bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Forward-looking information: does IIRC framework adoption matter?
Authors: Farooq Muhammad Bilal , Zaman Rashid , Bahadar Stephen , Rauf Fawad
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This study aims to examine whether the adoption of the International Integrated Reporting Council’s Integrated Reporting Framework (IIRC Framework) influences the extent of forward-looking disclosures provided by reporters.

Design/methodology/approach

This study captures forward-looking disclosures of Australian and New Zealand-based reporters by analysing integrated and annual reports over a period of 10 years from 2010 to 2019 using a machine learning algorithm. This study uses signalling theory to frame the analysis.

Findings

This study finds that the adoption of the IIRC Framework has a significant positive impact on the extent of forward-looking disclosures provided by reporting entities. The primary evidence suggests that while listing status alone negatively influences the extent of forward-looking disclosures, the additional analysis reveals that the acceptance of the IIRC Framework by listed entities is positively associated with an increase in forward-looking information. These results remain valid when subjected to a variety of robustness (alternative variables and country fixed effect) and endogeneity (system generalised method of moments and entropy balancing estimations) tests.

Practical implications

The findings have practical implications as regulatory agencies (including stock exchanges and standard setters), seeking to promote greater forward-looking disclosures, may want to encourage the adoption of the IIRC Framework.

Social implications

The IIRC’s Framework promotes greater forward-looking disclosures benefiting stakeholders who gain a better understanding of the reporters’ future risks and opportunities (including social, economic and environmental risks) and how these are being managed/addressed.

Originality/value

This study provides novel evidence by highlighting the role played by the IIRC Framework in promoting forward-looking disclosures.
Open government data, innovation and diversification: the pursuit of economic value
Authors: Farhadloo Mohsen , Rosso Mark , Animesh Animesh
Published: August 2024

Purpose

There is a widely held belief that open government data (OGD) have the potential to generate both economic and social value. This study aims to empirically unpack the relationship between OGD, diversification activities and innovation in the pursuit of economic value creation by firms.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a matched sample comparison method and difference-in-differences analyses, the authors study the impact of OGD on innovation over time in the USA. The authors considered the open government directive in the end of 2009 in the USA as a policy intervention and collected 10 years of financial data of 79 firms that use OGD and 79 matched control firms in the USA. The authors compare US firms using OGD, with matched control firms, regarding the firms’ level of product diversification as a measure of innovative use of OGD.

Findings

The authors provide empirical evidence that OGD policy contributes toward innovation, and hence economic value creation, through product diversification. Firms that leverage OGD show superior product diversification in comparison to the matching control firms. The results suggest that OGD contribute to firms’ innovation and pursuit of economic value, as evidenced by their increased product diversification.

Originality/value

Although the extant literature concerning OGD has underscored the impact of OGD on innovation and economic value generation, there is a lack of empirical evidence in the literature. This study seeks to add to the extant literature by providing empirical evidence that contributes to the understanding of the relationship between OGD, diversification and innovation in the pursuit of economic value creation.
Does E-government curb corruption? The moderating role of national culture: a machine learning approach
Authors: Belhaj Slimene Senda , Borgi Hela , Ben Othman Hakim
Published: August 2024

Purpose

The study aims to investigate the relationship between E-government and corruption. It also examines the moderator role of national culture through Hofstede’s dimensions on the association between E-government and corruption.

Design/methodology/approach

In addition to panel regression techniques, the authors use the random forest method to assess the order of importance of all significant variables in determining corruption. The sample of this study consists of 55 countries during 2008–2020 period.

Findings

The results show that E-government is negatively correlated with corruption. The authors also find that both economic and cultural variables play an important role in determining corruption. However, religion has no impact on corruption. The results can potentially assist regulators and policy-makers when trying to control corruption as they should take into consideration the cultural background of citizens when making rules and procedures that aim at reducing corruption.

Originality/value

The current study uses random forests model, which allows the regression of variables based on the construction of a multitude of decision trees. The main contribution of using this model compared to the other regression models used in prior studies is to extract the relative importance of each significant variable. More precisely, it evaluates the rank of importance for each significant variable that drives corruption rather than merely identifying variables that drive corruption regardless of their relative importance.
A recoverable hydrophilic deep eutectic solvent for efficient extraction of polyphenolic compounds from raspberry root
Authors: Hou Jing‐hua , Kong Fan‐yu , Mu Li‐ting , Gao Jin‐shuang , Sun Shi‐yuan , Zhang Yu , Sun Chang‐hai
Published: August 2024

Green deep eutectic solvents (DESs) are widely used to extract bioactive components from plant biomass; however, hydrophilic DES and bioactive component isolation methods have not been developed. In this study, we synthesized hydrophilic DES (CL‐CA‐DES) using citric acid and choline chloride. We combined this with environmentally friendly anion‐ and cation‐exchange resin column chromatographic isolation methods. This approach extracted and isolated four polyphenolic compounds (catechins, epicatechins, procyanidin B1, and procyanidin B2) from raspberry root and efficiently recovered the hydrophilic DES. CL‐CA‐DES extracted significantly higher contents of catechin and procyanidin B2 from raspberry root compared to other solvents. It also extracted substantially higher contents of epicatechin compared to butyl alcohol, 70% ethanol, and water, but there was no significant difference when compared with acetone and ethyl acetate. Additionally, CL‐CA‐DES extracted significantly higher contents of procyanidin B1 compared to butyl alcohol, water, and ethyl acetate, with no significant difference when compared with 70% ethanol and acetone. The isolation efficiency of the bioactive components in the raspberry root extract by anion‐ and cation‐exchange resin column chromatography was higher than that of the organic solvent extraction and precipitation generation methods, and the method was effective in recovering CL‐CA‐DES with a recovery rate higher than 60%. In conclusion, this study developed a new method for the efficient recovery of hydrophilic CL‐CA‐DES, which can be used for isolating polyphenolic compounds from raspberry root.
Detection of systemic autoimmune diseases in an ongoing assessment program for hand arthralgias. A comparative analysis with inflammatory and non‐inflammatory arthropathies
Authors: Sebastian Magri , Jonatan Mareco , Alvaro Ruta , Santiago Ruta , Facundo Salvatori , Ramiro Gomez , Rodrigo Garcia‐Salinas
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Arthralgias are prevalent in systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases (SARD), emphasizing the need for early recognition. This study aimed to estimate SARD frequency and compare clinical, laboratory, and imaging findings among SARD, non‐inflammatory arthralgia (NIA), and RA in patients with hand arthralgias.

Methods

A prospective evaluation program included individuals aged ≥18 with hand arthralgias. Baseline assessments covered clinical, laboratory, ultrasound, and radiography. Follow‐up diagnoses categorized patients into SARD, NIA, and RA groups. Comparison between groups was performed using parametric and non‐parametric tests. Two multivariate logistic regression analyzes were performed using the final diagnosis of SARD as the dependent variable (NIA and RA). ROC curves were calculated in those variables that presented an independent association in the multivariate analysis.

Results

Among 1053 patients, 9.6% were SARD (SLE 47%). Comparing SARD with NIA revealed higher CRP levels, power Doppler, less rhizarthrosis in ultrasound, and more ANA positivity in SARD patients. Distinct differences were observed between SARD and RA patients in terms of pain levels, swollen joints, metacarpophalangeal involvement and morning symptoms. Diagnostic markers demonstrated specific sensitivities and specificities: ANA for SARD versus NIA (82%, 34%), US not finding rhizarthrosis for SARD versus NIA (66%, 85%), CRP (cut‐off >2.5 mg/L) sensitivity 52%, specificity 60%, AUC 0.62, RA antibodies (RF, 11 IU/mL) sensitivity 76%, specificity 74%, AUC 0.8, ACPA (1.25) sensitivity 50%, specificity 98%, AUC 0.7, ANA+ sensitivity 95%, specificity 32%, AUC 0.7, and US absence of synovitis sensitivity 82%, specificity 34%, AUC 0.75.

Conclusion

This study highlights distinct clinical, laboratory, and imaging features differentiating SARD‐related hand arthralgia from non‐SARD hand arthralgia and RA.
Age‐related features of lung cancer treatment using reprogrammed CD8 positive T cells in mice subjected to injection of Lewis lung carcinoma cells
Authors: Skurikhin Evgenii , Zhukova Mariia , Ermakova Natalia , Pan Edgar , Widera Darius , Sandrikina Lubov , Kogai Lena , Kushlinskii Nikolai , Kubatiev Aslan , Morozov Sergey , Dygai Alexander
Published: August 2024

Background

Awareness of age‐related features of carcinogenesis and the importance of cellular immunity is crucial for developing effective antitumor therapies for specific patient groups.

Methods

In this study, we examined different populations of cancer stem cells (CSCs) and circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in "young" (8‐10 weeks) and "aged" (80‐82 weeks) C57BL/6 male mice. We used an orthotopic model of Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC) to evaluate the effectiveness of cell therapy targeting lung cancer through reprogrammed CD8‐positive T cells (rCD8+ T cells) in mice from two different ages.

Results

The findings revealed that tumor progression with age is primarily caused by impaired recruitment of T cells to the lungs. Additionally, a lower number of CTCs and CSCs were observed in younger mice compared to the older mice. The antitumor effect of rCD8+ T cells in aged mice was found to be inferior to that in young mice, which can be attributed to the reduced impact of therapy on specific CSCs populations.

Conclusions

These results offer new insights into the treatment of lung cancer using rCD8+ T cells. Considering the age‐related characteristics influencing disease progression, this therapy has the potential to significantly enhance the effectiveness of treatment methods.
Physically based modelling of spectral transmittance through forest canopies
Authors: Hovi Aarne , Janoutová Růžena , Malenovský Zbyněk , Schraik Daniel , Gastellu‐Etchegorry Jean‐Philippe , Lauret Nicolas , Novotný Jan , Rautiainen Miina
Published: August 2024

Physically based models simulating the spectral transmittance of solar radiation through forest canopies are useful tools for examining the connections between the shortwave radiation environment and the productivity and biodiversity of the forest floor. We report a comprehensive evaluation of two approaches simulating forest canopy spectral transmittance.

The approaches were (i) three‐dimensional radiative transfer modelling in canopies composed of individual trees filled with turbid media and (ii) photon recollision probability theory (p‐theory), and were implemented using DART‐FT and PARAS models, respectively. The simulations were evaluated against mean and standard deviation of canopy transmittance spectra measured under clear‐sky conditions in forest plots across central and Northern Europe.

In general, both models agreed well with the in situ measurements. They performed equally in conifer forests, while PARAS had a slightly lower accuracy than DART‐FT in broadleaved forests.

We conclude that both approaches produce realistic simulations of canopy spectral transmittance at the spatial scale tested in this study, and that p‐theory constitutes a computationally efficient and easy‐to‐parameterize alternative to three‐dimensional radiative transfer.
Alcohol and arterial stiffness in middle‐aged and older adults: Cross‐sectional evidence from the UK Biobank study
Authors: Schutte Rudolph , Zhang Jufen , Kiran Mahreen , Ball Graham
Published: August 2024

Background

The association between arterial stiffness and alcohol consumption is still controversial. We investigated this relationship by performing continuous analysis in men drinking only beer/cider, and women drinking only red wine.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study involved participants aged 40–69 years consisting of 9029 men who drank only beer/cider, and 6989 women drinking only red wine. Alcohol consumption was captured by self‐reported questionnaire and reported as units per week, where one unit is equal 10 mL pure ethanol. Arterial stiffness index (ASI) was estimated using photoplethysmography.

Results

In men consuming a mean 17.8 (5th and 95th percentiles, 2.6–76.7) units/week, ASI increased by heptiles (sevenths) of alcohol captured from beer/cider consumption and after adjusting for age (9.14, 9.40, 9.51, 9.53, 9.80, 9.80, 10.00 m/s; p‐trend < 0.001) and after full adjustment (9.29, 9.46. 9.55, 9.55, 9.73, 9.73, 9.75 m/s; p‐trend = 0.013). Similarly, in women consuming a mean 8.1 (1.6–29.3) units/week, ASI increased by heptiles of alcohol captured from red wine consumption and after adjusting for age (8.05, 8.05, 8.05, 8.11, 8.17, 8.30, 8.45 m/s; p‐trend = 0.012) and borderline significant after full adjustment (8.05, 8.07, 8.05, 8.07, 8.11, 8.22, 8.43 m/s; p‐trend = 0.055). These associations were confirmed in multivariable‐adjusted regression analysis in all men, men younger and older than 50 years, and when consuming more than 14 units per week. Similarly, these associations were confirmed in all women, women older than 50 years, and in those consuming more than 14 units per week.

Conclusions

Positive linear relationships exist between arterial stiffness and alcohol, irrespective of whether captured from beer/cider consumption in men or red wine consumption in women. No evidence existed to support the notion that our arteries benefit from any level of alcohol consumption.
Examining how the first year of the COVID‐19 pandemic affected alcohol use in different socio‐demographic groups in an Australian representative longitudinal sample
Authors: Mojica‐Perez Yvette , Livingston Michael , Pennay Amy , Callinan Sarah
Published: August 2024

Background and aims

Research examining how alcohol consumption changed across different socio‐demographic groups during the pandemic has largely relied upon convenience samples recruited after the onset of the COVID‐19 pandemic. The aim of this study was to measure whether the pandemic shifted alcohol consumption in different gender, age and income groups in Australia.

Design, setting and participants

This was a longitudinal study using four waves (2017–20) of the annual Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) Survey to compare pre‐pandemic consumption (2017–19) with consumption in 2020. A total of 11 636 participants in Australia aged 15 years and older took part.

Measurements

Participants were asked annually about their alcohol consumption, demographics and income.

Findings

There was a statistically significant increase in alcohol consumption during the first year of the pandemic [incident rate ratio (IRR) = 1.1, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.1, 1.1], largely driven by changes in drinking frequency. We found a significant difference in consumption change from pre‐COVID‐19 to during COVID‐19 for participants aged under 55 years compared with those aged over 55 years. In addition, participants aged 15–34 reported less alcohol consumption during the pandemic than those aged 35 years and older. No significant differences were identified across gender and income groups.

Conclusions

Alcohol consumption in Australia increased during the first year of the COVID‐19 pandemic. Survey participants aged 55 years and over seemed to be the least impacted by the public health measures introduced during the pandemic, such as the closure of licensed premises.
Farmers’ preferences for soil conservation measures in Southern Ethiopia: Plot‐level discrete choice experiment
Authors: Adere Tilahun Habtamu , Vanermen Iris , Maertens Miet , Vranken Liesbet
Published: August 2024

This study assesses farmers' preferences for the adoption of grass strips as cropland conservation measures and explores the effects of information on their preferences. We further analyze these preferences for plots with varying levels of tenure security and erosion vulnerability. Using survey data from Southern Ethiopia, a plot‐level discrete choice experiment in two rounds that includes a video‐based information treatment in a within‐subject design is conducted. The findings show that farmers prefer to adopt grass strips with a high conservation potential, that can be used as feedstock and that help to stabilize physical structures or delineate plot boundaries. In addition, information transfer increases preferences for adopting grass strips with not only a high conservation potential but also a medium conservation potential. The effects of the information transfer on preferences are found to be heterogeneous and vary with plot characteristics. Under well‐defined property rights, farmers prefer to adopt the grass strips for stabilizing physical structures, conserving their cropland against environmental risk or boundary delineation. However, under weak tenure security, they prefer to plant grass strips only for boundary delineation to reduce the institutional risk of losing cropland, but this preference was only observed after information provision. These findings highlight the importance of designing and implementing context‐specific agricultural information dissemination systems and that well‐defined land rights increase the adoption of land conservation technology in the global south.
Evaluation of dupilumab on the disease burden in children and adolescents with atopic dermatitis: A population‐based cohort study
Authors: Tsai Serena Yun‐Chen , Gaffin Jonathan M. , Hawryluk Elena B. , Ruran Hana B. , Bartnikas Lisa M. , Oyoshi Michiko K. , Schneider Lynda C. , Phipatanakul Wanda , Ma Kevin Sheng‐Kai
Published: August 2024

Background

Dupilumab is the first and only biologic agent approved for the treatment of atopic dermatitis (AD) in pediatric patients aged from 6 months to 17 years. The study aimed to evaluate the impact of dupilumab on the occurrence of comorbidities in pediatric patients with AD.

Methods

In this population‐based cohort study, we utilized electronic health records from multiple healthcare organizations across the United States. Pediatric patients (<18 years of age) with a diagnosis of AD initiating dupilumab were propensity‐score matched 1:1 to those initiating other systemic agents (azathioprine, cyclosporine, methotrexate, mycophenolate mofetil, or systemic corticosteroids). The primary outcomes were new‐onset comorbidities emerging during the study period measured by the risk ratio (RR) and its confidence interval (CI). Subgroup analyses were stratified by age (0–5 years, 6–11 years, and 12–17 years), sex, and race.

Results

A total of 3575 pediatric patients with AD treated with dupilumab were matched to 3575 patients treated with other systemic agents. The dupilumab cohort was associated with a lowered risk of new‐onset atopic comorbidities (including asthma [RR, 0.72; 95% CI, 0.59–0.89] and allergic rhinitis [RR, 0.62; 95% CI, 0.52–0.74]), infections (e.g., skin and soft tissue infection [RR, 0.70; 95% CI, 0.63–0.76] and respiratory tract infection [RR = 0.56; 95% CI, 0.51–0.61]), psychiatric disorders (e.g., mood disorder [RR, 0.52; 95% CI, 0.39–0.70] and anxiety [RR, 0.57; 95% CI, 0.46–0.70], sleep disturbance [RR, 0.60; 95% CI, 0.47–0.77]), neurologic and developmental disorders (e.g., attention deficit hyperactivity disorder [RR, 0.54; 95% CI, 0.38–0.75]). Furthermore, the positive effects are found to be more pronounced in younger children (aged 0–5 years) with AD.

Conclusions

Treatment with dupilumab compared to systemic agents resulted in reductions in AD‐related comorbidities in pediatric patients.
Risvegli di un paese. Awakenings of a rural community
Authors: Fontefrancesco Michele Filippo
Published: August 2024

Throughout Europe, particularly in Italy, the rapid phenomenon of rural marginalization and depletion is one of the most significant social and environmental challenges characterizing contemporary reality. Where, in the second post‐war era, about half of the Italian population lived in rural settings, today this percentage has precipitously fallen, leading to an estimated urbanization rate of 70%, concentrated within an area that covers about 30% of the national territory. The future of the remaining 70% is uncertain, raising questions about the country's territorial cohesion and the management of its environmental resources. As the future and present of these communities are increasingly defined by trajectories of impoverishment, aging, and depopulation, these communities' voices seem marginal in the debate, utterly unheard amidst the complexities urban centers face. This poetic project's series of tercets aims to narrate the cosmos of ordinary effects that mark the everyday life of a village amidst phenomena of rewilding, growing silences, and abandonments. It dwells on a specific moment of the day, culturally laden with expectations and meanings, namely the dawn, portrayed here as the advance of a new day, a guarantor of the future, though the forms of this future remain uncertain.
The process model of self‐control: Developing a measure of self‐control strategies
Authors: Milosevic Mina , Converse Patrick D. , Moon Nicholas A. , Fedele Dominic , McFerran Michael W. , al‐Qallawi Sherif
Published: August 2024

The purpose of this research was to develop and examine a measure of self‐control strategies, proposed in the process model of self‐control. Across three studies (N = 1045), we developed and refined items, examined scale dimensionality and relationships with orbiting constructs, and assessed criterion‐related validity. Findings provide initial support for a 34‐item measure of six self‐control strategies: five strategies that were theoretically proposed in the process model and one that emerged empirically from our data. The proposed Self‐Control Strategies Scale was significantly correlated with other similar measures and demonstrated expected relationships with orbiting constructs and criterion‐related validity. This measure may be useful in expanding our understanding of different strategies beneficial for long‐term goal pursuit.
Can everyone get interesting jobs? Estimating interest fit across gender, ethnicity, and education
Authors: Hanna Alexis , Morris Michael L. , Hoff Kevin A. , Nye Christopher D. , Jones Kisha S. , Rounds James
Published: August 2024

Although research and policy efforts have attempted to “even the hiring playing field” and progress equal opportunities, systemic employment patterns based on gender and ethnicity remain prevalent. An unexplored avenue of diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts is the degree to which all people can obtain jobs that fit their interests. The present study used a large, diverse sample of over 250,000 American employees to estimate the average vocational interest fit that people have with their jobs and differences in fit across race/ethnicity, gender, and education. Overall, employees showed moderate positive vocational interest fit with their jobs, with an average profile correlation of .20 between person and job interests. There were small gender differences in vocational interest fit favoring men, especially White and Hispanic men, with minimal differences across other race/ethnicity groups. However, the largest group differences emerged for education, as employees with higher educational attainment showed greater vocational interest fit, particularly among women. Further intersectional analyses added greater nuance to these results, including how various groups achieve vocational interest fit across different types of jobs. Altogether, this work provides important fit benchmark estimates for researchers, counselors, organizational placement, and theory refinement.
Long‐term clinical outcomes of extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography for pancreatic duct stone treatment in patients with chronic pancreatitis
Authors: Liu Yu , Yin Xiao‐Yi , Cui Jia‐Hui , Wang Teng , Feng Xiao‐Yue , Yi Jin‐Hui , Xu Jin‐Jie , Zhang Song‐Ling , Han Pei‐Dong , Wang Dan , Liu Run‐Hui , Wang Fang‐Yu , Li Zhao‐Shen , Hu Liang‐Hao
Published: August 2024

Background and Aims

Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy for pancreatic stones (P‐ESWL) and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) are the preferred therapeutic approaches for painful chronic pancreatitis (CP) with pancreatic stones. This study aimed to report the short‐ and long‐term outcomes following P‐ESWL and ERCP in a large cohort with CP.

Methods

Patients with painful CP and pancreatic stones >5 mm in size, who underwent P‐ESWL and subsequent ERCP between March 2011 and June 2018, were included in this retrospective‐prospective mixed observational study. The total stone clearance rates were recorded. All patients were followed up until the end of March 2024, with the visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain, pain type, quality‐of‐life scores and other relevant information recorded.

Results

A total of 2071 patients underwent P‐ESWL, and 93.1% of them subsequently underwent ERCP during the study period. Patients were followed up for an average of 11.8 years from the onset of CP and 6.7 years from the first P‐ESWL procedure. Complete stone clearance was achieved in 73.7% of the patients. At the end of the follow‐up period, 70.1% of the patients achieved complete pain remission. Significant pain type conversion and lower VAS scores were observed in the patients after treatment. Quality‐of‐life scores and body mass indices increased after P‐ESWL and ERCP.

Conclusions

P‐ESWL and ERCP are effective and minimally invasive treatments for pancreatic stones in patients with painful CP. Most patients achieved complete pain relief, and pain‐type conversion was common after treatment. (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT05916547).
The influence of tramadol on bowel function: A randomised, placebo‐controlled trial
Authors: Larsen Isabelle M. , Okdahl Tina , Mark Esben Bolvig , Frøkjær Jens Brøndum , Drewes Asbjørn Mohr
Published: August 2024

Tramadol is a weak opioid used to treat moderate pain. Stronger opioids inhibit gastrointestinal function, but little is known about the gastrointestinal effects of tramadol. Our aim was to investigate if tramadol causes opioid‐induced bowel dysfunction (OIBD). Twenty healthy male participants (mean age 24 [range 20–31] years) were included. Tramadol (extended‐release formulation, 200 mg/day) or placebo was administered for 10 days in two study periods separated by 3 weeks. Gastrointestinal transit times and segmental volume, motility and water content were investigated with the 3D‐transit system and magnetic resonance imaging. Bowel movements and gastrointestinal symptoms were recorded daily. Tramadol prolonged colonic transit time (34 h vs. 25 h, p < 0.001) and increased small bowel motility (p < 0.01) and water content (p = 0.002) compared to placebo. Across all days of treatment, tramadol reduced the number of mean daily bowel movements (p = 0.001) and increased mean stool consistency (p = 0.006). Gastrointestinal symptom scores increased with tramadol (indigestion: +358%, p = 0.01; constipation: +475%, p = 0.01). Additionally, more participants fulfilled the diagnostic criteria for constipation after tramadol treatment compared to placebo (40% vs. 0%, p < 0.001). This study showed that tramadol treatment is associated with OIBD, and management of constipation and other bowel symptoms should, therefore, be prioritised when treating pain patients with tramadol.
Egg coverings in insects: ecological adaptation to abiotic and biotic selective pressures
Authors: Li Tian‐Hao , Wang Xingeng , Desneux Nicolas , Wang Su , Zang Lian‐Sheng
Published: August 2024

Insects have evolved a spectrum of strategies that facilitate survival in the face of adverse environmental conditions and bottom‐up or top‐down pressures. The egg is the first stage in the life cycle of most insects. It is not only immobile but in many insects is the stage that survives unfavourable seasons when food resources are unavailable. Eggs are targeted by oophagous natural enemies and also are subject to abiotic stresses. In response to these diverse stresses, insects have developed various egg protection strategies. Females of many insects lay eggs in clusters and then use their own body resources to cover them to provide protection from harsh environments and biotic attack. Such egg protection strategies have allowed some herbivorous insects to thrive in new environments and become serious invasive pests. Females of many insects protect their eggs in other ways (e.g. laying eggs in concealed places, direct parental care) while others do not provide protection at all. Here, we review various egg protective strategies in insects. Our focus is on adaptive ecological mechanisms and temporal variation as well as the benefits and costs of egg coverings. We highlight several case studies on how these egg protective traits might impede biological control of globally important agricultural and forest pests and propose a framework for incorporating egg protective traits into biological control programs especially for invasive insect pests.
Cervical mucus can be used for metabolite screening in cervical cancer
Authors: Kawasaki Rie , Kukimoto Iwao , Tsukamoto Tetsuya , Nishio Eiji , Iwata Aya , Fujii Takuma
Published: August 2024

Approximately 660,000 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer annually. Current screening options such as cytology or human papillomavirus testing have limitations, creating a need to identify more effective ancillary biomarkers for triage. Here, we evaluated whether metabolomic analysis of cervical mucus metabolism could be used to identify biomarkers of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) and cervical cancer. The case–control group consisted of 181 CIN, 69 squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) patients, and 48 healthy controls in the primary cohort. We undertook metabolomic analyses using ultra‐HPLC–tandem mass spectrometry. Univariate and multivariate analyses were carried out to profile metabolite characteristics, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis identified biomarker candidates. Five metabolites conferred the highest discriminatory power for SCC: oxidized glutathione (GSSG) (area under the ROC curve, 0.924; 95% confidence interval, 0.877–0.971), malic acid (0.914, 0.859–0.968), kynurenine (0.884, 0.823–0.945), GSSG/glutathione (GSH) (0.936, 0.892–0.979), and kynurenine/tryptophan (0.909, 0.856–0.961). Malic acid was the best marker for detection of CIN2 or worse (0.858, 0.793–0.922) and was a clinically useful metabolite. We confirmed the reproducibility of the results by validation cohort. Additionally, metabolomic analyses revealed eight pathways strongly associated with cervical neoplasia. Of these, only the tricarboxylic acid cycle was strongly associated with all CINs and cancer, indicating active energy production. Aberrant arginine metabolism by decreasing arginine and increasing citrulline might reduce tumor immunity. Changes in cysteine‐methionine and GSH pathways might drive the initiation and progression of cervical cancer. These results suggest that metabolic analysis can identify ancillary biomarkers and could improve our understanding of the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying cervical neoplasia.
SCYL2‐related autosomal recessive neurodevelopmental disorders: Arthrogryposis multiplex congenita‐4 and beyond?
Authors: Malbos Marlène , Vera Gabriella , Sheth Harsh , Schnur Rhonda E. , Juven Aurélien , Brehin Anne‐Claire , Sheth Jayesh , Gandhi Ajit , Shapiro Faye L. , Bruel Ange‐Line , Marguet Florent , Begtrup Amber , Monaghan Kristin G. , Safraou Hana , Brasseur‐Daudruy Marie , Mau‐Them Frédéric Tran , Duffourd Yannis , Faivre Laurence , Thauvin‐Robinet Christel , Benke Paul J. , Philippe Christophe
Published: August 2024

SCY1‐like protein 2 (SCYL2) is a member of the SCY1‐like pseudokinase family which regulates secretory protein trafficking. It plays a crucial role in the nervous system by suppressing excitotoxicity in the developing brain. Scyl2 knockout mice have excess prenatal mortality and survivors show severe neurological dysfunction. Bi‐allelic loss‐of‐function (LOF) variants in SCYL2 were recently associated with arthrogryposis multiplex congenita‐4 (AMC4) following the report of 6 individuals from two consanguineous unrelated families. The AMC4 phenotype described included severe arthrogryposis, corpus callosum agenesis, epilepsy and frequently, early death. We describe here two additional similarly affected individuals with AMC4, including one diagnosed in the prenatal period, with bi‐allelic LOF variants in SCYL2, and two individuals homozygous for missense variants in the protein kinase domain of SCYL2 and presenting with developmental delay only. Our study confirms the association of SCYL2 with AMC4 and suggests a milder phenotype can occur, extending the phenotypic spectrum of autosomal recessive SCYL2‐related disorders.
Integrating adult occurrence and reproduction data to identify conservation measures for amphibians
Authors: Lo Parrino Elia , Ficetola Gentile Francesco , Devin Michel , Manenti Raoul , Falaschi Mattia
Published: August 2024

Monitoring programs are pivotal to establishing sound management. Due to economic, logistic, and time limitations, monitoring programs often overlook differences among life‐history stages. However, species occurrence does not necessarily mean population viability, and it is unclear to what extent monitoring programs that do not consider separately adult presence and reproduction provide effective management indications. Unfortunately, collecting data on certain life stages requires high sampling effort, leading to a trade‐off between model reliability and resources needed for monitoring. We collected data on presence and reproduction of amphibians by monitoring 207 waterbodies in Lombardy (northern Italy) in 2017–2022. We then used multistate occupancy models to test whether certain environmental features, namely, pond area, hydroperiod, forest cover, shade, aquatic vegetation, and predators’ presence, differentially affected adult occurrence and breeding probabilities of multiple amphibian species. To assess optimal sampling efforts, we modeled the detection probabilities of adults and reproduction across multiple species. Finally, we identified the optimal monitoring strategy under different scenarios of resource availability, comparing adult‐only monitoring versus joint assessment of the occurrence of adults and reproduction. In many cases, the main drivers of adult occurrence and reproduction did not coincide because most investigated ecological variables affected one life stage or the other. Forest area, for instance, increased occurrence probabilities of adults of the endemic Rana latastei but showed no effect on their reproduction probabilities. Quantitative estimates of the sampling effort showed that occurrence of adults was easier to spot in 4 out of 7 species. Multicriteria decision analyses showed that when resources were scarce, monitoring adults was the optimal strategy for those 4 species. Conversely, with more resources, monitoring both adults and reproduction emerged as the best strategy for all the considered species. Integrated monitoring of adults and reproduction is essential to comprehensively identify effective conservation measures for amphibians.
Capacity and capability of remote sensing to inform invasive plant species management in the Pacific Islands region
Authors: Chan Carrol M. H. , Owers Christopher J. , Fuller Sascha , Hayward Matt W. , Moverley David , Griffin Andrea S.
Published: August 2024

The Pacific Islands region is home to several of the world's biodiversity hotspots, yet its unique flora and fauna are under threat because of biological invasions. These invasions are likely to proliferate as human activity increases and large‐scale natural disturbances unfold, exacerbated by climate change. Remote sensing data and techniques provide a feasible method to map and monitor invasive plant species and inform invasive plant species management across the Pacific Islands region. We used case studies taken from literature retrieved from Google Scholar, 3 regional agencies’ digital libraries, and 2 online catalogs on invasive plant species management to examine the uptake and challenges faced in the implementation of remote sensing technology in the Pacific region. We synthesized remote sensing techniques and outlined their potential to detect and map invasive plant species based on species phenology, structural characteristics, and image texture algorithms. The application of remote sensing methods to detect invasive plant species was heavily reliant on species ecology, extent of invasion, and available geospatial and remotely sensed image data. However, current mechanisms that support invasive plant species management, including policy frameworks and geospatial data infrastructure, operated in isolation, leading to duplication of efforts and creating unsustainable solutions for the region. For remote sensing to support invasive plant species management in the region, key stakeholders including conservation managers, researchers, and practitioners; funding agencies; and regional organizations must invest, where possible, in the broader geospatial and environmental sector, integrate, and streamline policies and improve capacity and technology access.
Global treatment of haemorrhoids—A worldwide snapshot audit conducted by the International Society of University Colon and Rectal Surgeons
Authors: Samalavicius Narimantas E. , Gupta Rakesh Kumar , Nunoo‐Mensah Joseph , Fortunato Richard , Lohsiriwat Varut , Khanal Bhawani , Kumar Abhijeet , Sah Bikash , Cerkauskaite Dovile , Dulskas Audrius ,   2023 International Society of Universities of Colon and Rectal Surgeons (ISUCRS) Collaborating Group
Published: August 2024

Aim

There is no universally accepted treatment consensus for haemorrhoids, and thus, management has been individualized all over the world. This study was conducted to assess a global view of how surgeons manage haemorrhoids.

Methods

The research panel of the International Society of University Colon and Rectal Surgeons (ISUCRS) developed a voluntary, anonymous questionnaire evaluating surgeons' experience, volume and treatment approaches to haemorrhoids. The 44 multiple‐choice questionnaire was available for one month via the ISUCRS email database and the social media platforms Viber and WhatsApp.

Results

The survey was completed by 1005 surgeons from 103 countries; 931 (92.6%) were in active practice, 819 (81.5%) were between 30 and 60 years of age, and 822 (81.8%) were male. Detailed patient history (92.9%), perineal inspection (91.2%), and digital rectal examination (91.1%) were the most common assessment methods. For internal haemorrhoids, 924 (91.9%) of participants graded them I–IV, with the degree of haemorrhoids being the most important factor considered to determine the treatment approach (76.3%). The most common nonprocedural/conservative treatment consisted of increased daily fibre intake (86.9%), increased water intake (82.7%), and normalization of bowel habits/toilet training (74.4%). Conservative treatment was the first‐line treatment for symptomatic first (92.5%), second (72.4%) and third (47.3%) degree haemorrhoids; however, surgery was the first‐line treatment for symptomatic fourth degree haemorrhoids (77.6%). Rubber band ligation was the second‐line treatment in first (50.7%) and second (47.2%) degree haemorrhoids, whereas surgery was the second‐line treatment in third (82.9%) and fourth (16.7%) degree symptomatic haemorrhoids. Rubber band ligation was performed in the office by 645(64.2%) of the participants. The most common surgical procedure performed for haemorrhoids was an excisional haemorrhoidectomy for both internal (87.1%) and external (89.7%) haemorrhoids – with 716 (71.2%) of participants removing 1, 2 or 3 sectors as necessary.

Conclusion

Although there is no global haemorrhoidal treatment consensus, there are many practice similarities among the different cultures, resources, volume and experience of surgeons around the world. With additional studies, a consensus statement could potentially be developed.
Small molecule valproic acid enhances ventral patterning of human neural tube organoids by regulating Wnt and Shh signalling
Authors: Zheng Yuanyuan , Zhang Fangrong , Nie Haifeng , Li Xinyu , Xun Jiali , Fu Jianping , Wu Lijun
Published: August 2024

Valproic acid (VPA), a clinically approved small molecule, has been reported to activate Wnt signalling that is critical for dorsal–ventral (DV) patterning of neural tube. However, little is known about the impact of VPA on DV patterning process. Here, we show that even though VPA has a negative impact on the early formation of human neural tube organoids (hNTOs), it significantly enhances the efficiency of ventrally patterned hNTOs, when VPA is added during the entire differentiation process. RNA sequencing and RT‐qPCR analysis demonstrates VPA activates endogenous Wnt signalling in hNTOs. Surprisingly, transcriptome analysis also identifies upregulation of genes for degradation of GLI2 and GLI3 proteins, whose truncated fragment are transcriptional repressors of Shh signalling. The Western‐blot analysis confirms the increase of GLI3R proteins after VPA treatment. Thus, VPA might enhance ventral patterning of hNTOs through both activating Wnt, which can antagonise Shh signalling by inducing GLI3 expression, and/or inhibiting Shh signalling by inducing GLI protein degradation. We further obtain results to show that VPA still increases patterning efficiency of hNTOs with a weak influence on their early formation when the initiation time of VPA is delayed and its duration is reduced. Taken together, this study demonstrates that VPA enhances the generation of more reproducible hNTOs with ventral patterning, opening the avenues for the applications of hNTOs in developmental biology and regenerative medicine.
Graft Steatosis and Donor Diabetes Mellitus Additively Impact on Recipient Outcomes After Liver Transplantation—A European Registry Study
Authors: Sonneveld Milan J. , Parouei Fatemeh , den Hoed Caroline , de Jonge Jeroen , Salarzaei Morteza , Porte Robert J. , Janssen Harry L. A. , de Rosner‐van Rosmalen Marieke , Vogelaar Serge , van der Meer Adriaan J. , Maan Raoel , Murad Sarwa Darwish , Polak Wojciech G. , Brouwer Willem Pieter
Published: August 2024

Background and Aims

Biopsy‐proven severe graft steatosis is associated with adverse outcomes after liver transplantation. The concomitant presence of metabolic risk factors might further increase this risk. We studied the association between graft steatosis and metabolic risk factors in the donor, with recipient outcomes after liver transplantation.

Methods

We analyzed data from all consecutive first adult full‐graft donation after brain death (DBD) liver transplantations performed in the Eurotransplant region between 2010 and 2020. The presence of graft steatosis and metabolic risk factors was assessed through a review of donor (imaging) reports, and associations with recipient retransplantation‐free survival were studied through survival analyses.

Results

Of 12 174 transplantations, graft steatosis was detected in 2689 (22.1%), and donor diabetes mellitus (DM), hypertension, and dyslipidemia were present in 1245 (10.2%), 5056 (41.5%), and 524 (4.3%). In multivariable Cox regression analysis, graft steatosis (adjusted HR [aHR] 1.197, p < 0.001) and donor DM (aHR 1.157, p = 0.004) were independently associated with impaired retransplantation‐free survival. Graft steatosis and donor DM conferred an additive risk of retransplantation or death (DM alone, aHR: 1.156 [p = 0.0185]; steatosis alone, aHR: 1.200 [p < 0.001]; both steatosis and DM, aHR: 1.381 [p < 0.001]). Findings were consistent in sensitivity analyses focusing on retransplantation‐free survival within 7 days.

Conclusions

Graft steatosis and donor diabetes mellitus additively increase the risk of retransplantation or death in adult DBD liver transplantation. Future studies should focus on methods to assess and improve the quality of these high‐risk grafts. Until such time, caution should be exercised when considering these grafts for transplantation.
Personhood: An emergent view from Africa and the West
Authors: Jecker Nancy S. , Atuire Caesar A.
Published: August 2024

African understandings of personhood are complex, with different accounts emphasizing distinct aspects of what it means to be a person. Some accounts stress excellence of character and performing well in social roles and relationships, while others focus on innate moral qualities of individuals independent of their conduct and character. This paper sheds new light on these twin aspects of personhood. It proposes a way to navigate these dual features by bringing African and Western personhood into conversation, building on the strengths of each approach, and developing a new view of personhood that we call, Emergent Personhood. Section 1 introduces diverse approaches to personhood within African thought. Section 2 compares African and Western approaches. Section 3 evaluates advantages and disadvantages of each and identifies conditions that any account of personhood must meet to leverage the advantages and avoid the disadvantages identified. Section 4 introduces Emergent Personhood, which meets these conditions. Section 5 concludes that expanding the conversation about personhood across cultures enriches an ongoing conversation about what it means to be a person.