bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of susceptibility loci for adverse events following COVID-19 vaccination in the Japanese population: A web-based genome-wide association study
Authors: Nogawa Shun , Kanamori Hajime , Tokuda Koichi , Kawafune Kaoru , Chijiiwa Miyuki , Saito Kenji , Takahashi Shoko
Published: November 2021

The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has spread rapidly worldwide. To prevent the spread of COVID-19, mRNA-based vaccines made by Pfizer/BioNTech (BNT162b1) and Moderna (mRNA-1273) have been widely used worldwide, including in Japan. Various adverse events after COVID-19 mRNA vaccinations have been reported, with differences observed among individuals. However, the analysis on the genetic background for susceptibility to side effects has been limited. In the present work, we performed genome-wide association studies (GWAS) for self-reported adverse events of COVID-19 mRNA vaccination in 4,545 Japanese individuals and identified 14 associated loci. Among these, 6p21 was associated with 37.5°C or higher fever, 38 °C or higher fever, and muscle pain. Our results may enable one to prepare for and manage side effects by knowing their susceptibility to the occurrence of adverse events. Furthermore, we obtained valuable data that can lead to the understanding of the mechanism of action of COVID-19 mRNA vaccines.
Automated prediction of lattice parameters from X-ray powder diffraction patterns
Authors: Chitturi Sathya R. , Ratner Daniel , Walroth Richard C. , Thampy Vivek , Reed Evan J. , Dunne Mike , Tassone Christopher J. , Stone Kevin H.
Published: November 2021

A key step in the analysis of powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) data is the accurate determination of unit-cell lattice parameters. This step often requires significant human intervention and is a bottleneck that hinders efforts towards automated analysis. This work develops a series of one-dimensional convolutional neural networks (1D-CNNs) trained to provide lattice parameter estimates for each crystal system. A mean absolute percentage error of approximately 10% is achieved for each crystal system, which corresponds to a 100- to 1000-fold reduction in lattice parameter search space volume. The models learn from nearly one million crystal structures contained within the Inorganic Crystal Structure Database and the Cambridge Structural Database and, due to the nature of these two complimentary databases, the models generalize well across chemistries. A key component of this work is a systematic analysis of the effect of different realistic experimental non-idealities on model performance. It is found that the addition of impurity phases, baseline noise and peak broadening present the greatest challenges to learning, while zero-offset error and random intensity modulations have little effect. However, appropriate data modification schemes can be used to bolster model performance and yield reasonable predictions, even for data which simulate realistic experimental non-idealities. In order to obtain accurate results, a new approach is introduced which uses the initial machine learning estimates with existing iterative whole-pattern refinement schemes to tackle automated unit-cell solution.
Ten things I `hate' about refinement
Authors: Roversi Pietro , Tronrud Dale E.
Published: November 2021

Macromolecular refinement is an optimization process that aims to produce the most likely macromolecular structural model in the light of experimental data. As such, macromolecular refinement is one of the most complex optimization problems in wide use. Macromolecular refinement programs have to deal with the complex relationship between the parameters of the atomic model and the experimental data, as well as a large number of types of prior knowledge about chemical structure. This paper draws attention to areas of unfinished business in the field of macromolecular refinement. In it, we describe ten refinement topics that we think deserve attention and discuss directions leading to macromolecular refinement software that would make the best use of modern computer resources to meet the needs of structural biologists of the twenty-first century.
How does group-buying website quality for social commerce affect repurchase intention? Evidence from Chinese online users
Authors: Sun Zhuo , Zhao Hong , Wang Zongshui
Published: November 2021

Purpose

The success of social commerce group-buying information system (IS) is not a simple accumulation of functions, but a complex process of system integration that makes it difficult to design a high-quality website to improve the conversion rate of users has become a top priority for online companies. The purpose of this study is to further improve the IS success model to adapt to the new research scenarios and explore the boundary conditions between different satisfaction and repurchase intention.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, the users who have used the group-buying website quality for social commerce in the last 6 months are the objects of this study. Finally, 436 valid data were collected by questionnaire survey and analyzed by Smart PLS.

Findings

The results indicate that the four dimensions of website quality enhance consumers' economic satisfaction and social satisfaction, except that the path of system quality and social satisfaction is not significant. Economic satisfaction and social satisfaction also have a significant positive effect on repurchase intentions. Besides, the interactive effect of customer involvement and economic satisfaction has no significant impact on repurchase intention, but customer involvement plays a moderate role in the path of social satisfaction on repurchase intention.

Originality/value

n order to make the IS success model better evaluate the characteristics of social commerce sites comprehensively, this present research introduces the measurement construct of interaction quality. Moreover, this study examines the effect of mechanism of economic satisfaction and social satisfaction on repurchase intention from the perspective of practical benefit and psychology. Finally, the boundary conditions of the effect of satisfaction on repurchase intention are explored.
The effect of brand experiences on brand loyalty through perceived quality and brand trust: a study on sports consumers
Authors: Akoglu Halil Erdem , Özbek Oğuz
Published: November 2021

Purpose

Adopting the brand resonance approach, this research aimed to reveal the effect of emotional (perceived quality) and rational (brand trust) factors between brand experience and brand loyalty.

Design/methodology/approach

This article uses the brand resonance model to examine the above-mentioned relationship. The sample of the study consisted of 385 sports consumers between the ages of 18 and 65 years. An online survey was used to collect data and surveys were delivered to sports consumers via social media. Using SmartPLS 3.0 software, a partial least squares structural equation modeling analysis was conducted in this study.

Findings

The results support the hypotheses and demonstrate the importance of quality and trust in building customer loyalty for companies in the sports industry. Brand experience has a positive direct effect on perceived quality, brand trust and brand loyalty. It has been revealed that there is an important intermediary role of perceived quality and brand trust that manages the relationship between customers' brand experience and brand loyalty.

Practical implications

The findings of this study are essential for brands that want to develop and are included in the sports industry in the online shopping environment, which increases with the development of technology to create long-term loyalty in customers.

Originality/value

It reveals two mediating roles in the relationship between brand experience and brand loyalty, namely perceived quality and brand trust. These research results help to understand the processes of shaping the loyalty of sports consumers towards sports brands. Unlike previous studies, it examines this relationship in the sports industry by adding new mediator variables and contributes to the development of the model.
Organic global cryptocurrency: towards a stable international monetary system that is closer to Maqāṣid Sharīʿah
Authors: Rahman Abdurrahman Arum
Published: November 2021

Purpose

The most prominent and persistent problems of our global monetary system are instability and imbalances. We propose an international monetary model to solve these problems while at the same time move the model closer to Maqāṣid Sharīʿah (objectives of Sharīʿah). We name this an organic global monetary model or abbreviated as OGM. OGM is an international monetary model directly built on the national monetary system of each member country so that the two can co-exist.

Design/methodology/approach

Model design, theory and literature.

Findings

The model can eliminate interest rates at the central bank level, create non-tradable international money, and make a more stable international monetary system.

Originality/value

Original.
Service quality of Islamic banks: satisfaction, loyalty and the mediating role of trust
Authors: Haron Razali , Abdul Subar Noradilah , Ibrahim Khairunisah
Published: November 2021

Purpose

The objective of this study is to examine the impact of PAKSERV model on customers' satisfaction, loyalty and trust in Malaysian Islamic banks. These comprehensive measures concern on the cultural dimension of service quality by focusing on the mediating role of trust in the Malaysian context.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey was conducted involving 401 customers of Islamic banks in the states of Kuala Lumpur and Selangor, Malaysia. The data were analyzed through exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation model employing AMOS 23 and SPSS 23.

Findings

The study found positive relationship of PAKSERV dimensions of service quality, customers' satisfaction, customers' loyalty and the mediating role of trust in enhancing customers' loyalty. This study provides new evidence on how trust can act as a partial mediation on the relationship between customers' satisfaction and customers' loyalty in the cultural context of Islamic banking in Malaysia.

Practical implications

The findings of this study can be used as a framework for other Islamic Financial Institutions (IFIs) in improving services to its customers.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the body of knowledge in enhancing the understanding on customers' satisfaction, loyalty and trust in Islamic banks in Malaysia. This study also covers a broad range of respondents, hence representing a good diversity of Islamic banks' customers.
An exploration of the role of intuitive forms of planning in the succession process: the explanatory power of effectuation theory
Authors: Bloemen-Bekx Mira , Lambrechts Frank , Van Gils Anita
Published: November 2021

Purpose

This study explores how and when intuitive forms of planning can be used in a family firm's succession process.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses an extended focus group meeting, consisting of individual, group and subgroup discussions with seven highly experienced external family business advisors in the Netherlands to gain a holistic understanding of the succession process and its underlying logic. The study also employs pre- and post-group questionnaires.

Findings

This study reveals that advisors perceive intuitive forms of planning as an integral part of the succession process, with the latter containing both intuitive and formal logic and activities. Both logics are used situationally and flexibly to deal with the uniqueness and unpredictability of the succession process and to build strong relations and manage relational dynamics in business families to address tasks, dilemmas and contingencies.

Originality/value

The succession process is an important part of business families' achievement of transgenerational intent. Creating commitment among potential successors begins when they are children, and understanding the role of the more intuitive forms of planning during the succession process will provide us with a more holistic perspective on its dynamics.
Design and synthesis of thermosensitive block resin as carrier for immobilization of penicillin G acylase
Authors: Tu Hongyi , Liu Donglei , Chen Zhenbin , Liu Chunli
Published: November 2021

Purpose

Using a reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer reaction, a series of resins were prepared by using N, N-diethyl acrylamide (DEA), poly (ß-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (PHEMA) as hydrophilic blocks and poly (glycidyl methacrylate) (PGMA) as hydrophobic blocks (and as a target for immobilizing penicillin G acylase [PGA]) and the low critical solution temperature (LCST) of which could be adjusted by changing the segment length of blocks.

Design/methodology/approach

To make the catalytic conversion temperature of immobilized PGA fallen into the temperature range of the sol state of thermosensitive block resin, a type of thermosensitive block resin, i.e. PDEA-b-PHEMA-b-PGMA (DHGs) was synthesized to immobilize PGA, and the effect of segment order of block resin was investigated on the performance of PGA.

Findings

Carrier prepared with monomers molar ratio of n(DEA) : n(HEMA): n(GMA) = 100: 49: 36 presented loading capacity (L) and enzyme activity recovery ratio (Ar) of 110 mg/g and 90%, respectively, and a block resin with LCST value of 33 °C was essential for keeping higher Ar of PGA.

Originality/value

PGA has become an important biocatalyst in modern chemistry industry. However, disadvantages include difficulty in separation, poor repeatability and high cost, which limits the scope of PGA applications. The effective method is to immobilize the enzyme to the carrier, which could overcome the disadvantage of free enzyme.
Are consumers willing to pay for in‐vitro meat? An investigation of naming effects
Authors: Asioli Daniele , Bazzani Claudia , Nayga Rodolfo M.
Published: November 2021

Currently, there is an ongoing debate about whether ‘in‐vitro meat’ (IVM) should be labelled and communicated differently from conventional meat. Naming and labelling IVM can have significant implications and consequences for consumers’ acceptance of this new product as well as for future labelling policies. We provide, for the first time, information on how the use of different terms (i.e., ‘cultured’, ‘lab‐grown’ and ‘artificial’) shapes US consumers’ preferences and marginal willingness to pay for IVM. Using a choice experiment involving chicken meat products that vary across four attributes (i.e., production method, carbon trust label, antibiotics use and price), our results show that consumers prefer chicken meat produced through the conventional production method and tend to generally reject IVM. However, the term ‘cultured’ is less disliked than the terms ‘lab‐grown’ and ‘artificial’, and ‘artificial’ is less disliked than ‘lab‐grown’. Results also indicate that consumers’ valuations are heterogeneous over differing consumer attitudes. Our findings provide insights into the psychology of consumers’ level of acceptance and attitudes, which can be useful in communicating the nature of the IVM to the public. They also have important implications for future labelling policies.
Chromosome‐level genome assembly of the Chinese three‐keeled pond turtle (Mauremys reevesii) provides insights into freshwater adaptation
Authors: Liu Jianjun , Liu Siqi , Zheng Kai , Tang Min , Gu Liping , Young James , Wang Ziming , Qiu Yeyan , Dong Jinxiu , Gu Shengli , Xiong Lei , Zhou Ruanbao , Nie Liuwang
Published: November 2021

Mauremys reevesii is an endangered freshwater turtle that symbolizes longevity in Chinese culture. Despite its importance, genetic studies of this species remain limited, with no genomic sequence reported to date. Here, we report a high‐quality, chromosome‐level genomic sequence of M. reevesii obtained using a combination of Nanopore and Hi‐C sequencing technologies. The 2.37 Gb M. reevesii genome was assembled from a total of ~226.80 Gb of Nanopore sequencing data. The M. reevesii genome contig N50 is 34.73 Mb, the highest value in published turtle genomes. In total, 18,238 genes were functionally annotated. The contigs were clustered and ordered onto 27 pseudochromosomes covering ~96.55% of the genome assembled with Hi‐C data. To explore genome evolution, synteny analysis was performed between M. reevesii (freshwater turtle) and Gopherus evgoodei (terrestrial turtle) genomes. In general, each chromosome of M. reevesii corresponded to one chromosome of Gopherus evgoodei, but some interchromosomal rearrangements occurred between the two species based on the assembled genomes. These interchromosomal rearrangements were further confirmed by mapping of the long‐read nanopore data to the assembly. The reconstructed demographic history showed varied effective population size among freshwater, marine and terrestrial turtles. We also discovered expansion of genes related to the innate immune system in M. reevesii that may provide defence against freshwater pathogens. The high‐quality genomic sequence provides a valuable genetic resource for further studies of genetics and genome evolution in turtles.
Signaling versus Auditing
Authors: Bester Helmut , Lang Matthias , Li Jianpei
Published: November 2021

We analyze a competitive labor market in which workers signal their productivities through education, and firms have the option of auditing to learn workers' productivities. Audits are costly and non‐contractible. We characterize the trade‐offs between signaling by workers and costly auditing by firms. Auditing is always associated with (partial) pooling of worker types, and education is used as a signal only if relatively few workers have low productivity. Our results feature new auditing patterns and explain empirical observations in labor economics like wage differentials and comparative statics of education choices. Our analysis applies also to other signaling problems, for example, the financial structure of firms, warranties, and initial public offerings.
Mig‐6 could inhibit cell proliferation and induce apoptosis in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Cui Yuantao , Kang Ying , Zhang Peng , Wang Yuanguo , Yang Zhaoyu , Lu Chao , Zhang Peng
Published: November 2021

Background

To investigate the expression and biological functions of mitogen‐induced gene 6 (Mig‐6) in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC).

Methods

The expression of Mig‐6 in ESCC tissues and normal esophageal epithelial tissues were measured by immunohistochemistry (IHC) assay. MTT test was applied to detect the proliferative ability of ESCC cells after Mig‐6 was upregulated by transfection. A fluid cytology assay was used to detect apoptosis of ESCC cells. Agilent whole human genome oligo microarray was used to screen different expressed genes and the possible signaling pathways which might be involved.

Results

The expression of Mig‐6 protein was lower in ESCC tissues compared to normal esophageal epithelial tissues. Mig‐6 could restrain the ESCC cell growth and induce cell apoptosis. PPAR, CAMs and MAPK signaling pathways might be involved.

Conclusions

Mig‐6 might be a new tumor suppressor gene and a possible target for the specific therapy of ESCC.
Leveraging dynamic norms to reduce alcohol use among college students: A proof‐of‐concept experimental study
Authors: Graupensperger Scott , Lee Christine M. , Larimer Mary E.
Published: November 2021

Background

Norm‐correcting interventions are an effective alcohol harm‐reduction approach, but innovation is needed to increase modest effect sizes. Recent social psychology research shows that individuals may be influenced by social norms that are increasing in prevalence. Contrary to static norms that reflect the current state of normative behavior, dynamic norms reflect behavioral norms that are shifting over time. This proof‐of‐concept study tested the utility of dynamic norms messages within norm‐correcting interventions.

Method

Undergraduate student drinkers (N = 461; Mage = 19.97; 64.43% female) were randomly assigned to receive (a) dynamic norms messages highlighting a steady decrease over the past six years in heavy drinking among college students; (b) static norms messaging stating only the current norms; or (c) a control condition without normative information. Proximal outcomes assessed immediately following the experimental paradigm included intentions for total weekly drinks and heavy episodic drinking. Self‐reported information on alcohol use behavior was collected at 1‐month follow‐up.

Results

Following the experimental paradigm, participants in the dynamic norms condition estimated that future drinking norms would decrease, while those in the static norms and control groups estimated that future drinking norms would increase. Participants in the dynamic norms condition reported lower intentions for weekly drinks and heavy episodic drinking than those in the static norms and control conditions. No significant differences between conditions were found on alcohol use indices reported at the 1‐month follow‐up. However, dynamic norms messaging had a favorable indirect effect on heavy episodic drinking intentions mediated through lower perceived future drinking norms.

Conclusions

These findings provide proof‐of‐concept that dynamic norms messaging may be a prudent strategy for reducing alcohol use intentions, which can be integrated into or used alongside existing norm‐correcting strategies.
Clinical implications of retinal oximetry in retinal vein occlusion: a review
Authors: Belamkar Aditya V. , Jabbehdari Sayena , Harris Alon , Hajrasouliha Amir R.
Published: November 2021

Purpose

To review retinal vein occlusion (RVO) and its relationship with retinal oxygen saturation via automated retinal oximetry in eyes with RVO.

Methods

A literature review was performed in PubMed and Medline until October 2021 utilizing specific keywords and cross‐matched reference lists.

Results

This review found RVO to be associated with risk factors including age, hypertension, cardiovascular and metabolic conditions, male gender, and glaucoma. These may be attributed to a breakdown of regulatory processes in the retina. Retinal venous oxygen saturation (SvO2) and arteriovenous difference in eyes with central RVO have been found to be reduced and elevated, respectively. The literature indicates variable and contradictory findings in regard to branch RVO and retinal oxygenation. Additionally, ischaemic eyes have been found to have elevated retinal arterial oxygen saturation; however, the literature reports variable results regarding SvO2 levels. Medications have been suggested to increase SvO2 in RVO eyes, which may represent an important mechanism for disease management. Ranibizumab is currently the most studied drug for retinal oxygenation in RVO and has been suggested to increase SvO2 in RVO eyes. In comparison, dexamethasone was found to decrease SvO2.

Conclusion

The current literature on retinal oxygenation in ischaemic subtypes of RVO and in drug therapies is minimal, and further work is required to expand upon our understanding of how ischaemia and drugs influence retinal oxygenation and clinical outcomes.
Specific dento‐craniofacial characteristics in non‐syndromic children can predispose to sleep‐disordered breathing
Authors: Hansen Camilla , Markström Agneta , Sonnesen Liselotte
Published: November 2021

Aim

To ascertain and illustrate specific clinical dento‐craniofacial characteristics associated with sleep‐disordered breathing (SDB) in non‐syndromic children.

Methods

Narrative review of literature on SDB, dental occlusion and craniofacial morphology retrieved through online literature database search for these terms. The review focused on clinical examples and graphical illustrations in order to ascertain the association between dento‐craniofacial characteristics and SDB. Only publications concerning healthy non‐syndromic children without any somatic or psychological diagnosis were included.

Results

Dento‐craniofacial characteristics such as anterior open bite, large overjet, cross bite and facial appearance such as convex profile due to mandibular retrognathia and inclination, narrow and high palate can predispose to SDB in non‐syndromic children. Furthermore, extended head posture, mouth breathing and general adenoidal face may be symptoms or predisposing factors to SDB in non‐syndromic children.

Conclusion

Dento‐craniofacial characteristics as anterior open bite, large overjet due to mandibular retrognathia, cross bite, and narrow and high palate can predispose to SDB in non‐syndromic children. Facial characteristics predisposing to SDB can be a convex facial profile, extended head posture, mouth breathing and general adenoidal face. Interdisciplinary collaboration between medical doctors and dentists can prove valuable in diagnostics, prevention and treatment of SDB in non‐syndromic children.
Large qualitative sample and thematic analysis to redefine student dropout and retention strategy in open online education
Authors: Greenland Steven J. , Moore Catherine
Published: November 2021

Open online education experiences persistently high dropout rates, and the efficacy of dropout interventions has been questioned. Despite considerable research, dropout reasons are not fully understood, and further in‐depth investigation has been called for. Prior qualitative retention studies have frequently relied on smaller samples that are unable to generate deeper appreciation of dropout reasons. Over 200 in‐depth interviews were therefore conducted with students that had dropped out of open online education. The probability‐based qualitative sample facilitated capture of subthemes down to a 5% incidence level or frequency of occurrence. Thematic analysis revealed 41 subthemes within 10 broad dropout reasons. While the broad dropout themes have been identified previously, the subthemes are new and provide richer understanding. This study also captured students' suggestions for what might have prevented their dropout. Thematic analysis identified 19 subthemes within 5 broad intervention themes that respond to the root dropout causes. Many intervention subthemes address personal and learner context dropout factors that have often been considered uncontrollable and unavoidable. This paper therefore redefines dropout in open online education and offers new insights for improving retention. It also provides a strategic framework for evaluating dropouts and prioritising student‐informed interventions that respond to the main dropout causes.

Practitioner notes

What is already known about this topic

Persistently high open online education dropout suggests existing interventions are ineffective.

Prior qualitative retention studies identified the main dropout reasons, but small sample sizes failed to generate deeper insights and more in‐depth investigation has been called for.

What this paper adds

A probability‐based qualitative sample of 226 participants captured dropout subthemes down to a 5% level of incidence or frequency of occurrence.

Thematic analysis identified 41 subthemes, within 10 broad dropout reasons. These subthemes are new and offer richer understanding.

Thematic analysis also identified 19 subthemes within 5 broad dropout intervention areas that students suggested could have prevented their dropout. These include new insights for addressing dropout causes that have often previously been considered unavoidable.

Implications for practice and/or policy

The strategic framework provides a retention management approach that prioritises responding to the main dropout causes with student‐informed interventions.

This approach and the deeper understanding afforded by robust qualitative investigation should help reduce persistently high dropout rates.
Intention to adhere to test, trace, and isolate during the COVID‐19 pandemic (the COVID‐19 Rapid Survey of Adherence to Interventions and Responses study)
Authors: Smith Louise E. , Potts Henry W. W. , Amlȏt Richard , Fear Nicola T. , Michie Susan , Rubin G. James
Published: November 2021

Objectives

(1) To investigate factors associated with intention to self‐isolate, request a test, and share details of close contacts when required. (2) To determine whether associations were stronger during periods when less stringent national COVID‐19 restrictions were in place.

Design

Series of cross‐sectional nationally representative surveys. We selected survey waves where different national restrictions were in place in England (first lockdown, summer release, second lockdown, third lockdown).

Methods

We investigated whether psychological factors and increased out‐of‐home activity in the last week were associated with intention to self‐isolate and request a test if you were to develop COVID‐19 symptoms, and intention to share details of contacts if you were to test positive. We also investigated whether the strength of associations differed by timepoint in the pandemic.

Results

Intention to self‐isolate, request a test and share details of contacts were associated with greater perceived risk of COVID‐19 to people in the United Kingdom, knowing that COVID‐19 transmission can be asymptomatic, and agreeing that personal behaviour has an impact on COVID‐19 transmission. There were few differences in strength of associations by timepoint suggesting these effects are broadly stable over time.

Conclusions

Psychological factors were associated with intention to adhere to key components of the contact tracing system; there was no evidence for an association with increased out‐of‐home activity. Messages that increase knowledge that COVID‐19 can be transmitted even if someone does not have symptoms and that an individual’s actions can contribute to the spread of the virus may promote engagement with the test, trace, and isolate system.
Reduced‐dose bacillus Calmette‐Guérin (BCG) in an era of BCG shortage: real‐world experience from a tertiary cancer centre
Authors: Lobo Niyati , Bree Kelly K. , Hensley Patrick J. , Nogueras‐Gonzalez Graciela M. , Abraham Prasanth , Navai Neema , Dinney Colin P. , Kamat Ashish M.
Published: November 2021

Objective

To evaluate the impact of one‐third‐dose (1/3D) bacillus Calmette‐Guérin (BCG) on oncological outcomes in a large cohort of patients with non‐muscle‐invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) treated with adequate BCG (as defined by the US Food & Drug Administration (FDA)) in a real‐world setting.

Patients and Methods

We performed an institutional review board‐approved review of patients with NMIBC treated with adequate BCG at our institution between 2000 and 2020. Patients were stratified according to whether they had received 1/3D BCG or full‐dose (FD) BCG. Time to recurrence, time to progression and cancer‐specific survival were estimated using Kaplan–Meier methods.

Results

Of 563 patients with NMIBC treated with adequate BCG, 150 (26.6%) received 1/3D and 413 (73.4%) received FD. The use of 1/3D BCG did not adversely affect time to recurrence (P = 0.449) or time to progression (P = 0.716), and this remained consistent when patients were stratified by individual 2021 European Association of Urology (EAU) prognostic factor risk groups. Cancer‐specific survival was similar in patients receiving 1/3D and those receiving FD BCG (P = 0.320).

Conclusion

The use of 1/3D BCG was not associated with adverse oncological outcomes in a large cohort of patients receiving adequate BCG for intermediate‐ and high‐risk NMIBC. Based on this real‐world experience, risk‐stratified split‐vial dosing may represent a valuable approach for other institutions facing BCG shortages whilst also providing reassurance to patients who may be concerned about suboptimal outcomes.
Application of artificial intelligence to overcome clinical information overload in urological cancer
Authors: Stenzl Arnulf , Sternberg Cora N. , Ghith Jenny , Serfass Lucile , Schijvenaars Bob J.A. , Sboner Andrea
Published: November 2021

Objective

To describe the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in medical literature and trial data extraction, and its applications in uro‐oncology. This bridging review, which consolidates information from the diverse applications of AI, highlights how AI users can investigate more sophisticated queries than with traditional methods, leading to synthesis of raw data and complex outputs into more actionable and personalised results, particularly in the field of uro‐oncology.

Methods

Literature and clinical trial searches were performed in PubMed, Dimensions, Embase and Google (1999–2020). The searches focussed on the use of AI and its various forms to facilitate literature searches, clinical guidelines development, and clinical trial data extraction in uro‐oncology. To illustrate how AI can be applied to address questions about optimising therapeutic decision making and individualising treatment regimens, the Dimensions‐linked information platform was searched for ‘prostate cancer’ keywords (76 publications were identified; 48 were included).

Results

AI offers the promise of transforming raw data and complex outputs into actionable insights. Literature and clinical trial searches can be automated, enabling clinicians to develop and analyse publications expeditiously on complex issues such as therapeutic sequencing and to obtain updates on documents that evolve at the pace and scope of the landscape. An AI‐based platform inclusive of 12 trial databases and >100 scientific literature sources enabled the creation of an interactive visualisation.

Conclusion

As the literature and clinical trial landscape continues to grow in complexity and with increasing speed, the ability to pull the right information at the right time from different search engines and resources, while excluding social media bias, becomes more challenging. This review demonstrates that by applying natural language processing and machine learning algorithms, validated and optimised AI leads to a speedier, more personalised, efficient, and focussed search compared with traditional methods.
Multiple sounds degrade the frequency representation in monkey inferior colliculus
Authors: Willett Shawn M. , Groh Jennifer M.
Published: November 2021

How we distinguish multiple simultaneous stimuli is uncertain, particularly given that such stimuli sometimes recruit largely overlapping populations of neurons. One commonly proposed hypothesis is that the sharpness of tuning curves might change to limit the number of stimuli driving any given neuron when multiple stimuli are present. To test this hypothesis, we recorded the activity of neurons in the inferior colliculus while monkeys made saccades to either one or two simultaneous sounds differing in frequency and spatial location. Although monkeys easily distinguished simultaneous sounds (~90% correct performance), the frequency selectivity of inferior colliculus neurons on dual‐sound trials did not improve in any obvious way. Frequency selectivity was degraded on dual‐sound trials compared to single‐sound trials: neural response functions broadened and frequency accounted for less of the variance in firing rate. These changes in neural firing led a maximum‐likelihood decoder to perform worse on dual‐sound trials than on single‐sound trials. These results fail to support the hypothesis that changes in frequency response functions serve to reduce the overlap in the representation of simultaneous sounds. Instead, these results suggest that alternative possibilities, such as recent evidence of alternations in firing rate between the rates corresponding to each of the two stimuli, offer a more promising approach.
Impact and implementation findings from a cluster randomized trial of a youth relationship education curriculum
Authors: Huntington Charlie , Owen Jesse , Stanley Scott , Knopp Kayla , Rhoades Galena
Published: November 2021

The current study presents implementation and impact data from a cluster randomized trial of a youth relationship education curriculum. High school students (n = 1,135) were randomized at the school level to receive curricula‐as‐usual or a healthy relationships program delivered by facilitators who were not employed by the high schools. Program evaluators reported high engagement and students indicated high satisfaction with the program, but multilevel models showed no statistically significant impacts on healthy relationship skills, attitudes, and behaviors at three and nine months post‐intervention. Strengths and limitations of the research design and program implementation, as well as implications for evaluating youth relationship education more broadly, are discussed.
“A bridge too far?” Ideas, employment relations and policy‐making about the future of work
Authors: Ainsworth Susan , Knox Angela
Published: November 2021

Drawing on ideational perspectives, we examine how ideas about the future of work and the discursive forms they take contribute to policy‐making about employment relations and labor markets. Analyzing data from an Australian government Inquiry reporting on the future impact of technological and other work changes, we find that rather than being about these topics, the Inquiry focuses more on actors’ ideas regarding the present state of employment relations and education. Moreover, the incomplete nature of actors’ narratives, particularly about the temporally distant future, may account for government’s unwillingness and/or lack of preparedness to make more radical changes.
Self‐care of patients with multiple chronic conditions and their caregivers during the COVID‐19 pandemic: A qualitative descriptive study
Authors: De Maria Maddalena , Ferro Federico , Vellone Ercole , Ausili Davide , Luciani Michela , Matarese Maria
Published: November 2021

Aims

Explore the self‐care experiences of patients with multiple chronic conditions (MCCs) and caregivers' contributions to patient self‐care during COVID‐19 pandemic.

Design

A descriptive qualitative design was used. The COREQ checklist was used for study reporting.

Methods

Individual semi‐structured interviews were used to collect data from patients with MCCs and caregivers selected from the dataset of an ongoing longitudinal study. Data analysis was performed through deductive thematic analysis. The middle‐range theory of self‐care of chronic illness, which entails the three dimensions of self‐care maintenance, monitoring and management, was used as a theoretical framework to guide data collection and analysis.

Results

A total of 16 patients and 25 caregivers were interviewed from May to June 2020. The participants were mainly women, with a mean age for patients of 76.25 years and caregivers of 45.76 years; the caregivers were mainly the patients' children (72%). During the pandemic, some patients reported remaining unchanged in their self‐care maintenance, monitoring and management behaviours, others intensified their behaviours, and others decreased them. Caregivers played an important role in protecting patients from the risk of contagion COVID‐19 and in ensuring patients' self‐care of chronic diseases through direct and indirect interventions.

Conclusions

Critical events can modify the self‐care experiences of chronically ill patients and caregivers' contributions, leading to maintenance, increase or decrease of self‐care and contributions to self‐care behaviours.

Impact

Patients with MCCs and their caregivers can react in different ways in their performances of self‐care and contribution to patients' self‐care behaviours when ordinary daily life is disrupted; therefore, nurses should assess such performances during critical events to identify the individuals at risk of reduced self‐care and promote the most suitable healthcare services (e.g. eHealth) to implement individualised interventions.
Machine learning approach to predicting albuminuria in persons with type 2 diabetes: An analysis of the LOOK AHEAD Cohort
Authors: Khitan Zeid , Nath Tanmay , Santhanam Prasanna
Published: November 2021

Albuminuria and estimated glomerular filtration rate (e‐GFR) are early markers of renal disease and cardiovascular outcomes in persons with diabetes. Although body composition has been shown to predict systolic blood pressure, its application in predicting albuminuria is unknown. In this study, we have used machine learning methods to assess the risk of albuminuria in persons with diabetes using body composition and other determinants of metabolic health. This study is a comparative analysis of the different methods to predict albuminuria in persons with diabetes mellitus who are older than 40 years of age, using the LOOK AHEAD study cohort‐baseline characteristics. Age, different metrics of body composition, duration of diabetes, hemoglobin A1c, serum creatinine, serum triglycerides, serum cholesterol, serum HDL, serum LDL, maximum exercise capacity, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and the ankle‐brachial index are used as predictors of albuminuria. We used Area under the curve (AUC) as a metric to compare the classification results of different algorithms, and we show that AUC for the different models are as follows: Random forest classifier‐0.65, gradient boost classifier‐0.61, logistic regression‐0.66, support vector classifier ‐0.61, multilayer perceptron ‐0.67, and stacking classifier‐0.62. We used the Random forest model to show that the duration of diabetes, A1C, serum triglycerides, SBP, Maximum exercise Capacity, serum creatinine, subtotal lean mass, DBP, and subtotal fat mass are important features for the classification of albuminuria. In summary, when applied to metabolic imaging (using DXA), machine learning techniques offer unique insights into the risk factors that determine the development of albuminuria in diabetes.
Two closely spaced missense COL3A1 variants in cis cause vascular Ehlers‐Danlos syndrome in one large Chinese family
Authors: Liang Mei , Chen Chong , Dai Yan , Chang Yunbing , Gao Yushun
Published: November 2021

Vascular Ehlers‐Danlos syndrome (vEDS) is a rare and severe hereditary connective tissue disease arising from a mutation in the type III collagen alpha I chain (COL3A1) gene, with a poor prognosis due to exceptional vascular ruptures and premature death. Herein, starting from a 36‐year‐old Chinese male patient with a complaint of upper abdominal pain, we collected clinical data of and performed a genetic analysis of a total of 20 family members. We identified two closely spaced COL3A1 missense variants in cis, p.Leu734Phe (c.2199_2200TC>AT) and p.Gly741Ser (c.2221G>A), as the cause of vEDS in this family. p.Gly741Ser, a glycine substitution mutation, has been previously reported, whereas p.Leu734Phe, a non‐glycine substitution mutation, is novel. We analysed their independent and combined effects on the COL3A1 level in transfected skin fibroblast cells by means of Western blotting. We found that both variants independently led to a reduced COL3A1 level and, when combined, led to an even more reduced COL3A1 level compared to the wild type. Thus, each missense variant can be independently classified as a pathogenic variant, albeit with a synergetic effect when occurring together. Moreover, our genetic findings provide an explanation for four previous sudden deaths and identified two high‐risk carriers in the family.
A case of polyneuropathy associated with diabetic ketoacidosis in new‐onset type 1 diabetes
Authors: Sada Kokoro , Hidaka Shuji , Takemaru Makoto , Ueno Daisuke , Shibata Hirotaka
Published: November 2021

Although diabetic peripheral neuropathy is the most common diabetic microangiopathic complication, several other neuropathy syndromes can occur in the context of diabetes. We describe a rare case of polyneuropathy associated with diabetic ketoacidosis in a patient with new‐onset type 1 diabetes. A 42‐year‐old man with diabetic ketoacidosis was admitted to our hospital with complications of respiratory and renal failure requiring mechanical ventilation and hemodialysis, respectively. After diabetic ketoacidosis improved from the critical state, he developed upper‐ and lower‐limb paralysis with sensory disturbances and pain, as well as right facial paralysis, left recurrent nerve paralysis, and left hypoglossal nerve paralysis. Autonomic nerve function was also impaired. As the pathophysiology, prevention, and treatment of polyneuropathy associated with diabetic ketoacidosis are unclear, the neurologic function of patients with diabetic ketoacidosis should be closely monitored.
Comparison of precutting endoscopic mucosal resection and endoscopic submucosal dissection for large (20–30 mm) flat colorectal lesions
Authors: Oh Chang Kyo , Cho Young Wook , Choi In Hyoung , Lee Han Hee , Lim Chul‐Hyun , Kim Jin Su , Lee Bo‐In , Cho Young‐Seok
Published: November 2021

Background and Aim

The complete and safe removal of large (≥ 20 mm) colorectal lesions is an area of concern. Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) effectively removes these lesions compared with endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR). However, ESD requires advanced techniques, longer procedure time, and high cost. Precutting EMR (EMR‐P) is a modified EMR method that overcomes the limitations of EMR. This study aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of EMR‐P and ESD in large (20–30 mm) flat colorectal lesions.

Methods

This was a retrospective analysis of cases in which 20‐ to 30‐mm flat colorectal lesions were resected at Seoul St. Mary's Hospital from January 2014 to December 2019. Propensity score matching was performed to control for possible confounders.

Results

Two hundred and ninety‐nine patients were included in this study. After matching, 90 patients were assigned to each group. There were no significant difference in complete resection rates (92.2% vs 92.2%, P = 1.000), en bloc resection rates (95.6% vs 97.8%, P = 0.682), and mean size of lesions (22.9 ± 3.1 mm vs 23.0 ± 3.1 mm, P = 0.867) between EMR‐P and ESD. Procedure time was significantly shorter with EMR‐P (11.0 ± 6.5 min vs 37.0 ± 19.3 min, P < 0.001). The adverse events rate was not significantly different between both groups. No local recurrence occurred in both groups.

Conclusions

Precutting EMR was not significantly different to ESD in terms of complete resection rate and en bloc resection rate for 20‐ to 30‐mm flat colorectal lesions without fibrosis. Furthermore, EMR‐P has shorter procedure time than ESD. EMR‐P could be considered one of standard treatments for large flat colorectal lesions.
RID1 sets rice heading date by balancing its binding with SLR1 and SDG722
Authors: Zhang Shuo , Deng Li , Cheng Rui , Hu Jie , Wu Chang‐Yin
Published: November 2021

Rice (Oryza sativa) is a major crop that feeds billions of people, and its yield is strongly influenced by flowering time (heading date). Loss of RICE INDETERMINATE1 (RID1) function causes plants not to flower; thus, RID1 is considered a master switch among flowering‐related genes. However, it remains unclear whether other proteins function together with RID1 to regulate rice floral transition. Here, we revealed that the chromatin accessibility and H3K9ac, H3K4me3, and H3K36me3 levels at Heading date 3a (Hd3a) and RICE FLOWERING LOCUS T1 (RFT1) loci were significantly reduced in rid1 mutants. Notably, RID1 interacted with SET DOMAIN GROUP PROTEIN 722 (SDG722), a methyltransferase. We determined that SDG722 affects the global level of H3K4me2/3 and H3K36me2/3, and promotes flowering primarily through the Early heading date1‐Hd3a/RFT1 pathway. We further established that rice DELLA protein SLENDER RICE1 (SLR1) interacted with RID1 to inhibit its transactivation activity, that SLR1 suppresses rice flowering, and that messenger RNA and protein levels of SLR1 gradually decrease with plant growth. Furthermore, SLR1 competed with SDG722 for interaction with RID1. Overall, our results establish that interplay between RID1, SLR1, and SDG722 feeds into rice flowering‐time control.