bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Training for gig workers: a systematic review and research agenda
Authors: Zhang Panpan
Published: March 2024

Purpose

This study aims to synthesize existing findings in the gig worker training literature and identify the training rationales adopted by these studies, using a synthesized framework of organizational training rationales. This study seeks to delineate the rationales behind gig worker training and highlight unaddressed training needs within digital platforms, ultimately proposing a research agenda for future studies in this area.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic review methodology is adopted to synthesize and analyze empirical, peer-reviewed studies on gig worker training.

Findings

The systematic review reveals that competency and economic rationales are predominantly adopted in gig worker training studies, with the relationship rationale, common in traditional training, notably absent. This study also outlines seven future research directions to highlight identified challenges and unaddressed training needs.

Originality/value

To the best of the author’s knowledge, this study is the first work that systematically reviews existing findings on gig worker training.
Near offset reconstruction for marine seismic data using a convolutional neural network
Authors: Huff Owen Rohwer , Thorkildsen Vemund Stenbekk , Greiner Thomas Larsen , Lie Jan Erik , Evensen Andreas Kjelsrud , Bugge Aina Juell , Faleide Jan Inge
Published: March 2024

Marine seismic data is often missing near offset information due to separation between the source and receiver cables. To solve this problem, a convolutional neural network is trained on synthetic seismic data to reconstruct the near offset gap. The synthetic data is created using a two‐dimensional finite difference method within a heterogeneous velocity model. These synthetics are generated with a source‐over‐receiver acquisition geometry so that they contain complete near offset data. The convolutional neural network is then trained on input‐target synthetic pairs where the inputs are common midpoint gathers with the near offset section removed, and the targets are the same gathers with the near offset section retained. Following training, the robustness of the method is investigated with regards to common midpoint data sorting, normal moveout correction and changes in the velocity model. It is found that training on common midpoint‐sorted data results in 2.8 times lower error than training on shot gathers, that normal moveout correction of the training data makes no significant difference in error levels, and that the model can reconstruct realistic near offsets on synthetic data generated 10 km away within the heterogeneous velocity model. In field data testing, first a dataset with source‐over‐cable acquisition geometry from the Barents Sea is used to compare the reconstructed wavefields to ground truth values. Although the reconstructed amplitudes require minor scaling to match the true values, predictions on this dataset yield 2.5 times lower near offset reconstruction error compared to a simple Radon transform interpolation method. Furthermore, amplitude versus offset gradient and intercept sections from the Barents Sea dataset are estimated with half the error when including the convolutional neural network‐predicted near offset data, compared to only using the conventionally‐acquirable portion of the data (beyond 112.5 m of offset). In a secondary field data test, a conventional northern North Sea dataset is used to demonstrate how the method may be applied in practice. Here, the convolutional neural network generates more realistic predictions than the Radon method, and the gradient and intercept sections calculated using the convolutional neural network‐predicted traces have higher signal‐to‐noise ratios than the sections calculated using only the original data. The combination of high‐quality synthetic training data and interpolation in the common midpoint domain enables near offset reconstruction at significant depth (1 s of two‐way traveltime or more), which is demonstrated in both synthetic and field examples.
Life history costs drive the evolution of mycoheterotrophs: Increased sprouting and flowering in a strongly mycoheterotrophic Pyrola species
Authors: Shefferson Richard P. , Shutoh Kohtaroh , Suetsugu Kenji
Published: March 2024

Land plants are typically photosynthetic, but some species have lost the ability to photosynthesize, instead relying on mycorrhizal fungi to obtain carbon. Increasing levels of partial mycoheterotrophy, in which seemingly autotrophic plants receive fungal carbon from their fungal partners, and reduced sprouting in concert with greater reproduction when sprouting, may be intermediate steps in the evolution of this trait.

We studied the microevolutionary demography of Pyrola japonica and the closely related species P. subaphylla, which are currently considered sister species. While these species are both partially mycoheterotrophic, P. subaphylla is more strongly so, indicating that it may be closer to evolving full mycoheterotrophy. We tracked individuals in two nearby populations in Fukushima, Japan from 2015 to 2020. We analysed vital rates, population trends and long‐run population structure with historical function‐based matrix projection models. We assessed how shifts in P. subaphylla demography relate to fitness using a stochastic life table response experiment (SLTRE).

P. subaphylla exhibited strong costs of growth to survival and of reproduction to sprouting, size and fecundity. It sprouted more than P. japonica but to smaller stages. P. subaphylla's flowering frequency was approximately four times that of P. japonica, but after flowering it was smaller and more likely to die.

These life history costs appeared to drive differences in fitness, measured as stochastic population growth rate. Relative to P. japonica, shifts in fitness in P. subaphylla were due more to shifts in means than standard deviations of matrix elements. Shifts in growth transitions had the strongest negative impacts on fitness but also had the strongest positive impacts. Increased shifts to small non‐flowering stages were associated with increased fitness, while transitions involving dormancy were associated more strongly with drops in fitness.

Synthesis. As far as we are aware, we found the first evidence that costs of growth and reproduction drive the evolution of increased sprouting and smaller size as a species becomes more intensely mycoheterotrophic. Surprisingly, vegetative dormancy did not evolve with mycoheterotrophy. We suggest further studies assessing whether these seemingly maladaptive trends result from genetic drift, genetic linkage or another mechanism.
Host population crashes disrupt the diversity of associated marine microbiomes
Authors: Pearman William S. , Morales Sergio E. , Vaux Felix , Gemmell Neil J. , Fraser Ceridwen I.
Published: March 2024

Host‐associated microbial communities are shaped by myriad factors ranging from host conditions, environmental conditions and other microbes. Disentangling the ecological impact of each of these factors can be particularly difficult as many variables are correlated. Here, we leveraged earthquake‐induced changes in host population structure to assess the influence of population crashes on marine microbial ecosystems. A large (7.8 magnitude) earthquake in New Zealand in 2016 led to widespread coastal uplift of up to ~6 m, sufficient to locally extirpate some intertidal southern bull kelp populations. These uplifted populations are slowly recovering, but remain at much lower densities than at nearby, less‐uplifted sites. By comparing the microbial communities of the hosts from disturbed and relatively undisturbed populations using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing, we observed that disturbed host populations supported higher functional, taxonomic and phylogenetic microbial beta diversity than non‐disturbed host populations. Our findings shed light on microbiome ecological assembly processes, particularly highlighting that large‐scale disturbances that affect host populations can dramatically influence microbiome structure. We suggest that disturbance‐induced changes in host density limit the dispersal opportunities of microbes, with host community connectivity declining with the density of host populations.
A Leadership of Refusal: Remaking the Narrative of the Falling Leader
Authors: Bell Emma , Sinclair Amanda , Vachhani Sheena J.
Published: March 2024

The metaphor of the glass cliff is used to describe patterns whereby women are more likely to be selected for challenging leadership positions that have a higher risk of failure. This paper explores how the glass cliff metaphor contributes to a narrative of woman's fall that individualizes a leader's responsibility to avoid risks that may lead to failure. As an alternative, we introduce the leadership of refusal as a feminist resource for remaking the narrative of woman's fall. Refusal is understood as an embodied political and ethical stance that declines to recognize, rather than resists or simply opposes, masculine leadership norms. Through analysis of how three women leaders were represented by the media, former Australian Prime Minister, Julia Gillard, former Australian of the Year, Grace Tame, and climate change activist, Greta Thunberg, we analyse key moments of refusal where these leaders breached the masculine order through their embodied performances. We argue that leadership of refusal enables an understanding of how women leaders exercise power in agentic, non‐sacrificial ways. We therefore urge leadership researchers to position refusal centrally, because first saying no in order to take risks towards achieving transformative action is, we suggest, a defining feature of leadership.
Epiphenomenal suasion: Jehovah's Witnesses and the politics of preaching against the state
Authors: Cardoza Danny
Published: March 2024

The individual is the conventional way religious change is figured when considering ‘conversion’. This essay argues this is rooted in the soteriological focus of Christian evangelism and shifts what are typically taken to be the objects of change to view them as agents of change. As an example of this, the essay compares two ethnographic examples of Jehovah's Witnesses’ evangelism: the ways that Witnesses preach with mobile literature carts; and the way three Witnesses ‘preached’ at an academic conference in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. In order to make sense of these examples, it is necessary to unpack the theopolitical context underlying the common suasive strategy, and doing so is revealing in both instances of different objects and agents of evangelism, allowing for a comparison that explores how causality and agency are distributed in Witness preaching work. This leads to a consideration of the ways Witnesses’ public evangelism subtly preaches against the state as a process of ‘vindicating the name of God’.
Labour Market Preferences of Retrenched Australian Auto Industry Workers for Job Quality and Meaningful Work*
Authors: Vij Akshay , Washington Lynette , Weller Sally , Irving Jacob , Onur Ilke
Published: March 2024

This study uses stated preference experiments to examine labour market preferences of 309 workers retrenched by the Australian automotive industry for non‐pecuniary job attributes denoting job quality and meaningfulness. We find that autonomy and employer reputation for good work policies and practices are the two most important non‐pecuniary job attributes, with compensating wage differentials of roughly $5 per hour for greater autonomy and better employer reputation. Job security and skill utilisation are also important, but less so, with compensating wage differentials between $1 and $3 per hour for greater security and fewer training requirements. Workers' strongest preference is not for a particular type of work, but rather for a particular type of employer, suggesting that labour market policy might pay more attention to regulating the quality of workplaces.
Productivity difference or discrimination effect? Disability‐related wage gap in China
Authors: Liao Juan , Gao Man , Zhu Xiji , Yang Yu
Published: March 2024

The wage gap between people with disabilities (PWD) and people without disabilities (PWOD), which discourages PWD from entering the labor market, is attributed to two factors: productivity differences and discrimination effects. To determine whether PWD in China face wage discrimination in the labor market and which factor contributes more to the disability‐related wage gap in China, this study uses Chinese Household Income Project data (years 2007 and 2013) to estimate disability‐related wage discrimination, decomposing the wage gap between PWD and PWOD using the Oaxaca‐Blinder and Neumark approach. The findings demonstrate the presence of disability‐related discrimination in China, accounting for approximately 38.9%–52.4% of the wage gap between PWD and PWOD. Unobservable productivity effects contribute more to the wage gap than does disability‐related discrimination. Male PWD living in rural areas and less educated people are more likely to experience wage discrimination in China. Moreover, individuals with disabilities in rural areas experience significant disability‐related discrimination, whereas no such phenomenon is observed in urban or migrant populations. Future human resource management policies should consider antidiscrimination measures and improve the productivity of PWD, including providing reasonable accommodation for PWD in the workplace and ensuring equality in job searches and employment.
Ten Lessons for Economic Policymakers*
Authors: Leigh Andrew
Published: March 2024

Economists have played a powerful role in shaping modern Australia. Drawing on my experience as an academic economist and an economic policymaker, I outline ten principles to guide economists seeking to maximise their impact. These are to (i) Focus on well‐being, not just dollars; (ii) Think comparative advantage; (iii) Ignore sunk costs; (iv) Optimise, subject to constraints; (v) Use the best evidence; (vi) Consider expected value; (vii) Think in magnitudes, not just in signs; (viii) Channel a libertarian; (ix) Remember equity; and (x) Incentives matter.
Incremental net monetary benefit of using varenicline for smoking cessation: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of economic evaluation studies
Authors: Chaisai Chayutthaphong , Patikorn Chanthawat , Thavorn Kednapa , Lee Shaun Wen Huey , Chaiyakunapruk Nathorn , Veettil Sajesh K.
Published: March 2024

Aims

To conduct a systematic review and meta‐analysis and pool the incremental net benefits (INBs) of varenicline compared with behaviour support with bupropion or nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), behaviour support alone and unaided cessation in adult smokers making a first‐time attempt to quit.

Methods

A search for economic evaluation studies was conducted from inception to 30 September 2022, on PubMed, Embase, Cost‐Effectiveness Analysis (CEA) Registry by Tufts Medical Centre, EconLit and the NHS Economic Evaluation Database (NHS EED). Eligible studies were included if they were (1) conducted among adults ages 18 years old and older who were smokers attempting to quit for the first time; (2) compared varenicline to behaviour support with bupropion or NRT, behaviour support alone and unaided cessation; and (3) performed a CEA or cost‐utility analysis. The INBs were calculated and pooled across studies stratified by country income level and study perspective using the random‐effects model. Statistical heterogeneity between studies was assessed using the I2 statistic and Cochrane Q statistic.

Results

Of the 1433 identified studies, 18 studies were included in our review. Our findings from healthcare system/payer perspective suggested that the use of varenicline is statistically significantly cost‐effective compared with bupropion (pooled INB, $830.75 [95% confidence interval, $208.23, $1453.28]), NRTs ($636.16 [$192.48, $1079.84]) and unaided cessation ($4212.35 [$1755.79, $6668.92]) in high‐income countries. Similarly, varenicline is also found to be cost‐effective compared to bupropion ($2706.27 [$1284.44, $4128.11]), NRTs ($3310.01 [$1781.53, $4838.50]) and behavioural support alone ($5438.22 [$4105.99, $6770.46]) in low‐ and middle‐income countries.

Conclusion

Varenicline is cost‐effective as a smoking cessation aid when compared with behavioural support with bupropion or nicotine replacement therapies and behavioural support alone in both high‐income countries and low‐ and middle‐income countries, from the healthcare system/payer perspective in adult smokers who attempt to quit for the first time.
Target trial emulation for comparative effectiveness research with observational data: Promise and challenges for studying medications for opioid use disorder
Authors: Christine Paul J. , Lodi Sara , Hsu Heather E. , Bovell‐Ammon Benjamin , Yan Shapei , Bernson Dana , Novo Patricia , Lee Joshua D. , Rotrosen John , Liebschutz Jane , Walley Alexander Y. , Larochelle Marc R.
Published: March 2024

Medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) increase retention in care and decrease mortality during active treatment; however, information about the comparative effectiveness of different forms of MOUD is sparse. Observational comparative effectiveness studies are subject to many types of bias; a robust framework to minimize bias would improve the quality of comparative effectiveness evidence. This paper discusses the use of target trial emulation as a framework to conduct comparative effectiveness studies of MOUD with administrative data. Using examples from our planned research project comparing buprenorphine‐naloxone and extended‐release naltrexone with respect to the rates of MOUD discontinuation, we provide a primer on the challenges and approaches to employing target trial emulation in the study of MOUD.
Exploring patient reported quality of life in lung cancer patients: A qualitative study of patient‐reported outcome measures
Authors: Jensen‐Marini Elena , Ayton Darshini , Zalcberg John , Stirling Robert G.
Published: March 2024

Objective

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer‐related death globally and provides a major disease burden likely to substantially impact quality of life (QoL). Patient‐reported outcome measures (PROMs) have been identified as effective methods of evaluating patient QoL. Existing lung cancer–specific PROMs however have uncertain utility and minimal patient involvement in their design and development. This qualitative study aimed to evaluate the patient perspective of existing PROMs and to explore their appropriateness for population‐based descriptions of lung cancer–related QoL.

Methods

A descriptive qualitative study was conducted consisting of semi‐structured interviews with 14 patients recruited from the Victorian Lung Cancer Registry and Alfred Hospital using purposive sampling. Interviews first explored the factors most important to lung cancer patients QoL, and second, patient's perspectives on the appropriateness of existing PROMs. Thematic analysis was used to develop themes, and content analysis was conducted to determine PROM acceptability.

Results

Five novel themes were identified by patients as being important impacts on QoL: Personal attitude toward the disease is important for coping; independence is valued; relationships with family and friends are important; relationships with treating team are meaningful; personal and public awareness of lung cancer is limited. These patient‐identified impacts are poorly covered in existing lung cancer–specific PROMs. Patients welcomed and appreciated the opportunity to complete PROMs; however, they identified problems with existing PROMs relevance, tone, and formatting.

Conclusion

Existing lung cancer PROMs poorly reflect the five themes identified in this study as most important to lung cancer patients QoL. This study reaffirms the need to review existing PROMs to ensure utility and construct validity. Future PROM development must engage key patient‐generated themes and evolve to reflect the changing management and therapeutic landscape.
How partisanship in cities influences housing policy
Authors: de Benedictis‐Kessner Justin , Jones Daniel , Warshaw Christopher
Published: March 2024

Housing policy is one of the most important areas of local politics. Yet little is known about how local legislatures and executives make housing policy decisions and how their elections shape policy in this important realm. We leverage housing policy data and a new data source of 15,621 city council elections and 3,261 mayoral elections in large cities in the United States and a regression discontinuity design to examine partisan divides in housing policy among the mass public as well as the impact of local leaders’ partisanship on housing policy. We provide robust evidence that electing mayors from different political parties shapes cities’ housing stock. Electing a Democrat as mayor leads to increased multifamily housing production. These effects are concentrated in cities where councils have less power over land use changes. Overall, our article shows that politics influences local housing policy, and it contributes to a larger literature on local political economy.
Differences in prescribing errors between electronic prescribing and traditional prescribing among medical students: A randomized pilot study
Authors: El Abdouni Samir , Kalfsvel Laura S. , Rietdijk Wim J. R. , Van der Kuy Hugo , van Rosse Floor
Published: March 2024

Aims

This randomized controlled pilot study aimed to assess the differences in the frequency, type and severity of prescribing errors made by medical students when assessed in an electronic (e‐)prescribing system compared to a traditional prescribing method (e.g., typing out a prescription).

Methods

Fourth year medical students in the period of 1 November to 31 July 2023, were asked to participate in this single‐centre prospective, randomized, controlled intervention study. Participants performed a prescribing assessment in either an e‐prescribing system (intervention group) or in a more traditional prescribing platform (control group). The prescriptions were checked for errors, graded and categorized. Differences in prescribing errors, error categories and severity were analysed.

Results

Out of 334 students, 84 participated in the study. Nearly all participants (98.8%) made 1 or more prescribing errors, primarily involving inadequate information errors. In the intervention group, more participants made prescribing errors involving the prescribed amount (71.4 vs. 19.0%; P < .01), but fewer involving administrative errors (2.4 vs. 19.0%; P = .03). Prescribing‐method‐specific errors were identified in 4.8 and 40.5% of the intervention and control group, respectively, with significant differences in overlapping errors as well.

Conclusion

This pilot study shows the importance of training e‐prescribing competencies in medical curricula, in addition to traditional prescribing methods. It identifies prescribing‐method‐specific prescribing errors and emphasizes the need for further research to define e‐prescribing competencies. Additionally, the need for an accessible real‐life‐like e‐prescribing environment tailored to educators and students is essential for effective learning and incorporation of e‐prescribing into medical curricula.
Learning of clinical pharmacology by future prescribers in Bologna: Teachers' and students' reflections on the way forward
Authors: Poluzzi Elisabetta , Raschi Emanuel , Lunghi Carlotta , Bertuccio Alice , Eleftheriou Andreas , De Ponti Fabrizio
Published: March 2024

Aims

In this reflection paper, the authors, based on their experience as teachers and students of the courses of Pharmacology at the University of Bologna, reflect on their specific roles towards innovation in the teaching of Clinical Pharmacology.

Methods

Strengths, weaknesses and challenges are presented as identified during the teaching and learning experience in the currently evolving medical degree programmes of the University in light of current trends in medical education.

Results

Keeping in mind the identified challenges together with the features proposed for the model prescriber (knowledgeable, contemporary, communicative and safe), we indicate some ways to improve the students' experience and make sure they develop up‐to‐date skills in Clinical Pharmacology taking advantage of recent ongoing collaborations at European level. International collaboration is indeed necessary to adequately address the current challenges of teaching clinical pharmacology.

Conclusion

Our shared conclusion is that empowering students with a scientifically sound method to retrieve relevant information and developing their skills to communicate in an interprofessional and, wherever possible, international environment is the key to prepare future prescribers and, ultimately, to improve patient safety.
A registered report survey of open research practices in psychology departments in the UK and Ireland
Authors: Silverstein Priya , Pennington Charlotte R. , Branney Peter , O'Connor Daryl B. , Lawlor Emma , O'Brien Emer , Lynott Dermot
Published: March 2024

Open research practices seek to enhance the transparency and reproducibility of research. While there is evidence of increased uptake in these practices, such as study preregistration and open data, facilitated by new infrastructure and policies, little research has assessed general uptake of such practices across psychology university researchers. The current study estimates psychologists' level of engagement in open research practices across universities in the United Kingdom and Ireland, while also assessing possible explanatory factors that may impact their engagement. Data were collected from 602 psychology researchers in the United Kingdom and Ireland on the extent to which they have implemented various practices (e.g., use of preprints, preregistration, open data, open materials). Here we present the summarized descriptive results, as well as considering differences between various categories of researcher (e.g., career stage, subdiscipline, methodology), and examining the relationship between researcher's practices and their self‐reported capability, opportunity, and motivation (COM‐B) to engage in open research practices. Results show that while there is considerable variability in engagement of open research practices, differences across career stage and subdiscipline of psychology are small by comparison. We observed consistent differences according to respondent's research methodology and based on the presence of institutional support for open research. COM‐B dimensions were collectively significant predictors of engagement in open research, with automatic motivation emerging as a consistently strong predictor. We discuss these findings, outline some of the challenges experienced in this study, and offer suggestions and recommendations for future research. Estimating the prevalence of responsible research practices is important to assess sustained behaviour change in research reform, tailor educational training initiatives, and to understand potential factors that might impact engagement.
Effect of detrusor underactivity on surgical outcomes of holmium laser enucleation of the prostate
Authors: Jeong Hyun Ju , Lee Hyomyoung , Choo Min Soo , Cho Sung Yong , Jeong Seong Jin , Oh Seung‐June
Published: March 2024

Objective

To evaluate the effect of detrusor underactivity (DUA) on the postoperative outcomes of holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

Patients and Methods

Patients with BPH who underwent HoLEP between January 2018 and December 2022 were enrolled in this prospective database study. Patients were divided into DUA (bladder contractility index [BCI] <100) and non‐DUA (BCI ≥100) groups. Objective (maximum urinary flow rate [Qmax], post‐void residual urine volume [PVR]) and subjective outcomes (International Prostate Symptom Score [IPSS], Overactive Bladder Symptom Score [OABSS], satisfaction with treatment question [STQ], overall response assessment [ORA], and willingness to undergo surgery question [WUSQ]) were compared between the two groups before surgery, and at 3 and 6 months after HoLEP.

Results

A total of 689 patients, with a mean (standard deviation [SD]) age of 69.8 (7.1) years, were enrolled. The mean (SD) BCI in the non‐DUA (325 [47.2%]) and DUA (364 [52.8%]) groups was 123.4 (21.4) and 78.6 (14.2), respectively. Both objective (Qmax and PVR) and subjective (IPSS, IPSS‐quality of life, and OABSS) outcomes after surgery significantly improved in both groups. The Qmax was lower in the DUA than in the non‐DUA group postoperatively. At 6 months postoperatively, the total IPSS was higher in the DUA than in the non‐DUA group. There were no significant differences in surgical complications between the two groups. Responses to the STQ, ORA, and WUSQ at 6 months postoperatively demonstrated that the patients were satisfied with the surgery (90.5% in the DUA group; 95.2% in the non‐DUA group), their symptoms improved with surgery (95.9% in the DUA group; 100.0% in the non‐DUA group), and they were willing to undergo surgery again (95.9% in the DUA group; 97.9% in the non‐DUA group). There were no significant differences in the responses to the STQ and WUSQ between the two groups.

Conclusion

Our midterm results demonstrated that patients with BPH and DUA showed minimal differences in clinical outcomes after HoLEP compared to those without DUA. The overall satisfaction was high in the DUA group.
Novel drugs approved by the EMA, the FDA, and the MHRA in 2023: A year in review
Authors: Papapetropoulos Andreas , Topouzis Stavros , Alexander Steve P. H. , Cortese‐Krott Miriam , Kendall Dave A. , Martemyanov Kirill A. , Mauro Claudio , Nagercoil Nithyanandan , Panettieri Reynold A. , Patel Hemal H. , Schulz Rainer , Stefanska Barbara , Stephens Gary J. , Teixeira Mauro M. , Vergnolle Nathalie , Wang Xin , Ferdinandy Péter
Published: March 2024

In 2023, seventy novel drugs received market authorization for the first time in either Europe (by the EMA and the MHRA) or in the United States (by the FDA). Confirming a steady recent trend, more than half of these drugs target rare diseases or intractable forms of cancer. Thirty drugs are categorized as “first‐in‐class” (FIC), illustrating the quality of research and innovation that drives new chemical entity discovery and development. We succinctly describe the mechanism of action of most of these FIC drugs and discuss the therapeutic areas covered, as well as the chemical category to which these drugs belong. The 2023 novel drug list also demonstrates an unabated emphasis on polypeptides (recombinant proteins and antibodies), Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products (gene and cell therapies) and RNA therapeutics, including the first‐ever approval of a CRISPR‐Cas9‐based gene‐editing cell therapy.
No effects of macroconsumer exclusion on macroinvertebrate functional composition in Brazilian karst streams along a gradient of riparian forest loss
Authors: Corrêa Elaine Cristina , Utz Ryan Michael , Ribas Augusto Cesar De Aquino , Vianna Débora Quadros Moreira , Dalponti Guilherme , Covich Alan Paul , Roque Fabio De Oliveira
Published: March 2024

Degradation and loss of riparian vegetation are some of the main drivers of change in the trophic interactions among aquatic macroconsumers. These changes can often have major consequences for biodiversity and stream ecosystem functioning. Yet, many aspects of food‐web dynamics are still not well understood, including how food webs among tropical streams respond to riparian vegetation loss. We examined the role of macroconsumers on community structure of functional feeding groups of benthic macroinvertebrates along a forest cover gradient within the Bodoquena Plateau, Brazil. We compared the effect of excluding macroconsumers (using electric fences) on functional feeding groups to those in controls within seven karst streams along a gradient of riparian vegetation cover. Aquatic insect and gastropod communities were dominated by groups of collector‐gatherers, scrapers, and predators across all sites. The exclusion of macroconsumers did not lead to an increase in the abundance of macroinvertebrates and was not affected by the forest cover during the experiment. These findings demonstrated that the experimental exclusion of macroconsumers resulted in a lack of or negligible effect on functional feeding groups along the gradient of forest cover. It is important to consider the specificity of trophic relationships to fully understand the effects of vegetation loss on streams where complex groundwater hydrology can also affect food webs such as in karst terrain.

Abstract in Portuguese is available with online material.
Undiagnosed rare disease clinic identifies a novel UBE3A variant in two sisters with Angelman syndrome: The end of a diagnostic odyssey
Authors: Bruns Rebecca , Liaqat Khurram , Nasir Abdul , Treat Kayla , Murthy Vinaya S. , Mantcheva Lili , Torres Wilfredo , Conboy Erin , Vetrini Francesco
Published: March 2024

Angelman syndrome (AS, MIM #105830) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by severe intellectual disability, profound developmental delay, movement or balance problems, an excessively cheerful disposition, and seizures. AS results from inadequate expression of the maternal UBE3A gene (MIM #601623), which encodes an E3 ligase in the ubiquitin‐proteasome pathway. Here we present the case of two sisters with features consistent with AS who had negative methylation analyses. An autism/intellectual disability expanded panel revealed a maternally inherited novel UBE3A (NM_001354506.2) variant c.2443C>T p.(Pro815Ser) in both patients that was initially classified as a variant of uncertain significance. The patients were enrolled in Indiana University's Undiagnosed Rare Disease Clinic (URDC) to further investigate the variant. Additional data, including deep phenotyping, familial segregation analysis, and in silico studies, suggest that the variant is likely pathogenic. 3D modeling studies based on the available crystal structure revealed that the Pro815Ser variant can introduce more flexibility into the protein and alter its enzymatic activity. Recent literature confirms the pathogenic nature of the variant. Reanalysis of the UBE3A variant has heightened existing knowledge of AS and has offered this family an end to their diagnostic odyssey.
Intrarectal formalin treatment for haemorrhagic radiation‐induced proctopathy: efficacy and safety
Authors: Kohoutova Darina , Wilson Ana , Gee Caroline , Elhusseiny Ramy , Wanders Linda , Cunningham David
Published: March 2024

Aim

Pelvic radiotherapy is limited by dose‐dependent toxicity to surrounding organs. The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of intrarectal formalin treatment for radiotherapy‐induced haemorrhagic proctopathy (RHP) at the Royal Marsden Hospital.

Method

Adult patients were enrolled. Haemoglobin was evaluated before and after formalin treatment. Antiplatelet and/or anticoagulation treatment and administration of transfusion were recorded. The interval between completion of radiotherapy and the first intrarectal 5% formalin treatment was assessed and the dose of radiotherapy was evaluated. Clinical assessment of the frequency and amount of rectal bleeding (rectal bleeding score 1–6) and endoscopic appearance (grade 0–3) were classified. Complications were recorded.

Results

Nineteen patients were enrolled, comprising 13 men (68%) and 6 women. The mean age was 75 ± 9 years. The median time between completion of radiotherapy and the first treatment was 20 months [interquartile range (IQR) 15 months] and the median dose of radiotherapy was 68 Gy (IQR 14 Gy). Thirty‐two procedures were performed (average 1.7 per patient). In total, 9/19 (47%) patients were receiving anticoagulation and/or antiplatelet medication and 5/19 (26%) received transfusion prior to treatment. The mean value of serum haemoglobin before the first treatment was 110 ± 18 g/L and afterwards it was 123 ± 16 g/L (p = 0.022). The median rectal bleeding score before the first treatment was 6 (IQR 0) and afterwards 2 (IQR 1–4; p < 0.001), while the median endoscopy score on the day of first treatment was 3 (IQR 0) compared with 1 (IQR 1–2) on the day of the last treatment 1 (p < 0.001). One female patient with a persistent rectal ulcer that eventually healed (18 months of healing) subsequently developed rectovaginal fistula (complication rate 1/19, 5%).

Conclusions

Treatment with intrarectal formalin in RHP is effective and safe.
Key roles of the cytotechnologists and biomedical scientists in interventional pathology: The foundation of a seamless workflow
Authors: del Mar Olmo Fernandez Maria , Wheeldon Leonie , Villar‐Zarra Karen
Published: March 2024

This paper delves into the integral role of cytotechnologists (CTs) and biomedical scientists (BMSs) in interventional pathology, emphasizing their multifaceted responsibilities. From meticulous pre‐procedural preparations to real‐time decision‐making and post‐procedural care, CTs/BMSs significantly contribute to diagnostic efficiency. Their involvement is critical in optimizing patient outcomes.
Use of cardiac contractility modulation combined with left bundle branch pacing CRT‐P in a female with a 22‐year history of non‐ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy: A case report
Authors: Fang Lili , Ma Yuxiao , Wu Yueming , Ge Yan , Liang Xianming , Tang Rong
Published: March 2024

Cardiac contractility modulation (CCM) is a novel device‐based therapy used to treat patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). In both randomized clinical trials and real‐life studies, CCM has been shown to improve exercise tolerance and quality of life, reverse left ventricular remodeling, and reduce hospitalization in patients with HFrEF. In this case report, we describe for the first time the use of CCM combined with left bundle branch pacing (LBBP) cardiac resynchronization therapy pacemaker (CRT‐P) implantation therapy in a female with a 22‐year history of non‐ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy. With the optimal medical therapy and cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) strategies, the patient's quality of life initially recovered to some extent, but began to deteriorate in the past year. Additionally, heart transplantation was not considered due to economic reasons and late stage systolic heart failure. This is the first case of CCM implantation in Fujian Province and the first report of a combined CCM and left bundle branch pacing CRT‐P implantation strategy in a patient with non‐ischemic etiology dilated cardiomyopathy in China.
Oestradiol and osteoclast differentiation: Effects on p53 and mitochondrial metabolism
Authors: Marques‐Carvalho Adriana , Silva Beatriz , Pereira Francisco B. , Kim Ha‐Neui , Almeida Maria , Sardão Vilma A.
Published: March 2024

Background

Oestrogen deficiency increases bone resorption, contributing to osteoporosis development. Yet, the mechanisms mediating the effects of oestrogen on osteoclasts remain unclear. This study aimed to elucidate the early metabolic alteration induced by RANKL, the essential cytokine in osteoclastogenesis and 17‐beta‐oestradiol (E2) on osteoclast progenitor cells, using RAW 264.7 macrophage cell line and primary bone marrow‐derived macrophages as biological models.

Results

This research demonstrated that, in osteoclast precursors, RANKL stimulates complex I activity, oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) and mitochondria‐derived ATP production as early as 3 h of exposure. This effect on mitochondrial bioenergetics is associated with an increased capacity to oxidize TCA cycle substrates, fatty acids and amino acids. E2 inhibited all effects of RANKL on mitochondria metabolism. In the presence of RANKL, E2 also decreased cell number and stimulated the mitochondrial‐mediated apoptotic pathway, detected as early as 3 h. Further, the pro‐apoptotic effects of E2 during osteoclast differentiation were associated with an accumulation of p392S‐p53 in mitochondria.

Conclusions

These findings elucidate the early effects of RANKL on osteoclast progenitor metabolism and suggest novel p53‐mediated mechanisms that contribute to postmenopausal osteoporosis.
A novel model for curriculum design: Preparation, planning, prototyping, and piloting
Authors: Senior Anthea , Starchuk Colleen , Gaudet‐Amigo Gisele , Green Jacqueline , Patterson Steven , Perez Arnaldo
Published: March 2024

Dental education continuously strives to provide students with positive and meaningful learning experiences. Developing or improving a curriculum usually encompasses three main phases: design, implementation, and evaluation. Most research on curriculum development in dental education has focused on the last two phases. Our commentary addresses this gap by describing a new model for curriculum design that effectively guided the design phase of the complete overhaul of the four‐year Doctor of Dental Surgery curriculum at the School of Dentistry, University of Alberta. Built on the strengths of pre‐existing curriculum design models, the new model provided enough structure and rigour to support the complexity required during a complete curriculum redesign whilst still allowing sufficient consultation and flexibility to encourage stakeholder engagement. The steps of the new 4P's model (preparation, planning, prototyping, and piloting) and main actions within each step are described. Challenges observed in each step and strategies to address them are reported. Other institutions embarking on renewing or redesigning a curriculum at a program level may benefit from using a curriculum design process similar to the 4P's model. Recommendations are discussed including the inclusion of educational consultants in the curriculum renewal committee, the importance of a leadership that effectively supports curriculum reform, purposeful engagement of stakeholders during each step of the design phase and ensuring that project and change management occur concurrently.
Behavioural plasticity compensates for adaptive loss of cricket song
Authors: Schneider Will T. , Rutz Christian , Bailey Nathan W.
Published: March 2024

Behavioural flexibility might help animals cope with costs of genetic variants under selection, promoting genetic adaptation. However, it has proven challenging to experimentally link behavioural flexibility to the predicted compensation of population‐level fitness. We tested this prediction using the field cricket Teleogryllus oceanicus. In Hawaiian populations, a mutation silences males and protects against eavesdropping parasitoids. To examine how the loss of this critical acoustic communication signal impacts offspring production and mate location, we developed a high‐resolution, individual‐based tracking system for low‐light, naturalistic conditions. Offspring production did not differ significantly in replicate silent versus singing populations, and fitness compensation in silent conditions was associated with significantly increased locomotion in both sexes. Our results provide evidence that flexible behaviour can promote genetic adaptation via compensation in reproductive output and suggest that rapid evolution of animal communication systems may be less constrained than previously appreciated.
Some young adults can maintain good oral health despite socioeconomic challenges
Authors: Nordström Marie , Carlsson Peter , Ericson Dan , Hedenbjörk‐Lager Anders , Jansson Henrik , Wolf Eva , Hänsel Petersson Gunnel
Published: March 2024

The association between dental caries experience and socioeconomic status, as reflected in income and educational level, is well known. However, some individuals maintain good health despite socioeconomic disadvantage. The aim of this qualitative study was to explore salutogenic (health‐promoting) factors among healthy caries‐free young adults of low socioeconomic status. Seventeen participants (11 women), 19–23 years of age, who were caries‐free and of low socioeconomic status were interviewed in‐depth. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using qualitative content analysis with an inductive approach. The theme revealed was ‘Building trust and shifting responsibility from parent to child throughout children's development lays the salutogenic foundation for oral health’, comprising three categories: (i) a basis for health; (ii) creating one's own path by testing wings; and (iii) developing resources for health. A feeling of trust was expressed, participants were confident in the unconditional support of their caregivers, and caregivers were trusting participants to be able to take control over their own oral health. Health‐promotive factors were established not only by instilling healthy habits during childhood, but also by parental guidance through adolescence, enabling young adults to develop resources and assets to take control over their own health independently.
Efficient Market Hypothesis on the blockchain: A social‐media‐based index for cryptocurrency efficiency
Authors: Polyzos Efstathios , Rubbaniy Ghulame , Mazur Mieszko
Published: March 2024

This paper proposes the use of social media as a proxy for financial information. Using an extended sample of 53,580,759 tweets and employing text analysis tools (Latent Dirichlet Allocation and Term Frequency–Inverse Document Frequency), we determine the information being exchanged on any given day. We train machine‐learning classifiers and forecast crypto price movements for more than 8000 cryptocurrencies and gauge market efficiency through successful forecasts based on public information. We propose various metrics of market efficiency for cryptocurrency assets and demonstrate that market efficiency is higher during the first 6 months after the Initial Coin Offering. We also examine the efficiency behavior of individual currencies during crisis periods.
Power law in species–area relationship overestimates bacterial diversity in grassland soils at larger scales
Authors: Zhang Biao , Xue Kai , Liu Wenjing , Zhou Shutong , Nie Shipeng , Rui Yichao , Tang Li , Pang Zhe , Li Linfeng , Dong Junfu , Xu Cong , Jiang Lili , Wang Shaopeng , Hao Yanbin , Cui Xiaoyong , Wang Yanfen
Published: March 2024

Aim

Species–area relationships (SAR) are widely utilized for estimating the species richness and its spatial turnover across various scales. Despite the prevalent characterization of SAR using the power law in many microbial community studies, its efficacy remains unvalidated. This study aims to characterize the microbial SAR and its mechanisms in alpine grassland soils on the Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau (QTP).

Location

Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau, China.

Time Period

August 2014.

Major Taxa Studied

Soil bacteria.

Methods

Soil samples were collected from five alpine grassland sites on the QTP. Employing a nested sampling strategy at each site, soil samples were collected in plot sizes ranging from 0.5 × 0.5 m2 to 2048 × 2048 m2. Soil bacterial communities were analysed by sequencing 16S ribosomal RNA gene amplicons using an Illumina MiSeq.

Results

The bacterial SAR exhibited a logarithmic power law (R2: 0.952–0.999), outperforming the power law (R2: 0.701–0.852). Consequently, the most widely adopted power law led to an overestimation of species richness by up to 15.07% in areas >256 × 256 m2, and the regional maximum theoretical richness based on Chao1 by up to 9.88%. Mechanistically, the passive sampling hypothesis was refuted through the rarefied species richness analysis, and the disproportionate effect hypothesis was rejected based on analyses of the effective numbers of species number conversions for the probability of interspecific encounters (SPIE). Notably, Pearson and multiple linear regression analyses indicated that the spatial turnover of bacterial richness was determined by the environmental heterogeneity (R2: 0.855–0.999), rather or better than environmental variables themselves, supporting the ‘environment heterogeneity hypothesis’.

Main Conclusions

Soil bacterial SAR in alpine grasslands exhibited a logarithmic power relationship. Spatial turnover was primarily governed by the environmental heterogeneity. In contrast, the traditional power law leads to an overestimation of soil bacterial diversity at the regional scale.