bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Miniscope Recording Calcium Signals at Hippocampus of Mice Navigating an Odor Plume
Authors: Simoes de Souza Fabio M. , Williamson Ryan , McCullough Connor , Teel Alec , Futia Gregory , Ma Ming , True Aaron , Crimaldi John. P. , Gibson Emily , Restrepo Diego
Published: June 2024

Mice navigate an odor plume with a complex spatiotemporal structure in the dark to find the source of odorants. This article describes a protocol to monitor behavior and record Ca2+transients in dorsal CA1 stratum pyramidale neurons in hippocampus (dCA1) in mice navigating an odor plume in a 50 cm x 50 cm x 25 cm odor arena. An epifluorescence miniscope focused through a GRIN lens imaged Ca2+transients in dCA1 neurons expressing the calcium sensor GCaMP6f in Thy1-GCaMP6f mice. The paper describes the behavioral protocol to train the mice to perform this odor plume navigation task in an automated odor arena. The methods include a step-by-step procedure for the surgery for GRIN lens implantation and baseplate placement for imaging GCaMP6f in CA1. The article provides information on real-time tracking of the mouse position to automate the start of the trials and delivery of a sugar water reward. In addition, the protocol includes information on using of an interface board to synchronize metadata describing the automation of the odor navigation task and frame times for the miniscope and a digital camera tracking mouse position. Moreover, the methods delineate the pipeline used to process GCaMP6f fluorescence movies by motion correction using NorMCorre followed by identification of regions of interest with EXTRACT. Finally, the paper describes an artificial neural network approach to decode spatial paths from CA1 neural ensemble activity to predict mouse navigation of the odor plume.

This protocol describes how to investigate the brain-behavior relationship in hippocampal CA1 in mice navigating an odor plume. This article provides a step-by-step protocol, including the surgery to access imaging of the hippocampus, behavioral training, miniscope GCaMP6f recording and processing of the brain and behavioral data to decode the mouse position from ROI neural activity.
Anterior Cingulate Cortex Causally Supports Meta-Learning
Authors: Treuting Robert Louis , Boroujeni Kianoush Banaie , Gerrity Charles Grimes , Tiesinga Paul , Womelsdorf Thilo
Published: June 2024

In dynamic environments with volatile rewards the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) is believed to determine whether a visual object is relevant and should be chosen. The ACC may achieve this by integrating reward information over time to estimate which objects are worth to explore and which objects should be avoided. Such a higher-order meta-awareness about which objects should be explored predicts that the ACC causally contributes to choices when the reward values of objects are unknown and must be inferred from ongoing exploration. We tested this suggestion in nonhuman primates using a learning task that varied the number of object features that could be relevant, and by controlling the motivational value of choosing objects. During learning the ACC was transiently micro-stimulated when subjects foveated the to-be-chosen stimulus. We found that stimulation selectively impaired learning when feature uncertainty and motivational value of choices were high, which was linked to a deficit in using reward outcomes for feature-specific credit assignment. Application of an adaptive reinforcement learning model confirmed a primary deficit in weighting prediction errors that led to a meta-learning impairment to adaptively increase exploration during learning and to an impaired use of working memory to support learning. These findings provide causal evidence that the reward history traces in ACC are essential for meta-adjusting the exploration-exploitation balance and the strength of working memory of object values during adaptive behavior.
Sex-biased gene expression precedes sexual dimorphism in the agonadal annelidPlatynereis dumerilii
Authors: Ribeiro Rannyele P. , Null Ryan W. , Özpolat B. Duygu
Published: June 2024

Gametogenesis is the process by which germ cells differentiate into mature sperm and oocytes, cells essential for sexual reproduction. The sex-specific molecular programs that drive spermatogenesis and oogenesis can also serve as sex identification markers.Platynereis dumeriliiis a research organism that has been studied in many areas of developmental biology. However investigations often disregard sex, asP. dumeriliijuveniles lack sexual dimorphism. The molecular mechanisms of gametogenesis in the segmented wormP. dumeriliiare also largely unknown. In this study, we used RNA sequencing to investigate the transcriptomic profiles of gametogenesis inP. dumeriliijuveniles. Our analysis revealed that sex-biased gene expression becomes increasingly pronounced during the advanced developmental stages, particularly during the meiotic phases of gametogenesis. We identified conserved genes associated with spermatogenesis, such asdmrt1, and a novel genepsmt, that is associated with oogenesis. Additionally, putative long non-coding RNAs were upregulated in both male and female gametogenic programs. This study provides a foundational resource for germ cell research inP. dumerilii,markers for sex identification, and offers comparative data to enhance our understanding of the evolution of gametogenesis mechanisms across species.

Summary statement

This study provides insights into the mechanisms of gametogenesis inPlatynereis dumeriliithrough comparative transcriptomics, unveiling sex-biased genes, including conserved and novel genes, governing this largely unexplored process.
Polygenic risk score portability for common diseases across genetically diverse populations
Authors: Moreno-Grau Sonia , Vernekar Manvi , Lopez-Pineda Arturo , Mas-Montserrat Daniel , Barrabes-Torrella Miriam , Quinto-Cortés Consuelo D. , Moatamed Babak , Lee Ming Ta ’Michael’ , Yu Zhenning , Numakura Kensuke , Matsuda Yuta , Wall Jeffrey D. , Ioannidis Alexander , Katsanis Nicholas , Takano Tomohiro , Bustamante Carlos D
Published: June 2024

Background

Polygenic risk scores (PRS) derived from European individuals have reduced portability across global populations, limiting their clinical implementation at worldwide scale. Here, we investigate the performance of a wide range of PRS models across four ancestry groups (Africans, Europeans, East Asians, and South Asians) for 14 conditions of high-medical interest.

Methods

To select the best-performing model per trait, we first compared PRS performances for publicly available scores, and constructed new models using different methods (LDpred2, PRS-CSx and SNPnet). We used 285K European individuals from the UK Biobank (UKBB) for training and 18K, including diverse ancestries, for testing. We then evaluated PRS portability for the best models in Europeans and compared their accuracies with respect to the best PRS per ancestry. Finally, we validated the selected PRS models using an independent set of 8,417 individuals from Biobank of the Americas-Genomelink (BBofA-GL); and performed a PRS-Phewas.

Results

We confirmed a decay in PRS performances relative to Europeans when the evaluation was conducted using the best-PRS model for Europeans (51.3% for South Asians, 46.6% for East Asians and 39.4% for Africans). We observed an improvement in the PRS performances when specifically selecting ancestry specific PRS models (phenotype variance increase: 1.62 for Africans, 1.40 for South Asians and 0.96 for East Asians). Additionally, when we selected the optimal model conditional on ancestry for CAD, HDL-C and LDL-C, hypertension, hypothyroidism and T2D, PRS performance for studied populations was more comparable to what was observed in Europeans. Finally, we were able to independently validate tested models for Europeans, and conducted a PRS-Phewas, identifying cross-trait interplay between cardiometabolic conditions, and between immune-mediated components.

Conclusion

Our work comprehensively evaluated PRS accuracy across a wide range of phenotypes, reducing the uncertainty with respect to which PRS model to choose and in which ancestry group. This evaluation has let us identify specific conditions where implementing risk-prioritization strategies could have practical utility across diverse ancestral groups, contributing to democratizing the implementation of PRS.
Optimizing costs and sustainability for Gamma Knife Radiosurgery: A cost and breakeven analysis at India’s largest Neurosurgery Centre
Authors: Agrawal Nitin , Sharma Nishant , Jamwal Tilotma , Singh Kshitija , Siddharth Vijaydeep , Satpathy Sidhartha
Published: June 2024

Background

Establishing and maintaining gamma knife facility incurs significant costs, mandating healthcare institutions to meticulously assess financial implications for sustainability.

Methods

This study explores the financial implications of setting up and operating a Gamma Knife facility, with an aim to ascertain user charges for achieving breakeven. The study was conducted from January to June 2019 at the largest neurosurgery centre of an Institute of National Importance (INI), in Delhi, India. Applying both Traditional and Time-Driven Activity-Based Costing (TD-ABC) methodologies, capital and operating expenses were calculated. (1US$ = INR 70.4 – Average value for the year 2019)

Results

The average cost per gamma knife radio surgery procedure was calculated to be US $2,469 ( INR 1,73,832), with major costs attributed to machinery & equipment (43.6%), followed by manpower (32.5%), electricity (9.67%), equipment maintenance (8.61%) etc. The initial investment to establish a Gamma Knife facility is significantly higher with an MRI unit (Model A) at US $ 9,836,423 (INR 69,24,84,164) compared to one without (Model B) at US $7,294,986 (INR 51,35,66,988). Currently, the patient has to pay US $1,065 (INR 75,000) for a gamma knife radio surgery, which poses a challenge for achieving breakeven since the variable cost for the same is US $1,367 (INR 96,239) per procedure.

Conclusion

The study serve as a tool for strategic planning, pricing adjustments, and enhancing operational efficiencies, thus ensuring that such high-end technologies can be sustainably integrated into the public healthcare landscape of a developing country like India.
Historical texts as a potential resource for plant-derived natural products against SARS-CoV-2 – the example of theReceptariumof Burkhard III von Hallwyl from 16th century Switzerland
Authors: Vahekeni Nina , Stehlin Jonas , Urmann Corinna , Wolfram Evelyn , Geissmann Yannick , Ruedin Yelena , Engler Olivier , Lardos Andreas
Published: June 2024

In the search for more effective prophylactic and possibly curative therapeutics against SARS-CoV-2, an historical-ethnobotanical approach was used to select plants described in theReceptariumof Burkhard III von Hallwyl (RBH), an influential recipe text from 16th century Switzerland. Ten species were identified based on specific historical uses presumably linked with the treatment of viral infections as well as inflammatory conditions. For each plant candidate, aqueous and hydroethanolic extracts have been produced. CellTiter-Glo® Luminescent Cell Viability Assay was used to assess antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2 and the effect on cell viability of the extracts.

Of the ten plant species tested, four displayed an antiviral activity ≥ 50% at 16.7 µg/ml with acceptable cell viability (> 75%):Sambucus nigraL. (leaves),Viola odorataL. (leaves),Geranium robertianumL. (arial parts) andArtemisia vulgarisL. (aerial parts). The crude extracts were partitioned in aqueous and organic fractions and further analyzed. The ethyl acetate fractions ofS. nigra, V. odorataandG. robertianumexpressed significant antiviral activity of nearly 100% at 5.6 µg/ml (P < 0.05). The most potent inhibitory activity was observed for the ethyl acetate fraction ofViola odorataL. (leaves) with 87% at 1.9 µg/ml (P < 0.0001). Alongside bioactivity analysis phytochemical fingerprints were made, with the aim to understand important substance classes contained. Further investigations are required to explore the active principles.

Our study shows that an ethnopharmacological approach based on historical records of traditional use to select potential herbal candidates coupled with a rational screening process enables an efficient search for plant-derived natural products with antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2.
Hydration conditions as a critical factor in antibiotic-mediated bacterial competition outcomes
Authors: Beizman-Magen Yana , Orevi Tomer , Kashtan Nadav
Published: June 2024

Antibiotic secretion plays a pivotal role in bacterial interference competition, yet the impact of environmental hydration conditions on such competition is not well-understood. Here, we investigate how hydration conditions affect interference competition among bacteria, studying the interactions between the antibiotic-producingBacillus velezensisFZB42 and two bacterial strains susceptible to its antibiotics:Xanthomonas euvesicatoria85-10 andPseudomonas syringaeDC3000. Our results show that wet-dry cycles significantly modify the response of the susceptible bacteria to both the supernatant and cells of the antibiotic-producing bacteria, compared to constantly wet conditions. Notably,X. euvesicatoriashows increased protection against both the cells and supernatants ofB. velezensisunder wet-dry cycles, whileP. syringaecells become more susceptible under wet-dry cycles. In addition, we observed a reciprocal interaction betweenP. syringaeandB. velezensis, whereP. syringaeinhibitsB. velezensisunder wet conditions. Our findings highlight the important role of hydration conditions in shaping bacterial interference competition, providing valuable insights into microbial ecology of water-unsaturated surfaces, with implications for applications such as biological control of plant pathogens and mitigating antibiotic resistance.
A photo-switchable gold nanoformulation based on the dCas9 protein for spatiotemporal controlled gene editing activation in vivo
Authors: Konstantinidou Soultana , Rocco Mafalda A. , Nocilla Francesco , Debellis Doriana , d’Amora Marta , De Angelis Francesco , Gabellini Chiara , Fuso Francesco , Tantussi Francesco , Raffa Vittoria
Published: June 2024

Genome editing allows for the manipulation of genomic DNA for biotechnology and biomedical applications, but the specificity and control of the editing process remain a challenge. This study introduces a nano-switch for spatiotemporal control of the editing process. The basic module of the nano-switch (the monomer) is composed of a gold nanorod conjugated with the dead Cas9. Based on mathematical models, we established the design and the mechanism of action of the nano-switch. Briefly, when two monomers, guided by their respective guide RNAs, form a dimer onto the DNA and get irradiated with a Near-Infrared pulsed laser resonant at the plasmonic properties of the dimer, they generate a localized heat that triggers a thermal break onto the DNA. The nano-switch was generated, validated, and tested in zebrafish embryos at the 1-cell stage. Molecular analysis of irradiated embryos showed targeted DNA mutations, validating the efficacy of the nano-switch as a tool for conditional gene editing that integrates the if-when-where functions.
Comparison of Protein Extraction Methods and Data Analysis Strategies for Complete Metaproteomic Soil Analysis
Authors: Mikolitis Abigale S. , Mach Phillip M. , Kroeger Marie E. , McBride Ethan M. , Glaros Trevor G.
Published: June 2024

Considerable microbial diversity has been discovered in soil through genomic sequencing. Despite its role in biogeochemical cycling, relatively little is known about the proteomic diversity of the soil microbiome as most commercially available soil kits focus on DNA/RNA extractions. Consequently, a plethora of protein extraction techniques have been developed for soil but have yet to be integrated into simplified, modern sample preparation techniques such as the S-Trap™. Furthermore, classical data analysis strategies for soil metaproteomics rely on genomically-informed databases for peptide/protein identification. This assumes that DNA/RNA extracts adequately represent the soil proteome. Within this study, we systematically assess several extraction techniques, developing a data processing pipeline which is driven by both proteomics and genomics to fully characterize the soil microbiome. Both pipelines reveal remarkably complementary data, with ∼60% of the protein identifications coming from Proteomically-derived databases. Sodium dodecyl sulfate-based extractions proved to provide the most unique protein identifications (∼3000 proteins), and by combining both proteomic and genomic-based results, the total protein identifications increased approximately 2-fold for each extraction. Combining these complementary data pipelines with improved extraction techniques can allow for drastically improved proteomic results (12,307 unique protein identifications), even from minute (50 mg) sample volumes. These enhancements to previous workflows can better describe the microbial diversity within soil and provide a deeper functional understanding of the soil microbiome.
Dorso-ventral hippocampal neural assemblies are preferentially reactivated during NREM sleep following an aversive experience
Authors: Morici JF , Paiva-Lima I , Pronier É , Girardeau G
Published: June 2024

Sleep plays a crucial role in memory stabilization. In the dorsal hippocampus (dHPC), fast oscillations (sharp-wave ripples) during non-REM sleep consolidate spatial memories through place cell reactivation. The hippocampal formation is heterogeneous; the dHPC processes mostly contextual information, while the ventral part (vHPC) encodes valence and anxiety. We propose that dorsal- ventral communication during sleep is involved in the consolidation of emotional memories, potentially integrating or segregating contextual and valence information. To test this, we recorded the electrophysiological activity in the dHPC and vHPC in rats during reward and aversion-motivated exploration of a linear track and subsequent sleep. We detected dorsal and ventral SWRs during NREM sleep as well as neuronal assemblies during each exploration type and identified dorsal, ventral, and joint (dorso-ventral) assemblies. We found that dorso-ventral hippocampal coordination involves coordinated ripples and bursts of ripples. Aversive joint assemblies exhibited higher reactivation during non-REM sleep than the joint assemblies from the reward condition. Interestingly, joint aversive assemblies reactivated selectively during dorso-ventral coordinated ripples. Furthermore, their reactivation strength positively correlated with their strength of activation during the task. These results suggest the existence of dorsal-ventral hippocampal functional communication capable of sustaining the selective reactivation of experiences based on their emotional valence.
A 1:1 flavone cocrystal with cyclic trimeric perfluoro-o-phenylenemercury
Authors: Novikov Egor M. , Castañeda Raúl , Fonari Marina S. , Timofeeva Tatiana V.
Published: June 2024

The title compound, systematic name tris(μ2-perfluoro-o-phenylene)(μ2-3-phenyl-4H-chromen-4-one)-triangulo-trimercury, [Hg3(C6F4)3(C15H10O2)], crystallizes in the monoclinic P21/n space group with one flavone (FLA) and one cyclic trimeric perfluoro-o-phenylenemercury (TPPM) molecule per asymmetric unit. The FLA molecule is located on one face of the TPPM acceptor and is linked in an asymmetric coordination of its carbonyl oxygen atom with two Hg centers of the TPPM macrocycle. The angular-shaped complexes pack in zigzag chains where they stack via two alternating TPPM–TPPM and FLA–FLA stacking patterns. The distance between the mean planes of the neighboring TPPM macrocycles in the stack is 3.445 (2) Å, and that between the benzo-γ-pyrone moieties of FLA is 3.328 (2) Å. The neighboring stacks are interdigitated through the shortened F...F, CH...F and CH...π contacts, forming a dense crystal structure.
Crystal structure of hexachlorothallate within a caesium chloride–phosphotungstate lattice Cs9(TlCl6)(PW12O40)2·9CsCl
Authors: Deblonde Gauthier , Colliard Ian
Published: June 2024

Crystal formation of caesium thallium chloride phosphotungstates, Cs9(TlCl6)(PW12O40)2·9CsCl showcases the ability to capture and crystallize octahedral complexes via the use of polyoxometalates (POMs). The large number of caesium chlorides allows for the POM [α-PW12O40]3− to arrange itself in a cubic close-packing lattice extended framework, in which the voids created enable the capture of the [TlCl6]3− complex.
Innovation and firm characteristics: evidence from India’s company-level data
Authors: Chattopadhyay Sadhan Kumar , Nath Siddhartha , Sengupta Sreerupa , Joshi Shruti
Published: June 2024

Purpose

This paper tries to explain variation in company-level innovation activities based on certain firm-level characteristics in India between 2010 and 2020.

Design/methodology/approach

Probit and Heckman’s two-step estimation based on panel data consisting of annual consolidated financial statements of 8,529 companies.

Findings

Firm-level innovation activities were associated with larger company size, lower age, higher access to digital assets and voluntary expenses on environmental sustainability and social responsibility.

Research limitations/implications

This paper is based on company-level financial statements and hence does not include aspects related to human capital, managerial capacities, participation in the global value chain and collaboration with other industries or academia.

Originality/value

This paper uses alternative measures of innovation such as promotional expenses and holding of intangible assets by companies in India alongside R&D expenditure, which is largely used in the past literature. The company characteristics also include emerging areas such as digitalisation, and spending on environmental sustainability and social responsibility, in addition to the conventional factors such as firm size, age and exposure to exports.
Linking ethical leadership to employee's prohibitive voice: the role of reflective moral attentiveness and leader identification
Authors: Nguyen Hau Van , Nguyen Long Le Hoang
Published: June 2024

Purpose

This paper considers the importance of prohibitive voice in organizations' health. This study aims to explore the role of ethical leadership, reflective moral attentiveness and leader identification.

Design/methodology/approach

Two waves of data collection were conducted, including 534 responses in T1 and 242 in T2. This research evaluated hypotheses using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling approach with Smart PLS 3.2.9.

Findings

Ethical leadership has a direct positive effect on employees' prohibitive voice. Furthermore, reflective moral attentiveness mediates the associations between ethical leadership and prohibitive voice. Finally, leader identification moderates only the relationship between ethical leadership and employees' moral behavior (prohibitive voice), not moral cognition (reflective moral attentiveness).

Originality/value

This paper provided insight into how and when ethical leaders could promote prohibitive voice behavior. Specifically, the authors explored the mediating role of reflective moral attentiveness and the moderating role of leader identification.
Underpinning risk dimensions of sponsored institutional R&D projects through cutting-edge fuzzy TOPSIS and fuzzy DEMATEL approaches
Authors: Kumar Sachin , Singh Vinay
Published: June 2024

Purpose

This study aims to enhance the success of Sponsored Institutional R&D Projects (SIRPs) by investigating the influence of risk dimensions over four criteria Cost overrun, Time overrun, Schedule overrun, and Quality of projects. The study identifies risk dimensions and prioritizes and explores causal relationships to guide risk mitigation strategies during project execution.

Design/methodology/approach

This study was conducted with qualitative data obtained through a systematic questionnaire from 10 domain experts associated with SIRPs. Through an extensive literature review, the study identifies the ten risk dimensions, Fuzzy TOPSIS was employed for prioritizing the explored risk dimensions and Fuzzy DEMATEL explored the qualitative causal relationships among these dimensions. The sensitivity analysis was conducted to validate the robustness of findings by adjusting the weightage assigned to experts.

Findings

The findings reveal financial risk as the highest ranked and business risk as the least influential among identified dimensions. The study also highlights management risk as the most significant, followed by business risk and sensitivity analysis concludes that the findings are robust, lacking significant judgment bias.

Research limitations/implications

This study contributes to risk management strategies for SIRPs, to ensure timely completion within the allocated budget. The findings of the study can be implemented in other such SIRPs. The study also informs funding agencies' policies and project monitoring mechanisms and advancing project management practices

Originality/value

Its originality lies in being the first to systematically identify and prioritize risk dimensions, adding significant value to SIRP management and academic discourse on project management and risk analysis.
Does board industry expertise foster ESG strategy? The mediating role of environmental innovation
Authors: della Corte Gaetano , Ricci Federica , Saggese Sara , Sarto Fabrizia
Published: June 2024

Purpose

The study aims to empirically examine the effect of board industry expertise on environmental, social and governance (ESG) strategy, and the mediating role of environmental innovation.

Design/methodology/approach

Using an unbalanced sample of 341 publicly traded Italian non-financial firms and data collected from multiple sources over the period 2017–2021, this study applies single-mediator models via ordinary least squares regressions.

Findings

Results indicate that directors’ industry expertise improves the corporate orientation toward sustainability strategy that is reflected in ESG objectives. This effect is partly mediated by a greater level of environmental innovation.

Practical implications

The article suggests regulators to promote eco-innovation-friendly investment initiatives due to their value in advancing corporate sustainability strategies.

Originality/value

The research fills a gap in the literature that has never explored the effect of board industry expertise on sustainability-related outcomes. Moreover, it advances the debate on the implications of board human capital by assessing its influence on ESG strategy and environmental innovation.
Insight from industry-early lessons learned about AI adoption in core procurement processes, directions for managers and researchers
Authors: van Hoek Remko
Published: June 2024

Purpose

There is a growing body of conceptual work considering the potential of AI in supply chain and procurement, and there is great interest in AI among managers. But, according to a recent study, digital strategies for procurement are often missing or not satisfactory. Literature offers conflicting guidance on possible adoption areas for AI in core procurement processes. Given the need for better digital strategies for procurement and the need to further develop the understanding of adoption potential, the purpose of this paper is to explore actual adoption levels, experienced benefits, readiness levels and barriers to implementation in industry. This informs nuanced, not hyped, managerial consideration and identifies further research opportunities.

Design/methodology/approach

Leveraging items used in literature to study adoption of other technologies, the authors conduct the first empirical exploration of actual adoption levels of AI in procurement. The authors do so by collecting survey responses in three manager workshops, and the authors use the workshops to seek manager input in the interpretation of findings and the identification of implications for managers and researchers.

Findings

There appears to be less consideration given to AI in procurement than interest in the topic might imply. Adoption levels are generally low, implying that there is a lot of room for the development of consideration, use cases and possible pilots by managers and researchers. The authors find procurement benefits of AI adoption to be broader than costs and productivity alone, including visibility and innovation. But, readiness appears to be at relatively low levels with factors commonly considered in literature, such as executive support and willingness to invest, less relevant than less widely considered elements such as human sense making and supplier readiness.

Originality/value

This first empirical exploration moves past conceptualization and the study of potential adoption into the study of actual adoption levels in different procurement core processes. The authors expand the consideration of readiness by including additional items of human sense making as called for in literature. The authors also include and develop supplier readiness consideration, which is often missing from research. With the help of participating managers, the authors are able to develop a more comprehensive framework for the consideration of AI adoption. This can help bring nuance, not hype, to consideration and provides a rich portfolio of research items and constructs to further explore.
Enlightened Declarations: Ottoman and Russian Proclamations in the Ottoman‐Russian War of 1768–1774
Authors: Karabıçak Yusuf Ziya
Published: June 2024

This article analyses the Ottoman and Russian proclamations during the Ottoman‐Russian War of 1768–1774 to understand their similarities and differences in discourse and their intended audiences, with a special focus on the elites of the Ottoman Empire. The article shows that Ottoman diplomacy practiced Enlightenment diplomacy in the same way as its rivals, using the language of enlightened absolutism to win the hearts and minds of the Polish nobility. However, the war made diplomacy and its accompanying discourses an internal affair, and the imperial elite rejected the idea of fighting for Polish liberties. This had a lasting impact on how Ottoman power was framed and understood by both the imperial elite and its subjects. This was the main difference between the Ottoman and Russian empires; the former had already created an elite consensus based on shared European cultural signifiers that depended on the European Enlightenment, while the latter never did.
Cardio‐oncology and radiation oncology: How collaboration between cardiologists and oncologists can be realised in radiation oncology
Authors: Birch Samuel , Otton James
Published: June 2024

Increased survivorship, improvements in cancer treatments, and the potential for cardiac side effects from cancer treatments have resulted in increased collaboration between oncologists and cardiologists and the development of cardio‐oncology clinics. This collaboration is important given its role in ensuring greater patient satisfaction, aiding teams of clinicians in making complex treatment decision, and ensuring cardiac complications are diagnosed at an early stage. The particularities of implementing this collaboration in the field of radiation oncology and how this setting is different from other areas of cardio‐oncology have not been well detailed in the literature. This paper will discuss what is currently understood about the need for and role of cardio‐oncology and what a cardio‐oncology services involves, with a particular emphasis on patient and clinician needs in the field of radiation oncology. The literature and recent guidelines do advocate for a detailed baseline assessment of cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy, especially patients with treatment or patient risk factors that increase their risk of cancer‐therapy related cardiotoxicity. Advancements in cardiac imaging techniques will be discussed as these may help to diagnose cardiac side effects of certain cancer treatments, including radiotherapy, at an early stage. A multi‐disciplinary and collaborative approach is well received by patients and such an approach, guided by the aim of maintaining a patient's cancer treatment wherever possible, should be the cornerstone of cardio‐oncology clinics regardless of the patient's treatment regime.
Establishment and validation of prediction model for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease in patients with hyperuricemia
Authors: Du Xingchen , Chen Fangfang , He Yisheng , Zou Hejian , Pan HaiFeng , Zhu Xiaoxia
Published: June 2024

Objective

To construct a risk prediction model for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) in patients with hyperuricemia.

Methods

Data in this study were obtained from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) (2007–2010). Participants from Huashan Hospital were included as an external validation. Logistic regression analysis was used to explore the relevant factors of ASCVD in patients with hyperuricemia. The discriminability of the model was evaluated using the area under the curve (AUC) statistic of the receiver operating characteristic curve. Hosmer–Lemeshow test, correction curve and decision curve analysis (DCA) were used to evaluate the model.

Results

A total of 389 patients collected from the NHANES were included in the final analysis. Logistic regression analysis showed that age, creatinine (Cr), glucose (Glu), serum uric acid (SUA), and history of gout were predictive factors for ASCVD in hyperuricemia (HUA) patients. These predictive factors were used to construct a nomogram. And 157 patients from NHANES were in the internal validation group and 136 patients from Huashan Hospital were in the external validation group. The AUC values of the three groups were 0.943, 0.735, and 0.664. The p values of the Hosmer–Lemeshow test were .568, .600, and .763. The calibration curve showed consistency between the nomogram and the actual observed values. The DCA curve indicated that the model has good clinical practicality.

Conclusion

This study constructed the ASCVD risk prediction model for HUA patients, which is beneficial for medical staff to detect high‐risk populations of ASCVD in the early stage.
The benefits of an offline to online cognitive behavioral stress management regarding anxiety, depression, spiritual well‐being, and quality of life in postoperative intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma patients
Authors: Liu Yueping , Xu Xin , Ye Xiaoyan
Published: June 2024

Aim

Cognitive behavioral stress management (CBSM) has been introduced for the postoperative cancer management, but its application in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) is rare. This current study constructed an offline to online CBSM (OO‐CBSM) program and applying multiple assessing scales, aiming at exploring the benefits of OO‐CBSM regarding anxiety, depression, spiritual well‐being, and quality of life (QoL) in postoperative ICC patients.

Methods

The study randomly assigned 68 postoperative ICC patients into OO‐CBSM (N = 34) and normal care (NC) (N = 34) groups to undergo 10‐week interventions. Hospital anxiety‐and‐depression scale (HADS), Zung's self‐reporting anxiety scale (SAS), and depression scale (SDS), functional‐assessment of chronic‐illness therapy‐spiritual well‐being scale (FACIT‐Sp), European quality‐of‐life‐5 dimensions (EQ‐5D), and quality‐of‐life questionnaire‐core30 (QLQ‐C30) were assessed within 6 months (M).

Results

HADS‐anxiety scores at M3 (P = 0.049) and M6 (P = 0.009), SAS score at M6 (P = 0.028), HADS‐depression score at M3 (P = 0.043), and SDS scores at M3 (P = 0.044) and M6 (P = 0.028), were lower in the OO‐CBSM group versus the NC group. Meanwhile, FACIT‐Sp scores at M1 (P = 0.042) and M6 (P = 0.003) were higher in the OO‐CBSM group over the NC group. Besides, EQ‐5D scores at M3 (P = 0.067) and M6 (P = 0.087) disclosed trends to be lower in the OO‐CBSM group versus the NC group, but not statistically significant. QLQ‐C30‐global‐health scores at M3 (P = 0.049) and M6 (P = 0.033), and QLQ‐C30‐function score at M6 (P = 0.046), were higher in OO‐CBSM group over NC group; but QLQ‐C30‐symptom score was not significantly different at any timepoints between them.

Conclusion

OO‐CBSM attenuates anxiety and depression, and advances spiritual well‐being and QoL in postoperative ICC patients, indicating its potency for the ICC postoperative management.
Interstitial pregnancy: A retrospective case series of surgically managed patients over a ten‐year period
Authors: Van Michelle , Smet Maria‐Elisabeth , Cash Sally , Noori Nargis
Published: June 2024

Aims

To describe the ultrasound diagnostic features and surgical management procedures for patients with an interstitial ectopic pregnancy in our tertiary institution and associated peripheral hospital over a ten‐year period.

Methods

A retrospective audit of all surgically managed cases of interstitial pregnancies over a ten‐year period at a tertiary hospital and one associated peripheral hospital in New South Wales.

Results

Sixteen cases of surgically managed interstitial pregnancy were identified. In 43.8% of these cases, patients had previously undergone an ipsilateral salpingectomy. No cases required hysterectomy, post‐operative methotrexate or return to theatre. Ten patients underwent diagnostic ultrasound prior to operative management, seven of which were correctly identified to be an interstitial ectopic pregnancy at the time. The proportion of cornuostomies being performed for interstitial pregnancy compared to wedge resection has increased over the period of this review from 33 to 60% between the two five‐year periods.

Conclusion

The combination of expert ultrasound and sophisticated laparoscopic techniques at our institution has facilitated earlier diagnosis and greater use of minimally invasive management of interstitial pregnancy.
Population‐based norms for the human papillomavirus‐quality of life (HPV‐QoL) questionnaire: A cross‐sectional multicenter study
Authors: Calvo‐Torres Javier , Rejas‐Gutiérrez Javier , Ramírez‐Mena Mar , Bradbury Melissa , Del Pino Marta , González‐Granados Carmen , Procas Beatriz , Coronado Pluvio J. ,   HPV‐QoL study group
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Human papillomavirus (HPV) diagnosis has a considerable emotional and psychological impact on women. To evaluate the impairment this infection leads to regarding quality of life (QoL), several scales have been suggested, such as the human‐papillomavirus‐quality‐of‐life (HPV‐QoL) questionnaire. This has been validated for the Spanish population and measures the impact of HPV on health‐related‐quality‐of‐life (HR‐QoL). However, normative values are yet to be developed. Thus, the objective was to describe the population‐based norms of the HPV‐QoL for Spanish women aged 25–65 years and to test the questionnaire's construct validity.

Material and Methods

This was a cross‐sectional nationwide multicenter study. Women from outpatient clinics in Spain aged 25–65 years, with a diagnosis of past or active HPV infection were recruited. The central tendency, dispersion, and percentiles were calculated for the total score and its dimensions for each age group. Construct validity was tested by analyzing age groups and their correlations with other related scales (12‐Item General Health Questionnaire [GHQ‐12], Female Sexual Function Index [FSFI], and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale [HADS]).

Results

A total of 1352 women were included in the study. The norms showed moderate and significant coefficients of correlation with other related scales. Significant differences between age strata groups were found according to educational level, sexual dysfunction, sexual activity, mental deterioration, and severity of anxiety and depression symptoms (p < 0.001 in all cases). The total score differed significantly between the groups (p = 0.006). Significant differences in the contagiousness, health, and sexuality dimensions (p < 0.05) were found among the groups. It was seen that HPV infection impaired women's QoL. Dimensions within all test age groups (p < 0.001 in all cases) were significantly different, with the health dimension being the highest contributor to women's QoL impairment, whereas social well‐being was the main determinant of QoL.

Conclusions

Population‐based norms for the novel HPV‐QoL questionnaire showed adequate validity and could be a useful tool for assessing the impact of QoL among women with HPV in Spain.
Euthanasia in detention and the ethics of caring solidarity: A case study of the ‘Tarragona Gunman’
Authors: Espericueta Luis
Published: June 2024

Almost a year after the enactment of the law regulating euthanasia in Spain, public opinion was shocked to learn that a defendant in criminal proceedings obtained medical assistance in dying following injuries sustained in an exchange of gunfire with the police after having committed a series of severe crimes. Although there are very few cases in the world where prisoners have received euthanasia, the one we will discuss in this article is the only known case where both the public prosecutor's office and the private prosecutors judicially opposed the defendant's euthanasia. This article aims to offer a new perspective on the ethical legitimacy of detainees' access to euthanasia: the ethics of caring solidarity. To do this, we will first place the case in its legal context. Subsequently, we will address the two main arguments proposed in the literature to justify euthanasia in detention: respect for the autonomy of the detainee and the principle of equivalence of care. Finally, after having identified serious shortcomings in both arguments, we will argue that the perspective of caring solidarity offers a better ethical basis for people in detention's access to euthanasia.
Post‐pandemic public personnel retention: A person‐organization and person‐supervisor fit analysis
Authors: Deschênes Andrée‐Anne
Published: June 2024

This study examines person/organization and person/supervisor fit of public administration professionals in the context of hybrid work. A three‐phase study was conducted among 411 public professionals in Quebec. Results show that person/organization and person/supervisor fit have declined over time, and that satisfaction with hybrid work played a role in this decline. Person/organization fit affects intention to stay with the public organization. These results show the importance for public organizations to take employees' needs, values and expectations into account to increase satisfaction with the hybrid work experience and foster the retention of public service employees in a post‐pandemic era.
Building resilience in families experiencing homelessness through integration of health, parenting and child development programs
Authors: Edie Alison Hester , Carmody Karen Appleyard , Scott Jewel
Published: June 2024

Children who experience homelessness are vulnerable to mental health problems, developmental delays and lower academic achievement. Research suggests that parental health literacy, sensitive parenting behaviour and child self‐regulation are modifiable mechanisms that might enhance children's resilience to adversities associated with homelessness, yet empirical evidence on implementing such interventions in shelter settings is limited. Through a coordinated academic‐community partnership, this study aimed to examine the (1) feasibility of conducting an integrated health approach in shelter settings and (2) the effectiveness of separate interventions on child and parent outcomes. Results are discussed in terms of best practices in shelter settings and building resilience in families experiencing homelessness with young children.
Plague and local response in North China, 1900–28
Authors: Reeves Caroline
Published: June 2024

Breakthroughs in international biomedical science circa 1900 meant that plague could be contained through strict quarantine regulations. These measures were successfully deployed with help from local governments during outbreaks of pneumonic plague in Manchuria (1910–11), Shanxi (1918), and elsewhere in North China. This containment shows the effectiveness of uniting international knowledge and local cooperation in disaster response. Yet, in later outbreaks in similar locations, control measures identical to those instituted a decade earlier were rejected, and plague spread largely unchecked. Historical case studies of the control and spread of infectious disease in North China reveal the complexities of the relationship between global knowledge and its broader, local integration, variation in what constitutes effective ‘local’ cooperation in adopting international knowledge, and the paramount importance of the locality to the landscape of disaster response. History can reveal critical issues in localisation of disaster response still salient today.
Person‐reported outcomes in registered randomised diabetes trials: A mapping review of constructs
Authors: de Wit Maartje , van Luik Selina , Marrero David , Barnard‐Kelly Katharine , Snoek Frank J.
Published: June 2024

Aim

Recently, efforts have been made to use and report person‐reported outcomes (PROs) in randomised clinical trials (RCTs). Here, we aim to (1) assess the status of inclusion of PROs in registered RCTs over 5 years in people with type 1 or 2 diabetes, and (2) map the PRO measures (PROMs) onto predefined domains.

Methods

The largest trial registries (Clinicatrials.gov, International Clinical Trial Platform and ISRCTN) were systematically searched for RCTs in people with type 1 and/or type 2 diabetes of all ages between 2018 and 2023. Coding of PROs comprised: (1) PRO measure(s) included yes or no; if yes: (2) PRO(s) as primary outcome yes or no; and (3) mapping PROMs onto predefined PRO domains and per type of intervention.

Results

N = 1543 trials met our inclusion criteria, of which n = 673 (44%) included PROs, assessed by 545 different measures. Twenty per cent of drug trials (n = 112) and 71% of behavioural interventions (n = 405) included PROs. In 149 trials (9.6%), a PRO was the primary outcome. The psychological functioning domain was most often assessed across all trials (21.6%), specifically in behavioural (44.8%) and medical device interventions (29.7%). In drug trials, the physical functioning and functional health domain was most included (9%). Across all trials, the social and family functioning domain was least assessed (3%).

Conclusions

We noticed an increase in the inclusion of PROs in diabetes RCTs. However, PROs are rarely included as primary outcomes in the majority of studies, particularly in drug trials. The heterogeneity of PROMs used in RCTs underscores the need for standardisation of PROs.