bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Advancing collaboration toward green supplier selection: perspective of green relational capital
Authors: Ograh Tonny , Ayarkwa Joshua , Acheampong Alex , Abu Ivy Maame
Published: December 2024

Purpose

Though there is literature on green collaboration to supplier selections, there are hardly any empirical studies that analyze collaborative networks toward green supplier selection (GSS) from the perspective of green relational capital (GRC). Therefore, this study aims to fill this research gap by analyzing the development of collaboration toward GSS through the lenses of GRC. Also, this study explores how collaboration between institutions and their relevant green stakeholders, framed through the lens of GRC influences the selection of green suppliers.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses an exploratory case study approach involving public universities in Ghana. This study is based on interviews conducted with 27 key respondents across seven universities. A purposive sampling technique was used in selecting respondents who were interviewed face-to-face with a semi-structured interview guide. Atlas ti software was used to generate themes for discussion.

Findings

This study’s findings suggest that the reason green criteria are not integrated into supplier selection is due to an insufficient collaboration among relevant green stakeholders. Through green training workshops, conferences, continuous professional development and affiliation with professional bodies, procurement practitioners can develop a collaborative network among themselves to promote the integration of green sustainability into supplier selection. Constructs that help to establish strong collaborative network identified in this study include trust and consistency, mutual benefits, obvious intentions and effective communication.

Practical implications

This study identified constructs promoting effective green collaboration toward the adoption of GSS. These constructs as identified in this study, provide a clear means of developing green collaboration among relevant stakeholders. By fostering and developing collaboration, the main construct of GRC, institutions can successfully integrate green sustainability into their supplier selection process, leading to long-term benefits for both the environment and the institution.

Social implications

Collaboration toward integration of green sustainability into supplier selection necessitates engagement with various relevant green stakeholders, including suppliers, customers, government bodies, colleagues in sister institutions and environmental advocacy groups. This fosters a sense of shared responsibility and collective action toward sustainability goals.

Originality/value

This study offers empirical evidence on the impact of collaboration on supplier selection and green sustainability performance, contributing to the existing body of literature. By analyzing collaboration, a perspective of GRC, toward the integration of green sustainability into supplier selection is considered as a novel study.
Prediction of hydrodynamic behavior of impinging Glycerin hollow droplet on a concave surface using jet counter and dynamic contact angle
Authors: Sayyari Hossein , Peiravi Mohammad Mohsen , Alinejad Javad
Published: December 2024

Purpose

This study aims to study hollow droplet collisions for their hydrodynamic behavior and jet properties.

Design/methodology/approach

The volume of fluid (VOF) method was used to simulate a hollow impact using OpenFoam software (VOF).

Findings

The height of the edge-jet decreased as the air diameter (d) and length of the concave surface (L) increased. Height is specific for case 1 at t = 4 ms and its value is 3 mm. The minimum height is 0.585 mm in case 5. Also, the length of the edge-jet changed with time and decreased with the increasing length of concave and air diameter. The maximum length observed in case 1 was 9.23 mm, and the minimum appeared in case 5, in which the length was 0.68 mm.

Originality/value

The impact of a hollow droplet on a solid concave surface was numerically analyzed in this paper at various lengths of surface and shell thicknesses.
Engineer CEOs and corporate investment efficiency
Authors: Weerasinghe Ashesha Paveena , Dissanayake Sulochana
Published: December 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to examine whether CEOs with an engineering background increase corporate investment efficiency (CIE). The authors further investigate the role of engineering directors on boards of the above association.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing from upper-echelon theory, which suggests that corporate outcomes are a reflection of its top management characteristics, the authors hypothesise a positive association between engineer CEOs and CIE and a positive moderation role of the proportion of engineer directors on boards in the above association. The authors examine this link using a sample of Australian Securities Exchange 200 firms from 2015 to 2022. Engineer CEO data is hand-collected from corporate annual report biographies and investment efficiency is a measure that captures whether the investments are maintained at optimal levels relative to industry-year benchmarks, following the approaches of Biddle et al. (2009), Chen et al. (2011) and the average values of both models.

Findings

The results indicate support for the hypotheses, revealing that firms managed by engineer CEOs have higher investment efficiency than their counterpart firms. This association is exacerbated in the presence of a higher proportion of engineer directors on boards. The results are robust to year and industry-fixed effects, propensity score matching, alternative measures of investment efficiency and robust standard errors. Our results also remain valid for an industry sub-sample using certain industries in which engineering expertise maybe more desirable (e.g. metals and mining).

Research limitations/implications

By showing that engineer CEOs are significantly associated with CIE, the authors contribute to upper-echelon literature examining the link between CEO characteristics and corporate outcomes, particularly, investment decision efficiency. The influence of engineering background on corporate outcomes is less examined in the literature; thus, the authors contribute to this thin literature.

Originality/value

The findings are informative to potential investors in evaluating firms’ investment efficiency before investing in firms. For example, firms with engineer CEOs are likely to maintain efficient investment levels in future years.
The legacy effects of afforestation facilitate the maintenance of microbial C:N:P stoichiometric homeostasis amid land use change
Authors: Zheng Jingmei , Feng Jiao , Wen Shuhai , Song Yanting , Liu Zhongwen , Yu Dailin , Huang Qiaoyun , Liu Yu‐Rong
Published: December 2024

Anthropogenic activities are altering the land cover of terrestrial ecosystems, wherein the influences of prior land use types on edaphic properties and soil microbes (i.e. legacy effects) may persist, influencing the soil processes of current ecosystems. However, the legacy effects of land use types on microbial homeostasis in terms of carbon (C), nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) stoichiometry remain greatly unknown, despite its pivotal roles in driving soil nutrient cycling.

Here, we conducted a combined 35‐year of observational study with a short‐term soil‐microbe interactive inoculation experiment following afforestation in central China. Specifically, microbial communities from long‐term afforested soils (including shrubland and woodland, with adjacent cropland as the control) were extracted and then inoculated into soils across different land use types, in order to examine the legacy effects of priori land use on the current ecosystems.

We showed that microbial communities in the woodland had more homeostatic C:N:P stoichiometric ratios when inoculated into soils across different land use types, compared to microbes originating from the cropland and shrubland. Further analyses revealed that changes in the composition of microbial community explained most of the variations in the C:P and N:P stoichiometric gaps between the microbial community and soil resources. Specifically, the C:P and N:P stoichiometric gaps showed positive relationships with the proportions of microbial r‐strategists that had fast‐growing life histories (e.g., Alphaproteobacteria, Bacteroidota and Firmicutes). Moreover, variations in the C:N and C:P stoichiometric gaps exhibited positive associations with N‐ and P‐acquisition enzyme activities, as well as microbial respiration.

Our findings indicate that microbial efforts to maintain homeostatic C:N:P stoichiometry accelerate nutrient cycling in woodland, which may also involve energy costs and elevate C expenditure following afforestation. These results underscore the significance of ecological memory of historical land use in regulating microbial C:N:P stoichiometry, with important implications for the fate of soil C under land use changes.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Invasion stress mitigates climate stress in a brackish marsh amphipod
Authors: Haworth Lorna E. , Nancollas Sarah , Landa Susie N. , Todgham Anne E. , Tanner Richelle L.
Published: December 2024

Organisms in coastal brackish ecosystems face not only highly variable environmental conditions, but the intensity and stochasticity of these environmental conditions are anticipated to increase due to climate change. While environmental changes are often presented unilaterally as stressors, there are some anthropogenic environmental transformations, such as the introduction of habitat forming plant species, that may mitigate physiological stress imposed by warming. In Suisun Marsh in the California Delta, native plant canopies allow light and heat to penetrate to the understory yet the canopies of the introduced Phragmites australis reed block out sunlight and heat for organisms living below.

We set out to understand the physiological performance of mud‐dwelling invertebrates in this context: can invasion stress mitigate climate stress? We raised field collected Gammarus amphipods in the laboratory under simulated ‘native canopy’ and ‘Phragmites canopy’ temperature/light conditions based on data from our field environmental loggers. We assessed survival, body mass, fecundity, glycogen and protein content every 2 weeks from our lab population of amphipods.

We found that amphipods raised under the Phragmites conditions had better survival, greater stores of protein, and similar body mass and stores of glycogen, which could positively impact available food resource quality for juvenile fishes.

We support this with field data showing higher use of Phragmites canopies by amphipods, especially in the water column, across the year of sampling.

Synthesis and applications: Understanding the potential benefits of Phragmites as climate stress refugia can inform management decisions around its mitigation in future restoration.
Re‐arrest immediately after return of spontaneous circulation: A retrospective observational study of in‐hospital cardiac arrest
Authors: Unneland Eirik , Norvik Anders , Bergum Daniel , Buckler David G. , Bhardwaj Abhishek , Eftestøl Trygve Christian , Aramendi Elisabete , Nordseth Trond , Abella Benjamin S. , Kvaløy Jan Terje , Skogvoll Eirik
Published: December 2024

Background

Patients who achieve return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) after in‐hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA) may re‐arrest. This phenomenon has not been sufficiently investigated. The aim of this study was to examine the immediate (1‐min) and short‐term (20‐min) risks of re‐arrest in IHCA.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed four datasets of IHCA episodes, comprising defibrillator recordings collected between 2002 and 2022. Re‐arrest was defined as the resumption of chest compressions following a period of ROSC after cardiac arrest of any duration. Parametric models were applied to calculate the immediate risk of re‐arrest. In addition, we estimated the short‐term risk of re‐arrest within 20 min.

Results

In 763 episodes of IHCA, we observed 316 re‐arrests: 68% to pulseless electrical activity (PEA), 25% to ventricular fibrillation/ventricular tachycardia (VF/VT), and 7% to asystole. Most re‐arrests occurred with the same rhythm as in the initial arrest. When ROSC was achieved from a non‐shockable rhythm, the risk of re‐arrest to a non‐shockable rhythm was initially 2% per minute and decreased to 1% per minute after 9 min. The corresponding risk of re‐arrest to VF/VT was constant at 2% per minute. If ROSC was obtained from a shockable rhythm, the risk of re‐arrest to a shockable rhythm was initially 5% per minute, decreasing to 4% per minute after 9 min. The corresponding risk to a non‐shockable rhythm was constant at 1% per minute. The risk of re‐arrest within 20 min was 27%, and the overall risk of at least one re‐arrest per episode was 33%.

Conclusions

The immediate risk of re‐arrest was approximately 2% per minute, with the highest risk occurring as a reversion to VF/VT if ROSC was obtained from VF/VT. The risk of re‐arrest within 20 min of the initial arrest was 27%, and the overall risk of at least one re‐arrest per episode was 33%.
Gender‐stereotypical attribution of fear and fearlessness in preschool children
Authors: Kelesidou Sofia , Bonoti Fotini , Abakoumkin Georgios , Misailidi Plousia
Published: December 2024

Fear and fearlessness are two distinct emotional responses that can occur when a person faces a potentially dangerous situation. These responses seem to be linked to gender stereotypes (fearful female and fearless male). This study examines whether preschool children attribute fear and fearlessness stereotypically in relation to gender and whether their attributions vary as a function of age and gender. One hundred and twenty children (60 boys and 60 girls) aged 3, 4 and 5 years participated in this study. We examined children's gender‐stereotypical performance through emotional scenarios and drawing tasks involving fear and fearlessness conditions. The results showed that children's performance was equally stereotypical in the two conditions. An age effect was found: children's gender stereotypical attributions increased with age. The results showed no differences in children's stereotypical performance in regards to their gender and task type (emotional scenarios and drawing tasks). The significance and implications of these findings are discussed in the context of gender‐emotion stereotypes.
From farms to tables: Quantifying the effect of emissions pricing on canadian food prices
Authors: Tombe Trevor , Winter Jennifer
Published: December 2024

We examine the effect of emissions pricing on the cost of Canadian food. We describe emissions pricing policies relevant to the agriculture and food sectors and the differing design details of various provincial systems and the federal Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act. To quantify the potential effect of such policies, we use a detailed input‐output model of Canada's economy to estimate both the direct and indirect cost increases across sectors. We also explore how exemptions and policy design can mitigate what would otherwise be larger effects. In particular, imported inputs, generous exemptions for most direct emissions in primary agriculture, and special provisions for large industrial emitters all dampen the effect. Overall, we find that emissions pricing at $80 per tonne could potentially increase the cost of domestically produced food by approximately 0.8% on average. Combined with imported food that is not directly affected by emissions pricing, we find an average effect of approximately 0.5%. While we abstract from general equilibrium responses, our analysis suggests emissions pricing in Canada has only a modest effect on food costs.
Faecal immunochemical tests for patients with symptoms suggestive of colorectal cancer: An updated systematic review and multiple‐threshold meta‐analysis of diagnostic test accuracy studies
Authors: Harnan Sue , Hamilton Jean , Simpson Emma , Clowes Mark , Biz Aline Navega , Whyte Sophie , Ren Shijie , Cooper Katy , Abulafi Muti , Ball Alex , Benton Sally , Booth Richard , Carten Rachel , Edgar Stephanie , Hamilton Willie , Kurien Matthew , Merriman Louise , Monahan Kevin , Heathcote Laura , Jones Hayley E. , Stevenson Matt
Published: December 2024

Aim

Extending faecal immunochemical tests for haemoglobin (FIT) to all primary care patients with symptoms suggestive of colorectal cancer (CRC) could identify people who are likely to benefit from colonoscopy and facilitate earlier treatment. The aim of this work was to investigate the diagnostic accuracy of FIT across different analysers at different thresholds, as a single test or in duplicate (dual FIT).

Method

This systematic review and meta‐analysis searched 10 sources (December 2022). Diagnostic accuracy studies of HM‐JACKarc, OC‐Sensor, FOB Gold, QuikRead go, NS‐Prime and four Immunodiagnostik (IDK) tests in primary care patients were included. Risk of bias was assessed (QUADAS‐2). Statistical syntheses produced summary estimates of sensitivity and specificity at any chosen threshold for CRC, inflammatory bowel disease and advanced adenomas separately. Sensitivity analyses investigated reference standard and population type (high, low or all‐risk). Subgroup analyses investigated patient characteristics (e.g. anaemia, age, sex, ethnicity).

Results

Thirty‐seven studies were included. At a threshold of 10 μg/g, pooled results for sensitivity and specificity (95% credible intervals) for CRC, respectively, were: HM‐JACKarc (n = 16 studies) 89.5% (84.6%–93.4%) and 82.8% (75.2%–89.6%); OC‐Sensor (n = 11 studies) 89.8% (85.9%–93.3%) and 77.6% (64.3%–88.6%); FOB Gold (n = 3 studies), 87.0% (67.3%–98.3%) and 88.4% (81.7%–94.2%). There were limited or no data on the other tests, dual FIT and relating to patient characteristics.

Conclusion

Test sensitivity at a threshold of 10 μg/g highlights a requirement for adequate safeguards in test‐negative patients with ongoing symptoms. Further research is needed into the impact of patient characteristics and dual FIT.
ChatGPT as a patient education tool in colorectal cancer—An in‐depth assessment of efficacy, quality and readability
Authors: Siu Adrian H. Y. , Gibson Damien P. , Chiu Chris , Kwok Allan , Irwin Matt , Christie Adam , Koh Cherry E. , Keshava Anil , Reece Mifanwy , Suen Michael , Rickard Matthew J. F. X.
Published: December 2024

Aim

Artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots such as Chat Generative Pretrained Transformer‐4 (ChatGPT‐4) have made significant strides in generating human‐like responses. Trained on an extensive corpus of medical literature, ChatGPT‐4 has the potential to augment patient education materials. These chatbots may be beneficial to populations considering a diagnosis of colorectal cancer (CRC). However, the accuracy and quality of patient education materials are crucial for informed decision‐making. Given workforce demands impacting holistic care, AI chatbots can bridge gaps in CRC information, reaching wider demographics and crossing language barriers. However, rigorous evaluation is essential to ensure accuracy, quality and readability. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the efficacy, quality and readability of answers generated by ChatGPT‐4 on CRC, utilizing patient‐style question prompts.

Method

To evaluate ChatGPT‐4, eight CRC‐related questions were derived using peer‐reviewed literature and Google Trends. Eight colorectal surgeons evaluated AI responses for accuracy, safety, appropriateness, actionability and effectiveness. Quality was assessed using validated tools: the Patient Education Materials Assessment Tool (PEMAT‐AI), modified DISCERN (DISCERN‐AI) and Global Quality Score (GQS). A number of readability assessments were measured including Flesch Reading Ease (FRE) and the Gunning Fog Index (GFI).

Results

The responses were generally accurate (median 4.00), safe (4.25), appropriate (4.00), actionable (4.00) and effective (4.00). Quality assessments rated PEMAT‐AI as ‘very good’ (71.43), DISCERN‐AI as ‘fair’ (12.00) and GQS as ‘high’ (4.00). Readability scores indicated difficulty (FRE 47.00, GFI 12.40), suggesting a higher educational level was required.

Conclusion

This study concludes that ChatGPT‐4 is capable of providing safe but nonspecific medical information, suggesting its potential as a patient education aid. However, enhancements in readability through contextual prompting and fine‐tuning techniques are required before considering implementation into clinical practice.
Mining User Study Data to Judge the Merit of a Model for Supporting User‐Specific Explanations of AI Systems
Authors: Chambers Owen , Cohen Robin , Grossman Maura R. , Hebert Liam , Awad Elias
Published: December 2024

In this paper, we present a model for supporting user‐specific explanations of AI systems. We then discuss a user study that was conducted to gauge whether the decisions for adjusting output to users with certain characteristics was confirmed to be of value to participants. We focus on the merit of having explanations attuned to particular psychological profiles of users, and the value of having different options for the level of explanation that is offered (including allowing for no explanation, as one possibility). Following the description of the study, we present an approach for mining data from user participant responses in order to determine whether the model that was developed for varying the output to users was well‐founded. While our results in this respect are preliminary, we explain how using varied machine learning methods is of value as a concrete step toward validation of specific approaches for AI explanation. We conclude with a discussion of related work and some ideas for new directions with the research, in the future.
Extensive Leg Ulcers in a Patient With Monoclonal Gammopathy
Authors: Moreau Carlos Manuel Martorell , González Beatriz Bartolomé , Oblitas Alberto Danilo Escobar , Sarrias Carlos Saus
Published: December 2024

A 60‐year‐old male was admitted from the emergency department with extensive leg ulcers and polyarticular joint pain. Cryocrystalglobulinemia was diagnosed through positive cryoglobulin studies and characteristic histopathological findings. Treatment with bortezomib led to complete clinical resolution. Cryocrystalglobulinemia poses diagnostic and management challenges, highlighting the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration for optimal patient care.
Precision medicine in type 1 diabetes: comparing metabolic outcomes of Control‐IQ and MiniMed 780G according to patient characteristics
Authors: Gargouri Imene , Charfi Hana , Belabed Wafa , Outenah Cécilia , Pochat Armelle , Touimer Menaouar , Huynh Pascaline , Petit Catherine , Lejeune Marie , Eroukhmanoff Juliette , Ly Sall Khadijatou , Penfornis Alfred , Amadou Coralie
Published: December 2024

Aims

This study aimed to compare 12‐month metabolic outcomes in patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D) treated with either MiniMed 780G (Guardian 4) or Control‐IQ (Dexcom G6) automated insulin delivery (AID) systems and identify interaction with patient characteristics.

Materials and Methods

We conducted a single‐centre, retrospective study including all patients (aged ≥16) with T1D who were started on either MiniMed 780G or Control‐IQ between January 2021 and October 2022 and continued for ≥12 months. We used propensity score matching to compare the average marginal effects between MiniMed 780G and Control‐IQ regarding the primary outcome (time in range [TIR]) and secondary outcomes (time below range [TBR], glucose monitoring indicator [GMI] and coefficient of variation [CV]) after 12 months. We tested for interaction effects between baseline characteristics (age, sex, socio‐professional background, body mass index, insulin daily dose, carbohydrate counting practice) and treatment effect.

Results

We included 245 patients (58% women): 178 treated with Control‐IQ and 67 with MiniMed 780G. The mean ± SD age and haemoglobin A1c were 39 ± 15 years and 8.7 ± 1.8% (72 ± 20 mmol/mol) respectively. In the propensity score‐matched sample (n = 221), we observed significant differences in 12‐month TIR (MiniMed 780G minus Control‐IQ [95% CI]: 6.4 [3.4;9.5]), GMI (−0.42 [−0.59; −0.25]) and CV (−2.12 [−3.68; −0.55]), while TBR showed no significant difference (−0.04 [−0.47; +0.40]). The 12‐month TIR difference was consistent across subgroups, including baseline carbohydrate counting characteristics.

Conclusion

MiniMed 780G is associated with moderate metabolic superiority compared to Control‐IQ, without interaction with patient characteristics. These results suggest that neither model is more appropriate for certain populations, particularly patients without carbohydrate counting practice.
Identification of adipose tissue‐derived exosomal microRNA as a novel causal biomarker for cognitive impairment in type 2 diabetes mellitus: Triangulating evidence from Mendelian randomization and multicentre population studies
Authors: Yang Sijue , Yuan Yue , Zhang Bing , Wu Tianyu , Yu Congcong , Li Fangyi , Zhu Wenhui , Zhai Beibei , Zhang Wen , Wang Jin , Zhang Zhou , Bi Yan
Published: December 2024

Aims

To explore serum exosomal microRNAs (miRNAs) as risk biomarkers for early detection of cognitive impairment in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients.

Materials and Methods

This study included two phases: a discovery phase and a validation phase. To detect adipose tissue exosomal biomarkers for T2DM patients, small RNA sequencing was conducted on a discovery population consisting of six T2DM patients and five subjects with normal glucose tolerance. To identify miRNAs with causal effects on cognitive impairment, Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis using publicly available genome wide association studies (GWAS) datasets was performed. Relationships between serum exosomal miRNAs and cognitive impairment were evaluated in a training population of 207 T2DM patients, and further validated in an external population of 101 T2DM patients from multiple centres.

Results

In the discovery phase, 13 exosomal miRNAs were significantly upregulated in adipose tissue of T2DM patients. MR analyses identified that increased miR‐125a‐5p was causally associated with increased Alzheimer's disease (AD) risk (OR = 1.231, 95% CI 1.062–1.426). In the validation phase, higher serum exosomal miR‐125a‐5p levels were related to increased amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) risk (OR = 1.066, 95% CI 1.030–1.103) and reduced left hippocampal body volume (r = −0.189, p < 0.05), achieving an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.728 for identifying aMCI in T2DM patients. External validation confirmed a diagnostic AUC of 0.738.

Conclusions

Serum exosomal miR‐125a‐5p derived from adipose tissue can serve as a causal biomarker for cognitive impairment in T2DM patients.
Effects of sodium‐glucose cotransporter‐2 inhibitors in myocardial infarction patients: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Jia Qiufeng , Zuo Ankai , Song Hui , Zhang Chengrui , Fu Xiangrui , Hu Keqing , An Fengshuang
Published: December 2024

Aims

Sodium‐glucose cotransporter‐2 (SGLT2) inhibitors are known to improve cardiovascular outcomes in individuals with heart failure (HF), type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, their efficacy following myocardial infarction (MI) remains unclear.

Materials and Methods

A systematic search was conducted using PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science and ClinicalTrials.gov. Primary outcomes included hospitalization for heart failure (HHF), cardiovascular (CV) death, a composite of HHF or CV death, all‐cause death, major cardiovascular events (MACE), recurrent MI, severe arrhythmia, renal injury and stroke. Secondary outcomes targeted improvements in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and left ventricular end‐diastolic volume (LVEDV).

Results

Thirteen studies comprising 22 370 patients were included. Meta‐analysis revealed that SGLT2 inhibitors reduced HHF (RR 0.69, 95% CI 0.61 to 0.78, p < 0.001), combined HHF or CV death (RR 0.87, 95% CI 0.77 to 0.99, p = 0.028), all‐cause mortality (RR 0.82, 95% CI 0.73 to 0.93, p = 0.002), MACE (RR 0.68, 95% CI 0.53 to 0.88, p = 0.004), recurrent MI (RR 0.81, 95% CI 0.69 to 0.94, p = 0.007), severe arrhythmia (RR 0.54, 95% CI 0.34 to 0.85, p = 0.009) and renal injury (RR 0.68, 95% CI 0.53 to 0.87, p = 0.002). Improvement in LVEF (MD 3.96%, 95% CI 2.52 to 5.40; p < 0.001) and LVEDV (MD −5.52 mL, 95% CI −10.21 to −0.83; p = 0.021) was notably greater in the SGLT2 inhibitors group.

Conclusions

In post‐MI patients, we first found that SGLT2 inhibitors significantly lowered the risk of HHF, combined CV death or HHF, all‐cause death, MACE, recurrent MI, severe arrhythmias and renal injury. Additionally, SGLT2 inhibitors improved LVEF and LVEDV.
Metformin lowers risk of hearing loss and mortality in type 2 diabetes
Authors: Huang Chun‐Chih , Hsu Rui‐Fong , Chen Wan‐Ming , Shia Ben‐Chang , Wu Szu‐Yuan , Huang Chun‐Chi
Published: December 2024

Aims

To assess the association between metformin use and the risk of sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) in patients with Type 2 diabetes (T2D), a population at elevated risk for SSNHL.

Materials and Methods

This cohort study utilized data from Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research Database, following T2D patients from 2008 to 202 database's baseline. Metformin use was defined as achieving ≥80% of the medication possession ratio (MPR) and ≥28 cumulative defined daily doses (cDDD) within three months. The control group included patients with ≥80% MPR from other antidiabetic agents, ensuring active treatment comparability. Propensity score matching was applied to balance covariates, while competing risk models accounted for mortality. Hazard ratios (HRs), incidence rates (IRs), and incidence rate ratios (IRRs) were calculated.

Results

Metformin users demonstrated a lower SSNHL incidence (IR: 11.48 per 10,000 person‐years) compared to non‐users (IR: 15.66 per 10,000 person‐years), with an IRR of 0.73 (95% CI: 0.66–0.82; p < 0.0001). Adjusted HRs indicated a 27% reduction in SSNHL risk (HR: 0.73; 95% CI: 0.66–0.82). Higher cumulative doses (Q4: HR 0.36; 95% CI: 0.29–0.46) and daily doses ≥1 DDD (HR: 0.78; 95% CI: 0.69–0.87) were linked to further risk reductions. Metformin use was also associated with lower overall mortality.

Conclusions

Metformin use is associated with a dose‐dependent reduction in SSNHL risk and lower mortality in T2D patients. The rigorous definitions of metformin exposure and an actively treated comparator group emphasize these findings, suggesting metformin's potential role in SSNHL prevention and improved survival.
TP53 Mutation Is the Only Robust Mutational Biomarker for Outcome Found in a Consecutive Clinical Cohort of Real‐Word Patients With Primary Large B‐Cell Lymphoma
Authors: Breinholt Marie Fredslund , Schejbel Lone , Gang Anne Ortved , Christensen Ib Jarle , Nielsen Torsten Holm , Pedersen Lars Møller , Høgdall Estrid , Nørgaard Peter
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Large B‐cell lymphoma (LBCL) taxonomy has moved in the direction of a molecular classification, but further clinical experience is needed. We present high‐risk gene mutations, which predict outcome in an exploratory study of a consecutive real‐world cohort of patients with primary LBCL treated with R‐CHOP or R‐CHOP‐like therapy.

Methods

The study was a Registry Study Research Project. Sixty‐one patients with LBCL, who had a diagnostic tumor sample successfully examined with a 59‐gene next‐generation sequencing (NGS) panel as a part of routine clinical work, were included in an otherwise unselected cohort. Data were extracted from patient files and pathology reports.

Results

Mutations in NOTCH2 (HR 9.69; 95% CI [2.46–38.11]; p = 0.0012), PRDM1 (HR 3.54; 95% CI [1.03–12.22]; p = 0.045), and TP53 (HR 5.89; 95% CI [1.71–20.32]; p = 0.005) were significantly associated with inferior survival in patients with primary LBCL treated with intention to cure with at least three series of R‐CHOP or R‐CHOP‐like therapy. Neither MYD88 (HR 0.66; 95% CI (0.17–2.49), p = 0.54) nor CD79B (HR 0.84;95% CI (0.18–3.88), p = 0.82) mutations were associated with inferior survival.

Conclusion

With a targeted gene panel and NGS methodology feasible in daily diagnostic routine, we identified high‐risk gene mutations with a significant prognostic impact of which TP53 mutations were reproducible across validation cohorts.
Effects of Trophic State on the Composition and Distribution of Bacteria in the Surface Sediments of Lake Taihu
Authors: Zhang Zhihao , Tao Yuqiang , Yu Ning
Published: December 2024

1. The trophic state of water significantly affects the structure of bacterial communities in sediments. The direct and indirect impacts of trophic state, along with trophic‐induced changes in the properties of organic matter, on the composition and distribution of bacteria in sediments, remain largely unknown.

2. We collected surface sediments from 21 sites across five areas of Lake Taihu, the third largest freshwater lake in China. These sites represented a range of trophic states from mesotrophic to moderately eutrophic. We investigated how trophic state influences bacterial composition and distribution in the surface sediments of Lake Taihu.

3. Proteobacteria, Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes were the most abundant phyla identified in the DNA sequences of surface sediments from the sampling sites in Lake Taihu, regardless of the water trophic state. The relative abundance of Proteobacteria and Firmicutes in the surface sediments increased with trophic level index (TLI) of the water column. In contrast, the relative abundance of Bacteroidetes, Acidobacteria and Fibrinobacteria decreased with increasing TLI. The α‐biodiversity of the sediment bacterial community in Lake Taihu did not vary significantly among different water trophic states. However, surface sediments from sites with varied trophic states exhibited different groups of bacteria that were either specifically present or in higher relative abundance.

4. Several factors influenced the sediment bacterial communities in Lake Taihu, including sediment total nitrogen, sediment total phosphorus, sediment organic carbon, δ13C and trophic state. However, the primary influencing factors varied between sites and trophic states. For mesotrophic states, sediment organic carbon was the most important factor, while for moderately eutrophic states, trophic state was the most significant factor.

5. Our findings provide evidence for both the direct and indirect influences of water trophic state on the composition and distribution of bacteria in sediments.
Artificial Light Increases Nighttime Prevalence of Predatory Fishes, Altering Community Composition on Coral Reefs
Authors: Weschke Emma , Schligler Jules , Hely Isla , Roost Thibaut , Schies Jo‐Ann , Williams Ben , Dworzanski Bartosz , Mills Suzanne C. , Beldade Ricardo , Simpson Stephen D. , Radford Andrew N.
Published: December 2024

Artificial light at night (ALAN) is an anthropogenic pollutant that is intensifying and expanding in marine environments, but experimental studies of community‐level effects are generally lacking. The inshore, shallow, and clear‐water locations of coral reefs and their diverse photosensitive inhabitants make these ecosystems highly susceptible to biological disturbances; at the same time, their biodiversity and accessibility make them model systems for wider insight. Here, we experimentally manipulated ALAN using underwater LED lights on a Polynesian reef system to investigate the influence on localised nighttime fish communities compared to control sites without ALAN. We collected infrared video censuses of baseline communities prior to manipulation, which we repeated following short‐term (mean of three nights) and prolonged (mean of 25 nights) exposures to ALAN. Short‐term ALAN exposure did not induce any significant alterations to the nighttime fish community, but prolonged ALAN exposure increased nighttime species richness. Species compositions exposed to prolonged ALAN were more dissimilar from their baseline compared to control sites. The difference between community compositions at prolonged ALAN exposure and control sites was not apparent at the family level; instead, it was observed from the composition of trait guilds. Following prolonged ALAN exposure, more diurnal and nocturnal predatory species (piscivores, invertivores, and planktivores)—particularly those that are site‐attached or mobile within reefs—were present in nighttime assemblages. Our experimental findings show that coastal ALAN could cause trophic imbalances and circadian disturbances in localised nighttime reef fish communities. Given that community‐wide consequences were only apparent after prolonged ALAN exposure suggests that management of the duration of artificial lighting could potentially be used to reduce impacts on marine ecosystems.
Survival of 13 Forage Legumes in Contrasting Environments of Central Otago, New Zealand
Authors: Bell Lucy E. , Moir Jim L. , Black Alistair D.
Published: December 2024

The lack of suitable perennial and annual forage legumes strongly constrains the productivity and sustainability of upland grasslands in New Zealand. Legumes support sustainable grassland production through nitrogen fixation and increased yields. However, traditional legume species such as white clover (Trifolium repens L.) struggle to persist within New Zealand's upland climatic and edaphic conditions characterised by acid, low fertility soils and short growing seasons. To address this challenge, we assessed the survival of 13 forage legume species over 2 years at three field sites across Central Otago, capturing the districts varied precipitation and temperature profiles. Legume survival rates, biomass and weather data were measured. Notably, lotus (Lotus pedunculatus Cav.) exhibited 100% survival over the 2 years on high altitude acidic, low fertility soils, whereas other perennial legume species showed limited persistence (0%–55% survival) and low biomass production. Crimson clover (Trifolium incarnatum L.) had the greatest Year 1 establishment and biomass of annual legumes species at low and medium rainfall sites. Moreover, strong Year 1 seed set and subsequent regeneration in Year 2 were observed for crimson clover, striated clover (Trifolium striatum L.), and subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum L.) (cvs. Denmark and Narrikup). These findings underscore the potential of these annual legume species in dryland environments due to their regeneration capacity before summer drought onset. Climate emerged as a pivotal determinant influencing the viability of less resilient species across all trial locations. Lotus and crimson clover are alternative legume species with the potential to enhance sustainable grassland productivity in New Zealand's upland farming systems.
Real‐World Data on Patients With Acquired Haemophilia A in Japan Undergoing Rehabilitation or With Low Activities of Daily Living Scores: The ORIHIME II Study
Authors: Ogawa Yoshiyuki , Amano Kagehiro , Sugao Yoshimasa , Nosaka Daisuke , Murakami Yoichi , Adachi Hiroki , Nogami Keiji
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Acquired haemophilia A (AHA) is characterized by the development of autoantibodies against factor VIII, reducing its activity and potentially resulting in bleeding.

Aim

To assess the characteristics of people with AHA undergoing rehabilitation and/or with low activities of daily living (ADL) scores, thereby characterizing unmet needs in the management of AHA and informing treatment optimization.

Methods

ORIHIME II, the largest epidemiological and treatment survey of AHA in Japan, is a descriptive, retrospective, observational study conducted using health claims data from April 2008 to October 2021. The primary outcome measures were rehabilitation practice and ADL scores on hospital admission and discharge; use of haemostatic agents and immunosuppressive therapy were also assessed.

Results

Overall, 427 patients in Japan were eligible for the study. Median (Q1–Q3) age was 78.0 (70.0–84.0) years; 264 patients (61.8%) were male. Median (Q1–Q3) time to start rehabilitation was 9 (4–21) and 14 (6–31) days for those with an admission ADL score of <85 and ≥85, respectively. Of the 427 patients, 249 underwent rehabilitation. The most common rehabilitation type was for disuse syndrome; haemostatic agents were more commonly used in patients undergoing earlier rehabilitation.

Conclusion

The physical condition of the patient at hospitalization was associated with rehabilitation practice and the ability of the patient to perform day‐to‐day activities independently. Treatment strategies should be optimized to allow initiation of rehabilitation as early as possible in the course of AHA.
Pain‐Related Quality of Life Outcomes in People With Haemophilia A Receiving Emicizumab: A Post Hoc Analysis of the HAVEN 1, 3 and 4 and STASEY Studies
Authors: Hermans Cedric , Skinner Mark W. , Gentile Brittany , Lim Elise , Minhas Miranda , Moreno Katya , Tzeng Eunice , Buckner Tyler W.
Published: December 2024

Introduction

People with haemophilia A (PwHA) experience acute and chronic pain associated with reduced quality of life (QoL).

Aims

This post hoc analysis of pooled data from the HAVEN 1 (NCT02622321), 3 (NCT02847637), 4 (NCT03020160) and STASEY (NCT0319179) studies assessed the impact of emicizumab prophylaxis on pain‐related QoL in PwHA.

Methods

PwHA received emicizumab during the four studies. In this analysis, pain was assessed using patient‐reported responses to pain‐specific questions from the Haem‐A‐QoL/Haemo‐QoL‐SF and the pain/discomfort dimension of the EQ‐5D‐5L. Responses were recorded at baseline and at regular intervals for up to 78 weeks following treatment initiation. Additional analyses evaluated the population with target joints at baseline, and the overall population stratified by age, factor (F)VIII inhibitor status and prior treatment.

Results

At the data cut‐off, 504 PwHA had been treated across the four studies; 464 and 470 completed the Haem‐A‐QoL/Haemo‐QoL‐SF and the EQ‐5D‐5L, respectively. Improvements in pain‐related QoL were observed by Week 13 of emicizumab prophylaxis and maintained through Week 78. In the overall population, responses of ‘never/rarely’ for ‘my swellings hurt’ and ‘pain in joints’ increased from 37.0% and 30.0% at baseline to 84.0% and 61.0% by Week 13, suggesting reductions in acute and chronic pain, respectively. Similar improvements were seen in the target joint population, and across all strata. Greater improvements were observed in younger versus older PwHA.

Conclusion

Pain‐related QoL improved with emicizumab prophylaxis regardless of target joints, age, FVIII inhibitor status or prior treatment. Haemophilia‐specific assessments are needed to accurately capture and characterize pain in PwHA.
Factors Influencing the Oral Health Behaviours of Autistic Children and Young People: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Erwin Jo , Neill Sarah , Vassallo Tara , Vassallo Isaac , Witton Rob , Paisi Martha
Published: December 2024

Background

Poor oral health (OH) in childhood can cause pain, affect quality of life and significantly impact adult OH. Autistic children and young people (CYP) experience inequalities in OH and are at higher risk of cavities and gum disease than neurotypical CYP.

Objective

To provide evidence and insights into the factors affecting the OH behaviours of ACYP from the perspective of ACYP, their parents/carers and Dental Health Professionals (DHPs).

Method

Semi‐structured online or face‐to‐face interviews were conducted with CYP, parents/carers and DHPs in Southwest England.

Results

Nineteen ACYP (aged 5–18 years old), 20 parents/carers and 16 DHPs were interviewed. The themes identified were as follows: Sensory sensitivities and diet; Toothbrushing ‘battles’; Coping with the stresses of daily life in a neurotypical world; Awareness of autism and understanding of challenges to good OH; The impact on parents of trying to care their child's OH; CYP and parent/carers difficulties in obtaining OH support; What ‘good support’ looks like.

Conclusions

An increased awareness among DHPs, health and social care professionals of autism and the challenges to OH that CYP face is needed. Providing early support, strategies and resources to CYP and their parents/carers has the potential to help establish positive OH behaviours.

Public Contribution

The research team worked closely with members of the autistic community on this project. The methods used in this project were developed together with a research advisory group which included four ACYP (aged 9–17) and their parents. The team also worked with members of a youth club for ACYP aged 10–17 years old. All research documents and materials were co‐produced. Members of the advisory group (T.V. and I.V.) contributed to the interpretation of the research findings and the writing of this manuscript.
Crystallographic assessment and thermal expansion fine‐tuning of quartz solid solutions in the ZnO–MgO–Al2O3–SiO2 system
Authors: Da Fonseca Beatriz Paiva , Helsch Gundula , Zandonà Alessio , Deubener Joachim
Published: December 2024

Glass powders with compositions within the ZnO–MgO–Al2O3–SiO2 system (without the addition of nucleating agents) were synthesized by spray‐drying and carefully crystallized to obtain stuffed quartz solid solutions (Qz‐ss). The substitution of Zn by Mg causes an increase in the crystallization temperature and the composition of Qz‐ss varies during their formation, highlighting a nonisochemical precipitation with respect to the parent glass. A change from a low‐temperature modification of Qz‐ss to a high‐temperature modification was visible for Qz‐ss containing 80 or 90 mol% SiO2. The high‐temperature modification of Mg‐ and (Zn,Mg)‐Qz‐ss displays negative thermal expansion for SiO2 content equal to 90 mol%, but a positive one for 80 and 67 mol%. In contrast, the high‐temperature modifications of Zn‐Qz‐ss show a negative thermal expansion for the three SiO2 contents studied. The properties of (Zn,Mg)‐Qz‐ss containing 67 mol% SiO2 cannot be predicted by a linear interpolation between Zn‐Qz‐ss and Mg‐Qz‐ss. A (Zn,Mg)‐Qz‐ss with zero thermal expansion was crystallized by modulating SiO2 content and Mg/Zn ratio.
The effect of local geometry and relative energy on grain boundary area changes during grain growth in SrTiO3
Authors: Muralikrishnan Vivekanand , Xu Zipeng , Rohrer Gregory S. , Krause Amanda R.
Published: December 2024

This study uses high‐energy X‐ray diffraction microscopy of SrTiO3 to identify correlations between grain boundary (GB) area changes and the motion direction of neighboring GBs to investigate interfacial energy minimization mechanisms during grain growth. The local GB area changes were measured near triple lines (TLs) to isolate the effects of neighboring GBs. These area changes were then correlated to the migration direction and curvature of the neighboring GBs present at the TL, providing an alternative metric associated with lateral expansion for describing GB migration. Additionally, this study extracted GB dihedral angles, which reflect the relative GB energy, to test whether low energy GBs replace high energy GBs (i.e., GB replacement mechanism) and, thus, can be used to predict a GB's migration direction. The majority of GBs did not exhibit local area changes reflective of the GB replacement mechanism, and the dihedral angles were not reliable indicators of GB motion. However, the expansion and shrinkage of GBs moving away from their center of curvature was more often consistent with the grain boundary replacement mechanism. These results suggest that growth for certain GB configurations is governed by relative energy differences while others are governed by curvature.