bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investor behavior in crisis: a comparative study of fear-driven downtrends and confidence-led recoveries
Authors: García-Monleón Fernando , González-Rodrigo Elena , Bordonado-Bermejo María-Julia
Published: October 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to investigate the differences between financial crises of fear and confidence and the differential behavior between downtrends and recovery.

Design/methodology/approach

Five national stock markets have been analyzed – the USA (SP500), China (Hang Seng), Spain (IBEX 35), Japan (Nikkei) and Germany (DAX) – through the evolution of three world economic crises: the mortgage bubble crisis of 2007 in the first place, with special attention to the bankruptcy of Lehman Brothers, which will be treated as an independent crisis process, and the crisis caused by COVID-19. The behavioral finance theory, with the support of the complexity theory in the field of risk management, will establish the different behavioral biases that explain the differences between the two types of crises, fear and confidence, when confronted with risk.

Findings

Economic crises resulting from a shocking event, addressed as crises of fear in this research, such as Lehman Brothers or COVID-19, are fast-moving; all the economies analyzed show a common pattern of evolution. The difference is found in the recovery periods in which the previous parallelism does not continue. Crisis events that arise from a social context, addressed as crises of trust in this research, follow similar patterns in their evolution; nonetheless, the start date presents higher variations than those originated by a shock. These crises also lack parallelism between fall and recovery.

Practical implications

Understanding crisis process patterns may help to prevent them and alleviate their effects when they occur.

Originality/value

Understanding crisis process patterns may help to prevent them and alleviate their effects when they occur. This constitutes an original field of research.
Towards a responsible gaming ecosystem: a call to action
Authors: Yap Sheau Fen (Crystal)
Published: October 2024

Purpose

Drawing from transformative service research (TSR) and service ecosystem perspectives, the author seeks to provide multi-level insights into gaming service systems and call to action how this knowledge can contribute to cultivating socially responsible gaming by addressing the following research questions: What insights from service ecosystem and TSR literature can help optimise value co-creation and cultivate socially responsible practices in digital gaming services? What future research directions could advance the understanding of digital gaming services and their potential to develop a responsible gaming ecosystem that balances social well-being with commercial success?

Design/methodology/approach

Adopting a conceptual approach of theory synthesis and adaptation, the author discusses four overarching themes alongside key research gaps and directions crucial for understanding the dynamics of gaming ecosystem.

Findings

The central themes – “Exploring individuals as game service consumers”, “Gaming service exchange dynamics among meso-level stakeholders”, “A macro lens to gaming service ecosystem” and “The complexities of multi-actor dynamics and interdependencies” – shed light on how responsible services can be fostered.

Research limitations/implications

Given the absence of a well-defined scope for understanding responsible gaming, future research should develop a typology to capture its multifaceted aspects. Expanding beyond micro-level analysis, conducting consultation interviews with industry practitioners and policymakers can contribute insights into promoting responsible gaming services.

Social implications

The author offers insights for the game players, designers and developers, service providers and policymakers to promote a healthy gaming culture.

Originality/value

Through this research, the author advances the understanding of gaming as a service by illuminating value co-creation and co-destruction within an interconnected gaming service ecosystem through the lens of TSR. Such understanding empowers businesses to prioritise consumer welfare in their decision-making and practices.
Financial and sporting efficiency and productivity in Brazilian football clubs
Authors: Dantas Marke Geisy da Silva , Gasparetto Thadeu , Barbosa Alexandro , Sampaio Luciano
Published: October 2024

Purpose

This paper analyses the efficiency and productivity of Brazilian football clubs in the post-world cup 2014 period (2014–2022) using a network dynamic DEA-Malmquist model.

Design/methodology/approach

Financial and sporting efficiency and productivity in Brazilian football clubs.

Findings

The financial division’s average efficiency is higher than that of the sporting division and overall efficiency from 2014 to 2022. Fourteen clubs exhibited increased productivity during this period. Regression models revealed a statistically significant positive relationship between the debt ratio and DEA dependent variable models at a 1% significance level and a significant negative relationship with the three Malmquist dependent variable models. Additionally, the models identified a statistically significant relationship with the “Covid” (2020 years) variable across all models.

Practical implications

Our findings suggest that increased expenditures can lead to higher liabilities, reducing the ability to afford high-quality players and thus diminishing overall club value. Additionally, the inefficiencies observed among some of the largest football clubs reveal room for improvement in both financial and sportive aspects.

Originality/value

This is the first study to investigate efficiency and productivity in two dimensions for Brazilian football clubs, incorporating an analysis of productivity over an extended period and examining the impact of debt and other determinants on club performance.
Crossing boundaries: developing preservice teachers' professional identity through hybrid school–university partnerships
Authors: Buelow Stephanie
Published: October 2024

Purpose

School–university partnerships are the core of effective teacher preparation programs, and central to this model are the classroom teachers who mentor preservice teachers into the profession. This article describes an innovative collaboration that transcends institutional boundaries, operating in a hybrid space, aimed at supporting preservice teachers' development as educators, expanding their professional networks and fostering their sense of belonging and professional identity within a broader community of teacher leaders.

Design/methodology/approach

This article describes a hybrid partnership model that provides preservice teachers with innovative mentoring experiences. Research on hybrid partnership models and boundary-spanning frames the discussion. The article provides a brief overview of two iterations of a collaboration between elementary preservice teachers and a cohort of teacher leaders in a fellowship program. The paper concludes by discussing lessons learned and directions for future research on the topic.

Findings

Preservice teachers benefit from opportunities to engage with a variety of mentors throughout their program. While the classroom teacher serving as a mentor is central to teacher preparation, there is a space for hybrid partnership models that provide preservice teachers additional mentors to support their development and connections to a professional learning community of teacher leaders. Through innovative hybrid collaborations, preservice teachers engage with diverse mentors, expanding their professional networks and preparing them to navigate the complexities of the educational landscape with a sense of belonging and identity.

Originality/value

This article contributes to the literature on hybrid partnership models, aimed at empowering preservice teachers by integrating them into a professional community of teacher leaders, fostering their sense of belonging, identity and preparedness to navigate the complexities of the profession.
Lactobacillus helveticus attenuates alcoholic liver injury via regulation of gut microecology in mice
Authors: Lv Jiawen , Lang Guanjing , Wang Qiangqiang , Zhao Wenlong , Shi Ding , Zhou Ziyuan , Shen Yangfan , Xia He , Han Shengyi , Li Lanjuan
Published: October 2024

Previous reports have demonstrated that alcohol consumption significantly reduces the abundance of Lactobacillus in the gut. In this study, we selected five species of the genus Lactobacillus, commonly found in fermented foods, and acknowledged them as safe, edible, and effective in preventing or treating certain diseases, to evaluate their effects on alcoholic liver disease (ALD). By comparing the liver damage indices in each group, we found that the type strain of Lactobacillus helveticus (LH, ATCC 15009) had the most marked alleviating effect on ALD‐induced liver injury. Furthermore, experiments combining microbiomics and metabolomics were conducted to explore the mechanisms underlying the hepatoprotective effects of LH. Finally, we discovered that LH mitigated ethanol‐induced liver steatosis and inflammation in ALD mice by altering the structure and function of the gut microbiome, increasing intestinal levels of short‐chain fatty acids (SCFAs), and enhancing gut barrier integrity. These findings suggest a potential strategy for the clinical management of patients with ALD.
A keep‐it‐simple embolisation approach to treat pelvic congestion syndrome without compromising clinical effectiveness
Authors: Liang Eisen , Wong Wai Yan Timothy , Parvez Razeen , Chan Michael , Brown Bevan
Published: October 2024

Introduction

There are two approaches to treating pelvic congestion syndrome (PCS): (i) the keep‐it‐simple (KIS) approach, which involves embolising only the refluxing vein(s), typically the left ovarian vein (LOV) unless the right ovarian vein (ROV) or left/right internal iliac vein (IIV) tributaries are also refluxing; and (ii) the extensive (EXT) approach, which empirically embolises almost all of the LOV, ROV, and left and right IIV tributaries. The aim of this study is to determine whether the KIS approach can effectively treat PCS while minimising the number of treated veins and coils used, without the need for injecting sclerosing agents into pelvic veins or the use of occlusion balloons.

Methods

This is a single‐institution retrospective cohort study. Our records identified 154 women who underwent venograms for possible PCS, with the intent to proceed with embolisation. Refluxing veins were treated using the KIS approach, deploying minimal number of coils, ‘sandwiching’ sclerosing foam. Short‐term follow‐up was conducted at 6 weeks; long‐term follow‐ups (between 12 and 60 months) were conducted via an electronic survey consisting of 19 questions assessing pelvic pain/pressure, leg and back pain, fatigue, and bladder and menstrual symptoms.

Results

Fifteen women had negative venogram; 139 women had one or more refluxing veins on venogram. Most women (73%) required unilateral ovarian vein (OV) embolisation, 14% required bilateral OV embolisation, and 12% underwent pelvic vein embolisation. Most cases required only four pushable coils. Clinical success was 89% at 6 weeks and 84% at 1–5 years. A visual analogue scale reduction of 5.2 points (from 7.8 to 2.7) was achieved. There were no instances of coil dislodgement or other complications.

Conclusion

The keep‐it‐simple approach, embolising only the refluxing ovarian and/or iliac veins, can achieve a successful clinical outcome for pelvic congestion syndrome. The extensive approach of empirically embolising all ovarian veins and internal iliac veins may not be necessary. This carries implications for potential savings in procedure time, cost and radiation dose.
Diagnostic reasoning and cognitive error in emergency medicine: Implications for teaching and learning
Authors: Pelaccia Thierry , Sherbino Jonathan , Wyer Peter , Norman Geoff
Published: October 2024

Background

Accurate diagnosis in emergency medicine (EM) is high stakes and challenging. Research into physicians’ clinical reasoning has been ongoing since the late 1970s. The dual‐process theory has established itself as a valid model, including in EM. It is based on the distinction between two information‐processing systems. System 1 rapidly generates one or more diagnostic hypotheses almost instantaneously, driven by experiential knowledge, while System 2 proceeds more slowly and analytically, applying formal rules to arrive at a final diagnosis.

Methods

We reviewed the literature on dual‐process theory in the fields of cognitive science, medical education and emergency medicine.

Results and Conclusion

The literature reflects two prominent interpretations regarding the relationship between the fast and slow phases and these interpretations carry very different implications for the training of clinical learners. One interpretation, prominent in the EM community, presents it as a “check‐and‐balance” framework in which most diagnostic error is caused by cognitive biases originating within System 1. As a result, EM residents are frequently advised to deploy analytical (System 2) strategies to correct such biases. However, such teaching approaches are not supported by research into the nature of diagnostic reasoning. An alternative interpretation assumes a harmonious relationship between Systems 1 and 2 in which both fast and slow processes are driven by underlying knowledge that conditions performance and the occurrence of errors. Educational strategies corresponding to this alternative have not been explored in the EM literature. In this paper, we offer proposals for improving the teaching and learning of diagnostic reasoning by EM residents.
Planning postpartum contraception for women with substance use disorders: Utilisation of the birth admission
Authors: McNamara Kelly A. , Black Kirsten , Bond Oliver , Murnion Bridin , Gordon Adrienne , Ludlow Joanne , Nassar Natasha
Published: October 2024

Background

Women with substance use disorders (SUD) use less contraception, and experience higher rates of unintended pregnancy, compared to women without SUD. Contraception is discussed at the six‐week postnatal appointment, which many women with SUD do not attend. Therefore, it is important women have the opportunity to formulate contraception plans before discharge from the birth admission.

Aims

To assess postpartum contraception plans, including initiation and method of interest, among women with SUD and compare these to women without SUD.

Materials and Methods

All births from January 2011 to September 2019 from one New South Wales local health district were analysed. Data included maternal demographics, SUD, and contraception plans. Chi‐squared statistics and multivariate multinomial regression analyses were used to compare outcomes for women with and without SUD.

Results

Of 59 195 mothers, 429 (0.7%) had a SUD. There were 50.1% of women with SUD and 56.2% without SUD (P = 0.03) who had no documented plan for contraception. There were 37.3% of women with SUD and 42.4% without SUD (P = 0.06) who had a prescription for contraception or a referral to discuss contraception. There were 12.5% of women with SUD and 1.4% without SUD (P < 0.001) who initiated contraception in hospital.

Conclusions

Although postpartum contraception initiation was higher among women with SUD, half of all women (with or without SUD) were discharged without a plan for contraception initiation. Embedding provision of postpartum contraception into maternity care, or investigating other opportunities, may improve access for all women, including those with SUD.
Non‐tuberculous mycobacterial bone and joint infections – a case series from a tertiary referral centre in Australia
Authors: Holscher Cameron , Manzanero Silvia , Hume Anna , Foster Andrew L. , Tetsworth Kevin , Chapman Paul R.
Published: October 2024

Background

Non‐tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are rare causes of bone and joint infection (BJI) and there is limited evidence on which to base management decisions. This study describes 1 year of experience from a multi‐disciplinary BJI team which collects data on all cases reviewed at a tertiary referral centre in Queensland, Australia.

Methods

The database was interrogated for all cases in which NTM were recovered from operative samples. Individual chart review was performed to collect the details of each case.

Results

A total of seven cases were managed between 1st February 2021 and 28th February 2022, comprising one patient with chronic osteomyelitis, three with fracture‐related infections, two with prosthetic joint infections, and one with infection of a synthetic ligament graft. In contrast to pulmonary NTM infections, most patients were clinically well and immunocompetent, and most infections were propagated by direct inoculation. Time to diagnosis was unknown in three patients, with 1, 2, 2, and 5 months for the remaining four. Rapid growing NTM were diagnosed on routine cultures and specific mycobacterial cultures were confirmatory. Management was characterized by multiple stage surgical procedures and prolonged antimicrobial regimens.

Conclusions

Antimicrobial complications were common; however, all patients were infection free at their latest follow up. Despite the inherent limitations, these results suggest that routinely ordering mycobacterial culture is of low yield. There is potential for shorter‐term oral antimicrobial treatments. Prospective research is required to optimize treatment regimens and durations.
Vitamin D intake and status in children and adolescents: Comparing vegetarian, vegan, and omnivorous diets
Authors: Devulapalli Chandra Sekhar
Published: October 2024

Aim

This study aimed to evaluate papers analysing dietary intake, 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentrations and anthropometry in children on vegetarian, vegan and omnivorous diets, as research indicates all diets generally fall below recommended vitamin D intake.

Methods

This mini review examined the vitamin D status of children aged 1–18 years by systematically searching PubMed, Google Scholar and Scopus databases from January 1, 2000, to December 31, 2023.

Results

The review included nine studies published between 2000 and 2023. Four studies reported lower vitamin D intake in children on vegetarian and vegan diets compared to omnivores. Three studies reported lower 25(OH)D concentrations in children on vegetarian and vegan diets. Specifically, one study found lower concentrations in vegans compared to omnivores, another found lower concentrations in vegetarians and vegans not taking supplements and a third reported lower 25(OH)D concentrations in Asian children aged 3–4.5 years compared to Caucasian children. Three studies found no significant differences in 25(OH)D between diet groups. Three studies assessing anthropometry showed that vegetarians have similar body weight and height as omnivores.

Conclusion

Children across all dietary groups may have low vitamin D intakes; supplementation should be considered for those with inadequate sun exposure, especially those avoiding animal products.
Long‐term follow‐up of methotrexate and cytarabine in adult patients with Langerhans cell histiocytosis
Authors: Lin He , Chang Long , Lang Min , Liu Zheng‐zheng , Duan Ming‐hui , Zhou Dao‐bin , Cao Xin‐xin
Published: October 2024

The optimal treatment strategy for adult Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) remains unclear. Our previous study demonstrated the remarkable efficacy of combined methotrexate and cytarabine (Ara‐C) [MA] therapy in patients newly diagnosed with LCH, with a median follow‐up of 2 years. The present article reports long‐term follow‐up data spanning a median of 78 months (6.5 years) from a single‐arm, single‐centre, prospective phase 2 clinical trial (NCT 02389400) conducted between January 2014 and December 2020. Ninety‐five adults with newly diagnosed LCH exhibiting multisystem disease or multifocal single‐system involvement underwent MA therapy every 35 days for six cycles. Methotrexate (1 g/m2) was administered by 24 h infusion on day 1 and AraC (0.1 g/m2) by 24 h infusion for 5 days. The primary end‐point was event‐free survival (EFS). The median patient age was 32 years (range 18–65 years). The overall response rate was 89.5%. Seven patients in this cohort died, and 38 experienced disease reactivation. No degenerative central nervous system diseases were observed. The estimated 6‐year overall survival (OS) and EFS rates were 93.2% and 55.2% respectively. Multivariate analysis revealed that risk organ (RO) involvement at baseline (hazard ratio [HR] 6.135 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.185–32.259]; p = 0.031) and age >40 years at diagnosis (HR 7.299 [95% CI 1.056–21.277]; p = 0.042) were associated with inferior OS. RO (HR 2.604 [95% CI 1.418–4.762]; p = 0.002) and skin (HR 2.232 [95% CI 1.171–4.255]; p = 0.015) involvement at baseline were poor prognostic factors for EFS. Regarding adverse events, four patients developed a second primary malignancy. In conclusion, the MA regimen was a valid and safe therapeutic approach for adult patients newly diagnosed with LCH.
The role of the Messinian evaporites in the identification of potential gas storage sites: A review of the Adriatic foreland basin system (Italy)
Authors: Manzi V. , Bigi D. , Lugli S. , Balsamo F. , Chizzini N. , Lucca A. , Storti F.
Published: October 2024

Focusing on the late Miocene stratigraphic successions including the evaporite deposits from the Messinian salinity crisis (MSC) of the Adriatic foreland basin, a revision of available boreholes and seismic data allowed us to recognize the presence of reservoirs and seals systems that can be considered of potential interest for the storage of natural and synthetic gas. Potentially good reservoir sites can be found where porous rocks referable to siliciclastic turbiditites (Marnoso‐arenacea and Laga Fms) or shallow‐water carbonates (Bolognano Fm) preferentially involved in anticlinal structures and covered by thick MSC evaporites, which may represent effective reservoir seals. The integrated reconstruction of porous rocks distribution and facies, thickness, and lateral continuity of the overlying evaporites, allows the identification and zonation of geological settings in the Adriatic foredeep, backbulge and foreland with peculiar stratigraphy and deformations, only partially considered before, that may deserve consideration in the research of potential gas storage sites.
Geological conditions and fluid flow history that lead to the development of large clastic dykes in basins: A case study from Kushiro, Japan
Authors: Tamamura Shuji , Murakami Takuma , Kaneko Katsuhiko , Yoneda Tetsuro , Sato Tsutomu , Aizawa Jun , Matsumoto Hiroyuki , Uchida Kagemi , Suzuki Yoshiaki , Igarashi Toshifumi
Published: October 2024

Large clastic dykes (the Harutori‐Taro and Harutori‐Jiro dykes) and smaller dykes are exposed in the underground Kushiro Coal Mine (KCM), Japan. This study examines these dykes as a case study to investigate the geological conditions and fluid flow history that lead to the development of large clastic dykes in basins. The composition of the dykes indicates the Beppo and/or Harutori formations as their parent unit. Crystallite size distribution (CSD) analysis reveals Ostwald ripening of the kaolinite in the kaolinitised feldspar from the dykes, suggesting stagnant conditions in the parent unit before the dyke was formed. In contrast, smectite CSDs and the high carbonate content of the dykes suggest that large volumes of fluid flowed through the dykes along the established hydraulic gradient, which was triggered by the breaking of the upper seal. The isotopic and chemical compositions of the calcite and aragonite in the dykes, with moderate siderite and rhodochrosite content, indicate the fluid was a warm (>30°C) mixture of freshwater and saltwater, which was transferred from deeper levels of the parent unit towards the crest of an anticline. Immediately after sand injection, the semi‐closed system of the parent unit near the root of the large dyke was transformed into a major flow channel for overpressurised fluids. Subsequently, a large volume of fluid flowed along the vertical conduit (or dyke) over a long period of time (>1 Myr), which removed fluid from a widespread area (i.e., several hundred square kilometres) of the basin. The results show that thin parent units, poor lateral continuity of the upper seal, and spatially heterogeneous overpressurisation do not preclude the formation of large dykes.
Exploratory Analysis of the Association Between Plasma Ceramide Alterations and Cognitive Dysfunction in Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Liu Xu , Liu Xuanjing , Liu Yuning , Yang Bo , Li Yangdanyu , Li Fujia , Qian Kun , Liu Xuesong , Xiao Lishun , Cui Guiyun , Xu Chuanying
Published: October 2024

Objective

Prior research has underscored the importance of sphingolipid metabolism in Parkinson's disease (PD) pathogenesis. Our objective was to explore the associations between plasma ceramide levels and PD patients with cognitive dysfunction (PD‐CD).

Methods

We enrolled two study populations from Eastern China and the Parkinson's Progression Markers Initiative (PPMI), comprising 290 (100 HCs, 160 PDs, and 30 MSAs) and 429 (125 HCs and 304 PDs) participants, respectively. The plasma levels of ceramides (Cer 16:0, Cer 18:0, Cer 24:0, and Cer 24:1) were tested via HPLC–MS/MS analysis.

Results

Compared with those in the HC group, the plasma levels of Cer 18:0, Cer 24:1, Cer 16:0/Cer 24:0, Cer 18:0/Cer 24:0, and Cer 24:1/Cer 24:0 were higher in both the PD and MSA groups. Significant differences in the plasma levels of Cer 16:0/Cer 24:0, Cer 18:0/Cer 24:0, and Cer 24:1/Cer 24:0 were observed among the PD‐NC (PD with normal cognition), PD‐MCI (PD with mild cognitive impairment), and PDD (PD dementia) groups, with the PDD group exhibiting the highest levels. PD patients with higher baseline levels of plasma ceramides (specifically, Cer 18:0, Cer 16:0/Cer 24:0, Cer 18:0/Cer 24:0, and Cer 24:1/Cer 24:0) demonstrated accelerated cognitive decline compared with individuals who had lower baseline plasma ceramide levels during the 5‐year follow‐up period. A biomarker panel including Cer 18:0/Cer 24:0 and Cer 24:1/Cer 24:0 could effectively differentiate PD‐CD from PD‐NC with notable diagnostic accuracy.

Conclusions

Our results indicate that plasma ceramide levels could potentially be used as diagnostic biomarkers for PD‐CD.
Developing Concepts of Authenticity: Insights From Parents’ and Children's Conversations About Historical Significance
Authors: Nancekivell Shaylene E. , Stilwell Sarah , Gelman Susan A.
Published: October 2024

The present study investigated children's understanding that an object's history may increase its significance, an appreciation that underpins the concept of historical authenticity (i.e., the idea that an item's history determines its true identity, beyond its functional or material qualities, leading people to value real items over copies or fakes). We examined the development of historical significance through the lens of parent–child conversations, and children's performance on an authenticity assessment. The final sample was American, 79.2% monoracial White, and mid‐high socio‐economic status (SES) and included 48 parent–child pairs: 24 with younger children (R = 3.5 to 4.5 years) and 24 with older children (R = 5.5 to 6.5 years). Parent–child pairs discussed three books we created, with three storylines: a museum (culturally authentic) storyline, a clean‐up (personally authentic) storyline, and a control storyline. Across measures, conversations suggested that authenticity may begin as a “placeholder concept” that is initially rooted in a broad appreciation for the significance of old objects and only later filled in with specifics. This placeholder initially directs children's learning about authenticity by linking, in an unspecified way, the value and significance of objects to their past. For example, we found that young children appropriately appealed to history (vs. perceptual or functional features of objects) in contexts regarding authentic objects but struggled in determining which objects were more significant on the post‐test assessment, suggesting that they attend to object history but are not yet sure how histories matter for making authenticity judgments. We also found some evidence that directing children's attention toward conceptual information related to object history may in turn direct them away from material or perceptual considerations, as seen in trade‐offs in parents’ and children's conversations. Together, this exploratory report offers many new avenues for work on the development of authenticity concepts in childhood.
Pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and safety of izuforant, an H4R inhibitor, in healthy subjects: A phase I single and multiple ascending dose study
Authors: Jin Byung Hak , Hong Taegon , Yoo Byung Won , Kim Choon Ok , Kim Dasohm , Kim Youn Nam , Park Min Soo
Published: October 2024

Izuforant is a selective, and potent histamine H4 receptor (H4R) antagonist developed to treat atopic dermatitis (AD). There is an unmet medical need for therapeutic agents to control inflammation and pruritus. Izuforant is a strong candidate for this task based on the findings of non‐clinical studies showing that inhibition of the histamine‐mediated signaling pathway via H4R by izuforant results in decreased pruritus and inflammation. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) profiles of izuforant. Dose‐block‐randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, single‐ and multiple ascending dose studies were conducted in 64 healthy volunteers. For the single ascending dose (SAD) study, 10–600 mg izuforant was administered to the designated groups. For the multiple ascending dose (MAD) study, 100–400 mg izuforant was administered to three groups. The clinical pharmacokinetic (PK) profile of izuforant was evaluated using plasma and urine concentrations. Blood sampling for the PD assay, which measured imetit‐induced eosinophil shape changes (ESC), was also conducted. A one‐compartment PK model described the distribution and elimination profiles of izuforant. An imetit‐induced ESC inhibition test was established and validated for PD evaluation as a measure of the H4R antagonistic effect. ESC inhibition was observed even at doses as low as 10 mg; however, this inhibition became stronger and lasted longer as the dose increased. All izuforant doses were well tolerated, and no discontinuations due to adverse events (AE) or deaths were reported.
Brain health and national neurological societies: Results of the European Academy of Neurology survey on brain health awareness and areas of implementation for European countries
Authors: Leonardi Matilde , Colonna Isabella , Garcia‐Azorin David , Bereczki Daniel , Bodini Benedetta , Bregman Noa , Kälviäinen Reetta K. , Kondybayeva Aida , Papp Viktoria , Vodušek David B. , von Oertzen Tim , Danova Robertina , Crean Michael , Wurm Raphael , Bassetti Claudio , Berger Thomas , Boon Paul , Kallweit Ulf , Marson Anthony , Moro Elena , Rektorova Irena , Toscano Antonio , Leocani Letizia
Published: October 2024

Background and purpose

The European Academy of Neurology (EAN) has adhered to the global plan for reducing the burden of neurological disorders and promoting brain health launched by the World Health Organisation (WHO), the WHO Intersectoral Global Action Plan on Epilepsy and Other Neurological Disorders. This study reports the results of an EAN survey among national neurological societies (NNSs) on their awareness of brain health policies.

Methods

The EAN survey on the current state of national brain health policies was conducted among the 47 presidents of the NNSs affiliated with the EAN, with the aim of developing the best strategy for close collaboration among stakeholders.

Results

From June 2023 to February 2024, 36/47 responses (77%) were collected. Among respondents, 67% were in contact with their Ministry of Health and 78% were aware of and in contact with one or more national neurological patient organisation, while 17% had no contacts with any association. Ninety‐two percent declared a high to medium degree of awareness of the need to support brain health and of brain health plans and strategies in their country.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest good awareness of the importance of brain health and of the strategies implemented at the national level among the EAN‐affiliated NNSs and representatives. Efforts towards improvement may be directed towards cooperation between NNSs and political institutions, as well as patient organisations, to optimise brain and global public health and neurological care in each country.
Climate policy shocks and crowdfunding success of renewable technology campaigns
Authors: Cheng Sirui , Hua Xiuping , Peng Jiadong , Zhang Huayi
Published: October 2024

This study uses Trump's withdrawal from the Paris Accord as an exogenous policy shock and investigates its impact on crowdfunding outcomes. We find that this major policy change negatively affects the funding success of renewable technology campaigns. Mechanism tests suggest that social trust and availability bias transmit the influence of climate policy shock on crowd backers' decisions. Further analyses indicate that Biden's consequential policy reversal recovers the investors' support towards renewable technology. Overall, the Trump administration's climate policy shock induces significant shifts in the consumption preferences of small investors and incurs negative externalities upon renewable technology in crowdfunding markets.
The structure of epiphytic and planktonic bacterial assemblages under two contrasting lake regimes
Authors: Zhang Xiaomin , Hu Siwen , He Rujia , Sun Xiaojian , Wu Qinglong L. , Zeng Jin , Zhao Dayong
Published: October 2024

In contrast to the macrophyte‐dominated regime (MDR), the phytoplankton‐dominated regime (PDR) in shallow lakes is characterized by relatively high nutrient concentrations, excessive phytoplankton growth and turbid water column. Some floating‐leaved plants can grow under both regimes and aid in reducing nutrient concentrations in water bodies. Their epiphytic bacterial assemblages play an essential role in the health and adaptation of these plants; however, there is limited understanding of this plant‐bacteria interaction. Here, we used 16S rRNA gene‐based high‐throughput sequencing to compare the diversity, composition and co‐occurrence patterns of planktonic and epiphytic bacterial assemblages associated with the submerged roots and floating leaves of Trapa natans, growing under the PDR and MDR in Lake Taihu, China.

Alpha diversity of PDR epiphytic bacterial assemblages was lower than in MDR. The opposite trend was observed for planktonic bacterial assemblages. We detected a strong compositional difference between epiphytic and planktonic bacterial assemblages. Bacterial assemblages found on root and leaf surfaces showed only minimal compositional overlap with those in the water column.

The composition of epiphytic bacterial assemblages differed more between the two regimes than did planktonic bacterial assemblages. The PDR co‐occurrence network of bacterial assemblages was more complex than that of the MDR, with the PDR epiphytic habitats enriched more network keystone taxa. The proportion of positive edges was also greater in the PDR networks of epiphytic bacterial assemblages than in the epiphytic MDR networks, whereas it was lower in the planktonic bacterial network from the PDR than from the MDR.

The comprehensive view of the diversity, composition and co‐occurrence patterns of epiphytic and planktonic bacterial assemblages of MDR and PDR in large shallow lakes provided by our results showed that the structure of epiphytic bacterial assemblages was mediated by both host and water properties, and the observed core taxa and network keystone species may play an important role in maintaining plant growth and adaptation to environmental change.
The Effects of a Web Application for Reducing the Risk of Breast Cancer‐Related Lymphedema on Health Literacy and Self‐Efficacy in Managing Symptoms Among Patients With Breast Cancer
Authors: Wanchai Ausanee , Panploy Somsri
Published: October 2024

Aims

This study aimed to examine the effectiveness of a web application on health literacy and self‐efficacy in managing arm oedema symptoms among patients with breast cancer.

Methods

The research was carried out in four phases as follows: Phase 1, using a qualitative approach to explore problems and information needs in educating breast cancer patients through in‐depth interviews with 10 professional nurses who had experiences in caring for breast cancer patients and 20 breast cancer patients. Data were analysed by content analysis; Phase 2, designing and developing a web application and confirming its quality by five experts with experience caring for breast cancer patients; Phase 3, testing the web application with five breast cancer patients; and Phase 4, examining the effectiveness of a web application in breast cancer patients using a quasiexperimental research method. Patients were divided into 15 persons in control and 15 in intervention groups, a total of 30 persons. The tools used in the study consisted of (1) a web application on practices for reducing risk for arm oedema after breast cancer treatment, (2) a health literacy assessment tool, (3) a self‐efficacy for managing symptoms questionnaire and (4) a web application satisfaction questionnaire. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, chi‐square and t test.

Results

Qualitative findings: The web application should cover patients' and nurses' views on arm oedema causes, assessment, prevention and self‐care for managing swelling after breast cancer treatment. Characteristics of a web application required: large text, bright colours, clear visibility, accompanying pictures or videos, using simple language without official terminology, easy to access, convenient to use, concise, interesting content and shareable to others. Quantitative findings: The intervention group had significantly higher health literacy and self‐efficacy in managing symptom scores than before the trial (p < 0.001). Sample groups were satisfied with the developed web application at a high level. When considering each item, it was found that all items were rated at high levels. Two items with the same highest score were ease of use and the attractiveness of the presentation style.

Conclusion

This web application, aimed at reducing the risk of arm oedema after breast cancer treatment, is an effective tool for educating all hospitalized patients. In addition, further research should be conducted to monitor the sustainability of long‐term and clinical outcomes.
Elevated CO2 Concentration Enhances Drought Tolerance by Mitigating Oxidative Stress and Enhancing Carbon Assimilation in Foxtail Millet (Setaria italica)
Authors: Zhang Xiaoqin , Duan Yuqian , Xing Qijun , Duan Ruonan , Shen Jie , Zong Yuzheng , Zhang Dongsheng , Shi Xinrui , Li Ping , Hao Xingyu
Published: October 2024

Elevated CO2 concentration (eCO2) can modulate the response of crop plants to drought stress (DS). This study aimed to investigate the response of leaf gas exchange, chlorophyll fluorescence, antioxidant activities, osmotic adjustment substance, phytohormone and signal transduction regulatory enzymes, as well as related genes in foxtail millet to DS (water stress for 10 days), ambient condition (aCO2, 400 μmol mol−1) and eCO2 (600 μmol mol−1). eCO2 significantly increased the net photosynthetic rate, maximum net photosynthetic rate, chlorophyll a content, transpiration rate and stomatal conductance, but did not affect leaf instantaneous water‐use efficiency under DS. eCO2 also significantly enhanced the quantum yield of Photosystem II (PSII), photosynthetic electron transport, and proportion of open PSII reaction centers under DS. Moreover, eCO2 significantly increased abscisic acid (ABA) content, proline content, and the activities of peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and calcium‐dependent protein kinase under DS, leading to a significant reduction in malondialdehyde content. eCO2 significantly increased the expressions of gene encoding ABA‐, stress‐ and ripening‐induced proteins and ABA‐responsive element binding factor under DS. Our results clearly demonstrated the vital role of eCO2 in mitigating the drought‐induced damage over ambient CO2 grown foxtail millet.
Integrative transcriptome analysis identifies a crotonylation gene signature for predicting prognosis and drug sensitivity in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Yang Bailu , Wen Fukai , Cui Yifeng
Published: October 2024

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) stands as the most prevalent and treatment‐resistant malignant tumour, characterized by a dismal prognosis. Croton acylation (CA) has recently gained attention as a critical factor in cancer pathogenesis. This study sought to rapidly identify prognostic features of HCC linked to CA. Differential analysis was conducted between tumour tissues and adjacent non‐tumour tissues in the TCGA‐LIHC and GSE76427 datasets to uncover differentially expressed genes (DEG1 and DEG2). The intersection of DEG1 and DEG2 highlighted DEGs with consistent expression patterns. Single‐sample gene set enrichment analysis scores were calculated for 18 lysine crotonylation‐related genes (LCRGs) identified in prior research, showing significant differences between tumour and normal groups. Subsequently, weighted gene co‐expression network analysis was employed to identify key module genes correlated with the LCRG score. Candidate genes were identified by overlapping consistently expressed DEGs with key module genes. Prognostic features were identified, and risk scores were determined via regression analysis. Patients were categorized into risk groups based on the optimal cutoff value. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) and immunoassays were also performed. The prognostic features were further validated using reverse transcription‐quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR). A total of 88 candidate genes were identified from 1179 consistently expressed DEGs and 4200 key module genes. Seven prognostic features were subsequently identified: TMCO3, RAP2A, ITGAV, ZFYVE26, CHST9, HMGN4, and KLHL21. GSEA revealed that DEGs between risk groups were primarily associated with chylomicron metabolism, among other pathways. Additionally, activated CD4+ T cells demonstrated the strongest positive correlation with risk scores, and most immune checkpoints showed significant differences between risk groups, with ASXL1 exhibiting the strongest correlation with risk scores. The Tumour Immune Dysfunction and Exclusion score was notably higher in the high‐risk group. Moreover, in both the TCGA‐LIHC and ICGC‐LIRI‐JP datasets, the expression of other prognostic features was elevated in tumour tissues, with the exception of CHST9. RT‐qPCR confirmed the increased expression of TMCO3, RAP2A, ITGAV, ZFYVE26, and HMGN4. This study establishes a risk model for HCC based on seven crotonylation‐associated prognostic features, offering a theoretical framework for the diagnosis and treatment of HCC.
HDAC7 promotes ovarian cancer malignancy via AKT/mTOR signalling pathway
Authors: Feng Qi , Hao Sheng , Liu Xiongxiu , Yan Zhong , Sheng Kai , Li Yanping , Zhang Peng , Sheng Xiugui
Published: October 2024

Ovarian cancer is of the most lethal malignancy and causes serious threat to women health worldwide. A deep understanding of molecular mechanisms underlying ovarian cancer progression is critical for the development of promising therapeutic strategies. In this study, we aimed to employ immunohistochemistry to determine the protein level of HDAC7 in patient tissues, our data showed HDAC7 levels are upregulated in tumour tissues. In addition, we also performed Kaplan–Meier survival analysis to investigate the association between HDAC7 expression and clinical prognosis, and found that HDAC7 expression was associated with poor prognosis in ovarian cancer patients. Inhibition of HDAC7 cells resulted in lower cell proliferation, invasion and colony formation. Furthermore, we also found that HDAC7 inhibition suppressed PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. In contrast, exogenous HDAC7 expression activated the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway in HDAC7 knockout cells and rescued the cell proliferation, invasion and colony formation. However, inhibition of p‐AKT induced lower cell proliferation, metastasis and colony formation abilities. In murine model, HDAC7 KO significantly decreased the tumour burden. These data indicate that HDAC7 is involved in regulation of PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway and targeting of HDAC7 could be potential therapeutic strategy in the treatment of ovarian cancer.
Role of KLF4 and SIAT7A interaction accelerates myocardial hypertrophy induced by Ang II
Authors: Yao Qiying , Hu Xinrui , Bian Tiantian , Zhang Qing , Xue Zhao , Lv Yuesheng , Ren Shupeng , Chen Yue , Zhang Dongmei , Chen Liang
Published: October 2024

Sialylation catalysed by sialyltransferase 7A (SIAT7A) plays a role in the development of cardiac hypertrophy. However, the regulatory mechanisms upstream of SIAT7A in this context remain poorly elucidated. Previous study demonstrated that KLF4 activates the SIAT7A gene in ischemic myocardium by binding to its promoter region. Nevertheless, the potential involvement of KLF4 in regulating SIAT7A expression in Ang II‐induced hypertrophic cardiomyocytes remains uncertain. This study seeks to deepen the underlying mechanisms of the KLF4 and SIAT7A interaction in the progression of Ang II‐induced cardiac hypertrophy. The results showed a concurrent increase in SIAT7A and KLF4 levels in hypertrophic myocardium of essential hypertension patients and in hypertrophic cardiomyocytes stimulated by Ang II. In vitro experiments revealed that reducing KLF4 levels led to a decrease in both SIAT7A synthesis and Sialyl‐Tn antigen expression, consequently inhibiting Ang II‐induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy. Intriguingly, reducing SIAT7A levels also resulted in decreased KLF4 expression and suppression cardiomyocyte hypertrophy. Consistent with this, elevating SIAT7A levels increased KLF4 expression and exacerbated cardiomyocyte hypertrophy in both in vivo and in vitro experiments. Additionally, a time‐course analysis indicated that KLF4 expression preceded that of SIAT7A. Luciferase reporter assays further confirmed that modulating SIAT7A levels directly influenced the transcriptional activity of KLF4 in cardiomyocytes. In summary, KLF4 expression is upregulated in cardiomyocytes treated with Ang II, which subsequently induces the expression of SIAT7A. The elevated levels of SIAT7A, in turn, enhance the transcription of KLF4. These findings suggest a positive feedback loop between KLF4 and SIAT7A‐Sialyl‐Tn, ultimately promoting Ang II‐induced cardiac hypertrophy.
The Clash of the Policies: The Joint Effect of EU Cohesion Policy and Common Agricultural Policy on the Public Support for European Integration
Authors: Radojičić Nikola
Published: October 2024

A vital element of the European Union (EU) political system is the idea of further European integration. Whilst most existing works investigate the effects of the Cohesion Policy (CP), only a handful of studies consider the effects of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) on citizens' support for European integration. In this contribution, I argue that these two largest EU redistribution policies neutralise each other in their effects on the citizens' support for European integration: the CP improves public support due to its positively perceived redistributive nature and positive externalities, whilst the CAP decreases public support due to due to a limited target audience, somewhat elitarian distribution of resources and bureaucratic complexities. Using regional‐level CP and CAP data for 2017 and Eurobarometer surveys for 2018 and 2019, the empirical findings of multilevel regressions show that the CAP counteracts the positive effects of the CP on citizens' support for further European integration. The findings are robust to including a wide range of control variables, sample size change and alternative specifications of key independent variables. These findings also hint that policy evaluations should not disregard the differences between various policy instruments.