotransferase (PPAT), catalyzing the first step of de novo purine biosynthesis, is highly expressed in various cancers. We observed an increased expression of PPAT in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Moreover, our ribonucleic acid sequencing analysis showed high PPAT expression in Epstein–Barr virus‐positive NPC, which was supported by in vitro analysis. Through a gene knockdown study, we showed that the suppression of PPAT expression reduced the proliferation and invasion of NPC cells. We also demonstrated the regulation of PPAT by glutamine, a cosubstrate for PPAT. A glutamine antagonist, 6‐diazo‐5‐oxo‐L‐norleucine, blocked glutamine‐mediated induction of PPAT and reduced NPC cell proliferation. Immunohistochemical analysis of PPAT in NPC tissues revealed increased expression of PPAT with disease progression, which was significantly associated with poor prognosis. In summary, this study highlighted the biological function of PPAT in NPC, establishing its potential as a novel prognostic biomarker for aggressive NPC and a promising therapeutic target.
The contribution of the amount of linguistic exposure to bilingual language development: Longitudinal evidence from preschool years
Authors: Pérez‐Navarro Jose , Lallier Marie
Published: August 2024

This study examined the influence of linguistic input on the development of productive and receptive skills across three fundamental language domains: lexico‐semantics, syntax, and phonology. Seventy‐one (35 female) Basque‐Spanish bilingual children were assessed at three time points (Fall 2018, Summer 2019, Winter 2021), between 4 and 6 years of age, by specifically examining language knowledge and spontaneous language use in each language. A direct impact of the amount of linguistic exposure on the longitudinal growth of lexico‐semantic and syntactic abilities was observed in both languages. While phonological skills were not directly influenced by exposure, they were more proficient in the more exposed language. The use of lexically diverse and syntactically rich utterances developed relatively later than language knowledge, both supported by the amount of linguistic exposure.
Problems with combining modelling and social science approaches to understand artisanal fisheries bycatch
Authors: Villar Daniel A. , Gutiérrez Tito Edwin R. , Velásquez‐Noriega Paola , Paca‐Condori Anahi Cosky , Moreno Terrazas Edmundo G. , Balcón Cuno Alfredo , Hinojosa Cárdenas Ronald , Villanueva Carmen , Chapman Patrick , Chiaverini Luca , Marino Jorgelina , Gosler Andrew G.
Published: August 2024

Aim

Artisanal fisheries account for 40% of the world's fisheries catch, yet its environmental impacts remain poorly understood. This is especially the case in developing countries. In this study, we sought to integrate Local Fisher's Knowledge with distribution modelling to estimate the annual bycatch of Titicaca Grebe (Rollandia microptera), an endangered endemic bird from Lake Titicaca whose main anthropogenic threat is bycatch.

Location

Lake Titicaca, Peru and Bolivia.

Methods

We conducted transect and point counts of fishing nets in March–September 2022 and conducted interviews with fishers across the Lake Titicaca region. Using bathymetry, distance from shore, distance from a settlement, distance from the protected area, presence/absence of aquaculture, distance from aquaculture, and wetland cover, we constructed a distribution model of fisheries using maximum entropy modelling. We conducted interviews with fishers asking about the frequency of grebe bycatch and conducted short‐term monitoring at various sites while conducting transect points for dead grebes.

Results

We estimate 3270 km2 of the surface area of Lake Titicaca is used for fishing, which amounts to 39.40% of the lake's surface area. The area under the curve (AUC) of the distribution model was 0.89 and the True Skill Statistic was 0.67, which suggests maximum entropy modelling can model fisheries occurrence. The results of our interviews suggested a biologically implausible large number of grebes caught as bycatch annually. The cultural context of the interviews, including potential influences of non‐response and social‐desirability bias, being with fishers who often view the Titicaca Grebe as a nuisance species, might have caused over‐reporting of bycatch and hence led to these implausible figures.

Main Conclusions

It is possible to map fisheries using distribution models as one might with species. However, obtaining accurate measures of fisheries bycatch through interviews is more difficult, due to cultural factors which affect the accuracy in fisher's responses. While we hope that this method provides a low‐cost alternative to monitoring, it is not a suitable replacement for it.
Efficacy and safety of diacerein monotherapy in adults with obesity: A randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial
Authors: Xiang Yingying , Shen Lixuan , Xue Yingying , Wang Ziwei , Zhou Ruonan , Cao Yue , Zhu Ziwei , Xu Pingyuan , Yu Xizhong , Fang Penghua , Shang Wenbin
Published: August 2024

Aim

To assess the efficacy and safety of diacerein monotherapy in adults with obesity.

Methods

Forty‐two adults with obesity participated in the study and were randomly assigned to receive diacerein or placebo in addition to lifestyle modification for 14 weeks, in a double‐blinded fashion. Differences in changes in body weight, body composition, metabolic variables, fatty liver‐related indicators, cardiovascular system variables, lifestyle score and metabolic factors were compared.

Results

Post‐treatment weight loss percentage from baseline was −6.56% (−8.71%, −4.41%) in the diacerein group and −0.59% (−2.74%, 1.56%) in the placebo group. Compared with the placebo group, the diacerein group showed significant improvements in body composition, metabolic variables and indicators related to fatty liver. In addition, after 14 weeks of treatment, diacerein led to a significant reduction in serum visfatin concentration versus the placebo group. The reductions in total body fat mass and visceral fat area mediated the weight loss induced by diacerein. No significant differences were found between the groups in the number of adverse events and safety variables.

Conclusions

For adults with obesity, diacerein led to a clinically meaningful weight loss and provided multiple metabolic benefits with acceptable safety. These results support that diacerein is a promising candidate medicine to be developed for obesity management.
Regulation of trehalose metabolism mediated by validamycin on chitin synthesis in Spodoptera frugiperda
Authors: Yang Yan‐qi , Liang Yu‐jian , Zhi Jun‐rui , Li Ding‐yin , Li Cao
Published: August 2024

Trehalase (TRE) is a key enzyme for degrading trehalose, which plays a vital role in the growth and development of insects. Although validamycin, a compound belonging to a class of efficient antibiotics and fungicides, can control pests by suppressing TRE activities, it remains unknown whether it acts on both trehalose and chitin metabolism in Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), a major pest of maize (Zea mays L., Poaceae). This study investigated the changes in trehalose metabolism after validamycin treatment in S. frugiperda and its effects on the downstream chitin synthesis pathway. Compared with the control, S. frugiperda exhibited varying degrees of mortality after treatment with four concentrations of validamycin, showing a dose‐dependent increase in mortality rate. The mortality rates 24 and 48 h after treatment with 0.07 mg μL−1 validamycin were 35.6% and 42.2%, respectively, indicating the effective lethal concentration. Treatment with 0.07 mg μL−1 validamycin led to developmental delay, abnormal molting, and death in S. frugiperda, but it exerted no lasting effects on the survival rate, pupal weight, and phenotype during its subsequent developmental stages. At 24 h after validamycin treatment, TRE1 and TRE2 activities and glucose content decreased significantly, whereas the trehalose content increased significantly. Treatment with validamycin significantly upregulated TRE1 and TRE2 expression after 24 and 48 h and downregulated the mRNA expression of chitin synthase A and B genes. However, after 72 h, chitin content was not significantly affected. Hence, validamycin can destroy the dynamic transformation balance of trehalose and glucose by inhibiting the activities of the two TREs, and further affect the expression of downstream chitin synthase genes. These findings provide a theoretical basis for using TRE inhibitors to control S. frugiperda.
Tenoscopic‐assisted subcutaneous approach to a plantar annular ligament desmotomy in a horse with severe constriction of the fetlock canal
Authors: Jeong Sharon , Young Alex , Sole Guitart Albert
Published: August 2024

The desmotomy of the palmar/plantar annular ligament (PAL) is recommended when it hinders the sliding motion of the flexor tendons in the sesamoidean canal, leading to persistent lameness that often does not improve with conservative treatment. Tenoscopic‐assisted PAL desmotomy can be accomplished with various instruments via an intrathecal approach. However, severe constriction or adhesions within the fetlock canal can restrict manoeuvrability and access of instruments within the sheath, preventing safe and effective transection of the ligament. This case report describes the successful use of a hook knife via a subcutaneous approach to safely transect the PAL under tenoscopic visualisation in a horse where severe constriction of the fetlock canal prohibited the standard intrathecal approach. In similar chronic tenosynovitis cases, a subcutaneous approach to PAL transection at the start of the tenoscopic examination of the digital flexor tendon sheath may minimise iatrogenic injury to intrathecal structures.
Healthcare resource use and costs associated with the misdiagnosis of migraine
Authors: Kim Jae Rok , Park Tae Jin , Agapova Maria , Blumenfeld Andrew , Smith Jonathan H. , Shah Darshini , Devine Beth
Published: August 2024

Objective

To compare healthcare resource utilization and healthcare costs in patients with migraine with or without a history of misdiagnosis.

Background

Despite the high prevalence of migraine, migraine is commonly misdiagnosed. The healthcare resource use and cost burden of a misdiagnosis is unknown.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study identified adults with an incident migraine diagnosis from the Merative™ Marketscan® Commercial and Medicare Supplemental Databases between June 2018 and 2019. Patients with a diagnosis of commonly considered misdiagnoses (headache, sinusitis, or cervical pain) before their migraine diagnosis were classified as the “misdiagnosed cohort.” Patients in the misdiagnosed cohort were potentially misdiagnosed, then eventually received a correct diagnosis. Patients without a history of commonly considered misdiagnoses prior to their migraine diagnosis were classified as the “correctly diagnosed cohort.” Healthcare resource utilization and healthcare costs were assessed in the period before migraine diagnosis and compared between the cohorts. Outcomes were reported as per patient per month and compared with incidence rate ratios.

Results

A total of 29,147 patients comprised the correctly diagnosed cohort and 3841 patients comprised the misdiagnosed cohort and met the inclusion criteria. Patients in the misdiagnosed cohort had statistically significantly higher rates of inpatient admissions (0.02 vs. 0.01, incidence rate ratio [IRR] 1.61, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.47–1.74), emergency department visits (0.10 vs. 0.05; IRR 1.89, 95% CI 1.79–1.99), neurologist visits (0.12 vs. 0.02; IRR 5.95, 95% CI 5.40–6.57), non‐neurologist outpatient visits (2.64 vs. 1.58; IRR 1.67, 95% CI 1.62–1.72) and prescription fills (2.82 vs. 1.84; IRR 1.53, 95% CI 1.48–1.58) compared to correctly diagnosed patients. Misdiagnosed patients had statistically significantly higher rates of healthcare cost accrual for inpatient admissions ($1362 vs. $518; IRR 2.62, 95% CI 2.50–2.75), emergency department visits ($222 vs. $98; IRR 2.27, 95% CI 2.18–2.36), neurologist visits ($42 vs. $9; IRR 4.39, 95% CI 4.00–4.79), non‐neurologist outpatient visits ($1327 vs. $641; IRR 2.07, 95% CI 1.91–2.24), and prescription fills ($305 vs. $215; IRR 1.41, 95% CI 1.18–1.70) compared to correctly diagnosed patients.

Conclusion

Patients with migraine who have a history of misdiagnoses have higher rates of healthcare resource utilization and cost accrual versus those without such history.
Medullary carcinomas of the nonampullary small intestine: association with coeliac disease, mismatch repair deficiency, PD‐L1 expression, and favourable prognosis
Authors: Vanoli Alessandro , Grillo Federica , De Lisi Giuseppe , Guerini Camilla , Arpa Giovanni , Klersy Catherine , Fassan Matteo , Parente Paola , Mastracci Luca , Biletta Elena , Nesi Gabriella , Macciomei Maria C , Lenti Marco V , Quaquarini Erica , Chiaravalli Anna M , Furlan Daniela , La Rosa Stefano , Paulli Marco , Di Sabatino Antonio
Published: August 2024

Aim

Gastrointestinal medullary carcinoma is a rare histologic subtype of adenocarcinoma. As nonampullary small bowel medullary carcinomas (SB‐MCs) are poorly characterized, we aimed to analyse their clinicopathologic and immunohistochemical features and to compare them with nonmedullary small bowel adenocarcinomas (NM‐SBAs).

Methods and Results

Surgically resected SBAs collected through the Small Bowel Cancer Italian Consortium were classified as SB‐MCs (carcinomas with ≥50% of tumour fulfilling the typical histologic criteria of MC) or NM‐SBAs. Immunohistochemistry for cytokeratin (CK)7, CK20, CDX2, programmed death‐ligand 1 (PD‐L1) and mismatch repair proteins was performed in both SB‐MCs and NM‐SBAs. SB‐MCs were also tested for CK8/18, synaptophysin, SMARCB1, SMARCA2, SMARCA4, and ARID1A and for Epstein–Barr virus (EBV)‐encoded RNAs by in‐situ hybridization. MLH1 promoter methylation status was evaluated in MLH1‐deficient cases. Eleven SB‐MCs and 149 NM‐SBAs were identified. One (9%) SB‐MC was EBV‐positive, while 10 (91%) harboured mismatch repair deficiency (dMMR). MLH1 promoter hypermethylation was found in all eight dMMR SB‐MCs tested. Switch/sucrose nonfermentable deficiency was seen in two (18%) SB‐MCs, both with isolated loss of ARID1A. Compared with NM‐SBAs, SB‐MCs exhibited an association with coeliac disease (P < 0.001), higher rates of dMMR (P < 0.001), and PD‐L1 positivity by both tumour proportion score and combined positive score (P < 0.001 for both), and a lower rate of CK20 expression (P = 0.024). Survival analysis revealed a better prognosis of SB‐MC patients compared to NM‐SBA cases (P = 0.02).

Conclusion

SB‐MCs represent a distinct histologic subtype, with peculiar features compared to NM‐SBAs, including association with coeliac disease, dMMR, PD‐L1 expression, and better prognosis.
Impact of manual dexterity on toothbrushing efficacy in typically developing children: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Winnier J. Jasmin , Naik Shilpa S. , Shetty Ashveeta , Patil Diksha , Tandel Sonal , Gore Priya
Published: August 2024

Background

Manual dexterity includes gross motor skills (GMS) and fine motor skills (FMS). Literature reports manual dexterity as a contributing factor for improved oral hygiene and that the required dexterity for toothbrushing develops above 8 years of age. Research suggests grip force, movement speed, and motor coordination should be assessed to improve knowledge on kinetics of brushing teeth.

Aim

To assess the impact of manual dexterity on toothbrushing efficacy in 7 to 12 year old children.

Design

The cross‐sectional study included 150 typically developing 7‐12 year old children. Oral health status was recorded using the Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth index. GMS and FMS were evaluated using the MInnesota Manual Dexterity Test (MMDT) and Archimedes spiral test (AST), respectively. Toothbrushing efficacy was determined by Turesky modification of Quigley‐Hein Plaque Index‐ difference in mean scores from before and after toothbrushing.

Results

Assessment of GMS, FMS, and toothbrushing efficacy using ANOVA showed a significant increase with age (p value: 0.000); unpaired t‐test showed an association of toothbrushing efficacy with GMS and FMS irrespective of age (p value: 0.000).

Conclusion

Manual dexterity was significantly associated with toothbrushing efficacy in typically developing children. AST, a simple test to determine FMS, may help paediatric dentists to guide parents on the supervision of toothbrushing for their child.
A systematic review and meta‐analysis of the effectiveness of interventions targeting the parent–child relationship in families of children with an intellectual disability
Authors: Westlake Freya , Westlake Meryl , Totsika Vaso
Published: August 2024

Background

The review aimed to investigate the effectiveness of parent–child relationship interventions for families of children with intellectual disability up to 12 years old.

Methods

Quasi‐experimental or randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of interventions targeting the parent–child relationship where ≥50% of children had an intellectual disability were included. Meta‐analyses of parent–child relationship outcomes and child outcomes used standardised mean difference as the effect size.

Results

Twenty‐seven papers were included (N = 1325). Parent–child relationship outcomes improved significantly (n = 1325; g = 1.08, 95% CI: 0.64, 1.52) with a large effect size that was robust to sensitivity analyses. Child developmental outcomes improved significantly (n = 1082; g = 0.65, 95% CI: 0.23, 1.07), and indicated a large effect size for child socialisation and communication.

Conclusions

Findings suggest that interventions targeting parent–child relationship quality are associated with substantial improvements in parent–child relationship and may improve child outcomes related to socialisation and communication.
The association between aggressive behaviour and non‐suicidal self‐injury and shared risk factors in adults with mild intellectual disability
Authors: van Swieten Marlieke , de Looff Peter , VanDerNagel Joanneke , Didden Robert
Published: August 2024

Background

Aggressive behaviour (AB) and non‐suicidal self‐injury (NSSI) are common in people with mild intellectual disability or borderline intellectual functioning, leading to adverse consequences for themselves and those around them.

Method

We investigated the relationship between AB (both total and physical in particular) and NSSI and risk factors in 125 residents in a treatment clinic using incident reports and standard clinical measurements.

Results

There was a weak correlation between AB and NSSI, as well as between impulsivity and total AB, and between coping and AB and NSSI. However, NSSI, impulsivity and coping skills did not predict AB.

Conclusion

Results do not corroborate those of other studies in this area. In future studies impulsivity, coping, aggression and NSSI may be measured using other instruments, and differences between people with and without intellectual disability regarding these variables may be explored.