bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Generative Modelling of Oncogene-carrying Extrachromosomal Circular DNA Biogenesis and Dynamics in Cells
Authors: Haskó János , Feng Weijia , Arshadi Aram , Tolomeo Doron , Hembo Chuang Sun , Petersen Trine Skov , Lv Wei , Han Peng , Zeng Yuchen , Wang Fei , Bolund Lars , Lin Lin , Regenberg Birgitte , Storlazzi Clelia Tiziana , Luo Yonglun
Published: April 2024

Extrachromosomal circular DNAs (ecDNA) are focal gene amplifications frequently associated with cancer development and often indicating a poor prognosis. To understand the early dynamics of oncogene-carrying ecDNAs, we previously developed CRISPR-C, a tool for precise ecDNA generation by deleting specific chromosomal regions. Here, we adapted CRISPR-C to recreate tumor ecDNAs. This method also allowed us to enhance ecDNA generation efficiency by directly delivering Cas9 protein and sgRNAs as a ribonucleoprotein complex. By using the modified CRISPR-C, we successfully generated ecDNAs carrying oncogenes (EGFR, CDK4, MDM2, MYC, MYCN, FGFR2, ABCB1,andDHFR) in various human cell types. Furthermore, we demonstrated that our method could generate chimeric ecDNAs composed of target sequences from distant intra or inter-chromosomal regions. Using these generative ecDNA cell models, we studied the oncogene ecDNA expression and stability. TheMDM2expression was increased after CRISPR-C, whileCDK4was decreased indicating genomic-context dependent effect. The copy number of CRISPR-C generatedCDK4was ecDNA increased in cells after a long period of treatment with theCDK4inhibitor palbociclib. Unlike CDK4, the CRISPR-C generatedABCB1ecDNA was unstable in cells under normal growth conditions, but is stably retained when the cells were treated with colcemid, a recognized substrate for ABCB1. We thus provide valuable tools and an attractive platform for studying ecDNA biogenesisy and in vitro drug screening on ecDNA stability.
Estimates of community stability using the invasion criterion are robust across levels of invader species richness
Authors: Castledine Meaghan , Padfield Daniel , Buckling Angus
Published: April 2024

A key feature of natural communities is that the species within them stably coexist. A common metric used to test community stability is measuring the ability of each species to recover from rare. Here, each species is assumed to have negative frequency dependent fitness and have a greater fitness relative to the other community members. A conceptual issue with measurements of relative invader fitness is that single species are invaded from rare. In natural communities, multiple species would likely decline following perpetuations e.g. antibiotic application, global warming, natural disasters. In our study, we compare previous estimates of community stability in a five species microbial community to experimental results in which multiple species are invaded from rare. Our results showed that single species invasions were broadly predictive of whole community stability when multiple species are invaded simultaneously. Precise values of relative invader fitness were less comparable, however being non-significantly different in most comparisons in 3/5 species. This work provides the first experimental test of the robustness of relative invader fitness metrics under multi-species invasion scenarios.
Inherited mitochondrial dysfunction triggered by OPA1 mutation impacts the sensory innervation fibre identity, functionality and regenerative potential in the cornea
Authors: Meneux Léna , Feret Nadège , Pernot Sarah , Girard Mélissa , Sarkis Solange , Caballero Megido Alicia , Quiles Mélanie , Fichter Laura , Viaralet Jerome , Hirtz Christophe , Delettre Cécile , Michon Frederic
Published: April 2024

Mitochondrial dysfunctions are detrimental to organ metabolism. The cornea, transparent outmost layer of the eye, is prone to environmental aggressions, such as UV light, and therefore dependent on adequate mitochondrial function. While several reports have linked corneal defects to mitochondrial dysfunction, the impact of OPA1 mutation, known to induce such dysfunction, has never been studied in this context. We used the mouse line carrying OPA1delTTAGmutation to investigate its impact on corneal biology. To our surprise, neither the tear film composition nor the corneal epithelial transcriptomic signature were altered upon OPA1 mutation. However, when analyzing the corneal innervation, we discovered an undersensitivity of the cornea upon the mutation, but an increased innervation volume at 3 months. Furthermore, the fibre identity changed with a decrease of the SP+ axons. Finally, we demonstrated that the innervation regeneration was less efficient and less functional in OPA1+/-corneas. Altogether, our study describes the resilience of the corneal epithelial biology, reflecting the mitohormesis induced by the OPA1 mutation, and the adaptation of the corneal innervation to maintain its functionality despite its morphogenesis defects. These findings will participate to a better understanding of the mitochondrial dysfunction on peripheral innervation.
Sex-specific association of cardiovascular drug doses with adverse outcomes in atrial fibrillation
Authors: Moor Jeanne , Kühne Michael , Moschovitis Giorgio , Kobza Richard , Netzer Seraina , Auricchio Angelo , Beer Jürg Hans , Bonati Leo H. , Reichlin Tobias , Conen David , Osswald Stefan , Rodondi Nicolas , Clair Carole , Baumgartner Christine , Aubert Carole Elodie
Published: April 2024

Objectives

Women with heart failure (HF) with reduced ejection fraction receiving submaximal doses of beta-blockers and renin-angiotensin system (RAS) inhibitors have a lower risk of mortality or hospitalizations for heart failure. However, optimal doses of beta-blockers or RAS inhibitors in women with atrial fibrillation (AF) with and without HF are unclear. We investigated sex-specific associations of beta-blocker and RAS inhibitor doses with cardiovascular outcomes in patients with AF with and without HF.

Methods

We used data from the prospective BEAT-AF and Swiss-AF cohorts on patients with AF. The outcome was major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), including death, myocardial infarction, stroke, systemic embolization, and HF-related hospitalization. Predictors of interest were spline (primary analysis) or quartiles (secondary analysis) of beta-blocker or RAS inhibitor dose in percent of the maximum dose (reference), in interaction with sex. Cox models were adjusted for demographics, comorbidities and co-medication.

Results

Among 3,961 patients (28% women), MACE occurred in 1,113 (28%) patients over 5-year median follow-up. Distributions of RAS inhibitor and beta-blocker doses were similar in women and men. Cox models revealed no association between beta-blocker dose or RAS inhibitor dose and MACE. In a subgroup of patients with AF and HF, the lowest hazard of MACE was observed in women prescribed 100% of RAS inhibitor dose. However, there was no association between RAS dose quartiles and MACE.

Conclusions

In these two cohorts of patients with AF, doses of beta-blockers and RAS inhibitors did not differ by sex and were overall not associated with MACE.

What is already known on the subject

Sex-specific analyses of beta-blocker and renin angiotensin system (RAS) inhibitor doses in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction have revealed a lower hazard of death or heart failure-related hospitalisation in women receiving low doses compared to maximum doses.

The pathophysiology and pharmacotherapy of atrial fibrillation show sex differences, but the potential sex-specific associations of different drug doses with cardiovascular outcomes are unknown in this population.

What this study adds

This study identifies no associations between beta-blocker doses and major adverse cardiovascular events in patients with atrial fibrillation.

How this study might affect research, practice or policy

The findings of the present study reassure that the recommended maximum doses of beta-blockers and RAS inhibitors appeared safe among patients of both sexes with atrial fibrillation.
TRPV4 modulation affects mitochondrial parameters in adipocytes and its inhibition upregulates lipid accumulation
Authors: Kumar Shamit , Acharya Tusar Kanta , Kumar Satish , Chang Young Tae , Goswami Chandan
Published: April 2024

Enhanced lipid-droplet formation by adipocytes is a complex process and relevant for obesity. Using knock-out animals, involvement of TRPV4, a thermosensitive ion channel in the obesity has been proposed. However, exact role/s of TRPV4 in adipogenesis and obesity remain unclear and contradictory. Here we used in vitro culture of 3T3L-1 preadipocytes and primary murine-mesenchymal stem cells as model systems, and a series of live-cell-imaging to analyse the direct involvement of TRPV4 exclusively at the adipocytes that are free from other complex signalling as expected in in-vivo condition. Functional TRPV4 is endogenously expressed in pre- and in mature-adipocytes. Pharmacological inhibition of TRPV4 enhances differentiation of preadipocytes to mature adipocytes, increases expression of adipogenic and lipogenic genes, enhances cholesterol, promotes bigger lipid-droplet formation and reduces the lipid droplet temperature. TRPV4 regulates mitochondrial-temperature, Ca2+-load, ATP, superoxides, cardiolipin, membrane potential (ΔΨm), and lipid-mitochondrial contact sites. TRPV4 also regulates the extent of actin fibres, affecting the cells mechanosensing ability. These findings link TRPV4-mediated mitochondrial changes in the context of lipid-droplet formation involved in adipogenesis and confirms the direct involvement of TRPV4 in adipogenesis. These findings may have broad implication in treating adipogenesis and obesity in future.
Electrophysiological Recording from a “Model” Cell
Authors: Zhang Bing , Stewart Bryan
Published: April 2024

The muscle cell or neuron membrane is functionally equivalent to a resistor–capacitor (RC) circuit with the membrane resistance and capacitor in parallel. Once inserted inside the membrane, an electrode introduces a serial resistance and small capacitance to the RC circuit. Through a narrow opening at its tip (∼0.1-μm), current can pass through the electrode, into the cell, and back to the outside (ground) across the membrane to complete the circuit. This arrangement enables a voltage difference between the outside and inside of the cell membrane to be recorded. To determine cell membrane properties, a current can be injected into the cell through the electrode. One complication with this approach, however, is that the voltage difference measured with the electrode includes the voltage drop across the cell membrane and that across the electrode. Furthermore, a small amount of current is drawn by the electrode capacitor, thereby slowing the current flow across the membrane. Fortunately, most amplifiers are equipped with bridge balance and capacitance compensation functions so that the effects of the electrode on cell membrane properties can be canceled out or minimized. This protocol describes the basics of setting up and conducting electrophysiological experiments using a model cell. For the novice, a model cell provides a way to learn the operation of electrophysiology equipment and software without the anxiety of damaging living cells. This protocol also illustrates passive membrane properties such as the input resistance, capacitance, and time constant.
Turbulent Properties of Stationary Flows in Porous Media
Authors: Falkinhoff Florencia , Ponomarenko Alexandre , Pierson Jean-Lou , Gamet Lionel , Volk Romain , Bourgoin Mickaël
Published: April 2024

In this study, we investigate the flow dynamics in a fixed bed of hydrogel beads using particle tracking velocimetry to compute the velocity field in the middle of the bed for moderate Reynolds numbers (Re=[124,169,203,211]). We discover that even though the flow is stationary at the larger scales, it exhibits complex multiscale spatial dynamics reminiscent of those observed in classical turbulence. We find evidence of the presence of an inertial range and a direct energy cascade, and are able to obtain a value for a “porous” Kolmogorov constant of C2=3.1±0.3. This analogy with turbulence opens up new possibilities for understanding mixing and global transport properties in porous media.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Bounding the Joint Numerical Range of Pauli Strings by Graph Parameters
Authors: Xu Zhen-Peng , Schwonnek René , Winter Andreas
Published: April 2024

The relations among a given set of observables on a quantum system are effectively captured by their so-called joint numerical range, which is the set of tuples of jointly attainable expectation values. Here we explore geometric properties of this construct for Pauli strings, whose pairwise commutation and anticommutation relations determine a graph G. We investigate the connection between the parameters of this graph and the structure of minimal ellipsoids encompassing the joint numerical range, and we develop this approach in different directions. As a consequence, we find counterexamples to a conjecture by de Gois [Phys. Rev. A 107, 062211 (2023)], and answer an open question raised by Hastings and O’Donnell [, pp. 776–789], which implies a new graph parameter that we call “β(G).” Furthermore, we provide new insights into the perennial problem of estimating the ground-state energy of a many-body Hamiltonian. Our methods give lower bounds on the ground-state energy, which are typically hard to come by, and might therefore be useful in a variety of related fields.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Trump Says the WTO Is a Disaster
Authors: Debaere Peter
Published: April 2024

In 2017, it was a challenge to assess the future of global trade. It was an open question whether the US financial crisis and the recession that it triggered would mark a turning point for the liberal post–World War II world order. If one looked toward Europe, China, Latin America, and Japan, there was a flurry of activity. New trade agreements were being completed and pursued. In Washington, DC, on the other hand, President Donald Trump seemed set on ripping apart and/or renegotiating any trade deal the United States was ever part of.

This case explores Trump's opinions and emerging policy stance on trade, bilateralism, and the global economy, among others. It also gives an overview of the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) and asks whether the Trump presidency would constitute a major challenge to the WTO and what it stood for in 2017.
iThrive Games: Championing Responsible Innovation and Social Entrepreneurship in Games
Authors: Mulloth Bala , Rivers Susan E.
Published: April 2024

This case aims to study the growth, evolution, and social innovation of iThrive Games, a socially minded initiative that aims to create meaningful opportunities using technology for teens to enhance the knowledge, mindsets, and skills they need to thrive through development and across the continuum of mental disorder to wellness. iThrive's focus has been on creating “meaningful games”—that is, games that promote health and well-being of teen players. Founded in 2014 by Dorothy Batten, President of DN Batten Foundation, the organization's mission was to collaborate with game developers, partner with teens across the game development cycle (ideation to testing), and provide resources to foster teen thriving through gameplay. To do so, the organization took a unique social entrepreneurial approach. Drawing on a positive psychology framework and building the brand among key stakeholders including game developers, researchers, funders, youth, educators, and parents, the organization orchestrated a community dedicated to advancing the meaningful games field, and in doing so, have widespread impact.
Small countries facing the technological revolution: fostering synergies between economic complexity and foresight research
Authors: Tiits Marek , Karo Erkki , Kalvet Tarmo
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Although the significance of technological progress in economic development is well-established in theory and policy, it has remained challenging to agree upon shared priorities for strategies and policies. This paper aims to develop a model of how policymakers can develop effective and easy to communicate strategies for science, technology and economic development.

Design/methodology/approach

By integrating insights from economic complexity, competitiveness and foresight literature, a replicable research framework for analysing the opportunities and challenges of technological revolutions for small catching-up countries is developed. The authors highlight key lessons from piloting this framework for informing the strategy and policies for bioeconomy in Estonia towards 2030–2050.

Findings

The integration of economic complexity research with traditional foresight methods establishes a solid analytical basis for a data-driven analysis of the opportunities for industrial upgrading. The increase in the importance of regional alliances in the global economy calls for further advancement of the analytical toolbox. Integration of complexity, global value chains and export potential assessment approaches offers valuable direction for further research, as it enables discussion of the opportunities of moving towards more knowledge-intensive economic activities along with the opportunities for winning international market share.

Originality/value

The research merges insights from the economic complexity, competitiveness and foresight literature in a novel way and illustrates the applicability and priority-setting in a real-life setting.
Digital transformation for supply chain collaborative innovation and market performance
Authors: Yu Yubing , Zeng Hongyan , Zhang Min
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Manufacturers increasingly resort to digital transformation to shape their competitiveness in the digital economy era, while supply chain (SC) collaborative innovation helps them cope with market uncertainties. However, whether and how digital transformation can facilitate SC collaborative innovation remain unclear. To address this gap, we aims to investigate the effects of digital transformation (strategy and capability) on SC collaborative (process and product) innovation and market performance.

Design/methodology/approach

We use partial least squares-structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) with a sample of 210 Chinese manufacturers to investigate the effects of digital transformation (strategy and capability) on SC collaborative (process and product) innovation and market performance.

Findings

The results show that digital strategy and capability positively impact SC collaborative process and product innovation, which enhances market performance. In addition, SC collaborative innovation mediates the relationship between digital transformation and market performance.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature by identifying how digital transformation drives SC collaborative innovation towards improving market performance and providing practical guidance for enterprises in promoting digital transformation and SC collaborative innovation.
Pursuing entrepreneurial opportunities is not a choice: the interplay between gender norms, contextual embeddedness, and (in)equality mechanisms in entrepreneurial contexts
Authors: Stoker Saskia , Rossano-Rivero Sue , Davis Sarah , Wakkee Ingrid , Stroila Iulia
Published: April 2024

Purpose

All entrepreneurs interact simultaneously with multiple entrepreneurial contexts throughout their entrepreneurial journey. This conceptual paper has two central aims: (1) it synthesises the current literature on gender and entrepreneurship, and (2) it increases our understanding of how gender norms, contextual embeddedness and (in)equality mechanisms interact within contexts. Illustrative contexts that are discussed include entrepreneurship education, business networks and finance.

Design/methodology/approach

This conceptual paper draws upon extant literature to develop its proposed conceptual framework. It provides suggestions for systemic policy interventions as well as pointing to promising paths for future research.

Findings

A literature-generated conceptual framework is developed to explain and address the systemic barriers faced by opportunity-driven women as they engage in entrepreneurial contexts. This conceptual framework visualises the interplay between gender norms, contextual embeddedness and inequality mechanisms to explain systemic disparities. An extra dimension is integrated in the framework to account for the power of agency within women and with others, whereby agency, either individually or collectively, may disrupt and subvert the current interplay with inequality mechanisms.

Originality/value

This work advances understanding of the underrepresentation of women entrepreneurs. The paper offers a conceptual framework that provides policymakers with a useful tool to understand how to intervene and increase contextual embeddedness for all entrepreneurs. Additionally, this paper suggests moving beyond “fixing” women entrepreneurs and points towards disrupting systemic disparities to accomplish this contextual embeddedness for all entrepreneurs. By doing so, this research adds to academic knowledge on the construction and reconstruction of gender in the field of entrepreneurship.
Developing an action-oriented performance framework for sustainability measurement in the new product development
Authors: Nappi Vanessa , Sousa-Zomer Thayla Tavares , Cauchick-Miguel Paulo A. , Rozenfeld Henrique
Published: April 2024

Purpose

The integration of sustainability, performance measurement and new product development (NPD) is key for aligning environmental and social objectives with business strategies. While previous research has initiated proposals for integrating sustainability into NPD or incorporating sustainability into corporate measurement systems, there is a notable deficiency in studies that comprehensively integrate these three perspectives. In this sense, this study proposes a performance framework (PF) to integrate sustainability performance indicators (PIs) into the measurement system considering the company’s NPD phases.

Design/methodology/approach

The PF was developed through a literature review and action research (AR). This resulting PF was positively evaluated by the practitioners in the company.

Findings

First, the review enabled the synthesis of an initial conceptual PF with 188 sustainability PIs and a five-step procedure. Then, the empirical results of the AR led to a new PF that presents the systematisation of the PIs database and a practice-based seven-stage approach.

Research limitations/implications

This action-oriented research limits the extent to which this study’s findings can be generalised. Future research should apply the PF in different research designs to produce managerially relevant knowledge.

Practical implications

This PF may provide managers with actionable knowledge that best supports the measurement system integration with sustainability PIs considering the NPD phases.

Originality/value

Integrating sustainability, performance measurement and the NPD has been recognised as critical for supporting decision-making concerning the impact of processes and products. Compared with previous frameworks, the proposed PF extends the existing literature by introducing a systematised PIs database and a novel procedure for integrating sustainability measurement throughout the NDP.
Analysis of turbulent cavitation effects on water-lubricated bearing in single screw compressors
Authors: Wang Qingyang , Wu Weifeng , Zhang Ping , Guo Chengqiang , Yang Yifan
Published: April 2024

Purpose

To guide the stable radius clearance choice of water-lubricated bearings for single screw compressors, this paper aims to analyze the effects of turbulence and cavitation on bearing performance under two conditions of specified external load and radius clearance.

Design/methodology/approach

A modified Reynolds equation considering turbulence and cavitation is adopted, based on the Jakobsson–Floberg–Olsson boundary condition, Ng–Pan model and turbulent factors. The equation is solved using the finite difference method and successive over-relaxation method to investigate the bearing performance.

Findings

The turbulent effect can increase the hydrodynamic pressure and cavitation. In addition, the turbulent effect can lead to an increase in the equilibrium radius clearance. The turbulent region exhibits a higher load capacity and cavitation rate. However, the increased cavitation negatively impacts the frictional coefficient and end flow rate. The impact of turbulence increases as the radius clearance decreases. As the rotating speed increases, the turbulence effect has a greater impact on the bearing characteristics.

Originality/value

The research can provide theoretical support for the design of water-lubricated journal bearings used in high-speed water-lubricated single screw compressors.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-01-2024-0029/
Personality characteristics, preferences for rewards and the propensity to choose an auditing job
Authors: Alves Iryna , Gregório Bruno , Lourenço Sofia M.
Published: April 2024

Purpose

This study investigates theoretical relationships among personality characteristics, preferences for different types of rewards and the propensity to choose a job in auditing by management-related higher education students. Specifically, the authors consider motivation, locus of control (internal and external) and self-efficacy (SE) as personality characteristics and financial, extrinsic, support and intrinsic as types of rewards.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected through a questionnaire targeted at management-related higher education students in Portugal. Partial least squares structural equation modelling was used to analyse the data.

Findings

The full sample results show that different types of motivation, locus of control and SE are related to different reward preferences. The authors also find a positive association between a preference for extrinsic rewards and the propensity to choose a job in auditing. Moreover, when the authors consider the role of working experience in the model, the authors find that the reward preferences that drive the choice of an auditing job differ according to that experience.

Originality/value

This study enriches the literature by assessing preferences for different types of rewards, considering multiple personality characteristics and a comprehensive set of rewards. Furthermore, the authors identify the reward preferences that drive the choice of an auditing career. This knowledge empowers auditing firms to devise recruitment strategies that resonate with candidates’ preferences, which boosts the capacity of these companies to attract new auditors.
Police officer attitudes toward pre-arrest behavioral health diversion programs: identifying determinants of support for deflection using a machine learning method
Authors: Donnelly Ellen A. , Stenger Madeline , O'Connell Daniel J. , Gavnik Adam , Regalado Jullianne , Bayona-Roman Laura
Published: April 2024

Purpose

This study explores the determinants of police officer support for pre-arrest/booking deflection programs that divert people presenting with substance use and/or mental health disorder symptoms out of the criminal justice system and connect them to supportive services.

Design/methodology/approach

This study analyzes responses from 254 surveys fielded to police officers in Delaware. Questionnaires asked about views on leadership, approaches toward crime, training, occupational experience and officer’s personal characteristics. The study applies a new machine learning method called kernel-based regularized least squares (KRLS) for non-linearities and interactions among independent variables. Estimates from a KRLS model are compared with those from an ordinary least square regression (OLS) model.

Findings

Support for diversion is positively associated with leadership endorsing diversion and thinking of new ways to solve problems. Tough-on-crime attitudes diminish programmatic support. Tenure becomes less predictive of police attitudes in the KRLS model, suggesting interactions with other factors. The KRLS model explains a larger proportion of the variance in officer attitudes than the traditional OLS model.

Originality/value

The study demonstrates the usefulness of the KRLS method for practitioners and scholars seeking to illuminate patterns in police attitudes. It further underscores the importance of agency leadership in legitimizing deflection as a pathway to addressing behavioral health challenges in communities.
Good, bad and ugly experiences of non-binary gender inclusion at the workplace to frame employee value proposition
Authors: Mehta Mita , Kappal Jyoti M.
Published: April 2024

Purpose

The present study aims to gauge the experience of gender non-binary (NB) employees in the context of employee value propositions (EVP) in Indian enterprises and make suggestions for organizations to align their gender-aligned interventions with the EVP framework.

Design/methodology/approach

Qualitative methodology was used for collecting data through semi-structured interviews and subsequent analysis of the transcripts. The data was gathered from 10 NB participants working in Indian enterprises with the use of non-probabilistic purposive snowball sampling.

Findings

The analysis revealed eight themes representing the good, bad and ugly experiences of NB individuals within the context of EVP. These findings underscore the potential of enriching value propositions for employees to promote gender inclusion in corporate settings, contributing to long-term organizational success.

Practical implications

The study offers both theoretical and practical implications for fostering inclusivity at the workplace. It suggests that policymakers and organizations should align EVP with diversity and inclusion initiatives, re-evaluate hiring processes and promotion policies to ensure equal opportunities for NB individuals, provide regular staff training to address biases and implement inclusive insurance policies and representation in employee resource groups (ERGs).

Originality/value

This study provides unique insights into the experiences of NB employees within the framework of EVPs in Indian organizations.
The long‐term impact of vaginal surgical mesh devices on pain clinic and psychological service referrals, anti‐inflammatory testing and pelvic scans in UK primary care: A cohort study with the Clinical Practice Research Datalink
Authors: McFadden Emily , Heneghan Carl
Published: April 2024

Objective

To examine long‐term complications in women with stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and pelvic organ prolapse (POP), with and without surgical mesh implants.

Design

Longitudinal open cohort study from 1 April 2006 (or 1 April 2012) to 30 November 2018.

Setting

The Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD) Gold database, which is linked to Hospital Episodes Statistics (HES) inpatient data, the HES Diagnostic Imaging Dataset (DID), Office for National Statistics mortality data and Index of Multiple Deprivation socio‐economic status data.

Sample

Women aged ≥18 years with a diagnostic SUI/POP Read code.

Methods

Rates are estimated using negative binomial regression.

Main outcome measures

Rates of referrals for: psychological and pain services; urinalysis, C‐reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) testing; and pelvic ultrasound, computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans.

Results

A cohort of 220 544 women were eligible for inclusion; 74% (n = 162 687) had SUI, 37% (n = 82 123) had POP and 11% (n = 24 266) had both. Rates of psychological referrals and CT scans were lower in women with SUI mesh surgery, but this was offset by higher rates of CRP testing in women with SUI or POP mesh, MRI scans in women with SUI mesh, and urinalysis testing and referrals to pain clinics for women with POP mesh.

Conclusions

Our results suggest a higher burden of morbidity in women with SUI/POP mesh surgery, and that these women may require ongoing follow‐up in the primary care setting.
Social and emotional competencies of students with special educational needs in inclusive education
Authors: Ralić Anamarija Žic , Marković Jelena
Published: April 2024

The social and emotional development of students is one of the important goals of inclusive education. The aim of this paper is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the multidimensional social and emotional competencies of students with special educational needs (SEN), with a focus on identifying the areas in which they achieve the highest and lowest levels of proficiency. Furthermore, it will be investigated whether there are gender differences in the social and emotional competencies of students with SEN, and differences in comparison to students without SEN. This research is based on the CASEL conceptual framework of social and emotional learning. A random sample of teachers (N = 54) assess the social and emotional competencies of both students with SEN (N = 54) and students without SEN (N = 54) with Devereux Student Strengths Assessment (DESSA). Participants completed questionnaires online in spring of 2021. The results show that students with SEN exhibit the highest level of competence in relationship skills and optimistic thinking, whereas the lowest level of competence is found in goal‐directed behaviour and self‐management. There were no discernible gender differences observed in the social and emotional competences of students with SEN. Compared to students without SEN, they exhibit statistically significant lower levels of every social and emotional competency. The findings indicate the necessity of implementing interventions targeting goal‐directed behaviours and self‐management of students with SEN.
Use of carbonyldiimidazole as a derivatization agent for the detection of pinacolyl alcohol, a forensic marker for Soman, by EI‐GC–MS and LC‐HRMS in official OPCW proficiency test matrices
Authors: Valdez Carlos A. , Kaseman Derrick C. , Dreyer Mark L. , Hok Saphon , Vu Alexander K.
Published: April 2024

Pinacolyl alcohol (PA), a key forensic marker for the nerve agent Soman (GD), is a particularly difficult analyte to detect by various analytical methods. In this work, we have explored the reaction between PA and 1,1′‐carbonyldiimidazole (CDI) to yield pinacolyl 1H‐imidazole‐1‐carboxylate (PIC), a product that can be conveniently detected by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) and liquid chromatography‐high‐resolution mass spectrometry (LC‐HRMS). Regarding its GC–MS profile, this new carbamate derivative of PA possesses favorable chromatographic features such as a sharp peak and a longer retention time (RT = 16.62 min) relative to PA (broad peak and short retention time, RT = 4.1 min). The derivative can also be detected by LC‐HRMS, providing an avenue for the analysis of this chemical using this technique where PA is virtually undetectable unless present in large concentrations. From a forensic science standpoint, detection of this low molecular weight alcohol signals the past or latent presence of the nerve agent Soman (GD) in a given matrix (i.e., environmental or biological). The efficiency of the protocol was tested separately in the analysis and detection of PA by EI‐GC–MS and LC‐HRMS when present at a 10 μg/mL in a soil matrix featured in the 44th PT and in a glycerol‐rich liquid matrix featured in the 48th Official Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) Proficiency Test when present at a 5 μg/mL concentration. In both scenarios, PA was successfully transformed into PIC, establishing the protocol as an additional tool for the analysis of this unnatural and unique nerve agent marker by GC–MS and LC‐HRMS.
Resilience and challenges of peritoneal dialysis survivors in the aftermath of the 2023 Kahramanmaraş earthquake
Authors: Sahutoglu Tuncay , Danis Ramazan , Pembegul Irem , Ozturk Ilyas , Huzmeli Can , Tugcu Murat , Oguz Ebru Gok , Bora Feyza , Islam Mahmud , Ayar Yavuz , Yilmaz Zulfikar , Tanburoglu Derya Basak , Genc Fatih , Bindal Mehmet Emin , Tuglular Serhan , Kazancioglu Rumeyza
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) remains understudied in disaster nephrology. This retrospective multicenter study explores the experiences of PD survivors following the February 6, 2023, Kahramanmaraş Earthquake.

Methods

Adult PD patients from 11 affected cities were analyzed to assess challenges faced during and postearthquake, alongside clinical outcomes.

Results

Among 101 participants (median age: 45 years, median PD duration: 24 months), 57 were female, with 79 on continuous ambulatory PD. Challenges included power outages and water shortages, with primary shelter in kin's houses (33%) and homes (28%). Twelve patients experienced PD program delays, and three lacked assistance postdisaster. Sixteen patients changed PD modalities, with seven experiencing postearthquake peritonitis. Clinical parameters remained stable, except for a slight decrease in hemoglobin levels.

Conclusion

Despite challenges, PD survivors exhibited resilience, highlighting the importance of addressing peritonitis and unusual pathogens in disaster preparedness initiatives.
Effects of vitamin D3 on lifespan in Drosophila at different yeast levels
Authors: Jin Hui , Zhong Lichao , Xu Yifan , Shen Jie
Published: April 2024

Deficiency of vitamin D3 has been found to be associated with an increased risk of developing some common diseases and death. However, the exact effect of vitamin D3 intake along with a high‐protein diet and its optimal intake is unclear. The purpose of this work is to evaluate the beneficial effects of vitamin D3 on longevity using the Drosophila model. Vitamin D3 did extend lifespan on a high‐protein diet, but above a certain concentration, it had the opposite effect in males. Our data suggest that the effect of vitamin D3 on longevity is diet‐dependent and concentration‐dependent.
Effects of age and captivity on the social structure and migration survival of a critically endangered bird
Authors: Bussolini L. T. , Franks V. R. , Heinsohn R. , Stojanovic D.
Published: April 2024

Reintroductions of threatened species is a conservation strategy utilised around the world. Unfortunately, many translocated individuals have poor rates of survival post‐release. If released individuals are unable to socially integrate into wild populations, they might lose the safety of the group or fail to learn critical skills. We examined the effects of age and captivity on sociality and migration survival for the critically endangered orange‐bellied parrot (Neophema chrysogaster). As part of recovery efforts, adult birds are released in spring to contribute to breeding and juveniles are released in autumn prior to migration. Historically, captive‐bred adults have low rates of migration survival, whereas captive and wild juveniles survive at comparable rates. We investigated both the long‐term impacts of captivity on sociality and how sociality impacted migration survival by constructing social networks and comparing captive and wild birds of different age classes. We found no differences between captive and wild birds, suggesting that released birds integrated into the population. However, juveniles were more strongly connected and demonstrated greater network stability than adults. While we found no impact of sociality on survival, our results provide evidence of different migration strategies previously described for juveniles and adults: adults depart in small groups and juveniles depart as a larger flock a few weeks later. We suggest that the low migration survival of captive‐bred adults may be attributable to this cohort missing the juvenile flocking phase. These results suggest that a juvenile developmental phase may be impactful in this species for future survival.
The distance of insertion points from wound margins in interrupted and vertical mattress sutures influences the tensile load capacity: An in vitro experimental study
Authors: Jeong Seungho , Lee Won‐Ho , Hong Kyu‐Jin , Strauss Franz Josef , Lee Jung‐Seok
Published: April 2024

Aim

To determine the tensile load capacity (TLC) and the tearing characteristics for interrupted and vertical mattress sutures with different insertion points from the wound margin, and the effect of the bite size when using vertical mattress sutures.

Materials and Methods

A total of 120 gingiva and lining mucosa samples obtained from pig jaws were divided into groups according to the suturing technique (interrupted and vertical mattress sutures), distance of the insertion points from the wound margin (margin, 1, 3, and 5 mm) and bite size (1, 3, and 5 mm). The TLC of the suture and the tearing characteristics were evaluated using a tensile tester device.

Results

The TLC was significantly higher for vertical mattress sutures than for interrupted sutures regardless of the distance of the insertion points from the wound margin (intergroup p < .001). This distance significantly influenced the TLC for vertical mattress sutures (p < .05) but not for interrupted sutures (p > .05). Testing the tearing characteristics revealed that no tissue tearing occurred in groups when the insertion points were more than 3 mm from the wound margin.

Conclusion

The TLC is higher for vertical mattress sutures than for interrupted sutures, and it increases when the insertion points are farther from the wound margin.
Brain activation and connection across resting and motor‐task states in patients with generalized tonic–clonic seizures
Authors: Jiang Sisi , Wang Yuehan , Pei Haonan , Li Hechun , Chen Junxia , Yao Yutong , Li Qifu , Yao Dezhong , Luo Cheng
Published: April 2024

Aims

Motor abnormalities have been identified as one common symptom in patients with generalized tonic–clonic seizures (GTCS) inspiring us to explore the disease in a motor execution condition, which might provide novel insight into the pathomechanism.

Methods

Resting‐state and motor‐task fMRI data were collected from 50 patients with GTCS, including 18 patients newly diagnosed without antiepileptic drugs (ND_GTCS) and 32 patients receiving antiepileptic drugs (AEDs_GTCS). Motor activation and its association with head motion and cerebral gradients were assessed. Whole‐brain network connectivity across resting and motor states was further calculated and compared between groups.

Results

All patients showed over‐activation in the postcentral gyrus and the ND_GTCS showed decreased activation in putamen. Specifically, activation maps of ND_GTCS showed an abnormal correlation with head motion and cerebral gradient. Moreover, we detected altered functional network connectivity in patients within states and across resting and motor states by using repeated‐measures analysis of variance. Patients did not show abnormal connectivity in the resting state, while distributed abnormal connectivity in the motor‐task state. Decreased across‐state network connectivity was also found in all patients.

Conclusion

Convergent findings suggested the over‐response of activation and connection of the brain to motor execution in GTCS, providing new clues to uncover motor susceptibility underlying the disease.
Classification and stratification in pilonidal sinus disease: findings from the PITSTOP cohort
Authors: Lee Matthew J. , Lee Ellen , Bradburn Mike , Hind Daniel , Strong Emily B. , Din Farhat , Wysocki Arkadiusz P. , Lund Jon , Moffatt Christine , Morton Jonathan , Senapati Asha , Jones Helen , Brown Steven R. ,   the PITSTOP Management Group and the PITSTOP Validators
Published: April 2024

Aim

Research in pilonidal disease faces several challenges, one of which is consistent and useful disease classification. The International Pilonidal Society (IPS) proposed a four‐part classification in 2017. The aim of this work was to assess the validity and reliability of this tool using data from the PITSTOP cohort study.

Method

Face validity was assessed by mapping the items/domains in the IPS tool against tools identified through a systematic review. Key concepts were defined as those appearing in more than two‐thirds of published tools. Concurrent and predictive validity were assessed by comparing key patient‐reported outcome measures between groups at baseline and at clinic visit. The outcomes of interest were health utility, Cardiff Wound Impact Questionnaire (CWIQ) and pain score between groups. Significance was set at p = 0.05 a priori. Interrater reliability was assessed using images captured during the PITSTOP cohort. Ninety images were assessed by six raters (two experts, two general surgeons and two trainees), and classified into IPS type. Interrater reliability was assessed using the unweighted kappa and unweighted Gwet's AC1 statistics.

Results

For face validity items represented in the IPS were common to other classification systems. Concurrent and predictive validity assessment showed differences in health utility and pain between groups at baseline, and for some treatment groups at follow‐up. Assessors agreed the same classification in 38% of participants [chance‐corrected kappa 0.52 (95% CI 0.42–0.61), Gwet's AC1 0.63 (95% CI 0.56–0.69)].

Conclusion

The IPS classification demonstrates key aspects of reliability and validity that would support its implementation.
Finance capitalism in industrializing autocracies: Evidence from corporate balance sheets in imperial Germany and Russia
Authors: Fohlin Caroline , Gregg Amanda
Published: April 2024

Russia and Germany both industrialized later than England and the United States, and both countries retained authoritarian autocracies until World War I. On the basis of a large collection of firm‐level balance sheets, this paper presents new evidence revealing the likely impact of these systematic disparities on emerging industry's access to capital. Contrary to the standard ‘economic backwardness’ and ‘law and finance’ literatures, we argue that differences in financing between Russian and German corporations were consistent with authoritarian control of corporate entry as well as Russia's agricultural economy and overall lower level of economic development.
A study on the influence of learning space on students' intrinsic learning motivation
Authors: Chen Hui , Chen Jie , Chiang Feng‐Kuang
Published: April 2024

Following the continuous reform and innovation of classroom teaching methods and pedagogy in higher education, the support provided by traditional classrooms for new classes seems to be insufficient. Empirical exploration into the impact of learning spaces on student learning motivation, particularly in terms of how and to what extent, has been limited. This study focuses on student intrinsic learning motivation as the dependent variable and constructs an influence model incorporating factors such as learning space, pedagogy and classroom relationships. A comparative analysis is conducted to assess the differential influence between two learning space types: active learning spaces and traditional classrooms. Utilizing a convenience sampling method, students engaged in coursework at University A's ‘Future Learning Experience Center’ and traditional multimedia learning spaces over three academic terms were selected. Differential tests were performed on data collected from various learning environment types, and the impact of learning space, teaching methods and social relationships on students' intrinsic learning motivation was validated using structural equation modelling. Results indicate that scores in the dimensions of learning space, teacher–student relationships, student–student relationships and student intrinsic learning motivation were significantly higher in the active learning space compared to traditional classrooms. Surprisingly, learning space exhibited no significant direct effect on student intrinsic learning motivation but demonstrated a significant indirect effect. The influencing factors model presented in this study sheds light on the type of learning space's impact on student intrinsic learning motivation, offering theoretical guidance and practical data for future research endeavours.