bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Structural Mechanisms of Actin Isoforms
Authors: Arora Amandeep S. , Huang Hsiang-Ling , Singh Ramanpreet , Narui Yoshie , Suchenko Andrejus , Hatano Tomoyuki , Heissler Sarah M. , Balasubramanian Mohan K. , Chinthalapudi Krishna
Published: August 2022

Actin isoforms organize into distinct networks that are essential for the normal function of eukaryotic cells. Despite a high level of sequence and structure conservation, subtle changes in their design principles determine the interaction with myosin motors and actin-binding proteins. The functional diversity is further increased by posttranslational modifications (PTMs). Therefore, identifying how the structure of actin isoforms relates to function is important for our understanding of normal cytoskeletal physiology. Here, we report the high-resolution structures of filamentous skeletal α-actin (3.37Å), cardiac α-actin (3.07Å), ß-actin (2.99Å), and γ-actin (3.38Å) in the Mg2+·ADP state with their native PTMs. The structures revealed isoform-specific conformations of the N-terminus that shifts closer to the filament surface upon myosin binding, thereby establishing isoform-specific interfaces. Retropropagated structural changes further show that myosin binding modulates actin filament structure. Further, our structures enabled us to reveal the location of disease-causing mutations and to analyze them with respect to known locations of PTMs. Collectively, the previously unknown structures of single-isotype, posttranslationally modified bare cardiac α-actin, ß-actin, and γ-actin reveal general principles, similarities, and differences between isoforms. They complement the repertoire of known actin structures and allow for a comprehensive understanding of in vitro and in vivo functions of actin isoforms.
On the test of novel constitutive relation of capacitor for electrical circuit analysis: a fractal calculus-based approach
Authors: Banchuin Rawid
Published: August 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to test the capability to properly analyze the electrical circuits of a novel constitutive relation of capacitor.

Design/methodology/approach

For ceteris paribus, the constitutive relations of the resistor and inductor have been reformulated by following the novel constitutive relation of capacitor. The responses of RL, RC, LC and RLC circuits defined on the fractal set described by these definitions have been derived by means of the fractal calculus and fractal Laplace transformation. A comparative Hamiltonian formalism-based analysis has been performed where the circuits described by the conventional and the formerly proposed revisited constitutive relations have also been considered.

Findings

This study has found that the novel constitutive relations give unreasonable results unlike the conventional ones. Like such previous revisited constitutive relations, an odd Hamiltonian has been obtained. On the other hand, the conventional constitutive relations give a reasonable Hamiltonian.

Originality/value

To the best of the author’s knowledge, for the first time, the analysis of fractal set defined electrical circuits by means of unconventional constitutive relations has been performed where the deficiency of the tested capacitive constitutive relation has been pointed out.
Combining transaction characteristics and governance mechanisms to suppress opportunism in construction projects: qualitative comparative analysis
Authors: Guo Wenqian , Lu Wenxue , Kang Fei
Published: August 2022

Purpose

The understanding of how to mitigate opportunism in construction projects is still limited and conflicting. The complexity of causalities and interdependence among antecedents of opportunism (transaction characteristics and governance mechanisms) is the major obstacle to current research. This study takes a holistic perspective to explore the different combinations of conditions that lead to high opportunism and low opportunism in project management.

Design/methodology/approach

Through 2 phases of the interview and questionnaire survey, the 91 valid survey data were collected from the buyer–seller relationships in construction projects and analyzed by adopting fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis.

Findings

A single transaction characteristic is rarely sufficient to explain opportunism, and combinations of different transaction characteristics and governance mechanisms (performance ambiguity, asset specificity, buyer's requirement certainty, informal control, and formal control) have different effects on opportunism. In the case of extremely unsatisfactory transaction characteristics, even the combination of formal and informal control cannot prevent high opportunism. The combination including low-formal control and high-asset specificity easily leads to high opportunism. Besides, performance ambiguity is a vital factor in mitigating high opportunism or achieving low opportunism.

Originality/value

Previous studies have always addressed the role of one or some factors independently and separately. This study is one of the first to explore the different combinations of conditions that result in high opportunism and low opportunism in project management based on transaction costs economics and agency theory.
Does generation matter to innovation development? A new look at entrepreneurial businesses from the perspective of resource-based view (RBV)
Authors: Kariv Dafna , Cisneros Luis , Kashy-Rosenbaum Gaby , Krueger Norris
Published: August 2022

Purpose

Research shows that innovation is imperative for business competitiveness and that entrepreneurs are stimulators of innovation. This is particularly true for younger entrepreneurs, who are recognized as having technological savvy, high dependency on the web, low fear of change and high zeal for challenges. However, not all businesses headed by younger entrepreneurs innovate, and research on younger entrepreneurs' innovation is lacking. This study assessed the main drivers of innovation in a sample of young Canadian entrepreneurs leading businesses in the initiation phase.

Design/methodology/approach

A sample of young Canadian entrepreneurs leading businesses in the initiation phase has been employed. This study is based on younger entrepreneurs and draws on the definition of generations Y and Z (Taylor and Keeter, 2010). It examines the initial stage of a business, up to 3 years. The sample includes 100 adults (65% female), whose ages ranged from 18 to 34 years. The drivers to innovate included external support (e.g. mentoring, funds, accelerators) and internal factors, including psychological attributes (i.e. risk-taking) and entrepreneurial motivations. Regression and structural equation modeling analyses have been conducted.

Findings

The findings revealed that entrepreneurial motivations for achieving self-fulfillment and contributing to the world, which are prevalent among younger generations, fostered innovation both directly and indirectly through the mediating effect of external support and risk-taking. External support fostered innovation not directly but through the mediating effect of risk-taking; in contrast, internal factors directly propelled innovation. This finding demonstrates the significance younger generations attribute to internal factors over external factors in the quest for innovation.

Practical implications

This study can be an intriguing starting point for future studies to examine in more depth the intertwined role of external and internal factors in accelerating innovation among younger entrepreneurs. Studies could examine various psychological attributes and professional and business capabilities (Zahra, 2021) as well as external factors.

Originality/value

Our findings add to this literature in stressing the need to strengthen risk-taking among younger entrepreneurs, which is affected by external support and produces innovation; and reinforce the relevance of the resource-based view in revealing younger entrepreneurs' avenues to develop innovation, pinpointing external support as contingent on motivation and demonstrating the role of risk-taking in the pursuit of innovation.
Knowledge creation in projects: an interactive research approach for deeper business insight
Authors: Engström Annika , Johansson Anette , Edh Mirzaei Nina , Sollander Kristina , Barry Daved
Published: August 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to shed light on different types of knowledge created and how this links to the project design, process, and content.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper the authors investigate participants' experiences from a three-year interactive research project, designed to trigger reflection among the participants. They apply a knowledge creation perspective on experiences expressed by participants as a result of different research project activities.

Findings

The study resulted in five categories of insights with potential for sustainable influence on the participating organizations: an understanding of concepts and theories; an understanding of the impacts of collaborative, reflective work processes; an understanding of the meaning of one's own organizational context; an understanding of the importance of increased organizational self-awareness; and an understanding of the potential for human interaction and communication.

Practical implications

The author’s findings suggest that it is possible to design a project to promote more profound and sustainable effects on a business beyond the explicit purpose of the project. They advise practitioners to make room for iterative reflection; be mindful to create a trustful and open environment in the team; challenge results with opposing views and theories; and make room for sharing experiences and giving feedback.

Originality/value

This study contributes to unraveling key practices which can nurture conditions for knowledge creation in interactive research projects and business projects alike.
Linking enterprise social media use, trust and knowledge sharing: paradoxical roles of communication transparency and personal blogging
Authors: Masood Ayesha , Zhang Qingyu , Ali Moazzam , Cappiello Giuseppe , Dhir Amandeep
Published: August 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of enterprise social media (ESM) use on two trust dimensions – affect-based trust (ABT) and cognition-based trust (CBT) – as mediators in the relationship between ESM use and knowledge sharing. In the first stage of the proposed model, the authors also consider transparent communication (TC) and personal blogging with colleagues (PBC) during work and non-work hours as moderators that reshape trust levels and subsequently promote knowledge sharing within the organisation.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors collected the data in three waves from employees in China, the world’s largest market for social media. Five companies, including three information technology companies and two software companies, were targeted for data collection. Initially, a total of 403 ESM users were recruited, but the final sample in the final round was reduced to N = 292. The authors used Mplus (v8.5) to calculate direct path coefficients and indirect moderated-mediation effects.

Findings

The use of ESM promotes ABT and CBT, thereby improving knowledge sharing. ABT and CBT both fully mediate the effect of ESM use on knowledge sharing. However, the research reveals paradoxical findings regarding moderation. For example, on the one hand, TC negatively moderates the association between ESM use and ABT, thereby reducing knowledge sharing in the workplace. On the other hand, TC strengthens the relationship between the use of ESM and CBT, thereby increasing knowledge sharing. These contradictory findings indicate that TC functions as a double-edged sword; thus, the effective use of ESM in the workplace requires managers’ intervention. Finally, the analysis reveals that the moderating role of PBC strengthens the association between ESM use and both ABT and CBT, thereby increasing knowledge sharing.

Originality/value

While stakeholders have expressed concern regarding the adverse impacts of workplace ESM adoption on employee performance, the authors provide a broad, novel perspective on the potential of ESM use to enhance knowledge sharing via trust (i.e. ABT and CBT). To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to offer a comparative view of trust dimensions, such as ABT and CBT, and to discuss how, why and when TC and PBC interactions moderate the relationship of ESM to ABT and CBT and thereby lead to knowledge sharing. These interesting findings guide further research into the role of ESM in the workplace, especially research based on rational choice theory and communication visibility theory, by illuminating the ways in which employees can use ESM to reshape social communication in the workplace and thereby enhance knowledge sharing.
Subsurface characterization using passive seismic in the urban area of Dublin City, Ireland
Authors: Maggio Giuseppe , Subašić Senad , Bean Christopher J.
Published: August 2022

We investigate the shallow geological features and previously unknown depths of the main geological interfaces in the highly urbanized Dublin City area by using a set of complementary ambient noise seismic methods. A sparse seismic array, composed of 19 broadband sensors, was installed in a 5 × 5 km area across the city centre. The dataset was acquired over a 5‐month‐long deployment and used to perform horizontal/vertical spectral ratios and frequency–wave number analysis cross‐correlation interferometry. From the horizontal/vertical high‐frequency resonance peaks, we estimate the depth to bedrock. Then we use a subset of six seismic stations to obtain the frequency–wavenumber Rayleigh wave fundamental mode in the 0.8–3 Hz frequency band. Next, the ambient noise dataset is cross‐correlated in order to extract the empirical Green's functions before measuring surface‐wave phase velocities by undertaking a dispersion analysis in the 0.5–9 Hz frequency band. Then, a Monte Carlo global optimization algorithm is used to invert the phase velocity dispersion measurements. We generate a reference one‐dimensional depth S velocity profile along with a set of localized one‐dimensional S velocity profiles. Finally, a smooth three‐dimensional shear wave velocity model is derived for the top 1000 m in the sedimentary Dublin Basin. From the one‐dimensional velocity profiles and three‐dimensional shear velocity model, with some sensitivity down to approximately 1.2 km, we observe velocity changes with depth that highlight the presence of three consistent interfaces. We discuss interpretative scenarios that correlate the velocity features to potential stratigraphic boundaries occurring within the sedimentary Dublin Basin, suggesting that basement rocks could be located at a depth significantly greater than the top kilometre. The results of this study may indicate that future geothermal studies should be directed at structures deeper than 1 km, towards the bottom of the sedimentary basin beneath the city.
Ginsenoside Rh1 regulates gastric cancer cell biological behaviours and transplanted tumour growth in nude mice via the TGF‐β/Smad pathway
Authors: Yang Zhiwen , Wu Xinlin , Shen Junjie , Gudamu A. , Ma Yongxiang , Zhang Zishu , Hou Mingxing
Published: August 2022

Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most prevalent malignancies of the digestive tract. Ginsenoside Rh1 was reported to exert effects on GC. The current study set out to explore the mechanism underlying Ginsenoside Rh1 effects on GC. With oxaliplatin (OXA) serving as the positive control, human GC cells AGS were treated with 0, 10, 25, 50, 74, or 100 μM of ginsenoside Rh1 for 48 h. Proliferation, migration, invasion, and apoptosis were subsequently assessed by means of MTT, scratch test, Transwell, and TUNEL, respectively. AGS cells were further jointly treated with Rh1 and the TGF‐β/Smad pathway activator Kartogenin, followed by detection of TGF‐β/Smad pathway effects on AGS biological behaviours. Moreover, TGF‐β/Smad pathway activation was detected with a Western blot assay. Furthermore, xenograft tumour models were established and tumour growth was recorded. Ki‐67 expression patterns and apoptosis were detected with immunohistochemistry and TUNEL, respectively. In vitro, Ginsenoside Rh1 repressed AGS cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, and further promoted apoptosis, with a concentration of 50 μM Rh1 exerting the equivalent effects as OXA. In vivo, Ginsenoside Rh1 inhibited GC proliferation and induced tumour cell apoptosis. Mechanistically, Ginsenoside Rh1 reduced TGF‐β1 and TGF‐β2 levels and Smad2 and Smad3 phosphorylation levels. Collectively, our findings highlighted that ginsenoside Rh1 inhibited GC cell growth and tumour growth in xenograft tumour models via inhibition of the TGF‐β/Smad pathway.
Workforce Diversity, Diversity Charters and Collective Turnover: Long‐term Commitment Pays
Authors: Chapman Gary , Nasirov Shukhrat , Özbilgin Mustafa
Published: August 2022

Modern workplaces are becoming increasingly demographically diverse. However, the influence of workforce diversity on organizational outcomes is not fully understood. In this work, we study how and why workforce gender and racial diversity impacts collective turnover at the organizational level, and whether participation in and experience with diversity charters moderate this link. We particularly argue that greater workforce gender and racial diversity leads to greater collective turnover because it prompts social categorization and negative contagion in organizations. To mitigate these processes, organizations may participate in diversity charters, which are expected to provide support with managing workforce diversity and employee retention. We further argue that the influence of diversity charters follows a trajectory of maturity, so their benefits are magnified as an organization's experience with them increases. Drawing on a panel of UK universities, we find strong evidence that greater workforce racial diversity is associated with higher levels of collective turnover, but only weaker evidence for the positive link between workforce gender diversity and collective turnover. We further find that diversity charters may attenuate this link, but simply participating in them is not sufficient: instead, organizations must develop experience with charters over time.
Directly Discriminatory Algorithms
Authors: Adams‐Prassl Jeremias , Binns Reuben , Kelly‐Lyth Aislinn
Published: August 2022

Discriminatory bias in algorithmic systems is widely documented. How should the law respond? A broad consensus suggests approaching the issue principally through the lens of indirect discrimination, focusing on algorithmic systems’ impact. In this article, we set out to challenge this analysis, arguing that while indirect discrimination law has an important role to play, a narrow focus on this regime in the context of machine learning algorithms is both normatively undesirable and legally flawed. We illustrate how certain forms of algorithmic bias in frequently deployed algorithms might constitute direct discrimination, and explore the ramifications—both in practical terms, and the broader challenges automated decision‐making systems pose to the conceptual apparatus of anti‐discrimination law.
Time‐resolved transcriptome analysis of Scenedesmus obliquusHTB1 under 10% CO2 condition
Authors: Zhang Mei , Wang Hualong , Chen Feng
Published: August 2022

Certain microalgal species can grow under high CO2 concentrations providing potential for mitigating CO2 pollution in flue gas produced by power plants. Microalga Scenedesmus obliquus strain HTB1 was isolated from the Chesapeake Bay and grow rapidly in a high level of CO2. However, little is known about the molecular responses of HTB1 to high CO2 levels. Here, we investigated how HTB1 responds to 10% CO2 using the time‐resolved transcriptome analysis. Gene expression profiles indicated that HTB1 responds quickly (in 2 h) and becomes adaptive within 12 h when exposed to 10% CO2. Interestingly, certain genes of light‐harvesting, chlorophyll synthesis and carbon fixation (i.e. rbcS) were up‐regulated at 10% CO2, and these functional responses are consistent with the increased photosynthesis efficiency and algal biomass under 10% CO2. Nitrate assimilation was strongly enhanced, with amino acid biosynthesis and aminoacyl tRNA biosynthesis genes being markedly up‐regulated, indicating that HTB1 actively takes up nitrogen and accelerates protein synthesis at 10% CO2. Carbon metabolism including fatty acid biosynthesis and TCA cycle was enhanced at 10% CO2, supporting the earlier observation of increased lipid content of Scenedesmus sp. under high CO2 levels. Interestingly, key genes like RuBisCO (rbcL) and carbonic anhydrase in carboxysomes did not respond actively to 10% CO2, implying that exposure to 10% CO2 has little impact on the carbon concentrating mechanisms and CO2 fixation of the Calvin cycle. It appears that HTB1 can grow rapidly at 10% CO2 without significant metabolic changes in carbon fixation and ATP synthesis.
Safety and efficacy of microwave ablation for lung cancer adjacent to the interlobar fissure
Authors: Wang Nan , Xu Jingwen , Wang Gang , Xue Guoliang , Li Zhichao , Cao Pikun , Hu Yanting , Cai Hongchao , Wei Zhigang , Ye Xin
Published: August 2022

Background

This retrospective study aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of microwave ablation for lung tumors adjacent to the interlobar fissures.

Methods

From May 2020 to April 2021, 59 patients with 66 lung tumors (mean diameter, 16.9 ± 7.7 mm; range, 6–30 mm) adjacent to the interlobar fissures who underwent microwave ablation at our institution were identified and included in this study. Based on the relationship between the tumor and the interlobar fissure, tumors can be categorized into close to the fissure, causing the fissure, and involving the fissure. The complete ablation rate, local progression‐free survival, complications, and associated factors were analyzed.

Results

All 66 histologically proven tumors were treated using computed tomography‐guided microwave ablation. The complete ablation rate was 95.5%. Local progression‐free survival at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months were 89.4%, 83.3%, 74.2%, and 63.6%, respectively. The complications included pneumothorax (34.8%), pleural effusion (24.2%), cavity (18.2%), and pulmonary infection (7.6%). There were statistical differences in the incidence of pneumothorax, cavity, and delayed complications between the groups with and without antenna punctures through the fissure.

Conclusions

Microwave ablation is a safe and effective treatment for lung tumor adjacent to the interlobar fissure. Antenna puncturing though the interlobar fissure may be a potential risk factor for pneumothorax, cavity, and delayed complications.
Alcohol sales in Canadian liquor outlets as a predictor of subsequent COVID‐19 infection rates: a time‐series analysis
Authors: Stockwell Tim , Zhao Jinhui , Alam Fariha , Churchill Sam , Shi Yipu , Naimi Timothy
Published: August 2022

Aims

Government alcohol sales data were used to examine whether age 15+ per‐capita alcohol consumption (PCAC) (i) changed during COVID‐19 and (ii) predicted COVID‐19 infections 2–5 weeks later.

Design

Interrupted time‐series analyses were applied to panels of data before and after COVID‐19 restrictions were introduced in Canada.

Setting and participants

The populations, aged 15+, of the provinces of Ontario (ON), British Columbia (BC) and Nova Scotia (NS), Canada.

Intervention

Expansion of home delivery options and hours of trading for liquor stores while restrictions on travel, social and economic activities were imposed by governments during COVID‐19 from 17 March 2020 until 29 March 2021.

Measurements

Weekly estimates of (i) age 15+ PCAC using sales data supplied by provincial government alcohol distributors for liquor stores, bars and restaurants, (ii) stringency of public health measures assessed by the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) and (iii) new COVID‐19 infections reported by PHAC.

Findings

PCAC increased by 7.10% (P = 0.013) during the pandemic versus previous years, with increased private liquor store sales partly offset by reduced bar/restaurant sales. Consumption was positively associated with stringency of public health measures. Weekly PCAC was positively associated with new COVID‐19 infections 2 weeks later (+6.34% for a one drink/week increase, P < 0.001). Lagged associations with COVID‐19 infections 2 or 3 weeks later were observed for PCAC from all sales channels, with larger effect sizes per standard drink/person/week increase for on‐premise outlets (+77.27% week 2, P = 0.009) than government liquor stores (+6.49%, week 2, P < 0.001) or private liquor stores (+7.13%, week 4, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Alcohol consumption increased in three Canadian provinces during COVID‐19 to degrees corresponding to the extent of the strictness of measures imposed to prevent viral spread. Increased consumption of alcohol was associated with increased COVID‐19 infection rates 2 weeks later.
Trends in mental health service utilisation by Australia's older population
Authors: Bartholomaeus Jonathan D. , Collier Luke R. , Lang Catherine , Cations Monica , Kellie Andrew R. , Inacio Maria C. , Caughey Gillian E.
Published: August 2022

Objectives

To examine the incidence, trends, and differences between age groups and sex in Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS)‐subsidised mental health service utilisation by older Australians over the past 10 years.

Methods

A cross‐sectional cohort study between 1 July 2009 and 30 June 2019 was conducted using publicly available MBS data for older individuals aged ≥65 years. Age‐ and sex‐standardised yearly incidence rates of psychological therapy (MBS M06), GP mental health treatments (MBS A20), focussed psychological strategy (MBS M07), and psychiatric attendances (MBS A08) and incidence rate ratios (IRR) estimated using Poisson regression were calculated.

Results

Overall, the rate of utilisation of primary care mental health services by the older population increased over the study period, with psychological therapy claims increasing the greatest from 14.4/1000 older persons in 2009/10 to 38.5/1000 in 2018/19 (IRR 1.11, 95% CI 1.09–1.13), followed by GP mental health treatments increasing from 43.7/1000 (95% CI 43.4–43.9) in 2009/10 to 81.0/1000 (95% CI 80.7–81.3) in 2018/19 (IRR 1.07/year, 95% CI 1.06–1.09). Females aged 65–74 years had the highest use of GP mental health treatments at 123.8/1000 compared to 63.6/1000 in males in 2018/2019.

Conclusions

While utilisation of mental health services by the older population in Australia has increased over the study period, it is important that policymakers and service providers continue to support access and use of these services, which may facilitate well‐being and quality of life in the older population.
Drug hypersensitivity, in vitro tools, biomarkers, and burden with COVID‐19 vaccines
Authors: Palomares Francisca , Paris Juan L. , Labella Marina , Doña Inmaculada , Mayorga Cristobalina , Torres María José
Published: August 2022

Hypersensitivity reactions to drugs are increasing worldwide. They display a large degree of variability in the immunological mechanisms involved, which impacts both disease severity and the optimal diagnostic procedure. Therefore, drug hypersensitivity diagnosis relies on both in vitro and in vivo assessments, although most of the methods are not well standardized. Moreover, several biomarkers can be used as valuable parameters for precision medicine that provide information on the endotypes, diagnosis, prognosis, and prediction of drug hypersensitivity development, as well on the identification of therapeutic targets and treatment efficacy monitoring. Furthermore, in the last 2 years, the SARS‐CoV‐2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome‐coronavirus) pandemic has had an important impact on health system, leading us to update approaches on how to manage hypersensitivity reactions to drugs used for its treatment and on COVID‐19 (Coronavirus disease) vaccines used for its prevention. This article reviews recent advances in these 3 areas regarding drug hypersensitivity: in vitro tools for drug hypersensitivity diagnosis, recently identified biomarkers that could guide clinical decision making and management of hypersensitivity reactions to drugs and vaccines used for COVID‐19.
Prophylactic onlay mesh at emergency laparotomy: promising early outcomes with long‐acting synthetic resorbable mesh
Authors: Alsaadi Daniah , Stephens Ian , Simmons Lydia O. , Bucholc Magda , Sugrue Michael
Published: August 2022

Background

Careful surgical strategy is paramount in balancing the prevention of fascial dehiscence, incisional hernia (IH) and fear of additional mesh‐related wound complications post‐laparotomy. This study aims to review early outcomes of patients undergoing an emergency laparotomy with prophylactic TIGR® mesh, used to reduce early fascial dehiscence and potential subsequent IH.

Method

A retrospective, ethically approved review of 24 consecutive patients undergoing prophylactic TIGR® mesh placement during emergency laparotomies by a single surgeon between January 2017 and June 2021 at a University Hospital. A standardized approach included onlay positioning of the mesh, small‐bite fascial closure, and a wound bundle. We recorded patient demographics, operative indications, findings, degree of peritonitis, postoperative complications, and mortality.

Result

The study included 24 patients; 16/24 (66.6%) were female and median age was 72.5 (range 31–86); 14/24 patients were ASA grade III or greater; 4/24 patients (16.6%) developed six complications and 3/6 occurred in a single patient. Complications included subphrenic abscess, seroma, intrabdominal hematoma, enterocutaneous fistula leading to deep wound infection and small bowel perforation. Five (20.8%) patients died in hospital; central venous catheter sepsis (n = 1), fungal septicaemia (n = 1) and multiorgan failure (n = 3). Surgical site infection and seroma rates were low, occurring in 2/24 patients (4% each).

Conclusion

This study has identified that prophylactic onlay mesh in patients undergoing an emergency laparotomy is not associated with significant wound infection or seroma when used with an active wound bundle. The wider use of TIGR® to prevent fascial dehiscence and potential long‐term IH prevention should be considered.
Microbiology of surgical site infections (SSIs) following skin cancer surgery
Authors: Goh Maple F. , Hollewand Clare E. , McBride Stephen , Mathy Jon A.
Published: August 2022

Backgrounds

Surgical site infections (SSIs) represent one of the most common and potentially preventable sources of morbidity and healthcare cost escalation associated with skin cancer surgery. There is a lack of data reporting organisms cultured from SSIs in skin surgery, with guidelines for antibiotic prophylaxis based on common skin pathogens rather than actual cultured organisms. In this study, we sought to define the cultured microbiology of SSIs specific to skin cancer surgery and test these against empiric treatment guidelines.

Methods

All consenting patients presenting to the Auckland regional skin cancer treatment centre over a 6‐month period were included. Patients receiving any form of antibiotics within a week prior to surgery were excluded. All wounds were assessed postoperatively, with clinically significant infections identified as those with a standardized wound infection score of 4 (range 0–7) and/or prescribed post‐operative antibiotics within 3 weeks of surgery. Wound cultures were recorded.

Results

About 104 clinically significant SSIs were identified from 333 lesions treated, with cultures available in 27%. Cultured organisms included MSSA (79%), MRSA (14%), coagulase‐negative Staphylococci (11%), and ‘skin flora’ (14%). Empiric guidelines inaccurately predicted effective treatment in 14% of cases, exclusively due to MRSA.

Conclusion

To our knowledge this is the first comprehensive report of SSI microbiology following skin cancer surgery. The overwhelmingly predominant organisms were Staphylococcus sp. (76%), with the rate of MRSA approaching prevalence warranting empiric first‐line treatment. These data help inform effective rationalized empiric antibiotic treatment, when indicated, for optimal outcome following skin surgery.
“What are my options?”: Physicians as ontological decision architects in surgical informed consent
Authors: Chen Stacy S. , Das Sunit
Published: August 2022

The aim of a theoretically ideal process of informed consent is to promote the autonomy of the patient and to limit unethical physician paternalism. However, in practice, the nature of the medical profession requires physicians to act as ontological decision architects—based on the medical knowledge that they acquire through their experience and training, physicians ontologically determine a subset of viable courses of action for their patient. What is observed is not an unethical physician limitation or biasing of the patient towards certain treatment options that violates patient autonomy or consciously undermines informed consent, but rather a more foundational paternalism that is necessarily inherent to the physician–patient relationship. In this article we argue for a recognition of this underlying physician paternalism and posit that this necessary paternalism is not a foil to patient autonomy, but rather a foundational aspect of the duties of the medical professional within the physician–patient relationship.
A weekly‐diary study of students' schoolwork motivation and parental support
Authors: Wu Yao , Hilpert Peter , Tenenbaum Harriet , Ng‐Knight Terry
Published: August 2022

Background

Parental support plays an important role in children's schoolwork motivation and may have been even more important during the first UK COVID‐19 pandemic lockdown because all schoolwork was completed at home. When examining the effect of parental support on children's schoolwork motivation, research has typically focused on comparing families with each other (i.e., difference between families). In reality, however, the effect unfolds as a transactional, bidirectional process between parents and children over time (i.e., a within family process). This research trend can result in imprecise conclusions about the association between parental support and schoolwork motivation.

Objectives

We examined bidirectional effects of parental schoolwork support and children's schoolwork motivation at both the between‐family and within‐family level.

Methods

This study reports findings from a weekly‐diary study conducted during the first UK COVID‐19 school lockdown. Cross‐lagged within and between multilevel modelling was used to analyse data from UK secondary school students (N = 98) in Years 7–9.

Results

Between‐family results show no evidence of association between motivation and parental support. Within‐family results indicate that higher motivation (assessed as higher expectations of success) predicted more support from parents. However, in contrast with predictions, weekly levels of parental support did not predict children's weekly fluctuations in motivation.

Conclusions

Within‐family results were not consistent with between‐family results. This study is novel in showing that child‐driven effects appear to be important in eliciting parental support within families over time.
Merger selection, evidence provision, and the timing of merger control
Authors: Cosnita‐Langlais Andreea , Tropeano Jean‐Philippe
Published: August 2022

Merger control impacts the type of merger projects that are submitted, as well as the information provided by the merging parties upon assessment. In this paper, we consider the outcomes in terms of selection of merger types and evidence provision of alternative timings for merger review, pre‐ or postconsummation of the merger. We show that the selection effect induced by the ex post merger review is welfare‐improving due to the deterrence of the most anticompetitive merger projects. In contrast, the welfare impact of evidence provision under ex post assessment is ambiguous. Balancing these two effects makes possible the welfare comparison between the ex ante and the ex post merger policy enforcement.
Do voluntary commitment mechanisms improve welfare? The effect of mandatory and voluntary oaths in a social dilemma
Authors: Davis Brent J. , Jaber‐Lopez Tarek
Published: August 2022

We investigate whether oaths can enforce property rights in a social dilemma and increase welfare. We examine the impact of mandatory and voluntary oaths in a laboratory experiment where individuals can produce wealth, protect accumulated wealth, and take wealth from others. Individuals are more productive when oaths are mandatory compared to a no‐oath environment. Subjects’ voluntary signing oaths behave similarly to those who sign a mandatory oath. When the oath is voluntary, nonoath‐taking individuals engage in nonproductive behavior, negating the positive impact from the voluntary oath. Our results show that altering commitment mechanisms can result in varying welfare levels.
I'm creative and deserving! From self‐rated creativity to creative recognition
Authors: Černe Matej , Bunjak Aldijana , Wong Sut‐I , Moh'd Shaima' Salem
Published: August 2022

This paper examines the psychological mechanism by which digital workers translate self‐rated creativity into other‐rated creativity (novelty and usefulness). Specifically, we explore digital workers' creative self‐efficacy as an explanatory mechanism while we investigate psychological entitlement as a boundary condition. We test our research model on a sample of digital platform workers (245 working professionals on Amazon Mechanical Turk) and 167 digital experiment participants. The results of both studies converge in supporting the moderated‐mediation model leading up to novelty as a criterion of creativity, but not usefulness. Implications for the study of creativity and digital work are discussed.
Negotiating over payments for wetland ecosystem services
Authors: Nimubona Alain‐Désiré , Pereau Jean‐Christophe
Published: August 2022

This paper proposes and examines the economic efficiency of novel payment schemes for the provision of wetland ecosystem services. By definition, payments for ecosystem services typically involve voluntary transactions between the beneficiaries and providers of ecosystem services. We develop a theoretical model that addresses the role that a third party—such as a social planner or government agency, acting in the interest of society—can play to ensure the optimal provision of ecosystem services. We consider different regulatory frameworks combining payments for ecosystem services with a subsidy that the third party grants to the beneficiaries or providers of ecosystem services. We compare the outcomes of the different policy mixes characterized by different levels of involvement of the third party. Of particular interest is the comparison between the outcomes of payments for ecosystem services subsidy arrangements in which the third party plays decentralized and centralized roles. Our results show, among other things, that the third party is indifferent between a negotiated payment for ecosystem services combined with a subsidy scheme and the constrained first‐best payments for ecosystem services subsidy scheme, in the presence of transaction and administrative costs. However, beneficiaries and providers may have conflicting preferences over the two payments for ecosystem services schemes.
MYO10 contributes to the malignant phenotypes of colorectal cancer via RACK1 by activating integrin/Src/FAK signaling
Authors: Ou Haibin , Wang Lili , Xi Ziyao , Shen Hui , Jiang Yaofei , Zhou Fuxiang , Liu Yu , Zhou Yunfeng
Published: August 2022

Liver metastases still remain a major cause of colorectal cancer (CRC) patient death. MYO10 is upregulated in several tumor types; however, its significance and the underlying mechanism in CRC are not entirely clear. Here, we found that MYO10 was highly expressed in CRC tumor tissues, especially in liver metastasis tissues. MYO10 knockout reduced CRC cell proliferation, invasion, and migration in vitro and CRC metastasis in vivo. We identified RACK1 by LC‐MS/MS and demonstrated that MYO10 interacts with and stabilizes RACK1. Mechanistically, MYO10 promotes CRC cell progression and metastasis via ubiquitination‐mediated RACK1 degradation and integrin/Src/FAK signaling activation. Therefore, the MYO10/RACK1/integrin/Src/FAK axis may play an important role in CRC progression and metastasis.
Coordinating movements and beliefs: Different facets of doing things together
Authors: Białek Arkadiusz , Zubek Julian , Jackiewicz‐Kawka Martyna , Adamik Klaudia , Białecka‐Pikul Marta
Published: August 2022

This study investigates the relations between two forms of joint action (JA)—movement coordination (MC) and goal attainment—and theory of mind (ToM), contrasting the interactionist and traditional cognitivist views. A custom task was carried out to measure the properties of the JAs between children and their parents, while classical tasks were performed to measure first‐ and second‐order ToM. Thereafter, cross‐recurrence quantification analysis was applied to quantify participants' movements. The children were from Poland and were aged 42, 66, and 78 months (N = 297, 133 girls, White, from a large city). The results suggested that the characteristics of dyad MC influence goal attainment and are related to children's first‐order ToM (R2 = .447) but not to their second‐order ToM.
Child as method and/as childism: Conceptual–political intersections and tensions
Authors: Burman Erica
Published: August 2022

This article considers the related projects of child as method and childism, as two critical childhood projects attempting to re‐engage childhood studies with wider geopolitical arenas. Firstly, each model's origins in their respective subject discipline are discussed, to, secondly, highlight how this shapes convergences as well as divergences in political project. Third, there is consideration of what is at stake in key conceptual tensions identified. It is suggested that the differences of address and contrasting (disciplinary and conceptual) sites of intervention work in complementary ways to strengthen the broader project of embedding childhood studies within sociopolitical theories and practices.
The effectiveness of gabapentin and gabapentin/montelukast combination compared with dextromethorphan in the improvement of COVID‐19‐ related cough: A randomized, controlled clinical trial
Authors: Soltani Rasool , Nasirharandi Sara , Khorvash Farzin , Nasirian Maryam , Dolatshahi Kian , Hakamifard Atousa
Published: August 2022

Introduction

Cough is one of the most common presenting symptoms of COVID‐19, which can persist for weeks or months.

Objective

The goal of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of gabapentin (GBT) alone and in combination with montelukast (MTL) for improving cough.

Methods

In this open‐label randomized controlled clinical trial, eligible cases were patients hospitalized with moderate to severe COVID‐19 who had cough with a Breathlessness, Cough, and Sputum Scale (BCSS) score of at least 2 based on its cough subscale. The participants were randomly assigned to three groups including two experimental groups and one control group. The first and second experimental groups received GBT and GBT/MTL, respectively, whereas the control group received dextromethorphan (DXM). Treatment duration was 5 days in all groups. Before and after the interventions, the severity of cough was evaluated using BCSS scale and Visual Analog Scale (VAS).

Results

A total of 180 patients were included; GPT, GPT/MTL, and DXM consisted of 76, 51, and 53 patients, respectively. There was no significant difference between the three groups in terms of age, gender, and comorbidities (P > 0.05). Regarding BCSS and VAS scores, there was significant reduction from the baseline values in all groups (P < 0.0001), with the change rate being significantly higher in DXM group. The amount of reduction of BCSS in the GPT/MTL group was significantly more than the GPT group, whereas there was no significant difference between the two groups regarding VAS score. Although the duration of hospitalization differed between the groups with the GPT/MTL group having the shortest duration, the difference was statistically significant only between the GPT and GPT/MTL groups (P < 0.0001).

Conclusion

GPT, both alone and in combination with MTL, improves cough frequency and severity in hospitalized patients with COVID‐19, with the combination being more efficacious. This regimen may be useful in patients who cannot tolerate opioids.
Integrating real‐world data to accelerate and guide drug development: A clinical pharmacology perspective
Authors: Zhao Xiaochen , Iqbal Shahed , Valdes Ivelisse L. , Dresser Mark , Girish Sandhya
Published: August 2022

Pharmaceutical products in the current accelerated drug development landscape can benefit from tools beyond data generated from randomized control trials. We have seen an abundance of real‐world data (RWD) and real‐world evidence, driven by the digitalization of healthcare systems and an increased awareness that has inspired a heightened interest in their potential use. Literature review suggest leveraging RWD as a promising tool to answer key questions in the areas of clinical pharmacology and translational science. RWD may increase our understanding regarding the impact of intrinsic (e.g., liver, renal impairment, or genetic polymorphisms) and extrinsic (e.g., food consumption or concomitant medications) factors on the clearance of administered drugs. Changes in clearance may lead to clinically relevant changes in drug exposure that may require clinical management strategies, such as change in dose or dosing regimen. RWD can be leveraged to potentially bridge the gaps among research, development, and clinical care. This paper highlights promising areas of how RWD have been used to complement clinical pharmacology throughout various phases of drug development; case examples will include dose/regimen extrapolation, dose adjustments for special populations (organ impairment, pediatrics, etc.), and pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic models to assess impact of prognostic factors on outcomes. In addition, this paper will also juxtapose limitations and promises of utilizing RWD to answer key scientific questions in drug development and articulate challenges posed by quality issues, data availability, and integration from various sources as well as the increased need for multidimensional‐omics data that can better guide the development of personalized and predictive medicine.
Introduction to SCAN
Authors: Glencross Hedley , Chandra Ashish
Published: August 2022

Cytopathology welcomes the incorporation of SCAN, the magazine of the BAC, and the SCAN editors outline their vision for this new section of the journal.