bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Is fibroblast growth factor 11 (FGF11) a predictive marker for breast cancer?
Authors: Aktürk Esen Selin , Karabulut Sefika , Buyukaksoy Muge , Kurt Cevik Gulnaz , Ceylan Furkan , Civelek Burak , Şendur Mehmet Ali Nahit , Erdogan Fazli , Uncu Doğan
Published: March 2024

The prognostic role of fibroblast growth factor 11 (FGF11) has only been reported in cancers such as nasopharyngeal carcinoma and prostate cancer. The role of FGF11 in breast cancer is not fully known. It was aimed to compare FGF11 expression levels in de novo metastatic hormone receptor-positive, human epidermal reseptor-2-negative breast tumor tissue and healthy breast tissue and investigate the effect of the FGF11 expression on survival in breast cancer patients. To determine the FGF11 expression rate, breast tumor tissue of breast cancer patients diagnosed by breast biopsy and healthy breast tissue of healthy individuals who underwent breast biopsy due to benign lesions were used. The study population included 38 breast cancer patients and 24 healthy controls. The number of patients with a FGF11 expression level score of 1 (15.8% vs 12.5%), score of 2 (18.4% vs 12.5%), and score of 3 (31.6% vs 0%) was significantly higher in the patient group compared to the healthy control group. The median overall survival and progression-free survival were numerically better in the group with a FGF11 expression score of 0 to 1 than the group with a FGF11 expression score of 2 and 3, but this difference was not statistically significant. FGF11 may be a predictive marker for breast cancer formation. Additionally, with new FGF11-targeted treatment agents to be developed, endocrine resistance may be reduced, and better survival results may be achieved in hormone receptor-positive, human epidermal reseptor-2-negative breast cancer.
Scratch…Descriptive epidemiologic study of billiards-related injuries
Authors: Bhardwaj Namita , Vakil Haris , Chavez Michael C. , Lee Wei-Chen , Villasante-Tezanos Alejandro
Published: March 2024

The purpose of this descriptive epidemiological study is to identify billiards-related injuries that presented to the United States emergency departments from 2000 to 2020. This is a study using secondary data from emergency departments from 2000 to 2020 and presented with billiards-related injuries. No applicable intervention, but the main outcome measure was a description of injuries sustained due to participation in billiards. Billiards-related injury was captured by the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System – All Injury Program database. We extracted information on age, gender, injury, and disposition. A collective total of 78,524 (n = 1214) estimated patients, had emergency department visits after incurring billiards-related injuries as a sample. The mean age was 24.9 years. Most injuries occurred in males, 54,915 (n = 851, 69.9%). More injuries appeared to be soft-tissue contusions and abrasions, 19,000 (24.2%, n = 280), followed by lacerations, 17,520 (22.3%, n = 269). The most common cause of injury was being struck by a ball or cue, 39,705 (51.1%, n = 643). While the majority of injured patients were discharged home after evaluation, 2527 (3.2%, n = 45) of them required hospitalization. While a small number of billiards-related injuries presented to the emergency department in comparison to other sports-related injuries, some required more intensive treatment or hospitalization.
Noninvasive factors predicting the maintenance of pregnancy for more than 4 weeks after rescue cerclage in singleton pregnancies with cervical dilatation and prolapsed membrane
Authors: Park Ji Kwon , Yang Juseok , Jo Hyen Chul , Baek Jong Chul , Park Ji Eun
Published: March 2024

Studies on noninvasive factors and predicting the maintenance of pregnancy, and those comparing the usefulness of these factors with invasive amniotic fluid markers in predicting the maintenance of pregnancy following rescue cerclage, are lacking. Therefore, this study aimed to determine whether C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, White blood cell (WBC) count, absolute neutrophil count (ANC), and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) in maternal blood, which are noninvasive and readily available clinical markers, can predict the maintenance of pregnancy following rescue cerclage in patients with cervical insufficiency (CI). A total of 142 singleton pregnant women (15–28 wk) who underwent rescue cerclage for CI were retrospectively evaluated. The interleukin (IL)-6 concentration in the amniotic fluid; CRP levels, WBC count, ANC, and PLR in the maternal peripheral blood; and degree of cervical dilatation were evaluated before cerclage. The primary outcome was whether the pregnancy was maintained for >4 weeks after rescue cerclage. Among the 142 patients, prolonged pregnancy for >4 weeks following emergent cerclage was observed in 107 (75.35%), while 35 (24.65%) gave birth within 4 weeks. This study demonstrated that the degree of cervical dilatation at diagnosis; WBC count, ANC, and CRP levels in the maternal peripheral blood; and IL-6 concentration in the amniotic fluid significantly differed between the successful and failure groups (all P < .05). The area under the curve (AUC) of the amniotic fluid IL-6 concentration was .795 for the prediction of spontaneous preterm birth within 4 weeks after rescue cerclage. Additionally, the AUC of the CRP level, cervical dilatation, WBC count, ANC, and PLR were .795, .703, .695, .682, and .625, respectively. These findings suggest that the preoperative CRP levels can be considered a useful noninvasive marker comparable to amniotic fluid IL-6 concentration for identifying pregnant women with CI at high risk of spontaneous preterm birth following rescue cerclage.
Initial experiences and troubleshooting of Senhance robotic system: A community hospital perspective
Authors: Lin Yen-Chun , Huang Yu-Wen , Huang Shi-Wei , Huang Chao-Yuan , Yuan Lun-Hsiang
Published: March 2024

Purpose:

The purpose of this study is to demonstrate the feasibility and safety of the Senhance robotic system in urologic surgeries.

Materials and methods:

Patients were included prospectively from July 2018 to December 2020. The exclusion criteria included severe cardiopulmonary diseases and previous extensive abdominal surgeries. Institutional approval and informed consent were obtained. We used the Clavien-Dindo classification system to evaluate the complications that occurred within 30 days after surgery. Common technical and mechanical events encountered were also recorded.

Results:

A total of 173 patients were recruited. The median age was 65 (58–74) years, and the median body mass index was 24.7 (16.5–35.6) kg/m2. Seventeen (9.8%) patients had previously undergone abdominal surgeries. Eighty-three (48%) cases had total extraperitoneal hernioplasty and 32 (18.5%) cases radical prostatectomy, which were the largest 2 surgeries in our study. Sixty-one (35.3%) patients received surgeries due to malignancy. The median docking time was 5 (1–35) minutes. There were 28 (16.2%) cases with grade I complications and 9 (5.2%) cases with grade II complications. Only one case of a grade IIIb complication occurred during radical prostatectomy. No grade IV complications or mortalities were noted. Robotic arm collisions and forces exceeding the limit were the most commonly encountered problems intraoperatively.

Conclusion:

In our initial experiences, the Senhance robotic system was feasible in oncologic and nononcologic urologic surgeries and had acceptable outcomes. The haptic feedback system is unique and requires a learning period. This system may serve as an alternative tool for robotic urologic surgeries.
Allium ureteral stent for refractory ureteral stricture: A single-center study
Authors: Wu Yun-Rui , Chuang Te-Yen , Lai Yi-Horng , Wang Chung-Cheng
Published: March 2024

Purpose:

This study aims to investigate the efficacy and safety of Allium metallic ureteral stents in treating patients with refractory ureteral strictures.

Materials and methods:

A total of 13 patients with refractory ureteral strictures were prospectively enrolled in the study. After ureteral balloon dilation, an Allium stent was inserted into the ureter through the stricture. Serum blood urea nitrogen and creatinine levels, kidney-ureter-bladder x-ray, and renal ultrasonography reports were evaluated preoperatively, 3 months after the procedure, and at the last outpatient visit. Treatment success was defined as improvement in both renal function and the grade of hydronephrosis. Improvement was defined as the enhancement of renal function without the resolution of hydronephrosis. Adverse events were recorded.

Results:

The median (interquartile range [IQR]) age of the patients was 63 (46–76) years. The median (IQR) follow-up was 15 (13.5–21) months. Treatment success and improvement were noted in 9 (69.2%) and 3 (23.1%) patients, respectively. Compared with the preoperative levels, the median (IQR) serum creatinine levels were significantly improved at 3 months after the operation (1.6 [1.25–2.85] versus 1.2 [1.05–2.05]; P = 0.02) and at the last visit (1.6 [1.25–2.85] versus 1.2 [1.05–1.8]; P = 0.02). Stent migration and encrustation were noted in 3 (23.1%) and 1 (7.7%) patients, respectively.

Conclusion:

Allium ureteral stents are safe and effective for patients with refractory ureteral strictures.
Identification of Aggregation Pheromone inOdontothrips loti(Thysanoptera: Thripidae)
Authors: Yanqi Liu , Ying Ning Luo , Chang Liu , Liping Ban
Published: March 2024

Pheromone trapping is an interspecific, active at low concentrations, eco-friendly pest management strategy that has been widely used for population monitoring. Pheromones have only been validated for a few species in Thysanoptera and the pheromone components ofOdontothrips lotiHaliday are still unclear. In our study, we have identified (R)-lavandulyl (R)-2-methylbutanoate from maleO. lotiheadspace volatiles by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), which was structurally similar to the known reported aggregation pheromone ofMegalurothrips sjostedti. Y-tube olfactometer assays showed that both male and female adultsO. lotiwere significantly attracted by synthetic (R)-lavandulyl (R)-2-methylbutyrate, implicating as an aggregation pheromone. Additionally, electroantennogram responses ofO. lotiincreased with increasing doses of synthetic (R)-lavandulyl (R)-2-methylbutyrate. This is the first report of a male-produced aggregation pheromone inO. loti, from genusOdontothrips. The discovery of aggregation pheromone ofO. lotias a primary pest of alfalfa will provide the possibility of monitoring and early warning in alfalfa grass fields and is expected to be used for integrated management forO. loti.
Lapidary: Identifying and reporting amino acid sequences in metagenomes using sequence reads and Diamond
Authors: Bloomfield Samuel J , Zomer Aldert L , Mather Alison E
Published: March 2024

Genome and metagenome comparisons rely on identifying genetic elements that differ or are in common between samples. These genetic elements can be identified by assembling sequenced reads and identifying the genetic element in the assembly, or by aligning nucleotide sequences in the reads to the nucleotide sequences of a reference genetic element. The first relies on the complete assembly of the genetic element of interest, and the second relies on a reference sequence represented in nucleotides. This is particularly challenging with metagenome data, where the genetic elements, including genes, are often fragmented because sequences are shared between different species in the metagenomic data, resulting in contig breaks in or around genetic elements. This presents a difficulty when identifying genetic elements through the first approach. A common approach with metagenomes is to map reads against reference nucleotide sequences and extract the depth and coverage from those reference sequences. However, currently no software exists to identity and report genetic elements using DNA-protein alignments in metagenomes. We have developed the software Lapidary to identify the identity, coverage, depth, and most likely sequence of amino acid sequences from both genome and metagenome read files. We tested the effectiveness of the method against simulated, genomic and metagenomic read datasets. Lapidary is more sensitive than assembly methods for metagenomic data that often have fragmented assemblies but is less sensitive when assemblies are more complete, as is the case with genomic data.
KIR3DL1 and Tox identify clonally expanded encephalitogenic neuron-specific CD8+ T cells in autoimmune encephalitis
Authors: Perriot Sylvain , Jones Samuel , Genolet Raphaël , Mathias Amandine , Lindsay Helen , Bobisse Sara , Liberto Giovanni Di , Canales Mathieu , Queiroz Lise , Sauvage Christophe , Wagner Ingrid , Oberholster Larise , Gimenez Marie , Bégarie Diane , Théaudin Marie , Pot Caroline , Merkler Doron , Gottardo Raphaël , Harari Alexandre , Pasquier Renaud Du
Published: March 2024

Autoreactive CD8+ T cells are the principal suspects in autoimmune encephalitis (AIE) with antibodies targeting intracellular neuronal antigens So far, the search for neuron-autoreactive CD8+ T cells has been focused on a few autoantigens and did not yield convincing results. Here, we leveraged natural antigen presentation by hiPSC-derived neurons to look at the global autoreactive CD8+ T cell response, independently of pre-conceived hypothesis of the autoantigens involved in the disease. This unbiased approach allowed for the identification of rare polyclonal neuron-reactive CD8+ T cells in healthy donors, and contrastingly, expanded clonotypes in two patients with anti-Ri AIE. Detailedex vivophenotypic characterization of these clonotypes revealed a specific transcriptional program suggestive of a pathogenic potential. In particular, this subset can be identified by the expression of KIR3DL1 and TOX. Strikingly, we could also demonstrate that CD8+ T cells found in the brain of an anti-Ri AIE patient display a similar phenotype associated with cytotoxicity and encephalitogenic features.
Using absorbance detection for hs-SV-AUC characterization of adeno-association virus
Authors: Larson Nicholas R. , Bou-Assaf George M. , Laue Thomas M. , Berkowitz Steven A.
Published: March 2024

Data are presented demonstrating that absorbance detection can be used during high-speed sedimentation velocity analytical ultracentrifugation (hs-SV-AUC) experiments to accurately characterize adeno-associated virus (AAV) drug products. Advantages and limitations of being able to use this detector in this specific type of SV-AUC experiment are discussed.
Comparing Phoneme and Word Recognition Test Outcomes in Adult CI users: Data Analysis from the AuDieT Study
Authors: Migliorini Enrico , Wasmann Jan-Willem A. , Philpott Nikki , van Dijk Bastiaan , Philips Birgit , Huinck Wendy
Published: March 2024

Purpose

Current clinical measures used in cochlear implantation (CI) provide a broader view of speech recognition ability at word-level, often missing granular details contained at phoneme-level that may be valuable for CI mapping. This study evaluates how outcomes of Phoneme Recognition in Quiet tests (PRQ) differ from those of more commonly used word recognition tests (CVC) and outlines how these tests may be useful for different purposes in clinical adult CI care.

Methods

As part of the AuDiET (Auditory Diagnostics and Error-based Treatment) study, 23 adult postlingually deafened unilateral CI users underwent a battery of tests, including both PRQ and CVC tests. Their results were compared at the phoneme level, including an evaluation of fitness and error dispersion.

Results

PRQ had a significantly lower accuracy and fitness than CVC. The error patterns also tended to be less random and more systematic. Fitness correlated strongly and positively with accuracy, while error dispersion negatively correlated with accuracy.

Conclusion

There are clear differences between PRQ and CVC outcomes in absolute accuracy and error distribution. Comparing these tests might provide clinicians with more granular insights into which areas/phonemes to target during mapping, to achieve optimal speech recognition.
Optimizing Contingency Management with Reinforcement Learning
Authors: Kim Young-geun , Brandt Laura , Cheung Ken , Nunes Edward V. , Roll John , Luo Sean X. , Liu Ying
Published: March 2024

Contingency Management (CM) is a psychological treatment that aims to change behavior with financial incentives. In substance use disorders (SUDs), deployment of CM has been enriched by longstanding discussions around the cost-effectiveness of prized-based and voucher-based approaches. In prize-based CM, participants earn draws to win prizes, including small incentives to reduce costs, and the number of draws escalates depending on the duration of maintenance of abstinence. In voucher-based CM, participants receive a predetermined voucher amount based on specific substance test results. While both types have enhanced treatment outcomes, there is room for improvement in their cost-effectiveness: the voucher-based system requires enduring financial investment; the prize-based system might sacrifice efficacy. Previous work in computational psychiatry of SUDs typically employs frameworks wherein participants make decisions to maximize their expected compensation. In contrast, we developed new frameworks that clinical decision-makers choose actions, CM structures, to reinforce the substance abstinence behavior of participants. We consider the choice of the voucher or prize to be a sequential decision, where there are two pivotal parameters: the prize probability for each draw and the escalation rule determining the number of draws. Recent advancements in Reinforcement Learning, more specifically, in off-policy evaluation, afforded techniques to estimate outcomes for different CM decision scenarios from observed clinical trial data. We searched CM schemas that maximized treatment outcomes with budget constraints. Using this framework, we analyzed data from the Clinical Trials Network to construct unbiased estimators on the effects of new CM schemas. Our results indicated that the optimal CM schema would be to strengthen reinforcement rapidly in the middle of the treatment course. Our estimated optimal CM policy improved treatment outcomes by 32% while maintaining costs. Our methods and results have broad applications in future clinical trial planning and translational investigations on the neurobiological basis of SUDs.
The rise of cheats during experimental evolution is restricted by non-kin interactions betweenBacillus subtilissoil isolates
Authors: Pandur Katarina Belcijan , Kraigher Barbara , Tomac Ana , Stefanic Polonca , Mulec Ines Mandic
Published: March 2024

Cooperative behaviors in human, animal, and even microbial societies are vulnerable to exploitation. Kin discrimination (KD) has been hypothesized to help stabilize cooperation. However, the mechanisms that sustain cooperative behavior remain poorly understood. We here investigate the role of KD in limiting the rise of cheats during surfactant dependent cooperative swarming over surfaces by bacteriumBacillus subtilisas a model organism. We show that mixing surfactant secreting cooperators and cheats that do not produce surfactants leads to cooperation collapse. However, when such mixed swarms transiently encounter non-kinB. subtilisswarms, the frequency of the surfactant nonproducers decreases, suggesting that kinship dependent interactions may limit cheats’ advantage. To further validate this hypothesis, we subjected wild-type co-operators to transient encounters with kin and non-kin swarms over 20 cycles of experimental evolution. Evolved populations exposed to non-kin swarms exhibited lower occurrences of genotypes with defective swarming phenotypes compared to those encountering kin swarms. These results provide compelling support for the prediction that the evolution of cheats in bacterial populations is impeded by kin discrimination providing experimental proof of its role in stabilizing cooperative behavior.
Guavacv.Allahabad Safeda Chromosome scale assembly and comparative genomics decodes breeders’ choice marker trait association for pink pulp colour
Authors: Mittal Amandeep , Thakur Sujata , Sharma Ankush , Boora Rajbir Singh , Arora Naresh Kumar , Singh Daljinder , Singh Gill Manav Indra , Dhillon Guriqbal Singh , Chhuneja Parveen , Yadav Inderjit Singh , Jindal Manish , Mathew Oommen K. , Reddy Lachagari Vijaya Bhasker , Paterson Andrew H.
Published: March 2024

Deciphering chromosomal length genome assemblies has the potential to unravel an organism’s evolutionary relationships and genetic mapping of traits of commercial importance. We assembled guava genome using a hybrid sequencing approach with ∼450x depth Illumina short reads, ∼35x PacBio long reads and Bionano maps to ∼594 MB Scaffold length on 11 pseudo chromosomes (∼479 MB contig length). Maker pipeline predicted 17,395 genes, 23% greater from earlier draft produced in same cultivar Allahabad Safeda. The genome assembly clarified guava evolutionary history, for example revealing predominance of gene expansion by dispersed duplications, in particular contributing to abundance of monoterpene synthases; and supporting evidence of a whole genome duplication event in guava as in other Myrtaceae. Guava breeders have been aiming to reduce screening time for selecting pink pulp colour progenies using marker-trait associations, but a previous comparative transcriptomics and comparative genomics approach with draft genome assembly to identify the effector gene associated with pink pulp was unsuccessful. Here, genome re-sequencing with Illumina short reads at ∼25x depth of 20 pink fleshed and/or non-coloured guava cultivars and comprehensive analysis for genes in the carotenoid biosynthesis pathway identified structural variations inPhytoene Synthase2. Further, ddRAD based association mapping in core-collection of 82 coloured and non-coloured genotypes from Indian sub-continent found strong association with the same causal gene. Subsequently, we developed PCR based Indel/SSR breeder friendly marker that can readily be scored in routine agarose gels and empowers accurate selection for seedlings that will produce fruits with pink pulp.
Random graphs and real networks with weak geometric coupling
Authors: van der Kolk Jasper , Serrano M. Ángeles , Boguñá Marián
Published: March 2024

Geometry can be used to explain many properties commonly observed in real networks. It is therefore often assumed that real networks, especially those with high average local clustering, live in an underlying hidden geometric space. However, it has been shown that finite-size effects can also induce substantial clustering, even when the coupling to this space is weak or nonexistent. In this paper, we study the weakly geometric regime, where clustering is absent in the thermodynamic limit but present in finite systems. Extending Mercator, a network embedding tool based on the popularity×similarity S1/H2 static geometric network model, we show that, even when the coupling to the geometric space is weak, geometric information can be recovered from the connectivity alone for networks of any size. The fact that several real networks are best described in this quasigeometric regime suggests that the transition between nongeometric and geometric networks is not a sharp one.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Remote-Entanglement Protocols for Stationary Qubits with Photonic Interfaces
Authors: Beukers Hans K.C. , Pasini Matteo , Choi Hyeongrak , Englund Dirk , Hanson Ronald , Borregaard Johannes
Published: March 2024

The generation of entanglement between distant quantum systems is at the core of quantum networking. In recent years, numerous theoretical protocols for remote-entanglement generation have been proposed, many of which have been experimentally realized. Here, we provide a modular theoretical framework to elucidate the general mechanisms of photon-mediated entanglement generation between single spins in atomic or solid-state systems. Our framework categorizes existing protocols at various levels of abstraction and allows for combining the elements of different schemes in new ways. These abstraction layers make it possible to readily compare protocols for different quantum hardware. To enable the practical evaluation of protocols tailored to specific experimental parameters, we have devised numerical simulations based on the framework with our codes available online.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
A correction procedure for secondary scattering contributions from windows in small-angle X-ray scattering and ultra-small-angle X-ray scattering
Authors: Chèvremont William , Narayanan Theyencheri
Published: March 2024

This article describes a correction procedure for the removal of indirect background contributions to measured small-angle X-ray scattering patterns. The high scattering power of a sample in the ultra-small-angle region may serve as a secondary source for a window placed in front of the detector. The resulting secondary scattering appears as a sample-dependent background in the measured pattern that cannot be directly subtracted. This is an intricate problem in measurements at ultra-low angles, which can significantly reduce the useful dynamic range of detection. Two different procedures are presented to retrieve the real scattering profile of the sample.
Pizza Italia – Indian pizza brand in the battle of David vs Goliath
Authors: Chauhan Himanshu , Panday Priyanka , Upadhyai Raghav , Shukla Gargi Pant
Published: March 2024

Learning outcomes

This study enables one to critique the importance of adapting and innovating during challenging times to sustain and grow a business and also emphasizes the need for businesses to be flexible, resilient and willing to make necessary changes to stay relevant and thrive in dynamic and unpredictable environments.

Case overview/synopsis

In the competitive world of India’s quick-service restaurants industry, Shilpa Bhatt Bahuguna, the young entrepreneur behind “Pizza Italia,” aimed to secure the top spot in Uttarakhand. Despite facing setbacks by closing six out of the eight outlets during the COVID-19 pandemic, Bahuguna’s focus on product quality and localization had garnered word-of-mouth publicity for her brand. Now, with a limited budget for promotions, Bahuguna sought below-the-line strategies to ensure profitability and success for new outlets. Her determination to establish Pizza Italia as an indigenous brand and her plans for global expansion through franchising reflected her vision for growth and impact in the market. With her entrepreneurial spirit, Bahuguna remained poised to achieve even greater success in the future. Bahuguna aimed to leverage her product quality and word-of-mouth promotion to capture the market. She planned to expand her brand globally and open new outlets in Uttarakhand and London. However, Bahuguna was challenged to promote her brand on a limited budget, favoring “below-the-line” strategies.

Complexity academic level

This case study is appropriate for an undergraduate- or graduate-level program in marketing management.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes are available for educators only.

Subject code

CSS 11: Strategy
Redesigning and optimizing an electronic device assembly cell through lean manufacturing tools and kaizen philosophy: an application case study
Authors: Al-Rifai Mohammad Hani
Published: March 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is twofold: first, a case study on applying lean principles in manufacturing operations to redesign and optimize an electronic device assembly process and its impact on performance and second, introducing cardboard prototyping as a Kaizen tool offering a novel approach to testing and simulating improvement scenarios.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employs value stream mapping, root cause analysis, and brainstorming tools to identify root causes of poor performance, followed by deploying a Kaizen event to redesign and optimize an electronic device assembly process. Using physical models, bottlenecks and opportunities for improvement were identified by the Kaizen approach at the workstations and assembly lines, enabling the testing of various scenarios and ideas. Changes in lead times, throughput, work in process inventory and assembly performance were analyzed and documented.

Findings

Pre- and post-improvement measures are provided to demonstrate the impact of the Kaizen event on the performance of the assembly cell. The study reveals that implementing lean tools and techniques reduced costs and increased throughput by reducing assembly cycle times, manufacturing lead time, space utilization, labor overtime and work-in-process inventory requirements.

Originality/value

This paper adds a new dimension to applying the Kaizen methodology in manufacturing processes by introducing cardboard prototyping, which offers a novel way of testing and simulating different scenarios for improvement. The paper describes the process implementation in detail, including the techniques and data utilized to improve the process.
Faculty development program about the food–energy–water nexus: supporting faculty’s adoption of a curricular module and program evaluation
Authors: Mostacedo-Marasovic Silvia-Jessica , Forbes Cory T.
Published: March 2024

Purpose

A faculty development program (FDP) introduced postsecondary instructors to a module focused on the food–energy–water (FEW) nexus, a socio-hydrologic issue (SHI) and a sustainability challenge. This study aims to examine factors influencing faculty interest in adopting the instructional resources and faculty experience with the FDP, including the gains made during the FDP on their knowledge about SHIs and their self-efficacy to teach about SHIs, and highlighted characteristics of the FDP.

Design/methodology/approach

Data from n = 54 participants via pre- and post-surveys and n = 15 interviews were analyzed using mixed methods.

Findings

Findings indicate that over three quarters of participants would use the curricular resources to make connections between complex SHIs, enhance place-based learning, data analysis and interpretation and engage in evidence-based decision-making. In addition, participants’ experience with the workshop was positive; their knowledge about SHIs remained relatively constant and their self-efficacy to teach about SHIs improved by the end of the workshop. The results provide evidence of the importance of institutional support to improve instruction about the FEW nexus.

Originality/value

The module, purposefully designed, aids undergraduates in engaging with Hydroviz, a data visualization tool, to understand both human and natural dimensions of the FEW nexus. It facilitates incorporating this understanding into systematic decision-making around an authentic SHI.
Getting ahead in the social sciences: How parenthood and publishing contribute to gender gaps in academic career advancement
Authors: Nielsen Mathias Wullum , Pedersen Jens Vognstoft , Larregue Julien
Published: March 2024

How do parenthood and publishing contribute to gender gaps in academic career advancement? While extensive research examines the causes of gender disparities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) careers, we know much less about the factors that constrain women's advancement in the social sciences. Combining detailed career‐ and administrative register data on 976 Danish social scientists in Business and Management, Economics, Political Science, Psychology, and Sociology (5703 person‐years) that obtained a PhD degree between 2000 and 2015, we estimate gender differences in attainment of senior research positions and parse out how publication outputs, parenthood and parental leave contribute to these differences. Our approach is advantageous over previous longitudinal studies in that we track the careers and publication outputs of graduates from the outset of their PhD education and match this data with time‐sensitive information on each individual's publication activities and family situation. In discrete time‐event history models, we observe a ∼24 per cent female disadvantage in advancement likelihoods within the first 7 years after PhD graduation, with gender differences increasing over the observation period. A decomposition indicates that variations in publishing, parenthood and parental leave account for ∼ 40 per cent of the gender gap in career advancement, suggesting that other factors, including recruitment disparities, asymmetries in social capital and experiences of unequal treatment at work, may also constrain women's careers.
Cholinergic interneurons in the shell region of the nucleus accumbens regulate binge alcohol consumption: A chemogenetic and genetic lesion study
Authors: Sharma Rishi , Chischolm Abigail , Parikh Meet , Thakkar Mahesh
Published: March 2024

Background

Binge drinking, characterized by heavy episodic alcohol consumption, poses significant health hazards and increases the likelihood of developing an alcohol use disorder (AUD). Given the growing prevalence of this behavior and its negative consequences, there is a need to explore novel therapeutic targets. Accumulating evidence suggests that cholinergic interneurons (CIN) within the shell region of the nucleus accumbens (NAcSh) play a critical role in reward and addiction. However, their specific involvement in binge alcohol administration remains unclear. We hypothesized that CIN in the NAcSh regulates binge alcohol consumption.

Methods

To test this hypothesis, we used male ChAT‐cre mice expressing Cre‐recombinase in cholinergic neurons. We performed chemogenetic manipulation using Designer Receptor Exclusively Activated by Designer Drugs (DREADD) to examine the activity, and genetic ablation of CIN in the NAcSh to examine the amount of alcohol consumed in mice exposed to binge alcohol consumption using the 4‐Days Drinking‐in‐Dark (DID) paradigm. The impact of CIN manipulations in the NAcSh on sucrose self‐administration was used to control for taste and caloric effects. Additionally, in a separate group of mice, c‐Fos immunofluorescence was employed to verify chemogenetic activation or inhibition. Histological and immunohistochemical techniques were used to verify microinfusion sites, DREADD expression in CINs, and genetic ablation.

Results

We found that, while chemogenetic activation of CIN in the NAcSh caused a significant increase in alcohol consumption, chemogenetic inhibition or genetic ablation of CIN significantly reduced the amount of alcohol consumed without affecting sucrose self‐administration. The chemogenetic inhibition caused a significant reduction, whereas activation caused a significant increase, in the number of c‐Fos‐labeled CIN in the NAcSh.

Conclusions

Our findings highlight the crucial involvement of CIN in the NAcSh in modulating binge alcohol consumption, suggesting that targeting these neurons could serve to modify alcohol‐related behaviors.
Patients' values and preferences for health states in allergic rhinitis—An artificial intelligence supported systematic review
Authors: Brozek Jan , Borowiack Ewa , Sadowska Ewelina , Nowak Artur , Sousa‐Pinto Bernardo , Vieira Rafael José , Bognanni Antonio , Yepes Nuñez Juan Jose , Zhang Yuan , Zuberbier Torsten , Bousquet Jean , Schünemann Holger J.
Published: March 2024

Background

Allergic rhinitis (AR) impacts patients' physical and emotional well‐being. Assessing patients' values and preferences (V&P) related to AR is an essential part of patient‐centered care and of the guideline development process. We aimed to systematically summarize the information about patients' V&P on AR and its symptoms and impact on daily life.

Methods

We conducted systematic review in a MEDLINE, Embase, PsychInfo, and CINAHL databases. We included studies which quantitatively assessed patients' V&P for specific outcomes in AR by assessing utilities, applying discrete choice approaches, or rating and ranking outcomes. We grouped outcomes as AR symptoms, functional status, and care‐related patient experience. Study selection and data extraction were supported by the Laser AI tool. We rated the certainty of evidence (CoE) using the GRADE approach.

Results

Thirty‐six studies (41 records) were included: nine utility studies, seven direct‐choice studies and 21 studies of rating or ranking outcomes. Utilities were lower with increased AR severity and with the concomitant presence of asthma, but not with whether AR was seasonal or perennial (CoE = low–high). Patients rated AR symptom‐related outcomes as more important than those related to care‐related patient experience and functional status (CoE = very low–moderate). Nasal symptoms (mainly nasal congestion) followed by breathing disorders, general and ocular symptoms were rated as the symptoms with the highest impact.

Conclusions

This systematic review provides a comprehensive overview of V&P of patients with AR. Patients generally considered nasal symptoms as the most important. Future studies with standardized methods are needed to provide more information on V&P in AR.
Ruxolitinib: A new hope for ventilator‐induced diaphragm dysfunction
Authors: Addinsall Alex B. , Cacciani Nicola , Moruzzi Noah , Akkad Hazem , Maestri Alice , Berggren Per‐Olof , Widgren Anna , Bergquist Jonas , Tchkonia Tamara , Kirkland James L. , Larsson Lars
Published: March 2024

Aim

Mechanical ventilation (MV) results in diminished diaphragm size and strength, termed ventilator‐induced diaphragm dysfunction (VIDD). VID increases dependence, prolongs weaning, and increases discharge mortality rates. The Janus kinase (JAK)/Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription (STAT) pathway is implicated in VIDD, upregulated following MV. JAK/STAT inhibition alleviates chronic muscle wasting conditions. This study aimed to explore the therapeutic potential of Ruxolitinib, an FDA approved JAK1/2 inhibitor (JI) for the treatment of VIDD.

Methods

Rats were subjected to 5 days controlled MV (CMV) with and without daily Ruxolitinib gavage. Muscle fiber size and function were assessed. RNAseq, mitochondrial morphology, respirometry, and mass spectrometry were determined.

Results

CMV significantly reduced diaphragm size and specific force by 45% (p < 0.01), associated with a two‐fold P‐STAT3 upregulation (p < 0.001). CMV disrupted mitochondrial content and reduced the oxygen consumption rate (p < 0.01). Expression of the motor protein myosin was unaffected, however CMV alters myosin function via post‐translational modifications (PTMs). Daily administration of JI increased animal survival (40% vs. 87%; p < 0.05), restricted P‐STAT3 (p < 0.001), and preserved diaphragm size and specific force. JI was associated with preserved mitochondrial content and respiratory function (p < 0.01), and the reversal or augmentation of myosin deamidation PTMs of the rod and head region.

Conclusion

JI preserved diaphragm function, leading to increased survival in an experimental model of VIDD. Functional enhancement was associated with maintenance of mitochondrial content and respiration and the reversal of ventilator‐induced PTMs of myosin. These results demonstrate the potential of repurposing Ruxolitinib for treatment of VIDD.
Pervasive and pernicious underestimation of Asian Americans' support for affirmative action
Authors: Alt Nicholas P. , Goh Jin X.
Published: March 2024

Polling data show that 69% of Asian American voters favor affirmative action. However, Asian Americans were featured prominently by the organization Students for Fair Admissions, which played a central role in the Supreme Court's decision to overturn affirmative action. This may distort people's estimates of Asian Americans’ support for affirmative action. Two studies (N = 695) found that people, even Asian Americans, underestimated Asian Americans’ support for affirmative action. Three follow‐up studies (N = 1,625), where we manipulated perceived Asian Americans’ support for affirmative action or the Supreme Court's decision, found no evidence that such information affected White people's support for affirmative action. In Study 6 (N = 365), however, we found that Asian Americans were more likely to agree with the Supreme Court's decision to overturn affirmative action when they saw that a majority of Asian Americans supported the court ruling (relative to a control condition in which no information was presented). This suggests that the widespread misperception of Asian Americans’ support for affirmative action and their central role in the Supreme Court cases may ultimately create a self‐fulfilling prophecy that could shift individual Asian Americans’ own attitude about affirmative action.
Application of prime editing system to introduce TP53 R248Q hotspot mutation in acute lymphoblastic leukemia cell line
Authors: Nguyen Thao , Aida Tomomi , Iijima‐Yamashita Yuka , Tamai Minori , Nagamachi Akiko , Kagami Keiko , Komatsu Chiaki , Kasai Shin , Akahane Koshi , Goi Kumiko , Inaba Toshiya , Sanada Masashi , Inukai Takeshi
Published: March 2024

In childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), TP53 gene mutation is associated with chemoresistance in a certain population of relapsed cases. To directly verify the association of TP53 gene mutation with chemoresistance of relapsed childhood ALL cases and improve their prognosis, the development of appropriate human leukemia models having TP53 mutation in the intrinsic gene is required. Here, we sought to introduce R248Q hotspot mutation into the intrinsic TP53 gene in an ALL cell line, 697, by applying a prime editing (PE) system, which is a versatile genome editing technology. The PE2 system uses an artificial fusion of nickase Cas9 and reverse‐transcriptase to directly place new genetic information into a target site through a reverse transcriptase template in the prime editing guide RNA (pegRNA). Moreover, in the advanced PE3b system, single guide RNA (sgRNA) matching the edited sequence is also introduced to improve editing efficiency. The initially obtained MDM2 inhibitor‐resistant PE3b‐transfected subline revealed disrupted p53 transactivation activity, reduced p53 target gene expression, and acquired resistance to chemotherapeutic agents and irradiation. Although the majority of the subline acquired the designed R248Q and adjacent silent mutations, the insertion of the palindromic sequence in the scaffold hairpin structure of pegRNA and the overlap of the original genomic DNA sequence were frequently observed. Targeted next‐generation sequencing reconfirmed frequent edit errors in both PE2 and PE3b‐transfected 697 cells, and it revealed frequent successful edits in HEK293T cells. These observations suggest a requirement for further modification of the PE2 and PE3b systems for accurate editing in leukemic cells.
Comparison of fluid and body composition measures in women with lipoedema, lymphoedema, and control participants
Authors: Stellmaker Rhiannon , Thompson Belinda , Mackie Helen , Koelmeyer Louise
Published: March 2024

Lipoedema is the disproportionate accumulation of adipose tissue in the lower body, often associated with hormonal changes in women. Lipoedema is commonly misdiagnosed as lymphoedema or obesity due to similarities in appearance. The aim of this study is to compare body composition and fluid measures of women with lipoedema, lymphoedema, and matched control participants, to determine differences that may help distinguish between each condition. One hundred and eleven participants aged over 18, who presented with the complaint of leg swelling and underwent indocyanine green lymphography were included in this study. Our analysis showed that the individuals with lymphoedema had a significantly higher overall total body water (lymphoedema: 9.6 ± 4.2 L, lipoedema: 7.4 ± 2.3 L, control: 7.5 ± 1.8 L; p < .001) and extracellular fluid (lymphoedema: 4.6 ± 1.6, lipoedema: 3.4 ± 1.0 L, control: 3.5 ± 0.7 L; p < .001) in the legs when compared to individuals with lipoedema and matched control participants. Individuals with lipoedema had a significantly higher overall fat mass as a percentage of body weight when compared to individuals with lymphoedema (lymphoedema: 33.1% ± 9.5%, lipoedema: 39.4% ± 6.5%; p = .003). We are unable to distinguish between individuals with lipoedema and control participants, therefore further research needs to be conducted to help reduce misdiagnosis.
The burden of prenatal and early life maternal substance use among children at risk of maltreatment: A systematic review
Authors: Powell Madeleine , Pilkington Rhiannon , Varney Bianca , Havard Alys , Lynch John , Dobbins Timothy , Oei Ju Lee , Ahmed Tasnia , Falster Kathleen
Published: March 2024

Issues

Although maternal substance use is a known risk factor for child maltreatment, evidence on the scale of substance use is needed to inform prevention responses. This systematic review synthesised prevalence estimates of maternal substance use during pregnancy and early life among children at risk of maltreatment. Ovid, Pubmed, CINAHL, PsychInfo and ProQuest databases were searched. We included observational studies that sampled children at risk of maltreatment in high‐income countries and reported information on maternal substance use during pregnancy and/or the child's first year of life. We extracted study characteristics and data to calculate prevalence, assessed risk of bias and conducted a narrative synthesis; there were insufficient comparable populations or outcomes to quantitatively synthesise results.

Key Findings

Thirty five of 14,084 titles were included. Fifteen studies had adequately sized and representative samples to estimate prevalence. Maternal substance use prevalence ranged from 2.4% to 40.6%. Maternal substance use was highest among infants referred to child protection at birth (40.6%) and children in out‐of‐home care (10.4% to 37.2%). Prevalence was higher when studies defined substance use more broadly and when maternal substance use was ascertained from both child and mother records.

Implications

Supportive, coordinated responses to maternal substance use are needed from health and child protection services, spanning alcohol and other drug treatment, antenatal and postnatal care.

Conclusions

Prenatal and early life maternal substance use is common among child maltreatment populations, particularly among younger children and those with more serious maltreatment.