bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genetic prediction of the effect of gut microbiota on uveitis via blood metabolites: A mediated Mendelian randomization investigation
Authors: Xie Xiaodong , Ren Weina , Zhou Weiping , Zhang Xixi , Deng Xiaoyu , Wang Xinyi , Wu Yufei , Lu Qinkang
Published: December 2024

The gut microbiota (GM) may be associated with uveitis. However, the causal relationship between the GM and uveitis and whether blood metabolites act as mediators of the GM remain unclear. We extracted the GM, blood metabolites, and uveitis data from genome-wide association study (GWAS) summary data. We used Mendelian randomization (MR) to investigate the causal relationships among GM, blood metabolites, and uveitis. The primary statistical method used was the inverse variance weighted (IVW) method. In addition, we used 2-sample MR, bidirectional MR, 2-step method and multiple MR to explore whether blood metabolites were mediators of the association between the GM and uveitis. After removing confounding factors, the abundances of the order Bacillales and the genus Holdemanella are risk factors for uveitis, and the abundances of Peptococcus and Ruminococcaceae UCG010 are protective factors. The inverse analysis revealed that uveitis affected 6 GM taxa – 4 positively and 2 negatively. In addition, N-methyl proline and 2-hydroxy sebacate were identified as risk factors for uveitis, and N-formy1 phenylalanine, 1-ribosyl-imidazole acetate, 1-palmitoyl-2-arachidonoyl-GPE (16:0/20:4) and alpha-ketoglutarate/pyruvate were identified as protective factors for uveitis. Finally, there was a causal association between 3 GM taxa and 6 blood metabolites, with 6 positive and 2 negative effects. N-methylproline possessed the greatest mediated effect (9.41%) between Ruminococcaceae UCG010 and uveitis. These results provide new insights into the pathogenesis of uveitis and offer a new approach to uveitis prevention and treatment from GM and blood metabolites perspective.
Causal effects of the RANK-RANKL-OPG system and scoliosis: A bidirectional 2-sample Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Xie Wei , Wan Wen-Tao , Liu Shuai-Yi , Wang Jia-Qi , Chen Chao , Sun Xun , Liu Xin-Yu , Yang Qiang
Published: December 2024

Epidemiological studies and a recent Mendelian randomization (MR) study have identified an association between low bone mass and an increased risk of scoliosis. Previous research suggests that bone loss in patients with scoliosis may be related to the RANK-RANKL-OPG system. This study is to investigate whether a causal relationship exists between the RANK-RANKL-OPG system and the development of scoliosis. Genome-wide association study (GWAS) data for RANK and RANKL were sourced from the UK Biobank’s Pharmaceutical Proteomics Project, while OPG data were derived from 2 independent cohorts, and scoliosis data from the FinnGen R10 database. A bidirectional 2-sample MR framework was applied to investigate causal relationships between OPG, RANK, RANKL, and scoliosis, with inverse variance weighting (IVW) as the main analytical method. Meta-analysis was used to integrate findings across cohorts, and multiple sensitivity analyses were conducted to assess the robustness and reliability of the results. According to the IVW results, there was no significant causal relationship between RANK (OR = 0.973, 95% CI = 0.871–1.087, P = .626) and RANKL (OR = 1.048, 95% CI = 0.938–1.171, P = .411) and scoliosis. OPG is a potential protective factor for scoliosis (Folkersen 2020 OR = 0.739, 95% CI = 0.611–0.893, P = .002; Zhao 2023 OR = 0.833, 95% CI = 0.716–0.968, P = .017).The results of Meta-analysis also showed OPG (P = 1.428e−4) would reduce the risk of scoliosis. Inverse MR analysis showed no statistically significant causal relationship between scoliosis and RANK, RANKL and OPG levels (P > .05). Our study employing MR methodology provides robust evidence supporting a causal relationship between decreased osteoprotegerin (OPG) levels and increased susceptibility to scoliosis. However, no significant relationship was found between scoliosis with the RANK-RANKL-OPG system. This research establishes a basis for further exploration of the pathophysiological mechanisms and potential targeted treatments for scoliosis. Future studies are necessary to understand how OPG influences the development of scoliosis.
Associations between the atherogenic index of plasma and psoriasis among US adults: A cross-sectional study based on NHANES 2009 to 2014
Authors: Tuo Yanan , He Junchen , Guo Tao
Published: December 2024

The atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) is a significant indicator of lipid levels. This study aimed to investigate the association between psoriasis and AIP in adults. The association between AIP and psoriasis was investigated using multivariate logistic regression, and smoothing curve fitting utilizing data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2009 to 2014. Subgroup analysis and interaction tests were employed to investigate whether this relationship was stable across populations. The final sample included 8177 participants, representing approximately 60 million people in the US. Psoriasis among the AIP groups (quartile, Q1–Q4) was statistically significant (P < .05). In the minimally adjusted model, each 1-unit increase in AIP was associated with a 44% increase in the risk of developing psoriasis [1.44 (1.01, 2.20)]. Participants in the highest quartile of AIP had a 40% higher risk of developing psoriasis than those in the lowest quartile [1.40 (1.05, 2.10)]. In the male group, the risk of developing psoriasis increased by 0.86 points per 1 unit increase in AIP. AIP is positively associated with psoriasis in US adults. Our findings imply that AIP improves psoriasis prevention in the general population.
Ankylosing spondylitis and cardiovascular disease: A two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis
Authors: Chen Huaigang , Hong Lang , Wang Hong , Li Bin , Yang Liu
Published: December 2024

Epidemiological research has demonstrated that people suffering from ankylosing spondylitis (AS) have a greater chance of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD), though the potential link between AS genetics and CVD risk is uncertain. This research examined the potential link between CVD outcomes and AS which is genetically determined. A two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis was conducted using data from European population genome-wide association study of AS and CVD. We selected single nucleotide polymorphisms closely associated with AS genetic susceptibility as instrumental variables, and used inverse variance weighted as the main method to analyze the causal effects of AS on 7 CVDs (heart failure, atrial fibrillation, hypertension, ischemic stroke, etc). To further reinforce our results, we conducted replication analyses, sensitivity analyses, and instrumental variable strength assessments. In the European population, it was observed that AS genetic susceptibility was correlated with a higher risk of heart failure (odds ratios [OR] = 1.0128, 95% confidence intervals [CI]: 1.0037–1.0219, P = .0058), hypertension (OR = 1.0143, 95% CI: 1.0038–1.0248, P = .0073), and ischemic stroke (OR = 1.0151, 95% CI: 1.0049–1.0255, P = .0036). However, it was not associated with coronary heart disease, cardiomyopathy, valvular heart disease, or atrial fibrillation (all P > .05). A sensitivity analysis was conducted to validate the reliability of the results. Evidence from the European population has indicated a correlation between AS and heart failure, hypertension, and ischemic stroke. Further investigations should be conducted to explore the underlying mechanisms of action.
Genome description of a potentially new species of Streptomyces isolated from the Indian Sundarbans mangrove
Authors: Ghosh Anwesha , Bhambra Simran Kaur , Chandrasekaran Raghu , Bhadury Punyasloke
Published: December 2024

A potentially new species of Streptomyces was isolated from station 177 of the Sundarbans Seasonal Time Series in the Indian Sundarbans mangrove. The isolate was cultured from a sediment sample on TYS medium of salinity 15. Sequencing and annotation of the 16S rRNA showed 100% identity against S. laurentii NPS17 against GenBank/ENA/DDBJ. Annotation of the whole genome against the GTDB database showed closest identity with S. terrae SKN60 and belongs to the same clade as S. roseicoloratus TRM44457T and S. laurentii ATCC 31255. The genome is ~7.2 Mb and has a G+C% of 73%. The average amino acid identity was 85.01% with S. roseicoloratus and 80.34% with S. roseolus. The assembly reflected the presence of all essential genes and had 19 biosynthetic gene clusters predicted.
Many-body theory beyond
GW
: Towards a complete description of two-body correlated propagation
Authors: Cunningham Brian
Published: December 2024

Starting with Hedin's equations, simple expressions for the irreducible self-energy are derived. The derivation with vertex effects included in the self-energy results in a number of terms beyond GW such as second-order screened exchange (the term that also gives rise to vertex/excitonic effects in the polarization) and an infinite series describing correlations between the added-particle (removed-hole) and the excited electrons and holes: the screened T-matrix channels. Two-body correlated propagation is considered, with the third propagating freely, however, three-body correlations are discussed and these can be added hierarchically to the method. For electron-hole propagation, the reducible polarization is calculated, which results in an expression for the self-energy that can be solved analytically without the need for widely used expensive numerical methods for frequency integration or having to adopt the plasmon-pole approximation. The method requires diagonalization of the usual particle-hole matrix—derived from the Bethe-Salpter equation—and also a particle-particle+hole-hole matrix that has a similar structure; with the second-order exchange present in all channels. The method goes beyond current widely used methods that adopt the GW approximation, whilst being in nature and requiring relatively modest extensions to existing functionality, e.g., it could be implemented in the sophisticated quasiparticle self-consistent framework. It is anticipated the method will significantly improve on the accuracy of current state-of-the-art calculations, improving our understanding of processes in simple and strongly correlated systems, with the additional contributions demanding a similar cost to methods that include vertex effects in the polarization only.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Random walks of intermittently self-propelled particles
Authors: Datta Agniva , Beta Carsten , Großmann Robert
Published: December 2024

Motivated by various recent experimental findings, we propose a dynamical model of intermittently self-propelled particles: active particles that recurrently switch between two modes of motion, namely an active run state and a turn state, in which self-propulsion is absent. The durations of these motility modes are drawn from arbitrary waiting-time distributions. We derive the expressions for exact forms of transport characteristics like mean-square displacements and diffusion coefficients to describe such processes. Furthermore, the conditions for the emergence of sub- and superdiffusion in the long-time limit are presented. We give examples of some important processes that occur as limiting cases of our system, including run-and-tumble motion of bacteria, Lévy walks, hop-and-trap dynamics, intermittent diffusion and continuous-time random walks.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Gate-tunable phase transition in a resonator-based Su-Schrieffer-Heeger chain
Authors: Splitthoff Lukas Johannes , Belo Miguel Carrera , Jin Guliuxin , Liu Yu , Greplova Eliska , Andersen Christian Kraglund
Published: December 2024

Metamaterials engineered to host topological states of matter in controllable quantum systems hold promise for the advancement of quantum simulations and quantum computing technologies. In this context, the Su-Schrieffer-Heeger (SSH) model has gained prominence due to its simplicity and practical applications. Here we present the implementation of a gate-tunable, five-unit-cell resonator-based SSH chain on a one-dimensional lattice of superconducting resonators. We achieve electrostatic control over the inductive intracell coupling using semiconductor nanowire junctions, which enables the spectroscopic observation of a transition from a trivial to a topological phase in the engineered metamaterial. In contrast to prior work, our approach offers precise and independent tuning of the coupling parameters, which is critical to directly approximate ideal tight-binding Hamiltonians via the control over local variables. Our results supplement efforts towards gate-controlled superconducting electronics and large controllable resonator-based lattices to enable quantum simulations.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Ice-rule driven vertex frustration in a stretched pentagonal spin ice
Authors: Crater Davis , Lätti Anya C. , Saccone Michael , Hofhuis Kevin , Miertschin Duncan , Regmi Balaram , Achinuq Barat , Kleibert Armin , Petersen Charlotte F. , Farhan Alan
Published: December 2024

We introduce the stretched pentagonal spin ice and study low-energy configurations achieved after thermal annealing. Using synchrotron-based photoemission electron microscopy, we reveal highly disordered configurations dominated by short-range order. Real-space observations reveal that an adherence to local order, in the form of a strict ice-rule obedience, acts as a main factor in enforcing vertex frustration and hindering long-range order. Our results open up pathways to create forms of frustrated systems that have seemed elusive thus far.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Circuit-Based Leakage-to-Erasure Conversion in a Neutral-Atom Quantum Processor
Authors: Chow Matthew N. H. , Buchemmavari Vikas , Omanakuttan Sivaprasad , Little Bethany J. , Pandey Saurabh , Deutsch Ivan H. , Jau Yuan-Yu
Published: December 2024

Atom-loss errors are a major limitation of current state-of-the-art neutral-atom quantum computers and pose a significant challenge for scalable systems. In a quantum processor with cesium atoms, we demonstrate proof-of-principle circuit-based conversion of this form of leakage error to erasure errors via leakage-detection units (LDUs), which nondestructively map information about the presence or absence of the qubit onto the state of an ancilla. We benchmark the performance of the LDU using a three-outcome low-loss state-detection method and find that the LDU detects atom-loss errors with approximately 93.4% accuracy, limited by technical imperfections of our apparatus. We further compile and execute a LDU, wherein the roles of the original data atom and ancilla atom are exchanged under the action of the LDU, providing “free refilling” of atoms in the case of atom loss. This circuit-based leakage-to-erasure error conversion is a critical component of a neutral-atom quantum processor where the quantum information may significantly outlive the lifetime of any individual atom in the quantum register. Finally, we demonstrate that LDUs may also be used to handle other forms of leakage errors where population moves to states outside of the computational subspace.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
The impact of scarcity promotions in live streaming e-commerce on purchase intention: the mediating effect of emotional experience
Authors: Zhou Rong
Published: December 2024

Purpose

This article investigates the impact mechanism of scarcity promotions in live streaming e-commerce on consumer purchase intention in the context of urban-rural and male-female divides in China, with emotional experience as the mediating variable.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 687 online questionnaires are collected, and the model is empirically analyzed by partial least squares structural equation model.

Findings

Scarcity promotions in live streaming e-commerce positively influence purchase intention, with emotional experience mediating the impact. Furthermore, the influence of scarcity promotions in live streaming e-commerce on the emotional experience of urban residents is greater than that of rural residents. The effect of scarcity promotions on the purchase intention of urban residents is lower than that of rural residents. Scarcity promotions in live streaming e-commerce have a greater impact on the emotional experience of female consumers compared to male consumers. The influence of scarcity promotions on the purchase intention of female consumers is lower than that of male consumers.

Originality/value

This article extends the scarcity promotion theory to the context of live streaming e-commerce. Furthermore, it is the first to explore the mediating role of emotional experience in this process. Lastly, it is the first to investigate the moderating effects of urban-rural and male-female factors in this process.
Failed products, successful influencers: the moderating effect of the stealing thunder strategy on purchase intentions in live-streaming e-commerce failures
Authors: Lu Pingjun , Fang Lin , Chen Qiying , Ma Xujie
Published: December 2024

Purpose

A live-stream failure occurs when the product which is highly recommended by the influencers and exhibited quality problems. This study investigated how brand trust and influencers trust affect live-streaming purchase intentions (PIs) of consumers when live-streaming e-commerce failures occur and the role of the Stealing Thunder (ST).

Design/methodology/approach

Totally 584 adults with live-streaming shopping experience were invited to investigate the impact and mechanisms of live-streaming failure incidents, as well as the moderating mechanisms of ST.

Findings

Firstly, live-streaming failure accidents decreased the PI of consumers by reducing both brand trust and influencer trust, with trust in the influencers having a stronger impact on PI than brand trust. Secondly, if the influencers used the ST after a live-stream failure, the PI was the same as that in a non-failure scenario. Thirdly, the ST acts as a moderating variable neutralized the negative impact of live-streaming failure on trust in the influencers. Lastly, the negative impact of brand trust on PI was less significant using the ST.

Originality/value

This research deepens the understanding of service failures in live-streaming e-commerce. It provides insights into the consumer behavior and practical guidance on how influencers can actively respond to live-streaming failure to sustain reciprocal relationships in live-streaming e-commerce. The study addresses the effects of the coping strategies of influencers on the interests of product brands and discusses the potential solutions.
How to unlock BIM capabilities in the design phase to project success for long-term organization development?
Authors: Araujo Cleber Marchi Bernardo de , Alves Josivan Leite
Published: December 2024

Purpose

Explore how the AECO organizations can establish BIM capabilities in the design phase to ensure project success for long-term development.

Design/methodology/approach

Quantitative approach through the application of structural equation modeling with the partial least squares method (PLS-SEM). This study performs a path analysis and hypothesis testing through the PLS method using the SmartPLS 4.0 software.

Findings

The paper demonstrates that simply adopting BIM is not enough for project success. The lack of preparation for adopting BIM can even have a negative effect on project success, since the structure, technology and designers may not be prepared to integrate all project requirements into BIM models. For effective project success, the article demonstrates that the indirect effect of building BIM capabilities must be considered.

Research limitations/implications

The proposed model can serve as a guide for organizational strategy by showing managers the main variables to be considered for long-term survival. The article also warns that the isolated adoption of BIM can be detrimental to the success of projects. However, the lack of BIM capabilities can exclude the organization from the market, as it may not be prepared to recognize project opportunities and not incorporate technologies.

Practical implications

The limitation is that the data are not longitudinal; therefore, they are conditioned by the current perceptions of AECO industry professionals about BIM adoption. The results of this research reflect the perception of professionals in the Brazilian construction industry only.

Social implications

Although social implications are not directly addressed in the model, the potential for improving project success in the AECO industry suggests broader positive impacts on project management in the AECO industry. Furthermore, these advances can contribute to better urban planning, improved infrastructure and overall social well-being, impacting quality of life by influencing public policy and shaping public attitudes toward construction and development.

Originality/value

Using strategic innovation theories as a theoretical framework for building BIM capabilities, the paper expands this theory by establishing that BIM capabilities are fundamental to sustaining the survival of AECO industry organizations. The paper demonstrates that BIM capabilities are what prepare organizations to adapt to new technologies and strategic resources oriented toward innovation. In this sense, the adoption of BIM itself is an initial step towards building these capabilities, since once the adaptation phase is over, the organization is prepared to optimize its processes with other technologies.
Unpacking talent management: a moderated mediation analysis of team dynamics and competitive performance in luxury hotels
Authors: Zaki Karam , Elnagar Ahmed K.
Published: December 2024

Purpose

This article seeks to examine how structural alignment (SA) and guided governance (GG), key components of team management (TT), mediate the connection between talent management (TM) and the competitive performance (CP) of hotels.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employed a quantitative methodology by administering surveys to 330 hotel executives in Egypt to gather the necessary data. To examine the research hypotheses, partial least squares-structural equation modeling was utilized.

Findings

Talent management mindset (TMM) and talent management strategy (TMS) are closely connected to team management (TT) and CP. Both SA and GG play a considerable role in mediating the relationship between TM and CP. Additionally, the impact of strategic incentives (SI) moderator in shaping the connection between TM and CP has been validated.

Research limitations/implications

This research is part of a small collection of studies that examines TM, TT and CP in a practical manner. The scope of this study is focused on luxury hotels located in Egypt. It contributes to the field by expanding our understanding of TM, TT and the multifaceted nature of a hotel’s CP, an important but often overlooked concern, particularly within the Egyptian context. Additionally, it suggests numerous possibilities for further investigation in the future.

Originality/value

This study is among the initial research works that emphasize a moderated mediated model of TM, TT, SI and hotels’ competitive performance in Egypt.
The impact of the financial cycle on the economic cycle and the regulatory role of monetary policy: evidence from China
Authors: Yuan Xinxin , Liu Kefu
Published: December 2024

Purpose

First, we explored the dynamic relationship between the economic and financial cycles under a unified endogenous framework. There is less literature on the relationship between the financial cycle and the economic cycle endogenously under a unified framework. Our research helps to fill the gap in this area. Second, there is no conclusive evidence on whether the monetary policy framework should take the financial cycle into account. Our findings provide a clear answer and a useful reference for the practice of monetary policy in other countries.

Design/methodology/approach

We incorporate the financial cycle equation based on the traditional new Keynesian model to construct a new Keynesian four-equation model that includes financial factors and further explores the dynamic relationship between the economic cycle and the financial cycle under a unified endogenous framework. We choose the three-stage least squares (3SLS) method for the estimation of the model. Then we utilize a time-varying parameter vector autoregression (TVP-SV-VAR) model incorporating stochastic volatility to explore the mechanism of the dynamic association between the financial cycle and monetary policy in China.

Findings

First, we explored the relationship between the economic cycle and the financial cycle. The results show that the financial cycle has a significant positive impact on the economic cycle, but the economic cycle has a limited effect on the financial cycle. Then, we examine the linkage mechanism between China’s economic cycle, financial cycle and monetary policy. The results show that the response of China’s monetary policy to economic cycle shocks and financial cycle shocks is more significant. Moreover, monetary policy is giving higher and higher weight to the financial cycle.

Originality/value

First, we constructed a new Keynesian four-equation model incorporating financial factors to explore the dynamic relationship between the economic and financial cycles under a unified endogenous framework. There is less literature on the relationship between the financial cycle and the economic cycle endogenously under a unified framework. Our research helps to fill the gap in this area. Second, there is no conclusive evidence on whether the monetary policy framework should take the financial cycle into account. Our findings provide a clear answer and a useful reference for the practice of monetary policy in other countries.
Stakeholders’ perception of sustainable ecotourism development – an explorative study on Dooars region of West Bengal, India
Authors: Chanda Ishita , Sajnani Manohar , Gowreesunkar Vanessaa G.B.
Published: December 2024

Purpose

This study evaluated various stakeholders’ knowledge and awareness of ecotourism development in the Dooars region to understand the local community’s attitudes and provide critical information on the influence of ecotourism and how sustainable development can be carried out in the region.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative methodology was used to evaluate the link between awareness and the need for education among stakeholders and local communities for the growth of ecotourism.

Findings

We found that the educated locals had a favorable attitude toward the effects of ecotourism and were supportive of its expansion. They had a more favorable opinion of improving facilities, image and infrastructure, promoting the region as an ecotourism destination, and preserving the environment compared with the less educated locals in the field of research.

Originality/value

The social, cultural and ecological advantages of ecotourism are seen to have a fairly high level of correlation with awareness of those benefits, while the social, cultural and environmental benefits of ecotourism are seen to have an adequate level of positive correlation with knowledge of ecotourism. In this instance, participants’ awareness of ecotourism’s advantages and views of their ecotourism expertise both grow as they see the sociocultural and environmental impact of ecotourism.
The guardian of local culture: the dynamic of Indonesian local television to survive against global media onslaught
Authors: Haryono Cosmas Gatot , Bungin Burhan , Teguh Monika
Published: December 2024

Purpose

The idea of television as a space for cultural and local wisdom has been enthusiastically welcomed by many parties. Regrettably, this expectation proves to be nothing more than an empty hope. Indonesian national television rarely broadcasts content with local cultural nuances. National television broadcast is filled with popular and global cultural content. Only local television tries hard to remain the last guardian of Indonesian culture and local wisdom. Several studies have raised the issue of local television broadcast content but have not succeeded in explaining the dynamics that occur in the management of local television to maintain and inherit local culture. This study aims to fill this gap.

Design/methodology/approach

This research was conducted using a qualitative descriptive method with interview techniques as data collection methods.

Findings

Indonesian local television continues to struggle to become the guardian for the sustainability of Indonesian local culture by emphasizing its market segmentation and trying to meet their needs, trying hard to implement intensification and extensification strategies, continuing to struggle to balance the onslaught of global culture and relying on government agencies as a nice market. However, the role and support of the government are greatly needed. Without it, local television will surely fall.

Originality/value

This research reflects the dynamics that occur in the management of local television which is very challenging. By revealing the struggles that local television goes through in fortifying local culture and the minimal role of the Indonesian government, this research contributes to the development of sustainable strategies and the inheritance of local culture in this global era.
Missing investment protection rules in India’s new free trade agreements: towards decoupling
Authors: Ranjan Prabhash
Published: December 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to show that India is decoupling its international investment law obligations from its international trade law obligations. This decoupling goes beyond the split between investment protection rules and trade agreements. If investment protection rules are missing from the trade agreement, it is a case of partial decoupling. If India does not legalize its investment relations with a country with whom it has signed a free trade agreement (FTA), either within or outside the trade agreement, it becomes a case of complete decoupling.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper follows doctrinal methodology. It compares India’s past FTA practice with the new one to show the dissimilarity between India’s FTA 1.0 and 2.0.

Findings

India’s new FTAs differ from the FTAs signed in the 2000s. Unlike the previous FTAs, the new ones do not contain investment protection rules. India is indulging in decoupling because it wants to de-legalize its international investment relations to exercise greater control over foreign investment. The paper concludes by observing that as India’s fundamental reason for signing FTAs is to be part of global value chains, it should consider including investment protection rules within its trade agreements.

Originality/value

No research yet compares India’s past FTAs with the new ones to show that investment protection is no longer part of India’s trade agreement practice.
Experimental method for creating skin with acquired appendage dysfunction
Authors: Moriwaki Yuta , Shiraishi Makoto , Shen Qi , Du Zening , Okazaki Mutsumi , Kurita Masakazu
Published: December 2024

Mammalian skin appendages, such as hair follicles and sweat glands, are essential for both esthetic and functional purposes. Conditions such as burns and ulcers can lead to dysfunction or loss of skin appendages and result in hair loss and dry skin, posing challenges in their regeneration. Existing animal models are insufficient for studying acquired dysfunction of skin appendages without underlying genetic causes. This study aimed to develop more clinically relevant mouse models by evaluating two approaches: keratinocyte transplantation and grafting of skin at varying thicknesses. green fluorescent protein (GFP)‐expressing keratinocytes were transplanted into ulcers on nude mice, leading to re‐epithelialization with minimal skin appendages at 4 weeks after transplantation. However, the re‐epithelialized area was largely derived from recipient cells, with the grafted cells contributing to only 1.31% of the area. In the skin‐grafting model, donor skin from GFP transgenic mice was grafted onto nude mice at three thicknesses: full thickness, 10/1000 inch, and 5/1000 inch. The grafted area of the 5/1000‐inch grafts remained stable at 89.5% of its original size 5 weeks after transplantation, ensuring a sufficiently large skin area. The 5/1000‐inch grafts resulted in a significant reduction in skin appendages, with a mean of only 3.73 hair follicles per 5 mm, compared with 69.7 in the control group. The 5/1000‐inch skin grafting in orthotopic autologous transplantation also showed the achievement of skin surfaces with a minimal number of skin appendages. Therefore, a mouse model with skin grafting demonstrated stability in producing large areas of skin with minimal appendages. In conclusion, these two models with acquired skin appendage dysfunction and no underlying genetic causes provide valuable tools for researching skin appendage regeneration, offering insights into potential therapeutic strategies for conditions involving skin appendage loss.
Intrinsic and extrinsic factors influencing Bacillus cereus spore inactivation in spices and herbs: Thermal and non‐thermal sterilization approaches
Authors: Leishangthem Chinglen , Mujumdar A. S. , Xiao Hong‐Wei , Sutar P. P.
Published: December 2024

The presence of Bacillus cereus in spices and herbs has posed a detrimental effect on food safety. The absence of thorough testing, comprehensive reporting, and vigilant surveillance of the illness has resulted in a significant underestimation of the true prevalence of foodborne illness caused by B. cereus. B. cereus spores are resistant to thermal processing (superheated steam, microwave, radiofrequency, infrared) that remains a significant challenge for the spice industry. Non‐thermal techniques, such as cold plasma, gamma irradiation, and electron beam irradiation, have gained significant interest for their ability to inactivate B. cereus spores. However, these technologies are constrained by inherent limitations. The composition of B. cereus spores, including dipicolinic acid, divalent cations, and low water content in the core, contributes significantly to their resistance properties. This review delves into the different factors that impact B. cereus spores in spices and herbs during sterilization, considering both intrinsic and extrinsic factors. This review also discussed the various techniques for inactivating B. cereus spores from spices and highlighted their effectiveness and constraints. It also provides valuable insights for enhancing sterilization strategies in the spices and herbs industry.
Date palm (Phoenix dactylifera) bioactive constituents and their applications as natural multifunctional ingredients in health‐promoting foods and nutraceuticals: A comprehensive review
Authors: Alu'datt Muhammad H. , Rababah Taha , Tranchant Carole C. , Al‐u'datt Doa'a , Gammoh Sana , Alrosan Mohammad , Bani‐Melhem Khalid , Aldughpassi Ahmed , Alkandari Dina , AbuJalban Dana
Published: December 2024

Foods that support human health and longevity are becoming increasingly relevant as substitutes for or adjuncts to pharmacological drugs, either through direct consumption or incorporation into designer foods fortified with health‐promoting ingredients. Date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) fruits, seeds, and pollen are a cornerstone of diverse food and medicine traditions. Their reported metabolic activities include anti‐inflammatory, antioxidant, antihypertensive, antihyperlipidemic, antidiabetic, antitumor, antianemia, hepatoprotective, antibacterial, and antiviral effects. Beneficial effects on gut health and vascular health, as well as effectiveness in alleviating certain dysfunctions of the reproductive system, have also been noted. The genomic diversity of this versatile tree and the diverse agroecological conditions in which it grows lead to appreciable variations in the occurrence of protective nutrients and other high‐value bioactive phytochemicals, including flavonoid and non‐flavonoid phenolics, carotenoids, phytosterols, and oxylipins, whose potential remains underutilized in the food sector. As food ingredients, date fruits and their co‐products can improve the sensory, nutritional, and nutraceutical qualities of a broad range of dietary items. Their high nutritional density can assist with the design of novel or improved products that meet the demand for healthier foods. This review summarizes the current state of evidence on the potentialities of date palm fruits and co‐products in functional food development, focusing on the nutrients and extra‐nutritional compounds of interest, their biofunctional activities, and factors that influence their abundance and bioactivity. Proofs of concept across food and beverage categories, new developments, and clinical evidence are discussed, followed by recommendations for addressing research gaps.
Ultrasonographic Evaluation of Urate Crystal Deposition in Tendons With Gout Patients
Authors: Deng Si‐Hui , Wang Jie , Hu Jing , Tu Bin , Dang Wan‐Tai , Liu Jian
Published: December 2024

Objective

To use ultrasound technology to assess the deposition of urate crystals in the common lower limb tendons of patients with gout, providing additional imaging information for the management of these patients.

Methods

High‐frequency ultrasound was retrospectively used to evaluate urate crystal deposition in common lower limb tendons—quadriceps, patellar, and Achilles—in patients with gouty arthritis. Comparative statistical analysis was conducted among asymptomatic hyperuricemia patients and healthy individuals during the same period.

Results

Aggregates were detected in the tendons of all three groups, whereas tophi were found exclusively in tendons of asymptomatic hyperuricemia and gout groups. The prevalence of intratendinous aggregates and tophi in gout was significantly higher than the other groups (p < 0.05). The Achilles tendon showed the highest involvement, followed by the quadriceps and patellar tendons.

Conclusion

Tendons are common sites of urate deposition in patients with gout and asymptomatic hyperuricemia. Aggregates and tophi are frequently observed in and around large tendons such as the quadriceps, patellar, and Achilles tendons in gout patients. Ultrasonography proves useful in highly sensitive and specific evaluation of urate deposition within and around tendons.
Leveraging artificial intelligence to reduce diagnostic errors in emergency medicine: Challenges, opportunities, and future directions
Authors: Taylor R. Andrew , Sangal Rohit B. , Smith Moira E. , Haimovich Adrian D. , Rodman Adam , Iscoe Mark S. , Pavuluri Suresh K. , Rose Christian , Janke Alexander T. , Wright Donald S. , Socrates Vimig , Declan Arwen
Published: December 2024

Diagnostic errors in health care pose significant risks to patient safety and are disturbingly common. In the emergency department (ED), the chaotic and high‐pressure environment increases the likelihood of these errors, as emergency clinicians must make rapid decisions with limited information, often under cognitive overload. Artificial intelligence (AI) offers promising solutions to improve diagnostic errors in three key areas: information gathering, clinical decision support (CDS), and feedback through quality improvement. AI can streamline the information‐gathering process by automating data retrieval, reducing cognitive load, and providing clinicians with essential patient details quickly. AI‐driven CDS systems enhance diagnostic decision making by offering real‐time insights, reducing cognitive biases, and prioritizing differential diagnoses. Furthermore, AI‐powered feedback loops can facilitate continuous learning and refinement of diagnostic processes by providing targeted education and outcome feedback to clinicians. By integrating AI into these areas, the potential for reducing diagnostic errors and improving patient safety in the ED is substantial. However, successfully implementing AI in the ED is challenging and complex. Developing, validating, and implementing AI as a safe, human‐centered ED tool requires thoughtful design and meticulous attention to ethical and practical considerations. Clinicians and patients must be integrated as key stakeholders across these processes. Ultimately, AI should be seen as a tool that assists clinicians by supporting better, faster decisions and thus enhances patient outcomes.
Completion Rate of Paper‐Based and Electronic Patient Reported Outcome Measures in a Multidisciplinary Cancer Survivorship Clinical Setting
Authors: Tan Sim Yee , Turner Jane , Kerin‐Ayres Kim , Hewitt Lynnette , Butler Sue , Deguchi Cole , Khatri Sonia , Wildbore Carolyn , Cunningham Ilona , Dhillon Haryana M. , Malalasekera Ashanya , Vardy Janette L.
Published: December 2024

Objective

Integrating Patient‐Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) into clinical practice is increasing, with research showing benefits in patient outcomes. However, evidence regarding patient's acceptance of PROMs is limited. Sydney Cancer Survivorship Centre (SCSC) clinic is a multidisciplinary clinic where clinicians use PROMs to guide patient consultation. This study explored SCSC patient acceptability of PROMs in clinical care by evaluating PROMs' completion rates.

Methods

This retrospective audit of PROMs completion rates evaluates two periods: 1) September 2013–November 2019 (pre‐coronavirus disease 2019) and 2) October 2020–September 2023, following the implementation of electronic PROMs. Overall, 866 new patients attended SCSC during the two audit periods, with 822 (95%) giving consent for data to be included. Descriptive statistical methods were used to analyse completion rates.

Results

Between September 2013 and November 2019 (audit period 1), 656 new survivors attended the SCSC clinic; 622 (95%) consented to data use. The highest completion rate for paper‐based PROMs was the food questionnaire (92%); with 91% for distress thermometer, symptoms, and exercise‐related PROMs; 85% for quality of life; 77% for self‐rated performance status, and 55.5% for a 3‐day food diary. From October 2020 to September 2023 (period 2), the response rate for PROMs was 99% (n = 198/200) for initial clinic attendees; and 92% for electronic PROMs (n = 169/184).

Conclusions

Using comprehensive PROMs in clinical care is feasible. The completion rate was high; similar between paper‐based and electronic PROMs. Comprehensive PROMs can guide clinical consultations. PROMs may improve communication between survivors and clinicians and enhance the quality of care.
Serovar Australis replaces serovar Copenhageni as the most common cause of canine leptospirosis in New South Wales, Australia
Authors: Griebsch C , Kirkwood N , Ward MP , Norris JM
Published: December 2024

Highly fatal canine leptospirosis emerged in urban Sydney dogs in 2017, and serovar Copenhageni, against which a registered monovalent vaccine is available, was predominant until 2020. This study was conducted to (1) determine serological characteristics of canine leptospirosis in New South Wales (NSW) between 2021 and 2023; (2) describe the geospatial distribution of leptospirosis; and (3) evaluate if clinicopathological abnormalities and outcome differ between the dominant infecting serovars, Copenhageni versus Australis. Cases were identified through referral or direct veterinarian contact and included if clinical and clinicopathological findings confirmed leptospirosis. Between 2021 and 2023 leptospirosis was confirmed in 61 dogs in NSW. In 2022 two major outbreaks occurred in the local government areas of Shoalhaven (n = 23) and Lake Macquarie (n = 7). The most common serovar identified by microscopic agglutination test (MAT) was Australis (n = 23) followed by Copenhageni (n = 8), Pomona (n = 2), Robinsoni (n = 2) and Bratislava (n = 1). In 16/18 cases from Shoalhaven in which serological results were available, serovar Australis was identified. Dogs infected with serovar Copenhageni were significantly (P < 0.05) more likely to have hepatic involvement with significantly higher liver enzyme activities, bilirubin concentration and icterus, whereas dogs with serovar Australis were significantly (P < 0.01) more likely to have glucosuria. Overall case fatality rate was 40% and was not different between infecting serovars. There are regional differences of infecting serovars with distinct leptospirosis hotspots, and differences in clinicopathological findings. The apparent emergence of serovar Australis highlights the need for bi‐ or multivalent vaccines and ongoing case surveillance of causal serovars is needed. Glucosuria should prompt leptospirosis testing in endemic areas.
Longitudinal correlation of cerebrospinal fluid GFAP and the progression of cognition decline in different clinical subtypes of Parkinson's disease
Authors: Liu Yumei , Wang Jing , Ning Fangbo , Wang Guojun , Xie Anmu
Published: December 2024

Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) is an intermediate filament protein expressed mainly in astrocytes of the central nervous system (CNS), a potential biomarker of cognitive decline in Parkinson's disease (PD). The central motor subtypes of PD include tremor‐dominant (TD), postural instability and gait disorder (PIGD), and indeterminate subtypes, whose different course of disease requires the development of biomarkers that can predict progression based on motor subtypes. In this study, we aimed to assess the predictive value of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) GFAP for PD motor subtypes in PD. Two hundred and sixteen PD patients were recruited in our study from the progression markers initiative. Patients were subgrouped into TD, PIGD, and indeterminate subtypes. Longitudinal relationships between baseline CSF GFAP and cognitive function and CSF biomarkers were assessed using linear mixed‐effects models. Cox regression was used to detect cognitive progression in TD patients. The baseline and longitudinal increases in CSF GFAP were associated with a greater decline in episodic memory, CSF α‐syn, and a greater increase of CSF NfL in TD and TD‐male subtypes. Cox regression showed that higher baseline CSF GFAP levels were corrected with a higher risk of developing mild cognitive impairment (MCI) over a 4‐year period in the PD with normal cognition (NC) group (adjusted HR = 1.607, 95% CI 1.907–2.354, p = 0.01). CSF GFAP might be a promising predictor of cognition decline in TD.