bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Detecting High-Energy Neutrinos from Galactic Supernovae with ATLAS
Authors: Wen Alex Y. , Argüelles Carlos A. , Kheirandish Ali , Murase Kohta
Published: February 2024

We show that ATLAS, a collider detector, can measure the flux of high-energy supernova neutrinos, which can be produced from days to months after the explosion. Using Monte Carlo simulations for predicted fluxes, we find at most O(0.1–1) starting events and O(10–100) throughgoing events from a supernova 10 kpc away. Possible Galactic supernovae from Betelgeuse and Eta Carinae are further analyzed as demonstrative examples. We argue that, even with limited statistics, ATLAS has the ability to discriminate among flavors and between neutrinos and antineutrinos, making it a unique neutrino observatory so far unmatched in this capability.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Efficient high-fidelity flying qubit shaping
Authors: Tissot Benedikt , Burkard Guido
Published: February 2024

Matter qubit to traveling photonic qubit conversion is the cornerstone of numerous quantum technologies such as distributed quantum computing, as well as several quantum internet and networking protocols. We formulate a theory for stimulated Raman emission which is applicable to a wide range of physical systems, including quantum dots, solid-state defects, and trapped ions, as well as various parameter regimes. We find the upper bound for the photonic pulse emission efficiency of arbitrary matter qubit states for imperfect emitters and show a path forward to optimizing the fidelity. Based on these results, we propose a paradigm shift from optimizing the drive to directly optimizing the temporal mode of the flying qubit using a closed-form expression. Protocols for the production of time-bin encoding and spin-photon entanglement are proposed. Furthermore, the mathematical idea to use input-output theory for pulses to absorb the dominant emission process into the coherent dynamics, followed by a non-Hermitian Schrödinger equation approach, has great potential for studying other physical systems.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Sustainable and healthy food consumption in Europe: an analysis of consumer purchase patterns, motivations and barriers towards foods from SFSCs
Authors: Hyland John , Henchion Maeve Mary , Olomo Oluwayemisi , Attard Jennifer , Gaffey James
Published: February 2024

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to better understand European consumers' behaviour in relation to Short Food Supply Chains (SFSCs), so as to provide insights to support their development as part of a sustainable food system. Specifically, it aims to analyse consumer purchase patterns, motivations and perceived barriers and to identify patterns of behaviour amongst different consumer groups.

Design/methodology/approach

An online consumer survey was conducted in 12 European countries (n = 2,419). Quantitative data analysis, including principal component analysis (PCA) and cluster analysis, was undertaken using SPSS.

Findings

Four consumer clusters are named according to their behavioural stage in terms of SFSC engagement: Unaware Unengaged, Aware Unengaged, Motivationally Engaged and Executively Engaged. Unaware Unengaged and Aware Unengaged are in the non-engagement phase of behaviour. Motivationally Engaged are motivationally activated to engage in the behaviour but fail to do so consistently. Executively Engaged is the fully engaged cluster, being motivated to act and purchasing local food on a frequent basis. The results show an interesting interplay between motivations and barriers, i.e. higher scores for motivations and lower scores for barriers do not necessarily translate into higher purchase frequency.

Originality/value

The research gleans insights into the contextual factors that may inhibit SFSC purchases in different consumer segments. It offers practical implications for policymakers and others seeking to develop SFSCs as part of a sustainable food system.
Stepping stones across a fast-flowing river: supporting emerging scholars from emerging markets
Authors: Barnard Helena
Published: February 2024

Purpose

International business as a field values perspectives from various contexts, but scholars from emerging markets face a number of often-unseen challenges preventing them from fully contributing to the field. This study aims to explain those challenges and what the author has done to manage them.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a Reflexive piece in which the author makes sense of her own experience as a scholar not only of but also in an emerging market, as well as the experiences at her school in seeking to develop a high-quality doctoral program.

Findings

When leading scholars interact, whether in writing or in person, they tend to be in academically and otherwise well-resourced locations. This is true even for the leading international business scholars of emerging markets, and it imposes time and financial costs on scholars located in emerging markets wanting to participate in such conversations. Having experienced such challenges, the author worked with colleagues to design a doctoral program that could nurture rich scholarly conversations at the school. However, there remains a clear and pervasive tension between the inclusive aspirations of the field and the tendency for cutting-edge academic conversations to be concentrated in the developed world.

Originality/value

The experiences of emerging market scholars remain underrepresented in the field. By drawing on her own experience, both as a scholar and the head of the doctoral program at her school, the author provides suggestions for how to think about and develop a more inclusive scholarly conversation.
Risk evaluation of mega infrastructure construction supply chain in engineering-procurement-construction projects: an integrated fuzzy AHP and fuzzy DEMATEL approach
Authors: Yu Runze , Ma Li
Published: February 2024

Purpose

The paper covers mega infrastructure construction supply chain (MICSC) in Engineering-Procurement-Construction (EPC) projects, where the frequent occurrence of risk incidents has greatly affected human life. The research aims to establish a risk evaluation index system for MICSC in EPC projects, exploring what risk factors lead to risk incidents and measure the importance and causality of all these risk factors.

Design/methodology/approach

The research applies a combination of quantitative and qualitative analysis methodology to process data sequentially. In the first place, risk factors for MICSC in EPC projects are extracted and identified from literature survey and expert interviews. In the second place, an integration model fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (f-AHP) and fuzzy Decision-making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (f-DEMATEL) is constructed to comprehensively analyze all these risk factors.

Findings

12 primary risk factors and 36 secondary risk factors comprise the risk evaluation index system for MICSC in EPC projects from 178 literature and 5 professionals. The results indicate that Political Situation (F1), Social Security (F2) and Management Mode (F8) are critical risk factors, where F1 and F2 are cause factors and F8 is an effect factor.

Originality/value

There are three main contributions of this paper. First and foremost, from the perspective of the research content, no other study has been able to assess risk factors for MICSC in EPC projects, while embedding nine phases of the whole project life cycle and six subjects of stakeholders into a risk evaluation index system. Additionally, from the perspective of research method, a combined model incorporating f-AHP and f-DEMATEL is constructed to avoid the one-sidedness of a single model. Last but not least, from the perspective of practical significance, focusing on the critical risk factors, a series of effective measures are formulated to make appropriate management decisions for nodal enterprises of MICSC, which can improve their risk management capabilities.
CEO risk preference and M&A payment method: considering the non-economic factors
Authors: Guo Jianquan , Cheng He
Published: February 2024

Purpose

The authors investigate the effects of Chinese acquirer’s chief executive officer (CEO) risk preference on mergers and acquisitions (M&A) payment method and the moderating roles played by acquirer’s ownership, industry relatedness and whether the M&A is cross-border.

Design/methodology/approach

Using 4,624 worldwide M&A deals conducted by Chinese firms from 2009 to 2021, the authors conduct multiple linear regression and ordered probit regression. And comprehensive indexes constructed based on the observed features of acquirer’s CEOs are used to be the proxy for CEO risk preference.

Findings

The results show that the higher-level Chinese acquirer’s CEO risk preference is overall positively associated with using more stock in payment. Moreover, the above relationship is strengthened if the ownership of the acquirer is state-owned.

Originality/value

The authors highlight the importance of the non-economic factors and demonstrate a relationship between the Chinese acquirer’s CEO risk preference and the M&A payment method, providing support for and enriching the upper echelons theory (UET). Moreover, the unique risk priorities of Chinese acquirers’ CEOs are revealed.
Time-varying parameters in monetary policy rules: a GMM approach
Authors: Anderl Christina , Caporale Guglielmo Maria
Published: February 2024

Purpose

The article aims to establish whether the degree of aversion to inflation and the responsiveness to deviations from potential output have changed over time.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper assesses time variation in monetary policy rules by applying a time-varying parameter generalised methods of moments (TVP-GMM) framework.

Findings

Using monthly data until December 2022 for five inflation targeting countries (the UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Sweden) and five countries with alternative monetary regimes (the US, Japan, Denmark, the Euro Area, Switzerland), we find that monetary policy has become more averse to inflation and more responsive to the output gap in both sets of countries over time. In particular, there has been a clear shift in inflation targeting countries towards a more hawkish stance on inflation since the adoption of this regime and a greater response to both inflation and the output gap in most countries after the global financial crisis, which indicates a stronger reliance on monetary rules to stabilise the economy in recent years. It also appears that inflation targeting countries pay greater attention to the exchange rate pass-through channel when setting interest rates. Finally, monetary surprises do not seem to be an important determinant of the evolution over time of the Taylor rule parameters, which suggests a high degree of monetary policy transparency in the countries under examination.

Originality/value

It provides new evidence on changes over time in monetary policy rules.
Predicting and assessing bankruptcy risk: the role of accounting conservatism and business strategies
Authors: Ghazalat Anas , AlHallaq Said
Published: February 2024

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the effect of accounting conservatism and business strategies as mitigating tools for bankruptcy risk. It determines the association among these factors and provides insights into the effectiveness of accounting discretion and business strategies in decision-making.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses a sample of 83 nonfinancial listed firms in ASE for the period from 2013 to 2019. Bankruptcy risk is measured using the Altman Z-score (1968). Accounting conservatism is measured using the accrual-based approach, and optimal business strategies are identified through cluster analysis.

Findings

The results indicate that accounting conservatism has a significant negative effect on bankruptcy risk. Increased application of accounting conservatism practices leads to a decrease in the level of bankruptcy risk. However, the type of business strategy adopted by firms does not have a significant impact on bankruptcy risk, suggesting that firms are not effectively implementing their strategies to mitigate this risk.

Research limitations/implications

This study focuses on nonfinancial listed firms in the ASE, limiting the generalizability of the findings to other contexts. The study's findings contribute to the understanding of the role of accounting conservatism in reducing bankruptcy risk but highlight the need for further research on the effectiveness of business strategies in mitigating this risk.

Originality/value

This study lies in understanding of the role of accounting discretion in financial evaluations and emphasizes the importance of accounting conservatism as a tool for mitigating bankruptcy risk. The study's insights provide valuable guidance to practitioners, regulators and researchers in this field.
Assessing the use of the transtheoretical model to manage referrals in mental health services
Authors: Lord Jackson , Sabin-Farrell Rachel
Published: February 2024

Purpose

The transtheoretical model (TTM) has been applied to varying areas of physical health, e.g. diabetes. However, research into its applicability to psychotherapy is mixed. The TTM is applied through the University of Rhode Island Change Assessment (URICA). Investigating the utility of the URICA is needed to improve patient care and outcomes. This study aims to assess whether the URICA scores relate to patient outcomes; patient attendance; practitioner ratings of patient readiness, appropriateness, insight, motivation and potential for improvement; and to explore practitioner’s perspectives on the URICA.

Design/methodology/approach

Correlational methods were used to assess the relationship between the URICA and therapeutic outcome, attendance and practitioner-rated areas. Content analysis was used to analyse practitioner qualitative data.

Findings

The URICA did not correlate with either therapeutic outcome or attendance. A significant negative correlation was found between the URICA and practitioner-rated appropriateness of the referral. This means practitioners perceived individuals with lower URICA scores to be a more appropriate referral, despite the score indicating a reduced readiness to change. Qualitative categories included positive views, negative views, ambivalence and changes to measure and process. To conclude, the URICA does not explain a patient’s outcome or attendance. The URICA may not be appropriate to use in its current format in mental health services; therefore, assessing the TTM verbally may be more helpful.

Originality/value

This study provides research into suitability of using the URICA to assess the TTM and its applicability to attendance and outcome in psychological therapies.
Influence of the financial shared service center on the quality of accounting information
Authors: Zhang Junchao
Published: February 2024

Purpose

This research endeavors to assess the influence of financial shared service centers (FSSCs) on the quality of accounting information within China’s A-share listed companies. Using a multi-period difference-in-differences (DID) model, the study aims to empirically examine the correlation between the adoption of FSSCs and the quality of accounting information.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses a robust methodology to evaluate the relationship between FSSCs and accounting information quality (AIQ). Leveraging the established FSSCs within China’s A-share listed companies as the treatment group, this research adopts a multi-period DID model. This approach enables a rigorous empirical examination of the influence exerted by FSSCs on the overall quality of accounting information.

Findings

The present study delves into the impact of FSSCs on AIQ and conducts empirical analysis using data from Chinese A-share listed companies between 2004 and 2021. The findings substantiate that: FSSCs significantly bolster the quality of accounting information, a conclusion retained even after robustness tests. Specifically, FSSCs exhibit a positive correlation with the comparability, timeliness and disclosure quality of accounting information while demonstrating no significant influence on relevance, robustness and reliability factors.

Research limitations/implications

First, the analysis primarily rests upon data from Chinese A-share listed companies between 2004 and 2021, potentially constraining the generalizability of findings across diverse contexts. Second, despite controlling for various factors, unobserved variables or external factors not encompassed in the model might influence the relationship between FSSCs and AIQ. Additionally, the study’s reliance solely on quantitative data confines exploration into qualitative aspects that might offer a more comprehensive understanding of FSSCs’ impact on AIQ.

Practical implications

This paper establishes a nuanced connection between FSSC operations and AIQ, furnishing direct empirical evidence for their economic implications and propounding a novel avenue for augmenting AIQ. And, it furnishes guidance for forthcoming FSSC development, accentuating the necessity of harnessing information technology to enhance the relevance, reliability and robustness of accounting information.

Originality/value

Majority of prior empirical studies assessing AIQ have focused on singular indicators, lacking a comprehensive depiction of its overall level. To address this gap, this paper pioneers the construction of a comprehensive index for AIQ, providing a holistic representation of its level. Furthermore, this study stands as the inaugural investigation into the relationship between China’s A-share listed firms’ FSSCs and the quality of accounting information.
Fostering green progress: The dual influence of natural resource rent and human capital on emerging economy energy transition
Authors: Jin Di , Zafar Muhammad Wasif
Published: February 2024

The scale and complexity of the energy transition pose formidable challenges. For the fast‐track progress of energy transition, emerging economies must identify the barriers to a successful transition. This study aims to investigate the role of natural resource depletion and human capital in achieving clean energy affordability and climate action through successful energy transition in emerging economies from 1990 to 2021. The study used quantile regression to analyze and estimate the relationship between variables at different conditional quantiles. The outcomes of the analysis suggest that natural resource depilation, human capital, and economic growth significantly facilitate the energy transition in emerging economies at all quantiles (Q0.10 – Q0.90), while the study identifies a paradoxical inverse relationship between financial development and energy transition across all quantiles, which implies that it impedes the transformation from traditional fossil fuels to the green energy resources. The study's outcomes suggest policy implications for advancing the energy transition in the context of natural resources and human capital management for emerging economies.
Impact of online poker gambling on behavioural and neurophysiological responses to a virtual gambling task
Authors: Giustiniani Julie , Nicolier Magali , Diwoux Audrey , Chabin Thibaut , Pazart Lionel , Haffen Emmanuel , Gabriel Damien
Published: February 2024

Online poker gambling (OPG) involves various executive control processes and emotion regulation. In this context, we hypothesized that online poker players, accustomed to handling virtual cards, would show high performance on computerized decision‐making tasks such as the Iowa Gambling Task (IGT). Using press advertisements, we recruited a non‐gambler group (NG; n = 20) and an OPG group (n = 22). All participants performed the IGT while their cerebral activity was recorded by electroencephalography. Compared with the OPG group, the NG group showed significantly better progression in the IGT in the last trials. Recording of brain activity revealed the appearance of a temporal map between 150 and 175 ms specific to the gain condition in both groups. A second map was observed at 215–295 ms specifically in the NG group, and the generators were identified in the occipital regions. This activity is indicative of a high level of visual awareness; thus, it reflects additional processing of visual information, which can be assumed to be induced by the lower exposure of the NGs to online card games. We hypothesize that the absence of this activity in the OPG group might be due to their online habituation to virtual environments.
Bisphosphonate treatment for skeletal complications in paediatric cancer—Experience from a single tertiary centre
Authors: Utriainen Pauliina , Stenberg Jalmari E. E. , Vettenranta Kim K. , Mäkitie Outi M.
Published: February 2024

Aims

The aim was to analyse the use and safety of bisphosphonate treatment for metabolic bone complications in paediatric cancer patients.

Methods

We retrospectively describe our experience with bisphosphonate treatment in 25 childhood cancer patients (aged <18 years) in a single tertiary hospital between 1999 and 2020.

Results

The most common primary diagnosis was acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (n = 16) and Hodgkin lymphoma (n = 3). Eleven patients (44%) had received allogeneic stem cell transplantation and two patients autologous stem cell transplantation. Sixteen patients (64%) had been treated with radiotherapy, either total‐body (n = 11) or local (n = 5). The main indication for bisphosphonates was osteoporosis with vertebral compression fractures in 13/25, osteonecrosis in 6/25 and hypercalcaemia in 2/25. The bisphosphonate treatment was started on average 13 (range 0–76) months after the diagnosis of the bone complication. Bisphosphonate treatment lasted between weeks (hypercalcaemia) to 5 years (severe osteoporosis). Mild, non‐symptomatic hypophosphatemia (n = 8), hypocalcaemia (n = 6) and moderate, transient pain (n = 6) were the most common adverse effects. No severe side effects were observed even when bisphosphonates were administered concomitantly with chemotherapy. Bone mineral density significantly improved with the bisphosphonate treatment (mean lumbar spine Z‐score −1.17 vs. −0.07, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Bisphosphonate treatment was well tolerated in this paediatric patient cohort.
Miltirone suppresses ESCC cell viability and invasion by promoting E3 ligase mediated‐FZD2 ubiquitination and degradation
Authors: Dai Shi‐Jie , Yang Jiang‐Shun , Tang Yun‐Jia , Yan Xiao‐Ning , Gu Chen‐Xian , Liu Pei , Yuan Xiao‐Feng
Published: February 2024

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is the most common subtype of esophageal cancer and lacks effective treatment. A growing number of studies have confirmed that Frizzled class receptor 2 (FZD2), a receptor for Wnts, regulates cancer metastasis in cancers. This study aims to reveal the anti‐metastatic activity of miltirone on ESCC cells and its mechanism on FZD2 in vitro. Cell‐counting‐kit‐8 (CCK‐8) was used to detect the effect of miltirone on cell growth in ESCC cells. The invasion of ESCC cells was detected by wound healing and transwell assay. Immunofluorescence staining was used to detect the expressions of epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers and the location of FZD2. Western blot and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (q‐PCR) were used to detect levels of target genes, and FZD2 ubiquitination was detected by the co‐immunoprecipitation method. The levels of roof plate‐specific spondins (RSPO1‐4) in cells were determined by ELISA, q‐PCR, and western blot assays. Miltirone exhibits its strongest cytotoxicity with IC50 values of 6.80 μM and 8.43 μM for K30 and K150 cells, respectively. Miltirone inhibited the cell viability and expression of EMT markers, affecting the invasion ability of ESCC, attenuated the Wnt2/FZD2 pathway, and down‐regulated the level of FZD2, which is regulated by the ubiquitination of E3 ubiquitin ligase. Furthermore, we found that miltirone could reduce the expression of RSPO1, and RSPO2, increasing E3 protein levels, and promoting FZD2 ubiquitination, leading to the ubiquitination and subsequent degradation of FZD2. Collectively, our results revealed that miltirone might be a promising drug for the treatment of ESCC, at least partly through regulation of the FZD2 ubiquitination.
Feasibility of whole‐exome sequencing in fine‐needle aspiration specimens of papillary thyroid microcarcinoma for the identification of novel gene mutations
Authors: Ma Liyuan , Gao Luying , Hu Ya , Li Xiaoyi , Liu Chunhao , Ji Jiang , Shi Xinlong , Pan Aonan , An Yuang , Luo Nengwen , Xia Yu , Jiang Yuxin
Published: February 2024

Genetic profiling is important for assisting the management of papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC). Although whole‐exome sequencing (WES) of surgically resected PTMC tissue has been performed and revealed potential prognostic biomarkers, its application in PTMC fine‐needle aspiration (FNA) specimens has not been explored. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of WES using FNA specimens of PTMC. Five PTMC patients were enrolled with clinical characteristics gathered. Fine aspiration cytology needle (23 gauges) was used to collect FNA biopsy with ultrasound guidance. WES analysis of FNA specimens from five PTMC patients and matched blood samples was performed. The WES of FNA samples yielded an average sequencing depth of 281× and average coverage of 99.5%. We identified 534 somatic single‐nucleotide variants and 13 indels in total, and per sample, we found a mean of 24 exonic mutations, which affected a total of 120 genes. In the PTMC FNA samples, the most frequently mutated genes were BRAF and ANKRD18B, and the four driver genes were BRAF, AFF3, SRCAP, and EGFR. We also identified several germline cancer predisposing gene mutations. The results suggest that WES of FNA specimens is feasible for PTMC and can identify novel genetic mutations.
Neonatal stress disrupts the glymphatic system development and increases the susceptibility to Parkinson's disease in later life
Authors: Song Jian , Li Zhen‐Hua , Xue Xin‐Yu , Meng Jing‐Cai , Zhu Wen‐Xin , Hu Shufen , Xu Guang‐Yin , Wang Lin‐Hui
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Neonatal stress disrupts brain development and increases the risk of neurological disorders later in life. However, the impact of neonatal stress on the development of the glymphatic system and susceptibility to Parkinson's disease (PD) remains largely unknown.

Methods

Neonatal maternal deprivation (NMD) was performed on mice for 14 consecutive days to model chronic neonatal stress. Adeno‐associated virus expressing A53T‐α‐synuclein (α‐syn) was injected into the substantia nigra to establish PD model mice. Glymphatic activity was determined using in vivo magnetic resonance imaging, ex vivo fluorescence imaging and microplate assay. The transcription and expression of aquaporin‐4 (AQP4) and other molecules were evaluated by qPCR, western blotting, and immunofluorescence. Animal's responses to NMD and α‐syn overexpression were observed using behavioral tests.

Results

Glymphatic activity was impaired in adult NMD mice. AQP4 polarization and platelet‐derived growth factor B (PDGF‐B) signaling were reduced in the frontal cortex and hippocampus of both young and adult NMD mice. Furthermore, exogenous α‐syn accumulation was increased and PD‐like symptoms were aggravated in adult NMD mice.

Conclusion

The results demonstrated that NMD could disrupt the development of the glymphatic system through PDGF‐B signaling and increase the risk of PD later in life, indicating that alleviating neonatal stress could be beneficial in protecting the glymphatic system and reducing susceptibility to neurodegeneration.
Prediction of early bladder outcomes after spinal cord injury: The HALT score
Authors: Wu Xiangbo , Xi Xiao , Xu Mulan , Gao Ming , Liang Ying , Sun Miaoqiao , Hu Xu , Mao Li , Liu Xingkai , Zhao Chenguang , Sun Xiaolong , Yuan Hua
Published: February 2024

Aims

Neurogenic bladder (NB) is a prevalent and debilitating consequence of spinal cord injury (SCI). Indeed, the accurate prognostication of early bladder outcomes is crucial for patient counseling, rehabilitation goal setting, and personalized intervention planning.

Methods

A retrospective exploratory analysis was conducted on a cohort of consecutive SCI patients admitted to a rehabilitation facility in China from May 2016 to December 2022. Demographic, clinical, and electrophysiological data were collected within 40 days post‐SCI, with bladder outcomes assessed at 3 months following SCI onset.

Results

The present study enrolled 202 SCI patients with a mean age of 40.3 ± 12.3 years. At 3 months post‐SCI, 79 participants exhibited complete bladder emptying. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) and multivariate logistic regression analyses identified the H‐reflex of the soleus muscle, the American Spinal Injury Association Lower Extremity Motor Score (ASIA‐LEMS), and the time from lesion to rehabilitation facility (TLRF) as significant independent predictors for bladder emptying. A scoring system named HALT was developed, yielding a strong discriminatory performance with an area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (aROC) of 0.878 (95% CI: 0.823–0.933). A simplified model utilizing only the H‐reflex exhibited excellent discriminatory ability with an aROC of 0.824 (95% CI: 0.766–0.881). Both models demonstrated good calibration via the Hosmer–Lemeshow test and favorable clinical net benefits through decision curve analysis (DCA). In comparison to ASIA‐LEMS, both the HALT score and H‐reflex showed superior predictive accuracy for bladder outcome. Notably, in individuals with incomplete injuries, the HALT score (aROC = 0.973, 95% CI: 0.940–1.000) and the H‐reflex (aROC = 0.888, 95% CI: 0.807–0.970) displayed enhanced performance.

Conclusion

Two reliable models, the HALT score and the H‐reflex, were developed to predict bladder outcomes as early as 3 months after SCI onset. Importantly, this study provides hitherto undocumented evidence regarding the predictive significance of the soleus H‐reflex in relation to bladder outcomes in SCI patients.
Molnupiravir: Mechanism of action, clinical, and translational science
Authors: Maas Brian M. , Strizki Julie , Miller Randy R. , Kumar Sushma , Brown Michelle , Johnson Matthew G. , Cheng Mickie , De Anda Carisa , Rizk Matthew L. , Stone Julie A.
Published: February 2024

Molnupiravir is an oral prodrug of the broadly active, antiviral ribonucleoside analog N‐hydroxycytidine (NHC). The primary circulating metabolite NHC is taken up into cells and phosphorylated to NHC‐triphosphate (NHC‐TP). NHC‐TP serves as a competitive substrate for viral RNA‐dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp), which results in an accumulation of errors in the viral genome, rendering virus replication incompetent. Molnupiravir has demonstrated activity against SARS‐CoV‐2 both clinically and preclinically and has a high barrier to development of viral resistance. Little to no molnupiravir is observed in plasma due to rapid hydrolysis to NHC. Maximum concentrations of NHC are reached at 1.5 h following administration in a fasted state. The effective half‐life of NHC is 3.3 h, reflecting minimal accumulation in the plasma following twice‐daily (Q12H) dosing. The terminal half‐life of NHC is 20.6 h. NHC‐TP exhibits a flatter profile with a lower peak‐to‐trough ratio compared with NHC, which supports Q12H dosing. Renal and hepatic pathways are not major routes of elimination, as NHC is primarily cleared by metabolism to uridine and cytidine, which then mix with the endogenous nucleotide pools. In a phase III study of nonhospitalized patients with COVID‐19 (MOVe‐OUT), 5 days of treatment with 800 mg molnupiravir Q12H significantly reduced the incidence of hospitalization or death compared with placebo. Patients treated with molnupiravir also had a greater reduction in SARS‐CoV‐2 viral load and improved clinical outcomes, compared with those receiving placebo. The clinical effectiveness of molnupiravir has been further demonstrated in several real‐world evidence studies. Molnupiravir is currently authorized or approved in more than 25 countries.
Erythropoiesis and estimated fluid volume regulation following initiation of ipragliflozin treatment in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and chronic kidney disease: A post‐hoc analysis of the PROCEED trial
Authors: Maruhashi Tatsuya , Tanaka Atsushi , Takahashi Kanae , Higashi Yukihito , Node Koichi ,   the PROCEED trial investigators
Published: February 2024

Aims

To analyse the changes in erythropoietic and estimated fluid volume parameters after the initiation of ipragliflozin, a sodium‐glucose co‐transporter 2 inhibitor, in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Methods

This was a post‐hoc analysis of the PROCEED trial, which evaluated the effect of 24‐week ipragliflozin treatment on endothelial dysfunction in patients with T2DM and CKD. We evaluated the changes in erythropoietic and estimated fluid volume parameters from baseline to 24 weeks post‐treatment in 53 patients who received ipragliflozin (ipragliflozin group) and 55 patients with T2DM and CKD without sodium‐glucose co‐transporter 2 inhibitors (control group), a full analysis set of the PROCEED trial.

Results

The increases in haemoglobin [estimated group difference, 0.5 g/dl; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.3‐0.8; p < .001], haematocrit (estimated group difference, 2.2%; 95% CI, 1.3‐3.1; p < .001) and erythropoietin (estimated log‐transformed group difference, 0.1; 95% CI, 0.01‐0.3; p = .036) were significantly greater in the ipragliflozin group than those in the control group. Ipragliflozin treatment was significantly associated with an increase in erythropoietin, independent of the corresponding change in haemoglobin (β = 0.253, p < .001) or haematocrit (β = 0.278, p < .001). Reductions in estimated plasma volume (estimated group difference, −7.94%; 95% CI, −11.6 to −4.26%; p < .001) and estimated extracellular volume (estimated group difference, −181.6 ml; 95% CI, −275.7 to −87.48 ml; p < .001) were significantly greater in the ipragliflozin group than those in the control group.

Conclusions

Erythropoiesis was enhanced and estimated fluid volumes were reduced by ipragliflozin in patients with T2DM and CKD.

Clinical trial

PROCEED trial (registration number: jRCTs071190054).
Contrasting drivers of aboveground woody biomass and aboveground woody productivity in lowland forests of Colombia
Authors: Castaño Nicolas , Peña Miguel A. , González‐Caro Sebastián , María Aldana Ana , Fernanda Casas Luisa , Correa‐Gómez Diego F. , González‐Abella Juan S. , Pelaez Natalia , Stevenson Pablo , Sua Sonia , Zuleta Daniel , Duque Álvaro
Published: February 2024

The relative importance of abiotic and biotic factors in shaping forest biomass stocks and fluxes remains a controversial issue. Here, using data gathered from 39 1 ha plots located in flooded and terra firme mature tropical lowland forests of the Amazon and Orinoquia regions of Colombia, we evaluated the importance of climate, soil fertility, and flooding, as well as tree taxonomic/phylogenetic diversity and forest structural properties, in determining the aboveground biomass stocks (AGB; Mg ha−1) and aboveground woody productivity (AWP; Mg ha−1 year−1). Using information‐theoretic multimodel inference and variance partitioning we found that forest structural features such as the number of trees with diameter at breast height ≥ 70 cm, and wood density, are the main drivers of variation in AGB. However, taxonomic diversity also contributes to AGB because it is associated with more large trees in these forests. In contrast, the key drivers of AWP in these forests were soil P and Mg concentrations, with no significant effects of diversity indices. These findings emphasize the need to include major soil cations other than N and P (e.g. Mg) in experimental studies to improve our understanding about the extent to which soil fertility can modulate increases in forest AWP due to climate change. Terra firme forests had higher AGB stocks than flooded forests, but both had similar AWP; and we found similar results for the drivers of AGB and AWP between flooded and terra firme forests. Our results provide limited evidence for strong effects of plant diversity on AGB or AWP. Therefore, we call for caution on generalizations of nature‐based initiatives aiming to preserve diversity based on maximizing carbon stocks and productivity, due to the complex nature of the processes controlling carbon accumulation and carbon fluxes in tropical forests.
Development and validation of a prospective questionnaire for assessing oily sensitive skin
Authors: Zhang Jiaqi , Zhou Yi , Zhou Fangni , Li Xiang , Lu Ying , Wu Fan , Han Yuqing , Liu Qi , Chang Sisi , Zhu Wenjing , Li Bing , Pan Yao
Published: February 2024

Background

Skin type has a strong influence on how sensitive skin develops, with oily skin accounting for a larger proportion of sensitive skin. However, there has not been a scientifically sound questionnaire for determining oily sensitive (OS)‐type skin in prior studies.

Objectives

In order to identify OS‐type skin in the general population, we therefore intend to create an OS‐type skin evaluation questionnaire, develop various thresholds through data analysis and classify skin based on two dimensions of sensitivity and oiliness.

Methods

A questionnaire with questions regarding subjects' basic information, skin oiliness and skin sensitivity was given to each individual who participated in the study (n = 1297). To define the thresholds for OS‐type skin, receiver‐operating characteristic (ROC) curves were generated. The results of the lactic acid stinging test (LAST) and noninvasive instrument information obtained were compared with the thresholds mentioned above to verify the effectiveness of this tool.

Results

According to the ROC curves, questionnaire cut‐off values of 11.5, 20.5 and 29.5 can be used to detect mildly, moderately and severely sensitive skin, respectively. In addition, the questionnaire cut‐off values of 22.5 and 31.5 can be used to detect moderately and severely oily skin, respectively. According to our study, the four sensitive‐skin groups' LAST scores differed significantly from one another, while the skin sebum levels differed significantly between the three oily groups. Additionally, the EI and LAST scores were significantly correlated with skin sensitivity levels, whereas sebum, moisture and EI were positively correlated with skin oiliness levels.

Conclusions

We developed an OS‐type skin evaluation questionnaire that has been tested and shown scientifically to be a promising method for evaluating OS‐type skin and to completely examine the traits of sensitive and oily skin.
Evaluation of diabetic foot care knowledge, determinants of self‐care practices and the efficacy of health education
Authors: Xu Xiaomei , Zheng Sensen , Cao Zhenhao , Jiang Housen , Shi Lin , Wang Zhenjie , Xu Hui
Published: February 2024

To evaluate the risk factors connected with diabetic foot care and investigate the impact of health education on promoting proper diabetic foot care practices. An explanatory and mixed‐method study was performed. We administered a structured pretest questionnaire to patients diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes who frequented our health examination center and community health clinics. The survey encompassed patient demographics, basic knowledge concerning diabetic foot care, and self‐care practices pertaining to diabetic foot care. Concurrent assessments and scoring were carried out. Following the survey, patients underwent health education sessions focusing on foot self‐care behaviours. Their progress was reevaluated after 2 weeks to gauge its effectiveness. We identified educational attainment, diabetes duration, regular follow‐up, and blood sugar control as critical factors influencing knowledge about foot care and self‐care practices related to it. Pearson correlation analysis demonstrated a positive relationship between scores for diabetic foot care knowledge and scores for self‐care behaviours (r = 0.32, p < 0.001). Health education led to a significant improvement in the self‐care behaviours of diabetic patients. A variety of factors affect the occurrence of diabetic foot complications and the self‐care behaviours associated with diabetic foot care. Health education proves to be an effective means of enhancing diabetic foot care behaviours.
Is the risk of wound complications after total hip arthroplasty with suture closing the skin lower than closing the skin with staples?
Authors: Xiong Xianghua , Wu Ning , Wang Wei , Luo Xiaohai , Deng Yong , Ma Xiaolin , Yang Xiao , Wang Zhaofu , Ma Feng
Published: February 2024

This is a study assessing the effectiveness of staples versus sutures for closing incisions after total hip arthroplasty (THA). We searched all relevant literature up to July 2023, and after reading through the full text, we finally included 5 for analysis, with a total of 1084 cases who underwent total hip arthroplasty, of which 548 were closed with staples and 536 with sutures, and evaluated the risk of bias with the Cochrane Risk of Bias Assessment Tool, using the ratio of ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) to compare the effectiveness of staples and sutures in wound closure in total hip arthroplasty. The study found that the suture group was superior to the staple group in terms of superficial infection and incisional exudate; superficial infection (OR = 3.04, 95% CI: 1.14–8.07; p = 0.03, I2 = 0%), incisional exudate (OR = 3.22, 95% CI: 1.84–5.65; p < 0.001, I2 = 0%) and suture staples were superior to suture group in terms of closure time (WMD = −231.8 95% CI: −429.55 to −34.05; p = 0.02, I2 = 100%). There was no remarkable distinction between the two groups in terms of deep infection, postoperative hospital, HWES score and patient's satisfaction, deep infection (OR = 1.24, 95% CI: 0.35–4.35; p = 0.74, I2 = 0%), postoperative hospital (WMD = 2.50 95% CI: −2.25 to 7.25; p = 0.30, I2 = 100%), HWES score (WMD = −0.38 95% CI: −0.52 to −0.24; p < 0.01, I2 = 72%) and patient's satisfaction (WMD = −0.23 95% CI: −1.43 to 0.96; p = 0.70, I2 = 94%); however, due to the small sample sizes of several studies included in this study, caution must be exercised when addressing their value.
Evaluating the effectiveness of proactive perioperative nursing strategies on the prevention of surgical site infections and the enhancement of skin healing in paediatric abdominal surgery
Authors: Yao Xiufeng , Xi Hongwei , Duan Wenqiang
Published: February 2024

The present study aimed to investigate the comparative efficacy of proactive perioperative nursing interventions versus conventional perioperative nursing care in improving wound healing, reducing the incidence of surgical site infections (SSIs) and enhancing patient satisfaction among paediatric patients undergoing elective open abdominal surgery. A total of 100 paediatric patients were enrolled in a randomised controlled trial at our hospital between January 2021 and December 2022. Inclusion criteria were patients aged <18 years who met the requirements for surgical intervention and had no contraindications to surgery or anaesthesia. Patients were randomly assigned to either an observation group receiving proactive perioperative nursing care, or a control group subjected to conventional care. Primary outcome measures included surgical incision healing grades (A, B, C), infection rates confirmed by bacterial culture within 30 days post‐surgery, patient satisfaction scores and length of hospital stay. Comprehensive statistical analyses were performed using IBM's SPSS software (version 27.0). Both groups demonstrated statistically similar baseline demographics and surgical parameters. However, the observation group showed significant improvement in wound healing outcomes (Grade A) and decreased incidence of complications (Grade C) and infections compared to the control group (P < 0.05). Patient satisfaction was significantly higher in the observation group, with 80% of patients reporting satisfaction as opposed to 20% in the control group (p < 0.05). The distribution of pathogenic bacteria in SSIs predominantly included Escherichia coli (E. coli), Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterococcus spp., Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Proactive perioperative nursing interventions demonstrate considerable benefits in improving wound healing, reducing surgical site infection rates and enhancing patient satisfaction in elective open abdominal surgery settings. However, these results require validation through large‐scale trials.
Effects of Rock Covering on Underlying Engineered Media in Bioretention Practices in Middle Tennessee, USA
Authors: Curry Blue , Ludwig Andrea , Essington Michael
Published: February 2024

Bioretention practices have become a common way to protect natural waterways in urban and suburban landscapes across the United States. However, optimal design, implementation, operation, and maintenance are still in need of study. A field survey of 52 bioretention practices was conducted in Davidson County, Tennessee, to address research questions related to operation and maintenance. A suite of site conditions were documented, such as size, signs of erosion, and dominant surface cover. Samples were collected from the surface of the engineered media layer and analyzed for organic matter content and bulk density. Vegetation was described in terms of dominant species and canopy cover. On average, the organic matter content of media under plant‐based mulch cover was significantly greater than that under rock cover (p = 0.002). Bulk density of the surface media is strongly and inversely correlated to organic matter content; bulk density did not generally vary with bioretention area age and was highly variable within treatments. On average, the bulk density of the media under the plant‐based mulch cover was significantly less than that under the rock cover. Media under the composite treatments had similar bulk density to both the plant‐based mulch (p = 0.233) and the rock covers (p = 0.132). Plant canopy did not surpass 70% in practices with bulk density values above 1.55 g/cm3. These results suggest that consideration should be made regarding the tradeoffs between utilizing rock coverings and potential for plant establishment impacts.
Evaluation of maternal serum thiol and ischemia‐modified albumin levels in cases of placenta previa: A case–control study in a tertiary center
Authors: Denizli Ramazan , Tanacan Atakan , Bastemur Ayşe Gülçin , Sakcak Bedri , Farisogullari Nihat , Kara Özgür , Kutman Hayriye Gözde Kanmaz , Neselioglu Salim , Erel Özcan , Sahin Dilek
Published: February 2024

Aim

We aim to compare the maternal serum thiol and ischemia‐modified albumin (IMA) levels between pregnant women with placenta previa and those with uncomplicated pregnancies and to determine whether changes in these levels were useful in predicting cases of abnormally invasive placenta (AIP).

Methods

Fifty‐five pregnant women diagnosed with placenta previa according to the diagnostic criteria (case group) were compared to 100 women with uncomplicated pregnancies of similar demographic characteristics (control group). The patients with placenta previa were further divided into two subgroups: AIP (n = 20) and placenta previa without invasion (n = 35). The maternal serum native thiol, total thiol, disulfide, and IMA levels of the groups were evaluated.

Results

The native thiol, total thiol, and IMA values were significantly lower in the case group than in the control group (p < 0.001). The disulfide values were similar between the study and control groups (p = 0.488). When the AIP and placenta previa without invasion groups were compared, the levels of native thiol, total thiol, disulfide, and IMA were similar (p > 0.05).

Conclusions

Maternal serum thiol and IMA levels were lower in placenta previa cases compared to the control group. However, these parameters were not useful in predicting AIP cases.