bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Structural Change, Elite Capitalism, and the Emergence of Labour Emancipation
Authors: Ashraf Quamrul H , Cinnirella Francesco , Galor Oded , Gershman Boris , Hornung Erik
Published: April 2024

This study argues that the decline of coercive labour institutions over the course of industrialization was partly driven by complementarity between physical capital and effective labour in manufacturing. Given the difficulty of extracting labour effort in care-intensive industrial tasks through monitoring and punishment, capital-owning elites ultimately chose to emancipate workers to induce their supply of effective labour and, thus, boost the return to physical capital. This hypothesis is empirically examined in the context of serf emancipation in nineteenth-century Prussia. Exploiting variation in proto-industrialization across Prussian counties, the analysis finds that, consistent with the proposed hypothesis, the initial abundance of elite-owned physical capital is associated with a higher pace of serf emancipation and lower redemption payments to manorial lords.
Talent, Geography, and Offshore R&D
Authors: Fan Jingting
Published: April 2024

I model and quantify the impact of a new dimension of globalization: offshore R&D. In the model, firms employ researchers across the globe to develop new product blueprints and then engage in offshore production and exporting. Frictions impeding trade and the separation of production from R&D lead to a “market-access” motive for offshore R&D, while cross-country differences in the distributions of firm knowhow and worker ability generate a “talent-acquisition” motive. I discipline the model using empirical facts derived from a new firm-level dataset. Counterfactual experiments show that the two motives can account for a significant portion of the observed offshore R&D. Incorporating offshore R&D amplifies the gains from globalization by a factor of 1.3 and generates new implications for the impacts of traditional forms of global integration, namely trade and multinational production.
Burlap and buddies: the effects of social enrichment (preweaning mixing) and object enrichment (burlap) on piglet behavior and welfare in the postweaning environment
Authors: Scott Ashlyn , Le Heiget Arielle , Stefanson Reyna , Ahloy-Dallaire Jamie , King Meagan
Published: April 2024

The process of weaning piglets in commercial swine operations subjects them to numerous abrupt and stressful changes often resulting in negative welfare consequences. The objective was to study the postweaning effects of early-life (1 to 3 d of age) preweaning socialization in multi-litter groups as well as object enrichment (burlap sheet) in the pre- and postweaning environment by comparing six treatments that combined mixing of one vs. two vs. four litters mixed preweaning with and without burlap provision. An ANOVA linear model was run on all normal data, expressed per experimental unit (and behavior data were averaged over time), while non-normal data were analyzed using the Kruskal–Wallis test. Non-enriched groups of piglets were observed manipulating pen objects more often than the enriched groups (P = 0.005). Biting behaviors, including the chewing of ears and tails of pen-mates but excluding fighting, were observed the least in groups of pigs of four litters mixed preweaning, while piglets that were not mixed preweaning were observed biting the most (P = 0.03). Piglets who were not mixed preweaning also manipulated the burlap more frequently than the piglets from groups of 4 litters mixed preweaning (P = 0.02). Biting (P < 0.001) and displacements (P = 0.03) and fighting (P = 0.002) throughout the pen were observed less in the enriched groups. There were fewer lesions per pig in the enriched groups vs. non-enriched groups initially (P = 0.07) and 1 wk after weaning (P = 0.10). Furthermore, pigs mixed in groups of four litters preweaning also tended to have lower lesion scores (P = 0.07) 1-wk postweaning compared to the other treatments. However, there were no differences between treatments in the proportion of piglets resting, eating/drinking, being active, or using the burlap, or for the observed frequency of displacements at the feeder, social behaviors, or belly nosing (P > 0.10). Overall, social enrichment encourages socialization with unfamiliar conspecifics at a younger age while object enrichment allows pigs to redirect their attention toward objects such as burlap. Both may improve pig behavior and welfare after weaning.
Cancer‐associated point mutations within the extracellular domain of PTPRD affect protein stability and HSPG interaction
Authors: Matsui Yu , Imai Ayako , Izumi Hironori , Yasumura Misato , Makino Teruhiko , Shimizu Tadamichi , Sato Makoto , Mori Hisashi , Yoshida Tomoyuki
Published: April 2024

PTPRD, a well‐established tumor suppressor gene, encodes the protein tyrosine phosphatase‐type D. This protein consists of three immunoglobulin‐like (Ig) domains, four to eight fibronectin type 3 (FN) domains, a single transmembrane segment, and two cytoplasmic tandem tyrosine phosphatase domains. PTPRD is known to harbor various cancer‐associated point mutations. While it is assumed that PTPRD regulates cellular functions as a tumor suppressor through the tyrosine phosphatase activity in the intracellular region, the function of its extracellular domain (ECD) in cancer is not well understood. In this study, we systematically examined the impact of 92 cancer‐associated point mutations within the ECD. We found that 69.6% (64 out of 92) of these mutations suppressed total protein expression and/or plasma membrane localization. Notably, almost all mutations (20 out of 21) within the region between the last FN domain and transmembrane segment affected protein expression and/or localization, highlighting the importance of this region for protein stability. We further found that some mutations within the Ig domains adjacent to the glycosaminoglycan‐binding pocket enhanced PTPRD's binding ability to heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs). This interaction is proposed to suppress phosphatase activity. Our findings therefore suggest that HSPG‐mediated attenuation of phosphatase activity may be involved in tumorigenic processes through PTPRD dysregulation.
A rigorous mathematical theory for topological phases and edge modes in spring-mass mechanical systems
Authors: Ozdemir Ridvan , Lin Junshan
Published: April 2024

In this work, we examine the topological phases of the spring-mass lattices when the spatial inversion symmetry of the system is broken and prove the existence of edge modes when two lattices with different topological phases are glued together. In particular, for the one-dimensional lattice consisting of an infinite array of masses connected by springs, we show that the Zak phase of the lattice is quantized, only taking the value 0 or

π

. We also prove the existence of an edge mode when two semi-infinite lattices with distinct Zak phases are connected. For the two-dimensional honeycomb lattice, we characterize the valley Chern numbers of the lattice when the masses on the lattice vertices are uneven. The existence of edge modes is proved for a joint honeycomb lattice formed by gluing two semi-infinite lattices with opposite valley Chern numbers together.
Chemical species recognition in an adaptive radiation of Hawaiian
Tetragnatha
spiders (Araneae: Tetragnathidae)
Authors: Adams Seira A. , Gurajapu Anjali , Qiang Albert , Gerbaulet Moritz , Schulz Stefan , Tsutsui Neil D. , Ramirez Santiago R. , Gillespie Rosemary G.
Published: April 2024

Studies of adaptive radiations have played a central role in our understanding of reproductive isolation. Yet the focus has been on human-biased visual and auditory signals, leaving gaps in our knowledge of other modalities. To date, studies on chemical signals in adaptive radiations have focused on systems with multimodal signalling, making it difficult to isolate the role chemicals play in reproductive isolation. In this study we examine the use of chemical signals in the species recognition and adaptive radiation of Hawaiian
Tetragnatha
spiders by focusing on entire communities of co-occurring species, and conducting behavioural assays in conjunction with chemical analysis of their silks using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Male spiders significantly preferred the silk extracts of conspecific mates over those of sympatric heterospecifics. The compounds found in the silk extracts, long chain alkyl methyl ethers, were remarkably species-specific in the combination and quantity. The differences in the profile were greatest between co-occurring species and between closely related sibling species. Lastly, there were significant differences in the chemical profile between two populations of a particular species. These findings provide key insights into the role chemical signals play in the attainment and maintenance of reproductive barriers between closely related co-occurring species.
Parallel evolution despite low genetic diversity in three-spined sticklebacks
Authors: Coll-Costa Carla , Dahms Carolin , Kemppainen Petri , Alexandre Carlos M. , Ribeiro Filipe , Zanella Davor , Zanella Linda , Merilä Juha , Momigliano Paolo
Published: April 2024

When populations repeatedly adapt to similar environments they can evolve similar phenotypes based on shared genetic mechanisms (parallel evolution). The likelihood of parallel evolution is affected by demographic history, as it depends on the standing genetic variation of the source population. The three-spined stickleback (
Gasterosteus aculeatus
) repeatedly colonized and adapted to brackish and freshwater. Most parallel evolution studies in
G. aculeatus
were conducted at high latitudes, where freshwater populations maintain connectivity to the source marine populations. Here, we analysed southern and northern European marine and freshwater populations to test two hypotheses. First, that southern European freshwater populations (which currently lack connection to marine populations) lost genetic diversity due to bottlenecks and inbreeding compared to their northern counterparts. Second, that the degree of genetic parallelism is higher among northern than southern European freshwater populations, as the latter have been subjected to strong drift due to isolation. The results show that southern populations exhibit lower genetic diversity but a higher degree of genetic parallelism than northern populations. Hence, they confirm the hypothesis that southern populations have lost genetic diversity, but this loss probably happened after they had already adapted to freshwater conditions, explaining the high degree of genetic parallelism in the south.
Evaluation of a new CT/NG/TV/MG Real-Time PCR Kit (Vircell) versus the Allplex STI Essential Assay (Seegene) for the diagnosis of sexually transmitted infections
Authors: Aguilera-Franco María , Tarriño-León María , Olivares-Durán MJ , Espadafor Beatriz , Rodríguez-Granger Javier , Reguera Juan Antonio , Cobo Fernando , Sampedro Antonio , Navarro José María
Published: April 2024

Sexually transmitted infections (STI) are a public health problem. Real-time PCR assays are the most sensitive test for screening and diagnosis of these infections. The aim of this study was to evaluate a new CT/NG/TV/MG Real-Time PCR (RT-PCR) kit (Vircell) for the detection of Chamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Mycoplasma genitalium and Trichomonas vaginalis for the diagnosis of sexual transmitted infections using the Allplex STI Essential Assay (Seegene) as the reference’s method. A total of 497 samples from different anatomical sites (endocervical, urethral, rectal, pharyngeal and urine) were analysed from October 2022 to February 2023. A total of 108 (21.73 %) and 106 (21.33 %) positive samples were found for any of the assays used. The most commonly detected pathogen was N. gonorrhoeae (52 samples; 10.46 %), and the least commonly detected was T. vaginalis (three samples; 0.60 %). The anatomical site with the highest prevalence of micro-organisms was a non-urogenital site, the pharynx (26 positive samples; 5.23 %). Using the Allplex STI Essential Assay (Seegene) as the reference method, the diagnosis performance showed that the average specificity of CT/NG/TV/MG RT-PCR Kit (Vircell) was 99.84 % and the sensitivity was 99.53 %. The overall concordance was k=0.98 (CI95 %; 0.96–1). In conclusion, the CT/NG/TV/MG RT-PCR Kit (Vircell) assay shows a good sensitivity and specificity and constitutes a promising and additional alternative to routine procedures for distinct types of clinical specimen in diagnosis STI.
Dynamically Enhancing Qubit-Photon Interactions with Antisqueezing
Authors: Villiers M. , Smith W.C. , Petrescu A. , Borgognoni A. , Delbecq M. , Sarlette A. , Mirrahimi M. , Campagne-Ibarcq P. , Kontos T. , Leghtas Z.
Published: April 2024

The interaction strength of an oscillator to a qubit grows with the oscillator’s vacuum field fluctuations. The well-known degenerate parametric oscillator has revived interest in the regime of strongly detuned squeezing, where its eigenstates are squeezed Fock states. Owing to the amplified field fluctuations in the antisqueezed quadrature, it was recently proposed that squeezing this oscillator would dynamically boost qubit-photon interactions. In a superconducting circuit experiment, we observe a twofold increase in the dispersive interaction between a qubit and an oscillator at 5.5 dB of squeezing, demonstrating dynamical control of qubit-photon interactions. This work initiates the experimental coupling of oscillators of squeezed photons to qubits, and cautiously motivates their dissemination in experimental platforms seeking enhanced interactions.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
The influence of employees’ work-related use of social media on their service innovation behavior: the SOR paradigm
Authors: Olfat Mohammad
Published: April 2024

Purpose

The primary objective of this investigation was to explore how employees’ utilization of social media for work-related purposes impacts their service innovation behavior, both directly and through the intermediary mechanisms of knowledge management and employees’ risk-taking.

Design/methodology/approach

In developing its conceptual framework, this study has drawn upon the stimulus-organism-response (SOR) theory. To test its hypotheses, this study has surveyed 241 financial analysts from ten Iranian financial companies and has employed variance-based structural equation modeling (specifically, PLS-SEM) with the assistance of “WarpPLS 8.0 software.”

Findings

The findings revealed that employees’ work-related use of social media positively influences their service innovation behavior using knowledge management, encompassing knowledge sharing and acquisition capability as well as employee risk-taking. However, this influence is not directly significant.

Originality/value

To the best of our knowledge, this study marks the first instance in which the effect of work-related use of social media on employee service innovation behavior directly and through the mediating roles of knowledge management and risk-taking has been investigated through the lens of the SOR paradigm, especially in the financial sector.
The effect of malnutrition on students' academic performance: Roy’s model application
Authors: Kawafha Mariam , Al Maghaireh Duaa , Shawish Najah , Abu Kamel Andaleeb , Al Kofahi Abedelkader , Sheyab Heidar , Alsaqer Khitam
Published: April 2024

Purpose

This study aims to enhance understanding of malnutrition's effect on academic achievement of primary school students.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a descriptive, cross-sectional design built on Roy's adaptation model (RAM). This study uses a random cluster sample, consisting of 453 primary school students. Contextual stimuli (mother's educational level, income and child’s breakfast eating) and focal stimuli (wasting, thinness, body mass index and stunting) were examined regarding adaptive responses to student’s academic achievement.

Findings

The investigation revealed that Model 1, which took into account factors of age, gender, the frequency of breakfast, income, the number of family members and the education of mothers, explained 12% (R2 = 0.12) of the variance in academic achievement. Stuntedness (β = −3.2 and p < 0.01), BMI (β = 0.94 and p < 0.001), family income per month (β = 5.60 and p < 0.001) and mother's education (β = 2.79 and p < 0.001) were the significant predictors in Model 2.

Practical implications

This study provides evidence that malnutrition is associated with ineffective academic achievement. Moreover, variables such as the mother's level of education, family income and the child’s breakfast consumption have a significant impact on academic achievements.

Originality/value

RAM is a useful framework for determining factors affecting people's reactions to difficult circumstances.
A networking-economic model to enhance the cultural value in small towns
Authors: Tajani Francesco , Sica Francesco , De Paola Pierfrancesco , Morano Pierluigi
Published: April 2024

Purpose

The paper aims to provide a decision-support model to ensure a proper use of the limited resources, financial and not, for the enhancement of the cultural heritage and comprehensive development of small towns from sustainable perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

The assessment model is set up using a multi-criteria method that combines elements of linear planning with a performance indicators system that may represent the complexity of the territory’s cultural identity as a result of existing cultural-historical assets.

Findings

The model reliability is tested in a case study in a Municipality in southern Italy. The case study’s findings highlight the advantages for the public/private operators, who can consciously choose which preservation and restoration projects to fund while taking into account the effects those decisions will have on the economic, social and environmental context of reference.

Research limitations/implications

Due to the suggested operational approach and the selection of variables for accounting economic, social and environmental impacts by the renewal project, the research findings may not be generalizable. Therefore, it is recommended that researchers look into the suggested theories in more detail.

Practical implications

The study offers implications for designing a user-friendly tool to help decision-making processes from a private–public viewpoint in a reasonable allocation of financial resources among investments for cultural property asset enhancement.

Originality/value

The suggested operational approach provides a reliable information apparatus to depict the decision-making process under small-town development in accordance with sustainability dimensions.
Effect of pressing time on sensory attributes of fresh goat cheese: Correlation with emotions and memories evoked in consumers
Authors: Ramírez‐Rivera Emmanuel de Jesús , Ramón‐Canul Lorena Guadalupe , Castillo‐Martínez Susana Isabel , Rodríguez‐Miranda Jesús , Herman‐Lara Erasmo , Prinyawiwatkul Witoon , Can‐Herrera Luis Alfonso , Sánchez‐Arellano Lucía , Cabal‐Prieto Adán , Herrera‐Corredor José Andrés
Published: April 2024

The study determined the impact of pressing time (12, 18 and 24 h) of fresh goat cheese on sensory attributes and their correlation with consumers' cognitive aspects (emotions and memories). Consumers (n = 100) performed the check‐all‐that‐apply technique to identify sensory attributes, emotions and memories. Pressing for 12 and 24 h evoked eight positive emotions and nine positive memories that were correlated (r > 0.95) with sensory attributes, particularly (milk‐aroma, butter‐flavour, milk‐flavour and milk skin‐flavour). However, pressing for 18 h evoked negative emotions and negative memories. Information from this study may be useful for the development of acceptable fresh goat cheese products.
The war in Ukraine, the Global South and the evolving global order
Authors: Brosig Malte , Verma Raj
Published: April 2024

This special section explores how nine key countries from the Global South have responded to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. As the Western attempt to build a global anti‐Russia coalition has largely failed, the focus on countries from the Global South becomes more important but remains under‐researched in the discipline. This introductory article offers the conceptual framework for the following empirical contributions. Based on the rational and constructivist school of thinking, we develop four guiding assumptions. Accordingly, we assume that foreign policy positioning to the war relates to the varied consequences of the conflict, can be related to strategic opportunism, displays pragmatic indifference or is value‐driven. Contributions to this special section offer a detailed empirical analysis according to these four conceptual categories.
Broad evidence of xylazine in the UK illicit drug market beyond heroin supplies: Triangulating from toxicology, drug‐testing and law enforcement
Authors: Copeland Caroline S. , Rice Kathleen , Rock Kirsten L. , Hudson Simon , Streete Peter , Lawson Alexander J. , Couchman Lewis , Holland Adam , Morley Stephen
Published: April 2024

Background and aims

Xylazine is a non‐opioid sedative which has spread rapidly throughout the US illicit drug supply. This study aimed to describe the spread of xylazine throughout the UK illicit drug supply.

Methods

Xylazine detections in human biological samples were collated from toxicology laboratories operating in the United Kingdom with the date, location, case type, xylazine concentration and co‐detected drugs (with quantifications where performed) detailed, where permitted, by the corresponding coroner. Drug‐testing cases positive for xylazine were collated from the Welsh Emerging Drugs and Identification of Novel Substances (WEDINOS) drug‐testing postal service with the date, location, purchase intent and co‐detected drugs detailed. Drug seizures made by UK law enforcement were communicated by the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities with the date and location detailed.

Results

By the end of August 2023, xylazine was detected in 35 cases from throughout toxicology, drug‐testing and drug seizure sources covering England, Scotland and Wales. There were no cases reported from Northern Ireland. Xylazine was detected in biological samples from 16 people. In most cases where full toxicology results were provided, xylazine was detected with heroin and/or a strong opioid (n = nine of 11), but this polydrug use pattern was not evident in all cases (n = two of 11), suggesting a wider circulation of xylazine in the UK illicit drug market beyond heroin supplies. Evidence from WEDINOS supports this claim, as all 14 drug samples (100%) submitted from across the UK contained xylazine; however, in none of these cases was heroin the purchase intent but rather counterfeit prescription medication tablets (n = 11 of 14), tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) vapes (n = two of 14) or white powder (n = one of 14). Additional evidence for the spread of illicit xylazine comes from five drug seizures made by law enforcement.

Conclusions

Xylazine has penetrated the UK illicit drug market and is not limited to heroin supplies.
An examination of cannabis use motives among couples with intimate partner violence and alcohol use disorder
Authors: Forkus Shannon R. , Giff Sarah T. , Tomko Rachel , Gex Kathryn , Flanagan Julianne C.
Published: April 2024

Background and Objectives

Cannabis use is highly prevalent among individuals with a history of intimate partner violence (IPV) and among people who drink alcohol. Motives for cannabis use are important correlates of consumption and problem severity. However, no research has examined cannabis use motives among couples with IPV. The goals of the study were to examine (1) the associations between a person and their partner's cannabis use motives; and (2) examine the extent to which each partners' cannabis use motives are related to their own and their partner's cannabis consumption.

Methods

Participants were 100 couples (n = 92 different‐sex couples, n = 8 same‐sex couples) who reported physical IPV in their current relationship.

Results

Certain cannabis motives (coping and conformity) and behaviors (cannabis use frequency, quantity and drug‐related problems) were positively associated between intimate partners. One's own higher coping motives were associated with greater frequency of cannabis consumption; higher conformity motives were associated with less quantity of consumption; higher social motives were associated with greater quantity of cannabis consumption; and one's partner's social motives were associated with less quantity of cannabis consumption.

Discussion and Conclusions

Findings suggest that couples report similar motives for cannabis use, and that one's own and their partner's motives may differentially influence frequency and quantity of use.

Scientific Significance

This study provides novel information on congruency between cannabis use motives and behaviors between intimate partners, as well as how both an individual and their partner's motives for use can influence an individual's cannabis use behaviors.
Fire has contrasting effects on the survival, growth, and reproduction of Cerrado grasses with differing regenerative strategies
Authors: Fontenele Hudson G. V. , Miranda Heloisa S.
Published: April 2024

Background

Cerrado grasses are closely linked to fire, but the mechanisms underlying their responses are poorly understood. Fire affects populations by altering vital rates, and different regenerative strategies likely influence responses as resprouting ability trades off with seeding investment. Specialist grasses mostly occupy old‐growth habitats and rely almost entirely on vegetative regeneration, suggesting potentially higher fire tolerance than habitat generalists that can colonize anthropized and degraded habitats due to high seeding investment. Thus, we explored the effect of fire on one specialist (Trachypogon spicatus) and two generalist (Aristida riparia and Schizachyrium microstachyum) tussock grasses.

Location

Frequently burned grassland in Central Brazil.

Methods

We monitored the vital rates of 150 individuals/species in burned (prescribed late‐dry‐season fire) and unburned plots. Survival, resprouting, and reproduction were assessed monthly for six months post‐fire and then again 16 months after fire. Tussocks were measured for size (area of the base) and vegetative height for changes in structure. We collected seed mass, seed fill, and germination rates from the literature.

Results

Fire negatively affected the generalist grasses, increasing mortality (+12%), decreasing size (50%), and inhibiting flowering and inflorescence production. The specialist benefited from burns, showing high survival (97%), recovery of pre‐fire structure, and stimulated reproduction. Generalist species had a high investment in seeds (seed fill > 60%; germination > 50%), while the specialist produced empty seeds (88%) with low germination (3%). Size was not related to the probability of survival but significantly increased the reproductive output.

Conclusions

Results suggest that the specialist Trachypogon spicatus could persist under very frequent fires (e.g., annual), given its robust fire tolerance and post‐fire recovery. Where this species is a restoration priority, it would likely benefit from techniques that promote vegetative regeneration rather than direct seeding. Contrarily, generalist grasses are less resilient to fires and require longer fire intervals to allow population persistence.
LncRNA XIST modulates miR‐328‐3p ectopic expression in lung injury induced by tobacco‐specific lung carcinogen NNK both in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Li Bingxin , Li Xuezheng , Jiang Zhe , Zhou Di , Feng Yuan , Chen Gang , Li Ning
Published: April 2024

Background and Purpose

It is well acknowledged that tobacco‐derived lung carcinogens can induce lung injury and even lung cancer through a complex mechanism. MicroRNAs (MiRNAs) are differentially expressed in tobacco‐derived carcinogen nicotine‐derived nitrosamine ketone (NNK)‐treated A/J mice.

Experimental Approach

RNA sequencing was used to detect the level of long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs). Murine and human lung normal and cancer cells were used to evaluate the function of lncRNA XIST and miR‐328‐3p in vitro, and NNK‐treated A/J mice were used to test their function in vivo. In vivo levels of miR‐328‐3p and lncRNA XIST were analysed, using in situ hybridization. miR‐328‐3p agomir and lncRNA XIST‐specific siRNA were used to manipulate in vivo levels of miR‐328‐3p and lncRNA XIST in A/J mice.

Key Results

LncRNA XIST was up‐regulated in NNK‐induced lung injury and dominated the NNK‐induced ectopic miRNA expression in NNK‐induced lung injury both in vitro and in vivo. Either lncRNA XIST silencing or miR‐328‐3p overexpression exerted opposing effects in lung normal and cancer cells regarding cell migration. LncRNA XIST down‐regulated miR‐328‐3p levels as a miRNA sponge, and miR‐328‐3p targeted the 3′‐UTR of FZD7 mRNA, which is ectopically overexpressed in lung cancer patients. Both in vivo lncRNA XIST silencing and miR‐328 overexpression could rescue NNK‐induced lung injury and aberrant overexpression of the lung cancer biomarker CK19 in NNK‐treated A/J mice.

Conclusions and Implications

Our results highlight the promotive effect of lncRNA XIST in NNK‐induced lung injury and elucidate its post‐transcriptional mechanisms, indicating that targeting lncRNA XIST/miR‐328‐3p could be a potential therapeutic strategy to prevent tobacco carcinogen‐induced lung injury in vivo.
Digital planning and bone regenerative technologies: A narrative review
Authors: Tommasato Grazia , Piano Sergio , Casentini Paolo , De Stavola Luca , Chiapasco Matteo
Published: April 2024

Objectives

The aim of this narrative review was to explore the application of digital technologies (DT) for the simplification and improvement of bone augmentation procedures in advanced implant dentistry.

Material and methods

A search on electronic databases was performed to identify systematic reviews, meta‐analyses, randomized and non‐randomized controlled trials, prospective/retrospective case series, and case reports related to the application of DT in advanced implant dentistry.

Results

Seventy‐nine articles were included. Potential fields of application of DT are the following: 1) the use of intra‐oral scanners for the definition of soft tissue profile and the residual dentition; 2) the use of dental lab CAD (computer‐aided design) software to create a digital wax‐up replicating the ideal ridge and tooth morphology; 3) the matching of STL (Standard Triangulation Language) files with DICOM (DIgital COmmunication in Medicine) files from CBCTs with a dedicated software; 4) the production of stereolithographic 3D models reproducing the jaws and the bone defects; 5) the creation of surgical templates to guide implant placement and augmentation procedures; 6) the production of customized meshes for bone regeneration; and 7) the use of static or dynamic computer‐aided implant placement.

Conclusions

Results from this narrative review seem to demonstrate that the use of a partially or fully digital workflow can be successfully used also in advanced implant dentistry. However, the number of studies (in particular RCTs) focused on the use of a fully digital workflow in advanced implant dentistry is still limited and more studies are needed to properly evaluate the potentials of DT.
Elevated circulating BMP9 aggravates pulmonary angiogenesis in hepatopulmonary syndrome rats through ALK1‐Endoglin‐Smad1/5/9 signalling
Authors: Yang Chunyong , Sun Mei , Yang Yihui , Han Yan , Wu Xiulin , Wu Xianfeng , Cao Huilin , Chen Lin , Lei Yuhao , Hu Xiaoyan , Chen Yang , Zeng Ziyang , Li Junhong , Shu Xin , Yang Zhiyong , Lu Kaizhi , Li Yujie , Wang Xiaobo , Yi Bin
Published: April 2024

Background

Bone morphogenetic protein 9 (BMP9) is a hepatokine that plays a pivotal role in the progression of liver diseases. Moreover, an increasing number of studies have shown that BMP9 is associated with hepatopulmonary syndrome (HPS), but its role in HPS is unclear. Here, we evaluated the influence of CBDL on BMP9 expression and investigated potential mechanisms of BMP9 signalling in HPS.

Methods

We profiled the circulating BMP9 levels in common bile duct ligation‐induced HPS rat model, and then investigated the effects and mechanisms of HPS rat serum on pulmonary vascular endothelial dysfunction in rat model, as well as in primarily cultured rat pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells.

Results

Our data revealed that circulating BMP9 levels were significantly increased in the HPS rats compared to control group. Besides, the elevated BMP9 in HPS rat serum was not only crucial for promoting endothelial cell proliferation and tube formation through the activin receptor‐like kinase1 (ALK1)‐Endoglin‐Smad1/5/9 pathway, but also important for accumulation of monocytes. Treatments with ALK1‐Fc or silencing ALK1 expression to inhibit the BMP9 signalling pathway effectively eliminated these effects. In agreement with these observations, increased circulating BMP9 was associated with an increase in lung vessel density and accumulation of pro‐angiogenic monocytes in the microvasculature in HPS rats.

Conclusions

This study provided evidence that elevated circulating BMP9, secreted from the liver, promote pulmonary angiogenesis in HPS rats via ALK1‐Endoglin‐Smad1/5/9 pathway. In addition, BMP9‐regulated pathways are also involved in accumulation of pro‐angiogenic monocytes in the pulmonary microvasculature in HPS rats.
Differential and Functional Response Time Item Analysis: An Application to Understanding Paper versus Digital Reading Processes
Authors: Cho Sun‐Joo , Goodwin Amanda , Naveiras Matthew , Salas Jorge
Published: April 2024

Despite the growing interest in incorporating response time data into item response models, there has been a lack of research investigating how the effect of speed on the probability of a correct response varies across different groups (e.g., experimental conditions) for various items (i.e., differential response time item analysis). Furthermore, previous research has shown a complex relationship between response time and accuracy, necessitating a functional analysis to understand the patterns that manifest from this relationship. In this study, response time data are incorporated into an item response model for two purposes: (a) to examine how individuals' speed within an experimental condition affects their response accuracy on an item, and (b) to detect the differences in individuals' speed between conditions in the presence of within‐condition effects. For these two purposes, by‐variable smooth functions are employed to model differential and functional response time effects by experimental condition for each item. This model is illustrated using an empirical data set to describe the effect of individuals' speed on their reading comprehension ability in two experimental conditions of reading medium (paper vs. digital) by item. A simulation study showed that the recovery of parameters and by‐variable smooth functions of response time was satisfactory, and that the type I error rate and power of the test for the by‐variable smooth function of response time were acceptable in conditions similar to the empirical data set. In addition, the proposed method correctly identified the range of response time where between‐condition differences in the effect of response time on the probability of a correct response were accurate.
Capsular attachment on the anterosuperior femoral head–neck junction: A hypothesis about femoroacetabular impingement
Authors: Tsutsumi Masahiro , Nimura Akimoto , Utsunomiya Hajime , Kudo Shintarou , Akita Keiichi
Published: April 2024

Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), characterized by a pathological contact between the proximal femur and acetabulum, is a common precursor of hip osteoarthritis. Cam morphology is a bony prominence that causes FAI and frequently forms on the anterosuperior femoral head–neck junction. Despite anatomical consensus regarding the femoral head–neck junction as a boundary area covered by the articular cartilage and joint capsule, it remains unclear whether the joint capsule is continuous with the anterosuperior articular cartilage. For the anatomical consideration of cam morphology formation, this study aimed to investigate the histological characteristics of the capsular attachment on the anterosuperior femoral head–neck junction, particularly focusing on the presence or absence of continuity of the joint capsule to the articular cartilage. A total of 21 anterosuperior regions (seven hips each for the 12:00, 1:30, and 3:00 positions) from seven hips (three males and four females; mean age at death, 68.7 years) were histologically analyzed in this study for quantitative evaluation of the capsular thickness using histological sections stained with Masson's trichrome, as well as qualitative evaluation of the capsular attachment. The present study showed that the joint capsule, which folded proximally to the femoral head–neck junction from the recess, exhibited a blend of the fibrous and synovial regions. Notably, it not only continued with the superficial layer of the articular cartilage, but also attached to the articular cartilage via the fibrocartilage. This continuous region was relatively fibrous with dense connective tissue running in the longitudinal direction. The capsular thickness at the recess point (mean, 1.7 ± 0.9 mm) and those at the distal end of the articular cartilage (0.35 ± 0.16 mm) were significantly greater than the control value for the most superficial layer thickness of the articular cartilage (0.019 ± 0.003 mm) (Dunnett's T3, both p‐value <0.001). Based on the fibrous continuity between the joint capsule and articular cartilage and its thickness, this study suggests the anatomical possibility that some mechanical stress can be transmitted from the joint capsule to the articular cartilage at the frequent sites of cam morphology.
Patients' experiences of cancer immunotherapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors: A systematic review and thematic synthesis
Authors: Watts Tessa , Roche Dominic , Csontos Judit
Published: April 2024

Aim

To obtain a deeper understanding of peoples' experiences of cancer treatments with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs).

Background

ICIs are transforming survival outcomes for many with certain advanced cancers. Given the possibility of unique immune‐related adverse events (irAEs), understanding treatment experiences is crucial to identify support needs and provide safe and effective person‐centred care.

Design

A systematic review of qualitative research and thematic synthesis. To report this review, the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Analysis and Meta Analysis (PRISMA) checklist and Enhancing Transparency in Reporting the Synthesis of Qualitative Research (ENTREQ) guidance have been used.

Data Sources

MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, CINAHL and Web of Science databases were searched in January 2022 for eligible studies published in English from database inception.

Review Methods

Two reviewers independently screened records, identified papers for inclusion and appraised methodological quality using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme checklist. Themes were developed using thematic synthesis.

Results

Eighteen papers were included and three analytical themes developed: immune checkpoint inhibitor treatment decision‐making; the experience and impact of immune checkpoint inhibitor treatments; and appraising and responding to irAEs.

Conclusion

The synthesis renders visible individuals' unmet information, psychological and practical support needs. It identifies shortcomings in immune checkpoint inhibitor treatment decision‐making processes and highlights the need for healthcare professionals to recognise and sensitively handle individuals' treatment expectations. Individuals' understandings of and responses to irAEs are also illustrated, and attention drawn to patients' concerns about healthcare professionals' checkpoint inhibitor and irAEs knowledge.

Implications for Patient Care

To sensitively manage treatment expectations and uncertainties, and optimise health outcomes, there are distinct points in treatment trajectories where care and support might require adapting and enhancing.

Impact

This review addresses people's experiences of immune checkpoint inhibitor treatments. The core findings reveal unmet information, psychological and practical support needs. Insights derived from this review will enhance individuals' experiences and outcomes and healthcare professionals' practice.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public involvement.
Nurses' knowledge and beliefs on pain management practices with hospitalised persons living with dementia: A qualitative descriptive study
Authors: Ingelson Beverly , Dahlke Sherry , O'Rourke Hannah , Hunter Kathleen F.
Published: April 2024

Aim

To understand nurses' knowledge, beliefs and experiences affect pain management practices in hospitalised persons living with dementia (PLWD).

Design

Naturalistic inquiry using qualitative descriptive design.

Methods

Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 12 registered nurses who worked in one acute care hospital in Southern California from October to November 2022. Data were analysed using content analysis to identify themes.

Results

Two themes were developed: improvising pain assessment, which included how pain was documented, and administration hesitancy referring to nurse's concerns about PLWD's confusion. Nurses described the challenges of assessing pain in hospitalised PLWD particularly if they were non‐verbal and/or demonstrating responsive behaviours. Nurse's years of experience, dementia stigma, and their unconscious biases affected nurses' pain management practices.

Conclusions

The study findings highlight the complex challenges of pain management in hospitalised PLWD that are exacerbated by nurses' knowledge deficits, negative stereotypical beliefs, dementia stigma and unconscious biases towards older people that contributes to undermanaged pain in hospitalised PLWD.

Implications

A comprehensive strategy using an implementation framework is needed to address nurse's knowledge gaps, unconscious bias, dementia stigma and techniques that enhance communication skills is suggested. Building a foundation in these areas would improve pain management in hospitalised PLWD.

Impact

Improving pain management in hospitalised PLWD would improve the quality of life, decrease hospital length of stay, prevent readmissions, and improve nurse satisfaction.

Reporting Method

The study adhered to the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ).

Patient Contributions

Improving pain management in hospitalised PLWD would prevent long term confusion, episodes of delirium and improve quality of life as they recover from their acute illness for which they required hospital care.
A true facultative carnivore? Effects of replacing ground chicken carcasses with soybean meal on the growth of captive broad‐snouted caiman (Caiman latirostris) and its economics implications
Authors: Hilevski Samuel , Manolis Charlie , Siroski Pablo
Published: April 2024

A specific diet for broad‐snouted caiman, Caiman latirostris has not been designed despite the value of farm‐raised caiman as an aquaculture product. To fill this gap, the objectives of this study were to evaluate the performance dietary replacement of ground chicken carcasses by of soybean meal (SM) as diet complement for C. latirostris. We conducted a 3‐month growth trial to determine effects of graded levels of dietary SM on caiman growth as measured by increase in body length, body weight gain, food consumption (FC) and food conversion rate (FCR). Forty‐eight hatchling caimans were fed with diets, composed primarily of practical feed ingredients, with 0, 25, or 40% dietary SM. Diets were fed three times per week for 90 days under temperature controlled. Body lengths and body weights were measured at 30‐day intervals, and FC samples were taken between the 31–60‐day interval. The results of this study indicate that the inclusion of SM in the diet of C. latirostris at levels of 25% increases in body length, body weight gain, FC and improve the FCR indicated that a concentration of 25% dietary SM (as fed) was adequate for growth of caimans under the conditions of this study. Results suggest that SM have a real nutritional contribution in the diet of broad‐snouted caiman and can be used as an ingredient of the diet of the crocodilians raised in captivity, reducing production costs for sustainable use and conservation programs of this species.
Parental experiences in navigating health services for paediatric residual obstructive sleep apnoea: An exploratory qualitative descriptive study
Authors: Fagundes Nathalia Carolina Fernandes , Young Rochelle , Flores‐Mir Carlos , Heo Giseon , Perez Arnaldo
Published: April 2024

Objectives

To explore parents' experiences and perceptions regarding engagement in health services for managing residual paediatric obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) across levels of care.

Methods

Qualitative description guided study design. Data were collected through semi‐structured interviews with parents of children diagnosed with residual OSA at a university‐based sleep clinic. The relevant literature informed the interview guide and was piloted before data collection. Inductive, manifest content analysis was used to describe parents' perceptions and experiences using data‐driven categories and sub‐categories. Several strategies were employed to ensure rigour in this study.

Results

Eight interviews were conducted. Parents' views were organized into five categories: awareness of the sleep issue, interaction with non‐sleep specialists, interaction with sleep specialists, interaction with dental professionals, and further actions and support. Parents reported several engagement issues due to their interactions with different care providers. These issues included having to personally identify and raise the sleep problem, feeling that care providers did not take this problem seriously, waiting for an extended period to be referred for sleep services, and receiving conflicting or insufficient treatment recommendations. Overall, parents perceived that their actions and the services received across levels of care were not effective enough to address paediatric OSA.

Conclusion

Based on this exploratory qualitative descriptive research, along with developing evidence‐based clinical guidelines for paediatric OSA screening and management tailored to different levels of care, strategies intended to improve the engagement of patients and care providers in addressing paediatric OSA should be developed and empirically tested.