bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Utilising VSM insights to address health system disconnects: introducing three novel organisational pathologies
Authors: Paine Sharen , Foote Jeff
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Health systems worldwide are hampered by disconnects between governance, management, and operations, which negatively impact on their ability to deliver efficient, effective, and safe healthcare services. This paper shows how insights from the Viable System Model (VSM) can help us to conceptualise health system disconnects impacting specialist clinical services and develop solutions to address organisational fragmentation.

Design/methodology/approach

A case study of a specialist clinical service was undertaken, where the VSM was used to guide semi-structured interviews and workshops with clinicians and managers and analysis of findings.

Findings

The VSM provides a coherent way to conceptualise the disconnects and identify their structural underpinnings. Three novel organisational pathologies emerged from the study.

Research limitations/implications

This New Zealand-based study was undertaken during the COVID-19 pandemic and a period of major health system reform, introducing uncertainty into service provision that may have impacted stakeholders’ views.

Practical implications

The three novel pathologies affect how health systems define their services, their understanding of the management function, and the importance of coordination. The resulting clarity of functioning could improve service quality, staff and patient satisfaction, and the effectiveness and efficiency of healthcare service delivery.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the VSM literature on organisational pathologies by providing three novel pathologies for a perspective that may be useful beyond healthcare and invites consideration of health system disconnects as a coherent field of study.
Innovative decision support tools for perishable food supply chain management
Authors: Yamsa-ard Samatthachai , Ben Abdelaziz Fouad , Masri Hatem
Published: May 2024

Purpose

We introduce decision support tools aimed at optimizing perishable food supply chain management, effectively balancing conflicting objectives such as the exporter’s product collection cost and the importer’s profit. This involves considering factors like perishability, selling price, discount rate, and order quantity to achieve optimal outcomes.

Design/methodology/approach

This study considered a three-echelon supply chain comprising farmers, a single exporter, and a single importer providing a single, random-lifetime, perishable product under deterministic customer demand. The proposed mathematical model derived the optimal order quantity, selling price, and discount rate for the entire supply chain. This integrated optimization model treats both demand and supply sides as a multi-objective problem, employing a nonlinear program and a two-stage capacitated vehicle routing problem formulation. Numerical examples and a case study focusing on Thailand durian supply chain were conducted to illustrate the approach of the proposed model.

Findings

Taking into account both the importer’s profit and the exporter’s product collection cost, the proposed integrated supply chain model and tools maximize profitability, minimizes waste, and meets demand by optimizing perishable product collection costs and proposing a discount system for selling prices.

Research limitations/implications

Limited to a single perishable product in a three-echelon international food supply chain. Future research can explore different products and supply chain contexts.

Practical implications

The tools enhance decision-making for supply chain managers, improving efficiency, reducing costs, and enhancing customer satisfaction in the perishable food industry.

Social implications

The proposed model aids in local workforce management by forecasting required manpower for upcoming seasons. By factoring in product quality and pricing, it ensures customers receive fresh products at fair prices. Furthermore, the near-zero waste concept enhances storage conditions at importers' facilities, contributing to improved environmental hygiene.

Originality/value

The integrated model and decision support tools offer a novel approach to address complexities and conflicting objectives in perishable food supply chains, providing practical insights for researchers and practitioners.
Lattice optimization of fiber-reinforced polymer parts fabricated by additive manufacturing: the impact of Bezier curve order on mechanical properties
Authors: Kofoğlu Muhammed , Yunus Doruk Erdem , Ercan Necati
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Lattice structures are widely used for achieving optimal topology in additive manufacturing. However, the use of different lattices in a single design can result in stress concentrations at the transition points. This study aims to investigate the influence of Bezier curves on mechanical properties during the transformation from one lattice structure to another. It specifically focuses on the transition from a hexagonal to diamond lattice, using Bezier curves of various orders.

Design/methodology/approach

The curves were designed by passing them through the same control points for different orders, such as third, fifth and seventh. The samples were sliced for 3D printing, and a tensile test was conducted. Young’s modulus and energy absorption abilities were measured to compare the mechanical properties of the models created with Bezier curves for the transformation between hexagonal and diamond models.

Findings

The analysis revealed a gradual change in mechanical properties from the hexagonal to the diamond lattice. Moreover, different orders of Bezier curves exhibited varying mechanical properties during the transformation between the two lattices. As the order of the Bezier curve increased, the mechanical properties smoothly changed from the hexagonal to diamond lattice. This prevented stress concentrations or mechanical behavior mismatch caused by sudden deformations at the transitions between the curves used in the design.

Originality/value

The study’s innovative use of Bezier curves of different orders to smoothly transformation between hexagonal and diamond lattices in additive manufacturing offers a practical solution to prevent stress concentrations and mechanical inconsistencies during such design transitions.
Root inoculation with beneficial soil microbes enhances indirect plant defences induced by insect feeding and egg deposition
Authors: Alınç Tuğcan , Peri Ezio , Torta Livio , Guarino Salvatore , Colazza Stefano , Lievens Bart , Cusumano Antonino
Published: May 2024

Plants can respond to insect egg deposition by emitting oviposition‐induced plant volatiles (OIPVs) recruiting parasitoids. The recruitment of carnivore insects in response to egg deposition is considered an indirect defence strategy that is widespread in the plant kingdom. In recent years, there has been increasing evidence showing that microbial colonization can influence the strength of plant responses to insect herbivory, yet no information is available on how beneficial microbes modulate indirect defences induced by insect egg deposition.

In this work, we evaluated the effects of inoculation with the beneficial soil fungus Trichoderma harzianum strain T22 on a tritrophic system consisting of tomato, the southern green stink bug Nezara viridula and its associated egg parasitoid Trissolcus basalis. We used Y‐tube olfactometer assays to evaluate the behavioural responses of the parasitoids to OIPVs emitted by plants colonized with beneficial soil microbes. We also used gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC–MS) to investigate whether and how root inoculation with T. harzianum T22 affects the chemical composition of induced plant volatiles.

In olfactometer assays, we found that root inoculation with T. harzianum T22 enhanced the attraction of the egg parasitoid towards tomato plants induced by N. viridula feeding and oviposition activities. In particular, the egg parasitoid preferred OIPVs emitted by tomato plants previously inoculated with T. harzianum T22 over OIPVs emitted by non‐inoculated plants. Furthermore, chemical analysis showed that root inoculation with T. harzianum T22 resulted in changes in the composition of OIPVs, which was consistent with the behavioural observations. Among the compounds that strongly contribute to the chemical differences between OIPVs from non‐inoculated and inoculated plants, chemical analysis identified green leaf volatiles ((Z)‐3‐hepten‐1‐ol, (E,E)‐2,4‐hexadienal), along with terpenoids (terpinen 4‐ol, α‐tujene and δ‐elemene).

Taken together our results indicate that beneficial soil microbes enhance indirect plant defences induced by feeding and oviposition, broadening our understanding of plant responses to insect eggs. Our results underscore the importance of taking into account the role of microorganisms to fully comprehend the intricate interactions among plants, herbivore eggs and their associated egg parasitoids.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Forest canopies as nature‐based solutions to mitigate global change effects on people and nature
Authors: Verheyen Kris , Gillerot Loïc , Blondeel Haben , De Frenne Pieter , De Pauw Karen , Depauw Leen , Lorer Eline , Sanczuk Pieter , Schreel Jeroen , Vanneste Thomas , Wei Liping , Landuyt Dries
Published: May 2024

Via sheltering, decoupling and buffering mechanisms, tree canopies have the capacity to mitigate impacts of multiple global‐change drivers on below‐canopy processes and organisms in forests. As a result, canopies have an important potential as nature‐based solution.

The optimal combinations of forest canopy structural attributes to jointly mitigate the impacts of multiple global‐change drivers on below‐canopy organisms and processes have received little attention to date.

To help solving this research gap, here we review how forest canopies modulate the effects of four important global‐change drivers—climate warming, drought, air pollution and biological invasions—on below‐canopy conditions. Particular attention is paid to mitigating canopy attributes that can be influenced by forest management, including canopy cover, tree species composition and vertical and horizontal structure.

Synthesis. We show that the potential of forest canopies to mitigate global‐change effects is highly context‐dependent and that optimal canopy‐based solutions strongly depend on the environmental context and the targeted subcanopy organisms. Hence, holistic approaches, which maximize synergies and minimize trade‐offs, are needed to optimize the solution potential of forest canopies.
Determining the impact of the 2004 Australian Baby Bonus on fertility rates using a synthetic control analysis
Authors: Reich Genevieve
Published: May 2024

The longstanding issue of declining fertility in developed nations motivates a revaluation of the effectiveness of fertility‐targeted policies. This thesis focuses on the 2004 Australian Baby Bonus, a past pronatalist incentive offering a lump sum financial transfer for every child born after 1 July 2004. We employ the synthetic control method to construct a counterfactual scenario for Australia in the absence of the policy's introduction. Using aggregate country‐level data from the World Bank World Indicator's Database from 1998 to 2012, we carefully select suitable Organisation for Economic Co‐operation and Development countries as control units and economic indicators to include as covariates. Our primary specification reveals a 6.82% increase in total fertility between 2005 and 2012, induced by the ABB. Robustness tests, including various model specifications, consistently confirm a positive fertility effect. This comparative case study provides a comprehensive analysis of the ABB's impact, emphasising the significance of methodological choices in assessing fertility‐related policies.
The impact of US housing demand and supply shocks on the Australian economy: Analysis implementing a SVAR model
Authors: Manning Patrick
Published: May 2024

This thesis develops an open economy structural vector autoregression model to determine how the Australian economy is affected by both a US housing demand shock and a US housing supply shock. Previous literature has either grouped Australia with other economies or has excluded Australia altogether. This leaves a significant literature gap in explaining how the Australian economy is solely impacted. The results of the model indicate both a US housing demand and a US housing supply shock significantly impact the Australian economy, with the most significant being the impact of a US house price shock upon Australian GDP which is large and persistent over time. The results contribute to the understanding of how Australian policymakers should incorporate the US housing market into policy decisions and central bank modelling.
ChatGPT in public policy teaching and assessment: An examination of opportunities and challenges
Authors: Casey Daniel
Published: May 2024

This paper presents the findings of an innovative assessment task that required students to use ChatGPT for drafting a policy brief to an Australian Government minister. The study explores how future public policy students perceive ChatGPT's role in both public policy and teaching and assessment. Through self‐reflective essays and focus group discussions, the research looks at the limitations of ChatGPT that the students identified, demonstrating it struggles to produce analytically sound, politically responsive, and nuanced policy recommendations. The findings align with the “technoscepticism” theoretical frame, indicating concerns that artificial intelligence (AI) tools could undermine good policy analysis processes. The students supported greater use of ChatGPT in the classroom, to increase ChatGPT‐literacy, help students learn to engage ethically and appropriately with AI tools, and better develop evaluative judgement skills.

The paper contributes insights into the intersection of ChatGPT, teaching and assessment, and public policy and seeks to prompt further exploration and discussion on the implications of integrating ChatGPT into both public policy and its education and assessment.

Points for practitioners

Future public service graduates are highly sceptical about the value of ChatGPT for developing policy.

They are concerned about the ethical implications, the lack of transparency, and the impact it may have on marginalised communities.
Expatriate voice: The effects of nationality and social status
Authors: Haak‐Saheem Washika , Wilkinson Adrian , Brewster Chris , Arnaut Marina
Published: May 2024

The expression of voice is valuable for organisations and individuals but most of what we know about voice is drawn from western contexts. This paper focuses on why, how and on what issues expatriates speak up. Examining voice in the multinational context of the United Arab Emirates allows us to develop a more in‐depth understanding of national, organisational, and individual factors that influence voice. Interviews with 71 expatriates and 29 host country nationals show that expatriates' social status influences their attitude and behaviour towards voice and that informal structures and social networks in organisations are important in understanding expatriates' voice behaviours. The overlapping categories of expatriates from non‐western countries and expatriates in low‐status jobs take a wider view of their situation and are as a result less likely to use voice in the workplace.
Thermal fixation technologies affect phenolic profile, ginkgolides, bilobalide, product quality, and ginkgolic acids in Ginkgo biloba leaf tea
Authors: Soetanto Desy Anggraini , Li Fengnan , Boateng Isaac Duah , Yang Xiao‐Ming
Published: May 2024

Ginkgo biloba leaves (GBLs) contain high phytoconstituents, but ginkgolic acids (GAs, the main toxic compound in GBLs) have limited its applications. Processing Ginkgo biloba dark tea (GBDT) using fixation technology could decrease the toxic compounds; retain flavonoids, ginkgolides, and bilobalide; and improve the product quality. For the first time, various thermal fixations (hot air fixation [HAF], iron pot fixation [IPF], and boiled water fixation [BWF]) followed by rolling, fermentation, and drying were applied to produce GBDT. A comprehensive analysis of the toxicants (GAs), main bioactive compounds (ginkgolides and bilobalide, flavonoids, antioxidants, and phenolic profiles), and product qualities (moisture content, reducing sugar [RS], free amino acids [FAAs], enzyme activity, color properties, antioxidant capacity, etc.) were evaluated. The results revealed that thermal fixations BWF and HAF significantly reduced the GA contents (41.1%–34.6%). Most terpene lactones showed significant differences in control, IPF, and HAF. The HAF had lower total flavonoid content (TFC) than BWF and IPF. The control group (unfixated) had the highest toxic components (GA), terpene trilactones, and TFC compared with various fixations. Adding different fixations to rolling, fermentation, and drying had various impacts on GBDT, and principal component analysis supported the results. Among four thermal fixations, HAF yielded the best results in RS, FAA, total phenolic content, and antioxidant activities, while IPF had the highest TFC. BWF had the lowest content for GA. In conclusion, HAF (6) was chosen as the best technique for producing GBDT since it preserved GBDT's bioactive components while lowering its toxic components.
Recent drug development of dorzagliatin, a new glucokinase activator, with the potential to treat Type 2 diabetes: A review study
Authors: Jiang Yu , Wang Luyao , Dong Zhenhua , Xia Baotian , Pang Shuguang
Published: May 2024

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a complicated disease related to metabolism that results from resistance to insulin and sustained hyperglycemia. Traditional antidiabetic drugs cannot meet the demand of different diabetes patients for reaching the glycemic targets; thus, the identification of new antidiabetic drugs is urgently needed for the treatment of T2DM to enhance glycemic control and the prognosis of patients suffering from T2DM. Recently, glucokinase (GK) has attracted much attention and is considered to be an effective antidiabetic agent. Glucokinase activators (GKA) represented by dorzagliatin could activate GK and mimic its function that triggers a counter‐regulatory response to blood glucose changes. Dorzagliatin has shown great potential for glycemic control in diabetic patients in a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled Phase 3 trial (SEED study) and had a favorable safety profile and was well tolerated (DAWN study). In the SEED study, dorzagliatin significantly reduced glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) by 1.07% and postprandial blood glucose by 2.83 mol/L, showing the great potential of this drug to control blood glucose in diabetic patients, with good safety and good tolerance. An extension of the SEED study, the DREAM study, confirmed that dorzagliatin monotherapy significantly improved 24‐h glucose variability and increased time in range (TIR) to 83.7% over 46 weeks. Finally, the clinical study of dorzagliatin combined with metformin (DAWN study) confirmed that dorzagliatin could significantly reduce HbA1c by 1.02% and postprandial blood glucose by 5.45 mol/L. The current review summarizes the development of GK and GKA, as well as the prospects, trends, applications, and shortcomings of these treatments, especially future directions of clinical studies of dorzagliatin.

image
Blood laboratory analyses preceding in‐hospital cardiac arrest: A matched case–control study
Authors: Lind Peter C. , Stankovic Nikola , Holmberg Mathias J. , Andersen Lars W. , Granfeldt Asger
Published: May 2024

Background

Whether blood laboratory analyses differ in patients who later suffer in‐hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA) compared to other hospitalised patients remains unknown. The aim of this study was to describe pre‐arrest sampling frequencies, results, and trends in blood laboratory analyses in patients with IHCA compared to controls.

Methods

This study was a matched case–control study using national registries in Denmark. Cases were defined as patients with IHCA from 2017 to 2021. Controls were defined as hospitalised patients and were matched on age, sex, and date and length of admission. Data on a total of 51 different blood laboratory analyses were obtained. The laboratory analyses of primary interest were lactate, sodium, potassium, and haemoglobin. The index time for cases was defined as the time of cardiac arrest, and a corresponding index time was defined for controls based on the time to cardiac arrest for their corresponding case. Blood sampling frequencies were reported for blood laboratory analyses obtained either within the last 24 h before the index time or between the time of hospital admission and the index time. Blood sampling results were reported for blood laboratory analyses obtained within the last 24 h before the index time.

Results

A total of 9268 cases and 92,395 controls were included in this study. Cases underwent more frequent sampling of all blood laboratory analyses compared to controls. This higher sampling frequency was more pronounced for lactate compared to sodium, potassium, or haemoglobin. The last measured lactate was higher in cases (median [IQR]: 2.3 [1.3, 4.9]) compared to controls (median [IQR]: 1.3 [0.9, 2.0]). Differences in sodium, potassium, and haemoglobin were negligible. The proportion of abnormally elevated levels of lactate and potassium increased as time to cardiac arrest decreased; no such effect was seen in controls. No temporal trend was evident for sodium or haemoglobin.

Conclusions

Patients with IHCA undergo more frequent blood sampling prior to IHCA and have higher levels of lactate compared to matched controls.
SPARC – A multi‐disciplinary team program for retroperitoneal sarcoma: the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital and Chris O'Brien Lifehouse Collaboration
Authors: Lee Peter J. , Kim Tae Jun , Ye Lylee , Wu Yu (Sunny) , Steffens Daniel , Karunaratne Sacha , Brown Wendy , Karim Rooshdiya , Grimison Peter , Hong Angela M.
Published: May 2024

Background

The Royal Prince Alfred Hospital (RPAH) and Chris O'Brien Lifehouse (COBLH) established a formal Sarcoma of the Pelvic and Abdominal Retroperitoneum Collaboration (SPARC) in November 2020. An established multidisciplinary team (MDT) with the aims to centralise patient referrals and treatment, establish database and research, coordinate surgical resections is critical in improving patient outcomes and quality of life.

Methods

A prospective database was established in October 2021. Clinical, pathological and radiological data points were recorded for all patients since the inception of SPARC. Quality of Life questionnaires were included and follow‐up planned regularly for 5 years.

Results

From November 2020 to Feb 2024, 294 new referrals were discussed at the MDT meeting. Majority were from the metropolitan area (182) followed by regional NSW (87), interstate (20) and five internationals. 141 operations were performed during this period compared to 119 operations from 2010 to November 2020 in RPAH. The inception of the SPARC program has resulted in exponential growth in operations, improving from the previous rate of 15 cases annually to 35. Liposarcomas followed by leiomyosarcomas are the most common types of sarcomas resected. The majority were extended resections (81.6%) and 22% were pelvic exenterations. Overall R0 rate is 54.6%, R1 38.3% and R2 1.4% (131 (92.9%) had R0/R1 resections. Overall complication rate is 35.5% with one in‐hospital mortality.

Conclusion

Success and expansion of a robust retroperitoneal sarcoma program requires a collaborative surgical approach, an MDT meeting, centralized referral process, and a research team in specialized tertiary institutions.
Organic residue analysis in Latin American archaeology: Past, present, and future perspectives
Authors: Lantos Irene , Chaile Cecilia , Careaga Valeria P. , de Salazar Lucía , Maier Marta S.
Published: May 2024

Organic residue analysis (ORA) studies residual anthropogenic organic molecules within archaeological matrices, offering valuable insights into various research inquiries. Despite the development of ORA in Latin America, its significance remains largely unrecognised and underrepresented. This paper aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the evolution, status, and prospects of ORA in Latin America. To achieve this, we conducted a thorough bibliographic survey and analysed contributions related to topics such as foodways, psychoactive consumption, the utilisation of paints, dyes, adhesives, binders, activity areas, and residue radiocarbon dating. We examine the geographical distribution of the studies, the flow between countries of sample origin and destination for ORA, and the chronological development in publications. We address challenges encountered in the production of ORA data in Latin America and emphasise the need for multiproxy and multi‐analytical approaches to characterise and identify robust biomarker sets to investigate the use and circulation of local commodities.
Impacts of COVID‐19 on social work teaching and learning in Bangladesh
Authors: Hossain Md. Ismail , Ahmad Iftakhar
Published: May 2024

The COVID‐19 pandemic had a significant impact on both classroom instruction and practical learning within Social Work Departments in Bangladesh. This research took two state universities in Bangladesh as case studies, using a qualitative methodology. Researchers conducted 10 Key Informant Interviews, with professors and field supervisors, 20 in‐depth interviews with Master of Social Sciences (MSS) students and two Focus Group Discussions with MSS students. During the pandemic, University faculty experimented with virtual classrooms, pre‐recorded lectures, and online chat forums to interact with postgraduate students. However, these approaches were not completely successful due to the limitations of digital infrastructure at the Universities and at students' residences. Shortcomings in virtual education included technological barriers, insufficient access to educational resources, and an unusual mental health situation for many students. Student practica were difficult to organize, due to technological barriers, restricted field placement opportunities, disruption in client interaction, and community outreach, interruptions in fieldwork and data collection, as well as insufficient faculty supervision and support. Universities ought to take proactive measures to integrate technology into teaching and learning in normal times so that both can continue during public health emergencies without adding educational crisis to the general state of emergency.
Does Readability Improve Investors’ Understanding of Hedging Positions?
Authors: Liu Wenhuan , Yan Yue , Li Bin , Yang Chaosha
Published: May 2024

Readability is a key issue in the presentation of hedging risk information. We use psychological theories and experiments to analyse and examine the effects of the readability of hedging risk and hedge effectiveness information on investors’ assessment of investments. We find that when hedging risk information presentation is more readable, investors’ judgement of the attractiveness of an investment is higher when hedging effectiveness is high than when hedging effectiveness is low. However, when hedging risk presentation information is less readable, there is no significant difference in their judgement of the attractiveness of an investment between two hedging effectiveness levels. Meanwhile, we further identify the mediation effects of the readability of hedging risk information on investors’ judgement of an investment's attractiveness. The findings of our study have significant implications for improving accounting information readability and enhancing accounting information quality.
Sputum interleukin‐6 level as a marker of severity during acute chest syndrome in children with sickle cell disease
Authors: Mayrand Lara , Elie Juliette , Pinhas Yael , Rignault‐Bricard Rachel , Taylor Melissa , Brice Joséphine , de Montalembert Mariane , Heilbronner Claire , Beranger Agathe , Angyalosy Sofia , Chhun Stephanie , Maciel Thiago Trovati , Hermine Olivier , Allali Slimane
Published: May 2024

Acute chest syndrome (ACS) is a leading cause of morbimortality in sickle cell disease (SCD). In this prospective observational study, we investigated sputum interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) level as an ACS severity marker during 30 ACS episodes in 26 SCD children. Sputum IL‐6 levels measured within the first 72 h of hospitalisation for ACS were significantly higher in patients with oxygen requirement ≥2 L/min, ventilation (invasive and/or non‐invasive) length ≥5 days, bilateral and/or extensive opacities on chest X‐ray or erythrocytapheresis requirement. Sputum IL‐6 could serve as an ACS severity marker to help identify patients requiring targeted anti‐inflammatory treatments such as tocilizumab.
Long‐term effects of adjunctive eslicarbazepine acetate in adult Asian patients with refractory focal seizures: Post hoc analysis of a phase III trial
Authors: Lee Sang Kun , Lee Sang Ahm , Hong Seung Bong , Cho Yong Won , Castilla‐Fernández Guillermo , Fonseca Miguel M. , Moreira Joana , Gama Helena , Holenz Joerg
Published: May 2024

A post hoc analysis of data from Asian patients included in the study BIA‐2093‐304 was conducted to evaluate the long‐term safety/tolerability and efficacy of adjunctive eslicarbazepine acetate (ESL) in adult Asian patients with refractory focal seizures. Part I was a randomized controlled trial, in which patients received ESL (800 or 1200 mg once daily [QD]) or placebo, assessed over a 12‐week maintenance period. Patients completing Part I could enter two open‐label extension periods (Part II, 1 year; Part III, ≥2 years), during which all received ESL (400–1600 mg QD). Safety/tolerability was assessed by evaluating treatment‐emergent adverse events (TEAEs). Efficacy assessments included responder and seizure freedom rates. The safety population included 125, 92, and 23 Asian patients in Parts I, II, and III, respectively. Incidence of ESL‐related TEAEs was 61.3%, 45.7%, and 17.4% during Parts I, II, and III, respectively. ESL‐related TEAEs (most commonly, dizziness, somnolence, and headache) were consistent with ESL's known safety profile. During Part I, responder rates were higher with ESL 800 (41.7%) and 1200 mg QD (44.4%) versus placebo (32.6%), although not statistically significant. Seizure freedom rates with ESL 800 (5.5%) and 1200 mg QD (11.1%) were also higher versus placebo (0%) (p < 0.05 for ESL 1200 mg QD versus placebo). At the end of Part II, responder and seizure freedom rates were 60.3% and 14.7%, respectively. In summary, adult Asian patients with refractory focal seizures were responsive to treatment with ESL as adjunctive therapy and generally showed treatment tolerance well for up to 3 years. No new/unexpected safety findings were observed.
1093. Agapetes oxycoccoides J. Murata, Nob. Tanaka & Ohi‐Toma: Ericaceae
Authors: Murata Jin , Murata Hiroko , Yamanaka Masumi
Published: May 2024

Agapetes oxycoccoides J. Murata, Nob. Tanaka & Ohi‐Toma from Kachin State, Myanmar is described and illustrated. In its floral morphology, this species is very similar to Vaccinium oxycoccos L. Extrafloral nectaries on the margins of young leaves of this species and of A. moorei Hook.f. are reported here for the first time.
DNA methylation reprogramming in teleosts
Authors: Matlosz Sébastien , Franzdóttir Sigríður R. , Pálsson Arnar , Jónsson Zophonías O.
Published: May 2024

Early embryonic development is crucially important but also remarkably diverse among animal taxa. Axis formation and cell lineage specification occur due to both spatial and temporal control of gene expression. This complex system involves various signaling pathways and developmental genes such as transcription factors as well as other molecular interactants that maintain cellular states, including several types of epigenetic marks. 5mC DNA methylation, the chemical modification of cytosines in eukaryotes, represents one such mark. By influencing the compaction of chromatin (a high‐order DNA structure), DNA methylation can either repress or induce transcriptional activity. Mammals exhibit a reprogramming of DNA methylation from the parental genomes in the zygote following fertilization, and later in primordial germ cells (PGCs). Whether these periods of methylation reprogramming are evolutionarily conserved, or an innovation in mammals, is an emerging question. Looking into these processes in other vertebrate lineages is thus important, and teleost fish, with their extensive species richness, phenotypic diversity, and multiple rounds of whole genome duplication, provide the perfect research playground for answering such a question. This review aims to present a concise state of the art of DNA methylation reprogramming in early development in fish by summarizing findings from different research groups investigating methylation reprogramming patterns in teleosts, while keeping in mind the ramifications of the methodology used, then comparing those patterns to reprogramming patterns in mammals.
Variation in insect community structure between natural and constructed tidal marshes
Authors: Fromenthal Emily , Rinehart Shelby A. , Dybiec Jacob , Cherry Julia A.
Published: May 2024

Insects perform important ecological roles that influence ecosystem functions, including primary production and nutrient cycling. Likewise, wetland ecosystems perform important functions and provide numerous services, yet they are highly vulnerable to loss. Wetland restoration and construction can provide habitat for insects and other organisms and recover ecosystem functions. While the community structure of plants and non‐insect macroinvertebrates in restored and constructed wetlands often fails to recover to comparable levels of reference wetlands, less is known about the recovery of insect communities in restored wetlands.

We aimed to determine if differences in biological structure (i.e., plant biomass and soil organic matter) between one reference and two constructed Juncus roemerianus‐dominated tidal marshes extend to their respective insect communities. We classified insect communities into taxonomic families and functional feeding groups in one reference marsh and two constructed marshes in Alabama, USA.

Sampling methods included replicated pan trapping, line‐transect netting, floral observations and floral clippings. We also conducted light trapping at one site per marsh. All insect taxa and functional groups were identified monthly from April to October 2021 and analysed for taxon richness, abundance and H′ diversity. Floral density and herbivory scars on J. roemerianus shoots were also measured during flowering and peak growing seasons, respectively.

While insect abundance and taxon richness were similar among sites, the reference marsh generally supported a more diverse insect community than the constructed marshes, although nocturnal flying insects were less diverse. Additionally, temporal shifts in community composition, based on relative abundances of insect taxa and functional feeding groups, differed among marshes, likely reflecting differences in habitats in the surrounding landscapes of each site.

By comparing structural differences (i.e., taxonomic and functional) of insect communities in reference and constructed marshes, we can further understand the community composition of an understudied group of organisms, thereby informing restoration strategies to recover habitat and support the health of tidal marshes.
Effectiveness of video‐based psychiatric rehabilitation for patients with early‐phase schizophrenia spectrum: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Zhou Chunfen , Li Haimin , Zhang Zhuoqiu , Li Shuiying , Wu Shuang , Dai Youran , Zhang Xiuying , Lai Hua , Zhou Qian , Yang Mengshu , Zuo Xiaofeng , Ning Jinna , Wu Jiaxin , Zheng Tianfen , Li Na , Liu Ling , Zou Xuemin , Liu Lifang , Luo Xiaoqi , Yang Jie , Wang Yi , Zheng Lulu , Luo Ya , Chen Ying , Deng Hong
Published: May 2024

Aim

This study aimed to establish a comprehensive set of recovery‐oriented rehabilitation programs for individuals with schizophrenia, comparing the efficacy of video‐based rehabilitation to traditional face‐to‐face interventions. The primary objective was to assess whether video‐based rehabilitation could serve as a viable alternative for individuals with schizophrenia residing in remote areas.

Methods

A randomized controlled study was used to recruit 80 patients with schizophrenia in a stable post‐hospitalization stage following discharge. Participants were categorized into three groups: 24 in the control group, 21 in the face‐to‐face group, and 35 in the remote group. Assessment parameters included psychiatric symptoms, social skills, family function and self‐stigma.

Results

A total of 68 participants completed the program. The findings indicated significant differences (p < .05) between the control group and intervention group, particularly in the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) and the Personal and Social Performance Scale (PSP).

Conclusions

The rehabilitation program, tailored for patients in the early phase of the schizophrenia spectrum, demonstrates both effectiveness and feasibility in enhancing clinical symptoms and social functions. Notably, interventions conducted via video proved to be equally effective as those administered face‐to‐face.
New host plant records for Ripersiella hibisci (Hemiptera: Rhizoecidae) following recent outbreaks in Europe
Authors: Suffert Muriel , Chérasse Sarah , Ouvrard David
Published: May 2024

This short note reviews reports from outbreaks of Ripersiella hibisci (Hemiptera: Rhizoecidae) in Europe between 2021 and 2023. This species was recorded from 21 new host plants across 11 families, including three families not previously known to include hosts of R. hibisci (Cactaceae, Cornaceae, Solanaceae). The updated host list allows better understanding of the species’ ecology and provides useful information for policy makers for when they define phytosanitary regulations for pest management.
Application of therapeutic ultrasonic waves across the dialyzer membrane: A pilot study on the impact on dialyzer clearance and safety
Authors: Namagondlu Seetharamaiah Girish , Marisiddappa Limesh , Dhareshwar Shashank , Rani Savitha , Das Nikhil
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Progressive clogging of the dialyzer membrane during hemodialysis can compromise solute removal efficiency. Existing solutions fall short in addressing intradialytic reduction of dialyzer clearance. This pilot study aims to assess the impact and safety of applying therapeutic ultrasonic waves to dialyzers for mitigating intradialytic clogging.

Methods

In this pilot study, 15 stable maintenance hemodialysis patients (12 males and 3 females) were enrolled. Each patient served as their own control. They underwent one session of hemodialysis with the application of therapeutic ultrasonic waves (Ultrasonic session) and were crossed‐over to a second session without the use of ultrasonic waves (Control session). All the study sessions operated at a fixed dialysate flow rate of 500 mL/min and a blood flow rate of 250 or 300 mL/min. The adequacy of dialysis achieved during each session was monitored using Online Clearance Monitoring of the dialysis machines, and clearance K values, varying between 135 and 209 mL/min, were recorded, and plotted. A direct comparison between Control and Ultrasonic sessions was performed to assess the impact and safety of using ultrasonic waves during hemodialysis.

Findings

The mean percentage decline in dialyzer clearance values was 4.41% for Ultrasonic sessions (SD: 5.3) and 12.69% for Control sessions (SD: 6.35) (p‐value <0.001). This indicates that the application of ultrasonic waves reduced the decline in clearance values. The mean differences of the blood component parameters were comparable between both Ultrasonic sessions and Control sessions, suggesting the safety of utilizing ultrasonic waves during dialysis. Microscopic membrane analysis corroborated the safety.

Discussion

Intradialytic clogging of dialyzer membranes is a significant problem that can cause dialysis inadequacy. Our study tackles this issue by introducing therapeutic ultrasonic waves to improve dialyzer clearance during hemodialysis sessions in patients.
Deploying fuzzy analytic hierarchy process and sensitivity analysis to identify and prioritize the barriers faced by early‐career social science researchers during research collaborations
Authors: Jha Sonika , Singh Anil Kumar , Chauhan Rajneesh
Published: May 2024

Research is about an individual's intellectual acumen and rationality, and inter‐researcher collaboration capability magnifies the outcomes. Despite common belief, there exist fundamental asymmetries in the goals, orientations and expectations among the research collaborators. Seldom studied in‐depth and empirically validated, the challenges and barriers faced by early‐career researchers (ECRs) in social sciences are crucial to understand. In this study, we aim to identify, categorize and rank the order of priority of the research collaboration barriers and their sub‐barriers. This analysis highlights which barrier is likely to impact the research collaboration outcome more as compared to other barriers, as seen through the pairwise comparison. We contribute to the literature on research collaborations by providing a much‐needed assessment of the barriers faced by ECRs in social sciences to develop a nuanced understanding of the dynamics within collaboration research. Key barriers identified and explored in this research relate to research design, interpersonal and interprofessional relationships, team‐level dynamics, spatial and temporal factors, cultural differences and institutional variables. The fuzzy AHP tool was used to prioritize and rank the barriers, check the consistency ratio and then perform the sensitivity analysis. Research design barriers emerged as the most challenging barrier to research collaborations, implying researchers place huge emphasis on the compatibility of research goals, objectives, paradigms and perspectives. The study provides insights for individuals/institutions leading and managing research collaborations into improving the collaborative dynamics in social sciences.
Porocarcinomas with PAK1/2/3 fusions: a series of 12 cases
Authors: Kervarrec Thibault , Westphal Danna , Pissaloux Daniel , Legrand Mélanie , Tirode Franck , Neuhart Anne , Drouot Francoise , Becker Jürgen C , Macagno Nicolas , Seris Alice , Jouary Thomas , Beltzung Fanny , Jullie Marie‐Laure , Harms Paul W , Cribier Bernard , Mourah Samia , Jouenne Fanélie , Fromont Gaelle , Louveau Baptiste , Mancini Maxence , Kazakov Dmitry V , de la Fouchardière Arnaud , Battistella Maxime
Published: May 2024

Aims

Porocarcinoma is a malignant sweat gland tumour differentiated toward the upper part of the sweat duct and may arise from the transformation of a preexisting benign poroma. In 2019, Sekine et al. demonstrated the presence of YAP1::MAML2 and YAP1::NUTM1 fusions in most poromas and porocarcinomas. Recently, our group identified PAK2‐fusions in a subset of benign poromas. Herein we report a series of 12 porocarcinoma cases harbouring PAK1/2/3 fusions.

Methods and Results

Five patients were male and the median age was 79 years (ranges: 59–95). Tumours were located on the trunk (n = 7), on the thigh (n = 3), neck (n = 1), or groin area (n = 1). Four patients developed distant metastases. Microscopically, seven cases harboured a benign poroma component and a malignant invasive part. Ductal formations were observed in all, while infundibular/horn cysts and cells with vacuolated cytoplasm were detected in seven and six tumours, respectively. In three cases, the invasive component consisted of a proliferation of elongated cells, some of which formed pseudovascular spaces, whereas the others harboured a predominant solid or trabecular growth pattern. Immunohistochemical staining for CEA and EMA confirmed the presence of ducts. Focal androgen receptor expression was detected in three specimens. Whole RNA sequencing evidenced LAMTOR1::PAK1 (n = 2), ZDHHC5::PAK1 (n = 2), DLG1::PAK2, CTDSP1::PAK1, CTNND1::PAK1, SSR1::PAK3, CTNNA1::PAK2, RNF13::PAK2, ROBO1::PAK2, and CD47::PAK2. Activating mutation of HRAS (G13V, n = 3, G13R, n = 1, Q61L, n = 2) was present in six cases.

Conclusion

Our study suggests that PAK1/2/3 fusions is the oncogenic driver of a subset of porocarcinomas lacking YAP1 rearrangement.
Oxidised porous starch carrier for caffeine delivery: preparation, characterisation, and in vitro release
Authors: Zhu Jiaqian , Wang Haifeng , Fu Yuying
Published: May 2024

This work established an oxidised porous starch carrier system for the administration of caffeine by selectively oxidising the main hydroxyl groups at the C6 positions of porous starch to carboxyl groups using 2,2,6,6‐tetramethylpiperidoxyl (TEMPO) oxidation. The loading capacity and encapsulation efficiency of oxidised porous starch on caffeine rose as the oxidation degree (0%–90%) increased, increasing by 4.66 and 4.95 times, respectively, at 90% oxidation. The crystallinity of porous starch diminished after TEMPO oxidation, while the crystalline caffeine transferred into an amorphous state when loaded onto oxidised porous starch. Following oxidation, the absolute value of porous starch surface potential rose, enabling the granules avoided aggregation. Caffeine formed tighter bonds with oxidised porous starch in acidic conditions due to the dissociation of carboxyl groups, which lead to a peak loading capacity (8.02%) of oxidised porous starch with 90% oxidation at pH 4. Electrostatic interactions and hydrogen bonds were the driving forces. Long‐term gastrointestinal release of caffeine was achieved utilising oxidised porous starch as carriers.
Replacement of alkaline phosphate with flaxseed cake and its impact on mortadella's technological, oxidative, microbiological, and sensory aspects
Authors: Pinton Mariana Basso , dos Santos Bibiana Alves , Correa Leticia Pereira , Cargnin Gregório , Cichoski Alexandre José , da Silva Leila Picolli , Lorenzo José Manuel , Campagnol Paulo Cezar Bastianello
Published: May 2024

This study explored the replacement of alkaline phosphate (AP) with flaxseed cake (FC) in mortadella, assessing the impact on technological, oxidative, microbiological, and sensory properties. The inclusion of FC proved promising in maintaining emulsion stability, cooking loss, and water‐holding capacity and did not significantly affect colour characteristics, as indicated by the ΔE values (<5). Sensory analysis validated the substitution, highlighting the absence of a sandy texture sensation and FC's ability to suppress sensory defects caused by the removal of AP. However, adding FC decreased texture parameters such as hardness and cohesiveness, which can be leveraged in formulating products for specific niches, like older adults. Adding FC did not favour mesophilic aerobic and lactic acid bacteria growth. Nevertheless, the TBARS values of the mortadellas with FC increased (peaking at 0.5 mg MDA kg−1), but the sensory detection limit was not reached even at the end of storage.