bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The association of socioeconomic status with semen parameters in a cohort of men in the United States
Authors: Badreddine Jad , Sellke Nicholas , Rhodes Stephen , Thirumavalavan Nannan , Abou Ghayda Ramy
Published: March 2024

Background

Socioeconomic differences are present within the population of men who experience infertility and seek treatment.

Objective

To study the association of socioeconomic status with semen parameters in a group of men using mail‐in semen analyses.

Materials and methods

The records of 11,134 men that used mail‐in semen analyses from a fertility company were identified. Their demographic information, semen parameters, and ZIP codes were collected. Area deprivation index (ADI) was used as a proxy for socioeconomic status and was calculated for each individual using their ZIP codes in order to measure their level of socioeconomic deprivation. A higher ADI signifies a more deprived area. The association between ADI and the semen parameters of this group was measured using linear regression analysis adjusted for age.

Results

11,134 men were included in the study with a median age of 35 years (interquartile range (IQR): 32–40) and a median ADI of 83 (IQR: 68–97). The cohort had a median sperm concentration of 31 million/mL (IQR: 14–59), median total sperm count of 123 million (IQR: 57–224), median total motile sperm of 35 million (IQR: 9–95), median total motility of 32% (IQR: 15–52), progressive motility of 22% (IQR: 9–38), and morphology percent normal of 4% (IQR: 2–7). Higher ADI, indicating lower socioeconomic status, was negatively associated with various semen parameters, including sperm concentration, total sperm count, total motile sperm, and total and progressive motility.

Discussion and conclusion

Men who live in more deprived areas are more likely to have worse semen parameters. Further research is needed to thoroughly examine the impact of socioeconomic status on male fertility. A comprehensive approach that targets upstream social, economic, and healthcare factors can possibly alleviate the negative association of socioeconomic status with fertility and semen parameters.
Role of Qufeng Tongqiao Prescription in the protection of cerebral ischemia and associated molecular network mechanism
Authors: Bai Xue , Wang Shen , Li Na , Xu Min , Chen Ji‐Lin , Qian Yan‐Ping , Wang Ting‐Hua
Published: March 2024

To explore the of Qufeng Tongqiao Prescription in the treatment of cerebral ischemia–reperfusion (CIR) and associated molecular network mechanism. Venny diagram, gene ontology (GO) and kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) analysis, protein–protein interaction (PPI), hub genes mining, molecular docking, combined with animal experiments and Nissl stain were performed to determine the molecular network mechanism of Qufeng Tongqiao Prescription for CIR treatment. Fifty three intersecting genes between Qufeng Tongqiao Prescription and cerebral ischemia reperfusion were acquired from Venny analysis. GO analysis showed that the main biological process (BP) was response to lipopolysaccharide, and the main cell localization (CC) process was membrane raft, while the most important molecular function (MF) process is Cytokine receptor binding. Moreover, AGE‐RAGE signaling pathway in diabetic complications is the most important signaling pathway in KEGG pathway. Through molecular docking, it was found that Astragalus membranaceus was docked with MAPK14, IL4, FOS, IL6, and JUN; pueraria membranaceus was directly docked with JUN and IL4; Acorus acorus was linked to JUN and MAPK14; Ganoderma ganoderma and human were involved in JUN docking, and Ligusticum chuanqi and pueraria could not be docked with MAPK14, respectively. The results of animal experiments showed that Qufeng Tongqiao Prescription significantly improved behavioral performance and reduced the number of neuronal deaths in rats subjected to CIR, and molecular mechanisms are associated with FOS, IL‐6, IL4, JUN, and MAPK14, of there, IL‐6, as a vital candidator, which has been confirmed by immunostaining detection. Together, Qufeng Tongqiao Prescription has positive therapeutic effect on CIR, and the underlying mechanism is involved MAPK14, FOS, IL4, and JUN network, while IL‐6 may be as a vital target.
How motivation restricts the scalability of universal school‐based mindfulness interventions for adolescents
Authors: Galla Brian
Published: March 2024

In this article, I argue that the scalability and effectiveness of universal school‐based mindfulness interventions for adolescents will always be limited by the high motivational commitment required to meditate. Mindfulness interventions rely on a single and demanding health behavior—namely, meditation—to cultivate mindfulness skills. But unlike traditional mindfulness interventions delivered in clinics to self‐selected adults who are motivated to manage personal problems through meditation, universal school‐based mindfulness interventions are delivered to all adolescents regardless of their desire to meditate. I review evidence from multiple randomized controlled trials of universal school‐based mindfulness interventions to show that adolescents consistently report low levels of engagement in meditation and that many interventions have failed to improve adolescents' mental health. I propose that universal mindfulness interventions eliminate meditation entirely and focus on instilling contemplative viewpoints conducive to flourishing, and that the skill of mindfulness is taught only to adolescents who want to meditate.
Serotonergic neurotransmission mediated cognitive dysfunction in two mouse models of sepsis‐associated encephalopathy
Authors: Zhang Chen , Tian Fafa , Peng Jing , Wang Xia , Li Jingchen , Zhang Lina , Tan Zheren
Published: March 2024

Background

Patients with sepsis‐associated encephalopathy (SAE) often exhibit cognitive impairments. Despite this, the underlying mechanisms of SAE remain largely unexplored. Here, we explored the role of serotonergic neurotransmission in cognitive dysfunction of two mouse models of SAE.

Methods

The mouse models of SAE were established by injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 10 mg/kg, intraperitoneal) and cecal ligation puncture (CLP) respectively. Barnes maze, new object recognition test and open field test were used to evaluate the effects of fluoxetine (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) and cyproheptadine (nonselective 5‐HT2 receptor antagonist) on cognition and motor activity of mice. Additionally, WAY100635 (5‐HT1A receptor antagonist) was co‐administered with fluoxetine to explore the mechanism underlying effect of fluoxetine on cognitive impairments of SAE. Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was performed to determine 5‐HT levels in hippocampus, brainstem and frontal lobe of experimental groups.

Results

Both LPS‐induced sepsis and CLP induced sepsis resulted in a notable learning deficit. Fluoxetine ameliorated, while cyproheptadine aggravated, cognitive impairment in two classic mouse models of SAE. The cognition‐enhancing effect of fluoxetine is reversed by WAY100635. Decreased 5‐HT levels in hippocampus, brainstem and frontal lobe were observed in LPS septic model and CLP septic model. Notably, both fluoxetine and cyproheptadine significantly increased 5‐HT levels in those brain regions in LPS septic model. Additionally, fluoxetine significantly increased 5‐HT levels in frontal lobe of CLP septic model.

Conclusions

Our study demonstrated that serotonergic neurotransmission plays a significant role in mechanisms underlying cognitive impairment in SAE. These findings contribute to identification of novel targets to prevent and arrest cognitive impairment in SAE.
Adenoma characteristics in the English Bowel Cancer Screening Programme
Authors: Majumdar Debasis , Bevan Roisin , Essam Mahmoud , Nickerson Claire , Hungin Pali , Bramble Mike , Rutter Matthew D.
Published: March 2024

Aim

The English Bowel Cancer Screening Programme detects colorectal cancers and premalignant polyps in a faecal occult blood test‐positive population. The aim of this work is to describe the detection rates and characteristics of adenomas within the programme, identify predictive factors influencing the presence or absence of carcinoma within adenomas and identify the factors predicting the presence of advanced colonic neoplasia in different colon segments.

Method

The Bowel Cancer Screening System was retrospectively searched for polyps detected during colonoscopies between June 2006 and June 2012, at which time a guaiac test was being used. Data on size, location and histological features were collected, and described. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to determine the significant factors influencing the development of carcinoma within an adenoma.

Results

A total of 229 419 polyps were identified; after exclusions 136 973 adenomas from 58 334 patients were evaluated. Over half were in the rectum or sigmoid colon. Subcentimetre adenomas accounted for 69.8% of the total. The proportion of adenomas containing advanced histological features increased with increasing adenoma size up to 35 mm, then plateaued. A focus of carcinoma was found in 2282 (1.7%) adenomas, of which 95.6% were located distally. Carcinoma was identified even in diminutive adenomas (0.1%). The proportion of adenomas containing cancer was significantly higher in women than men (2.0% vs. 1.5%, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

This national, prospectively captured dataset adds robust information about histological features of adenomas that convey an increased risk for colorectal cancer, and identifies caecal adenomas, high‐grade dysplasia, increasing adenoma size, distal location and female sex as independent risk factors associated with carcinoma.
Ground‐dwelling mammal and bird diversity in the southern Annamites: Exploring complex habitat associations and the ghost of past hunting pressure
Authors: Nguyen An , Tilker Andrew , Le Duy , Niedballa Jürgen , Pflumm Luisa , Pham Xuan Hoan , Le Van Son , Luu Hong Truong , Tran Van Bang , Kramer‐Schadt Stephanie , Sollmann Rahel , Wilting Andreas
Published: March 2024

The Langbian Plateau, a biodiversity hotspot in the southern Annamites of Viet Nam, has undergone extensive hunting pressure. However, the limited information on the effects of overexploitation on the current status and community composition of wildlife hinders effective conservation efforts, including the implementation of targeted patrols to reduce snaring. In this study, we conducted a camera‐trapping survey across the Langbian Plateau, consisting of a broadleaf evergreen and coniferous habitat mosaic. We recorded 46 ground‐dwelling mammals and birds, including several threatened Annamite endemics. Using multi‐species Royle‐Nichols model and landscape covariates, we found higher richness in broadleaf evergreen forest located in more remote and less rugged areas. We then used species responses to covariates to predict species distribution and identify high‐priority areas for conservation. Furthermore, we constructed diversity profiles that indicated higher biodiversity in broadleaf evergreen forest compared to the coniferous forest. Finally, we used a dissimilarity index to assess the level of defaunation, revealing 16% of the community had been lost, with higher levels of defaunation for threatened and larger‐sized species. Our findings provide insights into the status, distribution, and occurrence of the ground‐dwelling mammal and bird communities in the Langbian Plateau, and can help stakeholders design more effective conservation strategies to protect existing populations.
The strength of density dependence on body size of young‐of‐the‐year masu salmon, Oncorhynchus masou, varies over ontogeny in Horokashubuto stream, Hokkaido, northern Japan
Authors: Hasegawa Koh , Okado Jumpei , Sahashi Genki , Fukui Sho , Ogura Yuhei , Ohkuma Kazumasa
Published: March 2024

The relationships between body size and density of salmonids in natural streams have been well studied, and density‐dependent growth (somatic growth) is interpreted as the principal mechanism responsible for the relationship. Moreover, the body size–density relationship is known to vary over ontogeny. However, the relationship has been studied mostly by experimental procedures (e.g. stocking fish into streams), and knowledge about the relationship in natural populations (e.g. no human‐induced input of fish) is still inadequate. In this study, we compared the relationships between body size and density of young‐of‐the‐year (YOY) masu salmon, Oncorhynchus masou, between different ontogenetic stages, that is, fry (spring) and juveniles (autumn). We used the monitoring data of YOY body sizes and densities across three study sites collected from Horokashubuto stream in Hokkaido, northern Japan, from 2014 to 2022. In the juvenile stage, YOY body size correlated negatively with increasing density. This pattern is typical of the density dependence of salmonid growth demonstrated in many previous studies. In the fry stage, however, YOY body size correlated positively with increasing density. This study suggested that the patterns of density dependence vary as functions of the ontogenetic stages of salmonids.
Justifications for the study of computers on the curriculum: Neo‐vocational ideology veiled in progressive educational discourse
Authors: McGarr Oliver , Engen Bård Ketil
Published: March 2024

Interest in the study of computer technology in schools (often in the form of Computer Science subjects or coding initiatives) is seen to have undergone two waves of interest, one in the late 1970s/early 1980s and the other more recently since about 2010. Through a historical exploration of the rationales for the study of computer technology in schools in both the first wave and the second wave, this paper aimed to explore the various curriculum ideologies underpinning their justification. In doing so, the paper highlights the chameleon‐like nature of this change agenda in aligning with contemporary trends to advance the study of computer technology on the curriculum. The paper argues that current manifestations of the study of computer technology in schools are at odds with broader curriculum reform goals and international policies and raises questions about students' access to such knowledge.
Does the European Court of Justice induce societal change? The record so far—with a green future in mind
Authors: de Waele Henri
Published: March 2024

Over the seven decades of its existence, the European Court of Justice (ECJ) has performed well as a conflict‐solving institution. From the existing literature, it becomes less clear however to what extent it served as an effective agent for societal change. Obtaining clarity on this issue seems imperative in the current day and age, considering the gargantuan challenges of accelerating climate change and environmental degradation: if the ECJ generally manages to ‘deliver’, at least some further progress could realistically be expected on this front also. The present article conducts an examination reviewing the experiences in the green domain from a comparative perspective, seeking to discern possible patterns and draw common inferences. Thus, it aims to expose how and when judges prove successful in recalibrating the conduct or opinions of real people in actual practice. Those insights may well inform future progress in different fields—the ecological as much as anywhere.
Producing international students: Migration management and the making of population categories
Authors: Cranston Sophie , Esson James
Published: March 2024

International student mobilities (ISM) is an important but increasingly complex and controversial topic. Politically, the contested nature of international student mobilities is driven by the confluence of immigration policies, increasing demand for global education, and new higher education funding imperatives. Academically, international student mobilities is a key field of study which intersects with three subdisciplines of geography: political, population and social. Our intervention reveals, for the first time, how current UK migration management policies are actively ‘producing’ the international student as a population category. We illustrate the effects of this production through its operationalisation into universities and everyday student lives. We achieve this by developing an analytical framework informed by theorisations of ‘dynamic nominalism’, which is complemented by data from semi‐structured interviews and policy documents. Our findings uncover the existence of multiple populations within the international student category, exposing the inherent complexities, hierarchies of privilege and contradictions therein. Notably, we identify a conceptual and empirical distinction between those produced as ‘international students’ based on their visa, and those produced as ‘international students’ via their tuition fee status. The implications of this intervention are important for the contentious landscape of higher education and immigration policy because the paper challenges assumptions about, and raises ethical questions regarding the treatment of, the ‘international student’. Our analytical framework also has wider applicability beyond the subject of ISM, through its potential to aid geographers, and those in cognate disciplines, concerned with addressing fundamental questions about how and why categories are produced and the consequences of this production.
Pros and cons of artificial intelligence implementation in diagnostic pathology
Authors: van Diest Paul J , Flach Rachel N , van Dooijeweert Carmen , Makineli Seher , Breimer Gerben E , Stathonikos Nikolas , Pham Paul , Nguyen Tri Q , Veta Mitko
Published: March 2024

The rapid introduction of digital pathology has greatly facilitated development of artificial intelligence (AI) models in pathology that have shown great promise in assisting morphological diagnostics and quantitation of therapeutic targets. We are now at a tipping point where companies have started to bring algorithms to the market, and questions arise whether the pathology community is ready to implement AI in routine workflow. However, concerns also arise about the use of AI in pathology. This article reviews the pros and cons of introducing AI in diagnostic pathology.
Experiences with health care services and HIV testing after sexual assault in cisgender gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men and transgender people
Authors: Palich Romain , Rodger Alison J. , Nicholls Emily Jay , Wright Talen , Samba Phil , Chu Isaac Yen‐Hao , Burns Fiona M. , Weatherburn Peter , Trevelion Roy , McCabe Leanne , Witzel T. Charles
Published: March 2024

Objectives

This qualitative sub‐study aimed to explore how cisgender gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (cis‐GBMSM) and transgender people who reported non‐consensual sex (NCS) accessed health care services, what barriers they faced, and how this experience influenced subsequent HIV testing.

Methods

SELPHI is an online randomized controlled trial evaluating both acceptability and efficiency of HIV‐self testing among cis‐GBMSM and transgender people. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted, audio‐recorded, transcribed, and analysed through a framework analysis, as a qualitative sub‐study. We identified narratives of NCS from interviews and investigated experiences of cis‐GBMSM and transgender people accessing health care services following sexual assault.

Results

Of 95 participants, 15 (16%) spontaneously reported NCS. Participants reported a broad range of NCS, including partner's coercive behaviours, non‐consensual removal of condoms, and rapes. All feared HIV transmission, leading them to test for HIV, underlining a marked lack of awareness of post‐exposure prophylaxis (PEP). Most had negative experiences in communicating with reception staff in sexual health clinics following these incidents. A lack of confidentiality and empathy was described in these situations of psychological distress. Clinic visits were primarily focused on testing for HIV and sexually transmitted infection, and generally no specific psychological support was offered. Getting a negative HIV result was a key step in regaining control for people who experienced NCS.

Conclusions

Sexual health care providers should take care to more fully address the issue of NCS with cis‐GBMSM and transgender people when it arises. Recognizing and managing the emotional impact of NCS on affected patients would prevent negative experiences and increase confidence in care.
ASSET DIVERSIFICATION VERSUS CLIMATE ACTION
Authors: Hambel Christoph , Kraft Holger , van der Ploeg Frederick
Published: March 2024

Asset pricing and climate policy are analyzed in a global economy where consumption goods are produced by both a green and a carbon‐intensive sector. Given that the economy is initially heavily dependent on carbon‐intensive capital, the desire to diversify assets complements the attempt to mitigate economic damages from climate change. In the longer run, however, a trade‐off between diversification and climate action emerges. We derive the optimal carbon price and the equilibrium risk‐free rate, and risk premia. Climate disasters significantly decrease the risk‐free rate but increase risk premia on financial assets, especially if no climate policy is implemented.
RETRACTED: Safety climate, quality of care, adherence to and compliance with standard precautions among nurses: Structural equation modeling
Authors: Berdida Daniel Joseph E. , Grande Rizal Angelo N. , Alshammari Mohammed Hamdan
Published: March 2024

Aims

The aim was to investigate the interrelationships of nurses’ safety climate, quality of care, and adherence to and compliance with standard precautions (SPs).

Background

Investigations about nurses’ safety climate and quality care and their association with adherence to and compliance with SPs remain remarkably scant across literature, specifically among developing countries like the Philippines.

Design

Cross‐sectional design and structural equation modeling (SEM) approach while complying with STROBE guidelines.

Methods

Participant nurses were recruited using convenience sampling (n = 870). Four validated self‐report instruments were used to collect data from February to August 2022. Spearman rho, SEM, mediation, and path analyses were employed for data analysis.

Results

The emerging model showed acceptable model fit parameters. The safety climate positively influenced the quality of care and adherence to and compliance with SPs. Quality of care directly affected adherence to SPs, while adherence to SPs directly affected compliance with SPs. The quality of care mediated the relationship between safety climate and adherence to SPs. Whereas adherence to SPs mediated the relationships between safety climate and compliance with SPs and the quality of care and compliance with SPs.

Conclusions

Nurses’ safety climate directly affected the quality of care and SPs adherence and compliance. The quality of care mediated the impact of safety climate on SPs adherence. Finally, SPs adherence demonstrated a mediating effect among quality of care, safety climate, and SPs compliance.

Implications for nursing policy and practice

Nursing policymakers and administrators can use the findings to design strategic policies and sustainable in‐service educational courses fostering and maintaining nurses' safety climate, quality of care, and SPs adherence and compliance.
Synthesis of high entropy monoboride (Mo0.25W0.25Cr0.25Ta0.25)B powders with abundant twins from oxides
Authors: Li Lin , Qiu Shuaihang , Zou Ji , Liu Jingjing , Ji Wei , Wang Weimin , Fu Zhengyi
Published: March 2024

High entropy monoborides powders are mainly prepared from metal and boron powders which can be costly. In this study, a novel approach starting from mixed oxides, boron carbide, and graphite was first developed to synthesize quaternary monoboride powders by combining multiple boro/carbothermal reductions (MBCTR). As an exemplar, (Mo0.25W0.25Cr0.25Ta0.25)B powders with purity up to 94.3 wt.% were successfully synthesized by heating the mixtures in vacuum at 1650°C for three times, as‐synthesized powders exhibit fine particle size (<1 µm) and uniform elemental distribution. MBCTR not only increased the purity of monoborides but resulted in abundant twins and stacking faults in the final powders. This work has proposed a new and low‐cost strategy of synthesizing high‐purity and fine monoboride powders.
The EU's Geoeconomic Turn: From Policy Laggard to Institutional Innovator
Authors: Bauerle Danzman Sarah , Meunier Sophie
Published: March 2024

Heightened geopolitical tensions and the growing securitization of economic exchange over the past decade have prompted many countries to adopt new geoeconomic tools. Long resistant to this geoeconomic turn, the European Union (EU) has since 2017 created a panoply of innovative policy tools that blend trade and investment with essential security concerns. This article asks why and how the EU has been able to operate the doctrinal and policy changes necessary to put economic tools at the service of geopolitics. After introducing a typology of the defensive and offensive geoeconomic tools deployed by advanced industrial economies, we present the novel geoeconomic toolkit quickly assembled by the EU, which we explain by the confluence of external factors that triggered European leaders' beliefs that change was necessary and internal factors that made such change institutionally and politically possible, a trend reinforced by the pandemic and the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Editorial Perspective: The paradox of precision health in early development – building large samples to yield individual‐level measures
Authors: Johnson Mark H. , Fearon Pasco , Pickles Andrew , Jones Emily J.H.
Published: March 2024

Precision health refers to the use of individualised biomarkers or predictive models to provide more tailored information about an individual's likely prognosis. For child psychiatry and psychology, we argue that this approach requires a focus on neurocognitive measures collected in early life and at large scale. However, the large sample sizes necessary to uncover individual‐level predictors are currently rare in studies of neurodevelopmental conditions in early childhood. We recommend two strategies going forward: first, including neurocognitive measures in new national cohort studies, and second, synergising measures and data across currently funded longitudinal studies.
The chloroplast and mitochondrial genomes of two Gomphonema parvulum (Bacillariophyta) environmental isolates from South Carolina (United States) and Virginia (United States)
Authors: Cahoon A. Bruce , Johnson Katherine M. , Brown Sydney M. , Manoylov Kalina M. , Nienow James A.
Published: March 2024

Gomphonema parvulum is a cosmopolitan freshwater diatom that is used as an indicator in water quality biomonitoring. In this study, we report the culturing of two geographically separated isolates from southeastern North America, their morphology, and the sequencing and assembly of their mitochondrial and chloroplast genomes. Morphologically, both strains fit G. parvulum sensu lato, but the frustules from a protected habitat in South Carolina were smaller than those cited in the historic data of this species from the same location as well as a second culture from Virginia. Phylogenetic analyses using the rbcL gene placed both within a clade with G. parvulum. Genetic markers, including full chloroplast and mitochondrial genomes and the nuclear small subunit rRNA gene region were assembled from each isolate. The organellar genomes of the two strains varied slightly in size due to small differences in intergenic regions with chloroplast genomes of 121,035 bp and 121,482 bp and mitochondrial genomes of 34,639 bp and 34,654 bp. The intraspecific pairwise identities of the chloroplast and mitochondrial genomes of these two isolates were 97.9% and 95.4%, respectively. Multigene phylogenetic analysis demonstrated a close relationship between G. parvulum, Gomphoneis minuta, and Didymosphenia geminata.
Long‐term oncological results of percutaneous radiofrequency ablation for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Alitti Clémentine , Rode Agnès , Trillaud Hervé , Merle Philippe , Blanc Jean‐Frédéric , Blaise Lorraine , Demory Alix , Nkontchou Gisele , Grando Véronique , Ziol Marianne , Nahon Pierre , Ganne‐Carrié Nathalie , Petit Arthur , Seror Olivier , Sutter Olivier , Nault Jean‐Charles
Published: March 2024

Introduction

The effectiveness of percutaneous radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinomas (iCCA) remains insufficiently studied.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective study including patients with histologically proven iCCA within Milan criteria treated by percutaneous RFA from 2000 to 2022. The primary outcome was overall survival in treatment‐naive patients and secondary outcomes included ablation completeness, adverse events, local and distant recurrence. A total of 494 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) on cirrhosis treated by RFA were included as a comparison group. Oncological events were analysed using Kaplan–Meier, log‐rank and univariate/multivariate Cox models.

Results

The main population included 71 patients, mostly cirrhotic (80%) with solitary tumours (66%) of a median size of 24 mm. Local recurrence was 45% at 5 years, lower in multibipolar versus monopolar RFA (22% vs. 55%, p = .007). In treatment‐naive patients (n = 45), median overall and recurrence‐free survivals were 26 and 11 months, respectively. Tumour size (p = .01) and Child‐Pugh B (p = .001) were associated with death. The rate of distant recurrence was 59% at 5 years significantly lower for single tumours of less than 2 (p = .002) or 3 cm (p = .02). In cirrhotic patients naïve of previous treatment (n = 40), overall survival was shorter than in HCC (26 vs 68 months, p < .0001), with more local recurrences (p < .0001). Among distant recurrences, 50% were extrahepatic metastases compared to 12% in HCC (p < .001).

Conclusion

Multibipolar RFA provides better results in terms of tumour recurrence than monopolar RFA and could be used to treat small iCCA (<3 cm). Adjuvant chemotherapy should be discussed due to the frequent extra‐hepatic metastasis at recurrence.
The Evolution of the Gulf: History and Theories Of a Complex Subregional System
Authors: Hanau Santini Ruth , Wulzer Paolo
Published: March 2024

This article explores the relationship between international‐relations theories and Cold War and post‐Cold War historical dynamics in the Middle East, in particular the Gulf. It first identifies the theoretical approaches that have been applied or that have failed to be applied to the region's changing geopolitics, then delves into Cold War history and its impact on the Middle East and the Gulf by examining the crucial changes to the Gulf security system sparked by developments in the 1970s and the Iran‐Iraq War of 1980–1988. The article next investigates the extent to which the interplay of post‐Cold War regional conflicts and key events, from the Iraq wars of 1991 and 2003 to the Arab Spring, have impacted the Gulf subregional system. The final part scrutinizes the shifting intra‐ and extraregional Gulf politics and how theoretically informed approaches inspired by international political economy can accommodate these geopolitical changes. The article is part of a special issue examining the responses of Gulf countries to rising Sino‐American competition, edited by Andrea Ghiselli, Anoushiravan Ehteshami, and Enrico Fardella.
Alethic modality is deontic
Authors: Wu Qiong
Published: March 2024

According to one view of alethic modality, alethic modality is deontic modality with respect to thoughts or language. To say that something is necessary is to prescribe norms on how we must think or use language. This view has been argued to have many philosophical advantages over the traditional view that takes alethic modality to describe things in the world. In this article, I argue that the deontic view also enjoys a wide range of empirical support from linguistics and psychology.
Deciding Under a Description
Authors: Heeney Matthew
Published: March 2024

I issue a challenge for the view that deciding‐to‐A is rendered intentional by an intention or other pro‐attitude towards deciding. Either such an attitude cannot rationalize my deciding specifically to A for a reason I take to support doing A, or, fixing for this, cannot accommodate deciding without entertaining alternatives. If successful, the argument motivates the search for an account that does not source the intentionality of deciding in a rationalizing pro‐attitude.
Harnessing weedy rice as functional food and source of novel traits for crop improvement
Authors: Bhupenchandra Ingudam , Chongtham Sunil Kumar , Gangarani Devi Ayam , Dutta Pranab , Lamalakshmi Elangbam , Mohanty Sansuta , Choudhary Anil K. , Das Anup , Sarika Konsam , Kumar Sumit , Yumnam Sonika , Sagolsem Diana , Rupert Anand Y. , Bhutia Dawa Dolma , Victoria M. , Vinodh S. , Tania Chongtham , Dhanachandra Sharma Adhikarimayum , Deb Lipa , Sahoo Manas Ranjan , Seth Chandra Shekhar , Swapnil Prashant , Meena Mukesh
Published: March 2024

A relative of cultivated rice (Oryza sativa L.), weedy or red rice (Oryza spp.) is currently recognized as the dominant weed, leading to a drastic loss of yield of cultivated rice due to its highly competitive abilities like producing more tillers, panicles, and biomass with better nutrient uptake. Due to its high nutritional value, antioxidant properties (anthocyanin and proanthocyanin), and nutrient absorption ability, weedy rice is gaining immense research attentions to understand its genetic constitution to augment future breeding strategies and to develop nutrition‐rich functional foods. Consequently, this review focuses on the unique gene source of weedy rice to enhance the cultivated rice for its crucial features like water use efficiency, abiotic and biotic stress tolerance, early flowering, and the red pericarp of the seed. It explores the debating issues on the origin and evolution of weedy rice, including its high diversity, signalling aspects, quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping under stress conditions, the intricacy of the mechanism in the expression of the gene flow, and ecological challenges of nutrient removal by weedy rice. This review may create a foundation for future researchers to understand the gene flow between cultivated crops and weedy traits and support an improved approach for the applicability of several models in predicting multiomics variables.
Correlated P300b and phasic pupil‐dilation responses to motivationally significant stimuli
Authors: Menicucci Danilo , Animali Silvia , Malloggi Eleonora , Gemignani Angelo , Bonanni Enrica , Fornai Francesco , Giorgi Filippo Sean , Binda Paola
Published: March 2024

Motivationally significant events like oddball stimuli elicit both a characteristic event‐related potential (ERPs) known as P300 and a set of autonomic responses including a phasic pupil dilation. Although co‐occurring, P300 and pupil‐dilation responses to oddball events have been repeatedly found to be uncorrelated, suggesting separate origins. We re‐examined their relationship in the context of a three‐stimulus version of the auditory oddball task, independently manipulating the frequency (rare vs. repeated) and motivational significance (relevance for the participant's task) of the stimuli. We used independent component analysis to derive a P300b component from EEG traces and linear modeling to separate a stimulus‐related pupil‐dilation response from a potentially confounding action‐related response. These steps revealed that, once the complexity of ERP and pupil‐dilation responses to oddball targets is accounted for, the amplitude of phasic pupil dilations and P300b are tightly and positively correlated (across participants: r = .69 p = .002), supporting their coordinated generation.
What makes an athlete? A scoping review: Assessing the use of the word athlete with anterior cruciate ligament rehabilitation review studies. Is there a standard?
Authors: Byrne C. , Ward M. , Saeedi S. , Obuseh E.
Published: March 2024

The term athlete does not currently have an agreed definition or standardized use across the literature. We analyzed the use of the term “athlete” amongst review studies specific to Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) rehabilitation to investigate if the term was justified in its use. A comprehensive review of a database was performed to identify review papers which used the term “athlete” in the title, and which were related to ACL rehabilitation and surveillance. These papers were analyzed and their source papers were extracted for review. Twenty‐eight review papers were identified. Source studies were extracted and analyzed. After removal of duplicates 223 source papers were identified. Despite using the term “athlete” in the review study titles only 5/17 (10.7%) sufficiently justified the use of this term. The term athlete was used in 117/223 (52.5%) of the source studies. Of those, 78/117 source studies (66.7%) justified the term athlete. The remaining 39/117 (33.3%) papers where participants were stated to be athletes, gave no justification. The ambiguous use of the term athlete amongst published studies highlights the need for a definition or justification of the term to be used in studies. The lack of a standard definition leads to the potential for studies to dilute high quality data by the potentially differing rehabilitation requirements and access to resources available to those with varying exercise levels. The indiscriminate use of the term athlete could lead to participants with widely ranging physical activity levels being included in the same study, and being used to create clinical advice for all. Advice could potentially vary across those of differing physical activity levels.
Strong humoral response after Covid‐19 vaccination correlates with the common HLA allele A*03:01 and protection from breakthrough infection
Authors: Crocchiolo Roberto , Frassati Coralie , Gallina Anna Maria , Pedini Pascal , Maioli Sandrine , Veronese Luca , Pani Arianna , Scaglione Francesco , D'Amico Federico , Crucitti Lara , Sacchi Nicoletta , Rossini Silvano , Picard Christophe
Published: March 2024

Few data exist on the role of genetic factors involving the HLA system on response to Covid‐19 vaccines. Moving from suggestions of a previous study investigating the association of some HLA alleles with humoral response to BNT162b2, we here compared the HLA allele frequencies among weak (n = 111) and strong (n = 123) responders, defined as those healthcare workers with the lowest and the highest anti‐Spike antibody levels after vaccination. Individuals with clinical history of Covid‐19 or positive anti‐nucleocapside antibodies were excluded. We found the common HLA‐A*03:01 allele as an independent predictor of strong humoral response (OR = 12.46, 95% CI: 4.41–35.21, p < 0.0001), together with younger age of vaccines (p = 0.004). Correlation between antibody levels and protection from breakthrough infection has been observed, with a 2‐year cumulative incidence of 42% and 63% among strong and weak responders, respectively (p = 0.03). Due to the high frequency of HLA‐A*03:01 and the need for seasonal vaccinations against SARS‐CoV‐2 mutants, our findings provide useful information about the inter‐individual differences observed in humoral response after Covid‐19 vaccine and might support further studies on the next seasonal vaccines.
Discovery of the novel HLA‐A*01:01:01:112 allele in a Greek volunteer bone marrow donor
Authors: Kouniaki Diamanto , Kitsiou Vasiliki , Tsirogianni Alexandra
Published: March 2024

HLA‐A*01:01:01:112 differs from the HLA‐A*01:01:01:01 allele by one nucleotide substitution in the 5'UTR.
Implementation and faculty perception of outpatient medical student workplace‐based assessments
Authors: Costich Marguerite , Friedman Suzanne , Robinson Victoria , Catallozzi Marina
Published: March 2024

Background

There is growing interest in use of entrustable professional activity (EPA)‐grounded workplace‐based assessments (WBAs) to assess medical students through direct observation in the clinical setting. However, there has been very little reflection on how these tools are received by the faculty using them to deliver feedback. Faculty acceptance of WBAs is fundamentally important to sustained utilisation in the clinical setting, and understanding faculty perceptions of the WBA as an adjunct for giving targeted feedback is necessary to guide future faculty development in this area.

Approach

Use of a formative EPA‐grounded WBA was implemented in the ambulatory setting during the paediatrics clerkship following performance‐driven training and frame‐of‐reference training with faculty. Surveys and semi‐structured interviews with faculty members explored how faculty perceived the tool and its impact on feedback delivery.

Evaluation

Faculty reported providing more specific, task‐oriented feedback following implementation of the WBA, as well as greater timeliness of feedback and greater satisfaction with opportunities to provide feedback, although these later two findings did not reach significance. Themes from the interviews reflected the benefits of WBAs, persistent barriers to the provision of feedback and suggestions for improvement of the WBA.

Implications

EPA‐grounded WBAs are feasible to implement in the outpatient primary care setting and improve feedback delivery around core EPAs. The WBAs positively impacted the way faculty conceptualise feedback and provide learners with more actionable, behaviour‐based feedback. Findings will inform modifications to the WBA and future faculty development and training to allow for sustainable WBA utilisation in the core clerkship.
Immune‐mediated hemolytic anemia and pure red cell aplasia in a Jack Russell Terrier during treatment for hypoadrenocorticism
Authors: Yokota Shunya , Yuki Masashi
Published: March 2024

An 11‐year‐old neutered male Jack Russell Terrier was presented to Yuki Animal Hospital for regenerative anemia during the treatment of hypoadrenocorticism. A blood smear examination showed spherocytes, polychromatic erythrocytes, and erythrocyte ghosts. The direct agglutination test was positive at 37°C. The dog was then diagnosed with immune‐mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA). Although prednisolone and mycophenolate mofetil were administered, the hematocrit and reticulocyte count decreased, and nonregenerative anemia developed. A bone marrow examination was performed to diagnose the cause of the nonregenerative anemia. Histologic and cytologic bone marrow examination revealed a normocellular to hypercellular medulla with severe erythroid hypoplasia. No proliferation of lymphocytes or lymphoblast‐appearing cells was observed. This dog was diagnosed with pure red cell aplasia (PRCA). Despite treatment with immunosuppressive agents, the patient died of thrombosis. Although these associations were unclear, this is the first report of PRCA diagnosis following IMHA and while treating hypoadrenocorticism.
Ecological insights and environmental threats of invasive alien plantChromolaena odorata: Prospects for sustainable management
Authors: Rai Prabhat Kumar , Singh Jamuna S.
Published: March 2024

The Anthropocene witnessed the landscape spread of several invasive alien plants which can remarkably influence the ecosystem services and environmental sustainability. To this end,Chromolaena odorata(Asteraceae) is widely identified among top hundred pervasive invaders in view of its adverse influence on environment, agriculture, and wildlife. The adverse effects ofC. odoratacan further be exacerbated under the event of invasion interaction with other anthropogenic stressors such as climate change. Nevertheless, there exists dearth of pragmatic studies on invasion ecology, socio‐economic impacts, ecological economics, and sustainable management prospects ofC. odorata. The present review discusses the invasion ecology, distribution, mechanisms, impacts, and management strategies ofC. odoratainvasion. The side‐effects and unsustainable use of traditional control measures (e.g., controlled fire and chemical herbicides) ofC. odoratapaves the way to biological control methods (e.g., gall fly). However, the control measures ofC. odorataneed to be assessed for their long‐term ecosystem level effects to mitigate the possible adverse environmental responses. The wise application ofC. odoratabiomass in marginal lands for soil fertility restoration, biosorption, biorefinery, bio‐medicine, and bioenergy in conjunction with ecological control measures can cover economic incentive to facilitate sustainable management ofC. odoratain forestry/agroforestry systems. Nevertheless, the use of weed biomass as feedstock in biorefinery and ethno‐medicine may be inadequate in reducing its invasion. Future studies should explicitly elucidate the ecological mechanisms ofC. odoratain concert with the quest for its field‐scale application in biorefinery to augment sustainable management.
A Hierarchical Temporal Memory Based End-to-End Autonomous Driving System
Authors: Le Mero Luc , Dianati Mehrdad , Lee Graham
Published: March 2024

Achieving human-level driving performance in complex environments remains a major challenge in the field of deep learning (DL)-based end-to-end autonomous driving systems (ADS). In ADS, generalization to rare edge cases poses a serious safety concern with DL-based models. The leading solution to this problem is the construction of larger models and datasets, an approach known as scaling. However, limitations in the computational power available to autonomous vehicles, coupled with the under-representation of safety-critical edge cases in large autonomous driving datasets, raise questions over the suitability of scaling for ADS. In this work, we investigate the performance of an alternate, computationally less-demanding, machine learning (ML) algorithm, hierarchical temporal memory (HTM). Existing HTM models use rudimentary encoding schemes that have thus far limited their application to simple inputs. Motivated by this shortcoming, we first propose a bespoke convolutional neural network (CNN)-based encoding scheme suited to the input data used in ADS. We then integrate this encoding scheme into a novel DL-HTM end-to-end ADS. The proposed DL-HTM-based end-to-end ADS is trained and evaluated against a conventional DL end-to-end ADS based on the widely used AlexNet model from the literature. Our evaluation results show that the proposed DL-HTM model achieves comparable performance with far fewer trainable parameters than the conventional DL-based end-to-end ADS. Results also indicate that the proposed model demonstrates a superior capacity for learning underrepresented classes, i.e., edge cases, in the dataset.
Revisiting old friends: updates on the role of two-component signaling systems in
Listeria monocytogenes
survival and pathogenesis
Authors: Alejandro-Navarreto Xiomarie , Freitag Nancy E.
Published: March 2024

Listeria monocytogenes
is well recognized for both its broad resistance to stress conditions and its ability to transition from a soil bacterium to an intracellular pathogen of mammalian hosts. The bacterium’s impressive ability to adapt to changing environments and conditions requires the rapid sensing of environmental cues and the coordinated response of gene products that enable bacterial growth and survival. Two-component signaling systems (TCSs) have been long recognized for their ability to detect environmental stimuli and transmit those signals into transcriptional responses; however, often the precise nature of the stimulus triggering TCS responses can be challenging to define.
L. monocytogenes
has up to 16 TCSs that have been recognized based on homology and included in this list are several whose functions remain poorly described. This review highlights the current understanding of the breadth and scope of
L. monocytogenes
TCS as relates to stress resistance and pathogenesis. Precise signals still often remain elusive, but the gene networks associated with TCSs are providing clues into possible functions.