bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Organizational commitment, procedural justice climate, and organizational citizenship behavior towards sustainability: a multilevel study
Authors: Iqbal Qaisar , Piwowar-Sulej Katarzyna , Cherchem Naïma
Published: January 2025

Purpose

This study aims to examine the direct and indirect effects of team-level sustainable leadership on employees’ organizational citizenship behavior (OCB) towards sustainability through team-level procedural justice and employees’ organizational commitment.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopted a time-lagged approach, and data from 267 employees and 53 supervisors from 21 large manufacturing firms in Pakistan were collected. Furthermore, a multilevel modeling analysis was conducted to test the proposed hypotheses.

Findings

Sustainable leadership significantly and positively influences employees’ OCB towards sustainability. Empirical evidence confirmed that a procedural justice climate (PJC) and employees’ organizational commitment significantly mediate the relationship between sustainable leadership practices and employees’ OCB towards sustainability.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to explore the multilevel role of sustainable leadership concerning OCB towards sustainability, PJC and organizational commitment.
Are social media marketing activities reaping benefits for brands? The moderating role of education
Authors: Mathai Shaji , Kumar Sushant , Sreen Naman , Jeswani Saket
Published: January 2025

Purpose

Increasingly, brands are using social media to attract consumers. However, it is not clear how social media activities influence consumers. To address this, the study examines the role of social media marketing (SMM) activities on consumer-based brand equity and continued usage intentions. The study also examines the moderating role of education.

Design/methodology/approach

The study utilized consumer-based brand equity (CBBE) and stimulus organism response (SOR) theories to develop a conceptual model. SMM activities were used as stimulus, whereas continued usage intentions were used as response. Also, the study used elements of CBBE as organisms. A survey-based questionnaire approach was used to collect data from 326 consumers. The collected data were analysed using structural equation modelling.

Findings

Results indicate that SMM activities are associated with elements of CBBE. Also, elements of CBBE shape continued usage intentions of consumers. The results of the multigroup analysis suggest the differences among the three groups with respect to their education level. The study’s findings enable managers to understand CBBE and continued usage behaviour of their customers and provide guidelines to manage their SMM activities.

Originality/value

The study findings are first to empirically test the effects of SMM activities on CBBE and continued usage behaviour. The results show that the stimulus strongly shapes CBBE and their continued intention to purchase brands. The findings contribute to the literature on SMM activities, CBBE and offer novel managerial implications.
Exploring cultural disfluencies and negotiation strategies adopted by minority-group members in Japanese work settings
Authors: Marathe Aashlesha , Egitim Soyhan
Published: January 2025

Purpose

The present qualitative study explores minority-group members’ experiences working with majority-group members in Japanese work environments.

Design/methodology/approach

Semi-structured interviews were performed with 18 minority-group workers, who regularly engage in intercultural contact with Japanese workers. The interview questions sought to understand the challenges minority-group members experienced during their interactions with their Japanese colleagues, the ways they perceived Japanese culture, and their negotiation strategies to deal with perceived cultural differences.

Findings

The findings indicated that the participants experienced certain challenges during their adaptation to their workplace environment. These challenges included rigid workplace norms, a hierarchical yet ambiguous communication style, the language barrier, and a gender gap, which appeared to make it more challenging to communicate and build relationships with their colleagues. Furthermore, the findings revealed that minority-group members resorted to negotiation strategies to cope with these challenges, such as direct communication and questioning, searching for opportunities to develop personal connections with Japanese people and engaging in cultural exchange.

Practical implications

We propose that cross-cultural training should emphasize adaptive strategies towards the integration process rather than educating minority group members about the host culture’s characteristics.

Originality/value

This research stands out by focusing on negotiation strategies and their significance, shifting the emphasis away from the commonly highlighted challenges experienced by minority group members in their host culture.
Loan selection, attribute substitution and information effect
Authors: Arora Puneet
Published: January 2025

Purpose

Borrowers are usually presented with a menu of similar-looking options when selecting a loan plan. However, it remains unclear whether they are able to choose the most cost-effective plan. This study aims to investigate whether people select loan plans optimally, whether their choices are influenced by the informational cues provided to them and how their selections change with the provision of additional loan-related information.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses a within-participant experimental design, where participants are presented with similar-looking loan plans but with different present discounted costs. Subjects are asked to rank those plans, with the minimum present discounted cost plan maximizing their experimental payoff. The loan plans across different rounds are presented with different informational cues to see whether that influences participants' ability to select the cost-minimizing loan plans.

Findings

The author finds that participants were 78% likely to state a suboptimal preference ordering and 68% likely to select a loan plan that does not minimize cost. There is suggestive evidence regarding the role of attribute substitution in the decision-making process, wherein participants substituted annual percentage rate (APR) and total cost attributes for the present discounted cost of a loan plan. Additionally, the author presents causal evidence demonstrating how providing additional information can influence the choice of the substituted attribute.

Originality/value

Research has indicated that individuals often make suboptimal financial decisions, particularly in complex decision contexts. Examples include selecting medical insurance, a retirement savings plan, a student loan or borrowing on a credit card. This paper demonstrates that similar biases are present when individuals borrow using a loan plan, wherein they tend to substitute the APR or total cost of the loan plan for the present discounted cost of the loan plan. Furthermore, the study reveals that the impact of providing more information to borrowers can vary, depending on the combination of loan plans being considered.
Enhancing aesthetic and creative skills through innovative pedagogical approaches: integrating mandala thinking and multisensory techniques in advanced dessert design
Authors: Chen Yen-Cheng
Published: January 2025

Purpose

This study aims to explore the integration of mandala thinking and multisensory techniques into advanced dessert design courses, investigating how these innovative pedagogical approaches enhance students’ creative and aesthetic skills. The research seeks to address the evolving needs of higher education in the face of technological and pedagogical disruptions.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employs a mixed-method approach, including a detailed literature review, implementation of mandala thinking and multisensory methods in the course curriculum and quantitative analysis of student outcomes. Data were collected through pre- and post-course assessments, focusing on students’ creativity and aesthetic competencies.

Findings

The integration of mandala thinking and multisensory design principles significantly improved students’ creative and aesthetic skills. The findings demonstrate that these methods effectively enhance the educational experience in culinary arts, offering a novel approach to curriculum design in higher education. The study highlights how these innovative techniques can address current pedagogical challenges and improve student engagement and performance.

Practical implications

Integrating mandala thinking and multisensory techniques can significantly enhance creativity and engagement in higher education, offering a practical model for modernizing pedagogical practices and addressing current educational challenges.

Originality/value

This research contributes to the field by applying mandala thinking and multisensory techniques to advanced dessert design, an area not extensively covered in existing literature. It provides a unique perspective on enhancing educational practices in the culinary arts, reflecting the broader trends of incorporating innovative pedagogical strategies in response to disruptive educational challenges.
From Isolation to Application: Utilising Phage‐Antibiotic Synergy in Murine Bacteremia Model to Combat Multidrug‐Resistant Enterococcus faecalis
Authors: Yehia Fatma Al‐zahraa A. , Yahya Galal , Elsayed Eslam M. , Serrania Javier , Becker Anke , Gomaa Salwa E.
Published: January 2025

Enterococcus species, natural inhabitants of the human gut, have become major causes of life‐threatening bloodstream infections (BSIs) and the third most frequent cause of hospital‐acquired bacteremia. The rise of high‐level gentamicin resistance (HLGR) in enterococcal isolates complicates treatment and revives bacteriophage therapy. This study isolated and identified forty E. faecalis clinical isolates, with 30% exhibiting HLGR. The HLGR5 isolate, resistant to fosfomycin, vancomycin, and linezolid, was used to isolate the vB_EfaS_SZ1 phage from effluent water. This phage specifically lysed 42% of HLGR isolates. vB_EfaS_SZ1 demonstrated beneficial traits, including thermal stability, acid–base tolerance, a short latent period, and a large burst size. The phage genome comprises a 40,942 bp linear double‐stranded DNA with 65 open reading frames (ORFs). The genome closely resembled Enterococcus phages, classifying it within the Efquatrovirus genus. Phage‐antibiotic synergy was assessed using checkerboard assays and time‐killing analyses, revealing enhanced bacteriolytic activity of ampicillin and fosfomycin, with significant reductions in minimum inhibitory concentration values. In a mouse bacteremia model, phage‐antibiotic combinations significantly reduced E. faecalis liver burden compared to monotherapies. Histopathological analysis confirmed therapeutic synergy, showing reduced inflammation and improved hepatocyte regeneration. These findings underscore the potential of phage vB_EfaS_SZ1 as an adjunct to antibiotic therapy for resistant enterococcal bacteremia.
Farm‐level agricultural productivity and adaptation to extreme heat
Authors: Mayorga Joaquin , Villacis Alexis H. , Mishra Ashok K.
Published: January 2025

Harnessing farm‐level fluctuations in weather over time, we investigate the impact of extreme heat on farm‐level agricultural productivity and adaptation strategies in Nigeria. We employ data from the Nigeria Living Standards Measurement Study‐Integrated Surveys on Agriculture (LSMS‐ISA) from the years 2010, 2012, and 2015. Our findings show that although current high temperatures decrease crop yields, the overall agricultural output value is not affected by high temperatures, primarily due to increments in the area under cultivation. Our analysis also reveals that farmers re‐allocate farm inputs in the face of high temperatures. Specifically, farmers shift from productivity boosting inputs, like fertilizers, to protective measures such as pesticides. This is accompanied by a greater dependence on hired labor after experiencing high temperatures in the previous year. Additionally, we find an increase in the adoption of mixed‐cropping practices as a response to the high temperatures in the current season, indicating differential effects of high temperatures on crop production decisions. These insights highlight the importance of considering farm‐level adaptive behaviors in policymaking, especially in initiatives aimed at increasing the use of specific inputs, as high temperatures can undermine such policy goals.
The Who is Who of ‘Meaning‐Hunters’: Α Four‐Level Socio‐Psychological Analysis of Life Meaning‐Making
Authors: Tsitseli Antonia , Prodromitis Gerasimos , Yotsidi Vasiliki , Pavlopoulos Vassilis
Published: January 2025

The present study, centred on the meaning of life, employed a four‐level socio‐psychological analysis, categorizing participants (N = 400) based on intraindividual, interindividual, positional and ideological levels. Examining factors like self‐construal, interpersonal discomfort, political self‐positioning and social identity, the study revealed interconnections and combinatorial profiles. These groupings reflected interfaces between individual and interpersonal elaborations of meaning, extending into broader political, ideological and worldview contexts. These findings emphasize the permeable boundaries between socio‐psychological levels, highlighting the complexity of meaning‐making. The study contributes to the discourse on psychology's interdisciplinary nature, showcasing its role to unravel the complex interplay of personal, interpersonal and societal aspects in the pursuit of understanding the meaning of life.
Allergic Reactivity and Memory Occur Independently of Sequential Switching Through IgG1
Authors: Koenig Joshua F. E. , Wade‐Vallance Adam K. , Jiménez‐Saiz Rodrigo , Bruton Kelly , Gadkar Siyon , Grydziuszko Emily , Walker Tina D. , Gordon Melissa E. , Gillgrass Amy E. , Taylor Justin J. , Waserman Susan , Jordana Manel
Published: January 2025

Allergic reactions to foods are primarily driven by allergen‐binding immunoglobulin (Ig)E antibodies. IgE‐expressing cells can be generated through direct switching from IgM to IgE or a sequential class switching pathway where activated B cells first switch to an intermediary isotype, most frequently IgG1, and then to IgE. It has been proposed that sequential class switch recombination is involved in augmenting the severity of allergic reactions, generating high affinity IgE, differentiation of IgE plasma cells, and in holding the memory of IgE responses. We directly tested these possibilities by comparing the allergic immunity of wild‐type and IgG1‐deficient (hMT) mice. We found that sequential switching through IgG1 was not required to maintain the binding capacity of IgE nor for its ability to promote degranulation and elicit anaphylaxis against bona fide food allergens. Furthermore, the absence of sequential switching modestly impacted IgE affinity and clinical reactivity against hapten antigens, suggesting that the nature of the antigen impacts the requirement for sequential switching. At a cellular level, the capacity to undergo sequential switching through IgG1 provided no competitive advantage for subsequent IgE expression among germinal center B cells or plasma cells. Furthermore, the recall of allergic immunity at memory timepoints was preserved in the absence of sequential switching through IgG1, a finding that corresponded with intact type 2 memory B cell polarization. Together, these data demonstrate that sequential switching through IgG1 is redundant in sensitization, anaphylaxis, and the persistence of allergy, ultimately revealing that IgE derived from any switching source should be targeted by novel therapeutics seeking to ameliorate allergic diseases.
Arguments against a “general and permanent” ban on pediatric intersex surgery: A response to Clune‐Taylor
Authors: Ignjаtоvić Suzаnа
Published: January 2025

The paper offers a critical response to the proposed “dis/analogy” between the restriction of Jehovah's Witness parental right to refuse life‐saving blood transfusions for their minor children and a “general” and “permanent” ban on “unnecessary” pediatric intersex surgery. The main argument of the analogy is “securing the patient's future autonomy.” Feinberg's theory of rights is used to demonstrate that the proposed analogy is untenable. A new category of developmental rights‐in‐trust is introduced to address specific needs of gender development in DSD situations. Both premises are disputed. First, it is shown that the case of overriding Jehovah's Witness parental rights is not based on securing the patient's future autonomy, but a simple dependency right in Feinberg's theory. Second, it is demonstrated that pediatric intersex surgery is not in the same situation in all morally relevant respects as the Jehovah's Witness case because it represents a special type of developmental right‐in‐trust. In conclusion, the arguments based on the proposed analogy do not justify a “general and permanent” on pediatric intersex surgery.
The Efficacy of Intensive Statin Therapy in Acute Ischemic Stroke Following Intravenous Thrombolysis: The CASE II Study
Authors: Chen Fujian , Zhou Huan , Zhang Tingxia , Wang Liangxue , Chen Hongfang , Hu Jin , Xie Guomin , Yan Shenqiang , Lou Min ,   CASE‐II Investigators
Published: January 2025

Aims

This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of early intensive statin therapy following intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS).

Methods

AIS patients who received IVT and statin therapy were included from multicenter registry databases. The primary endpoint was functional independence, defined by a modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score of 0–2 at 90 days. Propensity score matching (PSM) analyses were employed.

Results

A total of 21,349 patients were included in this study, with a mean age of 68.5 ± 12.6 years, of whom 13,578 (63.6%) were male. The baseline NIHSS score was 4 (IQR 2–8). A total of 9532 patients (44.6%) received intensive statin therapy. In the PSM analysis, the proportion of patients with mRS scores of 0–2 was significantly higher in the intensive statin therapy group (OR = 1.095, 95% CI 1.022–1.173, p = 0.010). Statin type modified the effect of intensive statin therapy on functional independence (p‐value for interaction = 0.030). Treatment effects favoring the intensive approach were observed in patients receiving atorvastatin (OR = 1.134, 95% CI 1.051–1.224, p = 0.001).

Conclusion

Early intensive statin therapy following IVT leads to a significant but modest improvement in neurological outcomes, particularly in patients treated with atorvastatin as part of the intensive regimen.
Chemerin loss‐of‐function attenuates glucagon‐like peptide‐1 secretion in exercised obese mice
Authors: Zhang Qilong , Jia Yi , Guo Yifan , Yu Xiaohan , Wang Ru , Wang Xiaohui
Published: January 2025

Aims

To investigate the role of chemerin reduction in mediating exercise‐induced Glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1) secretion and the amelioration of pancreatic β‐cell function in obesity.

Materials and Methods

Obesity models were established using wild‐type and chemerin systemic knockout mice, followed by 8 weeks of moderate‐intensity continuous aerobic exercise training. Serum chemerin levels, GLP‐1 synthesis, glucose tolerance, pancreatic β‐cell function, structure, and apoptosis were assessed. In vitro experiments were conducted on STC‐1 cells, derived from murine intestinal endocrine cells, to evaluate GLP‐1 secretion following exogenous chemerin treatment. Additionally, colonic tissue inflammation and apoptosis were analyzed using qPCR and TUNEL staining.

Results

In obese wild‐type mice, moderate‐intensity aerobic exercise significantly reduced serum chemerin levels, enhanced GLP‐1 secretion, and improved glucose tolerance, pancreatic β‐cell structure, function, and apoptosis. These effects were absent in obese chemerin knockout mice. Exogenous chemerin treatment reduced GLP‐1 secretion in STC‐1 cells. Furthermore, the beneficial effects of exercise on colonic inflammation and apoptosis observed in wild‐type mice were abolished in chemerin knockout mice.

Conclusion

Reduction of chemerin is crucial for the beneficial effects of aerobic exercise on GLP‐1 secretion and pancreatic β‐cell function in obesity. The mechanisms behind these effects may involve improvements in colonic inflammation and apoptosis. These findings offer new insights into the molecular mechanisms through which exercise improves obesity‐related metabolic dysfunction.
Population pharmacokinetics of cannabidiol and the impact of food and formulation on systemic exposure in children with drug‐resistant developmental and epileptic encephalopathies
Authors: Brstilo Lucas , Valenzuela Gabriela Reyes , Ibarra Manuel , Guido Paulo Cáceres , Bressan Ignacio , Marin Nora , Delaven Sandra Fabiana , Agostini Silvana , Montilla Carlos Pérez , López María Emilia , Cresta Araceli , Armeno Marisa , Bournissen Facundo García , Caraballo Roberto , Schaiquevich Paula
Published: January 2025

Objective

Identifying factors influencing cannabidiol (CBD) exposure can optimize treatment efficacy and safety. We aimed to describe the population pharmacokinetics of CBD in children with drug‐resistant developmental and epileptic encephalopathies (DEEs) and assess the influence of environmental, pharmacological, and clinical characteristics on CBD systemic exposure.

Methods

Data from two pharmacokinetic studies of patients aged 2–18 years with DEEs were included (N = 48 patients). Serial blood samples were collected during maintenance treatment, before and after the morning dose, and up to 6 h after a dose of a purified CBD oil formulation, with or without a normocaloric breakfast. CBD plasma concentrations were also available following administration of a CBD‐enriched formulation. Samples were quantified using a validated liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry assay. A CBD population pharmacokinetic model was developed using nonlinear mixed‐effects modeling. The effects of formulation, concomitant food intake, and demographic, clinical, and pharmacological factors on CBD pharmacokinetics were evaluated. Simulated maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) and area under the concentration–time curve between 0 and 12 h (AUC0‐12) were calculated.

Results

A one‐compartment model with transit compartments and first‐order elimination best described CBD pharmacokinetics. Mean values for CBD apparent clearance (CL/F) and volume of distribution (V/F) were 143.5 L/h and 1892.4 L, respectively. Weight was allometrically scaled for V/F and CL/F, sex was associated with V/F, and both formulation and food condition were associated with F (relative bioavailability). CBD Cmax increased by 41% and AUC0‐12 by 45% when CBD was administered with food compared to fasting. Dose‐normalized AUC0‐12 was approximately 50% lower with CBD‐enriched oil compared to purified CBD.

Significance

In the present study, we described the effects of food and formulation on CBD exposure in children with DEEs. Increased CBD exposure with food intake and significant changes in drug exposure when switching between CBD formulations should be considered in patient management.
Plasma metabolome reveals altered oxidative stress, inflammation, and amino acid metabolism in dogs with idiopathic epilepsy
Authors: Verdoodt Fien , Bhatti Sofie F. M. , Molina Jenifer , Van Ham Luc , Vanhaecke Lynn , Junius Greet , Hemeryck Lieselot Y. , Hesta Myriam
Published: January 2025

Objective

Idiopathic epilepsy (IE) is the most common chronic neurological disease in dogs and an established natural animal model for human epilepsy types with genetic and unknown etiology. However, the metabolic pathways underlying IE remain largely unknown.

Methods

Plasma samples of healthy dogs (n = 39) and dogs with IE (n = 49) were metabolically profiled (n = 121 known target metabolites) and fingerprinted (n = 1825 untargeted features) using liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. Dogs with IE were classified as mild phenotype (MP; n = 22) or drug‐resistant (DR; n = 27). All dogs received the same standard adult maintenance diet for a minimum of 20 days (35 ± 11 days) before sampling. Data were analyzed using a combination of univariate (one‐way analysis of variance or Kruskal–Wallis rank sum test), multivariate (limma, orthogonal partial least squares–discriminant analysis), and pathway enrichment statistical analysis.

Results

In dogs with both DR and MP IE, a distinct plasma metabolic profile and fingerprint compared to healthy dogs was observed. Metabolic pathways involved in these alterations included oxidative stress, inflammation, and amino acid metabolism. Moreover, significantly lower plasma concentrations of vitamin B6 were found in MP (p = .001) and DR (p = .005) compared to healthy dogs.

Significance

Our data provide new insights into the metabolic pathways underlying IE in dogs, further substantiating its potential as a natural animal model for humans with epilepsy, reflected by related metabolic changes in oxidative stress metabolites and vitamin B6. Even more, several metabolites within the uncovered pathways offer promising therapeutic targets for the management of IE, primarily for dogs, and ultimately for humans.
Bridging the health information gap among undergraduate university students: The role of academic libraries
Authors: Kwafoa Paulina Nana Yaa , Filson Christopher K. , Tachie‐Donkor Gloria , Atuase Diana , Nunekpeku Paul
Published: January 2025

Background

Although university students are young and seem generally healthy, they do have health information needs that affect their academic work. Some university healthcare services and academic libraries collaborated during the COVID‐19 pandemic to provide health information to students.

Aims/Objectives

The study explored the health information gap among undergraduate students in universities in Ghana.

Methodology

The study involved 382 students from the University of Cape Coast, the University of Ghana, and Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, including nine librarians and six university health professionals. Respondents for the study were chosen using stratified sampling and purposeful sampling techniques. A questionnaire and a semi‐structured interview guide were used to collect the data.

Results

The study revealed limited access to health information for undergraduate students. Male and female students had similar high priorities (personal hygiene, disease prevention, healthy living, mental health) but reproductive health information was mostly a priority for female students.

Discussion

Inadequate access to health information among undergraduate students may pose a threat to avoidable health risks and academic productivity.

Conclusion

Based on the findings, a functional Collaborative Health Information Model for Academic Libraries and University Healthcare Systems is proposed to address undergraduate students' health information needs.
Temporal Trends in Respiratory Infection Epidemics Among Pediatric Inpatients Throughout the Course of the COVID‐19 Pandemic From 2018 to 2023 in Fukushima Prefecture, Japan
Authors: Kume Yohei , Hashimoto Koichi , Okabe Hisao , Norito Sakurako , Suwa Reiko , Kawase Miyuki , Mochizuki Izumi , Mashiyama Fumi , Ishibashi Naohisa , Suzuki Shigeo , Sakuma Hiroko , Shirato Kazuya , Hosoya Mitsuaki , Go Hayato
Published: January 2025

Background

Nonpharmaceutical interventions for coronavirus disease (COVID‐19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, during the pandemic altered the epidemiology of respiratory viruses. This study aimed to determine the changes in respiratory viruses among children hospitalized from 2018 to 2023.

Methods

Nasopharyngeal specimens were collected from children aged under 15 years with fever and/or respiratory symptoms admitted to a medical institution in Fukushima Prefecture between January 2018 and December 2023. Eighteen respiratory viruses were detected using real‐time reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction.

Results

Overall, 1933 patients were included. Viruses were detected in 1377 (71.2%); of these, a single virus was detected in 906 (46.9%) and multiple viruses in 471 (24.3%). Among the viruses whose epidemics were temporarily suppressed, the epidemics of respiratory syncytial virus A and human parainfluenza virus type 3 (HPIV3) started earlier, and the epidemics of human metapneumovirus, HPIV1, and influenza A and C viruses resumed as behavioral restrictions for preventing COVID‐19 eased. The median age of children with airway infection was significantly higher in the postpandemic group than in the prepandemic group (18.0 months vs. 21.0 months, p < 0.01). The median age of children infected with HPIV3 and human rhinovirus was significantly higher in the postpandemic group than in the prepandemic group.

Conclusions

Strengthening of nonpharmaceutical interventions changed the epidemic dynamics of pediatric infectious diseases, with a trend toward older hospitalized children. Continuous monitoring of pediatric infectious disease outbreaks in hospitalized children can help prepare for the emergence of future viruses and pandemics.
A Design School for Social Innovation: Reflections on a Pilot Case in Japan
Authors: Akasaka Fumiya , Oura Fuko , Watanabe Kentaro
Published: January 2025

The paradigm of design must drastically change to promote sustainable social development that considers not only economic growth but also human well‐being and environmental sustainability. Some scholars argue that the central paradigm of design should focus more on the societal perspective. This article refers to such a socially oriented design approach as design for social innovation (DfSI). Our study identified key insights for designing and promoting a DfSI education programme by investigating and analysing a Japanese pilot case, the Design School at National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST‐DS). Based on an analysis of in‐depth interviews that we conducted with the AIST‐DS programme managers and learners, we clarified the effectiveness and challenges of the programme. Furthermore, this article presents relevant design considerations for better planning and promotion of the DfSI education programme. Our case study findings are derived from a deep and detailed analysis, with practical implications for educators and researchers. Simultaneously, from an academic perspective, we hope that these findings will constitute a foothold for accumulating knowledge on DfSI education in the future.
ERK1/2 gene expression and hypomethylation of Alu and LINE1 elements in patients with type 2 diabetes with and without cataract: Impact of hyperglycemia‐induced oxidative stress
Authors: Zeinali Nia Elham , Najjar Sadeghi Ruhollah , Ebadi Mostafa , Faghihi Mohammad
Published: January 2025

Aims

This study aimed to delineate the effect of hyperglycemia on the Alu/LINE‐1 hypomethylation and in ERK1/2 genes expression in type 2 diabetes with and without cataract.

Methods

This study included 58 diabetic patients without cataracts, 50 diabetic patients with cataracts, and 36 healthy controls. After DNA extraction and bisulfite treatment, LINE‐1 and Alu methylation levels were assessed using Real‐time MSP. ERK1/2 gene expression was analyzed through real‐time PCR. Total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and fasting plasma glucose (FPG) were measured using colorimetric methods. Statistical analysis was performed with SPSS23, setting the significance level at P < 0.05.

Results

The TAC levels were significantly lower for cataract and diabetic groups than controls (259.31 ± 122.99, 312.43 ± 145.46, 372.58 ± 132.95 nanomole of Trolox equivalent) with a significant correlation between FPG and TAC levels in both the cataract and diabetic groups (P < 0.05). Alu and LINE‐1 sequences were found to be statistically hypomethylated in diabetic and cataract patients compared to controls. In these groups, TAC levels were directly correlated with Alu methylation (P < 0.05) but not LINE‐1. ERK1/2 gene expression was significantly higher in diabetic and cataract patients, showing increases of 2.41‐fold and 1.43‐fold for ERK1, and 1.27‐fold and 1.5 for ERK2, respectively. ERK1 expression correlated significantly with FPG levels. A reverse correlation was observed between TAC levels and ERK1/2 expression.

Conclusions

Our findings indicate that hyperglycemia‐induced oxidative stress may alter ERK1/2 gene expression patterns and induce aberrant hypomethylation in Alu and LINE‐1 sequences. These aberrant changes may play a contributing role in diabetic complications such as cataracts.
Identification of Novel and Rare GNAS Mutations in Craniofacial Fibrous Dysplasia
Authors: Xue Jiang , Zhang Jianyun , Ma Ming , Li Xuefen , Sun Lisha , Shi Ruirui , Li Tiejun
Published: January 2025

Background

Fibrous dysplasia (FD), caused by activating mutations of GNAS, is a skeletal disorder with considerable clinicopathological heterogeneity. Although prevalent mutations such as R201C and R201H dominate in FD, a limited number of rare mutations, including R201S, R201G, and Q227L, have been documented. The scarcity of information concerning these uncommon mutations motivates our investigation, seeking to enhance comprehension of this less‐explored subgroup within FD.

Methods

This study introduces three cases of craniofacial FD exhibiting rare GNAS mutations. Employing DNA sequencing on fresh frozen lesion tissues, we conducted a thorough analysis of clinical, radiological, and pathological features, delving into genotypic and phenotypic correlations. A comparative assessment with our previous series was also conducted.

Results

In the subset of patients subjected to DNA sequencing, a novel GNAS missense mutation (Q227E) was identified in one case, while a rare GNAS mutation (R201S) in exon 8 was found in the other two patients. Although no apparent phenotypic distinctions were observed among those with GNAS hotspot mutations (R201C, R201H), a more severe phenotype was discerned in the case featuring the novel GNAS mutation Q227E.

Conclusions

This study marks the first report of the Q227E mutation in the GNAS gene associated with bone disease, enriching our understanding of FD's genetic basis and shedding light on the clinicopathological heterogeneity of craniofacial FD.
Incidence and Risk Factors of Peri‐Implantitis Over Time—A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Romandini Mario , Lima Cristina , Banaco Diogo , Azevedo Rita , Sanz Mariano
Published: January 2025

Aim

This prospective cohort study aimed to evaluate the incidence and risk/protective factors of peri‐implantitis over time.

Methods

A university‐representative cohort was evaluated at baseline and after a mean follow‐up time of 3.9 years. The main outcome was the incidence of peri‐implantitis, defined as bone loss > 1 mm between the two examinations in implants showing bleeding on probing. Putative risk/protective factors assessed at baseline were tested through multilevel (mixed‐effects) logistic regression analyses.

Results

A total of 73 patients with 322 implants were included. During the follow‐up period, 14 implants (4.3%) were lost in 9 patients (12.3%). Incidence of peri‐implantitis was observed in 22.2% of patients and 9.4% of implants. In the final multilevel multiple logistic regression model, the following factors were associated with occurrence of peri‐implantitis: periodontitis severity (stage IV periodontitis: OR = 41.29; 95% CI: 4.10–415.54), periodontal bone loss/age ratio (> 1: OR = 8.87; 95% CI: 1.47–53.73), smoking (current smokers: OR = 7.84; 95% CI: 1.83–33.50), sleep duration (> 7 h: OR = 19.97; 95% CI: 1.69–236.39), implant location (incisor: OR = 60.60; 95% CI: 4.04–908.33), restoration type (full‐arch fixed restorations: OR = 89.84; 95% CI: 3.66–2202.97), and restoration margin location (juxta‐marginal: OR = 14.17; 95% CI: 1.20–166.76). Keratinized tissue width assessed at baseline was not associated with incidence of peri‐implantitis.

Conclusion

Approximately one in five patients and one in 10 implants experienced incident peri‐implantitis over a nearly four‐year period. Periodontitis (Stage IV and Grade C), lifestyles (smoking and sleep duration), implant location, and prosthetic factors (restoration type and margin location) emerged as risk factors for peri‐implantitis.
Retrospective analysis of the incidence and clinicopathological findings associated with ammonium urate urolithiasis in dogs with congenital portosystemic shunts: 363 cases (2010‐2023)
Authors: Walton‐Clark M. , Travail V. , Sparks T. , Eiras‐Diaz A. , Davenport A. , Holmes A. , Kent A. , Prior C. , Stilwell Breakspear C. , Dye C. , Good C. , Motta C. , Valls Sanchez F. , Pilati F. , McLauchlan G. , Ruiz G. , Brás I. , Scott J. , Clarke K. , Peak K. , Goonan L. , Ots M. , Rossell Garcia M. , Lau N. , Mansbridge N. , Garcia Dominguez P. , Conway S. , Keyte S. , Chapman T. , Conley T. , Black V. , Coates V. , DiBella A.
Published: January 2025

Objectives

To assess the incidence and clinical findings associated with the presence of ammonium urate urolithiasis in dogs with congenital portosystemic shunts.

Materials and Methods

A retrospective review of dogs diagnosed with extrahepatic portosystemic shunts or intrahepatic portosystemic shunts in 15 referral hospitals between 2010 and 2023. Data including signalment, clinical signs, physical examination findings and clinicopathologic test results at the time of the diagnosis were collected, and the presence of ammonium urate urolithiasis was recorded.

Results

A total of 363 dogs were included. The overall incidence of ammonium urate urolithiasis was 19.3%. Dogs with extrahepatic portosystemic shunts were more likely to have urolithiasis compared to those with intrahepatic portosystemic shunts (32.2% vs. 8.0%). Dogs with urolithiasis were older (median 40 vs. 8 months) and more likely to be neutered males (51.4% vs. 9.8%). Ammonia was significantly lower in dogs with urolithiasis. Dogs with urolithiasis were more likely to have haematuria on dipstick analysis and sediment examination.

Clinical Significance

Dogs with extrahepatic portosystemic shunts were more likely to have urolithiasis when compared to dogs with intrahepatic portosystemic shunts. Dogs with higher ammonia levels were less likely to have ammonium urate urolithiasis, and older dogs, neutered males, or those with evidence of haematuria had an increased incidence of urolithiasis.
High‐Frequency Instruments and Identification‐Robust Inference for Stochastic Volatility Models
Authors: Ahsan Md. Nazmul , Dufour Jean‐Marie
Published: January 2025

We introduce a novel class of stochastic volatility models, which can utilize and relate many high‐frequency realized volatility (RV) measures to latent volatility. Instrumental variable methods provide a unified framework for estimation and testing. We study parameter inference problems in the proposed framework with nonstationary stochastic volatility and exogenous predictors in the latent volatility process. Identification‐robust methods are developed for a joint hypothesis involving the volatility persistence parameter and the autocorrelation parameter of the composite error (or the noise ratio). For inference about the volatility persistence parameter, projection techniques are applied. The proposed tests include Anderson‐Rubin‐type tests and their point‐optimal versions. For distributional theory, we provide finite‐sample tests and confidence sets for Gaussian errors, establish exact Monte Carlo test procedures for non‐Gaussian errors (possibly heavy‐tailed), and show asymptotic validity under weaker assumptions. Simulation results show that the proposed tests outperform the asymptotic test regarding size and exhibit excellent power in empirically realistic settings. The proposed inference methods are applied to IBM's price and option data (2009–2013). We consider 175 different instruments (IVs) spanning 22 classes and analyze their ability to describe the low‐frequency volatility. IVs are compared based on the average length of the proposed identification‐robust confidence intervals. The superior instrument set mostly comprises 5‐min HF realized measures, and these IVs produce confidence sets which show that the volatility process is nearly unit‐root. In addition, we find RVs with higher frequency yield wider confidence intervals than RVs with slightly lower frequency, indicating that these confidence intervals adjust to absorb market microstructure noise. Furthermore, when we consider irrelevant or weak IVs (jumps and signed jumps), the proposed tests produce unbounded confidence intervals. We also find that both RV and BV measures produce almost identical confidence intervals across all 14 subclasses, confirming that our methodology is robust in the presence of jumps. Finally, although jumps contain little information regarding the low‐frequency volatility, we find evidence that there may be a nonlinear relationship between jumps and low‐frequency volatility.
Diving Deep Into the Relationship Between Speech Fluency and Second Language Proficiency: A Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Yan Xun , Lei Yuyun , Pan Yulin
Published: January 2025

Abundant research has indicated fluency features as meaningful predictors of second language proficiency. However, the extent to which different fluency dimensions and features can predict proficiency remains underexplored. This meta‐analysis employed a multilevel modeling approach to synthesize fluency–proficiency relationships from 71 empirical studies from 1959–2023. Additionally, we examined several moderator variables, including task type, learning context, age, and proficiency measure. The correlations found were strongly positive for speed (r = .55), moderately positive for productivity (r = .38), moderately negative for breakdown (r = −.33), and weakly negative for repair (r = −.11). Moderator analyses revealed that task, learning context, and proficiency measure influence fluency–proficiency relationships in the repair, productivity, and speed dimensions, respectively. Post hoc analyses also suggested that the operationalization of breakdown features might make a difference in fluency–proficiency relationships. This study has both theoretical and methodological implications for second language fluency research.
Liver Injury due to Intravenous Methylprednisolone in the Drug‐Induced Liver Injury Network
Authors: Ahmad Jawad , Li Yi‐Ju , Phillips Elizabeth , Dellinger Andrew , Hayashi Paul H. , Chalasani Naga , Fontana Robert J. , Kleiner David E. , Barnhart Huiman X. , Hoofnagle Jay H. ,   the Drug‐Induced Liver Injury Network
Published: January 2025

Background and Aims

Short courses of intravenous (iv) methylprednisolone (MP) can cause drug induced liver injury (DILI). The aim of this study was to assess the clinical features and HLA associations of MP‐related DILI enrolled in the US DILI Network (DILIN).

Methods

DILIN cases with MP as a suspected drug were reviewed. DILIN causality scoring was assigned on a 5‐point scale (definite, highly likely, probable, possible, unlikely). All cases with MP causality scores of definite, highly likely or probable were analysed. HLA data from direct sequencing were analysed.

Results

Eleven cases of definite, highly likely, or probable MP DILI were identified. The median age was 48 years; 73% were female; median latency to onset was 30 days; 55% were jaundiced; and all had hepatocellular injury with one patient requiring transplantation. Nine of the 11 cases were in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). Liver biopsies in 7 cases revealed mild acute hepatitis with/without cholestasis. HLA data demonstrated that HLA‐DRB1*15:01, the primary HLA class II allele associated with MS was over‐represented. HLA‐DQB1*06:02‐HLA‐DQA1*01:02 which is haplotypic with the HLA‐DRB1*15 haplotype was more common in the MP DILI cases compared to other DILI controls (p = 0.03) and to DILI controls exposed to MP (p = 0.04).

Conclusion

MP DILI is characterised by hepatocellular injury, short latency and generally rapid recovery. There was no independent HLA haplotype associated with MP DILI.
A structure‐oriented loss function for automated semantic segmentation of bridge point clouds
Authors: Lin Chao , Abe Shuhei , Zheng Shitao , Li Xianfeng , Chun Pang‐jo
Published: January 2025

Focusing on learning‐based semantic segmentation (SS) methods for bridge point cloud data (PCD), this study proposes a structure‐oriented concept (SOC) with training focused on the spatial distribution patterns of bridge components, including both the horizontally absolute location of each component and its vertically relative position compared with other components. Then a structure‐oriented loss (SOL) function, which embodies the core of SOC, is defined accordingly, and it is compared to five cutting‐edge loss functions on a collected bridge PCD dataset. In contrast to the limitations of other loss functions, SOL significantly improves the overall evaluation metrics of overall accuracy (6.53%) and mean intersection over union (mean IoU: 8.67%). The IoU of the category “others” is improved by 8.44%, which is very important for automating the time‐consuming denoising process. Furthermore, the demonstrated robustness of SOC and SOL reveal great potential to improve the performance of other SS models.
A multi‐level feature fusion artificial neural network for classification of acoustic emission signals
Authors: Huang Jinliang , Zhu Zhaolin , Chen Zhihao , Lu Haotian , Yang Zijin
Published: January 2025

In this paper, we introduce FUSION‐ANN, a novel artificial neural network (ANN) designed for acoustic emission (AE) signal classification. FUSION‐ANN comprises four distinct ANN branches, each housing an independent multilayer perceptron. We extract denoised features of speech recognition such as linear predictive coding, Mel‐frequency cepstral coefficient, and gammatone cepstral coefficient to represent AE signals. These features are concatenated to form a new feature called LMGC, which serves as input data for the four branches of FUSION‐ANN. The network performs AE signal recognition and classification through forward propagation in each branch, utilizing multi‐level feature fusion. We evaluate FUSION‐ANN's performance on the ORION‐AE benchmark dataset, which contains AE signals from various loading conditions simulating loosening phenomena in aeronautics, automotive, and civil engineering structures. Our results demonstrate an impressive average accuracy of 98% in AE signal classification. Additionally, FUSION‐ANN boasts high training efficiency, robustness, and accuracy, making it suitable for reliable AE signal analysis. However, given the current limitations, we aim to conduct more comprehensive investigations in the future. Our plan includes further testing of the network's performance across various categories of AE signals to assess its generality. Additionally, we will select richer and more efficient feature sets to characterize these signals.