bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predictors of hypogammaglobulinemia in ANCA-associated vasculitis after a rituximab-based induction: a multicentre study
Authors: Podestà Manuel Alfredo , Mescia Federica , Ricchiuto Anna , Smith Rona , Tedesco Martina , Cassia Matthias Arnaldo , Holle Julia , Sinico Renato Alberto , Bruchfeld Annette , Gunnarsson Iva , Ohlsson Sophie , Baslund Bo , Hruskova Zdenka , Tesar Vladimir , Sabiu Gianmarco , Gallieni Maurizio , Cid Maria C , Vaglio Augusto , Harper Lorraine , Cozzolino Mario , Scolari Francesco , Jayne David , Alberici Federico
Published: December 2022

Objectives

Rituximab has become the cornerstone of induction treatment in ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV). B-cell depletion may increase the risk of hypogammaglobulinemia, potentially leading to severe infections. This study aims to assess factors associated with hypogammaglobulinemia in AAV patients treated with rituximab.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study included AAV patients treated with rituximab induction in 14 European centres. Severe adverse events (SAEs) were defined as episodes requiring hospitalization or intravenous antibiotics, malignancies, or death. Linear and logistic regression were used to identify predictors of IgG levels and of the risk of hypogammaglobulinemia, defined as IgG ≤7 g/l at 6 months.

Results

The study included 227 patients. IgG levels at 6 months were lower than baseline (P < 0.001). Patients requiring intravenous antibiotics during the first 6 months had lower IgG levels at 6 months (P = 0.004). Age [β (95% CI): −0.23 (−0.38, −0.08) per 10 years, P = 0.003], oral glucocorticoid dose at induction [β (95% CI): −0.37 (−0.51, −0.24) per sqrt-transformed mg prednisone, P < 0.001] and concomitant use of intravenous glucocorticoid pulses [β (95% CI): −0.88 (−1.73, −0.02), P = 0.044] were associated with IgG levels at 6 months. Hypogammaglobulinemia was identified in 97 (42.7%) patients. In multivariable logistic regression, factors associated with the risk of hypogammaglobulinemia were age [OR (95% CI): 1.46 (1.15, 1.86) per 10 years, P = 0.002] and oral glucocorticoid dose at induction [OR (95% CI): 1.52 (1.23, 1.89) per 10 mg prednisone, P < 0.001].

Conclusions

In AAV patients treated with rituximab, hypogammaglobulinemia at 6 months after induction is common, and lower IgG levels are associated with serious infections. The risk of hypogammaglobulinemia in these patients increases with age and higher glucocorticoid doses.
Whither Quistclose trusts? A non-linear development of the doctrine
Authors: Leung Ada Yee Lam , Leung Samuel Yee Ching
Published: December 2022

The term “Quistclose trust” requires little introduction. Prickly Bay Waterside Ltd v British American Insurance Co Ltd [2022] UKPC 8 appears to be another Quistclose trust case adding to the wealth of authority on this subject—but is it? Apart from distilling the previous authorities, the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council seems to have set down other signposts to guide the courts. This article discusses the development of the Quistclose doctrine brought by this Privy Council decision. In particular, it will explore the purported refinement of the test of Quistclose trust, the relevant intention to be proven under the test, the issues in relation to fiduciary duty in this context, and also the way forward.
Differentiation in poult plumage color of f1 progeny from crosses between white and black indigenous turkeys
Authors: Ewuola E O , Olarinre I O
Published: December 2022

A study assessed the poult plumage color of F1 progeny from artificially inseminated crossings between white and black indigenous turkeys. 72 hens (32 black, 40 white) and 10 toms were used (5 black and 5 white). The turkeys were grouped into four treatments based on the breeding plans: T1 (White toms × White hens), T2 (Black toms × Black hens), T3 (White toms × black hens), and T4 (Black toms × White hens). Semen was harvested from five white toms, pooled, and inseminated into hens in T1 and T3. Semen harvested from five black toms were also pooled and inseminated into hens in T2 and T4. All inseminations were carried out immediately after collection, and each hen received a dose of 0.02 mL. Insemination was done for 2 consecutive days in week 1 and once weekly; eggs were collected and incubated weekly for 12 weeks. Poult plumage colors were monitored and recorded weekly after the first 28 d. Average fertility in each of the treatments 1 (99.63%), 2 (99.81%), 3 (99.84%), and 4 (99.27%) were not significantly (P > 0.05) different among the treatments. Hatchability was highest in T2 (72.54%) and least in T1 (57.67%). Percentage white plumage poults in treatments 1, 2, 3, and 4 were 88.73%, 31.61%, 58.15%, and 54.63%, respectively. Percentage black plumage poults in T1, T2, T3, and T4 were 6.97%, 33.04%, 15.26%, and 23.76%, respectively, while 4.30%, 35.35%, 26.57%, and 21.61% were percentage checkered plumage poults in T1, T2, T3, and T4, respectively. There was no significant (P > 0.05) difference in the percentage checkered obtained in T2, T3, and T4; percentage of white poult in T3 and T4; percentage of black poult in T3 and T1. The major determinant of poult plumage color concerning quantity was the plumage color of breeder tom semen used for insemination.
Accelerated Partial Breast Irradiation
Authors: Chang Jee Suk , Khan Atif J.
Published: December 2022

Accelerated partial breast irradiation is a mature, standard-of-care treatment option for many women with early-stage breast cancer. In this paper, we discuss technological challenges and advances in the delivery of accurate and reproducible accelerated partial breast irradiation.
Neighborhood socioeconomic status and mortality in the nurses’ health study (NHS) and the nurses’ health study II (NHSII)
Authors: DeVille Nicole V. , Iyer Hari S. , Holland Isabel , Bhupathiraju Shilpa N. , Chai Boyang , James Peter , Kawachi Ichiro , Laden Francine , Hart Jaime E.
Published: December 2022

Background:

Few studies have prospectively examined long-term associations between neighborhood socioeconomic status (nSES) and mortality risk, independent of demographic and lifestyle risk factors.

Methods:

We assessed associations between nSES and all-cause, nonaccidental mortality among women in the Nurses’ Health Study (NHS) 1986–2014 (N = 101,701) and Nurses’ Health Study II (NHSII) 1989–2015 (N = 101,230). Mortality was ascertained from the National Death Index (NHS: 19,228 deaths; NHSII: 1556 deaths). Time-varying nSES was determined for the Census tract of each residential address. We used principal component analysis (PCA) to identify nSES variable groups. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards models were conditioned on age and calendar period and included time-varying demographic, lifestyle, and individual SES factors.

Results:

For NHS, hazard ratios (HRs) comparing the fifth to first nSES quintiles ranged from 0.89 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.84, 0.94) for percent of households receiving interest/dividends, to 1.11 (95% CI = 1.06, 1.17) for percent of households receiving public assistance income. In NHSII, HRs ranged from 0.72 (95% CI: 0.58, 0.88) for the percent of households receiving interest/dividends, to 1.27 (95% CI: 1.07, 1.49) for the proportion of households headed by a single female. PCA revealed three constructs: education/income, poverty/wealth, and racial composition. The racial composition construct was associated with mortality (HRNHS: 1.03; 95% CI = 1.01, 1.04).

Conclusion:

In two cohorts with extensive follow-up, individual nSES variables and PCA component scores were associated with mortality. nSES is an important population-level predictor of mortality, even among a cohort of women with little individual-level variability in SES.
The Role of the Hand Surgery Consultant in the Care of the Basketball Athlete
Authors: Graham Thomas J.
Published: December 2022

Basketball presents several characteristics that distinguishes it from other contact sports and can influence the manner by which a Team Physician and Hand Surgery Consultant interact. An abbreviated list of pathologies that affect the basketball athlete and the approach to their evaluation and treatment by a Hand Surgeon are described in context of return-to-play.
Importance of pharmacologic considerations in the development of targeted anticancer agents for children
Authors: Veluvolu Sridhar M. , Grohar Patrick J.
Published: December 2022

Purpose of review

The purpose of this review is to describe key pharmacologic considerations to inform strategies in drug development for pediatric cancer.

Recent findings

Main themes that will be discussed include considering patient specific factors, epigenetic/genetic tumor context, and drug schedule when optimizing protocols to treat pediatric cancers.

Considering these factors will allow us to more effectively translate novel targeted therapies to benefit pediatric patients.
Progesterone/Estradiol Ratio Is Related to Real-Life Alcohol Consumption in Alcohol Use Disorder in a Sex- and Menstrual Cycle Phase-Dependent Manner
Authors: Hoffmann Sabine , Gerhardt Sarah , Mühle Christiane , Reinhard Iris , Reichert Dominic , Bach Patrick , Boroumand-Jazi Rafat , Kuehner Christine , Aguilera Alvaro , Aslan Acelya , Bahr Nadja S. , Belanger Matthew , Deeken Friederike , Ebrahimi Claudia , Fischbach Pascale C. , Ganz Marvin , Garbusow Maria , Großkopf Charlotte M. , Heigert Marie , Hentschel Angela , Karl Damian , Liu Shuyan , Mazza Massimiliano , Pelz Patricia , Pinger Mathieu , Reichl Matthias , Riemerschmid Carlotta , Rosenthal Annika , Steffen Johannes , Strehle Jens , Wedemeyer Friederike , Weiss Franziska , Wenzel Julia , Wieder Gesine , Wieland Alfred , Zaiser Judith , Zech Hilmar , Zimmermann Sina , Kornhuber Johannes , Müller Christian P. , Sommer Wolfgang H. , Spanagel Rainer , Banaschewski Tobias , Deserno Lorenz , Ebner-Priemer Ulrich W. , Flor Herta , Kirsch Peter , Rietschel Marcella , Vollstädt-Klein Sabine , Walter Henrik , Meyer-Lindenberg Andreas , Rapp Michael A. , Witt Stephanie , Smolka Michael N. , Heinz Andreas , Tost Heike , Kiefer Falk , Reichert Markus , Lenz Bernd ,   the ReCoDe-Consortium
Published: December 2022

Background

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a critical public health issue with sex-specific characteristics and the need for a better mechanistic understanding. Initial evidence suggests that progesterone can reduce alcohol intake, while estradiol leads to an increase. However, we lack knowledge about how progesterone relative to estradiol influences alcohol use patterns in females and males with AUD.

Methods

This multicenter within-subject study analyzed data on real-life alcohol use (21,438 intensively-sampled smartphone entries), menstrual cycle, and serum progesterone/estradiol ratios (677 blood samples) gathered during a 12-month follow-up in 74 naturally cycling females and 285 males with AUD (mean age: 29.7 and 37.8 years, respectively; data collection: 2020–2022). We used multilevel modelling to identify changes in alcohol use and progesterone/estradiol ratios across the menstrual cycle in females and associations between progesterone/estradiol ratios and alcohol use in males.

Results

During the late luteal phase, females showed 0.6- to 0.8-fold lower (predicted) probabilities of binge drinking and 2.8- to 5.6-fold higher mean progesterone/estradiol ratios compared to the menstrual, follicular, and ovulatory phases. Similarly, in males, an increase of 10 units in the progesterone/estradiol ratio was related to 8 and 9% lower probabilities of binge drinking and any alcohol use, respectively.

Conclusions

Based on ecologically valid results, this study reveals that higher progesterone/estradiol ratios can protect against problematic alcohol use in females and males with AUD. Therefore, the progesterone/estradiol ratio is a promising treatment target. Translated into clinical practice, our results also indicate that females with AUD may benefit from menstrual cycle phase-tailored treatments.
Public perspectives towards extended community pharmacies services in Saudi Arabia: an online cross-sectional study
Authors: Alghamdi Khalid S. , Petzold Max , Ewis Ashraf A. , Alsugoor Mahdi H. , Saaban Khalid , Hussain-Alkhateeb Laith
Published: December 2022

Background

In many developed countries, the scope of community pharmacy services has extended to deliver more advanced applications. Unlike the traditional practice focusing on pharmaceutical sales, extended community pharmacy services (ECPSs) are patient-centred, typically offered by specialised healthcare centres, which improve public health, reduce pressure imposed on healthcare professionals and rationalise the health system expenditure. However, several studies have revealed that community pharmacies (CPs) provide only marginalised services. Therefore, a public review is crucial for effectively utilising such healthcare-complementary professional services. This study explores CPs utilisation among the Saudi public in terms of knowledge, attitudes, and barriers towards ECPSs.

Materials and Methods

A cross-sectional web-based survey of a non-probability sample was conducted between October and December 2021. Numerical and graphical descriptive statistics were employed with an additional analytical assessment using binary logistic regression for the association between characteristics of participants and barriers to utilising ECPSs.

Results

A total of 563 subjects participated, of which about 33% considered CPs the first place to visit if they have medication concerns. Most were unfamiliar with medication therapy management and health screening services (77%%, and 68%, respectively). Pharmacy clinics for receiving private counselling and electronic patients’ medical records were unknown facilities to them (79% and 63%, respectively). A substantial portion considered the lack of privacy (58%) and inadequate communication with the community pharmacists (56%) as key barriers. The logistic regression analysis revealed that the underdeveloped infrastructure of CPs was significantly associated with almost all factors. Privacy issues concerned females, highly educated and high-income individuals, and those with health insurance. In addition, low socio-economic status, subjects with special needs or chronic diseases, non-health insured and smokers were less likely to utilise the ECPSs due to economic reasons.

Conclusions

The most public was under-utilised services and facilities. Positive attitudes were associated with public concerns regarding their privacy and the cost of services. In line with the Saudi vision 2030, supporting CPs and increasing public awareness towards ECPSs will have significant public health implications.
Endogenous opioid release following orgasm in man: A combined PET-fMRI study
Authors: Jern Patrick , Chen Jinglu , Tuisku Jouni , Saanijoki Tiina , Hirvonen Jussi , Lukkarinen Lasse , Manninen Sandra , Helin Semi , Putkinen Vesa , Nummenmaa Lauri
Published: December 2022

Sex is one of the most rewarding and motivating behaviours for humans. Endogenous mu-opioid receptor system (MORs) plays a key role in the mammalian reward circuit. Both human and animal experiments suggest the involvements of MORs in human sexual pleasure, yet this hypothesis currently lacks in vivo support. We used positron emission tomography (PET) with the radioligand [11C]carfentanil, which has high affinity for MORs to quantify endogenous opioid release following orgasm in man. Subjects were scanned twice: Once immediately after reaching an orgasm and once in a baseline state. Haemodynamic activity was measured with functional magnetic resonance imaging during penile stimulation from partner. The PET data revealed significant opioid release in hippocampus. Haemodynamic activity in somatosensory and motor cortices as well as hippocampus and thalamus increased during penile stimulation, and thalamic activation was linearly dependent on self-reported sexual arousal. Altogether these data show that endogenous opioidergic activation in the medial temporal lobe is centrally involved in sexual arousal.
Serine-129 phosphorylation of α-synuclein is a trigger for physiologic protein-protein interactions and synaptic function
Authors: Parra-Rivas Leonardo A. , Madhivanan Kayalvizhi , Wang Lina , Boyer Nicholas P. , Prakashchand Dube Dheeraj , Aulston Brent D. , Pizzo Donald P. , Branes-Guerrero Kristen , Tang Yong , Das Utpal , Scott David A. , Rangamani Padmini , Roy Subhojit
Published: December 2022

Phosphorylation of α-synuclein at the Serine-129 site (α-syn Ser129P) is an established pathologic hallmark of synucleinopathies, and also a therapeutic target. In physiologic states, only a small fraction of total α-syn is phosphorylated at this site, and consequently, almost all studies to date have focused on putative pathologic roles of this post-translational modification. We noticed that unlike native (total) α-syn that is widely expressed throughout the brain, the overall pattern of α-syn Ser129P is restricted, suggesting intrinsic regulation and putative physiologic roles. Surprisingly, preventing phosphorylation at the Ser-129 site blocked the ability of α-syn to attenuate activity-dependent synaptic vesicle (SV) recycling – widely thought to reflect its normal function. Exploring mechanisms, we found that neuronal activity augments α-syn Ser-129P, and this phosphorylation is required for α-syn binding to VAMP2 and synapsin – two functional binding-partners that are necessary for α-syn function. AlphaFold2-driven modeling suggests a scenario where Ser129P induces conformational changes in the C-terminus that stabilizes this region and facilitates protein-protein interactions. Our experiments indicate that the pathology-associated Ser129P is an unexpected physiologic trigger of α-syn function, which has broad implications for pathophysiology and drug-development.
Ectopic activation of the polar body extrusion pathway triggers cell fragmentation in preimplantation embryos
Authors: Pelzer Diane , de Plater Ludmilla , Bradbury Peta , Eichmuller Adrien , Bourdais Anne , Halet Guillaume , Maître Jean-Léon
Published: December 2022

Cell fragmentation occurs during physiological processes, such as apoptosis, migration, or germ cell development. Fragmentation is also commonly observed during preimplantation development of human embryos and is associated with poor implantation prognosis during Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) procedures. Despite its biological and clinical relevance, the mechanisms leading to cell fragmentation are unclear. Light sheet microscopy imaging of mouse embryos reveals that compromised spindle anchoring, due to Myo1c knockout or dynein inhibition, leads to fragmentation. We further show that defective spindle anchoring brings DNA in close proximity to the cell cortex, which, in stark contrast to previous reports in mitotic cells, locally triggers actomyosin contractility and pinches off cell fragments. The activation of actomyosin contractility by DNA in preimplantation embryos is reminiscent of the signals mediated by small GTPases throughout polar body extrusion (PBE) during meiosis. By interfering with the signals driving PBE, we find that this meiotic signaling pathway remains active during cleavage stages and is both required and sufficient to trigger fragmentation. Together, we find that fragmentation happens in mitosis after ectopic activation of actomyosin contractility by signals emanating from DNA, similar to those observed during meiosis. Our study uncovers the mechanisms underlying fragmentation in preimplantation embryos and, more generally, offers insight into the regulation of mitosis during the maternal-zygotic transition.
Neurobiological and Behavioral Characterization of Adult Male and Female Mice in Prolonged Social Isolation
Authors: Heng Vibol , Zigmond Michael , Smeyne Richard Jay
Published: December 2022

As social animals, our health depends in part on interactions with other human beings. Yet millions suffer from chronic social isolation, including those in nursing/assisted living facilities and people experiencing chronic loneliness. Perhaps the most egregious form of chronic isolation is seen in criminal justice system, where approximately 80,000 people are housed, on any one day, in solitary confinement. In this study, we developed a model of isolation that starts in adulthood. Mice (C57BL/6J) were born and raised in an enriched environment until 4 months of age and then either maintained in that environment or moved to social isolation for 1 or 3 months. We then examined neuronal structure, catecholamine and brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels, and CNS-mediated behaviors, comparing social isolation to enriched environment controls. We found there were significant changes in neuronal volume, dendritic length, neuronal complexity, and spine density that were dependent on brain region, sex, and duration of the isolation. Isolation altered dopamine in the striatum and serotonin levels in the forebrain in a sex-dependent manner, and also reduced levels of BDNF in the motor cortex and hippocampus of male but not female mice. To determine if SI altered a behavior, we tested mice in the open-field (general activity), the resident intruder paradigm (aggression), the tail suspension test (depression), and the Barnes maze (spatial memory). Adult male mice isolated for 1 month exhibited increased locomotor activity, aggression, and enhanced aspects of spatial memory, most of which remained after 3 months of isolation. After 3 months of isolation, mice also exhibited depressive behaviors. Similar (but not exact) results were seen in female mice, with the exception that the females did not show increased aggression. These studies show that isolation enforced in adulthood has significant impact on brain structure, neurochemistry, and behavior.
Variance (un)explained: Experimental conditions and temporal dependencies explain similarly small proportions of reaction time variability in linear models of perceptual and cognitive tasks
Authors: Perquin Marlou Nadine , Heed Tobias , Kayser Christoph
Published: December 2022

Any series of sensorimotor actions shows fluctuations in speed and accuracy from repetition to repetition, even when the sensory input and motor output requirements remain identical over time. Such fluctuations are particularly prominent in reaction time (RT) series from laboratory neurocognitive tasks. Despite their omnipresent nature, trial-to-trial fluctuations remain poorly understood. Here, we systematically analysed RT series from various neurocognitive tasks, quantifying how much of the total trial-to-trial RT variance can be explained with general linear models (GLMs) by three sources of variability that are frequently investigated in behavioural and neuroscientific research: 1) experimental conditions, employed to induce systematic patterns in variability, 2) short-term temporal dependencies as the autocorrelation between subsequent trials, and 3) long-term temporal trends over experimental blocks and sessions. Furthermore, we examined to what extent the explained variances by these sources are shared or unique. We analysed 1913 unique RT series from 30 different cognitive control and perception-based tasks. On average, the three sources together explained ∼8-17% of the total variance. The experimental conditions explained on average ∼2.5-3.5% but did not share explained variance with temporal dependencies. Thus, the largest part of the trial-to-trial fluctuations in RT remained unexplained by these three sources. Unexplained fluctuations may take on non-linear forms that are not picked up by GLMs. They may also be partially attributable to observable endogenous factors such as fluctuations in brain activity and bodily states. Still, some extent of randomness may be a feature of the neurobiological system rather than just nuisance.

Public significance statement

When we perform stereotyped repetitive sensorimotor actions, these nevertheless exhibit remarkable variability over time even under laboratory conditions. We show that most of this variability is not explained by linear models including two factors frequently studied in experimental psychology or cognitive neuroscience: the manipulations introduced by the experimenters and endogenous temporal dependencies that arise over multiple timescales. This implies that moment-to-moment fluctuations in typical behavioural data are largely unpredictable by linear models. Endogenous processes may also influence these fluctuations even in highly stable environments. It remains an empirical question to what extent exogenous and endogenous sources influence fluctuations non-linearly.
Decoding Proteoforms with Single Acid Resolution Using a Sub-nanometer Diameter Pore
Authors: Paul Apurba , Rayabharam Archith , Murkate Punam , Almonte Lisa , Rigo Eveline , Dong Zhuxin , Kumar Ashutosh , Joseph Joshy , Aluru Narayana R. , Timp Gregory
Published: December 2022

When a denatured protein isoform (i.e., a proteoform) immersed in electrolyte is impelled by an electric field through a sub-nanometer-diameter pore (i.e., a sub-nanopore) spanning a thin membrane, the sequence of amino acid (AA) residues constituting the proteoform can be directly "read" one at a time by measuring fluctuations in the electrolytic current. Corroborating this assertion, an analysis of the pore current with molecular dynamic (MD) simulations reveals that the fluctuations are correlated to the sequence of AA volumes, the water in the pore and acid mobility. After alignment to account for variations in the acid mobility, the simulated pore current is nearly perfectly correlated to the pattern of empirical fluctuations. To prove out the prospects for decoding proteoforms this way, site-specific post-translational modifications (PTMs) and point mutations in amyloid-beta (Aβ1-42) were analyzed with a sub-nanopore. The results show that single acids can be resolved in proteoforms with a dynamic range limited by the size of phenylalanine and glycine. With this sensitivity and single acid resolution, the sequence of a scrambled variant of Aβ1-42was discriminated with a p-value < 10-5.
Inhibitory temporo-parietal effective connectivity is associated with explicit memory performance in older adults
Authors: Schott Björn H. , Soch Joram , Kizilirmak Jasmin M. , Schütze Hartmut , Assmann Anne , Maass Anne , Ziegler Gabriel , Sauvage Magdalena , Richter Anni
Published: December 2022

Successful explicit memory encoding is associated with inferior temporal activations and medial parietal deactivations, which are attenuated in aging. Here we used Dynamic Causal Modeling (DCM) of functional magnetic resonance imaging data to elucidate effective connectivity patterns between hippocampus, parahippocampal place area (PPA) and precuneus during encoding of novel visual scenes. In 117 young adults, DCM revealed pronounced activating input from the PPA to the hippocampus and inhibitory connectivity from the PPA to the precuneus during novelty processing, with both being enhanced during successful encoding. This pattern could be replicated in two cohorts (N = 141 and 148) of young and older adults. In both cohorts, older adults selectively exhibited attenuated inhibitory PPA-precuneus connectivity, which correlated negatively with memory performance. Our results provide insight into network dynamics underlying explicit memory encoding and suggest that age-related differences in memory-related network activity are, at least partly, attributable to altered temporo-parietal neocortical connectivity.
trans-Bis(2,2′-dipyridylamine-κ2
N,N′)bis(1,1,3,3-tetracyano-2-ethoxypropenido-κN)copper(II)
Authors: Saadallah Yaakoub , Setifi Zouaoui , Geiger David K. , Al-Douh Mohammed Hadi , Satour Achouak , Setifi Fatima
Published: December 2022

The title compound, [Cu(C9H5N4O)2(C10H9N3)2], was synthesized solvothermally. The complex exhibits a distorted octahedral coordination geometry. The CuII atom is located on an inversion centre. The distorted octahedral CuN6 coordination sphere is composed of bidentate 2,2′-dipyridylamine in the equatorial sites while the axial sites are occupied by 1,1,3,3-tetracyano-2-ethoxypropenide ligands. In the crystal, N—H...N hydrogen bonding results in chains parallel to [010].
(Carbazol-9-ido-κN)dichlorido(η5:η1-2,3,4,5-tetramethylpentafulvene)tantalum(V)
Authors: Graaff Simon de , Elma Aylişa , Schmidtmann Marc , Beckhaus Rüdiger
Published: December 2022

The reaction of (η5:η1-2,3,4,5-tetramethylpentafulvene)tantalum(V) dicarbazolide chloride (1) with etheric HCl results in the formation of the title compound (2), [Ta(C10H14)(C12H8N)Cl2]. The TaV atom has a distorted tetrahedral coordination environment in a three-legged piano-stool fashion. The conformation of the pentafulvene exocyclic C atom to the three other ligands is staggered and not eclipsed, as found in the crystal structure of 1. Intermolecular interactions include π–π stacking, H...π interactions and weak C—H...Cl hydrogen bonds.
Do institutional investors' corporate visits mitigate investors' heterogeneous beliefs? Evidence from China
Authors: Luo Runmei , Ye Yong
Published: December 2022

Purpose

In this study, the authors argue that the private information obtained and transmitted by institutions during the corporate visits can alleviate the degree of information asymmetry between firms and investors, so institutional visits may influence investors' heterogeneous beliefs. Therefore, the authors investigated whether and how institutional investors' corporate visits affect investors' heterogeneous beliefs.

Design/methodology/approach

This study examines whether and how institutional investors' corporate visits affect investors' heterogeneous beliefs using the data of A-share companies from the Shenzhen Stock Exchange (SZSE) during 2013–2019. Using empirical research method, this study designs and conducts an empirical research according to empirical research's basic norms.

Findings

The authors find that institutional visits effectively decrease investors' heterogeneous beliefs, especially institutional investors. Meanwhile, institutional site visits and sell-side institutional visits have a more significant negative effect on investors' heterogeneous beliefs. The findings remain after robustness tests with the alternative variable, instrumental variable, propensity score matching and quantile regression methods.

Originality/value

The development of China's capital market is imperfect, resulting in a strong speculative atmosphere. So, investors' irrational investment behaviors occur from time to time, leading to sizeable heterogeneous beliefs in China's capital market, which increases the risk of investment and is not conducive to the discovery of corporate value and the efficient allocation of resources. Therefore, exploring the factors influencing heterogeneous beliefs and finding ways to alleviate heterogeneous beliefs can reduce the proportion of speculative investors and promote the healthy development of China's capital market.
Educational data mining in the academic setting: employing the data produced by blended learning to ameliorate the learning process
Authors: Chytas Konstantinos , Tsolakidis Anastasios , Triperina Evangelia , Skourlas Christos
Published: December 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to introduce an interactive system that relies on the educational data generated from the online Universities services to assess, correct and ameliorate the learning process for both students and faculty.

Design/methodology/approach

In the presented research, data from the online services, provided by a Greek University, prior, during and after the COVID-19 outbreak, are analyzed and utilized in order to ameliorate the offered learning process and provide better quality services to the students. Moreover, according to the learning paths, their presence online and their participation in the services of the University, insights can be derived for their performance, so as to better support and assist them.

Findings

The system can deduce the future learning progression of each student, according to the past and the current performance. As a direct consequence, the exploitation of the data can provide a road map for the strategic planning of universities, can indicate how the learning process can be updated and amended, both online and in person, as well as make the learning experience more essential, effective and efficient for the students and aiding the professors to provide a more meaningful and to-the-point learning experience.

Originality/value

Nowadays, educational activities in academia are strongly supported by online services, information systems and online educational materials. The learning design in the academic setting is primarily facilitated in the University premises. However, the exploitation of the contemporary technologies and supporting materials that are available online can enrich and transform the educational process and its results.
Top management team gender diversity and the financial performance of Vietnamese SMEs: family and non-family owned firms
Authors: Tran Nhat Minh , Ngo Que Giang , Tran Quyet Thang
Published: December 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of the gender diversity of top management teams (TMTs) on the financial performance (FP) of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Vietnam. This paper also examines the moderating effect of family control on this relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a sample of SMEs in Vietnam, this paper uses descriptive statistics and balance panel regression with random effect to analyse 5,160 firm-year observations of family- and non-family-owned SMEs between 2011 and 2015.

Findings

The findings demonstrate that gender diversity in TMTs shows a negative relationship with the FP of family-controlled SMEs and no significant impact on FP of non-family SMEs. This study also illustrates a positive curvilinear relationship between the female manager rate in TMTs and firms’ FP in family SMEs.

Research limitations/implications

This research study is limited to data from Vietnamese SMEs. Future studies could investigate these relationships with larger firms and in a broader geographical context.

Originality/value

This study provides a better understanding of the impact of TMT gender diversity on FP in Vietnamese SMEs while considering the moderating effect of family control. The findings support some theories relating to managerial gender diversity and the effect of family control on this diversity in family SMEs.
Digital financial services usage and subjective financial well-being: evidence from low-income households in Malaysia
Authors: Mahdzan Nurul Shahnaz , Sabri Mohamad Fazli , Husniyah Abdul Rahim , Magli Amirah Shazana , Chowdhury Nazreen Tabassum
Published: December 2022

Purpose

The first objective of this study is to analyze whether financial behavior (FB), financial stress (FS), financial literacy (FINLIT) and the locus of control (LOC) influence subjective financial well-being (SFWB) among low-income households in Malaysia. The second objective is to investigate whether the use of digital financial services (DFS) moderates the influence of FB and FS, on SFWB.

Design/methodology/approach

Motivated by the literature on transformative service research (TRS), this study examines how the use of DFS impact SFWB among low-income households in Malaysia. Low-income households are chosen as they are more likely to be financially excluded and lack financial knowledge and skills. Using an interviewer-administered survey, trained enumerators collected data from 1,948 low-income households in Malaysia, selected using a two-stage sampling based on the National Household Sampling Frame obtained from the Department of Statistics Malaysia.

Findings

Results reveal that SFWB is positively influenced by FB and the LOC, and is negatively impacted by FS and FINLIT. The evidence shows that the use of DFS counterintuitively weakened the strength of the relationship between FB and SFWB, but effectively reduced the adverse effect of FS on SFWB.

Practical implications

To reverse the signs of relationship, financial services marketers need to identify the specific types of DFS that low-income households use in order to provide targeted marketing efforts and financial education to promote the use of DFS on a more holistic basis to increase financial well-being.

Originality/value

The findings of this study add to the body of knowledge deliberating on the opposing effects of technology on consumers' welfare and well-being. This study focuses on the lower-income stratum of Malaysian households as this group of the population is more likely to be financially excluded and have deficiencies in financial knowledge and skills. Findings of this study show that DFS use can actually diminish the positive impact of FB on SFWB while reducing the adverse effect of FS on SFWB.
Evaluating the potential impact of online assessment on students' academic performance
Authors: Osabutey Ellis L.C. , Senyo P.K. , Bempong Bernard F.
Published: December 2022

Purpose

With the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, online assessment has become the dominant mode of examination in higher education institutions. However, there are contradictory findings on how students perceive online assessment and its impact on their academic performance. Thus, the purpose of this study is to evaluate the potential impact of online assessment on students' academic performance.

Design/methodology/approach

This study proposes a research model based on the task–technology fit theory and empirically validates the model using a survey from students in the UK. In addition, the study conducted four experiments based on paper-based and online assessments and analysed the data using paired sample t test and structural equation modelling.

Findings

The findings show that the use of online assessment has a positive impact on students' academic performance. Similarly, the results from the experiment also indicate that students perform better using online assessments than paper-based assessments.

Practical implications

The findings provide crucial evidence needed to shape policy towards institutionalising online assessment. In addition, the findings provide assurance to students, academics, administrators and policymakers that carefully designed online assessments can improve students' academic performance. Moreover, the study also provides important insights for curriculum redesign towards transitioning to online assessment in higher education institutions.

Originality/value

This study advances research by offering a more nuanced understanding of online assessment on students' academic performance since the majority of previous studies have offered contradictory findings. In addition, the study moves beyond existing research by complementing assessment results with the views of students in evaluating the impact of online assessment on their academic performance. Second, the study develops and validates a research model that explains how the fits between technology and assessment tasks influence students' academic performance. Lastly, the study provides evidence to support the wide use of online assessment in higher education.
Does family identity matter for earnings management? Evidence from private family firms
Authors: Sundkvist Charlotte Haugland , Stenheim Tonny
Published: December 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the role family identity and reputational concerns plays when private family firms engage in earnings management.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is conducted as an archival study using data from private limited liability firms in Norway over the period from 2002 to 2015. The dataset includes financial accounting data and data on family relationships between shareholders, board members and CEOs, where family relationships are determined through bloodlines, adoption and marriage, tracing back four generations and extending out to third cousins. To investigate the incidence of earnings management, the authors employ a measure of accrual-based earnings management (AEM) (Dechow and Dichev, 2002; McNichols, 2002) and a measure of real earnings management (REM) (Roychowdhury, 2006). They use whether or not the family name is included in the firm name (i.e. family name congruence) as a proxy for family members' identification with the family firm and their sensitivity to reputational concerns.

Findings

The authors’ results show that AEM is lower for family-named family firms. Moreover, their findings also indicate that family-named family firms are more likely to select REM over AEM, compared to nonfamily named family firms. This is even more pronounced when detection risk is high (high quality audit proxied by Big 4).

Research limitations/implications

The quality of the authors’ findings is limited to the validity of their proxy for family firm identification and reputational concerns (the family name included in the firm name). Even though findings from prior research suggest that family name congruence is a valid proxy for identity and reputational concerns (e.g. Kashmiri and Mahajan, 2010, 2014; Rousseau et al., 2018; Zellweger et al., 2013), future research should investigate the validity of these results using alternative proxies for family firm identification. Future research should also investigate whether the authors’ findings are generalizable to public family firms.

Practical implications

The authors’ results suggest that the risk of AEM is lower for family-named family firms, whereas the risk of REM is somewhat higher, compared to nonfamily named family firms. These results might be relevant for financial accounting users, auditors and supervisory and monitoring bodies when assessing the risk of earnings management.

Originality/value

The paper is, as far as the authors are aware of, the first to investigate the role of family name congruence and detection risk when private family firms select between AEM and REM.
The impact of service climate on gratitude in driving customer outcomes
Authors: Qi Ji Miracle , Peng Yi , Lowman Graham H. , He Xingliang
Published: December 2022

Purpose

Employee gratitude is often associated with positive customer-related benefits. However, our understanding of employee gratitude is notably underdeveloped within the service literature. To address this issue, this study aims to position employee gratitude within the service profit chain (SPC) framework as a complementary mediator. Further, the authors empirically examine service climate as a central antecedent to employee gratitude and employee customer-oriented behavior as an outcome that triggers an internal and external reciprocal social exchange.

Design/methodology/approach

The examination of the research questions was done across two studies, using employee self-reported data (Study 1) and employee–customer dyadic data (Study 2). In Study 1, the authors investigate how employee gratitude mediates the relationship between service climate and customer-oriented behavior, with employee interpersonal influence functioning as a moderator. In Study 2, the authors examine how customer-oriented behavior, an outcome of Study 1, influences customer satisfaction and customer avoidance, with customer gratitude functioning as a mediator.

Findings

Results from both Study 1 and Study 2 support the proposed relationships. These studies contribute to the service literature by evaluating how and why employee gratitude functions as a significant factor in determining employee and customer behavior within the service context.

Originality/value

This work enriches the gratitude literature by empirically testing a novel theoretical perspective on employee and customer gratitude in service encounters. In doing so, the authors provide a more nuanced understanding of how internal and external processes are connected and potentially reinforced in SPC.
Preterm and term pre‐eclampsia: Relative burdens of maternal and perinatal complications
Authors: von Dadelszen Peter , Syngelaki Argyro , Akolekar Ranjit , Magee Laura A. , Nicolaides Kypros H.
Published: December 2022

Objective

To determine the relative burdens of maternal and perinatal complications for preterm and term pre‐eclampsia.

Design

Prospective observational cohort study.

Setting

Two English maternity units.

Population

Unselected women with singleton pregnancies who developed pre‐eclampsia (International Society for the Study of Hypertension in Pregnancy definition).

Methods

Outcomes were ascertained by health record review and compared between pregnancies with preterm (versus term) pre‐eclampsia.

Main outcome measures

Severe maternal hypertension, maternal mortality or major maternal morbidity, perinatal mortality or major neonatal morbidity, neonatal unit (NNU) admission ≥48 hours, and birthweight <3rd percentile.

Results

Among 40 241 singleton pregnancies, 298 (0.7%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.66–0.83) and 1194 (3.0%, 95% CI 2.8–3.1) developed preterm and term pre‐eclampsia, respectively. Women with preterm (versus term) pre‐eclampsia more commonly experienced adverse maternal or perinatal events: severe hypertension 18.5% (95% CI 14.5–23.3) versus 13.6% (95% CI 11.7–15.6); maternal mortality/major morbidity 7.4% (95% CI 4.9–10.9) versus 2.2% (95% CI 1.5–3.2); perinatal mortality/major neonatal morbidity 29.5% (95% CI 24.6–34.9) versus 2.2% (95% CI 1.5–3.2); and birthweight <3rd percentile 54.4% (95% CI 48.7–59.9) versus 14.2% (95% CI 12.4–16.3). However, in absolute terms, most maternal complications occurred in women with term pre‐eclampsia, as did a large proportion of perinatal complications: severe hypertension 74.7% (95% CI 68.5–80.0); maternal mortality/major morbidity 54.2% (95% CI 40.3–67.4); perinatal mortality/major neonatal morbidity 22.8% (95% CI 16.1–31.3); NNU admission ≥48 hours 38.1% (95% CI 32.4–44.1); and birthweight <3rd percentile 51.2% (95% CI 45.8–56.5).

Conclusions

Although adverse event risks are greater with preterm (versus term) pre‐eclampsia, term disease is associated with at least equivalent total numbers of maternal, and a significant proportion of perinatal, adverse events. Increased efforts should be made to decrease the incidence of term pre‐eclampsia.
Gout and risk of venous thromboembolism: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of cohort studies
Authors: Guo Yicong , Zhou Feixiang , Xu Huilan
Published: December 2022

Background

The association between gout and venous thromboembolism (VTE) remains ambiguous, and the results of current studies are inconsistent. A systematic review and meta‐analysis of cohort studies were conducted to comprehensively assess the associations between gout and VTE and its subtypes, deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE).

Methods

PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library databases were searched up to June 2021, to identify eligible cohort studies, reporting the association of gout with VTE and its subtypes. We pooled hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Subgroup analysis, sensitivity analysis, and publication bias tests were also conducted.

Results

Five studies involving 642 632 individuals were included. Patients with gout had a statistically significantly higher risk of VTE (HR: 1.33; 95% CI: 1.21, 1.46; P < .001) compared with non‐gout controls, and significant associations were also found between gout and DVT (HR: 1.40; 95% CI: 1.22, 1.62; P < .001) and PE (HR: 1.18; 95% CI: 1.07, 1.30; P = .001). Subgroup analysis showed this association in men (HR: 1.37; 95% CI: 1.14, 1.65; P = .001) and women (HR: 1.36; 95% CI: 1.21, 1.53; P < .001) were consistent (P = .980). Meta‐regression analysis revealed publication year (P = .005) and quality of study (P = .006) contributed to heterogeneity.

Conclusions

In conclusion, our study provided evidence that gout was associated with the risk of VTE and its subtypes DVT and PE. However, more prospective and high‐quality clinical evidence is required to confirm our findings.