bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cell type specific suppression of hyper-recombination by human RAD18 is linked to PCNA K164 ubiquitination
Authors: Rogers Colette B. , Leung Wendy , Baxley Ryan M. , Kram Rachel E. , Wang Liangjun , Buytendorp Joseph P. , Le Khoi , Largaespada David A. , Hendrickson Eric A. , Bielinsky Anja-Katrin
Published: September 2024

Homologous recombination (HR) and translesion synthesis (TLS) promote gap-filling DNA synthesis to complete genome replication. One factor involved in both pathways is RAD18, an E3 ubiquitin ligase. Although RAD18’s role in promoting TLS through the ubiquitination of PCNA at lysine 164 (K164) is well established, its requirement for HR-based mechanisms is currently less clear. To assess this, we inactivatedRAD18in three human cell lines. Our analyses found that loss of RAD18 in HCT116, but neither hTERT RPE-1 nor DLD1 cell lines, resulted in elevated sister chromatid exchange, gene conversion, and gene targeting,i.e. HCT116 mutants were hyper-recombinogenic (hyper-rec). Loss of RAD18 also impaired TLS activity in HCT116 cells, but unexpectedly, did not reduce clonogenic survival. Interestingly, these phenotypes appear linked to PCNA K164 ubiquitination, as HCT116PCNAK164R/+mutants were also hyper-rec and showed reduced TLS activity, consistent with previous studies inrad18-/-orpcnaK164Ravian DT40 mutant cells. Importantly, knockdown of UBC9 to prevent PCNA K164 SUMOylation did not affect hyper-recombination, strengthening the link between increased recombination and RAD18-catalyzed PCNA K164 ubiquitination, but not K164 SUMOylation. Taken together, these data suggest that the roles of human RAD18 in directing distinct gap-filling DNA synthesis pathways varies depending on cell type and that these functions are linked to PCNA ubiquitination.
High-throughput DNA engineering by mating bacteria
Authors: Matsui Takeshi , Hung Po-Hsiang , Mei Han , Liu Xianan , Li Fangfei , Collins John , Li Weiyi , Miller Darach , Wilson Neil , Toro Esteban , Taghon Geoffrey J. , Sherlock Gavin , Levy Sasha
Published: September 2024

To reduce the operational friction and scale DNA engineering, we report here anin vivoDNA assembly technology platform called SCRIVENER (SequentialConjugation andRecombination forInVivoElongation ofNucleotides with lowERrors). SCRIVENER combines bacterial conjugation,in vivoDNA cutting, andin vivohomologous recombination to seamlessly stitch blocks of DNA together by matingE. coliin large arrays or pools. This workflow is simpler, cheaper, and higher throughput than current DNA assembly approaches that require DNA to be moved in and out of cells at different procedural steps. We perform over 5,000 assemblies with two to 13 DNA blocks that range from 240 bp to 8 kb and show that SCRIVENER is capable of assembling constructs as long as 23 kb at relatively high throughput and fidelity. Most SCRIVENER errors are deletions between long interspersed repeats. However, SCRIVENER can overcome these errors by enabling assembly and sequence verification at high replication at a nominal additional cost per replicate. We show that SCRIVENER can be used to build combinatorial libraries in arrays or pools, and that DNA blocks onboarded into the platform can be repurposed and reused with any other DNA block in high throughput without a PCR step. Because of these features, DNA engineering with SCRIVENER has the potential to accelerate design-build-test-learn cycles of DNA products.
PRODUCTION OF BIOETHANOL FROM WATER HYACINTH USING MONOCULTURE AND CO-CULTURE OF MICROORGANISMS
Authors: DADA Idowu Samuel , FEMI-OLA Titilayo , LASISI Opeyemi , ADEOSUN Olalekan
Published: September 2024

Water hyacinth is a lignocellulosic raw material for long-term suitable production of bioethanol. Though water hyacinth is considered to be a cause of ecological disorder, however, due to its inherent chemical composition consisting of higher cellulosic components, it may be proven to be a source for lignocellulosic ethanol and other value-added products. This study investigated bioethanol production from water hyacinth using fermentation usingAspergillus niger,Saccharomyces cerevisiae, andBacillus cereus. The effect of the pH on the bioethanol fermentation was studied, also changes in reducing sugar content and ethanol concentration were determined. Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FT-IR) was used to identify the functional groups of the bioactive component which measures the vibration of bonds in chemical functional groups for the samples obtained after distillation. The pH of the fermentation media for mono-culture and co-culture fermentation of water hyacinth withAspergillus niger,Saccharomyces cerevisiae, andBacillus cereusreduced from 6.0 to 3.7. There was an increase in the reduced sugar concentration during the fermentation period with the highest value (27%) obtained after 10 days of co-culture fermentation of water hyacinth withA. nigerandS. cerevisiae.Co-culture fermented water hyacinth withA. nigerandS. cerevisiaeyielded the distillate with the highest ethanol concentration (35.4%). The FT-IR analysis of the distillate showed the presence of alcohol, aldehydes, and ketones.
Perception of corporate social responsibility in a morally contentious industry: the roles of consumption motives and ethical perspectives
Authors: Souiden Nizar
Published: September 2024

Purpose

This study investigates the roles of consumption motives and ethical perspectives in explaining individuals’ perceptions of corporate social responsibility (CSR) within the context of the recreational marijuana industry, often characterized as morally contentious.

Design/methodology/approach

The research was conducted in Canada, a country where recreational marijuana is legally permitted. Through an online survey, 411 participants were recruited, and the data were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) and SmartPLS4, employing ANOVA and structural equation modeling (SEM) techniques.

Findings

ANOVA analyses reveal significant differences across four ethical perspectives: absolutism, subjectivism, situationism and exceptionism. Conformity motives are most prominent in the exceptionism group, while expansion motives are more common in the subjectivism group. CSR perceptions vary among these groups, with situationism showing the most favorable views. In the absolutism group, expansion and social motives positively influence CSR perception, whereas conformity motives negatively impact it. Conversely, in the exceptionism and situationism groups, only expansion motives positively affect CSR perception. Unexpectedly, within the subjectivism group, only conformity motives have a significant negative effect on CSR perception.

Originality/value

This study examines a controversial industry and contributes to research on recreational marijuana by comparing consumer motives from ethical perspectives. Unlike previous research focused on consumption behaviors (e.g. use frequency), this study investigates how CSR perceptions are shaped by consumption motives and vary with ethical viewpoints.
Online platform promotional activity and purchase behavior of consumer with different self-control in China
Authors: Zhu Yuqi
Published: September 2024

Purpose

The study explores the relationship between self-control and various online promotional methods faced by consumers simultaneously, simulating how consumers with distinct levels of self-control act in the current Chinese Internet market.

Design/methodology/approach

The sample was collected from response of participants to the survey containing a self-control test and attitudes towards different promotional methods. This is a quantitative study using regression and analysis of variance (ANOVA).

Findings

Initially, the empirical study focuses on discount margin for both price-discounts and full-discounts, which implies that high discount margin has a negative impact on the quality perception of consumers. However, this impact is weakened under full-discounts. Subsequently, the study identifies that the negative influence of high discounts on quality perception is insignificant for the high self-control group facing various promotional activities simultaneously. Furthermore, it is found that consumers with a high level of self-control rely more on their quality perception rather than the discount margin of products.

Originality/value

The study covers self-control of consumers, a variety of promotional methods and simulation of the present Chinese online market, enriching the research topic of consumer behavior as well as Internet marketing.
Understanding burnout among special education teachers: an exploratory structural equation model in a burnout high risk profession
Authors: Buzzai Caterina , Pace Ugo , Aparici Aznar Melina , Passanisi Alessia
Published: September 2024

Purpose

The present study was intended to investigate the relationship between teachers’ self-efficacy, sentiments and concerns toward disability and burnout in pre-service special education teachers.

Design/methodology/approach

Three hundred seventy-two special education teachers participated in the study. Participants were administered the following self-reports: Teacher Efficacy for Inclusive Practices, Sentiments and Concerns Scale and Maslach Burnout Inventory-Educators Survey. Structural equation modelling (SEM) is used to examine the study’s hypotheses.

Findings

SEM analysis showed the role of teachers’ concerns as a mediator for teacher efficacy in inclusive practices for emotional exhaustion and depersonalization. Furthermore, the findings showed a significant association between teacher efficacy in inclusive practices, sentiments and concerns and each dimension of burnout. In addition, significant relations between teachers’ concerns, emotional exhaustion and depersonalization were clear.

Research limitations/implications

The results of this study suggest the importance of promoting special education teachers’ self-efficacy to change negative attitudes and prevent burnout.

Originality/value

This study extends the current literature on special education teachers and provides new information on the relationship between self-efficacy, attitudes and burnout.
Exploring the dark side of high-performance work systems: growing employee employability at the cost of retention?
Authors: Haar Jarrod
Published: September 2024

Purpose

While high-performance work systems (HPWS) are widely viewed as beneficial, some suggest they may have a dark side and be simultaneously detrimental. This is tested toward turnover intentions (reduced by HPWS) in the context of perceived employability because HPWS are expected to enhance employability, which positively influences turnover intentions.

Design/methodology/approach

Survey data using two New Zealand employee studies were conducted (n = 525, n = 306). Data were analyzed for mediation (Study 1) and moderated mediation (Study 2) using the PROCESS macro.

Findings

Both studies show HPWS are negatively related to turnover intentions and positively to perceived employability, which also positively influences turnover intentions. This provides support for dark side effects. Study two extends the model by including career planning and tests a moderated mediation model, showing the indirect effects of HPWS being positive toward turnover intentions in the context of perceived employability at all levels of career planning. This indirect effect weakens as career planning strengthens.

Originality/value

Highlights that HPWS appear to have a dark side by positively shaping employability and ultimately turnover intentions when career planning is included as a boundary condition.
Harvesting success: Metaverse adoption in agriculture sector as a sustainable business strategy
Authors: Sarkar Bishal Dey , Shardeo Vipulesh , Mir Umar Bashir , Negi Himanshi
Published: September 2024

Purpose

The disconnect between producers and consumers is a fundamental issue causing irregularities, inefficiencies and leakages in the agricultural sector, leading to detrimental impacts on all stakeholders, particularly farmers. Despite the potential benefits of Metaverse technology, including enhanced virtual representations of physical reality and more efficient and sustainable crop and livestock management, research on its impact in agriculture remains scarce. This study aims to address this gap by identifying the critical success factors (CSFs) for adopting Metaverse technology in agriculture, thereby paving the way for further exploration and implementation of innovative technologies in the agricultural sector.

Design/methodology/approach

The research employed integrated methodology to identify and prioritise critical success criteria for Metaverse adoption in the agricultural sector. By adopting a mixed-method technique, the study identified a total of 15 CSFs through a literature survey and expert consultation, focusing on agricultural and technological professionals and categorising them into three categories, namely “Technological”, “User Experience” and “Intrinsic” using Kappa statistics. Further, the study uses grey systems theory and the Ordinal Priority Approach to prioritise the CSFs based on their weights.

Findings

The study identifies 15 CSFs essential for adopting Metaverse technology in the agricultural sector. These factors are categorised into Technological, User Experience-related and Intrinsic. The findings reveal that the most important CSFs for Metaverse adoption include market accessibility, monetisation support and integration with existing systems and processes.

Practical implications

Identifying CSFs is essential for successful implementation as a business strategy, and it requires a collaborative effort from all stakeholders in the agriculture sector. The study identifies and prioritises CSFs for Metaverse adoption in the agricultural sector. Therefore, this study would be helpful to practitioners in Metaverse adoption decision-making through a prioritised list of CSFs in the agricultural sector.

Originality/value

The study contributes to the theory by integrating two established theories to identify critical factors for sustainable agriculture through Metaverse adoption. It enriches existing literature with empirical evidence specific to agriculture, particularly in emerging economies and reveals three key factor categories: technological, user experience-related and intrinsic. These categories provide a foundational lens for exploring the impact, relevance and integration of emerging technologies in the agricultural sector. The findings of this research can help policymakers, farmers and technology providers encourage adopting Metaverse technology in agriculture, ultimately contributing to the development of environment-friendly agriculture practices.
Time out of joint
Authors: Hann Chris
Published: September 2024

This guest editorial critically examines the current landscape of European politics and reassesses anthropology's role in deciphering contemporary social and political dynamics. It analyzes the surge of populism, epitomized by leaders like Hungary's Viktor Orbán, and challenges prevailing narratives on migration, the Ukraine conflict and European integration. The editorial argues that anthropologists must engage more intimately with grassroots perspectives and the notion of ‘peoplehood’ to grasp the intricacies of national identity and sovereignty in our globalized era. By questioning the dominant liberal cosmopolitan worldview, it proposes an alternative anthropological approach that considers both the advantages and pitfalls of open borders and supranational entities like the EU. This call for a more holistic anthropological perspective aims to deepen our understanding of the complex interplay between local, national and global forces shaping contemporary European societies.
Earnings, Productivity and Housing Expenditure: Who Retains the Wage‐Related Agglomeration Effect?
Authors: Nygaard Christian A.
Published: September 2024

Productivity gains enable real wage growth and improved standards of living. But whose income actually benefits from productivity gains when highly productivity urban locations in Australia, and other advanced economies, also are associated with worsening housing affordability and inequality? This paper answers this question by empirically testing whether agglomeration effects vary across the wage distribution in Australia? And, how much of any agglomeration effect is retained by individuals across the wage distribution? Unconditional quantile regressions are employed to analyse changes in agglomeration effects across the before‐ and after‐housing cost wage distribution. Information on individual earnings, housing costs and place of employment is sourced from the Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA). The paper utilises four pre‐COVID waves of HILDA (2017–2020) as details on place of employment was first introduced in 2017. Agglomeration indices are constructed from Australian Bureau of Statistics census data using 17 industry (ANZSIC) classifications (2016, 2021). The results show that the before‐housing cost wages of higher‐wage earners typically benefit twice as much as those of lower‐wage earners. However, after adjusting for housing expenditure (mortgage payments and rents) the after‐housing costs wage benefit for the lowest two wage earning deciles disappear and is transferred to owners of real estate. Higher wage earners retain approximately 50%–60% of the agglomeration benefit. It is thus higher wage earner, and owners of land and property, who typically benefit from agglomeration related productivity—often at the expense of lower‐wage earners.
Russia's Trade With G7 Countries and Asymmetric J‐Curve Effect
Authors: Bahmani‐Oskooee Mohsen , Aftab Muhammad , Karamelikli Huseyin
Published: September 2024

This study investigates the relationship between exchange rates and trade balance, specifically focusing on Russia's trade dynamics with the Group of Seven (G7) countries. Employing a multifaceted approach, we scrutinize the asymmetric responses evident in the trade balance concerning fluctuations in exchange rates. Our investigation, rooted in linear analysis, initially reveals that rubble depreciation predominantly impacts the Russian trade balance adversely in the short term, albeit demonstrating a positive influence on trade balance in select instances over the long run—an observation aligned with the established J‐curve phenomenon. However, as we transition to nonlinear analysis, our findings yield stronger substantiation for the J‐curve hypothesis. Notably, our research underscores the asymmetric nature of exchange rate changes' effects on trade balance. Moreover, through nonlinear modeling techniques, we observe a pronounced enhancement in the convergence toward establishing a long‐term relationship between these variables. This emphasizes the significance of nonlinear approaches in comprehending the complexities inherent in exchange rate‐trade balance dynamics of Russian trade with G7.
A review of conditions influencing fate of Shiga toxin‐producing Escherichia coli O157:H7 in leafy greens
Authors: Owade Joshua Ombaka , Bergholz Teresa M. , Mitchell Jade
Published: September 2024

The accuracy of predictive microbial models used in quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA) relies on the relevancy of conditions influencing growth or inactivation. The continued use of log‐linear models in studies remains widespread, despite evidence that they fail to accurately account for biphasic kinetics or include parameters to account for the effect of environmental conditions within the model equation. Although many experimental studies detail conditions of interest, studies that do not do so lead to uncertainty in QMRA modeling because the applicability of the predictive microbial models to the conditions in the risk scenarios is questionable or must be extrapolated. The current study systematically reviewed 65 articles that provided quantitative data and documented the conditions influencing the inactivation or growth of Shiga toxin‐producing Escherichia coli (STEC) O157:H7 in leafy greens. The conditions were identified and categorized as environmental, biological, chemical, and/or processing. Our study found that temperature (n = 37 studies) and sanitizing and washing procedures (n = 12 studies) were the most studied conditions in the farm‐to‐table continuum of leafy greens. In addition, relative humidity was also established to affect growth and inactivation in more than one stage in the continuum. This study proposes the evaluation of the interactive effects of multiple conditions in processing and storage stages from controlled experiments as they relate to the fate of STEC O157:H7 in leafy greens for future quantitative analysis.
The potential of orally exposed risk factors and constituents aggravating food allergy: Possible mechanism and target cells
Authors: Xu Xiaoqian , Yuan Jin , Zhu Mengting , Gao Jinyan , Meng Xuanyi , Wu Yong , Li Xin , Tong Ping , Chen Hongbing
Published: September 2024

Food allergy is a significant concern for the health of humans worldwide. In addition to dietary exposure of food allergens, genetic and environmental factors also play an important role in the development of food allergy. However, only the tip of the iceberg of risk factors in food allergy has been identified. The importance of food allergy caused by orally exposed risk factors and constituents, including veterinary drugs, pesticides, processed foods/derivatives, nanoparticles, microplastics, pathogens, toxins, food additives, dietary intake of salt/sugar/total fat, vitamin D, and therapeutic drugs, are highlighted and discussed in this review. Moreover, the epithelial barrier hypothesis, which is closely associated with the occurrence of food allergy, is also introduced. Additionally, several orally exposed risk factors and constituents that have been reported to disrupt the epithelial barrier are elucidated. Finally, the possible mechanisms and key immune cells of orally exposed risk factors and constituents in aggravating food allergy are overviewed. Further work should be conducted to define the specific mechanism by which these risk factors and constituents are driving food allergy, which will be of central importance to the targeted therapy of food allergy.
Serum calciprotein particle‐to‐phosphate ratio as a predictor of cardiovascular events in incident hemodialysis patients
Authors: Akiyama Tomoki , Iwazu Yoshitaka , Usui Joichi , Ebihara Itaru , Ishizu Takashi , Kobayashi Masaki , Maeda Yoshitaka , Kobayashi Hiroaki , Yamagata Kunihiro , Kuro‐o Makoto ,   The Study Group of the Ibaraki Dialysis Initiation Cohort Study
Published: September 2024

Introduction

Recent studies have identified increased blood calciprotein particle (CPP) levels as risk factors for vascular calcification and cardiovascular events in patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis. Although positively correlated with serum phosphate levels, serum CPP levels vary considerably among patients with similar serum phosphate levels. We investigated the capacity of the ratio of serum CPP levels to serum phosphate levels (CPP/Pi ratio) to predict cardiovascular events in incident hemodialysis patients compared to the serum calcification propensity test (T50).

Methods and Results

The association between the CPP/Pi ratio and major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) was investigated in 174 incident hemodialysis patients. Multivariate analysis revealed that the CPP/Pi ratio was independently associated with MACCE [hazard ratio 1.60, 95% confidence interval (1.15–2.23), p = 0.006] but serum T50 levels were not.

Conclusions

The CPP/Pi ratio is a useful, novel biomarker for predicting the risk of cardiovascular events in patients undergoing incident hemodialysis.
Public perceptions of dietetics services in Australia and New Zealand
Authors: Forsyth Adrienne , Beck Eleanor , Kruger Rozanne , Pelly Fiona , Wall Clare , Boak Rachel , Allman‐Farinelli Margaret
Published: September 2024

Aim

The aim of this study was to examine expectations, perceptions and attitudes about dietetics services among the Australian and New Zealand public, to provide insights for building a future dietetics workforce that will meet consumer needs.

Methods

A cross‐sectional, anonymous, online survey was employed to gain perspectives of a representative sample of Australian and New Zealand adults. Questions were purposely designed to collect views regarding sources of dietary information, expectations of dietetics service providers and factors influencing choice of dietetics service provider. Data were analysed descriptively and using Pearson's chi‐square test to assess relationships between categorical variables. Free‐text responses were analysed using content analysis.

Results

Of 2601 respondents, approximately one third (32%) had seen a dietitian. Doctors were the most trusted sources of dietary information (87%), particularly with participants over 60 years (χ(1) = 44.168, V = 0.130, p < 0.001). Cost was the most frequently reported factor influencing choice of dietetics services (56%), with 88% of respondents interested in accessing a dietitian, preferably in‐person (64%), if they could do so for no cost. Participants anticipated that dietitians would offer services like meal plans (59%) and nutritional analysis (48%) as well as weight and other body measurements (56%). Some expectations such as blood tests (54%) were outside the usual scope of dietetic practice.

Conclusion

The results of this study have implications for practising dietitians, dietetics educators, and funders of dietetics services. Cost as a barrier suggests that advocacy to government for funding type, duration and number of visits to dietitians is still required.
Relationship between sleep bruxism and obstructive sleep apnoea: A population‐based survey
Authors: Pollis M , Lobbezoo F , Colonna A , Manfredini D
Published: September 2024

Objective

Sleep bruxism (SB) and obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) seem to be mutually associated. This study investigates the relationship between current SB and OSA‐related symptoms and the difference in OSA‐related symptoms between groups based on a history of SB.

Methods

An online survey was drafted to report the presence of SB and OSA in sample of 243 individuals (M = 129;F = 114;mean(SD)age = 42.4 ± 14.4 years). The Subject‐Based Assessment strategy recommended in the ‘Standardized Tool for the Assessment of Bruxism’ (STAB) was adopted to assess SB. To evaluate OSA‐related symptoms, Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) and STOP‐BANG questionnaires were adopted. Correlations between current SB and OSA‐related symptoms were evaluated by Spearman test. ESS and STOP‐BANG scores were compared by Mann–Whitney U test in individuals with and a without positive SB history.

Results

Current SB and SB history were reported by 45.7% and 39.1% of the sample, respectively. 73.7%, 21% and 5.3% of the responders showed a low, intermediate and high risk of OSA, respectively. Neither significant correlations between current SB and OSA nor significant differences between SB groups emerged.

Conclusions

This study did neither find any significant correlation between self‐report of current SB and OSA nor significant differences in ESS and STOP‐BANG scores between groups based on SB history.
Influence of age and co‐medication on dolutegravir glucuronidation in paediatric patients
Authors: Jacobs Tom G. , Waalewijn Hylke , Houlden Lily , Bollen Pauline D. J. , Nanduudu Annet , Nambi Esether , Cassim Haseena , Lugemwa Abbas , Makumbi Shafic , Monkiewicz Lara N. , Shakeshaft Clare , Bamford Alasdair , Archary Moherndran , Musuro Godfrey , Chidziva Ennie , Mujuru Hilda A. , Bwakura‐Dangarembizi Mutsa , Chabala Chishala , Turkova Anna , Gibb Di M. , Cotton Mark F. , Aarnoutse Rob , Burger David M. , Colbers Angela
Published: September 2024

Dolutegravir (DTG) is primarily metabolized by uridine diphosphate glucuronosyltransferases, forming the pharmacologically inactive DTG glucuronide (DTG‐gluc). We described the dolutegravir metabolic ratio (DTG‐MR; DTG‐gluc AUC0–24h divided by DTG AUC0–24h) in 85 children with HIV aged 3 months to 18 years receiving DTG in the CHAPAS‐4 (ISRCTN22964075) and ODYSSEY (NCT02259127) trials. Additionally, we assessed the influence of age, body weight, nucleoside/nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI) backbone, rifampicin use and kidney function on DTG‐MR. The overall geometric mean (CV%) DTG‐MR was 0.054 (52%). Rifampicin use was the only significant factor associated with DTG‐MR (P < .001) in multiple linear regression. DTG‐MR geometric mean ratio was 1.81 (95% CI: 1.57–2.08) for children while on vs. off rifampicin. This study showed that overall DTG‐MR in children was similar to adults, unaffected by age or NRTI backbone, and increased with rifampicin co‐administration. These findings support future paediatric pharmacokinetic modelling and extrapolation from adult data.
Evaluation of coverage, generalisability and validity of the U‐CAN lymphoma biobank in Sweden: A comparison with nationwide registers
Authors: Forsgren Elin , Ekberg Sara , Smedby Karin E. , Nylund Patrick , Sjöblom Tobias , Flogegård Max , Sjöström Sara , Hultdin Magnus , Hallén Karin , Hellström Mats , Molin Daniel , Enblad Gunilla , Glimelius Ingrid
Published: September 2024

Validation of biobanks and large cancer cohorts is essential in ensuring high‐quality research results. We examined the coverage, generalisability and validity of the lymphoma collection of the Uppsala‐Umeå Comprehensive Cancer Consortium (U‐CAN) biobank in Sweden, one of the largest cancer biobanks in Europe. Up until 2022, 889 lymphoma patients in U‐CAN Uppsala had available samples, and 329 in U‐CAN Umeå. Patients diagnosed in the U‐CAN Uppsala area 2011–2021 (n = 843) were linked to the nationwide Swedish Lymphoma Register, and a subset diagnosed before 2019 (n = 727) to population‐based registers. The coverage was 39% of all lymphoma patients between 2011 and 2019 diagnosed in the U‐CAN Uppsala area, with a pandemic decline to 10% during 2020–2021. The patients included had superior overall survival (hazard ratio = 0.70 [95% confidence interval, CI: 0.60–0.82]) than all lymphoma patients in Sweden. They had better performance status, were younger (odds ratio [OR] = 0.21 [95% CI: 0.13–0.34]) and had less comorbidities (OR = 0.66 [95% CI: 0.56–0.78]). However, cause‐specific survival and stage distribution were similar. The questionnaire data captured less comorbidities compared to the national registers. Evaluations of biobanks are important, as even population‐based biobanks such as U‐CAN select younger patients with higher socioeconomical status and better performance status. However, the similar cause‐specific survival as in the registries suggests U‐CANs usefulness for prognostic biomarker studies.
Friendlessness and loneliness: Cultural frames for making sense of disconnection
Authors: Eramian Laura , Mallory Peter , Herbert Morgan
Published: September 2024

This article is based on 21 interviews in an Atlantic Canadian city with people who identified as having few or no friends. With all the talk of a modern loneliness epidemic, we might easily assume friendless people are lonely, yet here we take an interpretive approach to analyze how they alternately claim to experience and not experience loneliness. We argue that claims to loneliness or its absence are never merely personal stories or problems of individual health or wellbeing, but are shaped by larger cultural resources and meanings. We found that friendless people both lament and celebrate their disconnection, a duality that we theorize through competing views of the modern self as both autonomous/self‐reliant and fundamentally in need of connection and community. We show how our interviewees struggle to find meaning in their disconnection and self‐respect in a society where being friendless is open to stigma or pity.
Pharmacokinetics of olverembatinib (HQP1351) in the presence of a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor (itraconazole) or inducer (rifampin) in healthy volunteers
Authors: Wang Hengbang , Yang Yun , Chen Zi , Fu Lei , Yu Min , Jiang Lixin , Wang Cunlin , Men Lichuang , Minto Ilisse , Yang Dajun , Zhai Yifan
Published: September 2024

Olverembatinib (HQP1351) is a BCR‐ABL1 tyrosine kinase inhibitor with promising clinical activity. It is approved in China for the treatment of patients with chronic myeloid leukemia harboring drug‐resistant mutations, such as T315I. In vitro studies suggested that metabolism of olverembatinib is primarily mediated by cytochrome P450 (CYP3A4). The effects of CYP3A4 inhibition and induction on the pharmacokinetics of olverembatinib were evaluated in an open‐label, 2‐part, fixed‐sequence study in healthy volunteers. In Part 1 of this study, 16 participants received a single oral dose of olverembatinib (20 mg) and the oral CYP3A4 inhibitor itraconazole (200 mg). In Part 2, 16 participants received a single oral dose of olverembatinib (40 mg) and the oral CYP3A4 inducer rifampin (600 mg). To measure pharmacokinetic parameters, serial blood samples were collected after administration of olverembatinib alone and combined with itraconazole or rifampin. Coadministration of olverembatinib with itraconazole increased the peak plasma concentration of olverembatinib, its area under the time‐concentration curve (AUC)0‐last, and AUC0‐inf by 75.63%, 147.06%, and 158.66%, respectively. Coadministration with rifampin decreased these same variables by 61.27%, 74.21%, and 75.19%, respectively. These results confirm that olverembatinib is primarily metabolized by CYP3A4 in humans, suggesting that caution should be exercised with concurrent use of olverembatinib and strong CYP3A4 inhibitors or inducers.
English‐learning infants developing sensitivity to vowel phonotactic cues to word segmentation
Authors: Katsuda Hironori , Sundara Megha
Published: September 2024

Previous research has shown that when domain‐general transitional probability (TP) cues to word segmentation are in conflict with language‐specific stress cues, English‐learning 5‐ and 7‐month‐olds rely on TP, whereas 9‐month‐olds rely on stress. In two artificial languages, we evaluated English‐learning infants’ sensitivity to TP cues to word segmentation vis‐a‐vis language‐specific vowel phonotactic (VP) cues—English words do not end in lax vowels. These cues were either consistent or conflicting. When these cues were in conflict, 10‐month‐olds relied on the VP cues, whereas 5‐month‐olds relied on TP. These findings align with statistical bootstrapping accounts, where infants initially use domain‐general distributional information for word segmentation, and subsequently discover language‐specific patterns based on segmented words.

Research Highlights

Research indicates that when transitional probability (TP) conflicts with stress cues for word segmentation, English‐learning 9‐month‐olds rely on stress, whereas younger infants rely on TP.

In two artificial languages, we evaluated English‐learning infants’ sensitivity to TP versus vowel phonotactic (VP) cues for word segmentation.

When these cues conflicted, 10‐month‐olds relied on VPs, whereas 5‐month‐olds relied on TP.

These findings align with statistical bootstrapping accounts, where infants first utilize domain‐general distributional information for word segmentation, and then identify language‐specific patterns from segmented words.
Community‐centred disaster recovery: A call to change the narrative
Authors: Sanderson David , Heffernan Tim , DeSisto Marco , Shearing Clifford
Published: September 2024

This paper challenges current approaches to undertaking community‐centred disaster recovery. Community‐centred approaches are widely recognised as ‘the gold standard’ for effective recovery from disasters. Yet, they are rarely applied well enough in practice. Challenges include the ‘authority’ culture of command‐and‐control agencies, the emphasis on discrete recovery time frames, and the reluctance to relinquish centralised control. The paper focuses on people's experiences of community‐centred recovery in New South Wales, Australia, which has experienced severe fires and floods since 2019. We undertook key informant interviews and an online survey to inquire into how community‐centred recovery is enacted. Our work uncovered widespread dissatisfaction with current practices. The paper discusses key themes emerging from the research and ends with a call to change how community‐centred recovery is framed and conducted by responding organisations, to include the underlying causes of vulnerability in recovery, to measure success differently, and to alter the narrative of who ‘owns’ disasters.
Treatment of juvenile myasthenia gravis with tacrolimus: A cohort study
Authors: Wang Guoli , Kessi Miriam , Huang Xi , Zhang Wen , Zhang Ciliu , He Fang , Peng Jing , Yin Fei , Yang Lifen
Published: September 2024

Background

We investigated the proper timing, efficacy and safety of tacrolimus for juvenile myasthenia gravis (JMG).

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study for JMG patients treated with tacrolimus at Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China from 2010 to 2023. The clinical information of patients with a follow‐up of more than 1 year was collected. Comparisons of clinical features between groups of patients who achieved therapeutic goal and those who did not achieve therapeutic goal as well as between groups of patients treated with tacrolimus within or after 1 year from JMG onset was carried out.

Results

Forty‐three patients were enrolled, of whom 28 achieved therapeutic goal. Tacrolimus reduced glucocorticoids (GC) dosages for the 28 cases and 15 cases discontinued GC completely. Generalized myasthenia gravis (GMG) subtype had an association with a group of patients who achieved therapeutic goal (p = 0.001). Median duration from JMG onset to tacrolimus use was 10.50 months for those who achieved therapeutic goal and 36.00 months for those who did not achieve therapeutic goal (p = 0.010). The median Myasthenia Gravis Activities of Daily Living (MG‐ADL) score improved significantly (p = 0.003). The initiation of tacrolimus within 1 year of JMG onset showed an association with achievement of therapeutic goal (p = 0.026). GMG subtype showed an association with a group of patients who received tacrolimus within 1 year (p = <0.001). Tacrolimus side effects were tolerable.

Conclusion

The provision of tacrolimus within 1 year of JMG onset is effective and safe.
The effects of ambient air pollution exposure on Thoroughbred racehorse performance
Authors: Kim Linda D. , Kreitner Kimberly , Scott Danielle M. , Seabaugh Katie , Duncan Colleen G. , Magzamen Sheryl
Published: September 2024

Background

Limited research exists on impacts of air pollution on non‐human mammals, particularly animal athletes such as Thoroughbred racehorses. Athletes have a greater risk of exposure as heightened exertion and increased airflow carry more pollutants deeper into the respiratory tract.

Objectives

To provide insights into the impact of ambient air pollution, particularly fine particulate matter (PM2.5), on race speed.

Study design

Retrospective observational study.

Methods

Data were obtained from The Jockey Club Information Systems, covering 31 407 winning races by Thoroughbred horses in California spanning 10 years (2011–2020) and evaluated the association between air pollution and winning race speeds. For race days, we collected PM2.5 data from the nearest U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) monitoring site within 100 km of each racetrack (n = 12). We assessed the associations between daily average PM2.5 concentrations and speed of winning horses with linear mixed effects regression. We adjusted for horse characteristics, race‐related covariates, temporal indicators (e.g., year), other air pollutants and temperature. We conducted sensitivity analyses by adjusting extreme air pollution days by reassigning values to the 95th percentile value and conducting linear mixed effects regression on series of datasets with incremental cutpoints of PM2.5.

Results

In the cutpoint analysis, we found that for PM2.5 between 4 and 23.6 μg/m3, speed decreased 0.0008 m/s (95% CI: −0.0014562 to −0.00018) for every 1 μg/m3 increase of PM2.5.

Main limitations

Limitations include the use of offsite monitors leading to imprecise exposure measurements, not using training practice data, and generalisability as the study focuses on California racetracks.

Conclusion

This study highlights the need to create advisories to safeguard the performance of horses during periods of poor air quality. Further research is recommended to explore additional factors influencing the relationship between air pollution and equine welfare.
Enhancement of oleaster (Elaeagnus angustifolia L.) flour properties via instant controlled pressure drop (DIC) technique
Authors: Şahin Nazlı
Published: September 2024

The instant controlled pressure drop (DIC) technology represents a highly efficient and eco‐friendly process that enhances the texture of food matrices. In this study, oleaster flour (OF) was subjected to DIC treatment at varying pressures (200 and 500 kPa) and processing times (30, 60, and 120 s) for the purpose of analysing its techno‐functional, chemical, concentration of bioactive components, and structural properties. The results demonstrated statistically significant differences between the untreated and DIC‐treated OF samples (P < 0.05). The application of DIC treatment resulted in a notable enhancement in the water activity, fat, ash, SDF, bound phenolic content, and antioxidant capacity of the OF (P < 0.05). The mineral content and structural properties were analysed in two samples of OF (DIC‐treated at 200 and 500 kPa for 60 s), which were selected for their superior bioactive components in comparison to the untreated OF. The 200 and 500‐kPa 60‐s DIC treatment also enhanced the mineral (Cu, Na, Mn, Mg, P, Ca, Fe, and K) and structural properties of OF, thereby rendering it a more functional flour. The utilisation of the DIC method enhances the overall quality of the end product, resulting in a visually acceptable appearance, an extended shelf life and heightened nutritional content, thereby rendering the product more practical and convenient.
Development and validation of Tamil version of CARIES‐QC questionnaire among socially marginalized school children in Chennai City
Authors: Riyaz Mohammed Meera , Sivasamy Shyam , Chaly Preetha Elizabeth
Published: September 2024

Background

The Caries Impacts and Experiences Questionnaire for Children (CARIES‐QC), which was developed to assess dental caries‐specific Child Oral Health Related Quality of Life (COHRQoL), has been translated into few world languages.

Aim

To develop and validate the Tamil version of Caries Impacts and Experience Questionnaire for Children (CARIES‐QC).

Design

This cross‐sectional study was conducted among socially marginalized school children in Chennai City. The initial translation of the English CARIES‐QC questionnaire to Tamil was made by two independent translators followed by an expert committee discussion to derive a prefinal version of the Tamil questionnaire. Subsequently, content validation was performed by bilingual subject experts followed by preliminary pilot testing among 30 school children aged 8–10 years studying in Adidravidar Welfare High School, Chennai, to produce the final version of the questionnaire. Convergent validity, discriminant validity, and test–retest reliability of the translated questionnaire were tested among 191 children.

Results

The content validation process revealed that the translated version had relevant questions and content coverage (Scale‐wise Content Validity Index score = .91). The children with and without dental caries had mean CARIES‐QC scores of 5.39 + 3.7 and 3.71 + 5.1, respectively, and their statistically significant difference (p‐value = .04) between them indicates the scale's satisfactory discriminant validity. The Cronbach's alpha was .87 indicating the questionnaire's good internal consistency.

Conclusion

The newly developed Tamil CARIES‐QC questionnaire is a valid and reliable tool for assessing COHRQoL among Tamil‐speaking school children.
Navigating sustainable manufacturing practices in small and medium‐sized enterprises: Empirical evidence from an emerging economy
Authors: Peter Darren , Peter Marsyall , Peter Paul , Yacob Peter
Published: September 2024

Sustainable manufacturing practices (SMPs) aim to minimize environmental effects throughout the manufacturing process by employing measures such as waste reduction, resource optimization, pollution prevention, energy‐efficient manufacturing processes and effective management of products at the end of their lifecycle. Although SMPs are widely studied in developed countries, their advocation and implementation are still in the early stages of development in emerging economies. Consequently, this article aims to identify SMPs among small and medium‐sized manufacturing enterprises (SMEs) in Malaysia. Data were collected based on a quantitative research method using online and offline mail. A total of 189 manufacturing SMEs were selected based on judgmental sampling techniques, and structural equation modelling AMOS was used to analyse the data. The results indicated a high positive correlation between perceived environmental performance, perceived quality performance, product innovation and process innovation. In addition, the perceived quality performance positively and directly affects process and product innovation. Thus, perceived environmental performance plays a role in directly and positively impacting product and process innovation. However, despite this, the perceived quality performance also affects SMPs directly and positively, with process innovation directly and positively impacting product innovation. The study's findings and recommendations can help Malaysian manufacturing SMEs to integrate and assist in understanding the current body of knowledge on the challenges of implementing SMPs in SMEs.
Acceptability and Usability of Smileyscope Virtual Reality for Paediatric Pain Management During Burn Procedures: Perspectives of Patients, Carers and Clinicians
Authors: Storey Kristen , Dimanopoulos Tanesha A. , Plummer Karin , Kimble Roy , Xiang Henry , Griffin Bronwyn
Published: September 2024

Aim

To explore clinician, child and parent acceptability and usability of the Smileyscope VR device in the context of addressing the unique pain and distress needs of young burn patients.

Design

A survey comprising closed and open‐ended questions.

Method

Descriptive statistics analysed participant characteristics, pain and analgesia. Qualitative content was collected from April 2022–August 2022 and analysed to identify barriers and enablers. Categories were then mapped onto the Capabilities, Opportunities and Motivation‐Behaviour Wheel (COM‐B) framework.

Results

Smileyscope was found to be effective for reducing pain and anxiety during dressing changes by both patients (n = 39) and parents (n = 37). Clinicians (n = 35) reported high self‐efficacy and willingness to reuse the device. However, concerns arose regarding the device's fit and the need for age‐appropriate programmes.

Conclusion

Smileyscope demonstrated promise in reducing procedural pain and distress. The device is well accepted by all participants implying ease of implementation. Feedback suggests further program development and fitting optimisation is required.

Implications for the Profession and/or Patient Care

Improved procedural pain has proven to decrease wound healing times, decreasing possible need for further scar management and long‐term consequences after sustaining a burn injury. Smileyscope use in rural hospitals presents valuable opportunities for optimising early paediatric burn pain.

Impact

Increased burn pain can delay wound healing and have long term physical and psychological impact on patients. Smileyscope was well received within this cohort; however, improvements in device design and programmes were suggested. This study shows the potential for use of Smileyscope as a non‐pharmacological approach to improving paediatric burn pain and distress.

Patient or Public Contribution

While our study included patients, parents and clinicians as research participants, there was no patient or public contribution in the design or conduct of the study, analysis or interpretation of the data.