bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Soft X-Ray Phase Nanomicroscopy of Micrometer-Thick Magnets
Authors: Neethirajan Jeffrey , Daurer Benedikt J. , Martínez Marisel Di Pietro , Hrabec Aleš , Turnbull Luke , Yamamoto Rikako , Ferreira Marina Raboni , Štefančič Aleš , Mayoh Daniel Alexander , Balakrishnan Geetha , Pei Zhaowen , Xue Pengfei , Chang Liao , Ringe Emilie , Harrison Richard , Valencia Sergio , Kazemian Majid , Kaulich Burkhard , Donnelly Claire
Published: August 2024

Imaging of nanoscale magnetic textures within extended material systems is of critical importance to both fundamental research and technological applications. While high-resolution magnetic imaging of thin nanoscale samples is well established with electron and soft x-ray microscopy, the extension to micrometer-thick systems currently requires hard x rays, which limits high-resolution imaging to rare-earth magnets. Here, we overcome this limitation by establishing soft x-ray magnetic imaging of micrometer-thick systems using the pre-edge phase x-ray magnetic circular dichroism signal, thus making possible the study of a wide range of magnetic materials. By performing dichroic spectroptychography, we demonstrate high spatial resolution imaging of magnetic samples up to 1.7  μm thick, an order of magnitude higher than conventionally possible with soft x-ray absorption-based techniques. We demonstrate the applicability of the technique by harnessing the pre-edge phase to image thick chiral helimagnets, and naturally occurring magnetite particles, gaining insight into their three-dimensional magnetic configuration. This new regime of magnetic imaging makes possible the study of extended non-rare-earth systems that have until now been inaccessible, including magnetic textures for future spintronic applications, non-rare-earth permanent magnets for energy harvesting, and the magnetic configuration of giant magnetofossils.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Eigenstate Correlations, the Eigenstate Thermalization Hypothesis, and Quantum Information Dynamics in Chaotic Many-Body Quantum Systems
Authors: Hahn Dominik , Luitz David J. , Chalker J. T.
Published: August 2024

We consider the statistical properties of eigenstates of the time-evolution operator in chaotic many-body quantum systems. Our focus is on correlations between eigenstates that are specific to spatially extended systems and that characterize entanglement dynamics and operator spreading. In order to isolate these aspects of dynamics from those arising as a result of local conservation laws, we consider Floquet systems in which there are no conserved densities. The correlations associated with scrambling of quantum information lie outside the standard framework established by the eigenstate thermalization hypothesis (ETH). In particular, ETH provides a statistical description of matrix elements of local operators between pairs of eigenstates, whereas the aspects of dynamics we are concerned with arise from correlations among sets of four or more eigenstates. We establish the simplest correlation function that captures these correlations and discuss features of its behavior that are expected to be universal at long distances and low energies. We also propose a maximum-entropy ansatz for the joint distribution of a small number n of eigenstates. In the case n=2, this ansatz reproduces ETH. For n=4 it captures both the growth with time of entanglement between subsystems, as characterized by the purity of the time-evolution operator, and also operator spreading, as characterized by the behavior of the out-of-time-order correlator. We test these ideas by comparing results from Monte Carlo sampling of our ansatz with exact diagonalization studies of Floquet quantum circuits.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
MIPDS: a comprehensive database on the molecular interactions in protein dimer structures
Authors: Sanjeevi Madhumathi , Rajendran Santhosh , Jeyaraman Jeyakanthan , Sekar Kanagaraj
Published: August 2024

Although many studies have addressed the significance of interactions in the dimeric structures of proteins, there is no dedicated database of these interactions. To this end, the Molecular Interactions in Protein Dimer Structure (MIPDS) database has been developed; it is an open-access repository containing 60 298 3D structures of dimeric proteins sourced from the Protein Data Bank. This helps researchers comprehend the types of interaction, which include those mediated by water, small molecules or ligands and direct interactions, in 3D structures at the molecular level. The database is accessible through a user-friendly interface, where users can conduct searches based on PDB accession number, interaction type and geometric parameters. It can be viewed in textual and graphical formats using the plug-in JSmol. MIPDS is updated weekly using programmed scripts to incorporate newly released dimeric structures and analyses of their interaction types. The database is intended for the scientific community working in structural biology, structural bioinformatics, drug discovery and development. MIPDS is freely accessible to users worldwide at http://dicsoft1.physics.iisc.ac.in/mipds.
Crystal structure and Hirshfeld surface analysis of dichlorido[2-(3-cyclopentyl-1,2,4-triazol-5-yl-κN
4)pyridine-κN]palladium(II) dimethylformamide monosolvate
Authors: Dyakonenko Viktoriya V. , Khomenko Dmytro M. , Doroshchuk Roman O. , Ivanova Ganna V. , Lampeka Rostyslav D.
Published: August 2024

This study presents the synthesis, characterization and Hirshfeld surface analysis of the title mononuclear complex, [PdCl2(C12H14N4)]·C3H7NO. The compound crystalizes in the P21/c space group of the monoclinic system. The asymmetric unit contains one neutral complex Pd(HL
c-Pe)Cl2 [HL
c-Pe is 2-(3-cyclopentyl-1,2,4-triazol-5-yl)pyridine] and one molecule of DMF as a solvate. The Pd atom has a square-planar coordination. In the crystal, molecules are linked by intermolecular N—H...O and C—H...N hydrogen bonds, forming layers parallel to the bc plane. A Hirshfeld surface analysis showed that the H...H contacts dominate the crystal packing with a contribution of 41.4%. The contribution of the N...H/H...N and H...O/O...H interactions is somewhat smaller, amounting to 12.4% and 5%, respectively.
Consumer emotions and behaviors: double moderation of sign value and source market
Authors: Al-Ansi Amr , Olya Hossein , Dalir Sara , Lee Hee Yul , Abdul Rahim Alina
Published: August 2024

Purpose

The contribution of this study is two-fold. First, we draw on attribution theory to develop a model for predicting how the knowledge, emotions, and satisfaction that consumers have regarding halal cosmetics can influence their willingness to pay more and recommend the products to others.

Design/methodology/approach

Survey data from 278 Indonesian and 163 Malaysian female consumers were analyzed by means of structural equation modeling. Second, we test the moderation role of sign value using metric invariance across the two different source markets.

Findings

The results obtained confirm that consumers exhibit positive emotions when they possess knowledge about halal cosmetics and their quality. Testing the double moderation further reveals that consumers with a high sign value behave differently from those with a low sign value.

Originality/value

These findings present practical insights that can be used by retailers and marketers in their strategies to boost the sale of halal cosmetics.
From investment to emissions: unveiling the rebound effect of renewable energy consumption on energy efficiency in Asia-Pacific economies
Authors: Kashyap Ashis , Hussain Farah
Published: August 2024

Purpose

The study aims to explore the moderation effect of renewable energy consumption (REC) on the relationship between foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows and carbon emission (CO2). Furthermore, the study investigates the prevalence of rebound effect in energy efficiency for the top five FDI inbound destinations in the Asia-Pacific region.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses a balanced panel data set spanning from 1995 to 2020 obtained from the World Bank Database. This paper used feasible generalized least squares (FGLS) as the primary method, and to ensure the robustness of the findings, this paper used the panels corrected standard errors (PCSE) model.

Findings

The findings reveal a negative relationship between FDI and CO2 emissions and REC and CO2 emissions. However, the moderation effect of REC on the relationship between FDI inflows and CO2 emissions is positive, suggesting that when both FDI and REC increase simultaneously, carbon emissions also increase. This study attributes the observed positive moderation effect to the phenomenon known as the rebound effect.

Research limitations/implications

FDI fosters environmental sustainability. Regions’ FDI policies can be guidelines for other nations aiming for similar outcomes. REC reduces CO2 emissions, underlining renewable energy’s efficacy. However, positive moderation effect of REC on the relationship between FDI and CO2 emissions highlights the necessity for balanced policies to prevent unintended consequences like the rebound effect.

Originality/value

The originality of this study lies in examining the prevalence of rebound effect in energy efficiency. Prior empirical studies have explored the relationship between REC and carbon emission and established that increased efficiency in renewable energy creates positive environmental and climate externalities. However, it is constrained by rebound effects and this has been ignored by previous studies.
How are Allied Health Professionals represented at board level in NHS Trusts in the West Midlands?
Authors: Colesby Charlotte
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Allied Health Professionals (AHPs) are the third largest professional group in the National Health Service (NHS). This qualitative study aimed to establish the representation of AHPs at NHS Trust board level.

Design/methodology/approach

Examination of public Trust board minutes and Care Quality Commission (CQC) reports from a sample of NHS provider Trusts in the West Midlands. One reviewer extracted data concerning all details pertaining to professional staffing groups.

Findings

A stark picture of under-representation which is statistically significant emerges. AHP representation to Trust boards via public board meetings was 7% for AHPs, compared to 41% for doctors and 52% for nurses. There were similar results with CQC reports, with the representation of AHPs at 11%, whilst doctors and nurses were significantly higher at 42 and 47%, respectively.

Research limitations/implications

The data gathered for this paper was from a small number of NHS provider Trusts in the West Midlands of England, which can be considered a limitation of the study. However, the results of this study are stark and provide a compelling snapshot of the significant under-representation of AHPs to those NHS Trust boards included.

Practical implications

AHPs are a significant staff group within the NHS; their representation at board level is of benefit to the Trust boards both in terms of engaging with staff and in terms of managing quality and risk. Recommendations are made that Trust boards ensure they have a board member with responsibility for AHPs who actively engages with, understands and provides challenge, and that the CQC considers the inclusion of examples of AHP activity and staffing levels in their inspection, and that these are confirmed with senior AHPs in the organisation being inspected.

Originality/value

This is an original paper and is the first to address the representation of AHPs at Trust board via consideration of board papers and CQC reports, providing a platform for further consideration.
Improving the operational (transformation) management process of postgraduate mentoring
Authors: Bordogna Claudia M.
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Universities in the United Kingdom, like their counterparts globally, are confronting difficulties associated with the well-being of students. The origins of these challenges are complex, exacerbated by various global events. In response, universities are trying to address these growing concerns and the escalating need for student support. Faculty members are often recruited to assist students in navigating academic and personal challenges. The aim of this study was to investigate how the process of student mentoring, by faculty members, could be made more operationally robust to better support student demand, thus yielding greater value for both students and staff.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative approach was adopted with 19 academic faculty working as mentors within a UK business school who participated in 90-minute semi-structured interviews. Interviews were analysed using an operational (transformation) management framework, with findings categorised under three key headings – inputs, transformations and outputs – to discover how the operational process of mentoring students could be enhanced.

Findings

Participants discussed the inputs required to deliver mentoring, the process of transformation and their desired outputs. Findings suggest coordinated and relevant inputs that is, information, environments and technology, coupled with good mentor selection and recruitment improves operational robustness, adding greater value to the student experience by creating more purposeful outputs, thereby benefiting themselves and their students.

Originality/value

The application of an operational (transformation) process framework to analyse faculty mentoring of students is unique, thereby offering new insights into the construction and management of these types of academic support initiatives.
Organisational learning through a charitable trust-initiated project focusing on end-of-life care
Authors: Leung Tiffany Cheng Han , Snell Robin Stanley , Lee Daisy
Published: August 2024

Purpose

We identify lessons from a project sponsored by a large charitable trust, which sought to build capability for end-of-life (EOL) care in Hong Kong through interdisciplinary and multi-agency collaboration.

Design/methodology/approach

An in-depth case study drawing on 21 in-depth interviews with diverse stakeholders was conducted. Lyman et al.’s (2018) model of organisational learning (OL) in healthcare settings was applied to analyse the relative emphasis on particular contextual factors and mechanisms, and to identify outcomes perceived to have been achieved.

Findings

Infrastructure such as materials for assessment and education received the most emphasis among the contextual factors and deliberate learning such as training sessions received the greatest attention among the mechanisms. While perceptions indicated that desired outcomes were being achieved in terms of social impact, there were relatively few mentions of “soft” factors such as enhanced motivation, leadership or OL skills among staff.

Originality/value

This study extends the literature on how to create valuable social impact through OL. While prior studies have examined social impact in terms of solutions for social and environmental problems, ours is one of the few that examines how improvements are made to organisations’ capability to deliver such impacts in the context of healthcare.
Innovation strategies and financial performance: a resource dependence perspective for Fintech management decision-making
Authors: Wang Jian-Hang , Dai Xiaoyong , Wu Yu-Hsien , Chen Hsiang Lin
Published: August 2024

Purpose

The study examines how process/organizational innovation and R&D spending mediate the relationship between financial performance and the resource dependence theory in Fintech, providing insights into effective innovation strategies for achieving sustainable financial performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Data from 191 financial firms in Taiwan was collected from annual reports using the Taiwan Economic Journal (TEJ), a financial information provider. Content analysis was used to measure innovation activities and financial performance, with process and organizational innovation defined. R&D expenditures were also collected and used in statistical analysis to explore the relationship between variables.

Findings

This study on the financial services industry shows that process innovation and R&D expenditure positively impact firm performance, while organizational innovation may have a negative short-term effect but could have long-term benefits.

Research limitations/implications

Limitations of this study include vulnerability to spurious effects and the use of data from only listed financial service firms. Future research should use more short-term performance data and include unlisted firms in the financial services industry to extend the study’s coverage.

Originality/value

This study extends resource dependence theory to financial services and explores the effects of process and organizational innovation on firm performance. Results show that internal process management boosts performance, while external collaboration with startups enhances Fintech innovation and efficiency, with positive short-term effects. The study highlights the importance of interacting with external organizations to access resources and improve performance in financial services.
From words to action (research): a new generation of workplace training
Authors: Harikkala-Laihinen Riikka , Fäldt Sanna , Bäckman Erik
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to explore how a new type of workplace training program can be created that truly enables participants to move from words to action. Recognizing the need to understand trainee–work environment dynamics the authors criticize training efforts that center on targeted learning events, instead highlighting the role of preparation and following up. In doing so, the authors tackle the lack of guidance practitioners experience when designing and implementing workplace training programs.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors present action research on a pilot workplace training program focused on wellbeing in an academic work setting. The data collection draws from the case study tradition. The authors collect data through interviews (21), field notes of participant observation (3 occasions), participant-produced written materials and a feedback survey.

Findings

The authors find that restorative practices, workplace mediation and reteaming enhance the participants’ perceptions of self-efficacy and agency. Throughout the training program, facilitators observe the dynamics of the situation and take part in discussions to encourage exploration and reflection. Thus, facilitators likely need a coaching mindset.

Originality/value

The theoretical contribution stems from an in-depth exploration of trainee–work environment dynamics and novel insights brought to workplace training from adjacent fields of research. The authors introduce a framework for planning participatory workplace training and organizational development programs, which answers a call from practitioners.
Ethical leadership and public healthcare organizational and employee outcomes: the role of psychological meaningfulness
Authors: Barbar Julia , Abualigah Ahmad , Dahleez Khalid , Abou-Al-Ross Sami , Aboramadan Mohammed
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Based on the theories of social learning, social exchange and social identity, this study aims to examine the impact of ethical leadership on organizational attractiveness and diversity-valuing behavior as well as the mediating role of psychological meaningfulness in the public healthcare sector.

Design/methodology/approach

Data in this study was collected from 545 nurses working in Palestinian hospitals. Structural equation modeling was used to analyze the data.

Findings

The results show positive effect of ethical leadership on organizational attractiveness and diversity-valuing behavior. The findings likewise support the mediating role of psychological meaningfulness on the focal relationships.

Originality/value

This study follows a more comprehensive and a multitheoretical approach and it uses a novel model in an underexamined setting, which is the nursing sector.
When the secondhand economy is not as good as it seems: understanding conflicts and their (ir)resolutions between users on secondhand resale platforms
Authors: Cerio Eva , Debenedetti Alain , Sophie Rieunier
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Peer-to-peer (P2P) secondhand resale platforms (SRP) are competitive places where different value systems beyond market values interact. This study aims to investigate the conflicts that may arise in interactions between users on SRP and the extent to which these conflicts are (ir)resolved, by drawing on economies of worth theory.

Design/methodology/approach

The study takes a qualitative and interpretative approach to examine 22 active users on P2P resales platforms such as Vinted, including in-depth interviews. Following the Straussian view of grounded theory, the study uses constant comparison (open, axial and selective coding) to analyze data on SRP users’ experiences.

Findings

Drawing on the economies of worth theory, the study shows that SRP users rely on four different value systems or “worlds” when using the platforms (market, domestic, green and civic worlds) that come into conflict, at either an interactional (three conflicts identified) or an individual (two conflicts identified) level. The findings reveal that these conflicts are temporarily resolved at the interactional level and in a sustainable way at the individual level.

Originality/value

This study sheds further light on the relationship between consumers on SRP by offering a more nuanced perspective on these exchanges than market-oriented exchanges. It also analyzes the data through the economies of worth theory, which is an appropriate lens to better understand social interactions and conventions. Finally, the study offers recommendations on how managers can improve buyers’ and sellers’ experiences on these platforms and, thus, foster their satisfaction.
Tapinarof cream for the treatment of plaque psoriasis: Efficacy and safety results from 2 Japanese phase 3 trials
Authors: Igarashi Atsuyuki , Tsuji Gaku , Fukasawa Shuichi , Murata Ryusei , Yamane Satoshi
Published: August 2024

Tapinarof is a non‐steroidal, topical, aryl hydrocarbon receptor agonist. We evaluated the efficacy and safety of tapinarof cream (1%) in Japanese patients aged ≥18 years with plaque psoriasis in two phase 3 trials, ZBA4‐1 and ZBA4‐2. ZBA4‐1 (N = 158) consisted of a 12‐week, double‐blind, vehicle‐controlled treatment period (period 1) and a 12‐week extension treatment period (period 2). Patients were randomized 2:1 to tapinarof or vehicle in period 1; subsequently, all patients who were enrolled in period 2 received tapinarof. ZBA4‐2 (N = 305) was a 52‐week, open‐label, uncontrolled trial in which all patients received tapinarof. In period 1 of ZBA4‐1, the proportion of patients who achieved a Physician Global Assessment (PGA) score of 0 (clear) or 1 (almost clear) with ≥2‐grade improvement from baseline at week 12 (PGA treatment success, the primary endpoint) was 20.06% in the tapinarof group and 2.50% in the vehicle group (p = 0.0035). The proportion of patients with ≥75% improvement from baseline in the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) score at week 12 (PASI75 response, a key secondary endpoint) was 37.7% in the tapinarof group and 3.8% in the vehicle group (p < 0.0001). In ZBA4‐2, PGA treatment success rate was 30.0% at week 12, 51.3% at week 24, and 56.3% at week 52, and PASI75 response rate was 50.4% at week 12, 77.5% at week 24, and 79.9% at week 52, indicating that efficacy responses improved over time and were maintained over 52 weeks. Across the two trials, most adverse events (AEs) were mild or moderate; common AEs included folliculitis and contact dermatitis. In summary, tapinarof cream (1%) was efficacious and generally safe for up to 52 weeks of treatment in Japanese patients with plaque psoriasis.
Do immigrants equally benefit from rent control?
Authors: Bian Xun , Chen Ruoyu , Jiang Hanchen
Published: August 2024

This study examines how immigrants, often concentrated in urban areas with higher rent burdens, benefit from rent control. We focus on New York City's rent stabilization policy, using data from 2002 to 2017. We find that immigrant tenants are more likely to live in rent‐stabilized units than nonimmigrant tenants. However, conditional on living in rent‐stabilized units, immigrants receive $151 less monthly rent discounts than their nonimmigrant counterparts. This notable immigrant–native gap is economically and statistically significant and robust to various checks. Factors like spatial sorting, tenancy duration, policy awareness, and property characteristics primarily contribute to this disparity.
Three‐domain microbial communities in the gut of Pachnoda marginata larvae: A comparative study revealing opposing trends in gut compartments
Authors: Ozbayram Emine Gozde , Kleinsteuber Sabine , Sträuber Heike , Schroeder Bruna Grosch , da Rocha Ulisses Nunes , Corrêa Felipe Borim , Harms Hauke , Nikolausz Marcell
Published: August 2024

This study aimed to examine the bacterial, methanogenic archaeal, and eukaryotic community structure in both the midgut and hindgut of Pachnoda marginata larvae using an amplicon sequencing approach. The goal was to investigate how various diets and the soil affect the composition of these three‐domain microbial communities within the gut of insect larvae. The results indicated a notable variation in the microbial community composition among the gut compartments. The majority of the bacterial community in the hindgut was composed of Ruminococcaceae and Christensenellaceae. Nocardiaceae, Microbacteriaceae, and Lachnospiraceae were detected in midgut samples from larvae feeding on the leaf diet, whereas Sphingomonadaceae, Rhodobacteraceae, and Promicromonasporaceae dominated the bacterial community of midgut of larvae feeding on the straw diet. The diet was a significant factor that influenced the methanogenic archaeal and eukaryotic community patterns. The methanogenic communities in the two gut compartments significantly differed from each other, with the midgut communities being more similar to those in the soil. A higher diversity of methanogens was observed in the midgut samples of both diets compared to the hindgut. Overall, the microbiota of the hindgut was more host‐specific, while the assembly of the midgut was more influenced by the environmental microorganisms.
The patient‐perceived intravaginal ejaculation latency time cut‐off for lifelong premature ejaculation
Authors: Wang Chunlin , Zhong Qianghui , Colonnello Elena , Xi Yu , Sansone Andrea , Zhang Hui , Chen Qingshan , Jannini Emmanuele A. , Zhang Yan
Published: August 2024

Background

The current cutoff values of intravaginal ejaculation latency time for diagnosing lifelong premature ejaculation do not always match clinical practice, and the inconsistency in the cutoff values of intravaginal ejaculation latency time among different definitions has also posed challenges to both clinical management and research of premature ejaculation.

Objectives

To re‐evaluate the intravaginal ejaculation latency time and to find evidence‐based cut‐off values for diagnosing lifelong premature ejaculation that can be widely accepted and match clinical practice.

Materials and methods

We addressed the flaws of previous studies. Lifelong premature ejaculation was diagnosed based on both patient self‐report of premature ejaculation status and scores on the Premature Ejaculation Diagnostic Tool, with a control group consisting of non‐premature ejaculation individuals included for comparison. Utilizing receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, the optimal self‐estimated cutoff value for intravaginal ejaculation latency time in diagnosing lifelong premature ejaculation was determined.

Results

A total of 307 heterosexual participants (mean age = 30.7 ± 6.4) were included, comprising 187 lifelong premature ejaculation patients (mean age = 28.0 ± 4.6) and 120 non‐premature ejaculation individuals (mean age = 35.0 ± 6.5). 2.7% of lifelong premature ejaculation patients experienced anteportal ejaculation. 59.9%, 92%, and 97.9% of lifelong premature ejaculation patients displayed intravaginal ejaculation latency times within 1, 2, and 3 min, respectively. The receiver‐operating characteristic curve's area under the curve was 0.996 with a 95% confidence interval of 0.991–1.000 (p < 0.0001). The perceived intravaginal ejaculation latency time cut‐off at 3.5 (sensitivity = 97.9%, specificity = 99.2%) showed the highest Youden index compared with other options.

Discussion

Although we found that 92.0% of lifelong premature ejaculation patients had a perceived intravaginal ejaculation latency time within 2 min, a perceived intravaginal ejaculation latency time cutoff value of less than 3.5 min for diagnosing lifelong premature ejaculation could encompass a larger proportion (97.9%) of patients seeking medical help for complaints of PE, and increasing the perceived intravaginal ejaculation latency time cutoff value to 3.5 min would not significantly increase the false‐positive rate.

Conclusion

The perceived intravaginal ejaculation latency time cutoff value for diagnosing lifelong premature ejaculation within a clinical practice context is 3.5 min.
A controlled trial of a psychoeducation intervention in reducing depression among parents
Authors: Yakub Nur Asyikin , Mahmud Norashikin , Yusof Junaidah , Ibrahim Farah Adibah , Shari Nurul Izzah , Abdul Rahim Azlan
Published: August 2024

Generally, this study aims to scientifically evaluate the effectiveness of psychoeducation as an intervention for reducing depressive symptoms among parents around Kuala Lumpur. It also examines the relationship between the socio‐demographic factors and the severity of depression among parents as well as the numerous factors associated with depression among the studied population. This study convoluted two phases of intervention which were pre and post, and for the intervention group, a modified version of the family module intervention was given to test the efficacy of the psychoeducation intervention. A total of 61 participants were recruited from four Peoples' Housing Project in Kuala Lumpur. Thirty of them were randomly assigned to the control group and another 31 were assigned to the intervention group. Based on the analysis, there was a mere difference between the mean score of depression and daily hassle due to parenting between both groups during the post‐intervention. Overall findings clearly denote that the family module intervention is an effective intervention in reducing depressive symptoms and parenting daily hassles among the parents in two phases as well as improving mental health literacy among parents.
Would you like to take some more ruxolitinib after your fedratinib?
Authors: Ianotto Jean‐Christophe
Published: August 2024

In Europe, ruxolitinib and fedratinib are the only JAK2 inhibitors available in local pharmacies. According to trial data, myelofibrosis patients should mostly receive ruxolitinib as first‐line treatment and fedratinib in case of failure or intolerance (depending on their profile). Is it possible to reverse the choice of these drugs?

Commentary on: Palandri et al. Ruxolitinib after Fedratinib failure in patients with myelofibrosis: a real‐world case series. Br J Haematol 2024 (Online ahead of print). doi: 10.1111/bjh.19654.
MVP enhances FGF21‐induced ferroptosis in hepatocellular carcinoma by increasing lipid peroxidation through regulation of NOX4
Authors: Xia Jinkun , Fu Boqi , Wang Zhe , Wen Gaolin , Gu Quanshui , Chen Dayu , Ren Haozhen
Published: August 2024

Ferroptosis is a novel, iron‐dependent regulatory cell death mainly caused by an imbalance between the production and degradation of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS). Recently, ferroptosis induction has been considered a potential therapeutic approach for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) is a new modulator of ferroptosis; however, the regulatory role of FGF21 in HCC ferroptosis has not been investigated. In this study, we explored the role of FGF21 and its underlying molecular mechanism in the ferroptotic death of HCC cells. We identified Major vault protein (MVP) as a target of FGF21 and revealed that knockdown of MVP inhibited the lipid peroxidation levels of HCC cells by decreasing NADPH oxidase 4 (NOX4, a major source of ROS) transcription, thereby attenuating the effect of FGF21‐mediated ferroptosis. On the other hand, MVP overexpression showed the opposite results. Mechanistically, MVP binds to IRF1 and thus interferes with the interaction between IRF1 and the YAP1 promoter, leading to an increase in NOX4 transcription. Importantly, forced expression of IRF1 or downregulation of YAP1 partially reversed the effect of MVP overexpression on HCC ferroptosis. Furthermore, the results in xenograft tumor models suggested that overexpression of MVP can efficiently increase the level of lipid peroxidation in vivo. Taken together, these results provide new insights into the regulatory mechanism of ferroptosis in HCC.
The effects of time‐restricted eating alone or in combination with probiotic supplementation in comparison with a calorie‐restricted diet on endocrine and metabolic profiles in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: A randomized clinical trial
Authors: Talebi Sepide , Shab‐Bidar Sakineh , Moini Ashraf , Mohammadi Hamed , Djafarian Kurosh
Published: August 2024

Aim

To assess the impact of intermittent fasting, with or without probiotic supplementation, versus a calorie‐restricted diet on anthropometric measures, metabolic status and gonadal variables in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Methods

This is a randomized, placebo‐controlled, parallel‐arm clinical trial. The effects of the 14:10 early time‐restricted eating (eTRE) strategy alone or combined with probiotics, on obese women with PCOS, were investigated. Participants were divided into three groups: eTRE plus probiotics (n = 30), eTRE plus placebo (n = 30) and a control group following a standard three‐meal‐per‐day diet with daily calorie restriction (DCR) (n = 30). Over 8 weeks, various anthropometric, metabolic, menstrual and gonadal variables were assessed.

Results

A total of 90 individuals were included in the study, with a mean body weight of 81.4 kg, and a mean age of 30 years. Mean (standard deviation) weight loss was not different between the groups at week 8 (TRE + probiotic: −2.2 [1.6] kg vs. TRE + placebo: −2.9 [2.7] kg vs. DCR: −2.5 [1.7] kg). Results revealed that, while all three regimes led to reductions in body weight, body mass index, vascular risk indicators, hirsutism and acne scores, there were no statistically significant differences between the eTRE groups and the control group in terms of weight loss, or improvements in metabolic, menstrual and gonadal variables (P > .05). Additionally, combining probiotics with eTRE did not benefit hormonal and cardiometabolic factors (P > .05).

Conclusions

The eTRE alone or eTRE plus probiotics did not result in significantly greater weight loss or improvements in metabolic, menstrual and gonadal variables compared with the standard three‐meal DCR diet.
Empirical Therapy Versus Tailored Therapy of Helicobacter pylori in Korea: Results of the K‐CREATE Study
Authors: Kim Joon Sung , Kim Byung‐Wook , Kim Jin Il , Chung Woo Chul , Jung Sung Woo , Bang Chang Seok , Kim Gwang Ha , Jeon Seon Woo , Joo Moon Kyoung , Lee Si Hyung , Lim Yun Jeong , Sung Jae Kyu , Seo Seung Young , Park Sun Young , Lee Wan Sik , Lee Hang Lak , Kim Ki Bae , Kim Heung Up
Published: August 2024

Background

The optimal duration of regimens for tailored therapy based on genotypic resistance for clarithromycin has yet to be established.

Aim

This study was a nationwide, multicenter, randomized trial comparing empirical therapy with tailored therapy based on genotypic resistance for first‐line eradication of Helicobacter pylori. We also compared the eradication rates of 7‐ and 14‐day regimens for each group.

Patients and Methods

Patients with H. pylori infection were first randomized to receive empirical or tailored therapy. Patients in each group were further randomized into 7‐ or 14‐day regimens. Empirical therapy consisted of a triple therapy (TT) regimen (twice‐daily doses of pantoprazole 40 mg, amoxicillin 1 g, and clarithromycin 500 mg) for 7 or 14 days. Tailored therapy consisted of TT of 7 or 14 days in patients without genotypic resistance. Patients with genotypic resistance were treated with bismuth quadruple therapy (BQT) regimens (twice‐daily doses of pantoprazole 40 mg, three daily doses of metronidazole 500 mg, and four times daily doses of bismuth 300 mg and tetracycline 500 mg) for 7 or 14 days. A 13C‐urea breath test assessed eradication rates. The primary outcome was eradication rates of each group.

Results

A total of 593 patients were included in the study. The eradication rates were 65.7% (201/306) in the empirical therapy group and 81.9% (235/287) in the tailored therapy group for intention‐to‐treat analysis (p < 0.001). In the per‐protocol analysis, the eradication rates of the empirical therapy and tailored groups were 70.3% (201/286) and 85.5% (235/274) (p < 0.001), respectively. There was no difference in compliance between the two groups. The rate of adverse events was higher in the tailored group compared to the empirical group (p < 0.001).

Discussion

Our study confirmed that tailored therapy based on genotypic resistance was more effective than empirical therapy for H. pylori eradication in Korea. However, no significant difference was found between 7‐ and 14‐day regimens for each group. Future studies are needed to determine the optimal duration of therapy for empirical and tailored therapy regimens.
Item‐validity analysis of the SED‐S in a multicentre study of adults with intellectual disabilities
Authors: Hermann Hauke , Witte Annemieke , Kempelmann Gloria , Barrett Brian F. , Zaal Sandra , Vonk Jolanda , Morisse Filip , Pöhlmann Anna , Sterkenburg Paula S. , Sappok Tanja
Published: August 2024

Background

Valid and reliable instruments for measuring emotional development are critical for a proper diagnostic assignment in individuals with intellectual disabilities. This exploratory study examined the psychometric properties of the items on the Scale of Emotional Development—Short (SED‐S).

Method

The sample included 612 adults with intellectual disabilities (Mage = 37.35, SDage = 13.27; 59.8% males). Item validity analysis comprising sensitivity and specificity rates and discriminatory power were determined.

Results

The relative mean frequency of ‘yes’ answers to all 200 items was 29.5%. The mean sensitivity rate was 67.5% and the mean specificity rate was 79.3%. Most items (85.0%) showed good discriminatory power with the adjacent stage(s), especially between SED‐1, SED‐2, SED‐3 and SED‐4. Particularly in SED‐4 some items showed weaknesses in the differentiation between these stages.

Discussion

This study adds to previous validation studies by showing that most SED‐S items have psychometrically sound properties.
Numerical investigation of temperature heterogeneousness during cold chain export: A virtual cold chain approach
Authors: Pattanaik Swati , Jenamani Mamata
Published: August 2024

In‐transit quality loss and wastage of perishables, during cold chain export, is a critical issue faced globally. Owing to increasing population, reducing food wastages by enhancing the efficacy of supply chain is imperative to meet the increasing demand. This paper presents a virtual cold chain‐based approach to model quality loss of horticultural produce prior to actual logistics operations. It is a combination of different models for predicting the temperature heterogeneity among the perishables, its related quality decay and remaining shelf‐life. An innovative simulation‐based approach is also presented which predicts the temperature of perishables inside a domain based upon its storage conditions, at a reduced computational expense. The proposed approach is demonstrated for Indian mango cold chain export. The simulation results are validated with an experimental setup, using mangoes and a standard refrigerated (reefer) container. Different metrices shows a RMSE and MAPE of 0.8 K and 10.02%, respectively. The calculated remaining quality is also found to be in accordance with experimental findings. The results report uneven air circulation and hence, heterogeneity in temperature distribution of about 3–4 K after 15 days of sea transport. This induces variations in remaining quality and shelf‐life among the mangoes placed at different locations. The maximum variation in quality is found to be 19% at 25th day of export at a location near the door of the reefer. The export transit time should be less than or equal to 26 days, to avoid spoilage, as it is the minimum shelf life of mangoes inside the container under given conditions.

Practical applications

This study is concerned with managing the loss in quality and wastage of perishables, during cold chain export. Predicting the storage temperature, prior to actual logistics operations, can aid the decision makers in appropriate planning of export mode so as to minimize the loss and wastage during real export process. A virtual or simulation‐based approach is proposed to analyze the cooling behavior of individual mangoes and hence predict the evolution of its various quality attributes, passing through different stages of the cold chain. To illustrate this approach, a case study of Indian mango export is presented.
Antibiotic use and risk of Clostridioides difficile infection in patients with inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Bejcek Alexis , Ancha Anupama , Lewis Megan , Beaver Ryan , Tecson Kristen , Bomar Jaccallene , Johnson Christopher
Published: August 2024

Background and Aim

Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have an increased risk of Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) compared with those without IBD, which is worsened with antibiotic usage. While prior studies have shown a correlation between CDI development and certain classes of antibiotics, the IBD population has not been well represented. This study evaluates the rates of CDI with outpatient antibiotic use in patients with IBD.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study composed of patients with IBD and compared the incidence of CDI in patients who received an outpatient prescription for antibiotics (6694 patients) against those without prescriptions (6025 patients) from 2014 to 2020 at our institution. We compared CDI rates based on nine antibiotic classes: penicillins, cephalosporins, sulfonamides, tetracyclines, macrolides, quinolones, clindamycin, metronidazole, and nitrofurantoin.

Results

The risk of CDI was low (0.7%) but significantly higher for those with antibiotic exposure (0.9% vs 0.5%, P = 0.005) and had a positive correlation with a smoking history. The increased risk of CDI in the IBD population was attributable to the clindamycin and metronidazole classes (odds ratio = 4.7, 95% confidence interval: 1.9–11.9, P = 0.001; odds ratio = 3.6, 95% confidence interval: 2.1–6.2, P < 0.0001, respectively).

Conclusions

The use of clindamycin or metronidazole prescribed in an outpatient setting was associated with a statistically significant increased risk of CDI in patients with IBD. Although the association between clindamycin and CDI is a well‐established and common finding, the association between metronidazole and CDI is unique in this study.
Older women's perspectives on the ethics of persuasion in doctor‐patient communication
Authors: Schoenborn Nancy L. , Hannum Susan M. , Gollust Sarah E. , Nagler Rebekah H. , Schonberg Mara A. , Pollack Craig E. , Boyd Cynthia M. , Xue Qian‐Li , Beach Mary Catherine
Published: August 2024

Background

Public health campaigns have often used persuasive techniques to promote healthy behaviors but the use of persuasion by doctors is controversial. We sought to examine older women's perspectives.

Methods

We conducted semi‐structured interviews with 20 community‐dwelling older women from the Baltimore metropolitan area. We asked whether participants thought it was ethically appropriate for doctors to try to persuade patients and explored their rationales. We probed about commonly used persuasive techniques and two example decisional contexts—stopping mammograms and moving out of one's house after multiple falls. We used qualitative thematic analysis to code the transcripts and summarized results into major themes.

Results

We found mixed views on the ethical appropriateness of persuasion (theme 1); supporters of persuasion were motivated by the potential benefit to patients' health, whereas opponents thought patients should be the ultimate decision‐makers. Perspectives depended on the persuasive technique (theme 2), where emotional appeals elicited the most negative reactions while use of facts and patient stories were viewed more positively. Perspectives also varied by the decisional context (theme 3), where higher severity and certainty of harm influenced participants to be more accepting of persuasion. Participants suggested alternative communication approaches to persuasion (theme 4) that emphasized respect for patients.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that the type of persuasive technique and the decisional context are important considerations in the ethical debate around the use of persuasion. Limiting the use of persuasion to high‐stakes decisions and using facts and patient stories rather than emotional appeals are likely more acceptable.
Feasibility and findings of electrocardiogram recording in older adults with intellectual disabilities: results of the Healthy Ageing and Intellectual Disabilities study
Authors: de Leeuw M. J. , Böhmer M. N. , Leening M. J. G. , Kors J. A. , Bindels P. J. E. , Oppewal A. , Maes‐Festen D. A. M.
Published: August 2024

Background

Older adults with intellectual disabilities (ID) have a high risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). At the same time, challenging diagnostic work‐up increases the likelihood of underdiagnosis of CVD in this population. To limit this underdiagnosis, it would be beneficial to use objective measures such as the electrocardiogram (ECG). However, little is known about the feasibility of ECG recording and the prevalence of ECG abnormalities in this population. Therefore, the aims of this study were to investigate the feasibility of resting ECG recording, to study the prevalence of ECG abnormalities, and to compare the frequency of ECG abnormalities with medical records in older adults with ID.

Method

A cross‐sectional study was performed within a cohort of older adults (≥60 years) with ID as part of the Healthy Ageing and Intellectual Disabilities (HA‐ID) study. A resting 12‐lead ECG was attempted, and the ECG recording was considered feasible if the recording could be made and if the ECG could be interpreted by a cardiologist and the Modular ECG Analysis System (MEANS). ECGs were assessed for the presence of ECG abnormalities and medical record review was performed. If the cardiologist or MEANS concluded that there was evidence of myocardial infarction, atrial fibrillation or QTc prolongation on the ECG in the absence of this ECG diagnosis in the participant's medical record, this was classified as a previously undiagnosed ECG diagnosis.

Results

ECG recording was feasible in 134 of the 200 participants (67.0%). Of these 134 participants (70.6 ± 5.8 years; 52.2% female), 103 (76.9%) had one or more ECG abnormality, with the most prevalent being prolonged P‐wave duration (27.6%), QTc prolongation (18.7%), minor T‐wave abnormalities (17.9%), first degree atrioventricular block (12.7%) and myocardial infarction (6.7%). Eight out of 9 (88.9%) myocardial infarctions and all cases of (significant) QTc prolongation (100%) were previously undiagnosed.

Conclusions

This study showed that ECG recording is feasible in the majority of older adults with ID and revealed a substantial underdiagnosis of ECG abnormalities. These results stress the importance of ECG recording and warrant further research into the yield of opportunistic ECG screening in older adults with ID.