bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Knowledge management enablers and barriers: exploring the moderating effect of communication barriers
Authors: Alves Josivan Leite , Nadae Jeniffer de , Carvalho Marly Monteiro de
Published: October 2022

Purpose

This study aims to explore the moderating effect of communication barriers (CBs) on the relationship between knowledge sharing barriers (KSBs) and knowledge management (KM), considering the two enablers, technology and organizational culture, in the project context.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors adopted survey-based research approach. The data were analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM), applying the SmartPLS 3.0 software.

Findings

The results show the significant and positive effect of both enablers (culture and technology) on KM. Furthermore, the authors identify significant relationship between KSBs and communications barriers. Finally, it elucidated the moderate effect of CBs.

Research limitations/implications

The data are cross-sectional rather than longitudinal, which limits temporal interpretations of the associations between exploitative and exploratory learning and innovative strategies.

Practical implications

The results can guide organization toward cultural and technological issues supporting KM. Moreover, for project managers and practitioners it shows the importance to avoid communications barriers, driving efforts and resources to manage the flow of information efficiently, developing communication processes that integrate the project team and reducing CBs.

Originality/value

The study reveals complex paths that organizations take toward KM. The research findings show how CBs play a critical moderating role in the relationship between KSBs and KM.
Regime specific spillover between Dow Jones Islamic Market World Index, Islamic gold-backed crypto currencies and the blockchain halal index
Authors: Trichilli Yousra , Boujelbéne Mouna
Published: October 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the relationship between Dow Jones Islamic Market World Index, Islamic gold-backed cryptocurrencies and halal chain in the presence of state (regime) dynamics.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors have used the Markov-switching model to identify bull and bear market regimes. Moreover, the dynamic conditional correlation, the Baba, Engle, Kraft and Kroner- generalized autoregressive conditional heteroskedasticity and the wavelet coherence models are applied to detect the presence of spillover and contagion effects.

Findings

The findings indicate various patterns of spillover between halal chain, Dow Jones Islamic Market World Index and Islamic gold-backed cryptocurrencies in high and low volatility regimes, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Indeed, the contagion dynamics depend on the bull or bear periods of markets.

Practical implications

These present empirical findings are important for current and potential traders in gold-backed cryptocurrencies in that they facilitate a better understanding of this new type of assets. Indeed, halal chain is a safe haven asset that should be combined with Islamic gold-backed cryptocurrencies for better performance in portfolio optimization and hedging, mainly during the COVID-19 period.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this paper is the first research on the impact of the halal chain on the Dow Jones Islamic Market World Index return, Islamic gold-backed cryptocurrencies returns in the bear and bull markets around the global crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Reverse mergers and stock price crash risk: evidence from China
Authors: Cheng Zijian , Liu Zhangxin (Frank) , Xie Jiaxin
Published: October 2022

Purpose

Does the choice of listing process matter in determining a firm's future crash risk? It is understood that the main function of an equity market is to provide price discovery, however, it is not clear whether the choice of listing methods would matter to the shareholders' wealth in the long term. We are the first to answer this question by utilising a hand-collected dataset that identifies all companies that went public via reverse merger (RM) in a growing emerging market.

Design/methodology/approach

Using hand-collected data from 2000 to 2018 in China, we follow the literature to construct two crash risk measures for RM and IPO firms. Our main analysis is performed using OLS regressions on the full sample as well as a sample using Propensity Score Matching. Our results hold with a number of robustness checks.

Findings

We find that reverse merger (RM) firms exhibit higher future stock price crash risk than initial public offering (IPO) firms. This relationship is more predominant in non-state-owned enterprises, and we find weak evidence suggesting such relationship weakens as firms stay longer in the market. There is no significant difference in future stock price crash risk between RM firms listed during IPO suspension periods and normal IPO firms.

Originality/value

We are the first to study the choice of listing method and its impact on firms' future stock price crash risk.
As-is facility management approach using LiDAR-based building information modelling: a case study in Egypt
Authors: Gouda Mohamed Ahmed , Mousa Amr
Published: October 2022

Purpose

Current research efforts exhibit a surge imperative for a building information modelling (BIM) approach that embodies a repository of all relevant data of existing building components while monitoring and consistently recording numerous components’ functions throughout its lifecycle, especially in Egypt. This research paper aims to develop an integrated as-is BIM-facility management (FM) information model for the existing building’s components via a case study, depicting a repository for historical data and knowledge amassed from inspections and conveying maintenance decisions automatically during the FM practices.

Design/methodology/approach

The developed approach pursues four successive steps: data acquisition and processing of building components; components recognition from point clouds; modelling scanned point clouds; and quick response code information transfer to BIM components.

Findings

The proposed approach incorporates the as-is BIM with the building components’ as-is FM information to portray a repository for historical data and knowledge collected from inspections to proactively benefit facility managers in simplifying, expediting and enhancing maintenance decisions automatically during FM practices.

Originality/value

This paper presents a digital alternative to manual maintenance recordkeeping concerning building components to retrieve their as-is and historical data using a case study in Egypt. This paper proposes a broad scan to as-is information BIM approach for the existing building’s components to condone maintenance interventions using a versatile, affordable, readily available and multi-functional method for scanning the building’s components using a handheld tool.
Industry 4.0 and industry 5.0: can clusters deal with the challenges? (A systemic approach)
Authors: Gagnidze Ineza
Published: October 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this conceptual paper is to substantiate the idea that clusters will cope with the challenges of Industry 4.0, Industry 5.0 and remain one of the drivers for the development of the local economy.

Design/methodology/approach

For the preparation of this paper, the author reviewed the literature on Cluster 4.0, Industry 4.0, Industry 5.0, green and blue recovery, as well as the future of jobs and systems. Data, reports and surveys (UN, OECD, World Economic Forum, McKinsey Global Institute, D2L, etc.) were analysed in detail, in order to create a clear picture related to the research topic. The opinions expressed in the article are depicted graphically, and were developed by the author.

Findings

First, predictions on Industry 4.0 challenges are outlined, and the reasons as to why clusters are expected to succeed in the digital era are substantiated; second, the direction of development in the digital era is depicted in a two-dimensional plane; and third, the direction of development in digital era within the clusters is graphically presented as a system.

Originality/value

For this purpose, the author has developed a new approach to connect clusters and digitalisation with the self-designed graphical images.
How CEO transformational leadership impacts organizational and individual innovative behavior: collaborative HRM as mediator
Authors: Awan Muhammad Ayyaz Abid , Jehanzeb Khawaja
Published: October 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to examine how the chief exective officers (CEO's) transformational leadership impacts organizational innovation and individual innovative behavior, through the mediating role of collaborative human resource management (HRM) practices.

Design/methodology/approach

By using a stratified sampling technique, the data were obtained from ten Microfinance banks located in five metropolitan cities of Pakistan. By adopting a purposive sampling technique, total 427 responses were received out of which 411 responses were considered for data analysis. Structural equation modeling (SEM) technique was adopted using AMOS 21.0 to test the developed hypotheses.

Findings

The findings of the study described a significant and positive relationship between CEO transformational leadership and collaborative HRM. The collaborative HRM has also a positive impact on organizational innovation and individual innovative behavior. Moreover, the results revealed that collaborative HRM fully mediates between CEO transformational leadership and organizational innovation. However, partial mediate between CEO transformational leadership and individual innovative behavior.

Practical implications

The results of this study can be helpful for bank organizations and policymakers who have extended vision and anticipate the significance of innovation in a fast-changing market. The results of the study also provide the space and scope for prospective researchers and scholars for further research.

Originality/value

There is substantial literature existing on the relationship between CEO transformational leadership, organizational innovation and individual innovative behavior. However, the study finds this that only few researchers took the opportunity to observe the mediating role of collaborative HRM on the relationship between CEO transformational leadership, organizational innovation and individual innovative behavior in the context of Pakistan.
Expectant, anxious and excited: the information journey of Chinese first-time mothers
Authors: Liu Meixing , Xu Fang
Published: October 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to explore the information needs and behaviors of Chinese first-time mothers from the perspective of information journey theory.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses the popular coding language Python to write a program to extract 366 posts published by first-time mothers in the Babytree community of China's largest maternal and infant platform. Content analysis is used to analyze and encode the collected data.

Findings

This study summarizes the information needs of first-time mothers in China specifically, which includes six aspects of health, pregnancy care, postpartum parenting, socialization, self-actualization, and entertainment. Then, based on its hierarchical and stage characteristics, more flexible information needs matrix for Chinese first-time mothers has been developed to reflect their changing 15 types of information needs more fully. Finally, it constructs the information journey model of Chinese first-time mothers including five stages.

Originality/value

This is the first time that information journey theory has been applied to the research on information needs and behaviors of first-time mothers. The authors have also further expanded the information seeking and acquisition phases and found new gaps in the phases to further refine the information journey model. This study can help us better understand the online information needs and behaviors of Chinese first-time mothers and provide support for organizations and online health community managers to develop new information services or improve the quality of existing services.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/OIR-10-2021-0538.
Evaluating the elevation of authoritative health content online during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Walsh Michael James , Baker Stephanie Alice , Wade Matthew
Published: October 2022

Purpose

To respond to the COVID-19 “infodemic” and combat fraud and misinformation about the virus, social media platforms coordinated with government healthcare agencies around the world to elevate authoritative content about the novel coronavirus. These public health authorities included national and global public health organisations, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organisation (WHO). In this article, the authors evaluate the effectiveness of this strategy by asking two key questions: (1) Did people engage with authoritative health content on social media? (2) Was this content trusted?

Design/methodology/approach

The authors explore these issues by drawing on data from a global online questionnaire on “Public Trust in Experts” (n = 429) conducted during the initial phase of the pandemic in May 2020, a crucial period when reliable information was urgently required to influence behaviour and minimise harm.

Findings

The authors found that while the majority of those surveyed noticed authoritative health content online, there remained significant issues in terms of Internet users trusting the information shared by government healthcare agencies and public health authorities online.

Originality/value

In what follows, the authors examine the role of trust in implementing this novel public health strategy and assess the capacity for such policies to reduce individual and social harm.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at:https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/OIR-12-2021-0655
Exploring police sexual misconduct: an examination of a decade of incidents in a metropolitan agency
Authors: Miller J. Mitchell , Hansen J. Andrew , Lopez Kristina M.
Published: October 2022

Purpose

Police misconduct is a grave matter undermining public trust in law enforcement and police professionalism. While research has specified major forms and causal theories of police misconduct, especially regarding corruption and excessive force, scientific attention to police sexual misconduct (PSM) has been more limited and is addressed here. The purpose of this paper is to address this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

The current study was commissioned to examine PSM incidents (n = 50) between 2000 and 2009 in a large, metropolitan, police department in the USA. Data were extracted from agency internal affairs case files, personnel records and disciplinary histories for involved officers.

Findings

Analyses identified common factors and trends across officers, complainants and sexual misconduct events that were dichotomized per case substantiation and observed on a severity continuum from unobtrusive to criminal conduct.

Originality/value

Though findings did not evidence a deviant subculture often implicated in the police literature, specific opportunities to reduce officer misconduct, including intensifying administrative sanctioning and other perceptual deterrence measures, were identified.
Increasing crop richness and reducing field sizes provide higher yields to pollinator‐dependent crops
Authors: Magrach Ainhoa , Giménez‐García Angel , Allen‐Perkins Alfonso , Garibaldi Lucas A. , Bartomeus Ignasi
Published: October 2022

Agricultural landscapes cover >60% of terrestrial landscapes. While biodiversity conservation and crop productivity have been seen as mutually exclusive options for a long time, recent research suggests that agricultural landscapes represent significant opportunities for biodiversity conservation outside of traditional protected areas.

Here, we use a unique dataset that includes annual monitoring of 12,300 permanent 25‐ha plots over two decades across Spain to assess how agricultural landscapes are changing over time. We focus particularly on landscape composition and configuration variables such as the diversity of crops grown within a landscape, average plot size or the cover of natural habitats and assess how changes to these variables affect the ability of agricultural landscapes to ensure high yields.

We find potential synergistic strategies that are good for biodiversity conservation and can also lead to increasing crop yields. Specifically, we find that management practices that favour increasing biodiversity values such as maintaining small field sizes and high crop richness values at the landscape scale actually led to the greatest average yield values across 54 crops, 41% of which depend on pollinator activity for reproduction.

Policy implications: While our analysis does not factor in economic costs and benefits, we show that synergy scenarios that are good for biodiversity conservation and crop productivity are possible, yet not as widespread as they could be.
Responses of sustainable development indicators to human activities and climate change in ecologically fragile areas of impoverished counties in China
Authors: Huang Shanshan , Ma Chao , Liu Pei
Published: October 2022

Based on Landsat MSS/TM/OLI (1975–2018), MODIS NDVI (2000–2015), and DMSP/OLS (1992–2013) multitemporal remote sensing data, as well as annual average precipitation and temperature data from meteorological stations (1980–2018) and SRTM DEM data, this study extracted information on climate change, human activity, and eco‐environmental factors in the Zijin Mountain (ZJM) area of Shanxi Province, and then analyzed the spatiotemporal changes in ecological structure, landscape structure, and climate response. The results revealed that in the ZJM area some sustainable development indicators associated with human activity, ecology, climate, and landscape geography have changed. Specifically, over the 44‐year period from 1975 to 2018, the urban and rural construction land area increased by 4.29 times; in the 22‐year period from 1992 to 2013, the regional light index has increased by 26.9 times; in the past 32 years, that is, from 1987 to 2018, the average vegetation index of the entire basin increased by about 54.7%, the vegetation cover exhibited a gradual positive trend, and the land use types in the ZJM area were mainly converted from bare land to grassland or forest. Compared with 1987, the area of bare land decreased 32.5% by 2018, whereas the forest and grassland areas increased by 85.7% and 40.7%, respectively. In addition, over the 44‐year period from 1975 to 2018, the road density increased by 8.57 times. The area affected by human activities, comprised roads, urban and rural construction land, and their buffer areas, accounted for 64.87% of the total study area. As a result, the fragmentation index of landscape patches has increased by 6.81 times since 1987. We conclude that in the ZJM area, the ecosystem type has transformed from an indigenous mountainous grassland to mountainous arid agriculture, and from an isolated habitat to a fragmented habitat.
Decent work and proactive behaviors: a moderated chain mediation model
Authors: Sheng Xinyi , Zhou Hao
Published: October 2022

Decent work is eagerly expected by employees. The improvement of decent work requires the cooperation of business enterprises. This study explores the benefits of decent work on organizational outcomes through stimulating employees' proactive behaviors: taking charge and voice behavior. The findings are conductive to the achievement of decent work and create a win‐win situation. Building on social identity theory and self‐determination theory, we proposed and assessed a moderated chain mediation model. We tested this new theoretical model with data collected from 360 employees. Decent work motivates taking charge and voice through the chain mediation effects of perceived insider status (first stage) and gratitude and repayment (second stage). Furthermore, thriving at work moderates the positive relationship between gratitude and repayment and taking charge. It also moderates the indirect effect of decent work on taking charge. Theoretical contributions and managerial implications are discussed.
Employability and employment outcomes of nutrition science graduates: A qualitative exploration
Authors: Barber Charlotte , Blair Merran , McCaffrey Tracy A. , Palermo Claire
Published: October 2022

Aims

This study aimed to explore experiences of employability and employment for graduates of a three‐year nutrition science degree.

Methods

Qualitative narrative interviews were conducted with a maximum variation sample of 22 nutrition science graduates from one large university in Australia. All graduates (n = 126) from the initiation of the degree in 2015 to current 2021 graduates were eligible for inclusion if they had not gone on to study dietetics. The interviews elicited their stories and experiences of employability and journeys to employment post‐graduation. Interviews were analysed using the framework method.

Results

Analysis of the graduate interviews identified four themes: (1) from graduation to employment; (2) there are challenges to obtaining employment; (3) curriculum can enable employability; and (4) employability resources can support career prospects. In this group, the nutrition science degree on its own was not deemed sufficient to land employment in a desired nutrition‐related field. The process of obtaining employment was supported by work experience, social networks, interpersonal skills, and a willingness to relocate.

Conclusion

Building employability skills in the curriculum through the development of professional social networks and a professional identity may be important in improving the employability of nutrition science graduates.
Controversial role of mast cells in NSCLC tumor progression and angiogenesis
Authors: Longo Vito , Catino Annamaria , Montrone MIchele , Galetta Domenico , Ribatti Domenico
Published: October 2022

Mast cells (MCs) are multifunctional immune cells implicated in both physiological and pathological processes. Among the latter, MCs play a crucial role in cancer. Many studies have shown a correlation between MCs and tumor progression in several solid and hematological malignancies. In particular, MCs can directly promote tumor growth via c‐kit/stem cell factor–dependent signaling and via the release of histamine, which modulate tumor growth through H1 and H2 receptors. At the same time, MCs can increase tumor progression by stimulating angiogenesis via both proangiogenic cytokines stored in their cytoplasm, and by acting on the tumor microenvironment and extracellular matrix. With regard to NSCLC, the role of MCs has not yet been established, with studies showing a correlation with a poor prognosis on the one hand and suggesting a protective effect of MCs on the other hand. These controversial evidences are at least, in part, due to the heterogeneity of the studies exploring the role of MCs in NSCLC, with some studies describing only the MC count without specification of the activation and degranulation state, and without reporting the intratumoral localization and the proximity to other immune and cancer cells. A better knowledge of the role of MCs in NSCLC is mandatory, not only to define their prognostic and predictive proprieties but also because targeting them could be a possible therapeutic strategy.
End‐of‐life impact of concurrent diabetes mellitus and adrenal insufficiency as immune‐related adverse events in an advanced non‐small cell lung cancer patient
Authors: Nakamura Tomoaki , Takeyasu Yuki , Yoshida Tatsuya , Ohashi Ken , Ohe Yuichiro
Published: October 2022

A 49‐year‐old man diagnosed with metastatic non‐small cell lung cancer was treated with immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) combination therapy (nivolumab + ipilimumab) as first‐line therapy. During the treatment course, the patient developed ICI‐associated diabetes mellitus and adrenal insufficiency, and insulin and hydrocortisone replacement therapy (10 mg/day) were initiated for endocrine toxicity. Despite systemic treatment, the disease progressed. Near the end of the patient's life, he was repeatedly hospitalized for diabetic ketoacidosis and adrenal crisis because he could not physically administer insulin subcutaneously or self‐administer oral hydrocortisone due to the deterioration of his general condition as a result of disease progression. This case report demonstrates that it is necessary to evaluate not only the impact of immune‐related adverse events on short‐term quality of life during ICI treatment but also on the patient's end‐of‐life care.
Geographical dispersion of ragweed leaf beetle (Ophraella communa) based on climatic and biological characters in the Palearctic habitats
Authors: Keszthelyi Sándor , Kazinczi Gabriella , Somfalvi‐Tóth Katalin
Published: October 2022

The accidentally introduced ragweed leaf beetle (Ophraella communa) is a most promising biological control agent for common ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia), which herbivore has already emerged in several areas of the Palearctic region.

The aim of our study was to model the expansion of O. communa and the number of generations in the various Palearctic regions. Furthermore, our objective was to determine the effect of the prevailing wind on the direction of its spread and to ascertain the relationship between the green biomass production of ragweed and individual numbers of this leaf beetle.

According to our meta‐analytical findings, the advancement of O. communa is continuous in the Palearctic areas. This phytophagous insect invades new habitats, which are occupied by A. artemisiifolia, and spreads quickly. The stable populations of O. communa seem to be strictly linked to the presence of its primary host, A. artemisiifolia.

We show that the rapid spread of this insect is due to the combination of wind direction and topography features, which was reinforced by our analysis. O. communa possesses uniformly multivoltine populations in its Palearctic habitats. So, insects possessing facultative diapause are able to colonize northern areas depending on the presence of their host, which statement is based on the processing of 143 East‐ and 68 West‐Palearctic records

According to our investigations, the mass appearance of this phytophagous insect coincided with the assimilation peak of its main host, common ragweed.
Testing the status‐legitimacy hypothesis: Predicting system justification using objective and subjective socioeconomic status in China and the United States
Authors: Valdes Evan A. , Liu James H. , Williams Matt
Published: October 2022

The status‐legitimacy hypothesis proposes that those who are most disadvantaged by unequal social systems are even more likely than members of more advantaged groups to provide ideological support for the very social system that is responsible for their disadvantages. Li, Yang, Wu, and Kou (2020, Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin) sought to expand the generalizability of this hypothesis by testing it in China, addressing inconsistencies surrounding the empirical support for this hypothesis by postulating that the construct of status should be separated into an objective and subjective status marker. They reported that objective socioeconomic status (SES; income and education) negatively predicted system justification, while subjective SES positively predicted system justification. In the present study we attempt to replicate and extend the work of Li et al. in a cross‐cultural comparison of demographic stratified quota online samples in China and the United States. We test the status‐legitimacy hypothesis using objective and subjective SES to predict system justification using cross‐sectional and cross‐lagged regression analyses. We received partial support for Li et al.'s findings. Specifically, subjective SES positively predicted system justification for both societies during cross‐sectional and cross‐lagged longitudinal analyses. However, we failed to replicate Li et al.'s findings surrounding objective SES in China during cross‐sectional and cross‐lagged analyses.
“Who is not an agent here?”: The Collateral Damage of Anti‐Trafficking in Nepal
Authors: Bhagat Ayushman
Published: October 2022

In this paper, I explore how the diverse labour migration practices of people who challenge their state’s restrictive policies produce a form of stigma that extends from people to the places where they reside. Drawing on the findings of Participatory Action Research (PAR) conducted in Nepal, I demonstrate how people residing in one such place attempt to undo stigma by adopting diverse practices amidst restrictive anti‐trafficking and migration policies. I reveal a novel practice of prospective labour migrants negotiating and receiving money from their choicest mobility facilitators to assist their unauthorised labour migration. This exchange of money potentially criminalises prospective labour migrants, their family members, unlicensed and licensed recruitment agents, community leaders, anti‐traffickers, government officials, hotel owners, transport service providers, and airport immigration officials as traffickers. Underscoring the collateral damage of anti‐trafficking in Nepal, I assert that the exchange of money to facilitate unauthorised migration expands the remit of criminalisation of citizens as “traffickers”.
The inexorable increase of biologic exposure in paediatric inflammatory bowel disease: a Scottish, population‐based, longitudinal study
Authors: Burgess Christopher J. , Jackson Rebecca , Chalmers Iain , Russell Richard K. , Hansen Richard , Scott Gregor , Henderson Paul , Wilson David C.
Published: October 2022

Background

The use of biologics in paediatric‐onset inflammatory bowel disease (PIBD) is rapidly changing.

Aims

To identify the incidence and prevalence of biologic use within Scottish PIBD services, and to describe patient demographics and outcomes for those patients who required escalation of therapy beyond anti‐tumour necrosis factor alpha (anti‐TNFα) agents

Methods

We captured a nationwide cohort of prospectively identified patients less than 18 years of age with PIBD (A1 phenotype; diagnosed <17 years of age) within paediatric services over a 4.5‐year period (1 January 2015–30 June 2019). All patients who received infliximab, adalimumab, vedolizumab or ustekinumab during the study period and/or received their first dose of these biologics were audited retrospectively.

Results

Scotland‐wide PIBD‐prevalence cases increased from 554 to 644 over the study period. A total of 495 incident new‐start biological therapies were commenced on 403 PIBD patients: 295 infliximab (60%), 161 adalimumab (32%), 24 vedolizumab (5%) and 15 ustekunumab (3%). The proportion of new‐start biologics changed with infliximab initiation rates decreasing (87%–54%) while adalimumab (13%–31%), vedolizumab (0%–9%) and ustekinumab (0%–6%) all increased. The incidence rate (first dose of new biologic not including biosimilar switch) increased from 6.9% to 8.1% over the study period and point prevalence rates (any biologic use) increased from 20.2% to 43.5% ‐ an average annual percentage increase of 20%. Biosimilar penetration of new‐start anti‐TNFα agents increased from 3% to 91%. Demographics and outcomes of those patients receiving vedolizumab and ustekinumab were similar.

Conclusions

Complete accrual of Scottish nationwide biologic usage within paediatric services demonstrates a rapidly changing, inexorably increasing PIBD biologics landscape.
Extracorporeal life support in cardiotoxicant poisoning—A narrative review
Authors: Voicu Sebastian , M'Rad Aymen , Malissin Isabelle , Deye Nicolas , Mégarbane Bruno
Published: October 2022

Extracorporeal life support (ECLS) improves circulation in life‐threatening cardiac dysfunction or arrest patients. Its benefits in drug‐induced cardiovascular complications are debated. Indications and outcomes are poorly established. We performed a narrative review discussing ECLS indications, timing and results in cardiotoxicant‐poisoned patients. The review was focused on antiarrhythmic drugs and aluminium phosphide. Literature analysis was limited to the past 30 years in adults. Most reports were single cases and retrospective except one prospective case series of limited size, two of them controlled. ECLS indications and timing were at the discretion of physicians in charge but mostly included persistent cardiovascular failure despite elevated doses of inotropic/vasopressor support associated with elevated blood lactate concentrations (usually, >5 mmol/L) and collapsed left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF; usually, ≤40%). Survival improved using ECLS versus standard care in one study. Survival was ~80% if ECLS was implemented in refractory cardiovascular failure and 25%–66% if implemented in cardiac arrest. In two controlled studies, survival of ECLS‐treated aluminium phosphide‐poisoned patients was improved versus standard care, if implemented in the presence of systolic blood pressure ≤80 mmHg despite inotropic/vasopressor treatment, arterial pH ≤ 7.0 and LVEF ≤ 40%. Despite low‐to‐moderate level of evidence, ECLS seems effective to improve survival in selected cardiotoxicant‐poisoned patients. Selection criteria need clarification.
Targeting cluster of differentiation 26 / dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (CD26/DPP4) in organ fibrosis
Authors: Ohm Birte , Moneke Isabelle , Jungraithmayr Wolfgang
Published: October 2022

Cluster of differentiation 26 (CD26)/dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP4) is an exopeptidase that is expressed as a transmembrane protein in many organs but also present in a circulating soluble form. Beyond its enzymatic and costimulatory activity, CD26/DPP4 is involved in the pathogenesis of chronic fibrotic diseases across many organ types, such as liver cirrhosis, kidney fibrosis and lung fibrosis. Organ fibrosis is associated with a high morbidity and mortality, and there are no causative therapies that can effectively attenuate the progress of the disease. Growing evidence suggests that inhibiting CD26/DPP4 can modulate the profibrotic tissue microenvironment and thus reduce fibrotic changes within affected organs. This review summarizes the role of CD26/DPP4 in fibroproliferative disorders and highlights new opportunities for an antifibrotic treatment by CD26/DPP4 inhibition. As a major advantage, CD26/DPP4 inhibitors have been in safe and routine clinical use in type 2 diabetes for many years and thus qualify for repurposing to repurpose as a promising therapeutic against fibrosis.

LINKED ARTICLES

This article is part of a themed issue on Translational Advances in Fibrosis as a Therapeutic Target. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v180.22/issuetoc
RNA N6‐methyladenosine modifications and potential targeted therapeutic strategies in kidney disease
Authors: Ni Wei‐Jian , Lu Hao , Ma Nan‐Nan , Hou Bing‐Bing , Zeng Jing , Zhou Hong , Shao Wei , Meng Xiao‐Ming
Published: October 2022

Epigenetic modifications have received increasing attention and have been shown to be extensively involved in kidney development and disease progression. Among them, the most common RNA modification, N6‐methyladenosine (m6A), has been shown to dynamically and reversibly exert its functions in multiple ways, including splicing, export, decay and translation initiation efficiency to regulate mRNA fate. Moreover, m6A has also been reported to exert biological effects by destabilizing base pairing to modulate various functions of RNAs. Most importantly, an increasing number of kidney diseases, such as renal cell carcinoma, acute kidney injury and chronic kidney disease, have been found to be associated with aberrant m6A patterns. In this review, we comprehensively review the critical roles of m6A in kidney diseases and discuss the possibilities and relevance of m6A‐targeted epigenetic therapy, with an integrated comprehensive description of the detailed alterations in specific loci that contribute to cellular processes that are associated with kidney diseases.
Mesozoic–Cenozoic multistage tectonic evolution of the Pamir: Detrital fission‐track constraints from the Tajik Basin
Authors: Li Lin , Najman Yani , Dupont‐Nivet Guillaume , Parra Mauricio , Roperch Pierrick , Kaya Mustafa , Meijer Niels , O'Sullivan Paul , Jepson Gilby , Aminov Jovid
Published: October 2022

Knowledge of the tectonic history of the Pamir contributes to our understanding of both the evolution of collisional orogenic belts as well as factors controlling Central Asian aridification. It is, however, not easy to decipher the Mesozoic–Cenozoic tectonics of the Pamir due to extensive Neogene deformation in an orogen that remains largely understudied. This study reports detrital apatite and zircon fission‐track (FT) ages from both the eastern Tajik Basin sedimentary rocks and Pamir modern river sands. These FT data, supported by vitrinite reflectance and zircon and apatite U–Pb double dating, suggest that the majority of the FT ages are unreset and record exhumation stages of the Pamir, which has served as the source terrane of the Tajik Basin since the Cretaceous. Furthermore, we combine the new data with a compilation of published detrital apatite and zircon FT data from both the Tajik Basin sedimentary rocks and Pamir modern river sands, to explore the Mesozoic–Cenozoic tectonic history of Pamir. Deconvolved FT Peak Ages document two major Mesozoic exhumation events associated with the Late Triassic–Early Jurassic Cimmerian orogeny that reflects accretion of the Pamir terranes, as well as the Early–early Late Cretaceous deformation associated with the northward subduction of the Neo‐Tethys Ocean beneath Pamir. The compiled data also show significant Late Eocene–Neogene exhumation associated with the ongoing formation of the Pamir, which peaks at ca. 36, 25, 14 and 7 Ma.
Does paid family leave save infant lives? Evidence from California's paid family leave program
Authors: Chen Feng
Published: October 2022

Paid family leave (PFL) aims to help working parents balance their careers and family responsibilities while also improving the well‐being of infants. Using linked U.S. birth and infant death data with a difference‐in‐differences framework, I find that a 6‐week PFL in California reduced the post‐neonatal mortality rate by 0.135‐ that is, it saved approximately 339 infant lives. There were fewer deaths from health‐related causes and larger effects for infants with married mothers and for infant boys. Additional checks and placebo examinations indicate that the observed effect is not due to contemporaneous shocks but rather is causal.
Aligning conservation and public health goals to tackle unsustainable trade of mammals
Authors: Cronin Melissa R. , de Wit Luz A. , Martínez‐Estévez Lourdes
Published: October 2022

Unsustainable wildlife trade is a major driver of biodiversity loss and an important public health threat. Yet, effective wildlife trade regulation is currently at odds with food security and economic incentives provided by this global, multibillion‐dollar industry. Given such limitations, public health and conservation resources can be aligned to target species for which trade both increases risk of extinction and threatens public health. Here, we developed a simple conservation and health trade risk (CHT) index (range: 2–50) using a case study of traded mammals based on species' extinction and zoonotic risks, weighed by the extent of their trade. We applied this index to 1161 International Union for the Conservation of Nature‐listed terrestrial mammals involved in the wildlife trade to identify 284 high‐priority species that scored high in the CHT index (CHT ≥ 18). Species ranking high for conservation, public health, and trade risks include those belonging to the orders Primates, Cetartiodactyla (even‐toed ungulates), Rodentia (rodents), Chiroptera (bats), and Carnivora (carnivores). Of the high‐priority species, 33% (n = 95) are country‐endemics and may be good candidates for trade regulations and enforcement at national scales. Our study provides a preliminary step in prioritizing species, taxonomic groups, and countries for focused wildlife trade regulation to meet both conservation and public health goals.
An evaluation of a supratherapeutic dose of inclisiran on cardiac repolarization in healthy volunteers: A phase I, randomized study
Authors: Kallend David , Mason Jay , Smith Patrick F. , Koren Michael J. , Stoekenbroek Robert , He YanLing , Wijngaard Peter
Published: October 2022

Inclisiran is a small interfering RNA molecule that has been shown to provide an effective and sustained reduction in low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. This study aimed to determine whether a supratherapeutic dose of inclisiran affects cardiac repolarization and conduction in healthy volunteers. A phase I, randomized, double‐blind, double‐dummy, placebo‐ and positive‐controlled, three‐way crossover study was performed in 48 healthy volunteers. Volunteers were assigned to three treatments in a randomized sequence: a supratherapeutic dose of inclisiran sodium (900 mg), placebo, or moxifloxacin 400 mg as a positive control, with a minimum 7‐day washout period between treatments. Continuous electrocardiogram monitoring was performed from >60 min before dosing until 48 h after dosing. Pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and safety were also assessed. Inclisiran, at a supratherapeutic dose, did not show a clinically significant effect on the QT interval (Fridericia correction formula [QTcF]; maximal placebo‐ and baseline‐corrected change: 2.5 ms [90% confidence interval: 0.6, 4.5]) near the maximal plasma concentrations at 4 h. In addition, inclisiran did not show any effects on other electrocardiogram intervals or ST‐ and T‐wave morphology. The positive control, moxifloxacin, demonstrated the expected changes in QTcF interval, validating the adequate sensitivity of the study. A supratherapeutic dose of inclisiran sodium (900 mg) had no effect on the QTcF interval or other electrocardiogram parameters, providing additional insight and reassurance regarding the safety profile of inclisiran.
Improving risk prediction for death, stroke and bleeding in Asian patients with atrial fibrillation
Authors: Krittayaphong Rungroj , Kanjanarutjawiwat Wiwat , Wisaratapong Treechada , Lip Gregory Y. H.
Published: October 2022

Background

The objectives of this study were to compare the GARFIELD Refitted model and CHA2DS2‐VASc/HAS‐BLED risk scores with the new model from the COOL‐AF registry for all‐cause death, ischaemic stroke/systemic embolism (SSE) and major bleeding in Asian patients with atrial fibrillation (AF).

Methods

Patients with non‐valvular AF in the nationwide COOL‐AF registry were studied. Patients were enrolled from 27 hospitals in Thailand during 2014–2017. Main outcomes were all‐cause mortality, SSE and major bleeding. Predictive models of the three outcomes were developed from the variables in the multivariable Cox‐proportional Hazard model. Predictive values of the models were evaluated by C‐statistics, calibration plots and decision curve analysis (DCA). The new COOL‐AF models were compared with the GARFIELD Refitted models and CHA2DS2‐VASc model for all‐cause mortality, SSE/HAS‐BLED model for major bleeding.

Results

A total of 3405 patients were enrolled. The C‐statistics for the COOL‐AF models were 0.727 (0.712–0.742), 0.708 (0.693–0.724) and 0.706 (0.690–0.721) for all‐cause mortality, SSE and major bleeding, respectively. Calibration plots showed good agreement between predicted probability the observed outcomes for the COOL‐AF models with a calibration slope of 0.94–0.99. The predictive ability remains preserved after the internal validation with bootstraps and optimism (bias) correction. The COOL‐AF predictive models tended to be superior to the GARFIELD Refitted, CHA2DS2‐VASc and HAS‐BLED models.

Conclusion

The COOL‐AF predictive models for all‐cause mortality, SSE and major bleeding in Asian patients with AF had a good predictive ability. The COOL‐AF model for all‐cause mortality was superior to the GARFIELD Refitted and CHA2DS2‐VASc model.
Fenfluramine provides clinically meaningful reduction in frequency of drop seizures in patients with Lennox–Gastaut syndrome: Interim analysis of an open‐label extension study
Authors: Knupp Kelly G. , Scheffer Ingrid E. , Ceulemans Berten , Sullivan Joseph , Nickels Katherine C. , Lagae Lieven , Guerrini Renzo , Zuberi Sameer M. , Nabbout Rima , Riney Kate , Agarwal Anupam , Lock Michael , Dai David , Farfel Gail M. , Galer Bradley S. , Gammaitoni Arnold R. , Polega Shikha , Davis Ronald , Gil‐Nagel Antonio
Published: October 2022

Objective

This study was undertaken to evaluate the long‐term safety and effectiveness of fenfluramine in patients with Lennox–Gastaut syndrome (LGS).

Methods

Eligible patients with LGS who completed a 14‐week phase 3 randomized clinical trial enrolled in an open‐label extension (OLE; NCT03355209). All patients were initially started on .2 mg/kg/day fenfluramine and after 1 month were titrated by effectiveness and tolerability, which were assessed at 3‐month intervals. The protocol‐specified treatment duration was 12 months, but COVID‐19‐related delays resulted in 142 patients completing their final visit after 12 months.

Results

As of October 19, 2020, 247 patients were enrolled in the OLE. Mean age was 14.3 ± 7.6 years (79 [32%] adults) and median fenfluramine treatment duration was 364 days; 88.3% of patients received 2–4 concomitant antiseizure medications. Median percentage change in monthly drop seizure frequency was −28.6% over the entire OLE (n = 241) and −50.5% at Month 15 (n = 142,p < .0001); 75 of 241 patients (31.1%) experienced ≥50% reduction in drop seizure frequency. Median percentage change in nondrop seizure frequency was −45.9% (n = 192,p = .0038). Generalized tonic–clonic seizures (GTCS) and tonic seizures were most responsive to treatment, with median reductions over the entire OLE of 48.8% (p < .0001,n = 106) and 35.8% (p < .0001,n = 186), respectively. A total of 37.6% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 31.4%–44.1%,n = 237) of investigators and 35.2% of caregivers (95% CI = 29.1%–41.8%,n = 230) rated patients as Much Improved/Very Much Improved on the Clinical Global Impression of Improvement scale. The most frequent treatment‐emergent adverse events were decreased appetite (16.2%) and fatigue (13.4%). No cases of valvular heart disease (VHD) or pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) were observed.

Significance

Patients with LGS experienced sustained reductions in drop seizure frequency on fenfluramine treatment, with a particularly robust reduction in frequency of GTCS, the key risk factor for sudden unexpected death in epilepsy. Fenfluramine was generally well tolerated; VHD or PAH was not observed long‐term. Fenfluramine may provide an important long‐term treatment option for LGS.