bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An assessment of blockchain academia and news developments: a bibliometric and text-mining analysis
Authors: Shen Chien-Wen , Tran Phung Phi
Published: October 2023

Purpose

This study aims to provide a more complete picture of blockchain development by combining numerous methodologies with diverse data sources, such as academic papers and news articles. This study displays the developmental status of each subject based on the interrelationships of each topic cluster by analyzing high-frequency keywords extracted from the collected data. Moreover, applying above methodologies will help understanding top research topics, authors, venues, institutes and countries. The differences of blockchain research and new are identified.

Design/methodology/approach

To identify and find blockchain development linkages, researchers have used search terms such as co-occurrence, bibliographic coupling, co-citation and co-authorship to help us understand the top research topics, authors, venues, institutes and countries. This study also used text mining analysis to identify blockchain articles' primary concepts and semantic structures.

Findings

The findings show the fundamental topics based on each topic cluster's links. While “technology”, “transaction”, “privacy and security”, “environment” and “consensus” were most strongly associated with blockchain in research, “platform”, “big data and cloud”, “network”, “healthcare and business” and “authentication” were closely tied to blockchain news. This article classifies blockchain principles into five patterns: hardware and infrastructure, data, networking, applications and consensus. These statistics helped the authors comprehend the top research topics, authors, venues, publication institutes and countries.

Research limitations/implications

Since Web of Science (WoS) and LexisNexis Academic data are used, the study has few sources. Others advise merging foreign datasets. WoS is one of the world's largest and most-used databases for assessing scientific papers.

Originality/value

This study has several uses and benefits. First, key concept discoveries can help academics understand blockchain research trends so they can prioritize research initiatives. Second, bibliographic coupling links academic papers on blockchain. It helps information seekers search and classify the material. Co-citation analysis results can help researchers identify potential partners and leaders in their field. The network's key organizations or countries should be proactive in discovering, proposing and creating new relationships with other organizations or countries, especially those from the journal network's border, to make the overall network more integrated and linked. Prominent members help recruit new authors to organizations or countries and link them to the co-authorship network. This study also used concept-linking analysis to identify blockchain articles' primary concepts and semantic structures. This may lead to new authors developing research ideas or subjects in primary disciplines of inquiry.
Evaluation method of equivalent initial flaw size and fatigue life prediction of nickel-based single crystal superalloy
Authors: Wen Zhixun , Li Fei , Li Ming
Published: October 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to apply the concept of equivalent initial flaw size (EIFS) to the anisotropic nickel-based single crystal (SX) material, and to predict the fatigue life on this basis. The crack propagation law of SX material at different temperatures and the weak correlation of EIFS values verification under different loading conditions are also investigated.

Design/methodology/approach

A three-parameter time to crack initial (TTCI) method with multiple reference crack lengths under different loading conditions is established, which include the TTCI backstepping method and EIFS fitting method. Subsequently, the optimized EIFS distribution is obtained based on the random crack propagation rate and maximum likelihood estimation of median fatigue life. Then, an effective driving force based on anisotropic and mixed crack propagation mode is proposed to describe the crack propagation rate in the small crack stage. Finally, the fatigue life of three different temperature ESE(T) standard specimens is predicted based on the EIFS values under different survival rates.

Findings

The optimized EIFS distribution based on EIFS fitting - maximum likelihood estimation (MLE) method has the highest accuracy in predicting the total fatigue life, with the range of EIFS values being about [0.0028, 0.0875] (mm), and the mean value of EIFS being 0.0506 mm. The error between the predicted fatigue life based on the crack propagation rate and EIFS distribution for survival rates ranges from 5% to 95% and the experimental life is within two times dispersion band.

Originality/value

This paper systematically proposes a new anisotropic material EIFS prediction method, establishing a framework for predicting the fatigue life of SX material at different temperatures using fracture mechanics to avoid inaccurate anisotropic constitutive models and fatigue damage accumulation theory.
Creating a virtuous circle during a pandemic threat: netizens' resilience via information-induced psychological distance and social media approach
Authors: Lin Chih-An , Hsu Yu-Ming , Chen Homin
Published: October 2023

Purpose

During COVID-19 restrictions, people spent more time in cyberspace and consuming health-related information. An increase was also observed in mediated caring messages or health-relevant information sent to one another. This study aims to explore how the information and interactions around COVID-19 can provide a good learning opportunity for public health, specifically related to eHealth literacy and eHealth promotion.

Design/methodology/approach

While mainstream literature has concentrated on experimental designs and a priming effect, this study inspects psychological distance related to a health threat under real-life circumstances. The article adopted a survey approach and utilized PLS-SEM techniques to examine the proposed hypotheses.

Findings

Results indicated that whereas closer social support correlates with closer psychological distance and less usage of the social media approach, more substantial COVID-19 impacts were associated with closer psychological distance but greater use of social media. Since both closer psychological distance and social media approach contribute to eHealth literacy, social support from closer and virtual social networks should be embraced but utilized through different routes and for different purposes. The timing of messages but not psychological distance affects people's social media approach, indicating that morning messages should be employed. Moreover, eHealth literacy mediates timing preferences and leads to a preference for eHealth communication earlier in the day. Overall, morning messages create a virtuous circle during a health crisis.

Originality/value

This paper establishes a mechanism of virtuous cycles for eHealth communication during a health threat. Additionally, it bridges existing research gaps by expanding chronopsychology and CLT in the health domain using an empirical approach, a real-life case and an extension of performance regarding information-seeking and utilization.
Successful treatment with baricitinib of linear morphea following the lines of Blaschko mimicking lichen striatus
Authors: Zou Quan , Wei Ruoqu , Yao Zhirong , Li Huaguo
Published: October 2023

Linear morphea, also known as linear scleroderma, is a localized form of scleroderma characterized by the presence of lesions that follow a linear distribution pattern. Apart from the typical inflammation and fibrosis of the skin, the linear subtype of morphea often affects underlying structures such as muscles and bones, which can lead to functional limitations. Lichen striatus, a linear inflammatory skin condition, primarily affects children aged 5 to 15 years. Interestingly, both diseases can exhibit lesions that follow the lines of Blaschko. Here we report a case with linear morphea following the lines of Blaschko mimicking lichen striatus in a 4‐year‐old child. This unique case represents the first documented instance of linear morphea exhibiting a precise Blaschko pattern and being successfully treated with baricitinib. The patient received oral baricitinib at a daily dosage of 2 mg for a duration of 1 year, resulting in remarkable improvement. The majority of the lesions softened, and there was no significant disease progression or occurrence of adverse events throughout the treatment period. Recognizing linear morphea at an early stage is of utmost importance in ensuring effective treatment and preventing disfiguring sequelae. Patients suspected of lichen striatus should also be closely followed and linear morphea should be excluded during the follow‐up. The recent breakthrough in the application and the safety of baricitinib in scleroderma is also reviewed.
How Productive Are Economics and Finance PhDs?
Authors: Lan Yihui , Clements Kenneth W. , Chai Zong Ken
Published: October 2023

This article analyses the research productivity of more than 200 individuals in academe with a PhD in economics and finance from (mostly) Australian universities. We find the number of publications accumulates linearly with experience, while citations increase exponentially, pointing to network effects. Panel regressions indicate: (1) the key role of experience in determining research outcomes; (2) the usual quadratic approach substantially under‐estimates the role of diminishing returns to experience; (3) the university where an individual works is mostly unimportant for publications and citations. ‘Prime academic age’, when research has maximum impact, is attained about 11 years after the PhD.
Risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes in twin‐ and singleton‐born women: An inter‐generational cohort study
Authors: Basnet Prativa , Skjærven Rolv , Harmon Quaker E. , Sørbye Linn Marie , Morken Nils‐Halvdan , Singh Aditi , Klungsøyr Kari , Kvalvik Liv Grimstvedt
Published: October 2023

Objective

To compare the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes between twin‐born and singleton‐born women. We also evaluated whether in utero exposure to pre‐eclampsia or preterm delivery affected adverse pregnancy outcomes in women's own pregnancies.

Design

Population‐based cohort study.

Setting

Medical Birth Registry of Norway 1967–2020.

Population

9184 twin‐born and 492 894 singleton‐born women during 1967–2005, with their later pregnancies registered during 1981–2020.

Methods

Data from an individual's birth were linked to their later pregnancies. We used generalised linear models with log link binomial distribution to obtain exponentiated regression coefficients that estimated relative risks (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for associations between twin‐ or singleton‐born women and later adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Main outcome measures

Pre‐eclampsia, preterm delivery or perinatal loss in twin‐born compared with singleton‐born women.

Results

There was no increased risk for adverse outcomes in twin‐born compared with singleton‐born women: adjusted RRs for pre‐eclampsia were 1.00 (95% CI 0.93–1.09), for preterm delivery 0.96 (95% CI 0.90–1.02) and for perinatal loss 1.00 (95% CI 0.84–1.18). Compared with singleton‐born women exposed to pre‐eclampsia in utero, twin‐born women exposed to pre‐eclampsia had lower risk of adverse outcomes in their own pregnancies; the aRR for pre‐eclampsia was 0.73 (95% CI 0.58–0.91) and for preterm delivery was 0.71 (95% CI 0.56–0.90). Compared with preterm singleton‐born women, preterm twin‐born women did not differ in terms of risk of pre‐eclampsia (aRR 1.05, 95% CI 0.92–1.21) or perinatal loss (aRR 0.99, 95% CI 0.71–1.37) and had reduced risk of preterm delivery (RR 0.83, 95% CI 0.74–0.94).

Conclusions

Twin‐born women did not differ from singleton‐born women in terms of risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. Twin‐born women exposed to pre‐eclampsia in utero, had a lower risk of pre‐eclampsia and preterm delivery compared with singleton‐born women exposed to pre‐eclampsia.
In what ways are HR analytics and artificial intelligence transforming the healthcare sector?
Authors: Cavanagh Jillian , Pariona‐Cabrera Patricia , Halvorsen Beni
Published: October 2023

Our Special Issue is focused on the healthcare sector relevant to the Asia Pacific region, including hospitals, aged care facilities, allied health, doctors, nurses, management and administration staff and all services associated with the healthcare industry. There are a range of issues that impact on healthcare including the growing use of health services during the pandemic, emergency situations, complex forms of technology, worker expectations, work intensification, and government reporting requirements. More research needs to be carried out in these issues as well as social policy, the delivery and quality of patient care, gender in the workplace, disability, and management innovation (Cooke and Bartram, 2015; Human Resource Management, 2015, 54, 711). There are high levels of stress due to staff being overworked and experiencing a lack of coping skills (Pariona‐Cabrera et al., 2023; Health Care Management Review, 2023, 48, 42), burnout manifestations through emotional exhaustion (Maslach, 2017; Consulting Psychology Journal: Practice and Research, 2017, 69, 143) which often result in intention to leave (Holland et al., 2019; Applied Nursing Research, 2019, 49, 70; Pariona‐Cabrera, Cavanagh and Bartram, 2020; Journal of Advanced Nursing, 2020, 76, 1581; Shao et al., 2023; Human Resource Management Journal, 2023, 33,187). In Australia, more than 70% of 366,000 nurses working in aged care facilities have reported at least one experience of workplace violence during the previous 12 months including physical and verbal violence from residents, relatives, and visitors (Schablon et al., 2018; International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 2018, 15, 1274). There are too many managers who rely on underdeveloped HR processes and outdated management perceptions to make decisions about the well‐being of healthcare staff. Countries in the Asia‐Pacific region are actively seeking partnership projects and new ways to enhance the performance of healthcare staff and their organisations. We have touched on broad issues here and argue it is possible some of the answers can be found in the use of HR analytics and artificial intelligence (AI).
Hydrodynamic and dissolved oxygen–biochemical oxygen demand transport characteristics at the river confluence in China's largest alluvial plain—A modeling study
Authors: Shen Xia , Wang Kai , Li Sheng , Qing Dengke , Gao Weizheng , Li Dehong , Cao Liwei
Published: October 2023

The Yellow River flows through multiple provinces in China, shaping the North China Plain, the largest alluvial plain in China. As the control node of basin ecological environment, the confluence of Weihe River and Yellow River is deemed as the gateway to North China Plain. In this study, a numerical simulation of the Weihe River–Yellow River confluence is conducted using a 2D hydrodynamic model and a coupled transport model for dissolved oxygen–biochemical oxygen demand. The results show that: (i) The typical flow field with multiple backflow areas is formed at the stagnant area where main stream and tributary converge and abrupt channel change area in different hydrological periods. The spur dike here mainly affects the velocity of the Weihe River outlet. (ii) There is an obvious concentration transition mixing zone downstream of the confluence, and the width of the mixing zone gradually linear increases with the direction of water flow. (iii) The self‐purification ability of the confluence is strongest in dry period, weaker in level period, and weakest in wet period. Water bodies have stronger self‐purification capacity on riverbanks than in the middle, and it is stronger in the upper reaches of Weihe River compared to Yellow River. Lower reaches also have a stronger self‐purification capacity than upper reaches. The study results can serve as a scientific reference for protecting the ecological environment of the Yellow River.
Monitoring of multiple fish species by quantitative environmental DNA metabarcoding surveys over two summer seasons
Authors: Wu Luhan , Osugi Tomonori , Inagawa Takashi , Okitsu Jiro , Sakamoto Shogo , Minamoto Toshifumi
Published: October 2023

Periodic monitoring can provide important information for the protection of endangered fish, sustainable use of fishery resources and management of alien species. Previous studies have attempted to monitor fish using non‐invasive environmental DNA (eDNA) technology, generally employing quantitative PCR to quantify the eDNA concentration. However, the throughput was limited. High‐throughput metabarcoding technology can detect the DNA of multiple species simultaneously in a single experiment but does not provide sufficient quantification. In this study, we applied a quantitative metabarcoding approach to simultaneously quantify the eDNA concentration of an entire fish assemblage in a small reservoir over two summer seasons. Traditional surveys were also conducted to investigate the individuals of fish. The eDNA concentrations were quantified using quantitative metabarcoding, and the fish species detected using this approach were highly consistent with the results of traditional fish monitoring. A significant positive relationship was observed between the eDNA concentration and fish species abundance. Seasonal changes in fish community structure were estimated using eDNA concentrations, which may reveal the activity seasons of different fish. The eDNA concentrations of different fish species peaked at different water temperatures, reflecting the differential responses of fish species to this environmental factor. Finally, by detecting outlier eDNA concentrations, the spawning activities of 13 fish species were estimated, 12 of which were roughly consistent with the current knowledge of fish spawning periods. These results indicate that quantitative eDNA metabarcoding with dozens of sampling times is useful for the simultaneous ecological monitoring of multiple fish species.
Identification of potential biomarkers associated with meat tenderness in Hanwoo (Korean cattle): An expression quantitative trait loci analysis
Authors: Chung Yoonji , Jang Sun Sik , Kang Dong Hun , Kim Yeong Kuk , Kim Hyun Joo , Chung Ki Yong , Choi Inchul , Lee Seung Hwan
Published: October 2023

Meat tenderness is considered the most important trait contributing to beef quality, level of consumer satisfaction, willingness to pay premium prices and industry profit. Genomic selection method would be helpful for genetic improvement of traits with low heritability and that are difficult to measure. The identification of core genes can aid genomic selection for complex traits with low heritability that are difficult to measure. We performed statistical analysis of associations between longissimus dorsi muscle tenderness and gene expression in 20 Hanwoo cattle, using Warner–Bratzler shear force and RNAseq data, respectively. We found a total of 166 core genes, from which six (ASAP1, CAPN5, ELN, SUMF2, TTC8 and MGAT4A) were regulated by 16 cis‐expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) SNPs. Notably, we found that a cis‐eQTL SNP of the ELN gene contained an MFZ‐1 binding site in its putative promoter region. These findings provide useful information for genomic prediction of beef tenderness in Hanwoo cattle.
Exploring the intersection of sexual identity and route of administration in relation to cannabis use among young adult females
Authors: Ehlke Sarah J. , Fitzer Samantha A. , Shipley Jennifer L. , Braitman Abby L.
Published: October 2023

Background and Objective

Rates of cannabis use continue to increase with sexual minority women (SMW) reporting greater use than heterosexual women. Along with these increasing trends, the routes of administration (ROA) for cannabis are evolving. The current study examined associations between cannabis ROA and frequency of use, as well as differences across sexual identity (heterosexual vs. SMW).

Methods

Participants were 949 young adult (18–25 years old) women (29.8% SMW) who reported past month cannabis use and were recruited through Amazon Mechanical Turk. Number of cannabis use days and each ROA used (joint, pipe, blunt, bong, vape, edible, and ointment) in the past 30 days were measured. Analysis of covariance models examined if sexual identity moderated the association between each ROA and cannabis use frequency.

Results

Among the full sample, joints were the most common ROA (78.6%); cannabis vaping was the most common noncombustible ROA (25.9%). SMW were more likely than heterosexual women to use each ROA except for joints. SMW who used pipes or edibles reported greater cannabis use frequency, compared to those who did not; there were no differences in frequency of use across ROA for heterosexual women.

Discussion and Conclusions

SMW may use a greater variety of ROA, potentially increasing the harms associated with cannabis. Marketing strategies targeting the sexual minority community may increase the likelihood of using various cannabis ROA and subsequent use.

Scientific Significance

Findings further our knowledge about how young adult women are using cannabis, and highlight how ROA may contribute to the disparities observed among SMW.
Cover crops, crop insurance losses, and resilience to extreme weather events
Authors: Aglasan Serkan , Rejesus Roderick M. , Hagen Stephen , Salas William
Published: October 2023

This study investigates whether cover crop adoption reduces extreme‐weather‐related crop insurance losses. To achieve this objective, we utilize a county‐level panel data set with information on cover crop adoption acres, crop insurance losses (i.e., specifically due to drought, excess heat, or excess moisture), and a number of weather variables. The data cover the main row crop production region in the Midwestern United States (US) for the period 2005 to 2018. We utilize linear fixed effects econometric models and a number of robustness checks in the empirical analysis (i.e., a fractional regression approach, two “external‐instrument‐free” estimation procedures, and a variety of alternative empirical specifications). The estimation methods used take advantage of the panel nature of the data to address various specification and endogeneity issues. We find evidence that counties with higher cover crop adoption tend to have lower crop insurance losses due to drought, excess heat, or excess moisture. Our analysis also indicates that cover crops likely have stronger loss mitigation effects against excess moisture events (like floods) and somewhat weaker loss mitigation impacts against droughts and excess heat. Nonetheless, our results overall suggest that cover crops can enhance resilience to extreme weather events and have the potential to be an effective climate change adaptation strategy in US agriculture.
Letter: Detecting unreported alcohol consumption in patients with NAFLD—Standardisation is urgent
Authors: Feng Gong , Fouad Yasser , Zheng Ming‐Hua
Published: October 2023

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Magherman et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17388 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17738
Revolution derailed: The struggle for media control and media freedom in China
Authors: Tang Wenfang , Zhang Yang
Published: October 2023

Drawing on data from the 2018 China Internet Survey, this article analyzes the channels through which Chinese citizens acquire political information and how such information changes people's political attitude and behavior. It finds that while many people particularly among the younger generations are using social media, an equally large number of people continue to rely on the officially controlled TV news for political and social information. As hoped by those who want to bring down the authoritarian regime through social media, the Internet contributes to questioning the government and developing liberal ideas among its users but fails to promote bottom‐up political participation. Interestingly, government‐controlled TV programming meets its goals of improving regime support as well as mobilizing mass political participation. The authoritarian government also seems effective in pushing social media into its orbit of political control. These findings suggest that techno‐Utopianism exaggerated the role of technology in liberal democratization.
Patient‐led innovation and global health justice: Open‐source digital health technology for type 1 diabetes care
Authors: Jansky Bianca , Hendl Tereza , Nocanda Azakhiwe Z.
Published: October 2023

Health innovation is mainly envisioned in direct connection to medical research institutions or pharmaceutical and technology companies. Yet, these types of innovation often do not meet the needs and expectations of individuals affected by health conditions. With the emergence of digital health technologies and social media, we can observe a shift, which involves people living with illness modifying and improving medical and health devices outside of the formal research and development sector, figuring both as users and innovators. This patient‐led innovation has been celebrated in innovation studies and economics as a “bottom‐up” type of innovation. In this article, we take a closer look at open‐source patient‐led innovation in the context of type 1 diabetes care. In our inquiry, we pay particular attention to the social and ethical dimensions of this innovation, building on empirical material. Upon exploring the notion of patient‐led innovation and its socio‐political context through the lens of intersectional and global health justice, we argue that a proactive strategy is needed to ensure that open‐source patient‐led innovation will be more globally accessible, center the health needs of the most underserved populations, as well as facilitate equitable and just health benefits. To support this aim, we provide a range of examples of different initiatives addressing the persistent inequalities that have so far inhibited patient‐led innovation from more fully materializing its innovative potential.
Treatment of immune thrombocytopenia during pregnancy with thrombopoietin receptor agonists
Authors: Rottenstreich Amihai , Bussel James B.
Published: October 2023

The introduction of thrombopoietin receptor agonists (TPO‐RAs) led to a paradigm shift in the management of immune thrombocytopenia (ITP). However, TPO‐RAs are not approved for use during pregnancy due to the absence of evidence and concerns for possible effects on the fetus due to their expected transplacental transfer. This comprehensive review examines the safety and efficacy of TPO‐RA in 45 pregnancies of women with ITP (romiplostim n = 22; eltrombopag n = 21; both in the same pregnancy n = 2). Mothers experienced failure of the median of three treatment lines during pregnancy prior to TPO‐RA administration. A platelet response (>30 × 109/L) was seen in 86.7% of cases (including a complete response >100 × 109/L in 66.7%) and was similar between eltrombopag and romiplostim (87.0% and 83.3%, p = 0.99). The maternal safety profile was favourable, with no thromboembolic events encountered. Neonatal thrombocytopenia was noted in one third of cases, with one case of ICH grade 3, and neonatal thrombocytosis was observed in three cases. No other neonatal adverse events attributable to TPO‐RAs were seen. This review suggests that the use of TPO‐RA during pregnancy is associated with a high response rate and appears safe. Nevertheless, TPO‐RA should not be routinely used in pregnancy and should be avoided in the first trimester until further evidence is accumulated.
Targeting accelerated pulmonary ageing to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease‐induced neuropathological comorbidities
Authors: De Luca Simone N. , Vlahos Ross
Published: October 2023

Abstact

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a major incurable health burden, ranking as the third leading cause of death worldwide, mainly driven by cigarette smoking. COPD is characterised by persistent airway inflammation, lung function decline and premature ageing with the presence of pulmonary senescent cells. This review proposes that cellular senescence, a state of stable cell cycle arrest linked to ageing, induced by inflammation and oxidative stress in COPD, extends beyond the lungs and affects the systemic circulation. This pulmonary senescent profile will reach other organs via extracellular vesicles contributing to brain inflammation and damage, and increasing the risk of neurological comorbidities, such as stroke, cerebral small vessel disease and Alzheimer's disease. The review explores the role of cellular senescence in COPD‐associated brain conditions and investigates the relationship between cellular senescence and circadian rhythm in COPD. Additionally, it discusses potential therapies, including senomorphic and senolytic treatments, as novel strategies to halt or improve the progression of COPD.
Progradational‐to‐retrogradational styles of Palaeogene fluvial fan successions in the San Juan Basin, New Mexico
Authors: Zellman Kristine L. , Plink‐Björklund Piret , Spangler Leland
Published: October 2023

Basin‐scale outcrop analyses of fluvial architecture in the Palaeogene San Juan Basin, New Mexico, document lateral and vertical trends in channel, floodplain and palaeosol characteristics. Herein, the uppermost part of the Palaeocene Nacimiento Formation and lower Eocene Cuba Mesa and Regina Members of the San Jose Formation are identified as deposits of large fluvial fans based on trends observed across the basin. Stratigraphic trends suggest two packages originated by fluvial fan progradation. Progradation of the lower fan system provides a new explanation for the transitional nature of a disconformity at the Nacimiento–San Jose Formation contact, previously thought to be a low‐angle unconformity. The two fan systems are separated by a retrogradational interval that culminates in a depositional hiatus at the contact between the Cuba Mesa and Regina Members. This, combined with poor age constraints, indicates that the duration of the disconformity at the base of the Cuba Mesa Member may have been overestimated. Furthermore, the succession is interpreted as deposits of variable‐discharge rivers, based on the combined abundance of upper flow regime and high deposition rate sedimentary structures indicative of intense flooding events, preservation of in‐channel bioturbation and paedogenic modification indicating periods of prolonged dryness, lack of identifiable bar strata and alternations of poorly drained and well‐drained floodplain deposits with pedofacies indicating alternating wet–dry cycles. This dataset adds to a growing body of evidence linking the formation of large fluvial fans to discharge variability and thus to hydroclimates with significant inter‐ and intra‐annual precipitation variability and intense rainfall. A long‐term stratigraphic shift from poorly drained to well‐drained floodplain deposits across two progradational fan successions indicates that a predictive model suggesting downstream decreases in soil drainage conditions is not encompassing of all large fan systems, and instead suggests a transition to a more arid climate across the Palaeocene–Eocene boundary.
Dexmedetomidine alleviates cognitive impairment by promoting hippocampal neurogenesis via BDNF/TrkB/CREB signaling pathway in hypoxic–ischemic neonatal rats
Authors: Chen Xiaohui , Chen Andi , Wei Jianjie , Huang Yongxin , Deng Jianhui , Chen Pinzhong , Yan Yanlin , Lin Mingxue , Chen Lifei , Zhang Jiuyun , Huang Zhibin , Zeng Xiaoqian , Gong Cansheng , Zheng Xiaochun
Published: October 2023

Aims

Dexmedetomidine (DEX) has been reported to alleviate hypoxic–ischemic brain damage (HIBD) in neonates. This study aimed to investigate whether DEX improves cognitive impairment by promoting hippocampal neurogenesis via the BDNF/TrkB/CREB signaling pathway in neonatal rats with HIBD.

Methods

HIBD was induced in postnatal day 7 rats using the Rice‐Vannucci method, and DEX (25 μg/kg) was administered intraperitoneally immediately after the HIBD induction. The BDNF/TrkB/CREB pathway was regulated by administering the TrkB receptor antagonist ANA‐12 through intraperitoneal injection or by delivering adeno‐associated virus (AAV)‐shRNA‐BDNF via intrahippocampal injection. Western blot was performed to measure the levels of BDNF, TrkB, and CREB. Immunofluorescence staining was utilized to identify the polarization of astrocytes and evaluate the levels of neurogenesis in the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus. Nissl and TTC staining were performed to evaluate the extent of neuronal damage. The MWM test was conducted to evaluate spatial learning and memory ability.

Results

The levels of BDNF and neurogenesis exhibited a notable decrease in the hippocampus of neonatal rats after HIBD, as determined by RNA‐sequencing technology. Our results demonstrated that treatment with DEX effectively increased the protein expression of BDNF and the phosphorylation of TrkB and CREB, promoting neurogenesis in the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus in neonatal rats with HIBD. Specifically, DEX treatment significantly augmented the expression of BDNF in hippocampal astrocytes, while decreasing the proportion of detrimental A1 astrocytes and increasing the proportion of beneficial A2 astrocytes in neonatal rats with HIBD. Furthermore, inhibiting the BDNF/TrkB/CREB pathway using either ANA‐12 or AAV‐shRNA‐BDNF significantly counteracted the advantageous outcomes of DEX on hippocampal neurogenesis, neuronal survival, and cognitive improvement.

Conclusions

DEX promoted neurogenesis in the hippocampus by activating the BDNF/TrkB/CREB pathway through the induction of polarization of A1 astrocytes toward A2 astrocytes, subsequently mitigating neuronal damage and cognitive impairment in neonates with HIBD.
Frequency and clinical relevance of contact allergy in dental patients
Authors: Al‐Gawahiri Malak , Rustemeyer Thomas , Franken Sylvie M. , van Zuuren Esther J. , Ipenburg Norbertus A.
Published: October 2023

Background

While many studies have reported on occupational allergic contact dermatitis amongst dental personnel, studies on the relevance of patch testing in dental patients are scarce.

Objectives

To determine the frequency and clinical relevance of contact allergy in patients with intra‐ and perioral complaints.

Methods

A total of 360 patients with intra‐ and perioral complaints suspected of having a contact allergy were patch‐tested with the dental allergen series, European Baseline Series, and extended Amsterdam Baseline Series at Amsterdam University Medical Centers between January 2015 and November 2021.

Results

A total of 285 patients (79.2%) had a positive patch test reaction for either one (18.6%) or multiple allergens (60.6%). Sodium tetrachloropalladate was the most sensitising allergen with 98 patients (27.2%) testing positive, followed by nickel sulphate (23.3%), methylisothiazolinone (15.6%), and fragrance mix I (14.2%). Clinical relevance was found in 68 of 208 patients (32.7%), with patients having one (15.4%) or multiple (17.3%) patch test reactions clinically relevant to their (peri)oral complaints.

Conclusions

Clinically relevant patch test reactions were frequently seen in dental patients. Although this study provides us with a better understanding on the frequency and clinical relevance of contact allergy in dental patients, further studies are needed to confirm our results.
Technical specifications for ethics review of human stem cell research
Authors: Peng Yaojin , Ma Aijin , Xiao Zhenyu , Hao Jie , Feng Ruohan , Wang Changlin , Hu Baoyang , Zhai Peijun , Li Ka , Wang Lei , Cao Jiani , Xiang Peng , Zhang Yu , Wei Jun , Wang Xiaolong , Fu Boqiang , Chen Qubo , Wei Qiang , Gao Hengjun , Lv Jianwei , Liu Xing , Ma Yonghui , Cheng Tao , Huang Xiaoru , Su Yeyang , Zhang Haihong , Zhou Qi , Zhao Tongbiao
Published: October 2023

The rapid advancement of human stem cell research and its expansion into emerging areas has resulted in an escalation of ethical challenges associated with these studies. As a result, there has been a corresponding increase in both the volume and complexity of institutional ethics reviews, coupled with higher expectations for the quality of the review process. In response to these challenges, this standard provides a comprehensive outline of the fundamental principles, content, types, and procedures of ethics review, specifically focusing on non‐clinical human stem cell research. Its purpose is to provide clear operational and procedural guidelines, as well as recommendations, for the ethics review of such studies. The document was originally published by the Chinese Society for Cell Biology on August 30, 2022. It is our hope that the publication of these guidelines will facilitate the integration of ethical considerations and evaluations in a structured manner throughout the entire process of stem cell research, ultimately fostering a healthy and orderly development of the field.
uConsent: Addressing the gap in measuring understanding of informed consent in clinical research
Authors: Ittenbach Richard F. , Gaynor J. William , Dorich Jenny M. , Burnham Nancy B. , Huang Guixia , Harvey Madisen T. , Corsmo Jeremy J.
Published: October 2023

The purpose of this study was to establish the technical merit, feasibility, and generalizability of a new measure of understanding of informed consent for use with clinical research participants. A total of 109 teens/young adults at a large, pediatric medical center completed the consenting process of a hypothetical biobanking study. Data were analyzed using a combination of classical and modern theory analytic methods to produce a final set of 19 items referred to as the uConsent scale. A requirement of the scale was that each item mapped directly onto one or more of the Basic Elements of Informed Consent from the 2018 Final Rule. Descriptive statistics were computed for each item as well as the scale as a whole. Partial credit (Rasch) logistic modeling was then used to generate difficulty/endorsability estimates for each item. The final, 19‐item uConsent scale was derived using inferential methods to yield a set of items that ranged across difficulty levels (−3.02 to 3.10 logits) with a range of point‐measure correlations (0.12 to 0.50), within‐range item‐ and model‐fit statistics, varying item types mapped to both Bloom's Taxonomy of Learning and required regulatory components of the 2018 Final Rule. Median coverage rate for the uConsent scale was 95% for the 25 randomly selected studies from ClinicalTrials.gov. The uConsent scale may be used as an effective measure of informed consent when measuring and documenting participant understanding in clinical research studies today.
Detection of colonic diverticular bleeding by observation using a calibrated, small‐caliber tip, transparent hood
Authors: Suzuki Hiroto , Nomura Tatsuma , Ito Keiichi
Published: October 2023

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Effect of tirzepatide on glycaemic control and weight loss compared with other glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Tsukamoto Shunichiro , Tanaka Shohei , Yamada Takayuki , Uneda Kazushi , Azushima Kengo , Kinguchi Sho , Wakui Hiromichi , Tamura Kouichi
Published: October 2023

Aim

To compare the therapeutic effects of glucose‐dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP)/ glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists (GLP‐1RAs) or GLP‐1RAs in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D).

Materials and Methods

We systematically searched PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library up to July 2023. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared GLP‐1RAs or GIP/GLP‐1RAs in Japanese patients with T2D were selected. A network meta‐analysis was conducted to indirectly compare the treatments, focusing on efficacy in reducing glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) levels and body weight (BW).

Results

A total of 18 RCTs were included in this analysis. Tirzepatide 15 mg showed the most significant reduction in HbA1c levels and BW compared with subcutaneous semaglutide 1.0 mg and oral semaglutide 14 mg (HbA1c: mean difference [95% confidence interval] −0.52 [−0.96; −0.08] and − 1.23 [−1.64; −0.81]; BW: −5.07 [−8.28; −1.86] and −6.84 [−8.97; −4.71], respectively). Subcutaneous semaglutide showed a superior reduction in HbA1c compared with oral semaglutide. Both subcutaneous and oral semaglutide were more effective than conventional GLP‐1RAs, such as dulaglutide, liraglutide and lixisenatide.

Conclusions

Among Japanese patients with T2D, tirzepatide showed the greatest effectiveness in reducing HbA1c levels and inducing weight loss. The study provides evidence to guide GLP‐1RA treatment strategies in Japanese patients with T2D.
Distinct effects of type 2 diabetes and obesity on cardiopulmonary performance
Authors: Nesti Lorenzo , Pugliese Nicola Riccardo , Santoni Lorenza , Armenia Silvia , Chiriacò Martina , Sacchetta Luca , De Biase Nicolò , Del Punta Lavinia , Masi Stefano , Tricò Domenico , Natali Andrea
Published: October 2023

Aim

Effort intolerance is frequent in patients with overweight/obesity and/or type 2 diabetes (T2D) free from cardiac and respiratory disease. We sought to quantify the independent effects of T2D and body mass index (BMI) on cardiopulmonary capacity and gain insights on the possible pathophysiology by case‐control and regression analyses.

Methods

Patients at high/moderate cardiovascular risk, with or without T2D, underwent spirometry and combined echocardiography‐cardiopulmonary exercise test as part of their clinical workup. Subjects with evidence of cardiopulmonary disease were excluded. The effects of T2D and obesity were estimated by multivariable models accounting for known/potential confounders and the major pathophysiological determinants of oxygen uptake at peak exercise (VO2peak) normalized for fat‐free mass (FFM).

Results

In total, 109 patients with T2D and 97 controls were included in the analysis. The two groups had similar demographic and anthropometric characteristics except for higher BMI in T2D (28.6 ± 4.6 vs. 26.3 ± 4.4 kg/m2, p = .0003) but comparable FFM. Patients with T2D achieved lower VO2peak than controls (18.5 ± 4.4 vs. 21.7 ± 8.3 ml/min/kg, p = .0006). Subclinical cardiovascular dysfunctions were observed in T2D: concentric left ventricular remodelling, autonomic dysfunction, systolic dysfunction and reduced systolic reserve. After accounting for confounders and major determinants of VO2peakFFM, T2D still displayed reduced VO2peak by 1.0 (−1.7/−0.3) ml/min/kgFFM, p = .0089, while the effect of BMI [−0.2 (−0.3/0.1) ml/min/kgFFM, p = .06 per unit increase], was largely explained by a combination of chronotropic incompetence, reduced peripheral oxygen extraction, impaired systolic reserve and ventilatory (in)efficiency.

Conclusions

T2D is an independent negative determinant of VO2peak whose effect is additive to other pathophysiological determinants of oxygen uptake, including BMI.
Communism and patricide: Collectivization and domestic violence in 1960s China
Authors: Chen Shuo , Peng Yaohui , Wang Danli
Published: October 2023

This paper studies the impact of collectivization on patricide in China during the Cultural Revolution. From 1955 to 1957, nearly 96 per cent of farmers were organized into communes. Consequently, fathers lost control over family wealth. We propose that this shift decreased fathers’ bargaining power over their adult sons, which might increase family conflicts. On the basis of a novel dataset, we find that the speed of collectivization significantly increased patricide, and the result is robust by employing ruggedness to instrumenting for the speed of collectivization. Our study extends the literature on intra‐household bargaining from couples to intergenerational relationships.
From circular to permanent: The economic assimilation of migrants during Spain's rural exodus, 1955–73
Authors: García‐Barrero José Antonio
Published: October 2023

Circular migration has played a substantial role in the assimilation process of rural–urban migrants in Spain across the twentieth century. This paper analyses the short‐term impact of the temporariness of this type of migration in the economic assimilation of migrants during the rural exodus, 1955–73. More specifically, I study this process in one key scenario – the Spanish tourism boom. Using a novel micro‐dataset, results show that the temporariness was a key factor that constrained the capacity of migrants to achieve income growth. Thus, the incentives to persist with circular migratory movements and the socio‐economic constraints on permanent settlement had significant adverse consequences. These migrants sorted into lower‐income occupations and had lower incentives and chances to acquire host‐specific human and social capital in comparison with permanent migrants. As a result, circular migrants registered lower occupational attainment leading to a higher income gap with natives and permanent migrants as the years of circular migration increased in number. These results indicate that most migrants had fewer chances than natives of taking advantage of the process of rapid structural change not solely because of lower human and social capital factors but also because of the temporariness of their migration.
Letermovir prophylaxis for cytomegalovirus reactivation in allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant recipients: Single center Canadian data
Authors: Pang Ian , Chen Peggy , Trinh Gertrude V. , Remberger Mats , Novitzky‐Basso Igor , Gerbitz Armin , Kim Dennis D. , Kumar Rajat , Lam Wilson , Law Arjun D. , Lipton Jeffrey H. , Viswabandya Auro , Pasic Ivan , Mattsson Jonas , Michelis Fotios V.
Published: October 2023

Background

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is associated with morbidity and mortality following allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (alloHCT). Letermovir is a novel antiviral agent that prevents CMV reactivation in alloHCT patients, with limited data regarding influence on post‐alloHCT outcomes.

Methods

We retrospectively examined 273 alloHCT recipients, 158 in the non‐letermovir cohort (NLC), and 115 in the cohort using letermovir prophylaxis (LC). Patients that received letermovir were CMV‐seropositive and met criteria for high risk of CMV reactivation.

Results

Median start of letermovir was 21 days post‐alloHCT, median duration of prophylaxis was 86 days. Letermovir prophylaxis demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in first CMV reactivation (at 200 days post 63.9% in the NLC vs. 35.7% in the LC; p < .001). On univariate analysis at 1 year, overall survival (OS) for NLC was 79.6% and 79.5% for LC (p = .54). Non relapse mortality (NRM) at 1 year for NLC was 12% and 12.3% for LC (p = .69). Cumulative incidence of relapse (CIR) at 1 year was 13.9% for NLC versus 17.1 for the LC (p = .27). On multivariable analysis, there was no significant difference between the two cohorts for OS, NRM, and CIR.

Conclusions

Letermovir prophylaxis started at day +21 post‐alloHCT reduced CMV reactivation, with no impact on posttransplant outcomes.