bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Servant leadership and nurses' deep acting: a moderated mediation model
Authors: Chang Shu-Chen Susan , Chung Anyi , Chen Shu Yu , Lin Chu Yen , Chen I-Heng
Published: December 2023

Purpose

In drawing on the conservation of resources theory and the broaden-and-build theory, the present research investigates the dynamic of social resources (i.e. servant leadership) and personal resources (i.e. psychological empowerment and positive affect) in the determination of the nurses' optimal performance (i.e. deep acting).

Design/methodology/approach

The research involved collecting three waves of data on 481 frontline nurses at a large hospital in Taiwan, each a month apart. The hypotheses were tested using PROCESS mediation and moderated mediation regression models.

Findings

The results supported the indirect relationship between servant leadership and deep acting through psychological empowerment as well as the moderating effect of positive affect on the mediation model.

Originality/value

The findings shed new light on the interplay of different resources and also provide practical implications for the development of frontline supervisors and nursing staff to be compatible with a serious orientation toward the quality of their professional functioning.
Measuring academic performance among students during post-COVID-19 reopening through academic engagement and persistence: mediating role of psychological capital
Authors: Wanmei Liu
Published: December 2023

Purpose

This study examined the students' academic performance through psychological capital, academic engagement and academic persistence. It also investigated the function of psychological capital in mediating the relationship between academic engagement, persistence and performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The study utilized a quantitative method and structural equation modeling using PLS-SEM version 3. A total of 900 questionnaires were issued to Chinese university students, and 814 data were analyzed.

Findings

Findings suggest that academic engagement and persistence significantly and positively impact psychological capital. Psychological capital is also mediated between academic engagement, persistence and performance. Additionally, the study made several recommendations for upcoming researchers and industry professionals.

Originality/value

Analyzing the pupils' academic achievement after COVID-19 reopening as it indicates their attention and engagement in the study. Although previous studies explored students' academic performance regarding the post-COVID effect, the role of psychological capital and engagement in academia in the study has been studied in a post-COVID context.
How the absorptive capacity could transform data into better decisions: a multilevel perspective to deal with the difference between firm sizes
Authors: Proença Marina , Costa Bruna Cescatto , Didonet Simone Regina , Machado Toaldo Ana Maria , Martins Tomas Sparano , Frega José Roberto
Published: December 2023

Purpose

This study aims to investigate organizational learning, represented by the absorptive capacity, as a condition for the firm to learn about marketing data and make more informed decisions. The authors also aimed to understand how the behavior of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) businesses differ in this scenario through a multilevel perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

Placing absorptive capacity as a mediator of the relationship between business analytics and rational marketing decisions, the authors analyzed data from 224 Brazilian retail companies using structural equation modeling estimated with partial least squares. To test the cross-level moderation effect, the authors also performed a multilevel analysis in RStudio.

Findings

The authors found a partial mediation of the absorptive capacity in the relation between business analytics and rational marketing decisions. The authors also discovered that, in the MSMEs firms’ group, even if smaller companies find it more difficult to use data, those that do may reap more benefits than larger ones. This is due to the influence of size in how firms handle information.

Research limitations/implications

The sample size, despite having shown to be consistent and valid, is considered small for a multilevel study. This suggests that our multilevel results should be viewed as suggestive, rather than conclusive, and subjected to further validation.

Practical implications

Rather than solely positioning business analytics as a tool for decision support, the authors’ analysis highlights the importance for firms to develop the absorptive capacity to enable ongoing acquisition, exploration and management of knowledge.

Social implications

MSMEs are of economic and social importance to most countries, especially developing ones. This research aimed to improve understanding of how this group of firms could transform knowledge into better decisions. The authors also highlight micro and small firms’ difficulties with the use of marketing data so that they can have more effective practices.

Originality/value

The research contributes to the understanding of organizational mechanisms to absorb and learn from the vast amount of current marketing information. Recognizing the relevance of MSMEs, a preliminary multilevel analysis was also conducted to comprehend differences within this group.
Strategies and problems of translating euphemism in two selected English translations of the holy Quran: an analytical study
Authors: Hakami Ahmed
Published: December 2023

Purpose

The present paper aims at defining and analyzing the techniques, strategies, and challenges in translating the euphemism of two English interpretations of the Holy Quran. The first is the translation of Abdullah Yusuf Ali (14 April 1872–10 December 1953), whereas the second is the translation of Arthur John Arberry (12 May 1905–2 October 1969).

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopts a qualitative approach that is introduced through a theoretical framework thatdiscusses and elaborates on the term “euphemism”. After that, the study uses analytical approaches in order to define and analyze the techniques and strategies in translating the euphemism of two English interpretations of the Holy Quran.

Findings

The results elaborate on the techniques used by the two translators to translate the euphemisms of two English interpretations of the Holy Quran.

Originality/value

The reason for selecting these two translations is to find the different techniques and approaches of both Eastern and Western translators. The main analysis of the study is based on Newmark’s perceptions about the techniques and strategies of translation.
Building a community of practice: shifting an M.Ed. program to a PDS school-based cohort model
Authors: Hale Elizabeth , Wilson Hope E. , Gibbs Lauren , Didier Jessie , Ali-Khan Carolyne
Published: December 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to examine how participants experienced and perceived an M.Ed. program that had a school-based design. In particular, the authors sought to understand: (1) how participants experienced being in a school-based cohort and (2) whether and how participants experienced the three designated tenets of the M.Ed. program: teacher inquiry, social justice and student engagement and motivation.

Design/methodology/approach

This qualitative study used semi-structured focus group interviews (n = 7) to examine teachers’ perceptions, using a constant comparative method (Corbin & Strauss, 2008) of open coding to analyze the data and determine emergent themes.

Findings

The findings indicate the design of this school-based M.Ed. program provided both social and academic benefits including strengthening teachers’ working relationships and their understanding of students outside their own classroom and a transfer from individual learning to organizational benefit. Teachers positively perceived the three tenets that guided the first year of the program, especially the ability to study social justice and student motivation in depth.

Practical implications

This study has implications for teacher education and retention as well as how boundary spanning roles in PDS schools can impact graduate students’ experiences in schools. Given the current teacher shortage concerns, it is important to understand how M.Ed. programs can be designed with teacher needs at the forefront so learning is relevant and rewarding, both to the individual and the school.

Originality/value

While there are many studies that examine the use of cohorts in education, particularly in doctoral programs, few, if any, studies examine a school-based cohort M.Ed. program for practicing teachers. This study also puts a unique spotlight on how boundary-spanning roles can benefit not only teacher candidates but also practicing teachers in their M.Ed. programs.
The times they are a‐changin': An experimental assessment of the causes and consequences of sudden policy U‐turns
Authors: NASR MOHAMED , HOES EMMA
Published: December 2023

Past research has long documented that voters dislike parties and leaders who reverse their policy positions. But would they tolerate (principled) policy U‐turns if they are motivated by external events, such as a large‐scale crisis or scientific evidence? In this study, we explore whether the motivation behind positional shifts affects voter evaluations of political parties. To do so, we seek to connect the causes and consequences of policy shifts, a synergy still unexplored in the literature. We suggest that, while U‐turns, in general, can be damaging to a party's reputation, principled changes brought about by new scientific evidence or major crises should not necessarily have negative implications, because these changes can be necessary for the public good. We conducted a nationally representative survey experiment in Germany (n = 3127) featuring two classes of policy reversals: strategic and principled. Surprisingly, however, we find that voters by and large hold negative views of different types of policy U‐turns, thus including when external circumstances suggest change may be necessary. Interestingly, our empirical analysis reveals intriguing patterns. First, voters are willing to tolerate all sorts of policy reversals if the party ends up adopting their positions, suggesting that proximity matters even in the event of exogenous events. Second, voters with high levels of political trust tolerate different types of policy reversals, even when the party changes for mere strategic office‐seeking motivations. Coming from the premise that political and societal change is imperative, these findings have direct implications for democracies.
Assessing the adequacy of an aggregated vegetation classification: A test in semi‐arid Australia
Authors: McIntosh Rachel , Verdon Simon J. , Radford James Q. , Clarke Michael F. , Bennett Andrew F.
Published: December 2023

Vegetation classifications are a valuable tool for guiding management decisions. Vegetation can be classified at different levels of resolution for different purposes. Aggregating finer‐resolution classification units to simplify planning and decision‐making is becoming more common in land management. However, little is known about which resolution or scale of aggregation is appropriate for specific land management practices and the factors to consider when aggregating vegetation classification units. There is a risk that aggregated classification units may overlook vital floristic and structural differences between communities and not accurately represent the patterns of variation in vegetation. This may lead to unanticipated adverse outcomes from management actions. We compared three classification systems to test how well each represented patterns of variation in the vegetation of a semi‐arid region in Victoria, Australia: (a) a finer‐level classification system; (b) a coarser‐resolution system that aggregated finer compositional resolution units for fire management purposes; and (c) a coarser‐resolution classification based on Climate Zones. We conducted floristic and vegetation structure surveys at 249 sites stratified across a climate gradient. Sites were assigned to vegetation classifications based on mapped data layers and checked by ground truthing prior to inclusion. The classification based on a finer compositional resolution best represented variation in both the floristic and structural patterns of the vegetation across this region. This was not unexpected, because accuracy is traded‐off against simplicity when aggregating vegetation classification units. However, the aggregated classification also performed poorly in representing patterns of vegetation when compared with a simple scheme based on Climate Zones. Assessing the adequacy of aggregated vegetation classification units is important, yet often overlooked. To be effective, aggregated vegetation classes must reflect the underlying factors that drive patterns of variation in the vegetation to ensure they support intended management outcomes.
From leaves to the whole tree: Mistletoe effects on the productivity, water relations, and demography of a Neotropical savanna tree
Authors: Silva Mateus Cardoso , Teodoro Grazielle Sales , Junior José Magno das Chagas , Bastos Sara Souza , Barbosa Joao Paulo Rodrigues Alves Delfino , de Castro Evaristo Mauro , Scalon Marina Corrêa , van den Berg Eduardo
Published: December 2023

Trees' responses to mistletoes occur at multiple organization levels (e.g., leaf, individual, population), yet integrating these multi‐scale responses is still challenging. Here, we compared the traits of infected versus uninfected trees over multiple scales, from leaf anatomy and physiology to canopy allometries and individual growth rate and survivorship. We tested the hypotheses that mistletoes lead in the host (1) the production of leaves with a conservative resource‐use strategy, (2) more mechanically stable canopies and (3) reductions in growth and survival probability in the trees they infect. We addressed these hypotheses in the widespread savanna tree Vochysia thyrsoidea and xylem‐tapping mistletoe Psittacanthus robustus in the Brazilian Cerrado, a global biodiversity hotspot. We found that (1) mistletoe infection did not affect key traits associated with resource conservativeness, such as leaf mass per area (LMA) and carbon assimilation rates (A). Likewise, (2) hosts did not increase the mechanical safety of their trunks in response to mistletoe infection since infected and uninfected trees had a similar allometric scaling between height and crown volume against stem diameter. (3) At the population level, both the relative growth rate and survival probability decreased as the number of parasites increased. However, zero growth and a 50% chance of mortality were estimated to occur in a minority of heavily infected trees (>7 and 14 parasites, respectively). Our results challenge the idea that mistletoes have a ubiquitous negative impact on their hosts. We highlight, therefore, the need for clarifying the mechanisms that allow trees to maintain their functioning even in the face of mistletoe parasitism.
Does Restinga degradation impact the association between mites and dung beetles?
Authors: Lyra Raphael Rodrigues , de Araujo Rodrigues Taís Helena , da Costa Cristiane Maria Queiroz , Correa César M. A. , Louzada Julio Neil Cassa , de Oliveira Bernardi Leopoldo Ferreira
Published: December 2023

The conservation state of an environment can be a key factor in maintaining the existence of some interactions between species. The relationship between the dung beetle Dichotomius schiffleri, a habitat‐specific species endemic to the Restinga ecosystem, and endangered, and its symbiont mites can serve as a model to improve knowledge about this issue. In this study, we investigated whether the conservation state of Brazilian Restingas, a native ecosystem of the coastal zone that has suffered from anthropic pressure and impacts due to irregular occupation by humans, affects the abundance of mites present on D. schiffleri. Beetles and their associated mites were collected using pitfall traps in Conserved and Degraded Restingas at nine locations in the Brazilian states of Espírito Santo, Bahia, Sergipe, and Pernambuco. The abundance of mites associated with beetles was significantly higher in conserved sites than in degraded sites. Our findings provide evidence that Restinga degradation can affect not only abundance of dung beetle species, as previously reported, but also the ecological relationships that can be established between dung beetles and mites. The habitat quality and hosts availability are some mechanisms that may explain the maintenance of the interactions between dung beetles and mites. Finally, imbalance in ecological relationships is one more factor capable of signalling as human modified habitats impact fauna.
Changes in the bird communities of Nothofagus forests in a long‐term plot in Tierra del Fuego
Authors: Benitez Julieta , Lencinas María Vanessa , Chaves Jimena Elizabeth , de Cruz Marcelo , Martínez Pastur Guillermo
Published: December 2023

Long‐term studies have proven to be important to characterize animal communities and analyse the ecological responses to climate and environmental changes. These studies are necessary to determine the natural community variability (e.g., richness and density) to develop better conservation strategies to face climate changes. Here, we analysed the natural changes in the structure and functional traits of bird communities over 13 consecutive years (2010–2022) and determined the number of years of sampling needed to obtain a good estimation of the community structure variables in deciduous high latitude Nothofagus forests. Using point counts, we studied closed (80% of canopy cover) and open (40% of canopy cover) forests inside the Tierra del Fuego National Park. Species richness, density, biomass, and functional traits (migratory status, trophic groups, nest type, and feeding strata) were analysed using generalized linear models with forest type (closed and open) and year (2010–2022) as the main factors, while the standard error (SE) of sampling obtained from one to 12 sampling years was compared. Richness was significantly higher in open forests (p < 0.01), while density and biomass were higher in closed forests. Additionally, density and biomass significantly varied among years in both forest types (e.g., lower density in 2013, 2014 and 2015, and higher in 2019). The density of birds for some functional traits also varied among years and forest types (e.g., higher values of cavity nesters in closed forests during 2019). Five to six years of sampling were needed to have an acceptable estimation of richness (20% SE), between 10 and 12 years for density, and >12 years for biomass. This study highlights the importance of long‐term studies to visualize natural variations in undisturbed habitats along time.
Detection and density estimation for a cryptic species
Authors: Owens Giselle , Gracanin Ana , Potts Joanne , Young Catherine M. , Heinsohn Robert , Gibbons Philip , Stojanovic Dejan
Published: December 2023

Detection of animals is influenced by species traits, environment, season and the methods used. Analytical techniques can address imperfect detection, such as false absences, but data limitations hinder accurate density estimation. Identifying field survey methods that optimize detectability is therefore a high research priority, especially for species of conservation concern. We consider a model species, the sugar glider Petaurus notatus, to evaluate how optimizing detections can affect survey outcomes. A literature meta‐analysis found little innovation in baiting approaches for sugar gliders over four decades. Honey‐based baits prevailed, despite emerging evidence of opportunistic carnivory. We compared sugar glider detection probabilities using honey and fish‐based baits in a spatially explicit capture‐recapture study. Fish bait increased detections 33‐fold, and density estimation (0.12 ha−1) was only possible using the fish‐baited data – detections were too sparse using honey‐bait to facilitate analysis. Other factors that influence detectability include trap height and habitat connectivity, which were top moderators in our meta‐analysis, but these may be secondary to the bait or lure used. By using (i) species‐specific bait that accounts for the biology of the target species, and (ii) analytical tools to account for imperfect detection and heterogeneous movement of animals, we achieved good enough detection probabilities to undertake detailed analysis of the spatial ecology of sugar gliders. Compared to honey‐based baits (the prevailing approach of other studies on this species), the high detection probability attained with fish‐based baits provides an improvement on conventional practices. Our study is an important reminder that accounting for the biology of the target species during survey effort may mean the difference between collecting enough data for analysis or not. In the context of species conservation, optimizing detection likelihoods is critical for answering ecological questions about cryptic species, and our results demonstrate the need to reappraise generic approaches when better information is available.
Seasonal and spatial patterns of infestation with ectoparasitic mites on New Zealand geckos revealed using a crowd‐sourced citizen science database
Authors: Rolfes Jon W. , Godfrey Stephanie S.
Published: December 2023

The advent of online crowd‐sourced nature databases provides an opportunity to yield information about ecological interactions on a scale not previously possible. In particular, such databases provide an opportunity to collate information on host–parasite interactions through screening photographs of hosts. Using photographs from iNaturalist we expanded the known hosts for ectoparasitic mites in New Zealand geckos from 9 to 20 host species, including the first report of ectoparasitic mites on geckos from the genus Toropuku. Additionally, spatial and seasonal variation in mite prevalence was investigated, giving deeper insight in the possibilities of analysing crowd‐sourced datasets.
Specialized herbivores have differential distribution in veredas under different drying levels
Authors: de Araújo Walter Santos , Oliveira e Silva Sabrina Celie , Alves Aldenice Barbosa , Freitas Érica Vanessa Durães , Grandez‐Rios Julio Miguel
Published: December 2023

We investigated the distribution patterns of galling insects in veredas with varying degrees of drying in the Brazilian Cerrado. We tested if the insect gall diversity is higher in degraded veredas (dry veredas) compared to preserved (wet veredas) ones, as predicted by the hygrothermal stress hypothesis. Additionally, we also tested whether the composition of galling insects varied along the veredas and if species richness and abundance of galling insects are higher in the upstream zone of the veredas. In total, we recorded 99 species of galling insects, distributed across 54 plant species and 24 botanical families. We found that galling species richness was high in degraded veredas compared to preserved ones, while the abundance of galling insects was higher in preserved veredas than in degraded ones. When examining the different zones along the veredas, we observed variations in the richness and abundance of galling insects in preserved veredas. Specifically, the galling insect richness was higher in the upstream and middle zones compared to the downstream zone, while the abundance of galling insects was higher in the middle zone compared to the upstream zone. However, in the degraded veredas, there were no significant differences in galling species richness and abundance among the zones studied. The composition of galling insect species differed significantly between degraded and preserved veredas, with a higher faunal similarity observed in preserved veredas for both the downstream and upstream zones compared to degraded veredas (upstream zone). Our results indicate a preference of galling insects for more hygrothermally stressed environments, such as dry veredas and upstream zones of wet veredas.
Patterns of breast reconstruction and the influence of a surgical multidisciplinary clinic
Authors: Tian Yuan , Birks Sarah , Kemp Sarah , Lee James C. , Weymouth Michael , Serpell Jonathan , Walker Melanie
Published: December 2023

Background

Of the 40% of breast cancer patients who have a mastectomy as part of their surgical treatment, only approximately 29% have a breast reconstruction. In 2016, Alfred Health established a multidisciplinary surgical clinic with breast and plastic surgeons, aiming to improve interdisciplinary collaboration. This study aimed to assess the provision of breast reconstruction at an Australian tertiary public hospital and examine whether the multidisciplinary surgical clinic have improved our reconstructive service provision.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study of patients who underwent mastectomy at Alfred Health between October 2011 and September 2021 was conducted. Patients were divided into before and after groups, treated during the 5‐year period before and after establishing the multidisciplinary clinic respectively. Demographic data, operative details, histopathology, and treatments were compared.

Results

Over the 10‐year period, 423 mastectomies were performed for 351 patients. Of those, 153 patients underwent breast reconstruction, providing an overall reconstruction rate of 43.6%. There was a statistically significant increase in the breast reconstruction rate from 36.5% before to 53.4% after the creation of the multidisciplinary surgical clinic. Patient factors such as age and tumour receptor status did not differ significantly between the groups.

Conclusion

The establishment of a surgical multidisciplinary clinic has led to a statistically significant increase in the rate of breast reconstruction from 36.5% to 53.4%, leading to improved healthcare provision for our patients. Factors identified to be associated with increased uptake in the reconstruction service include younger age and node negative disease.
Vulvar cancer incidence and net survival in Sweden 1960 to 2019: A population‐based national study
Authors: Moberg Louise , Sundqvist Avalon , Holmberg Erik , Dickman Paul W. , Borgfeldt Christer
Published: December 2023

Introduction

Vulvar cancer is a rare gynecological cancer affecting mostly older women. The aim of this population‐based study was to investigate the incidence and net survival of vulvar cancer in Swedish women from 1960 to 2019.

Material and methods

Data were retrieved from the mandatory Swedish Cancer Registry consisting of all women diagnosed with vulvar cancer between 1960 and 2019. Only women with a morphologically verified diagnosis of vulvar cancer were included. The individuals were then further matched with the Swedish Death Registry up until May 31, 2020.

Results

In total, 8499 women were included with the following morphologies: squamous cell carcinoma 7250 (85.8%), malignant melanoma 539 (6.4%), adenocarcinoma 401 (4.8%) and other: 259 (3.1%). More than 50% of vulvar cancer cases occurred in women aged between 65 and 84 years of age. The 5‐year age‐standardized net survival increased from 53.0% (95% confidence interval [CI] 48.9–57.5) in 1960 to 72.1% (95% CI 68.8–75.5) in 2019. The proportion of adenocarcinoma among all cases increased from 2.0% to 8.7% between the 1960s and 2010s and an increase in age‐standardized 5‐year net survival was found for adenocarcinoma.

Conclusions

The age‐standardized incidence of vulvar cancer cases in Sweden was stable between 1960 and 2019. During the study period, an increase in adenocarcinoma and a decrease in malignant melanoma cases was found. Five‐year net survival increased by 20 percent units during the study period. For squamous cell carcinoma, an increased age‐specific 5‐year net survival was observed for all age groups, apart for women aged ≥85.
Pelvic floor and sexual function 3 years after hysterectomy – A prospective cohort study
Authors: Johannesson Ulrika , Amato Martina , Forsgren Catharina
Published: December 2023

Introduction

Long term effects after hysterectomy, such as a worsening of pelvic floor and sexual function, have been studied with diverse results. Therefore, we investigated the long‐term effects of hysterectomy for benign indication on pelvic floor and sexual function as well as differences in outcome depending on mode of hysterectomy.

Material and methods

In a prospective clinical cohort study, we included 260 women scheduled for hysterectomy who answered validated questionnaires; pelvic floor impact questionnaire (PFIQ‐7), pelvic floor distress inventory (PFDI‐20) and female sexual function index (FSFI). Participants were followed up to 3 years after surgery. Nonparametric statistics and mixed effect models were used in analyses of the data.

Results

After exclusions, 242 women remained in the study, with a response rate at the 3‐year follow‐up of 154/242 (63.6%) for all questionnaires. There was an improvement of pelvic floor function with a mean score of PFIQ‐7 at baseline of 42.5 (SD 51.7) and at 3 years 22.7 (SD 49.4), (p < 0.001) and mean score of PFDI‐20 at baseline was 69.6 (SD 51.1) and at 3 years 56.2 (SD 54.6), (p = 0.001). A deterioration of sexual function was seen among the sexually active women after 3 years with a mean score of FSFI at baseline 25.2 (SD 6.6) and after 3 years 21.6 (SD 10.1), (p < 0.001). However, this was not consistent with the unaltered sexual function for the whole cohort. No difference in pelvic floor or sexual function was detected when comparing robotic assisted laparoscopic hysterectomy, laparoscopic hysterectomy and abdominal hysterectomy.

Conclusions

Three years after surgery robotic assisted laparoscopic hysterectomy, total laparoscopic hysterectomy and abdominal hysterectomy improve pelvic floor function to the same extent. Among the sexually active women, a decline of sexual function was seen after 3 years, not consistent with the entire cohort and independent of surgical methods. Whether this is a trend associated with aging or menopausal transition remains to be studied.
TP53 variant allele frequency and therapy‐related setting independently predict survival in myelodysplastic syndromes with del(5q)
Authors: Tefferi Ayalew , Fleti Farah , Chan Onyee , Al Ali Najla H. , Al‐Kali Aref , Begna Kebede H. , Foran James M. , Badar Talha , Khera Nandita , Shah Mithun , Hiwase Devendra , Padron Eric , Sallman David A. , Pardanani Animesh , Arber Daniel A. , Orazi Attilio , Reichard Kaaren K. , He Rong , Ketterling Rhett P. , Gangat Naseema , Komrokji Rami
Published: December 2023

Among 210 patients with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDSs) with del(5q), molecular information was available at diagnosis or at least 3 months before leukaemic transformation in 146 cases. Multivariate analysis identified therapy‐related setting (p = 0.02; HR 2.3) and TP53 variant allele frequency (VAF) ≥22% (p < 0.01; HR 2.8), but not SF3B1 mutation (p = 0.65), as independent risk factors for survival. Median survival was 11.7 versus 4 years (5/10‐year survival 73%/52% vs. 42%/14%) in the absence (N = 112) versus presence (N = 34) of ≥1 risk factors; leukaemia‐free survival was affected by TP53 VAF ≥22% (p < 0.01). Such information might inform treatment decision‐making in MDS‐del(5q) regarding allogeneic stem cell transplant.
Income generation on care work digital labour platforms
Authors: McDonald Paula , Williams Penny , Mayes Robyn , Khan Maria
Published: December 2023

Recently, a growing number of digital platforms have emerged that intermediate or facilitate connections between care workers and people requiring care. Platforms position themselves as a viable response to the ‘care crisis’, yet have been decried for driving down wages and exposing workers to greater risk and precarity. Unlike more transactional types of intermediated work such as ride‐hailing or food delivery, the income of care workers depends not on pricing algorithms but on how much they work and the potential for individual agency in negotiating pay rates with clients. Drawing on three sources of data from a global digital platform business, this study asks how self‐employed care workers enact agency in relation to income generation. The findings revealed evidence of three types of agentic action: establishing professional worth; assessing costs and maximizing income; and negotiating with clients. Agency was constrained, however, by the platform's architecture and client‐related dynamics. The study provides insights into the nuanced dynamics of individual worker agency in relation to income, in a growing, feminized and largely devalued new market. The findings also demonstrate how platform businesses, despite not managing work or workers directly, play a significant role in the organization and distribution of work.
Space for youth mental health—coercive measure use before and after architectural innovation at a department of child and adolescent psychiatry
Authors: Czernin Klara , Bründlmayer Anselm , Baumgartner Josef S. , Plener Paul L.
Published: December 2023

Background

Influence of architectural features in child and adolescent psychiatric wards on coercive measure use has not been investigated so far. We aimed to assess the effect of altering the physical environment of an adolescent psychiatric inpatient unit on the proportion and frequency of adolescents experiencing mechanical coercive measures.

Method

In a naturalistic observational design, coercive measures were compared before and after an architectural intervention facilitated by rebuilding a child and adolescent psychiatric department in October 2020. Age, gender, length of stay, main psychiatric diagnosis and indices of coercion in n = 782 admissions to inpatient child and adolescent psychiatry from April 2019 to April 2022 were extracted. Group comparisons were performed using chi‐squared tests for categorical and Mann–Whitney U‐tests for numerical variables.

Results

After structural modernization which included amplifying space and with the newly introduced availability of seclusion rooms, significantly fewer patients were affected by mechanical restraint (8.1% vs. 13.7%, p = .013). Rate of seclusion increased to 5.0% (vs. 0%, p < .001). Rate of seclusion and/or restraint decreased from 13.7% to 11.8% (p = .425). The median cumulative duration of all coercive measures per affected case decreased significantly (2.8 vs. 5.4 h, p = .005), as well as its proportion to length of stay (0.8% vs. 2.8%, p = .006).

Conclusions

Modernisation and restructuring of buildings hosting psychiatric departments can contribute to a reduction of coercive measures in child and adolescent psychiatric units.
Progress of SARS‐CoV‐2 Main protease peptide‐like inhibitors
Authors: Liu Xiaoyong , Ren Xiaoli , Hua Miao , Liu Fang , Ren Xiaoping , Sui Chaoya , Li Qing , Luo Fen , Jiang Zhiyong , Xia Ziqiao , Chen Jingxia , Yang Bing
Published: December 2023

The pneumonia outbreak caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) infection poses a serious threat to people worldwide. Although vaccines have been developed, antiviral drugs are still needed to combat SARS‐CoV‐2 infection due to the high mutability of the virus. SARS‐CoV‐2 main protein (Mpro) is a special cysteine protease that is a key enzyme for SARS‐CoV‐2 replication. It is encoded by peptides and is responsible for processing peptides into functional proteins, making it an important drug target. The paper reviews the structure and peptide‐like inhibitors of SARS‐CoV‐2 Mpro, also the binding mode and structure–activity relationship between the inhibitors and Mpro are introduced in detail. It is hoped that this review can provide ideas and help for the development of anti‐coronavirus drugs such as COVID‐19, and help to develop broad‐spectrum antiviral drug for the treatment of coronavirus diseases as soon as possible.
Self‐care and hand function in preschool children with unilateral or bilateral cerebral palsy: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Bonden Hilde , Jahnsen Reidun Birgitta , Klevberg Gunvor Lilleholt
Published: December 2023

Aims

To describe self‐care capabilities among children with cerebral palsy (CP) and explore associations between self‐care and hand function for children with unilateral cerebral palsy (UCP) and children with bilateral cerebral palsy (BCP) separately.

Method

Cross‐sectional data on self‐care capabilities (Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory, PEDI), manual abilities (Manual Ability Classification System, MACS) and hand use during bimanual performance (Assisting Hand Assessment, AHA; Both Hands Assessment, BoHA) were retrieved from the Norwegian Quality and Surveillance Registry for Cerebral Palsy (NorCP). Eighty‐seven children with CP (UCP, n = 61, mean age 4 years 1 month, SD 1 year 3 months, range 56) or BCP (n = 26, mean age 4 years 4 months, SD 1 year, range 41), classified at MACS level I (n = 26), II (n = 40) or III (n = 21), were included.

Results

No significant differences in self‐care capabilities were found between children with UCP and children with BCP. Analysis of variance showed significant differences in self‐care between MACS levels for the whole group. No significant differences in self‐care between MACS levels were observed for children with UCP (p = 0.36), but significant differences were found for those with BCP (p < 0.001). Whereas a small correlation (r = 0.3) between PEDI and AHA scores was found for children with UCP, a large correlation (r = 0.6) was found for those with BCP. Children with BCP with symmetric hand use during bimanual performance (BoHA) had higher PEDI scores than children with asymmetric hand use.

Conclusion

Though children with UCP and children with BCP who were classified at MACS I–III exhibited similar self‐care capabilities, the limited hand use seems to contribute differently between the two groups. The two different measures of hand use exhibit different associations with self‐care capabilities for young children with UCP and BCP, respectively, and illustrate the need to treat UCP and BCP as two distinct groups, each requiring tailored interventions according to their specific needs.
On the Connection Between Language Change and Language Processing
Authors: Hendrix Peter , Sun Ching Chu , Brighton Henry , Bender Andreas
Published: December 2023

Previous studies provided evidence for a connection between language processing and language change. We add to these studies with an exploration of the influence of lexical‐distributional properties of words in orthographic space, semantic space, and the mapping between orthographic and semantic space on the probability of lexical extinction. Through a binomial linear regression analysis, we investigated the probability of lexical extinction by the first decade of the twenty‐first century (2000s) for words that existed in the first decade of the nineteenth‐century (1800s) in eight data sets for five languages: English, French, German, Italian, and Spanish. The binomial linear regression analysis revealed that words that are more similar in form to other words are less likely to disappear from a language. By contrast, words that are more similar in meaning to other words are more likely to become extinct. In addition, a more consistent mapping between form and meaning protects a word from lexical extinction. A nonlinear time‐to‐event analysis furthermore revealed that the position of a word in orthographic and semantic space continues to influence the probability of it disappearing from a language for at least 200 years. Effects of the lexical‐distributional properties of words under investigation here have been reported in the language processing literature as well. The results reported here, therefore, fit well with a usage‐based approach to language change, which holds that language change is at least to some extent connected to cognitive mechanisms in the human brain.
Maribavir: Mechanism of action, clinical, and translational science
Authors: Sun Kefeng , Fournier Martha , Sundberg Aimee K. , Song Ivy H.
Published: December 2023

Maribavir is an oral benzimidazole riboside for treatment of post‐transplant cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection/disease that is refractory to prior antiviral treatment (with or without resistance). Through competitive inhibition of adenosine triphosphate, maribavir prevents the phosphorylation actions of UL97 to inhibit CMV DNA replication, encapsidation, and nuclear egress. Maribavir is active against CMV strains with viral DNA polymerase mutations that confer resistance to other CMV antivirals. After oral administration, maribavir is rapidly and highly absorbed (fraction absorbed >90%). The approved dose of 400 mg twice daily (b.i.d.) achieves a steady‐state area under the curve per dosing interval of 128 h*μg/mL and trough concentration of 4.90 μg/mL (13.0 μM). Maribavir is highly bound to human plasma proteins (98%) with a small apparent volume of distribution of 27.3 L. Maribavir is primarily cleared by hepatic CYP3A4 metabolism; its major metabolite, VP44669 (pharmacologically inactive), is excreted in the urine and feces. There is no clinically relevant impact on maribavir pharmacokinetics by age, sex, race/ethnicity, body weight, transplant type, or hepatic/renal impairment status. In phase II dose‐ranging studies, maribavir showed similar rates of CMV viral clearance across 400, 800, or 1200 mg b.i.d. groups, ranging from 62.5–70% in study 202 (NCT01611974) and 74–83% in study 203 (EudraCT 2010–024247‐32). In the phase III SOLSTICE trial (NCT02931539), maribavir 400 mg b.i.d. demonstrated superior CMV viremia clearance at week 8 versus investigator‐assigned treatments, with lower treatment discontinuation rates. Dysgeusia, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea were commonly experienced adverse events among patients treated with maribavir in clinical trials.
Multiple Minute Digitate Hyperkeratosis: 10 Jahre nach Caccettas Algorithmus. Fallbericht und narrative Übersicht
Authors: Prados‐Carmona Alvaro , Prados‐Carmona Juan José , Ruiz‐Villaverde Ricardo , Navarro‐Triviño Francisco José
Published: December 2023

Das klinische Erscheinungsbild und die histologischen Merkmale der Multiple Minute Digitate Hyperkeratosis sind bereits gut charakterisiert. Es besteht jedoch kein Konsens über die Behandlung dieser Erkrankung. Nach einer umfassenden Recherche in den Datenbanken MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science und der Cochrane Library and Database of Systematic Reviews haben wir die vorliegenden klinischen Daten zu den therapeutischen Ansätzen zusammengefasst, die für diese Entität seit ihrer Erstbeschreibung im Jahr 1967 publiziert wurden. Zusätzliche Veröffentlichungen wurden in den Referenzen der gefundenen Artikel identifiziert. Fünfundsechzig Artikel wurden durchgesehen, sodass sich insgesamt 73 kompatible Fälle ergaben. Die histopathologischen Merkmale und die verschiedenen Klassifizierungen, die im Laufe der Zeit verwendet wurden, wurden ebenfalls berücksichtigt. Letztendlich schlagen wir die topische Behandlung mit 5% 5‐Fluorouracil in Kombination mit 10% Salicylsäure als eine mögliche Behandlung vor, die bei einer 51‐jährigen Frau in unserer Einrichtung erfolgreich angewendet wurde. Weitere Forschung in Form von prospektiven oder vergleichenden Studien werden empfohlen, um ein besseres Konzept für die Therapie dieser Krankheit zu entwickeln.
Lingua geographica: Welche Krankheit ist das?
Authors: Horiuchi Yasuhiro
Published: December 2023

Die Lingua geographica oder benigne migratorische Glossitis ist eine besondere und eigentümliche Zungenerkrankung, die zu einem landkartenartigen Aussehen mit Atrophie der filiformen Papillen an verschiedenen Stellen der Zunge führt. Die Form der Läsionen ändert sich mit der Zeit. Die genaue Ätiologie ist nach wie vor unbekannt, allerdings wird ein Zusammenhang mit der lingualen Mikrobiota des Patienten vermutet. Auch auf eine Assoziation zwischen Lingua geographica und Psoriasis wird seit langem hingewiesen, und es bestehen histologische Ähnlichkeiten zwischen beiden. Neuere Erkenntnisse deuten zunehmend auf eine Beteiligung bestimmter oraler Bakterien hin. Im Folgenden werden diese Befunde anhand eines Überblicks über die aktuelle Literatur diskutiert.
HLA binding‐groove motifs are associated with myocarditis induction after Pfizer‐BioNTech BNT162b2 vaccination
Authors: Aharon Aviran , Benedek Gil , Barhoum Barhoum , Parnasa Elchanan , Magadle Nur , Perzon Ofer , Mevorach Dror
Published: December 2023

Background and Aims

We found a higher incidence of myocarditis in young males who had received at least two Pfizer‐BioNTech BNT162b2 vaccinations. The human leukocyte antigens (HLA) are known to play an important role in infectious and autoinflammatory diseases. We hypothesized that certain HLA alleles might be associated with vaccination‐induced myocarditis.

Methods

HLA typing was performed using next‐generation sequencing technology with the Illumina Iseq100 platform. HLA class I and II loci were genotyped in 29 patients with post‐vaccination myocarditis and compared with HLA data from 300 healthy controls.

Results

We demonstrate that the DRB1*14:01, DRB1*15:03 alleles and the motifs in HLA‐A − Leu62 and Gln63, which are part of binding pocket B and HLA‐DR Tyr47, His60, Arg70 and Glu74, which are part of binding pockets P4, P7 and P9, were significantly associated with disease susceptibility.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that immunogenetic fingerprints in HLA peptide‐binding grooves may affect the presentation of peptides derived from the Pfizer‐BioNTech BNT162b2 vaccination to T cells and induce an inflammatory process that results in myocarditis.
Serum bile acids associate with liver volume in polycystic liver disease and decrease upon treatment with lanreotide
Authors: Dekker Shosha E. I. , Bierau Jörgen , Giera Martin , Blomberg Niek , Drenth Joost P. H. , Mayboroda Oleg A. , de Fijter Johan W. , Soonawala Darius ,   DIPAK Consortium
Published: December 2023

Background

Polycystic liver disease (PLD) is a common extrarenal manifestation of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD). Bile acids may play a role in PLD pathogenesis. We performed a post‐hoc exploratory analysis of bile acids in ADPKD patients, who had participated in a trial on the effect of a somatostatin analogue. Our hypothesis was that serum bile acid levels increase in PLD, and that lanreotide, which reduces liver growth, may also reduce bile acid levels. Furthermore, in PLD, urinary excretion of bile acids might contribute to renal disease.

Methods

With liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry, 11 bile acids in serum and 6 in urine were quantified in 105 PLD ADPKD patients and 52 age‐, sex‐, mutation‐ and eGFR‐matched non‐PLD ADPKD patients. Sampling was done at baseline and after 120 weeks of either lanreotide or standard care.

Results

Baseline serum levels of taurine‐ and glycine‐conjugated bile acids were higher in patients with larger livers. In PLD patients, multiple bile acids decreased upon treatment with lanreotide but remained stable in untreated subjects. Changes over time did not correlate with changes in liver volume. Urine bile acid levels did not change and did not correlate with renal disease progression.

Conclusion

In ADPKD patients with PLD, baseline serum bile acids were associated with liver volume. Lanreotide reduced bile acid levels and has previously been shown to reduce liver volume. However, in this study, the decrease in bile acids was not associated with the change in liver volume.