bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An integrated DEA/GP based approach for designing healthcare supply chains with mixed data: a real world application
Authors: Chorfi Zoubida
Published: February 2024

Purpose

As supply chain excellence matters, designing an appropriate health-care supply chain is a great consideration to the health-care providers worldwide. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to benchmark several potential health-care supply chains to design an efficient and effective one in the presence of mixed data.

Design/methodology/approach

To achieve this objective, this research illustrates a hybrid algorithm based on data envelopment analysis (DEA) and goal programming (GP) for designing real-world health-care supply chains with mixed data. A DEA model along with a data aggregation is suggested to evaluate the performance of several potential configurations of the health-care supply chains. As part of the proposed approach, a GP model is conducted for dimensioning the supply chains under assessment by finding the level of the original variables (inputs and outputs) that characterize these supply chains.

Findings

This paper presents an algorithm for modeling health-care supply chains exclusively designed to handle crisp and interval data simultaneously.

Research limitations/implications

The outcome of this study will assist the health-care decision-makers in comparing their supply chains against peers and dimensioning their resources to achieve a given level of productions.

Practical implications

A real application to design a real-life pharmaceutical supply chain for the public ministry of health in Morocco is given to support the usefulness of the proposed algorithm.

Originality/value

The novelty of this paper comes from the development of a hybrid approach based on DEA and GP to design an appropriate real-life health-care supply chain in the presence of mixed data. This approach definitely contributes to assist health-care decision-makers design an efficient and effective supply chain in today’s competitive word.
More than morals: a simulation that supports sustainable management education
Authors: Lobre-Lebraty Katia , Heimann Marco
Published: February 2024

Purpose

We explore how sustainable management education (SME) can help prepare future leaders to manage crises effectively. Precisely, the intricacies of articulating moral and economic imperatives for businesses in a manner that engages students in sustainable behavior are a serious challenge for SME. We study how to integrate reminders of moral and economic imperatives in a socially responsible investment (SRI) stock-picking simulation created for SME.

Design/methodology/approach

Adopting an experimental design, we analyzed how the reminders affected the average environment social governance (ESG) integration in the portfolios of 127 graduate students in finance over a twelve-week period.

Findings

Our results show how essential it is to balance the two imperatives. The highest level of sustainable investment is attained when utilizing both reminders.

Practical implications

Our findings have practical implications for implementing and organizing SME in business schools to educate responsible leaders who are able to effectively manage crises. Learning responsible management is most effective when students are exposed to the inherent tension between moral and economic imperatives. Hence, our findings corroborate the win-win conception of SME.

Originality/value

No management decision study has experimentally measured the effects of SME practices on students' actual behavior. Our research fills this gap by complementing previous studies on the effectiveness of teaching practices, first by drawing on behavioral sciences and measuring changes in students' actual sustainability behavior and second by introducing moral and economic imperatives into an innovative teaching resource (TR) dedicated to SME.
Navigating the manufacturing revolution: identifying the digital transformation antecedents
Authors: Bilal Muhammad , Xicang Zhao , Jiying Wu , Sohu Jan Muhammad , Akhta Sadaf
Published: February 2024

Purpose

In the era of digitalization, digital technology has transformed businesses and created enormous opportunities for organizations worldwide. Unsurprisingly, research on digital transformation has garnered significant interest among academics in recent decades. However, this study aims to recognize the key and holistic antecedents influencing digital transformation in manufacturing firms. This study also investigates the indirect relationships of antecedents with firm performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The hypothesis was investigated using the partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) approach. The data was collected from 279 employees through a self-administered survey of manufacturing firms.

Findings

The results described a significant and positive impact of competitive pressure, leadership role, organization culture, organization mindfulness, government regulation, and IT readiness on digital transformation and firm performance. Furthermore, digital transformation partially mediates the relationship between antecedents and firm performance.

Originality/value

The study finds a holistic perspective of the critical antecedents of digital transformation using the mediation role of digital transformation and moderating effects of firm agility. Additionally, all antecedents have a significant association with Firm Performance.
An ethnographic study of police culture in a rural Kansas police agency
Authors: Davis Joshua J. , Birzer Michael L.
Published: February 2024

Purpose

The study examined rural police culture in one Kansas police agency.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used a qualitative ethnographic approach using in-depth interviews and non-participant observations to construct and interpret the culture of rural police through the lens of officers working in one rural police agency.

Findings

Five themes were found that described the complexities rural police officers face at this research site, including the law being at the center of officers’ actions, the nature of crime, officers serving as jack of all trades, community relationships and enforcement of crimes by teenagers, and how outside pressures from the community and increased concern for citizens' safety affect officers' daily lived experiences.

Originality/value

There is a dearth of scholarly literature addressing rural and small-town policing. This study is the first known qualitative study to be conducted on rural Kansas police, allowing a snapshot of the workings of rural Kansas police.
Determination of SWCNT biosensor for bisphosphonate–2X(X = Mg2+, Ca2+, Sr2+) delivery in bone cell through electromagnetic and thermodynamic analysis using QM/MC methods
Authors: Mollaamin Fatemeh , Monajjemi Majid
Published: February 2024

Purpose

Bisphosphonate (BP) medications can be applied to prohibit the damage of bone density and the remedy of bone illnesses such as osteoporosis. As the metal chelating of phosphonate groups are nearby large with six O atoms possessing the high negative charge, these compounds are active toward producing the chelated complexes through drug design method. BP agents have attracted much attention for the clinical treatment of some skeletal diseases depicted by enhancing of osteoclast-mediated bone resorption.

Design/methodology/approach

In this work, it has been accomplished the CAM-B3LYP/6–311+G(d, p)/LANL2DZ to estimate the susceptibility of SWCNT for adsorbing alendronate, ibandronate, neridronate and pamidronate chelated to two metal cations of 2Mg2+, 2Ca2+, 2Sr2+ through nuclear magnetic resonance and thermodynamic parameters. Therefore, the data has explained that the feasibility of using SWCNT and BP agents becomes the norm in metal chelating of drug delivery system which has been selected through alendronate → 2X, ibandronate → 2X, neridronate → 2X and pamidronate → 2X (X = Mg2+/Ca2+/Sr2+) complexes.

Findings

The thermodynamic results have exhibited that the substitution of 2Ca2+ cation by 2Sr2+ cation in the structure of bioactive glasses can be efficient for treating vertebral complex fractures. However, it has been observed the most fluctuation in the Gibbs free energy for BPs → 2Sr2+ at 300 K. Furthermore, Monte Carlo simulation has resulted by increasing the dielectric constant in the aqueous medium can enhance the stability and efficiency of BP drugs for preventing the loss of bone density and treating the osteoporosis.

Originality/value

According to this research, by incorporation of chelated 2Mg2+, 2Ca2+ and 2Sr2+ cations to BP drugs adsorbed onto (5, 5) armchair SWCNT, the network compaction would increase owing to the larger atomic radius of Sr2+ cation rather than Ca2+ and Mg2+, respectively.
Pelvic floor dysfunction after intervention, compared with expectant management, in prolonged second stage of labour: A population‐based questionnaire and cohort study
Authors: Bergendahl Sandra , Sandström Anna , Zhao Hongwei , Snowden Jonathan M. , Brismar Wendel Sophia
Published: February 2024

Objective

To investigate the effect of vacuum extraction (VE) or caesarean section (CS), compared with expectant management, on pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) 1–2 years postpartum in primiparous women with a prolonged second stage of labour.

Design

A population‐based questionnaire and cohort study.

Setting

Stockholm, Sweden.

Population

A cohort of 1302 primiparous women with a second stage duration of ≥3 h, delivering from December 2017 to November 2018.

Methods

The 1‐year follow‐up questionnaire from the Swedish National Perineal Laceration Register was distributed 12–24 months postpartum. Exposure was VE or CS at 3–4 h or 4–5 h, compared with expectant management.

Main outcome measures

Pelvic floor dysfunction was defined as at least weekly symptoms of urinary incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse or a Wexner score of ≥4. The risk of PFD was calculated using Poisson regression with robust variance estimation, presented as crude and adjusted relative risks (RRs and aRRs) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs). The implication of obstetric anal sphincter injury (OASI) on pelvic floor disorders was investigated through mediation analysis.

Results

In total, 35.1% of women reported PFD. Compared with expectant management, the risk of PFD was increased after VE at 3–4 h (aRR 1.33, 95% CI 1.06–1.65) and 4–5 h (aRR 1.34, 95% CI 1.05–1.70), but remained unchanged after CS. The increased risk after VE was not mediated by OASI.

Conclusions

Pelvic floor dysfunction was common in primiparous women after a prolonged second stage, and the risk of PFD increased after VE but was unaffected by CS, compared with expectant management. If a spontaneous vaginal delivery eventually occurred, allowing an extended duration of labour did not increase the risk of PFD.
Renal disease is not associated with delays in hyperacute stroke management in South Australia
Authors: Goh Rudy , Bacchi Stephen , Kovoor Joshua G , Gupta Aashray K , Tan Sheryn , Stretton Brandon , Ovenden Christopher D , To Minh‐Son , Moey Andrew , Schultz David , Li Jordan Y , Juneja Rajiv , Kleinig Timothy , Jannes Jim
Published: February 2024

Objective

The aims of the present study were to determine how renal disease is associated with the time to receive hyperacute stroke care.

Methods

The present study involved a 5‐year cohort of all patients admitted to stroke units in South Australia.

Results

In those with pre‐existing renal disease there were no significant differences in the time taken to receive a scan, thrombolysis or endovascular thrombectomy.

Conclusions

The present study shows that in protocolised settings there were no significant delays in hyperacute stroke management for patients with renal disease.
Serum total testosterone is associated with phosphate and calcium excretion in response to oral phosphate loading in healthy middle‐aged males
Authors: Sharma Jaya K. , Turner Mandy E. , Paynter Amanda S. , Norman Patrick A. , White Christine A. , Ward Emilie C. , Adams Michael A. , Holden Rachel M.
Published: February 2024

Androgen receptors are expressed in the kidney and serum testosterone is negatively associated with serum phosphate in males, suggesting a role of testosterone in renal phosphate handling. In this cross‐sectional study, we examined the association of serum total and free testosterone with acute phosphate and calcium excretion in males in response to an oral phosphate challenge. Thirty‐five healthy adult males with normal baseline testosterone levels consumed a 500 mg phosphorus drink and the urinary excretion of minerals, as well as levels of relevant circulating parameters, were assessed at baseline and hourly for 4 h. Serum total testosterone was positively associated with overall phosphate excretion (r = 0.35, p = 0.04) and calcium excretion (r = 0.44, p = 0.00) in response to the challenge. Serum free testosterone was positively associated with post‐challenge calcium excretion (r = 0.34, p = 0.048), but significance was not reached for phosphate excretion (r = 0.31, p = 0.07). Serum total and free testosterone were not associated with parathyroid hormone, fibroblast growth factor‐23, or vitamin D—key factors implicated in phosphate and calcium regulation. Overall, higher serum total testosterone levels in healthy middle‐aged males are associated with a greater capacity to acutely excrete phosphate and calcium after a single oral phosphate challenge, suggesting potential ramifications of testosterone deficiency related to mineral homeostasis.
The missing link: The significance of institutional interdependencies and dynamics of action for transnational labour regulation in multinational companies
Authors: Haipeter Thomas , Rosenbohm Sophie , Üyük Christine
Published: February 2024

In recent decades, both academic research and industrial relations practice have been increasingly concerned with whether, and to what extent, transnational forms of labour regulation might constitute a countervailing power to globally operating companies. And although numerous studies have analysed the various instruments and institutions of transnational labour regulation – such as Global Framework Agreements, trade union networks and European or World Works Councils – as yet there has been little in the way of exploration of their dynamics or interconnections. Against this backdrop and based on a comparison of three case studies of multinational companies, we focus on what we consider to be the ‘missing link’ between the dynamics of social action and the interdependencies of institutions in order to explain how transnational institution building can contribute to the development of transnational labour regulation. Specifically, we investigate how different pathways to transnational labour regulation have been the outcomes of actions taken by actors in a multinational corporation and how, in turn, these developments shaped the dynamics of subsequent action. The study underlines that those pathways can only be properly understood when seen in terms of social actors, their power resources and their willingness and capacities to deploy them.
Multi‐source detrital contributions in the Po alluvial basin (northern Italy) since the Middle Pleistocene. Insights into sediment accumulation in intermediate sinks
Authors: Demurtas Luca , Fontana Daniela , Lugli Stefano , Bruno Luigi
Published: February 2024

Integrated stratigraphic‐compositional studies on alluvial successions provide a valuable tool to investigate the provenance of detritus in multi‐source systems. The Po Plain is an intermediate sink of the Po‐Adriatic source‐to‐sink system, fed by rivers draining two orogens. The Alps are characterized by extensive outcrops of plutonic‐metamorphic and ultramafic rocks to the north‐west and of Mesozoic carbonates to the east (Southern Alps). The Northern Apennines, to the south, are dominated by sedimentary successions. The Po River flows from the Western Alps to the Adriatic Sea, interacting with a dense network of transverse tributaries that drain the two orogens. Stratigraphic, sedimentological and compositional analyses of two 101 and 77.5 m‐long cores, recovered from the Central Po Plain, reveal the stacking of three petrofacies, which reflects distinct provenance and configurations of the fluvial network. A South‐Alpine sedimentary input between MIS 12 and MIS 10 is testified by petrofacies 1, characterized by carbonate‐ and volcanic‐rich detritus from rocks exposed in the Southern Alps. A northward shift of the Po River of more than 30 km is marked by a quartz‐feldspar and metamorphic‐rich detritus (petrofacies 2), similar to modern Po River sands. This dramatic reorganization of the fluvial network likely occurred around MIS 9–MIS 8 and is possibly structurally controlled. A further northward shift of the Po River and the onset of Apennine sedimentation in the Late Holocene is revealed by petrofacies 3, rich in sedimentary lithics from the Apennine successions. The results of this study document how compositional analysis, if framed in a robust stratigraphic picture, may provide clues on the evolution of multi‐source alluvial systems.
Evaluation of quality of life in children with precocious puberty
Authors: Yılmazer İlkay N. , Abseyi Sema Nilay , Şenyazar Gizem , Berberoğlu Merih , Şıklar Zeynep , Aycan Zehra
Published: February 2024

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the quality of life of patients with central precocious puberty (CPP) who required treatment and premature thelarche (PT) followed up without treatment and to compare the groups with and without treatment among themselves and with healthy children.

Design, Patients and Measurement

This study is designed as a case–control study. A total of 193 children including 59 children with CPP, 53 children with PT, 81 healthy children and their parents were included in the study. A questionnaire was applied to evaluate the sociodemographic characteristics that would affect the quality of life. The ‘Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL)’ was used to assess the quality of life.

Results

The PedsQL total scale score was 78.10 ± 17.13, 79.35 ± 11.54 and 79.52 ± 14.65, the psychosocial health summary score was 78.86 ± 16.83, 79.40 ± 12.54 and 79.94 ± 14.94 and physical health summary score was 75.81 ± 20.69, 79.41 ± 15.04 and 78.25 ± 17.52 in CPP, PT and control groups, respectively; however, there was no statistical difference (p > .05). In the scale administered to the parents, scores were similar in the three groups. No difference was found between CPP, PT and control groups in terms of sociodemographic data in the study (p > .05).

Conclusion

Unlike previous studies, in this study the effects of sociodemographic characteristics and whether treatment was initiated or not on quality of life were investigated. Although the scale scores of the CPP group were lower than the PT and control group, there was no statistically significant difference, indicating that quality of life was not negatively affected in the CPP group receiving treatment.
Case of hilar cholangiocarcinoma with a distal skip lesion detected by cholangioscopy
Authors: Tomishima Ko , Fukumura Yuki , Isayama Hiroyuki
Published: February 2024

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Efficacy of prophylactic clip closure in reducing the risk of delayed bleeding after colorectal endoscopic submucosal dissection in patients on anticoagulant therapy: Multicenter prospective study
Authors: Ogiyama Hideharu , Kato Minoru , Yamaguchi Shinjiro , Kanesaka Takashi , Yamada Takuya , Yamamoto Masashi , Komori Masato , Nagaike Koji , Nakahara Masanori , Tsutsui Shusaku , Tsujii Yoshiki , Saita Ryotaro , Iijima Hideki , Hayashi Yoshito , Takehara Tetsuo
Published: February 2024

Objectives

The high rate of delayed bleeding after colorectal endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) in patients undergoing anticoagulant therapy remains a problem. Whether prophylactic clip closure reduces the rate of delayed bleeding in these patients is unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of prophylactic clip closure in patients receiving anticoagulants.

Methods

This multicenter prospective interventional trial was conducted at nine referral centers in Japan. Patients regularly taking anticoagulants, including warfarin potassium or direct oral anticoagulants, and undergoing ESD for colorectal neoplasms were enrolled. The discontinuation of anticoagulants was minimized according to recent guidelines. After the ESD, post‐ESD ulcers were prophylactically closed using endoclips. The primary end‐point was the incidence of delayed bleeding. The sample size was 45 lesions, and prophylactic clip closure was considered effective when the upper limit of the 90% confidence interval (CI) for delayed bleeding did not exceed 20%.

Results

Forty‐five lesions were used, and three were excluded. Complete closure was achieved in 41/42 lesions (97.6%). The overall delayed bleeding rate was low, at 4.9% (2/41; 90% [CI] 0.8–14.5), which was significantly lower than that at the prespecified threshold of 20% (P = 0.007). The median closure procedure time was 17 min, and the median number of clips was nine. No massive delayed bleeding requiring transfusion, interventional radiology, or surgery was observed, and no thromboembolic events were observed.

Conclusion

Prophylactic clip closure may reduce the risk of delayed bleeding following colorectal ESD in patients receiving anticoagulants.

Trial registration

UMIN Clinical Trial Registry (UMIN000036734).
The Italian version of the 16‐item Prodromal Questionnaire (PQ‐16) and its psychometric features in help‐seeking ultra‐high‐risk subjects and in the general population
Authors: Parabiaghi Alberto , Rossi Alessandro Alberto , Castelnovo Anna , del Fabro Lorenzo , Mannarini Stefania , Percudani Mauro Emilio ,   for the CCM2013 Project team (corporate authorship)
Published: February 2024

Background

Increasing attention to the early stages of psychosis and the identification of symptomatic prodromal states have led to the development of a growing number of screening tools. The 16‐item version of the Prodromal Questionnaire (PQ‐16) is a worldwide used self‐administered tool for this purpose. However, to date, fundamental psychometric properties of PQ‐16 were not thoroughly investigated. This study aimed to examine the structural validity, measurement invariance, reliability and other psychometrical properties of the Italian version of the PQ‐16 (iPQ‐16) in help‐seeking individuals and in the general population.

Methods

The iPQ‐16 was administered to 449 young outpatients attending six community mental health services and to 318 control participants enrolled in educational environment. Confirmatory factor analyses (CFAs), measurement invariance (MI) between the help‐seeking group and the general population sample, convergent validity, test–retest reliability, internal consistency, and prevalence analyses were performed. Lastly, the validity of the adopted PQ‐16 cut‐offs through Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curves plotted against CAARMS diagnoses was also tested.

Results

CFAs confirmed the single‐factor structure for the iPQ‐16 and scalar MI was reached. The iPQ‐16 showed high internal consistency, test–retest reliability, convergent validity, and acceptable diagnostic accuracy. ROC analysis suggested a score of ≥4 as best cut‐off.

Conclusions

The iPQ‐16 represents a valid and reliable questionnaire for the assessment of high mental risk in both Italian outpatients and general student population. It has good psychometric properties and is easy to implement as UHR screening for clinical as well as research purposes.
Rituximab treatment in pediatric‐onset multiple sclerosis
Authors: Breu Markus , Sandesjö Fredrik , Milos Ruxandra‐Iulia , Svoboda Jan , Salzer Jonatan , Schneider Lisa , Reichelt Julian Benedikt , Bertolini Annikki , Blaschek Astrid , Fink Katharina , Höftberger Romana , Lycke Jan , Rostásy Kevin , Seidl Rainer , Siegert Sandy , Wickström Ronny , Kornek Barbara
Published: February 2024

Background and purpose

Rituximab (RTX) is frequently used off‐label in multiple sclerosis. However, studies on the risk–benefit profile of RTX in pediatric‐onset multiple sclerosis are scarce.

Methods

In this multicenter retrospective cohort study, patients with pediatric‐onset multiple sclerosis from Sweden, Austria and Germany, who received RTX treatment were identified by chart review. Annualized relapse rates, Expanded Disability Status Scale scores and magnetic resonance imaging parameters (new T2 lesions and contrast‐enhancing lesions) were assessed before and during RTX treatment. The proportion of patients who remained free from clinical and disease activity (NEDA‐3) during RTX treatment was calculated. Side effects such as infusion‐related reactions, infections and laboratory abnormalities were assessed.

Results

Sixty‐one patients received RTX during a median (interquartile range) follow‐up period of 20.9 (35.6) months. The annualized relapse rate decreased from 0.6 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.38–0.92) to 0.03 (95% CI 0.02–0.14). The annual rate of new T2 lesions decreased from 1.25 (95% CI 0.70–2.48) to 0.08 (95% CI 0.03–0.25) and annual rates of new contrast‐enhancing lesions decreased from 0.86 (95% CI 0.30–3.96) to 0. Overall, 70% of patients displayed no evidence of disease activity (NEDA‐3). Adverse events were observed in 67% of patients. Six patients discontinued treatment due to ongoing disease activity or adverse events.

Conclusion

Our study provides class IV evidence that RTX reduces clinical and radiological activity in pediatric‐onset multiple sclerosis.
Assessment of diagnostic criteria for multifocal motor neuropathy in patients included in the Italian database
Authors: Doneddu Pietro Emiliano , Gentile Luca , Cocito Dario , Fazio Raffaella , Luigetti Marco , Briani Chiara , Filosto Massimiliano , Siciliano Gabriele , Benedetti Luana , Antonini Giovanni , Matà Sabrina , Marfia Girolama Alessandra , Inghilleri Maurizio , Manganelli Fiore , Cosentino Giuseppe , Brighina Filippo , Carpo Marinella , Carta Francesca , Mazzeo Anna , Peci Erdita , Strano Camilla , Romano Angela , Campagnolo Marta , Cotti‐Piccinelli Stefano , Viola Divina Valeria , Germano Francesco , Leonardi Luca , Sperti Martina , Mataluni Giorgia , Ceccanti Marco , Spina Emanuele , Vegezzi Elisa , Di Stefano Vincenzo , Nobile‐Orazio Eduardo
Published: February 2024

Background and purpose

This study aimed to assess the diagnostic criteria, ancillary investigations and treatment response using real‐life data in multifocal motor neuropathy (MMN) patients.

Methods

Clinical and laboratory data were collected from 110 patients enrolled in the Italian MMN database through a structured questionnaire. Twenty‐six patients were excluded due to the unavailability of nerve conduction studies or the presence of clinical signs and symptoms and electrodiagnostic abnormalities inconsistent with the MMN diagnosis. Analyses were conducted on 73 patients with a confirmed MMN diagnosis and 11 patients who did not meet the diagnostic criteria.

Results

The European Federation of Neurological Societies/Peripheral Nerve Society (EFNS/PNS) diagnostic criteria were variably applied. AUTHOR:When applying the American Association of Electrodiagnostic Medicine criteria, an additional 17% of patients fulfilled the criteria for probable/definite diagnosis whilst a further 9.5% missed the diagnosis. In 17% of the patients only compound muscle action potential amplitude, but not area, was measured and subsequently recorded in the database by the treating physician. Additional investigations, including anti‐GM1 immunoglobulin M antibodies, cerebrospinal fluid analysis, nerve ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging, supported the diagnosis in 46%–83% of the patients. Anti‐GM1 immunoglobulin M antibodies and nerve ultrasound demonstrated the highest sensitivity. Additional tests were frequently performed outside the EFNS/PNS guideline recommendations.

Conclusions

This study provides insights into the real‐world diagnostic and management strategies for MMN, highlighting the challenges in applying diagnostic criteria.
Investigating the impact of sample desiccation on Itrax XRF core scanner signal reproducibility
Authors: Hassan Naveed , Löwemark Ludvig , Liao Alice Chien‐Yi
Published: February 2024

Sediment samples tend to dry out during storage and are, therefore, stored refrigerated at about 4°C after wrapping in plastic foil. During XRF core scanning however, the samples must be taken out of their cover, increasing the risk of drying and formation of desiccation cracks on the surface. Because scan times can often amount to several hours and at highest resolution may take over a day to complete, the core will progressively dry out during scanning. With this study we aim to increase our understanding of how this slow drying of the samples during scanning and storage influences the XRF signal because of changes in water content, sediment surface topography, and the development of small, but slowly expanding cracks in the sediment core. Results show that the desiccation of samples during scanning and storage influence the XRF measurements in several ways. Most importantly, slow desiccation of the cores results in both a general lowering of the sample surface, and a shortening of the core due to shrinkage. Larger distance between sediment surface and detector leads to increased noise levels and poor reproducibility for many elements, while the shrinking of cores may shift individual data points between runs, resulting in poor reproducibility and offsets between datasets obtained at different times. Moreover, the loss of light elements, such as hydrogen and oxygen, can influence the matrix effect, especially for organic‐rich sediment. Because the XRF signals of individual elements are affected to different degrees, these changes may induce artificial shifts and biases in many elemental ratios commonly used for paleoenvironmental reconstruction.
How are middle‐ and older‐age women employees perceived and treated at work? A review and analysis
Authors: Ryan Lucy , Gatrell Caroline
Published: February 2024

Building on the rich array of literatures that explore women's ageing and employment, we conduct a comprehensive review of research on middle‐ and older‐age women and work (including menopause and post‐menopause). In reviewing these studies, we blend our interdisciplinary discussions across several domains. We reflect on the question: How are employed, middle‐ and older‐age women treated in organizations, and what are employers’ perceptions of these workers? Through our analysis, we identify and critique two predominant, conflicting yet inter‐related themes. These are, namely, notions of constraint (and women's supposed/perceived reduced competencies as they age) versus ideas of flexibility (foregrounding assumptions that employed women experience fewer limitations as they age). As a theoretical lens for theorizing the constraints theme, we draw upon the concept of abjection, highlighting how employer perceptions of women's health as supposedly diminishing can lead to discriminatory treatment at work. In analysing theoretical assumptions regarding apparently enhanced flexibility among middle‐ and older‐age women, we note how women's differing circumstances and requirements might go unrecognized. We argue the need to deepen theoretical understandings about ideas of flexibility during women's middle and older age. Reflecting on the limitations of both themes, we consider the implications for future research agendas.
Non‐Durable Solutions: The Harm of Permanently Temporary Refugee Habitation
Authors: Trautmann Micah
Published: February 2024

The notion of ‘durability’ plays a central role in the discourse, policies, and practices surrounding forced displacement. Yet, for all the talk of ‘durable solutions’ to refugee situations, durability is in many ways the quality most conspicuously absent in refugees' everyday lives and living spaces. As the world has grown progressively more inured to the practice of using provisional spaces of transit as permanent sites of residence, displaced persons are increasingly finding themselves trapped in spaces marked by a kind of permanent temporariness. In this article, I sketch three different ways in which living for long periods of time in temporary spaces can harm inhabitants: first, I argue that non‐durability in the home can undermine cognitive function; second, that it can attenuate various forms of agency; and third, that it fails to furnish a ground on which refugees can build meaningful lives and futures for themselves. I conclude by arguing that the deprivation of durable living conditions is not only harmful, but wrongful.
The Utilitarian's Global Warming Problem (Why Utilitarians Should Be Social Identity Theorists)
Authors: Dieveney Patrick
Published: February 2024

Global warming presents challenges to utilitarianism. Its structural features seem to suggest that individuals have no moral obligations to take steps to reduce their carbon footprints. For those who find this to be an unacceptable result, Jamieson proposes an alternative. He argues that utilitarians should embrace a version of virtue ethics. They should embrace what he calls ‘green virtues’. In this article, I argue that Jamieson's proposal does not adequately address the ethical challenges that global warming poses for utilitarianism. I propose an alternative. Rather than aiming to inculcate green virtues, we should be aiming to inculcate a certain social identity: a green identity. Not only is this approach more in keeping with utilitarianism, but recent research in the social sciences also suggests that it is much more likely to result in an impactful reduction in global emissions.
Annual Research Review: The power of predictability – patterns of signals in early life shape neurodevelopment and mental health trajectories
Authors: Davis Elysia Poggi , Glynn Laura M.
Published: February 2024

The global burden of early life adversity (ELA) is profound. The World Health Organization has estimated that ELA accounts for almost 30% of all psychiatric cases. Yet, our ability to identify which individuals exposed to ELA will develop mental illness remains poor and there is a critical need to identify underlying pathways and mechanisms. This review proposes unpredictability as an understudied aspect of ELA that is tractable and presents a conceptual model that includes biologically plausible mechanistic pathways by which unpredictability impacts the developing brain. The model is supported by a synthesis of published and new data illustrating the significant impacts of patterns of signals on child development. We begin with an overview of the existing unpredictability literature, which has focused primarily on longer patterns of unpredictability (e.g. years, months, and days). We then describe our work testing the impact of patterns of parental signals on a moment‐to‐moment timescale, providing evidence that patterns of these signals during sensitive windows of development influence neurocircuit formation across species and thus may be an evolutionarily conserved process that shapes the developing brain. Next, attention is drawn to emerging themes which provide a framework for future directions of research including the evaluation of functions, such as effortful control, that may be particularly vulnerable to unpredictability, sensitive periods, sex differences, cross‐cultural investigations, addressing causality, and unpredictability as a pathway by which other forms of ELA impact development. Finally, we provide suggestions for prevention and intervention, including the introduction of a screening instrument for the identification of children exposed to unpredictable experiences.
Predicting the risk of pancreatic cancer in women with new‐onset diabetes mellitus
Authors: Ali Sitwat , Coory Michael , Donovan Peter , Na Renhua , Pandeya Nirmala , Pearson Sallie‐Anne , Spilsbury Katrina , Tuesley Karen , Jordan Susan J. , Neale Rachel E.
Published: February 2024

Background and Aim

People with new‐onset diabetes mellitus (diabetes) could be a possible target population for pancreatic cancer surveillance. However, distinguishing diabetes caused by pancreatic cancer from type 2 diabetes remains challenging. We aimed to develop and validate a model to predict pancreatic cancer among women with new‐onset diabetes.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study among Australian women newly diagnosed with diabetes, using first prescription of anti‐diabetic medications, sourced from administrative data, as a surrogate for the diagnosis of diabetes. The outcome was a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer within 3 years of diabetes diagnosis. We used prescription medications, severity of diabetes (i.e., change/addition of medication within 2 months after first medication), and age at diabetes diagnosis as potential predictors of pancreatic cancer.

Results

Among 99 687 women aged ≥ 50 years with new‐onset diabetes, 602 (0.6%) were diagnosed with pancreatic cancer within 3 years. The area under the receiver operating curve for the risk prediction model was 0.73. Age and diabetes severity were the two most influential predictors followed by beta‐blockers, acid disorder drugs, and lipid‐modifying agents. Using a risk threshold of 50%, sensitivity and specificity were 69% and the positive predictive value (PPV) was 1.3%.

Conclusions

Our model doubled the PPV of pancreatic cancer in women with new‐onset diabetes from 0.6% to 1.3%. Age and rapid progression of diabetes were important risk factors, and pancreatic cancer occurred more commonly in women without typical risk factors for type 2 diabetes. This model could prove valuable as an initial screening tool, especially as new biomarkers emerge.
Examining the association between stigmatizing attitudes in nursing students and their desire for a career in mental health nursing: A comparative analysis of generic and accelerated programs in Israel
Authors: Ben Natan Merav , Gharra Adam , Faduos Baher , Magadlah Abedallah , Biadsy Abedalrahman
Published: February 2024

Accessible Summary

What is known on the subject?

Mental health nursing is generally viewed as the least attractive career choice among nursing students.

What the paper adds to existing knowledge?

Studying in the generic nursing program influence higher desire for a career in mental health nursing.

Nursing students who have prior experience working in mental health and have provided care to psychiatric patients are more inclined to express a desire to pursue a career in this field

What are the implications for practice?

Nursing students enrolled in the generic program, who have previous work experience in mental health or experience caring for a person with a mental illness, and who have a lower level of stigmatizing attitudes, may constitute the future workforce in mental health nursing.

Introduction

Mental health nursing is often perceived as an unattractive career choice among nursing students, and it remains unclear whether the type of nursing program influences this view.

Aim

This cross‐sectional study aimed to explore the association between stigmatizing attitudes in nursing students and their desire for a career in mental health nursing, comparing students in generic and accelerated programs.

Method

A total of 220 nursing students from generic and accelerated programs in North‐Center Israel participated in this cross‐sectional study, completing a questionnaire on stigmatizing attitudes and their interest in a mental health nursing career.

Results

Nursing students displayed a generally low desire for mental health nursing, influenced by factors such as enrollment in the generic program, previous mental health work experience and stigmatizing attitudes.

Discussion

Students in the generic program, with lower stigmatizing attitudes and prior mental health experience, exhibited a higher inclination towards mental health nursing.

Implications for Practice

Prospective mental health nursing professionals may be identified in the generic program, particularly those with prior mental health experience and lower stigmatizing attitudes. Additional studies are required to confirm and broaden their applicability to other contexts.
Psychological first aid practice self‐efficacy of nurses in disasters
Authors: Kiliç Bayageldi Nurhayat , Kaloğlu Binici Dilek
Published: February 2024

In the present cross‐sectional study, we determined the self‐efficacy of nurses to apply psychological first aid (PFA) during disasters. The study sample consisted of 580 nurses working in Turkey. The data were collected online between July and November 2022 using the “Personal Information Form” and the “PFA Application Self‐Efficacy Scale.” The data were analyzed using descriptive statistical methods (number, percentage, mean, and standard deviation), generalized linear models, Bonferroni correction, and linear regression analysis. The mean PFA scale scores of male nurses, nurses working in intensive care units, working as service nurses, nurses who have previously received PFA training and applied PFA in disaster situations were higher. Moreover, 91.3% of nurses did not receive PFA training and 90.3% did not receive PFA service earlier, 31.0% did not apply for PFA, 18.3% did not know about PFA. The mean score of the PFA practice self‐efficacy scale of nurses was 131.61 ± 19.41. There exists an urgent requirement to develop nurses' PFA application self‐efficacy. It is recommended that nurses should be provided repeated PFA training and applied studies focusing on PFA interventions.
PopulusMYC2 orchestrates root transcriptional reprogramming of defence pathway to impair Laccaria bicolor ectomycorrhizal development
Authors: Marqués‐Gálvez José Eduardo , Pandharikar Gaurav , Basso Veronica , Kohler Annegret , Lackus Nathalie D. , Barry Kerrie , Keymanesh Keykhosrow , Johnson Jenifer , Singan Vasanth , Grigoriev Igor V. , Vilgalys Rytas , Martin Francis , Veneault‐Fourrey Claire
Published: February 2024

The jasmonic acid (JA) signalling pathway plays an important role in the establishment of the ectomycorrhizal symbiosis. The Laccaria bicolor effector MiSSP7 stabilizes JA corepressor JAZ6, thereby inhibiting the activity of Populus MYC2 transcription factors. Although the role of MYC2 in orchestrating plant defences against pathogens is well established, its exact contribution to ECM symbiosis remains unclear. This information is crucial for understanding the balance between plant immunity and symbiotic relationships.

Transgenic poplars overexpressing or silencing for the two paralogues of MYC2 transcription factor (MYC2s) were produced, and their ability to establish ectomycorrhiza was assessed. Transcriptomics and DNA affinity purification sequencing were performed.

MYC2s overexpression led to a decrease in fungal colonization, whereas its silencing increased it. The enrichment of terpene synthase genes in the MYC2‐regulated gene set suggests a complex interplay between the host monoterpenes and fungal growth. Several root monoterpenes have been identified as inhibitors of fungal growth and ECM symbiosis.

Our results highlight the significance of poplar MYC2s and terpenes in mutualistic symbiosis by controlling root fungal colonization. We identified poplar genes which direct or indirect control by MYC2 is required for ECM establishment. These findings deepen our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying ECM symbiosis.
APP1/NTL9‐CalS8 module ensures proper phloem differentiation by stabilizing callose accumulation and symplastic communication
Authors: Liu Jie , Fan Yongxiao , Liu Yao , He Meiqing , Sun Yanke , Zheng Qi , Mi Lingyu , Liu Junzhong , Liu Wencheng , Tang Ning , Zhao Xiang , Hu Zhubing , Guo Siyi , Yan Dawei
Published: February 2024

Phloem sieve elements (PSE), the primary conduits collaborating with neighboring phloem pole pericycle (PPP) cells to facilitate unloading in Arabidopsis roots, undergo a series of developmental stages before achieving maturation and functionality. However, the mechanism that maintains the proper progression of these differentiation stages remains largely unknown.

We identified a gain‐of‐function mutant altered phloem pole pericycle 1 Dominant (app1D), producing a truncated, nuclear‐localized active form of NAC with Transmembrane Motif 1‐like (NTL9). This mutation leads to ectopic expression of its downstream target CALLOSE SYNTHASE 8 (CalS8), thereby inducing callose accumulation, impeding SE differentiation, impairing phloem transport, and inhibiting root growth.

The app1D phenotype could be reproduced by blocking the symplastic channels of cells within APP1 expression domain in wild‐type (WT) roots. The WT APP1 is primarily membrane‐tethered and dormant in the root meristem cells but entries into the nucleus in several cells in PPP near the unloading region, and this import is inhibited by blocking the symplastic intercellular transport in differentiating SE.

Our results suggest a potential maintenance mechanism involving an APP1‐CalS8 module, which induces CalS8 expression and modulates symplastic communication, and the proper activation of this module is crucial for the successful differentiation of SE in the Arabidopsis root.
Linagliptin's impact on lymphatic barrier and lymphangiogenesis in oral cancer with high glucose
Authors: Wang Hongyu , She Xiao , Xu Qiongdong , Zhou Xingyu , Tang Qinchao , Wei Huakun , Huang Tianjing , Liang Feixin
Published: February 2024

Objectives

Uncertainties remain regarding the effect of elevated glucose levels on lymphatic metastasis of cancer cells. Our study elucidated the mechanisms linking high glucose to lymphangiogenesis and lymphatic barrier‐related factors and investigated the protective role of linagliptin against lymphatic barrier dysfunction.

Materials and Methods

A CAL‐27‐LEC co‐culture system was established. Sodium fluorescein permeability assay observed lymphatic endothelial cell permeability. Western blotting and RT‐qPCR detected protein and mRNA expression under different conditions, respectively. CCK‐8, scratch wound healing, and transwell assays revealed cell migration and proliferation. Tube formation experiment tested capacity for endothelial tube formation. Immunohistochemical staining analyzed tissue sections from 43 oral cancer individuals with/without diabetes.

Results

In high‐glucose co‐culture system, we observed increased lymphatic barrier permeability and decreased expression of ZO‐1 and occludin, two tight‐junction proteins; conversely, the expression of PAR2, a high permeability‐related protein, was increased. Following linagliptin treatment, the expression levels of VEGF‐C, VEGFR‐3, and PAR2 decreased, while those of ZO‐1 and occludin increased. Considerably higher levels of LYVE‐1 expression in individuals with diabetes than in those without diabetes.

Conclusions

By ameliorating the high glucose‐induced disruption of the lymphatic endothelial barrier, linagliptin may reduce lymphangiogenesis and exhibit an inhibitory effect on lymphatic metastasis in oral cancer patients with diabetes.