bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Barriers and Facilitators on Pharmacovigilance Practice Among Pharmacists in Metro Manila, Philippines
Authors: Carandang Rogie Royce , Gumop‐as Justin Gabriel , Andoloy Salve Regina , Daguman Faye Louise , Jose Leona Jenn , Villarino Marielle , Quilala Peter
Published: December 2024

Purpose

The underreporting of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) remains a significant challenge in the Philippines. Pharmacists play a crucial role in ensuring medication safety, improving patient outcomes, and enhancing the overall effectiveness of pharmacovigilance (PV) systems. This study explored the barriers and facilitators affecting PV practices among pharmacists in Metro Manila.

Methods

This study employed qualitative research through in‐depth interviews using a semi‐structured topic guide. Researchers interviewed pharmacists until data saturation was reached, where no new insights emerged. Qualitative data were analyzed inductively, utilizing Braun and Clarke's thematic analysis to identify key themes. MAXQDA was used to facilitate coding and analyzing the qualitative data.

Results

A total of 40 pharmacists (72.5% female) participated in this study, evenly distributed across various practice areas and geographic locations in Metro Manila. The analysis identified four main themes related to pharmacists' nonreporting of ADRs: competency gaps, organizational challenges, reporting issues, and workplace constraints. Pharmacists' limited knowledge of ADRs and lack of experience in ADR reporting appear to be the primary barriers, along with environmental factors. Conversely, critical strategies for improving ADR notifications include capacity building, motivation and rewards, and work optimization.

Conclusion

Pharmacists recognize the importance of reporting ADRs and view it as a professional responsibility. By prioritizing knowledge enhancement, training, and system improvements, the identification and reporting of ADRs can be strengthened, ultimately enhancing patient safety and PV practices. This positive attitude toward ADR reporting lays the groundwork for interventions designed to overcome barriers and promote a culture of active reporting among pharmacists.
Patient and Staff Experiences of Embedding Electronic Patient Reported Outcome Measures for Distress Screening and Quality of Life Assessment, Into Routine Melanoma Care: A Mixed‐Methods Study
Authors: Dempsey Kathy , Saw Robyn , Bartula Iris , Lo Serigne N. , Menzies Alexander M. , Long Georgina V. , Lawn Craig , Chung Julian , Pennington Thomas , Boyle Frances , Spillane Andrew , Dieng Mbathio , Saks Dina , Lai‐Kwon Julia , Thompson Jake R. , Morton Rachael L.
Published: December 2024

Objective

Patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) are commonly collected in melanoma research. However, they are not used to guide immediate clinical care in Australia. This study explored the views and experiences of patients with Stage III melanoma and clinic staff during implementation of an electronic Patient‐Reported Outcome Measures in melanoma (ePROMs‐MEL) pilot to assess distress and quality of life.

Methods

A prospective mixed‐methods study in specialist melanoma clinics in Sydney, Australia between May 2021 and February 2023. Forty‐two post‐ePROMs implementation surveys and 17 semi‐structured interviews were undertaken among patients and staff (including oncologists, melanoma nurses and clinic managers). Survey responses were tabulated using Likert scales and interview transcripts analysed thematically.

Results

Of the 31 patient survey responses, over 90% reported ePROMs were easy to complete and measured important components of their health and wellbeing. Of the 11 staff surveys, over 50% reported ePROMs to be useful when allied health referrals were accessible but found implementation disruptive to clinic workflows. Six themes about ePROMs in clinical care emerged during data analysis: (1) promoting self‐reflection; (2) conversation‐starters; (3) timing and setting; (4) fit for purpose questionnaires; (5) resource issues; (6) value and limitations of ePROMs.

Conclusion

Patients overwhelmingly supported the real‐time collection of ePROMs for their immediate care. In contrast, staff support was conditional on resources to maximise clinical care efficiency and minimise administrative burden.

Trial Registration: Australia and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry: anzctr.org.au/ACTRN12620001149954.aspx.
Reflective Abstract Processing Reduces Negative Emotions Independent of Self‐Perspective
Authors: Yapıcı Sinem , Uzer Tuğba
Published: December 2024

This study tested predictions from Processing Mode Theory, Self‐Distancing Theory, and the Construal Matching Hypothesis by manipulating processing mode (abstract vs. concrete), self‐perspective (self‐distanced vs. self‐immersed), and the construal level of emotion (high‐level vs. low‐level) to examine their effects on negative emotional reactivity. A total of 247 emerging adults were randomly assigned to one of eight experimental conditions, where they recalled either low‐level or high‐level negative emotional experiences. Participants visualised these events from either a self‐immersed or self‐distanced perspective and then wrote essays focusing on either the abstract or concrete aspects of the events. Emotional reactivity was assessed both before and after these interventions to evaluate the effects of the manipulations. Results indicated that abstract processing significantly reduced negative emotional reactivity, regardless of self‐perspective and construal level. No significant interaction effects were observed between self‐perspective and processing mode, nor between processing mode and the construal level of emotion. These findings suggest that transitioning to a reflective abstract processing mode facilitates emotion regulation independently of psychological distance or the nature of the negative emotion. Implications for theories of self‐reflection and directions for future research, including distinctions between adaptive and maladaptive reflection, are discussed.
Psychological Distress, Resources, and Coping Strategies Among Evacuees and Non‐Evacuees From an Armed Conflict Zone: A Network Analysis
Authors: Hamama L. , Sarid O. , Hamama‐Raz Y.
Published: December 2024

This study focuses on two groups: evacuees from Israel's southern and northern frontline communities following the October 7th Hamas attack, and individuals from regions not directly threatened. Using network analysis, we identified key associations and central nodes related to stress indicators (i.e., exposure to traumatic life events, physical health‐related quality of life, anxiety, and depression) as well as personal resources (i.e., self‐mastery and meaning in life), and coping strategies. The study included 221 evacuees and 145 non‐evacuees (controls), recruited via iPanel, Israel's leading online research panel. Participants completed standardised self‐report questionnaires. Evacuees exhibited higher levels of anxiety, depression, and traumatic life events, than did controls. Additionally, evacuees showed higher levels of problem‐focused coping and a greater sense of meaning in life, along with lower physical health‐related quality of life. Network analysis revealed that both groups had four sub‐networks: ‘personal state’, ‘psychological distress’, ‘resources’, and ‘coping’. However, the sub‐networks’ composition varied. Both groups shared similar sub‐networks for ‘coping’ and ‘personal state’, but differed in ‘psychological distress’ and ‘resources’. For the controls, dysfunctional coping strategies were part of ‘psychological distress’, whereas for evacuees, they were included in ‘resources’. Additionally, meaning in life was more central among the controls, influencing the interaction between coping mechanisms, personal states, and psychological distress. For evacuees, physical health‐related quality of life was more closely associated with the absence of negative factors—(i.e., anxiety, depression, traumatic experiences, and lower self‐mastery)—rather than the presence of adaptive coping strategies and meaning in life. These differences highlight the vulnerability of evacuees and the central role of personal resources. Targeted interventions that foster resources such as self‐mastery and meaning in life are vital for coping with the psychological distress associated with forced displacement.
Novel therapeutic target for diabetic kidney disease through downregulation of miRNA-192-5p and miRNA-21-5p by celastrol: implication of autophagy, oxidative stress, and fibrosis
Authors: Al-Tantawy Samar. M. , Eraky Salma.M. , Eissa Laila.A.
Published: December 2024

One of the most common microvascular effects of diabetes mellitus (DM) that may result in end-stage renal failure is diabetic kidney disease (DKD). Current treatments carry a substantial residual risk of disease progression regardless of treatment. By modulating various molecular targets, pentacyclic triterpenoid celastrol has been found to possess curative properties in the treatment of diabetes and other inflammatory diseases. Therefore, the present study investigated whether celastrol has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antifibrotic effects as a natural compound against experimental DKD. Streptozotocin (55 mg/kg) was utilized for inducing DKD in a rat model. Antioxidant enzymes and renal function tests were assessed in serum samples. In kidney homogenate, relative miRNA-192-5p and miRNA-21-5p gene expressions were measured. Furthermore, using real-time PCR to evaluate the gene expressions of nucleus erythroid 2–related factor-2 (Nrf-2), matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), proapoptotic caspase-3, antiapoptotic Bcl-2, LC-3, and Beclin-1. Moreover, the transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1), LC-3, Bcl-2, caspase-3 and NADPH oxidase 4 (NOX4) renal expressions were assessed semi-quantitatively using immunohistochemistry. Seven weeks of celastrol (1.5 mg/kg/day) treatment significantly ameliorated DKD. Celastrol improves kidney functions. Moreover, celastrol treatment demonstrated potent antioxidant effect. The mechanism of apoptosis resulting from the administration of celastrol included the modulation of Bcl-2 and caspase-3 expression in the kidney. Celasterol administration leads to an increase in LC-3 and Beclin-1 renal expression that resulting in autophagy. Celastrol treatment improved renal fibrosis by decreasing TGF-β1 and MMP-2 renal expression. These antifibrotic effects could be due to their ability to inhibit miRNA-192-5p and miRNA-21-5p expression in renal tissues. Celastrol exerts a renoprotective effect by targeting miRNA-21 and miRNA-192, as well as their downstream pathways, such as autophagy, apoptosis, and fibrosis.
Integration of metabolomics and other omics: from microbes to microbiome
Authors: Go Daewon , Yeon Gun-Hwi , Park Soo Jin , Lee Yujin , Koh Hyun Gi , Koo Hyunjin , Kim Kyoung Heon , Jin Yong-Su , Sung Bong Hyun , Kim Jungyeon
Published: December 2024

Metabolomics is a cutting-edge omics technology that identifies metabolites in organisms and their environments and tracks their fluctuations. This field has been extensively utilized to elucidate previously unknown metabolic pathways and to identify the underlying causes of metabolic changes, given its direct association with phenotypic alterations. However, metabolomics inherently has limitations that can lead to false positives and false negatives. First, most metabolites function as intermediates in multiple biochemical reactions, making it challenging to pinpoint which specific reaction is responsible for the observed changes in metabolite levels. Consequently, metabolic processes that are anticipated to vary with metabolite concentrations may not exhibit significant changes, generating false positives. Second, the range of metabolites identified is contingent upon the analytical conditions employed. Until now, no analytical instrument or protocol has been developed that can capture all metabolites simultaneously. Therefore, some metabolites are changed but are not detected, generating false negatives. In this review, we offer a novel and systematic assessment of the limitations of omics technologies and propose-specific strategies to minimize false positives and false negatives through multi-omics approaches. Additionally, we provide examples of multi-omics applications in microbial metabolic engineering and host-microbiome interactions, helping other researchers gain a better understanding of these strategies.

Key points

• Metabolomics identifies metabolic shifts but has inherent false positive/negatives.

• Multi-omics approaches help overcome metabolomics’ inherent limitations.
Defining MRI-based follow-up protocol for primary central nervous system lymphoma
Authors: Puhakka Inka K. , Sunela Kaisa L. , Rönkä Aino L. , Rajamäki Aino M. , Arkko Ulla-Mari , Klaavuniemi Tuula M. , Kuusisto Milla E.L , Jäkälä Pekka A. , Selander Tuomas A. , Kuitunen Hanne K. , Kantanen Anne-Mari , Kuittinen Outi M.
Published: December 2024

Background

The optimal follow-up protocol for primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) is unclear. This is the first study to evaluate the benefit of structured follow-up imaging of PCNSL with respect to the timing of relapse.

Methods

A total of 198 PCNSL patients (57.1% males) diagnosed between 2003 and 2020 were included. The data were collected retrospectively from 8 hospitals in Finland. Relapse detection details included structured follow-up imaging (sMRI) studies, additional imaging (aMRI) studies based on patients’ new symptoms, and all outpatient and emergency visits. Overall survival (OS) with respect to the relapse detection method, sMRI versus aMRI, was also evaluated.

Results

Relapse was diagnosed in 71 patients (35.9%), 66.1% of whom experienced relapse during the first 2 years after diagnosis. During the first year, 48.3% (14/29) of the relapses were detected via sMRI, and 51.7% (15/29) via aMRI. During the second year, the percentages were 33.3% and 66.7%, respectively. More than 5 years after the diagnosis, all the relapses were detected via aMRI. To observe one relapse during the first year, 9.4 sMRI studies were needed. Overall survival after relapse (OS2) was 4.0 months for the patients whose first relapse was detected via sMRI and 3.0 months for those whose first relapse was detected via aMRI (P = 0.203).

Conclusions

We found that structured imaging was beneficial for relapse detection during the first year after PCNSL diagnosis. A minor trend towards better survival after relapse was observed for patients who experienced relapse according to structured imaging.
ESR Essentials: gadolinium-wise MRI—practice recommendations by the European Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine and Biology
Authors: Quattrocchi Carlo C. , Rovira Àlex , van der Molen Aart J. , Mallio Carlo A.
Published: December 2024

The Gadolinium Research and Education Committee (GREC) is a working group of the European Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine and Biology (ESMRMB), established in 2016. The aim of the committee is to monitor scientific evidence for a continuous quality and safety improvement of enhanced MRI using gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs), and also assess potential alternatives.

The scope of the present article is to describe the level of evidence concerning safety beyond the single patient (access to community and environmental impact), justification and optimization of the use of GBCAs beyond dosage (appropriateness and influence on clinical decision making), dose reduction with the use of AI (benefits and pitfalls), the advent of next-generation GBCAs (based on currently available data).

Clinical relevance

GBCAs are extensively used in MRI and influence clinical decision-making. Their use to enhance the contrast-to-noise ratio is guided by recommendations from subspecialty societies. These guidelines advocate for GBCA use as an additional tool when necessary, ensuring they are administered at the lowest reasonable dose.

Key Points

The choice of GBCAs used in radiology should be based on MRI cost-effectiveness, MRI access to the patient community, and impact on the environment, (evidence level: low).

GBCA optimization includes reducing GBCA volume burden and increasing appropriateness by including post-contrast enhancement in MRI protocols, depending on clinical indications, (evidence level: moderate).

Next-generation GBCAs show higher kinetic stability and higher T1 relaxivity when compared with standard macrocyclic GBCAs allowing comparable diagnostic accuracy at lower doses, (evidence level: moderate).
Assessing the stability of photon-counting CT: insights from a 2-year longitudinal study
Authors: Liu Leening P. , Pasyar Pouyan , Liu Fang , Cao Quy , Sandvold Olivia F. , Rybertt Martin V. , Sahbaee Pooyan , Shinohara Russell T. , Litt Harold I. , Noël Peter B.
Published: December 2024

Objective

Among the advancements in computed tomography (CT) technology, photon-counting computed tomography (PCCT) stands out as a significant innovation, providing superior spectral imaging capabilities while simultaneously reducing radiation exposure. Its long-term stability is important for clinical care, especially longitudinal studies, but is currently unknown. This study sets out to comprehensively analyze the long-term stability of a first-generation clinical PCCT scanner.

Methods

Over a 2-year period, from November 2021 to November 2023, we conducted weekly identical experiments utilizing the same multi-energy CT protocol. Throughout this period, notable software and hardware modifications were meticulously recorded. Various tissue-mimicking inserts were scanned weekly to rigorously assess the stability of Hounsfield Units (HU) and image noise in Virtual Monochromatic Images (VMIs) and iodine density maps.

Results

Spectral results consistently demonstrated the quantitative stability of PCCT. VMIs exhibited stable HU values, such as variation in relative error for VMI 70 keV measuring 0.11% and 0.30% for single-source and dual-source modes, respectively. Similarly, noise levels remained stable with slight fluctuations linked to software changes for VMI 40 and 70 keV that corresponded to changes of 8 and 1 HU, respectively. Furthermore, iodine density quantification maintained stability and showed significant improvement with software and hardware changes, especially in dual-source mode with nominal errors decreasing from 1.44 to 0.03 mg/mL.

Conclusion

This study provides the first long-term reproducibility assessment of quantitative PCCT imaging, highlighting its potential for the clinical arena.

Key Points

QuestionPhoton-counting CT (PCCT) provides critical spectral imaging for improved diagnostic accuracy, but its long-term quantitative stability over time is still unknown.

FindingsThe clinical PCCT system demonstrated stable Hounsfield Units (HU) and image noise over 2 years, ensuring reliable quantitative imaging and improving diagnostic accuracy.

Clinical relevanceThis study showcased the exceptional value of PCCT in diagnostic radiology, particularly for its application in longitudinal studies.
A visual scale to rate amygdalar atrophy on MRI
Authors: Pizzini Francesca B. , Ribaldi Federica , Natale Valerio , Scheffler Max , Rossi Vittoria , Frisoni Giovanni B.
Published: December 2024

Background

Visual rating scales are routinely used in clinical radiology to assess brain atrophy on scans of patients with suspected neurodegenerative conditions. Limbic predominant age-related TDP-43 encephalopathy (LATE) has recently been described, featuring early and severe atrophy of the amygdala. However, there is currently no scoring system specifically designed to assess amygdalar atrophy on MRI.

Objectives

to develop and validate a visual rating scale for amygdalar atrophy.

Materials and methods

Stringent criteria were developed for no, mild/moderate, and severe amygdalar atrophy based on axial and coronal volumetric T1-weighted MRI scans. Inter- and intra-rater reliabilities were estimated by three independent expert neuroradiologists in 100 randomly selected scans from the Geneva Memory Center cohort selected to be representative of the variability of medial temporal atrophy. Convergent validity was evaluated versus amygdalar volumes extracted by FreeSurfer on 1943 consecutive patients. Criterion validity versus autopsy-confirmed LATE neuropathologic changes were studied in the pathological subset of the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) cohort (N = 96).

Results

Intra- and inter-rater agreements of amygdalar visual ratings were between substantial and almost perfect (weighted Cohen’s Kappa 0.71 to 0.93). Visual ratings were strongly associated with amygdalar volumes (p ≤ 0.001 on the Kruskal–Wallis test). LATE neuropathologic changes were associated with visual ratings of amygdalar atrophy (p = 0.057 on a test for trend).

Conclusion

The proposed visual amygdalar atrophy scale is a reliable and valid tool to assess amygdalar atrophy on MRI and can be a useful adjunct in routine radiological reporting.

Key Points

Question

Assessment of amygdalar atrophy is crucial for diagnosing neurodegenerative diseases, as the limbic predominant age-related TDP-43 encephalopathy, yet no validated visual rating scale exists.

Findings

The proposed amygdalar atrophy scale demonstrated high intra-rater and inter-rater reliability, strong correlation with amygdalar volumetry, and association with limbic predominant age-related TDP-43 encephalopathy (LATE).

Clinical relevance

The amygdalar atrophy scale provides a reliable practical assessment tool that enhances diagnostic accuracy for dementia-related conditions, particularly aiding in identifying limbic predominant age-related TDP-43 encephalopathy.
Degradable starch microspheres transarterial chemoembolization (DSM-TACE) in patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma: results from the Prospective Multicenter Observational HepaStar Trial
Authors: Collettini Federico , Andrašina Tomáš , Reimer Peter , Schima Wolfgang , Stroszczynski Christian , Lamprecht Yasmina , Auer Timo Alexander , Rohan Tomáš , Wildgruber Moritz , Gebauer Bernhard , Masthoff Max
Published: December 2024

Objectives

Despite increasing interest, prospective data on the use of degradable starch microsphere-transarterial chemoembolization (DSM-TACE) in the management of patients with unresectable HCC are still scarce. The objective of the HepaStar study was to collect prospective safety and effectiveness data in a prospective multicenter observational study.

Materials and methods

Between January 2017 and December 2022, consecutive participants with unresectable or recurrent HCC treated with DSM-TACE as standard of care at 6 participating centers in Europe were enrolled. Tumor response was evaluated according to the mRECIST criteria. Overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), and adverse events (AEs) were assessed by using Kaplan–Meier analysis and Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events, version 5. Liver function deterioration was assessed by monitoring changes in liver blood tests during the follow-up.

Results

Seventy-nine participants (median age, 69 years (IQR, 51–87 years); 67 men (85%)) were enrolled and treated. The median follow-up time was 18 months (IQR 9.5–38.0 months). The estimated median OS and PFS for the entire cohort was 32 months (CI, 95% 21-NaN) and 9 months (CI, 95% 7-NaN), respectively. Eleven (13.9%) participants experienced at least one grade 3 or 4 AE. The most frequent grade 3–4 AE was elevated bilirubin (2.2%, 5 of 79). Deterioration of bilirubin, AST, ALT, and albumin were observed in 24.1%, 23.7%, 19%, and 24% of participants, respectively.

Conclusion

DSM-TACE achieves promising survival in patients with unresectable or recurrent HCC. This technique shows a favorable safety profile both in terms of treatment-related AEs and liver function deterioration.

Key Points

QuestionAlthough degradable starch microspheres transarterial chemoembolization is widely used in clinical practice across Europe, prospective data on its application in hepatocellular carcinoma patients remains limited.

FindingsDegradable starch microspheres transarterial chemoembolization results in promising survival rates, good tumor response rates, and low rates of treatment-related adverse events.

Clinical relevanceIn patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma, degradable starch microspheres transarterial chemoembolization represents a safe and effective alternative to more well-established chemoembolization techniques like conventional transarterial chemoembolization and drug-eluting beads transarterial chemoembolization.
MRI-based prediction of microvascular invasion/high tumor grade and adjuvant therapy benefit for solitary HCC ≤ 5 cm: a multicenter cohort study
Authors: Jiang Hanyu , Li Binrong , Zheng Tianying , Qin Yun , Wu Yuanan , Wu Zhenru , Ronot Maxime , Chernyak Victoria , Fowler Kathryn J. , Bashir Mustafa R. , Chen Weixia , Wang Yuan-Cheng , Ju Shenghong , Song Bin
Published: December 2024

Objectives

To develop and externally validate an MRI-based diagnostic model for microvascular invasion (MVI) or Edmondson-Steiner G3/4 (i.e., high-risk histopathology) in solitary BCLC 0/A hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) ≤ 5 cm and to assess its performance in predicting adjuvant therapy benefits.

Materials and methods

This multicenter retrospective cohort study included 577 consecutive adult patients who underwent contrast-enhanced MRI and subsequent curative resection or ablation for solitary BCLC 0/A HCC ≤ 5 cm (December 2011 to January 2024) from four hospitals. For resection-treated patients, a diagnostic model integrating clinical and 50 semantic MRI features was developed against pathology with logistic regression analyses on the training set (center 1) and externally validated on the testing dataset (centers 2–4), with its utilities in predicting posttreatment recurrence-free survival (RFS) and adjuvant therapy benefit evaluated by Cox regression analyses.

Results

Serum α-fetoprotein > 100 ng/mL (odds ratio (OR), 1.94; p = 0.006), non-simple nodular growth subtype (OR, 1.69; p = 0.03), and the VICT2 trait (OR, 4.49; p < 0.001) were included in the MVI or high-grade (MHG) trait, with testing set AUC, sensitivity, and specificity of 0.832, 74.0%, and 82.5%, respectively. In the multivariable Cox analysis, the MHG-positive status was associated with worse RFS (resection testing set HR, 3.55, p = 0.02; ablation HR, 3.45, p < 0.001), and adjuvant therapy was associated with improved RFS only for the MHG-positive patients (resection HR, 0.39, p < 0.001; ablation HR, 0.30, p = 0.005).

Conclusion

The MHG trait effectively predicted high-risk histopathology, RFS and adjuvant therapy benefit among patients receiving curative resection or ablation for solitary BCLC 0/A HCC ≤ 5 cm.

Key Points

QuestionDespite being associated with increased recurrence and potential benefit from adjuvancy in HCC, microvascular invasion or Edmondson-Steiner grade 3/4 are hardly assessable noninvasively.

FindingsWe developed and externally validated an MRI-based model for predicting high-risk histopathology, post-resection/ablation recurrence-free survival, and adjuvant therapy benefit in solitary HCC ≤ 5 cm.

Clinical relevanceAmong patients receiving curative-intent resection or ablation for solitary HCC ≤ 5 cm, noninvasive identification of high-risk histopathology (MVI or high-grade) using our proposed MRI model may help improve individualized prognostication and patient selection for adjuvant therapies.
7 days of L-citrulline supplementation does not improve running performance in the heat whilst in a hypohydrated state
Authors: Cable Thomas G. , Funnell Mark P. , Reynolds Kirsty M. , Hudson Ella F. , Macrae Heather Z. , Johnson Drusus A. , Taylor Lee , Heaney Liam M. , Mears Stephen A. , Bailey Stephen J. , James Lewis J.
Published: December 2024

Purpose

7 days L-citrulline supplementation has been reported to improve blood pressure, $$\mathop {\text{V}}\limits^{.}$$

V
.

O2 kinetics, gastrointestinal (GI) perfusion and endurance cycling performance through increasing arterial blood flow. In situations where blood volume is compromised (e.g., hyperthermia/hypohydration), L-citrulline may improve thermoregulation and exercise performance by redistributing blood flow to aid heat loss and/or muscle function. This study assessed 7 days L-citrulline supplementation on running performance in the heat, whilst mildly hypohydrated.

Methods

13 endurance runners (2 female, 31 ± 8 y, $$\mathop {\text{V}}\limits^{.}$$

V
.

O2peak 60 ± 6 mL/kg/min) participated in a randomised crossover study with 7 days L-citrulline (CIT; 6 g/d) or placebo (maltodextrin powder; PLA) supplementation. Participants completed a 50 min running ‘preload’ at 65% $$\mathop {\text{V}}\limits^{.}$$

V
.

O2peak (32 °C, 50% relative humidity) to induce hyperthermia and hypohydration before a 3 km running time trial (TT). Body mass and blood samples were collected at baseline, pre-preload, post-preload and post-TT, whilst core and skin temperature, heart rate and perceptual responses were collected periodically throughout.

Results

TT performance was not different between trials (CIT 865 ± 142 s; PLA 892 ± 154 s; P = 0.437). Core and skin temperature and heart rate (P ≥ 0.270), hydration (sweat rate, plasma volume, osmolality) indices (P ≥ 0.216), GI damage (P ≥ 0.260) and perceptual responses (P ≥ 0.610) were not different between trials during the preload and TT.

Conclusions

7 days of L-citrulline supplementation had no effect on 3 km running performance in the heat or any effects on thermoregulation or GI damage in trained runners in a hypohydrated state.
The presence, maintenance, and adaptation of Indigenous and local knowledge about climate-related hazards in Nordic contexts
Authors: Harnesk David , Baron Nina , Kongsager Rico , Heidenreich Sara
Published: December 2024

The ability of people to act on their knowledge of their surrounding physical environments before, in response to, and after impactful climate-related hazards is shaped by broader environmental and socio-economic conditions. We present a multiple case study that illustrates how people from both non-Indigenous and Indigenous communities living in remote areas in the Nordic countries maintain and adapt their hazard-related Indigenous and local knowledge (ILK). The four communities that we followed through qualitative, fieldwork-based research are characterized by a strong attachment to place, a developed sense of place, and high exposure to climate-related hazards. The hazard-related ILK of people in these communities is integrated into place-based everyday practices in the physical environment and includes helping others in the community. Our research highlights that people maintain their ILK in several ways: through intergenerational relations with family and friends; by adopting place-based cultural practices into everyday life; by relating to past experience and historical events; and through community inclusion. However, adapting this knowledge to their surrounding conditions is challenged by compounding pressures of environmental and socio-economic change. Given that knowledge claims may be incommensurable, we highlight different approaches to the question of which of the various values found in ILK could be deemed relevant for policy development. Whether the policy objective is to support the practical application of ILK or the cultural diversity it represents, we underline the need for greater theorization regarding the deeper structural drivers that shape local agency, if such goals are to be reached more effectively.
The Intimate and Sexual Costs of Emotional Labor: The Development of the Women’s Sexual Emotional Labor Assessment
Authors: Oschatz Tanja , Piemonte Jennifer L. , Klein Verena
Published: December 2024

Emotional labor, the act of suppressing or altering one’s feelings to enhance another person’s well-being, is predominantly performed by women, especially within intimate relationships. Despite its impact on well-being, research on its role in sexuality remains limited. We developed the Women’s Sexual Emotional Labor Assessment (WOSELA), a 12-item scale based on themes identified by past qualitative studies. To ensure its reliability and validity, we conducted three studies with women partnered with men, as well as heterosexual single women from the UK and the USA (N = 831). Drawing on exploratory factor analysis in Study 1, four subscales were identified: faking orgasm, performing desire, tolerating discomfort or pain, and partner-referenced sexual satisfaction. Confirmatory factor analyses in Study 2 (pre-registered) provided support for the WOSELA in its current form. In Study 3 (pre-registered), we demonstrated the validity of the WOSELA by establishing significant negative correlations with sexual agency, sexual communication, and sexual pleasure. Our results further show that the WOSELA was not significantly related to positive-partner-oriented sexual responsiveness. The WOSELA offers a unique tool to explore the role of emotional labor in sustaining the pleasure gap, as well as in broader power dynamics within intimate relationships and its impact on women’s well-being.
Chemical determination of silica in seagrass leaves reveals two operational silica pools in Zostera marina
Authors: Roth Justine , Gallinari Morgane , Schoelynck Jonas , Hernán Gema , Máñez-Crespo Julia , Ricart Aurora M. , López-Acosta María
Published: December 2024

Silicon is a major driver of global primary productivity and CO2 sequestration, and is a beneficial element for the growth and environmental stress mitigation of many terrestrial and aquatic plants. However, only a few studies have examined the occurrence of silicon in seagrasses, and its function within seagrass ecosystems and the role of seagrasses in silicon cycling remain largely unexplored. This study uses for the first time two methods, the wet-alkaline digestion and the hydrofluoric acid digestion, to quantify silicon content in seagrass leaves using the species Zostera marina and elaborates on the potential role of silicon in seagrass biogeochemistry and ecology, as well as the role of seagrass ecosystems as a silicon reservoir. The results revealed that seagrass leaves contained 0.26% silicon:dry-weight, which is accumulated in two forms of silica: a labile form digested with the alkaline method and a resistant form digested only with acid digestion. These findings support chemical digestions for silicon quantification in seagrass leaves and provide new insights into the impact of seagrasses on the marine silicon cycle. Labile silica will be recycled upon leaf degradation, benefiting siliceous organisms, while refractory silica will contribute to the ecosystem’s buried silica stock and coupled carbon sequestration. In the Bay of Brest (France), the seagrass silicon reservoir was estimated at 0.18 ± 0.07 g Si m⁻2, similar to that of benthic diatoms, underscoring the potential role of seagrasses in silicon biogeochemistry in the land–ocean continuum, where they might act as a buffer for silicon transport to the ocean.
CEO Activism and Political Mobilization
Authors: Hou Young , Poliquin Christopher
Published: December 2024

CEOs increasingly engage in activism on issues such as gun control, voting rights, and abortion. Although such activism may benefit their firms, the stated goal is often to mobilize the public and precipitate change. In an experiment with 4,578 respondents, we study the effect of CEO activism on people’s willingness to contact their U.S. senators about abortion. On average, showing a CEO message supporting abortion rights is not more effective at mobilizing pro-choice citizens than showing no message or showing a message from other speakers. Additionally, CEOs do not provoke countermobilization by people who oppose abortion. We explore heterogeneous treatment effects and find that CEO activism is better at motivating pro-choice citizens to engage in politics when their senators are Democrats and thus likely receptive to pro-choice activism, consistent with stakeholder alignment theory. Our findings contribute to research on leadership ethics and democracy by examining the ability of CEOs and organizations to foster engagement in the democratic process.
Optimal blocks for maximizing the transaction fee revenue of Bitcoin miners
Authors: Alambardar Meybodi Mohsen , Goharshady Amir , Hooshmandasl Mohammad Reza , Shakiba Ali
Published: December 2024

In this work, we consider a combinatorial optimization problem with direct applications in blockchain mining, namely finding the most lucrative blocks for Bitcoin miners, and propose optimal algorithmic solutions. Our experiments show that our algorithms increase the miners’ revenues by more than a million dollars per month. Modern blockchains reward their miners in two ways: (i) a base reward for each block that is mined, and (ii) the transaction fees of those transactions that are included in the mined block. The base reward is fixed by the respective blockchain’s protocol and is not under the miner’s control. Hence, for a miner who wishes to maximize earnings, the fundamental problem is to form a valid block with maximal total transaction fees and then try to mine it. Moreover, in many protocols, including Bitcoin itself, the base reward halves at predetermined intervals, hence increasing the importance of maximizing transaction fees and mining an optimal block. This problem is further complicated by the fact that transactions can be prerequisites of each other or have conflicts (in case of double-spending). In this work, we consider the problem of forming an optimal block, i.e. a valid block with maximal total transaction fees, given a set of unmined transactions. On the theoretical side, we first formally model our problem as an extension of Knapsack and then show that, unlike classical Knapsack, our problem is strongly NP-hard. We also show a hardness-of-approximation result. As such, there is no hope in solving it efficiently for general instances. However, we observe that its real-world instances are quite sparse, i.e. the transactions have very few dependencies and conflicts. Using this fact, and exploiting three well-known graph sparsity parameters, namely treedepth, treewidth and pathwidth, we present exact linear-time parameterized algorithms that are applicable to the real-world instances and obtain optimal results. On the practical side, we provide an extensive experimental evaluation demonstrating that our approach vastly outperforms the current Bitcoin miners in practice, obtaining a significant per-block average increase of 11.34 percent in transaction fee revenues which amounts to almost one million dollars per month.
The Single Case Study is a Crucial Bridge between Research and Practice
Authors: Råbu Marit , Binder Per-Einar
Published: December 2024

Qualitative single case studies offer insights into developmental processes within specific contexts. Case studies enables us to investigate how development takes place, since it allows for a detailed examination of therapeutic processes, relationship dynamics, and developmental trajectories. Traditionally, case studies were typically therapist-authored retrospective accounts. Contemporary approaches incorporate multiple perspectives. This includes patient and therapist narratives, researcher observations, and systematic data collection methods. Case studies can be beneficial for investigating exceptions to general trends and giving voice to underrepresented experiences in psychotherapy research. Case studies can be useful in knowledge transmission within communities of practice. There is a close connection between single case studies and psychotherapy as it is practiced since clinical competence necessarily is built case by case. Thus, case studies can be useful to integrate theoretical knowledge with practical application and thereby contribute to development of professional expertise, including practical wisdom and clinical flexibility. Since psychotherapy case studies often involve ethical dilemmas, they may be useful to help therapists to develop their ethical reasoning skills. Advice for how to do qualitative case study research are provided, highlighting practical and ethical implications.
Enhancing extrusion die design efficiency through high-performance computing based optimization
Authors: Vidal J. P. O. , Oliveira M. , Srivastava A. , Sacramento A. , Aali M. , Guerrero J. , Nóbrega J. M.
Published: December 2024

This work presents a new computational framework for designing profile extrusion dies. The framework utilizes High-Performance Computing (HPC) resources to optimize parameterized die flow channels within a one-day time-frame, resulting in a significant reduction in the typical design time required for profile extrusion dies. By employing objective function-controlled convergence criteria, the framework achieved a 50% reduction in calculation time compared to runs where only the unknowns residuals were considered for the same purpose. Furthermore, it offers full optimization capability, requiring no user intervention once the CAD parameterization is complete. OpenFOAM and Dakota were employed for modeling and optimization, respectively. Fusion 360 and Onshape CAD software were used for drawing and parameterizing the flow channel. By leveraging HPC systems, the optimization framework can automatically test hundreds of alternative geometries within one day to find the optimal solution. This research demonstrates the feasibility and advantages of HPC-driven extrusion die optimization, which contributes to increased efficiency and competitiveness in the manufacturing industry.
Evaluating action possibilities: a procedural metacognitive view of intentional omissions
Authors: Kärki Kaisa
Published: December 2024

How do we control what we do not do? What are the relevant guiding mental states when an agent intentionally omits to perform an action? I argue that what happens when an agent intentionally omits is a two-part metacognitive process in which a representation of an action is brought to the agent’s mind for further processing and evaluated by her as something not to be done. Without a representation of the action not done, the agent cannot further process the possibility of her own action; she cannot intentionally try to not do something, resist performing an action, or decide or choose to not perform an action. The literature on people with frontal lobe damage suggests that without metacognitive control of action, a person automatically follows what the environment affords or what others are doing. Through at least procedural metacognitive control of action, agents are able to intentionally omit. This view has explanatory power over a variety of intentional omissions and over a variety of agents. It answers central questions in the philosophy of intentional omissions: who is capable of intentionally omitting, when and where intentional omissions unfold, and what are the relevant guiding mental states on which the control of intentional omissions is based? The answers to these questions contribute in part to naturalizing agency, at least when it comes to negative agency, our ability to guide the non-performance of our actions.
Interactive effects of crop types and nitrogen sources on N2O emissions in a cool humid climate
Authors: D’Amours Joannie , Pelster David E. , Chantigny Martin H. , VanderZaag Andrew C. , Smith Erin L. , Bélanger Gilles , Maillard Émilie , Samson Marie-Élise , Gregorich Edward G. , Angers Denis A. , Royer Isabelle , Thivierge Marie-Noëlle
Published: December 2024

Aims

Perennial forages in rotation with annual crops can improve agricultural resilience by increasing soil organic carbon. However, how nitrogen (N) sources interact with rotation diversity to influence soil nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions is not well understood.

Methods

During three snow-free seasons, N2O emissions, crop yields, and ancillary variables were measured at three experimental sites with contrasting soil textures (silty clay and sandy loam) in eastern Canada. Using a split-plot design, we compared a corn (Zea mays L.)-soybean (Glycine max [L.] Merr.)-corn rotation and a mixed perennial grass sward receiving N via: i) mineral fertilizer (MIN), ii) liquid dairy manure (LDM), and iii) inclusion of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) to the perennial forages with no additional N (LEG).

Results

When summed across sites over all three years, cumulative N2O emissions were greater for LDM than MIN in annual crops (8.75 ± 1.63 and 5.15 ± 0.96 kg N2O-N ha–1, respectively), but not in perennial grasses (2.95 ± 0.55 and 3.76 ± 0.70 kg N2O-N ha–1, respectively). When comparing N sources within each crop type over the three years, MIN generated greater yields than LDM in annual and perennial crops, but lower yield-scaled N2O emissions than LDM in annual crops only. During forages post-seeding years, area- and yield-scaled N2O emissions induced by LDM and LEG were lower than MIN.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that for a cool humid climate using LDM or LEG in perennial forages and MIN on annual crops can reduce overall N2O emissions, while generating similar or lower yield-scaled emissions.
NMR resonance assignment of a ligand-binding domain of ephrin receptor A2
Authors: Mineev Konstantin S. , Gande Santosh L. , Linhard Verena , Moghaddam Sattar Khashkhashi , Schwalbe Harald
Published: December 2024

Ephrin receptors regulate intercellular communication and are thus involved in tumor development. Ephrin receptor A2 (EphA2), in particular, is overexpressed in a variety of cancers and is a proven target for anti-cancer drugs. The N-terminal ligand-binding domain of ephrin receptors is responsible for the recognition of their ligands, ephrins, and is directly involved in receptor activation. Here, we report on the complete 1H, 15N and 13C NMR chemical shift assignment of EphA2 ligand binding domain that provides the basis for NMR-assisted drug design.
Analysis of sonic boom propagation and population disturbance of hypersonic vehicle trajectories
Authors: Callsen Steffen , Wilken Jascha , Sippel Martin
Published: December 2024

With more hypersonic space planes and re-entry vehicles being developed in the future, the topic of sonic boom shocks has a large impact on the feasibility of routine operations due to their impact on the ground and general population. A shockwave’s sudden appearance can lead to adverse effects on the population such as being startled or experiencing sleep disturbances. Because some population overflight might be unavoidable, the sonic boom effect must be considered during the trajectory design. In this study, the trajectory design is combined with prediction methods on the sonic boom overpressure and area impact as well as the expected population response. By this, a novel approach is introduced that allows to consider the sonic boom influence already in the early design phase of a vehicle to avoid negatively impacting the population below. Trajectories of DLR’s hypersonic concept called SpaceLiner are analysed as primary reference. The trajectories are optimized to avoid population overflight along the whole flight track. These analyses show that the SpaceLiner is able to avoid dense population centres on most of the investigated routes, with the number of negatively impacted people staying below 10.000 for the majority of these. Additionally, the boom propagation is compared to reference trajectories of four vehicles in the development or concept stage: Starship, Dream Chaser, Space Rider, and Aurora. Because of their shorter re-entry profile, these vehicles generally impact less area than the SpaceLiner (1–2 million km2 instead of 2–7 million km2). This study advances the methodology in estimating the sonic boom overpressure in the early design phase of hypersonic vehicles and how this has an effect on the population and thus routine operations.