bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Examining the role of bullying victimization in predicting psychopathology among in-school Nigerian adolescents
Authors: Awhangansi Sewanu , Salisu Titilayo , Awhangansi Oluwayemisi , Dadematthews Adefunke , Abumere Eghonghon , Siddiq Benazir , Phillips Eden , Mogan Meera , Olushola Ayoyimika , Archibong Atim , Okewole Adeniran , Adeosun Increase , Sowunmi Oladipo , Amosu Sunday , Lewis Michael , Archard Philip John , Owoeye Olugbenga , O'Reilly Michelle
Published: September 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the role of bullying victimization in predicting psychopathology, encompassing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), risk of developing prodromal psychosis and emotional and behavioural problems, among in-school Nigerian adolescents.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 351 junior secondary students (n = 173 males, 178 females; age range: 9–17 years) were recruited from five randomly selected public secondary schools in Nigeria. Students completed a variety of self-report measures, including a socio-demographic questionnaire, the prodromal questionnaire – brief version, the strengths and difficulties questionnaire (SDQ) and the multidimensional peer victimization scale. They were also interviewed using the PTSD module of the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview-Kid Version.

Findings

Although bullying victimization was not found to predict the presence of PTSD, it predicted the risk of developing prodromal psychosis. All SDQ subscales also held significant positive associations with bullying victimization. This indicates that higher levels of victimization are associated with increased behavioural and emotional difficulties among adolescents.

Practical implications

The study findings add support to whole system approaches involving relevant stakeholders in health, education, social and criminal justice sectors via protective policies to address the problems of bullying in schools.

Originality/value

The study contributes to evidence demonstrating a need for improved understanding regarding the role of exposure to bullying victimization in predicting various forms of psychopathology. Furthermore, there is specifically a need for research with this focus in developing countries in sub-Saharan Africa and the Nigerian education system.
Cost-utility evaluation of a health and social care integration programme for frail older adults in Argentina
Authors: Perman Gaston , Prevettoni Mariana , Guenzelovich Tami , Schapira Marcelo , Saimovici Javier , González María Victoria , Ramos Roxana , Garfi Leonardo , Hornstein Lucila , Gallo Acosta Cristian , Cunha Ferré María Florencia , Scozzafava Silvana , Vassallo Sella Carlos
Published: September 2024

Purpose

Our objective was to evaluate the cost-utility of a health and social care integration programme for frail older adults in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on a study of the programme’s effectiveness, a Markov model was conducted to assess its cost-utility. The active intervention was the health and social care integration programme, and the control was the best standard of care so far. The setting was the patients' home of residence. A third-party payer perspective and a lifelong time horizon were adopted. All transition probabilities, quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) and costs were estimated from the effectiveness study. A discount rate of 3.5% was applied to costs and benefits. Costs are expressed in international dollars (Int$), calculated according to the International Monetary Fund’s purchasing power parity rate. Different sensitivity analyses were performed. The model was built in Excel 365. Construct validity, verification during model construction and internal consistency of the results were assessed.

Findings

The programme had an average cost of Int$18,768.22/QALY, and the control Int$42,609.68/QALY. In the incremental analysis, the programme saved Int$26,436.10 and gained 0.81 QALYs over the control. In the sensitivity analyses, in 99.96% of cases, the programme was less costly and more effective.

Practical implications

The cost savings can facilitate the scalability.

Originality/value

The health and social care integration programme for frail older adults was more effective and less costly than the best standard of care to date. This study contributes to the scarce evidence on the efficiency of integrated care strategies for frail older persons.
Cognitive as opposed to affective country image: the moderating effect of cognition-affect intra-valence nature
Authors: Ma Lin , Bian Xuemei , Song Zening
Published: September 2024

Purpose

Taking the lens of a cue diagnosticity framework and affective primacy theory, this study aims to examine the relative effects of cognitive and affective country image on consumer cognitive judgement, affective evaluation and behavioural tendency in one integrated model. It also explores how the direct effects may vary with the intra-valence nature (ambivalent vs. univalent) of cognition-affect.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed research model was tested using data from a large Chinese sample and consumer responses to products from four countries − the USA, Japan, Brazil and India.

Findings

The results show that the relative effects of cognitive and affective country image are complex and differ by the intra-valence nature of cognition-affect. On a general level, cognitive and affective country image exert equal influence on affective evaluation and behavioural tendency. In contrast, cognitive country image demonstrates a more prominent effect than affective country image on cognitive judgement. Compared with univalent, ambivalent cognition-affect strengthens the positive impact of affective country image but does not significantly alter the positive impact of cognitive country image on consumer reactions.

Originality/value

This research contributes to the ongoing debate regarding implications of two focal aspects of macro country image by revealing their relative importance in an integrated framework and enriches country-of-origin research through unveiling the uni/ambivalent cognition-affect as a moderator of the relationship between cognitive/affective country image and consumer reactions. The research findings provide implications as to whether and when marketing strategies should focus on leveraging positive (negative) cognitive or affective country image.
Local power, global reach: the rise and impact of domestic payment networks in the financial landscape
Authors: Aysan Ahmet Faruk , Ozturk Ozcan , Selim Noha Hesham
Published: September 2024

Purpose

There is an increasing shift toward cashless societies worldwide, with electronic payment networks at the forefront of facilitating this transition. The purpose of this research is to explore the critical role of domestic payment networks and to propose recommendations for the effective implementation of such networks.

Design/methodology/approach

This research paper uses a multiple-case study design, informed by global best practices in domestic payment systems. Using thematic and content analysis methodologies, this research rigorously analyzes secondary data sources to investigate the strategic importance of domestic payment networks to national economies and the motivations driving their developments.

Findings

This paper illuminates the role of domestic payment networks in advancing cost-effective transactions, enhancing financial inclusion and safeguarding national sovereignty. It highlights the growing trend among nations to prioritize the development of their own payment systems. The research further explores the strategic initiatives undertaken by governments to prefer domestic over multinational networks, thereby maintaining control over their financial systems and safeguarding economic interests. Additionally, the study addresses the challenges these networks face, providing a thorough analysis that serves as insight for policymakers and financial institutions aiming to develop and improve their domestic payment infrastructures amidst current and future challenges.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the existing literature on domestic payment networks by studying their significance within the global financial ecosystem, particularly highlighting their role in advancing financial inclusion and ensuring national financial sovereignty. This research paper uses competition state theory as a foundation for its arguments and provides policy and practical recommendations for policymakers and financial institutions. Through this synthesis, the research aims to facilitate the enhancement and strategic development of domestic payment infrastructures globally.
The effect of startup marketing agility on new product creativity and new product performance: the moderating effect of technological turbulence
Authors: Jun Woo-Suk , Yi Ho-Taek , Amenuvor Fortune Edem
Published: September 2024

Purpose

This study aims to examine the effect of marketing agility of startup companies on their new product creativity and new product performance while examining the moderating role of technological turbulence.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 319 South Korean startups and empirically analyzed using structural equations modeling technique.

Findings

First, marketing agility is a potent catalyst that positively influences the novelty and meaningfulness of new products, thereby enhancing new product creativity. Second, marketing agility contributes significantly to new product performance across multiple dimensions, including market, financial, and customer performances. Third, this study underscores the pivotal role of new product creativity, with both novelty and meaningfulness proving to be key drivers of improved new product performance. Technological turbulence is revealed as a moderating force, amplifying the positive relationship between new product novelty and performance. However, while it substantiates some moderating effects, the study does not find significant support for the role of technological turbulence in moderating the relationships among new product meaningfulness, marketing agility, and new product performance.

Originality/value

To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to analyze the effect of startups’ marketing agility on new product creativity and performance considering the moderating effect of technological turbulence, especially in the South Korean context. This study offers practical insights emphasizing the indispensability of marketing agility for startups operating in rapidly evolving markets. Additionally, it advocates a strategic emphasis on novelty in high-tech turbulence scenarios to bolster new product performance.
Politicizing and economizing – domestic water charges in Ireland – from a free public service, to pay-by-volume, and back again
Authors: Quinn Martin , Feeney Orla
Published: September 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to explore why a country with significant under-investment in water infrastructure has not successfully imposed domestic water charges. Drawing on an economization lens, it examines how an economy emerged in the imposition of water charges but was subsequently hidden due to their politically motivated suspension.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on documentary evidence, a theoretically informed examination of the “economization” process is set out. This examination recognizes the central role sustainability plays in water management but illustrates how sustainability must be integrated with environmental, social, economic, cultural and political factors.

Findings

The findings set out the challenges experienced by a state-owned water company as they attempt to manage domestic water charges. The paper reveals that while the suspension of water charges has hidden the “economy” within government subvention, the economic and sustainable imperative to invest in and pay for water remains, but is enveloped within a political “hot potato” bringing about a quasi-political/quasi-economic landscape.

Practical implications

The findings demonstrate how the effective and sustainable management of domestic water supply requires collaboration between multiple participants, including the government, the European Union, private citizens and the water protest movement.

Social implications

While highlighting the challenges faced by a country that has seriously under-invested in its water resources, the paper reflects the societal consequences of charging individuals for water, raising important questions about what water actually is – a right, a product or a political object.

Originality/value

Showing how an economy around domestic water supply in Ireland was revealed, but subsequently hidden in “the political”, the paper illustrates how sustainability is as much about economics and politics as it is about ecological balance and natural resources.
Greenwashing effects inside organizations: How does it affect organizational citizenship behaviours for the environment (OCBEs)?
Authors: Santos Célia , Coelho Arnaldo , Marques Alzira
Published: September 2024

Purpose

Based on social and moral identification theories, this investigation aims to analyse how corporate greenwashing impacts employees' organizational citizenship behaviours for the environment (OCBEs), both directly and through job satisfaction and affective commitment.

Design/methodology/approach

Data collected from a questionnaire administered to 398 Portuguese employees who recognized greenwashing practices in their employer firms was analysed using structural equation modelling techniques through AMOS.

Findings

The results show that greenwashing has destructive effects on job satisfaction, affective commitment and OCBEs. This means that in the presence of greenwashing, the work environment is impacted to such an extent that employees are less eager to give their best: their voluntary actions aimed at environmental improvement fade. Thus, greenwashing adversely affects OCBEs, both directly and through job satisfaction and affective commitment.

Originality/value

This study advances the human resources management literature by providing an improved insight into the harmful consequences of greenwashing on employees' emotions and, consequently, their voluntary engagement in environmental extra-role activities that are not directly related to their contractual duties.
Marriage in displacement: Gendered (self)resettlement strategies of Syrian women in Egypt
Authors: Taha Dina M.
Published: September 2024

Drawing on fieldwork data among Syrian refugee women marrying Egyptian men amid forced migration, I explore how displacement reshapes the meaning and purpose of marriage. Many such unions, often customary or polygamous, provoke comparisons to forced marriage and gender‐based violence. Bypassing the reductive exploitation and static narratives, I ask: How does displacement alter refugee women's perceptions of marriage's purpose? And can marriage serve as a strategic tool for (self)resettlement? This investigation urges us to reevaluate the existing range of resettlement options and criteria, offering fresh perspectives on marital strategies post‐displacement. Rather, similar marriages often stem from both affective and practical considerations, challenging colonial dichotomies (e.g., agent/victim) and reinstating the role of factors such as social capital in the trajectories of the uprooted. This study expands understanding of gendered and Othered refugee experiences, highlighting marriage's transformative role in forced displacement and resettlement. It contributes to ongoing discussions on marriage, displacement, and resettlement, urging a nuanced approach that acknowledges the complexities of refugee agency and adaptation.
Comparison of GPR signals over simulated clandestine graves with domestic pigs (Sus Scrofa domesticus) and human remains
Authors: Armstrong Aidan , Doro Kennedy O. , Cristino Katrina , Ribéreau‐Gayon Agathe , Forbes Shari L. , Wadsworth William T. D. , Bank Carl‐Georg
Published: September 2024

Studies assessing the use of ground‐penetrating radar (GPR) for locating unmarked human graves commonly use pigs as proxies, with recent concerns about the adequacy of pigs as substitutes for humans. Also, there is little agreement on how to identify and describe GPR signals associated with graves. Hence, this project's aim is to compare GPR signals acquired over simulated clandestine graves with pig and human remains. We established human, pig, and control graves at the REST[ES] human decomposition facility in May 2022 and monitored the graves over 17 months using a 250 MHz antenna GPR system. Our results showed the presence of perturbed and V‐shaped reflectors, diffraction hyperbolas, and reflectors with amplitude loss at depth between 0.6 and 0.75 m in the radargram for graves with human and pig remains. We corroborate recent studies which concluded that the use of proxies is a viable alternative to human cadavers. The observed radar signatures were classified into five key patterns, which are characteristic of similar data collected with 250 MHz above graves reported in the literature. These classes are: V‐shaped dipping reflections from grave walls (class A), small hyperbolic reflections superimposed onto a near‐linear reflector (class B), hyperbolic reflections from remains within the grave (class C), new high‐amplitude reflection patterns (class D) and significant loss or interruption of reflections (class E). Our proposed classification can help streamline future investigations where the goal is to interpret burials within large GPR datasets and provide language to communicate these results to the broader scientific community.
Concepts and criteria defining emerging microbiome applications
Authors: Kostic Tanja , Schloter Michael , Arruda Paulo , Berg Gabriele , Charles Trevor C. , Cotter Paul D. , Kiran George Seghal , Lange Lene , Maguin Emmanuelle , Meisner Annelein , van Overbeek Leo , Sanz Yolanda , Sarand Inga , Selvin Joseph , Tsakalidou Effie , Smidt Hauke , Wagner Martin , Sessitsch Angela
Published: September 2024

In recent years, microbiomes and their potential applications for human, animal or plant health, food production and environmental management came into the spotlight of major national and international policies and strategies. This has been accompanied by substantial R&D investments in both public and private sectors, with an increasing number of products entering the market. Despite widespread agreement on the potential of microbiomes and their uses across disciplines, stakeholders and countries, there is no consensus on what defines a microbiome application. This often results in non‐comprehensive communication or insufficient documentation making commercialisation and acceptance of the novel products challenging. To showcase the complexity of this issue we discuss two selected, well‐established applications and propose criteria defining a microbiome application and their conditions of use for clear communication, facilitating suitable regulatory frameworks and building trust among stakeholders.
Feedstock variability impacts the bioconversion of sugar and lignin streams derived from corn stover by Clostridium tyrobutyricum and engineered Pseudomonas putida
Authors: Ruhl Ilona A. , Nelson Robert S. , Katahira Rui , Kruger Jacob S. , Chen Xiaowen , Haugen Stefan J. , Ingraham Morgan A. , Woodworth Sean P. , Alt Hannah , Ramirez Kelsey J. , Peterson Darren J. , Ding Ling , Laible Philip D. , Linger Jeffrey G. , Salvachúa Davinia
Published: September 2024

Feedstock variability represents a challenge in lignocellulosic biorefineries, as it can influence both lignocellulose deconstruction and microbial conversion processes for biofuels and biochemicals production. The impact of feedstock variability on microbial performance remains underexplored, and predictive tools for microbial behaviour are needed to mitigate risks in biorefinery scale‐up. Here, twelve batches of corn stover were deconstructed via deacetylation, mechanical refining, and enzymatic hydrolysis to generate lignin‐rich and sugar streams. These batches and their derived streams were characterised to identify their chemical components, and the streams were used as substrates for producing muconate and butyrate by engineered Pseudomonas putida and wildtype Clostridium tyrobutyricum, respectively. Bacterial performance (growth, product titers, yields, and productivities) differed among the batches, but no strong correlations were identified between feedstock composition and performance. To provide metabolic insights into the origin of these differences, we evaluated the effect of twenty‐three isolated chemical components on these microbes, including three components in relevant bioprocess settings in bioreactors, and we found that growth‐inhibitory concentrations were outside the ranges observed in the streams. Overall, this study generates a foundational dataset on P. putida and C. tyrobutyricum performance to enable future predictive models and underscores their resilience in effectively converting fluctuating lignocellulose‐derived streams into bioproducts.
Rejuvenation of the reconstitution potential and reversal of myeloid bias of aged HSCs upon pH treatment
Authors: Kumar Sachin , Vassallo Jeffrey D. , Nattamai Kalpana J. , Hassan Aishlin , Vollmer Angelika , Karns Rebekah , Sacma Mehmet , Nemkov Travis , D'Alessandro Angelo , Geiger Hartmut
Published: September 2024

Aged hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) show reduced reconstitution potential, limiting their use in transplantation settings in the clinic. We demonstrate here that exposure of aged HSCs ex vivo to a pH of 6.9 instead of the commonly used pH of 7.4 results in enhanced HSCs potential that is consistent with rejuvenation, including attenuation of the myeloid bias of aged HSC and restoration of a youthful frequency of epigenetic polarity. Rejuvenation of aged HSCs by pH 6.9 is, at least in part, due to alterations in the polyamine/methionine pathway within pH 6.9 HSCs, and consequently, attenuation of the production of spermidine also attenuated aging of HSCs. Exposure of aged HSCs to pH 6.9, or pharmacological targeting of the polyamine pathway, might thus extend the use of HSCs from aged donors for therapeutic applications.
Evaluating the impact of the fourth round of China's poverty alleviation program
Authors: Huang Kaixing , You Yaxuan
Published: September 2024

This study evaluates the impact of China's fourth round of the poverty alleviation program, which targeted 14 contiguous destitute areas containing 680 counties and a population of 240 million. From 2012 to 2019, China allocated a total of 813.6 billion yuan (US$126.1 billion), primarily to economic development programs within these 14 areas. Using county‐level data from 2006 to 2019, our difference‐in‐differences and difference‐in‐discontinuities estimates suggest that the program increased GDP per capita in the 14 areas by over 45% from 2012 to 2019, with substantial gains observed in both the agricultural and nonagricultural sectors. Our preferred estimates suggest that the rate of return to the program ranged from 155.8% to 165.8%. Using data from over 14,500 rural households from 2006 to 2015, we find that the program significantly elevated rural income and reduced rural poverty. Although the income growth of extremely poor households was driven more by agricultural income growth, the income growth of relatively poor households primarily resulted from nonagricultural sources.
Preserving the human voice: A plea for regulating ChatGPT use in Correspondence and Opinion writing
Authors: Matsubara Shigeki
Published: September 2024

Correspondence and Opinion provide a ‘human voice,’ serving as the captivating elements that grab readers' attention and stimulate contemplation. The extent of ChatGPT's involvement in writing raises controversy. We tested ChatGPT's capability to generate readable Correspondence or Opinion, producing an English Opinion from a Japanese abstract. We also tasked ChatGPT with creating Correspondence and Reply for an English→German translated Opinion. Opinion, Correspondence, and Reply output here were found to be readable and reasonable. While preliminary, these results suggest that ChatGPT can generate such articles, prompting serious concern about AI taking over the ‘human voice.’ Some regulatory measures may be needed.
Effect of sperm DNA fragmentation on the cumulative live birth rate in patients undergoing in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection treatment
Authors: Qu Zaiqing , Zhao Di , Wang Longda , Yang Shiyu , Zhao Shuhua
Published: September 2024

Background

Sperm DNA fragmentation testing is a valuable tool for predicting male infertility independent of routine semen analysis. However, it remains unclear whether sperm DNA fragmentation affects in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection outcomes, especially their live birth rates. This study aimed to investigate the effects of sperm DNA fragmentation on the cumulative live birth rates over 1 year of in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection treatment.

Methods

This retrospective study included 5050 couples who had undergone in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection treatment from 2016 to 2022. These patients were divided into four groups according to their sperm DNA fragmentation percentages (group 1: sperm DNA fragmentation ≤10%, group 2: > 10% to ≤20%, group3: > 20% to ≤30%, and group 4: > 30%) determined using the sperm chromatin dispersion assay. Both conservative and optimistic methods were used for estimating cumulative live birth rates, the primary outcome, was defined as an ongoing pregnancy leading to live birth that had arisen from all embryo transfers performed within 1 year following the first ovum pick‐up.

Results

The conservative and optimistic cumulative live birth rates showed no significant differences between sperm DNA fragmentation groups when total patients or in vitro fertilization patients were analyzed while adjusting for the confounders. However, compared with those in the group with low sperm DNA fragmentation values (≤10%), the conservative cumulative live birth rate was significantly decreased in intracytoplasmic sperm injection patients in the group with sperm DNA fragmentation > 30%, and the optimistic cumulative live birth rates were significantly decreased in intracytoplasmic sperm injection patients in the three groups with high sperm DNA fragmentation values (> 10% to ≤20%, > 20% to ≤30%, > 30%). These results were further confirmed by the analyses of smooth curves generated by generalized additive models. In intracytoplasmic sperm injection patients, the cumulative live birth rates decreased significantly as the sperm DNA fragmentation increased (p = 0.034), and these effects were stronger with the increase in female age. A similar pattern of correlation between sperm DNA fragmentation and cumulative live birth rate was found in in vitro fertilization patients, but the correlation was not significant (p = 0.232).

Discussion and conclusion

Sperm DNA fragmentation has a significant effect on the cumulative probability of achieving a live birth during 1 year of treatment involving intracytoplasmic sperm injection.
Renal resistive index in patients supported with a durable continuous flow left ventricular assist device
Authors: Barua S. , Robson D. , Eckford H. , Macdonald P. , Muthiah K. , Hayward C. S.
Published: September 2024

Background

The impact of continuous flow resulting from contemporary left ventricular assist devices (LVAD) on renal vascular physiology is unknown. Renal resistive index (RRI) reflects arterial compliance, as well as renal vascular resistance, contributed by afferent and efferent arteriolar tone, the renal interstitium as well as renal venous pressures.

Methods

Prospective, single center study with renal Doppler evaluation at baseline (pre‐implant) and at 3‐months support. Outcomes assessed include need for post‐operative renal replacement therapy (RRT), worsening renal function (WRF) defined as persistent increase from pre‐implant KDIGO chronic kidney disease stage, right ventricular (RV) failure, and survival to transplantation.

Results

Pre‐implant RRI did not predict cardiorenal outcomes including right heart failure, need for renal replacement therapy or worsening renal function. Post‐implant RRI was significantly lower than pre‐implant RRI, with a distinct Doppler waveform characteristic of continuous flow. Post‐implant renal end‐diastolic velocity, but not RRI, correlated strongly with LVAD flow (Spearman rho −0.99, p < 0.001), with trend toward correlation with mean arterial pressure (Spearman's rho 0.63, p = 0.129). There was a negative correlation between post‐implant RRI and mean pulmonary artery pressure (Spearman's rho −0.81, p = 0.049), likely driven by elevated pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (Spearman's rho −0.83, p = 0.058).

Conclusion

The hemodynamic contributors to RRI in LVAD supported patients are complex. Higher mean pulmonary artery and pulmonary capillary wedge pressures seen in lower RRI may reflect a smaller difference in systolic and diastolic flow. Future simultaneous Doppler assessment of the LVAD outflow graft and RRI may help understand the hemodynamic interactions contributing to this index.
Children hospitalised with gastroenteritis before and during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Saidian Hamida , Daugberg Rie , Jensen Lise Heilmann , Schoos Ann‐Marie Malby , Rytter Maren Johanne Heilskov
Published: September 2024

Aims

The COVID‐19 pandemic altered the pattern of many paediatric infections. We aimed to assess the incidence and characteristics of children hospitalised with gastroenteritis during the early and the late pandemic, relative to previous years.

Methods

In a retrospective study, we collected data from patient files of children aged 1 month to 5 years, admitted with gastroenteritis to a paediatric department in Denmark during January–June, of 2017 to 2021, comparing incidence rates and clinical features in the early pandemic (March to June 2020), and late pandemic period (January to June 2021), to similar pre‐pandemic months.

Results

In the early pandemic, admission rates per 1000 children/month declined to 0.5 (95% CI: 0.3–0.6) from pre‐pandemic rates of 1.6 (95% CI: 1.4–1.7) (p < 0.0001) and increased in the late pandemic to 2.2 (95% CI: 1.9–2.6) (p = 0.006). Children admitted in the late pandemic period were older than those admitted previously.

Conclusion

A resurgence of gastroenteritis in children occurred in the spring of 2021, with higher hospital admission rates of children, who were older, but not more severely ill than previously.
Bridging the knowledge gap: past, present and future of antibiotic use for ureteral stents
Authors: Cornette Jasper , Lange Dirk , Chew Ben H. , Tailly Thomas
Published: September 2024

Objective

To evaluate the available literature on ureteric stent‐related infections, the use of antibiotics and bacterial colonisation to identify the current incidence of stent‐related infections, unveil knowledge gaps and generate potential hypotheses for future research.

Methods

A literature review was conducted using PubMed, Cochrane and urological association websites identifying relevant English literature published between 1983 and January 2024.

Results

There is a worldwide lack of guidelines for antibiotic prophylaxis for stent placement, exchange or extraction. In patients with a negative preoperative urine culture undergoing ureteroscopy and stent placement, it may be considered to only provide prophylaxis in presence of risk factors. However, in pre‐stented patients a preoperative urine culture is important to guide prophylaxis during endourological surgery. During stent indwell time, antibiotic prophylaxis does not show any advantage in preventing urinary tract infections (UTIs). There is no strong evidence to support the use of antibiotics at time of stent removal. In the absence of any clear evidence, management strategies for treating UTIs in patients with ureteric stents vary widely. Stent exchange could be considered to remove the biofilm as a potential source of bacteria. Stent culture can help to guide treatment during infection as urine culture and stent culture can differ.

Conclusion

In terms of good antibiotic stewardship, urologists should be aware that unnecessary use of antibiotics provokes bacterial resistance. There is a great need for further research in the field of antibiotic prophylaxis and stent‐related infections to develop evidence that can help shape clear guidelines for this very common urological practice.
Origin and evolution of microvilli
Authors: Ansel Mylan , Ramachandran Kaustubh , Dey Gautam , Brunet Thibaut
Published: September 2024

Background Information

Microvilli are finger‐like, straight, and stable cellular protrusions that are filled with F‐actin and present a stereotypical length. They are present in a broad range of cell types across the animal tree of life and mediate several fundamental functions, including nutrient absorption, photosensation, and mechanosensation. Therefore, understanding the origin and evolution of microvilli is key to reconstructing the evolution of animal cellular form and function. Here, we review the current state of knowledge on microvilli evolution and perform a bioinformatic survey of the conservation of genes encoding microvillar proteins in animals and their unicellular relatives.

Results

We first present a detailed description of mammalian microvilli based on two well‐studied examples, the brush border microvilli of enterocytes and the stereocilia of hair cells. We also survey the broader diversity of microvilli and discuss similarities and differences between microvilli and filopodia. Based on our bioinformatic survey coupled with carefully reconstructed molecular phylogenies, we reconstitute the order of evolutionary appearance of microvillar proteins. We document the stepwise evolutionary assembly of the “molecular microvillar toolkit” with notable bursts of innovation at two key nodes: the last common filozoan ancestor (correlated with the evolution of microvilli distinct from filopodia) and the last common choanozoan ancestor (correlated with the emergence of inter‐microvillar adhesions).

Conclusion and Significance

We conclude with a scenario for the evolution of microvilli from filopodia‐like ancestral structures in unicellular precursors of animals.
Single‐cell transcriptomic analysis of the senescent microenvironment in bone metastasis
Authors: Wang Shenglin , Ao Lu , Lin Huangfeng , Wei Hongxiang , Wu Zhaoyang , Lu Shuting , Liang Fude , Shen Rongkai , Zhang Huarong , Miao Tongjie , Shen Xiaopei , Lin Jianhua , Zhong Guangxian
Published: September 2024

Bone metastasis (BM) is a mortality‐related event of late‐stage cancer, with non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) being a common origin for BM. However, the detailed molecular profiling of the metastatic bone ecosystem is not fully understood, hindering the development of effective therapies for advanced patients. In this study, we examined the cellular heterogeneity between primary tumours and BM from tissues and peripheral blood by single‐cell transcriptomic analysis, which was verified using multiplex immunofluorescence staining and public datasets. Our results demonstrate a senescent microenvironment in BM tissues of NSCLC. BM has a significantly higher infiltration of malignant cells with senescent characteristics relative to primary tumours, accompanied by aggravated metastatic properties. The endothelial‐mesenchymal transition involved with SOX18 activation is related to the cellular senescence of vascular endothelial cells from BM. CD4Tstr cells, with pronounced stress and senescence states, are preferentially infiltrated in BM, indicating stress‐related dysfunction contributing to the immunocompromised environment during tumour metastasis to bone. Moreover, we identify the SPP1 pathway‐induced cellular crosstalk among T cells, vascular ECs and malignant cells in BM, which activates SOX18 and deteriorates patient survival. Our findings highlight the roles of cellular senescence in modulating the microenvironment of BM and implicate anti‐senescence therapy for advanced NSCLC patients.
Psychometric properties of the Alberta Infant Motor Scale and culturally adapted or translated versions when used for infant populations internationally: A systematic review
Authors: Mendonça Bianca , Kong Michael , Coombs Alison , Kysh Lynn , Sargent Barbara
Published: September 2024

Aim

To systematically review the psychometric properties of the Alberta Infant Motor Scale (AIMS) when used for infant populations internationally, defined as infants not living in Canada, where the normative sample was established.

Method

Seven databases were searched for studies that informed the psychometric properties of the AIMS and culturally adapted or translated versions in non‐Canadian infant cohorts.

Results

Forty‐nine studies reported results from 11 663 infants representing 22 countries. Country‐specific versions of the AIMS are available for Brazilian, Polish, Serbian, Spanish, and Thai infant cohorts. Country‐specific norms were introduced for Brazilian, Dutch, Polish, and Thai cohorts. The original Canadian norms were appropriate for Brazilian, Greek, and Turkish cohorts. Across countries, the validity, reliability, and responsiveness of the AIMS was generally sufficient, except for predictive validity. Sufficient structural validity was found in one study, responsiveness in one study, discriminant validity in four of four studies, concurrent validity in 14 of 16 studies, reliability in 26 of 26 studies, and predictive validity in only eight of 13 studies.

Interpretation

The use of the AIMS with validated versions and norms is recommended. The AIMS or country‐specific versions should be used with caution if norms have not been validated within the specific cultural context.
Major structural congenital anomalies and causal pathways in people with cerebral palsy
Authors: Reid Susan M. , Hinwood Gina L. , Guzys Angela T. , Hunt Rod W. , Reddihough Dinah S.
Published: September 2024

Aim

To determine the proportion of persons with cerebral palsy (CP) with major congenital anomalies, factors associated with the presence of anomalies, body systems involved, potential contribution to CP aetiology, and causal pathway subgroups implicated.

Method

This population‐based, observational study involved a cohort of 2238 persons born in one Australian state between 1999 and 2017. Major congenital anomalies were classified as affecting cerebral, cardiac, or other body systems, with further categorization as single or multisystem. We determined the potential for anomalies to contribute to the development of CP across causal pathway subgroups that were broadly categorized as developmental or involving destructive brain insults.

Results

Of persons with CP, 23% had major congenital anomalies and 17% of the cohort had anomalies that potentially contributed to the development of CP. Consistent with higher odds of parental consanguinity, maternal grand multiparity, and dysmorphic features in the group with anomalies, 82% of pathogenic anomalies, present in 14% of the cohort, were cerebral and involved developmental causal pathways. Only 3% (predominantly severe cardiac anomalies) were related to destructive brain insults.

Interpretation

The study provides context for the impact on rates of CP of preventive measures or other changes in incidence or management of congenital anomalies.
Causal pathways of cerebral palsy in individuals with congenital anomalies: A cardiologist's perspective
Authors: Damkjær Mads
Published: September 2024

This commentary is on the original article by Reid et al. on pages 374–381 of this issue.
Complex temporal dynamics of insect metacommunities along a tropical elevational gradient
Authors: Neves Frederico S. , Silva Pedro Giovâni da , Camarota Flávio , Nunes Cássio Alencar , Hortal Joaquín , de Castro Flávio S. , Beirão Marina , Ramos Letícia , Solar Ricardo , Fernandes Geraldo Wilson
Published: September 2024

Unraveling the spatiotemporal dynamics of communities is critical to understand how biodiversity responds to global changes. However, this task is not trivial, as these dynamics are quite complex, and most studies are limited to few taxa at small local and temporal scales. Tropical mountains are ideal indicators of biodiversity response since these endangered and complex ecosystems include many distinct habitats within small geographical areas, harboring a megadiverse fauna, especially insects. Indeed, while insects are particularly sensitive to environmental and climatic changes, the extent of the impact of climate variability on mountain tropical insect diversity remains poorly understood. Here we present time‐series data from a decade of studying the spatiotemporal dynamics of ants, butterflies and dung beetles. We assessed patterns of species richness change along the elevational gradient for each taxonomic group per sampling year and cumulatively over years. We then quantified community changes over time by measuring the variation in species richness across sampling years (temporal trends in α‐diversity), and the temporal variation in species composition (temporal β‐diversity) evaluating species gains and losses over time. We also evaluated the variation of air temperature and humidity through meteorological stations within the sampling years. We detected a classical pattern of species richness decline with elevation, albeit with a noticeable increase in species richness variation with increasing elevation. The temporal β‐diversity exhibited considerable variability across elevations, taxa, and time. Only dung beetles presented a positive relationship with humidity variation over the years. Critically, both rare and common species drove extirpations and colonizations, and we found no trend of temporal decline of insect species at local and regional scales. Our study shows that insect metacommunity responses to elevation and global changes are rather complex, and stresses the importance of long‐term studies that incorporate multiple sampling periods and different groups of organisms in tropical mountains.
Thalamocortical dysconnectivity is associated with pain in patients with knee osteoarthritis
Authors: Mao Cuiping , Yang Huajuan , Dong Ting , Wang Sisi , Shi Zhibin , Guo Ruibing , Zhou Xiaoqian , Zhang Bo , Zhang Qiujuan
Published: September 2024

Previous studies have suggested that the morphology and function of the thalamus and cortex are abnormal in patients with knee osteoarthritis (KOA). However, whether the thalamocortical network is differentially affected in this disorder is unknown. In this study, we examined functional and effective connectivity between the thalamus and major divisions of the cortex in 27 healthy controls and 27 KOA patients using functional magnetic resonance imaging. We also explored the topological features of the brain via graph theory analysis. The results suggested that patients with KOA had significantly reduced resting‐state functional connectivity (rsFC) of the thalamo–sensorimotor pathway; enhanced rsFC of the thalamo–medial/lateral frontal cortex (mFC/LFC), parietal, temporal and occipital pathways; reduced effective connectivity of the left sensorimotor‐to‐thalamus pathway; and enhanced effective connectivity of the right thalamus‐to‐sensorimotor pathway compared with healthy controls. The functional connectivity of the thalamo–sensorimotor and thalamo–mFC pathways was enhanced when patients performed the multisource interference task. Moreover, patients with KOA presented altered nodal properties associated with thalamocortical circuits, including the thalamus, amygdala, and regions in default mode networks, compared with healthy controls. The correlation analysis suggested a significant negative correlation between thalamo–mFC rsFC and pain intensity, between thalamo–sensorimotor task‐related connectivity and disease duration/depression scores, and a positive correlation between right frontal nodal properties and pain intensity in KOA patients. Taken together, these findings establish abnormal and differential alterations in the thalamocortical network associated with pain characteristics in KOA patients, which extends our understanding of their role in the pathophysiology of KOA.
Prediction of epilepsy after stroke: Proposal of a modified SeLECT 2.0 score based on posttreatment stroke outcome
Authors: Meletti Stefano , Cuccurullo Claudia , Orlandi Niccolò , Borzì Giuseppe , Bigliardi Guido , Maffei Stefania , Del Giovane Cinzia , Cuoghi Costantini Riccardo , Giovannini Giada , Lattanzi Simona
Published: September 2024

Objective

The SeLECT 2.0 score is a prognostic model of epilepsy after ischemic stroke. We explored whether replacing the severity of stroke at admission with the severity of stroke after treatment at 72 h from onset could improve the predictive accuracy of the score.

Methods

We retrospectively identified consecutive adults with acute first‐ever neuroimaging‐confirmed ischemic stroke who were admitted to the Stroke Unit of the Ospedale Civile Baggiovara (Modena, Italy) and treated with intravenous thrombolysis and/or endovascular treatment. Study outcome was the occurrence of at least one unprovoked seizure presenting >7 days after stroke.

Results

Participants included in the analysis numbered 1094. The median age of the subjects was 74 (interquartile range [IQR] = 64–81) years, and 595 (54.4%) were males. Sixty‐five (5.9%) subjects developed unprovoked seizures a median of 10 (IQR = 6–27) months after stroke. The median values of the original and modified SeLECT2.0 scores were 3 (IQR = 2–4) and 2 (IQR = 1–3). The modified SeLECT 2.0 score showed better discrimination for the prediction of poststroke epilepsy at 36, 48, and 60 months after stroke compared to the original score according to the area under time‐dependent receiver operating characteristic curves. The modified SeLECT 2.0 score had higher values of Harrell C and Somers D parameters and lower values of Akaike and Bayesian information criteria than the original score. The modified SeLECT 2.0 score produced more accurate risk predictions compared to the SeLECT 2.0 score at all evaluated time points from 12 to 60 months after stroke according to the Net Reclassification Index.

Significance

Replacing baseline with posttreatment stroke severity may improve the ability of the SeLECT 2.0 score to predict poststroke epilepsy.