bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Perceived workplace incivility and psychological well-being in higher education teachers: a multigroup analysis
Authors: Sood Sarita , Kour Dhanvir
Published: September 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of perceived workplace incivility (WPI) on psychological well-being (PWB) in teachers of higher education and to test for the moderating role of gender and organizational tenure on the relationship between perceived WPI and PWB.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from teachers (N = 341) employed in government and private colleges through convenience sampling. A structural equation modeling technique was used for model testing.

Findings

Results showed a moderate level of perceived WPI by teachers from their colleagues or supervisors. Perceived WPI had a negative impact on PWB. Sixteen percent of the variance in PWB was explained by perceived WPI. Further, the multigroup analysis showed gender to moderate the relationship between perceived WPI and PWB, and this relationship was stronger for males than females. Organizational tenure was not a significant moderator.

Research limitations/implications

These findings expand the literature on perceived WPI and suggest that stringent policies are essential in academia to minimize the incidence of WPI. Additionally, interventions are to be introduced to mitigate the negative outcomes of WPI both at the individual and organizational levels.

Originality/value

The study explores the role of demographic variables (gender and organizational tenure) in the relationship between perceived WPI and PWB in teachers. The empirical evidence suggests higher perceived WPI in male teachers leading to lower PWB. The organizational tenure of an employee shows no influence on the assessment of the stressor.
Influence of algorithmic management practices on workplace well-being – evidence from European organisations
Authors: Kinowska Hanna , Sienkiewicz Łukasz Jakub
Published: September 2022

Purpose

Existing literature on algorithmic management practices – defined as autonomous data-driven decision making in people's management by adoption of self-learning algorithms and artificial intelligence – suggests complex relationships with employees' well-being in the workplace. While the use of algorithms can have positive impacts on people-related decisions, they may also adversely influence job autonomy, perceived justice and – as a result – workplace well-being. Literature review revealed a significant gap in empirical research on the nature and direction of these relationships. Therefore the purpose of this paper is to analyse how algorithmic management practices directly influence workplace well-being, as well as investigating its relationships with job autonomy and total rewards practices.

Design/methodology/approach

Conceptual model of relationships between algorithmic management practices, job autonomy, total rewards and workplace well-being has been formulated on the basis of literature review. Proposed model has been empirically verified through confirmatory analysis by means of structural equation modelling (SEM CFA) on a sample of 21,869 European organisations, using data collected by Eurofound and Cedefop in 2019, with the focus of investigating the direct and indirect influence of algorithmic management practices on workplace well-being.

Findings

This research confirmed a moderate, direct impact of application of algorithmic management practices on workplace well-being. More importantly the authors found out that this approach has an indirect influence, through negative impact on job autonomy and total rewards practices. The authors observed significant variation in the level of influence depending on the size of the organisation, with the decreasing impacts of algorithmic management on well-being and job autonomy for larger entities.

Originality/value

While the influence of algorithmic management on various workplace practices and effects is now widely discussed, the empirical evidence – especially for traditional work contexts, not only gig economy – is highly limited. The study fills this gap and suggests that algorithmic management – understood as an automated decision-making vehicle – might not always lead to better, well-being focused, people management in organisations. Academic studies and practical applications need to account for possible negative consequences of algorithmic management for the workplace well-being, by better reflecting complex nature of relationships between these variables.
Socioeconomic development and sustainable development in Nigeria: the roles of poverty reduction and social inclusion
Authors: Abdulkareem Hauwah K.K. , Jimoh Sodiq Olaiwola , Shasi Olatunji M.
Published: September 2022

Purpose

This study examines the roles of poverty reduction and social inclusion as socioeconomic factors in achieving sustainable development (SD) in Nigeria from 1970 to 2019.

Design/methodology/approach

Vector error correction model (VECM) is adopted as the analytical technique. Three groups of factors are employed when determining SD: economic (per capital gross domestic product [GDP] and the inflow of foreign direct investment [FDI]), social (life expectancy, school enrollment, poverty and the proportion of women in parliament) and environmental (CO2 emission and natural resource endowment).

Findings

The findings reveal that the economic factors (GDP per capita and the inflow of FDI to the GDP ratio) and two of the social determinants (life expectancy and school enrollment) have a positive effect on SD while the remaining two social determinants (poverty gap and the proportion of women in parliament) and the environmental determinants (CO2 emission and natural resource endowment) have a negative influence on SD in Nigeria during the period under study.

Originality/value

First, this study integrates social inclusion into the poverty–SD nexus in the same study framework for a thorough analysis given that social inclusion has been identified as one of the leading variables affecting sustainability. Second, this study fills a gap in the literature by accounting for economic, social and environmental factors that influence SD, as opposed to the majority of existing studies that only employed environmental variables when examining the relationship between poverty and sustainability.
Comparison of machine learning algorithms for evaluating building energy efficiency using big data analytics
Authors: Egwim Christian Nnaemeka , Alaka Hafiz , Egunjobi Oluwapelumi Oluwaseun , Gomes Alvaro , Mporas Iosif
Published: September 2022

Purpose

This study aims to compare and evaluate the application of commonly used machine learning (ML) algorithms used to develop models for assessing energy efficiency of buildings.

Design/methodology/approach

This study foremostly combined building energy efficiency ratings from several data sources and used them to create predictive models using a variety of ML methods. Secondly, to test the hypothesis of ensemble techniques, this study designed a hybrid stacking ensemble approach based on the best performing bagging and boosting ensemble methods generated from its predictive analytics.

Findings

Based on performance evaluation metrics scores, the extra trees model was shown to be the best predictive model. More importantly, this study demonstrated that the cumulative result of ensemble ML algorithms is usually always better in terms of predicted accuracy than a single method. Finally, it was discovered that stacking is a superior ensemble approach for analysing building energy efficiency than bagging and boosting.

Research limitations/implications

While the proposed contemporary method of analysis is assumed to be applicable in assessing energy efficiency of buildings within the sector, the unique data transformation used in this study may not, as typical of any data driven model, be transferable to the data from other regions other than the UK.

Practical implications

This study aids in the initial selection of appropriate and high-performing ML algorithms for future analysis. This study also assists building managers, residents, government agencies and other stakeholders in better understanding contributing factors and making better decisions about building energy performance. Furthermore, this study will assist the general public in proactively identifying buildings with high energy demands, potentially lowering energy costs by promoting avoidance behaviour and assisting government agencies in making informed decisions about energy tariffs when this novel model is integrated into an energy monitoring system.

Originality/value

This study fills a gap in the lack of a reason for selecting appropriate ML algorithms for assessing building energy efficiency. More importantly, this study demonstrated that the cumulative result of ensemble ML algorithms is usually always better in terms of predicted accuracy than a single method.
How compatible is the principle of neutrality with the implementation of economic sanctions? An examination into Switzerland’s use of sanctions
Authors: Teichmann Fabian Maximilian Johannes , Wittmann Chiara
Published: September 2022

Purpose

The current political situation in Europe has amplified economic sanctions as a retaliatory measure for states not directly involved in the conflict but wanting to influence the political situation. The purpose of this paper is to further understand the interplay of the neutrality principle and employment of economic sanctions.

Design/methodology/approach

Through an extensive literature review, heavily based on the publications of the Swiss Confederacy, neutrality as a foreign policy serving to promote Swiss interests is explored. The room for interpretation and freedom of action in the neutrality principle is highlighted above all.

Findings

Economic sanctions are compatible with the neutrality principle, but do not necessarily further the same purpose. Political pressure to participate in sanctions does not take into consideration the ways in which the credibility of neutrality can be implicated, as well as the value of protecting Switzerland’s role as an international mediator.

Originality/value

The consistency with which the neutrality principle is translated into the modern geopolitical context is crucial for its longevity. The novelty of the current political sanctions, still unfolding, demands a careful examination into the history of neutrality and the use of sanctions. No better insight can be offered than by the development of neutrality in the history of the titan of neutrality, Switzerland.
Examining impact of ESG score on financial performance of healthcare companies
Authors: Kalia Deepali , Aggarwal Divya
Published: September 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the effect of total and each individual component of environmental, social and governance score (ESG) on financial performance (FP) of healthcare companies.

Design/methodology/approach

Data for 468 health-care firms for the business year 2020 is sourced from Thomson Reuters to obtain ESG data. Correlation and multivariate regression analysis are done to investigate the relation between ESG activities and firm performance. The analysis has been done on overall data and subsample data to examine the relation across developing vs developed markets.

Findings

The results of the study suggest that relation between ESG score and FP cannot be generalized. The results show that performing ESG activities positively impact firm performance of healthcare companies in developed economies; however, this relationship would be negative or insignificant in the case of developing economies.

Practical implications

The results of this study have implications for both practitioners and policymakers. The authors suggest the specific setups in which the relationship between ESG activities and firm performance will be negative or insignificant. These results are beneficial to policymakers who seek to increase the active participation of firms in ESG activities.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to explore the relationship of ESG score on FP through the lens of country-level development variables for health-care sector companies.
An examination of value co-creation drivers in Ghana's hotel setting: a micro-level approach
Authors: Yeboah Dora , Ibrahim Masud , Agyapong Kingsley
Published: September 2022

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the drivers that motivate employees and guests' hotel service participation to understand how that can influence the implementation of Value Co-Creation (VCC) in sub-Saharan African context.

Design/methodology/approach

Using an interpretive paradigm, the study draws on 32 in-depth interviews, 6 focus group discussions involving 32 participants and participant observation field notes. Data were analysed using thematic analysis.

Findings

The study unravels nine motives that drive employee–guest VCC participation: passion, relationship, belongingness, shared and enhanced experiences, satisfaction, reputation development, openness, communication and rewards.

Research limitations/implications

This exploratory, cross-sectional study was undertaken in hotels within sub-Saharan Africa. Thus, findings cannot be generalised. However, it provides an opportunity for future quantitative approaches within different contexts involving other stakeholders.

Practical implications

Considering the numerous challenges from COVID-19 pandemic on the service industry, hotel managers might want to use the findings to not only formulate policies that support employee–guest co-creation for service improvement and survival but also introduce enhanced innovative service practices that deliver on employee and guest service expectations for retention. The findings encourage hotel managers to identify employee and guest context-specific motivations to be able to match with value-driven service activities, aimed at attracting positive behaviours to better respond to the numerous COVID-19-related challenges.

Originality/value

This work adds to the VCC literature by investigating the collective and individual drivers at the employee and guest dyadic level within sub-Saharan African hotel context. The authors propose a comprehensive model to guide the successful implementation of employee–guest VCC.
How does human capital efficiency impact credit risk?: the case of commercial banks in the GCC
Authors: Hasnaoui Jamila Abaidi , Hasnaoui Amir
Published: September 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to assess human capital efficiency's impact on commercial banks' credit risk in six GCC member countries.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employs quarterly balanced panel data of banks between 2014 and 2019. The authors use three different constructs of credit risk, namely the probability of default which is a forward-looking quantification, a book value-based infection ratio and independent opinion of credit ratings, to assess the relationship with human capital efficiency. Different macro and firm-specific control variables are introduced, including a dummy for technological innovation and a GARCH-based measure of oil price volatility.

Findings

The findings of this study reveal that human capital efficiency is negatively related to the credit risk profile and banks with higher human capital efficiency tend to have lower credit risk. These results remained robust across the three definitions of credit risk used in this study.

Originality/value

This study is unique in exploring the impact of human capital efficiency on credit risk because credit risk is not only a central determinant of bank performance but also can trigger a systemic panic. Therefore, it is vital to assess its relationship with human capital efficiency. The different constructs of credit risk are innovative with reference to human capital. Lastly, using EVA as a measure of value addition in the context of human capital efficiency is a methodological contribution.
The price reaction and investment exposure of equity funds: evidence from the Russia–Ukraine military conflict
Authors: Yarovaya Larisa , Mirza Nawazish
Published: September 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to assess the impact of the Ukraine–Russia military conflict on the returns and investment flows of equity funds across multiple countries.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a comprehensive sample of 1,281 equity funds in 40 countries. The countries were segregated into conflict states, members of NATO, and those which abstained from voting on the UN resolution on March 2, 2022. The authors employ a GARCH-based event study and estimate CARs for t−5, t−3, t, t + 3, and t + 5 event windows. Further, the authors use panel estimation to assess the link between the CARs and the investment exposure of the sample funds.

Findings

The findings highlight an adverse reaction of mutual funds in Russia, Ukraine, and the NATO States. On the contrary, the mutual funds in the countries that abstained during the voting on the UN resolution on March 2nd posted positive abnormal returns. Similarly, the investment exposure towards the conflicted countries and NATO states is unfavorable except for the abstained countries.

Originality/value

This is the primary study to evaluate the impact of the recent geopolitical tensions on mutual funds domiciled across various geographical locations.
Comparing models of follower outcomes: destructive and constructive leader behavior
Authors: Mharapara Tago L. , Cooper-Thomas Helena D. , Stadler Matthias , Hutchison Ann
Published: September 2022

Purpose

To provide evidence-based recommendations on the types of leader behaviors organizations should target for a better return on leader training investment the authors draw on the destructive and constructive leadership behavior model and the bad is stronger than good proposition to examine the following question: Compared to constructive leader behavior, does destructive leader behavior have a greater effect on follower outcomes or is something more nuanced occurring?

Design/methodology/approach

The authors used Qualtrics online panels to collect data (N = 211 andN = 342) from full-time office-based participants. They used multivariate latent regression and dominance weights analyses to examine the relative strength of destructive versus constructive leader behaviors on followers' satisfaction with leader, and task performance.

Findings

Across both samples, leader hypocrisy and leader social undermining had relatively stronger effects on follower satisfaction with leader. Leader knowledge hiding had a relatively strong effect on follower task performance. Leader ethical conduct had the strongest association with follower satisfaction with leader in both samples. Hence, the authors' results were aligned with the bad is stronger than good proposition.

Originality/value

The authors' show that white-collar organizations can benefit from improved follower attitudes and performance by reducing leader hypocrisy and social undermining (destructive behavior) while simultaneously promoting leader ethical conduct (constructive behavior).
Hierarchical trait filtering at different spatial scales determines beetle assemblages in deadwood
Authors: Neff Felix , Hagge Jonas , Achury Rafael , Ambarlı Didem , Ammer Christian , Schall Peter , Seibold Sebastian , Staab Michael , Weisser Wolfgang W. , Gossner Martin M.
Published: September 2022

Environmental filters—including those resulting from biotic interactions—play a crucial role during the assembly of ecological communities. The importance of scale has thereby been acknowledged but filters at different scales have rarely been quantified in relation to each other, although these hierarchically nested filters eventually determine which communities assemble from a regional species pool.

Saproxylic beetles offer an ideal system to study such hierarchically nested environmental filters. Three steps of filtering during the community assembly of these deadwood‐dependent beetles are proposed. First, starting from a regional species pool, species must disperse to forest sites. Second, within a site, individuals need to find a patch with preferred microclimatic conditions. Third, the conditions of a single deadwood object (i.e. tree species identity, decomposition stage) at this patch will determine, which species colonise and establish.

To study these hierarchical filters, we used unique long‐term data ets of saproxylic beetle diversity from trap catches at 29 sites and from emergence traps on 694 experimentally installed deadwood logs at the same sites in three regions in Germany. To relate different environmental filters to beetle assemblages, we used a set of 13 functional traits that are hypothesised to relate to different filters at different scales.

We show that all three hierarchical filtering steps resulted in reductions of functional diversity and simultaneous shifts in the functional composition of beetle assemblages, reflecting the roles of different traits in response to different filters. Trait composition changed most strongly at the last filtering step, that is, depended on tree species identity and decomposition stage.

We showed that if community assembly is analysed as a hierarchical multi‐step process based on data from different spatial scales, environmental filters can be quantified at these scales. As such, a better understanding of the role that different filters play at different spatial scales can be reached.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Do departure and flight route decisions correlate with immune parameters in migratory songbirds?
Authors: Brust Vera , Eikenaar Cas , Packmor Florian , Schmaljohann Heiko , Hüppop Ommo , Czirják Gábor Á.
Published: September 2022

Many songbirds migrate twice a year to exploit seasonally available resources. These journeys are energetically demanding and energy reserves of these small birds are limited. Accordingly, most of the time migrating is spent during stopovers that serve to rest, replenish resources and recover. While external influences, like prevailing weather conditions and resource availability, are well studied with regard to stopover behaviour and departure decisions, studies on how birds' individual physiological condition and stopover decisions may be linked are scarce.

We used a large‐scale radio‐telemetry network covering the German Bight (SE North Sea) to study how birds' immunological constitution at stopover may correlate with departure and flight behaviour in five species of short‐ to medium‐distance migratory songbirds. We measured markers of the innate (bacterial killing activity, lysozyme concentration, natural antibodies and complement titres) and acquired immune function (immunoglobulin Y) in the birds' plasma. After sampling, we tracked the birds' behaviour in terms of stopover duration as well as flight routes and flight distances within the telemetry network after departure.

We found that stopover durations were positively related to natural antibodies and immunoglobulin Y across species and to the bacterial killing activity solely in song thrushes in spring, while no relations became apparent in fall. Flight distances were linked positively to immunoglobulin Y concentrations in both spring and fall, though not in all of the investigated species. Coastal and offshore‐oriented routes were taken independent of the birds' immune status.

Our study for the first time shows that migratory behaviour of songbirds in the wild is correlated with their immune status, not only during but also beyond stopover. Furthermore, birds with increased complement titres and Immunoglobulin Y concentrations, either due to recent infection or greater investment in their immune function, took additional time at their stopover sites, probably to reach their breeding grounds in good condition. During the less time‐constrained fall season, stopovers were generally prolonged, independent from the birds' immune status and any delays taken to improve immune status are most likely not detrimental in terms of fitness.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Tree mixtures mediate negative effects of introduced tree species on bird taxonomic and functional diversity
Authors: Schuldt Andreas , Huke Pelle , Glatthorn Jonas , Hagge Jonas , Wildermuth Benjamin , Matevski Dragan
Published: September 2022

Recent biodiversity loss has emphasized the necessity to critically evaluate the consequences of human alterations of forest ecosystems. Stand diversification via tree species mixtures and the use of non‐native trees are two such alterations currently gaining importance as climate change adaptations. However, the effects of local versus regional tree mixing on associated biodiversity and notably the modifying role of tree species growing outside their natural range remain poorly understood.

We assessed how monocultures and mixtures of native and introduced tree species influence the taxonomic and functional diversity of bird communities at stand and landscape scales in north‐west Germany. We focused on the dominant natural tree species (Fagus sylvatica) and economically important conifer species planted outside their natural range (the native Picea abies and non‐native Pseudotsuga menziesii).

We found that bird species richness and functional diversity were generally higher in pure and mixed stands of native F. sylvatica than in pure conifer stands, especially in comparison to non‐native P. menziesii. These differences were particularly strong at the landscape scale. Pure conifer stands harboured only a reduced set of functionally similar bird species. Structural diversity based on tree microhabitat availability emerged as a key predictor of bird diversity.

Synthesis and applications. Our study suggests that tree species mixtures do not necessarily increase bird diversity compared to pure stands of native trees, but can promote bird diversity relative to pure stands of species planted outside their natural range. Moreover, local mixtures, rather than a mosaic of pure stands, may promote bird diversity also at the landscape scale. By contrast, pure stands of tree species planted outside their natural range can increase biotic homogenization of forest birds. Promoting structural diversity of microhabitats via tree retention and ensuring that non‐native trees are planted in mixtures with native trees may alleviate potential limitations of climate change‐oriented management for biodiversity.
Trusted contraception information sources for individuals with opioid use disorder
Authors: Sobel Lauren , Lee Yeon Woo , White Katharine , Woodhams Elisabeth , Patton Elizabeth
Published: September 2022

Objective (Study Question)

To identify trusted sources of contraception information among pregnancy‐capable individuals with opioid use disorder (OUD).

Data Sources/Study Setting

We conducted interviews between October 2018 and January 2019 at Boston Medical Center, a university‐based tertiary care center.

Study Design

Data were drawn from semi‐structured qualitative interviews with a convenience sample of 20 pregnant or recently pregnant individuals with OUD. We used the Ottawa Decision Support Framework, a health decision making conceptual model, to structure our interviews. We analyzed the data using inductive and deductive coding.

Data Collection/ Extraction Methods

Not applicable.

Principal Findings

Pregnancy‐capable individuals who use opioids value friends who are not actively using opioids, including peers in recovery homes, as trusted sources of contraception information. They also value internet resources, including websites recommended by clinicians and social media posts, and established clinical providers as reliable sources of contraception information in ways that emulate individuals with other chronic medical conditions. 

Conclusion

These sources of contraception information may explain some trends in contraceptive use among individuals with OUD, inform nonstigmatizing contraceptive counseling, and serve as a foundation for improved decision support.
Recognition and segmentation of individual pigs based on Swin Transformer
Authors: Lu Jisheng , Wang Wei , Zhao Kun , Wang Haiyan
Published: September 2022

Recognition of individual pigs is critical to the monitoring of pig body size and physiological health status in large‐scale pig farms. In this study, deep learning methods were introduced in the intelligent recognition and segmentation of individual replacement pigs, which can realize the non‐contact surveillance of each pig. Swin Transformer was used for the recognition and segmentation of individual pigs based on the surveillance data, and different models were compared to find the model with the fastest training speed and most accurate results. Finally, a recognition accuracy of 93.0% and segmentation accuracy of 86.9% for individual pigs were achieved with the surveillance video images of pigs based on Swin Transformer. Even in some complex scenarios such as overlapping, occlusion, and deformation, the method still exhibited excellent recognition performance for replacement pigs. Importantly, this method can greatly save labor as well as help intelligent and unmanned pig production and facilitate the modernization of pig industry.
CXCL14‐like immunoreactivity in somatostatin‐producing cells of the Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica) pancreas
Authors: Suzuki Hirohumi , Yamamoto Toshiharu
Published: September 2022

This study examines chemokine CXCL14‐like peptide distribution in the Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica) pancreas using a specific anti‐human CXCL14 antibody. CXCL14‐immunoreactive cells were observed in the pancreatic islet peripheral region. The staining was abolished after pre‐absorbing the antibody with recombinant human CXCL14. CXCL14‐immunoreactive cells were immuno‐positive for somatostatin, but not glucagon and insulin. CXCL14 secreted from somatostatin‐producing cells might participate in insulin secretion modulation together with somatostatin. In addition, CXCL14 might participate in glucose homeostasis in co‐operation with somatostatin and growth hormone.
Individual dynamics of uterine natural killer cells in natural and stimulated cycles monitored using a new endometrial dating method
Authors: Alfer Joachim , Fattahi Amir , Bleisinger Nathalie , Antoniadis Sophia , Krieg Jürgen , Dittrich Ralf , Beckmann Matthias W. , Hartmann Arndt , Popovici Roxana M. , Tremellen Kelton
Published: September 2022

Problem

It is important to evaluate the dynamics of uterine natural killer (uNK) cells in hormone replacement therapy (HRT) cycles, given their potential role in implantation and the common usage of HRT cycles with in vitro fertilization (IVF).

Method of study

A total of 132 subfertile patients were evaluated during the secretory phase of either natural ovulation (OV) or HRT cycles, with two biopsies taken on approximately days 5 and 10 after ovulation/progesterone administration in a single menstrual cycle. Immunohistochemical Personal Endometrial Maturation Analysis (PEMA) was used to better quantify secretory‐phase endometrial development, in combination with subsequent evaluation of uNK cell density.

Results

uNK cell density increased rapidly from the early to mid‐secretory phase, with mean uNK densities of 113 and 117 per mm2 in first biopsies and 315 and 387 per mm2 in second biopsies for OV and HRT cycles, respectively. After reassessment of endometrial development with PEMA, the first and second biopsies in HRT and OV cycles were histologically dated to developmental ranges between days 15–20 (first biopsy) and days 19–25 (second biopsy).

Conclusion

Subfertile women showed variable endometrial development in PEMA assessment, with uNK cell density correlating with the dating results. Overall, comparable levels of uNK cell density were observed in OV and HRT cycles. Importantly, uNK cell density depends on the histological maturation stage, with similar low coefficients of determination. This observation suggests that aberrant uNK cell results more likely reflect displaced endometrial maturation, rather than an intrinsic anomaly in uNK cell trafficking.
The predictive value of NKG2C+NK cells and LILRB1+NK cells in recurrent spontaneous abortion
Authors: Hou Yue , Liu Qian , Jin Dazhong , Li Jiapo , Huang Ling , Qiao Chong
Published: September 2022

Problem

The maternal‐fetal immune abnormalities can result in recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA). The role of NKG2C+ and LILRB1+ pNK subsets in predicting pregnancy loss is uncertain.

Method of Study

In this study, we aimed to compare the percentage of CD3−CD56+ NK cells, NKG2C+ NK cells, and LILRB1+ NK cells in peripheral blood between healthy pregnant women (HC group), RSA women followed by normal pregnancy (RSA‐N group) and RSA women followed by abortion (RSA‐A group) in the first trimester via flow cytometry, and explore the prediction value of NKG2C+ and LILRB1+ NK cells for pregnancy loss in RSA via ROC curve. The MFI of NKG2C and LILRB1 of dNK were compared between and HC and RSA‐A groups.

Results

The percentage of CD3‐CD56+ pNK cells between HC, RSA‐N, and RSA‐A groups shows no significant difference. In peripheral blood, the percentage of NKG2C+ NK cells were significantly increased in the RSA‐A group than HC group and RSA‐N group, and the percentage of LILRB1+ NK cell were significantly decreased in the RSA‐A group. The MFI of NKG2C and LILRB1 of dNK showed a similar trend with peripheral blood between HC and RSA‐A groups. The NKG2C+ and LILRB1+ NK cells were an independent risk factor for predicting pregnancy loss in RSA patients, with an area under the ROC curves (AUC) of .77 and .71 respectively.

Conclusion

Women with recurrent spontaneous abortion have abnormal NKG2C+ and LILRB1+ pNK subsets, which could reflect immune abnormalities at the maternal‐fetal interface, and NKG2C+ and LILRB1+ pNK subsets could be a good indicator for the prediction of pregnancy loss.
Do specific maternal sensations experienced in late pregnancy correlate to a breech presenting baby? Evaluation of a simple maternal questionnaire
Authors: Hedditch Anita , Laudat Monique , Ellaway Pauline , Impey Lawrence
Published: September 2022

Objectives

To investigate the effectiveness of a structured questionnaire completed at 36 weeks gestation in predicting breech presentation.

Design

Questionnaire‐based study.

Setting

Tertiary NHS Foundation Trust.

Participants

Women attending for a universally offered 36‐week fetal growth scan.

Intervention

Completion of a previously designed maternal questionnaire detailing sensation of fetal movements during the past week, immediately before a routine growth scan.

Results

Between September 01, 2018 and September 30, 2019, 2341 questionnaires were handed out and 2053 were returned. Analysis was performed in 1938 (94.4%) completed questionnaires. Recorded presentation was breech in 109 (5.6%), transverse/oblique in 15 (0.8%), and cephalic in 1814 (93.6%). Women “thinking their baby was breech” had a high positive likelihood ratio, at 11.8 (95% CI 7.4–19.1), but poor sensitivity (27.3%). “Feeling kicks low down or near the bladder” was sensitive for non‐cephalic presentation (76.3%) but with poor specificity (48.9%). The questions “kicks low” (“no”) (P = 0.013, aOR 2.18 [1.18–4.04]) and ‘thinks cephalic (“no”)’ (P = 0.001, aOR 0.12 (0.04–0.43) were independent risk factors for a non‐cephalic presentation.

Conclusions

The questions posed in this questionnaire could aid the detection of breech presentation, but do not perform better than published data on palpation. Missing a breech presentation near term through palpation alone is well reported. Combining the concept of palpation to exclude breech presentation and these questions may help focus a clinician and improve both palpation skills and breech detection. As a minimum, a woman who believes her baby is breech should be taken seriously.
[99mTc]Tc‐HYNIC‐EcgDf21: A defensin short analogue with potential application in infection foci imaging
Authors: Terán Mariella , Osorio Jessica , Cardoso Elena , Tejería Emilia , Paolino Andrea , Reyes Ana Laura , Cecchetto Gianna
Published: September 2022

Opportunistic infections are a problem of great relevance in public health and the precise detection and localization of infection in the early stages of the disease is of great importance for patient management as well as cost containment. Our proposal seeks to contribute to developing a new agent that meets the needs of diagnosis and follow‐up of fungal and bacterial infections, focused on the design of a radiotracer with the potential for recognition of hidden infection foci. Defensins are plant antimicrobial peptides that not only show activity against plant pathogens but also against human ones. A short analogue of EcgDf1 defensin, EcgDf21d (NH2‐ERFTGGHCRGFRRRCFCTKHC‐COOH), was labelled through the formation of a 99mTc‐HYNIC complex which was assessed for physicochemical and biological behaviour both in vitro and in vivo. The [99mTc]Tc‐HYNIC‐EcgDf21 labelling procedure rendered a single product with remarkably high RCP and stability in the labelling milieu. The Log p value indicated that [99mTc]Tc‐HYNIC‐EcgDf21 has a hydrophilic behaviour, confirmed by the biodistribution profiles. The optimal uptake value was obtained for Candida albicans infection model reaching a lesion/muscle ratio of 3, this correlates with in vitro binding studies, and the lesion can be definitely observed in the scintigraphic images.
Association of low mechano‐energetic efficiency and prognosis in liver cirrhosis
Authors: Sjöstedt Sannia , Wiese Signe , Bendtsen Flemming , Møller Søren
Published: September 2022

Background

In cirrhosis, cardiac systolic dysfunction as part of cirrhotic cardiomyopathy affects prognosis. Myocardial mechano‐energetic efficiency (MEE) is an estimate of left ventricular performance. In this study we investigated the relation of MEE to patient characteristics and its impact on survival in patients with cirrhosis.

Patients and Methods

We included 283 patients with cirrhosis of different severity according to the Child−Pugh classifications (A/B/C: 106/87/90). All patients had a liver vein catheterization and a hemodynamic investigation performed including determination of cardiac output (CO), stroke volume and heart rate (HR). These data were used to assess MEE, which was defined as (stroke volume/HR) × 1.666.

Results

Eighty‐nine percent of patients had portal hypertension (hepatic venous pressure gradient >5 mmHg) and 80% indications of hyperdynamic circulatory state (increased CO and HR). There was no difference in MEE in Child−Pugh class C patients (2.03) versus Child−Pugh class A (1.98) and B (2.05) patients. In Child−Pugh class C patients, low MEE was associated with a poorer prognosis.

Conclusion

In our study, MEE does not seem to be associated with severity of the liver disease, but in patients with advanced disease low MEE is associated with a poorer prognosis. The prognostic impact of MEE should be further investigated.
Quadricuspid aortic valve repair with a modified‐tricuspidization technique
Authors: D'Errico Ramirez Antonio , Squiccimarro Enrico , De Palo Micaela , Acquaviva Tommaso , Milano Aldo Domenico
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Quadricuspid aortic valve (QAV) is an extremely rare developmental abnormality with an incidence of 0.006%. QAV is an incidental finding that in some patients (23%) may determine aortic regurgitation (AR). Altogether 16% of patients indeed require surgery with AR being the most frequent indication.

Methods and results

We describe a case report of a 46 year‐old female affected by severe aortic regurgitation due to QAV successfully treated with a  modified‐tricuspidization technique associated with cusp extension, prolapsing commissure suturing, and sub‐commissural annuloplasty.

Discussion

QAV repair represents an attractive perspective to overcome the drawbacks of either mechanical or biological prosthesis.
Mild behavioral impairment as a potential marker of predementia risk states in motor neuron diseases
Authors: Ferraro Pilar M. , Gervino Ester , De Maria Emiliano , Meo Giuseppe , Ponzano Marta , Pardini Matteo , Signori Alessio , Schenone Angelo , Roccatagliata Luca , Caponnetto Claudia
Published: September 2022

Background and purpose

Mild behavioral impairment (MBI) has been increasingly regarded as the neurobehavioral axis of predementia risk states, but a specific investigation of its detection as a potential marker of prodromal dementia in motor neuron diseases (MNDs) is still lacking. The aims of our study were therefore to explore MBI in MNDs both at onset and over the disease course, and to evaluate its relationship with baseline and longitudinal cognitive features.

Methods

Sixty MND patients with cognitive/behavioral, mood, and motor examinations were recruited and followed longitudinally for up to 15 months. Associations between baseline MBI symptoms and clinical features were tested using the Spearman correlation coefficient. Based on longitudinal data, relative deltas of variation for each cognitive measure were generated, and linear regression models were then used to evaluate the role of baseline MBI symptoms in predicting longitudinal rates of cognitive decline.

Results

At disease onset, the most impaired MBI domain was affective/emotional dysregulation, followed by impulse dyscontrol, apathy, and social inappropriateness. Greater MBI symptoms correlated with more severe baseline motor, cognitive/behavioral, and mood disturbances (p values from <0.001 to 0.05). Longitudinally, the greatest decline was observed in the affective/emotional dysregulation domain, followed by impulse dyscontrol, apathy, and social inappropriateness. Greater MBI symptoms at onset were significant predictors of more severe longitudinal cognitive decline in both amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)‐specific and ALS‐nonspecific functions (p values from <0.001 to 0.03).

Conclusions

MBI represents a valuable clinical marker of incident cognitive decline in MNDs, and its evaluation has good potential for detecting dementia in its preclinical/prodromal phase.
Genetic variation inNFE2L2is associated with outcome following aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage
Authors: Gaastra Ben , Duncan Poppy , Bakker Mark K. , Hostettler Isabel C. , Alg Varinder S. , Houlden Henry , Ruigrok Ynte M. , Galea Ian , Tapper Will , Werring David , Bulters Diederik
Published: September 2022

Background and purpose

Nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2 (NRF2; encoded by theNFE2L2gene) has been implicated in outcome following aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage (aSAH) through its activity as a regulator of inflammation, oxidative injury and blood breakdown product clearance. The aim of this study was to identify whether genetic variation inNFE2L2is associated with clinical outcome following aSAH.

Methods

Ten tagging single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) inNFE2L2were genotyped and tested for association with dichotomized clinical outcome, assessed by the modified Rankin scale, in both a discovery and a validation cohort.In silicofunctional analysis was performed using a range of bioinformatic tools.

Results

One SNP, rs10183914, was significantly associated with outcome following aSAH in both the discovery (n = 1007) and validation cohorts (n = 466). The risk of poor outcome was estimated to be 1.33‐fold (95% confidence interval 1.12–1.58) higher in individuals with the T allele of rs10183914 (pmeta‐analysis = 0.001).In silicofunctional analysis identified rs10183914 as a potentially regulatory variant with effects on transcription factor binding in addition to alternative splicing with the T allele, associated with a significant reduction in theNFE2L2intron excision ratio (psQTL = 1.3 × 10−7).

Conclusions

TheNFE2L2SNP, rs10183914, is significantly associated with outcome following aSAH. This is consistent with a clinically relevant pathophysiological role for oxidative and inflammatory brain injury due to blood and its breakdown products in aSAH. Furthermore, our findings support NRF2 as a potential therapeutic target following aSAH and other forms of intracranial haemorrhage.
Cryoglobulinaemia in a Thoroughbred gelding with multicentric lymphoma
Authors: Kreutzfeldt Nicole , Browne Nimet
Published: September 2022

A 17‐year‐old Thoroughbred gelding was presented to the hospital with epistaxis, multiple alopecic skin lesions, firm swelling in the masseter region and acute cellulitis of the right hind distal limb. Epistaxis originated from ulcerative lesions within the nasal passages and nasopharynx. Histopathology results of a skin biopsy revealed necrotising dermatitis. Initial laboratory evaluation included severe leucocytosis with marked hyperproteinaemia and adequate coagulation times. A cryoprecipitate was noted in a refrigerated blood sample in the absence of lipemia. Serum protein electrophoresis yielded inconsistent results depending on sample preparation, suggestive of the presence of cryoglobulins. Evaluation of an uncentrifuged sample revealed a gammopathy, with a peak in the beta 2 globulin fraction. Treatment for vasculitis and dermatitis resulted in little clinical improvement, and the gelding was euthanised. Necropsy revealed multicentric lymphoma with a tropism for perivascular spaces and skeletal muscles.
The beneficial impact of metabolic dysfunction‐associated fatty liver disease on lenvatinib treatment in patients with non‐viral hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Shimose Shigeo , Hiraoka Atsushi , Casadei‐Gardini Andrea , Tsutsumi Tsubasa , Nakano Dan , Iwamoto Hideki , Tada Fujimasa , Rimini Margherita , Tanaka Masatoshi , Torimura Takuji , Suga Hideya , Ohama Hideko , Burgio Valentina , Niizeki Takashi , Moriyama Etsuko , Suzuki Hiroyuki , Shirono Tomotake , Noda Yu , Kamachi Naoki , Nakano Masahito , Kuromatsu Ryoko , Koga Hironori , Kawaguchi Takumi
Published: September 2022

Aim

Lenvatinib is used to treat advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Metabolic dysfunction‐associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is becoming a major etiology of HCC. We aimed to evaluate the impact of MAFLD on the efficacy of lenvatinib.

Methods

We enrolled 320 patients with HCC who were treated with lenvatinib. All patients were classified into the MAFLD (n = 155) and non‐MAFLD (n = 165) groups. Independent factors for overall survival (OS) were analyzed. In the stratification analysis, HCC was categorized as non‐viral (n = 115) or viral HCC (n = 205).

Results

The OS rate was significantly higher in the MAFLD group than in the non‐MAFLD group (median 21.1 vs. 15.1 months, p = 0.002). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that, in addition to albumin‐bilirubin grade and Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer stage, MAFLD was identified as an independent factor for OS (HR 0.722, 95% CI 0.539–0.966, p = 0.028). In the stratification analysis, the OS rate was significantly higher in the MAFLD group than in the non‐MAFLD group among patients with non‐viral HCC (median 21.1 vs. 15.1 months, p = 0.002), but not in patients with viral HCC. Furthermore, MAFLD was an independent negative risk factor for OS in patients with non‐viral HCC (HR 0.506, 95% CI 0.297–0.864, P < 0.01). However, MAFLD was not an independent factor for OS in patients with viral HCC.

Conclusions

MAFLD was a beneficial factor for survival in patients with HCC treated with lenvatinib. Moreover, the better OS of the MAFLD group was more pronounced in patients with non‐viral HCC. Lenvatinib may be a suitable agent for patients with non‐viral HCC and MAFLD.