bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Physicians' and pharmacists' perspective on clarity and clinical relevance of absolute contraindications in “Summaries of Product Characteristics”
Authors: Andrikyan Wahram , Sponfeldner Michael I. , Jung‐Poppe Lea , Dürr Pauline , Straubmeier Melanie I. , Schuster Anna K. , Weisbach Laura , Farker Katrin , Hartmann Michael , Fromm Martin F. , Maas Renke
Published: November 2024

Aims

Previous work has identified several limitations in “Summaries of Product Characteristics” (SmPCs), which are associated with risks for patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate pharmacists' and physicians' interpretation of contraindications in SmPCs and reasons for their nonadherence in clinical routine.

Methods

For 20 commonly missed or ignored absolute contraindications, an anonymous online survey providing 24 clinical example cases (one or two per contraindication) for physicians and pharmacists was developed. Experts in medication safety were asked whether the respective case fulfilled the definition of the contraindication in the SmPC: (a) formally, irrespective of the clinical relevance of the contraindication (17 cases), and (b) whether the contraindication was deemed clinically relevant in each respective case (24 cases).

Results

Twenty‐seven pharmacists and 27 physicians completed the survey. For only one case (1/17; 5.8%) did all experts agree on the same answer option regarding the formal fulfilment of a given contraindication statement. Experts gave heterogeneous answers regarding the interpretation of a contraindication. For instance, among 10 predefined answer options for the contraindication “active liver disease” in the SmPC of simvastatin, every option was selected by at least six experts. In 17/24 (70.8%) clinical example cases a majority of experts agreed on the clinical relevance of a given contraindication. Key reasons for nonadherence to contraindications were “patient monitoring possible”, “lack of alternative treatment” and “acute/severe situations”.

Conclusions

Experts' disagreement on the interpretation of contraindications in SmPCs using clinical example cases indicates that further efforts are needed to improve their usability in clinical routine.
Design, Synthesis and Evaluation of Benzimidazole Derivatives as IL‐6 Inhibitors and Their Role in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Mishra Shivam , Gupta Saurabh , Kaur Sukhvir , Bansal Yogita , Bansal Gulshan
Published: November 2024

Interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) is a pleiotropic cytokine that plays a major role in the development of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). In the present study, benzimidazole and benzene sulfonyl scaffold were identified as pharmacophore by analysis of literature reports and novel small molecule IL‐6 inhibitors were designed. These were screened via docking with IL‐6 (PDB: 1ALU), then and through Lipinski's rule of 5. Based on docking score, 10 best compounds (4a–4e and 7a–7e) were selected for synthesis and evaluated for IL‐6 inhibitory activity in vitro. Compounds 4b and 7b showed the maximum inhibition of IL‐6 (87.55% and 82.75%, respectively). These compounds were further explored for anti‐arthritic activity in vivo using the Incomplete Freund's Adjuvant Model and by morphological and histopathological studies of the inflamed paw. Compound 4b was significantly more active than compound 7b and both were found to be slightly less active than methotrexate. These findings indicate that a benzimidazole nucleus linked to a benzene sulphonyl moiety may prove to be a useful template for the development of new chemical moieties against RA.
Parenting Style and Children's Self‐Care Ability: The Moderating Role of Executive Function
Authors: Yan Zhonglian , Lin Wenqi , Ren Jing , Zhou Ping , Qin Yanling
Published: November 2024

Background

Children's self‐care ability (SCA) is a very important part of early development and school readiness. Previous studies have shown that parenting style is essential factor that influence young children's SCA. However, much less is known about the association between different types of parenting styles and children's SCA, let alone the moderating role of executive function (EF).

Methods

This study used measures such as parenting style, EF and SCA to survey children (N = 482) aged 3–7 years old and their parents.

Results

The results indicated that democratic parenting style was positively correlated with children's SCA, while other parenting styles were negatively correlated with children's SCA. Moreover, with the exception of inconsistent parenting style and authoritarian parenting style, the predictive effect of parenting styles on young children's SCA is moderated by young children's EF: Democratic parenting styles and children's SCA were significantly and positively correlated when children's EF was high rather than low; coddling and permissive parenting styles and children's SCA were significantly and negatively correlated when children's EF was high rather than low.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that democratic parenting styles are effective in promoting the development of SCA in children with high EF.
Transition of Care of Stable Kidney Transplant Patients to Referring Nephrologists: A Survey of U.S. Transplant Program Staff
Authors: Anand Prince Mohan , Woodside Kenneth J. , Singh Neeraj , Alhamad Tarek , Bloom Roy D. , Gupta Gaurav , Singer Gary , Doshi Mona , Dadhania Darshana M. , Tanriover Bekir , Parsons Ronald F. , Wagner Caroline , Xiao Huiling , Lentine Krista L. ,   the Graduating Kidney Transplant Patients Controversies Workgroup
Published: November 2024

Background and Objectives

We conducted a national survey to assess the opinions and experiences of transplant center staff related to processes of care graduation.

Methods

Following IRB approval, medical staff at U.S. adult kidney transplant programs were surveyed using the Qualtrics survey platform (4/5/2022–10/05/2022). Respondents were invited via email and listservs of professional societies. If > 1 survey was submitted for a program, a selection hierarchy was utilized (e.g., prioritizing nephrologists’ responses).

Results

Respondents provided data from 46.7% of active programs (N = 92), representing 67% of the national kidney transplant volume. Most respondents (70%) were nephrologists. Full graduation to referring nephrologists was reported by 39% of transplant programs, with an additional 48% reporting partial graduation with ongoing co‐management. Rationales for graduation were multifactorial, most commonly including patient travel distance (64%), maintenance of referral base (58%), continuity of care (58%), and center and/or patient burden (54%). Common reasons cited by programs for postgraduation return of care to the transplant center included worsening renal function (82%), malignancy (66%), opportunistic infection (63%), limited local nephrologist availability (60%), and pregnancy planning (57%). Additional coordinators and clinic staff were cited as needed to make transplant center perpetual care feasible by 78% of programs, with 71% stating that more clinicians are needed, while half thought more physical space or telemedicine are required.

Conclusions

Graduation of kidney transplant patients is common, with half of programs using a joint‐care approach and another third reporting full return of care to the referring nephrologist. Expanded opportunities related to transplant care for the broad nephrology community are essential.
Kidney Transplantation From Donors With Malignant Renal Masses: A Systematic Review
Authors: Villani Vincenzo , Kulkarni Rupak D. , Fair Jeffrey H. , Shanmugarajah Kumaran
Published: November 2024

Background

Small malignant renal tumors can be found in up to 1.3% of kidney donors. Several studies have investigated the use of these kidneys for transplantation, after ex vivo resection of the malignant mass.

Methods

We performed a systematic review of the literature on PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science of studies including reports of malignant renal masses excised from kidney grafts prior to transplantation. Articles including benign pathology only were excluded.

Results

Our search strategy identified 226 patients over 32 studies. Pathology included 107 clear cell carcinomas, 27 papillary renal cell carcinomas (RCCs), 84 other types of RCCs, and 8 transitional cell carcinomas. The majority of cancers were grade 1 or 2 (81.6%). Average tumor size was 12.6 mm. Clavien–Dindo ≥ 3 complication rate was 22%. Mean follow‐up was 39.9 months. The 1‐year, 3‐year, and 5‐year overall survival rate for recipients of living donor grafts was 95.8%, 92.1%, and 75.1%. The 1‐year, 3‐year, and 5‐year living donor death‐censored graft survival rate was 90.8, 85.2%, and 64.8%. Of the 226 patients, 6 (2.7%) experienced a malignant recurrence. The average time to recurrence was 36.1 months.

Conclusions

Transplantation of kidney grafts after resection of small cancerous masses is relatively safe and has low rates of recurrent malignancy. In the case of a living donor, appropriate counseling on partial nephrectomy versus donor nephrectomy should be provided, ideally by a surgeon who is not part of the transplant team. Recipients of these grafts should be carefully selected and counseled regarding the additional potential technical and oncological risks.
Effect of smoking behaviour and related blood DNA methylation on visceral adipose tissues
Authors: Song Zheng‐Qi , Chen Yi‐Qi , Xuan Chen‐Hao , Ni Tong‐Tong , Xu Yu‐Peng , Lu Xin‐Yu , Chen Fang‐Ran , Chen Yi‐He
Published: November 2024

Background

Recent studies have found that tobacco smoking is associated with fat distribution, yet limited research has focused on its relationship with visceral adipose tissues (VATs). Furthermore, the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the interactions among smoking, epigenetic modifications, and VATs remain unknown.

Method

We performed univariable Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to elucidate the causal relationship between smoking behaviours and VATs, including epicardial and pericardial adipose tissue (EPAT), liver fat (LF), and pancreas fat (PF). This approach could minimize the impact of confounders and reverse causality through utilizing genetic variants to proxy the smoking behaviours. Mediation MR analysis were conducted to detect potential mediators. Additionally, summary‐data‐based MR (SMR) and colocalization analysis were performed to explore the association between smoking‐related DNA methylation and VATs.

Results

We identified a convincing association between smoking initiation and increased EPAT (beta: 0.15, 95% CI: 0.06, 0.23, p = 7.01 × 10−4) and LF area (beta: 0.15, 95% CI = 0.05, 0.24, p = 2.85 × 10−3), respectively. Further mediation analysis suggested type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) as a potential mediator within these co‐relationships. When further exploring the associations between the smoking related DNA methylation and VATs, we identified that WT1 methylation at cg05222924 was significantly linked to a lower EPAT area (beta: −0.12, 95% CI: −0.16, −0.06, PFDR = 2.24 × 10−3), while GPX1 methylation at cg18642234 facilitated the deposition of EPAT (beta: 0.15, 95% CI: 0.10, 0.20, PFDR = 1.66 × 10−4).

Conclusion

Our study uncovered a significant causal effect between smoking and VATs, with T2DM identified as a potential mediator. Further investigation into DNA methylation yielded novel insights into the pathogenic role of smoking on EPAT.
Deterrent effects of targeted sanctions by mainland China on Taiwan: evidence from 2021–2 sanction events
Authors: Han Fengze , Li Runliang , Ma Sen , Cheng Tzu‐Chang Forrest
Published: November 2024

We investigate the deterrent effects of a firm‐targeted sanction and a politician‐targeted sanction deployed by mainland China against Taiwan to deter support for ‘Taiwan independence’. In the short run, we find that the signal sent by the targeted sanctions generated deterrence to firms that were not directly sanctioned, but were politically inclined towards ‘Taiwan independence’. Specifically, we find that those firms that donated more to the party that supports ‘Taiwan independence’, while investing in mainland China before the sanction, experienced a decrease in stock return. In terms of magnitude, for those firms entirely leaning towards ‘Taiwan independence’, their stock returns are expected to decrease by around 1.3–1.5 percentage points after the sanction events, which translates into a decrease in the overall market value of sampled firms by 0.305–0.604%. In the medium to long run, we find no evidence that firms affected by the deterrence of the sanction reduced their investment in mainland China as a behaviour response.
First Report of Fusarium Wilt and Pink Rot of Phoenix canariensis in South Africa
Authors: Balocchi Felipe , Wingfield Michael J. , Paap Trudy
Published: November 2024

Canary Island date palm, Phoenix canariensis, is a popular ornamental species commonly planted in urban areas worldwide, including South Africa. In November 2023, symptoms typical of Fusarium wilt were detected on ornamental palms at the Waterfront in Cape Town, Western Cape Province, South Africa. Samples were collected from three wilting palms with one‐sided frond death and pink sporulation on the bark. Isolations to culture media yielded two fungal species, which were confirmed based on DNA sequence data as Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. canariensis (Foc) and Nalanthamala vermoesenii. Fusarium wilt, caused by Foc, is among the most serious diseases of these palms. There is no effective treatment for this vascular wilt disease and infected palms inevitably die. Pink rot, caused by N. vermoesenii, is commonly found as a secondary infection associated with Fusarium wilt in P. canariensis. This is the first detection of the Fusarium wilt and pink rot pathogens in South Africa.
Political Epistemology without Apologies
Authors: Vogelmann Frieder
Published: November 2024

Political epistemology has become a popular field of research in recent years. It sets itself the ambitious task to intertwine epistemology with social and political theory in order to do justice to the relationships between truth and politics, or reason and power. Yet many contributions either expand arguments and concepts from traditional epistemology to political phenomena or use existing theories and frameworks from social and political theory to address the politics of epistemological questions. The former approach (prominent, e.g., in the epistemic injustice debate) leads to an epistemisation of political phenomena and concepts coupled with their de‐politicization, the latter approach (prominent, e.g., in Frankfurt School critical theory) leads to a politicization of epistemic phenomena and concepts coupled with their de‐epistemisation. Instead, it is argued that political epistemology requires reworking even basic concepts, due to its three foundational commitments: It is committed to the claim that socio‐material conditions of existence matter epistemically (minimal materialism), to the self‐reflection of the socio‐material conditions of political epistemology's own arguments and theories (radical self‐reflexivity), and to a specific form of epistemic humility (epistemic non‐sovereignty). Using the notion of normativity as an exemplary problem, the article closes by highlighting the difficulty of maintaining these three commitments.
Finding a nest: Ant‐associated silverfish (Zygentoma: Lepismatidae) moving outside granivorous Messor nests (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)
Authors: Molero‐Baltanás Rafael , Degallier Nicolas , Gaju‐Ricart Miquel , Parmentier Thomas
Published: November 2024

Ant nests accommodate a diverse group of strictly associated arthropods. Most of these arthropods are seldom observed outside their host nest, emphasizing significant gaps in our knowledge regarding their biology. We recorded a series of field observations of lepismatid silverfish (Zygentoma: Lepismatidae) moving outside their usual Messor nest habitat in southern Spain and France. We illustrate how they move between different nests and locate nests by closely tracking the foraging trails of their hosts. Additionally, we confirm a prior observation that they can follow their host ants when they migrate to a new nest site. Our observations offer new insights into the hidden biology and the intricate interactions of specialized arthropod symbionts with their hosts within a spatial context.
Study of phase transformation of calcium silicate using desert sand as raw materials
Authors: Luo Wenli , Shi Zhiming , Wang Wenbin , Liu Zhen , Liu Zhiwen
Published: November 2024

Production of Portland cement consumes a huge amount of silica mineral. The present work aims to introduce desert sand to replace the natural mineral to achieve green manufacturing of silicate cement clinker, as well as further decreasing the synthesis temperature and increasing the production efficiency. The effects of desert sand, industrial quartz and high‐purity quartz as raw materials, and Al2O3 and Fe2O3 as additives on phase transformation and microstructure of calcium silicate powder were comparably investigated using X‐ray diffractometer, differential scanning calorimeter, and scanning electron microscopy. Results show that the main phases of all samples with different raw materials and additives were 3CaO·SiO2 (C3S) and 2CaO·SiO2 (C2S). In which, the samples prepared using desert sand had the lowest phase transformation temperature for C2S and C3S. When adding Al2O3 and Fe2O3, the phase transformation temperatures of C2S and C3S further decreased, which were 1032.5°C and 1270.9°C, respectively, meanwhile phase content reached the maximum (C2S of 65.6 wt.% and C3S of 61.2 wt.%). In addition, the most uniformly and finely distributed crystalline phases formed at an optimal calcination temperature of 1350°C. This is beneficial for reducing production costs, saving mineral resources, and promoting the sustainable development of the cement industry.
Left bundle branch area pacing versus endocardial resynchronization in patients with heart failure
Authors: Diaz Juan Carlos , Bastidas Oriana , Aristizabal Julian , Marin Jorge , Niño Cesar , Moreno Sebastian , Ruiz Luis Miguel , Caceres Manuel , Jaraba Elmer , Cabanillas Nestor , Duque Mauricio
Published: November 2024

Background

Left bundle branch area pacing (LBBAP) and endocardial resynchronization (Endo‐CRT) are alternatives to biventricular pacing for cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT).

Objective

To compare the outcomes of LBBAP versus Endo‐CRT using conventional pacing leads.

Methods

Patients with heart failure (HF) undergoing CRT with LBBAP or Endo‐CRT were included. The primary efficacy outcome was a composite of HF‐related hospitalization and all‐cause mortality. The primary safety outcome was any procedure‐related complication. Secondary outcomes included procedural characteristics, electrocardiographic, and echocardiographic parameters.

Results

A total of 223 patients (LBBAP n = 197, Endo‐CRT n = 26; mean age 69 ± 10.3 years, 32.3% female) were included. Patients in the LBBAP group had lower NYHA class, shorter preprocedural QRS durations (161 [142–183] vs. 180 [170–203] msec, p < .001), and a lower preprocedural spironolactone use (57.4% vs. 84.6%, p = .009) than patients in the Endo‐CRT group. Fluoroscopy time was significantly shorter in patients undergoing LBBAP (11.4 [7.2–20] vs. 23 [14.2–34.5] min; p < .001). There was no significant difference in the primary efficacy outcome between both groups (Cox proportional HR 1.21, 95% CI 0.635–2.31; p = .56). During follow‐up, patients undergoing LBBAP had a lower incidence of stroke than patients in the Endo‐CRT group (0% vs. 11.5%, p = .001). Postprocedural LVEF (35% [25–45] vs. 40% [20–55]; p = .307) and change in LVEF (7% [0–20] vs. 11% [2–18]; p = .384) were similar between the LBBAP and the Endo‐CRT groups, respectively.

Conclusion

LBBAP and Endo‐CRT using conventional leads are associated with similar mortality and HF‐related hospitalization, as well as improvements in LVEF. Endo‐CRT is associated with longer fluoroscopy times and a higher risk of stroke.
Age Differences in the Correlation Between the Cardiometabolic Index and Chronic Kidney Disease Risk in Adults With Hypertension
Authors: Tao Yu , Wang Tao , Zhou Wei , Zhu Lingjuan , Yu Chao , Bao Huihui , Li Juxiang , Cheng Xiaoshu
Published: November 2024

Literature on the association between the cardiometabolic index (CMI) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) risk is limited, especially in hypertensive populations. The objective of the present investigation was to assess the relationship between the CMI and CKD risk in a hypertensive population. The current cross‐sectional study included a total of 13 717 individuals with hypertension. The calculation of the CMI was based on the waist‐to‐height ratio and the triglyceride‐to‐high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio. The definition of CKD was based on an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of less than 60 mL/min/1.73 m2. The prevalence of CKD was found to be 4.24% in younger adults (aged < 65 years) and 14.93% in the elderly (aged ≥ 65 years). The results of the multivariate regression analysis indicated that in the elderly group, the CMI was positively associated with CKD risk (odd ratio [OR] 1.29; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.14, 1.46), while no significant relationship was observed in the younger group (OR 1.04, 95% CI: 0.85, 1.27). Furthermore, subgroup analyses did not identify any potential factors that could modify the relationship between the CMI and CKD risk (all p for interaction > 0.05). Among adults with hypertension, there was an independent and positive correlation between the CMI and CKD risk in the elderly, whereas such a correlation was not observed in younger adults.

Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: ChiCTR1800017274 [China Hypertension Registry Study]
Effect of Different Pretreatments on Drying Characteristics and Physicochemical Properties of Apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.)
Authors: Yilmaz Merve Silanur , Sakiyan Ozge , Isci Asli
Published: November 2024

In this study, apricot samples were dried by using different drying methods (tray drying, microwave drying, and freeze drying). Moreover, different pretreatments (infrared, ultrasound, and treatment with dipping green tea extract) were also applied to the samples. The effect of process conditions on physical and chemical quality of dried apricot samples were investigated. It was aimed to come of age of these technologies as an alternative to conventional pretreatments. Among all drying techniques, the shortest processing time was achieved by microwave drying at 270 W. Midilli was found to be the best model that fits the moisture ratio values among 10 thin layer models. Freeze dried samples had the lowest water activity which ranged from 0.2260 to 0.4868 and rehydration capacity of dried samples were found to be between 2.40 and 3.09. Besides, it was found that the total phenolic content of dried apricots varied between 99.24 and 512.60 mg GAE/100 g dry matter. In addition, the maximum antioxidant activity values for microwave drying (270 W) were obtained in the green tea extract pretreated samples and calculated to be 1.85 ± 0.01 mg TE/g dry matter. NMR and SEM analysis were also applied to the samples. To sum up, it can be declared that microwave technology and green tea extract pretreatments were superior and had beneficial impacts on the end product's quality.
Autoencoder‐Based Eggshell Crack Detection Using Acoustic Signal
Authors: Yabanova İsmail , Balcı Zekeriya , Yumurtacı Mehmet , Ünler Tarık
Published: November 2024

Breaks or cracks in eggshells offer substantial food safety issues. Bacteria and viruses, in particular, are more likely to enter the egg through breaks and cracks, increasing the risk of food poisoning. Furthermore, deformations in the shell may compromise the integrity of the protective shell, exposing the egg to more external variables and causing it to lose freshness and decay faster. To reduce such hazards, this research created an innovative crack detection system based on an autoencoder (AE) that uses acoustic signals from eggshells. A system that creates an acoustic effect by hitting the eggshell without damaging it was designed, and these effects were recorded through a microphone. Acoustic signal data of size 1 × 1000 was fed into k nearest neighbor (kNN), decision tree (DT), and support vector machine (SVM) classifiers. AE was employed to reduce data size in order to accommodate the raw data's unique features. This AE model, which reduces data size, was used with many classifiers and was able to accurately distinguish between intact and cracked eggs. The built AE‐based classifier model completed the classification procedure with 100% accuracy, including microcracks that are invisible to the naked eye.
The persistence and expansion of sharecropping in a Javanese village
Authors: Wijaya Hanny , White Ben
Published: November 2024

In the Javanese village of Kaliloro, share tenancy in rice cultivation, which was widely predicted to disappear with the Green Revolution, has not declined but expanded since the early 1970s. In this article, building on previous debates on share tenancy, we show how sharecropping has survived and expanded in Kaliloro's generally commoditized agrarian economy. Many share tenancy relationships in Kaliloro link wealthier landowners and landless or near‐landless tenants. But many also occur between households of relatively equal status and between parents and their own children. For both landowners and share tenants, their reasons for reliance on sharecropping over hired labour are complex, going beyond simple comparisons of relative labour costs (to landowners) or labour earnings (to share tenants). The landless and near‐landless are well aware of the exploitative nature of share tenancy, but it remains an important component of their pluriactive livelihoods, even in times of rising farm wage rates, mainly to ensure a supply of rice for domestic consumption. For landowners who are too busy, or unable, to manage cultivation themselves, share tenancy remains the most convenient, effective, and risk‐free labour regime, and mechanism of surplus transfer from direct producer to landowner.
No effect of napping on episodic foresight and prospective memory in kindergarten children
Authors: Konrad Carolin , Voigt Babett
Published: November 2024

Preschool children often have problems in remembering to carry out a planned behaviour. This study investigated the impact of napping on episodic foresight (planning for future events) and prospective memory (remembering to perform an action in the future) in 2–3‐year‐old children. In a quasi‐experimental design, we compared children who napped (nap condition, n = 20) after receiving information about an upcoming problem (episodic foresight task) and a delayed intention (prospective memory task) with those who stayed awake (wake condition, n = 43). We hypothesised that napping would improve performance in the episodic foresight and the prospective memory tasks. Contrary to the hypothesis, napping did not significantly affect children's episodic foresight or prospective memory performance, even after controlling for the group difference in age. Task performance was primarily explained by memory effects and age. Further research that incorporates stricter controls and evaluates pre‐nap memory strength is necessary fully to elucidate the complex interplay between napping, age, episodic foresight, and prospective memory performance in young children.
Modal volatility function
Authors: Ullah Aman , Wang Tao
Published: November 2024

We in this article propose a novel non‐parametric estimator for the volatility function within a broad context that encompasses nonlinear time series models as a special case. The new estimator, built on the mode value, is designed to complement existing mean volatility measures to reveal distinct data features. We demonstrate that the suggested modal volatility estimator can be obtained asymptotically as well as if the conditional mean regression function were known, assuming observations are from a strictly stationary and absolutely regular process. Under mild regularity conditions, we establish that the asymptotic distributions of the resulting estimator align with those derived from independent observations, albeit with a slower convergence rate compared to non‐parametric mean regression. The theory and practice of bandwidth selection are discussed. Moreover, we put forward a variance reduction technique for the modal volatility estimator to attain asymptotic relative efficiency while maintaining the asymptotic bias unchanged. We numerically solve the modal regression model with the use of a modified modal‐expectation‐maximization algorithm. Monte Carlo simulations are conducted to assess the finite sample performance of the developed estimation procedure. Two real data analyses are presented to further illustrate the newly proposed model in practical applications. To potentially enhance the accuracy of the bias term, we in the end discuss the extension of the method to local exponential modal estimation. We showcase that the suggested exponential modal volatility estimator shares the same asymptotic variance as the non‐parametric modal volatility estimator but may exhibit a smaller bias.
Quantile analysis for financial bubble detection and surveillance
Authors: Wu Ruike , Shi Shuping , Wu Jilin
Published: November 2024

Understanding and monitoring financial bubbles is critical, as they can lead to market instability, asset price crashes, and economic downturns with widespread consequences. This article explores the usefulness of quantile regression (QR) technique in detecting and surveilling financial bubbles, encompassing both global testing and real‐time monitoring. We demonstrate that the QR‐based quantile unit root test, coupled with an optimal quantile selection technique, serves as an effective tool for a global bubble test without necessitating additional recursive techniques. Moreover, we propose two QR‐based bubble monitoring techniques. We show that the monitoring statistics follow a random variate under the null hypothesis of no bubbles but diverge to positive infinity in the presence of a mildly explosive bubble, and hence consistently date the origination of a bubble. Monte Carlo simulations suggest that compared with their LS counterparts, in the presence of skewed distributions, the QR‐based global test delivers substantially greater power, while the QR‐based monitoring procedures offer higher bubble detection rate and more accurate dating of the bubble origination. As an illustration, we conduct a pseudo real‐time monitoring exercise with the S&P 500 composite index.
Difference in Drinking Times as a Function of Liquid Consistency in Adults With Oculopharyngeal Muscular Dystrophy: A Comparative Study Using Bostwick Consistometer and IDDSI Flow Test Methods
Authors: Villeneuve‐Rhéaume Annie , Gagnon Cynthia , Germain Isabelle , Côté Claudia
Published: November 2024

The main objective was to document the differences between drinking times and oral perception between liquids in individuals with dysphagia. A second objective was to assess variations in consistency categorization across instruments. A third objective was to explore the relationship between drinking time and dysphagia severity. A sample of individuals with OPMD (n = 30; 40–75 years) was recruited. Participants drank 80 mL of water, followed by three blinded commercially pre‐thickened cranberry cocktails (CranA, CranB, CranC). Flow rates were measured with Bostwick consistometer, IDDSI Flow Test, and Discovery HR 20 rheometer. Patient‐reported outcome measures were used to assess dysphagia. Mean drinking times for participants with OPMD were as follows: 7.9 ± 4.4 s for water, 10.7 ± 4.8 s for CranA, 12.3 ± 5.7 s for CranB, and 15.2 ± 7.2 s for CranC. All four times were statistically different from each other. Participants reported noticeable differences in oral perception. The Bostwick flow rates were different for all three cocktails. Based on IDDSI Flow Test, CranA was categorized as IDDSI level‐2, while both CranB and CranC were categorized as IDDSI level‐3. Correlations ranging from 0.39 to 0.55 were found between drinking times and dysphagia severity. In conclusion, liquids within the same IDDSI category can have different Bostwick flow rates and oral perception. The hypothesis that participants with OPMD may find certain liquids more challenging to swallow, despite being in the same IDDSI category, deserves further exploration in future studies.
Psychophysical and Rheological Investigation of Toothpaste Tube Squeezability: A People‐Centric Approach
Authors: Teoman Baran , Vandeven Mark , Esposito Jonathan , Dogo‐Isonagie Cajetan , Potanin Andrei
Published: November 2024

In this work, toothpaste tube squeezability was tested by three different methods: assessment by a human panel, a tactile glove, and several purely instrumental tests. The panelists characterized squeezability in terms of the acceptability of the product. The tactile glove was utilized to determine the maximum grip forces (GF) applied by the same panelists during their assessment. The instrumental tests consisted of emulative tests by a squeezing device and rheological tests. Along with commercial pastes, a series of samples were deliberately formulated and tested, and covered a wide range of squeezability rates of 0.07–2.31 cc/s. The study showed that it is possible to predict human sensory perception using either an emulative squeezing instrument or the rheological measurements of the pastes. The study also suggests that human perception of acceptable squeezability includes not only its low limit (pastes being hard to squeeze) but also its upper limit (pastes perceived as too runny) which may also be related to the inability of the paste to retain its shape on the brush. Based on this study consumer‐acceptable ranges of rheological and squeezability parameters were defined. These results are expected to be useful, especially for oral/personal care product developers.
Phenotypic and epigenetic heterogeneity in FGFR2‐fused glial and glioneuronal tumours
Authors: Métais Alice , Dangouloff‐Ros Volodia , Garcia Jeremy , Vannod‐Michel Quentin , Csanyi Marie , Tauziède‐Espariat Arnault , Appay Romain , Maurage Claude‐Alain , Uro‐Coste Emmanuelle , Meyronet David , Rigau Valérie , Rousseau Audrey , Chotard Guillaume , Hamelin Jocelyne , Pierron Gaelle , Colin Carole , Ollivier Morgan , Roques Margaux , Provost Corentin , Cottier Jean‐Philippe , Pallud Johan , Chrétien Fabrice , Guida Lelio , Blauwblomme Thomas , Boddaert Nathalie , Varlet Pascale , Edjlali Myriam , Figarella‐Branger Dominique ,   contributors of the Biopathology RENOCLIP‐LOC network,   of the Neuroradiological RENOCLIP‐LOC network
Published: November 2024

Aims

FGFR‐fused central nervous system (CNS) tumours are rare and are usually within the glioneuronal and neuronal tumours or the paediatric‐type diffuse low‐grade glioma spectrum. Among this spectrum, FGFR2 fusion has been documented in tumours classified by DNA‐methylation profiling as polymorphous low‐grade neuroepithelial tumours of the young (PLNTY), a recently described tumour type. However, FGFR2 fusions have also been reported in glioneuronal tumours, highlighting the overlapping diagnostic criteria and challenges.

Methods

We investigated the FGFR2 fusion landscape in a French national series of tumours sent to the RENOCLIP‐LOC network. We comprehensively analysed histology, radiology and molecular data including DNA‐methylation profiling for 16 FGFR2‐fused glioneuronal tumours.

Results

Most tumours were located in the temporal or parietal lobe with a median age at diagnosis of 7 years [1–44]. Epilepsy was the most frequent symptom. Five patients had tumour progression or recurrence with a median progression‐free survival of 22.6 months. Histological phenotypes corresponding to PLNTY, GG, MVNT or unclassified tumours were recorded. Epigenetic profiling could not properly distinguish epigenetic clusters related to the GG and PLNTY methylation classes among FGFR2‐fused glioneuronal tumours. However, a neuroradiological review identified strikingly distinct neuroradiological patterns.

Conclusion

While delineating tumour types among the FGFR2‐fused glioneuronal tumour spectrum, by histopathology or DNA‐methylation profiling, remains challenging, neuroimaging data revealed two distinct patterns that could correlate to PLNTY and ganglioglioma. However, more series including extensive histo‐radio‐molecular data are needed to confirm this hypothesis.
Urban placemaking and the commercial property investor/developer
Authors: Murphy Laurence
Published: November 2024

Real estate investment companies direct substantial capital flows into built environments and are significant urban place‐makers. Geographers have long been interested in the ‘urbanisation of capital’ but more recently attention has been directed towards the activities of specific property actors. Employing a firm‐level analysis, this paper presents a case study of Kiwi Property, a large‐scale property company with an investment portfolio exceeding $3 billion. The study charts its corporate and financial dynamics and examines examples of its speculative real estate developments. Employing a firm‐level analysis offers insights into complex and contingent investment processes shaping urban placemaking.
Recurrent Aphthous Stomatitis and Sleep Quality Factors: A Comprehensive Analysis
Authors: Bazmi Sina , Mohammadi Zahra , Tabrizi Reza , Kazemi Maryam
Published: November 2024

Background

Due to the unclear etiology of recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS), a painful and distressing condition with a high prevalence, the researchers have hypothesized a connection between sleep quality and RAS.

Methods

The cross‐sectional study enrolled 10,138 Fasa Cohort Study participants aged 35–70 years. Various sleep quality factors were calculated and categorized based on the Pittsburgh Sleep Questionnaire.

Results

Among 9030 subjects finally included with RAS prevalence of 20.2%, adjusted logistic regression showed significant odds ratios (ORs) in subjects who sleep < 5 h (OR = 1.44, 95%CI 1.25, 1.66), have sleep latencies of more than 60 min (OR = 1.37, 95%CI 1.11, 1.69), have sleep efficiencies of 65%–75% (OR = 1.55, 95%CI 1.21, 1.98), or regularly go to bed after 11 p.m. (OR = 1.23, 95%CI 1.11, 1.37). Subgroup analyses indicated no significant associations between RAS and various sleep factors in individuals who worked night shifts, and stronger associations were observed in men than women.

Conclusion

The study found a significant positive association between RAS and sleep quality factors such as shorter duration, lower efficiency, longer latency, later bedtime, and regular sleeping pill use. Establishing early and sufficient sleep and addressing sleep onset disturbances by adhering to sleep hygiene principles should be prioritized in individuals with RAS.
Factors Associated With Colorectal Cancer Screening Behaviors Among Urban Populations in China: A Mixed‐Methods Study Using the Health Belief Model
Authors: Shi Bingzi , Zhang Jing , Zhang Yasi , Sun Yujing , Cui Wenming
Published: November 2024

Objective

Adherence to guideline‐recommended colorectal cancer screening (CRCS) among average‐risk urban populations in China remains significantly suboptimal. This mixed‐methods study aimed to investigate screening behaviors and associated factors among average‐risk urban populations through a multi‐center approach.

Methodology

From February to July 2024, 550 participants were recruited via stratified random sampling in Harbin, China. They completed questionnaires related to health beliefs and knowledge. Additionally, semi‐structured interviews were conducted to explore CRCS behaviors, with data analyzed using directed content analysis based on the Health Belief Model (HBM).

Results

Five hundred twenty two participants (95.0%) completed the survey. Identified factors influencing screening behavior among average‐risk urban populations included perceived severity of colorectal cancer (CRC), benefits of colon cancer surveillance, barriers to surveillance, and knowledge. Twenty‐six individuals were engaged in qualitative interviews. Twenty‐four themes were identified and categorized by frequency. Both quantitative and qualitative data suggest that CRCS behavior among urban average‐risk populations is suboptimal, and the identified factors can be mapped onto the HBM.

Conclusions

This mixed‐methods study demonstrates that key factors influencing screening behavior among urban average‐risk populations align with the HBM. These identified factors should be meticulously considered in future systematic interventions to enhance screening behaviors.
Partisan political staff at the local level: A self‐assessment of the policymaking role of the chief of cabinet
Authors: De Wulf Nicolai , Voets Joris
Published: November 2024

This study explores the policymaking role of the chief of cabinet, as head of the partisan political staff and a central actor within politico‐administrative relations. We focus on the local government level, where the role of political staff is understudied. While the added value of partisan political staff can be diverse and comprise advisory and non‐advisory activities, we do assume an active policymaking role for the chiefs of cabinet within the local policy advisory system. The research question is: “How do chiefs of cabinet conceive their own policymaking role at the local government level?” Adopting an actor‐centered approach, this research studies 20 chiefs of cabinet in cities in the Belgian region Flanders, where the amount of political staff has risen sharply. Q methodology is used for self‐assessment of the policymaking role (Van Exel & De Graaf, 2005), with statements based on Maley's three arenas (Maley, 2015). The results show that multiple types of chief of cabinet exist, revealing variation within one single institutional system. The resulting taxonomy consists of three types of chiefs of cabinet, each with a different role and impact on both policymaking and the civil service: “The Whip,” “The Negotiator,” and “The Streamliner.”
Unravelling T‐cell dynamics and immune responses in initial and recurrent uveitis
Authors: Wang Zhiruo , Yang Yuanyuan , Chen Guochun , Chen Gong , Luo Jing , Li Yunping , Shi Jingming , Chen Huihui
Published: November 2024

This study aimed to identify novel serological targets and investigate immune responses in patients with non‐infectious uveitis, focusing on differences between initial onset and recurrent episodes. Differential gene expression analysis, immunocyte typing and T‐cell receptor (TCR) gene analysis were conducted on RNA‐sequenced peripheral blood samples from healthy individuals (n = 6) and non‐infectious uveitis patients (n = 12), divided into 6 patients each at initial onset and recurrent stages. Peripheral blood T‐cell types were analysed using flow cytometry. Bioinformatics methods included tools for RNA sequencing data processing, CIBERSORT for immune cell type prediction and specialized software for TCR repertoire analysis. Findings indicated that individuals with recurrent uveitis demonstrated a stronger adaptive immune response and a more pronounced immune imbalance compared to those with initial onset. Memory T cells were predominant in recurrent episodes, suggesting their potential role as biomarkers for disease progression. Significant differences in TCR diversity and V(D)J gene usage were observed between the various uveitis groups and healthy controls. Importantly, 38 uveitis‐specific TCR sequences showed substantial expansion in the uveitis patients compared to controls. An elevated expansion of these specific TCR sequences was associated with an increased risk of uveitis development. The study highlights the critical role of adaptive immune responses and specific immune cell types in the pathogenesis of recurrent uveitis. Identification of the uveitis‐specific TCR repertoire set could provide deeper insights into the disease and facilitate the development of targeted therapies for uveitis patients.
Beyond ‘spray on’ professional development: Enhancing supervision in a tertiary teaching hospital
Authors: Clement Tim , Lysk Jayne , Vaughan Brett , Zordan Rachel , Murphy Jade , Tse Justin , McKinnon Fiona , Molloy Elizabeth
Published: November 2024

Background

Short ‘programmes’ of professional development can have limited impact on clinical supervisors' practices. This paper reports on an innovative programme of professional development, implemented in a tertiary teaching hospital, that was designed to build clinical supervision capacity, improve the educational practice of frontline clinical supervisors and cultivate future educational leaders.

Approach

The programme was a partnership venture between St. Vincent's Hospital Melbourne and the University of Melbourne. It has a three‐tiered tapered design: a foundational self‐paced online course; online, interprofessional learning communities; and a Graduate Certificate in Clinical Education. Participants progressed from one tier to the next, with the largest number of employees participating in the primary tier (N = 112).

Evaluation

We adopted a utilisation‐focused approach to evaluation, collecting multiple data sets across the tiers. Participants reported greater consciousness of their teaching practices, made changes to their practice, and the interprofessional learning communities allowed better integration of practical knowledge with the formal knowledge from the foundational course. Systemic outcomes included the creation of informal educator networks and the diffusion of ideas and practices within the hospital.

Implications

Managers and clinical education leaders at the hospital concluded that funding this programme of professional development provided significant benefits, with a high return on investment, which may be transferable to other health care settings that place value on clinical education. For the outcomes to be sustainable, an ongoing programme of professional development needs to be built into the institution's fabric so that the resultant supervisory practices become strongly embedded in the organisational culture.
Insights into metaphor (mis)understandings
Authors: LaVoie Jacob
Published: November 2024

Conventional metaphors are a fundamental component of everyday communication, yet they are often overlooked in post‐secondary German‐language programs. This study examines the extent to which vocabulary breadth influences 19 L2 German learners’ comprehension of conventional German metaphors, particularly those that exhibit cross‐linguistic differences in lexical form and conceptual motivation. Employing a mixed‐methods analysis, this research investigates the interpretations of 40 highly‐frequent, polysemic verbs in metaphorical contexts by L2 German speakers. The findings indicate a significant relationship between the breadth of a learner's vocabulary and their ability to accurately decode conventional metaphors. However, the study also reveals that learners with extensive vocabularies may be misled by their own knowledge, frequently failing to recognize extended metaphorical meanings despite familiarity with the lexeme and confidence in their interpretations. These results highlight the intricate interplay between lexical knowledge and cross‐linguistic differences in figurative language, underscoring the necessity for nuanced instruction in metaphor comprehension.