bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Critical open access literacy as a strategy to confront the challenges in scholarly communication
Authors: Šobota Dijana
Published: February 2024

Purpose

The paper seeks to introduce the “critical open access literacy” construct as a holistic approach to confront the challenges in open access (OA) as a dimension of scholarly communication.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper first introduces the concepts of information literacy (IL) and OA in the context of transformations in the scholarly information environment. Via a theoretical-analytical exercise on the basis of a literature review of the intersections between the two concepts and of the criticisms of OA, the paper discusses the role of critical IL in addressing the challenges in OA and lays the theoretical-conceptual groundwork for the critical OA literacy construct.

Findings

The structural nature of the challenges and transformations in the scholarly information environment require new foci and pedagogical practices in library and information studies. A more holistic, critical and integrative approach to OA is warranted, which could effectively be achieved through the re-conceptualization of IL.

Practical implications

The paper specifies the avenues for putting the theoretical conceptualizations of critical OA literacy into practice by identifying possible foci for IL instruction alongside a transformed role for librarians.

Originality/value

The paper extends deliberations on the role of critical IL for scholarly communication and attempts to advance the research fields of the two domains by proposing a new construct situated at the junction of OA and IL.
Motivating factors for blockchain technology adoption: a theoretical analysis from the perspective of supply chain collaboration
Authors: Silva Bárbara Elis , Vieira José Geraldo Vidal , Yoshizaki Hugo
Published: February 2024

Purpose

This study aims to identify the driving factors that influence blockchain technology adoption in the context of a supply chain (SC), considering three dimensions: technology, transactions and collaboration.

Design/methodology/approach

An integrative systematic literature review of previous studies was conducted. Using three main dimensions: technology, transactions and SC collaboration, supported by the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology, transaction cost economics (TCE) and concepts of SC collaboration, the authors categorized factors that contributed to blockchain technology in SC in the extant literature and proposed a theoretical model that covers these three dimensions.

Findings

The findings reveal that the information sharing category – related to the SC collaboration dimension – is the category with the greatest number of motivating factors for blockchain adoption in the SC context, followed by performance expectancy and behavioral uncertainty.

Research limitations/implications

The review considers papers published until 2021 obtained from a specific database.

Originality/value

This study focuses on filling the research gap concerning technology adoption as it considers the interconnection formed by two organizations, interorganizational transactions and SC collaboration, using complementary theories to explain the phenomenon.
Factors affecting restaurant choices for traditional foods among Gen Y and Gen Z: a multigenerational study on Vietnamese “Pho”
Authors: Hoang Dung Phuong , Nguyen Hai Dang , Nguyen Vy Thanh Ngoc , Nong Hieu Trung , Pham Phong Tran , Tran Tam Minh
Published: February 2024

Purpose

Modernization and the rise of living standards have introduced new variants of traditional foods, from their tastes to the way they are enjoyed. This study aims to explore and examine the impacts of both traditional and modern marketing stimuli on restaurant choice intention for experiencing culinary traditions, hence answering the question of how traditional and modern aspects live together to bring about the most desirable experience for customers of traditional cuisine.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the stimuli-organism-response (S-O-R) theory and mixed research methods, a model linking service quality dimensions, perceived value and restaurant choice intention is formulated and tested on quantitative data from 431 customers of Gen Y and Gen Z, given the case of Vietnamese Pho.

Findings

The findings show that food quality demonstrates the strongest impact on restaurant choice intention, followed by authenticity and nostalgia marketing. These relationships are partially mediated by perceived value. Hygiene risks and perceived value are also found to directly affect restaurant choice intention. Nevertheless, our findings are quite different between Gen Y and Gen Z customers.

Practical implications

This research provides crucial strategic implications for restaurant managers when it comes to serving traditional foods for different generations.

Originality/value

This study responds to the existing gap by examining and comparing the impacts of traditional and modern marketing stimuli on restaurant choice intention through the mediating role of perceived value. Our study also actively contributes to the ongoing multigenerational research stream by affirming the moderation role of generations (Gen Y and Gen Z) in those relationships.
Combining artificial and human intelligence to manage cross-cultural knowledge in humanitarian logistics: a Yin–Yang dialectic systems view of knowledge creation
Authors: Chin Tachia , Cheng T.C.E. , Wang Chenhao , Huang Lei
Published: February 2024

Purpose

Aiming to resolve cross-cultural paradoxes in combining artificial intelligence (AI) with human intelligence (HI) for international humanitarian logistics, this paper aims to adopt an unorthodox Yin–Yang dialectic approach to address how AI–HI interactions can be interpreted as a sophisticated cross-cultural knowledge creation (KC) system that enables more effective decision-making for providing humanitarian relief across borders.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is conceptual and pragmatic in nature, whereas its structure design follows the requirements of a real impact study.

Findings

Based on experimental information and logical reasoning, the authors first identify three critical cross-cultural challenges in AI–HI collaboration: paradoxes of building a cross-cultural KC system, paradoxes of integrative AI and HI in moral judgement and paradoxes of processing moral-related information with emotions in AI–HI collaboration. Then applying the Yin–Yang dialectic to interpret Klir’s epistemological frame (1993), the authors propose an unconventional stratified system of cross-cultural KC for understanding integrative AI–HI decision-making for humanitarian logistics across cultures.

Practical implications

This paper aids not only in deeply understanding complex issues stemming from human emotions and cultural cognitions in the context of cross-border humanitarian logistics, but also equips culturally-diverse stakeholders to effectively navigate these challenges and their potential ramifications. It enhances the decision-making process and optimizes the synergy between AI and HI for cross-cultural humanitarian logistics.

Originality/value

The originality lies in the use of a cognitive methodology of the Yin–Yang dialectic to metaphorize the dynamic genesis of integrative AI-HI KC for international humanitarian logistics. Based on system science and knowledge management, this paper applies game theory, multi-objective optimization and Markov decision process to operationalize the conceptual framework in the context of cross-cultural humanitarian logistics.
Effect of silica fume on Pullout capacity and corrosion resistance of hook bars in the external beam-column concrete joint
Authors: Alameeri Ayad , Abdollahzadeh Gholamreza , Hashemiheidari Seyedkomeil
Published: February 2024

Purpose

This study aims to determine the effect of replacing a portion of the cement in the concrete mixture with silica fume (SF) on the corrosion resistance of reinforcing bars, the compressive strength of concrete and the tensile strength of hook bars in both corroded and non-corroded external joints of structures. The external beam-column connection was studied because of its critical role in maintaining structural continuity in all three directions and providing resistance to rotation.

Design/methodology/approach

In external concrete joints, the bars at the end of the beams are often bent at 90° to form hooks that embed in columns. Owing to the importance of embedding distance and the need to understand its susceptibility to corrosion damage from chloride attack, a series of experiments were conducted on 12 specimens that accurately simulate real-site conditions in terms of dimensions, reinforcement and hook bars. SF was replaced with 10% and 15% of the weight of cement in the concrete mixture. To simulate corrosion, the specimens were subjected to accelerated corrosion in the laboratory by applying a low continuous current of 0.35 mA for 58 days.

Findings

The results revealed the effect of SF in improving the compressive strength of concrete, the pullout resistance of the hook bars and the corrosion resistance. In addition, it showed an apparent effect of the corrosion of reinforcing bars in reducing the bonding strength of hook bars with concrete and the effect of SF in improving this strength.

Originality/value

It was noted that the improvement of the results, achieved by replacing 10% of the weight of cement with SF, was significantly close to the results obtained by replacing 15% of the SF. It is recommended that an SF ratio of 10% be adopted to achieve the greatest economic savings.
Current understanding of Bordetella‐induced cough
Authors: Horiguchi Yasuhiko
Published: February 2024

Typical pathogenic bacteria of the genus Bordetella cause respiratory diseases, many of which are characterized by severe coughing in host animals. In human infections with these bacteria, such as whooping cough, coughing imposes a heavy burden on patients. The pathophysiology of this severe coughing had long been uncharacterized because convenient animal models that reproduce Bordetella‐induced cough have not been available. However, rat and mouse models were recently shown as useful for understanding, at least partially, the causative factors and the mechanism of Bordetella‐induced cough. Many types of coughs are induced under various physiological conditions, and the neurophysiological pathways of coughing are considered to vary among animal species, including humans. However, the neurophysiological mechanisms of the coughs in different animal species have not been entirely understood, and, accordingly, the current understanding of Bordetella‐induced cough is still incomplete. Nevertheless, recent research findings may open the way for the development of prophylaxis and therapeutic measures against Bordetella‐induced cough.
Editors are biased too: An extension of Fox et al. (2023)'s analysis makes the case for triple‐blind review
Authors: Srivastava Diane S. , Bernardino Joana , Marques Ana Teresa , Proença‐Ferreira António , Filipe Ana Filipa , Borda‐de‐Água Luís , Gameiro João
Published: February 2024

Functional Ecology conducted a randomised trial comparing single‐ and double‐blind peer review; a recent analysis of this data found substantial evidence for bias by reviewers.

We show that this dataset can also be analysed for editor bias, after controlling for both reviewer bias and paper quality.

Our analysis shows that editors tend to be more likely to invite high‐scoring manuscripts for revision or resubmission when the first author is a man from a country with a very high Human Development Index (HDI); first authors who were women or not from very high HDI countries were more likely to be rejected at this stage.

We propose that journals consider a triple‐blind review process where neither editors nor reviewers know the identity of authors, and authors do not know the identity of reviewers nor editors.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
The Cost of Congestion for State and Local General Government Services in Australia
Authors: Chan Felix , Petchey Jeffrey D.
Published: February 2024

As the population increases, spending on publicly provided goods must also increase if there is congestion and governments want to maintain provision of the same level of benefit to everyone. This article estimates a parameter capturing this impact of congestion for the state and local component of the general government sector in Australia. It shows the congestion parameter is likely to be between 0.51 and 0.84 implying super congestion and/or decreasing returns to scale have dominated the supply of these goods. The per person cost of congestion has been rising and differs across states. Larger jurisdictions also have relatively higher per person congestion costs.
The Delicate Equilibrium: Unveiling the Curvilinear Nexus Between Supply Concentration and Organizational Resilience
Authors: Ren Yeyao , Li Julie Juan , Zhao Wenhong , Zhang Liang
Published: February 2024

The ability of organizations to remain resilient in the face of supply chain disruptions has been severely tested due to their increased frequency and impact. This study leverages the adaptive cycle framework to investigate the intricate dynamics between supply concentration and organizational resilience. We unveil a paradox where, up to a critical threshold, supply concentration fortifies resilience through tight‐knit buyer–supplier relationships and a bolstered resource base. Yet, surpassing this tipping point precipitates a rigidity trap, eroding the resilience fabric of organizations. Additionally, we scrutinize the nuanced roles of three dimensions of entrepreneurial orientation – proactiveness, innovativeness and risk‐taking – in shaping this complex interplay. We test our hypotheses using both secondary and primary data collected from Chinese firms, employing ordinary least‐squares regression and survival analysis. The results show that an inverted U‐shaped relationship emerges between supply concentration and organizational resilience. Furthermore, our research generally confirms the conjectured moderating influences of entrepreneurial orientation dimensions, enriching our understanding of how they calibrate the balance between concentration benefits and vulnerabilities. This study offers a new perspective on the implications of supply concentration for organizational resilience and contributes to the intersection of supply chain management, organizational resilience and entrepreneurship.
Doppler ultrasound of umbilical and middle cerebral artery in third trimester small‐for‐gestational age fetuses to decide on timing of delivery for suspected fetal growth restriction: A cohort with nested RCT (DRIGITAT)
Authors: Marijnen Mauritia C. , Kamphof Hester D. , Damhuis Stefanie E. , Smies Maddy , Leemhuis Aleid G. , Wolf Hans , Gordijn Sanne J. , Ganzevoort Wessel ,   DRIGITAT Trial Group
Published: February 2024

Objective

To assess the association of the umbilicocerebral ratio (UCR) with adverse perinatal outcome in late preterm small‐for‐gestational age (SGA) fetuses and to investigate the effect on perinatal outcomes of immediate delivery.

Design

Multicentre cohort study with nested randomised controlled trial (RCT).

Setting

Nineteen secondary and tertiary care centres.

Population

Singleton SGA pregnancies (estimated fetal weight [EFW] or fetal abdominal circumference [FAC] <10th centile) from 32 to 36+6 weeks.

Methods

Women were classified: (1) RCT‐eligible: abnormal UCR twice consecutive and EFW below the 3rd centile at/or below 35 weeks or below the 10th centile at 36 weeks; (2) abnormal UCR once or intermittent; (3) never abnormal UCR. Consenting RCT‐eligible patients were randomised for immediate delivery from 34 weeks or expectant management until 37 weeks.

Main outcome measures

A composite adverse perinatal outcome (CAPO), defined as perinatal death, birth asphyxia or major neonatal morbidity.

Results

The cohort consisted of 690 women. The study was halted prematurely for low RCT‐inclusion rates (n = 40). In the RCT‐eligible group, gestational age at delivery, birthweight and birthweight multiple of the median (MoM) (0.66, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.59–0.72) were significantly lower and the CAPO (n = 50, 44%, p < 0.05) was more frequent. Among patients randomised for immediate delivery there was a near‐significant lower birthweight (p = 0.05) and higher CAPO (p = 0.07). EFW MoM, pre‐eclampsia, gestational hypertension and Doppler classification were independently associated with the CAPO (area under the curve 0.71, 95% CI 0.67–0.76).

Conclusions

Perinatal risk was effectively identified by low EFW MoM and UCR. Early delivery of SGA fetuses with an abnormal UCR at 34–36 weeks should only be performed in the context of clinical trials.
Morphometric analysis for determination of larval instars in Dermestes frischii Kugelann and Dermestes undulatus Brahm (Coleoptera: Dermestidae)
Authors: Lambiase Simonetta , Corotti Simone , Sacchi Roberto
Published: February 2024

Dermestes frischii Kugelann, 1792 and Dermestes undulatus Brahm, 1790 are the most abundant species worldwide at outdoor or indoor crime scenes during the dry and skeletal stages of decomposition. The attribution of larval age in these beetles is problematic due to the variable number of instars, which is influenced by environmental factors. In this study, a morphometric approach was used to look for potential morphological features as evidence of larval stages. Breeding and monitoring were performed for both species in an incubator with a preset temperature of 28°C ± 0.5 without a photoperiod. Morphometric measurements were made on 10 larvae per instar for each species using length, width, and thickness parameters. Linear discriminant analysis was then used to generate decision boundaries that clearly separated larval stages. The cross‐validation procedure demonstrated that the morphometric approach successfully discriminated adjacent larval stages in both species with high values of sensitivity and specificity. This less‐invasive approach could improve the ability to estimate minPMI in forensic studies of Dermestidae beetles. Future studies may extend this approach to other species and establish good practices for collecting and storing specimens for morphometric analysis.
From intimate partners to serial killers: Nearly 40 years of female homicides in King County, Washington (1978–2016)
Authors: Jetson Jillian , Maioli Heather , Harruff Richard C. , Jackson Nicole R.
Published: February 2024

An extreme, known potential outcome of intimate partner violence (IPV) is death, with national data revealing females are more likely to be killed by intimate partners than by others. In a novel pairing, the King County Medical Examiner's Office data management system and the Washington State Attorney General's Office's Homicide Information Tracking System were retrospectively analyzed (1978–2016) with information gathered pertaining to female homicide victims. Analyses show that female victims commonly knew their assailant(s) (79.3%) who were overwhelmingly male (92.8%) and commonly intimate partners (31.4%). Disproportionately represented were Black (20.17%) and Native American (4.25%) females; Asian/Pacific Islander (2.5 times that of Whites) and elderly (24%) females among homicide–suicide deaths; and Asian/Pacific Islander and Hispanic females in cases of IPV. “Domestic violence” was the most cited motive (34.3%) and most assaults occurred in a residence (58.73%). Females under 10 years of age were most commonly killed by a parent or caregiver (42.86%), while those over 70 were most likely to be killed by a child (23.08%) or spouse (21.80%). Serial murders, most commonly by the Green River Killer (80%) but including others, accounted for at least 7% of deaths, with victims notably young and commonly sex workers (68%). As compared to males, females were more likely to be killed by multiple modalities, asphyxia, and sharp force, though IPV‐related deaths were more likely to be associated with firearms. This study reinforces the vulnerability of females to IPV, sexual assault, and serial murders as well as to caretakers at the extremities of age.
Day surgery in the treatment of benign prostatic obstruction with photoselective vaporisation of the prostate: A single‐institution experience
Authors: Wong Kin Chung , Lo Ting Kit , Li Siu Kei , Chan Ning Hong , Li Cheuk Man , Wong Ka Wing
Published: February 2024

Aim

To assess the feasibility, efficacy and safety of performing photoselective vaporisation of the prostate (PVP) as a day‐surgery procedure for patients with benign prostatic obstruction.

Patients and Methods

A prospective single‐arm observational study was performed involving patients with benign prostatic obstruction (BPO) who received PVP between 2017 and 2021. Data were collected on demographics, prostate volume by transrectal ultrasonography, mean peak flow rate (Qmax), post‐void residual urine volume, International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) with quality‐of‐life (QoL) index, length of stay, success in weaning off catheter on the day of operation and complications.

Results

PVP was performed successfully in all 37 men between 2017 and 2021. Their mean age was 67 years. The mean prostate volume was 54 mL. The mean duration of operation was 80 min. The mean peak urinary flow rate improved from 9.14 to 16.8, 17.3 and 15.4 mL/s at post‐operative 1, 3 and 12 months, respectively (P = .001). The mean IPSS score improved from 19.5 to 8.94, 6.40 and 5.63 at post‐operative 1, 3 and 12 months, respectively (P < .001). The mean QoL index improved from 4.07 to 2.43, 2.25 and 1.81 at post‐operative 1, 3 and 12 months, respectively (P = .001). The mean duration of catheterisation after PVP was 5.81 h. Thirty‐three (89.2%) patients were discharged on the same day. Overall, the 30‐day complication rate was 27%. The most common complication was haematuria (6 patients, 16.2%). Five patients (13.5%) required readmission and inpatient care. There was one Clavien–Dindo grade III and IV complication (2.6%), respectively.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated the feasibility of performing PVP as a day‐surgery procedure with good short‐ and medium‐term functional outcomes and safety profiles.
Tailored therapy guided by genotypic resistance of clarithromycin and levofloxacin detected by polymerase chain reaction in the first‐line treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection
Authors: Li Cai Ling , Zhou Kai , Zhang Yue Xi , Suo Bao Jun , Tian Xue Li , Zhang Yu Xin , Ren Xin Lu , Shi Yan Yan , Zhou Li Ya , Song Zhi Qiang
Published: February 2024

Objectives

We aimed to explore the efficacy and safety of tailored therapy guided by genotypic resistance in the first‐line treatment of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection in treatment‐naive patients.

Methods

Gastric mucosal specimens were taken during gastroscopy, and main mutations of clarithromycin‐ and levofloxacin‐resistant genes were detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Sensitive antibiotics were selected individually for treating H. pylori infection with tailored bismuth‐containing quadruple therapy (BQT) consisting of esomeprazole 20 mg twice daily, bismuth potassium citrate 220 mg twice daily, amoxicillin 1 g twice daily, and clarithromycin 500 mg twice daily, or levofloxacin 500 mg once daily, or metronidazole 400 mg four times daily. Safety and patient compliance were assessed 1–3 days after eradication. Treatment outcome was evaluated by urea breath test 4–8 weeks after eradication.

Results

One hundred and thirty‐two treatment‐naive patients with H. pylori infection were included. PCR results suggested resistance rates of 47.7% and 34.9% for clarithromycin and levofloxacin, respectively, and a dual resistance rate of 18.2%. Eradication rates of tailored BQT were 87.1% and 95.8% by intention‐to‐treat (ITT) analysis and per‐protocol (PP) analysis, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference in the efficacy of 7‐day clarithromycin‐containing, 7‐day levofloxacin‐containing, and 14‐day full‐dose metronidazole‐containing BQT (ITT analysis: P = 0.488; PP analysis: P = 0.833). The incidence of adverse events was 19.7%, and patient compliance was 97.7%.

Conclusion

Tailored BQT guided by genotypic resistance can achieve satisfactory efficacy, safety, and patient compliance in the first‐line treatment of H. pylori infection.
Meta‐analysis reveals that rheumatoid arthritis is associated with worse clinical outcomes among patients with COVID‐19
Authors: Zhang Guangmin , Liu Jiane , Wang Jing , Wang Zheng , Zhang Jing , Ding Yu , Tang Xiuming , Wang Wei , Liu Jianxin , Liu Yifei , Liu Jing , Xu Xiaohui
Published: February 2024

Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are reported to be more vulnerable to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19), so clinical severity is a particular concern for them. This meta‐analysis was performed to evaluate the clinical outcomes in RA patients with COVID‐19. A systematic literature search was performed in electronic databases for relevant articles published from January 2020 to October 2022. We extracted necessary relevant data and Egger's test was used to evaluate the risk of publication bias. This meta‐analysis included 9 studies with a total of 12 339 RA patients with COVID‐19 and 685 982 non‐RA patients with COVID‐19. We found serious adverse outcomes in RA patients with COVID‐19, including the rates of severity (OR: 1.59, 95% CI: 1.23–2.05, p = .0004), hospitalization (OR: 1.73, 95% CI: 1.55–1.92, p < .00001), mortality (OR: 1.92, 95% CI: 1.67–2.20, p < .00001), mechanical ventilation (OR: 1.64, 95% CI: 1.47–1.84, p < .00001), despite no significant difference observed in ICU admission (OR: 1.37, 95% CI: 0.95–1.98, p = .09). Our data suggests that RA patients had an increased risk of adverse clinical outcomes with COVID‐19 infection.
Stromal cell‐derived factor 1 alpha (SDF‐1alfa) and cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP): Two potential signature biomarkers of radiological detectable hemophilic arthropathy
Authors: Leuci Alexandre , Robert Mélanie , Josset Laurie , Marano Muriel , Connes Philippe , Désage Stéphanie , Meunier Sandrine , Lienhart Anne , Dargaud Yesim
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Hemophilia is a rare constitutional bleeding disorder due to a deficiency in Factor VIII or Factor IX. Recurrent hemarthroses, one of the major complications of the disease, lead to hemophilic arthropathy, a disabling condition that requires early diagnosis. Traditionally, clinical examination and plain film radiography have been used to diagnose hemophilic arthropathy. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ultrasound can be more useful for diagnosing soft‐tissue changes. However, but each of these methods has limitations and diagnosis of arthropathy can be delayed.

Aim

The aim of this project was to assess plasmatic biomolecules indicative of osteo‐cartilaginous damage in patients with hemophilia with or without known arthropathy, in order to improve the diagnosis of this major complication of the disease.

Methods

In this monocentric retrospective study, 40 patients with hemophilia A or B, for whom a plasma sample was available, provided informed consent for further analyses (multiplex immunoassays and ELISA) and collection of relevant clinical information in their medical files. Correlations were sought for between biomarkers of interest and the severity of joint lesions assessed according to Pettersson's radiologic score.

Results

Two biomarkers were identified, respectively SDF‐1α and COMP. Their plasmatic levels were significantly increased in patients with arthropathy compared to controls and patients without arthropathy. These values correlated significantly with the Pettersson score in patients under regular prophylaxis.

Conclusion

Two plasma biomarkers have been identified that could help assess the presence and severity of hemophilic arthropathy.
Differential cannabinoid‐like effects and pharmacokinetics of ADB‐BICA, ADB‐BINACA, ADB‐4en‐PINACA and MDMB‐4en‐PINACA in mice: A comparative study
Authors: Zhou Fenghua , Wang Xiaoli , Tan Sujun , Shi Yan , Xie Bing , Xiang Ping , Cong Bin , Ma Chunling , Wen Di
Published: February 2024

Despite synthetic cannabinoids' (SCs) prevalent use among humans, these substances often lack comprehensive pharmacological data, primarily due to their rapid emergence in the market. This study aimed to discern differences and causal factors among four SCs (ADB‐BICA, ADB‐BINACA, ADB‐4en‐PINACA and MDMB‐4en‐PINACA), with respect to locomotor activity, body temperature and nociception threshold. Adult male C57BL/6 mice received intraperitoneal injections of varying doses (0.5, 0.1 and 0.02 mg/kg) of these compounds. Three substances (including ADB‐BINACA, ADB‐4en‐PINACA and MDMB‐4en‐PINACA) demonstrated dose‐ and time‐dependent hypolocomotive and hypothermic effects. Notably, 0.1 mg/kg MDMB‐4en‐PINACA exhibited analgesic properties. However, ADB‐BICA did not cause any effects. MDMB‐4en‐PINACA manifested the most potent and sustained effects, followed by ADB‐4en‐PINACA, ADB‐BINACA and ADB‐BICA. Additionally, the cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1R) antagonist AM251 suppressed the effects induced by acute administration of the substances. Analysis of molecular binding configurations revealed that the four SCs adopted a congruent C‐shaped geometry, with shared linker binding pockets conducive to robust steric interaction with CB1R. Essential residues PHE268, PHE200 and SER173 within CB1R were identified as pivotal contributors to enhancing receptor–ligand associations. During LC‐MS/MS analysis, 0.5 mg/kg MDMB‐4en‐PINACA exhibited the highest plasma concentration and most prolonged detection window post‐administration. The study of SCs' pharmacological and pharmacokinetic profiles is crucial for better understanding the main mechanisms of cannabinoid‐like effects induced by SCs, interpreting clinical findings related to SC uses and enhancing SCs risk awareness.
Naturally occurring genetic diseases caused by de novo variants in domestic animals
Authors: Azevedo Luísa , Amaro Andreia P. , Niza‐Ribeiro João , Lopes‐Marques Mónica
Published: February 2024

With the advent of next‐generation sequencing, an increasing number of cases of de novo variants in domestic animals have been reported in scientific literature primarily associated with clinically severe phenotypes. The emergence of new variants at each generation is a crucial aspect in understanding the pathology of early‐onset diseases in animals and can provide valuable insights into similar diseases in humans. With the aim of collecting deleterious de novo variants in domestic animals, we searched the scientific literature and compiled reports on 42 de novo variants in 31 genes in domestic animals. No clear disease‐associated phenotype has been established in humans for three of these genes (NUMB, ANKRD28 and KCNG1). For the remaining 28 genes, a strong similarity between animal and human phenotypes was recognized from available information in OMIM and OMIA, revealing the importance of comparative studies and supporting the use of domestic animals as natural models for human diseases, in line with the One Health approach.
The possible clinical utility of the alcohol biomarker phosphatidylethanol for managing suspected alcohol withdrawal in hospitalized patients: A case report
Authors: Edinoff Amber N. , Hathaway David B. , Martinez Garza David , Rosen Jordan H. , Suzuki Joji
Published: February 2024

Background and Objectives

The decision to initiate pharmacotherapy for alcohol withdrawal is typically based on examining self‐reported use of alcohol and symptoms of withdrawal. Phosphatidylethanol (PEth) is a biomarker that could aim in clinical decision‐making in withdrawal management.

Methods

This report describes three cases highlighting the potential clinical utility of PEth in caring for individuals at risk for alcohol withdrawal.

Results

Two of the cases received phenobarbital when their PEth showed that the risk of withdrawal was low and one case where PEth could have shown this was needed. The results were only available in a delayed fashion, however, could have been useful in informing clinical care.

Discussion and Conclusion

PEth can be a useful tool if available without delay. PEth can be used to quickly rule out alcohol withdrawal and avoid misdiagnoses and prolonged hospital stays.

Scientific Significance

This is a clinical case study available looking at PEth and withdrawal in hospitalized patients. It proposes that PEth can be used as a way to quickly rule out alcohol withdrawal to avoid misdiagnoses and the possibility of a prolonged hospital stay.
Heterogeneity, climate change, and crop yield distributions: Solvency implications for publicly subsidized crop insurance programs
Authors: Schuurman Daniel , Ker Alan
Published: February 2024

Climate change continues to fuel concern about the future cost of publicly subsidized crop insurance programs in developed nations. These changes in climate are expected to alter the upper and lower tails of crop yield distributions differently. This may best be captured by modeling the climate–yield relationship heterogeneously across different parts of the yield distribution. To this end, we consider a mixture model with the parameters expressed as nonparametric functions (to capture any nonlinearities) of weather variables estimated by machine learning methods (neural net). By doing so, we are able to identify possibly heterogeneous effects of climate change on each component, the mixing probabilities, and thus all moments of the yield distribution. We find changing climate alters, quite significantly, the entire shape of the yield distribution. The overall probability of the lower tail tends to increase as temperatures rise, to the point where some yield distributions become positively skewed. Across a range of climate change scenarios, premium rates for fixed guarantees are expected to rise 20–66% relative to no climate change by 2040. However, if we allow the yield guarantees to also fall because of additional losses from climate change, premium rates (albeit not comparable given yield guarantees are different) increase notably less (6–14%), suggesting less solvency issues than first thought.
Losing legitimacy: The challenges of the Dobbs ruling to conventional legitimacy theory
Authors: Gibson James L.
Published: February 2024

Extant research has established that displeasure with a Supreme Court ruling typically has negligible consequences for institutional support, largely because, as legitimacy theory's positivity bias explains, judicial decisions are invariably delivered with the accoutrements of legitimizing symbols. The Court's ruling in Dobbs, abrogating a federal constitutional right to abortion services, may challenge legitimacy theory because displeasure with the ruling seems so widespread and intense. This research aims to determine whether the ruling lessened the Court's legitimacy. The general conclusion is that Dobbs produced a sizeable dent in institutional support, perhaps to an unprecedented degree, in part because abortion attitudes for many are infused with moral content and in part owing to the Court's substantial tilt to the right since 2020. Indeed, the Court's legitimacy may be at greater risk today than at any time since Franklin D. Roosevelt's 1930s attack on the institution.
Heterogeneity of sensitization profiles and clinical phenotypes among patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis in Southern European countries—The @IT.2020 multicenter study
Authors: Dramburg S. , Grittner U. , Potapova E. , Travaglini A. , Tripodi S. , Arasi S. , Pelosi S. , Acar Şahin A. , Aggelidis X. , Barbalace A. , Bourgoin A. , Bregu B. , Brighetti M. A. , Caeiro E. , Caglayan Sozmen S. , Caminiti L. , Charpin D. , Couto M. , Delgado L. , Di Rienzo Businco A. , Dimier C. , Dimou M. V. , Fonseca J. A. , Goksel O. , Hernandez D. , Hernandez Toro C. J. , Hoffmann T. M. , Jang D. T. , Kalpaklioglu F. , Lame B. , Llusar R. , Makris M. , Mazon A. , Mesonjesi E. , Nieto A. , Öztürk A. B. , Pahus L. , Pajno G. , Panasiti I. , Papadopoulos N. G. , Pellegrini E. , Pereira A. M. , Pereira M. , Pinar N. M. , Priftanji A. , Psarros F. , Sackesen C. , Sfika I. , Suarez J. , Thibaudon M. , Uguz U. , Verdier V. , Villella V. , Xepapadaki P. , Yazici D. , Matricardi P. M.
Published: February 2024

Background

Pollen allergy poses a significant health and economic burden in Europe. Disease patterns are relatively homogeneous within Central and Northern European countries. However, no study broadly assessed the features of seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR) across different Southern European countries with a standardized approach.

Objective

To describe sensitization profiles and clinical phenotypes of pollen allergic patients in nine Southern European cities with a uniform methodological approach.

Methods

Within the @IT.2020 multicenter observational study, pediatric and adult patients suffering from SAR were recruited in nine urban study centers located in seven countries. Clinical questionnaires, skin prick tests (SPT) and specific IgE (sIgE) tests with a customized multiplex assay (Euroimmun Labordiagnostika, Lübeck, Germany) were performed.

Results

Three hundred forty‐eight children (mean age 13.1 years, SD: 2.4 years) and 467 adults (mean age 35.7 years SD: 10.0 years) with a predominantly moderate to severe, persistent phenotype of SAR were recruited. Grass pollen major allergenic molecules (Phl p 1 and/or Phl p 5) ranged among the top three sensitizers in all study centers. Sensitization profiles were very heterogeneous, considering that patients in Rome were highly poly‐sensitized (sIgE to 3.8 major allergenic molecules per patient), while mono‐sensitization was prominent and heterogeneous in other cities, such as Marseille (sIgE to Cup a 1: n = 55/80, 68.8%) and Messina (sIgE to Par j 2: n = 47/82, 57.3%). Co‐sensitization to perennial allergens, as well as allergic comorbidities also broadly varied between study centers.

Conclusions

In Southern European countries, pollen allergy is heterogeneous in terms of sensitization profiles and clinical manifestations. Despite the complexity, a unique molecular, multiplex, and customized in‐vitro IgE test detected relevant sensitization in all study centers. Nevertheless, this geographical diversity in pollen allergic patients imposes localized clinical guidelines and study protocols for clinical trials of SAR in this climatically complex region.
The impact of outdoor pollution and extreme temperatures on asthma‐related outcomes: A systematic review for the EAACI guidelines on environmental science for allergic diseases and asthma
Authors: Agache Ioana , Canelo‐Aybar Carlos , Annesi‐Maesano Isabella , Cecchi Lorenzo , Rigau David , Rodríguez‐Tanta L. Yesenia , Nieto‐Gutierrez Wendy , Song Yang , Cantero‐Fortiz Yahveth , Roqué Marta , Vasquez Juan Carlos , Sola Ivan , Biagioni Benedetta , Chung Fan , D'Amato Gennaro , Damialis Athanasios , del Giacco Stefano , Vecillas Leticia de las , Dominguez‐Ortega Javier , Galàn Carmen , Gilles Stefanie , Giovannini Mattia , Holgate Stephen , Jeebhay Mohamed , Nadeau Kari , Papadopoulos Nikolaos , Quirce Santiago , Sastre Joaquin , Traidl‐Hoffmann Claudia , Walusiak‐Skorupa Jolanta , Sousa‐Pinto Bernardo , Alonso‐Coello Pablo , Salazar Josefina , Jutel Marek , Akdis Cezmi A.
Published: February 2024

Air pollution is one of the biggest environmental threats for asthma. Its impact is augmented by climate change. To inform the recommendations of the EAACI Guidelines on the environmental science for allergic diseases and asthma, a systematic review (SR) evaluated the impact on asthma‐related outcomes of short‐term exposure to outdoor air pollutants (PM2.5, PM10, NO2, SO2, O3, and CO), heavy traffic, outdoor pesticides, and extreme temperatures. Additionally, the SR evaluated the impact of the efficacy of interventions reducing outdoor pollutants. The risk of bias was assessed using ROBINS‐E tools and the certainty of the evidence by using GRADE. Short‐term exposure to PM2.5, PM10, and NO2 probably increases the risk of asthma‐related hospital admissions (HA) and emergency department (ED) visits (moderate certainty evidence). Exposure to heavy traffic may increase HA and deteriorate asthma control (low certainty evidence). Interventions reducing outdoor pollutants may reduce asthma exacerbations (low to very low certainty evidence). Exposure to fumigants may increase the risk of new‐onset asthma in agricultural workers, while exposure to 1,3‐dichloropropene may increase the risk of asthma‐related ED visits (low certainty evidence). Heatwaves and cold spells may increase the risk of asthma‐related ED visits and HA and asthma mortality (low certainty evidence).
Early procalcitonin assays may reduce antibiotic exposure in premature newborn infants
Authors: Hue‐Bigé Amandine , François‐Garret Bérengère , Casagrande Florence , Oertel Julie , Mayerus Mathilde , Eleni Dit Trolli Sergio
Published: February 2024

Aim

The diagnosis of early‐onset neonatal sepsis (EOS) remains difficult. The main aim was to study the effect of a new algorithm for EOS, which includes the level of procalcitonin in umbilical cord blood, on the exposure to antibiotic therapy of premature newborn infants.

Methods

This was a monocentric, observational and retrospective study with before‐and‐after design. The duration and dose of antibiotic therapy provided as well as the morbidity and mortality were compared in two groups, one included 01 May 2015–30 November 2015 when procalcitonin was not used, and one after the change 01 November 2016–30 May 2017 when procalcitonin was used in a hospital setting in Nice, France.

Results

Sixty newborn infants were included in the before group and 54 in the after group. Antibiotic therapy was stopped after 24 h for 18 newborn infants in the after group and four in the before group, and after 48 h for 26 newborn infants in the after group and 10 in the before group.

Conclusion

The implementation of a new decision‐making algorithm including early procalcitonin assay of premature newborn infants significantly reduced exposure to antibiotics without modifying mortality or morbidity.
SGLT2 inhibition promotes glomerular repopulation by cells of renin lineage in experimental kidney disease
Authors: van der Pluijm Loïs A. K. , Koudijs Angela , Stam Wendy , Roelofs Joris J. T. H. , Danser A. H. Jan , Rotmans Joris I. , Gross Kenneth W. , Pieper Michael P. , van Zonneveld Anton Jan , Bijkerk Roel
Published: February 2024

Aim

Sodium glucose co‐transporter‐2 (SGLT2) inhibitors stimulate renal excretion of sodium and glucose and exert renal protective effects in patients with (non‐)diabetic chronic kidney disease (CKD) and may as well protect against acute kidney injury (AKI). The mechanism behind this kidney protective effect remains unclear. Juxtaglomerular cells of renin lineage (CoRL) have been demonstrated to function as progenitors for multiple adult glomerular cell types in kidney disease. This study assesses the impact of SGLT2 inhibition on the repopulation of glomerular cells by CoRL and examines their phenotypic commitment.

Methods

Experiments were performed in Ren1cre‐tdTomato lineage‐trace mice. Either 5/6 nephrectomy (5/6NX) modeling CKD or bilateral ischaemia reperfusion injury (bIRI) mimicking AKI was applied, while the SGLT2 inhibitor empagliflozin (10 mg/kg) was administered daily via oral gavage for 14 days.

Results

Both 5/6NX and bIRI‐induced kidney injury increased the number of glomerular CoRL‐derived cells. SGLT2 inhibition improved kidney function after 5/6NX, indicated by decreased blood creatinine and urea levels, but not after bIRI. In line with this, empagliflozin in 5/6NX animals resulted in less glomerulosclerosis, while it did not affect histopathological features in bIRI. Treatment with empagliflozin resulted in an increase in the number of CoRL‐derived glomerular cells in both 5/6NX and bIRI conditions. Interestingly, SGLT2 inhibition led to more CoRL‐derived podocytes in 5/6NX animals, whereas empagliflozin‐treated bIRI mice presented with increased levels of parietal epithelial and mesangial cells derived from CoRL.

Conclusion

We conclude that SGLT2 inhibition by empagliflozin promotes CoRL‐mediated glomerular repopulation with selective CoRL‐derived cell types depending on the type of experimental kidney injury. These findings suggest a previously unidentified mechanism that could contribute to the renoprotective effect of SGLT2 inhibitors.
Update on endoscopic surgery in Japan: Results of the 16th National Survey of endoscopic surgery by the Japan Society for Endoscopic Surgery
Authors: Shiroshita Hidefumi , Inomata Masafumi , Takiguchi Shuji , Akira Shigeo , Kanayama Hiroomi , Yamaguchi Shigeki , Eguchi Susumu , Wada Norihito , Kurokawa Yukinori , Akagi Tomonori , Seki Yosuke , Ieiri Satoshi , Iwazaki Masayuki , Sato Yukio , Kitamura Kaoru , Tabata Minoru , Miyajima Akira , Taniguchi Fuminori , Takahashi Hiroshi , Uemura Tetsuji , Tsukamoto Shunsuke , Kanehira Aya , Okamoto Kazuma , Hashizume Makoto , Matsumoto Sumio , Kitano Seigo , Watanabe Masahiko , Sakai Yoshiharu
Published: February 2024

This article reports the results of the 16th National Survey conducted by the Japan Society for Endoscopic Surgery (JSES) for 2020 and 2021. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy was first introduced to Japan in 1990 and has rapidly become popular because of its minimally invasive nature. Since then, the number of objective organs and indications for laparoscopic surgery have gradually expanded. In 2021, 290 787 patients underwent endoscopic surgery in all surgical domains. Of these, 124 614, 110 757, 23 156, 21 771, 6543, 2614, 535, 465, 247, and 58 underwent abdominal, obstetric and gynecologic, thoracic, urological, pediatric, orthopedic, bariatric, mammary and thyroid gland, cardiovascular, and plastic surgery, respectively. Owing to the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) infection spread, the incidence of many surgeries decreased in 2020, and levels are only now gradually recovering. However, despite the impact of COVID‐19, robot‐assisted surgeries were increasingly applied. The rate of complications did not change significantly, indicating that the procedure was performed safely, even with the spread of COVID‐19.
Monitoring ventral tail base surface temperature for fever detection in calves
Authors: Ozawa Tomomi , Takahashi Yuji , Muneta Yoshihiro , Hoshinoo Kaori , Kimura Kumiko , Tou Seijiro , Kakihara Shin , Yamanaka Noriko , Miyamoto Toru , Higaki Shogo , Yoshioka Koji
Published: February 2024

In this study, we investigated whether monitoring the ventral tail base surface temperature (ST) using a wearable wireless sensor could be effective for fever detection in calves with experimentally induced pneumonia after inoculation with Histophilus somni strain 2336. We found a significant difference in the changes in ST values between the control and H. somni‐inoculated groups after 24 h of inoculation and detected fever; however, the rectal temperature showed a significant difference between the groups after 12 h of inoculation. When a significant difference in the ST between the two groups was observed, serum haptoglobin concentration and exacerbation of clinical score increased in the H. somni‐inoculated group compared with those in the control group. Pneumonia was observed in the H. somni‐inoculated group at necropsy, indicating that the changes in ST may reflect fever with inflammation caused by H. somni infection. Our results demonstrated that monitoring ST using a sensor attached to the ventral tail base can detect fever in calves and may be a useful and labor‐saving tool for the health management of calves.