bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fit for purpose? Just Energy Transition Partnerships and accountability in international climate governance
Authors: Earsom Joseph
Published: February 2024

This contribution examines whether just energy transition partnerships (JETPs), a new type of financial agreement between G7/G7‐allies and low‐to‐middle income states, can serve as accountability mechanisms for the United Nation Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). It identifies important structural elements from the existing literature on climate governance for holding actors to account and then assesses the extent to which they are present within JETPs. While JETPs appear in theory to offer increased potential to shore up accountability in the UNFCCC, the case of the South African JETP demonstrates that the presence of these structural elements is likely insufficient to ensure accountability vis‐à‐vis the UNFCCC. This preliminary analysis therefore finds several practical limitations to accountability within JETPs and dense governance spaces in general. It thus points to the importance of identifying the underlying conditions needed for institutional accountability structures to function as designed.
Predictive utility of the P3 event‐related potential (ERP) response to alcohol cues for ecologically assessed alcohol craving and use
Authors: Kohen Casey B. , Cofresí Roberto U. , Piasecki Thomas M. , Bartholow Bruce D.
Published: February 2024

Neural measures of alcohol cue incentive salience have been associated with retrospective reports of riskier alcohol use behaviour and subjective response profiles. This study tested whether the P3 event‐related potential (ERP) elicited by alcohol‐related cues (ACR‐P3) can forecast alcohol use and craving during real‐world drinking episodes. Participants (N = 262; Mage = 19.53; 56% female) completed a laboratory task in which they viewed images of everyday objects (Neutral), non‐alcohol drinks (NonAlc) and alcohol beverages (Alc) while EEG was recorded and then completed a 21‐day ecological momentary assessment (EMA) protocol in which they recorded alcohol craving and consumption. Anthropometrics were used to derive estimated blood alcohol concentration (eBAC) throughout drinking episodes. Multilevel modelling indicated positive associations between P3 amplitudes elicited by all stimuli and within‐episode alcohol use measures (e.g., eBAC, cumulative drinks). Focal follow‐up analyses indicated a positive association between AlcP3 amplitude and eBAC within episodes: Larger AlcP3 was associated with a steeper rise in eBAC. This association was robust to controlling for the association between NonAlcP3 and eBAC. AlcP3 also was positively associated with episode‐level measures (e.g., max drinks, max eBAC). There were no associations between any P3 variables and EMA‐based craving measures. Thus, individual differences in neural measures of alcohol cue incentive salience appear to predict the speed and intensity of alcohol consumption but not reports of craving during real‐world alcohol use episodes.
H3K27ac modification and transcription characteristics of adipose and muscle tissues in Chuxiang Black pig
Authors: Kuang Renzhuo , Xu Zhixiang , Zhou Honghong , Zhang Zhao , Peng Hao , Wang Daoyuan , Xu Xuewen , Zhao Shuhong , Zhao Yunxia , Zhu Mengjin
Published: February 2024

The establishment of high‐quality pork breeds for improving meat quality in the pig industry is needed. The Chuxiang Black (CX) pig is a new breed developed from Chinese local pigs and Western lean pigs that has a high proportion of lean meat and excellent meat quality. However, the characteristics of cis‐regulatory elements in CX pigs are still unknown. In this study, cis‐regulatory elements of muscle and adipose tissues in CX pigs were investigated using ChIP‐seq and RNA sequencing. Compared with the reported cis‐regulatory elements of muscle and adipose tissues, 1768 and 1012 highly activated enhancers and 433 and 275 highly activated promoters in CX muscle and adipose tissues were identified, respectively. Motif analysis showed that transcription factors, such as MEF2A and MEF2C, were core regulators of highly activated enhancers and promoters in muscle. Similarly, the transcription factors JUNB and CUX1 were identified as essential for highly activated enhancers and promoters in CX adipose tissue. These results enrich the resources for the analysis of cis‐regulatory elements in the pig genome and provide new basic data for further meat quality improvement through breeding in pigs.
Controlling Shareholders' Value and Corporate Tax Avoidance*
Authors: Cho Hyungjin , Hyun Jeong‐Hoon , Jung Taejin , Kim Yewon
Published: February 2024

This paper investigates whether and how controlling shareholders' value (i.e., the concentration of controlling shareholders' wealth within a business group) affects corporate tax planning using Korean chaebols. We find that firms with high controlling shareholders' value engage in a lower level of tax avoidance than other affiliates in the business group. We also find that controlling shareholders' concern about the costs of tax avoidance (i.e., regulatory penalties and reputational damages) are potential mechanisms that prevent firms with high controlling shareholders' value from aggressive tax planning. Lastly, we provide the value implication of tax avoidance for firms with high controlling shareholders' value.
Mucinous ovarian carcinoma: A survey of practice in Australia and New Zealand
Authors: Rajadevan Niveditha , Flinkier Ariane , Saunders Hugo , Lee Yeh Chen , Scott Clare , Khaw Pearly , Allan Prue , Davies Claire , Andrews John , Wilson Michelle , Lombard Janine M , Harrison Michelle , Nesfield Heshani , DeFazio Anna , Meniawy Tarek , Gorringe Kylie L
Published: February 2024

Background

Mucinous ovarian carcinoma (MOC) is a rare ovarian cancer with limited evidence to support clinical care.

Aims

We undertook a clinician survey to better understand current practice in treating MOC in Australia and New Zealand, and to determine any features associated with variation in care. In addition, we aimed to understand future research priorities.

Methods

A RedCap survey was distributed to clinician members of the Australia New Zealand Gynaecological Oncology Group (ANZGOG). Questions included respondent demographics, three case studies and future research priorities. Clinicians were asked questions specific to their speciality.

Results

Respondents (n = 47) were commonly experienced gynae‐oncology specialists, most often surgical (38%) or medical (30%) oncologists. There was good consensus for surgical approaches for stage I disease; however, variation in practice was noted for advanced or recurrent MOC. Variation was also observed for medical oncologists; in early‐stage disease there was no clear consensus on whether to offer chemotherapy, or which regimen to recommend. For advanced and recurrent disease a wide range of chemotherapy options was considered, with a trend away from an ovarian‐type toward gastrointestinal (GI)‐type regimens in advanced MOC. This practice was reflected in future research priorities, with ‘Is a GI chemotherapy regimen better than an ovarian regimen?’ the most highly ranked option, followed by ‘Should stage 1C patients receive chemotherapy?’

Conclusions

Although the number of respondents limited the analyses, it was clear that chemotherapy selection was a key point of divergence for medical oncologists. Future research is needed to establish well‐evidenced guidelines for clinical care of MOC.
Results of an international survey on the current organization of care for pregnant women with cancer
Authors: Heimovaara Joosje H. , van Calsteren Kristel , Lok Christianne A. R. , Evens Andrew M. , Hoegl Jorge , Ferber Andres , Fernandes Andreina , Vriens Ingeborg , van Zuylen Lia , Amant Frédéric
Published: February 2024

The global incidence of cancer is increasing, including its incidence in women of reproductive age. Still, physicians encounter this situation rarely, which could lead to substandard care. This research sought to explore opportunities to improve future care for pregnant women with cancer, by describing the outcomes of a survey distributed to physicians all over the world focusing on clinical experience with pregnant women with cancer, the organization of care and current gaps in knowledge. We included 249 responses from physicians working across 36 countries. Responses demonstrate a wide variation in the organization of care – generally lacking centralization, and the physicians' acknowledgement of insufficient knowledge on the management of pregnant women with cancer. There is a need for improvement through national centralization and/or establishing advisory boards for cancer in pregnancy. Seeing the paucity of cancer in pregnancy experience, the importance of global multidisciplinary collaboration is emphasized.
Exploring the potential of rock surface luminescence from glacial sediments: dating and transport history
Authors: Rades Eike F. , Sohbati Reza , Alexanderson Helena , Jain Mayank , Murray Andrew S.
Published: February 2024

The dating of moraine deposits can present challenges to standard geochronological methods; terrestrial cosmogenic nuclide (TCN), sediment luminescence and radiocarbon dating may suffer from problems of incomplete resetting (by inheritance, intermittent cover/exposure, transport under unfavourable conditions) and/or a lack of suitable (organic) material. Rock surface luminescence burial dating (RSLBD) offers an alternative approach with considerable potential in dating moraines. In RSLBD, large cobbles/boulders are targeted, rather than smaller grains usually used in luminescence dating. The age limit of RSLBD is much higher than that of radiocarbon dating, and rocks are much more readily available than organic material. In contrast to TCN dating, the effect of exposure prior to deposition can be measured. In this study, we sampled a broad selection of primarily granitic boulders of various sizes and shapes (e.g. different degrees of roundness and sphericity) from the Vimmerby Moraine, a prominent and accessible feature in southern Sweden dated using TCN to 14.4±0.9 ka. Our study was designed to test whether morphological characteristics can be used to discriminate in favour of the most light‐exposed boulders and minimize measurements of non‐exposed boulders. As expected, not all RSLBD ages can be attributed to the same depositional event, but the majority of the resulting ages provide a mean age of 13.0±1.5 ka, consistent with the cosmogenic nuclide dating of the Vimmerby Moraine. Despite the apparently successful TCN study, the luminescence–depth profiles measured in the buried surfaces of the sampled clasts indicate that >50% of these moraine boulders were exposed to light (and cosmic radiation) before final deposition, implying some (presumably small) TCN inheritance; seven of the 16 boulders identified as light exposed were sufficiently bleached to be useful for RSLBD. These results and their implications in regard to transport and deposition of the sampled cobbles are critically discussed and evaluated.
Pks‐positive Escherichia coli in tumor tissue and surrounding normal mucosal tissue of colorectal cancer patients
Authors: Miyasaka Toshimitsu , Yamada Takeshi , Uehara Kay , Sonoda Hiromichi , Matsuda Akihisa , Shinji Seiichi , Ohta Ryo , Kuriyama Sho , Yokoyama Yasuyuki , Takahashi Goro , Iwai Takuma , Takeda Kohki , Ueda Koji , Kanaka Shintaro , Ohashi Ryuji , Yoshida Hiroshi
Published: February 2024

A significant association exists between the gut microbiome and colorectal carcinogenesis, as well as cancer progression. It has been reported that Escherichia coli (E. coli) containing polyketide synthetase (pks) island contribute to colorectal carcinogenesis by producing colibactin, a polyketide‐peptide genotoxin. However, the functions of pks+ E. coli in initiation, proliferation, and metastasis of colorectal cancer (CRC) remain unclear. We investigated the clinical significance of pks+ E. coli to clarify its functions in CRC. This study included 413 patients with CRC. Pks+ E. coli of tumor tissue and normal mucosal tissue were quantified using droplet digital PCR. Pks+ E. coli was more abundant in Stages 0–I tumor tissue than in normal mucosal tissue or in Stages II–IV tumor tissue. High abundance of pks+ E. coli in tumor tissue was significantly associated with shallower tumor depth (hazard ratio [HR] = 5.0, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.3–11.3, p < 0.001) and absence of lymph node metastasis (HR = 3.0, 95% CI = 1.8–5.1, p < 0.001) in multivariable logistic analyses. Pks+ E. coli‐low and ‐negative groups were significantly associated with shorter CRC‐specific survival (HR = 6.4, 95% CI = 1.7–25.6, p = 0.005) and shorter relapse‐free survival (HR = 3.1, 95% CI = 1.3–7.3, p = 0.01) compared to the pks+ E. coli‐high group. Pks+ E. coli was abundant in Stages 0–I CRC and associated with CRC prognosis. These results suggest that pks+ E. coli might contribute to carcinogenesis of CRC but might not be associated with tumor progression.
Equine common variable immunodeficiency: Lessons from 100 clinical cases
Authors: Felippe M. Julia B.
Published: February 2024

The clinical manifestation of recurrent fevers and infections alerts the clinician to the possibility of an underlying immunodeficiency. Common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) in the horse is a rare late‐onset, nonfamilial immunological disorder of B cell depletion and/or dysfunction with resultant inadequate antibody production. The most common clinical presentations in horses with CVID are recurrent upper and/or lower respiratory infections, meningitis and/or ataxia, cholangiohepatitis, infectious colitis, infectious dermatitis and severe gastrointestinal parasitism. Immune‐mediated and lymphoproliferative conditions are additional clinical features. The diagnosis of CVID in horses is based on a persistent hypogammaglobulinaemia primarily caused by a serum IgG concentration below 10.00 g/L in at least two different measurements, often accompanied by a serum IgM concentration below 0.50 g/L. Most horses with CVID show a persistent peripheral blood B cell distribution below 6% of total circulating lymphocytes, indicating severe B cell paucity or depletion, but the B cell distribution can be within the normal reference interval. Post‐mortem findings add diagnostic information about the distribution of B and T cells in lymphoid tissues. Clinical management of horses with immunodeficiency is intense and expensive, and these factors weigh on the difficult decision of elective euthanasia. To date, no genetic mutation has been identified in horse patients with CVID, and the large number of breeds of single‐affected individuals in a same herd or immediate lineage from various parts of the United States and the world do not point at an obvious inheritable mechanism of disease or environmental risk factors. This article describes the clinical and immunological findings in 100 equine cases, and comparisons with the disease in human patients.
Fluorination of a conserved tyrosine in POR offers new clues for proton transfer
Authors: Dong Chen‐Song , Liu Lin
Published: February 2024

Reduction of the 17,18‐double bond in the D‐ring during chlorophyll biosynthesis is catalyzed by the rare, naturally occurring photoenzyme protochlorophyllide oxidoreductase (POR). A conserved tyrosine residue has been suggested to donate a proton to C18 of the substrate in the past decades. Taylor and colleagues scrutinized the model with a powerful tool that utilized a modified genetic code to introduce fluorinated tyrosine analogues into POR. The presented results show that the suggested catalytically critical tyrosine is unlikely to participate in the reaction chemistry but is required for substrate binding, and instead, a cysteine residue preceding the lid helix is proposed to have the role of proton donor.
Being stranded with fossil fuel reserves? Climate policy risk and the pricing of bank loans
Authors: Delis Manthos D. , Greiff Kathrin de , Iosifidi Maria , Ongena Steven
Published: February 2024

Do banks price the risk of stranded fossil fuel reserves? To address this question, we hand collect global data on corporate fossil fuel reserves from 2002 to 2016, match it with syndicated loans, and subsequently compare the loan rate charged to fossil fuel firms — along their climate policy exposure — to other firms. We find that banks price climate policy exposure, especially after 2015. We also uncover that our main effect further increases for loans with longer maturity, that loan size to fossil fuel firms increases, and that ‛Green’ banks also charge higher loan rates to fossil fuel firms.
The atmospheres of massiveness: The politics and times of the maybe in Southern megaregions
Authors: Akoth Steve Ouma , Anwar Nausheen , Bathla Nitin , Cavalcanti Mariana , El‐Husseiny Momen , Güney K. Murat , Irawaty Dian Tri , Kaker Sobia Ahmad , Kihato Caroline Wanjiku , Lawanson Taibat , Saguin Kristian Karlo , Simone AbdouMaliq
Published: February 2024

In this introduction to the special issue on massive urbanisation, the collective that has prepared this issue reviews the thinking and experiences that have been important to them. The reflections centre on the use of ‘massive’ in Jamaican patois, where it has two countervailing meanings. On the one hand, it means an inordinate lack of sensitivity to the real conditions taking place, a sense of extreme self‐inflation beyond reason. On the other, it means a collectivity coming into being without a set form, but reflective of a desire for collaboration and mutuality. Massive urbanisation thus means here both the voluminous expansion of speculative accumulation, extraction of land value, replication of vast inequities and disfunction, and the continuous emergence of new forms of urban inhabitation, a constant remaking of the social field by what has been called the urban majority. All of the contributions attempt to work with this sense of doubleness, amplifying the creation of particular atmospheres of the urban as a materiality of its heterogeneity.
Retailer information sharing with green manufacturer encroachment in a hybrid supply chain
Authors: Lin Xiaogang , Zhu Ying , Lin Zhangzheng , Li Wenzhuo , Lin Qiang*
Published: February 2024

We consider a hybrid supply chain with a manufacturer and an online retailer with rich demand information. The manufacturer invests in green products and sells them not only through retailers that then sell to customers (reselling) but also directly to consumers via retailers by paying a proportional fee (agency selling). The retailer first decides whether to share demand information with the manufacturer, who then decides whether to encroach. We show that a manufacturer is willing to encroach when the entry cost is small if the retailer chooses not to share information. However, with the increase in the entry cost, the manufacturer could still encroach if the retailer shares information. We also find that a manufacturer that is more efficient at producing green products is more likely to encroach. Moreover, when the entry cost is sufficiently small or large, the retailer prefers to share information with the manufacturer when the greening investment efficiency is high or the efficiency is low but the proportional fee is large. Nevertheless, when the entry cost is moderate and the competition intensity is small, sharing information is better for the retailer even if the efficiency is low and the proportional fee is small. Finally, we observe that consumer sensitivity to the direct channel, differences in agency selling price and direct selling price, and imperfect retailer information do not influence decisions in specific circumstances. Furthermore, adjusting the encroachment order or ex post sharing impacts the decision‐making, with the magnitude of impact depending on certain supply chain parameters.
Key elements to support primary healthcare nurses to thrive at work: A mixed‐methods sequential explanatory study
Authors: Moloney Willoughby , Cheung Gordon , Jacobs Stephen
Published: February 2024

Aim

Develop evidence‐based recommendations for managers to support primary healthcare nurses to thrive at work.

Design

A mixed‐methods sequential explanatory design.

Methods

National data were collected in 2020 via an e‐survey based on a meta‐analysis of antecedents of thriving from 213 primary healthcare nurses across New Zealand. Structural equation modelling analysis identified the key factors supporting primary healthcare nurses to thrive. This informed a second open‐ended e‐survey in 2022 of 19 nurses from one primary healthcare organization. The thematic analysis provided recommendations for improving management strategies to support thriving primary healthcare nurses.

Results

The vitality component of thriving significantly reduced burnout and intention to leave organization and profession. In contrast, the learning component of thriving had a significant positive effect on burnout. The key factors that support thriving at work are empowering leadership and perceived organizational supports (decreases burnout and intention to leave organization and profession through enhanced vitality). Recommendations for improving thriving were made in eight key areas: communication, effective management, professional development, scope of practice, autonomy, effective orientation, reward and work–life balance.

Conclusions

Vitality is important in reducing burnout and turnover intentions. While learning was identified as increasing burnout, professional development and training for managers were identified as essential. Hence, the vitality dimension of the thriving at work construct should be studied at the dimension level, but more research is needed into the impact of learning on thriving over time. Primary healthcare nurses have identified that empowering leadership and perceived organizational support are critical factors in supporting them to thrive, and they provide specific recommendations for managers to improve these factors in the clinical setting.

No Patient or Public Contribution

This study collected data from Registered Nurses only.

What Is Already Known

A plethora of existing research focuses on resilience in nurses rather than thriving at work.

Enabling employees to thrive at work contributes to improved well‐being and sustainable organizational performance.

What This Paper Adds

Empowering leadership and perceived organizational support are the key factors that support primary healthcare nurses to thrive at work.

The vitality dimension of the thriving at work construct should be studied at the dimension level, and further research is needed into the impact of learning on thriving over time.

Primary healthcare nurses recommend that managers focus on improving communication, management efficiency, professional development, scope of practice, autonomy, orientation, reward and work–life balance.
Evaluating the usefulness of a wordless picture book for adults with intellectual disabilities about the COVID‐19 vaccination programme using co‐production: The CAREVIS study
Authors: Wythe Helena , Attavar Raj , Jones Julia , Kelly Jackie , Palmer Claire , Jenkins Louise , Dekker Romanie , Fearns Debra , Watkins Scott , Hunt Anne , Pattison Natalie
Published: February 2024

Aim

To explore the usefulness of a co‐designed wordless book showing processes of receiving COVID‐19 vaccines designed by, and for, adults with intellectual disabilities.

Methods

A qualitative evaluation of the resource using mixed methods. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with people with intellectual disabilities, carers and health professionals about resource content, and use. This was analysed thematically. A survey was circulated to intellectual disabilities networks to understand resource need, use, sharing and content.

Results

Understanding the COVID‐19 vaccine was a process, not a single event using one resource. A visual resource had a place in facilitating conversations about vaccines between people with intellectual disabilities and carers. Differing perspectives were expressed regarding personal needs, existing awareness of vaccine programmes and communication preferences. Changes were suggested to improve the suggested storyline and relevance around COVID‐19 restrictions changing.

Conclusion

A visual resource may help conversations about the COVID‐19 vaccine for people with intellectual disabilities.
Multimodal optical mesoscopy reveals the quantity and spatial distribution of Gram‐positive biofilms in ex vivo tonsils
Authors: Clapperton Megan , Kunanandam Tash , Florea Catalina D. , Douglas Catriona M. , McConnell Gail
Published: February 2024

Biofilms are known to be present in tonsils, but little is known about their spatial location and size distribution throughout the tonsil. Studies of the location and distribution of biofilms in tonsil specimens have thus far been limited to either high‐magnification methods such as electron microscopy, which enables high‐resolution imaging but only from a tiny tissue volume, or lower magnification techniques such as light microscopy, which allow imaging of larger specimens but with poor spatial resolution. To overcome these limitations, we report the use of multimodal optical mesoscopy to visualise and quantify the number and spatial distribution of Gram‐positive biofilms in fresh, excised paediatric tonsils. This methodology supports simultaneous imaging of both the tonsil host and biofilms in whole mounts of tissue up to 5 mm × 5 mm × 3 mm with subcellular resolution throughout. A quantitative assessment of 36 tonsil specimens revealed no statistically significant difference between biofilm presence on the tonsil surface and the interior of the tonsil. This new quantitative mesoscale imaging approach may prove useful in understanding the role of biofilms in tonsillar diseases and other infections.
Living the Janus Face: The Promise and Perils of Role‐Distancing for Middle Managers
Authors: Gjerde S. , Alvesson M.
Published: February 2024

Middle managers often find themselves in a challenging position: They have to impress different audiences in somewhat incompatible ways and represent and enact managerial ideals and expectations that may be detrimental to their work identities. This study explores role distancing as an alluring coping strategy. Role distancing – acts that express separateness between the individual and the enacted role – may enable the professional to do management and give an impressive managerial performance, without becoming a manager. This may seem like the perfect strategy to impress others while escaping identity struggles. Or maybe not. In this study we take a closer look at role distancing among a group of middle managers in higher education and focus on one manager, Manny, in particular over a period of time. We find that what first seemed to be a promising strategy applauded by a backstage audience, turns into a problem in need of its own solution, as backstage also becomes a frontstage. The paper contributes to theory about middle managers, role distancing in professional work and front−/backstage acting.
Clinical and imaging predictors for hemorrhagic transformation of acute ischemic stroke after endovascular thrombectomy
Authors: Kuang Yongyao , Zhang Lingtao , Ye Kunlin , Jiang Zijie , Shi Changzheng , Luo Liangping
Published: February 2024

Background and Purpose

Hemorrhagic transformation (HT) is a common complication of endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS). Our study aims to investigate the clinical and imaging predictors of HT and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) in patients who underwent EVT.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of 118 patients undergoing EVT for acute anterior circulation stroke was performed. Potential clinical and imaging predictors of all patients were collected and multivariate logistic regression was performed. The risk prediction system was constructed according to the multivariate logistic regression results.

Results

The incidence of HT and sICH after EVT were 46.6% and 15.3%, respectively. The multivariate logistic regression results showed that Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (ASPECTS) (p = .001, odds ratio [OR] = 0.367, 95% [confidence interval] CI, 0.201‐0.670), collateral status (p<.001, OR = 0.117, 95% CI, 0.042‐0.325), relative cerebral blood flow (CBF) ratio (p = .025, OR = 0.943, 95% CI, 0.895‐0.993), and blood glucose on admission (p = .012, OR = 1.258, 95% CI, 1.053‐1.504) were associated with HT. While for sICH, collateral circulation (p = .007, OR = 0.148, 95% CI, 0.037‐0.589), ASPECTS (p = .033, OR = 0.510, 95% CI, 0.274‐0.946), and blood glucose (p = .005, OR = 1.304, 95% CI, 1.082‐1.573) were independent factors. The predictive model for HT after EVT was established, and the sensitivity and specificity of it were 90.9% and 79.4%, respectively, with the area under the curve of 90.0% (84.5%‐95.4%).

Conclusion

Collateral status, ASPECTS, relative CBF ratio, and blood glucose on admission were predictors for HT in AIS patients, while collateral status, ASPECTS, and blood glucose on admission were also predictors for sICH. In addition, the established predictive model showed good diagnostic value for prediction of HT after EVT.
Improving self‐management behaviour through a digital lifestyle intervention: An internal pilot study
Authors: Lightfoot Courtney J. , Wilkinson Thomas J. , Vadaszy Noemi , Graham‐Brown Matthew P. M. , Davies Melanie J. , Yates Thomas , Smith Alice C.
Published: February 2024

Background

Self‐management is a key component of successful chronic kidney disease (CKD) management. Here, we present the findings from the internal pilot of a multicentre randomised controlled trial (RCT) aimed to test the effect of a digital self‐management programme (‘My Kidneys & Me’ (MK&M)).

Methods

Participants (aged ≥18 years and CKD stages 3‐4) were recruited from hospital kidney services across England. Study processes were completed virtually. Participants were randomised 2:1 to either intervention (MK&M) or control group. The first 60 participants recruited were included in a 10‐week internal pilot which assessed study feasibility and acceptability against pre‐specified progression criteria: 1) eligibility and recruitment, acceptability of 2) randomisation and 3) outcomes, 4) MK&M activation, and 5) retention and attrition rates. Semi‐structured interviews further explored views on trial participation.

Results

Of the 60 participants recruited, 41 were randomised to MK&M and 19 to control. All participants completed baseline measures and 62% (n=37) completed post‐intervention outcome measures. All progression criteria met the minimum thresholds to proceed. Nine participants were interviewed. The themes identified were satisfaction with study recruitment processes (openness to participate, reading and agreeing to “terms and conditions”), acceptability of study design (remote study participation, acceptability of randomisation, completion of online assessment(s)), and methods to improve recruitment and retention (personalised approach, follow‐up communication).

Conclusion

This internal pilot demonstrated the feasibility and acceptability of a virtually run RCT. Progression criteria thresholds to proceed to the definitive RCT were met. Areas for improvement were identified and protocol amendments were made to improve trial delivery.
Diagnostic value of CSF chromogranin A to discriminate between Alzheimer's disease and dementia with Lewy bodies
Authors: Bousiges Olivier , Lavaux Thomas , Demuynck Catherine , Schaeffer‐Agalède Caroline , Philippi Nathalie , Muller Candice , Cretin Benjamin , Blanc Frédéric
Published: February 2024

Background

Chromogranin A (CgA) seems to be involved in the pathophysiology of different neurodegenerative pathologies such as Alzheimer's disease (AD) and dementia with Lewy Bodies (DLB). CgA is present in the aggregates of amyloid plaques and in Lewy bodies but CgA also has a function in neuroinflammatory processes via microglia. Our objective was to determine if there is a difference in the CgA concentration in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of AD and DLB patients and whether the CgA concentration can discriminate between the two diseases.

Methods

Using the previously described AlphaLewyMA cohort, we included 117 patients with a CSF CgA assay: 15 control subjects (CS group), 64 DLB patients, 17 AD patients and 21 patients with both AD and probable DLB criteria (AD/DLB group). CgA concentration was assessed using the MSD platform.

Results

CSF CgA was increased in the AD and AD/DLB groups compared with the DLB group (p = 0.0006 between AD and DLB, p = 0.0013 between AD/DLB and DLB). No significant difference in CgA concentration was found between DLB and CS. ROC curve analysis showed an area under the curve of 0.791 between AD and DLB. CgA concentrations were correlated with t‐Tau and P‐Tau regardless of the pathology (for Tau: p = 0.022 for AD; p < 0.0001 for DLB; p = 0.004 for AD/DLB; for P‐Tau: p = 0.032 for AD; p < 0.0001 for DLB; p = 0.0009 for AD/DLB). Aβ42 was positively correlated with CgA in the DLB group but not in the AD and AD/DLB groups (for DLB: p < 0.0001; for AD: p = 0.57; for AD/DLB: p = 0.58).

Conclusions

CSF CgA concentrations are increased in AD but not in DLB and correlate with P‐Tau and Tau whatever the disease. These results suggest a link between tauopathy/neurodegeneration and CgA.
Impact of renal dysfunction on the diagnosis of acute pancreatitis using urinary trypsinogen‐2: A retrospective study
Authors: Sato Yuko , Inokuchi Ryota , Yamamoto Miyuki , Horie Ryohei , Asada Toshifumi , Matsubara Takehiro , Doi Kent
Published: February 2024

Aim

Early diagnosis of acute pancreatitis is crucial, and urinary trypsinogen has been recently reported as a useful biomarker for diagnosing acute pancreatitis. We aimed to evaluate the impact of renal dysfunction on the diagnostic performance of urinary trypsinogen‐2 for acute pancreatitis.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective study using the clinical data of patients who visited the Department of Emergency and Critical Care at the University of Tokyo Hospital between 1 October, 2021, and 30 June, 2022. Patients with available data on qualitative urinary trypsinogen‐2 levels were identified. We compared the urinary trypsinogen‐2 levels among patients who were clinically diagnosed with acute pancreatitis. We further stratified the patients according to renal function parameters, such as serum creatinine level, blood urea nitrogen level, and estimated glomerular filtration rate, and evaluated the performance of urinary trypsinogen‐2 as a biomarker for acute pancreatitis.

Results

Within 9 months, 35 patients were identified. Of them, 22 patients showed positive results and 13 showed negative results on the urinary trypsinogen‐2 test. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were 0.80, 0.40, 0.18, and 0.92, respectively. Based on the blood urea nitrogen level and estimated glomerular filtration rate, the prevalence of false‐positive results was significantly higher in patients with reduced renal function than in those with normal renal function.

Conclusion

In patients with reduced renal function, the urinary trypsinogen‐2 qualitative test results might be interpreted with caution when used for diagnosing acute pancreatitis.

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Technology‐delivered personalized nutrition intervention on dietary outcomes among adults with overweight and obesity: A systematic review, meta‐analysis, and meta‐regression
Authors: Lau Ying , Wong Sai Ho , Chee Daniel Guang Hui , Ng Brenda Sok Peng , Ang Wen Wei , Han Chad Yixian , Cheng Ling Jie
Published: February 2024

The prevalence of overweight and obesity has continued to increase globally, and one‐size‐fits‐all dietary recommendations may not be suitable for different individual characteristics. A personalized nutrition intervention may be a potential solution. This review aims to evaluate the effects of the technology‐delivered personalized nutrition intervention on energy, fat, vegetable, and fruit intakes among adults with overweight and obesity. A three‐step comprehensive search strategy was performed from 10 databases and seven clinical registries in published and unpublished trials. A total of 46 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving 19,670 adults with overweight and obesity from 14 countries are included. Subgroup and meta‐regression analyses were conducted. Meta‐analyses showed a reduction of energy intake (−128.05, 95% CI: −197.08, −59.01) and fat intake (−1.81% energy/days, 95% CI: −3.38, −0.24, and −0.19 scores, 95% CI: −0.40, 0.02) in the intervention compared with the comparator. Significant improvements in vegetable and fruit intakes with 0.12–0.15 servings/day were observed in the intervention. Combined one‐ and two‐way interactions had a greater effect on energy intake reduction compared with their counterparts. Meta‐regression analyses revealed that no significant covariates were found. Given that the certainty of the evidence was rated as low or very low, further well‐designed RCTs with long‐term follow‐up are warranted.
Protein arginine methyltransferase 5 in osteoblasts promotes the healing of extraction sockets
Authors: Yang Jie , Yang Shurong , Ge Xuejun , Yuan Lu , Qi Yini , Huang Zhen , Yang Guan , Zhang Ran
Published: February 2024

Objectives

To explore the effect of protein arginine methyltransferase 5 (PRMT5) on tooth extraction sockets healing, we established an extraction sockets model in osteoblast‐conditional Prmt5 knockout mice. The results provided clues for promoting extraction sockets healing in clinical settings.

Materials and Methods

Maxillary first molars were extracted from 6 to 8‐week‐old mice to establish an extraction fossa model. Microcomputed tomography (Micro‐CT), histology, and immunostaining assays were performed on samples harvested at 3‐, 7‐, and 14‐day post‐extraction. Prmt5‐silenced cell lines  were employed to explore the regulatory mechanisms underlying the osteigenic differentiation.

Results

PRMT5 expression was higher in the early stage of socket healing. Micro‐CT analysis showed that the percentage of new bone in the extraction sockets was lower in OC‐Cre; Prmt5fl/fl mice than in the control group, consistent with Masson staining. We found that, Prmt5 deficiency delayed the osteogenesis during extraction socket healing, which might be achieved through the decrease of H4R3me2s in the Sp7 promoter region.

Conclusion

PRMT5 in osteoblasts may promote the differentiation of osteoblasts by regulating the Sp7 promoter H4R3me2s and participate in the healing of tooth extraction sockets.
A systematic review of neurological airway respiratory cardiovascular other‐surgical severity (NARCO‐SS) score as a pediatric perioperative scoring system
Authors: Udupa Ashwin N. , Majmudar Ahan A. , Tran Liem
Published: February 2024

Objective

To systematically identify and synthesize the available evidence of the neurological airway respiratory cardiovascular other‐surgical severity (NARCO‐SS) score as compared to other pediatric specific perioperative scoring systems.

Design

This systematic review was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta‐analysis (PRISMA) statement. All studies in all languages comparing NARCO‐SS with pediatric perioperative scoring systems against outcomes were included. Records were screened and data were extracted by three independent reviewers into standardized pilot‐tested extraction templates.

Data Sources

Electronic searches were performed in MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, and CINAHL (from inception to February 2023).

Review Methods

The references were uploaded to a validated software for systematic reviews (Rayyan) and screened against the inclusion criteria. Full text of included studies were reviewed and the available data were tabulated. We conducted Risk of Bias analysis on the included studies using the Prediction model Risk Of Bias ASsessment Tool (PROBAST).

Results

A meta‐analysis could not be performed due to differences in outcome definitions across the included studies. Correlations between NARCO‐SS scores, ASA‐PS scores and the predefined outcomes of each study were presented as a narrative synthesis. The included studies were determined to have a high risk of bias using the PROBAST.

Conclusions

This review has identified a need for high‐quality studies assessing NARCO‐SS before recommendations for clinical practice can be made. Addressing its limitations and enhancing the NARCO‐SS through targeted refinements of its individual descriptive categories could potentially lead to improvement in its overall predictive accuracy and facilitate wider adoption into clinical practice.
Effects of a dark septate endophyte and extracellular metabolites on alfalfa root exudates: a non‐targeted metabolomics analysis
Authors: Bi Yinli , Wang Shuhui , Song Yaning , Christie Peter
Published: February 2024

Dark septate endophytes (DSE) are widespread colonizers of plant roots and have important ecological functions such as the regulation of plant growth and nutrient uptake. The mechanisms by which DSE mycelium and its extracellular metabolites promote plant growth have not yet been determined. Here, the growth‐promoting effects of DSE mycelium (H) and extracellular metabolites (M) on alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) were investigated. Treatments H, M and HM increased the total biomass of alfalfa by 23.9%, 47.2% and 47.1%, respectively. H and M modified root structure by increasing root volume and reducing root tissue density, and promoting nutrient uptake. Metabolomic analysis indicates that alfalfa root exudates contained 204 metabolites of different types, mainly lipids and lipid‐like molecules, organic acids and derivatives, benzenoids. There were more organoheterocyclic compounds and fewer organic acids and derivatives in root exudates in treatment H than in treatment M. Pathway analysis shows that DSE and its extracellular metabolites had greater effects on glycerophospholipid metabolism and N‐glycan biosynthesis pathway. The results provide information on the mechanisms involved in the metabolic regulation of plant growth promotion by DSE.
C‐reactive protein as a candidate biomarker in fibrotic interstitial lung disease
Authors: Cottin Vincent , Valenzuela Claudia
Published: February 2024

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Classifying coping strategies from suicide prevention safety plans
Authors: Daglas Zoe , Lu Sinh , Gresham Daniel , Tatnell Ruth , Stanley Barbara H. , Melvin Glenn A.
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Understanding the specific strategies individuals use to cope with their suicidal thoughts may have implications for suicide prevention. This study developed a classification system of coping strategies and applied this system to individual coping behaviors documented in a safety planning intervention smartphone application called Beyond Now.

Method

725 Beyond Now safety planning app users, aged 16 to over 55 years, entered coping strategies that were used to develop a classification system through content analysis. Entries were either user generated or selected from a list of suggested coping strategies, and 2960 entries were classified using the system.

Results

Our classification system featured 11 distinct descriptive categories, with media consumption being the most popular coping strategy among Beyond Now users, followed by relaxation and self‐care activities, exercise and creative activities. More than half (57%) of the entries were suggested coping strategies with the remainder being user‐generated entries (43%).

Conclusion

A wide range of coping strategies were entered into safety plans, with activities that aim to either distract or provide reductions in emotional arousal common. Future research is needed to evaluate the efficacy of the coping strategies listed in safety plans.
Does employment assistance promote employment of the impoverished in China? Evidence from a mixed methods approach
Authors: Wang Shencheng , Yang Yongzheng , Liu Baochen
Published: February 2024

The issue of employment is extremely significant, and employment assistance programs work for special social assistance and employment support for the impoverished in China. Are employment assistance programs, particularly those providing job recommendations and free vocational training, effective in promoting employment in China? This study answers this question using a mixed methods approach. Logistic regressions and propensity score matching–difference in differences models using unique data from the “Construction of Social Policy Support System for Urban and Rural Impoverished Families in China” project demonstrates that providing either job recommendations or free vocational training does not significantly promote employment. Qualitative analyses of in‐depth interviews show that the ineffectiveness of providing job recommendations and vocational training programs can be attributed to three reasons: (1) lack of coordination among employment assistance providers, (2) mismatch between employment assistance provision and recipients' needs, and (3) employment assistance as subordinates to Dibao and labor market policy. This study has important theoretical and practical implications for research on and improvement of employment assistance.
Causal relationship between inflammatory bowel disease and erythema nodosum: A two‐sample bidirectional Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Zhu Haoqi , Jiang Yi , Ma Guolong , Xu Yuan , Pan Jingyi
Published: February 2024

Background

Previous studies have demonstrated the coexistence of erythema nodosum (EN) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), while the exact etiology of the co‐occurrence of the two disorders remains uncertain.

Methods

A bidirectional two‐sample Mendelian randomization (MR) design was employed to determine the causal link between EN and IBD. Genetic variations associated with Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) were derived from accessible genome‐wide association studies pertaining to European ancestry. The FinnGen database was used to find the genetic variations containing EN. In the forward model, IBD was identified as the exposure, whereas in the reverse model, EN was identified as the exposure. The causal link between IBD and EN was examined using a range of different analysis techniques, the primary one being the inverse variance weighted (IVW) method, including inverse variance weighted‐fixed effects (IVW‐FE) and inverse‐variance weighted‐multiplicative random effects (IVW‐MRE). To strengthen the results, assessments of sensitivity, heterogeneity, and pleiotropy were also conducted.

Results

MR results showed that IBD increased the risk of EN (IVW‐MRE: OR = 1.242, 95% CI = 1.068–1.443, p = 0.005). Furthermore, there was a strong correlation found between CD and a higher risk of EN (IVW‐FE: OR = 1.250, 95% CI = 1.119–1.396, p = 8.036 × 10−5). However, UC did not appear to be linked to EN (IVW‐FE: OR = 1.104, 95% CI = 0.868–1.405, p = 0.421). The reverse MR analysis findings did not imply that EN was linked to IBD. Horizontal pleiotropy did not appear to exist, and the robustness of these findings was confirmed.

Conclusion

The current investigation found that in European populations, IBD and its subtype CD could raise the incidence of EN.