bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring the connection between electoral systems and personalized behaviour among politicians and voters
Authors: TROMBORG MATHIAS , LARSEN MARTIN VINÆS
Published: November 2024

The personalization of politics includes electoral reforms that give voters more opportunity to select individual representatives as well as behavioural personalization among voters and politicians. Institutional research suggests that the latter is a function of the former, but it remains unclear whether the association between the two types of personalization is actually causal. In order to get empirical leverage on this question, we analyze local elections in Denmark, which feature within‐district and within‐party variation in the openness of party lists. Using detailed information on the behaviour of politicians and voters, we find that, once we take differences between districts and parties into account, the personalization of electoral rules has a negligible effect on behavioural personalization.
Perspectives of Australian healthcare professionals towards gamification in practice
Authors: Stefoska‐Needham Anita , Goldman Allegra Leah
Published: November 2024

Aim

Gamification may be an effective tool in motivating sustained behaviour change. This study aimed to explore perspectives of Australian‐based healthcare professionals, including dietitians, towards gamification in their practice when assisting patients/clients to achieve health‐related goals.

Methods

Semi‐structured online interviews were conducted with healthcare professionals. Data was audio‐recorded, transcribed verbatim, de‐identified and thematically analysed to identify key themes and inform the creation of personas.

Results

Six dietitians, two psychologists, two exercise physiologists, one medical specialist, with 1–24 years of work experience, participated. Most participants (n = 7, 64%) were unable to articulate a definition of gamification, however, when offered more context, they could identify examples. Overall, participants were positive towards gamification, regardless of prior experience/exposure. Three themes emerged; (1) Variable familiarity with gamification, (2) Context matters, (3) Barriers hinder engagement/adoption. Stage of career rather than profession influenced participants' views of gamification, as reflected in three characterising personas; ‘Joel: Early‐Career, Progressive’, ‘Bella: Mid‐Career, Stable’ and ‘Sam: Advanced‐Career, Expert’.

Conclusions

Findings suggest that gamification is not widely used in health practice in Australia. Concerns about participation costs and data privacy are adoption barriers. Promotion of the effectiveness of gamification as a valuable adjunct tool to encourage behaviour change needs support from peak bodies. Embedding gamification in university curricula could better prepare graduates to engage with gamification in future practice. Further research capturing more diverse healthcare professionals' perspectives is required to fully understand the potential of gamification to change health behaviours, and to design feasible gamified solutions.
Actinorhizal plants and Frankiaceae: The overlooked future of phytoremediation
Authors: Thompson Ryan Michael , George David , del Carmen Montero‐Calasanz Maria
Published: November 2024

Bioremediation of degraded soils is increasingly necessary due to rising food demand, reductions in agricultural productivity, and limitations in total available arable area. Several bioremediation strategies could be utilized to combat soil degradation, with phytoremediation emerging as a standout option due to its in situ approach and low implementation and maintenance costs compared to other methods. Phytoremediation is also a sustainable solution, which is increasingly desirable to blunt the progression of global warming. Actinorhizal plants display several desirable traits for application in phytoremediation, including the ability to revegetate saline soil and sequester heavy metals with low foliar translocation. Additionally, when grown in association with Frankiaceae endophytes, these abilities are improved and expanded to include the degradation of anthropogenic pollutants and the restoration of soil fertility. However, despite this significant potential to remediate marginalized land, the actinorhizal‐Frankiaceae symbiosis remains heavily understudied and underutilized. This review aims to collate the scattered studies that demonstrate these bioremediation abilities and explain the mechanics behind such abilities to provide the necessary insight. Finally, this review will conclude with proposed future directions for utilizing this symbiosis and how it can be optimized further to facilitate improved bioremediation outcomes.
A comparison of orthopaedic surgery training across five English‐speaking countries
Authors: Boyle Alex B. , Chan Corey D. , Liu Alice Q. , Bernstein David N. , Incoll Ian W.
Published: November 2024

Introduction

There is undocumented and unjustified variability in orthopaedic surgery training between countries. This study compares and contrasts the main features of orthopaedic training in Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, United States, and Canada.

Methods

Comparisons included: competition for, and selection into, training; training pathway structures; training requirements, and; training length.

Results

Selection into orthopaedic surgery training is competitive in all countries assessed with acceptance rates ranging from 22%‐26% in Australia and New Zealand to 85% in Canada. Minimum length of post‐medical school training varies from 5 years in the USA and Canada, to 8 years in Australia, 9 years in New Zealand, and 10 years in the United Kingdom. All countries encourage participation in research during training, although there are varying requirements. Significant bottlenecks characterize selection into training in Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom, meaning the majority of doctors take more than a decade from medical school graduation to obtaining their specialty surgery qualification.

Conclusions

There is high variability between the orthopaedic training programs of the studied countries. An awareness of these differences and similarities may help improve training, or provide solutions for identified gaps in each country.
Longitudinal association of stress with mental health in the context of COVID‐19: The mediating role of psychological flexibility and emotional schemas
Authors: Sebastião Rita , Neto David Dias
Published: November 2024

Stress is a known contributor to psychosocial pathological conditions and reduction of well‐being. The literature has highlighted the role of emotional schemas and psychological flexibility as psychological processes underlying this relationship in the short term. This two‐wave longitudinal study analyses the mediating role of psychological flexibility and emotional schemas in the relationship between stress responses to COVID‐19‐related events and mental health 6 months later. Two hundred and seventy‐six individuals were included in this study, completing measures of stress responses, emotional schemas, psychological flexibility and positive and negative mental health. Negative evaluation of emotions was a significant mediator in the longitudinal relationship between stress responses and negative mental health. Valued action and openness to experience mediate the longitudinal relationship between stress responses and positive mental health. This study underscores the importance of the different dimensions of psychological processes, suggesting that over time, more maladaptive psychological processes play a significant role in elucidating the relationship between stress responses and negative mental health. Similarly, it suggests that more adaptive processes may help explain the relationship between stress responses and positive mental health. This contributes to a better understanding of the stability of these processes, which is important for determining which intervention targets should be prioritised.
Distinguishing Structures from Textures by Patch‐based Contrasts around Pixels for High‐quality and Efficient Texture filtering
Authors: Wang Shengchun , Xu Panpan , Hou Fei , Wang Wencheng , Zhao Chong
Published: November 2024

It is still challenging with existing methods to distinguish structures from texture details, and so preventing texture filtering. Considering that the textures on both sides of a structural edge always differ much from each other in appearances, we determine whether a pixel is on a structure edge by exploiting the appearance contrast between patches around the pixel, and further propose an efficient implementation method. We demonstrate that our proposed method is more effective than existing methods to distinguish structures from texture details, and our required patches for texture measurement can be smaller than the used patches in existing methods by at least half. Thus, we can improve texture filtering on both quality and efficiency, as shown by the experimental results, e.g., we can handle the textured images with a resolution of 800 × 600 pixels in real‐time. (The code is available at https://github.com/hefengxiyulu/MLPC)
Complete endoscopic debridement combined with partial gastric wall resection successfully treated refractory esophago‐gastric anastomotic fistula
Authors: Li Yajuan , Zhang Jiyu , Liu Bingrong
Published: November 2024

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Are algorithms always fair? The study on public preferences toward algorithmic decision‐making: A case study from the perspectives of decision scenarios and social roles
Authors: Wang Bing , Luo Longxiang , Wang Xiuli
Published: November 2024

The integration of algorithmic decision‐making into daily life gives rise to a need to understand public attitudes toward this phenomenon. This study uses online experiments to explore how decision scenarios and roles influence public preferences for algorithms. In‐depth interviews were conducted to examine interpretations of algorithmic fairness. The findings indicate a preference for algorithms, yet a stronger preference for human decision‐making in ethically complex scenarios. Decision‐makers demonstrate greater acceptance of algorithms. Participants perceive algorithmic fairness from social and technical perspectives, emphasizing autonomy and transparency. Despite a general preference for algorithms, concerns persist, revealing a nuanced view of algorithmic fairness as a form of societal power.
Business forms and business performance in UK manufacturing 1871–81
Authors: Foreman‐Peck James , Hannah Leslie
Published: November 2024

We explore which business forms were predominant in the later Victorian economy and why some forms were more effective among large British manufacturing firms during this period. With a dataset of 483 manufacturing firms in 1881 that either employed at least 1000 or had done so a decade earlier, we find that the great majority were partnerships. Public corporations attained higher capital–labour ratios and stronger employment growth than other business forms. The separation of ownership from control was most effective where it was most thoroughly practised, as by public, in contrast to private, corporations. Engineers were frequently encountered in all business forms and associated with expanding employment. But the large public manufacturing corporations employed almost twice the proportion of engineers and professionals in top management as other enterprises. Family firms, proxied by heirs, were present in management of three‐quarters of partnerships but in only one‐third of public corporations. Heirs reduced the employment growth of the firm, whereas engineers boosted it. Lords, mayors, and landed wealth in management were also associated with faster employment growth of enterprises.
Corporate social responsibility and earnings management: The moderating effect of CEO personality traits
Authors: Khanchel Imen , Lassoued Naima , Souguir Zahra
Published: November 2024

The debate surrounding the influence of corporate social responsibility (CSR) on earnings management (EM) remains inconclusive, featuring two opposing perspectives. The opportunistic viewpoint suggests that CEOs use CSR as a tool for manipulating earnings, employing it as a strategic shield to conceal opportunistic behavior. Conversely, the ethical viewpoint posits that CSR aims to cultivate trust with stakeholders, promoting long‐term performance while avoiding EM. This paper aims to address this question by considering the role of psychological traits. Specifically, we examine the relationship between CSR and EM and investigate whether psychological traits moderate this relationship. Using a sample of 318 firms from the S&P 500 index from 2015 to 2019, the results show that CSR has a positive impact on EM, indicating that CSR creates more favorable conditions for EM and supporting the opportunistic behavior hypothesis. Furthermore, CEO narcissism moderates the relationship between CSR and EM, influencing an increase in income. Finally, CEO hubris positively moderates the relationship between CSR and both the absolute value of discretionary accruals and positive discretionary accruals. Our findings lead us to the conclusion that narcissistic or hubristic CEOs reinforce the opportunistic behavior hypothesis.
Relation Between Striations Spacing and Fatigue Crack Growth Rates for Additive Manufactured Inconel 625
Authors: Fiorentin Felipe Klein , Dantas Rita , Darabi Roya , Lesiuk Grzegorz , Figueiredo Miguel , de Castro Paulo Tavares , de Jesus Abílio
Published: November 2024

The principles of the mechanisms for fatigue crack propagation in metals have been established several decades ago. By definition, fatigue might be summarized as a damage process imparted to a material under the action of cyclic loads. The relation between fatigue crack growth rates (FCGRs) and formation of striation marks has been a controversial topic. Some authors stated that, in certain fatigue regimes, several fatigue cycles are required to form a single striation. The disagreement found was the motivation for the present work. This study's main goal is to provide a comparison between the striation spacing and the respective FCGR. These analyses will be performed in a Nickel superalloy, Inconel 625, obtained via directed energy deposition. Investigation of the striations spacing are compared with data obtained from FCGR tests. A good agreement between striation spacing and FCGRs was found to intermediate and large values of stress intensity factor.
Interpreting Step‐Drawdown Pumping Test Undergoing Confined‐Unconfined Conversion with Well Loss
Authors: Zhang Lu , Zhao Hua , Wang Ling , Liu Jianmei , Zhu Qi , Li Na , Wen Zhang , Wang Yizhao , Wang Dian
Published: November 2024

The step‐drawdown pumping test often experiences a transition from confined to unconfined conditions due to the continuously increasing pumping rate. However, the current well hydraulics model has not accurately interpreted this phenomenon. In this study, we developed an analytical solution to address the confined‐unconfined conversion in step‐drawdown pumping tests based on Girinskii's potential and superposition theory. Additionally, a field step‐drawdown pumping test featuring confined‐unconfined conversion was conducted to apply the proposed analytical solution. The particle swarm optimization algorithm was employed to simultaneously estimate multiple parameters. The results demonstrate that the newly proposed solution provides a better fit to the observed drawdown in the pumping well compared to previous models. The hydrogeological parameters (K, S), well loss coefficient (B), and critical time for confined‐unconfined conversion (tc) were estimated to be K = 7.15 m/d, S = 6.65 × 10−5, B = 7.48 × 10−6, and tc = 1152 min, respectively. Neglecting the confined‐unconfined conversion in step‐drawdown pumping tests leads to underestimation of drawdown inside the pumping well due to an overestimation of the aquifer thickness. After the conversion from confined to unconfined conditions, the estimated well loss coefficient decreased by 88% compared to its pre‐conversion value. This highlights the necessity of adjusting the well loss coefficient in the step‐drawdown pumping test model to account for confined‐unconfined conversion. In summary, this study introduces a new method for interpreting parameters in step‐drawdown pumping tests and provides field validation for its effectiveness.
The haemophilia joint health score for the assessment of joint health in patients with haemophilia
Authors: Ay Cihan , Mancuso Maria Elisa , Matino Davide , Strike Karen , Pasta Gianluigi
Published: November 2024

Introduction

The haemophilia joint health score (HJHS) is a tool used to assess joint changes in patients with haemophilia. There is lack of consensus on the interpretation of HJHS scores and their clinical relevance.

Aim

To evaluate available literature reporting HJHS changes over time and assess a possible cut‐off value for clinically relevant outcomes and the ideal follow‐up for a meaningful score change.

Methods

We conducted a literature search of studies published between 2011 and 2023 where the HJHS version 2.1 had been adopted to detect changes in joint health in patients with haemophilia. We focused on studies that assessed clinical relevance of HJHS changes, evaluated the use of cut‐off values and reported a follow‐up over time.

Results

Our search identified 213 publications of which 53 (25%) were deemed relevant for this review. Of these, 33 (62%) publications reported the total HJHS score and 20 (38%) reported a single joint HJHS score, while the way of reporting HJHS scores/change was highly variable. Ten publications (19%) assessed clinical relevance, but their methods of calculation differed (defining a cut‐off score, measuring standardised response mean or minimal detectable change). The follow‐up duration varied from 2 weeks to 8 years in these 10 studies.

Conclusions

High variability in assessing HJHS change over time is the primary consequence of its low sensitivity, and the lack of consensus on interpretation and clinical relevance of the score. Therefore, more sensitive tools should be used alongside HJHS to better define the joint health status of patients with haemophilia.
Unveiling the dynamics of hepatitis C virus transmission among injection drug users and men who have sex with men: A comprehensive study in Japan
Authors: Phyo Zayar , Tanaka Satoshi , Sugiyama Aya , Ko Ko , Takahashi Kazuaki , Mirzaev Ulugbek Khudayberdievich , Akuffo Golda Ataa , Chhoung Chanroth , Akita Tomoyuki , Kozuki Miho , Sakamori Ryotaro , Tanaka Junko
Published: November 2024

Aim

In Japan, despite low nationwide hepatitis C (HCV) incidence, new infections among people who inject drugs (PWID) and men who have sex with men (MSM) hinder HCV elimination. We explored HCV transmission dynamics and screened HCV recombination within these populations.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study recruited HCV‐infected patients from Osaka National Hospital, Osaka, Japan, from January 2010 to September 2023. Data from questionnaires and medical records were analyzed. Serum samples collected before anti‐HCV treatment underwent HCV RNA extraction, and sequencing of full core (576 bp) and NS5B (267 bp) regions using the Sanger method. Genotype distribution was determined by phylogenetic analysis, and recombinant screening was conducted.

Results

A total of 115 patients were categorized into non‐MSM PWID (31), MSM PWID (15), MSM non‐PWID (25), and non‐MSM non‐PWID (44). Positive amplification rates were 99.1% (114/115) for the full‐core region, and 96.5% (111/115) for NS5B. No intergenotypic recombination was detected. The predominant genotype in non‐MSM PWID was 2a (58%), whereas genotype 1b was most common in MSM PWID, MSM non‐PWID, and non‐MSM non‐PWID groups (79%, 64%, and 68%, respectively). Nucleotide sequence similarity of 94.75%–100% was found in HCV strains from MSM PWID and MSM non‐PWID in both full‐core and NS5B regions, whereas strains from non‐MSM PWID and non‐MSM non‐PWID were distinct.

Conclusion

The findings suggest that the transmission route in PWID is determined by MSM status, whereas MSM groups showed the same transmission route regardless of PWID. HCV control measures should be focused not only on PWID, but also on MSM to achieve HCV elimination in Japan.
Engaging with Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Communities to Promote Palliative Care That Exceeds Expectation
Authors: Dadich Ann , Crawford Gregory , Laintoll Peter , Zangre Issac , Dahal Kamal , Albrezi Dalia , Jeffs Cathie , Collier Aileen
Published: November 2024

Introduction

Given longstanding barriers that obstruct integrated palliative care, particularly for culturally and linguistically diverse communities, this article demonstrates a way to engage with Syrian, Bhutanese and African communities to learn about brilliant palliative care with and from members of these communities.

Methods

This study involved the methodology of POSH‐VRE, which combines positive organisational scholarship in healthcare (POSH) with video‐reflexive ethnography (VRE). Members of the Syrian, Bhutanese, and African communities (n = 14) participated in a focus group or an interview to consider understandings of palliative care; conceptualisations of a good death; how and why palliative care was typically enacted in their communities; the associated effects; as well as the relationship between culturally and linguistically diverse communities and public palliative care services. Discussions were aided by video recordings captured during the previous study on brilliant palliative care, which participants were invited to review. Video recordings and transcripts of the focus groups and interview were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis.

Results

The participants demonstrated considerable variability in the ways that palliative care was understood and enacted. For some, death was a taboo topic, while for others, it was a reality that was required to face, particularly in war‐torn regions. Similarly, while doctors were held in high regard, participants held different views about how they should enact palliative care and the anticipation of death, particularly because family members were deemed to be a pivotal part of palliative care. To improve the care of people of culturally and linguistically diverse communities who experience a life‐limiting illness, participants highlighted three opportunities. These included the avoidance of generalisations, prioritising the needs and preferences of cultural groups, and leveraging the community network.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated how reciprocal understandings of palliative care were potentiated using POSH‐VRE. Specifically, the members of the Bhutanese, African and Syrian communities demonstrated diversity in the needs, preferences, and customs of culturally and linguistically diverse communities. As such, integrated palliative care is likely to be bolstered by relinquishing assumptions about how cultural groups wish to be referred to and cared for and adopting a public health approach to palliative care that embraces both a population‐based and person‐centred approach to care.

Patient or Public Contribution

Members of the Bhutanese, African and Syrian communities contributed to this study as participants and co‐researchers, contributing to the analysis and interpretation of the data and in the preparation of the article.
LC‐OCT for early diagnosis and characterization of dermatologic adverse events to oncologic drugs and correlation to histopathology
Authors: Sollena Pietro , Salvi Marisa , Marraffa Marica , Pellegrino Luca , Cappilli Simone , Palmisano Gerardo , Mannino Maria , Di Nardo Lucia , Di Stefani Alessandro , Peris Ketty
Published: November 2024

Background

Targeted and immune therapies have recently been associated with the occurrence of multiple cutaneous toxicities, often challenging to differentiate by clinical examination alone without histology. Line‐field confocal optical coherence tomography (LC‐OCT) is a non‐invasive and innovative imaging technique that has been shown to be almost as effective as histology in diagnosing several skin conditions. Our study aimed to assess the effectiveness of LC‐OCT in predicting the clinical evolution of early maculopapular eruptions related to antineoplastic targeted therapy and immunotherapy.

Methods

In the period between May 2023 and December 2023, consecutive patients with clinical cutaneous maculopapular reactions caused by oncologic targeted therapy or immunotherapy were enrolled at the dermatologic outpatient clinic of the Fondazione Policlinico A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome. Patients underwent clinical dermatological examination, video‐dermoscopy, LC‐OCT, and incisional skin biopsy of a target cutaneous lesion. To investigate the evolutionary pattern of maculopapular lesions (psoriasic eruption, lichenoid eruption, eczematous eruption, bullous eruption), LC‐OCT and histopathological images have been compared based on specific characteristics (hyperkeratosis, acanthosis, spongiosis; papillomatosis; lichenoid inflammatory infiltrate; presence of intraepidermal/subepidermal cleavage plan with formation of a bulla).

Results

Eighteen patients were included in this study (11 males, 7 females, median age 64.5). LC‐OCT demonstrated an overall concordance with histology of 77.8%, with a Cohen's Kappa of 0.69 (P < 0.0001). Sensitivity exceeded 70%, and specificity was ≥88.2%. The Area Under the Curve (AUC) ranged from 0.9 to 1 for psoriasis and lichenoid eruption and from 0.7 to 0.9 for eczematous and bullous eruption.

Conclusions

LC‐OCT appears to be a promising tool for the early differential diagnosis of adverse skin reactions related to targeted therapy and immunotherapy, offering the potential to avoid skin biopsies in fragile cancer patients.
Life‐threatening antibodies: The discovery of anaphylaxis
Authors: Daëron Marc , Heyman Birgitta , Moulin Anne Marie
Published: November 2024

It was at the turn of the 20th century, that immune serum was found both to save children dying from toxins of deadly pathogens, and to kill a dog within minutes following an injection of harmless doses of sea anemone toxins. This means that, before being formally identified in immune serum, antibodies were already known to be both protective and pathogenic. For this provocative finding, Charles Richet was awarded the 1913 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine. Because, as its name said, anaphylaxis was understood as “the contrary of protection,” unique mechanisms were found to explain it. Because, as its name did not initially say but finally said, allergy was understood as a reaction “other” than immunity, its symptoms were explained by mechanisms similar to those that explained anaphylaxis. We examined here the intricate relationships between anaphylaxis, allergy and immunity. Progressively anaphylaxis became one among other pathological effects of an immune response, and allergy an inflammatory disease among others. Looking at antibodies back in the past enables us not only to learn where they come from, but also to follow trends that contributed to shape immunology, some of which may persist in today's immunological thinking and say something about the future.
Perceived Social Support and Depression, Anxiety and Stress in Pregnant Women Diagnosed With Foetal Anomaly
Authors: Kaydırak Meltem Mecdi , Balkan Elif , Bacak Nilgul , Kızoglu Filiz
Published: November 2024

Aim

To examine the relationship between perceived social support level and depression, anxiety and stress in pregnant women diagnosed with foetal anomaly.

Design/Methods

This descriptive and correlational study was conducted in an advanced prenatal evaluation unit of a university hospital between December 2021 and May 2022. The study data collected from 131 pregnant women through a personal information form, depression, anxiety and stress scale (DASS‐42) and multidimensional scale of perceived social support (MSPSS).

Results

Most of the pregnant women were in the second trimester of pregnancy, and more than half had been advised by a healthcare professional to terminate their pregnancy. Overall, the pregnant women reported moderate levels of social support, while their depression, anxiety and stress levels varied. There was a weak negative correlation between perceived social support from family, friends and multidimensional sources with stress, but the effect rate was low.

Conclusion

Most pregnant women diagnosed with foetal anomaly have normal levels of depression, stress and anxiety. There is a weak negative correlation between perceived social support and stress, with family and friend support affecting stress levels at a low rate. Professional support should be provided, and both the woman's mental health and social support mechanisms must be evaluated.

Impact

This study highlights the importance of social support in managing stress among pregnant women with foetal anomalies. While most women had normal levels of depression, anxiety and stress, increased social support from family and friends was shown to reduce stress. The findings underscore the need for healthcare professionals to assess and strengthen mental health and social support systems in this vulnerable population, informing interventions to improve psychosocial outcomes.

Reporting Method

This descriptive and correlational study adhered to the CONSORT guidelines for reporting non‐randomised trials.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution.
Safety of catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation in patients with liver cirrhosis
Authors: Barrera Nelson , Jou Katerina , Malik Mushrin , Gallegos‐Koyner Francisco , Chamay Salomon , Elfert Khaled , Cerrud‐Rodriguez Roberto C. , Di Biase Luigi
Published: November 2024

Background and Aims

Atrial fibrillation is the most prevalent cardiac arrhythmia, and catheter ablation (CA) has emerged as a viable treatment option for selected patients. However, its safety profile in liver cirrhosis (LC) populations remains underexplored.

Methods

This was an observational analysis of the National Inpatient Sample Database 2016–2020; we analyzed adult encounters undergoing CA for atrial fibrillation who had a concomitant diagnosis of LC. Using propensity scores, encounters were divided into two cohorts based on the presence or absence of LC and matched in a 1:1 fashion using LC as the dependent variable. In‐hospital mortality and postprocedure total complications were compared using regression models.

Results

93 830 procedures were identified for non‐LC patients and 960 involving LC patients; after propensity score matching, each cohort included 910 hospitalizations. The mean age in the LC‐matched cohort was 66.5 ± 9.1 years. In‐hospital mortality did not differ between the groups (aOR = 1.01; 95% CI [0.06–16.1]; p = .99). However, the LC cohort exhibited higher odds of total complications (aOR = 1.98; 95% CI [1.42–2.75]; p < .001). Length of stay (LOS) was comparable, but total costs were higher in the LC cohort: LOS was 2 days (95% CI [1–3]) in the LC group versus 3 days (95% CI [1–4]) (p < .11) and LC: $202,000 (95% CI [$142 000–$261 000]) versus non‐LC: $189 000, (95% CI [$153 000–$222 000]) (p < .0001).

Conclusion

In this national analysis of patients undergoing CA for AF, those with LC had similar in‐hospital mortality, postprocedure complications, and LOS compared to noncirrhotic patients. Furthermore, longitudinal studies are needed to assess the safety profile of CA in this subpopulation.
Development of a care package to prevent medical device‐related pressure injuries using the Delphi Method: A maintenance care package development study
Authors: Elmaoğlu Erhan , Çiğdem Zerrin
Published: November 2024

Aim

The purpose is to develop a care package for the prevention of medical device‐related pressure injuries using the Delphi Method.

Design

The study is a methodological.

Method

The care package was developed using the Delphi Method, a consensus‐based technique. Two expert groups were selected to develop the care package to prevent medical device‐related pressure injuries. The invitation letter and the questionnaire consisting of two questions were sent to the relevant experts via email and completed in three rounds after receiving responses. The scores from the experts were uploaded to the SPSS 25.0 software package. The range (R) was calculated as R = Q3‐Q1. The differences (R) between the quartiles were examined. Items with R < 1.2 were accepted as having reached a consensus.

Results

As a result of the evaluation, it was organized as 83 items. As a result of the analysis of the scores of the second round of the Delphi Method, the range values of each item were examined. In the third round of the Delphi Method, it was found that consensus was reached in the third round on items 18, 29, and 56, on which consensus could not be reached in the second round, and the care package was accepted with 83 items.

Conclusion

An 83‐item care package was created to prevent medical device‐related pressure injuries in children.
Not Like Everybody Else but We're the Same: Psychosocial Variables Compared Across Diverse Sexual and Gender Identities
Authors: Junkins Eleanor J. , Ogolsky Brian G. , Derringer Jaime
Published: November 2024

Objective

Sexual and gender minority (SGM) people are underrepresented in psychological research. Part of the underrepresentation of SGM people likely stems from potential participants' unwillingness to join a study, but more concerningly, researchers exclude data from SGM participants. Furthermore, much of SGM research focuses on existing health disparities and risk factors rather than wellness‐framed and personality research. To fill in this gap, the current study aims to quantify effect sizes of similarities/differences across a broad range of psychosocial measures.

Method

Applying the framework of the Gender Similarities Hypothesis, we compare means, variances, and correlations across 34 psychosocial variables between categories of SGM, gender identity, sexual orientation, relationship status, and monogamy (N = 1743). Data was collected online mainly through paid ads on Instagram.

Results

Consistently, we find largely similarities across gender identity, sexual orientation, and relationship structure categories. These results support a general expectation that similarities are more common than differences in normative psychological domains, although clear differences in means and variances exist for specific experiences and outcomes.

Conclusions

This work informs the inclusion of diverse identities in basic psychological research and further speaks to the generalizability of past findings to populations historically underrepresented in psychological science.
The Paradox of Situated Knowledge: Toward an Existential Embedment Theory of Perceptual Truth
Authors: Zhao Shanyang
Published: November 2024

Truth is a thorny issue for the sociology of knowledge. In emphasizing social influence on knowledge production, sociologists tend to disavow the objectivity of truth and slide down the slope of the consensus theory and the nihilism of post‐truth. In fighting science denial, on the other hand, sociologists often find themselves aligning with the correspondence theory and the naïve notion of naked truth. The aim of this article is to advance a position that recognizes social influence on knowledge attainment without obviating the objectivity in truth. The key to this argument lies in the concept of existential embedment that unifies objectivity and subjectivity in human struggles for survival and prosperity, from which truth originates and to which truth contributes. Existential embedment also anchors knowledge by providing the foundation for truth validation. Depending on the modalities of knowledge attainment, truth is divided into four types with varying degrees of veridical certitude, each having its own criterion for validity assessment. Knowledge that passes the validation test is accepted as truth within the horizon of the given realm of existential embedment, which may change as the existential activity of the knower changes.
New Scenarios in Liver Transplantation for Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Mauro Ezequiel , Rodríguez‐Perálvarez Manuel , D'Alessio Antonio , Crespo Gonzalo , Piñero Federico , De Martin Eleonora , Colmenero Jordi , Pinato David James , Forner Alejandro
Published: November 2024

Background and Aims

Despite liver transplantation (LT) is considered the optimal treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), particularly in patients with impaired liver function, the shortage of donors has forced the application of very restrictive criteria for selecting ideal candidates for whom LT can offer the best outcome. With the evolving LT landscape due to the advent of direct‐acting antivirals (DAAs) and the steady increase in donors, major efforts have been made to expand the transplant eligibility criteria for HCC. In addition, the emergence of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) for the treatment of HCC, with demonstrated efficacy in earlier stages, has revolutionized the therapeutic approach for these patients, and their integration in the setting of LT is challenging. Management of immunological compromise from ICIs, including the wash‐out period before LT and post‐LT immunosuppression adjustments, is crucial to balance the risk of graft rejection against HCC recurrence. Additionally, the effects of increased immunosuppression on non‐hepatic complications must be understood to prevent them from becoming obstacles to long‐term OS.

Methods and Results

In this review, we will evaluate the emerging evidence and its implications for the future of LT in HCC. Addressing these novel challenges and opportunities, while integrating the current clinical evidence with predictive algorithms, would ensure a fair balance between individual patient needs and the overall population benefit in the LT system.
A global overview of insect–fern interactions and its ecological trends
Authors: Porto Gabriela Fraga , Anjos Diego V. , Luna Pedro , Del‐Claro Kleber
Published: November 2024

Historically, ferns have been described as underutilized by insects. However, studies have shown a diversity of insects interacting with ferns, although the evolutionary and ecological drivers of these interactions are still to be untangled.

To fill these gaps, we compiled more than 100 yr of global data on insect–fern interactions from the literature comprising 374 fern and 649 insect species. With this database we assessed how fern trophic specialization, phylogenetic relationships and climate have shaped their interactions with insects.

Our findings showed that interactions between ferns and insects can be explained by the phylogenetic relations among them. We observed that insect orders part of the Endopterygota clade tend to interact with similar fern species, which might be a result of the inheritance of Endopterygota ancestors probably due to phylogenetic niche conservationism. Under an ecological context, fern specialization increased with temperature, precipitation, and climatic stability. Our results show that climate might be one of the main factors explaining the spatial variation of insect–fern interactions, postulate also supported by the observed phylogenetic clustering of the studied ferns species.

Our study highlights the intricate and multifaceted nature of insect–fern interactions, where evolutionary history and ecological factors converge to shape these relationships.
Benzylurea Protects hPDLFs Against LPS‐Induced Mitochondrial Dysfunction Through MTCH2
Authors: Liu Li , Bai Jing , Wang Jiyun , Fan Junheng , Yin Dong , Chang Hong , Hui Xuancheng , Yang Pengfei
Published: November 2024

Objective

The aim of this study is to explore the mechanism of benzylurea in the inflammatory injury of human periodontal ligament fibroblasts (hPDLFs).

Methods

An inflammation model of hPDLFs was established using LPS. Nuclear transport of nuclear transcription factor‐κB (NF‐κB), secretion of cytokines, and the morphology and distribution of F‐actin were determined. Mitochondrial function was assessed by measuring mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP), and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. The expression of mitochondrial carrier homolog 2 (MTCH2) and Cytochrome b5 type B (CYB5B) was detected.

Results

Benzylurea alleviated the effects of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on the proliferation and apoptosis of hPDLFs. It reduced the release of inflammatory cytokines and inhibited NF‐κB nuclear translocation. Benzylurea improved mitochondrial function by regulating MMP and preventing excessive mPTP opening. Furthermore, LPS elevated the expression of MTCH2 and reduced the expression of CYB5B in hPDLFs. However, these effects can be inhibited by benzylurea. The altered expression of MTCH2 directly affected CYB5B expression, the release of inflammatory cytokines, and the activation of nuclear translocation of NF‐κB.

Conclusion

CYB5B may act as an effector of MTCH2, with benzylurea enhancing mitochondrial function and protecting hPDLFs from LPS‐induced injury through MTCH2.
Automated Detection of Oral Malignant Lesions Using Deep Learning: Scoping Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Di Fede Olga , La Mantia Gaetano , Parola Marco , Maniscalco Laura , Matranga Domenica , Tozzo Pietro , Campisi Giuseppina , Cimino Mario G. C. A.
Published: November 2024

Objective

Oral diseases, specifically malignant lesions, are serious global health concerns requiring early diagnosis for effective treatment. In recent years, deep learning (DL) has emerged as a powerful tool for the automated detection and classification of oral lesions. This research, by conducting a scoping review and meta‐analysis, aims to provide an overview of the progress and achievements in the field of automated detection of oral lesions using DL.

Materials and Methods

A scoping review was conducted to identify relevant studies published in the last 5 years (2018–2023). A comprehensive search was conducted using several electronic databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus.

Two reviewers independently assessed the studies for eligibility and extracted data using a standardized form, and a meta‐analysis was conducted to synthesize the findings.

Results

Fourteen studies utilizing various DL algorithms were identified and included for the detection and classification of oral lesions from clinical images. Among these, three were included in the meta‐analysis. The estimated pooled sensitivity and specificity were 0.86 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.80–0.91) and 0.67 (95% CI = 0.58–0.75), respectively.

Conclusions

The results of meta‐analysis indicate that DL algorithms improve the diagnosis of oral lesions. Future research should develop validated algorithms for automated diagnosis.

Trial Registration

Open Science Framework (https://osf.io/4n8sm)
Warming and UV Radiation Alleviate the Effect of Virus Infection on the Microalga Emiliania huxleyi
Authors: Fu Qianqian , Huang Ruiping , Li Futian , Beardall John , Hutchins David A. , Liu Jingwen , Gao Kunshan
Published: November 2024

The marine microalga Emiliania huxleyi is widely distributed in the surface oceans and is prone to infection by coccolithoviruses that can terminate its blooms. However, little is known about how global change factors like solar UV radiation (UVR) and ocean warming affect the host‐virus interaction. We grew the microalga at 2 temperature levels with or without the virus in the presence or absence of UVR and investigated the physiological and transcriptional responses. We showed that viral infection noticeably reduced photosynthesis and growth of the alga but was less harmful to its physiology under conditions where UVR influenced viral DNA expression. In the virus‐infected cells, the combination of UVR and warming (+4°C) led to a 13‐fold increase in photosynthetic carbon fixation rate, with warming alone contributing a change of about 5–7‐fold. This was attributed to upregulated expression of genes related to carboxylation and light‐harvesting proteins under the influence of UVR, and to warming‐reduced infectivity. In the absence of UVR, viral infection downregulated the metabolic pathways of photosynthesis and fatty acid degradation. Our results suggest that solar UV exposure in a warming ocean can reduce the severity of viral attack on this ecologically important microalga, potentially prolonging its blooms.
Emerging roles of auxin in plant abiotic stress tolerance
Authors: Salehin Mohammad
Published: November 2024

Plants are continuously attacked by several biotic and abiotic factors. Among abiotic factors, heat, cold, drought, and salinity are common stresses. Plants produce several hormones as their main weapon in fightback against these stresses. Among these hormones, the role of auxin is well established in regulating plant growth and development at various scales. However, in recent literature, the important role of auxin in abiotic stress tolerance has emerged. Several auxin signalling and transport mutants exhibit heat, drought, and salinity‐related phenotypes. Among them, auxin‐mediated hypocotyl elongation and root growth in response to increased heat are of importance due to the continuous rise in global temperature. Auxin is also involved in regulating and recruiting specialized metabolites like aliphatic glucosinolate to defend themselves from drought stress. Aliphatic glucosinolate (A‐GLS) regulates guard cell closure using auxin, which is independent of the major abiotic stress hormone abscisic acid. This regulatory mechanism serves as an additional layer of guard cell movement to protect plants from drought. Transferring the aliphatic glucosinolate pathway into non‐brassica plants such as rice and soybean holds the promise to improve drought tolerance. In addition to these, post‐translational modification of auxin signalling components and redistribution of auxin efflux transporters are also playing important roles in drought and salt tolerance and, hence, may be exploited to breed drought‐tolerant crops. Also, reactive oxygen species, along with peptide hormone and auxin signalling, are important in root growth under stress. In conclusion, we summarize recent discoveries that suggest auxin is involved in various abiotic stresses.
A QTL on chromosome 17 identified by Genome‐Wide Association Mapping controls postharvest cold tolerance of Cucurbita pepo L.
Authors: García Alicia , Castro‐Cegrí Alejandro , López Alba , Segura María , Benítez Álvaro , Garrido Dolores , Palma Francisco , Martínez Cecilia , Jamilena Manuel
Published: November 2024

The worldwide cultivated Cucurbita pepo L. is one of the most diverse species in the plant kingdom. In this study, chilling tolerance over a wide range of cultivars was characterized to discover the allelic variants to improving the postharvest quality of the immature fruit during cold storage. For this purpose, fruits from 126 accessions of worldwide origin have been evaluated for weight loss and chilling injury after 3, 7 and 14 days of cold storage, classifying them into tolerant, partially tolerant, and sensitive accessions. To verify this classification, antioxidant capacity and lipid peroxidation (MDA) of contrasting accessions (tolerant vs. sensitive) were assessed. The antioxidant capacity significantly decreased during cold storage in the sensitive accessions, while it was maintained in tolerant accessions. Additionally, the sensitive accessions presented a higher accumulation of MDA during this period. Finally, a GWAS analysis using GBS data available in CuGenDBv2, combined with weight loss percentage data, led to the identification of a candidate QTL located on chromosome 17 that regulates postharvest cold tolerance in zucchini. The region contains four SNPs whose alternative alleles were significantly associated with lower weight loss percentage and chilling injury indices during cold storage. Two SNPs are located in the 3’ UTR region of the gene CpERS1, a gene involved in ethylene perception. The other two SNPs generate missense mutations in the coding region of a Pectin methyl esterase inhibitor gene (CpPMI). The role of this QTL and these variants in chilling tolerance is discussed.