bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Information experiences of bonsai growers: a phenomenological study in serious leisure
Authors: Mansourian Yazdan
Published: August 2024

Purpose

The paper reports the findings of a research project exploring the information experiences of bonsai growers in Australia as an example of a serious leisure pursuit.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used phenomenology as a qualitative approach in an interpretive paradigm. The data collection technique was a semi-structured interview with open-ended questions, and 23 volunteers were recruited via a maximum variation sampling strategy. The study employed the Serious Leisure Perspective and Information Experience as its theoretical frameworks.

Findings

Bonsai growers rely on three primary sources of information: publications, people, and plants. They use formal and informal publications across various media. They interact with fellow bonsai growers to share experiences and seek advice. The shape and conditions of bonsai trees are sources of embedded information that help them to make informed decisions in their practice. They have a culture of information sharing on many grounds, such as local clubs, online forums, and workshops. Their embodied information manifests in their sophisticated skills of shaping bonsai trees to express the aesthetic principles of this ancient art.

Research limitations/implications

The findings are contextual and cannot be generalised. A generalisation of the result needs to be tested in a broader population.

Social implications

Engaging in the bonsai hobby often fosters a sense of community among bonsai enthusiasts. Understanding these social connections can contribute to the development of supportive networks and enhance belongingness.

Originality/value

The study contributes to understanding the information experiences in serious leisure. It offers new evidence-based insights that can inform the design of information systems and services tailored to the needs of leisure pursuers.
Unveiling the complexity of social commerce continuance intention: a fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis
Authors: Aref Mayada M.
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Comprehending the determinants influencing the sustained engagement in social commerce assumes paramount importance for its success, particularly within the context of developing countries. This study employs complexity theory to examine the antecedents of the intention toward social commerce continuance.

Design/methodology/approach

A structured online survey was designed to collect data regarding four behavioural factors: satisfaction, trust, online social support, and continuance intention. The net effect of each construct was evaluated using a symmetrical modelling technique, and to identify the asymmetric effect, the fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis was conducted.

Findings

The findings of the structural equation modelling confirmed the importance of satisfaction and online social support for continuance intention. The asymmetric analysis revealed three recipes leading to social commerce continuance intention and three combinations for its absence, contributing to understanding the complexity of online consumer decision-making.

Research limitations/implications

Theoretically, this research highlights the interplay between online social support, trust, satisfaction, and s-commerce continuance intention. Gaining insights into the main factors influencing social media participants' behaviour assists business organizations and policymakers to foster the growth, and the sustainability of the s-commerce.

Originality/value

Combining two distinct methodologies, the findings of this paper allow for a comprehensive exploration of the multifaceted dynamics that underlie consumer behaviour and provide actionable insights for businesses seeking to refine their strategies within the dynamic realm of social commerce. Further, the study offers a valuable roadmap for marketers and policymakers to enhance consumer relationships and augment the efficacy of social commerce initiatives.
Influence of robot coolness and affinity on behavioral intention: examining perceived value as a mediating factor
Authors: Chang Sue-Ting
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Service robots offering low-contact services are trending in the hospitality industry. Nevertheless, there is limited empirical research on consumer perspectives. Using the stimulus-organism-response (SOR) model, this study aims to investigate consumer acceptance of service robots and explores the relationships among stimuli (coolness and affinity), organisms (utilitarian and hedonic value) and responses (behavioral intention).

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a purposive sampling method and conducts a questionnaire survey in restaurants with service robots in Taiwan. A total of 554 valid responses are analyzed, and confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling are performed.

Findings

The findings reveal that coolness and affinity positively influence utilitarian and hedonic values, whereas utilitarian and hedonic values positively affect behavioral intention. Additionally, these values mediate how coolness and affinity impact behavioral intentions, showing that coolness more significantly influences hedonic value, while affinity has a greater effect on utilitarian value.

Originality/value

As a theoretical basis, the SOR model examines the relationships among stimulus, organism and response. This study comprehensively investigates the factors influencing consumer perception toward service robots, testing the applicability of this theory in the food and beverage industry and expanding its practical value. Additionally, the author introduces the “fit” concept, indicating that, for maximum effect, coolness pairs best with hedonic value and affinity with utilitarian value.
Political paradigms and vocational education policy in Indonesia: a document analysis
Authors: Yasdin Yasdin , Muksins Muksin
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This study aims to explore vocational education as stated in the basic constitution, law, government and ministerial regulations in the Indonesian context. This study aims to outline the Indonesian vocational education paradigm based on regulatory documents.

Design/methodology/approach

This research uses a qualitative document analysis approach by extracting vocational themes regarding senior high school and higher education from the available documents. The keywords used for document document analysis are education, vocational school and vocational higher education. These words are forced to be used to distinguish the types and levels that exist in Indonesian education.

Findings

The findings of this study identified that the political paradigms of vocational education, such as equality and justice, naming (regulative), purpose and life skills, the curriculum of local cultural value, decentralized authority, link and match and future paradigms are important themes raised in this study. This is a study to explore the politics of Vocational High School and Vocational Higher Education in Indonesia.

Research limitations/implications

The vocational education policy documents in Indonesia that were analyzed may have been forgotten. As a result, the forgotten documents are not included in the analysis document. Forgotten interpretations and documents are part of the limitations of this research.

Practical implications

It is hoped that the findings of this research will have an impact on improving vocational education policies in Indonesia. This can also be a comparison for other countries in looking at vocational education paradigms and policies. In general, these research findings can help in improving vocational education policies. However, this research still has limitations in terms of the number of documents analyzed.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the promotion and political debate of vocational education nationally and internationally. The study further explores how interest groups are taking a role in achieving Vocational High School and Vocational Higher Education policies that are compatible with today’s needs and demands.
Assessing Industry 4.0 implementation maturity in manufacturing MSMEs – a graph theory and matrix-based approach
Authors: Mohanta Pulok Ranjan , Mahanty Biswajit
Published: August 2024

Purpose

In this paper, a graph theory-based maturity model to comprehensively assess the Industry 4.0 maturity level by means of a multidimensional Industry 4.0 maturity score (MIMS) is proposed.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed maturity assessment model is based on (1) the identification of the maturity dimensions and assessment parameters from existing literature and expert opinion and (2) the development of the assessment model based on graph theory and matrix-based approach. The illustrative application of the developed model in two case enterprises is also included.

Findings

The model is configured to include six dimensions having 30 constituent attributes. Unlike the case with many of the previously published models, the proposed model does not evaluate the progress in specific Industry 4.0 enabling technologies, rather the assessment parameters are associated with the functional areas.

Practical implications

While the configuration of the proposed model enables a comprehensive maturity assessment, it facilitates the identification of contextual dimensional attributes and assists the enterprises in developing the roadmap for Industry 4.0 implementation aligning to the diverse organizational strategies.

Originality/value

Distinctively, the proposed model apprehends the interdependency between the maturity assessment dimensions and their constituent attributes. Also, the maturity model incorporates the assessment of the maturity in the dimension of inbound and outbound integration. While these two dimensions are crucial in the Industry 4.0 ecosystem, to the best of our knowledge, these are not considered by any of the assessment models published so far.
A systematic review and meta‐analysis of the antihypertensive effects of camel milk hydrolysates
Authors: Alhaj Omar A. , Abodoleh Ghaida , Abu Jadayil Seham , Irshaid Nagham , Mehta Bhavbhuti M. , Faye Bernard , Jahrami Haitham A.
Published: August 2024

This meta‐analysis aimed to estimate the antihypertensive effects of camel milk (CM) hydrolysates, including the variation in camel milk hydrolysates among different hydrolysis types, incubation times, and experimental designs. The antihypertensive effect of CM hydrolysate is expressed as the percentage of angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE) activity or IC50 value provided in μg/ml, corresponding to the 50% maximum inhibitory concentration. The greatest random effect of antihypertensive agents (IC50 μg/mL) in vitro was 122.9 at incubation time of 144–216 h. Moreover, the greatest random effect of ACE % in vitro was 76.7 after 48 h of incubation. In vivo, the random effect of ACE % was 62.7, and the incubation time was 0.16–6 h. The antihypertensive effect of CM hydrolysate depends on several factors, including hydrolysis type, incubation time, and experimental design.
External validation of models to estimate gestational age in the second and third trimester using ultrasound: A prospective multicentre observational study
Authors: Self Alice , Schlussel Michael , Collins Gary S. , Dhombres Ferdinand , Fries Nicolas , Haddad Georges , Salomon Laurent J. , Massoud Mona , Papageorghiou Aris T.
Published: August 2024

Objectives

Accurate assessment of gestational age (GA) is important at both individual and population levels. The most accurate way to estimate GA in women who book late in pregnancy is unknown. The aim of this study was to externally validate the accuracy of equations for GA estimation in late pregnancy and to identify the best equation for estimating GA in women who do not receive an ultrasound scan until the second or third trimester.

Design

This was a prospective, observational cross‐sectional study.

Setting

57 prenatal care centres, France.

Participants

Women with a singleton pregnancy and a previous 11–14‐week dating scan that gave the observed GA were recruited over an 8‐week period. They underwent a standardised ultrasound examination at one time point during the pregnancy (15–43 weeks), measuring 12 foetal biometric parameters that have previously been identified as useful for GA estimation.

Main Outcome Measures

A total of 189 equations that estimate GA based on foetal biometry were examined and compared with GA estimation based on foetal CRL. Comparisons between the observed GA and the estimated GA were made using R2, calibration slope and intercept. RMSE, mean difference and 95% range of error were also calculated.

Results

A total of 2741 pregnant women were examined. After exclusions, 2339 participants were included. In the 20 best performing equations, the intercept ranged from −0.22 to 0.30, the calibration slope from 0.96 to 1.03 and the RSME from 0.67 to 0.87. Overall, multiparameter models outperformed single‐parameter models. Both the 95% range of error and mean difference increased with gestation. Commonly used models based on measurement of the head circumference alone were not amongst the best performing models and were associated with higher 95% error and mean difference.

Conclusions

We provide strong evidence that GA‐specific equations based on multiparameter models should be used to estimate GA in late pregnancy. However, as all methods of GA assessment in late pregnancy are associated with large prediction intervals, efforts to improve access to early antenatal ultrasound must remain a priority.

Trial Registration

The proposal for this study and the corresponding methodological review was registered on PROSPERO international register of systematic reviews (registration number: CRD4201913776).
Availability of behavioral health crisis care and associated changes in emergency department utilization
Authors: Burns Ashlyn , Vest Joshua R. , Menachemi Nir , Mazurenko Olena , Musey Paul I. , Salyers Michelle P. , Yeager Valerie A.
Published: August 2024

Objective

To determine whether availability of behavioral health crisis care services is associated with changes in emergency department (ED) utilization.

Data Sources and Study Setting

We used longitudinal panel data (2016–2021) on ED utilization from the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project's State ED Databases and a novel dataset on crisis care services compiled using information from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's National Directories of Mental Health Treatment Facilities. A total of 1002 unique zip codes from Arizona, Florida, Kentucky, Maryland, and Wisconsin were included in our analyses.

Study Design

To estimate the effect of crisis care availability on ED utilization, we used a linear regression model with zip code and year fixed effects and standard errors accounting for clustering at the zip code‐level. ED utilization related to mental, behavioral, and neurodevelopmental (MBD) disorders served as our primary outcome. We also examined pregnancy‐related ED utilization as a nonequivalent dependent variable to assess residual bias in effect estimates.

Data Collection/Extraction Methods

We extracted data on crisis care services offered by mental health treatment facilities (n = 14,726 facility‐years) from the National Directories. MBD‐related ED utilization was assessed by applying the Clinical Classification Software Refined from the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project to the primary ICD‐10‐CM diagnosis code on each ED encounter (n = 101,360,483). All data were aggregated to the zip code‐level (n = 6012 zip‐years).

Principal Findings

The overall rate of MBD‐related ED visits between 2016 and 2021 was 1610 annual visits per 100,000 population. Walk‐in crisis stabilization services were associated with reduced MBD‐related ED utilization (coefficient = −0.028, p = 0.009), but were not significantly associated with changes in pregnancy‐related ED utilization.

Conclusions

Walk‐in crisis stabilization services were associated with reductions in MBD‐related ED utilization. Decision‐makers looking to reduce MBD‐related ED utilization should consider increasing access to this promising alternative model.
Estimation of sex assigned at birth using dental crown and cervical measurements in a modern global sample
Authors: Pilloud Marin A. , Kenessey Dori E. , Smith Emily M. , Vlemincq‐Mendieta Tatiana
Published: August 2024

Despite developing prior to the appearance of secondary sexual characteristics of the skeleton, the permanent dentition exhibits sexual dimorphism. Therefore, teeth can serve as a means to estimate sex assigned at birth even in young individuals. This project takes a large global sample of maximum dimensions of the crown as well as measurements of the crown at the cervix to explore sexual dimorphism. Dimorphism is noted in teeth throughout the dental arcade, particularly in the canines. We provide sectioning points as well as the probability of correct classification (ranging from 50.9% to 81.3%) for each measurement to aid the practitioner in sex estimation from the dentition. This research provides a method to estimate sex without arbitrary population specifications. We argue for a global approach that incorporates more population variation to remove the need to estimate “ancestry,” (which in actuality is translated to a social race category) and therefore does not force sexual dimorphism‐related variation into these mutable and ambiguous categories. Further, this paper demonstrates the utility of the dentition as an additional indicator to aid with the estimation of sex assigned at birth in forensic anthropology. The goal of this research is to better understand the expression of sexual dimorphism across the skeleton in a global context.
Age‐related alterations in human cortical microstructure across the lifespan: Insights from high‐gradient diffusion MRI
Authors: Lee Hansol , Lee Hong‐Hsi , Ma Yixin , Eskandarian Laleh , Gaudet Kyla , Tian Qiyuan , Krijnen Eva A. , Russo Andrew W. , Salat David H. , Klawiter Eric C. , Huang Susie Y.
Published: August 2024

The human brain undergoes age‐related microstructural alterations across the lifespan. Soma and Neurite Density Imaging (SANDI), a novel biophysical model of diffusion MRI, provides estimates of cell body (soma) radius and density, and neurite density in gray matter. The goal of this cross‐sectional study was to assess the sensitivity of high‐gradient diffusion MRI toward age‐related alterations in cortical microstructure across the adult lifespan using SANDI. Seventy‐two cognitively unimpaired healthy subjects (ages 19–85 years; 40 females) were scanned on the 3T Connectome MRI scanner with a maximum gradient strength of 300mT/m using a multi‐shell diffusion MRI protocol incorporating 8 b‐values and diffusion time of 19 ms. Intra‐soma signal fraction obtained from SANDI model‐fitting to the data was strongly correlated with age in all major cortical lobes (r = −0.69 to −0.60, FDR‐p < 0.001). Intra‐soma signal fraction (r = 0.48–0.63, FDR‐p < 0.001) and soma radius (r = 0.28–0.40, FDR‐p < 0.04) were significantly correlated with cortical volume in the prefrontal cortex, frontal, parietal, and temporal lobes. The strength of the relationship between SANDI metrics and age was greater than or comparable to the relationship between cortical volume and age across the cortical regions, particularly in the occipital lobe and anterior cingulate gyrus. In contrast to the SANDI metrics, all associations between diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and diffusion kurtosis imaging metrics and age were low to moderate. These results suggest that high‐gradient diffusion MRI may be more sensitive to underlying substrates of neurodegeneration in the aging brain than DTI and traditional macroscopic measures of neurodegeneration such as cortical volume and thickness.
A defective splicing machinery promotes senescence through MDM4 alternative splicing
Authors: Deschênes Mathieu , Durand Mathieu , Olivier Marc‐Alexandre , Pellerin‐Viger Alicia , Rodier Francis , Chabot Benoit
Published: August 2024

Defects in the splicing machinery are implicated in various diseases, including cancer. We observed a general reduction in the expression of spliceosome components and splicing regulators in human cell lines undergoing replicative, stress‐induced, and telomere uncapping‐induced senescence. Supporting the view that defective splicing contributes to senescence, splicing inhibitors herboxidiene, and pladienolide B induced senescence in normal and cancer cell lines. Furthermore, depleting individual spliceosome components also promoted senescence. All senescence types were associated with an alternative splicing transition from the MDM4‐FL variant to MDM4‐S. The MDM4 splicing shift was reproduced when splicing was inhibited, and spliceosome components were depleted. While decreasing the level of endogenous MDM4 promoted senescence and cell survival independently of the MDM4‐S expression status, cell survival was also improved by increasing MDM4‐S. Overall, our work establishes that splicing defects modulate the alternative splicing of MDM4 to promote senescence and cell survival.
CLG promotes mTOR/ULK1 pathway‐mediated autophagy to inhibit OS development by inhibiting TRAF6‐mediated FLT3 ubiquitination
Authors: Huang Xiongjie , Huang Yanran , Peng Bin , Wang Junfang , Tang Huiyu , Chen Yanming
Published: August 2024

Corilagin (CLG) has antitumor activities in certain human malignant cancers. Herein, the effects and mechanisms of CLG on osteosarcoma (OS) were investigated. OS cell viability and proliferation were detected by MTT and colony formation assay. Cell cycle and apoptosis were examined using flow cytometry. The interaction between TRAF6 and FLT3 was investigated using a co‐immunoprecipitation assay. Results demonstrated that CLG treatment inhibited OS cell viability and proliferation but promoted OS cell autophagy and apoptosis in a concentration‐dependent manner. Mechanically, CLG inhibited TRAF6‐mediated FLT3 ubiquitination degradation. TRAF6 overexpression abolished the effects of CLG on OS cell proliferation, autophagy, and apoptosis. Finally, CLG administration inhibited OS tumor growth in mice by inducing autophagy‐dependent apoptosis. Taken together, CLG inhibited OS progression by facilitating mTOR/ULK1 pathway‐mediated autophagy through inhibiting TRAF6‐mediated FLT3 ubiquitination, which indicated that CLG was a promising candidate for the treatment of OS.
Iliac crest vertical block grafts −placing outside or inside the bone contour: A cohort study
Authors: Mertens Christian , Büsch Christopher , Ristow Oliver , Hoffmann Jürgen , Wang Hom‐Lay , Hoffmann Korbinian Jochen
Published: August 2024

Objective and Aim

Challenging defect configurations and dimensions arise from severe, localized vertical alveolar ridge defects caused by trauma or prior surgery. This study aims to analyze three‐dimensional bone gain, assess marginal bone stability in such defect configurations, and evaluate the impact of grafting outside the bone contour on the overall outcome, with a focus on iliac crest block grafts as a valid treatment option.

Materials and Methods

The prospective cohort study evaluated patients who required vertical block grafting due to localized bone defects in the maxilla or mandible and who had received iliac grafts. Three‐dimensional bone gain was analyzed using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) after 3 months of bone healing for each treated site and implant position. A comparison between bone grafts inside and outside the bone contour was conducted. Marginal bone stability was measured using intraoral radiographs during routine annual follow‐up visits.

Results

Seventy patients with 89 treated sites were evaluated. After 3 months of graft healing, the mean vertical bone gain was 11.03 ± 3.54 mm, the mean horizontal bone gain was 7.18 ± 2.00 mm, and the mean graft length was 28.19 ± 11.01 mm. A total of 217 implants were placed in the augmented regions. On implant level, a mean vertical bone gain of 10.44 ± 3.44 mm and a mean horizontal bone gain of 6.54 ± 1.86 mm were measured. Over a 43‐month observation period, mesial and distal marginal bone loss averaged 0.44 ± 0.92 mm and 0.49 ± 1.05 mm, respectively. Eight implants were diagnosed with periimplantitis, resulting in the loss of four implants, while no early implant losses were reported.

Conclusion

Within the limitations of this study, vertical bone grafts with iliac crest block grafts were found to be a dependable treatment option for dental implant placement, and placing block grafts outside the bone contour did not lead to inferior outcomes.
Cervical cancer screening efficacy using SurePath, ThinPrep and conventional cytology: A large data set analysis from the Japan Cancer Society
Authors: Koyanagi Takahiro , Fujiwara Hiroyuki , Yamamoto Kouji , Suzuki Mitsuaki , Kakizoe Tadao
Published: August 2024

Objective

Over the past decade, liquid‐based cytology has replaced conventional cytology for cervical cancer screening in many countries, including Japan. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of liquid‐based cytology using a large database and compare two major liquid‐based cytology platforms, SurePath and ThinPrep, to conventional cytology.

Methods

Cervical cancer screening data were collected from the Japan Cancer Society between 2015 and 2019. The efficacy of liquid‐based and conventional cytology in detecting cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) was evaluated. Detection rates and positive predictive values were compared using a Poisson regression model.

Results

We collected data of 3,918,149 participants, including 2,248,202 conventional cytology, 874,807 SurePath and 795,140 ThinPrep smears. The detection rate of CIN2 or more was 1.14 times higher using SurePath than that using conventional cytology (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.09–1.20; p < 0.001). Contrastingly, the detection rate of CIN2 or more was 0.91 times lower using ThinPrep (95% CI, 0.86–0.96; p < 0.001). The detection rates of CIN3 or more did not differ significantly between SurePath and conventional cytology (detection rate ratio, 1.04; 95% CI, 0.97–1.12; p = 0.224). The positive predictive value ratios of CIN2 or more were 0.80 using SurePath (95% CI, 0.76–0.84; p < 0.001) and 0.83 using ThinPrep (95% CI, 0.79–0.87; p < 0.001) compared with conventional cytology.

Conclusions

Liquid‐based cytology, particularly SurePath, was useful for detecting CIN2 or higher in population‐based cervical cancer screening. Further widespread use of liquid‐based cytology methods would lead to efficient detection of cervical precancerous lesions.
A novel nomogram to predict psoriatic arthritis in patients with plaque psoriasis
Authors: Tan Minjia , Chen Junchen , Cheng Jiaomei , Hu Jingjin , Hu Kun , Yang Jing , Li Xingyu , Zhang Mi , Zhu Wu , Liao Liqiu , Kuang Yehong
Published: August 2024

Objective

To construct a predictive model for Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA) based on clinical and ultrasonic characteristics in patients with plaque psoriasis (PsP).

Patients and Methods

Demographic, clinical, and ultrasound data were collected from patients with PsP and PsA between May 2019 and December 2022.

Results

A total of 212 patients with PsP and 123 with PsA in the training cohort, whereas the validation cohort comprised 91 patients with PsP and 49 with PsA. The multivariate logistic regression identified nail psoriasis (odds ratio [OR] 1.88, 95% CI: 1.07–3.29), synovitis (OR 18.23, 95% CI: 4.04–82.33), enthesitis (OR 3.71, 95% CI: 1.05–13.14), and bone erosion (OR 11.39, 95% CI: 3.05–42.63) as effective predictors for PsA. The area under the curve was 0.750 (95% CI, 0.691–0.806) and 0.804 (95% CI, 0.723–0.886) for the training and validation cohorts, respectively. The Hosmer‐Lemeshow goodness‐of‐fit test showed good consistency for both the training cohort (p  =  0.970) and the validation cohort (p  =  0.967). Calibration curves also indicated good calibration for both cohorts. The DCA revealed that the predictive model had good clinical utility.

Conclusions

We have developed a quantitative, intuitive, and convenient predictive model based on nail psoriasis, synovitis, enthesitis, and bone erosion to assess the risk of PsA in patients with plaque psoriasis.
Connecting efficiency and responsiveness in China: public sentiments and stakeholder perspectives towards COVID‐19 crisis governance
Authors: Yang Ronghui , Penders Bart , Horstman Klasien
Published: August 2024

The COVID‐19 (coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic initiated debates on how crisis management affects democracy. In them, the balance between deploying control strategies that limit citizens' freedom and their democratic legitimation features prominently. Informed by theoretical debates about responsive crisis governance, this paper explores how Chinese citizens reacted by quantitatively and qualitatively analysing social media expressions and Chinese stakeholders' narratives. The quantitative analysis indicated that public sentiments towards pandemic control were complex and mostly related to the severe pandemic in Wuhan. Negative sentiments were mainly directed at local states; national states largely received respect. The qualitative analysis exhibited more nuances. Although Chinese crisis governance raised efficiency and trust, aggressive accountability efforts and improper information exchange caused justice deficits and public anxiety. Draconian social control misaligned public interests and a lack of specific partnership mechanisms frustrated social participation. Reconciling institutional efficiency with civic liberties on diverse governance levels is thus expected to increase the responsiveness of pandemic control to public demands.
Real‐world safety profile of once‐weekly semaglutide in people with type 2 diabetes: Analysis of pooled data from the SemaglUtide Real‐world Evidence (SURE) programme
Authors: Yale Jean‐François , Major‐Pedersen Atheline , Catarig Andrei‐Mircea , Jain Rashmi , Menzen Markus , Holmes Patrick
Published: August 2024

Aim

To investigate, through post hoc analysis of nine studies from the SemaglUtide Real‐world Evidence (SURE) programme, the safety of once‐weekly (OW) semaglutide in adults with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and in subpopulations in routine clinical practice, complementing findings from the phase 3 randomized clinical trial (RCT) SUSTAIN programme.

Methods

The SURE studies had a duration of ~30 weeks and included adults with diagnosed T2D treated with OW semaglutide. Safety information, including hypoglycaemic events, were collected and analysed for the total study population and for patient subgroups based on baseline patient characteristics, baseline co‐medication and prescriber specialty.

Results

Of the total 3505 patients, 24.3% reported adverse events (AEs), with most patients reporting non‐serious (22.3%) and mild (17.1%) AEs. AEs mainly belonged to the gastrointestinal disorders system organ class (16.3% of patients). In total, 5.1% of patients reported AEs that led to treatment discontinuation, 0.5% reported serious adverse drug reactions and 0.2% had an AE with a fatal outcome, reported as unrelated to treatment. Overall, 1.1% and 0.1% of patients reported level 2 and 3 hypoglycaemic events, respectively. A higher rate of level 2 hypoglycaemia was observed in patients with baseline microvascular complications treated with insulin versus those on insulin without these complications.

Conclusions

Safety data reported in the real‐world SURE studies were generally consistent with observations in phase 3 OW semaglutide RCTs. No new safety concerns were identified, highlighting that OW semaglutide is well tolerated by adults with T2D and in subpopulations in routine clinical practice.
Attenuation of brown adipocyte whitening in high‐fat diet‐induced obese rats: Effects of melatonin and β‐hydroxybutyrate on Cidea, Fsp27 and MT1 expression
Authors: Maleki Mohammad Hasan , Khakshournia Sara , Heydarnia Emad , Omidi Fateme , Taghizadeh Motahareh , Zeynolabedinzadeh Mahroo , Akbari Mohammadarian , Vakili Omid , Shafiee Sayed Mohammad
Published: August 2024

Aim

To investigate the effects of β‐hydroxybutyrate (BHB) and melatonin on brown adipose tissue (BAT) plasticity in rats fed a high‐fat diet (HFD).

Methods

We employed a 7‐week experimental design for a study on 30 male Sprague–Dawley rats divided into five groups: (1) a control‐diet fed group; (2) a high‐fat diet (HFD)‐fed group; (3) a group that received an HFD and a BHB solution in their drinking water; (4) a group that received an HFD with 10 mg/kg/day melatonin in their drinking water; and (5) a group that received an HFD and were also treated with the combination of BHB and melatonin. Following the treatment period, biochemical indices, gene expression levels of key thermogenic markers (including uncoupling protein 1 [UCP1], PR domain containing 16 [PRDM16], Cidea, fat‐specific protein 27 [Fsp27], and metallothionein 1 [MT1]), and stereological assessments of BAT were evaluated.

Results

Treatment with BHB and melatonin significantly boosted blood ketone levels, improved lipid profiles, and reduced weight gain from an HFD. It also downregulated genes linked to WAT, namely, Cidea and Fsp27, and upregulated key BAT markers, including UCP1, PRDM16 and peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐gamma coactivator‐1‐alpha. Additionally, the co‐treatment increased MT1 receptor expression and enhanced the structural density of BAT.

Conclusion

The combined oral administration of BHB and melatonin successfully prevented the whitening of BAT in obese rats fed an HFD, indicating its potential as a therapeutic strategy for obesity‐related BAT dysfunction. The synergistic effects of this treatment underscore the potential of a combined approach to address BAT dysfunction in obesity.
Assessing the success of National Human Rights Action Plans from a political economy perspective: The case of Chile
Authors: Fajardo‐Heyward Paola , Cuesta Jose
Published: August 2024

Motivation

National Human Rights Action Plans (NHRAPs) turn state commitments to human rights into policy. Despite their widespread implementation internationally, they remain little studied and there is limited consensus as to their effectiveness.

Purpose

This article addresses this by using a political economy model to develop a framework to evaluate the success of NHRAPs. Within this framework it is argued that capacity, political structure, and political consensus are key drivers in the design and implementation of NHRAPs. We hypothesize that a country is likely to design and effectively use an NHRAP in policy‐making if at least these three requirements are met: (1) they are built on political consensus; (2) their perceived political benefits exceed their costs; and (3) governments have adequate resources to design and implement them.

Approach and methods

We evaluate this hypothesis using Chile as a case study. In 2016, Chile enacted a national law mandating NHRAPs. Since then, the country has adopted two NHRAPs: one spanning 2018–2021 and another covering 2022–2025.

Findings

None of the three stipulated requirements were met in Chile. There was deep polarization rather than consensus building; the political costs of implementing an NHRAP exceeded the benefits; and key government bodies in Chile lacked the personnel and mandate to implement NHRAPs.

Policy implications

This study advances our understanding of the nuances of designing public policies for human rights, and the complex political costs associated with them. Unless political actors are committed to investing political capital and resources, it is unlikely that these plans will succeed. Our political economy framework can be replicated across multiple national action plans, countries, and contexts. Future studies can identify contributing conditions that can mitigate political costs, increasing the likelihood of the success of these plans.
COVID‐19 vaccine adverse events: Evaluating the pathophysiology with an emphasis on sulfur metabolism and endotheliopathy
Authors: du Preez Heidi N. , Lin Johnson , Maguire Glenn E. M. , Aldous Colleen , Kruger Hendrik G.
Published: August 2024

In this narrative review, we assess the pathophysiology of severe adverse events that presented after vaccination with DNA and mRNA vaccines against COVID‐19. The focus is on the perspective of an undersulfated and degraded glycocalyx, considering its impact on immunomodulation, inflammatory responses, coagulation and oxidative stress. The paper explores various factors that lead to glutathione and inorganic sulfate depletion and their subsequent effect on glycocalyx sulfation and other metabolites, including hormones. Components of COVID‐19 vaccines, such as DNA and mRNA material, spike protein antigen and lipid nanoparticles, are involved in possible cytotoxic effects. The common thread connecting these adverse events is endotheliopathy or glycocalyx degradation, caused by depleted glutathione and inorganic sulfate levels, shear stress from circulating nanoparticles, aggregation and formation of protein coronas; leading to imbalanced immune responses and chronic release of pro‐inflammatory cytokines, ultimately resulting in oxidative stress and systemic inflammatory response syndrome. By understanding the underlying pathophysiology of severe adverse events, better treatment options can be explored.
Transitional photoperiod induces a mania‐like behavior in male mice
Authors: Barbosa Mayara Rodrigues , Costa Ellyda Fernanda Lopes , Coimbra Daniel Gomes , Pinto Vinícius Tenório Braga Cavalcante , Gitaí Daniel Leite Góes , Duzzioni Marcelo , Crespo Manuel Tomás , Golombek Diego Andrés , Chiesa Juan José , Agostino Patricia Verónica , de Andrade Tiago Gomes
Published: August 2024

This study aimed to investigate the behavioral responses and circadian rhythms of mice to both rapid and gradual increases in photoperiod, mimicking the transition from winter to summer, which is associated with a heightened prevalence of hospitalizations for mania and suicidal behavior. Behavioral tests were performed in C57BL/6 male mice exposed to a transitional photoperiod, from short to long durations. To determine if circadian rhythms are affected, we measured spontaneous locomotor activity and body temperature. Mice exhibited heightened exploratory and risk‐taking behaviors compared with equatorial and static long (16:8 h of light–dark cycle for several days) groups. These behaviors were prevented by lithium. Spontaneous locomotor activity and body temperature rhythms persisted and were effectively synchronized; however, the relative amplitude of activity and interdaily stability were diminished. Additionally, the animals displayed increased activity during the light phase. Photoperiodic transition modulates behavior and circadian rhythms, mirroring certain features observed in bipolar disorder patients. This study introduces an animal model for investigating mania‐like behavior induced by photoperiodic changes, offering potential insights for suicide prevention strategies and the management of mood disorders.
Concordance between radioimmunoassay and fixed cell‐based assay in subjects without myasthenia gravis: optimizing the diagnostic approach
Authors: Falso Silvia , Marini Sofia , Carrozza Cinzia , Sabatelli Eleonora , Mascagna Giovanni , Marini Martina , Morroni Jacopo , Evoli Amelia , Iorio Raffaele
Published: August 2024

Background and Purpose

Acetylcholine receptor antibody (AChR‐Ab) detection is crucial in myasthenia gravis (MG) diagnosis and, currently, the radioimmunoassay (RIA) is the gold standard. However, RIA may detect AChR‐Ab against nonpathogenic intracellular epitopes. In this study, we performed fixed cell‐based assay (F‐CBA) in RIA‐AChR‐Ab positive subjects without MG symptoms, to assess whether F‐CBA could show a higher specificity compared to RIA in detecting pathogenic Abs.

Methods

We reviewed medical records of patients referred to our MG outpatient clinic because of RIA‐AChR‐Ab detection. MG diagnosis was based on clinical examination, electrophysiology and Ab detection. AChR‐Abs were tested by RIA in the whole cohort. Serum samples from RIA‐positive asymptomatic subjects were retested by F‐CBA.

Results

Of 605 subjects who tested RIA‐AChR‐Ab positive, MG diagnosis was confirmed in 599. Six subjects were RIA‐AChR‐Ab positive although they had never had MG symptoms; in four of these subjects AChR‐Abs were not detected by F‐CBA, whereas the remaining two (both non‐MG thymoma cases) were positive also by F‐CBA.

Conclusions

RIA false positivity for AChR‐Ab is very rare. Previous literature has demonstrated that F‐CBA has higher sensitivity than RIA for MG, especially in ocular cases. Our preliminary results show that, in rare instances, F‐CBA may be more specific than RIA for MG diagnosis.
New genus and two new species of Cecidomyiidi (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) inhabiting the fig wall of Ficus subpisocarpa and Ficus caulocarpa (Moraceae) in Japan and Taiwan
Authors: Arimoto Kôichi , Yukawa Junichi , Yafuso Masako , Sasaki Ayako , Su Zhi‐Hui
Published: August 2024

There are approximately 850 species of Ficus (Moraceae). However, few species of gall midges (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) inhabiting syconia and leaves of fig trees are known. In field surveys, gall midges were found in syconia of Ficus caulocarpa and Ficus subpisocarpa. Here, we examined adults, pupae and larvae of the gall midge species, describe the morphology, and provide information on distribution, behavior and genetic data. A new genus, Ficidiplosis Yukawa and Arimoto, gen. nov., is established in the supertribe Cecidomyiidi for two new species, Ficidiplosis subpisocarpae Yukawa and Arimoto, sp. nov. and Ficidiplosis caulocarpae Yukawa and Arimoto, sp. nov., which emerged from syconia of Ficus subpisocarpa and Ficus caulocarpa, respectively, in Japan and Taiwan. The larvae of Ficidiplosis species feed on the parenchyma of the fig wall and pupate there without making galls. The mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI)‐based neighbor‐joining tree using samples from Japan and Taiwan supported the existence of two separate species.
Genome‐wide association study of delay discounting in Heterogeneous Stock rats
Authors: Lara Montana Kay , Chitre Apurva S. , Chen Denghui , Johnson Benjamin B. , Nguyen Khai‐Minh , Cohen Katarina A. , Muckadam Sakina A. , Lin Bonnie , Ziegler Shae , Beeson Angela , Sanches Thiago M. , Solberg Woods Leah C. , Polesskaya Oksana , Palmer Abraham A. , Mitchell Suzanne H.
Published: August 2024

Delay discounting refers to the behavioral tendency to devalue rewards as a function of their delay in receipt. Heightened delay discounting has been associated with substance use disorders and multiple co‐occurring psychopathologies. Human and animal genetic studies have established that delay discounting is heritable, but only a few associated genes have been identified. We aimed to identify novel genetic loci associated with delay discounting through a genome‐wide association study (GWAS) using Heterogeneous Stock (HS) rats, a genetically diverse outbred population derived from eight inbred founder strains. We assessed delay discounting in 650 male and female HS rats using an adjusting amount procedure in which rats chose between smaller immediate sucrose rewards or a larger reward at various delays. Preference switch points were calculated and both exponential and hyperbolic functions were fitted to these indifference points. Area under the curve (AUC) and the discounting parameter k of both functions were used as delay discounting measures. GWAS for AUC, exponential k, and one indifference point identified significant loci on chromosomes 20 and 14. The gene Slc35f1, which encodes a member of the solute carrier family, was the sole gene within the chromosome 20 locus. That locus also contained an eQTL for Slc35f1, suggesting that heritable differences in the expression might be responsible for the association with behavior. Adgrl3, which encodes a latrophilin subfamily G‐protein coupled receptor, was the sole gene within the chromosome 14 locus. These findings implicate novel genes in delay discounting and highlight the need for further exploration.
Two sub‐annual timescales and coupling modes for terrestrial water and carbon cycles
Authors: Short Gianotti Daniel J. , McColl Kaighin A. , Feldman Andrew F. , Xu Xiangtao , Entekhabi Dara
Published: August 2024

To bridge the knowledge gap between (a) our (instantaneous‐to‐seasonal‐scale) process understanding of plants and water and (b) our projections of long‐term coupled feedbacks between the terrestrial water and carbon cycles, we must uncover what the dominant dynamics are linking fluxes of water and carbon. This study uses the simplest empirical dynamical systems models—two‐dimensional linear models—and observation‐based data from satellites, eddy covariance towers, weather stations, and machine‐learning‐derived products to determine the dominant sub‐annual timescales coupling carbon uptake and (normalized) evaporation fluxes. We find two dominant modes across the Contiguous United States: (1) a negative correlation timescale on the order of a few days during which landscapes dry after precipitation and plants increase their carbon uptake through photosynthetic upregulation. (2) A slow, seasonal‐scale positive covariation through which landscape drying leads to decreased growth and carbon uptake. The slow (positively correlated) process dominates the joint distribution of local water and carbon variables, leading to similar behaviors across space, biomes, and climate regions. We propose that vegetation cover/leaf area variables link this behavior across space, leading to strong emergent spatial patterns of water/carbon coupling in the mean. The spatial pattern of local temporal dynamics—positively sloped tangent lines to a convex long‐term mean‐state curve—is surprisingly strong, and can serve as a benchmark for coupled Earth System Models. We show that many such models do not represent this emergent mean‐state pattern, and hypothesize that this may be due to lack of water‐carbon feedbacks at daily scales.
Next‐Generation Sequencing for Characterizing Respiratory Tract Virome and Improving Detection of Viral Pathogens in Children With Pneumonia
Authors: Cui Song , Guo Ruochun , Chen Changming , Zhang Yue , Meng Jinxin , Liu Lanxin , Li Yanxia , Kang Zhijie , Li Shenghui , Yan Qiulong , Ma Yufang
Published: August 2024

Background

Pneumonia is typically caused by a variety of pathogenic microorganisms. Traditional research often focuses on the infection of a few microorganisms, whereas metagenomic studies focus on the impact of the bacteriome and mycobiome on respiratory diseases. Reports on the virome characteristics of pediatric pneumonia remain relatively scarce.

Methods

We employed de novo assembly and combined homology‐ and feature‐based methods to characterize the respiratory virome in whole‐genome DNA sequencing samples from oropharynx (OP) swabs, nasopharynx (NP) swabs, and bronchoalveolar lavage fluids (BALF) of children with pneumonia.

Results

Significant differences were observed in the alpha and beta diversity indexes, as well as in the composition of the oropharyngeal virome, between pneumonia cases and controls. We identified 1137 viral operational taxonomic units (vOTUs) with significant differences, indicating a preference of pneumonia‐reduced vOTUs for infecting Prevotella, Neisseria, and Veillonella, whereas pneumonia‐enriched vOTUs included polyomavirus, human adenovirus, and phages targeting Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, Granulicatella, and Actinomyces. Comparative analysis revealed higher relative abundances and prevalence rates of pneumonia‐enriched OP vOTUs in NP and BALF samples compared to pneumonia‐reduced vOTUs. Additionally, virome analysis identified six pediatric patients with severe human adenovirus or polyomavirus infections, five of whom might have been undetected by targeted polymerase chain reaction (PCR)‐based testing.

Conclusions

This study offers insights into pediatric pneumonia respiratory viromes, highlighting frequent transmission of potentially pathogenic viruses and demonstrating virome analysis as a valuable adjunct for pathogen detection.