bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A method for authenticating the fidelity ofCryptococcus neoformansknockout collections
Authors: Jacobs Ella , Dragotakes Quigly , Kulkarni Madhura , Dziedzic Amanda , Jedlicka Anne , Marie Hardwick J. , Casadevall Arturo
Published: December 2024

Gene knockout strain collections are important tools for discovery in microbiology.Cryptococcus neoformansis the only human pathogenic fungus with an available genome-wide deletion collection, and this resource is widely used by the research community. We uncovered mix-ups in the assembly of the commercially availableC. neoformansdeletion collection of ∼6,000 unique strains acquired by our lab. While pursuing the characterization of a gene-of-interest, the corresponding deletion strain from theC. neoformansKO collection displayed several interesting phenotypes associated with virulence. However, RNAseq analysis identified transcripts for the putative knockout gene, and the absence of transcripts for a different knockout strain found in the same plate position in an earlier partial knockout collection, raising the possibility that plates from one collection were substituted for the other. This was supported by determining the size of the nourseothricin (NAT)-resistance cassette used to generate the two separate knockout libraries and was confirmed by RNAseq and genome sequencing. Here we report that our KN99 collection is comprised of mixed plates from two independent KO libraries and present a simple authentication method that other investigators can use to distinguish the identities of these KO collections.

Importance

Gene knockout strain collections are important tools for discovery in microbiology.Cryptococcus neoformansis the only human pathogenic fungus with an available genome-wide deletion collection, and this resource is widely used by the research community. Here we report that our KN99 collection is comprised of mixed plates from two independent KO libraries and present a simple authentication method that other investigators can use to distinguish the identities of these KO collections. Above all, this article serves as a reminder to 2015 library collection strains before undertaking large phenotyping experiments.
Rapid review of the characteristics and outcomes of children involved in private family law proceedings due to parental separation
Authors: Kiseleva Meg , Hounsome Juliet , Csontos Judit Katalin , Edwards Deborah , Gillen Elizabeth C , Mann Mala K , Edwards Rhiannon Tudor , Davies Jacob , Edwards Adrian , Cooper Alison , Lewis Ruth
Published: December 2024

Private law childrens proceedings typically involve court disputes between parents who have separated and disagree about child arrangements, and are asking the court to make orders that determine where a child should live and with whom they should spend time. Children involved in private law, who potentially represent a vulnerable group, commonly receive less attention in policy than those in public law cases. The aim of this review was to shine a light on the wellbeing and other important characteristics or outcomes of children who are currently, or have been, involved in family law proceedings due to parental separation, to identify the support needs of these children who are often overlooked in policy. This rapid review is intended for policymakers who are responsible for policy concerning children and families as well as for family law professionals and families in private law childrens proceedings. The literature searches were conducted between June and August 2024. The included literature was published between 2001 and 2022. 22 studies reported in 25 documents were identified (8 published in academic journals and 17 in reports produced by organisations). Originated in England and Wales (n=13), Australia (n=7), Canada (n=1), New Zealand (n=1). Most studies aimed to describe the characteristics of children who are or have been involved in private family law proceedings, whilst only one compared the outcomes of such children to those in the general population. Almost all of the studies addressed mental health and emotional wellbeing. Written accounts of children, parents, and professionals described children as having anxiety, depression, anger, post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms, and eating disorders, and experiencing self-harm and suicide attempts. In Wales, children with a history of involvement in private law proceedings had higher incidence of depression and anxiety than children in the general population. From the evidence, it was unclear whether the poor mental health was associated with parental separation, the court proceedings, court orders, or some other factors, but some participants attributed difficulties to unwanted court orders. Other key areas of evidence included engagement with mental health services, behaviour, development, social relationships, learning and education, and physical health.
Inhibition of RhoA-mediated secretory autophagy in megakaryocytes mitigates myelofibrosis in mice
Authors: Becker Isabelle C. , Barrachina Maria N. , Lykins Joshua , Camacho Virginia , Stone Andrew P. , Chua Bernadette A. , Signer Robert A.J. , Machlus Kellie R. , Whiteheart Sidney W. , Roweth Harvey G. , Italiano Joseph E.
Published: December 2024

Megakaryocytes (MKs) are large, polyploid cells that contribute to bone marrow homeostasis through the secretion of cytokines such as transforming growth factor β1 (TGFβ1). During neoplastic transformation, immature MKs accumulate in the bone marrow where they induce fibrotic remodeling ultimately resulting in myelofibrosis. Current treatment strategies aim to prevent MK hyperproliferation, however, little is understood about the potential of targeting dysregulated cytokine secretion from neoplastic MKs as a novel therapeutic avenue. Unconventional secretion of TGFβ1 as well as interleukin 1β (IL1β) via secretory autophagy occurs in cells other than MKs, which prompted us to investigate whether similar mechanisms are utilized by MKs. Here, we identified that TGFβ1 strongly co-localized with the autophagy marker light chain 3B in native MKs. Disrupting secretory autophagy by inhibiting the small GTPase RhoA or its downstream effector Rho kinase (ROCK) markedly reduced TGFβ1 and IL1β secretionin vitro.In vivo, conditional deletion of the essential autophagy geneAtg5from the hematopoietic system limited megakaryocytosis and aberrant cytokine secretion in an MPLW515L-driven transplant model. Similarly, mice with a selective deletion ofRhoafrom the MK and platelet lineage were protected from progressive fibrosis. Finally, disease hallmarks in MPLW515L-transplanted mice were attenuated upon treatment with the autophagy inhibitor hydroxychloroquine or the ROCK inhibitor Y27632, either as monotherapy or in combination with the JAK2 inhibitor ruxolitinib. Overall, our data indicate that aberrant cytokine secretion is dependent on secretory autophagy downstream of RhoA, targeting of which represents a novel therapeutic avenue in the treatment of myelofibrosis.

One Sentence Summary

TGFβ1 is released from megakaryocytes via RhoA-mediated secretory autophagy, and targeting this process can alleviate fibrosis progression in a preclinical mouse model of myelofibrosis.
Analyzing Differences in Processing Nouns and Verbs in the Human Brain using Combined EEG and MEG Measurements
Authors: Kölbl Nikola , Müller-Voggel Nadia , Rampp Stefan , Kaltenhäuser Martin , Tzirdis Konstantin , Krauss Patrick , Schilling Achim
Published: December 2024

Language and consequently the ability to transmit and spread complex information is unique to the human species. The disruptive event of the introduction of large language models has shown that the ability to process language alone leads to incredible abilities and, to some extent, to intelligence. However, how language is processed in the human brain remains elusive. Many insights originate from fMRI studies, as the high spatial resolution of fMRI devices provides valid information about where things happen. Nevertheless, the limited temporal resolution prevents us from gaining a deep understanding on the underlying mechanisms. In this study, we performed combined EEG and MEG measurements in 29 healthy right-handed human subjects during the presentation of continuous speech. We compared the evoked potentials (ERPs and ERFs) for different word types in source space and sensor space across the whole brain. We found characteristic spatio-temporal patterns for different word types (nouns, verbs) especially at latencies of 300ms to 1 s. This is further emphasized by the fact that we observe these effects in two pre-defined sub-samples of the data set (exploration and validation sample). We expect this study to be the starting point for further evaluations of semantic and syntactic processing in the brain.
CHD4 Interacts With TBX5 to Maintain the Gene Regulatory Network of Postnatal Atrial Cardiomyocytes
Authors: Sweat Mason E. , Shi Wei , Keating Erin M. , Ponek Anna , Li Jie , Ma Qing , Park Chaehyoung , Trembley Michael A. , Wang Yi , Bezzerides Vassilios J. , Conlon Frank L. , Pu William T.
Published: December 2024

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained arrhythmia, affecting 59 million individuals worldwide. Impairment of atrial cardiomyocyte (aCM) gene regulatory mechanisms predisposes to atrial fibrillation. The transcription factor TBX5 is essential for normal atrial rhythm, and its inactivation causes loss of aCM enhancer accessibility, looping, and transcriptional identity. Here we investigated the mechanisms by which TBX5 regulates chromatin organization. We found that TBX5 recruits CHD4, a chromatin remodeling ATPase, to 33,170 genomic regions (TBX5-enhanced CHD4 sites). As a component of the NuRD complex, CHD4 functions to repress gene transcription. However, combined snRNA-seq and snATAC-seq of CHD4 knockout (KO) and control aCMs revealed that CHD4 has both gene activator and repressor functions. Genes repressed by CHD4 in aCMs included sarcomeric proteins from non-CM cell lineages. Genes activated by CHD4 in aCMs were characterized by TBX5-enhanced CHD4 recruitment, which enhanced chromatin accessibility and promoted the expression of aCM identity genes. This mechanism of TBX5 recruitment of CHD4 was critical for sinus rhythm becauseChd4AKOmice had increased vulnerability to AF from electrical pacing and a fraction had spontaneous AF. Our findings reveal that CHD4 is essential for maintaining aCM gene expression, aCM identity, and atrial rhythm homeostasis.
Research on embroidery style migration model based on texture cycle GAN
Authors: Liu Chengxia , Gu Jiawen , Yao Lan , Zhang Ying
Published: December 2024

Purpose

As an ancient art form, embroidery has strong practicality and artistic value. However, current embroidery style migration models produce images with unclear textures and a lack of stitch detail. So, in this paper, we propose a cyclic consistent embroidery style migration network with texture constraints, which is called Texture Cycle GAN (TCGAN).

Design/methodology/approach

The model is based on the existing Cycle GAN network with an additional texture module. This texture module is implemented using a pre-trained Markovian adversarial network to synthesize embroidery texture features. The overall algorithm consists of two generative adversarial networks (for style migration) and the Markovian adversarial network (for texture synthesis).

Findings

Qualitative and quantitative experiments show that, compared with the existing convolutional neural network style transfer algorithm, the introduction of the texture-constrained embroidery style transfer model TCGAN can effectively learn the characteristics of style images, generate digital embroidery works with clear texture and natural stitches and achieve more realistic embroidery simulation effects.

Originality/value

By improving the algorithm for image style migration and designing a reasonable loss function, the generated embroidery patterns are made more detailed, which shows that the model can improve the realism of embroidery style simulation and help to improve the standard of embroidery craftsmanship, thus promoting the development of the embroidery industry.
A qualitative study of kindergarten teachers’ views on superintendents’ authority and power
Authors: Harduf Noa , Berkovich Izhak
Published: December 2024

Purpose

The study aimed to explore the authority and power of kindergarten superintendents in public education to elucidate their leadership dynamics.

Design/methodology/approach

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 24 Israeli kindergarten teachers about the authority and power of their superintendents. Thematic analysis was used to construct a description of two overarching authority categories: formal and informal.

Findings

Within the realm of formal authority, two prevalent leadership types were discerned: bureaucratic management and management by exception. Each type incorporated distinct official strategies for influencing kindergarten teachers. Three predominant informal leadership types emerged – authoritarian, empowering and pedagogical – reflecting different unofficial approaches to influencing kindergarten teachers. The study elucidates the power base that underpins each leadership type, describing the resources superintendents use for influence and leverage.

Originality/value

The importance of the study lies in providing valuable insights into the authority and power of kindergarten superintendent leadership in a centralized public early childhood system.
Buyer–supplier TMT background misalignment and green innovation performance: the moderating roles of TMT tenure and incentives
Authors: Yang Yang , Jiang Yan , Chen Linyue
Published: December 2024

Purpose

While top management teams (TMTs) play an important role in shaping firms’ strategic choices and performance outcomes, studies on green innovation have rarely considered the influence of the TMT demographics of firms and their suppliers. Drawing upon upper echelon theory, this study investigates the impact of buyer–supplier TMT misalignment on green innovation performance, along with potential moderators of this effect.

Design/methodology/approach

The empirical setting is Chinese-listed manufacturing firms that are present in both the Chinese Research Data Services Platform (CNRDS) database and the China Stock Market and Accounting Research (CSMAR) database. The study employs panel data regression methods on a dyadic dataset of 530 paired buyer–supplier firm-year observations over the period 2008–2019.

Findings

Buyer–supplier TMT misalignment in terms of functional background and educational level is negatively associated with buyer green innovation performance. This negative effect can, however, be mitigated by TMT tenure and long-term incentives in buyer firms.

Originality/value

By introducing the notion of TMT background misalignment to the supply chain, this study advances the understanding of relational TMT demographics in predicting organizational performance and extends upper echelon theory.
Improving production processes with a customer-centric perspective using a novel hybrid approach in the textile sector
Authors: Sikander Sufyan , Naseem Afshan , Shahzad Asjad , Akhtar Muhammad Jawad , Salman Ali
Published: December 2024

Purpose

In recent years, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic, home textile production orders decreased significantly. This sudden drop in production has increased industry competition, making customer satisfaction more challenging. As a result, it has become imperative for the industry to deftly navigate such ongoing challenges.

Design/methodology/approach

This study examines textile production efficiency methodically. Customer requirements like quality, on-time delivery, better working conditions, cost-effectiveness and facility safety audits are understood first. Quality function deployment (QFD) turns client requirements into technical requirements. Prioritise and analyse risks using Monte Carlo simulation and Pareto charts. Consequently, experts and literature propose corrective measures, which are tested in a pilot run to see how they affect production.

Findings

QFD, define, measure, analyse, improve and control (DMAIC) and Monte Carlo simulation were used to reduce high-priority risks and meet client requirements in this study. The house of quality helped relate customers’ requirements and technical requirements. Monte Carlo simulation has also improved risk prioritisation by providing a flexible mathematical structure for identifying and managing the most important risks.

Originality/value

This study is novel in the way it applies this integrated approach to the understudied home textile sector. Unlike traditional DMAIC, this study introduces a novel matrix encompassing all defects. This study offers a data-driven approach to improve product quality, meet customer expectations and reduce prioritised risks in home textile manufacturing.
Embedding ESG in finance education: the impact of ESG education within graduate finance programs on ESG-related problems
Authors: Nurillayev Elnur
Published: December 2024

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to determine the extent to which ESG education in graduate finance programs at Kazakhstani universities impacts ESG-related issues incorporating emissions, unemployment rates and corruption.

Design/methodology/approach

This research relies on cross-sectional data for 20 regions of Kazakhstan and 66 universities clustered in those regions for the academic year 2022–2023. This study uses a multiple linear regression method to ascertain the relationship between ESG education and ESG problems.

Findings

Findings indicate that environmental education and overall ESG education have a negative impact on the volume of emissions and the youth unemployment rate. The number of universities is positively related to all three dependent variables representing issues on each aspect of ESG.

Research limitations/implications

I might have omitted some important variables that can play a pivotal role in elucidating ESG-related problems, including the mobility of students from one region to another. Furthermore, the paper analyzed only finance programs at a graduate level, without touching undergraduate-level studies and other programs. Finally, the variables and, hence, the regression results are based on the academic year of 2022–2023; it does not account for the change for the past years and does not include time-series analysis.

Originality/value

This paper is original, as it examines whether ESG education helps to curb ESG-related issues at a national level in Kazakhstan, and the studies on sustainability education in Kazakhstan are limited.
The impact of market orientation and brand storytelling on Shark Tank evaluations – a B2B and large language modeling perspective
Authors: Jayashankar Priyanka , Roy Tirtho , Chattopadhyay Souradeep , Arshad Muhammad Arbab , Sarkar Soumik
Published: December 2024

Purpose

The purpose of the study is to determine how signals of market orientation and brand storytelling affect the evaluation of start-ups by Shark Tank judges.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors analyzed 430 Shark Tank pitches to test their hypotheses. Their expert annotations based on elements of their conceptual model pave the way for them to deploy a large language model that gives us unique psycholinguistic insights into the start-up pitches.

Findings

The authors find that market responsiveness and external disadvantage and passion and determination in brand storytelling have a significant impact on the evaluations of start-ups by investors.

Research limitations/implications

The research is set in an early-stage venture context in the US.

Practical implications

The research findings on business-to-investor interactions can benefit B2B marketers, start-ups and investors.

Originality/value

Their research which draws conceptual inspiration from the resource-based view of the firm and the signaling theory is unique in that the authors use cutting edge large-language model tools to draw psycholinguistic B2B insights from the Shark Tank interactions.
Supervisors’ self-disclosure enhances subordinates’ trust: the mediating role of subordinates’ charismatic attributions
Authors: Ito Ai , Harrison Jennifer A. , Bligh Michelle
Published: December 2024

Purpose

Drawing on a cognitive attribution approach to charismatic leadership, this study identifies an overlooked influence behavior – supervisor self-disclosure of a traumatic loss as contributing to subordinate charismatic attributions (e.g. idealized influence) and trust toward their supervisor.

Design/methodology/approach

Employing an experimental vignette method, participants (n = 201) were assigned to one of two conditions: (1) supervisor self-disclosure of traumatic loss or (2) control condition, and then reported on charismatic attributions about the supervisor in the scenario and trust toward the supervisor.

Findings

The results revealed that supervisors’ self-disclosure to subordinates influences subordinate attributions of charisma toward their supervisors and affective-based, cognitive-based trust.

Research limitations/implications

While an experimental approach supports causal inference, future research may consider the long-term effects of supervisors’ self-disclosure on subordinates’ attributions and trust.

Practical implications

Self-disclosure may be used authentically but cautiously to build relationships with subordinates and potentially benefit management development programs.

Originality/value

This study provides the first empirical insights into how a supervisor’s disclosure of a traumatic loss – an uncharted territory – affects subordinates’ perceptions of the supervisor’s charisma and subsequent trust.
“We publish open access as outsiders”: a Bourdieuan approach to understanding marginalised academics’ publishing community
Authors: Xu Hao
Published: December 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to explore the motivations and experiences of university academics who engage in open access publishing for survival and academic development.

Design/methodology/approach

This study employs a multiple-case qualitative approach, drawing on Bourdieu’s theory of practice to investigate the activities and experiences of seven academics as they strived to publish in indexed open access journals. Data were collected through in-depth interviews and observation, focusing on the academics’ strategies for obtaining cultural capital.

Findings

Findings reveal that they viewed this publishing community more as an imagined or virtual community from which they could obtain cultural capital and seek the sense of belonging to compensate for the outsider identity and peripheral positioning within their institutions. The acquired cultural capital not only helped them feel more connected but also influenced their institutional status, as increased visibility and recognition from publishing successes began to alter how they were perceived within their professional environments, sometimes enhancing their standing but also occasionally reinforcing marginalisation.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the existing literature by providing a refined understanding of the motivations and experiences of academics engaged in open access publishing. It offers a unique perspective on the formation and functioning of non-institutional communities in academia, highlighting the role of cultural capital and identity negotiation in shaping these communities. Furthermore, it sheds light on the challenges and opportunities faced by academics seeking to publish open access and provides insights for institutions seeking to support their faculty in this endeavour.
Empowerment typologies of female entrepreneurs in Zimbabwe: overcoming socio-economic challenges
Authors: Woyo Erisher , Venganai Hellen , Leung Xi Yu
Published: December 2024

Purpose

Female entrepreneurs in tourism are increasingly asserting themselves, yet there is a need to examine the psychological empowerment dimensions of their entrepreneurial journeys. This study aims to address this gap by defining psychological empowerment typologies of female entrepreneurs operating in challenging socio-economic contexts in urban Zimbabwe.

Design/methodology/approach

This research used data from face-to-face and online interviews with 20 female entrepreneurs in urban Zimbabwe.

Findings

The study identified four distinct typologies of psychologically empowered entrepreneurs: resilient, collaborative, social change and authentic entrepreneurs. These typologies show unique patterns of intrapersonal, interactional, behavioural and relational empowerment dimensions, highlighting the multidimensional nature of psychological empowerment among female entrepreneurs.

Originality/value

This research makes an original contribution by exploring psychological empowerment typologies among female entrepreneurs in Zimbabwe. It examines the intersection of socio-economic challenges and empowerment dynamics and identifies distinct typologies. These insights provide valuable guidance for policymakers, support organisations and female entrepreneurs to design targeted interventions that enhance entrepreneurial empowerment and promote gender equality.
Elevational differentiation occurs alongside high plasticity in a general‐purpose genotype invasive plant
Authors: Millar Aaron , Chapman Hazel
Published: December 2024

Highly plastic general‐purpose genotypes are a frequent occurrence among invasive plants. Yet it remains uncertain to what extent genetic differentiation can co‐occur with such elevated levels of plasticity. Understanding the interplay between these two evolutionary strategies is essential to understand potential invasive success and future climate change responses.

We investigated the potential for genetic shifts between upland and lowland populations of the highly plastic invasive herb Erythranthe guttata in New Zealand. We aimed to determine (a) the presence of genetic differentiation between upland and lowland origin E. guttata populations; (b) whether any differences aligned with established adaptive patterns; and (c) whether genetic differentiation was occurring alongside the high plasticity of E. guttata populations in response to varying elevations.

We grew cuttings from 38 E. guttata populations from upland and lowland Canterbury in a lowland and an upland common garden, where we measured a wide range of growth and reproductive traits.

We found significant differentiation between upland and lowland origin populations over most measured traits. Plants sourced from upland populations flowered earlier and produced more flowers than plants originating from lowland populations. Lowland origin plants were taller, had larger leaves and higher photosynthetic rates than upland plants. These differences occurred alongside high levels of unspecialised plasticity to the growing environment.

Synthesis: We found that over a period of less than 150 years, distinct lowland and upland phenotypes of E. guttata have emerged. These differences are consistent with known selective patterns to elevation that favour reproductive security at higher elevations and competitive ability at lower elevations. This rapid genetic differentiation occurred alongside high plasticity to growing environment, suggesting that highly plastic invasive species still retain the capacity to genetically adapt to novel environments.
A Study of Crisis Discourse on the COVID‐19 in Brazil: Discourse Manipulation and Power Struggles
Authors: Peng Liu
Published: December 2024

Public health safety belongs to the category of ‘securitization’. However, in some countries, there is a tendency of discourse manipulation and desecuritization in COVID‐19's discourse. This paper first embarks from the perspective of the Copenhagen School's securitization theory and employs an analytical framework of discourse manipulation to deconstruct the process of Bolsonaro's ‘desecuritization’ crisis discourse construction in response to the COVID‐19 threat in his country, which consists in discourse restraint, discourse framing, discourse positioning. The results show that: in terms of discourse restraint strategy, Bolsonaro's government realizes this strategy by reducing the frequency of epidemic topics, continuously suppressing scientific discourse on epidemic prevention and control and suppressing public health and safety discourse through political discourse. In terms of framing strategies, the nature, severity, causes and responsibilities of COVID‐19 problem are diagnosed, respectively. Through the negative frame of other programmes and the positive frame of the epidemic plan, the president constructs the expected frame of COVID‐19 problem. Through incentive framing, his discourse stimulates Brazilian people's support for the federal government and the president himself and enhances public confidence in Brazil's success in overcoming the epidemic. In terms of discourse positioning strategy, the plots of ‘focusing on economic issues’, ‘life first’, ‘freedom first’ and ‘sovereignty first’ are adopted, respectively. Drawing on the three‐dimensional analytical framework as a Critical Discourse Analysis tool, Bolsonaro's discourse manipulation and desecuritization strategies reflect an antagonistic regard towards the relations between economic development and epidemic prevention and a rival perspective towards the relationship between administrative authority and professional authority, and furthermore, the overlapping left‐right power struggles under the crossover of the era of ‘Great changes not seen in a century’ and the COVID‐19's non‐traditional security crisis.
Evaluation of older patients with minor blunt head trauma to identify those who do not have clinically important traumatic brain injury and can be safely managed without cranial computed tomography
Authors: Mellett Tanya , West Courtney , Emeto Theophilus I , Dutson Jane , Khoo Angeline , Gangathimmaiah Vinay
Published: December 2024

Objective

Our primary aim was to identify a low‐risk subgroup of older adults (aged 65 and older) presenting to ED with minor head trauma which can be safely managed without a cranial CT (cCT).

Methods

This was a single‐site, prospective, observational, cohort study conducted at a major‐referral ED. Alert, haemodynamically stable, older adults with suspected head trauma were eligible. This included both community dwellers and residential aged care facility (RACF) residents. Primary outcome was the proportion of patients who had a clinically important traumatic brain injury (ciTBI) within 42 days of index ED presentation. Secondary outcomes included proportion investigated with a cCT, and proportion needing neurosurgical intervention.

Results

Two hundred seventy‐six patients (mean age 80.5 years; 53.6% female) were enrolled. The most common mechanism of injury was ground‐level fall (93.8%). One in four patients was from RACFs, 30.1% had dementia and 52.2% were on blood thinners. 80.8% had a cCT during the index ED visit. Seven (2.5%) patients had ciTBI within 42 days of index ED presentation. Patients with ciTBI had either external signs of head injury or abnormal neurological exam. All patients with ciTBI were treated conservatively after shared decision‐making.

Conclusions

Alert, haemodynamically stable, older ED adults with suspected head trauma had a low incidence of ciTBI in the present study. Abnormal physical examination findings were consistently present in patients with ciTBI. Shared decision‐making prior to cCT may be the pragmatic way ahead in the management of this patient cohort, especially among those from RACFs.
Exploring the potential of flour, starch concentrate, and protein concentrate from Richlea lentils in the development of lentil based extruded puffs
Authors: Allan Edwin , Bajwa Dilpreet S. , Ganjyal Girish M. , Kim Sun‐Hwa , McPhee Kevin E. , Obiri‐Yeboah Moses , Kuo Wan‐Yuan
Published: December 2024

Lentil puffs were developed from a mixed design of varying weight fractions of lentil flour (x1), lentil starch concentrate (x2), and lentil protein concentrate (x3) using a twin‐screw pilot scale extruder at a dry feed rate of 20 kg/h (d.b.), a water feed rate of 2 kg/h, and an extruder screw speed of 350 rpm. Evaluations of the extrudate properties (expansion ratio, unit density), instrumental texture (hardness, crunchiness, and crispiness), and sensory properties (overall and texture liking, just about right (JAR), and check all that apply (CATA) were conducted, and the optimum lentil puff formulation was determined from sensory liking. Increasing x1 and x2 both increased the expansion ratio of the lentil puffs, whereas the interactions of x3 with x1 and x2 both reduced the unit density. All three formulation factors positively impacted the instrumental crunchiness and crispiness of the lentil puffs, whereas x3 had a larger impact on crunchiness, and x1 and x2 had a larger impact on crispiness. Lentil puff formulations with x3 ≥ 0.66 presented significantly lower sensory liking scores than those with x2 ≥ 0.33. The JAR test revealed that all lentil puff formulations were penalized for not having the right level of hardness, whereas the CATA test identified the crispy and crunchy attributes to positively correlate with overall and texture liking scores. The optimum lentil puff formulation was predicted from a maximum overall liking score of 6.1 and texture liking score of 6.7, to contain 50% (w/w, d.b.) of lentil starch concentrate and 25% of both lentil flour and lentil protein concentrate.
Mystic doubt: In search of pure consciousness
Authors: Ohlson Olof
Published: December 2024

Transcendental Meditation (TM) holds that the essence of reality is “pure consciousness.” This piece contrasts three interpretations of their meditative trance: (i) TM doctrine, and (ii) scientific physicalism, (iii) with my own meditative experience. Pure consciousness events, defined as wakeful contentless consciousness, are known to occur, but what ontological basis do they have? While cosmic consciousness may be the only ontological ultimate there is, my meditative introspection does not neatly align with TM dogma. In search of the right metaphor, this piece journeys over mystical notions of divine darkness, contemplates evidence regimes, and proposes “mystic doubt” or ontological skepticism as an alternative to ontological relativism.
Atypical Type 2 Lepra Reaction Masquerading as Recurrent Sweet Syndrome
Authors: Sidhom Seraphima , Yang Eric , Gowda Asha , Kim Lori S. , Robinson‐Bostom Leslie , Massoud Cathy
Published: December 2024

Erythema nodosum leprosum (ENL) is an immune complex‐mediated response in Mycobacterium leprae infection, presenting with fever, arthralgias, and tender cutaneous lesions. It mimics Sweet syndrome (SS) clinically and histologically but requires distinct management. A 65‐year‐old man with recent travel presented with fever and edematous plaques. Initial findings supported SS, improving with corticosteroids. Symptom recurrence and a contact's leprosy diagnosis led to further testing, revealing M. leprae through repeat staining and tissue PCR. This case underscores the need to consider ENL in Sweet‐like cases with relevant travel history. Repeat staining and molecular testing are essential for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
The Roles of Vitamin D Receptor (VDR) and CD8+ T‐Lymphocytes in Acral and Mucosal Melanoma Invasion Depth
Authors: Usman Hermin Aminah , Sholihah Fitria , Dewayani Birgitta M. , Giovani Octavianus
Published: December 2024

Background

Acral and mucosal melanomas, the most common sun‐shielded site melanoma subtypes in Asia and Indonesia, often yield poor prognoses. The invasion depth reflects their progressivity, and the pathogenesis is influenced by vitamin D receptor (VDR) status and CD8+ T‐Lymphocyte amount. This study aims to determine the association between the invasion depth of acral and mucosal melanomas with their VDR and CD8+ immunoexpression.

Methods

A cross‐sectional observational study was conducted on 60 formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded (FPPE) samples, with equal representation in acral and mucosal melanoma groups from 2017 to 2021. The samples were assessed for the invasion depth and immunoexpression of VDR and CD8+. A chi‐square test with an alternative Exact–Fisher analysis was used to determine the association between the variables in both subtype groups.

Results

An association between VDR and CD8+ immunoexpression and invasion depth in acral melanoma (p value = 0.0001 and 0.009, respectively) was observed, while only VDR immunoexpression was associated with the invasion depth in mucosal melanoma (p‐value =0.004). Interestingly, no association was found between CD8+ immunoexpression and the invasion depth in mucosal melanoma (p = 0.640).

Conclusion

The role of VDR and CD8+ T‐lymphocytes are inversely associated with melanoma depth in acral melanoma, while only VDR is associated with melanoma depth in mucosal melanoma.
‘Insufficient’/‘Inadequate’/‘Non‐Diagnostic’ Category of the WHO Reporting System for Lung Cytopathology, 2022: A Survey About Use in Practice
Authors: Vega‐Gonzalez Jesus , de la Torre Serrano Montserrat , Colino Gallardo Ana María , Bergillos Giménez María Reyes , Hernández Martínez Desiré , García Egido Alejandro , de Hita Castillo Miguel , Lample Brusel Ignacio , Oteo Cerrato Elvira , Platero Sanz Sara , Nielsen Lone , Fernández‐Aceñero Mª Jesús
Published: December 2024

Introduction

The new ‘WHO Reporting System for Lung Cytopathology’ (2022) includes an ‘Insufficient’/‘Inadequate’/‘Non‐diagnostic’ category. Although they recommend that each laboratory should choose one term to report this diagnostic category, they do not recommend one term over the others. Our aim was to evaluate the use of these three terms in pulmonary FNACs among Spanish pathologists.

Methods

A web‐based survey among Spanish pathologists using Google Forms was performed. It included 14 yes/no and multiple‐choice questions, the latter with an open‐text option where it was possible to give a different answer from the ones given. Some questions inquired about their daily practice routine whilst others proposed different cytological examples with the intention of knowing how they would report those particular cases.

Results

Twenty‐eight participants (18 cytopathologists, two general pathologists and seven residents) from 17 different Spanish hospitals completed the survey. Most of the respondents use more than one term of this diagnostic category, and there is a lack of reproducibility on the criteria to use one specific term.

Conclusion

There is a need to clearly define this category to reduce variability between pathologists.
Risk of cardiovascular disease in elderly subjects with obesity and liver fibrosis and the potential benefit of statin treatment
Authors: Theel Willy B. , de Jong Vivian D. , Castro Cabezas Manuel , Grobbee Diederick E. , Jukema Johan W. , Trompet Stella
Published: December 2024

Background

Liver fibrosis progression is influenced by older age and cardiometabolic risk factors such as obesity and is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events. While statins may protect against cardiovascular complications, their effects in elderly individuals with obesity and liver fibrosis are unclear.

Method

The PROspective Study of Pravastatin in the Elderly at Risk (PROSPER) database was used to evaluate the effect of pravastatin on major adverse cardiovascular events in an elderly population (>70 years). Subjects were categorized by BMI: lean (<25 kg/m2), overweight (25–29.9 kg/m2) and obese (≥30 kg/m2). Liver fibrosis was assessed using the FIB‐4 index: low risk (<2.0), intermediate risk (2.0–2.66) and high risk (≥2.67). Time‐to‐event data were analysed using the Cox proportional hazards model, adjusted for confounders and compared the placebo and pravastatin groups.

Results

A total of 5.804 subjects were included. In the placebo group, the highest risk group (high FIB‐4 and obesity) had a significantly higher hazard ratio for (non‐)fatal stroke (HR 2.74; 95% CI 1.19–6.29) compared to the low FIB‐4, lean BMI group. This risk disappeared in the same pravastatin group. Pravastatin did not affect other cardiovascular endpoints. All‐cause mortality was significantly higher in subjects with lean weight and high FIB‐4 on placebo (HR 1.88; 95% CI 1.14–3.11), but not on pravastatin (HR .58; 95% CI .28–1.20).

Conclusion

Elderly individuals with obesity and liver fibrosis are at higher risk for (non‐)fatal stroke, which is reduced with pravastatin. Pravastatin also potentially lowers all‐cause mortality in subjects with lean weight and liver fibrosis.
Back to Basics With Teacher Recruitment: What Do STEM Undergraduates Want?
Authors: Snell Rebecca J. S. , Klassen Robert M. , Thompson‐Lee Sophie , Wang Hui
Published: December 2024

The recruitment of undergraduate students in England into teacher education is a recognised challenge with recruitment targets having been missed in nine of the last 10 years. The recruitment shortfalls are most acute within STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) subjects. This qualitative study explores which aspects of teaching attract and deter undergraduate STEM students from entering the profession, and which aspects of the vocation are unknown to undergraduates. Participants consisted of 267 STEM undergraduate students (73% White British; 57% female) from a broad range of UK universities. The sample reflected the sociodemographic characteristics (e.g., ethnicity, gender, socioeconomic background [SEB]) of undergraduate students in British universities. Data for this study consisted of responses to open‐ended questions about interest in teaching generated after exposure to an experimental vignette intervention consisting of 12 teaching‐related vignettes, each exhibiting a different motivation for entering teaching. Data were coded using reflexive thematic analysis and multiple indexing. Findings from this study suggested that participants were primarily attracted to teaching by the perceived emotional rewards of supporting young people, and the tangible benefits (e.g., holidays) made the career desirable. However, participants also felt an imbalance between the pull and push factors of teaching. Workload and negative treatment of teachers were seen as the central deterrents to entering teaching; however, we also found that there was a significant knowledge deficit about what teaching entails.
An Artificial Intelligence‐Based Interactive Learning Environment for Music Education in China: Traditional Chinese Music and Its Contemporary Development as a Way to Increase Cultural Capital
Authors: Yin Lu , Guo Ruosi
Published: December 2024

This quasi‐experimental study aims to investigate the effectiveness of artificial intelligence (AIVA app) within an interactive music‐learning environment. The ANCOVA was used to compare the performance of students using Artificial Intelligence Virtual Artist (AIVA) and those studying with traditional lecture‐based instructions. Students in the AIVA group quickly mastered the new material and reported interest in the theoretical part of the course. The lecture group showed the opposite trend. Future research can involve a larger sample of 3–5 universities and compare student performance across Europe, Asia and the Americas. It is also worth considering the main shortcomings of the existing online artificial intelligence systems for music generation. The results of the study suggest that lecture‐based instructions are less effective than artificial intelligence in teaching music. However, it seems important to have direct interactions during class; otherwise, students will lose interest, pay less attention and report fatigue.
Social Media as a Teaching‐Learning Tool to Enhance Students' Professional Profile: The Case of LinkedIn
Authors: López‐Carril Samuel , Glebova Ekaterina , Bae Deukmook , González‐Serrano María Huertas
Published: December 2024

One of the primary goals of universities is to foster students' professional development and boost their employability. Social media platforms have become integral in today's digital age, causing disruptions in health, education and sport. University educators have integrated these platforms into classrooms to create online and hybrid teaching environments. However, research indicates that graduate students often lack proficiency in leveraging social media for professional use. This study examined the impact of an educational intervention conducted through LinkedIn, focusing on 61 undergraduate sport management students (80.30% male, 19.70% female) from a Spanish university during the 2020–2021 academic year. Pre‐test and post‐test questionnaires evaluated social media's potential as a teaching tool. Descriptive statistics, the Wilcoxon test and Cohen's d effect‐size calculations were used. The results highlight LinkedIn's value as a teaching‐learning tool and its potential for enhancing students' professional development and engagement in the sport industry.
Development of the Japanese Anticholinergic Risk Scale: English translation of the Japanese article
Authors: Mizokami Fumihiro , Mizuno Tomohiro , Taguchi Rena , Nasu Izumi , Arai Sayaka , Higashi Keiichiro , Matsumoto Ayaka , Kamei Miwako , Kojima Taro , Sakai Takayoshi , Shibata Yuuka , Takeya Yasushi , Mogi Masaki , Yamada Shizuo , Akishita Masahiro ,   Japanese Society of Geriatric Pharmacy Working Group on Japanese Anticholinergic Risk Scale
Published: December 2024

Background

Anticholinergic burden, reflecting the cumulative impact of medications with anticholinergic properties, significantly predicts adverse drug reactions and geriatric syndromes in older adults. Although anticholinergic risk scales (ARS) have been developed and validated in various countries, none have been tailored specifically for Japan. The Japanese Anticholinergic Risk Scale (JARS) was developed to adapt the existing ARS frameworks to the Japanese context, considering unique medication profiles and cultural factors.

Process

First, a systematic review was performed to follow the protocol registered in PROSPERO (CRD42017076510). A PubMed search from October 2017 to March 2023 was conducted to identify ARS publications post‐September 2017. Based on two algorithms, average scores from the existing scores were used to develop JARS. The Delphi method, an expert consensus approach, was applied to determine the scores for medications that were not established by the algorithms. Sixteen articles identified in our systematic review contributed to JARS development. JARS categorizes 158 medications into three potency groups: 37 drugs scored as 3 (strong), 27 as 2 (moderate), and 94 as 1 (weak).

Conclusion

JARS, the newly developed ARS, could be a critical tool for anticholinergic burden assessment in older Japanese populations. Developed through a systematic review and Delphi‐based expert consensus, it encompasses 158 medications, offering a comprehensive anticholinergic burden assessment. Future studies and updates should be conducted to improve the accuracy and clinical applicability of this scale. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2025; 25: 5–13.