bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gauge invariance of radiative jet functions in the position-space formulation of SCET
Authors: Bodwin Geoffrey T. , Ee June-Haak , Kang Daekyoung , Wang Xiang-Peng
Published: March 2024

In subleading powers of soft-collinear effective theory (SCET), the Lagrangian contains couplings between soft quarks and hard-collinear quarks. Matrix elements of the hard-collinear parts of these couplings are radiative jet functions. In the position-space formulation of SCET, the Lagrangians are constructed from operators that appear to be gauge invariant. Nevertheless, we find violations of gauge invariance arise in the hard-collinear sector because gauge transformations can shift the momentum of a hard-collinear quark field from the hard-collinear sector to the soft sector, where the hard-collinear fields, by definition, have no support. The violations of gauge invariance are manifested in perturbation theory in the hard-collinear sector through the absence of certain Feynman diagrams that would be present in full QCD. A consequence of the absence of these diagrams is that the radiative jet functions that follow directly from the position-space Lagrangians are not gauge invariant, and we demonstrate this through explicit calculations in lower-order perturbation theory. We obtain gauge-invariant Lagrangians by adding to existing position-space Lagrangians terms that are proportional to the soft-quark equation of motion. These gauge-invariant Lagrangians are valid for nonzero, as well as zero, quark masses. We also remark briefly on the gauge invariance of certain Lagrangians that have been constructed in the label-momentum formulation of SCET.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Nontrivial self-consistent backreaction of quantum fields in 2D dilaton gravity
Authors: Akhmedov E. T. , Anempodistov P. A. , Bazarov K. V.
Published: March 2024

We consider (1+1)-dimensional dilatonic black hole with two horizons, canonical temperatures of which do not coincide. We show that the presence of quantum fields in such a background leads to a substantial backreaction on the metric: 2D dilatonic analog of the semiclassical Einstein equations are solved self-consistently, and we demonstrate that taking into account backreaction leads to a geometry with two horizons with coinciding temperatures.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Proton-boron fusion scheme taking into account the effects of target degeneracy
Authors: Liu S. J. , Wu D. , Hu T. X. , Liang T. Y. , Ning X. C. , Liang J. H. , Liu Y. C. , Liu P. , Liu X. , Sheng Z. M. , Zhao Y. T. , Hoffmann D. H. H. , He X. T. , Zhang J.
Published: March 2024

The proton-boron (p-B11) reaction is regarded as the holy grail of advanced fusion fuels, since the primary reaction produces three α particles with few neutrons and induced radioactivities from second order reactions. Compared to the deuterium-tritium reaction a much higher reaction temperature is required. Moreover, bremsstrahlung energy losses due to the high nuclear charge of boron deem it seemingly apparent than a fusion reactor based on deuterium-tritium plasma in equilibrium is to say the least very difficult. It is becoming more appealing to collide intense laser beams or accelerated proton beams with a boron target to produce p-B11 reactions. The fusion yield of p-B11 reactions is closely related to proton beam parameters and boron target conditions such as density, temperature, and ingredients. Degeneracy will increase fusion yields by reducing the stopping power of injected protons. In this work, we suggest a scheme for beam-target p-B11 fusions via injecting a MeV proton beam into a highly compressed quantum degenerated boron target. Such a boron target can be achieved via quasi-isentropic compression of solid boron by using precisely shaped laser pulses. Our results indicate that for densities ranging from 103 to 104ρs, where ρs is the density of solid boron, contributions of bound and free electrons to the stopping of protons can be completely disregarded and dramatically reduced, respectively. The result is an increase in fusion yield by orders of magnitude. Furthermore, in order to achieve multiplication factor F greater than one, with F defined as the ratio of output fusion energy to the energy of injected protons, it is found there exists a minimum possible density of boron target, which is 1.8×105ρs when the kinetic energy of injected protons is 880 keV.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Thermalization universality-class transition induced by Anderson localization
Authors: Zhang Weihua , Lando Gabriel M. , Dietz Barbara , Flach Sergej
Published: March 2024

We study the disorder-induced crossover between the two recently discovered thermalization slowing-down universality classes, characterized by long- and short-range coupling, in classical unitary-circuit maps close to integrability. We compute Lyapunov spectra, which display qualitatively distinct features depending on whether the proximity to the integrable limit is short or long range. For sufficiently small nonlinearity, translationally invariant systems fall into the long-range class. Adding disorder to such a system triggers a transition to the short-range class, implying a breaking of this invariance, and in the very limit of vanishing nonlinearity Anderson localization emerges. The crossover from the long- to the short-range class is attained by tuning the localization length ξ from ξ≈N to ξ≪N, where N is the system size. As a consequence, the Lyapunov spectrum becomes exponentially suppressed, depending on the extent to which its translational invariance is destroyed. We expect that this disorder-induced crossover will lead to prethermalized phases and, following quantization, to many-body localization.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Evaluation of tactile sensation for fabric handle – evidence from event related potentials
Authors: Zhang Xiaoxia , Zhang Jin , Du Peiyan , Wang Guohe
Published: March 2024

Purpose

In this paper, the brain potential changes caused by touching fabrics for handle evaluation were recorded by event related potential (ERP) method, compared with subjective evaluation scores and physical index of KES, explore the cognitive mechanism of the transformation of tactile sensation into neural impulses triggered by subtle mechanical stimuli such as material, texture, density and morphology in fabrics. By combining subjective evaluation of fabric tactile sensation, objective physical properties of fabrics and objective neurobiological signals, explore the neurophysiological mechanism of tactile cognition and the signal characteristics and time process of tactile information processing.

Design/methodology/approach

The ERP technology was first proposed by a British psychologist named Grey Walter. It is an imaging technique of noninvasive brain cognition, whose potential changes are related to the human physical and mental activities. ERP is different from electroencephalography (EEG) and evoked potentials (EP) on the fact that it cannot only record stimulated physical information which is transmitted to brain, but also response to the psychological activities which related to attention, identification, comparison, memory, judgment and cognition as well as to human’s neural physiological changes which are caused by cognitive process of the feeling by stimulation.

Findings

According to potential changes in the cerebral cortex evoked by touching four types of silk fabrics, human brain received the physical stimulation in the early stage (50 ms) of fabrics handle evaluation, and the P50 component amplitude showed negative correlation with fabric smoothness sensations. Around 200 ms after tactile stimulus onset, the amplitude of P200 component show positive correlation with the softness sensation of silk fabrics. The relationship between the amplitude of P300 and the sense of smoothness and softness need further evidence to proof.

Originality/value

In this paper, the brain potential changes caused by touching fabrics for handle evaluation were recorded by event related potential (ERP) method, compared with subjective evaluation scores and physical index of KES, the results shown that the maximum amplitude of P50 component evoked by fabric touching is related to the fabrics’ smoothness and roughness emotion, which means in the early stage processing of tactile sensation, the rougher fabrics could arouse more attention. In addition, the amplitude of P200 component shows positive correlation with the softness sensation of silk fabrics.
Knowledge work characteristics and innovative behaviour: a fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA)
Authors: Fréour Léa , Battistelli Adalgisa , Pohl Sabine , Cangialosi Nicola
Published: March 2024

Purpose

Innovative work behaviour (IWB) has long been advocated as a crucial resource for organisations. Evidence that work characteristics stimulate the adoption of IWB is widespread. Yet, the relationship between knowledge characteristics and IWB has often been overlooked. This study aims to address this gap by examining this relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

Building on an integrative vision of innovation, this study analyses the effects of combinations in work characteristics on IWB through a configurational approach. Job autonomy, complexity, problem solving, specialisation and demand for constant learning were examined as determinants of IWB using fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis.

Findings

Based on a sample of 214 Belgium employees, the results highlight seven configurations of work characteristics to elicit high levels of IWB. For six of them, problem solving appears as a needed condition.

Practical implications

Presented findings offer insights for organisations aiming at evolving in a competitive context to generate optimal conditions for promoting employee innovation.

Originality/value

While most studies have tested the influence of work characteristics independently, this research investigates the joint influence of work characteristics and identifies how combinations of multiple variables lead to IWB.
Business strategies and climate change adaptation: insights from a comparative study between a developed and a developing country
Authors: Hossain Md. Khalid , As-Saber Sharif Nafe
Published: March 2024

Purpose

The paper aims to investigate key aspects of climate change adaptation strategies of Multinational Corporations (MNCs) across two different climate-vulnerable country contexts, developed, i.e. Australia and developing, i.e. Bangladesh, while identifying the key factors affecting the formulation and implementation of such strategies.

Design/methodology/approach

The research uses a qualitative research method using interviews and document analysis while considering distinctive factors manifest in Australia and Bangladesh and focussing on the agricultural seed business sector.

Findings

The research reveals that no specific pattern of adaptation strategies exists across MNCs. They either follow a proactive “deliberate” strategy or a reactive “emergent” strategy. MNCs also follow a distinct strategy, “subliminal”, i.e. unintended or inadvertent strategy, by following the “business as usual” approach.

Practical implications

In recent years, many MNCs have started embracing strategies to reduce their negative environmental footprint but barely adopted any formal strategies to adapt to climate change impacts on their business operations. This study provides insights into the existing climate change adaptation strategies of MNCs, which could be beneficial for companies in better planning and implementing their existing as well as future climate change adaptation strategies.

Originality/value

Based on a developed-developing country comparison and together with a novel focus on the agricultural seed business sector, the paper has used a variety of business strategies in providing insights and understanding of the status of MNC climate change adaptation strategies. The research has identified and coined the term, “subliminal” or unintended strategy as a new addition to the MNC adaptation strategy literature.
The impact of innovation orientation on strategic R&D amidst macroeconomic shocks – an event study approach
Authors: Modi Pratik , Pandey Vivek , Bhattacharya Abhi
Published: March 2024

Purpose

This research investigates the impact of strategic research and development (R&D) (one led by a firm’s innovation orientation) on stock market performance during the economic disruption caused by the 2016 demonetization of high-value currency notes in India. It shows how firms’ strategic focus on innovation and integrated R&D initiatives can help mitigate shareholders’ losses and protect market value during negative macroeconomic shocks.

Design/methodology/approach

We analyzed financial and administrative data from firms listed in the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) 500 index and used the Fama French market model with appropriate instruments accounting for possible endogeneity to identify the impact. To ensure the reliability of our findings, we conducted robustness checks with alternate event windows, estimation methods, and variable measurements.

Findings

Strategic R&D plays a crucial role in building resilience against macroeconomic shocks. It effectively mitigated shareholders’ losses in the immediate aftermath of the shock, with an elasticity of abnormal returns of 7.65% on day zero, 13.1% during the first five days and 10.5% after the first fortnight. We also find that firms that are business-to-business (B2B), as well as those that are older and less leveraged, are better able to combat such a shock.

Research limitations/implications

The study looked at one shock, namely demonetization. Future research is needed to demonstrate the generalizability of results during other macroeconomic shocks, like the COVID-19 pandemic. The study focuses on relatively near-term impacts, leaving the long-term value-creation effects of strategic R&D unexplored.

Practical implications

Innovation orientation acts as a structural enabler, allowing firms to make strategic R&D investments that mitigate losses during macroeconomic shocks. It explains that managers should avoid myopically managing R&D investments and align them with the firm’s innovation focus to enhance value creation.

Social implications

While the currency demonetization was widely considered to be detrimental for firms as an unannounced negative monetary shock, our research shows that firms with high levels of strategic R&D were successfully able to counteract such a shock.

Originality/value

This is the first study to examine the short-term loss mitigation impact of firms’ focus on innovation and strategic R&D. It emphasizes the role of innovation-focused strategies during economic crises.
The impact of external factors on board decision making in non-profit sport organizations
Authors: Lachance Erik L. , Parent Milena M.
Published: March 2024

Purpose

Pressures from non-profit sport organizations’ (NPSOs) external environment influence governance structures and processes. Thus, this study explores the impact of external factors on NPSO board decision making.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a sample of six NPSO boards (two national, four provincial/territorial), data were collected via 36 observations, 18 interviews, and over 900 documents. A thematic analysis was conducted via NVivo 12.

Findings

Results identified two external factors impacting NPSO board decision making: the sport system structure and general environment conditions. External factors impacted NPSO board decision making in terms of duration, flow, interaction, and scrutiny.

Originality/value

Results demonstrate the need for NPSO boards to engage in boundary-spanning activities whereby external information sources from stakeholders are incorporated to make informed decisions. Practically, NPSO boards should harness virtual meetings to continue their operations while incorporating risk management analyses to assess threats and opportunities.
Structural design of magnetostrictive sensing glove and its application for gesture recognition
Authors: Hu Boyang , Weng Ling , Liu Kaile , Liu Yang , Li Zhuolin , Chen Yuxin
Published: March 2024

Purpose

Gesture recognition plays an important role in many fields such as human–computer interaction, medical rehabilitation, virtual and augmented reality. Gesture recognition using wearable devices is a common and effective recognition method. This study aims to combine the inverse magnetostrictive effect and tunneling magnetoresistance effect and proposes a novel wearable sensing glove applied in the field of gesture recognition.

Design/methodology/approach

A magnetostrictive sensing glove with function of gesture recognition is proposed based on Fe-Ni alloy, tunneling magnetoresistive elements, Agilus30 base and square permanent magnets. The sensing glove consists of five sensing units to measure the bending angle of each finger joint. The optimal structure of the sensing units is determined through experimentation and simulation. The output voltage model of the sensing units is established, and the output characteristics of the sensing units are tested by the experimental platform. Fifteen gestures are selected for recognition, and the corresponding output voltages are collected to construct the data set and the data is processed using Back Propagation Neural Network.

Findings

The sensing units can detect the change in the bending angle of finger joints from 0 to 105 degrees and a maximum error of 4.69% between the experimental and theoretical values. The average recognition accuracy of Back Propagation Neural Network is 97.53% for 15 gestures.

Research limitations/implications

The sensing glove can only recognize static gestures at present, and further research is still needed to recognize dynamic gestures.

Practical implications

A new approach to gesture recognition using wearable devices.

Social implications

This study has a broad application prospect in the field of human–computer interaction.

Originality/value

The sensing glove can collect voltage signals under different gestures to realize the recognition of different gestures with good repeatability, which has a broad application prospect in the field of human–computer interaction.
“I got knocked down”: factors impacting a novice teacher’s decision making
Authors: Fitzpatrick Colleen , Friedman Adam
Published: March 2024

Purpose

This study explores how one novice teacher navigated his first-year teaching sixth-grade social studies.

Design/methodology/approach

One-sixth grade novice teacher was observed during his unit on the Islamic Empire. The teacher was interviewed before the unit began to understand his approach to combating Islamophobia and interviewed again after the unit so he could reflect on the unit and discuss if he believed he had accomplished his original goal. Classroom artifacts (handouts, slide decks, etc.) were collected.

Findings

The findings highlight the various forces that impacted the decisions the teacher made in the classroom. Lack of support from administration and various colleagues left the teacher feeling overwhelmed and unable to accomplish his goals. While the teacher started the unit with a clear purpose for teaching against Islamophobia, he ultimately taught a unit where students memorized discrete pieces of information.

Originality/value

This study adds to previous research on the need for providing administrative support for novice teachers to be able to teach in ambitious ways by highlighting the numerous shortcomings.
More than one shade of pink as a marker of early amelanotic/hypomelanotic melanoma
Authors: Pizzichetta M. A. , Corsetti P. , Stanganelli I. , Ghigliotti G. , Cavicchini S. , De Giorgi V. , Bono R. , Astorino S. , Ribero S. , Argenziano G. , Alaibac  , Polesel J. ,   the Italian Melanoma Intergroup (IMI) and the Società Italiana di Dermatologia Chirurgica, Oncologica, Correttiva ed Estetica (SIDCO)
Published: March 2024

Amelanotic/hypomelanotic melanoma (AHM) may be difficult to diagnose because of a lack of pigmentation. To evaluate whether dermoscopy can be useful for the diagnosis of early AHM, 133 digital dermoscopic images of lesions histopathologically diagnosed as amelanotic/hypomelanotic superficial spreading melanoma with ≤1 mm thickness (AHSSMs) (n = 27), amelanotic/hypomelanotic non‐melanocytic lesions (AHNMLs) (e.g., seborrhoeic keratosis and basal cell carcinoma) (n = 79), and amelanotic/hypomelanotic benign melanocytic lesions (AHBMLs) (e.g., compound and dermal nevi) (n = 27), were dermoscopically assessed by three blinded dermatologists. Using multivariate analysis, we found a significantly increased risk of diagnosing AHSSM versus AHNML and AHBML when the lesion was characterized by the presence of more than one shade of pink (odds ratio [OR] 37.11), irregular dots/globules (OR 23.73), asymmetric pigmentation (OR 8.85), and structureless pattern (OR 7.33). In conclusion, dermoscopy may improve early AHM detection, discriminating AHSSM from amelanotic/hypomelanotic non melanoma lesions.
Proselytizing is not evangelism: epistemic virtue and religious suasion at a post‐fundamentalist church in Nashville
Authors: Victor Sam
Published: March 2024

This essay proposes a moral epistemological explanation for many US evangelicals’ growing unease about proselytizing. Drawing on extensive fieldwork at a church in Nashville, Tennessee, it highlights how a particular kind of epistemological certainty became a driving value of evangelical biblicism when early nineteenth‐century evangelicals attempted to apply the precepts of inductive science to textual interpretation. Members of the church I studied routinely express regret about this historical entanglement, which they blame for their denomination's dogmatic and ultimately unsuccessful fixation on persuading other people to believe the exact same things as they do. Against ‘proselytizing’ driven by ‘the desire to be right’, my interlocutors are trying to develop a practical social ethics whose explicitly biblical inspiration, they hope, will motivate others to want to become Christians. I show that as an analytic, religious suasion makes concepts like ‘proselytizing’ and ‘evangelism’ ethnographic again by sending them back to the field where our interlocutors themselves define and critique them. Doing this allows us to better grasp nuances in evangelicals’ own evolving ideologies and practices for making their religion intelligible to themselves and others.
Climate‐related credit risk: Rethinking the credit risk framework
Authors: Redondo Helena , Aracil Elisa
Published: March 2024

Climate change and the challenges associated with the transition to a zero‐carbon economy pose significant financial risks. Climate‐related risks (CRR) indirectly impact banks through their loan portfolios. To examine the integration of CRR into banks' credit risk assessment and monitoring, this article reviews academic and institutional literature using quantitative bibliometric techniques and content analysis of 145 academic documents from policymakers and financial supervisors. A framework emerges that incorporates CRR into credit risk management. We find four thematic areas in the literature: CRR drivers, CRR tools, CRR data and CRR pricing. Overall, uncertainty, non‐linearity, geographic and industrial dependency and non‐reversibility of CRR difficult climate‐related credit risk assessment. Moreover, CRR data present comparability, availability and reliability issues, which Artificial Intelligence can improve. Finally, evidence reveals that current financial prices do not fully reflect CRR. Our findings provide important implications to policymakers for assessing ex‐ante the financial impacts of climate transition regulations, the potential for prudential regulatory action, and the need for supra‐national policies that facilitate access to reliable and comparable climate data.
External validation of the CholeS conversion from laparoscopic to open cholecystectomy (CLOC) risk score in Aotearoa New Zealand: a validation study
Authors:   STRATA Collaborative and CholeS Collaborative
Published: March 2024

Background

Conversion of laparoscopic cholecystectomy to open is uncommon, but is associated with longer hospital stay and recovery. Prognosticating conversion may aid service planning and provision. We therefore aimed to assess the external validity of the largest risk score for operative conversion.

Methods

CHOLENZ was a multicentre, prospective, national cohort study of cholecystectomy for benign biliary disease conducted by STRATA, a trainee‐led collaborative network. Data were collected from patients undergoing cholecystectomy in New Zealand hospitals between 1 August and 30 October 2021 with 30‐day follow‐up. The Conversion from Laparoscopic to Open Cholecystectomy (CLOC) score from the CholeS study was assessed for external validity by interrogating its accuracy and calibration in the CHOLENZ dataset.

Results

Of 1162 cholecystectomies started laparoscopically, 20 (1.7%) were converted to open in the CHOLENZ dataset. The CLOC score predicted 2.9% (IQR 1.3%–8.1%) would be converted. Area under the curve was 0.65 (95% 0.51–0.79) and calibration was acceptable with a Hosmer‐Lemeshow p value of 0.45; with evidence of tendency to overestimate with interrogation of calibration across a continuous risk profile (intercept 1.27, slope 0.4). Sensitivity analysis with imputed data improved accuracy. Recalibration with the addition of body mass index, and preoperative bilirubin also improved accuracy to 0.86 (95% CI 0.78–0.95).

Conclusions

The CLOC score in its original form is not generalisable to the Aotearoa New Zealand setting and is therefore not suitable for clinical use in our local setting.
The incidence and prevalence of diabetic macular edema and proliferative diabetic retinopathy, their progression to visual impairment and patterns in their intravitreal treatment in the Finnish population
Authors: Heloterä Hanna , Arffman Martti , Sund Reijo , Keskimäki Ilmo , Kaarniranta Kai
Published: March 2024

Purpose

The worldwide prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM) continues to increase. As DM is linked to various ophthalmological comorbidities, it is crucial to understand the incidence and the treatment patterns of these complications to minimise the treatment burden for the patient and the healthcare system. This study aims to evaluate the incidence and prevalence of diabetic macular oedema (DME) and proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) and to analyse intravitreal (IVT) treatment patterns and responses in the Finnish population with diabetes.

Methods

A nationwide data register containing details of over 20‐year‐old individuals with diabetes was used in the analyses.

Results

The incidence and prevalence of DME and PDR among the Finnish population with diabetes either declined or remained stable during 2007–2017 (Incidence rate: DME −40.8%, PDR −65.3%; prevalence rate: DME +4.7%, PDR −11.2%). During the same period, number of persons suffering from diabetes increased by +58.3%. The total number of IVT injections increased by 261.7%; the number of patients receiving IVT treatments increased by 133.6% from 2011 to 2017, reflecting changes in patient numbers in the ophthalmology departments. Furthermore, irrespective of the rising number of patients with diabetes, the numbers with visual impairment declined by 75.8% among DME and by 75.7% among PDR patients in 2007–2017.

Conclusions

Regardless of the considerable increase in the workload of ophthalmology departments, the healthcare system has been able to reduce both the age and sex standardised incidence of DME and PDR among the diabetic population suffering from a visual impairment associated with this disease.
Children born to parents with mild intellectual disability: Register‐based follow‐up of psychiatric and neurodevelopmental diagnoses and out‐of‐home placements
Authors: Lindblad I. , Landgren V. , Gillberg C. , Fernell E.
Published: March 2024

Aim

Study the outcomes in terms of registered neurodevelopmental diagnoses and out‐of‐home placements in children whose parents had been diagnosed with mild intellectual disability (ID) in childhood.

Methods

The study groups consist of (1) a population‐based sample of 78 individuals, born in 1979–1985, meeting criteria for mild ID during childhood, and (2) their 88 children. From national registers, data on outcomes were retrieved in 2020 regarding psychosocial and psychiatric outcomes for the adults, and neurodevelopmental diagnoses and out‐of‐home placements for the children.

Results

Of the 78 adults with mild ID, 31 were parents of 88 children, aged 0–21 . The age‐adjusted prevalence of neurodevelopmental disorders among the children was 67%. Of the 27 children aged between 13 and 21 years at follow‐up, 16 had at least one registered neurodevelopmental diagnosis; 11 had ADHD and 7 had ID. Nine of these 27 children had experienced out of home placement.

Conclusion

Children of parents with mild ID are at high risk of neurodevelopmental disorders, in particular ADHD and ID, and out‐of‐home placements. Our findings indicate that individuals with mild ID who become parents routinely should be offered individually tailored parent support and their children offered assessment regard neurodevelopmental disorders.
Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy combined with Toupet fundoplication (T‐sleeve): A short report of a Japanese obesity patient with gastroesophageal reflux disease
Authors: Uno Kohei , Masuda Takahiro , Watanabe Atsushi , Sato Kazuhide , Fukushima Naoko , Ishikawa Yoshitaka , Takahashi Keita , Shirai Yoshihiro , Haruki Koichiro , Yuda Masami , Fujisaki Muneharu , Tanishima Yuichiro , Yano Fumiaki , Eto Ken
Published: March 2024

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is the most frequently performed procedure in bariatric–metabolic surgery (BMS) worldwide, accounting for approximately 90% of BMS procedures in Japan. While numerous studies have reported on the safety and efficacy of LSG, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) remains a major postoperative complication. Although Roux‐en‐Y gastric bypass (RYGB) is preferred for severe obesity with GERD, it is less suitable for Japanese patients who have a higher risk of gastric cancer due to the remnant stomach which is difficult to observe with esophago‐gastro‐duodenoscopy. To address de novo and exacerbation GERD after LSG, we conducted LSG with Toupet fundoplication (T‐sleeve) for Japanese patients with severe obesity. In our first T‐sleeve case, the patient demonstrated sufficient weight loss and improved GERD following surgery. Hence, we suggest that T‐sleeve is a feasible option for Japanese patients with obesity and concurrent GERD.
Wilding cities for biodiversity and people: a transdisciplinary framework
Authors: Bonthoux Sébastien , Chollet Simon
Published: March 2024

Accelerating urbanisation and associated lifestyle changes result in loss of biodiversity and diminished wellbeing of people through fewer direct interactions and experiences with nature. In this review, we propose the notion of urban wilding (the promotion of autonomous ecological processes that are independent of historical land‐use conditions, with minimal direct human maintenance and planting interventions) and investigate its propensity to improve biodiversity and people–nature connections in cities. Through a large interdisciplinary synthesis, we explore the ecological mechanisms through which urban wilding can promote biodiversity in cities, investigate the attitudes and relations of city dwellers towards urban wild spaces, and discuss the integration of urban wilding into the fabric of cities and its governance. We show that favouring assembly spontaneity by reducing planting interventions, and functional spontaneity by limiting maintenance practices, can promote plant diversity and provide ecological resources for numerous organisms at habitat and city scales. These processes could reverse biotic homogenisation, but further studies are needed to understand the effects of wilding on invasive species and their consequences. From a socio‐ecological perspective, the attitudes of city dwellers towards spontaneous vegetation are modulated by successional stages, with grassland and woodland stages preferred, but dense shrubby vegetation stages disliked. Wild spaces can diversify physical interactions with nature, and enrich multi‐sensory, affective and cognitive experiences of nature in cities. However, some aspects of wild spaces can cause anxiety, feeling unsafe, and the perception of abandonment. These negative attitudes could be mitigated by subtle design and maintenance interventions. While nature has long been thought of as ornamental and instrumental in cities, urban wilding could help to develop relational and intrinsic values of nature in the fabric of cities. Wildness and its singular aesthetics should be combined with cultural norms, resident uses and urban functions to plan and design urban spatial configurations promoting human–non‐human cohabitation. For urban wilding to be socially just and adapted to the needs of residents, its implementation should be backed by inclusive governance opening up discussion forums to residents and urban workers. Scientists can support these changes by collaborating with urban actors to design and experiment with new wild spaces promoting biodiversity and wellbeing of people in cities.
Molecular subtypes of lung adenocarcinoma present distinct immune tumor microenvironments
Authors: Fukuda Hironori , Arai Kosuke , Mizuno Hideaki , Nishito Yukari , Motoi Noriko , Arai Yasuhito , Hiraoka Nobuyoshi , Shibata Tatsuhiro , Sonobe Yukiko , Kayukawa Yoko , Hashimoto Eri , Takahashi Mina , Fujii Etsuko , Maruyama Toru , Kuwabara Kenta , Nishizawa Takashi , Mizoguchi Yukihiro , Yoshida Yukihiro , Watanabe Shun‐ichi , Yamashita Makiko , Kitano Shigehisa , Sakamoto Hiromi , Nagata Yuki , Mitsumori Risa , Ozaki Kouichi , Niida Shumpei , Kanai Yae , Hirayama Akiyoshi , Soga Tomoyoshi , Tsukada Keisuke , Yabuki Nami , Shimada Mei , Kitazawa Takehisa , Natori Osamu , Sawada Noriaki , Kato Atsuhiko , Yoshida Teruhiko , Yasuda Kazuki , Ochiai Atsushi , Tsunoda Hiroyuki , Aoki Kazunori
Published: March 2024

Overcoming resistance to immune checkpoint inhibitors is an important issue in patients with non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Transcriptome analysis shows that adenocarcinoma can be divided into three molecular subtypes: terminal respiratory unit (TRU), proximal proliferative (PP), and proximal inflammatory (PI), and squamous cell carcinoma (LUSQ) into four. However, the immunological characteristics of these subtypes are not fully understood. In this study, we investigated the immune landscape of NSCLC tissues in molecular subtypes using a multi‐omics dataset, including tumor‐infiltrating leukocytes (TILs) analyzed using flow cytometry, RNA sequences, whole exome sequences, metabolomic analysis, and clinicopathologic findings. In the PI subtype, the number of TILs increased and the immune response in the tumor microenvironment (TME) was activated, as indicated by high levels of tertiary lymphoid structures, and high cytotoxic marker levels. Patient prognosis was worse in the PP subtype than in other adenocarcinoma subtypes. Glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1) expression levels were upregulated and lactate accumulated in the TME of the PP subtype. This could lead to the formation of an immunosuppressive TME, including the inactivation of antigen‐presenting cells. The TRU subtype had low biological malignancy and “cold” tumor‐immune phenotypes. Squamous cell carcinoma (LUSQ) did not show distinct immunological characteristics in its respective subtypes. Elucidation of the immune characteristics of molecular subtypes could lead to the development of personalized immune therapy for lung cancer. Immune checkpoint inhibitors could be an effective treatment for the PI subtype. Glycolysis is a potential target for converting an immunosuppressive TME into an antitumorigenic TME in the PP subtype.
Flawed MIREC fluoride and intelligence quotient publications: A failed attempt to undermine community water fluoridation
Authors: Guichon Juliet R. , Cooper Colin , Rugg‐Gunn Andrew , Dickinson James A.
Published: March 2024

Objective

To assess the evidence presented in a set of articles that use the Canadian Maternal–Infant Research on Environmental Chemicals (MIREC) study database to claim that community water fluoridation (CWF) is associated with harm to foetal and infant cognitive development.

Methods

Critical appraisal of measurements and processes in the MIREC database, and articles derived therefrom. MIREC's cohort is approximately 2000 pregnant women recruited in 10 centres across Canada, 2008–2011, leading to measuring 512 children aged 3–6 years in six cities. Fluoride exposure was measured by city fluoridation status, self‐reports and maternal spot urine samples. Intelligence Quotient (IQ) was measured using the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence (WPPSI‐III) by different assessors in each city.

Results

MIREC's fluoride and IQ measurements are invalid and therefore cannot support the claim that CWF is associated with IQ decline in children.

Conclusions

The MIREC fluoride‐IQ articles' results should be considered unacceptable for legal and policy purposes; other water fluoridation studies and systematic reviews show no effect of fluoridation on cognition.
Economic evaluation of a water fluoridation scheme in Cumbria, UK
Authors: Whittaker William , Goodwin Michaela , Bashir Saima , Sutton Matt , Emsley Richard , Kelly Michael P. , Tickle Martin , Walsh Tanya , Pretty Iain A.
Published: March 2024

Objectives

The addition of fluoride to community drinking water supplies has been a long‐standing public health intervention to improve dental health. However, the evidence of cost‐effectiveness in the UK currently lacks a contemporary focus, being limited to a period with higher incidence of caries. A water fluoridation scheme in West Cumbria, United Kingdom, provided a unique opportunity to study the contemporary impact of water fluoridation. This study evaluates the cost‐effectiveness of water fluoridation over a 5–6 years follow‐up period in two distinct cohorts: children exposed to water fluoridation in utero and those exposed from the age of 5.

Methods

Cost‐effectiveness was summarized employing incremental cost‐effectiveness ratios (ICER, cost per quality adjusted life year (QALY) gained). Costs included those from the National Health Service (NHS) and local authority perspective, encompassing capital and running costs of water fluoridation, as well as NHS dental activity. The measure of health benefit was the QALY, with utility determined using the Child Health Utility 9‐Dimension questionnaire. To account for uncertainty, estimates of net cost and outcomes were bootstrapped (10 000 bootstraps) to generate cost‐effectiveness acceptability curves and sensitivity analysis performed with alternative specifications.

Results

There were 306 participants in the birth cohort (189 and 117 in the non‐fluoridated and fluoridated groups, respectively) and 271 in the older school cohort (159 and 112, respectively). In both cohorts, there was evidence of small gains in QALYs for the fluoridated group compared to the non‐fluoridated group and reductions in NHS dental service cost that exceeded the cost of fluoridation. For both cohorts and across all sensitivity analyses, there were high probabilities (>62%) of water fluoridation being cost‐effective with a willingness to pay threshold of £20 000 per QALY.

Conclusions

This analysis provides current economic evidence that water fluoridation is likely to be cost‐effective. The findings contribute valuable contemporary evidence in support of the economic viability of water fluoridation scheme.
Altered functional connectivity of brainstem nuclei in new daily persistent headache: Evidence from resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Wang Wei , Qiu Dong , Mei Yanliang , Bai Xiaoyan , Yuan Ziyu , Zhang Xue , Xiong Zhonghua , Tang Hefei , Zhang Peng , Zhang Yaqing , Yu Xueying , Wang Zhe , Ge Zhaoli , Sui Binbin , Wang Yonggang
Published: March 2024

Objectives

The new daily persistent headache (NDPH) is a rare primary headache disorder. However, the underlying mechanisms of NDPH remain incompletely understood. This study aims to apply seed‐based analysis to explore the functional connectivity (FC) of brainstem nuclei in patients with NDPH using resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Methods

The FC analysis from the region of interest (ROI) to whole brain voxels was used to investigate 29 patients with NDPH and 37 well‐matched healthy controls (HCs) with 3.0 Tesla MRI. The 76 nuclei in the brainstem atlas were defined as ROIs. Furthermore, we explored the correlations between FC and patients' clinical characteristics and neuropsychological evaluations.

Results

Patients with NDPH exhibited reduced FC in multiple brainstem nuclei compared to HCs (including right inferior medullary reticular formation, right mesencephalic reticular formation, bilateral locus coeruleus, bilateral laterodorsal tegmental nucleus‐central gray of the rhombencephalon, median raphe, left medial parabrachial nucleus, periaqueductal gray, and bilateral ventral tegmental area‐parabrachial pigmented nucleus complex) and increased FC in periaqueductal gray. No significant correlations were found between the FC of these brain regions and clinical characteristics or neuropsychological evaluations after Bonferroni correction (p > 0.00016).

Conclusions

Our results demonstrated that patients with NDPH have abnormal FC of brainstem nuclei involved in the perception and regulation of pain and emotions.
Supporting faculty development for obesity education: A National Survey of United States family medicine residency programme directors
Authors: Gabison Jonathan , Palazzolo Beatrice , Saleh Christina , Ritchie Olivia , Sheehan Kayla , Othman Amal , Harper Diane M. , Oshman Lauren
Published: March 2024

Obesity is the most common chronic condition in the United States (US), yet primary care physicians face barriers in providing obesity treatment. This study examines the prevalence of American Board of Obesity Medicine (ABOM) certified obesity specialists on the faculty of US Family Medicine residency training programmes, the preparedness of graduating resident physicians to treat obesity, and residency training programme director preferences for supporting faculty development to improve residency education in obesity management. This cross‐sectional on‐line survey of programme directors addressed the number of ABOM‐certified faculty, perceived graduate preparedness to treat obesity, and priorities to improve faculty expertise and obesity curriculum. Of 672 eligible programme directors, 298 (44%) responded to our survey. Most programmes (76%) had no ABOM‐certified faculty. The proportion of programme directors assessing their graduates as prepared to care for patients with obesity has significantly decreased in the last 5 years (2018: 74%, 2022: 58%, p = .016). Residents in programmes with ABOM‐certified faculty member were more likely to be assessed as very prepared to provide medical care (18% vs. 7.8% p = .047). A majority (54%) of programme directors identified limited faculty training and expertise as the biggest faculty and resident‐level barrier to quality obesity care. This study demonstrates an important trend towards increasing ABOM‐certification among Family Medicine residency programme faculty and an urgent need to prioritise faculty development to improve faculty expertise and resident training to address the obesity epidemic.
Numerous multinucleated giant cells in cutaneous epithelioid angiosarcoma and pulmonary metastasis: A unique observation with potential diagnostic pitfalls
Authors: Kanatani Yushi , Mitsui Yasuhiro , Ogawa Kohei , Takeda Maiko , Miyagawa Fumi , Shinkuma Satoru , Kawaguchi Takeshi , Fukumoto Takaya , Asada Hideo
Published: March 2024

The histopathologic diagnosis of poorly differentiated cutaneous angiosarcoma can be challenging. We report a case of cutaneous epithelioid angiosarcoma with numerous multinucleated giant cells (MGCs) developing pulmonary metastasis. A 79‐year‐old man presented with a red–purple plaque on the scalp. A skin biopsy revealed epithelioid cell proliferation, admixed with numerous MGCs, and background hemorrhage. Vascular spaces were focally present and lined by atypical endothelial cells, including MGCs. Immunohistochemically, tumor cells, including MGCs, were positive for CD31, D2‐40, and ERG. The patient received radiation therapy and chemotherapy, after which a follow‐up CT scan revealed symptomless pneumothorax and pulmonary metastases. The patient received palliative partial lung resection, and the specimen revealed histopathological and immunohistochemical features similar to the primary cutaneous lesion. Our report expands the morphologic spectrum of cutaneous epithelioid angiosarcoma. Cutaneous angiosarcoma is an aggressive neoplasm; thus, awareness of this rare manifestation is important.
A guide to germ‐free and gnotobiotic mouse technology to study health and disease
Authors: Jans Maude , Vereecke Lars
Published: March 2024

The intestinal microbiota has major influence on human physiology and modulates health and disease. Complex host–microbe interactions regulate various homeostatic processes, including metabolism and immune function, while disturbances in microbiota composition (dysbiosis) are associated with a plethora of human diseases and are believed to modulate disease initiation, progression and therapy response. The vast complexity of the human microbiota and its metabolic output represents a great challenge in unraveling the molecular basis of host–microbe interactions in specific physiological contexts. To increase our understanding of these interactions, functional microbiota research using animal models in a reductionistic setting are essential. In the dynamic landscape of gut microbiota research, the use of germ‐free and gnotobiotic mouse technology, in which causal disease‐driving mechanisms can be dissected, represents a pivotal investigative tool for functional microbiota research in health and disease, in which causal disease‐driving mechanisms can be dissected. A better understanding of the health‐modulating functions of the microbiota opens perspectives for improved therapies in many diseases. In this review, we discuss practical considerations for the design and execution of germ‐free and gnotobiotic experiments, including considerations around germ‐free rederivation and housing conditions, route and timing of microbial administration, and dosing protocols. This comprehensive overview aims to provide researchers with valuable insights for improved experimental design in the field of functional microbiota research.
What is new in the 2023 European Society of Endodontology S3‐level clinical practice guidelines?
Authors: Immich Felipe , Cotti Elisabetta , Pirani Chiara , Rossi‐Fedele Giampiero
Published: March 2024

Background

The European Society of Endodontology published in 2023, the S3‐level clinical practice guidelines, which supersede the Quality Guidelines for Endodontic Treatment published in 2006.

Objectives

This review aims to summarize and compare the above guidelines to support their dissemination.

Method

A narrative synthesis of the main differences alongside tabulation according to the main themes.

Results

Three tables were prepared according to the following themes: diagnosis of pulpal and apical condition; treatment of pulpitis; and treatment of nonvital pulp and apical periodontitis.

Conclusions

A compared and simplified message regarding the most recent clinical practice guidelines has been prepared.

Registration

Not applicable as a narrative review.