bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The cation channel mechanisms of subthreshold inward depolarizing currents in the VTA dopaminergic neurons and their roles in the chronic-stress-induced depression-like behavior
Authors: Wang Jing , Su Min , Zhang Dongmei , Zhang Ludi , Niu Chenxu , Li Chaoyi , You Shuangzhu , Sang Yuqi , Zhang Yongxue , Du Xiaona , Zhang Hailin
Published: April 2023

The slow-intrinsic-pacemaker dopaminergic (DA) neurons originating in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) are implicated in various mood- and emotion-related disorders, such as anxiety, fear, stress and depression. Abnormal activity of projection-specific VTA DA neurons is the key factor in the development of these disorders. Here, we describe the crucial role for the NALCN and TRPC6, non-selective cation channels in mediating the subthreshold inward depolarizing current and driving the firing of action potentials of VTA DA neurons in physiological condition. Furthermore, we demonstrate that down-regulation of TRPC6 protein expression in the VTA DA neurons likely contributes to the reduced activity of projection-specific VTA DA neuron in chronic mild unpredictable stress (CMUS) depressive mice. In consistent with these, selective knockdown of TRPC6 channels in the VTA DA neurons conferred mice with depression-like behavior. This current study suggests down-regulation of TRPC6 expression/function is involved in reduced VTA DA neuron firing and chronic stress-induced depression-like behavior of mice.
Do work stressors facilitate or impede job crafting? The role of employee trait and work regulatory focus
Authors: Shang Yufan , Zhao Ruonan , Richards Malika
Published: April 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the mechanism through which stressors influence job crafting. Based on regulatory focus theory, this study explores the mediating role of work regulatory focus between the challenge-hindrance stressors and approach-avoidance job crafting and the moderating role of trait regulatory focus.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors collected survey data in a northwestern city of China from 578 employees working in the finance, real estate and IT industries. Results were analyzed using Mplus 7.

Findings

The results reveal that challenge stressors have a positive effect on both approach job crafting (i.e. increasing structural job resources, increasing social job resources and increasing challenging job demands) and avoidance job crafting (i.e. decreasing hindering job demands) via work promotion focus. On the other hand, hindrance stressors have a positive effect on only avoidance job crafting via work prevention focus. In addition, trait promotion focus accentuates the influence of challenge-hindrance stressors on work regulatory focus, as well as the indirect effect of challenge-hindrance stressors on approach-avoidance job crafting respectively. Trait prevention focus only weakens the influence of challenge stressors on work promotion focus.

Research limitations/implications

This study unfolds how stressors relate to job crafting. However, the cross-sectional design may limit the causal inferences.

Originality/value

This study provides new insight into the relationship between stressors and job crafting by explicating the motivational mechanism and boundary conditions.
Benefits, constraints and enablers of modular offsite construction (MOSC) in New Zealand high-rise buildings
Authors: Shahzad Wajiha Mohsin , Reddy Siddenki Mahender , Kahandawa Ravindu , Rotimi James Olabode Bamidele
Published: April 2023

Purpose

The ascendancy of modular offsite construction (MOSC) over traditional construction methods is well known. Despite the known potential of this construction approach, its adoption is minimal in New Zealand construction industry. This article investigates the potential benefits of using MOSC for delivery of high-rise buildings in New Zealand, underlying factors responsible for its low uptake and the measures that can facilitate its improved uptake.

Design/methodology/approach

This study utilised a mixed research approach. An empirical questionnaire survey was carried out with New Zealand construction industry professionals with expertise in MOSC. Factor analysis of survey data was carried out using SPSS software. Semi-structured interviews were carried out with subject matter experts to get further insights and expand the survey findings. Interview data were analysed using thematic analysis.

Findings

Study identified benefits of MOSC, thus establishing potential of its uptake for high-rise building construction. Constraining factors were investigated, most pronounced being low level of skills in construction industry to design, manufacture and integrate supply chain of MOSC, high initial investment, high cost of importing modules and negative perception about offsite manufactured buildings. This study also highlighted the enablers to improve uptake of MOSC. These enablers included; loan and mortgage policies to suit MOSC paradigm, building regulations to support OSC industry, increased support from the government and awareness and acceptance of standardised building designs among the clients.

Originality/value

Originality of this paper harps from little to no research carried out to investigate use of MOSC for high-rise buildings in New Zealand context.
Leading towards the students’ career development and career intentions through using multidimensional soft skills in the digital age
Authors: Shah Naimatullah , Bano Safia , Saraih Ummi Naiemah , Abdelwahed Nadia A. Abdelmegeed , Soomro Bahadur Ali
Published: April 2023

Purpose

In the digital age, the development of students’ career intentions requires serious concentration since these are associated with the students’ future employment and, ultimately, their survival. This study attempted to demonstrate in Pakistan’s Higher Educational Institutes (HEIs) the role of soft skills towards the students' career development (CD) and their future career intentions (CI).

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, the researchers used a quantitative approach and a questionnaire to collect the data from the surveyed participants. Finally, the researchers based this study’s findings on 392 useable samples.

Findings

By employing the structural equation model (SEM), this study’s findings show that soft skills, such as Creative Self-Efficacy (CSE), Problem-Solving Confidence (PSC) and Teamwork (TW) have a positive and significant effect on CD and CI. However, while Critical thinking and Creativity (CRC) has a positive and significant effect on CD, it has no effect on CI. In addition, this study’s findings confirm, also, that CD has a positive and significant effect on CI.

Practical implications

This study’s findings assist policymakers and university administrators to understand the importance of soft skills in creating CD and CI. These promote the development of employability skills and fulfill its part in preparing graduates for the unpredictable job market. This study’s findings help, also, to develop logical reasoning in making decisions and in dealing with complex organizational issues.

Originality/value

In a practical way, in Pakistan, this study’s findings confirm the role of soft skills towards students' CD and CI.
Thermal comfort properties of bi-layer knitted fabrics made up of polyester yarns and nylon yarns with varied specification
Authors: Yang Yang , Zhang Weijing , Liu Zheng , Zhang Peihua
Published: April 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this work is to investigate the effect of filament composition with different specifications on the thermal comfort properties of bi-layer knitted fabrics.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper eight bi-layer knitted fabrics with the same knitting structure but different filament compositions were prepared, and the thermal-wet comfort properties of these fabrics were examined. According to experimental data, the effect of filament composition on the thermal comfort properties of fabric was analyzed.

Findings

The increasing difference of hydrophilicity between inner and outer layers resulted in the enhancement of moisture management properties. Better thermal-physiology performance was exhibited by fabrics made up of finer and circular section fibers. Excellent thermal transfer, drying performance and one-way water transport capacity benefited the improvement of dynamic cooling effect of fabrics.

Originality/value

This work provides a useful and effective method for the development of bi-layer knitted fabric applied for sports and summer clothing.
“You got a new name!” how does renaming a music festival with a brand affect the festivalgoer's purchase intention
Authors: Brandão Amélia , Gadekar Mahesh
Published: April 2023

Purpose

This study aims to examines how renaming music festivals with brand names affect festivalgoers' purchase intention in a Southwestern European country.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses 291 festivalgoers' responses attending five music festivals in a Southwestern European country with structural equation modeling.

Findings

The study shows that the brand experience at the music festival directly influences brand attitude, which in turn positively influences purchase intention. The results also show the direct impact of event-sponsor fit on brand image transfer (BIT), positively affecting purchase intention.

Research limitations/implications

The study examined only five music festivals in a Southwestern European country. Further studies can investigate multiple music festivals in different geographic regions. Four of the five sponsoring brands of the music festivals are telecommunication operators. Also, this study did not explore the differences in the effect of destination image, artist image and festivalgoers' attachment to music festivals.

Practical implications

The brand sponsorship of music festivals should ensure the event-sponsor fit to impact BIT and purchase intention positively. A synergy between events and sponsors must be created to involve consumers with the brands.

Originality/value

This study uses congruity theory in a music festival setting. The investigation is unique as it is conducted at five music festivals in a Southwestern European country.
Antecedents and outcomes of the consumer-based brand equity of events and its importance for destinations: the case of Portuguese music festivals
Authors: Van-Dúnem Telma , Coelho Arnaldo , Bairrada Cristela Maia
Published: April 2023

Purpose

Even though the importance of understanding festivals from a tourism attraction development perspective has been addressed, few studies have examined the factor of brand equity in festival tourism. For that reason, this research examines the antecedents and consequents of the consumer-based brand equity (CBBE) of an event.

Design/methodology/approach

After data collection, which was carried out through a questionnaire, the structural equation model was used to analyze the statistical data. The results were based on a sample of 329 participants who attended two major music festivals in Portugal: NOS Primavera Sound and NOS Alive Portugal.

Findings

For both samples, this research shows that many aspects related to the event (image, experience and satisfaction) impact CBBE and CBBE influences destination image, the intention to revisit the destination and the intention to recommend the destination.

Originality/value

This study presents itself as innovative since it brings the CBBE of an event to the center of an investigation, showing how it helps transfer the effects of image, satisfaction and the experience of a festival to a destination image, the intention to revisit and the intention to recommend a place.
What configurations of structures facilitate supply chain learning? A supply chain network and complexity perspective
Authors: Wang Junbin , Dong Xiaowei , Xiong Yu , Tanveer Umair , Zhao Changping
Published: April 2023

Purpose

This study explores how factors arising from supply chain (SC) network and complexity work together in supply chain learning (SCL) behavior.

Design/methodology/approach

Fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis, which is an emerging configurational analysis method, was adopted to examine the complex combination of five influencing factors. The data were collected using a two-stage survey. First, the authors selected seven typical firms with an awareness of SCL. Second, questionnaires were sent to the partners of the seven selected firms, and 156 valid questionnaires were obtained from 76 firms.

Findings

Drawing on emergent insights from the initiative, the authors find that multiple configurations of SC network and complexity lead to high SCL. Specifically, weak ties are necessary conditions of such learning, while strong ties are also conducive to this. Moreover, a moderate SC complexity is conducive to SCL.

Practical implications

This study enriches the understanding of SCL and provides new insights for SC management practitioners to take measures to improve it.

Originality/value

This study addresses the lack of in-depth understanding of the antecedent conditions of SCL in the literature. It establishes an integrated and comprehensive theoretical framework of such learning based on contingency theory. Additionally, this study incorporates ambidextrous SCL (i.e. creation capability and dispersion capacity). An overall prototype of SCL capability is proposed on SC network and complexity theory.
It takes two to tango: A taxonomy of franchise success determinants
Authors: Boulay Jacques , Caemmerer Barbara , Chanut Odile , Magali Chaudey , Fadairo Muriel
Published: April 2023

Purpose

The authors conduct a structured analysis of the literature on the determinants of economic and financial franchise performance and develop an integrative framework that unifies the literature from franchisor as well as franchisee perspectives.

Design/methodology/approach

53 relevant research articles on economic and financial franchise success published between 1976 and 2020 were identified. After providing an overview of the empirical methods and theoretical perspectives found in the literature, an original classification system of franchise success determinants was developed.

Findings

More than 50 different variables impacting economic or financial franchise success were identified and grouped into ten distinct categories. The most impactful categories are the franchise relationship, franchisee characteristics and capabilities, franchisor variables and the franchise environment. The study’s integrative framework illustrates not only the impact of these factors on franchise success, but also reveals which areas require more attention.

Research limitations/implications

As the study focused on understanding the determinants of franchise success, any measures related to franchise failure were excluded. Also, the role of venture capital and stock market listing as growth strategies in the franchise sector were excluded.

Practical implications

The study’s framework shows how the management of franchise success is complex and that franchise relationship, franchisee and franchisor variables as well as the franchise context need to be taken into account. It illustrates that there is a hierarchy with which these determinants should be prioritized.

Originality/value

The article proposes the first systematic review of the literature on the determinants of economic and financial franchise success. The contribution offers both, researchers and practitioners, new and useful insights for future knowledge development in the field.
The perceived impact of socioeconomic factors’ impact on FR: the case study of Pakistan
Authors: Rasheed Mohsin , Mahboob Muhammad Hassan , Rasheed Hafiz Muhammad Mansab
Published: April 2023

Purpose

The basic purpose of this paper was to check the perceived impact of socio-economic on the fertility rate (FR) in Pakistan. It also explored the factors which play an important role on FR of urban and rural resident women.

Design/methodology/approach

A few studies were carried out this particular issue in Pakistan but this issue was not mentioned in such a way as the current study highlights. Data were collected through questionnaires from rural and urban areas. The main variables were chosen for this purpose were the income of the households, their education level and the mortality rate. FR is measured in terms of number of children which are above 5 years of age and married couple has stopped the further fertility intentions; Monthly income of the families were taken and the education was in the years of schooling. The ordinary least square (OLS) model was used for the estimation.

Findings

The results of this study showed that, in urban areas this association is very strong while in rural areas this is relatively weak due to sharp differences in income brackets. Families with high level of income tend to have few children. Female education is also negatively correlated with FR. Higher level of female education has negative effect on FR. Mortality rate has significant positive association with FR. Higher mortality rate compel families to have more birth as probability of living is low. There is inverse association between income and FR.

Research limitations/implications

The best way to determine how birth rates are changing is not the crude birth rate (CBR) but the total fertility rate (TFR). This measure provides an age-controlled estimation of “how many kids a woman beginning her childbearing years now would have over her whole life if current birth rates remain stable”.

Originality/value

Mortality rate has significant positive association with FR. Higher mortality rate compel families to have more birth as probability of living is low. There is inverse association between income and FR.
Wear in or wear out: how consumers respond to repetitive influencer marketing
Authors: Geng Ruibin , Chen Xi , Wang Shichao
Published: April 2023

Purpose

Endorsement marketing has been widely used to generate consumer attention, interest and purchase decisions among targeted audiences. Internet celebrities who become famous on the Internet are dependent on strategic intimacy to appeal to their followers. Our study aims to examine how multiple exposures to Internet celebrity endorsements influence consumers’ click and purchase decisions in the context of influencer marketing.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on a unique and representative dataset, the authors first model consumers’ choices for clicks and purchases with two panel fixed-effect logit models linking clicks and purchases with the frequency of exposure to Internet celebrity endorsement. To further control the endogeneity produced by the intercorrelation between the click and purchase models, the authors also adopt the two-stage Heckman probit structure to jointly estimate the two models using Maximum Likelihood Estimation. Robustness checks confirm the effectiveness of the models.

Findings

The results suggest that Internet celebrity endorsement plays a significant role in bringing referral traffic to e-commerce sites but is less helpful in affecting conversion to sales. The impact of repetitive Internet celebrity endorsements on consumers’ click decisions is U-shaped, but the role of Internet celebrities as online retailers will “shape-flip” this relationship to a negative linear relation.

Originality/value

Our study is the first to investigate the repetitive exposure effect of Internet celebrity endorsement. The results show a contradictory pattern with a wear-out effect of repetition in the advertising literature. This is the first study to show how the endorsing self, which is a common business model in influencer marketing, moderates the effectiveness of influencer marketing.
Digital platform regulation: opportunities for information systems research
Authors: Heimburg Vincent , Wiesche Manuel
Published: April 2023

Purpose

Information Systems (IS) research has built up a considerable understanding of digital platform ecosystems, while policymakers worldwide are aiming to introduce platform regulations that seek to erode fundamental mechanisms of digital platforms. This viewpoint article provides an introduction to how platform regulation affects our current understanding of digital platform ecosystems and suggests opportunities for future research.

Design/methodology/approach

A detailed analysis of the effects of the European Union (EU) Digital Markets Act (DMA) on current findings of organizational, technical and economic IS platform research.

Findings

Government regulations of digital platforms such as the DMA likely affect the central mode of operation of platforms in the scope of the regulation. The authors preconceive a major impact on platform openness, governance, steering the platform supply-side, modularity, nestedness, network effects, pricing and single-/multi-homing. In addition, the authors present opportunities for future research in each of these IS platform research streams.

Originality/value

Landmark regulations implemented in the past, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), caused paradigm changes that fertilized research opportunities in IS and beyond. This viewpoint article aims to nudge studies that examine the changed mode of operation of platforms following platform regulation.
Is it just me? The organizational implications of individual and collective burnout in schools
Authors: Kruse Sharon , Edge Karen
Published: April 2023

Purpose

This paper explores how individual and collective burnout has become an organizational concern for school leaders, why burnout matters and what might be done to address the problems individual and organizational burnout generates.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper presents an analysis of the current literature regarding individual and collective burnout, identifies contributing factors and explores the impacts of each. Following a discussion and synthesis of the research literature, implications for practice are presented.

Findings

Highlighting exhaustion as a factor in burnout and as a significant consequence of stress, the paper proposes specific individual teacher and leader actions focused on addressing broad organizational responses with the potential to address the consequences of burnout including depersonalization, cynicism, emotional and compassion fatigue, and a loss of individual and collective efficacy. The authors argue that for burnout to be successfully mitigated, urgent strategic and focused organizational responses are essential to identify, track, and counter individual and collective burnout.

Originality/value

Much of the existing burnout literature focuses on the individual as the locus of experience and inquiry. The authors contend that this predominant focus on individual experience is insufficient to address systemic organizational issues, problems and concerns facing educational organizations that perpetuates and accelerates the experience of individuals. This paper contribution elevates conceptions of and discussions about burnout to the organizational level and reframes the conversation by focusing on organizational responses.
Adoption of big data analytics for sustainability of library services in academic libraries of Pakistan
Authors: Azam Mehreen , Ahmad Khurshid
Published: April 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to measure the adoption of big data analytics (BDA) to achieve sustainability in services being offered in university libraries in Pakistan.

Design/methodology/approach

The study applied a unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) as a framework and used quantitative data collection and analysis method. In total, 246 university library professionals were surveyed using a questionnaire consisting of UTAUT factors. The gathered data were analyzed using partial least structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM).

Findings

The results showed that performance expectancy (PE), effort expectancy (EE) and social influence (SI) significantly impacted the behavioral intention (BI) to adopt BDA. Facilitating conditions (FCs) have a statistically significant influence on the adoption of big data in libraries, while BDA has a statistical influence on the sustainability of library services (SLS).

Practical implications

BDA assists libraries in making better decisions about demand-driven collection creation, library space management, usage tracking, and quality maintenance in routine and repetitive library tasks such as cataloging, indexing, archiving, administration, preservation and representation. BDA supports libraries in making more cost-effective, innovative, user-oriented services, resource transferring, social identity, resource utilization, healthier user experience, strategic planning, informed decision-making and state-of-the-art infrastructure.

Originality/value

The foundation of this study is based on information gathered from various sources and university libraries in Punjab to better understand the challenges associated with using BDA for the SLS in Pakistan.
The British Library – rethinking physical storage
Authors: Appleyard Andrew H.
Published: April 2023

Purpose

The British Library (BL) faces a significant challenge with storage space predicted to run out within the next three years. However, alongside a plan to create additional capacity, the BL also intends to take the opportunity to rethink the integration of storage and workflows in order to implement a fully optimised end-to-end model of content management. This approach will incorporate not only storage and workflow design and integration, but also the physical environments and facilities for staff and users.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper draws on years of experience in the context of systemic industry changes to lead the reader into new thinking and opportunities in relation to print preservation and access. It should be noted that some of the aspirational new thinking described within this article may not come to fruition due to construction market inflation and resulting budgetary constraints.

Findings

As the national library of the UK, BL, like all libraries, has the responsibility of storing (preserving) its collections while making them accessible to everyone. Traditional models of physical storage can often operate in isolation from the processes that accompany them – creating silos of materials, completely remote from either the acquisition and description processes that precede their storage, or misaligned with the processes in place to support access.

Practical implications

The presentation of this conceptual thinking could help inform other libraries planning to build new print repositories.

Originality/value

The strategic approach outlined within this paper has adopted ideas and concepts from non-library applications, bringing them together to form a holistic solution that delivers the ultimate aims of a library within a modern context.
Sustainability in the supply chain – understanding suppliers’ resource allocation for sustainability issues
Authors: Ingenbleek Paul T.M. , Krampe Caspar
Published: April 2023

Purpose

As corporate sustainability is systemic, it cannot be achieved without effective involvement of suppliers. This study aims to examine the drivers of supplier companies’ resource allocation to a sustainability issue that affects customer companies and society at large.

Design/methodology/approach

Supplier companies’ resource allocation for a sustainability issue is explained from variables at the levels of the institutional, supply chain and internal environments of a supplier company. The framework is tested with a moderated regression model on 102 supplier companies in animal-based supply chains, focussing on their resource allocation for farm animal welfare.

Findings

The findings show that supply chain factors have the strongest influence on suppliers’ resource allocation, including a strong effect of investment specificity and a U-shaped effect of chain integration. Also, significant effects from institutional variables, namely, the pressure on consumer companies, and an inverted U-shaped effect of sustainability competition are found. The innovativeness, referring to the internal environment of supplier companies, appears as another important factor for the allocation of resources to animal welfare, as a sustainability issue.

Research limitations/implications

The results have implications for consumer market companies to deal with sustainability issues that require involvement of their suppliers, for supplier companies to increase their competitive positions and strengthen their relationships within the supply chain, and for policymakers seeking solutions for sustainability issues in the market domain.

Originality/value

While existing literature focusses mostly on the corporate sustainability of highly visible and large consumer companies, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to examine the drivers of supplier companies’ resource allocation for a sustainability issue, namely, animal welfare. It provides insights on what drives supplier companies, usually operating outside the spotlight, to become part of a sustainability transition.
Geochronology and Geochemistry of Early Cretaceous A‐type Granites in Central–Eastern Inner Mongolia, China: Implications for Late Mesozoic Tectonic Evolution of the Southern Great Xing'an Range
Authors: ZHANG Yanwen , ZHANG Xiaofei , CHEN Lixin , PANG Zhenshan , CHEN Hui , XUE Jianling , ZHOU Yi , TENG Chao , CHEN Guochao
Published: April 2023

The southern Great Xing'an Range is the most critical Sn‐polymetallic metallogenic belt in northeast China. However, the tectonic setting of the Early Cretaceous magmatic‐metallogenic “flare‐up” event remains uncertain. This paper presents an integrated study on the occurrence, petrology, zircon U‐Pb ages, whole‐rock geochemistry, and in situ zircon Hf isotopes for Wenduerchagan granites of Xi Ujimqin Banner, central‐eastern Inner Mongolia. These granites consist primarily of granite porphyry (with ages of 137 ± 1 Ma and 138 ± 1 Ma) and (porphyritic) alkali feldspar granite (with an age of 141 ± 2 Ma), corresponding to the early Early Cretaceous. They are A‐type granites characterized by high silicon, alkali, and TFeO/MgO contents while being depleted of Ba, Nb, Ta, Sr, P, and Ti. They show right‐dipping trend rare‐earth element distribution characteristics with negative Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu* = 0.01–0.20) and weak heavy rare‐earth element fractionation ((Gd/Yb)N = 0.77–2.30). They demonstrate homogeneous zircon Hf isotopic compositions (positive εHf(t) values from +5.3 to +7.1 and young two‐stage Hf model ages of 851–742 Ma) and high zircon saturation temperatures (av. 810°C). These geochemical characteristics indicate that Wenduerchagan granites originated from the partial melting of juvenile crust under high‐temperature and low‐pressure conditions. Wenduerchagan granites most likely formed in a post‐collisional compression‐extension transition regime caused by the closure of the Mongol–Okhotsk Ocean, when combined with regional geology. Such a transition regime can probably be attributed to the upwelling of the asthenospheric mantle caused by the break‐off of a subducted Mongol–Okhotsk oceanic slab. Upwelling asthenospheric mantle provided sufficient energy and favorable tectonic conditions for magmatism and mineralization of the Early Cretaceous.
Right‐sided vocal cord paralysis following stereotactic body radiation therapy for non–small‐cell lung cancer: A case report
Authors: Kanaoka Kensuke , Fukuda Shoich , Inagaki Yuji , Taniguchi Yoshihiko , Nakao Keiko , Tamiya Akihiro , Matsuda Yoshinobu , Okishio Kyoichi
Published: April 2023

Vocal code paralysis (VCP) is a rare complication of stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT). In most previously reported cases of VCP after SBRT, VCP was left‐sided because of anatomic vulnerability. Here, we report a case of right‐sided VCP following SBRT for non–small‐cell lung cancer. The patient was an 81‐year‐old man who underwent SBRT for synchronous lung cancer of the right upper and inferior lobes. He subsequently developed radiation pneumonitis and received corticosteroids. Lung contraction persisted, and the mediastinum shifted to the right because of lung volume reduction. After corticosteroids discontinuation, the patient developed hoarseness and voice weakness. An endoscopic test showed right‐sided VCP. Imaging examinations did not reveal new lesions, including lung cancer recurrence. Therefore, we diagnosed the patient with SBRT‐associated VCP and speculated that the injury to the right vagal nerve and recurrent laryngeal nerve resulted from mechanical traction due to intense lung contraction, which might have induced VCP. We should be alert to VCP following SBRT, even if the target lesions are right‐sided.
Adiponectin reverses β‐Cell damage and impaired insulin secretion induced by obesity
Authors: Munhoz Ana Cláudia , Serna Julian D. C. , Vilas‐Boas Eloisa Aparecida , Caldeira da Silva Camille C. , Santos Tiago G. , Mosele Francielle C. , Felisbino Sergio L. , Martins Vilma Regina , Kowaltowski Alicia J.
Published: April 2023

Obesity significantly decreases life expectancy and increases the incidence of age‐related dysfunctions, including β‐cell dysregulation leading to inadequate insulin secretion. Here, we show that diluted plasma from obese human donors acutely impairs β‐cell integrity and insulin secretion relative to plasma from lean subjects. Similar results were observed with diluted sera from obese rats fed ad libitum, when compared to sera from lean, calorically restricted, animals. The damaging effects of obese circulating factors on β‐cells occurs in the absence of nutrient overload, and mechanistically involves mitochondrial dysfunction, limiting glucose‐supported oxidative phosphorylation and ATP production. We demonstrate that increased levels of adiponectin, as found in lean plasma, are the protective characteristic preserving β‐cell function; indeed, sera from adiponectin knockout mice limits β‐cell metabolic fluxes relative to controls. Furthermore, oxidative phosphorylation and glucose‐sensitive insulin secretion, which are completely abrogated in the absence of this hormone, are restored by the presence of adiponectin alone, surprisingly even in the absence of other serological components, for both the insulin‐secreting INS1 cell line and primary islets. The addition of adiponectin to cells treated with plasma from obese donors completely restored β‐cell functional integrity, indicating the lack of this hormone was causative of the dysfunction. Overall, our results demonstrate that low circulating adiponectin is a key damaging element for β‐cells, and suggest strong therapeutic potential for the modulation of the adiponectin signaling pathway in the prevention of age‐related β‐cell dysfunction.
Serum keratin 18‐M65 levels detect progressive forms of alcohol‐associated liver disease in early noncirrhotic stages
Authors: Maccioni Luca , Horsmans Yves , Leclercq Isabelle , Schnabl Bernd , Stärkel Peter
Published: April 2023

Background and Aims

The progression of alcohol‐associated liver disease (ALD) in its early precirrhotic stages can be a silent process. Serum keratin 18 levels (K18‐M65) predict severe events and mortality in advanced stages of ALD, but data on this biomarker in early stages are scarce. We evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of K18‐M65 levels in identifying early forms of ALD.

Methods

We prospectively evaluated two cohorts of actively drinking patients with alcohol use disorder (AUD) following a rehabilitation program (training (n = 162) and validation (n = 78)) and matched healthy controls (n = 21). Clinical, laboratory, and imaging data were used to distinguish AUD patients with simple steatosis (minimal ALD) and steatohepatitis/fibrosis (early ALD). We measured serum K18‐M65 levels and assessed their ability to predict early ALD.

Results

High levels of K18‐M65 characterized AUD patients with early ALD, while levels in the minimal ALD group were similar to those in healthy controls. K18‐M65 levels distinguished minimal liver disease from early ALD (AUROC = 0.8704; p < 0.0001) with an optimal cutoff at 265.9 U/L. K18‐M65 levels strongly correlated with transaminases and predicted early ALD (OR 25.81; 95% CI 3.166–336.1; p < 0.0001), controlled attenuation parameter, and liver stiffness independently from transaminases and other potential confounders. K18‐M65 levels did not discriminate between fibrosis and steatohepatitis but correlated with histological signs of hepatocellular injury and inflammation (all p < 0.05). The K18‐M65 cutoff detected early ALD in the validation cohort with high accuracy (sensitivity 86.67%, specificity 96.67%) and a very high positive likelihood ratio (28.6; 95% CI 4.14–197.73).

Conclusions

Serum K18‐M65 levels can be used as a biomarker to detect early ALD stages with excellent predictive value.
Autophosphorylation of αCaMKII regulates alcohol consumption by controlling sedative effects of alcohol and alcohol‐induced loss of excitatory synapses
Authors: Cały Anna , Ziółkowska Magdalena , Pagano Roberto , Salamian Ahmad , Śliwińska Małgorzata A. , Sotoudeh Narges , Bernaś Tytus , Radwanska Kasia
Published: April 2023

Calcium/calmodulin‐dependent kinase II (CaMKII) is a key enzyme at the glutamatergic synapses. CAMK2A gene variants have been linked with alcohol use disorder (AUD) by an unknown mechanism. Here, we looked for the link between αCaMKII autophosphorylation and the AUD aetiology. Autophosphorylation‐deficient heterozygous αCaMKII mutant mice (T286A+/−) were trained in the IntelliCages to test the role of αCaMKII activity in AUD‐related behaviours. The glutamatergic synapses morphology in CeA was studied in the animals drinking alcohol using 3D electron microscopy. We found that T286A+/− mutants consumed less alcohol and were more sensitive to sedating effects of alcohol, as compared to wild‐type littermates (WT). After voluntary alcohol drinking, T286A+/− mice had less excitatory synapses in the CeA, as compared to alcohol‐naive animals. This change correlated with alcohol consumption was not reversed after alcohol withdrawal and not observed in WT mice. Our study suggests that αCaMKII autophosphorylation affects alcohol consumption by controlling sedative effects of alcohol and preventing synaptic loss in the individuals drinking alcohol. This finding advances our understanding of the molecular processes that regulate alcohol dependence.
Validation of an adolescent ovulatory menstrual health literacy questionnaire
Authors: Roux Felicity , Chih Hui Jun , Hendriks Jacqueline , Burns Sharyn
Published: April 2023

This study aimed to face validate an adolescent ovulatory menstrual (OM) health literacy questionnaire and to measure reliability by test–retest. Draft questions from an earlier content validation were adjusted following face validity assessment with 28 adolescents. Test–retest reliability was assessed by 89 adolescents aged 14–18 years over a two‐week period across four school sites. The mean levels of agreement recorded from the critical, interactive and functional health literacy domains were 83%, 74% and 68%, respectively. There were 44 out of 74 items with Kappa statistics >0.40. The questionnaire has confirmed face validity and adequate test–retest reliability for assessing adolescent OM health literacy.
Assessment of dupilumab in children with moderate‐to‐severe type 2 asthma with or without evidence of allergic asthma
Authors: Papadopoulos Nikolaos G. , Szefler Stanley J. , Bacharier Leonard B. , Maspero Jorge F. , Domingo Christian , Fiocchi Alessandro , Lee Jason K. , Daizadeh Nadia , Lederer David J. , Hardin Megan , Gall Rebecca , Djandji Michel , Siddiqui Shahid , Jacob‐Nara Juby A. , Deniz Yamo , Rowe Paul J.
Published: April 2023

Background

Cytokines, such as interleukins (IL)‐4/5/13, play a key role in multiple type 2 inflammatory diseases, including allergic asthma. Dupilumab, a human monoclonal antibody, blocks the shared receptor component for IL‐4/IL‐13, inhibiting signaling. In this post hoc analysis of VOYAGE (NCT02948959), dupilumab efficacy was evaluated in patients aged 6–11 years with type 2 asthma with or without evidence of allergic asthma (baseline serum total IgE ≥30 IU/mL and ≥1 perennial aeroallergen‐specific IgE ≥0.35kU/L).

Methods

Annualized severe exacerbation rates (AER) and changes in pre‐bronchodilator (Pre‐BD) forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), percent‐predicted pre‐BD FEV1 (ppFEV1), and Asthma Control Score (ACQ)‐7 were assessed during the treatment period.

Results

350 children (261 with and 89 without evidence of allergic asthma) were included. Dupilumab versus placebo significantly reduced AER in patients with (0.24 vs. 0.62, relative risk reduction [RRR]: 62% [95% CI, 39–76], P < .0001) and without (0.39 vs. 0.80, RRR: 51% [95% CI, 0–76], P < .05) evidence of allergic asthma. Significant improvements in ppFEV1, pre‐bronchodilator FEV1, and ACQ‐7 scores were observed in dupilumab versus placebo throughout the treatment period in patients with evidence of allergic asthma. In patients without evidence of allergic asthma, numerical improvements in pre‐bronchodilator FEV1 and asthma control were observed by Week 52.

Conclusion

Dupilumab versus placebo reduced asthma exacerbations in children with type 2 asthma irrespective of evidence of allergic asthma; similar trends were observed in changes in lung function. Significant improvement in asthma control was observed in patients with evidence of allergic asthma, but not in those without.
Patterns of antiseizure medications prescribing in people with intellectual disability and epilepsy: A narrative review and analysis
Authors: Branford David , Sun James J. , Burrows Lisa , Shankar Rohit
Published: April 2023

People with intellectual disabilities (PwID) have a bidirectional relationship with epilepsy. Nearly 25% of PwID have seizures and 30% people with epilepsy are thought to have a significant intellectual impairment. Furthermore, 70% of PwID are thought to have treatment‐resistant epilepsy. In the United Kingdom, antiseizure medications (ASMs) are the second most widely prescribed psychotropic agent for PwID. However, it is unclear what the current evidence and patterns is on current prescribing of ASMs, including when and how a case is made to withdraw them. A narrative review along with an analysis of large‐scale NHS Digital published data (2015–2020) on several aspects of ASM prescribing by general practices for PwID was undertaken. The review results and data analysis are consolidated and presented as 11 themes to provide a comprehensive overview of the study topic. Recent studies estimate that one‐third and one‐fifth of PwID are prescribed ASMs. A history of epilepsy is seen as the primary prescribing reason; however, often it is a legacy, and the indication is no longer clear. The proportion receiving ASMs continues to rise with age. This pattern of use does not correlate well with seizure onset. There are limited data on de‐prescribing ASMs in PwID. The study population heterogenicity, associated polypharmacy, multimorbidity and higher sudden unexpected death in epilepsy risks are outlined. Suggestions are made from available evidence for improving prescribing practices for PwID and seizures, and key areas for further research in this complex clinical area are outlined.
Assessing the interplay between Open Innovation and Sustainability‐Oriented Innovation: A systematic literature review and a research agenda
Authors: Urbinati Andrea , Shams Esfandabadi Zahra , Messeni Petruzzelli Antonio
Published: April 2023

Open Innovation and Sustainability‐Oriented Innovation are undoubtedly two of the most debated topics of the last decades, gaining the interest of policymakers, practitioners, and scholars all over the world. Even if they have been usually described as two independent research fields, there are some emblematic examples presenting interplay and synergy between these topics, represented either by the hybrid perspectives ofOpen Sustainable Innovation, that is, the Open Innovation approach acting as an enabler of Sustainability‐Oriented Innovation, andSustainable Open Innovation, which instead analyzes how firms developing Sustainability‐Oriented Innovation also adopt the Open Innovation approach. On the basis of these two perspectives and through a systematic literature review, this paper investigates the relationships between the Open Innovation and Sustainability‐Oriented Innovation approaches and frames these relationships by developing an innovative framework, which highlights the main aspects characterizing the hybrid perspectives ofOpen Sustainable InnovationandSustainable Open Innovation. The proposed framework highlights the Open Innovation practices and strategies enabling Sustainability‐Oriented Innovation, as well as the contextual factors enabling both practices and strategies for Sustainability‐Oriented Innovation. In addition, it shows how firms developing Sustainability‐Oriented Innovation have a similar orientation toward the adoption of the Open Innovation approach both in terms of how they engage stakeholders, and the innovation capabilities they develop. Finally, a research agenda identifying the central issues and the key research gaps is offered for further development in future studies.
Preterm birth among Pacific Islanders in the United States and the US‐affiliated Pacific Islands: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Wu Bohao , Arslanian Kendall J. , Nyhan Kate , Suss Rachel , Mahoney Madison , McElfish Pearl A. , Muasau‐Howard Bethel T. , Ekeroma Alec , Hawley Nicola L.
Published: April 2023

Objective

To better understand the epidemiology of preterm birth among Pacific Islanders in the United States and the US‐Affiliated Pacific Islands.

Methods

Systematic searches of MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO, two nonindexed regional journals, and gray literature were conducted and finalized in September 2021. Observational studies published since January 2010 that documented preterm birth outcomes among Pacific Islanders in the United States and the US‐Affiliated Pacific Islands were eligible for inclusion. Outcomes of interest included preterm birth prevalence, risk compared with white women, and risk factors for preterm birth among Pacific Islanders.

Results

Fourteen of the 3183 screened articles were included in meta‐analyses. Random‐effects models were used for pooled estimates with 95% confidence intervals. The pooled prevalence of preterm birth among Pacific Islanders was 11.2%, 95% CI: 9.3%‐13.6%. Marshallese women had the highest pooled prevalence (20.7%, 95% CI 18.6%‐23.0%) among Pacific Islander subgroups. Compared with white women, Pacific Islander women had higher odds of experiencing preterm birth (OR = 1.40, 95% CI: 1.28‐1.53). Four risk factors for preterm birth could be explored with the data available: hypertension, diabetes, smoking, and pre‐pregnancy body mass index; hypertension and diabetes significantly increased the odds of preterm birth.

Conclusions

Existing literature suggests that United States Pacific Islanders were more likely to experience preterm birth than white women, although the pooled prevalence varied by Pacific Islander subgroup. Data support the need for disaggregation of Pacific Islanders in future research and argue for examination of subgroup‐specific outcomes to address perinatal health disparities.