bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Use of antiepileptic medications for seizures’ prevention during subarachnoid hemorrhage: A retrospective observational study
Authors: Alghadeer Sultan , Binhazza Reham M. , Alwahibi Abdulrahman , Alsaloom Feda F. , Alshaya Abdulrahman I. , Alyahya Hayaa , Al-Ghamdi Abrar , Alghamdi Abdulrahman A.
Published: July 2024

The use of prophylactic antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) post-subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), particularly aneurysmal SAH, is controversial, with limited data available. This has led the new American Heart Association/American Stroke Association (AHA/ASA) guidelines to recommend against using AEDs. This study is aimed at determining whether the use of AEDs for primary prophylaxis is effective in reducing the incidence of seizures post-SAH. A retrospective observational study was conducted utilizing a reviewing chart for the period starting from June 2015 to the end of 2021. The reviews were conducted in the acute care areas of 2 tertiary hospitals primarily to assess the efficacy of AEDs against seizures in patients with SAH (particularly aneurysmal SAH). This was done by comparing the occurrence of early, late, and overall incidence of seizures between patients who received AEDs versus those who did not. Of the 62 patients, who mostly presented with aneurysmal SAH (71%), 42 received AEDs and 20 did not. Mostly, the baseline characteristics between the 2 groups were comparable. A few patients on AEDs developed early (n = 4/38), late (n = 3/29), and overall seizures (n = 6/33), whereas no early, late, or overall incidence of seizures was presented in the group who did not receive AEDs. However, this difference showed no significance (P > .05). The subjects who were given AEDs showed significantly longer hospital stays (42.11 ± 51.43 vs 14.10 ± 7.17; P = .002) and higher mortality rates (7/11 vs 0/11; P = .026). For all patients who received AEDs for prophylaxis, the overall incidence of seizures was negatively associated with the Glasgow coma scale (OR: 0.798; 95% CI 0.657–0.978; P = .022). Our findings support the 2023 AHA/ASA guideline recommendation to avoid using routine AEDs for prophylaxis for all SAH patients. Proper and careful stratification methods should be implemented in each given scenario.
Association of Surgeon Self-Reported Gender and Surgical Outcomes in Current US Practice
Authors: Scali Salvatore T. , Columbo Jesse A. , Hawn Mary T. , Mitchell Erica L. , Neal Dan , Wong Sandra L. , Huber Thomas S. , Upchurch Gilbert R. , Stone David H.
Published: July 2024

Objective:

This study aimed to evaluate the association of surgeon self-reported gender on clinical outcomes in contemporary US surgical practice.

Background:

Previous research has suggested that there are potentially improved surgical outcomes for female surgeons, yet the underlying causal path for this association remains unclear.

Methods:

Using the Vizient Clinical Database(2016–2021), 39 operations categorized by the CDC’s National Healthcare Safety Network were analyzed. The surgeon self-reported gender as the primary exposure. The primary outcome was a composite of in-hospital death, complications, and/or 30-day readmission. Multivariable logistic regression and propensity score matching were used for risk adjustment.

Results:

The analysis included 4,882,784 patients operated on by 11,955 female surgeons (33% of surgeons performing 21% of procedures) and 23,799 male surgeons (67% of surgeons performing 79% of procedures). Female surgeons were younger (45±9 vs males-53±11 y; P<0.0001) and had lower operative volumes. Unadjusted incidence of the primary outcome was 13.6%(10.7%-female surgeons, 14.3%-male surgeons; P<0.0001). After propensity matching, the primary outcome occurred in 13.0% of patients [12.9%-female, 13.0%-male; OR (M vs. F)=1.02, 95% CI: 1.01–1.03; P=0.001), with female surgeons having small statistical associations with lower mortality and complication rates but not readmissions. Procedure-specific analyses revealed inconsistent or no surgeon-gender associations.

Conclusions:

In the largest analysis to date, surgeon self-reported gender had a small statistical, clinically marginal correlation with postoperative outcomes. The variation across surgical specialties and procedures suggests that the association with surgeon gender is unlikely causal for the observed differences in outcomes. Patients should be reassured that surgeon gender alone does not have a clinically meaningful impact on their outcome.
Measles outbreak in 2019: a warning for the post-COVID-19 pandemic period
Authors: Salimović-Bešić Irma , Musa Sanjin , Kotorić-Keser Šejla , Zahirović Edina , Mutevelić Selma , Dedeić-Ljubović Amela
Published: July 2024

Introduction. At the end of 2019 and the year before, there was a significant spread of measles in the World Health Organization (WHO) European Region.

Gap statement. Among the countries that reported, a measles outbreak was Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH).

Aim. To describe the measles outbreak in BiH (an entity of the Federation of BiH, FBiH) in 2019.

Methodology. Confirmatory IgM serology, measles nucleic acid detection by real-time RT-PCR and virus genotyping were done in the WHO-accredited laboratory for measles and rubella at the Clinical Center of the University of Sarajevo, Unit for Clinical Microbiology. Genotype was determined in all measles-RNA-positive cases by sequence analysis of the 450 nt fragment coding the C-terminal of measles virus nucleoprotein (N).

Results. From 1 January to 31 December 2019, 1332 measles cases were reported, with the peak observed in April 2019 (413/1332, 31.01 %). Sarajevo Canton had the highest incidence, number of cases and percentage (206.4; 868/1332; 65.17 %) of measles cases. Around four-fifths of infected persons were unvaccinated (1086/1332, 81.53 %), while 4.58 % of the patients (61/1332) were immunized with one dose of measles-containing vaccine. The highest proportion of cases was found in children 0–6 years of age (738/1332, 55.41 %). Measles IgM positivity was determined in 75.88 % (346/456), while virus RNA was detected in 82.46 % (47/57) of the swab samples. All measles virus sequences belonged to genotype B3. SNP (position 216: C=>T) was detected in 1 of the 40 sequences obtained during this outbreak.

Conclusion. Due to suboptimal immunization coverage, BiH belongs to countries at a high risk for measles outbreaks. Post-COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic, targeted and tailored strategies are required to ensure routine vaccination demand and acceptance and broad partner and stakeholder group participation.
Video clubs in physics teaching assistant training: Teaching assistants’ experiences
Authors: Lehtinen Antti , Lehesvuori Sami , Maunuksela Jussi , Hämäläinen Raija , Koskinen Pekka
Published: July 2024

Teaching assistants have a very important role in physics education as they interact with students and guide them in different contexts. A multitude of research has focused on how to prepare teaching assistants to implement high-quality, research-based teaching techniques. Video clubs, i.e., working with a group of teachers to watch and discuss excerpts of videos recorded from their own teaching, is a novel approach to teaching assistant training that draws from teacher education. This study reports on the experiences of five physics teaching assistants as they participated in a semester long series of video clubs as a part of the implementation of a new introductory lab course. Data were collected through interviews (N=5). The interview data were analyzed through reflexive thematic analysis. Five themes for the experiences were constructed from the data. Participation in the video clubs enabled the teaching assistants to uptake teaching practices from each other and spurred a wish for more coplanning of teaching. There was tension in the experiences as some teaching assistants appreciated the positive feedback but others would have preferred more constructive feedback. As the teaching assistants’ experiences were positive, the use of video clubs in teaching assistant training warrants more research. This research could focus on, e.g., the type of feedback the teaching assistants receive in the video clubs.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Quantum Criticality Under Imperfect Teleportation
Authors: Sala Pablo , Murciano Sara , Liu Yue , Alicea Jason
Published: July 2024

Entanglement, measurement, and classical communication together enable teleportation of quantum states between distant parties, in principle, with perfect fidelity. To what extent do correlations and entanglement of a many-body wave function transfer under teleportation protocols? We address this question for the case of an imperfectly teleported quantum critical wave function, focusing on the ground state of a critical Ising chain. We demonstrate that imperfections, e.g., in the entangling gate adopted for a given protocol, effectively manifest as weak measurements acting on the otherwise pristinely teleported critical state. Armed with this perspective, we leverage and further develop the theory of measurement-altered quantum criticality to quantify the resilience of critical-state teleportation. We identify classes of teleportation protocols for which imperfection (i) preserves both the universal long-range entanglement and correlations of the original quantum critical state, (ii) weakly modifies these quantities away from their universal values, and (iii) obliterates long-range entanglement altogether while preserving power-law correlations, albeit with a new set of exponents. We also show that mixed states describing the average over a series of sequential imperfect teleportation events retain pristine power-law correlations due to a “built-in” decoding algorithm, though their entanglement structure measured by the negativity depends on errors similarly to individual protocol runs. These results may allow one to design teleportation protocols that optimize against errors—highlighting a potential practical application of measurement-altered criticality.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
How perceived local iconness of culturally mixed products enhances purchase intention:the mediating role of consumer perceived value
Authors: Zeng Wanping , Kim Eunmi
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This study investigates the underlying mechanism through which perceived local iconness increases customers’ purchase intentions for culturally mixed products.

Design/methodology/approach

It utilizes an online survey with purposive sampling to gather data. Structural equation modeling is applied to examine data gathered from 471 Chinese customers.

Findings

Consumers’ perceived local iconness of culturally mixed products positively influences their purchase intentions, and this connection is mediated by perceptions of quality, social and emotional values.

Practical implications

Incorporating Chinese cultural elements that can evoke local iconness perceptions among Chinese consumers is necessary for global brands. Moreover, when creating or promoting culturally mixed products, global brands should carefully consider consumers’ perceived quality, social and emotional values.

Originality/value

Drawing on the signaling theory, this study advances knowledge on how local iconness increases the value of and customers’ desire to purchase culturally mixed products. It provides practical suggestions on how global brands can succeed when launching culturally mixed products in emerging markets.
How do temporal psychological distance and grandiose narcissism affect tourists’ travel motivation and attraction visit intention?
Authors: Tan Wee Kheng , Yang Chieh-Yu
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Literature has paid limited attention to narcissism’s influence on tourism. The pre-trip planning stage involves temporal psychological distance, where decision-making regarding the trip stretches over a period of time and occurs anytime during that period. Using narcissism theory and with temporal distance (6 months and 1 week before the trip) as the moderator, this study examines how tourists’ self-sacrificing self-enhancement and grandiose fantasy – grandiose narcissism facets – and travel motivations affect attraction visit intentions.

Design/methodology/approach

Partial least squares (PLS) analysis was applied on survey information obtained from 374 individuals (200 and 174 were six-months and one-week scenarios, respectively).

Findings

Grandiose narcissism facets affect motivations and visit intentions to various attractions at different temporal distances. The consequences of grandiose fantasy and self-sacrificing self-enhancement on motivation become evident as temporal distance decreases. At large temporal distances, grandiose fantasy positively influences social recognition motivation. At short temporal distances, it positively influences social recognition and ego and negatively influences scenery and relaxation motivations. Self-sacrificing self-enhancement positively influences socialization, exploration, scenery, relaxation and escape motivations at large temporal distances. At short temporal distances, self-sacrificing self-enhancement positively influences historical attraction visit intentions.

Originality/value

Grandiose narcissism facets’ influence on tourism is rarely examined. This study extends the temporal distance concept to the narcissism theory. It integrates the effects of grandiose narcissism and temporal distance on tourists’ motivations and different attraction type visit intentions and shows that motivation is temporally distance-specific.
Driving organizational value through sustainable business processes and green information technology
Authors: Haleem Fazal , Ilyas Muhammad , Jehangir Muhammad
Published: July 2024

Purpose

The study explores the pivotal role of green information technology and sustainable business processes and their impact on organizational value in an underdeveloped economy. It aims to develop a comprehensive model for driving organizational value through sustainable initiatives.

Design/methodology/approach

Data was gathered through 474 survey instruments (41% response rate) from top managers of IT firms using a convenience sampling technique. After ensuring reliability and validity, hypotheses were tested using structural equation modeling. Data analysis utilized SPSS and AMOS 21.0.

Findings

The study revealed a significant positive impact of green information technology initiatives on financial and non-financial aspects, enhancing overall organizational value. Similarly, green information technology significantly influences sustainable business processes. Furthermore, sustainable business processes, encompassing economic, social, and environmental dimensions, enhance organizational value, including financial and non-financial performance. Consequently, a multifaceted sustainable model has been developed to optimize organizational value, providing new insights.

Practical implications

The findings imply that firms should focus on acquiring new green technologies and adopting sustainable processes, leading to enhanced profits and non-financial gains. This study aids managers in strategy development and implementation and guides policymakers in formulating context-specific policies. It enriches the existing literature on green IT, business process management, and organizational value.

Originality/value

The study rigorously tested a framework for fostering organizational value through green information technology and sustainable business processes in information technology firms. The proposed framework was validated using structural equation modeling.
Job insecurity amid the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond: a systematic review and research agenda
Authors: Gupta Himanshu , Dhar Rajib Lochan
Published: July 2024

Purpose

The catastrophic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have considerably impacted the labour market and increased job insecurity among workers. This study systematically reviews the literature on job insecurity conducted in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic with three key objectives. First, to identify the key antecedents of job insecurity during the pandemic. Second, to identify the outcomes associated with job insecurity during the pandemic. Third, to identify the underlying boundary conditions that strengthened or alleviated the association between the antecedents of job insecurity and its associated outcomes.

Design/methodology/approach

The study followed PRISMA 2020 guidelines for the selection and inclusion of scientific literature by systematically searching five electronic databases, namely, Scopus, ScienceDirect, PubMed, Web of Science and Psych Info.

Findings

A perception of health-related risks, negative economic consequences and organizational restructuring during the pandemic were the primary factors contributing to job insecurity among workers. The consequences encompassed detrimental impacts on health and well-being, proactive measures undertaken by employees to alleviate the threat of job loss, and a variety of tactics employed to cope with stress arising from job insecurity. The boundary conditions elucidate the factors that alleviated job insecurity among workers and influenced both their work and non-work outcomes.

Originality/value

This is the first systematic review summarizing the literature on employees' experiences with job insecurity amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Based on a systematic review, this study provides doable steps that HR managers can take to effectively manage job insecurity among workers, particularly during a crisis.
Revisiting e-commerce platforms’ strategies of exercising channel power: a contingency perspective
Authors: Deng Guangkuan , Zhang Jianyu , Xu Ying , He Lijuan
Published: July 2024

Purpose

The integration of e-commerce platforms and artificial intelligence (AI) into the marketing channel ecosystem is challenging the explanatory capacity of traditional channel power theories, indicating a significant yet unaddressed research gap concerning the impact of these digital entities and AI on channel power exercise dynamics. This study adopts a contingency perspective to critically revisit how e-commerce platforms exercise channel power and the ensuing effects on channel conflicts. The purpose of this study is to extend the boundaries of traditional channel power theories, enhancing their relevance in today’s digital marketplace.

Design/methodology/approach

Building on channel power theories, the authors developed a framework tested with survey data collected from 262 sellers. This framework incorporates three key contingent variables: inter-platform competition, AI capabilities and platform value co-creation. Regression analysis was used to perform the analyses.

Findings

This study finds that intense inter-platform competition mitigates the (positive) negative relationship between platform channel power and the exercise of (non-) coercive power. Moreover, a platform’s AI capabilities and value co-creation activities diminish the potential for channel conflicts induced by the exercise of coercive power. AI capabilities can also strengthen the negative relationship between the exercise of non-coercive power and channel conflicts.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the advancement of traditional channel power theories by integrating contemporary digital elements like AI and platform dynamics. This study provides theoretical and practical insights on navigating channel power in modern marketing environments, offering strategic guidelines for optimizing channel relationships.
Evaluation of forensic interviews and interrogations: a thematic analysis of law-enforcement views
Authors: Farrugia Laura , Oxburgh Gavin , Gabbert Fiona
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Effective forensic interviewing is crucial, particularly if the interview is the only source of evidence. Whilst there are a number of interview models that advocate for reflective practice, the evaluation of interviews rarely gets the time or attention it deserves. This is concerning, given that interviewer skills drop significantly after six months, and there are limited opportunities for refresher training. This study aims to explore how law enforcement officers reflect upon and evaluate their interviews and seek their insight into what they believe an effective evaluation tool would constitute.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 32 officers from three police forces in England and Wales and six international security organisations completed a qualitative questionnaire that explored their views on how interview evaluation is conducted and the impact on the interview, and how technology could assist in this important stage in terms of usability, efficacy and capability of a new evaluation tool.

Findings

Thematic analysis was used, resulting in three overall themes being identified from the data. These focused on current evaluation methods, barriers to conducting evaluations and technological solutions.

Originality/value

The findings are discussed in relation to interviewing and the development of tools to assist in evaluations. Implications for practice include the need for much more effort to be put into (re)introducing the evaluation stage into training to ensure that officers are allowed to reflect upon and evaluate their interview performance.
Internal change through external actions: the impact of external corporate social responsibility on employee readiness for change
Authors: Reimer Marlene , Haensse Luca , Lin-Hi Nick
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Employee readiness for change is essential for long-term organizational success. However, organizations often struggle to generate employee support for change as they fail to mitigate associated uncertainties. Studies exploring possible antecedents of employee readiness for change primarily focus on internal organizational practices, while external practices have been overlooked in the discussion. Drawing from uncertainty reduction theory, we examine how external organizational practices in terms of external CSR positively affect readiness for change.

Design/methodology/approach

In a survey of 377 employees from 29 German companies, we test the hypothesized chain of effects between external CSR, perceived organizational support, perceived uncertainty, and readiness for change by using structural equation modeling.

Findings

Results from structural equation modeling demonstrate a positive relationship between external CSR and readiness for change, which is sequentially mediated by perceptions of organizational support and uncertainty.

Originality/value

By highlighting the role of external organizational practices in promoting change readiness, the paper offers new insights into the mechanisms of effective change management.
Individual joints involvement pattern in psoriatic arthritis: A cross‐sectional study in China
Authors: Li Jiashuai , Xiao Jingge , Xie Xiaoyun , Deng Sichun , Zhou Guo , Wang Ruixuan , Liu Qianzi , Zhang Mi , Chen Mingliang , Chen Junchen , Kuang Yehong
Published: July 2024

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is characterized by multi‐joint involvement, primarily affecting the small joints in the hands and feet. However, the specific pattern of joint involvement at an individual level remains uncertain. This study aimed to elucidate the pattern of joint involvement in a PsA cohort. Patients diagnosed with PsA were recruited for this cross‐sectional study. Demographic, clinical, laboratory, personal and family history, and comorbidity data were collected. Descriptive statistical analysis was performed, and univariate and multivariate regression models were used to examine baseline factors influencing joint involvement. A total of 264 PsA patients (156 males) were included in the study. The results revealed a predominant involvement of peripheral facet joints. The second proximal interphalangeal joint (PIP) of the right hand exhibited the highest prevalence of swelling (18.9%), while the right knee joint had the highest prevalence of tenderness (24.2%). Older age and earlier onset of PsA were identified as independent factors associated with the swelling of the second PIP of the right hand. Older age, earlier onset of PsA, lower Psoriasis Area and Severity Index and higher Dermatology Life Quality Index scores were identified as independent factors associated with the tenderness of the right knee joint. In conclusion, the most commonly affected joints in PsA are the second PIP of the right hand and the right knee joint.
Menopausal stages and overactive bladder symptoms in middle‐aged women: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Park Jungeun , Chang Yoosoo , Kim Jae Heon , Choi Hye Rin , Kwon Ria , Lim Ga‐Young , Ahn Jiin , Kim Kye‐Hyun , Kim Hoon , Hong Yun Soo , Zhao Di , Cho Juhee , Guallar Eliseo , Park Hyun‐Young , Ryu Seungho
Published: July 2024

Objective

To examine the prevalence of overactive bladder (OAB) according to menopausal stages in middle‐aged women.

Design

Cross‐sectional study.

Setting

Total Healthcare Center in South Korea.

Population

Middle‐aged Korean women (n=3469, mean age, 49.5 ± 2.9 years).

Methods

Menopausal stages were defined according to the Stages of Reproductive Aging Workshop +10 criteria, and menopausal symptoms were assessed using the Korean version of Menopause‐Specific Quality of Life (MENQOL). Logistic regression models were used to estimate prevalence ratios with 95% confidence intervals for OAB according to menopausal stage and to assess the associations with menopausal symptoms.

Main Outcome Measures

OAB symptoms were evaluated using the Overactive Bladder Symptom Score (OABSS).

Results

The prevalence of OAB increased with menopausal stage; however, the multivariable‐adjusted prevalence ratios for women in menopausal transition and postmenopausal stage were insignificant (ptrend = 0.160) compared to those for premenopausal women. Among individual OAB symptoms, the multivariable‐adjusted prevalence ratios for nocturia increased with menopausal stage in a dose–response manner (ptrend = 0.005 for 1 time/day; ptrend < 0.001 for ≥2 times/day). The association between menopausal stages and nocturia occurring ≥2 times/day was evident in women without OAB and with relatively high MENQOL scores, vasomotor symptoms and difficulty sleeping.

Conclusions

The prevalence of OAB, particularly nocturia, increased with menopausal stage, and the association was obvious in women with other menopausal symptoms. This finding underscores the importance of addressing nocturia as a potential menopausal symptom in middle‐aged women. Further studies are required to understand the mechanisms linking OAB with menopausal symptoms in middle‐aged women.
Glucose prevents the acquisition of the capacitated state in pig spermatozoa
Authors: Serrano Rebeca , Solar Málaga Soraya , González‐Fernández Lauro , Gervasi María Gracia , García‐Marín Luis Jesús , Bragado María Julia , Martin‐Hidalgo David
Published: July 2024

Background

Mammalian spermatozoa need to undergo a process named capacitation to be able to fertilize an oocyte. During their journey in the female tract, spermatozoa obtain energy while exposed to a changing environment containing a variety of metabolic substrates. The energy requirements for sperm capacitation are species‐specific. In addition, the available energy source can hinder the process of sperm capacitation and eventually the acrosome reaction.

Objectives

To evaluate whether the metabolic substrates available in the in vitro sperm capacitation medium allow or interfere with the pig sperm capacitation process.

Material and methods

The effect of different metabolic substrates on sperm capacitation process was evaluated by analyzing phosphorylation in the p32 protein; the acrosome reaction and the ATP intracellular content.

Results

The presence of glucose in the in vitro capacitating medium diminishes, in a concentration‐dependent manner, parameters associated with the capacitated status: induced acrosome exocytosis, plasma membrane destabilization, and protein tyrosine phosphorylation. Conversely, sperm incubation with pyruvate or lactate, either individually or in combination, allows the attainment of the capacitated status. Unexpectedly, pig spermatozoa incubated without any extracellular energy substrates or with a non‐metabolizable substrate (l‐glucose) for 4 h displayed similar sperm viability to the control and exhibited a capacitated phenotype. The capacitation‐like phenotype observed in starved pig spermatozoa (absence of glucose, lactate, and pyruvate) was dependent on extracellular bicarbonate and calcium levels, and these spermatozoa exhibited lower intracellular ATP content compared to those not capacitated. Nevertheless, the intracellular content of calcium was not modified in comparison to the control.

Discussion and conclusions

Our findings suggest that the metabolic substrates used to fuel pig sperm metabolism are important in achieving the capacitated status. The results of this work could be used to refine the capacitating medium employed in pig in vitro fertilization.
Targeting senescence to prevent diabetic kidney disease: Exploring molecular mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets for disease management
Authors: Phillips Paige Charlotte Alison , de Sousa Loreto Aresta Branco Mafalda , Cliff Chelsy Louise , Ward Joanna Kate , Squires Paul Edward , Hills Claire Elizabeth
Published: July 2024

Background/Aims

As a microvascular complication, diabetic kidney disease is the leading cause of chronic kidney disease and end‐stage renal disease worldwide. While the underlying pathophysiology driving transition of diabetic kidney disease to renal failure is yet to be fully understood, recent studies suggest that cellular senescence is central in disease development and progression. Consequently, understanding the molecular mechanisms which initiate and drive senescence in response to the diabetic milieu is crucial in developing targeted therapies that halt progression of renal disease.

Methods

To understand the mechanistic pathways underpinning cellular senescence in the context of diabetic kidney disease, we reviewed the literature using PubMed for English language articles that contained key words related to senescence, inflammation, fibrosis, senescence‐associated secretory phenotype (SASP), autophagy, and diabetes.

Results

Aberrant accumulation of metabolically active senescent cells is a notable event in the progression of diabetic kidney disease. Through autocrine‐ and paracrine‐mediated mechanisms, resident senescent cells potentiate inflammation and fibrosis through increased expression and secretion of pro‐inflammatory cytokines, chemoattractants, recruitment of immune cells, myofibroblast activation, and extracellular matrix remodelling. Compounds that eliminate senescent cells and/or target the SASP – including senolytic and senomorphics drugs – demonstrate promising results in reducing the senescent cell burden and associated pro‐inflammatory effect.

Conclusions

Here we evidence the link between senescence and diabetic kidney disease and highlight underlying molecular mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets that could be exploited to delay disease progression and improve outcomes for individuals with the disease. Trials are now required to translate their therapeutic potential to a clinical setting.
Ecosystem responses to a whole‐reservoir coarse woody habitat addition
Authors: Fenstermacher C. C. , Radford D. S. , Porreca A. P. , Sass G. G. , Parkos J. J.
Published: July 2024

The addition of coarse woody habitat (CWH) is often used to mitigate the loss of natural structure in aging waterbodies. Ecosystem‐scale effects of large‐scale CWH additions and their influence on fish productivity have been assessed in oligotrophic, natural lakes, but need to be assessed in more ecosystems. Therefore, we tested the effects of an ecosystem‐scale addition of CWH to a eutrophic reservoir using a reference reservoir and data from 4 years before and 4 years after habitat enhancement. Zooplankton and benthic macroinvertebrates did not respond to the addition of CWH, but bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus) reproductive productivity and largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) size structure increased. Positive fish responses that contrasted with a lack of fish population‐level responses after a similar CWH addition in an oligotrophic, natural lake highlight the importance of assessing the efficacy of CWH addition across diverse ecosystems.
Appraisal of AI‐generated dermatology literature reviews
Authors: Passby Lauren , Madhwapathi Vidya , Tso Simon , Wernham Aaron
Published: July 2024

Background

Artificial intelligence (AI) tools have the potential to revolutionize many facets of medicine and medical sciences research. Numerous AI tools have been developed and are in continuous states of iterative improvement in their functionality.

Objectives

This study aimed to assess the performance of three AI tools: The Literature, Microsoft's Copilot and Google's Gemini in performing literature reviews on a range of dermatology topics.

Methods

Each tool was asked to write a literature review on five topics. The topics chosen have recently had peer‐reviewed systematic reviews published. The outputs of each took were graded on their evidence and analysis, conclusions and references on a 5‐point Likert scale by three dermatologists who are working in clinical practice, have completed the UK dermatology postgraduate training examination and are partaking in continued professional development.

Results

Across all five topics chosen, the literature reviews written by Gemini scored the highest. The mean score for Gemini for each review was 10.53, significantly higher than the mean scores achieved by The Literature (7.73) and Copilot (7.4) (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

This paper shows that AI‐generated literature reviews can provide real‐time summaries of medical literature across a range of dermatology topics, but limitations to their comprehensiveness and accuracy are apparent.
Consumption response to aggregate shocks and the role of leverage
Authors: Kovacs Agnes , Rostom May , Bunn Philip
Published: July 2024

This paper investigates the relationship between mortgage leverage and consumption around the 2008 financial crisis. Using data from the UK's Family Expenditure Survey and Wealth and Asset Survey, we first show that high‐leveraged households made larger cuts to consumption following the financial crisis, and this was largely driven by young households. Second, using a life‐cycle framework, we qualitatively evaluate four possible channels that could explain the observed positive relationship between consumption and leverage: income, uncertainty, credit supply and house price channels. Our key finding is that credit supply tightening is the main driver of the empirical co‐movement between pre‐crisis leverage and consumption growth after 2008.
Cysts of the ligamentum flavum are often linked to ischemic conditions: A morphological study
Authors: Matsunaga Ayano , Saito Mariko , Ijiri Kaya , Tsuchiya Motohiro , Yasuda Akimasa , Kitamura Kazuya , Ogata Sho , Chiba Kazuhiro , Matsukuma Susumu
Published: July 2024

“Cysts of the ligamentum flavum (cysts‐LF)” is the term for non‐neoplastic cystic lesion involving LF. The aim of the present study was to elucidate the histopathological characteristics and pathogenesis of “cysts‐LF”. Herein, we defined cysts‐LF as spinal cysts containing degenerative LF components. From archival cases, we investigated 18 symptomatic cysts‐LF surgically removed from 18 patients (13 males and five females; median age 68.5 years [range, 42–86 years]). The elastic fibers of LF components in the wall were separated and/or torn, and cyst walls were accompanied by chondroid metaplasia (17 cases), myxoid changes (13 cases), ossification (11 cases), amyloid deposits (14 cases), hemosiderosis (six cases), granular/smudgy calcification (four cases), synovial cell linings (three cases), and severe inflammatory infiltrates (one case). These histologic features of our cysts‐LF were shared by previously reported “cysts‐LF.” Fourteen cysts‐LF demonstrated vascular stenosis/occlusion, and eight showed thick hyalinized vessels, suggesting local circulatory insufficiency. Eight cases (44%) exhibited lipomembranous fat necrosis, accompanied by hyalinized vascular changes (p = 0.003). Ischemic conditions were observed in nearly half of the present cysts‐LF, and may be one of the main contributing factors for the formation of cysts‐LF, via degeneration and cystic changes in the LF.
An international relations quantitative evaluation model (IRQEM) based on an integrated method
Authors: Ma Yaping , Yao Mengjiao , Yu Feng , Xiao Xingyu , Huang Lida , Zhang Hui , Deng Qing
Published: July 2024

International relations (IR) have great uncertainty and instability. Bad IR or conflicts will bring about heavy economic losses and widespread social unrest domestically and internationally. The accurate prediction for bilateral relations can support decision making for timely responses, which will be used to find ways to maintain development in the complex international situation. An international relations quantitative evaluation model (IRQEM) is proposed by integrating a variety of research models and methods like the interpretative structural modeling method (ISM), Bayesian network (BN) model, the Bayesian search (BS), and the expectation–maximization (EM) algorithm, which is novel for IR research. Factors from several different fields are identified as BN nodes. Each node is assigned different state values. The hierarchical structure of these BN nodes is obtained by ISM. The data collection of 192 cases is used to construct the BN model by GeNIe 4.0. The IRQEM can be used to evaluate the influence of emergencies on IR. The critical factors of IR also can be explored through our proposed model. Results show that the prediction of bilateral relations under emergencies can be realized by updating the indicator set when emergencies occur. The capability to anticipate threats of IR changes is advanced by optimizing the reporting information of IR forecasting through a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods, charts, and texts. Relevant analysis results can provide support for national security decision making.
Primary immune thrombocytopenic purpura with exuberant oral manifestations in a patient with Turner syndrome
Authors: Santos Liz Oliveira Trajano dos , Santos Angélica de Sousa , Oliveira Marielly de Souza , Lopes Natalia Vitória de Araújo , de Oliveira Júnior José Klidenberg , Medeiros Hianne Cristinne de Morais , Cunha John Lennon Silva , Barnabé Luan Éverton Galdino
Published: July 2024

Background

Primary Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP) is an autoimmune hematological condition characterized by isolated thrombocytopenia and frequently presents with oral manifestations. However, reports of primary ITP in patients with Turner Syndrome (TS) are exceptionally rare, with few cases documented in the literature. Herein, we describe an unusual case of primary ITP with exuberant oral manifestations in a patient with TS.

Case report

A 29‐year‐old woman was referred to an oral diagnostic service with complaints of “blood blisters and gum bleeding” lasting 8 h. On extraoral physical examination, multiple petechiae were observed in the upper and lower limbs, in addition to hemorrhagic extravasation in the right ocular sclera (hyposphagma). On intraoral examination, multiple vesicles and blisters filled with blood were identified on the lower lip, back of the tongue, and buccal mucosa, along with spontaneous gingival bleeding and hemorrhagic petechiae on the palate. Laboratory tests revealed thrombocytopenia (5000/mm3), whereas the blood count showed normality in the red and white series. After excluding other etiological factors or associated diseases, the patient was diagnosed with severe ITP and began treatment with systemic corticosteroids in the intensive care unit, resulting in a successful increase in platelets. After a 2‐year follow‐up, the patient remains free of ITP recurrences.

Conclusion

Oral manifestations may be one of the first signs of ITP. Therefore, it is essential that dentists are familiar with the condition and, when faced with unusual oral bleeding, consider the possibility of a hematological disorder such as ITP, ensuring a correct and early diagnosis. Moreover, the presence of ITP can further exacerbate complications associated with TS. Therefore, rigorous follow‐up of these patients is crucial, considering the high incidence of cardiovascular and autoimmune diseases and the reduced life expectancy of these patients.
Two faces of activation attitudes. Explaining citizens' diverging views on demanding versus enabling activation policies
Authors: Meuleman Bart , Van Hootegem Arno , Rossetti Federica , Abts Koen
Published: July 2024

This study examines public attitudes towards two types of ALMPs: enabling activation, which prioritises training, skill formation, and human capital improvement; and demanding activation, which involves leading people towards employment through sanctions and benefit cuts. While previous research has predominantly focused on demanding activation, this study is the first to compare public support for the two distinct faces of activation. Analysing data from the 2020 Belgian National Elections Study, we examine the role of self‐interest, political ideology, social justice preferences, and stereotypical images towards the unemployed in explaining both types of activation attitudes. We find that attitudes towards enabling and demanding activation policies are clearly distinct in their measurement and driving forces. While the enabling type appeals especially to the principle of equality and positive attitudes towards the unemployed, support for demanding ALMPs is based on the principle of equity and stereotypical views about the jobless.
Election reform and campaign finance: Did Alaska's top 4 nonpartisan primaries and ranked‐choice general elections affect political spending?
Authors: Albert Zachary , Boatright Robert G. , Cuthbert Lane , Eichen Adam , van Erve Wouter , La Raja Raymond J. , Rolfe Meredith
Published: July 2024

Objective

Ranked‐choice voting (RCV) is increasingly seen as a way to reduce political polarization and increase voter choice in elections, but little is known about its effect on candidate fundraising. In 2022, Alaska held its first election using a nonpartisan Top 4 primary followed by a ranked‐choice general election. We analyze the effect of this new system on campaign financing practices in state legislative elections. There are many reasons to expect RCV to increase campaign spending, broaden the donor pool, and prompt donors to support candidates to whom they would not otherwise contribute.

Method

We measure changes in fundraising over the past decade in Alaska legislative elections. We conduct a network analysis of campaign contributors in Alaska for the 2018, 2020, and 2022 state legislative elections.

Results

RCV had minimal consequences for campaign fundraising. Our ability to draw broader conclusions about the relationship between RCV and campaign finance is complicated by unusual features of Alaska politics.

Conclusions

There is little evidence that the adoption of a Top 4/RCV system in Alaska had immediate effects on campaign finance in state legislative elections. However, patterns may change as legislators and donors adapt to the new system.
Exploring constraint qualification-free optimality conditions for linear second-order cone programming
Authors: Kostyukova Olga , Tchemisova Tatiana
Published: July 2024

Linear second-order cone programming (SOCP) deals with optimization problems characterized by a linear objective function and a feasible region defined by linear equalities and second-order cone constraints. These constraints involve the norm of a linear combination of variables, enabling the representation of a wide range of convex sets. The SOCP serves as a potent tool for addressing optimization challenges across engineering, finance, machine learning, and various other domains. In this paper, we introduce new optimality conditions tailored for {SOCP} problems. These conditions have the form of two optimality criteria that are obtained without the requirement of any constraint qualifications and are defined explicitly. The first criterion utilizes the concept of immobile indices of constraints. The second criterion, without relying explicitly on immobile indices, introduces a special finite vector set for assessing optimality. To demonstrate the effectiveness of these criteria, we present two illustrative examples highlighting their applicability. We compare the obtained criteria with other known optimality conditions and show the advantage of the former ones.
Further refinements and inequalities of Fejer's type via GA-convexity
Authors: Amer Latif Muhammad , Budak Huseyin , Kashuri Artion
Published: July 2024

In this study, we introduce some new mappings in connection with Hermite-Hadamard and Fejer type integral inequalities which have been proved using the GA-convex functions. As a consequence, we obtain certain new inequalities of the Fejer type that provide refinements of the Hermite-Hadamard and Fejer type integral inequalities that have already been obtained.
Numerical Investigation of Thermal Performance of Minichannels With Transversely Patterned Nonslip and Superhydrophobic Surfaces in Turbulent Flow Conditions
Authors: Vankudre Manish H. , Alvarado Jorge L.
Published: July 2024

The study aims at understanding the effects of transversely patterned nonslip and slip (superhydrophobic) surfaces on thermal performance and pressure drop in a circular minichannel under turbulent flow conditions. Numerical simulations of fluid flow through patterned minichannels for a Reynolds number of 5600 under constant heat flux conditions were performed using CFD software Star-CCM+. The κ–ω SST turbulence model with a coupled solver was used for simulating flow through the minichannels. Several numerical cases were simulated to understand the effects of nonslip to slip ratio and width of nonslip bands on pressure drop and thermal performance of circular minichannels. Two nonslip to slip ratios (1 and 1/3) and three different nonslip bandwidths (0.2δ, 0.4δ, 0.8δ) were considered in the simulation process. Parameters representative of the flow and heat transfer behavior such as boundary layer thickness, friction factor, slip velocity, shape factor, Nusselt number, and performance evaluation criterion (PEC) were calculated to better understand the effects of nonslip to slip ratio and width of nonslip bands on thermal performance. The simulation results reveal that a decrease in nonslip to slip ratio and increase in nonslip width lead to a reduction in pressure drop and an enhancement in heat transfer. Furthermore, the configuration with a nonslip to slip ratio of 1/3 and a nonslip width of 0.8δ was found to be the optimal minichannel design, achieving a 40% reduction in pressure drop with a PEC value of 3.4. In summary, the numerical simulations show that properly designed microchannels consisting of slip and nonslip bands arranged transversely to the flow direction can lead to enhanced thermal performance under turbulent flow conditions.