bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Approach Choices for Antimicrobial Use Reduction in European Food Animal Production
Authors: Wu Ziping
Published: March 2024

Reducing antimicrobial use (AMU) stands as a pivotal global strategy in combating antimicrobial resistance (AMR) within the realm of food animal production. We conducted an extensive review of the distinct approaches employed in managing AMU reduction within the United Kingdom, Denmark and the Netherlands. Our analysis delved into the reform processes, emphasising the roles played by government, the general public and key stakeholders throughout the supply chain. Furthermore, we examined the impacts of these approaches on AMU, AMR and the economic landscape of food animal production. In all three countries, these reforms have been anchored in the reduction and judicious utilizsation of Critically Important Antimicrobials (CIAs) for veterinary use. These efforts have yielded significant outcomes, particularly in the reduction of CIA use. In utilising a voluntary approach to AMU reduction, the active involvement of government bodies, consumers and supply chain leaders, notably supermarkets, has proven to be pivotal. In terms of execution, these countries have adopted varied management strategies, including voluntary, regulatory and hybrid approaches, championed by farmers, government agencies and veterinarians, respectively. These approaches have yielded diverse impacts, both in terms of their potential for reduction and their influence on farm performance.
Wireless continuous single‐lead ST‐segment monitoring to detect new‐onset myocardial injury at the general ward—An exploratory subanalysis
Authors: Starling Jonathan Attilla Koefoed , Haahr‐Raunkjaer Camilla , Rasmussen Søren S. , Ekenberg Luna , Loft Frederik Cornelius , Meyhoff Christian Sylvest , Aasvang Eske Kvanner
Published: March 2024

Patients admitted for acute medical conditions and major noncardiac surgery are at risk of myocardial injury. This is frequently asymptomatic, especially in the context of concomitant pain and analgesics, and detection thus relies on cardiac biomarkers. Continuous single‐lead ST‐segment monitoring from wireless electrocardiogram (ECG) may enable more timely intervention, but criteria for alerts need to be defined to reduce false alerts. This study aimed to determine optimal ST‐deviation thresholds from wireless single‐lead ECG for detection of myocardial injury following major abdominal cancer surgery and during acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Patients were monitored with a wireless single‐lead ECG patch for up to 4 days and had daily troponin measurements. Single‐lead ST‐segment deviations of <0.255 mV and/or >0.245 mV (based on previous study comparison with 0.1 mV 12‐lead ECG and variation in single‐lead ECG) were analyzed for relation to myocardial injury defined as hsTnT elevation of 20–64 ng/L with an absolute change of ≥5 ng/L, or a hsTnT level ≥ 65 ng/L. In total, 528 patients were included for analysis, of which 15.5% had myocardial injury. For corrected ST‐thresholds lasting ≥10 and ≥ 20 min, we found specificities of 91% and 94% and sensitivities of 17% and 13% with odds ratios of 2.0 (95% CI: 1.1; 3.9) and 2.4 (95% CI: 1.1; 5.1) for myocardial injury. In conclusion, wireless single‐lead ECG monitoring with corrected ST thresholds detected patients developing myocardial injury with specificities >90% and sensitivities <20%, suggesting increased focus on sensitivity improvement.
Epidemiology of brief resolved unexplained events and impact of clinical practice guidelines in general and pediatric emergency departments
Authors: Nama Nassr , DeLaroche Amy M. , Neuman Mark I. , Mittal Manoj K. , Herman Bruce E. , Hochreiter Daniela , Kaplan Ron L. , Stephans Allayne , Tieder Joel S.
Published: March 2024

Objectives

The aim of this study was to describe the incidence of brief resolved unexplained events (BRUEs) and compare the impact of a national clinical practice guideline (CPG) on admission and diagnostic testing practices between general and pediatric emergency departments (EDs).

Methods

Using the Nationwide Emergency Department Sample for 2012–2019, we conducted a cross‐sectional study of children <1 year of age with an International Classification of Diseases diagnostic code for BRUE. Population incidence rate was estimated using Centers for Disease Control and Prevention birth data. ED incidence rate was estimated for all ED encounters. We used interrupted time series to evaluate the associated impact of the CPG publication on the outcomes of ED disposition (discharge, admission, and transfer) and electrocardiogram (ECG) use.

Results

Of 133,972 encounters for BRUE, 80.0% occurred in general EDs. BRUE population incidence was 4.28 per 1000 live births and the annual incidence remained stable (p = 0.19). BRUE ED incidence was 5.06 per 1000 infant ED encounters (p = 0.14). The impact of the BRUE CPG on admission rates was limited to pediatric EDs (level shift −23.3%, p = 0.002). Transfers from general EDs did not change with the CPG (level shift 2.2%, p = 0.17). After the CPG was published, ECGs increased by 13.7% in pediatric EDs (p = 0.005) but did not change in general EDs (level shift −0.2%, p = 0.82).

Conclusions

BRUEs remain a common pediatric problem at a population level and in EDs. Although a disproportionate number of infants present to general EDs, there is differential uptake of the CPG recommendations between pediatric and general EDs. These findings may support quality improvement opportunities aimed at improving care for these infants and decreasing unnecessary hospital admissions or transfers.
Improving accuracy of outcome prediction for infants born extremely preterm using a digital tool: Translating ‘NIC‐PREDICT’ into clinical practice, the first steps
Authors: Boland Rosemarie A. , Cheong Jeanie L.Y. , Stewart Michael J. , Kane Stefan C. , Doyle Lex W.
Published: March 2024

Background

Many clinicians overestimate mortality and disability rates in infants born extremely preterm. We developed a digital tool (‘NIC‐PREDICT’) that predicts infant mortality and survival with and without major disability in infants born 23–27 weeks' gestation.

Aims

To determine if clinicians could use NIC‐PREDICT accurately, and if their perceptions of infant outcomes improved after its release in 2021.

Materials and Methods

Midwives, nurses, obstetricians, neonatologists and paediatricians working in tertiary and non‐tertiary hospitals in Victoria were asked to use NIC‐PREDICT to estimate three mutually exclusive outcomes: (i) mortality; (ii) survival free of major disability; and (iii) survival with major disability for six different scenarios where a liveborn infant was offered survival‐focused care after birth. The proportions who completed the survey (responded to all six scenarios) and the proportions able to provide 100% accurate results for all scenarios were determined. Estimates of the three outcomes were compared with true rates.

Results

A total of 85 clinicians responded: 70 (82%) completed the survey, with an overall accuracy of 76%. Overall, predictions of mortality were accurate (mean difference from true value 0.7% (95% confidence interval (CI) −0.7, 2.1) P = 0.33), as were predictions of survival without major disability (mean difference − 0.7 (95% CI –3.0, 1.7) P = 0.58). However, survival with major disability was overestimated by 4.9% ((95% CI 1.7, 8.0) P = 0.003).

Conclusions

Most perinatal clinicians who responded used NIC‐PREDICT correctly to estimate expected outcomes in infants born extremely preterm who are offered intensive care. Undue pessimism about survival with major disability remains an ongoing concern.
Top Management Team Incentive Dispersion and Managerial Efficiency
Authors: Xu Hongkang , Kalelkar Rachana , Liu Long
Published: March 2024

This study examines the association between dispersion in pay‐performance sensitivities (PPS) among top management team (TMT) members and managerial efficiency. While prior research has focused on managerial efficiency as an innate characteristic of managers, this study explores how managerial incentive dispersion shapes managerial efficiency. Using a sample of US firms from 1993 to 2019, we find a negative relationship between TMT incentive dispersion and managerial efficiency, suggesting that higher levels of incentive dispersion can potentially affect managerial efficiency by reducing coordination and cooperation among TMT members. We employ a range of robustness tests and find consistent and robust results. Overall, this study contributes to the literature on executive compensation by providing novel insights into the implications of incentive dispersion among executives for managerial efficiency.
Cryonics: Traps and transformations
Authors: Story Daniel
Published: March 2024

Cryonics is the practice of cryopreserving the bodies or brains of legally dead individuals with the hope that these individuals will be reanimated in the future. A standard argument for cryonics says that cryonics is prudentially justified despite uncertainty about its success because at worst it will leave you no worse off than you otherwise would have been had you not chosen cryonics, and at best it will leave you much better off than you otherwise would have been. Thus, it is a good, no‐risk bet; in game‐theoretic terms, cryonics is a weakly dominant strategy relative to refraining from utilizing cryonics. I object to this argument for two reasons. First, I argue that there is a practically relevant chance that cryonics will put you into an inescapable and very bad situation. Hence, cryonics is neither a no‐risk bet nor a weakly dominant strategy. Second, I argue that the experience of being reanimated and living in the distant future would likely be transformative, and this likelihood undermines your justification for thinking that reanimation would be beneficial to you. I conclude that the standard argument does not show that cryonics is prudentially justified.
Bias translation: The final frontier?
Authors: Kenakin Terry
Published: March 2024

Biased signalling is a natural result of GPCR allosteric function and should be expected from any and all synthetic and natural agonists. Therefore, it may be encountered in all agonist discovery projects and must be considered as a beneficial (or possible detrimental) feature of new candidate molecules. While bias is detected easily, the synoptic nature of GPCR signalling makes translation of simple in vitro bias to complex in vivo systems problematic. The practical outcome of this is a difficulty in predicting the therapeutic value of biased signalling due to the failure of translation of identified biased signalling to in vivo agonism. This is discussed in this review as well as some new ways forward to improve this translation process and better exploit this powerful pharmacologic mechanism.
Individual differences in working memory predict the efficacy of experimenter‐manipulated gestures in first‐grade children
Authors: Congdon Eliza L.
Published: March 2024

Why is instructional gesture ineffective in some contexts? And what is it about learners that predicts whether they will learn from gestures? This between‐subjects linear measurement training study compares gesture instruction to two controls—operant action and transient action—in a diverse sample of first‐grade students (N = 174, Mage = 7.01 years; Nfemale = 84; Nmale = 90, 10% Latinx‐identified; 70% White; 6% Black; 6% Asian; 18% multiple racial categories, Mincome = $59,750, SDincome ≈ $25,000; data collected 03/16–03/19). Results show that instructor‐manipulated gestures may be less effective than demonstrative actions in part because they are iterative and do not leave a lasting trace. Verbal working memory, but not spatial, positively predicted an ability to learn from gesture and transient action in children with the lowest context knowledge.
Reduced kinase function in two ultra‐rare TNNI3K variants in families with congenital junctional ectopic tachycardia
Authors: Pham Caroline , Koopmann Tamara T. , Vinocur Jeffrey M. , Blom Nico A. , Nogueira Silbiger Vivian , Mittal Kirti , Bootsma Marianne , Palm Kaylin C. A. , Clur Sally‐Ann B. , Barge‐Schaapveld Daniela Q. C. M. , Hamilton Robert M. , Lodder Elisabeth M.
Published: March 2024

Genetic missense variants in TNNI3K, encoding troponin‐I interacting kinase, have been associated with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and observed in families with supraventricular tachycardias (SVT). Previously, a family harboring the TNNI3K‐c.1615A > G (p.Thr539Ala) variant presented with congenital junctional ectopic tachycardia (CJET), an arrhythmia that arises from the atrioventricular (AV) node and His bundle. However, this was a relatively small four‐generational family with limited genetic testing (N = 3). We here describe a multigenerational family with CJET harboring a novel ultra‐rare TNNI3K variant: TNNI3K‐c.1729C > T (p.Leu577Phe). Of all 18 variant carriers, 13 individuals presented with CJET, resulting in a genetic penetrance of 72%. In addition, CJET is reported in another small family harboring TNNI3K‐c.2225C > T (p.Pro742Leu). Similar to the previously published CJET family, both TNNI3K variants demonstrate a substantial reduction of kinase activity. Our study contributes novel evidence supporting the involvement of TNNI3K genetic variants as significant contributors to CJET, shedding light on potential mechanisms underlying this cardiac arrhythmia.
Urbanization and adoption of sustainable agricultural practices in the rural‐urban interface of Bangalore, India
Authors: Preusse Verena , Nölke Nils , Wollni Meike
Published: March 2024

Urban expansion often takes place on the most productive agricultural lands, affecting how the remaining agricultural land is used. Evidence on the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices in urbanizing areas is scarce and mostly based on cross‐sectional data. Cross‐sectional studies, however, cannot reflect the dynamics of urbanization and adoption. We use household panel data from 2017 and 2020 to analyze the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices among peri‐urban farmers in Bangalore, India, a rapidly urbanizing region. We focus on practices for water and erosion management, integrated pest management and soil fertility management, and an integrated package of sustainable practices. Using random effects probit models with the Mundlak approach, we consider various factors besides urbanization, including exposure to weather variability, awareness of climate change, connection with institutional actors, and household and farm characteristics. Results show that urbanization, measured as changes in the percentage of built‐up area, reduces the probability that farmers adopt sustainable agricultural practices. Like prior studies, we find that wealth indicators, market access, knowledge of climate change, and rainfall variability facilitate adoption. However, contact with institutional actors largely reduces farmers’ probability of adoption. Policies should promote the integration of sustainable farming technologies at the institutional level and in information and training programs to achieve sustainable intensification of peri‐urban agriculture.
Monetary incentives to improve tax compliance: A Brazilian case study
Authors: Tonetto Jorge Luis , Fochezatto Adelar , Pique Josep Miquel
Published: March 2024

Motivation

To enhance tax education and increase citizen participation in combatting tax evasion, monetary incentives may be used. In December (2021), the state government of Rio Grande do Sul in Brazil launched the Receita Certa project. It aims to encourage new taxpayer habits, by refunding part of the tax collected by retailers on consumption back to citizens, contingent on its performance exceeding inflation rates. Taxpayers add their tax identification to receipts and request redemption every three months.

Purpose

We analyse the impact of the Receita Certa project on the behaviour of consumers as taxpayers.

Methods

We evaluate the impacts of Receita Certa using difference‐in‐differences. The response variables are the monthly number and value of electronic receipts issued to beneficiaries. The treatment group consists of citizens eligible for the refund in its introduction month, while the remainder constitute the control group. The database includes receipts issued to 3.4 million taxpayers who added their tax identification to the receipt — spanning 11 months before and 18 months after the initiative, began resulting in 46.7 million records.

Findings

The Receita Certa proved ineffective, as it led to fewer tax documents issued. Distributing resources widely to many users does not seem the best solution, both in cost and results. Distribution goes first and foremost to people on higher incomes since they got larger prizes: the smaller prizes of people on lower incomes were often not claimed. The programme made tax more regressive. The programme was also costly.

Policy implications

States that have a large tax gap need to improve their control systems. Initiatives like the Receita Certa that return resources widely to taxpayers to reduce tax evasion are widespread. Given the results shown, Receita Certa needs rethinking.
“If You Say You Believe This, Then Why Did You Vote Like That?”: Reasoning as Questioning in Dialogue
Authors: Wahl Rachel
Published: March 2024

This article draws on the philosophical work on dialogic rationality offered by Charles Taylor as well as qualitative studies of dialogues between politically opposed college students to argue that these conversations succeed as tools of democracy precisely because they fail as interventions. That is, the democratic strength of such dialogue is the way in which it is unreliable as a means of producing particular outcomes. Students whose political views eventually shifted partly in response to dialogue understood this not as a process of changing their commitments, but rather of finding a better expression for the commitments they already held. But the interviews show, too, just how rare it is for such shifts to occur at all, at least for these students in a period of political polarization and mutual distrust. The interviews suggest as well that the appeal to already shared ground is not the whole story of what prompts people to change their minds in these kinds of conversations. Rather the asking of direct but respectful questions was a crucial ingredient. Finally, dialogue did not independently cause the most profound changes in political views. Instead, it was the direction of students' lives that over time shifted their outlook. Their dialogue experience then gained meaning in retrospect, as the beginning of a process of self‐questioning that was brought to fruition only later, as a first time that they had heard alternative possibilities for how value commitments can be expressed through politics.
Phenomenology is explanatory: Science and metascience
Authors: Williams Heath , Byrne Thomas
Published: March 2024

This essay disambiguates the relationship between phenomenology and explanation, whereby we uncover a fundamentally new way to understand the function of phenomenology within the sciences. These objectives are accomplished in two stages. First, we propose an original way to interpret Husserl's claim that his phenomenology is non‐explanatory. We demonstrate, contra accepted interpretations, that Husserl did not think phenomenology is non‐explanatory, because it is descriptive or because it does not deal with causes. Instead, we demonstrate that Husserl concluded that phenomenology is non‐explanatory, because it engages in a dialectical process of conceptual clarification. To substantiate this interpretation, we examine how Husserl understood the function of explanation in three different tiers of standard science and how he grasped the role of phenomenology in pure logic. Having properly clarified Husserl's conclusion—that phenomenology is non‐explanatory—we then execute our second task, namely to challenge just that idea. We argue that Husserl has—despite his claims to the contrary—de facto and inadvertently described his phenomenology as an explanatory nomological science. Our paper therefore not only clears up a longstanding misinterpretation of Husserl, but opens a new area of debate concerning the status of phenomenology within the scientific nexus.
An evaluation of remote child custody mediation in San Mateo County, California
Authors: Ni Daisy
Published: March 2024

The COVID‐19 pandemic forced courts to virtualize proceedings almost overnight, resulting in both an array of new technological tools as well as important questions about their long‐term effects. This article studies the impact of the shift from in‐person to remote child custody and visitation mediation in San Mateo County, California. Through surveys with parents, interviews with mediators and parents, and participation and outcome data, it captures the early experiences and results associated with remote mediation. The findings suggest that while remote mediation can offer benefits such as accessibility, comfort, and safety, other challenges persist. The study seeks to enable courts to better understand the obstacles and opportunities that arise from online platforms and inform future policy‐making on the use of technology in their practices.
The microbiota–gut–brain axis in Huntington's disease: pathogenic mechanisms and therapeutic targets
Authors: Ekwudo Millicent N. , Gubert Carolina , Hannan Anthony J.
Published: March 2024

Huntington's disease (HD) is a currently incurable neurogenerative disorder and is typically characterized by progressive movement disorder (including chorea), cognitive deficits (culminating in dementia), psychiatric abnormalities (the most common of which is depression), and peripheral symptoms (including gastrointestinal dysfunction). There are currently no approved disease‐modifying therapies available for HD, with death usually occurring approximately 10–25 years after onset, but some therapies hold promising potential. HD subjects are often burdened by chronic diarrhea, constipation, esophageal and gastric inflammation, and a susceptibility to diabetes. Our understanding of the microbiota–gut–brain axis in HD is in its infancy and growing evidence from preclinical and clinical studies suggests a role of gut microbial population imbalance (gut dysbiosis) in HD pathophysiology. The gut and the brain can communicate through the enteric nervous system, immune system, vagus nerve, and microbiota‐derived‐metabolites including short‐chain fatty acids, bile acids, and branched‐chain amino acids. This review summarizes supporting evidence demonstrating the alterations in bacterial and fungal composition that may be associated with HD. We focus on mechanisms through which gut dysbiosis may compromise brain and gut health, thus triggering neuroinflammatory responses, and further highlight outcomes of attempts to modulate the gut microbiota as promising therapeutic strategies for HD. Ultimately, we discuss the dearth of data and the need for more longitudinal and translational studies in this nascent field. We suggest future directions to improve our understanding of the association between gut microbes and the pathogenesis of HD, and other ‘brain and body disorders’.
Hidradenitis suppurativa: a new, principle‐centered paradigm for managing a dynamic disease
Authors: Wyant W. Austin , Manjaly Priya , Orlowski Gregory M.
Published: March 2024

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic, debilitating skin condition that disproportionately affects socioeconomically underserved patients. Currently, treatment outcomes for patients with HS remain poor, largely because of a deficiency in current guidelines on exactly how and when to employ the myriad treatment tools, resulting in heterogeneous care models and confusion. Aggressive medical therapy is often started too late, pursued for too long whilst delaying procedural intervention, or skipped over altogether for procedures. Here, we propose a new, principle‐centered management paradigm for HS that emphasizes the need for prompt intervention to minimize suffering and an understanding of how sinus tract development dictates the timing of medical and procedural interventions.
Single‐cell RNA sequencing reveals the altered innate immunity in immune checkpoint inhibitor‐related myocarditis
Authors: Lou Bowen , Guo Manyun , Zheng Tao , Liu Junhui , Wang Chen , Chen Tao , Chen Fangyuan , Fan Xiaojuan , Gao Shanshan , Liang Xiao , Qiang Hua , Li Lijuan , Zhou Bo , Yuan Zuyi , She Jianqing
Published: March 2024

Myocarditis has emerged as a rare but lethal immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI)‐associated toxicity. However, the exact mechanism and the specific therapeutic targets remain underexplored. In this study, we aim to characterise the transcriptomic profiles based on single‐cell RNA sequencing from ICI‐related myocarditis. Peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) samples were collected from four groups for single‐cell RNA sequencing: (1) patients with newly diagnosed lung squamous cell carcinoma before treatment (Control Group); (2) patients with lung squamous cell carcinoma with PD‐1 inhibitor therapy who did not develop myocarditis (PD‐1 Group); (3) patients during fulminant ICI‐related myocarditis onset (Myocarditis Group); and (4) Patients with fulminant ICI‐related myocarditis during disease remission (Recovery Group). Subcluster determination, functional analysis, single‐cell trajectory and cell–cell interaction analysis were performed after scRNA‐seq. Bulk‐RNA sequencing was performed for further validation. Our results revealed the diversity of cellular populations in ICI‐related myocarditis, marked by their distinct transcriptional profiles and biological functions. Monocytes, NKs as well as B cells contribute to the regulation of innate immunity and inflammation in ICI‐related myocarditis. With integrated analysis of scRNA‐seq and bulk sequencing, we identified S100A protein family as a potential serum marker for ICI‐related myocarditis. Our study has created a cell atlas of PBMC during ICI‐related myocarditis, which would shed light on the pathophysiological mechanism and potential therapeutic targets of ICI‐related myocarditis in continuous exploration.
A practical approach for dealing with hard knapsack problems using general‐purpose integer programming software
Authors: Song Myung Soon , Lin Pei Hua , Lu Yun , Shively‐Ertas Emre , Vasko Francis J.
Published: March 2024

Several articles dealing with the generation of hard 0‐1 knapsack problems (KPs) have given rise to 13,940 KP instances being made available for empirical testing. These KPs are typically solved using algorithms specifically designed to solve hard KPs. The goal of this paper is to demonstrate that two general‐purpose integer programming software packages using default parameter settings and a standard PC can successfully be used to generate optimal or guaranteed near‐optimal solutions for these 13,940 KP instances. Over 97% of the 13,940 instances have solutions generated that are guaranteed to be within 0.01% of optimum in less than 1 minute and a practical strategy for dealing with the other 3% is presented. Additionally, 3240 of the most difficult KPs were generated based on 6 parameters. Statistical analyses for predicting which values for these six parameters result in difficult‐to‐solve KPs based on the software used will be discussed. These results will be of particular interest to operations research practitioners who need to efficiently solve hard KPs related to real‐world applications.
Sense of coherence moderates job demand‐resources and impact on burnout among nurses and midwives in the context of the COVID‐19 pandemic: A cross‐sectional survey
Authors: Paterson C. , Davis D. , Roberts C. , Bail K. , Wallis E. , Northam H. L. , Frost J. , Jojo N. , McGrory C. , Dombkins A. , Kavanagh P. S.
Published: March 2024

Aim

This study aimed to test the propositions using the job demands‐resources (JD‐R) model for main/moderation/mediation effects of a sense of coherence and practice environment support on mental well‐being (anxiety, depression and burnout) outcomes in nurses and midwives in Australia during the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Design

Cross‐sectional quantitative survey.

Data Sources

The study was a cross‐sectional design using self‐report questionnaires reported as per the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology Guidelines. Following human research ethics approval (2020.ETH.00121) participants were recruited to take part in an online anonymous survey using self‐report instruments to test the JD‐R model in Australia.

Results

156 participant nurses and midwives experienced anxiety, depression and emotional burnout during COVID‐19. While a considerable proportion of participants indicated high levels of emotional exhaustion, their responses showed low levels of depersonalization (detached response to other people) and high levels of personal accomplishment (high levels of work performance and competence). A sense of coherence was a significant protective factor for mental health well‐being for the participants, which is to say, high levels of sense of coherence were predictive of lower levels of anxiety, depression and burnout in this study sample.

Conclusion

It is evident that both nursing and midwifery professions require psychosocial support to preserve their health both in the short and long term. Ensuring individualized tailored support will require a layered response within organizations aimed at individual self‐care and collegial peer support.

Patient or Public Contribution

There was no patient or public contribution in this study, as the focus was on nurses and midwives.
SIRT2‐mediated deacetylation of ACLY promotes the progression of oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Zhang Xueying , Xu Yue , Li Shenglei , Qin Yue , Zhu Guangzhao , Zhang Qing , Zhang Yanting , Guan Fangxia , Fan Tianli , Liu Hongtao
Published: March 2024

ATP citrate lyase (ACLY), as a key enzyme in lipid metabolism, plays an important role in energy metabolism and lipid biosynthesis of a variety of tumours. Many studies have shown that ACLY is highly expressed in various tumours, and its pharmacological or gene inhibition significantly inhibits tumour growth and progression. However, the roles of ACLY in oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) remain unclear. Here, our data showed that ACLY inhibitor significantly attenuated cell proliferation, migration, invasion and lipid synthesis in different ESCC cell lines, whereas the proliferation, migration, invasion and lipid synthesis of ESCC cells were enhanced after ACLY overexpression. Furthermore, ACLY inhibitor dramatically suppressed tumour growth and lipid metabolism in ESCC cells xenografted tumour model, whereas ACLY overexpression displayed the opposite effect. Mechanistically, ACLY protein harboured acetylated modification and interacted with SIRT2 protein in ESCC cells. The SIRT2 inhibitor AGK2 significantly increased the acetylation level of ACLY protein and inhibited the proliferation and migration of ESCC cells, while overexpression of ACLY partially reversed the inhibitory effect of AGK2 on ESCC cells. Overall, these results suggest that targeting the SIRT2/ACLY signalling axis may be a potential therapeutic strategy for ESCC patients.
CDDO regulates central and peripheral sensitization to attenuate post‐herpetic neuralgia by targeting TRPV1/PKC‐δ/p‐Akt signals
Authors: Lu Chun‐Ching , Lin Chia‐Yang , Lu Ying‐Yi , Tsai Hung‐Pei , Lin Chih‐Lung , Wu Chieh‐Hsin
Published: March 2024

Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) is a notorious neuropathic pain featuring persistent profound mechanical hyperalgesia with significant negative impact on patients' life quality. CDDO can regulate inflammatory response and programmed cell death. Its derivative also protects neurons from damages by modulating microglia activities. As a consequence of central and peripheral sensitization, applying neural blocks may benefit to minimize the risk of PHN. This study aimed to explore whether CDDO could generate analgesic action in a PHN‐rats' model. The behavioural test was determined by calibrated forceps testing. The number of apoptotic neurons and degree of glial cell reaction were assessed by immunofluorescence assay. Activation of PKC‐δ and the phosphorylation of Akt were measured by western blots. CDDO improved PHN by decreasing TRPV1‐positive nociceptive neurons, the apoptotic neurons, and reversed glial cell reaction in adult rats. It also suppressed the enhanced PKC‐δ and p‐Akt signalling in the sciatic nerve, dorsal root ganglia (DRG) and spinal dorsal horn. Our research is the promising report demonstrating the analgesic and neuroprotective action of CDDO in a PHN‐rat's model by regulating central and peripheral sensitization targeting TRPV1, PKC‐δ and p‐Akt. It also is the first study to elucidate the role of oligodendrocyte in PHN.
A systematic review on deep learning‐based automated cancer diagnosis models
Authors: Tandon Ritu , Agrawal Shweta , Rathore Narendra Pal Singh , Mishra Abhinava K. , Jain Sanjiv Kumar
Published: March 2024

Deep learning is gaining importance due to its wide range of applications. Many researchers have utilized deep learning (DL) models for the automated diagnosis of cancer patients. This paper provides a systematic review of DL models for automated diagnosis of cancer patients. Initially, various DL models for cancer diagnosis are presented. Five major categories of cancers such as breast, lung, liver, brain and cervical cancer are considered. As these categories of cancers have a very high percentage of occurrences with high mortality rate. The comparative analysis of different types of DL models is drawn for the diagnosis of cancer at early stages by considering the latest research articles from 2016 to 2022. After comprehensive comparative analysis, it is found that most of the researchers achieved appreciable accuracy with implementation of the convolutional neural network model. These utilized the pretrained models for automated diagnosis of cancer patients. Various shortcomings with the existing DL‐based automated cancer diagnosis models are also been presented. Finally, future directions are discussed to facilitate further research for automated diagnosis of cancer patients.
Commentary: Early intervention for conduct problems as a child protection strategy – reflections on Nobakht et al. (2023)
Authors: Hawes David J.
Published: March 2024

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), including child maltreatment and interparental aggression, are known to have far‐reaching consequences for mental health across the lifespan. Emerging evidence, such as that reported by Nobakht et al. (Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 2023), indicates that child conduct problems (e.g. oppositional defiant disorder, conduct disorder) may not only result from adversity but also contribute to it through transactional cascades that amplify risk for adversity over time. This commentary addresses some of the key implications of this evidence for translation into practice. It is argued that child conduct problems can be viewed as modifiable determinants of adversity and that the early identification and treatment of child conduct problems may allow for the early identification and reduction of risk for numerous ACEs.
Atlantic salmon Salmo salar do not prioritize digestion when energetic budgets are constrained by warming and hypoxia
Authors: Nuic Barbara , Bowden Alyssa , Franklin Craig E. , Cramp Rebecca L.
Published: March 2024

During summer, farmed Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) can experience prolonged periods of warming and low aquatic oxygen levels due to climate change. This often results in a drop in feed intake; however, the physiological mechanism behind this behaviour is unclear. Digestion is a metabolically expensive process that can demand a high proportion of an animal's energy budget and might not be sustainable under future warming scenarios. We investigated the effects of elevated temperature and acute hypoxia on specific dynamic action (SDA; the energetic cost of digestion), and how much of the energy budget (i.e. aerobic scope, AS) was occupied by SDA in juvenile Atlantic salmon. AS was 9% lower in 21°C‐acclimated fish compared to fish reared at their optimum temperature (15°C) and was reduced by ~50% by acute hypoxia (50% air saturation) at both temperatures. Furthermore, we observed an increase in peak oxygen uptake rate during digestion which occupied ~13% of the AS at 15°C and ~20% of AS at 21°C, and increased the total cost of digestion at 21°C. The minimum oxygen tolerance threshold in digesting fish was ~42% and ~53% at 15 and 21°C, respectively, and when digesting fish were exposed to acute hypoxia, gut transit was delayed. Thus, these stressors result in a greater proportion of the available energy budget being directed away from digestion. Moderate environmental hypoxia under both optimal and high temperatures severely impedes digestion and should be avoided to limit exacerbating temperature effects on fish growth.
Performance of the Asia–Pacific Colorectal Screening score in stratifying the risk of advanced colorectal neoplasia: A meta‐analysis and systematic review
Authors: Luu Mai Ngoc , Trinh Nhi Ai , Tran Truc Le Thanh , Dang Thinh Phuong , Hiyama Toru , Quach Duc Trong
Published: March 2024

Background and Aim

This study systematically reviewed and meta‐analyzed the performance of the Asia–Pacific Colorectal Screening (APCS) score and its incorporation with the fecal immunochemical test (FIT) in stratifying the risk of advanced colorectal neoplasia (ACN).

Methods

We systematically searched for relevant articles in 12 electronic databases and registers on October 20, 2021, and updated the search to September 1, 2023. Random‐effect models were used to obtain the pooled performance statistics of the APCS score for ACN risk.

Results

From the 101 records screened, 13 eligible studies in the Asia–Pacific region involving 69 762 subjects who had undergone colonoscopy were enrolled. The pooled prevalences of ACN in the average‐risk (AR) tier (APCS 0–1), moderate‐risk (MR) tier (APCS 2–3), and high‐risk (HR) tier (APCS ≥ 4) groups were 0.9%, 3.1%, and 8.1%, respectively. Compared with the combined AR–MR group, the HR group was significantly associated with a higher ACN risk (pooled diagnostic odds ratio: 2.84, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.35–3.45, P < 0.001). The APCS score showed a sensitivity of 0.42 (95% CI: 0.40–0.44) and a specificity of 0.86 (95% CI: 0.85–0.86) for predicting the ACN risk, with a weighted area under the curve of 0.642 (95% CI: 0.610–0.657). The combination of the APCS score and FIT substantially improved ACN risk identification, demonstrating pooled diagnostic odds ratios of 4.02 (95% CI: 2.50–6.49) in the AR–MR groups and 5.44 (95% CI: 1.89–15.63) in the MR–HR groups.

Conclusions

The APCS score could effectively stratify the ACN risk in the Asia–Pacific population. Incorporating FIT further improves its performance in identifying high‐risk subjects who should be prioritized for colonoscopy screenings.
Comparative efficacy of non‐pharmacological interventions on sleep quality in old adults: A systematic review and network meta‐analysis
Authors: Chang Hui , Chen Yundi , Wang Zhiwen
Published: March 2024

Aims and Objectives

To compare the effectiveness of non‐pharmacological interventions in enhancing sleep quality in older people.

Background

Sleep problems in older adults have become increasingly prominent. Sleep problems not only affect the health and quality of life of older people, but also the range of chronic diseases caused by sleep problems also impose a huge burden on social services and health care. Non‐pharmacological interventions are an effective alternative to pharmacological therapies, but it is unclear which non‐pharmacological therapies are most effective in enhancing sleep quality in older adults.

Design

A systematic review and network meta‐analysis based on PRISMA‐NMA.

Methods

A total of seven databases were searched from the establishment of the database to March 2023. After literature screening and data extraction, the Cochrane Bias assessment tool 2.0 version of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) was used to evaluate literature quality. A network meta‐analysis was performed to evaluate the relative efficacy of the non‐pharmacological interventions on sleep quality.

Results

A total of 71 RCTs involving nine non‐pharmacological interventions were included. The results of the network meta‐analysis showed that the joint intervention may be the most effective non‐pharmacological intervention to enhance sleep quality in older adults.

Conclusion

This study confirms that non‐pharmacological interventions can improve sleep quality in older adults. The use of non‐pharmacological interventions can be promoted by healthcare professionals in the future to improve the quality of sleep and thus the physical and mental health of older people.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

This evidence suggests that joint interventions may be most effective. Therefore, in the future, a combination of non‐pharmacological interventions could be used to maximise their effectiveness in improving sleep quality in older people and promoting healthy aging.

No Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution is not applicable to this study.
Local labor market effects of offshoring: Evidence from the US Trade Adjustment Assistance program
Authors: Im Hyejoon , Shen Yang , Yoo Myunghwan
Published: March 2024

We explore the wage effects of offshoring‐induced employment shocks in US commuting zones (CZs) and industries. Using data on petitions for the Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA), we measure such shocks by computing the share of TAA‐certified offshoring‐induced layoffs out of total employment. We further identify material‐offshoring shocks and service‐offshoring shocks and connect the TAA data to individual‐level worker data from the American Community Survey. Empirical results show statistically significant and negative wage effects of the CZ‐level offshoring shocks, especially for service offshoring. On the contrary, we find positive wage effects of industry‐level offshoring shocks in industries exposed to both types of offshoring. Furthermore, we show that offshoring is associated with the widening gender wage gap in local labor markets and that workers in production and highly‐offshorable occupations are more vulnerable to the CZ‐level offshoring shocks.
A novel ITGA2B double cytosine frameshift variant (c.1986_1987insCC) leads to Glanzmann's thrombasthenia in a cat
Authors: Rivas Victor N. , Tan Avalene W. K. , Shaverdian Meg , Nguyen Nghi P. , Wouters Jalena R. , Stern Joshua A. , Li Ronald H. L.
Published: March 2024

Background

Glanzmann's thrombasthenia (GT) is a congenital platelet disorder affecting approximately 1:1 000 000 people globally and characterized by impaired platelet aggregation and clot retraction. Autosomal recessive, loss‐of‐function, variants in ITGA2B or ITGB3 of the αIIbβ3 receptor cause the disease in humans. A cat affected by Glanzmann's and macrothrombocytopenia was presented to the UC Davis VMTH.

Hypothesis/Objectives

Severe thrombopathia in this cat has an underlying genetic etiology.

Animals

A single affected patient, 2 age‐matched clinically healthy controls, and a geriatric population (n = 20) of normal cats.

Methods

Physical examination and clinical pathology tests were performed on the patient. Flow cytometry and platelet aggregometry analyses for patient phenotyping were performed. Patient and validation cohort gDNA samples were extracted for Sanger sequencing of a previously identified ITGA2B (c.1986delC) variant. Reverse transcriptase PCR was performed on patient and healthy control PRP samples to verify ITGA2B variant consequence.

Results

A novel c.1986_1987insCC autosomal recessive variant in ITGA2B was identified. This variant was absent in a population of 194 unrelated cats spanning 44 different breeds. Complete loss of ITGA2B transcript and protein expression was verified by RT‐PCR and flow cytometry, explaining the underlying etiology of GT, and likely macrothrombocytopenia, in this cat.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

This study emphasizes the role of precision medicine in cardiovascular disease of cats and identified yet another variant that may be of utility for screening in the feline population. This study provides a small‐volume, standardized, successful protocol for adequate platelet RNA isolation and subsequent molecular assessment of gene expression in cats.
Irregular migration and social inclusion and exclusion: The case of Ciudad Juárez
Authors: Payan Tony , Delgado‐Hernández Karla Iroazem
Published: March 2024

Recent years have seen several waves of irregular migrants and asylum seekers from many different countries transit through Mexico and arrive at the US–Mexico border. Although the goal of these migrants is to cross into the United States, many find themselves stranded on the Mexican side of the border for various reasons, forced to insert themselves in its cities' urban spaces and activities. Their presence has forced government actors, the public and civil society organizations, and market players to deal with them. Each of these actors deploys different strategies to deal with the migrants' presence, all of which can be pinned on a spectrum of inclusion and exclusion, according to their interests and perception of the migrants' station in their midst. This article examines the practices of social inclusion and exclusion of migrants in Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua, Mexico, based on concepts by Bramley and Power, and outlines the challenges of inclusion for migrants and residents as both perceive their sojourn in the city as mainly transitory.
Global burden of acute hepatitis E between 1990 and 2019 and projections until 2030
Authors: Ouyang Guoqing , Pan Guangdong , Li Qiuyun , Li Shuang , Liu Tao , Yi Xiaolei , Liu Zhipeng
Published: March 2024

Background and Aims

Acute hepatitis E (AHE) is still a public health issue worldwide. Here, we report the global burden of AHE in 204 countries and territories from 1990 to 2019 by age, sex and socio‐demographic index (SDI), and predict the future trends to 2030.

Methods

Data on AHE were collected from the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries and Risk Factors Study 2019. The average annual percentage change (AAPC) and joinpoint analysis were used to determine the burden trend.

Results

In 2019, there were 19.47 million (95% UI, 16.04 to 23.37 million) incident cases of AHE globally, with a 19% increase since 1990. Age‐standardized rate (ASR) of disability‐adjusted life years (DALYs), prevalent and incident cases declined from 1990 to 2019. In 2019, the ASR of incidence, prevalence and DALYs due to HEV infection were highest in the same regions of South Asia for both sexes. Southern Sub‐Saharan Africa presented the highest increases in the ASR for incidence of HEV infection in both males (AAPC = .25) and females (AAPC = .24) from 1990 to 2019. Incident cases are higher in males than females before 55–59 years old. The SDI values were negatively correlated with the age‐standardized DALYs. Between 2019 and 2030, the ASR for incidence and prevalence of HEV for both sexes showed an increasing trend.

Conclusions

Although the overall ASR of AHE decreased, the burden of AHE remains an underappreciated problem for society. The findings may provide useful information for policymakers to develop appropriate strategies aimed at reducing the burden of AHE.