bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Strategic entrepreneurship in VUCA environment: the competing forces of outcome variability
Authors: Scheibel Olivia , Osiyevskyy Oleksiy , Radnejad Amir Bahman
Published: October 2024

Purpose

Scholars have extensively studied the concept of strategic entrepreneurship (SE), shedding light on its antecedents, dynamics and outcomes. However, a notable gap exists in understanding the reliability of its performance implications, which explains the inherent risks as well as the possibility of yielding outliers (instances of exceptionally high or low performance). Addressing this gap, this study aims to present a detailed analysis of the implications of SE for the variance of resulting performance distribution.

Design/methodology/approach

This conceptual study uses the deductive theory-building approach to dissect the four dimensions of SE (entrepreneurial mindset, entrepreneurial leadership and culture, managing resources strategically and applying creativity and developing innovations) as presented by Ireland et al.’s (2003) model, offering theoretical propositions on how each of them influences the variability of resulting performance distribution.

Findings

This study demonstrates that the strategic entrepreneurship (SE) dimensions have distinct impacts on the reliability/variability of performance outcomes, acting as boosters or attenuators in the volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous (VUCA) context.

Originality/value

The study uniquely links each component of SE with outcome variability in VUCA environments, thereby shifting the focus from traditional performance metrics to outcome variability. This approach complements the existing body of knowledge on the performance implications of the SE construct by integrating a previously neglected critical perspective on the reliability of resulting performance distribution. These insights allow subsequent investigation of SE’s outcomes, including explaining the likelihood of obtaining positive outlier performance or firm failure.
Planting the seed: using research as a tool to revitalize puberty ceremonies in Anishinaabe communities
Authors: Gonzalez Miigis B. , Johnson Alexandra Ziibiins , Martin Lisa Awan , Naawakwe  , Fish Jillian , Sevillano Lalaine , Walls Melissa L. , Staples Lee Obizaan
Published: October 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this work is to honor the wisdoms of Anishinaabe Elders, community and culture by interweaving these teachings with my own (first author) Anishinaabe experiences and a research project. Ceremonies are an important health practice for Anishinaabe people. This project aimed to gain a clearer conceptualization of the protective role of Anishinaabe puberty ceremonies on health in adolescence and across the lifespan.

Design/methodology/approach

Spiritual offerings guided this project at every stage including inviting Elders and community members into shared spaces of storytelling and teaching elicitation and grounding me as I carefully adopted the use of a western tool (research) in sacred community spaces. Elders were invited to share their experiences and perspectives. Three community members engaged with the interview transcripts on their own before coming together to discuss themes, patterns and insights that arose for them. This group coding discussion constructed the structural foundation of the findings.

Findings

An Anishinaabe perspective on youth development emerged. Key aspects of this model included a foundation of ceremonial experiences that spiritually prepares a child for adulthood and impending life’s challenges. As one transitions into adulthood, they accept the responsibilities of being caretakers of their families and communities and gain new tools to contribute to Anishinaabe society. Ideally, this society prioritizes Anishinaabe spirituality, language and way of life.

Originality/value

Frameworks of health, grounded in unique community wisdoms and worldviews, are imperative to repair spiritual and community relationships damaged in a history of colonialism. An Anishinaabe perspective on youth development may shed light on shared Indigenous experiences of cultural restoration and continuity.
Recent advances in the study of serpentine plants and ecosystems: Perspectives from the 10th International Conference on Serpentine Ecology, France: PartII
Authors: van der Ent Antony , Sakaguchi Shota , Boyd Robert S. , Rajakaruna Nishanta , Pollard A. Joseph , Mizuno Takafumi , Isnard Sandrine , Gonnelli Cristina , Echevarria Guillaume
Published: October 2024

The 10th International Conference on Serpentine Ecology was held in Nancy, France on June 12–16, 2023. The main goals of the conference were to create a platform for the exchange of ideas and experiences and to promote scientific dialogue among scientists from numerous fields who share expertise in the study of ultramafic habitats worldwide. The proceedings of the conference are being published as two Special Issues ofEcological Research, of which this is the second. In this article, we present the major topics and provide some highlights of the contributions to the 10th International Conference on Serpentine Ecology.
Being and becoming through Facebook: morality, sociality, and reflection among young Turkish‐American Muslim women
Authors: Hahn Ashley
Published: October 2024

Recent debates in the anthropology of Islam have centred on the relationship between ‘everyday Islam’ and ‘piety’. Some scholars have posited that these are two opposing theoretical poles, while others have described how religion permeates the everyday. I add to these debates by describing how, for one group of young Turkish‐American Muslim women in a piety movement, the everyday permeates religion. Specifically, my ethnography shows that the ‘everyday’, constructed as a site of struggle and reflection, is seen as at the core of being and becoming a Muslim. Their diverse and shifting responses to the ethical dilemma of how to emulate the Prophet's vefa (loyalty) after moving away from one another – specifically whether to engage with Facebook for this reason – show how piety and the everyday, and the sacred and the secular, infuse one another in complex ways in their moral projects, and hence how what is considered normative and pious need not be static and homogeneous.
A 10‐year (2014–2023) review of complementary food development in sub‐Saharan Africa and the impact on child health
Authors: Ogunniran Oluwabunmi P. , Ayeni Kolawole I. , Shokunbi Olutayo S. , Krska Rudolf , Ezekiel Chibundu N.
Published: October 2024

Complementary foods (CFs) commonly consumed by infants and young children (IYC) in sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA) are processed using either single or multi‐grain ingredients through simple technologies such as fermentation, malting and roasting. Interestingly, CFs (e.g., ogi, kunu, and dabo) are prepared and fed to infants alongside breastmilk until they are completely weaned up to the infant's second birthday. The grains used for preparing CFs can be contaminated with bacterial and chemical contaminants as a result of poor harvesting, handling or storage practices. The stage at which IYC are introduced to CFs is of utmost importance as it aids in addressing malnutrition and improving their overall health and well‐being. Complementary feeding practices across SSA are influenced by socio‐economic, cultural and geographical factors such that improper introduction can result in dire health consequences including immune suppression, severe foodborne diseases, poor child growth and development, and sometimes death from malnutrition. Malnutrition often occurs from inadequacies of nutrient intakes and assimilation which affect the ability to maintain normal body functions such as growth, learning abilities, resistance to and recovery from diseases. In SSA, IYC malnutrition still poses an enormous concern, therefore indicating the need for intervention strategies such as the promotion of indigenous crops and elevating traditional knowledge and technologies for formulating CFs. This paper clearly highlights the diversity of CFs in SSA, ingredients utilized, processing techniques, contamination by bacteria and chemicals, and demonstrates the consequences of consuming contaminated CFs, and their influence on IYC health as well as approaches to ensuring safety and scaling up indigenous CFs.
Food fraud prevention strategies: Building an effective verification ecosystem
Authors: Manning Louise , MacLeod Andrew , James Christian , Thompson Mathew , Oyeyinka Samson , Cowen Nick , Skoczylis Joshua , Onarinde Bukola A.
Published: October 2024

Food fraud is an ever‐present threat that regulators, food business operators (FBOs), and consumers need to be aware of, prevent where possible, and address by developing mitigation strategies to detect and reduce its negative consequences. While extant literature focuses on food fraud detection, there is less attention given to prevention strategies, a knowledge gap this review seeks to address. The aim of this review was to consider food‐related fraud prevention initiatives, understand what has worked well, and develop a series of recommendations on preventing food fraud, both policy related and for future research. Reactive (including intelligence based) food fraud detection dominates over prevention strategies, especially where financial, knowledge, and time resources are scarce. First‐generation tools have been developed for food fraud vulnerability assessment, risk analysis, and development of food fraud prevention strategies. However, examples of integrated food control management systems at FBO, supply chain, and regulatory levels for prevention are limited. The lack of hybrid (public/private) integration of food fraud prevention strategies, as well as an effective verification ecosystem, weakens existing food fraud prevention plans. While there are several emergent practice models for food fraud prevention, they need to be strengthened to focus more specifically on capable guardians and target hardening. This work has implications for policymakers, Official Controls bodies, the food industry, and ultimately consumers who seek to consistently purchase food that is safe, legal, and authentic.
Consequences of acute and long‐term excessive iodine intake: A literature review focusing on seaweed as a potential dietary iodine source
Authors: Blikra Marthe Jordbrekk , Aakre Inger , Rigutto‐Farebrother Jessica
Published: October 2024

Macroalgae, also called seaweed, are becoming more widespread as food in Western diets. Seaweed can accumulate iodine, an essential nutrient for humans. However, some species of seaweed may contain very high amounts of iodine, and therefore, iodine has been identified as one of the major hazards in the seaweed food chain. Macroalgae may be consumed regularly, though many consumers report eating macroalgae only occasionally. The aim of this paper is to explore possible health consequences of excessive iodine intake according to long‐term (chronic) or occasional (acute) excessive exposure to iodine, relating to a regular (chronic) or occasional (acute) seaweed intake, respectively. Furthermore, through a modeling exercise, we add different amounts of seaweed to the diet in a population group to explore the possible safe amounts that can be added without exceeding excessive iodine intakes and risking detrimental health effects. Chronic excessive iodine intakes were associated with several negative health outcomes at variable doses in various studies. For acute excessive iodine exposure, negative health effects seemed to be associated with higher iodine exposures. However, the research on this topic was limited. The chronic and acute iodine exposures needed to result in negative health outcomes may easily be ingested by macroalgae consumption. Adding seaweed to the diet must be done thoughtfully to avoid the risk of exceeding thresholds for excessive iodine intake.
Risk–benefit analysis of a multi‐site radiographer comment model for emergency departments
Authors: Klobasa Ingrid , Denham Gary , Roebuck Derek J , Sim Jenny , Baird Marilyn , Petrie Dennis , Best Joshua , Abood James , Tonks Alexandra , Tu Caitlin , Jones Christopher
Published: October 2024

Objectives

Critical/urgent X‐ray findings are not always communicated in an appropriate time frame to ED physicians. The practice of radiographers alerting referrers to clinically significant image findings (verbally, via image flags or written comment) is noted internationally but risk assessment data is unavailable in the literature. A hybrid radiographer comment and alert model was piloted in New South Wales and a risk–benefit assessment conducted for timely and safe communication of abnormal X‐ray appearances to ED physicians.

Methods

Radiographer comments (n = 1102) were provided to five New South Wales EDs by 69 radiographers for a period of 3–12 months. Site auditors classified comments as true positive (TP), false positive (FP) or indeterminate (ID) with respect to the radiology report. FP comments were investigated with ED referrers and a low‐medium‐high‐risk assessment was provided by two independent reviewers.

Results

A total of 42 FP (3.9%; 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.9–5.3) comments were analysed for any adverse outcomes. Risk assessments demonstrated 37 low, 5 low‐moderate and no high‐risk cases. A total of 282 direct or potential patient benefits were identified (26.4%; 95% CI 23.8–29.1). A total of 42 radiology report discrepancies were incidentally found: (3.9%; 95% CI 2.9–5.3). Audit results demonstrated areas where the radiographer comment could mitigate risk.

Conclusion

The provision of radiographer alerts with a written comment for ED was found to be low risk to patients in the pilot study. Radiographers communicating directly with the emergency team when abnormal image appearances are detected can reduce diagnostic error and improve patient safety and health outcomes.
Anatomical and Computed Tomography Study of the Mandible of the Patagonian Huemul (Hippocamelus bisulcus): Ecological and Clinical Insights
Authors: Núñez‐Cook Samuel , Vidal Fernando , Salinas Paulo
Published: October 2024

Given the high prevalence of skeletal and mandibular diseases in the Patagonian Huemul, comprehensive anatomical studies are essential to understand the impact of nutritional deficiencies and support conservation efforts. The aim of this study is to provide a detailed anatomical characterisation of three exhumed mandibles of Patagonian huemul (Hippocamelus bisulcus) through three‐dimensional reconstructions obtained from computed tomography data and semi‐automatic segmentation, documenting their distinctive features. The findings revealed distinctive features in the mandible, consistent with the browsing habits of herbivores, such as a robust coronoid process, a wide and deep pterygoid fossa, a significantly lower mandibular condyle compared to other deer species and a unique configuration of the mandibular canal with a curved caudal portion and a straight rostral portion. These anatomical adaptations are likely related to the species' feeding habits and behaviour. The study also addressed the challenges of researching an endangered species, given that access to biological material is restricted by strict regulations in Chile and Argentina. These restrictions limited the available sample size and hindered the acquisition of additional specimens, which could affect the generalisation of the results. Despite these limitations, the research provides valuable anatomical insights that are fundamental for the biology, clinical practice and management of specimens. In conclusion, the mandibles of both juvenile and adult Patagonian huemul demonstrate distinctive features characteristic of browsing herbivores. The findings can serve as a basis for future comparative studies on mandibular anatomy and function in this endangered deer species as well as in other herbivorous deer.
Association of Anti‐Annexin A5 Antibody With Pregnancy Outcomes: A Cohort Study
Authors: Guo Xueke , Xiang Junmiao , Zhang Wenmei , Zheng Xiuying , Dai Yuanyuan , Cai Zhuhua
Published: October 2024

Objective

This study aims to evaluate the correlation between anti‐annexin A5 (aANXA5) antibody in the blood and pregnancy outcomes
.

Methods

This study is a retrospective cohort study based on singleton pregnancies of the Third Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University from May 2018 to December 2022. Baseline characteristics were collected from all participants. Logistic regression and interaction effect analyses were utilized to examine the risk impact of aANXA5 on pregnancy complications, adjusting for age, BMI, abortion, ANA, and aCL. Restricted cubic spline (RCS) and threshold effect analysis were applied to explore the relationship between aANXA5 levels and preterm birth (PTB), as well as pregnancy‐induced hypertension (PIH).

Results

The study included 501 participants, with 51 (10.2%) testing positive for aANXA5 and 450 (89.8%) testing negative. The aANXA5 positive group exhibited higher rates of ANA and antibodies to thyroglobulin (TGAb), along with increased incidences of PTB and PIH. Positive aANXA5 status was independently linked to an elevated risk of PTB (OR: 2.53, 95% CI: 1.30–4.94) and PIH (OR: 4.23, 95% CI: 1.54–11.62). Subsequent subgroup analysis indicated no significant interaction between the groups (p > 0.05). Threshold analysis revealed that the OR for PTB was 1.20 (95% CI: 1.03–1.39) in participants with aANXA5 levels ≥ 32.77 ng/mL, and the OR for PIH was 1.62 (95% CI: 1.15–2.28) in those with aANXA5 levels ≥ 33.20 ng/mL.

Conclusion

AANXA5 is independently associated with an increased risk of PTB and PIH. The identified optimal predictive cutoff values are 32.77 ng/mL for PTB and 33.20 ng/mL for PIH.
Strategic state violence and migration in conflict
Authors: Sun Jessica S.
Published: October 2024

Governments routinely wage civil conflicts in ways that disrupt civilians' lives and livelihoods, creating harmful externalities like internal displacement. Both fighting and displacement hinder economic activity, jeopardizing popular support for governments and reducing the future gains of governance. How do states fight when using force induces migration and thus risks popular discontent? I model a conflict where government efforts to control territory spur displacement, creating economic disruption that can spark tension between displaced civilians and government supporters. The risk of losing popular support leads the government to modify its tactics. While the government could mitigate the disruptive consequences of displacement by fighting less, I find another, more troubling, strategy. Governments may engage in preemptive violence to prevent migration. Moreover, economic downturns exacerbate migration incentives and, I find, can also increase violence against civilians. Governments anticipating displacement fight more intense conflicts today to see relatively less migration in the future.
When you come at the king: Opposition coalitions and nearly stunning elections
Authors: Samet Oren
Published: October 2024

Opposition coalitions under electoral authoritarianism have been associated with greater likelihood of opposition victory and democratization. I argue, however, that coalitions also entail significant downside risks with implications for longer term prospects for democracy. Where coalitions produce strong electoral outcomes but fail to force turnovers, regimes are left with both the incentive and capacity to repress and reconsolidate power. I show cross‐nationally that opposition coalitions are associated with stronger opposition performance overall, but that when oppositions fail to take power, exceptionally strong performance is associated with greater autocratization in the subsequent years, including increased repression and poorer electoral quality in future contests. Probing the case of Cambodia, I demonstrate how the very features that make opposition coalitions a useful tool in strengthening performance also invite new threats from regimes. I argue that this makes coalition formation a particularly risky proposition.
A translation regulator that drives spermatogonial stem cell formation
Authors: Tan Kun , Wilkinson Miles F.
Published: October 2024

Background

Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) are essential for adult spermatogenesis. Themolecular mechanisms driving SSC generation are poorly understood.

Objectives

Zou et al. reported that the precursor cells that give rise to SSCs–prospermatogonia (ProSG) require the RNA‐binding protein, DDX20, in orderto undergo the obligatory proliferative re‐activation step that proceeds SSC formation.

Materials and methods

Literature search.

Results and conclusion

We summarize the authors' discovery that the RNA‐binding protein, DDX20, iscritical for driving the proliferative re‐activation of ProSG, a key step that proceeds SSC generation in vivo. They provide evidence that DDX20 performs this role through its ability to promote the translation of mRNAs encoding proteins known to be essential for cell‐cycle and spermatogonial homeostasis. It remains to be determined whether this role is conserved inhumans. It will also be interesting to elucidate whether other post‐transcriptional regulators also have roles in early germ cell development. More broadly, it will be fascinating to determine whether post‐transcriptional regulators workin concert with transcriptional regulators to drive germ‐cell development.
Territorial Stigma and Rent Gap Production: The Logics of Gentrification in Gresham and Middlehaven, Middlesbrough
Authors: Holmes Hannah
Published: October 2024

Rent gap theory has long been a staple of gentrification studies, and given that gentrification and territorial stigma have been shown to be closely related, the distinct ways in which the rent gap operates in territorially stigmatised spaces demands attention. This paper examines how governance approaches within territorially stigmatised spaces shape the particular ways in which rent gaps are opened. It illustrates how the rent gap theory has operated in practice across two contexts within Middlesbrough, a town in the North East of England. By tracing the governance approaches which shape the form that rent gap production takes across these contexts, this paper provides evidence for how the rent gap theory operates in practice in stigmatised areas, and indicates how the form which the process of rent gap production takes is contingent upon the particular logics of governance operating within a locality at the point of production.
Optimizing care for MRKH patients: From malformation screening to uterus transplantation eligibility
Authors: Cospain Auriane , Dion Ludivine , Bidet Maud , Nyangoh Timoh Krystel , Quelin Chloé , Carton Isis , Lavillaureix Alinoe , Morcel Karine , Rollier Paul , Pasquier Laurent , Nouyou Bénédicte , Odent Sylvie , Guerrier Daniel , Launay Erika , Belaud Rotureau Marc‐Antoine , Fradin Mélanie , Jaillard Sylvie , Lavoué Vincent
Published: October 2024

Introduction

Mayer‐Rokitansky‐Küster‐Hauser (MRKH) syndrome with utero‐vaginal aplasia is the most severe form of the Müllerian duct anomalies and can be associated with extra‐genital abnormalities such as renal or skeletal anomalies, hearing loss, or cardiac defects. The past two decades have witnessed significant advances both in understanding the etiologies of MRKH and in the development of fertility treatments such as uterine transplantation. The present work aimed to determine the rate of women with MRKH syndrome who underwent optimal initial management (after comprehensive malformation assessment) and to establish the rate of patients eligible for uterine transplantation (i.e., those with a vaginal length ≥7 cm without reconstruction using a bowel segment, and an anti‐Müllerian hormone level >1.5 ng/mL before 35 years).

Material and Methods

Cohort study of 85 women with MRKH syndrome consulting in our tertiary center.

Results

62.4% of women with MRKH syndrome had an exhaustive malformative evaluation according to the French guidelines (Protocole National de Diagnostic et de Soin [PNDS]), of which 76.5% had associated malformations (MRKH type II). Pedigree, when available, showed a family history of infertility or a urogenital tract spectrum anomaly in 60% of cases. Concerning the uterine transplantation selection criteria, when evaluated, 22.6% of women had an anti‐Müllerian hormone level <1.5 ng/mL and 36% a vaginal length <7 cm. On the 21 women with complete evaluation of both primary and secondary outcomes, 14 of them would be eligible for a uterine transplantation program at the time of consultation according to the main inclusion criteria of uterine transplantation program.

Conclusions

Women with MRKH syndrome are often inadequately explored for associated malformations. Early assessment and monitoring of the ovarian reserve is key for fertility preservation, especially in the era of uterine transplantation.
A study of the first five‐year tenure (2017–2022) of provincial governments in Nepal
Authors: Bhusal Thaneshwar , Breen Michael G.
Published: October 2024

Nepal introduced federalism in 2015 with three levels of government: federal, provincial, and local. The preamble of the constitution mentions that the country's new federal system of government shall address three key perennial political and policy problems: (i) centralized governance structure, (ii) geographically disbalancing developmental approach, and (iii) social injustice leveraged by caste‐based social structures and unequal economic opportunities. This research is an attempt to understand the first 5‐year tenure of provincial governments (2017–2022) regarding their efforts to attain the aforesaid constitutional aims. Findings indicate that provincial governments operated in ambiguity during their first electoral tenure, resulting in no tangible outcomes. Instead, they generated rather pessimistic public impressions about provincial government structure in Nepal. The research contributes to broadening the insights on intermediary government mechanisms across federal countries, with empirical evidence from Nepal.
Signalment, clinical characteristics and outcomes of an Australian population of dogs with steroid responsive meningitis‐arteritis (SRMA) – 124 cases (2013–2023)
Authors: Paterson R , Brady S
Published: October 2024

Variations in canine breeds presenting with steroid responsive meningitis‐arteritis (SRMA) have been observed across different geographical regions internationally. However, there are no published studies describing affected dogs in an Australian population to date. This descriptive study aimed to characterise the signalment, as well as the clinical characteristics and outcomes in an Australian population of client‐owned dogs with SRMA. Medical records from five veterinary referral hospitals in the state of New South Wales between 2013 and 2023 were retrospectively reviewed. One hundred and twenty four dogs were included in the study. The breeds which presented with SRMA most commonly included Golden Retriever (19/124, 15.3%), Italian Greyhound (11/124, 8.8%), Boxer (8/124, 6.5%), “Cavoodle” (Cavalier King Charles Spaniel x Poodle) (8/124, 6.5%), Corgi (7/124, 5.6%), Border Collie (6/124, 4.8%) and Australian Kelpie (5/124, 4.0%). The disease was observed more commonly in males, representing 79/124 (63.7%) of dogs. Presenting concerns, examination findings and laboratory abnormalities were otherwise consistent with international studies. The frequency of ≥1 relapse for dogs with a ≥6‐month follow‐up period was 32/85 (37.6%). A higher frequency of ≥1 relapse was seen in female dogs and in Corgi and Italian Greyhound breeds. All Corgis who relapsed demonstrated multiple relapses. In conclusion, this study observed a variation in breeds presenting with SRMA compared to international publications, which may reflect both differences in breed popularity, as well as varying interbreed susceptibility dependent on geographical location.
“When you live in a colony… every act counts”: Exploring engagement in and perceptions of diverse anti‐colonial resistance strategies in Puerto Rico
Authors: Marazzi Carmen , Vollhardt Johanna Ray
Published: October 2024

While social psychology has contributed much to our understanding of collective action, other forms of resistance are understudied. However, in contexts of long‐standing oppression—such as ongoing colonialism—and past repression of liberation struggles, other resistance strategies are important considering the constraints on overt, collective action in such contexts. This paper reports findings from an interview study in Puerto Rico (N = 22) exploring anti‐colonial resistance. We analysed participants' own resistance, future preferred strategies, and descriptive norms of other ingroup members' resistance. Through thematic analysis, we identified six distinct forms of anti‐colonial resistance. Notably, none of the participants reported participating in collective action. Instead, participants engaged in different forms of symbolic everyday resistance to preserve a positive, distinct cultural identity, and raise critical consciousness of the group's oppression. Additionally, more tangible resistance strategies included staying on the land and building independent economies. Overall, this study illustrates the importance of considering a more comprehensive set of resistance strategies in contexts of long‐standing colonial oppression to recognize oppressed groups' agency and provide a better understanding of how people undermine destructive power.
Ureteric stenting outside of the operation theatre: challenges and opportunities
Authors: Gordon Patrick , Thompson Daryl , Patel Oneel , Ma Ronald , Bolton Damien , Ischia Joseph
Published: October 2024

Objective

To evaluate the safety, efficacy, tolerability, and cost‐effectiveness of bedside or office‐based ureteric stent insertion.

Methods

Following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses‐Protocols (PRISMA‐P) and A MeaSurement Tool to Assess systematic Reviews (AMSTAR) 2 guidelines, we searched PubMed/the Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (MEDLINE), the Excerpta Medica dataBASE (EMBASE), Google Scholar, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), and Dimensions for English‐language studies from 1978 to April 2023. Inclusion criteria focused on primary ureteric stent placements outside of the operating theatre (OT).

Results

A total of 15 studies involving 2072 stents were included. Success rates for correctly positioned stents in bedside or office‐based insertions ranged from 60% to 95.8%, with most studies reporting ≥80% success rates. Common failure reasons included impacted stones and difficulty identifying the ureteric orifice. Pain and tolerability were assessed using various methods, with validated tools indicating moderate pain levels, but most patients would undergo the procedure again under local anaesthesia. Complication rates were generally low, with minor complications such as haematuria or postoperative fever being the most common. Procedural costs were significantly lower in non‐OT settings, with estimates indicating savings of up to four‐fold.

Conclusion

Bedside or office‐based ureteric stent insertion is a viable alternative to OT procedures, offering high success rates, manageable pain levels, low complication rates, and substantial cost savings. This approach is particularly advantageous in settings with limited OT access, highlighting its potential for broader adoption in urological practice. Future research should focus on standardising pain assessment methods and randomised studies.
Is there really such a thing as Tropical Biology?
Authors: Bruna Emilio M.
Published: October 2024

The ecosystems of The Tropics comprise a majority of the planet's biodiversity, approximately 40% of its terrestrial surface area, and half the human population. Despite this, Tropical Biology has historically been conceptualized as a specialized subdiscipline of the Biological Sciences. I assessed the validity of this assumption and conclude that it depends on the framework and evidence used to evaluate it. I suggest that the way forward as a discipline is not for Tropical Biologists to drop the geographic adjective that unites them, but to recenter The Tropics as the foundation of ecology and evolutionary biology.

Abstract in Spanish is available with online material.
Adrenaline Auto‐Injectors for Preventing Fatal Anaphylaxis
Authors: Sim Marcus , Sharma Vibha , Li Karen , Gowland Mary Hazel , Garcez Tomaz , Shilladay Cassandra , Pumphrey Richard , Patel Nandinee , Turner Paul J. , Boyle Robert J.
Published: October 2024

Anaphylaxis affects up to 5% of people during their lifetime. Although anaphylaxis usually resolves without long‐term physical consequences, it can result in anxiety and quality of life impairment. Rarely and unpredictably, community anaphylaxis can cause rapid physiological decompensation and death. Adrenaline (epinephrine) is the cornerstone of anaphylaxis treatment, and provision of adrenaline autoinjectors (AAI) has become a standard of care for people at risk of anaphylaxis in the community. In this article, we explore the effectiveness of AAIs for preventing fatal outcomes in anaphylaxis, using information drawn from animal and human in vivo studies and epidemiology. We find that data support the effectiveness of intravenous adrenaline infusions for reversing physiological features of anaphylaxis, typically at doses from 0.05 to 0.5 μg/kg/min for 1–2 h, or ~ 10 μg/kg total dose. Intramuscular injection of doses approximating 10 μg/kg in humans can result in similar peak plasma adrenaline levels to intravenous infusions, at 100–500 pg/mL. However, these levels are typically short‐lived following intramuscular adrenaline, and pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic outcomes can be unpredictable. Epidemiological data do not support an association between increasing AAI prescriptions and reduced fatal anaphylaxis, although carriage and activation rates remain low. Taken together, these data suggest that current AAIs have little impact on rates of fatal anaphylaxis, perhaps due to a lack of sustained and sufficient plasma adrenaline concentration. Effects of AAI prescription on quality of life may be variable. There is a need to consider alternatives, which can safely deliver a sustained adrenaline infusion via an appropriate route.
A Cross‐Sectional Study of Peri‐Implant Diseases in a Random Norwegian Population: Prevalence, Risk Indicators, and Clinical Validation of Patient‐Reported Outcomes
Authors: Mauland Erik Klepsland , Sørensen Karoline , Aarbu Naomi Østergren , Verket Anders , Ellingsen Stig Aanerød , Bull Vibeke Hervik , Gaarden Roya Torabi , Lie Stein Atle , Bunæs Dagmar Fosså
Published: October 2024

Objectives

The primary aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of peri‐implant diseases in a randomly selected Norwegian population. The secondary aims were to explore risk indicators for peri‐implant diseases and to validate self‐reported outcome measures from a survey with clinical parameters.

Material and Methods

Patients (n = 3083) rehabilitated with dental implants in 2014 were mailed a questionnaire and invited to a clinical examination. A randomly selected subset of responders underwent a clinical examination (n = 242). Full mouth clinical and radiographic examinations were conducted. Multiple logistic regression was used to assess patient‐related risk indicators for peri‐implantitis. Self‐reported data were compared with data from the clinical examination using Spearman correlation and binary logistic regression.

Results

The prevalence of peri‐implantitis was 17.0% at patient level and 8.6% at implant level, according to the 2018 classification. Risk indicators for peri‐implantitis included smoking and periodontitis in the adjusted model. The correlation was strong (r = 0.91, p < 0.001) between number of self‐reported implants and clinical counts, whereas self‐reported peri‐implant inflammation was associated with peri‐implantitis (OR 6.4 [95% CI 3.0, 13.7]).

Conclusions

Smoking and periodontitis were identified as key risk indicators for peri‐implantitis. Questionnaire data rendered clinically valid estimates of implant number, and self‐reported peri‐implant inflammation was associated with clinical peri‐implantitis.
Parietal memory network and memory encoding versus retrieval impairments in PD‐MCI patients: A hippocampal volume and cortical thickness study
Authors: Sahin Serhat , Velioglu Halil Aziz , Yulug Burak , Bayraktaroglu Zubeyir , Yildirim Suleyman , Hanoglu Lutfu
Published: October 2024

Objective

The pathophysiology behind memory impairment in Parkinson's Disease Mild Cognitive Impairment (PD‐MCI) is unclear. This study aims to investigate the hippocampal and cortical atrophy patterns in PD‐MCI patients with different types of memory impairments, categorized as Retrieval Failure (RF) and Encoding Failure (EF).

Methods

The study included 16 healthy controls (HC) and 34 PD‐MCI patients, divided into RF (N = 18) and EF (N = 16) groups based on their Verbal Memory Processes Test (VMPT) scores, including spontaneous recall, recognition, and Index of Sensitivity to Cueing (ISC). Hippocampal subfields and cortical thicknesses were measured using the FreeSurfer software for automatic segmentation.

Results

Compared to the HC group, the EF group exhibited significant atrophy in the left lateral occipital region and the right caudal middle frontal, superior temporal, and inferior temporal regions (p⟨0.05). The RF group displayed significant atrophy in the left lateral occipital, middle temporal, and precentral regions, as well as the right pars orbitalis and superior frontal regions (p⟨0.05). Hippocampal subfield analysis revealed distinct volume differences between HC‐EF and RF‐EF groups, with significant reductions in the CA1, CA3, and CA4 subregions in the EF group, but no differences between HC and RF groups (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

Gray matter atrophy patterns differ in PD‐MCI patients with encoding and retrieval memory impairments. The significant hippocampal atrophy in the EF group, particularly in the CA subregions, highlights its potential role in disease progression and memory decline. Additionally, the convergence of atrophy in the lateral occipital cortex across both RF and EF groups suggests the involvement of the Parietal Memory Network (PMN) in PD‐related memory impairment.
A systematic approach for scoping potential key biodiversity areas
Authors: Nania Dario , Ficetola Gentile Francesco , Falaschi Mattia , Pacifici Michela , Lumbierres Maria , Rondinini Carlo
Published: October 2024

The new key biodiversity areas (KBA) standard is an important method for identifying regions of the planet‐hosting unique biodiversity. KBAs are identified through the implementation of threshold‐based criteria that can be applied to any target species and region. Current methods to rapidly assess the existence of potential KBAs in different areas of the planet still present important challenges, although they are needed to accelerate the KBA identification process for large numbers of species globally. We developed a methodology to scan geographical regions and detect potential KBAs under multiple criteria. We tested the methodology on 59 species of reptiles and amphibians in Italy through the application of selected KBA criteria. Potential KBAs were identified for multiple species under most criteria, covering 1.4%–12% of the study area, depending on analytical settings. Cell size used to identify KBAs played an important role in shaping the distribution of potential KBAs, also affecting the overlap between areas triggered by different criteria. New potential KBAs identified in this study are only partially coincident with current KBAs in Italy (previously identified for birds) and within the national protected areas.
Translating science into actions to conserve Amazonian freshwaters
Authors: Couto Thiago B. A. , Jenkins Clinton N. , Beveridge Claire F. , Heilpern Sebastian A. , Herrera‐R Guido A. , Piland Natalia C. , Leal Cecilia Gontijo , Zuanon Jansen , Doria Carolina R. C. , Montoya Mariana , Varese Mariana , Correa Sandra B. , Goulding Michael , Anderson Elizabeth P.
Published: October 2024

Despite the importance of freshwater ecosystems to social‐ecological systems of the Amazon, conservation in the region historically has focused on terrestrial ecosystems. Moreover, current information on pressing management and conservation needs specific to freshwaters is scattered across multiple disciplines and generally focused on particular threats, habitats, and taxa. This disparateness of information limits the ability of researchers and practitioners to set priorities and implement actions that comprehensively address challenges faced by freshwater ecosystems. To reduce this research‐implementation gap, we reviewed the scientific literature on Amazon freshwater conservation to identify pressing actions to be taken and potential directions for their implementation. We identified 63 actions gleaned from 174 publications. These were classified into six major themes: (i) implement environmental flows, (ii) improve water quality, (iii) protect and restore critical habitats, (iv) manage exploitation of freshwater organisms, (v) prevent and control invasive species, and (vi) safeguard and restore freshwater connectivity. Although each action may face different implementation challenges, we propose three guiding principles to support action planning and decisions on‐the‐ground. We conclude with a reflection on potential future directions to place freshwaters into the center of policies and agreements that target the conservation of the Amazon.
Examining the effects of the HIV‐1 protein Tat and morphine on antiretroviral accumulation and distribution within the brain
Authors: Jones Austin M. , Rademeyer Kara M. , Rosen Elias P. , Contaifer Silas , Wijesinghe Dayanjan , Hauser Kurt F. , McRae MaryPeace
Published: October 2024

Despite combination antiretroviral therapy effectively suppressing HIV within the periphery, neuro‐acquired HIV (neuroHIV) remains a significant problem and approximately half of people living with HIV will experience HIV‐associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND). Concurrent opioid use exacerbates neuroHIV by promoting neuroinflammation, neuronal injury and synaptodendritic culling, viral replication, and potentially altering antiretroviral concentrations within the brain. The present study examined the effects of HIV and morphine co‐exposure on the accumulation and spatial distribution of antiretroviral drugs across multiple regions within the brain in an HIV‐1 Tat transgenic mouse model by using infrared‐matrix‐assisted laser desorption electrospray ionization mass spectrometry imaging (IR‐MALDESI MSI). Morphine exposure uniquely decreased antiretroviral concentrations in anterior cerebral (primary motor and somatosensory) cortices, corpus collosum (anterior forceps), caudoputamen, nucleus accumbens, and posterior regions including the hippocampus, corpus callosum (main body), cerebral cortex (somatosensory and auditory cortices), thalamus, and hypothalamus. Interestingly, male mice experienced greater morphine‐associated decreases in antiretroviral concentrations than females. The study also assessed whether changes in antiretroviral concentrations were linked with inflammation in astroglia, assessed through the measurement of astroglial activation using glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) as a marker. Alterations in antiretroviral concentrations co‐registering with areas of astroglial activation exhibited sex‐specific treatment differences. This study highlights the intricate interplay between HIV, opioids, and antiretroviral drugs within the CNS, elucidating distinct regional and sex variations in responsiveness. Our findings emphasize the identification of vulnerabilities within the neural landscape and underscore the necessity of carefully monitoring opioid use to maintain the efficacy of antiretroviral therapies.
Teaching data‐driven decision making for inventory analysis with Monte Carlo simulation
Authors: Pritchard Alan , Taylor Daniel , Belford Matthew
Published: October 2024

Inventory management and the ability to make data‐driven decisions under uncertainty are two critical components of supply chain management. This brief describes how an Excel‐based Monte Carlo simulation of fuel and lottery purchases can be used to teach students to analyze a system with randomness. This exercise can serve as a group or individual assignment to demonstrate the ability of Monte Carlo simulation to estimate solutions involving uncertainty and to teach undergraduate business students how to implement a basic multiperiod fixed‐interval inventory policy with order‐up‐to‐levels. The important concepts of cycle service levels and confidence intervals are emphasized as are the proper implementation of one‐tailed and two‐tailed critical values. Students are encouraged to compare algebraic solutions to their simulation results.
Student Suicide in India: An Analysis of Newspaper Articles (2019–2023)
Authors: Maji Sucharita , Jordan Gerald , Bansod Saurabh , Upadhyay Aditesh , Deevela Diveesha , Biswas Susmita
Published: October 2024

Aim

Student suicide is one significant public health concern across the world, including India. In recent years, the surge in suicide cases has further worried mental health professionals and policymakers. The current study analysed the reported student suicide cases published in four leading Indian newspapers.

Method

Based on the analysis of newspaper reports published between 2019 and 2023, the study detected a total of 491 suicidal deaths of students.

Result

The result revealed that academic reasons (academic dissatisfaction, academic stress and academic failure), institutional reasons (bullying, caste discrimination, ragging, harassment and toxic institutional culture), mental health issues (depression, psychological stress and anxiety), financial crisis and online gaming are the most commonly reported reasons behind student suicides. The majority of suicide victims were within the age range of 16–21 years. The highest number of suicide cases are reported from Kota, a city often referred to as the coaching capital of India.

Conclusion

The study highlights considering changes in the academic curriculum to make academic programs less stressful for students. More importantly, policies should ensure that the academic campuses are free from harassment, bullying or similar aggressive experiences. Furthermore, emphasising students' mental health should be the education system's biggest priority.
Heterogeneous graph contrastive learning with adaptive data augmentation for semi‐supervised short text classification
Authors: Wu Mingqiang , Xu Zhuoming , Zheng Lei
Published: October 2024

Short text classification has been widely used in many fields. Due to the scarcity of labelled data, implementing short text classification under semi‐supervised learning setting has become increasingly popular. Semi‐supervised short text classification methods based on graph neural networks can achieve state‐of‐the‐art classification performance by utilizing the expressive power of graph neural networks. However, these methods usually fail to mine the hidden patterns of a large amount of short text node data in the graph to optimize the short text node embeddings, which limits the semantic representation power of the short texts, thus leading to suboptimal classification performance. To overcome the limitation, this paper proposes a novel semi‐supervised short text classification method called the Heterogeneous Graph Contrastive Learning with Adaptive Data Augmentation (HGCLADA). In the knowledge bases guided soft prompt‐based data augmentation component, the related words of the tag words are used to optimize the soft prompts for generating diverse augmented samples. In the heterogeneous graph contrastive learning framework component, a heterogeneous graph that is constructed using short texts and keywords and an effective edge augmentation scheme based on a short text clustering algorithm are proposed. The optimized short text embeddings can be obtained to achieve the effective semi‐supervised short text classification. Extensive experiments on six benchmark datasets show that our HGCLADA method outperforms four classes of state‐of‐the‐art methods in terms of classification accuracy, especially with significant performance improvements of 8.74% on the TagMyNews dataset when each class only contains 20 labelled data.