bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inclusive tourism: applying critical approach to a Web of Science bibliometric review
Authors: Qiao Guanghui , Hou Songhe , Huang Xue , Jia Qiaoran
Published: August 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to reveal the knowledge evolution process, research hotspots and future trends in the inclusive tourism research literature from 2008 to 2023.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 322 papers on inclusive tourism were selected from the core collection database of Web of Science and analyzed using CiteSpace.

Findings

Over the 16-year period between 2008 and 2023 an increasing number of studies have been published concerning inclusive tourism, but the overall base is still small. Among institutions, the Massey University and University of Gothenburg take the lead in international research on inclusive tourism. Country cooperation shifted from UK-centered in 2008 to Australia, US and Spain from 2010, expanded to more nations and recently increased with China, Japan and others. The essence of inclusive tourism is inherently linked to societal and generational development, necessitating the elimination of social exclusion and inequality to achieve sustainability. The research on inclusive tourism has undergone three stages, emphasizing tourism producers, consumers and stakeholder relationships respectively. “Employment”, “sustainable development” and “quality of life” possess the potential to emerge as future research hotspots.

Originality/value

By combining literature on inclusive tourism and other overlapping concepts, CiteSpace was used to construct data and network visualizations, including a burst and dynamic analysis for the period covered by the sample. The conclusions offer researchers insights into the existing body of work in inclusive tourism research and suggest directions for future research. In practice, tourism managers can gain a deeper understanding of the needs and limitations of marginalized groups in tourism, allowing them to offer more tailored products for inclusive tourism and further enhance the development of an inclusive tourism environment.
Contrasting responses of naturalized alien and native plants to native soil biota and drought
Authors: Ruppert Hannah K. , van Kleunen Mark , Wilschut Rutger A.
Published: August 2024

Terrestrial plant communities often become invaded by alien species, which may benefit from high growth rates, strong phenotypic plasticity and reduced negative impacts from local soil communities. At the same time, terrestrial communities are increasingly more often exposed to periods of drought. However, how drought affects the competition between alien and native plants directly, and indirectly, through changing impacts of soil communities on plant performance, remains poorly understood.

Here, we performed a greenhouse pot experiment in which we examined biomass responses of five native and five naturalized alien species (all occurring in mesic grasslands) to drought and benign soil moisture conditions, while growing in interspecific, intraspecific or absence of competition, in the presence or absence of native soil biota. We expected that alien plant species are less negatively affected by soil biota, but more negatively affected by drought than native species, and that drought indirectly weakens soil‐community‐driven competitive benefits of alien plant species over native ones.

On average, soil‐community effects on plant biomass were positive, but native performance was less positively affected by soil communities than alien performance, suggesting reduced impacts of soil‐borne enemies on alien plants. Drought more negatively affected alien‐ than native plant performance. Drought impacts on plant biomass did not depend on soil community presence, but in the presence of soil biota, plants overall invested more in root biomass when exposed to drought. The effects of competition were subtle and species‐specific.

To better understand the observed positive soil‐community effects on plant performance in our study, we examined mycorrhizal root colonization of plants grown in absence of competition. Among‐species variation in mycorrhizal colonization explained plant performance differences between soils with and without live soil communities, indicating a key role for arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi as driver of plant performance. However, mycorrhizal colonization did not differ between alien and native plants and was unaffected by drought.

Overall, our study suggests that drought may weaken alien plant invasions through stronger direct negative impacts on alien than on native plant performance, but that drought does not affect soil‐biota‐driven differences in plant performance between alien and native plants.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
The significance of consolidation chemotherapy after concurrent chemoradiotherapy in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma: a randomized controlled phase III clinical trial
Authors: Zhu Qingshan , Zhang Chi , Li Zhuoqi , Ma Tingwei , Wang Nengchao , Liu Weipeng , He Zhijie , Shen Jing , Wei Tao , Zhao Shijie , Feng Lianjie , Tian Yuan
Published: August 2024

Background

This study explored the significance of consolidation maintenance chemotherapy after concurrent chemoradiotherapy with different regimens in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

Method

A prospective randomized controlled phase III clinical trial was designed and registered in the China Clinical Trials Registry (Registration number: ChiCTR‐TRC‐12002719). Survival data were analyzed in terms of intention‐to‐treat (ITT) and per‐protocol (PP) sets for patients undergoing cisplatin and 5‐fluorouracil (PF) (group A), or cisplatin and paclitaxel (TP) (group B).

Results

The incidence risk of grade III–IV leukopenia in group B was higher than in group A (49.2% vs. 25.5%, p = 0.012). The survival rates at 1, 2, 3, and 5 years were 83.8%, 62.6%, 53.1%, and 41.3%, respectively. Consolidation chemotherapy after concurrent chemoradiation therapy had no benefit on median progression‐free survival (PFS) (p = 0.95) and overall survival (OS) (p = 0.809). According to the ITT analysis, the median PFS in group A and group B was 28.6 months and 30.3 months (X2 = 0.242, p = 0.623), while the median OS was 31.0 months and 50.3 months (X2 = 1.25，p = 0.263). For the PP analysis, the median PFS in group A and group B were 28.6 months and 30.3 months (p = 0.584), while the median OS was 31.0 months and 50.3 months (p = 0.259), respectively. Patients receiving consolidation chemotherapy did not show significant OS benefits (46.9 months vs. 38.3 months; X2 = 0.059, p = 0.866).

Conclusion

Similar PFS and OS were found between PF and TP regimens with concurrent chemoradiotherapy. Consolidation chemotherapy did not show any significant OS benefits.
Application of artificial intelligence in lung cancer screening: A real‐world study in a Chinese physical examination population
Authors: Wu Jiaxuan , Li Ruicen , Gan Jiadi , Zheng Qian , Wang Guoqing , Tao Wenjuan , Yang Ming , Li Wenyu , Ji Guiyi , Li Weimin
Published: August 2024

Background

With the rapid increase of chest computed tomography (CT) images, the workload faced by radiologists has increased dramatically. It is undeniable that the use of artificial intelligence (AI) image‐assisted diagnosis system in clinical treatment is a major trend in medical development. Therefore, in order to explore the value and diagnostic accuracy of the current AI system in clinical application, we aim to compare the detection and differentiation of benign and malignant pulmonary nodules between AI system and physicians, so as to provide a theoretical basis for clinical application.

Methods

Our study encompassed a cohort of 23 336 patients who underwent chest low‐dose spiral CT screening for lung cancer at the Health Management Center of West China Hospital. We conducted a comparative analysis between AI‐assisted reading and manual interpretation, focusing on the detection and differentiation of benign and malignant pulmonary nodules.

Results

The AI‐assisted reading exhibited a significantly higher screening positive rate and probability of diagnosing malignant pulmonary nodules compared with manual interpretation (p < 0.001). Moreover, AI scanning demonstrated a markedly superior detection rate of malignant pulmonary nodules compared with manual scanning (97.2% vs. 86.4%, p < 0.001). Additionally, the lung cancer detection rate was substantially higher in the AI reading group compared with the manual reading group (98.9% vs. 90.3%, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Our findings underscore the superior screening positive rate and lung cancer detection rate achieved through AI‐assisted reading compared with manual interpretation. Thus, AI exhibits considerable potential as an adjunctive tool in lung cancer screening within clinical practice settings.
Prospective evaluation of a new audit standard: Expert rhetoric and flexibility in cost‐benefit analysis
Authors: Donahue Stephanie , Malsch Bertrand
Published: August 2024

The objective of this research is to better understand experts' contributions to the prospective evaluation of a new audit standard—in this case, key audit matter (KAM) reporting. To this end, we assisted the Canadian Auditing and Assurance Standards Board by leading its consultation of 22 expert financial statement users. The methodology employed to observe our participants' opinions and cognitive processes involves thought protocol and interviews. By analyzing the rhetorical base of experts' prospective analysis, we show that our participants' arguments are often laden with postulates and lack data points, leading to generalizations. Sounder arguments entail more nuanced views but lead to uncertainties. We therefore highlight a tension between the rhetorical content of experts' insights and the calculative rationality of a cost‐benefit analysis. We also find that experts with less cognitive flexibility are less likely to be supportive of the adoption of a standard implying a change of habits in the way they process information. This tension and cognitive bias generate a significant interpretive challenge to determine a clear and dominant stance in the consultation. We discuss the implications of these findings for the legitimacy of prospective evaluations and the conduct of cost‐benefit consultations with experts. We also contribute to the literature on KAMs by substantiating concerns about the value of extended auditor reports to users.
How trust in the government's flood response influences perception of flood hazard risk: Experimental evidences in China
Authors: Li Kai , Yu Feng , Yang Shenlong , Guo Yongyu
Published: August 2024

Many studies have found that trust is a vital factor that influences risk perception. However, previous studies in this field have used surveys that provide limited information about causality. Therefore, experimental studies to explore the causality between trust and risk perceptions are needed. We conducted three studies to examine the relationship and mechanism of trust in the government's flood response and flood hazard risk perception. In Study 1, we found that people's risk perception and trust in the government's flood response were significantly negatively correlated. In Studies 2 and 3, using correlational and experimental methods, we found that the higher the public's trust in the government's flood response, the more they used heuristics to process risk information, and their risk perception was lower than that of the group with low trust in the government's flood response. Our research provides evidence of causality between trust and risk perceptions, suggesting that trust in the government's flood response can influence risk perception via heuristics in China, which provides a better understanding of the importance of trust in risk perception. These conclusions have policy implications for government responses to flood disasters, emphasizing the need for public participation and timely, transparent communication of accurate information and preventive strategies.
Phenibut: A drug with one too many “buts”
Authors: Gurley Bill J. , Koturbash Igor
Published: August 2024

Phenibut is a gamma aminobutyric acid derivative with activity at γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA)B, A and β‐phenethylamine receptors. It was developed as a drug in the former Soviet Union to overcome anxiety and improve cognitive function in military personnel. In the last decade, it has made inroads into the European and U.S. markets, being marketed for purported nootropic properties. Here, we summarize the current knowledge on phenibut, its toxicology, pharmacology, adverse health effects, and patterns of use. Publications in peer‐reviewed journals were searched in PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases. Available literature points to adverse side effects associated with intoxication, withdrawal, and addiction to phenibut. Some of these effects can be life‐threatening, requiring hospitalization and therapeutic interventions. Supportive efforts are often complicated by a lack of knowledge regarding phenibut's toxicology and pharmacology. Ingestion of phenibut was often associated with concomitant use of other substances of abuse. As control over its online marketing seems unrealistic, current efforts need to be focused on the addition of phenibut to current drug screening tests and the development of generally accepted treatment strategies for phenibut‐associated toxicities.
Lexicon for blood‐based early detection and screening: BLOODPAC consensus document
Authors: Clarke Christina A. , Mitchell Breeana L. , Putcha Girish , Alme Emma , Bach Peter , Beer Jonathan P. , Beer Tomasz M. , Beidelschies Michelle A. , Hoyos Jody , Klein Eric , Kuhn Peter , Krunic Nancy , Lang Kathryn , Lee Jerry S. H. , Lopez Ramos Dorys , Morgenstern David , Quinn Elissa , Raymond Victoria M. , Rubinstein Wendy S. , Sanchez Stephanie A. , Serra Ryan , Stewart Mark , Leiman Lauren C.
Published: August 2024

In the United States, 2.0 million new cancer cases and around 600,000 cancer deaths are estimated to occur in 2024. Early detection gives cancer patients the best chance for treatment success. Currently, cancer screening in the general population is recommended for a limited set of cancers; as a result, most cancer types are not regularly screened. Thus, in recent years, we have seen a wave of novel, non‐invasive, single‐ and multi‐cancer detection tests (SCD and MCD), promising detection of cancer signals prior to the onset of symptoms and/or clinical diagnosis. To accelerate the development, access, and adoption of these tests, the Blood Profiling Atlas in Cancer (BLOODPAC) Consortium, a collaborative infrastructure for developing standards and best practices, established the Early Detection & Screening (ED&S) Working Group. The early detection space is in need of consensus around definitions for SCD and MCD tests that harmonize terminology across diverse stakeholders, thereby reducing communication barriers and ultimately advancing the discipline. To this end, the ED&S Working Group compiled a lexicon of terms, chosen based on perceived importance, frequency of use, lack of clarity, and unique challenges in the context of SCD and MCD tests. This lexicon was submitted to the FDA for their feedback, which was incorporated. In this work, we present the first installment of the lexicon, consisting of 14 primary terms, that will be part of an online dictionary and provide a foundation for future projects of BLOODPAC's ED&S Working Group.
Clinical correlates of obstructive sleep apnoea in idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus
Authors: Regalbuto Simone , Zangaglia Roberta , Valentino Francesca , Todisco Massimiliano , Pacchetti Claudio , Cotta Ramusino Matteo , Mazzacane Federico , Picascia Marta , Arceri Sebastiano , Malomo Gaetano , Capriglia Elena , Spelta Laura , Rubino Annalisa , Pisani Antonio , Terzaghi Michele
Published: August 2024

Background and purpose

The pathogenesis of idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH) remains controversial. Limited studies have indicated a high prevalence of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) amongst iNPH patients. The aim was to investigate the clinical correlates of OSA in iNPH patients.

Methods

In this cross‐sectional observational study, consecutive iNPH patients were prospectively enrolled. Evaluations included the iNPH Rating Scale, the Movement Disorder Society Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale part III, the time and number of steps to walk 10 m, the Epworth Sleepiness Scale, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, a complete neuropsychological evaluation, 3‐T brain MRI, full‐night video‐polysomnography, tap test and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) neurodegeneration biomarkers.

Results

Fifty‐one patients were screened, of whom 38 met the inclusion criteria. Amongst the recruited patients, 19/38 (50%) exhibited OSA, with 12/19 (63.2%) presenting moderate to severe disorder. OSA+ iNPH patients required more time (p = 0.02) and more steps (p = 0.04) to complete the 10‐m walking test, had lower scores on the gait subitem of the iNPH Rating Scale (p = 0.04) and demonstrated poorer performance on specific neuropsychological tests (Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test immediate recall, p = 0.03, and Rey–Osterrieth Complex Figure, p = 0.01). Additionally, OSA+ iNPH patients had higher levels of total tau (p = 0.02) and phospho‐tau (p = 0.03) in their CSF but no statistically significant differences in beta‐amyloid (1–42) levels compared to OSA− iNPH patients.

Conclusion

Obstructive sleep apnoea is highly prevalent in iNPH patients, particularly at moderate to severe levels. OSA is associated with worse motor and cognitive performance in iNPH. The CSF neurodegeneration biomarker profile observed in OSA+ iNPH patients may reflect OSA‐induced impairment of cerebral fluid dynamics.
Experimental investigations on normal mode nodes as support positions of a resonant testing facility for bending fatigue tests
Authors: Schramm Clara , Birkner Dennis , Schneider Sebastian , Marx Steffen
Published: August 2024

Large‐scale fatigue testing is very important to the research on scale effects, which occur in large cyclic loaded structures, such as wind turbine towers. However, such experimental testing has a very high energy consumption. As an efficient alternative, this paper presents a new resonant testing facility for large‐scale specimens under cyclic bending loads. The facility works as a 4‐point bending test, in which the specimen is supported in the nodes of its first normal bending mode, where theoretically no reaction forces occur. Two counter‐rotating imbalance motors with excitation frequencies near resonance generate a harmonic force acting on the specimen. Experimental trial fatigue tests on a steel pipe as a specimen were carried out, in order to validate the new testing setup. A great decrease in the support forces was reached by placing the supports at the normal mode nodes. Additionally, the behavior of the support forces under varying positions and excitation frequencies was also investigated. In summary, the resonant testing method combined with the supports at the normal mode nodes offers an efficient and energy‐saving testing setup for large‐scale fatigue tests.
Testing Hypotheses When You Have More Than a Few*
Authors: Rogerson Peter A.
Published: August 2024

A common issue faced by spatial analysts is that of multiple testing. When hypotheses are tested at multiple points in time or space, care must often be taken to avoid results containing too many false positives. There are many ways to address this outcome, and these are reviewed in this article. We begin with a review of some of the basic, longstanding approaches to multiple testing. This is followed by a summary of the more recent objective of controlling the false discovery rate and the effects of spatial autocorrelation on it. The number of true null hypotheses is an important quantity, and some approaches to its estimation are reviewed. In the literature on spatial analysis, there have been several newer approaches to multiple testing, and these are also reviewed. These include some recent methods outside of the literature in geography, but they have potential applicability for many of the problems addressed by geographers, especially since they focus upon the discovery of clusters. The article includes an illustration and closes with some ideas for taking further steps in treating multiple hypotheses in the context of methods commonly used in geographical analysis.
Learning to be a colour‐blind doctor
Authors: Jose Matthew D.
Published: August 2024

Colour‐vision deficiency is common among medical students, doctors and their patients. Although it can influence choice of careers, it can also put patient safety at risk if not recognised and adapted to early in a health professional's working life. Simple recommendations to support medical students, doctors and their patients are provided to support better health outcomes.
Gender Disparities in Frailty and Its Decomposition Among Chinese Older Adults
Authors: Hu Meili , Si Jiacheng , Wang Jiayi
Published: August 2024

Aims

To identify the evidence of gender disparities in frailty and explore the factors contributing to male–female differences.

Design

A longitudinal study.

Methods

A total of 24,429 older adults (60+) were enrolled. Frailty was assessed by frailty index and frailty risk based on Rockwood's cumulative deficit frailty index. OLS and logistic regression models were conducted, with Oaxaca–Blinder and Fairlie decomposition methods to further analyse the factors contributing to gender disparities in frailty.

Data Sources

The paper used four waves of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study from 2011 to 2018, a nationwide survey organised by the National Development Institute of Peking University.

Results

Women had higher frailty status than men, with more pronounced increases. Among the factors, education has the most significant association with frailty gender disparities. The contribution of individual characteristics, particularly education, to gender disparities in frailty appeared to diminish over time, while the contribution of family and regional factors remained relatively stable, and the contribution of institutions was deemed inadequate.

Conclusions

The frailty in Chinese older adults is generally on the rise with continuously expanded gender disparities. It is crucial to consider the contributing factors to frailty in older adults for effective prevention and intervention strategies. Additional gender‐specific geriatric care policies are needed in order to address gender inequality in health.

Impact

The findings of this study highlight the prevalence of increasing gender disparities in frailty and identify that the level of education, per capita annual household income as well as marital status are the most significant factors contributing to the gender gap. Those findings provide policy implications for healthcare nursing service from a gender‐specific perspective in order to achieve health equity.

Reporting Method

This study has adhered to the STROBE guideline.

Patient or Public Contribution

No Patient or Public Contribution.

What Does This Paper Contribute to the Wider Global Clinical Community

This study provided implications on gender‐specific geriatric care nursing services.

The study highlighted the importance of focusing on frailty and its gender disparities in geriatric clinical nursing.
Lactate regulates pathological cardiac hypertrophy via histone lactylation modification
Authors: Zhao Shuai‐Shuai , Liu Jinlong , Wu Qi‐Cai , Zhou Xue‐Liang
Published: August 2024

Under the long‐term pressure overload stimulation, the heart experiences embryonic gene activation, leading to myocardial hypertrophy and ventricular remodelling, which can ultimately result in the development of heart failure. Identifying effective therapeutic targets is crucial for the prevention and treatment of myocardial hypertrophy. Histone lysine lactylation (HKla) is a novel post‐translational modification that connects cellular metabolism with epigenetic regulation. However, the specific role of HKla in pathological cardiac hypertrophy remains unclear. Our study aims to investigate whether HKla modification plays a pathogenic role in the development of cardiac hypertrophy. The results demonstrate significant expression of HKla in cardiomyocytes derived from an animal model of cardiac hypertrophy induced by transverse aortic constriction surgery, and in neonatal mouse cardiomyocytes stimulated by Ang II. Furthermore, research indicates that HKla is influenced by glucose metabolism and lactate generation, exhibiting significant phenotypic variability in response to various environmental stimuli. In vitro experiments reveal that exogenous lactate and glucose can upregulate the expression of HKla and promote cardiac hypertrophy. Conversely, inhibition of lactate production using glycolysis inhibitor (2‐DG), LDH inhibitor (oxamate) and LDHA inhibitor (GNE‐140) reduces HKla levels and inhibits the development of cardiac hypertrophy. Collectively, these findings establish a pivotal role for H3K18la in pathological cardiac hypertrophy, offering a novel target for the treatment of this condition.
Multifaceted role of FAM210B in hepatocellular carcinoma: Implications for tumour progression, microenvironment modulation and therapeutic selection
Authors: Pan Xianzhu , Xu Jun , Zhou Yuanqin
Published: August 2024

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common and lethal liver cancer characterized by complex aetiology and limited treatment options. FAM210B, implicated in various cancers, is noteworthy for its potential role in the progression and treatment response of HCC. Yet, its expression patterns, functional impacts and correlations with patient outcomes and resistance to therapy are not well understood. We employed a comprehensive methodology to explore the role of FAM210B in HCC, analysing its expression across cancers, subcellular localization and impacts on cell proliferation, invasion, migration, biological enrichment and the immune microenvironment. Additionally, we investigated its expression in single cells, drug sensitivity and relationships with genomic instability, immunotherapy efficacy and key immune checkpoints. While FAM210B expression varied across cancers, there was no notable difference between HCC and normal tissues. Elevated levels of FAM210B were associated with improved survival outcomes. Subcellular analysis located FAM210B in the plasma membrane and cytosol. FAM210B was generally downregulated in HCC, and its suppression significantly enhanced cell proliferation, invasion and migration. Biological enrichment analysis linked FAM210B to metabolic and immune response pathways. Moreover, its expression modified the immune microenvironment of HCC, affecting drug responsiveness and immunotherapy outcomes. High expression levels of FAM202B correlated with increased resistance to sunitinib and enhanced responsiveness to immunotherapy, as evidenced by associations with tumour mutation burden, PDCD1, CTLA4 and TIDE scores. FAM210B exerts a complex influence on HCC, affecting tumour cell behaviour, metabolic pathways, the immune microenvironment and responses to therapy.
SENP1 reduces oxidative stress and apoptosis in renal ischaemia–reperfusion injury by deSUMOylation of HIF‐1α
Authors: Hui Yumin , Xia Kang , Zhong Jiacheng , Zhang Ye , Qiu Qiangmin , Chen Zhiyuan , Wang Lei , Liu Xiuheng
Published: August 2024

Renal ischaemia–reperfusion injury (RIRI) is a primary cause of acute kidney damage, occurring frequently in situations like renal transplantation, yet the underlying mechanisms were not fully understood. Sentrin‐specific protease 1 (SENP1) is an important member of the SENP family, which is widely involved in various diseases. However, the role of SENP1 in RIRI has been unclear. In our study, we discovered that SENP1 was involved in RIRI and reduced renal cell apoptosis and oxidative stress at elevated levels. Further mechanistic studies showed that hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1α (HIF‐1α) was identified as a substrate of SENP1. Furthermore, SENP1 deSUMOylated HIF‐1α, which reduced the degradation of HIF‐1α, and exerted a renoprotective function. In addition, the protective function was lost after application of the HIF‐1α specific inhibitor KC7F2. Briefly, our results fully demonstrated that SENP1 reduced the degradation of HIF‐1α and attenuated oxidative stress and apoptosis in RIRI by regulating the deSUMOylation of HIF‐1α, suggesting that SENP1 may serve as a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of RIRI.
New clinical approach in facial mild–moderate acne: Re‐stabilization of skin microbiota balance with a topical biotechnological phytocomplex
Authors: De Lucas Raul , Martínez Helena , Nieto Carlos , Ruiz‐Alonso Carlos , Bermejo Rafael , Carrón Nerea , Garcia‐Segura Sergio , Gonzalez‐Torres Pedro , Palacios‐Martínez David , Guerra‐Tapia Aurora , Bou Lola , Pérez Montse
Published: August 2024

Objectives

Dysbiosis of the skin microbiota has been identified as a key factor in the development of acne. This study was aimed to evaluate the effect of a facial cream gel containing a biotechnological phytocomplex, niacinamide and succinic acid on the bacterial diversity of subjects with mild–moderate acne and its clinical benefits due to microbiota changes.

Methods

Open‐label, clinical study in 44 subjects with mild–moderate acne treated with a facial cream gel for 8 weeks. Bacterial diversity was analyzed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing of skin samples. Clinical effects were evaluated using the IGA acne severity scale, biometric measurements, and safety.

Results

After 56 days of product's use, an increase in alpha and beta diversity was found (p < 0.01), with a decrease in the relative abundance of C. acnes (48.99% vs. 38.83%, p < 0.001). Regarding clinical results, a decrease in acne severity on the IGA scale (27.33%, p < 0.001), number of non‐inflammatory and inflammatory lesions (respectively: 31.12%, p = 0.05; 47.27%, p < 0.001), amount of sebum (89.00%, p < 0.01) and erythema (15.35%, p < 0.01), was found. [Correction added on 19 September 2024, after first online publication: In the preceding sentence, “42.27%” has been changed to “47.27%” in this version.] Responder analysis of the IGA score showed that 61.36% of patients improved by at least one point at day 56. The product was well tolerated throughout the study.

Conclusions

The use of the facial cream gel on skin was effective in rebalancing the microbiota, inhibiting biofilm formation and other virulence factors, reducing the number of mild–moderate acne lesions and sebum secretion, and consequently improving acne's severity.
The geography of intergenerational mobility in Norway: Labor market diversity, career opportunities, and gender
Authors: Turner Lena Magnusson , Wessel Terje
Published: August 2024

We investigate intergenerational income mobility across labor market regions in Norway, looking at gender differences in response to industrial diversity. Our identification strategy exploits variation in the timing of regional migration, measured over the age spans 6−19 and 13−19 years. We make extensive use of fixed effects so that each region only affects adult outcomes, measured as income rank, through differences in exposure time. Our results reveal significantly larger exposure effects among daughters than among sons. The difference is particularly large when we contrast sons to fathers and daughters to mothers, but it is also apparent when we place sons and daughters, respectively, fathers and mothers, in the same distribution. We further find that industrial diversity, and thus the range of job opportunities, matters most during the teenage years. The patterns are, to some extent, detectible on maps, for example, with better mobility opportunities for men in coastal regions based on maritime and/or marine specialization. We conclude with assessments, a recommendation for regional policy, and some international considerations.
Evaluation of gastroschisis feeding protocol: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Jyoti Jeewan , James‐Nunez Kristen , Spence Kaye , Parkinson Brownyn , Thomas Gordon , Trivedi Amit
Published: August 2024

Aim

The primary objective of this study is to determine the impact of a standardised feeding protocol for infants with gastroschisis on early enteral feeds, suck feeds, management of gastric residuals and breastfeeding at discharge. Secondary objectives were evaluation of growth, length of stay in neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), the duration of total parental nutrition (TPN), blood‐culture confirmed sepsis and serum bilirubin level (SBR).

Methods

This single‐centre retrospective quality improvement project included infants admitted to a quaternary care NICU for management of gastroschisis from 2010 to 2021. The Gastroschisis feeding protocol, a standardised pathway for managing the feeding of infants with gastroschisis, was implemented in this NICU in 2016. The outcomes of infants in the pre‐feeding protocol and post‐feeding protocol groups were compared.

Results

Of the 100 infants included in the study, 49 were in the post‐feeding protocol group. The baseline characteristics of the study population did not differ statistically in both groups. In post‐feeding protocol group, there was significant reduction in the time to the first enteral feed (P value <0.0001) and first suck feed (P value = 0.002). The median length of stay in the post‐feeding protocol group was significantly lower by 11 days (P value = 0.001). Duration of TPN was 241 h higher in the pre‐feeding protocol group (P value 0.0007).

Conclusions

Implementation of a feeding protocol in infants with gastroschisis led to earlier initiation of enteral feeds and suck feeds. There is a likelihood of reduction in the use of TPN and duration of admission in NICU.
Lodge‐building in rodents: relationships with ecological and natural history factors
Authors: Qiu J. , Schradin C.
Published: August 2024

Mouse‐like rodents often take cover in natural shelters or burrow underground where they build simple nests. A few species build extensive shelters above ground, called lodges, mounds or houses. Here, we present the first phylogenetically controlled comparative study on the ecological factors of habitat heterogeneity, environmental aridity and fire risk related to nesting habits in mouse‐like rodents (Myomorpha, 326 genera). Twenty species from seven genera were found to build lodges, and they mainly occur in arid environments with low fire risk. Most lodge‐building species (14 out of 20) belong to the pack rats (genus Neotoma), which in phylogeny only represent one event of evolution of lodge building and therefore limit the statistical power of the phylogenetically controlled analysis. The Bayesian phylogenetic mixed‐effects models show a phylogenetic signal of 0.43 for 515 Myomorpha species. Under this moderate to strong phylogenetic relatedness, we did not find specific factors being associated to the evolution of sheltering habit in Myomorpha. We suggest studying the importance of aridity combined with low fire risk for lodge building on the species level, for example, by studying the limits of species distribution ranges depending on these factors.
What is the benefit of prophylaxis to prevent HBV reactivation in HBsAg‐negative anti‐HBc‐positive patients? Meta‐analysis and decision curve analysis
Authors: Celsa Ciro , Rizzo Giacomo E. M. , Di Maria Gabriele , Enea Marco , Vaccaro Marco , Rancatore Gabriele , Graceffa Pietro , Falco Giuseppe , Petta Salvatore , Cabibbo Giuseppe , Calvaruso Vincenza , Craxì Antonio , Cammà Calogero , Di Marco Vito
Published: August 2024

Background and Aims

Patients with overt or occult hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection receiving immunosuppressive treatments have a wide risk of HBV reactivation (HBVr). We performed meta‐analysis with decision curve analyses (DCA) to estimate the risk of HBVr in HBsAg‐negative anti‐HBc‐positive patients naïve to nucleos(t)ide analogues (NAs) receiving immunosuppressive treatments.

Approach and Results

Studies were identified through literature search until October 2022. Pooled estimates were obtained using random‐effects model. Subgroup analyses were performed according to underlying disease and immunosuppressive treatments. DCA was used to identify the threshold probability associated with the net benefit of antiviral prophylaxis in HBsAg‐negative anti‐HBc‐positive patients. We selected 68 studies (40 retrospective and 28 prospective), including 8034 patients with HBsAg negative anti‐HBc positive. HBVr was 4% (95% CI 3%–6%) in HBsAg‐negative anti‐HBc‐positive patients, with a significantly high heterogeneity (I2 69%; p < .01). The number‐needed‐to‐treat (NNT) by DCA ranged from 8 to 24 for chemotherapy plus rituximab, from 12 to 24 for targeted therapies in cancer patients and from 13 to 39 for immune‐mediated diseases. Net benefit was small for monoclonal antibodies.

Conclusions

Our DCA in HBsAg‐negative anti‐HBc‐positive patients provided evidence that NA prophylaxis is strongly recommended in patients treated with chemotherapy combined with rituximab and could be appropriate in patients with cancer treated with targeted therapies and in patients with immune‐mediated diseases. Finally, in patients with cancer treated with monoclonal antibodies or with chemotherapy without rituximab, the net benefit is even lower.
The past, the recent, and the ongoing evolutionary processes of the worldwide invasive ascidian Styela plicata
Authors: Galià‐Camps Carles , Enguídanos Alba , Turon Xavier , Pascual Marta , Carreras Carlos
Published: August 2024

Invasive species are one of the main threats to global biodiversity and, within marine ecosystems, tunicates feature some prominent examples. Styela plicata is an ascidian species inhabiting harbours in all temperate oceans and seas, thus being considered a thriving invasive species. However, this species' adaptive mechanisms, introduction history, and population structure have never been completely elucidated. Here, by genotyping 87 S. plicata individuals from 18 localities worldwide with 2b‐RADseq, we confirm the global presence of four chromosome inversions, demonstrate population structuring on this species, detect local adaptation signals, and infer historical demographic events. We show that North Carolina individuals constitute an unrelated population, Atlanto‐Mediterranean and Pacific localities form their own genetic clusters with substructuring, being the most evident the split between northern and southern Atlantic localities. The locality of South Carolina presents an intermediate genetic position between North Carolina and the other two groups pointing to a hybrid origin with recurrent gene flow. We generate and test demographic models, providing evidence of two independent introduction events to the Atlantic and Pacific, and an admixture that originated the population of South Carolina. Finally, we identify candidate loci for adaptation, with functions involved with cell processes, metabolism, development, and ion transport, among others. Overall, this study highlights the complex historical processes of S. plicata, which have led this species to its current distribution, population structure, and local adaptation footprint in oceans worldwide.
Gelada genomes highlight events of gene flow, hybridisation and local adaptation that track past climatic changes
Authors: Caldon Matteo , Mutti Giacomo , Mondanaro Alessandro , Imai Hiroo , Shotake Takayoshi , Oteo Garcia Gonzalo , Belay Gurja , Morata Jordi , Trotta Jean‐Rémi , Montinaro Francesco , Gippoliti Spartaco , Capelli Cristian
Published: August 2024

Theropithecus gelada, the last surviving species of this genus, occupy a unique and highly specialised ecological niche in the Ethiopian highlands. A subdivision into three geographically defined populations (Northern, Central and Southern) has been tentatively proposed for this species on the basis of genetic analyses, but genomic data have been investigated only for two of these groups (Northern and Central). Here we combined newly generated whole genome sequences of individuals sampled from the population living south of the East Africa Great Rift Valley with available data from the other two gelada populations to reconstruct the evolutionary history of the species. Integrating genomic and paleoclimatic data we found that gene‐flow across populations and with Papio species tracked past climate changes. The isolation and climatic conditions experienced by Southern geladas during the Holocene shaped local diversity and generated diet‐related genomic signatures.
Family caregivers and the ethical relevance of moral identity
Authors: Kropf Mario , Schmidhuber Martina
Published: August 2024

Many people want to spend the last stages of their lives at home, in familiar surroundings, and possibly with people they know. However, this increasing desire on the part of older, ill, or even dying people also makes support from other people unavoidable, which in many cases involves family members, loved ones, or even friends. These family caregivers care for the person concerned, even though they lack the professional skills of nursing staff, for example, and have usually not been prepared for this task. This article focuses on the ethical significance of the moral identity of family caregivers. While the effects of this care constellation on the caregivers have often been discussed in the scientific literature, ethical considerations regarding moral identity have so far been neglected. In the first step, the question of what is actually meant by the term moral identity is examined. The second step shifts attention to those people who have taken on the care of a loved one. The relevance of this previously discussed identity is emphasized by using study results and work in this context, and placed in relation to family caregivers. The third step shows that (1) moral identity must be understood as a necessary prerequisite for adequate and humane care, (2) this identity can be enhanced through the caregiving relationship, and (3) the activities undertaken by family caregivers reveal their moral identity. These considerations are finally summarized, provided with ethical aspects, and awareness of this important work of family caregivers is raised.
Impact of low‐dose UV‐A in Caenorhabditis elegans during candidate bacterial infections
Authors: Muthubharathi Balasubramanian Chellammal , Subalakshmi Pandiarajan Kaarmegam , Mounish Bynedi Sheshatri Chinna , Rao Toleti Subba , Balamurugan Krishnaswamy
Published: August 2024

Ultraviolet radiation is a non‐ionizing radiation produced by longer wavelength energy sources with lower frequency and is categorized into UV‐A, UV‐B, and UV‐C. Minimal exposure to this radiation has several health benefits, which include treating microbial contaminations and skin therapies. However, the antimicrobial action of low‐dose UV‐A during pathogenic bacterial infections is still unrevealed. In this study, the impact of low‐dose UV‐A as pre‐ or post‐treatment using the model organism, Caenorhabditis elegans with candidate pathogens (Acinetobacter baumannii and Staphylococcus aureus) mediated infections was investigated. The results indicated enrichment of metabolites, reduced level of antioxidants, increased expression of dopamine biosynthesis and transportation, and decrease in serotonin biosynthesis when the organism was exposed to low‐dose UV‐A for 5 min. This, in turn, elevated the expression of candidate regulatory proteins involved in lifespan determination, innate immunity, and cAMP‐response element binding protein (CREB), which appear to increase the lifespan and brood size of C. elegans during A. baumannii and S. aureus infections. The findings suggested that the low‐dose UV‐A treatment during A. baumannii and S. aureus infections prolonged the lifespan and increased the egg‐laying capacity of C. elegans.
The impact of situational context and dispositions on costly signals of reassurance: Experimental evidence from Taiwan
Authors: Fu Ronan Tse‐min , Lee Elaine I‐lien
Published: August 2024

When do costly signals of reassurance enhance trust between nations? While previous research has established the role of dispositions in costly signaling, this paper highlights the critical influence of situational context. Employing an interactionist framework, we theorize that the effectiveness of costly signals depends on the complex interplay between situational contexts, such as crises and non‐crises, and individual dispositions, particularly hawkish and dovish orientations. We test our theory through two identical survey experiments fielded among Taiwanese citizens—one conducted during a crisis and the other during a non‐crisis period. Our findings show that during crises, China's costly reassurances are ineffective and even backfire among hawkish individuals. In contrast, China's costly reassuring signals enhance trust in non‐crisis situations, particularly among dovish individuals. Our findings contribute to signaling theory by underscoring important boundary conditions and the value of integrating contextual and psychological factors in analyzing the efficacy of costly signals. Moreover, by demonstrating that backfire effects emerge when hawks encounter reassurance during crises, we provide preliminary evidence on the scope conditions of this phenomenon. These insights offer empirical implications for policymakers, emphasizing the need for tailored reassurance strategies that account for timing and audience to effectively build trust between nations.
Safety and efficacy of a novel transbronchial radiofrequency ablation system for lung tumours: One year follow‐up from the first multi‐centre large‐scale clinical trial (BRONC‐RFII)
Authors: Zhong Changhao , Chen Enguo , Su Zhuquan , Chen Difei , Wang Feng , Wang Xiaoping , Liu Guangnan , Zhang Xiaoju , Luo Fengming , Zhang Nan , Wang Hongwu , Jin Longyu , Long Fa , Liu Chunfang , Wu Shiman , Geng Qing , Wang Xiang , Tang Chunli , Chen Ruchong , Herth Felix J. F. , Sun Jiayuan , Li Shiyue
Published: August 2024

Background and Objective

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is an emerging treatment of lung cancer, yet it is accompanied by certain safety concerns and operational limitations. This first multi‐centre, large‐scale clinical trial aimed to investigate the technical performance, efficacy and safety of an innovative transbronchial RFA system for lung tumours.

Methods

The study enrolled patients with malignant lung tumours who underwent transbronchial RFA using an automatic saline microperfusion system between January 2021 and December 2021 across 16 medical centres. The primary endpoint was the complete ablation rate. The performance and safety of the technique, along with the 1‐year survival rates, were evaluated.

Results

This study included 126 patients (age range: 23–85 years) with 130 lung tumours (mean size: 18.77 × 14.15 mm) who had undergone 153 transbronchial RFA sessions, with a technique success rate of 99.35% and an average ablation zone size of 32.47 mm. At the 12‐month follow‐up, the complete ablation rate and intrapulmonary progression‐free survival rates were 90.48% and 88.89%, respectively. The results of patients with ground‐glass nodules (GGNs) were superior to those of the patients with solid nodules (12‐month complete ablation rates: solid vs. pure GGN vs. mixed GGN: 82.14% vs. 100% vs. 96.08%, p = 0.007). No device defects were reported. Complications such as pneumothorax, haemoptysis, pleural effusion, pulmonary infection and pleural pain were observed in 3.97%, 6.35%, 8.73%, 11.11% and 10.32% of patients, respectively. Two subjects died during the follow‐up period.

Conclusion

Transbronchial RFA utilizing an automatic saline microperfusion system is a viable, safe and efficacious approach for the treatment for lung tumours, particularly for patients with GGNs.

image