bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Perioperative knowledge, self‐efficacy and clinical practices related to postoperative delirium care in older people across geographical regions in Australia
Authors: Igwe Ezinne O. , Nealon Jessica , O'Shaughnessy Pauline , Ormonde Callum , Traynor Victoria
Published: March 2024

Introduction

In older people undergoing surgery, there is a lower tolerance for complications. This highlights the need for documented clinical practices on proper prevention, pre‐screening and management of complications such as postoperative delirium (POD). Evidence‐based clinical practice guidelines exist for delirium management; however, the management of delirium in clinical settings differs widely.

Objective

This study aims to develop an understanding of the knowledge, components of self‐efficacy (confidence/competence), and clinical practice related to POD care among preoperative and recovery nurses across different types of geographical locations in Australia.

Design

A 27‐item online survey was sent out to professional associations focused on perioperative care across Australia. The participants included practicing registered nurses specialising in perioperative care. The main outcome measures were Knowledge, confidence/competence and clinical practice relating to POD care in older patients.

Findings

Respondents were categorised into two groups—major cities and rural and remote. Mean age was 46.3 years for respondents in Australian major cities and 49.5 for the comparison group. There was a statistically significant difference between Australian major cities and ‘rural and remote’ in confidence in detecting hyperactive delirium, 25.2% versus 11.7% respectively as well as managing hyperactive delirium, 13.8% versus 1.7%, respectively. Similar results were also observed on hypoactive delirium. Respondents from both groups did not mirror the ideal situation in managing a hyperactive delirium.

Discussion

Results from this study are inconclusive and there is no clear‐cut observation in clinical practice or knowledge between the two geographical categories in this study.

Conclusion

The absence of a distinct strategy with POD prevention highlights the need for a uniform approach and consensus on POD prevention and management in older people. This can be achieved by creating more awareness and education through professional development related to POD.
Positive change in intent to practice rurally is strongly associated with nursing and allied health students of metropolitan origin after rural clinical placement
Authors: Glenister Kristen M. , McNeil Robyn , Thorpe Trish , Bourke Lisa
Published: March 2024

Objective

To: (1) assess whether rural clinical placements influence change in intention to practice rurally for nursing and allied health students, (2) to assess whether residential origin (metropolitan or rural) or university location (metropolitan or non‐metropolitan) influence this change, and (3) assess residential origin of health professionals practicing rurally after graduation.

Design

Cross‐sectional survey (2014‐2022) conducted in Northern/Northeastern Victoria and Grampians region by nursing and allied health students completing rural clinical placements. Survey explored student placement satisfaction, intention to practice rurally and demographic information, with a follow‐up two years’ post‐placement.

Findings

Experience of a rural placement increased students’ intention of practicing rurally. Importantly, 57% of metropolitan origin students studying at metropolitan campuses exhibited positive change. Logistic regression analysis suggested that after controlling for age, gender and satisfaction with placement and supervision, students of metropolitan origin at metropolitan campuses were 6.4 times more likely to report positive change in intent to practice rurally after placement than students of rural origin studying at non‐metropolitan campuses.Follow‐up data suggested that a substantial proportion of health professionals providing services in rural areas were of metropolitan origin.

Results

These findings concur that rural origin and rural training are important predictors of working rurally. Additionally, metropolitan students can change their intention to practice rurally after a rural placement.

Conclusions

This study supports strategies to enhance intention to practice rurally that are not restricted to rural origin students to build rural workforce.
A comparative analysis of non‐pharmaceutical interventions for preventing the respiratory syncytial virus in 30 European countries
Authors: Dallagiacoma Giulia , Arthur Rhedin Samuel , Odone Anna , Alfvén Tobias
Published: March 2024

Aim

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a leading cause of childhood respiratory infections. Non‐pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) can help to reduce RSV transmission and our aim was to provide an overview of recommended NPIs across Europe during the 2022–2023 epidemic season.

Methods

The webpages of national European public health agencies and ministries were reviewed and the information they provided on RSV prevention was compared with the December 2022 guidelines from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control.

Results

We examined 30 countries, leading to 21 issued recommendations for RSV prevention through institutional channels, including six that were specific for the 2022–2023 season. The top five recommendations were: hand and respiratory hygiene (95%), avoiding crowded spaces (67%), staying at home when ill (62%), cleaning household items (57%) and limiting contact with sick people (57%). They also included: face masks (33%), ventilating indoor spaces (29%), properly disposing of contaminated material (13%) and keeping siblings home from preschool if there was a newborn infant in the family (10%).

Conclusion

There was significant heterogeneity in the NPIs recommended by different countries during RSV epidemics. Ongoing evaluation is essential to optimise the effectiveness of NPIs and adapt to changing RSV patterns.
Safety and quality of cystectomy and pelvic lymph node dissection after neoadjuvant durvalumab and cisplatin/gemcitabine
Authors: Afferi Luca , Spahn Martin , Hayoz Stefanie , Strebel Räto T. , Rothschild Sacha I. , Seifert Helge , Özdemir Berna C. , Kiss Bernhard , Maletzki Philipp , Engeler Daniel , Wirth Gregory , Hadaschik Boris , Lucca Ilaria , John Hubert , Sauer Andreas , Müntener Michael , Bubendorf Lukas , Schneider Martina , Musilova Jana , Petrausch Ulf , Cathomas Richard ,   for the Swiss Group for Clinical Cancer Research (SAKK)
Published: March 2024

Objective

To report on the surgical safety and quality of pelvic lymph node dissection (PLND) in patients treated with radical cystectomy (RC) and PLND for muscle‐invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) after neoadjuvant chemo‐immunotherapy.

Patients and Methods

The Swiss Group for Clinical Cancer Research (SAKK) 06/17 was an open‐label single‐arm phase II trial including 61 cisplatin‐fit patients with clinical stage (c)T2–T4a cN0–1 operable urothelial MIBC or upper urinary tract cancer. Patients received neoadjuvant cisplatin/gemcitabine and durvalumab followed by surgery. Prospective quality assessment of surgeries was performed via central review of intraoperative photographs. Postoperative complications were assessed using the Clavien–Dindo Classification. Data were analysed descriptively.

Results

A total of 50 patients received RC and PLND. All patients received neoadjuvant chemo‐immunotherapy. The median (interquartile range) number of lymph nodes removed was 29 (23–38). No intraoperative complications were registered. Grade ≥III postoperative complications were reported in 12 patients (24%). Complete nodal dissection (100%) was performed at the level of the obturator fossa (bilaterally) and of the left external iliac region; in 49 patients (98%) at the internal iliac region and at the right external iliac region; in 39 (78%) and 38 (76%) patients at the right and left presacral level, respectively.

Conclusion

This study supports the surgical safety of RC and PLND following neoadjuvant chemo‐immunotherapy in patients with MIBC. The extent and completeness of protocol‐defined PLND varies between patients, highlighting the need to communicate and monitor the surgical template.
Co‐producing ethics guidelines together with people with learning disabilities
Authors: Bottomley Mary , Bradley Jodie , Clark Lisa , Collis Bryan , Srdanovic Bojana Daw , Farnsworth Victoria , Ferguson Annie , Goodley Dan , Fox Andrew , Hayden Nikita K. , Lawthom Charlotte , Lawthom Rebecca , Magwood Claudia , McLean Robert , Middleton Ian , Owen Alison , Prothero Matty , Rice Simon , Richards Simon , Runswick‐Cole Katherine , Scargill Kelly , Shankar Rohit , Wood Toni Ann
Published: March 2024

Background

We are a research team of clinical, academic and advocacy‐based researchers with and without learning disabilities, working on the Humanising Healthcare (for people with learning disabilities) project. The project is dedicated to finding and sharing healthcare practices that enhance the lives of people with learning disabilities. As part of our ethics applications to access National Health Service study sites for fieldwork, we worked together to write guiding principles for co‐producing research ethics with researchers with learning disabilities. In this paper, we introduce these Participatory Ethics Good Practice Guidelines and reflect on our collaboration.

Methods

We reflect on developing the Participatory Ethics Good Practice Guidelines. These guidelines were developed during online co‐production meetings with our full research team, including advocacy‐based organisation researchers, clinical researchers and university researchers. We considered consent, understanding research, and understanding research methods during the development of these Guidelines.

Findings

We present ten guidelines for co‐producing research with people with learning disabilities.

Conclusions

Our findings may be helpful to researchers with learning disabilities, university and clinical researchers, funders, and those who work in research governance (e.g., ethics committees and university research departments).
Evaluation of a co‐designed Health Check‐in for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and family caregivers to support pandemic recovery
Authors: Lunsky Yona , Volpe Tiziana , St. John Laura , Thakur Anupam , Lake Johanna ,   the H‐CARDD COVID Program Team
Published: March 2024

Background

The COVID‐19 pandemic has brought about disruptions in healthcare for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. There is a need to explore ways to promote proactive healthcare and better prepare individuals for healthcare encounters.

Methods

A co‐designed tool, the COVID Check‐in Tool, was introduced as part of a virtual health education programme to encourage proactive healthcare. Implementation of this Health Check‐in was evaluated with 36 adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and 96 family caregivers who completed the programme using surveys, structured interviews and focus groups.

Findings

Forty‐four percent of participants engaged in the Health Check‐in process, resulting in many reported benefits for those who participated. However, there were also barriers to initiating the Check‐in, along with challenges using the COVID Check‐in Tool, according to both the adults with disabilities who were interviewed and the family caregivers.

Conclusions

The study underscores the importance of considering ways to integrate tools into routine healthcare practices, to facilitate improved healthcare delivery for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities during pandemic recovery efforts. As well, involving people with lived experience in the development and implementation of healthcare resources is critical.
Dysregulation of the renin‐angiotensin system in vascular dementia
Authors: Tayler H. M. , Skrobot O. A. , Baron D. H. , Kehoe P. G. , Miners J. S.
Published: March 2024

The renin‐angiotensin system (RAS) regulates systemic and cerebral blood flow and is dysregulated in dementia. The major aim of this study was to determine if RAS signalling is dysregulated in vascular dementia. We measured markers of RAS signalling in white matter underlying the frontal and occipital cortex in neuropathologically confirmed cases of vascular dementia (n = 42), Alzheimer's disease (n = 50), mixed AD/VaD (n = 50) and age‐matched controls (n = 50). All cases were stratified according to small vessel disease (SVD) severity across both regions. ACE‐1 and ACE‐2 protein and activity was measured by ELISA and fluorogenic peptide assays respectively, and angiotensin peptide (Ang‐II, Ang‐III and Ang‐(1–7)) levels were measured by ELISA. ACE‐1 protein level and enzyme activity, and Ang‐II and Ang‐III, were elevated in the white matter in vascular dementia in relation to SVD severity. ACE‐1 and Ang‐II protein levels were inversely related to MAG:PLP1 ratio, a biochemical marker of brain tissue oxygenation that when reduced indicates cerebral hypoperfusion, in a subset of cases. ACE‐2 level was elevated in frontal white matter in vascular dementia. Ang‐(1–7) level was elevated across all dementia groups compared to age‐matched controls but was not related to SVD severity. RAS signalling was not altered in the white matter in Alzheimer's disease. In the overlying frontal cortex, ACE‐1 protein was reduced and ACE‐2 protein increased in vascular dementia, whereas angiotensin peptide levels were unchanged. These data indicate that RAS signalling is dysregulated in the white matter in vascular dementia and may contribute to the pathogenesis of small vessel disease.
Astrocytic phagocytosis in the medial prefrontal cortex jeopardises postoperative memory consolidation in mice
Authors: Ma Xin , Le Yuan , Hu Lin , Ouyang Wen , Li Cheng , Ma Daqing , Tong Jianbin
Published: March 2024

Memory impairment is one of the main characteristics of postoperative cognitive dysfunction. It remains elusive how postoperative pathological changes of the brain link to the memory impairment. The clinical setting of perioperation was mimicked via partial hepatectomy under sevoflurane anaesthesia together with preoperative restraint stress (Hep‐Sev‐stress) in mice. Memory changes were assessed with fear conditioning. The medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC)‐dorsal hippocampus connectivity was evaluated with injecting neurotracer 28 days before surgery. Astrocytic activation was limited via injecting AAV‐GFAP‐hM4Di‐eGFP into the mPFC. Astrocytic and microglial phagocytosis of synapses were visualised with co‐labelling hippocampal neuronal axon terminals with PSD‐95 and S100β or Iba1. Neuroinflammation and oxidative stress status were also detected. Hep‐Sev‐stress impaired the memory consolidation (mean [standard error], 49.91 [2.55]% vs. 35.40 [3.97]% in the contextual memory, p = 0.007; 40.72 [2.78]% vs. 27.77 [2.22]% in cued memory, p = 0.002) and the cued memory retrieval (39.00 [3.08]% vs. 24.11 [2.06]%, p = 0.001) in mice when compared with these in the naïve controls. Hep‐Sev‐stress damaged the connectivity from the dorsal hippocampus to mPFC but not from the mPFC to the dorsal hippocampus and increased the astrocytic but not microglial phagocytosis of hippocampal neuronal axon terminals in the mPFC. The intervention also induced neuroinflammation and oxidative stress in the dorsal hippocampus and the mPFC in a regional‐dependent manner. Limiting astrocyte activation in the mPFC alleviated memory consolidation impairment induced by Hep‐Sev‐stress. Postoperative memory consolidation was impaired due to astrocytic phagocytosis‐induced connectivity injury from the dorsal hippocampus to the medial prefrontal cortex.
Structural bases for stoichiometry‐selective calcium potentiation of a neuronal nicotinic receptor
Authors: Mazzaferro Simone , Kang Guipeun , Natarajan Kathiresan , Hibbs Ryan E. , Sine Steven M.
Published: March 2024

Background and Purpose

α4β2 nicotinic acetylcholine (nACh) receptors assemble in two stoichiometric forms, one of which is potentiated by calcium. The sites of calcium binding that underpin potentiation are not known.

Experimental Approach

To identify calcium binding sites, we applied cryo‐electron microscopy (cryo‐EM) and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to each stoichiometric form of the α4β2 nACh receptor in the presence of calcium ions. To test whether the identified calcium sites are linked to potentiation, we generated mutants of anionic residues at the sites, expressed wild type and mutant receptors in clonal mammalian fibroblasts, and recorded ACh‐elicited single‐channel currents with or without calcium.

Key Results

Both cryo‐EM and MD simulations show calcium bound to a site between the extracellular and transmembrane domains of each α4 subunit (ECD‐TMD site). Substituting alanine for anionic residues at the ECD‐TMD site abolishes stoichiometry‐selective calcium potentiation, as monitored by single‐channel patch clamp electrophysiology. Additionally, MD simulation reveals calcium association at subunit interfaces within the extracellular domain. Substituting alanine for anionic residues at the ECD sites reduces or abolishes stoichiometry‐selective calcium potentiation.

Conclusions and Implications

Stoichiometry‐selective calcium potentiation of the α4β2 nACh receptor is achieved by calcium association with topographically distinct sites framed by anionic residues within the α4 subunit and between the α4 and β2 subunits. Stoichiometry‐selective calcium potentiation could result from the greater number of calcium sites in the stoichiometric form with three rather than two α4 subunits. The results are relevant to modulation of signalling via α4β2 nACh receptors in physiological and pathophysiological conditions.
Ingesting probiotic yogurt containing Lactiplantibacillus plantarum OLL2712 improves glycaemic control in adults with prediabetes in a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial
Authors: Toshimitsu Takayuki , Gotou Ayako , Sashihara Toshihiro , Hojo Kenichi , Hachimura Satoshi , Shioya Nobuhiko , Iwama Yoshitaka , Irie Junichiro , Ichihara Yoshitatsu
Published: March 2024

Aim

The ingestion of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum OLL2712 (OLL2712) cells has been shown to improve glucose metabolism by suppressing chronic inflammation in murine models and clinical studies. This study aimed to clarify the effect of OLL2712 on glycaemic control in healthy adults with prediabetes.

Materials and Methods

The study was a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, parallel‐group design. Adult participants with prediabetes [n = 148, glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) range: 5.6%‐6.4%, age range: 20‐64 years] were assigned randomly to placebo or OLL2712 groups (n = 74/group) and administered daily for 12 weeks either conventional yogurt or yogurt containing >5 × 109 heat‐treated OLL2712 cells, respectively. In addition, the participants were followed for 8 weeks after the discontinuation of either yogurt. The primary outcome was the changes in HbA1c levels at weeks 12 and 16 by analysis of covariance.

Results

The levels of HbA1c and glycoalbumin decreased significantly in both groups at week 12 in comparison with those at week 0, but only in the OLL2712 group at week 16. HbA1c levels decreased significantly at weeks 12 and 16 in the OLL2712 group in comparison with the placebo group (p = .014 and p = .006, respectively). No significant inter‐ and intragroup differences in HbA1c levels were observed at week 20.

Conclusions

The ingestion of OLL2712 prevents the deterioration of glycaemic control and maintains the HbA1c levels within the normal range in adults with prediabetes; yogurt probably exhibits similar effects, which may contribute to reducing the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Application of echocardiography in transcatheter aortic valve replacement in patients with severe aortic regurgitation and correlation analysis of postprocedural complications
Authors: Hu Guobing , Lv Zhen , Ding Jie , Zhu Xiangming
Published: March 2024

Background

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is gradually becoming an alternative therapy for patients who cannot adapt to surgical treatment or have contraindications.

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to investigate the value of echocardiography in the evaluation of severe AR patients treated with TAVR and to analyze the correlations with postprocedural complications to improve the evaluation and screening of patients.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed clinical and echocardiographic data of 70 patients with severe AR. Periaortic valve structures were carefully measured by esophageal echocardiography (TEE) and compared with the multilayer slice computed tomography (MSCT) findings. Real‐time three‐dimensional esophageal echocardiography (RT‐3D TEE) was monitored during the operation, and a 30‐day postprocedural follow‐up was performed. The relationship between postprocedural complications and patients’ clinical data or periaortic valve structures was analyzed by multifactorial analysis to identify relevant predictors of complications.

Results

The TEE measurements of periaortic valve structures were in good agreement with the MSCT measurements. Among the patients who underwent successful operations, both left atrial (LA) and left ventricular (LV) diameters were reduced, and the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was improved 30 days after TAVR compared with the preprocedural period (P < .05). Permanent pacemakers were implanted in 15 patients. The presence of preprocedural right bundle branch block (RBBB) (OR: 2.93; 95% CI: 1.18‐12.70; P = .01) was an independent factor for permanent pacemaker implantation after TAVR.

Conclusions

Echocardiography plays an extremely important role in TAVR procedures. The presence of preprocedural RBBB can be an independent predictor of postprocedural pacemaker implantation.
Prognostic relevance of the C‐X‐C motif chemokine ligand 13 and interleukin‐8 in predicting the transition from clinically isolated syndrome to multiple sclerosis
Authors: Klíčová Kateřina , Mareš Jan , Sobek Ondřej , Rous Zuzana , Rous Matouš , Raška Milan , Hartung Hans‐Peter
Published: March 2024

The initial phase of multiple sclerosis (MS), often known as clinically isolated syndrome (CIS), is a critical period for identifying individuals at high risk of progressing to full‐blown MS and initiating timely treatment. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of C‐X‐C motif chemokine ligand 13 (CXCL13) and interleukin‐8 (IL‐8) as potential markers for CIS patients' conversion to MS. Our study encompassed patients with CIS, those with relapsing–remitting MS (RRMS), and control subjects, with sample analysis conducted on both cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum. Patients were categorized into four groups: CIS–CIS (no MS development within 2 years), CIS–RRMS (conversion to RRMS within 2 years), RRMS (already diagnosed), and a control group (CG) with noninflammatory central nervous system disorders. Results showed significantly elevated levels of CXCL13 in CSF across all patient groups compared with the CG (p < 0.0001, Kruskal–Wallis test). Although CXCL13 concentrations were slightly higher in the CIS–RRMS group, statistical significance was not reached. Similarly, significantly higher levels of IL‐8 were detected in CSF samples from all patient groups compared with the CG (p < 0.0001, Kruskal–Wallis test). Receiver operating characteristic analysis in the CIS–RRMS group identified both CXCL13 (area under receiver operating characteristic curve = .959) and IL‐8 (area under receiver operating characteristic curve = .939) in CSF as significant predictors of CIS to RRMS conversion. In conclusion, our study suggests a trend towards elevated CSF IL‐8 and CSF CXCL13 levels in CIS patients progressing to RRMS. These findings emphasize the importance of identifying prognostic markers to guide appropriate treatment strategies for individuals in the early stages of MS.
Shaming and Unreasonable Shame in the Book of Job1
Authors: Garner Marina
Published: March 2024

While the philosophical study of shame has gained popularity, its application in the interpretation of the Hebrew Bible remains in its early stages. This paper delves into an analysis of shaming and unreasonable shame in the Book of Job, particularly in chapter 19. Through an examination of the Hebrew text and drawing on contemporary philosophical definitions of shame and shaming, I argue that Job perceives his friends, God, and the community to be employing shaming tactics against him, attempting to induce feelings of shame, a sentiment Job considers unjustified. In his case, shame is deemed unreasonable because Job has not violated any cherished values that would warrant such an emotion. Additionally, I demonstrate that while Job senses God shaming him, the biblical character acknowledges that his deity is the sole entity aware of his innocence—God's eyes perceive accurately, in contrast to humans', which only assess outward appearances. The role of God as the perfect witness to Job's life is fulfilled in the epilogue of the book, where Yahweh vindicates Job from the shame he has endured by publicly denouncing the serious faults of his friends.
“Eco‐style” perceptions: The interplay of different sustainability cues and fashion styles in consumers' fashion brand attitudes
Authors: Behre Barbara , Cauberghe Verolien
Published: March 2024

Sustainable fashion is becoming increasingly integrated in today's society. However, the use of the term “eco” in fashion branding may evoke negative consumer perceptions, especially in terms of the perceived fashionability of clothing items. Hence, this study investigates consumer responses to environmental versus social sustainability cues used by an online fashion shop. In particular, the moderating influence of basic versus modern fashion style is examined, considering the idea that fashion style is central to consumers' brand evaluations. Using a 2 (environmental vs. social sustainability cue) × 2 (timeless basic vs. modern fashion style) between‐subjects factorial design, this study explored the effectiveness of sustainability cues on fashion brand value perceptions (emotional, social, and functional value) and brand attitudes. Among the 358 respondents, the results indicate more positive brand attitudes when fashion items are presented with an environmental (vs. social) sustainability cue. In particular, this effect is stronger for the timeless basic (vs. modern trend‐based) fashion style. Yet, a cue referring to environmental sustainability increases social brand values for the modern fashion style. This study offers valuable contributions to the sustainable fashion literature and recommendations for online fashion retailers.
Immunophenotypic characterization of leukemic stem cells in acute myeloid leukemia using single tube 10‐colour panel by multiparametric flow cytometry: Deciphering the spectrum, complexity and immunophenotypic heterogeneity
Authors: Das Nupur , Panda Devasis , Gajendra Smeeta , Gupta Ritu , Thakral Deepshi , Kaur Gurvinder , Khan Aafreen , Singh Vivek Kumar , Vemprala Arushi , Bakhshi Sameer , Seth Rachna , Sahoo Ranjit Kumar , Sharma Atul , Rai Sandeep , Prajapati Vijay K. , Singh Saroj
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Despite extensive research, comprehensive characterization of leukaemic stem cells (LSC) and information on their immunophenotypic differences from normal haematopoietic stem cells (HSC) is lacking. Herein, we attempted to unravel the immunophenotypic (IPT) characteristics and heterogeneity of LSC using multiparametric flow cytometry (MFC) and single‐cell sequencing.

Materials and Methods

Bone marrow aspirate samples from patients with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) were evaluated using MFC at diagnostic and post induction time points using a single tube‐10‐colour‐panel containing LSC‐associated antibodies CD123, CD45RA, CD44, CD33 and COMPOSITE (CLL‐1, TIM‐3, CD25, CD11b, CD22, CD7, CD56) with backbone markers that is, CD45, CD34, CD38, CD117, sCD3. Single‐cell sequencing of the whole transcriptome was also done in a bone marrow sample.

Results

LSCs and HSCs were identified in 225/255 (88.2%) and 183/255 (71.6%) samples, respectively. Significantly higher expression was noted for COMPOSITE, CD45RA, CD123, CD33, and CD44 in LSCs than HSCs (p < 0.0001). On comparing the LSC specific antigen expressions between CD34+ (n = 184) and CD34‐ LSCs (n = 41), no difference was observed between the groups. More than one sub‐population of LSC was demonstrated in 4.4% of cases, which further revealed high concordance between MFC and single cell transcriptomic analysis in one of the cases displaying three LSC subpopulations by both methods.

Conclusion

A single tube‐10‐colour MFC panel is proposed as an easy and reproducible tool to identify and discriminate LSCs from HSCs. LSCs display both inter‐ and intra‐sample heterogeneity in terms of antigen expressions, which opens the facets for single cell molecular analysis to elucidate the role of subpopulations of LSCs in AML progression.
Flavonoid extracted from Epimedium attenuate cGAS‐STING‐mediated diseases by targeting the formation of functional STING signalosome
Authors: Wang Yan , Xu Guang , Wen Jincai , Zhao Xiaomei , Zhao Huanying , Lv Guiji , Xu Yingjie , Xiu Ye , Li Junjie , Chen Simin , Yao Qing , Chen Yuanyuan , Ma Lina , Xiao Xiaohe , Cao Junling , Bai Zhaofang
Published: March 2024

Hyperactivation of the cyclic‐GMP‐AMP synthase (cGAS)–stimulator of interferon genes (STING) signalling pathway has been shown to be associated with the development of a variety of inflammatory diseases, and the discovery of an inhibitor of the cGAS‐STING signalling pathway holds great promise in the therapeutic interventions. Epimedium flavonoid (EF), a major active ingredient isolated from the medicinal plant Epimedium, has been reported to have good anti‐inflammatory activity, but its exact mechanism of action remains unclear. In the present study, we found that EF in mouse bone marrow‐derived macrophages (BMDMs), THP‐1 (Tohoku Hospital Pediatrics‐1) as well as in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (hPBMC) inhibited the activation of the cGAS‐STING signalling pathway, which subsequently led to a decrease in the expression of type I interferon (IFN‐β, CXCL10 and ISG15) and pro‐inflammatory cytokines (IL‐6 and TNF‐α). Mechanistically, EF does not affect STING oligomerization, but inhibits the formation of functional STING signalosome by attenuating the interaction of interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3) with STING and TANK‐binding kinase 1 (TBK1). Importantly, in vivo experiments, EF has shown promising therapeutic effects on inflammatory diseases mediated by the cGAS‐STING pathway, which include the agonist model induced by DMXAA stimulation, the autoimmune inflammatory disease model induced by three prime repair exonuclease 1 (Trex1) deficiency, and the non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) model induced by a pathogenic amino acid and choline deficiency diet (MCD). To summarize, our study suggests that EF is a potent potential inhibitor component of the cGAS‐STING signalling pathway for the treatment of inflammatory diseases mediated by the cGAS‐STING signalling pathway.
Information and selling mode strategies in a supply chain with an outsourced private label product
Authors: Wang Fa , Chen Jing , Yang Hui , Sun Fei
Published: March 2024

This paper examines the interplay between the information strategy of an e‐commerce platform and the selling mode strategy of a manufacturer within a co‐opetitive supply chain, as well as the identification of the optimal supply chain strategy. We develop a supply chain model where a platform outsources production of its private label product to a manufacturer, who also sells its national brand product through the platform. The platform must decide whether to acquire consumer quality preference information at a cost and share it with the manufacturer, while the manufacturer needs to choose between the reselling mode or the agency selling mode for its national brand product. The two driving effects (competition‐intensification effect and mode differentiation effect) are identified. Our findings show that the platform will acquire and share information when the acquisition cost is sufficiently low, leading to the “competition‐intensification effect.” Additionally, the manufacturer prefers the agency selling mode when cost‐quality efficiency is low, and the reselling mode otherwise, driven by the “mode differentiation effect.” In cases where information sharing is absent, the manufacturer is more likely to choose the agency selling mode. Interestingly, when the cost‐quality efficiency of the manufacturer's product is moderate and the information acquisition cost is low, the “competition‐intensification effect” and the “mode differentiation effect” offset each other, resulting in the expansion of the region where the manufacturer chooses the reselling mode due to the platform's information‐sharing strategy. As a result, this enhances a cooperative relationship between the manufacturer and the platform. We also derive the optimal supply chain strategy, providing insights into both the manufacturer's selling mode and the platform's information strategies in online retailing.
Pressure‐driven homogenization of lithium disilicate glasses
Authors: Bakhouch Yasser , Buchner Silvio , Silveira Rafael Abel , Resende Leonardo , Pereira Altair Soria , Hasnaoui Abdellatif , Atila Achraf
Published: March 2024

Lithium disilicate glasses and glass–ceramics are good potential candidates for biomedical applications, solid‐state batteries, and serve as models of nucleation and crystal growth. Moreover, these glasses exhibit a phase separation that influences their nucleation and crystallization behavior. The atomistic mechanisms of the phase separation and their pressure dependence are unclear so far. Here, we used molecular dynamics simulations supported by experiments to assess the spatial heterogeneity of lithium disilicate glasses prepared under pressure. We show that the glass heterogeneity decreases with increasing the pressure under which the system was cooled and almost disappears at pressures around 30 GPa. The origin of the heterogeneity is due to the attraction between Li cations to form clustering channels, which decreases with pressure. Through our results, we hope to provide valuable insights and guidance for making glass–ceramics with controlled crystallization.
‘Can I code?’ Exploring rural fifth‐grade girls' programming self‐efficacy and interest in a developing country
Authors: Liu Yanjia , Qin Chao , He Hao
Published: March 2024

Background

The world is moving towards digitalization and intelligence. Programming has become an essential development competency. Even though many countries are currently making great efforts to expand programming education, the programming education in these countries shows an imbalance in geographical and gender dimensions. We found that few studies paid attention to rural girls' programming learning in developing countries.

Objectives

This study focuses on programming learning among rural girls in a developing country (China) from an educational equity perspective. We investigated the level and the changes in these girls' self‐efficacy and interest in programming.

Methods

We conducted a three‐month (12‐week) semester of programming teaching for rural fifth‐grade girls. Two rounds of data collection were conducted at the mid‐semester (first‐measure) and the end of the semester (second‐measure), with semi‐structured interviews at the end of the semester.

Results and conclusions

The results showed that rural girls' programming self‐efficacy was at a moderate‐to‐high level and remained stable, but there were no gender differences in programming self‐efficacy between boys and girls in the second‐measure. Girls' self‐efficacy was positively correlated with interest, and programming education could help girls to increase their interest in programming, but boys and girls did not show gender differences in their programming interest in second‐measure. Interestingly, we found that girls' perceived programming knowledge acquisition was significantly higher than overall programming efficacy.

Takeaways

These findings provide meaningful implications for programming education in less developed areas and female early programming education.
Factors influencing students' listening learning performance in mobile vocabulary‐assisted listening learning: An extended technology acceptance model
Authors: Hsu Hui‐Tzu , Lin Chih‐Cheng
Published: March 2024

Background

Behavioural intention (BI) has been predicted using other variables by adopting the technology acceptance model (TAM). However, few studies have examined whether BI can predict learning performance.

Objectives

The present study used an extended TAM to investigate whether students' BI is a predictor of their listening learning performance (LLP) through vocabulary learning performance (VLP) in the context of mobile vocabulary‐assisted listening learning by using two mobile learning tools.

Methods

A total of 129 college students with a pre‐intermediate level of English were recruited as participants, and a 10‐week mobile vocabulary‐assisted, listening‐learning course was conducted in 2022. In each task of this course, the students had to learn target words from a listening passage on Quizlet and then engage in listening activities on Randall's ESL Cyber Listening Lab. Quantitative responses obtained through an online questionnaire were analysed through partial‐least‐squares structural equation modelling.

Results

The analysis results indicated that BI significantly predicted LLP through VLP. Perceived ease of use (PEU) and perceived usefulness (PU) were significant antecedents of BI. However, PEU did not significantly predict PU because of the difficulty of navigating between the two technological tools used in this study. The extended model demonstrated its effectiveness in explaining listening learning performance, as evidenced by an explained variance (R2) of 69%.

Conclusion

The extended model validates the influence of BI on learning performance and it can also draw teachers' focus toward the significance of enhancing students' BI to improve their listening learning performance. Pedagogical implications based on the results are provided in this paper.
Consensus statement on the diagnosis and treatment of sclerosing diseases of the skin, Part 1: Localized scleroderma, systemic sclerosis and overlap syndromes
Authors: Knobler R. , Geroldinger‐Simić M. , Kreuter A. , Hunzelmann N. , Moinzadeh P. , Rongioletti F. , Denton C. P. , Mouthon L. , Cutolo M. , Smith V. , Gabrielli A. , Bagot M. , Olesen A. B. , Foeldvari I. , Jalili A. , Kähäri V. , Kárpáti S. , Kofoed K. , Olszewska M. , Panelius J. , Quaglino P. , Seneschal J. , Sticherling M. , Sunderkötter C. , Tanew A. , Wolf P. , Worm M. , Skrok A. , Rudnicka L. , Krieg T.
Published: March 2024

The term ‘sclerosing diseases of the skin’ comprises specific dermatological entities, which have fibrotic changes of the skin in common. These diseases mostly manifest in different clinical subtypes according to cutaneous and extracutaneous involvement and can sometimes be difficult to distinguish from each other. The present consensus provides an update to the 2017 European Dermatology Forum Guidelines, focusing on characteristic clinical and histopathological features, diagnostic scores and the serum autoantibodies most useful for differential diagnosis. In addition, updated strategies for the first‐ and advanced‐line therapy of sclerosing skin diseases are addressed in detail. Part 1 of this consensus provides clinicians with an overview of the diagnosis and treatment of localized scleroderma (morphea), and systemic sclerosis including overlap syndromes.
Using geomorphologic indicators in preparation for flood zoning and flood risk maps in the Kashafroud basin, Iran
Authors: Panahi Ghasem , Khodashenas Saeed Reza , Faridhosseini Alireza
Published: March 2024

The risk of flooding has become more significant in many parts of the world due to climate change and increased urbanization. Flood has devastating effects on infrastructure, and communities, causing damage to property and loss of life. Simulation of flood extent in a particular area is done by using various mathematical models, hydrologic‐hydraulic models, and datasets. Flood modeling using hydraulic‐hydrological models has many errors due to the lack of hydraulic‐hydrologic data and insufficient statistical period length. This study demonstrates the fact that the geomorphological index (GI) method, which is based on the digital elevation model and requires little hydraulic‐hydrologic data, is an effective method for flood modeling. Flood zoning based on GI was performed within the Kashafroud basin with 25, 100, and 200‐year return periods by using geomorphic flood area (GFA) plugin in QGIS software. The true positive rates were 0.985, 0.989, and 0.992, respectively, which showed the high accuracy of flood zoning based on the GI method. Here proposed method showed that using the GFA plugin offers a good way for the flood risk assessment in a basin with the lack of measured data as an alternative to the hydraulic‐hydrological methods.
Association between organizational justice and serious psychological distress among hospital nursing staff during the COVID‐19 pandemic: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Ikeda Satoshi , Masumitsu Makoto , Aomoto Satomi , Yamashita Masanori , Kakeda Haruka , Nagatomo Eri , Kiyota Yukiko , Matsueda Michiko , Hori Hikaru
Published: March 2024

Aim

Amidst the COVID‐19 pandemic, the association between organizational justice and psychological distress among hospital nursing staff is underexplored. Thus, this cross‐sectional study, conducted in Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan, examined the relationship between organizational justice and serious psychological distress (SPD) among hospital nursing staff during COVID‐19.

Methods

The study surveyed 783 hospital nursing staff using the Organizational Justice Questionnaire and Effort‐Reward Imbalance Questionnaire. The Kessler K6 scale was used to measure SPD. Sociodemographic and occupational characteristics were controlled for as potential confounders.

Results

The prevalence of SPD was 14.4%, with a mean K6 score of 6.5. Moderate procedural justice (odds ratio [OR] = 2.38, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.14–4.94, p = .021) and low distributive justice (effort‐reward imbalance) (OR = 3.66, 95% CI = 2.01–6.67, p < .001) were associated with SPD, even after adjustment for confounders. Interactional justice showed significance only in the crude model. Effort‐reward imbalance had the strongest association with SPD.

Conclusions

The findings showed that moderate procedural justice and low distributive justice were associated with SPD, highlighting the need for organizational interventions to address these factors. Imbalances in effort/reward had the greatest impact, highlighting the critical role of distributive justice in mental health. Thus, in the context of a pandemic, extreme procedural justice is not necessarily associated with mental health, and efforts to ensure distributive justice are critical to improving the mental health of hospital nursing staff. Moreover, organizational stressors should be addressed during disruptive conditions such as infectious disease outbreaks.
An analysis of risk factors for spontaneously occurring type 2 diabetes mellitus in rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta)
Authors: Capitanio John P. , Del Rosso Laura A. , Yee JoAnn , Lemoy Marie‐Josee Marie‐France
Published: March 2024

Background

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2D) is a chronic disease with a high prevalence worldwide. Human literature suggests factors beyond well‐known risk factors (e.g., age, body mass index) for T2D: cytomegalovirus serostatus, season of birth, maternal age, birth weight, and depression. Nothing is known, however, about whether these variables are influential in primate models of T2D.

Methods

Using a retrospective methodology, we identified 22 cases of spontaneously occurring T2D among rhesus monkeys at our facility. A control sample of n = 1199 was identified.

Results

Animals born to mothers that were ≤5.5 years of age, and animals that showed heightened Activity and Emotionality in response to brief separation in infancy, had a greater risk for development of T2D in adulthood.

Conclusions

Knowledge of additional risk factors for T2D could help colony managers better identify at‐risk animals and enable diabetes researchers to select animals that might be more responsive to their manipulations.
Efficacy of nonpharmacological interventions for severe radiation‐induced oral mucositis among head and neck cancer patients: A network meta‐analysis of randomised controlled trials
Authors: Zhang Shu , Li Juejin , Zhang Yun , Li Xia , Zhang Yalin , Li Yunhuan , Zhou Lin , Hu Xiaolin
Published: March 2024

Aims and Objectives

To assess the effectiveness of different nonpharmacological treatments for severe radiation‐induced oral mucositis in patients with head and neck cancer.

Background

Radiation‐induced oral mucositis is highly prevalent in patients with head and neck cancer. Current medications for radiation‐induced oral mucositis are limited in effectiveness and susceptible to side effects, and while there is an increasing adoption of nonpharmacological interventions, the optimal one remains unclear.

Design

Systematic review and network meta‐analysis based on the PRISMA‐NMA guidelines.

Methods

Six databases were searched. Two authors independently performed the literature screening, data extraction and methodological quality assessment of the included studies. Traditional pairwise meta‐analysis was performed by R Studio. A network meta‐analysis was then conducted to assess the effects of nonpharmacological interventions for severe radiation‐induced oral mucositis in patients with head and neck cancer.

Results

Fifty‐two studies involving seven types of nonpharmacological interventions were enrolled. The network meta‐analysis indicated that natural plant‐based therapies might be the most effective, health education interventions might be the second most effective, and honey might be the third most effective interventions for reducing the incidence of severe radiation‐induced oral mucositis. For reducing the incidence of severe oral mucositis‐related pain, the pairwise meta‐analysis showed that only natural plant‐based therapies and health education interventions were effective.

Conclusions

Nonpharmacological interventions are effective in the management of severe radiation‐induced oral mucositis among patients with head and neck cancer.

Relevance to clinical practice

Nonpharmacological interventions are a category of safe and effective adjunctive therapies that should be encouraged in clinical practice.

Trial registration details

CRD42023400745.