bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bordeaux and Napa Valley clusters – growing, sustaining, declining or renewing? A cluster life cycle perspective
Authors: Ostapenko Svitlana , Africano Ana Paula , Meneses Raquel
Published: February 2025

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the dynamic nature of local economies through the lens of cluster life cycle (CLC) theory. The authors offer an original perspective on the comparison of the mature Old World wine industry and the growing New World one, viewed through the lens of the CLC aiming to understand the specific stage of cluster development for these regions. The authors aim to define the CLC dynamics of two world-renowned wine clusters, symbolizing these old and new world wine industries: Napa and Bordeaux.

Design/methodology/approach

The research adopts a case study approach, specifically analyzing the Bordeaux and Napa Valley wine clusters, using a CLC identification framework. This study integrates recent conceptual advances from evolutionary and institutional economic geography, incorporating a dynamic “path” approach to cluster development stages.

Findings

In examining Bordeaux, despite indications of maturity in the wine industry, the cluster displays signs of transformation, marked by reorganization, diversification and adaptation to new conditions, such as enotourism and technological clusters. In contrast, Napa Valley, while well established, exhibits characteristics of sustainment with stabilized business dynamics.

Research limitations/implications

This study acknowledges its exploratory nature and the need for future empirical studies on various clusters to fully validate and refine the CLC identification framework.

Practical implications

The proposed CLC identification framework serves as a valuable tool for policymakers and companies by facilitating precise identification of cluster development stages. This tool enables stakeholders to better understand and address the specific needs and characteristics of clusters at different stages, enhancing the effectiveness of targeted interventions and support measures.

Originality/value

This research advances CLC theory by introducing the development trajectories of the Napa and Bordeaux clusters, analyzed independently of their dominant industries, using the CLC path identification model. This approach provides a fresh perspective on cluster evolution, enriching the theoretical framework with insights that transcend traditional industry-specific analysis. By enhancing the precision and relevance of cluster stage identification, this research offers a valuable guide for policymakers and cluster stakeholders, enabling them to better understand the dynamics of cluster development and intervene effectively at critical stages.
Relative frugal wavelet transform to detect damages in functionally graded tapered beams made of porous material
Authors: Saadatmorad Morteza , Jafari-Talookolaei Ramazan-Ali , Ghandvar Hamidreza , Cuong-Le Thanh , Khatir Samir
Published: February 2025

Purpose

This study aims to enhance singularity detection in non-stationary signals by introducing the frugal wavelet transform (FrugWT), a novel variation of the wavelet transform.

Design/methodology/approach

The frugal wavelet transform, based on a modified first-level discrete wavelet transform decomposition, is compared with traditional discrete wavelet transform. The performance of these transforms is evaluated using signals derived from finite element analysis of a functionally graded tapered beam made of porous material.

Findings

The frugal wavelet transform significantly outperforms the discrete wavelet transform in detecting singularities within the analyzed signals. It offers more accurate detection of singularities and local abrupt changes, demonstrating its effectiveness for signal analysis.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the field by proposing the relative frugal wavelet transform as a novel enhancement of the frugal wavelet transform. It provides a significant improvement in detecting subtle singularities in one-dimensional signals, with potential applications in advanced signal processing and analysis across various scientific domains such as electrical engineering, automotive, aerospace engineering, civil engineering, marine engineering and medical signal processing.
Family business philanthropy in Malaysia: a multi-case study
Authors: Ali Hasnita , Yu Kaidong
Published: February 2025

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the role of family businesses in contributing to societal well-being through their philanthropic activities, with a particular focus on religious contexts. Grounded in stakeholder theory, the research aims to deepen the academic understanding of the motivations, strategies and outcomes associated with family business philanthropy, particularly in the context of Malaysia.

Design/methodology/approach

This qualitative study is based on 37 in-depth interviews conducted across four case studies of family-owned businesses. Data were analyzed to explore how these businesses engage in philanthropy and the impact of their efforts on both the recipients and the businesses themselves.

Findings

The findings reveal that family business philanthropy is primarily motivated by religious obligations and a desire to enhance community legitimacy. Family businesses focus on long-term social impacts, fostering community development and economic sustainability among recipients. These philanthropic activities not only contribute to societal well-being but also enhance the legitimacy and competitiveness of the businesses involved.

Originality/value

This study introduces the “Intention-Effort-Outcome” framework, offering a novel conceptual approach to understanding family business philanthropy. By highlighting the interconnections between motivation, effort and outcome, it expands current knowledge on the dynamic role of family businesses in religiously driven philanthropic efforts.
Driving environmental sustainability through synergistic green business practices and green innovation in developing economies’ leather, textile and garment industries
Authors: Habtemaryam Tilahun Nigatu , Degoma Aschalew , Tsegaye Abiot
Published: February 2025

Purpose

This study investigated how green innovation (GINO), using practices like green marketing orientation (GMO), manufacturing (GMfP), investment (GINV) and HRM, improves environmental performance (EnP) in Ethiopian leather, textile and garment businesses.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used a cross-sectional, quantitative design. It surveyed 201 participants, selected via stratified random sampling. Researchers examined the hypothesis using PLS-SEM.

Findings

Our findings showed that green practices, especially GMP, GMO, GHRM, GINV and GINO, greatly boost firms’ environmental performance. GMP, GMO and GINV had a strong synergy on green innovation. GHRM had no significant effect. Except for GHRM, results showed that green innovation helps most green practices. It links them to better environmental performance.

Practical implications

For managers and policymakers working in the leather, textile and apparel industries in Ethiopia, this report provides insightful information. Strategic planning that supports and prioritizes the adoption of green practices is shown to be essential. Such activities are expected to improve corporate competitiveness and green innovation, ultimately resulting in ecologically sustainable performance.

Originality/value

Unique findings illuminate emerging nations’ leather, textile and apparel industries. This pioneering study reveals critical links that were previously unexplored. Its relevance extends across developing economies, offering fresh insights into these interconnected sectors.
Employee suicide: what HR needs to know
Authors: Haymore John , Haymore Angelica
Published: February 2025

Purpose

The study examines suicide and its impact on employees and the organization. The paper aims to raise awareness of employee suicide and provide practical recommendations for fostering a more supportive and healthy work environment.

Design/methodology/approach

Through a review of recent literature and government reports, the study presents a conceptual framework of employee suicide, and how suicidal ideology may be exasperated by an unhealthy work environment and a lack of training and organizational support.

Findings

The study found that suicide is a growing concern among working-aged individuals. In the US alone, nearly 50,000 people die by suicide each year. For every suicide, there are an estimated 20 other individuals who attempt to take their own lives.

Research limitations/implications

Future research should focus on the role of well-being and anti-violence human resource practices that help support employee coping and prevent future incidents.

Practical implications

This study builds on recent research to highlight the importance of HR practices, training and organizational support to help prevent suicide among employees.

Social implications

Suicide has a traumatic impact not only on the individual who dies but, on their family members, friends, colleagues, the organization and the local community.

Originality/value

This paper adds to our understanding of suicide and its impact on the workplace. Future research should explore the role of well-being and anti-violence human resource practices that help support employee coping and prevent future incidents.
From cities to refuges for pollinators: Urban practices for enhancing pollinator habitats in changing landscapes
Authors: Ranalli Rosa , Borghesan Sara , Labra Massimo , Biella Paolo
Published: February 2025

Urban built‐up lands and their expansion significantly reduce green areas, where pollinators should find flowers for feeding and places for nesting, threatening their existence. Reversing the decline of pollinators is a global goal, as they are a multi‐taxa guild linked to essential ecosystem services and they sustain ecosystem functioning.

We aimed to highlight the frontier of pollinator support, by evaluating emerging practices to improve the biodiversity of pollinators in urban contexts, that could integrate consolidated actions already in use. We also clarified the essential role of society in this context and the research gaps.

For pollinators in urban areas, it is crucial to provide adequate nutrition and nesting substrates. This can be achieved by valorising the existing resources, tuning pollinator‐friendly management (e.g., deadwood, no mowing) and also providing human‐made solutions. Nutritional resources should assure sown flower survival across years and integrate ornamental plants to fill gaps in blooming phenology and rewards quality. Stimulating oviposition and adding flower arrangements on small surfaces are promising ways, but more testing of new applications and with neglected to map pollinators is needed. It is also necessary to engage the society with dedicated policies and to map pollinators for area prioritization, while counteract unwillingness with educational campaigns and citizen science. The ensemble of these aspects contributes to a framework for enhancing pollinator habitats in urban areas.

Synthesis and applications. A framework for the support of pollinators in urban areas is developed, based on five pillars: nesting, flower resources, artificial supplements, management and society acceptance, with additional key elements contributing from science and society. Administrators should incorporate strategies for pollinators based on this framework by means of co‐planning with stakeholders, including expert scientists, hence paving the way to more coherent and efficient ways to improve and restore pollinator biodiversity in challenging landscapes.
Latent fingermark degradation processes by 3D imaging: The impact of substrate type and natural light on ridge height
Authors: De Alcaraz‐Fossoul Josep , Mancenido Michelle V.
Published: February 2025

Friction ridge patterns, including those from latent fingermarks, are valuable physical evidence in the identification of individuals in criminal and humanitarian investigations. Although latent fingermarks may persist over extended periods, their time‐dependent degradation remains poorly understood. Traditionally, aging studies have focused on two‐dimensional (2D) ridge topography instead of more comprehensive three‐dimensional (3D) examinations; but recent technological advancements have enabled the analysis of ridge height (z‐dimension) and its modifications over time as a morphometric to describe aging patterns. This study assessed a 3D metric, Sa (i.e., average surface height), to monitor the natural degradation process of fingermarks from six donors (three males and three females) over 3 months. These were deposited on glass and plastic substrates and exposed to either natural light or complete darkness indoors, with temperature and humidity monitored but not controlled. Results revealed a “substrate effect” with a faster ridge height decrease on plastic under both lighting conditions. Interestingly, a “light effect” was less noticeable, and mostly for the plastic substrate. Although not the main focus of this analysis, a “biological sex effect” was also noticed, where female fingermarks degraded more slowly compared with males. This study showed the potential of the Sa metric to characterize the loss of ridge height under various indoor conditions. However, due to limitations such as a relatively small sample size, a standardized and accurate age determination of fingermarks is not yet feasible. Further research is necessary to refine 3D examinations and develop reliable models for estimating fingermark degradation.
Dextran sodium sulfate‐induced colitis‐like gut permeability and dysbiosis in honeybees
Authors: Li Ya , Chen Jieteng , Mu Xiaohuan , Wang Xiaofei , Liu Yan , Chen Hao , Zheng Li , Zhai Yifan , Zheng Hao , Li Yiyuan
Published: February 2025

The gut microbiota has been linked to the pathophysiology of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Current animal models are limited in the generation of germ‐free animals to evaluate the roles of gut bacteria in intestinal health. Here, we used the honeybee (Apis mellifera) as a model animal to develop colitis‐like gut permeability induced by dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) treatment. We found that DSS could increase gut permeability and compromise the mucosal barrier in honeybees, resulting in decreased survival rates, midgut elongation, and intestinal edema. DSS treatment upregulated the expression of wnt‐1 and rhomboid and downregulated the pathways of cytochrome P450 (CYP) and the peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor signaling. Moreover, DSS disrupted the structure and functional profiles of the gut microbiota. Our results showed that medications reduced mortality and moderated leaky gut syndrome in DSS‐treated bees. Notably, 5‐aminosalicylic acid (5‐ASA) could attenuate gut permeability in honeybees through activating PPARγ signaling, which mimics the human. Honeybees offer a promising experimental model for investigating the etiology of intestinal diseases and disentangling the roles of gut symbionts in intestinal health.
Information Disclosure in Preemption Races: Blessing or (Winner's) Curse?
Authors: Bobtcheff Catherine , Lévy Raphaël , Mariotti Thomas
Published: February 2025

Firms receiving independent signals on a common‐value risky project compete to be the first to invest. When firms are symmetric and competition is winner‐take‐all, rents are fully dissipated in equilibrium and the extent to which signals are publicly disclosed is irrelevant for welfare. When disclosure of signals is asymmetric, welfare is highest when firms are most asymmetric, and policies that uniformly promote disclosure may backfire, especially when competition is severe. When firms strategically select their disclosure policies, a moderate subsidy for disclosure induces a low correlation between firms' policies, and thus maximizes welfare.
Plagiarism—Not in Creativity and Innovation Management
Authors: Boer Harry , Goduscheit René Chester , Schweisfurth Tim
Published: February 2025

All journals receive manuscripts that include too much text that has been plagiarized, that is, been stolen from, the work of others. Like most journals, we, as the editors of Creativity and Innovation Management, do not accept plagiarism. Full stop. However, what is plagiarism? And how big is the problem for Creativity and Innovation Management? When do we think authors are overstepping the line? What should authors do to prevent plagiarism and what do we, as editors and reviewers, do to prevent it? And how do we act when we find authors overstepping the line?
Why Aren't Antenatal Care Providers Adopting Oral Health Guidelines? A Qualitative Exploration
Authors: Wilson Annika , Davies Cailin , Bettiol Silvana , Bridgman Heather , Crocombe Leonard , Hoang Ha
Published: February 2025

Objective

The current Australian Pregnancy Care guidelines recommend that antenatal care providers discuss oral health, provide advice and refer women to dental professionals as needed. However, the delivery of oral health recommendations in antenatal settings appears substandard. This study aimed to identify the barriers and enablers influencing antenatal care providers' adoption of the oral health guidelines.

Methods

A qualitative study was conducted using semi‐structured interviews with a purposive sample of antenatal care providers in Tasmania, Australia. Data analysis followed a thematic coding method using the Capability, Opportunity, Motivation ‐ Behaviour (COM‐B) model and Theoretical Domains Framework to identify implementation barriers and enablers and to inform recommendations.

Results

Twenty‐five antenatal care providers participated (midwives n = 14, general practitioners n = 10 and obstetrician‐gynaecologist n = 1). Thirty‐two explanatory themes were identified and mapped directly to six COM‐B constructs and 11 Theoretical Domains Framework domains. Eight main themes were identified as both impeding and enabling when viewed in different contexts: (1) perceived patient knowledge and awareness; (2) professional oral health knowledge, training and skills; (3) awareness of the guidelines on oral health; (4) patient education and professional resources; (5) interprofessional collaboration and support; (6) streamlined referral processes and access to dental services; (7) perceived outcomes of oral health interventions; and (8) perceived professional responsibility related to oral health.

Conclusions

Key strategies include improvements to the promotion and dissemination of relevant guidelines, professional education and training, and development and adoption of oral health‐centred models of care to support interprofessional collaboration. Future research should focus on developing brief and sustainable interventions that address antenatal care providers’ practice behaviours.
Hydrogen Sulfide Alleviates Schizophrenia‐Like Behavior Through Regulating Apoptosis by S‐Sulfhydrylation Modification
Authors: Du Xinzhe , Hu Wei , Liu Meiqi , Lv Jinzhi , Gao Yao , Wang Xiao , Zhao Wentao , Li Junxia , Li Xinrong , Cao Xiaohua , Liu Zhifen , Xu Yong , Liu Sha
Published: February 2025

Background

We initiated an exploration of the relationship between hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and Schizophrenia (SZ) as well as its mechanism at the three levels of population study, cellular investigation, and animal model.

Materials and Methods

Clinical data and peripheral blood samples from 78 patients with SZ and 83 healthy controls (HC) were collected for the detection of H2S levels (ChiCTR (Chinese Clinical Trial Registry) 900026776). MK801 (Dizocilpine) was used to establish SZ models in cells and rats, with sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS) serving as an exogenous H2S donor. H2S levels in plasma and hippocampal tissue of rats were measured using Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). Terminal dUTP Nick End Labeling (TUNEL) staining was employed to detect apoptosis, enzyme activity was determined to assess apoptotic protease activity, neuron damage was identified by Nissl staining, and the protein S‐sulfhydrylation test was utilized to evaluate alterations in apoptosis‐associated protein S‐sulfhydrylation.

Results

H2S content significantly decreased in the plasma of SZ patients and in the plasma and hippocampal tissue of SZ model rats. NaHS pretreatment reduced MK801‐induced apoptosis in SH‐SY5Y cells. SZ model rats exhibited increased behavioral abnormalities, hippocampal apoptosis, and reduced S‐sulfhydrylation of an apoptosis‐related protein, both restored after NaHS pretreatment.

Conclusions

H2S content is significantly reduced in SZ, and supplementation of H2S can alleviate SZ‐like behavior by inducing S‐sulfhydration of apoptotic proteins.
Unilateral and Bilateral Subthalamic Deep Brain Stimulation Differently Favour Apathy in Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Vachez Yvan M. , Bahout Marie , Magnard Robin , David Pierre‐Maxime , Carcenac Carole , Wilt Mylène , Robert Gabriel , Savasta Marc , Carnicella Sebastien , Vérin Marc , Boulet Sabrina
Published: February 2025

The link between subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation (STN‐DBS) and apathy in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) remains a controversial topic. The literature is mixed and the most supported explanation is the reduction of dopaminergic treatment. Yet a body of clinical and experimental evidences suggest that STN‐DBS itself can also promote apathy in certain patients. However, the parameters accounting for apathy heterogeneity in stimulated patients along with the mechanisms underlying apathy induced by STN‐DBS remain to be investigated. Whether bilateral and unilateral STN‐DBS have the same influence on apathy is for instance unknown. We previously and separately showed in patients and rodents that bilateral STN‐DBS can promote apathy per se. Here, we compare the effect of bilateral versus unilateral STN‐DBS both in patients and in rodents. We conducted a clinical follow‐up of patients with Parkinson's disease undergoing unilateral or bilateral STN‐DBS and assessing apathy 3 months before and after STN‐DBS. In parallel, we applied chronic and uninterrupted unilateral or bilateral DBS in rodents and extract longitudinal motivational changes with a battery of behavioural tests. While bilateral STN‐DBS promotes apathy in patients and induces a loss of motivation in rodents, we found that unilateral STN‐DBS did not exert such an effect both in patients and in rats. These data show that bilateral but not unilateral STN‐DBS promotes apathy. This not only substantiate the induction of neuropsychiatric effects by STN‐DBS but also suggest that this might be circumvented if STN‐DBS is applied unilaterally instead of bilaterally.
White Matter Integrity Differences in 2‐Year‐Old Children Treated With ECMO: A Diffusion‐Weighted Imaging Study
Authors: Ruttorf Michaela , Filip Julia , Schaible Thomas , Weis Meike , Zöllner Frank G.
Published: February 2025

School‐aged and adolescent survivors of neonatal extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) treatment still suffer from neurodevelopmental delays such as verbal, visuo‐spatial and working memory problems, motor dysfunction and sensorineural hearing loss, respectively, later in life, which is well‐documented by neuropsychological testing within follow‐up programs. In this study, we demonstrate that diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI) in 2‐year‐old survivors of neonatal ECMO treatment reveals white matter (WM) alterations in brain regions related to neurodevelopmental outcome seen later in life. From the DWI data of 56 children, fractional anisotropy (FA), first fibre partial volume fraction estimate (F1), radial diffusivity (RD) and mean diffusivity (MD) are calculated and compared using tract‐based spatial statistics adapted to a paediatric brain atlas. Significant differences in FA, F1, RD and MD between the no‐ECMO and ECMO groups are seen in major WM tracts. Additionally, we examine individual diffusion measures by looking at 50 regions supplied with the paediatric brain atlas. We find the following regions to have significantly different means in the no‐ECMO compared with the ECMO group matching reports of neuropsychological delays found in behavioural tests: left anterior corona radiata, left anterior limb of internal capsule, left anterior commissure, left and right corpus callosum (genu, body and splenium), left and right crus of fornix and left tapetum. Analysing diffusion measures at an early stage of life serves as a good tool to detect structural WM changes in survivors of neonatal ECMO treatment. Compared with neuropsychological testing, DWI does not depend on the child's active participation.
Integrating Network and Meta‐Ecosystem Models for Developing a Zoogeochemical Theory
Authors: Leroux Shawn J. , Schmitz Oswald J.
Published: February 2025

Human activities have caused significant changes in animal abundance, interactions, movement and diversity at multiple scales. Growing empirical evidence reveals the myriad ways that these changes can alter the control that animals exert over biogeochemical cycling. Yet a theoretical framework to coherently integrate animal abundance, interactions, movement and diversity to predict when and how animal controls over biogeochemical cycling (i.e., zoogeochemistry) change is currently lacking. We present such a general framework that provides guidance on linking mathematical models of species interaction and diversity (network theory) and movement of organisms and non‐living materials (meta‐ecosystem theory) to account for biotic and abiotic feedback by which animals control biogeochemical cycling. We illustrate how to apply the framework to develop predictive models for specific ecosystem contexts using a case study of a primary producer–herbivore bipartite trait network in a boreal forest ecosystem. We further discuss key priorities for enhancing model development, data–model integration and application. The framework offers an important step to enhance empirical research that can better inform and justify broader conservation efforts aimed at conserving and restoring animal populations, their movement and critical functional roles in support of ecosystem services and nature‐based climate solutions.
Continent‐Wide Drivers of Spatial Synchrony in Breeding Demographic Structure Across Wild Great Tit Populations
Authors: Woodman Joe P. , Vriend Stefan J. G. , Adriaensen Frank , Álvarez Elena , Artemyev Alexander , Barba Emilio , Burgess Malcolm D. , Caro Samuel P. , Cauchard Laure , Charmantier Anne , Cole Ella F. , Dingemanse Niels , Doligez Blandine , Eeva Tapio , Evans Simon R. , Grégoire Arnaud , Lambrechts Marcel , Leivits Agu , Liker András , Matthysen Erik , Orell Markku , Park John S. , Rytkönen Seppo , Senar Juan Carlos , Seress Gábor , Szulkin Marta , van Oers Kees , Vatka Emma , Visser Marcel E. , Firth Josh A. , Sheldon Ben C.
Published: February 2025

Variation in age structure influences population dynamics, yet we have limited understanding of the spatial scale at which its fluctuations are synchronised between populations. Using 32 great tit populations, spanning 4° W–33° E and 35°–65° N involving > 130,000 birds across 67 years, we quantify spatial synchrony in breeding demographic structure (subadult vs. adult breeders) and its drivers. We show that larger clutch sizes, colder winters, and larger beech crops lead to younger populations. We report distance‐dependent synchrony of demographic structure, maintained at approximately 650 km. Despite covariation with demographic structure, we do not find evidence for environmental variables influencing the scale of synchrony, except for beech masting. We suggest that local ecological and density‐dependent dynamics impact how environmental variation interacts with demographic structure, influencing estimates of the environment's effect on synchrony. Our analyses demonstrate the operation of synchrony in demographic structure over large scales, with implications for age‐dependent demography in populations.
Amitriptyline use in individuals with KCNQ2/3 gain‐of‐function variants: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: De Wachter Matthias , Millevert Charissa , Nicolai Joost , Cats Elisabeth , Kluger Gerhard , Milh Mathieu , Cloarec Robin , Syrbe Steffen , Arts Katrijn , Jansen Katrien , Krygier Magdalena , Smigiel Robert , Auvin Stephane , Olofson Kern , Gjerulfsen Cathrine Elisabeth , Ceulemans Berten , Møller Rikke S. , Bayat Allan , Weckhuysen Sarah
Published: February 2025

Objective

Heterozygous gain‐of‐function (GOF) variants in KCNQ2 and KCNQ3, encoding the voltage‐gated potassium channel subunits Kv7.2 and Kv7.3, lead to neurodevelopmental disorders for which no established treatments are available. Amitriptyline, an antidepressant, blocks Kv7.2/Kv7.3 and has previously been reported to be effective in a single individual with a KCNQ2 GOF variant. We designed a retrospective, single‐arm, multicenter study to investigate the effects of amitriptyline in a real‐world setting.

Methods

We used a 7‐point Likert scale to measure seizure frequency, clinical examination, motor function, alertness, skill acquisition, communication, mood, behavior, self‐care, sleep, tiredness, and electroencephalogram at baseline, after a minimum of 6 weeks of intervention, and, if applicable, after discontinuation. Adverse events were assessed in all participants, and the effectiveness of the treatment was evaluated in 11 individuals who received a minimum dosage of .5 mg/kg/day for at least 6 weeks. Data were collected from October 2023 to August 2024.

Results

Thirteen individuals, eight with a pathogenic KCNQ2 GOF variant and five with a pathogenic KCNQ3 GOF variant, were included. Nine were female, and the median age at start of amitriptyline was 7.1 years (range = 1.5–20 years). Eleven individuals received a minimum dosage of .5 mg/kg/day for at least 6 weeks. The median dosage of amitriptyline administered was 1 mg/kg/day, with a median treatment duration of 29 weeks. Although amitriptyline was ineffective in two individuals (18%), eight (72%) demonstrated at least minimal improvement in two or more domains, with improvements in alertness and communication being the most frequently reported. In those with reported improvements, amitriptyline was discontinued in four individuals, but continued improvements were seen, to the same or greater extent compared to treatment. The remaining five individuals are on continued treatment because of perceived benefits.

Significance

Overall, the effect of amitriptyline remains unclear, and formal n‐of‐1 trials are needed to investigate the precise effects of amitriptyline in KCNQ GOF‐related neurodevelopmental disorders.
Parental Emotional Expressiveness Affects Primary School Children's Depression: Indirect Pathway via Parent–Child Dyadic Subsystem
Authors: Wang Peizhong , Qiao Lu , Zhang Zijin , Wu Qinglu , Yang Chunyan , Lin Xiuyun
Published: February 2025

Depression, in recent decades, has shown a clear trend to occur at a younger age, emerging as a prevalent mental health concern among primary school children. According to family system theory and social‐ecological principles, parent individual factors, as distal factors, are able to influence the depression of child individual through the proximal factor of parent–child dyadic interaction. Within this integrated theory framework, this study aimed to utilize the principle of the actor–partner independence model to investigate the indirect pathway from paternal and maternal positive/negative emotional expressiveness to primary school children's depression via father–child and mother–child closeness/conflict. The study comprised 403 Chinese families, assessed at two separate time points with a 6‐month interval. Our results showed that both paternal and maternal positive emotional expressiveness indirectly predicted children's depression through their own conflict with their child, while both parental negative emotional expressiveness indirectly predicted the children's depression through mother–child conflict. This study elucidated two pathways of (a) family distal factors to proximal factors, and subsequently to the child; (b) parent individual factors to the parent–child dyadic interaction, and subsequently to the child individual factors within the family system. Our findings suggest that regulating parental emotional expressiveness and fostering good parent–child relationships represent potential effective strategies for preventing primary school children's depression.
Kikuchi‐Fujimoto disease: investigating comprehensive clinicopathological features and risk factors for recurrence
Authors: Nishimura Midori Filiz , Sakao Chikako , Kurokawa Yuka , Nishimura Yoshito , Nishikori Asami , Yamamoto Hidetaka , Sato Yasuharu
Published: February 2025

Aims

Kikuchi‐Fujimoto disease (KFD) is a rare disease that typically manifests with fever and cervical lymphadenopathy. Little is known about the risk factors associated with recurrence and their correlation with clinicopathologic features.

Methods and Results

We analysed 112 patients with KFD, predominantly female (61/112, 54.5%), with an average age of 29.4 years. The incidence was higher in males up to the age of 20 and higher in females from their 30s onwards. Of the 70 patients with follow‐up data, 23% experienced recurrence. Recurrence was associated with lower C4 levels (P = 0.038) and higher antinuclear antibody (ANA) rates (P = 0.007) compared to transient disease. The mean duration of symptoms was 71.5 days. Lymph node histology in 98 cases (excluding 14 needle biopsy specimens) was classified into three patterns: proliferative (n = 75, 77%), necrotizing (n = 22, 22%), and xanthomatous (n = 1, 1%). The necrotizing pattern associated with significantly enlarged lymph nodes (P = 0.047) and a longer symptom duration (P = 0.009) than the proliferating pattern. The number of CD4‐positive lymphocytes was significantly lower in the necrotizing type than in the proliferative type (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

These results indicated that low C4 levels and positive ANA were associated with KFD recurrence. Although the aetiology of KFD remains elusive, given that some cases develop autoimmune disease, the results suggest that patients with recurrent KFD represent an intermediate status between those with transient KFD and those with overt autoimmune disease. The comprehensive clinicopathological findings of this study may be useful for elucidating its pathogenesis and predicting the clinical course.
Maternal sleep disturbance during pregnancy and child intelligence quotient: A metabolome‐wide association study in the Shanghai Birth Cohort
Authors: Huang Yun , Luo Fei , Wang Guanghai , Zhang Ting , Zhang Lin , Fan Lichun , Zhang Jun
Published: February 2025

Background

The impact of maternal sleep disturbances during pregnancy on long‐term neurodevelopment and the role of metabolites in this process are not well understood. In a prospective cohort study, we aimed to investigate the associations between maternal sleep disturbances during each trimester and child intelligence quotient (IQ) at the age of 4 years and to identify metabolites that might mediate these relationships.

Methods

This study included 1,870 mother–child pairs from the Shanghai Birth Cohort (SBC). Maternal sleep quality was assessed using the Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI) questionnaire in the first and second trimesters, and a simplified version of the PSQI was used in the third trimester. Child IQ was evaluated at age 4 using the Wechsler Primary and Preschool Scale of Intelligence‐Fourth Edition (WPPSI‐IV). We conducted untargeted analyses of maternal serum metabolomics in the first trimester in 1,461 subjects. We employed multiple linear regression models to examine the associations between maternal sleep disturbances during each trimester and child IQ. Additionally, we utilized longitudinal latent class analysis (LLCA) to identify patterns of sleep quality changes throughout the three trimesters and employed multiple linear regression models to investigate how these sleep patterns across the entire pregnancy were associated with child IQ. We applied a ‘meet‐in‐the‐middle’ approach to identify potential metabolites linking maternal sleep disturbances during early pregnancy with child IQ.

Results

Longer sleep latency was associated with lower child Full‐Scale IQ (FSIQ) and verbal comprehension index (VCI) for the first trimester, while lower child fluid reasoning index (FRI) for the second trimester. Longer sleep latency throughout the pregnancy was associated with decreased FSIQ (β = −4.68; 95% CI: −8.32, −1.03), VCI (β = −6.38; 95% CI: −10.39, −2.37), and FRI (β = −4.29; 95% CI: −7.96, −0.63). We found that inositol, indoleacrylic acid, and 4‐hydroxyquinoline emerged as potential biomarkers that play an intermediary role in the association between maternal sleep disturbances and child IQ.

Conclusions

Sleep disturbance during pregnancy may be a risk factor for compromised IQ in preschool‐aged offspring. Alterations in inositol and tryptophan metabolism might be the mediator for the link between maternal sleep disturbances and child IQ.
Future disposal surge: A new quantification approach for predicting waste from external thermal insulation composite systems in Germany
Authors: Bischof Rafael , Volk Rebekka , Schultmann Frank
Published: February 2025

This study quantifies external thermal insulation composite systems (ETICS), in particular expanded polystyrene (EPS) as the insulation layer, installed in Germany between 1969 and 2022. Employing a bottom‐up approach, it conducts mass quantification, localization at the NUTS‐3 level, determination of installation years, and prediction of future waste for both ETICS in general and EPS ETICS specifically. The methodology involves categorizing the German residential and non‐residential building stock into further subcategories and construction age classes to determine their respective insulation parameters such as insulation rate and thickness providing insights into the distribution of ETICS quantities across building categories and types, construction years, and administrative districts. Additionally, waste stream predictions are carried out through surveys on ETICS lifetimes and single‐house‐level sampling of probabilistic lifetimes. The findings project a quadrupling of annual EPS waste generation from ETICS by 2050 compared to today, with 79% attributed to residential and 21% to non‐residential buildings, predominantly in urban areas. The results of the ETICS waste prediction indicate that currently established disposal routes are unfit to handle future waste generation, underlining the importance of alternative recycling paths for ETICS and improved waste disposal policies.
Frontiers in radiopharmaceuticals for neuroendocrine tumors
Authors: Puranik Ameya D. , Dev Indraja D. , Prasad Vikas
Published: February 2025

Neuroendocrine tumors encompass a wide range of tumors which originate from neural crest cells. These tumors were thought to be rare tumors, however, with the advent of advanced diagnostic techniques along with better understanding of the clinical presentation and histology of these tumors, the incidence of these tumors is exponentially rising. As the incidence and detection rate of NENs increased, the concept of ‘heterogeneity’ came into picture, which in turn led to dual‐tracer imaging with addition of FDG PET/CT. Despite an imaging‐based decision‐making approach for NENs, there is still a significant subset of patients where the imaging‐based biomarkers fall short in disease assessment, prognostication and improving outcomes. Alternate pathways as well as better peptide vectors for targeting the somatostatin receptor need to be studied. In this article, we address the existing as well as emerging trends in radiopharmaceuticals used for NENs, which are likely to impact not just the diagnostic algorithms in future, but also management strategies.
The Effect of Communication in Emergency Department Isolation Rooms Using Smart Glasses: A Mixed‐Methods Study
Authors: Park Soyoung , Lee Hyeongsuk
Published: February 2025

Aim

To assess the effectiveness of using smart glasses to facilitate communication among nurses inside and outside the emergency department.

Design

Complementary mixed‐methods study with a one‐group pretest‐posttest design.

Methods

Thirty emergency nurses participated in surveys on demographics, digital literacy, and communication clarity before and after using smart glasses. Qualitative interviews explored user experiences.

Results

Smart glasses improved communication clarity. No significant correlation was found between demographics or clinical experience and communication clarity. Qualitative analysis identified five facilitating factors—reduced nursing workload, enhanced patient care, improved efficiency, reliable support, and professional feel—and five barriers—user interface issues, surveillance burden, communication errors, technology‐integration limitations, and ethical/patient privacy concerns.

Conclusion

Smart glasses improved communication in emergency isolation rooms, potentially enhancing patient safety and reducing treatment delays. Addressing usability and ethical concerns is key for successful integration.

Implications for the Profession and/or Patient Care

Smart glasses offer significant potential to enhance communication. To maximise their benefits, it is crucial to address challenges such as the added stress on novice nurses, potential increases in workload, and ethical concerns regarding patient privacy. Providing comprehensive training and refining the technology will help to reduce user burden and ensure robust data security, ultimately improving patient care and supporting nursing staff in high‐stress environments.

Impact

Smart glasses can improve communication among emergency nurses, especially in isolation rooms, by reducing treatment delays and enhancing collaboration, thus improving patient safety.

Reporting Method

TREND (Nonrandomised evaluations of behavioural and public health interventions).

Patient or Public Contribution

Emergency nurses' feedback was integral to evaluating the usability and effectiveness of smart glasses.
Gender and housework in the post‐retirement context: Longitudinal evidence from the U.S.
Authors: Hwang In Jeong , Svec Joseph , Lee Jeong Eun
Published: February 2025

Objective

This study assesses the role of retirement as an equalizer for couple's housework production in tandem with changing demands for different types of housework after retirement.

Background

Retirement has received attention as an equalizer for household gender inequality. Among various changes brought by retirement, changing demands for housework can have different implications depending on chore types due to gender task segregation.

Methods

Using the Health and Retirement Study from 976 couples (N = 3,404) and fixed effects models, we predict the difference between husbands’ and wives’ housework time among different‐gender married dual‐earner couples as a function of retirement arrangements, time spent on feminine‐ and masculine‐typed chores, controlling for sociodemographic characteristics and time.

Results

Couple's retirement arrangements were generally not independently associated with housework gender inequality, but they moderated the effects of demands for gender‐normative tasks. Consistent with the prediction that feminine‐typed chores fall upon wives and masculine‐typed chores on husbands, couples were more egalitarian when there was less feminine‐typed chore to distribute. More masculine‐typed chore contributed to gender equality but only under limited circumstances.

Conclusion

We found some evidence of gender task segregation but limited support for retirement as an equalizer. Even though husbands’ retirement brings an opportunity to improve housework gender equality, the success depends on the level of demands for gender‐normative tasks.

Implications

This study highlights how gender ideological scripts can frame relational expectations and persist despite shifts in economic contributions to the household.
Study the past if you would define the future: Historical methods in medical education scholarship
Authors: Ellaway Rachel , MacLeod Anna , van Schalkwyk Susan , Cleland Jennifer
Published: February 2025

Introduction

A study was conducted to describe the state of historical scholarship in medical education including its strengths and opportunities as well as its shortcomings, lacunae, inattentions, and failings. The study took a particular focus on historical methods and methodologies and whether they have been applied appropriately and with rigour. The study serves as a descriptive scan of historical scholarship, as a guide to the use of historical methods for authors, editors and reviewers, and as a possible course correction for improved standards in approaching and reporting on the past in medical education scholarship.

Method

A meta‐study review was conducted to explore the current state of historical scholarship in medical education, to understand the state of the art, and to improve methodological, analytical and reporting rigour. Structured searches were conducted, returns were filtered for inclusion, and 85 articles and chapters were critically analysed.

Results

Although there were some exemplary articles identified, the majority reflected many deficits in scholarly practice. Seven broad issues in historical scholarship in medical education were identified that all spoke to the absence of key dimensions of sound scholarship namely: an explicit methodology, explicit engagement with theory, attention to replicability, reflective critique, sources of evidence, a balanced argument, and attention to positionality.

Discussion

The issue at hand is not simply about aligning historical scholarship with the standards of social science (such as engaging with methodology, theory and reflexivity), although the authors argue that scholars should do so where appropriate. Rather, it is about the implications these findings have for future work in the field of medical education in studying its many intertwined histories. To that end, there is a discursive space for historical scholarship in medical education that needs further exploration and development to bring together the best of scholarship from the traditions of medical education and history.