bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Does distribution and type of aid affect internal migration following a cyclone? Evidence from Bangladesh
Authors: Mustafa Shahed , Newport Darryl John , Rigg Clare , Islam Md Shahidul
Published: August 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to explore the impacts of aid in the form of food, cash, and agricultural inputs on internal migration following a series of cyclones in the southern coastal areas of Bangladesh. The impacts of sources of aid, such as institutional or social network sources, were also analysed. With the increasing frequency of extreme climatic events, it becomes crucial to understand the impacts of different post-cyclonic aid on human mobility.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 472 households across 16 blocks (moujas) in the Patharghata sub-district of Barguna district were selected for participation using a stratified sampling strategy. Data were captured via a survey which included individual and household-level demographics, migration and aid-receipt following cyclones. Data were analysed using a mixture of descriptive and inferential statistical methods.

Findings

The analysis revealed that migration was significantly higher among households which did not receive institutional food aid. More specifically, non-receipt of food aid and cash aid after a cyclone, different sources of income, non-availability of alternative sources of income, lack of land ownership and severity of cyclones up to a certain level increased migration among the households where a minority of household members migrated. In contrast, the absence of food aid and the severity of cyclones were found to be significant factors in increasing migration among the households where a majority of household members migrated. The authors argue that the decision to migrate from the households where most members migrated increased with the rise in cyclone severity.

Originality/value

The contribution of this research in the field of aid and migration is unique. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, no research was conducted before on the impacts of distribution and type of aid on internal migration following a cyclone.
Navigating real estate purchase decisions: an interplay of influential factors
Authors: Sam Asha Jaisy , Davidson Benny Godwin J. , George Jossy P. , Muttungal Peter Varghese
Published: August 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between social trends, peer influence, personal attitudes regarding real estate purchase decisions, perception of long-term property value and the mediating effect of hedging in influencing property and real estate purchases.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a combination of quantitative surveys, this study aims to provide a comprehensive knowledge of the factors influencing real estate buying decisions. Data were obtained from 399 young consumers in four Indian cities. Using structural equation modeling, the suggested conceptual framework is examined.

Findings

The study’s findings suggest that attitude plays an important role in influencing real estate purchase decisions. Young adults also tend to look for long-term gains or value when purchasing a home. Developing durable products for the customers is the best way to grow business, according to the results.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first paper that examines the role of sentimental, personal and financial factors in real estate purchase decisions. The study provides insights into how these factors interact and affect the decisions of consumers in real estate. The authors hope that the findings will be useful for real estate professionals to better tailor their services to meet the needs of their customers.
Procedural content generation in pervasive games: state of affairs, mistakes, and successes
Authors: Silva Bruno Correia da , Rodrigues Maia José Gilvan , Viana de Carvalho Windson
Published: August 2024

Purpose

In ubiquitous games, sensor data and the player’s dynamic profile personalize the experience, adapting scenarios and difficulty to the player’s context. However, manually creating custom virtual environments becomes impractical due to the scalability required in the real world, where gameplay depends on the player’s environment and various points of interest. Procedural content generation (PCG) naturally emerges as an automated solution. This study aims to review the state of the art among pervasive games that use procedural generation techniques.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors performed a systematic review of the literature on PCG techniques in ubiquitous games. The research methodology included initial database searches, forward snowballing and backward snowballing.

Findings

The authors selected 40 articles published from 2008 to 2022 after analyzing 1,017 PCG articles. Many of these paper use dynamic difficulty generation methods that affect game customization, balance and playability. The majority of titles are in the area of education and require rigorous evaluation. Some articles mention the use of PCG but provide limited details of algorithms or processes.

Research limitations/implications

The low presence of recent articles stands out, which can lead to two conclusions: poor use of indexing of articles in the area or low amount of research over these years. One of the search bases did not enter due to the number of keywords used.

Practical implications

The paper is a guide for researchers in the area of pervasive games who are interested in using PCG techniques in their games.

Originality/value

This approach revealed articles combining PCG and ubiquitous games, with no previous systematic reviews at this intersection.
Customer service experience for a smart automated coffee vending machine
Authors: Fakfare Pipatpong , Rittichainuwat Bongkosh , Manosuthi Noppadol , Wattanacharoensil Walanchalee
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This research examined the influence of the service attribute components of a smart automated coffee vending machine on the enjoyment and choice behaviour of customers from the perspective of the Stimulus-Organism-Response paradigm.

Design/methodology/approach

To gain an improved understanding of the influential factors that can yield the desired study outcomes, this research employed sufficiency logic and necessity logic to provide insights and practical implications for research.

Findings

While this study identified “special benefits” as a sufficient factor to induce both enjoyment and choice behaviour, “interactive experience” and “ease of use” were found to be the fundamental factors for achieving these two desirable outcomes.

Originality/value

This research extends beyond the conventional approach of symmetric analysis by incorporating necessary condition analysis to explore the essential conditions necessary for enjoyment and choice behaviours during automated-vending-machine consumption. The smart feature, highlighted by the ‘interactive experience,’ is revealed as one of the necessary factors in fostering enjoyment and influencing consumer choice of beverages from smart automated vending machines.
A stochastic model of the economics of Internet search
Authors: Westland James Christopher , Mou Jian
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Internet search is a $120bn business that answers lists of search terms or keywords with relevant links to Internet webpages. Only a few companies have sufficient scale to compete and thus economics of the process are paramount. This study aims to develop a detailed industry-specific modeling of the economics of internet search.

Design/methodology/approach

The current research develops a stochastic model of the process of Internet indexing, search and retrieval in order to predict expected costs and revenues of particular configurations and usages.

Findings

The models define behavior and economics of parameters that are not directly observable, where it is difficult to empirically determine the distributions and economics.

Originality/value

The model may be used to guide the economics of large search engine operations, including the advertising platforms that depend on them and largely fund them.
Factors influencing customers’ adoption of mobile payment in Pakistan: application of the extended meta-UTAUT model
Authors: Hassaan Muhammad , Yaseen Asif
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Mobile payment (or m-payment), a relatively new digital banking system targeting Pakistani customers, is rapidly expanding. This study aims to explore the elements that impact customer behaviour and encourage the adoption of m-payment in Pakistan.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used a quantitative research design, surveying 315 m-payment users residing in three Pakistani cities. A conceptual framework was developed by extending the meta-unified theory of acceptance and use technology (meta-UTAUT) model to incorporate institutional privacy concerns (IPC) and institutional source reliability (ISR). Data analysis was conducted using partial least squares structural equation modelling via Smart PLS 4.0 software.

Findings

This study’s results indicate that behavioural intention (BI) is the primary driver ofm-payment use behaviour. The findings also reveal that attitude (AT), performance expectancy (PE), facilitating conditions (FC), social influence (SI), effort expectancy (EE), IPC and ISR significantly influence BI. Notably, PE and FC are positively associated with AT, while EE and SI have no significant impact on AT.

Research limitations/implications

This study has two key limitations. First, its focus on only Pakistani m-payment users limits the broader applicability of the results. Second, the cross-sectional design overlooks potential longitudinal changes in users’ attitude. Future research should aim to recruit diverse country samples and conduct comparative studies, thereby enhancing the understanding of m-payment adoption.

Practical implications

This study provides insights for service providers and marketers, identifying key factors that influence m-payment adoption. Convenience emerges as a critical consideration, suggesting it may drive customer behaviour.

Originality/value

This research significantly advances the field of m-payment studies by investigating the key factors influencing Pakistani consumers’ adoption of m-payment, extending the meta-UTAUT model to include IPC and ISR. By applying this extended framework to the context of Pakistani consumers’ acceptance and use of m-payment, this study provides new insights into the complex factors driving m-payment adoption in developing Asian countries like Pakistan, addressing a significant research gap and paving the way for future studies.
The mediating roles of trust on intentions toward mobile wallet adoption in social health insurance: a deep learning–based SEM-ANN analysis
Authors: Catacutan Zandro Marges , Mabesa Jaime Julius Osal
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This study aims to examine the factors influencing Filipinos’ intention to adopt mobile wallets to pay social health insurance premiums.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors used an integrative model framework using the key indicators from the lenses of the technology acceptance model, the unified theory of acceptance and usage of technology model 2 and the theory of planned behavior with trust serving as a mediator. The sample size was calculated using an inverse square root ratio composed of 624 survey participants purposively identified across selected cities in the Philippines. The formulated hypotheses were examined using partial least squares structural equation modeling and deep learning–based artificial neural networks.

Findings

The results substantiate this study’s integrative model explaining the positive influence and relative importance of perceived usefulness, habit and subjective norms in developing trust in mobile wallet applications. Moreover, health insurance literacy, subjective norms and trust positively and significantly drive individuals’ intentions to adopt mobile wallets as a payment platform for social health insurance premiums. The mediation analysis also exemplified that trust positively mediates the influences of technology acceptance factors such as perceived usefulness, habit and subjective norms in the intention of individuals to adopt mobile wallet applications in social health insurance payment of premiums.

Originality/value

This study is a pioneering study in the Philippine context that used an integrative model to predict and explain the relative importance of predictors of Filipino intentions to adopt mobile wallets as a payment platform for social health insurance premiums.
Evidence for seasonal compensation of hunting mortalities in a long‐lived migratory bird
Authors: LeTourneux Frédéric , Gauthier Gilles , Pradel Roger , Lefebvre Josée , Legagneux Pierre
Published: August 2024

Understanding whether hunting mortality is additive to or compensated by other mortality sources is at the heart of managing harvested populations. Long‐lived species are expected to exhibit hunting mortality additive to other sources of mortality, making them ideal candidates for population management through sport harvest.

Previous studies on these processes have focussed on density‐dependent natural mortality compensating for hunting mortality, but when harvest occurs in distinct periods of the year, heterogeneity in hunting vulnerability between individuals could also lead to compensatory mortality between these periods. We explore this new idea using the case of the greater snow goose (Anser caerulescens atlantica), a harvested species whose population became overabundant in the late 20th century.

To control this population, wildlife agencies liberalised hunting regulations with unprecedented actions such as special hunting seasons implemented in spring 1999 in Canada and in winter 2009 in the USA. To determine the relative impact of each measure on survival, we estimated survival of adult geese on a seasonal basis using 30 years of capture‐mark‐reencounter data in a joint live‐and‐dead‐encounter multievent model. We also used this quasi‐experimental set‐up to evaluate possible compensation in hunting mortality between seasons.

We found that both special hunting seasons decreased goose survival in the seasons and periods in which they were implemented. However, survival increased during the spring hunting season after the establishment of the special winter hunting season in the USA in 2009. There was a negative relationship between annual spring and winter mortalities, suggesting that the increase in hunting mortality in winter was compensated by a reduction in spring mortality after 2009.

Synthesis and applications: To our knowledge, we report the first documented instance of hunting mortality in one season being compensated by a reduction in hunting mortality in a subsequent season. We suggest that heterogeneity in hunting vulnerability among individuals, possibly linked to the presence of juveniles, may explain this phenomenon. A better knowledge of seasonal patterns and relationships between mortality components is needed to improve our understanding of population dynamics and management of harvested populations.
Using transglutaminase to cross‐link complexes of lactoferrin and α‐lactalbumin to increase thermal stability
Authors: Zhou Yufeng , Lin Tiantian , Dadmohammadi Younas , Li Peilong , Dong Hongmin , Yang Lixin , He Yanhong , Meletharayil Gopinathan , Kapoor Rohit , Abbaspourrad Alireza
Published: August 2024

The poor thermal stability of lactoferrin (LF) hinders its bioavailability and use in commercial food products. To preserve LF from thermal denaturation, complexation with other biopolymers has been studied. Here we present the complex formation conditions, structural stability, and functional protection of LF by α‐lactalbumin (α‐LA). The formation of the LF–α‐LA complexes was dependent on pH, mass ratio, and ionic strength. Changing the formation conditions and cross‐linking by transglutaminase impacted the turbidity, particle size, and zeta‐potential of the resulting complexes. Electrophoresis, Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, and circular dichroism measurements suggest that the secondary structure of LF in the LF–α‐LA complex was maintained after complexation and subsequent thermal treatments. At pH 7, the LF–α‐LA complex protected LF from thermal aggregation and denaturation, and the LF retained its functional and structural properties, including antibacterial capacity of LF after thermal treatments. The improved thermal stability and functional properties of LF in the LF–α‐LA complex are of interest to the food industry.
Efficacy of three pheromone lures on trapping the palm weevils Rhynchophorus palmarum and Dynamis borassi (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)
Authors: Pinilla‐Gallego Mario S. , Santos‐Holguín Jenny M. , Mejía‐Salazar Julián Roberto , Moncayo Vanessa , Guzmán Félix Alberto
Published: August 2024

In the Americas, the palm weevils Rhynchophorus palmarum and Dynamis borassi are two of the most economically important palm pests, attacking crops including oil palms, coconut palms, Canary Islands date palms and peach palms. Mass trapping with aggregation pheromone‐baited traps has been used for several decades as the main way to monitor and manage palm weevil populations worldwide. Given that several species of palm weevils have the same main aggregation pheromone and that one species can be attracted to the aggregation pheromones of other species, it is important to compare the efficacy of multiple pheromone lures on several species of palm weevils. Here, we tested the commercial pheromone lure Dynalure (ferruginol) independently, and the lures Rhyncolure (rhynchophorol) and Metalure (89% ferruginol and 11% 2‐methyl‐4‐heptanol) jointly, for their efficacy at attracting R. palmarum and D. borassi in a palm growing area of Tumaco, Colombia. We found that Dynalure and Rhyncolure are effective at attracting both species, but traps with Dynalure attract more D. borassi, while traps with Rhyncolure attract more R. palmarum. Metalure had a repellent effect for both species, highlighting the importance of minor components in pheromone lures. For R. palmarum, captures were female‐biased in traps with the lures Rhyncolure and Metalure, while for D. borassi captures were male‐biased with all lures tested. While both species showed similar numbers of captures per trap at the beginning of the experiment, at the end of the 14‐month observation period, R. palmarum was the most abundant species captured in traps. Our results highlight the importance of evaluating the field efficacy of lures with different aggregation pheromones for mass trapping of palm weevils and to consider the effect of minor components in the lures, especially with the potential invasion of the red palm weevil to the Americas, and the urgent need to develop an integrated pest management programme that covers multiple species of sympatric palm weevils.
The international prevalence of prenatal alcohol use obtained via meconium biomarkers: A systematic literature review
Authors: Keating Orlagh , Brown Ruth H. , Kuenssberg Renate , Driscoll Sarah , McDougall Stewart , O'Rourke Suzanne
Published: August 2024

Fetal alcohol exposure is a growing public health concern. However, ascertaining its true extent remains challenging as maternal self‐reports may lack validity. Increasingly, interest has turned to more objective measures of prenatal alcohol use (PAU) of which one, meconium, is recognized as a valuable tool. This review assesses both the international prevalence of PAU obtained using meconium biomarkers in general maternity populations and, when feasible, the level of agreement between meconium biomarkers and self‐reported PAU. A systematic literature search for studies reporting the prevalence of PAU, as determined by meconium biomarker testing, was conducted using multiple electronic databases from 1990 to 2023. Seventeen studies were identified for inclusion and evaluated for methodological quality. Using fatty acid ethyl esters (FAEEs) meconium biomarkers, PAU prevalence varied from 2.4% to 44%. Rates based on EtG (ethyl glucuronide) analysis ranged from 0% to 16.3%, and EtS (ethyl sulfate) analysis from 7.8% to 16.7%. Studies were of moderate quality with high heterogeneity. Prevalence rates based on self‐report data ranged from 0% to 46.4%. When reported, none of the reviewed studies identified agreement between meconium‐based and self‐report‐based PAU prevalence rates. Using both self‐reports to detect early pregnancy alcohol use, and meconium biomarkers to detect the occurrence of alcohol use later in pregnancy, may provide a more complete picture of PAU prevalence. Furthermore, research is warranted to develop stringent guidance on the ascertainment, storage, analysis, and reporting required in this field.
The effects of prevalence induced concept change on audit scepticism judgements
Authors: Richins Greg , Trotman Ken T. , Yang Di
Published: August 2024

Public oversight bodies have continued to issue a high proportion of negative inspection findings year after year despite the actions taken by audit firms to address deficiencies and empirical evidence suggesting audit quality is improving. We conducted an experiment where we manipulated the level of audit scepticism to explain the continued puzzling poor inspection results. Based on theory from psychology research on prevalence induced concept change we show that when audit quality improves our participants making inspection judgements are likely to subconsciously redefine what constitutes an acceptable audit thus leading to static judgements. Given these results, our theory suggests this is an alternative explanation for consistently high rates of negative inspection findings, and we provide suggestions for future research.
Epididymal mRNA expression profiles for the protein disulfide isomerase gene family: Modulation by development and androgens
Authors: Fernandes Samuel G. , Ferreira Lucas G. A. , Benham Adam M. , Avellar Maria Christina W.
Published: August 2024

Background

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is the central hub for protein quality control, where the protein disulfide isomerases (PDIs), encoded by at least 21 genes, play a pivotal role. These multifunctional proteins contribute to disulfide bond formation, proper folding, and protein modifications, and may act as hormone‐binding proteins (e.g., steroids), influencing hormone biology. The interplay between ER proteostasis, PDIs, and epididymis—a crucial site for sperm maturation—remains largely understudied.

Objectives

This study characterizes transcriptional signatures of Pdi genes in the epididymis.

Material and methods

Transcriptional profiles of selected Pdi genes were assessed in adult Wistar rat tissues, and epididymis under different experimental conditions (developmental stages, surgical castration, and efferent ductules ligation [EDL]). In silico bioinformatic analyses identified expression trends of this gene family in human epididymal segments.

Results

P4hb, Pdia3, Pdia5, Pdia6, Erp44, Erp29, and Casq1 transcripts were detected in both reproductive and non‐reproductive tissues, while Casq2 exhibited higher abundance in vas deferens, prostate, and heart. Pdilt, highly expressed in testis, and Pdia2, highly expressed in heart, showed minimal mRNA levels in the epididymis. In the mesonephric duct, epididymal embryonic precursor, P4hb, Pdia3, Pdia5, Pdia6, and Erp29 mRNAs were found at gestational day (GD) 17.5. Except for Erp29, which remained stable, these Pdi transcript levels increased from GD17.5 to GD20.5, when epididymal morphogenesis occurs, and were maintained to varying degrees in the epididymis during postnatal development. Surgical castration downregulated P4hb, Pdia3, Pdia5, Pdia6, Pdilt and Erp29 transcripts, an effect reversed by testosterone replacement. Conversely, transcript levels remained unaffected by EDL, except P4hb, which was reduced in caput epididymis. All 21 PDI genes exhibited diverse transcriptional profiles across the human epididymis.

Discussion and conclusion

The findings lay the foundations to explore Pdi genes in epididymal biology. As a considerable proportion of male infertility cases are idiopathic, targeting hormonal regulation of protein quality control in epididymis represents a route to address male infertility and advance therapeutic interventions in this domain.
Nature lifts when feeling low: Daily high and low awe nature clips decrease repetitive negative thinking and dampening and increase subjective happiness in adults
Authors: Bogaert Liesbeth , Joye Yannick , Dejonckheere Egon , Goossens Ine , Mertens Kaat , Raes Filip
Published: August 2024

Exposure to nature can enhance mental well‐being, making nature‐based interventions promising for the treatment and prevention of mental health problems like depression. Given the decreased self‐focus and sense of self‐diminishment associated with awe, the present study investigated the impact of exposure to awe‐evoking nature on two key risk and maintenance factors of depression—repetitive negative thinking (RNT) and dampening of positive feelings—and on subjective happiness. In a randomized controlled trial, we tested the effects of exposure to awe‐evoking nature clips through a 1‐week intervention, consisting of watching a 1‐min clip on a daily basis of either awe‐evoking (n high awe = 108) or more mundane nature scenes (n low awe = 105). Before, immediately after (post‐intervention) and 1 week after the intervention (follow‐up), participants completed self‐report scales probing RNT, dampening, and subjective happiness. Results indicated significant decreases in these outcomes at post‐intervention and follow‐up in both groups. We discuss study limitations, touch upon future research ideas, and reflect upon the role of nature for clinical applications.
Long‐term safety and efficacy of filgotinib for the treatment of moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis: Interim analysis from up to 4 years of follow‐up in the SELECTION open‐label long‐term extension study
Authors: Feagan Brian G. , Matsuoka Katsuyoshi , Rogler Gerhard , Laharie David , Vermeire Séverine , Danese Silvio , Loftus Edward V. , Beales Ian , Schreiber Stefan , Kim Hyo Jong , Faes Margaux , de Haas Angela , Masior Tomasz , Rudolph Christine , Peyrin‐Biroulet Laurent
Published: August 2024

Background

Filgotinib, an oral, once‐daily, Janus kinase 1 preferential inhibitor, is an approved treatment for moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis.

Aims

The aim of this study is to assess the safety and efficacy of continued filgotinib therapy over ~4 years in the long‐term extension of the phase 2b/3 SELECTION trial (SELECTIONLTE; NCT02914535).

Methods

In this interim analysis of SELECTIONLTE, SELECTION completers (week 10 responders to filgotinib who completed the maintenance study) continued their assigned treatment (double‐blind filgotinib 200 mg [FIL200] or filgotinib 100 mg) and SELECTION week 10 non‐responders received open‐label FIL200. We assessed safety by adverse events (AEs), and efficacy by partial Mayo Clinic Score (pMCS), inflammatory biomarkers and health‐related quality of life (HRQoL). We compared safety and efficacy between achievers and non‐achievers of a multi‐component endpoint, comprehensive disease control (CDC), comprising symptomatic, endoscopic, inflammatory biomarker and HRQoL improvements.

Results

Data for completers (n = 250) and non‐responders (n = 372) were reported for ≤202 weeks. AE occurrences were low and consistent with previous analyses. The as‐observed proportion of FIL200‐treated patients in pMCS, biomarker and HRQoL remission during SELECTIONLTE remained high among completers (week 144: 80.0%, 86.4% and 86.0%, respectively) and increased among non‐responders (week 192: 62.1%, 76.7% and 59.3%, respectively). Significantly higher proportions of CDC achievers at SELECTION week 58 achieved pMCS, IBDQ and corticosteroid‐free pMCS remission than non‐achievers, up to LTE week 96.

Conclusions

Filgotinib induced and maintained symptomatic remission and improved HRQoL over 4 years. Safety results showed a proven long‐term benefit–risk profile. FIL200‐treated CDC achievers had better long‐term outcomes than non‐achievers.
Does BioAge identify accelerated aging in individuals with bipolar disorder? An exploratory study in the FACE‐BD cohort
Authors: Etain Bruno , Marie‐Claire Cynthia , Spano Luana , Bellivier Frank , Leboyer Marion , Gard Sébastien , Lefrere Antoine , Belzeaux Raoul , Courtet Philippe , Dubertret Caroline , Schwan Raymund , Aubin Valerie , Roux Paul , Polosan Mircea , Samalin Ludovic , Haffen Emmanuel , Olié Emilie , Godin Ophelia ,   FondaMental Advanced Centers of Expertise in Bipolar Disorders (FACE‐BD) Collaborators
Published: August 2024

Background

Individuals with bipolar disorders (BD) have an estimated loss of life expectancy around 10–15 years. Several laboratory‐measured biomarkers of accelerated aging exist (e.g., telomere length), however with a questionable transferability to bedside. There is a need for easily and inexpensively measurable markers of aging, usable in routine practice, such as BioAge.

Methods

We calculated BioAge that estimates biological age based on routine blood tests and a physical exam, in a sample of 2220 outpatients with BD. We investigated associations between BioAge Acceleration (BioAgeAccel), which is an indicator of accelerated aging, and sociodemographic variables, clinical variables, and current psychotropic medication use.

Results

Mean chronological age was 40.2 (±12.9). Mean BioAge was 39.1 (±12.4). Mean BioAgeAccel was 0.08 (±1.8). A minority of individuals (15%) had a BioAgeAccel above 2 years. Multivariable analyses suggested strong associations between a higher BioAgeAccel and younger age, male sex, overweight and sleep disturbances. Regarding current psychotropic medication use, discrepancies between univariate and multivariate analyses were observed.

Conclusions

A minority of individuals with BD had an accelerated aging as measured by BioAge. We identified associations with potentially modifiable factors, such as higher body mass index and sleep disturbances, that are however nonspecific to BD. These results require replications in independent samples of individuals with BD, and comparisons with a control group matched for age and gender. Longitudinal studies are also required to test whether any change in metabolic health, or sleep might decrease BioAgeAccel.
National Surgical Quality Improvement Program audit of contemporary perioperative care for radical cystectomy
Authors: Pfail John , Capellan Jasmin , Passarelli Rachel , Kaldany Alain , Chua Kevin , Lichtbroun Benjamin , Srivastava Arnav , Golombos David , Jang Thomas L. , Pitt Henry A. , Packiam Vignesh T. , Ghodoussipour Saum
Published: August 2024

Objective

To examine the impact of increased compliance to contemporary perioperative care measures, as outlined by enhanced recover after surgery (ERAS) guidelines, among patients undergoing radical cystectomy (RC).

Patients and Methods

From the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database we captured patients undergoing RC between 2019 and 2021. We identified five perioperative care measures: regional anaesthesia block, thromboembolism prophylaxis, ≤24 h perioperative antibiotic administration, absence of bowel preparation, and early oral diet. We stratified patients by the number of measures utilised (one to five). Statistical endpoints included 30‐day complications, hospital length of stay (LOS), readmissions, and optimal RC outcome. Optimal RC outcome was defined as absence of any postoperative complication, re‐operation, prolonged LOS (75th percentile, 8 days) with no readmission. Multivariable regressions with Bonferroni correction were performed to assess the association between use of contemporary perioperative care measures and outcomes.

Results

Of the 3702 patients who underwent RC, 73 (2%), 417 (11%), 1010 (27%), 1454 (39%), and 748 (20%) received one, two, three, four, and five interventions, respectively. On multivariable analysis, increased perioperative care measures were associated with lower odds of any complication (odds ratio [OR] 0.66, 99% confidence interval [CI] 0.6–0.73), and shorter LOS (β −0.82, 99% CI −0.99 to −0.65). Furthermore, patients with increased compliance to contemporary care measures had increased odds of an optimal outcome (OR 1.38, 99% CI 1.26–1.51).

Conclusions

Among the measures we assessed, greater adherence yielded improved postoperative outcomes among patients undergoing RC. Our work supports the efficacy of ERAS protocols in reducing the morbidity associated with RC.
Tumor‐derived mitochondrial formyl peptides suppress tumor immunity through modification of the tumor microenvironment
Authors: Waki Kayoko , Ozawa Miyako , Ohta Keisuke , Komatsu Nobukazu , Yamada Akira
Published: August 2024

Mitochondrial N‐formylpeptides are released from damaged or dead cells to the extracellular spaces and cause inflammatory responses. The role of mitochondrial N‐formylpeptides in aseptic systemic inflammatory response syndromes induced by trauma or cardiac surgery has been well investigated. However, there are no reports regarding the role of mitochondrial N‐formylpeptides in cancer. In this study, we investigated the role of tumor cell‐derived mitochondrial N‐formylpeptides in anti‐tumor immunity using knockout murine tumor cells of mitochondrial methionyl‐tRNA formyltransferase (MTFMT), which catalyze N‐formylation of mitochondrial DNA‐encoded proteins. There was no apparent difference among the wild‐type and MTFMT‐knockout clones of E.G7‐OVA cells with respect to morphology, mitochondrial dynamics, glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation, oxygen consumption rate, or in vitro cell growth. In contrast, in vivo tumor growth of MTFMT‐knockout cells was slower than that of wild‐type cells. A reduced number of myeloid‐derived suppressor cells and an increase of cytotoxic T‐lymphocytes in the tumor tissues were observed in the MTFMT‐knockout tumors. These results suggested that tumor cell‐derived mitochondrial N‐formylpeptides had a negative role in the host anti‐tumor immunity through modification of the tumor microenvironment.
Overcoming Barriers to Remission in Severe Eosinophilic Asthma: Two‐Year Real‐World Data With Benralizumab
Authors: Jackson David J. , Burhan Hassan , Rupani Hitasha , Pfeffer Paul E. , Clifton Ian J. , Faruqi Shoaib , Dhariwal Jaideep , Patel Pujan , Morris Tamsin , Lipworth Joseph , Watt Michael , Lupton Charlotte , Dube Sabada , Hickey Joe , Nanzer Alexandra M.
Published: August 2024

Background

Benralizumab has been reported to lead to clinical remission of severe eosinophilic asthma (SEA) at 1 year in some patients. However, whether this is maintained over a longer term remains unclear. Additionally, the impact of pulmonary and extrapulmonary comorbidities on the ability to meet remission is poorly understood.

Methods

Clinical outcomes including remission of SEA with benralizumab at 1 and 2 years were assessed retrospectively in a real‐world UK multi‐centre severe asthma cohort. The presence of clinically relevant pulmonary and extrapulmonary comorbidities associated with respiratory symptoms was recorded. Analyses to identify factors associated with the ability to meet remission were performed.

Results

In total, 276 patients with SEA treated with benralizumab including 113 patients who had switched from a previous biologic to benralizumab were included. Overall, clinical remission was met in 17% (n = 31/186) and 32% (n = 43/133) of patients at 1 and 2 years, respectively. This increased to 28% at 1 year and 49% at 2 years once patients with pulmonary and/or extrapulmonary comorbidities were excluded. Body mass index (BMI) and maintenance OCS (mOCS) use demonstrated a negative association with clinical remission at 1 (BMI: OR: 0.89, 95% CI: 0.82–0.96, p < 0.01; mOCS: OR: 0.94, 95% CI: 0.89–0.99, p < 0.05) and 2 years (BMI: OR: 0.93, 95% CI: 0.87–0.99, p < 0.05; mOCS: OR: 0.95, 95% CI: 0.89–0.99, p < 0.05).

Conclusions

In this long‐term, real‐world study, patients with SEA demonstrated the ability to meet and sustain clinical remission when treated with benralizumab. The presence of comorbidities including obesity, which are known to be independently associated with respiratory symptoms, reduced the likelihood of meeting clinical remission.
Advances in gut–brain organ chips
Authors: Zhang Yu , Lu Si‐Ming , Zhuang Jian‐Jian , Liang Li‐Guo
Published: August 2024

The brain and gut are sensory organs responsible for sensing, transmitting, integrating, and responding to signals from the internal and external environment. In‐depth analysis of brain–gut axis interactions is important for human health and disease prevention. Current research on the brain–gut axis primarily relies on animal models. However, animal models make it difficult to study disease mechanisms due to inherent species differences, and the reproducibility of experiments is poor because of individual animal variations, which leads to a significant limitation of real‐time sensory responses. Organ‐on‐a‐chip platforms provide an innovative approach for disease treatment and personalized research by replicating brain and gut ecosystems in vitro. This enables a precise understanding of their biological functions and physiological responses. In this article, we examine the history and most current developments in brain, gut, and gut–brain chips. The importance of these systems for understanding pathophysiology and developing new drugs is emphasized throughout the review. This article also addresses future directions and present issues with the advancement and application of gut–brain‐on‐a‐chip technologies.
The fifth edition of the WHO‐Classification – what is new for cutaneous lymphomas?
Authors: Melchers Susanne , Albrecht Jana D. , Kempf Werner , Nicolay Jan P.
Published: August 2024

The recently published 5th edition of the “World Health Organization classification of hematolymphoid tumors: lymphoid neoplasms” provides a hierarchical reorganization. In general, new (definitive) entities as well as tumor‐like lesions were included.

Primary cutaneous B‐cell lymphomas (CBCL) received a thorough review. A new class/family of cutaneous follicle center lymphomas was defined. Primary cutaneous marginal zone lymphoma is now presented as a separate entity independent from extranodal marginal zone lymphoma of mucosa‐associated lymphoid tissue. In primary cutaneous T‐cell lymphoma, former provisional entities were upgraded to definite entities. Sézary Syndrome was sorted into the class/family of mature T‐cell and NK‐cell leukemias. Additionally, a newly formed entity of primary cutaneous peripheral T‐cell lymphoma, NOS was created for CTCL entities that do not fit into the already described CTCL entities.

The increasing importance of genomic and molecular data has already been recognized in classifying leukemias and systemic lymphomas. However, in PCL the genomic landscape has not yet been fully described and validated. Therefore, future research is necessary to describe the genomic and molecular mechanisms underlying the disease entities more clearly. This would both meet a diagnostic need and valuably contribute to future classification schemes.
Neurocardiac pathologies associated with potassium channelopathies
Authors: Singh Veronica , Auerbach David S.
Published: August 2024

Voltage‐gated potassium channels are expressed throughout the human body and are essential for physiological functions. These include delayed rectifiers, A‐type channels, outward rectifiers, and inward rectifiers. They impact electrical function in the heart (repolarization) and brain (repolarization and stabilization of the resting membrane potential). KCNQx and KCNHx encode Kv7.x and Kv11.x proteins, which form delayed rectifier potassium channels. KCNQx and KCNHx channelopathies are associated with both cardiac and neuronal pathologies. These include electrocardiographic abnormalities, cardiac arrhythmias, sudden cardiac death (SCD), epileptiform discharges, seizures, bipolar disorder, and sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP). Due to the ubiquitous expression of KCNQx and KCNHx channels, abnormalities in their function can be particularly harmful, increasing the risk of sudden death. For example, KCNH2 variants have a dual role in both cardiac and neuronal pathologies, whereas KCNQ2 and KCNQ3 variants are associated with severe and refractory epilepsy. Recurrent and uncontrolled seizures lead to secondary abnormalities, which include autonomics, cardiac electrical function, respiratory drive, and neuronal electrical activity. Even with a wide array of anti‐seizure therapies available on the market, one‐third of the more than 70 million people worldwide with epilepsy have uncontrolled seizures (i.e., intractable/drug‐resistant epilepsy), which negatively impact neurodevelopment and quality of life. To capture the current state of the field, this review examines KCNQx and KCNHx expression patterns and electrical function in the brain and heart. In addition, it discusses several KCNQx and KCNHx variants that have been clinically and electrophysiologically characterized. Because these channel variants are associated with multi‐system pathologies, such as epileptogenesis, Kv7 channel modulators provide a potential anti‐seizure therapy, particularly for people with intractable epilepsy. Ultimately an increased understanding of the role of Kv channels throughout the body will fuel the development of innovative, safe, and effective therapies for people at a high risk of sudden death (SCD and SUDEP).
Fatigue‐induced stress redistribution in prestressed concrete beams modeled using the constitutive hypothesis of inter‐aggregate degradation
Authors: Baktheer Abedulgader , Esfandiari Soheil , Aguilar Mario , Becks Henrik , Classen Martin , Chudoba Rostislav
Published: August 2024

Despite of intensive research on concrete fatigue, the transfer of fatigue characteristics determined at the material level to the structural level remains a challenging issue. In this paper, the propagation of fatigue‐induced damage through the concrete structure is analyzed using a microplane fatigue model for concrete recently developed by the authors. To this end, our recent experimental study in which the fatigue propagation was monitored at the structural level represented by prestressed concrete beams is used to derive a general interpretation of the stress redistribution process using of the developed model. The numerical studies show that the developed microplane fatigue model provides a powerful computational tool for in‐depth analysis of the correspondence between the fatigue behavior at the material and structural scales in a wide range of load configurations. In addition, the thermodynamically based constitutive model allows for the quantification of the energy dissipation during the process, revealing the possibility of deriving material‐specific energetic characteristics that can further help to make the predictions of fatigue life more accurate.
‘None of Them Know Me’: A Qualitative Study of the Implications of Locum Doctor Working for Patient Experience
Authors: Ferguson Jane , Stringer Gemma , Walshe Kieran , Donnelly Ailsa , Grigoroglou Christos , Allen Thomas , Kontopantelis Evangelos , Ashcroft Darren M.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

There have been some concerns about the impact of temporary doctors, otherwise known as locums, on patient safety and the quality of care. Despite these concerns, research has paid little attention to the implications of locum working on patient experience.

Methods

A qualitative semi‐structured interview study was conducted with 130 participants including locums, people working with locums and patients with experience of being seen or treated by locums. Analysis was conducted using a reflexive thematic approach and abductive analysis to position themes against wider knowledge.

Results

Three main themes were constructed through analysis: (1) Awareness and disclosure; patients were not always aware if their doctor was a locum, and there was some debate about whether patients had a right to know, particularly if locum working presented quality and safety risks. (2) Continuity and accessibility of care; access was regarded as priority for acute conditions, but for long‐term or serious conditions, patients preferred to see a permanent doctor who knew their history, although it was acknowledged that locums could provide fresh perspectives. (3) Communication and practice; locums and patients described how consultations were approached differently when doctors worked as locums. Patients evaluated their interactions based on how safe they felt with practitioners.

Conclusion

Patients reported that they were unlikely to have continuity of care with any doctors delivering care, regardless of their contractual status. Locums sometimes provided new perspectives on care which could be beneficial for patient outcomes, but for patients with long‐term, complex or serious conditions continuity of care was important, and these patients may avoid or delay seeking care when locums are the only available option.

Patient or Public Contribution

Patients and carers were involved in our study from inception to dissemination. Our Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) forum was involved throughout project design and planning and gave us feedback and guidance on research materials and outputs (e.g., study protocol, participant information sheets, survey tools, interview schedules, emerging findings). Our PPI forum co‐produced our patient interview schedule, two members of our PPI forum led the patient focus groups and all were involved in analysis of patient interviews. Our PPI Chair was involved in the preparation of this manuscript.
The immune landscape in apical periodontitis: From mechanism to therapy
Authors: Wen Yuan‐Hao , Lin Yu‐Xiu , Zhou Lu , Lin Chen , Zhang Lu
Published: August 2024

Apical periodontitis (AP) is featured by a persistent inflammatory response and alveolar bone resorption initiated by microorganisms, posing risks to both dental and systemic health. Nonsurgical endodontic treatment is the recommended treatment plan for AP with a high success rate, but in some cases, periapical lesions may persist despite standard endodontic treatment. Better comprehension of the AP inflammatory microenvironment can help develop adjunct therapies to improve the outcome of endodontic treatment. This review presents an overview of the immune landscape in AP, elucidating how microbial invasion triggers host immune activation and shapes the inflammatory microenvironment, ultimately impacting bone homeostasis. The destructive effect of excessive immune activation on periapical tissues is emphasized. This review aimed to systematically discuss the immunological basis of AP, the inflammatory bone resorption and the immune cell network in AP, thereby providing insights into potential immunotherapeutic strategies such as targeted therapy, antioxidant therapy, adoptive cell therapy and cytokine therapy to mitigate AP‐associated tissue destruction.