bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Board gender diversity and environmental material topics: Evidence from GRI-based reports in the Italian context
Authors: Macchioni Riccardo , Prisco Martina , Zagaria Claudia
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This paper investigates whether board gender diversity is associated with the propensity to prioritize environmental issues in the material topic list on Global Reporting Initiative (GRI)-based reports.

Design/methodology/approach

Regressions analyses are performed using a sample of 755 firm-year observations from Italy over the 2018–2022 period. The data were obtained from hand-collection on GRI-based reports and Refinitiv Eikon database. Board gender diversity is measured through three proxies: the natural logarithm of the number of women directors, the ratio of female representation on board and the Blau index reflecting the proportion of women/men on board. Additional tests are also developed.

Findings

Results show that board gender diversity positively influences the propensity to rank environmental issues at the top of the material topic list on GRI-based reports.

Research limitations/implications

Since the study focuses on the Italian context, results cannot be subjective to an extensive generalization to other countries.

Practical implications

This study highlights the importance of strengthening the female participation on board to prioritize the firm’s impact on environment within the materiality assessment of sustainability reporting.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to investigate the association between board gender diversity and the highest ranked environmental material topics, thus contributing to better understand the role of women directors on materiality assessment within sustainability reporting.
Mechanisms of affinity fraud victimization
Authors: Dearden Thomas , Jasperson Jill O. , Miller Ronald Mellado
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the relationship between religiosity, belief in a just world (BJW), trust and affinity fraud.

Design/methodology/approach

Using an online panel vendor, this study collected survey data from 1,030 participants. Participants are balanced based on US Census data.

Findings

This study finds evidence that religiosity and, to a lesser extent, trust were correlated with choosing an affinity investor but not BJW. Overall, this study adds to the literature on fraud by examining the potential processes of tricking a victim.

Originality/value

This study examines the complex decision-making around investing with fraudsters. This study disentangles the relationship between affinity fraud, decision-making, trust and religiosity. Furthermore, this consider the reasons why a shared affinity may increase trust through the lens of the decision-maker.
Manufacturers managing complexity during the digital servitization journey
Authors: Momeni Beheshte , Rapaccini Mario , Martinsuo Miia
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Manufacturers face various challenges and risks during their digital servitization (DS), due to the complexity caused by introducing breakthrough technologies, increasingly complex product-service solutions and new stakeholders in the business network. The process necessitates the implementation of various changes that usually happen over a long period of time. Using complexity management as a theoretical lens, this paper delves into manufacturers’ DS journeys and explores how manufacturers manage the associated complexities.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper investigates the DS journey of two manufacturers in a longitudinal case study from 2014 to 2021.

Findings

Three main complexity management actions during the DS journey were identified: shaping the digital service system, shaping the organization and shaping the network. Tied to different types of complexities, these actions demonstrate how manufacturers navigate their journey. The findings also reveal different complexity management approaches used at the different stages of this journey.

Originality/value

This paper offers a comprehensive framework for understanding complexity management in the DS journey, including the types of complexities, complexity management actions and complexity management approaches and their rationale. This paper shows that different requirements are created during emerge, consolidate and evolve stages of the DS journey. Manufacturers need a dynamic approach that considers changes in complexities and actions over time.
How visual angle influences product recommendations in response to two-sided messages
Authors: Winahjoe Sari , Paramita Widya , Jin Frances Seowon , Chiew Tung Moi , Japutra Arnold , Septianto Felix
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Two-sided messages in advertising, which contain both negative and positive information, can have varying effects on persuasion. Thus, it is crucial to understand the conditions under which such messages are more or less effective compared to one-sided messages that only contain positive information. This research investigates the moderating role of the visual angle (close-up vs. long shot) of an image by drawing upon construal level theory.

Design/methodology/approach

This research reports two experimental studies employing a 2 (message: two-sided [positive and negative information], one-sided [positive information as a control condition]) × 2 (visual angle: near [close-up], distant [long shot]) between-subjects design.

Findings

The results demonstrate that two-sided messages paired with a close-up image decrease positive electronic word of mouth (eWOM) due to increased feelings of ambivalence, while two-sided messages paired with a long-shot image increase positive eWOM due to increased perceived authenticity.

Originality/value

These findings provide insight into the impact of two-sided messages on advertising persuasion and provide guidance for marketers in developing effective communication strategies to leverage positive eWOM.
The changing health-care system in Ghana: forms of care within residential aged care facilities in urban Accra
Authors: Nyarko Joy Ato , Kwabena-Adade Joana , Kwabena-Adade Andrews
Published: May 2024

Purpose

The emergence of residential aged care facilities (RACFs) within the Ghanaian health-care system has raised eyebrows because, hitherto, the concept of nursing homes had largely been perceived as an anomaly. The purpose of this study is to understand this emerging phenomenon and the activities of care provided within two facilities in the nation’s capital, Accra.

Design/methodology/approach

The study draws on participant observations and in-depth interviews with purposively sampled 15 residents in the two facilities and eight caregivers. The data were analysed using thematic approach.

Findings

The study found that the daily forms of care mostly performed for the elderly were intimate and non-intimate physical, medical, emotional and spiritual and end-of-life care. The bulk of activities of care were performed in the morning.

Originality/value

The study reveals that the changing landscape of health-care facilities in Ghana to include RACFs indicates RACFs have come to stay to provide different forms of care to older persons who otherwise were cared for by the family.
Development of treatment strategies by comparing the minimum inhibitory concentrations and minimum fungicidal concentrations of azole drugs in dermatophytes
Authors: Hiruma Junichiro , Nojyo Honoka , Harada Kazutoshi , Kano Rui
Published: May 2024

We compared the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) and minimum fungicidal concentrations (MFCs) of azoles in antifungal drug‐susceptible, terbinafine‐resistant, and lowly itraconazole (ITCZ)‐susceptible strains of dermatophytes. To assess the MICs of ITCZ, ravuconazole (RVCZ), efinaconazole (EFCZ), and luliconazole (LUCZ) in the isolates, broth microdilution assays were performed based on the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute M38‐A2 guidelines with modifications. After the assays for determining the MICs, the inoculum suspensions in wells were resuspended, then 10 μL of the growth solution in each well was inoculated onto potato dextrose agar with the use of a pipette. After 7 days of incubation at 28°C, the MFCs were determined as the lowest concentration of a drug that allowed the growth of colonies on the potato dextrose agar. The MICs in the dermatophytes were <0.03 to >32 mg/L for ITCZ, <0.03 to 4 mg/L for RVCZ, <0.03 to 2 mg/L for EFCZ, and <0.03 mg/L for LUCZ. The MFCs in the dermatophytes were 1 to >32 mg/L for ITCZ, 0.06 to >32 mg/L for RVCZ, <0.03 to 4 mg/L for EFCZ, and <0.03 to 2 mg/L for LUCZ. If the drug susceptibility test shows that the fungi are resistant to the drug, the treatment can be changed to a susceptible drug in advance, or if the fungi are low‐susceptible, the treatment can be done with the recognition that it may require a longer treatment period than usual.
Granular C3 dermatosis—A report of two cases and a mini‐review of literature
Authors: Takayama Eriko , Kuwahara Saki , Yoshioka Akiko , Tateishi Chiharu , Hashimoto Takashi
Published: May 2024

Granular C3 dermatosis (GCD) is characterized by bullous, erythematous, and eczematous skin lesions similar to dermatitis herpetiformis, and granular deposition of complement C3 and C5b‐9 along the epidermal basement membrane zone (BMZ) by direct immunofluorescence (IF). Here, we present two cases of GCD with different clinical features. Case 1, a 49‐year‐old man, showed pruritic blisters and erythema of the extremities. Case 2, a 53‐year‐old woman, showed severely pruritic papules, erythema, and erosions on the entire body with scattered blisters, mainly on the lower extremities. Both patients showed mild eosinophilia on blood tests, subepidermal blisters and prominent eosinophilic infiltration in the upper dermis on histopathological examination, and granular BMZ deposition of C3, but not of immunoglobulins or other complement components, on direct IF. No circulating autoantibodies were detected on enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays, chemiluminescent enzyme immunoassays, indirect IF using 1 mol/L NaCl‐split normal human skin, or immunoblotting. Diagnosis of GCD was made in both cases. Case 1 was successfully treated with topical steroids, oral minocycline, and nicotinamide without any recurrence of symptoms. Case 2 was treated with oral steroids and showed remarkable improvement, although mild pruritic papules remained. We reviewed 30 reported GCD cases, including the two cases presented here, since Hashimoto et al. first described GCD in 2016. GCD should be more widely recognized, and further accumulation and validation of cases are required.
Erythema nodosum in northern Finland between 1996 and 2019: A register‐based study
Authors: Lantto Riina , Jokelainen Jari , Huilaja Laura , Sinikumpu Suvi‐Päivikki
Published: May 2024

Erythema nodosum (EN) is seen at any age with varying and often unidentified etiology. We studied the etiology and characteristics of EN in Northern Finland. Medical records of all patients with a diagnosis code for EN between 1996 and 2019 from Oulu University Hospital were retrieved and analyzed. There were in total 142 EN cases with a female predominance (n = 112, 72.9%). The mean age of the patients was 35.9 years. There were five cases diagnosed with EN in those younger than 2 years of age. Almost one third had EN nodules in multiple anatomical locations. In addition to skin findings, systemic symptoms were common (81.0%), and seen more often in men (p < 0.05). In children and adolescents, the most common etiological factors were gastroenteritis caused by ‘Yersinia, Salmonella or Campylobacter’, followed by inflammatory bowel diseases and hormonal contraception. Bacterial infections were the most common etiological factor among adults. In 28.2% of the cases there was no identified causative factor. In this study, EN was seen surprisingly often in small children. Etiological factors varied markedly among different age groups and symptoms differed between the sexes in adults. These aspects should be taken into account when diagnosing EN patients.
Who supports the African Union? Understanding the determinants of citizens' opinion for African integration
Authors: Asongu Simplice A. , Diop Samba , Ndiaye Cheikh T.
Published: May 2024

The paper aims to investigate the legitimacy of the African Union by examining the socio‐demographic determinants of citizens' support of African integration. To do this, we use Rounds 4, 5, 6, and 8 of the Afrobarometer survey data corresponding to more than 110,000 respondents. Using logistics regressions, we find that individual characteristics such as living area, education, employment status, political membership, freedom, living conditions, and Living Poverty Index (LPI) are significantly related to the probability of supporting African integration. The findings are largely robust to dynamics of regional integration, the African Union, and Regional Economic Communities (RECs). Thus, since African citizens' trust in the unification could be considered a condition of legitimacy in the process, our results suggest that more efforts should be made to gain credibility, especially as it pertains to the benefits of African integration.
Tax revenue mobilization and institutional quality in sub‐Saharan Africa: An empirical investigation
Authors: Bah Mamadou
Published: May 2024

This paper investigates the effects of institutional quality on tax revenue collection in sub‐Saharan African countries. We include the six institutional quality indicators (i.e., voice and accountability, political stability, regulatory quality, rule of law, control of corruption, and government effectiveness) as explanatory factors for tax revenues and its components in a sample of 42 countries over the period 1996–2019. A system GMM approach was used for the estimations. Consistent with previous results, we find that institutional quality has positive and significant effects on tax revenue collection in sub‐Saharan Africa. Specifically, aggregate total tax revenues, direct taxes, income taxes, and goods and services taxes are positively affected by the six institutional quality indicators. Indirect taxes are positively associated with four indicators, with the exception of government effectiveness and political stability, while tax on international trade are affected by institutional quality factors, with the exception of control of corruption and voice and accountability. These findings indicate that sub‐Saharan African countries should improve institutional quality to boost tax revenue collection.
Systematic review and best practices for drone remote sensing of invasive plants
Authors: Singh Kunwar K. , Surasinghe Thilina D. , Frazier Amy E.
Published: May 2024

Drones have emerged as a cost‐effective solution to detect and map plant invasions, offering researchers and land managers flexibility in flight design, sensors and data collection schedules. A systematic review of trends in drone‐based image collection, data processing and analytical approaches is needed to advance the science of invasive species monitoring and management and improve scalability and replicability.

We systematically reviewed studies using drones for plant invasion research to identify knowledge gaps, best practices and a path toward advancing the science of invasive plant monitoring and management. We devised a database of 33 standardized reporting parameters, coded each study to those parameters, calculated descriptive statistics and synthesized how these technologies are being implemented and used.

Trends show a general increase in studies since 2009 with a bias toward temperate regions in North America and Europe. Most studies have focused on testing the validity of a machine learning or deep learning image classification technique with fewer studies focused on monitoring or modelling spread. Very few studies used drones for assessing ecosystem dynamics and impacts such as determining environmental drivers or tracking re‐emergence after disturbance. Overall, we noted a lack of standardized reporting on field survey design, flight design, drone systems, image processing and analyses, which hinders replicability and scalability of approaches. Based on these findings, we develop a standard framework for drone applications in invasive species monitoring to foster cross‐study comparability and reproducibility.

We suggest several areas for advancing the use of drones in invasive plant studies including (1) utilizing standardized reporting frameworks to facilitate scientific research practices, (2) integrating drone data with satellite imagery to scale up relationships over larger areas, (3) using drones as an alternative to in‐person ground surveys and (4) leveraging drones to assess community trait shifts tied to plant fitness and reproduction.
White matter integrity of right frontostriatal circuit predicts internet addiction severity among internet gamers
Authors: Zhou Hui , Gong Liangyu , Su Conghui , Teng Binyu , Xi Wan , Li Xiumei , Geng Fengji , Hu Yuzheng
Published: May 2024

Excessive use of the internet, which is a typical scenario of self‐control failure, could lead to potential consequences such as anxiety, depression, and diminished academic performance. However, the underlying neuropsychological mechanisms remain poorly understood. This study aims to investigate the structural basis of self‐control and internet addiction. In a cohort of 96 internet gamers, we examined the relationships among grey matter volume and white matter integrity within the frontostriatal circuits and internet addiction severity, as well as self‐control measures. The results showed a significant and negative correlation between dACC grey matter volume and internet addiction severity (p < 0.001), but not with self‐control. Subsequent tractography from the dACC to the bilateral ventral striatum (VS) was conducted. The fractional anisotropy (FA) and radial diffusivity of dACC‐right VS pathway was negatively (p = 0.011) and positively (p = 0.020) correlated with internet addiction severity, respectively, and the FA was also positively correlated with self‐control (p = 0.036). These associations were not observed for the dACC‐left VS pathway. Further mediation analysis demonstrated a significant complete mediation effect of self‐control on the relationship between FA of the dACC‐right VS pathway and internet addiction severity. Our findings suggest that the dACC‐right VS pathway is a critical neural substrate for both internet addiction and self‐control. Deficits in this pathway may lead to impaired self‐regulation over internet usage, exacerbating the severity of internet addiction.
Levels of engagement among office‐based opioid treatment (OBOT) patients with concurrent methamphetamine use
Authors: Coules Courtney L. , Novotny Clara B. , McDonough Margaret E. , Kopak Albert M.
Published: May 2024

Background and Objectives

Recent increases in methamphetamine use among people seeking treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD) has created significant demand for effective approaches to support this clinical population. This study assessed the extent to which office‐based opioid treatment (OBOT) patients, who were diagnosed with methamphetamine use disorder (MUD), engaged with providers.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was conducted of adult patients (n = 470) seeking treatment for OUD who attended at least one visit between March 2020 and March 2023 at a rural regional OBOT provider. Approximately one quarter (28.7%) of patients were diagnosed with MUD in addition to receiving an OUD diagnosis. Bivariate methods and multivariate negative binomial regression models were estimated to examine the associations between clinical measures and the numbers of office visits, peer visits, and telehealth visits.

Results

Regression results indicated patients who met criteria for MUD in addition to OUD attended a higher rate of peer visits (incidence rate ratio [IRR] = 2.63, p = .036) when compared to patients who did not meet criteria for MUD. In contrast, patients with MUD and OUD diagnoses displayed significantly lower (IRR = 0.68, p < .001) engagement rates through fewer office visits relative to those who did not meet MUD criteria.

Discussion and Conclusions

Patients seeking treatment for OUD who meet criteria for MUD are more likely to engage through peer support specialists rather than office visits.

Scientific Significance

This study demonstrates the ways patients who meet criteria for OUD and MUD engage with providers to receive treatment.
Time‐dependent reduction in oxidative capacity among cultured myotubes from spinal cord injured individuals
Authors: Stevanovic Stanislava , Dalmao‐Fernandez Andrea , Mohamed Derya , Nyman Tuula A. , Kostovski Emil , Iversen Per Ole , Savikj Mladen , Nikolic Natasa , Rustan Arild C. , Thoresen G. Hege , Kase Eili T.
Published: May 2024

Background

Skeletal muscle adapts in reaction to contractile activity to efficiently utilize energy substrates, primarily glucose and free fatty acids (FA). Inactivity leads to atrophy and a change in energy utilization in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). The present study aimed to characterize possible inactivity‐related differences in the energy metabolism between skeletal muscle cells cultured from satellite cells isolated 1‐ and 12‐months post‐SCI.

Methods

To characterize inactivity‐related disturbances in spinal cord injury, we studied skeletal muscle cells isolated from SCI subjects. Cell cultures were established from biopsy samples from musculus vastus lateralis from subjects with SCI 1 and 12 months after the injury. The myoblasts were proliferated and differentiated into myotubes before fatty acid and glucose metabolism were assessed and gene and protein expressions were measured.

Results

The results showed that glucose uptake was increased, while oleic acid oxidation was reduced at 12 months compared to 1 month. mRNA expressions of PPARGC1α, the master regulator of mitochondrial biogenesis, and MYH2, a determinant of muscle fiber type, were significantly reduced at 12 months. Proteomic analysis showed reduced expression of several mitochondrial proteins.

Conclusion

In conclusion, skeletal muscle cells isolated from immobilized subjects 12 months compared to 1 month after SCI showed reduced fatty acid metabolism and reduced expression of mitochondrial proteins, indicating an increased loss of oxidative capacity with time after injury.
A medium‐throughput approach for improved taxonomic identification of lipids preserved in ancient pottery
Authors: Drieu Léa , Lundy Jasmine , Smith Rachel K. , Bergström Ed , Talbot Helen , Primavera Milena , Fiorentino Girolamo , Craig Oliver E. , Thomas‐Oates Jane
Published: May 2024

Organic residue analysis (ORA) is a valuable tool for the study of ancient diets, but conventional methods remain limited in terms of taxonomic identification or to resolve mixtures. Here, we propose a method to further explore a class of compounds—triacylglycerols (TAGs)—using high‐resolution mass spectrometry to overcome these limitations in an attempt to better characterise culinary practices. Over 70 medieval Sicilian pots and a wide range of authentic fresh products were studied by matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionisation–mass spectrometry (MALDI‐MS and MALDI‐MS/MS). MALDI‐MS analysis can distinguish fresh foodstuffs but provides little additional information regarding the contents of archaeological pottery compared to conventional ORA methods. In contrast, product ion analyses were able to deconvolute a range of animal carcass fat mixtures. In addition, detailed analysis of the composition of saturated T44 and unsaturated T50–T54 TAGs was able to provide greater taxonomic resolution regarding dairy products and plant oils.
Enhancing physicochemical, rheological properties, and in vitro rumen fermentation of starch with Melastoma candidum D. Don fruit extract
Authors: Fidriyanto Rusli , Juanssilfero Ario Betha , Sarwono Ki Ageng , Ridwan Roni , Nahrowi Nahrowi , Jayanegara Anuraga
Published: May 2024

The utilization of polyphenol‐modified starch in ruminants has not undergone extensive exploration. This study aimed to investigate the impact of the complex formed between starch and Melastoma candidum D. Don fruit extract on physicochemical properties, phenol release kinetics in various buffers simulating the gastrointestinal tract, methane production, and post‐rumen digestibility. The interaction between starch and M. candidum D. Don fruit extract significantly (p < 0.001) increased resistant starch and particle size diameter. The maximum phenolic release from complex between starch and M. candidum D. Don fruit extract, due to gastrointestinal tract‐simulated buffers, ranged from 22.96 to 34.60 mg/100 mg tannic acid equivalent. However, rumen and abomasum‐simulated buffers released more phenolic content, whereas the intestine‐simulated buffer showed higher antioxidant activity (ferric ion‐reducing antioxidant power). Furthermore, complex between starch and M. candidum D. Don fruit extract significantly decreased dry matter rumen digestibility (p < 0.001) and maximum methane gas production (p < 0.001).
Transgender people in clinical trials of drugs and biologics: An analysis of ClinicalTrials.gov from 2007 to 2023
Authors: Schonrock Zachary , Brackeen Sierra , Delarose Kikka E. , Tran Tiffany Q.‐D. , Cirrincione Lauren R.
Published: May 2024

Aims

Transgender people have unmet health needs related to chronic conditions such as dementia, osteoporosis and hypertension. Community‐driven advocacy increased transgender representation in phase III trials for pharmacological prevention of HIV, but the extent to which drug trials for other conditions have included transgender people is unknown. We investigated the extent to which trials of drugs and biologics represented transgender people across therapeutic areas on ClinicalTrials.gov.

Methods

Cross‐sectional analysis of trials of drugs and biologics registered on ClinicalTrials.gov from 2007–2023. We included efficacy and effectiveness trials (phase II–IV) with transgender‐related terms (e.g. ‘transgend*’). We labelled trials as Inclusive or Exclusive of transgender people using the trial eligibility criteria. We compared trials (therapeutic area, trial design, enrolment), summarized trials registered from 2008 onward and characterized participant enrolment for Inclusive trials with primary trial publications. We summarized continuous data using median (range), categorical data using frequencies and percentages and compared trial characteristics using Fisher's exact test.

Results

Ninety‐seven trials represented transgender people. Characteristics were similar between 85 Inclusive and 12 Exclusive trials. Among Inclusive trials, 58% focused on infectious diseases (e.g. treatment or prevention of HIV and COVID‐19), 15% on mental health (e.g. post‐traumatic stress disorder, substance use‐related disorders), and the remainder focused on endocrine (9%), pain (5%), digestive system disorders (1%) and neoplasms (1%). Twenty (of 25) trials reported enrolment of transgender participants in primary trial publications or reported results.

Conclusion

Transgender‐inclusive trials have increased since 2008. Most trials focused on infectious diseases and mental health. Investigators should increase opportunities to include of transgender people in trials of drugs and biologics for chronic diseases.
Creating a safer and better functioning system: Lessons to be learned from the Netherlands for an ethical defence of an autonomy‐only approach to assisted dying
Authors: Holzman Tessa Jane
Published: May 2024

The proposal to allow assisted dying for people who are not severely ill reignited the Dutch end‐of‐life debate when it was submitted in 2016. A key criticism of this proposal is that it is too radical a departure from the safe and well‐functioning system the Netherlands already has. The goal of this article is to respond to this criticism and question whether the Dutch system really can be described as safe and well functioning. I will reconsider the usefulness of the suffering criterion, and I will ultimately argue this criterion should be rejected altogether. Instead, we should consider moving towards an autonomy‐only approach to assisted dying. This would resolve some significant issues occurring under the current system of assisted dying in the Netherlands and ultimately make the process safer and better functioning. I will then consider some possible objections to adopting an autonomy‐only approach and provide some preliminary responses to these also. I will finally highlight some potential areas where further research may be necessary, namely, how to mitigate the effect of external factors such as poverty or other life aspects that may have the potential to distort the individual's ability to make autonomous decisions. I will also consider some possible international lessons that can be taken from both current as well as the proposed practice in the Netherlands.
The Menin story in acute myeloid leukaemia—The road to success
Authors: Kühn Michael W. M. , Ganser Arnold
Published: May 2024

The treatment of acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) has changed fundamentally in the last decade with many new targeted therapies entering clinics. Some of the most interesting agents under development are Menin inhibitors which interfere with the interaction of Menin with wild‐type (wt) KMT2A or a KMT2A‐fusion protein and thereby downregulate the leukaemic gene expression (MEIS1, PBX3, HOX) in NPM1 mutant or KMT2A‐rearranged leukaemia. Other HOX and MEIS1 expressing leukaemias may also be sensitive to Menin inhibition. Following the encouraging results as monotherapy in refractory and relapsed AML, the combination of Menin inhibitors with chemotherapeutic agents and other targeted drugs is being investigated clinically.
Exploring the prognostic role of complex karyotype in chronic lymphocytic leukaemia patients treated with venetoclax‐based regimens
Authors: Serafin Andrea , Cellini Alessandro , Cavarretta Chiara Adele , Ruocco Valeria , Angotzi Francesco , Zatta Ivan , Frezzato Federica , Bonaldi Laura , Martines Annalisa , Pravato Stefano , Piazza Francesco , Trentin Livio , Visentin Andrea
Published: May 2024

Although the unfavourable prognostic role of complex karyotype (CK) in chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) patients treated with chemoimmunotherapy has been clarified, its impact on the outcome of patients being treated with novel targeted agents, and especially with venetoclax‐based regimens, remains to be resolved. In fact, only few studies, utilizing data derived from clinical trials (e.g. MURANO, CLL14, GAIA‐CLL13), specifically focus on this topic while real‐word evidence is missing. In our real‐life retrospective study conducted on 61 patients with CLL and treated with venetoclax‐based regimens in any therapeutic line, we documented a remarkable lower progression‐free survival in patients harbouring both CK and high CK, while overall response rate (including complete remissions and partial remissions) and overall survival are not affected by CK in our population.
Outcomes of a universal germline screening program in a community urology practice
Authors: Mendhiratta Neil , Hauver Herman , Hatton Whitley , Ostrusky Andrew , Sathe Devika S. , Gurram Sandeep , Rice Patricia , Chalfin Heather
Published: May 2024

The role of germline genetic testing in urologic oncology has expanded in recent years. However, implementation of genetic testing in community practices remains a challenge, often due to limited access to qualified genetics trained providers. In this study, we report outcomes of a universal germline screening program in a community urology practice. Between November 2021 and September 2022, all patients referred for urology clinic visits at Frederick Health (Frederick, MD, USA) were provided an online genetics screening questionnaire prior to the visit. Responses were compared against National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) criteria for germline testing. Those who met criteria were provided educational materials at the end of the questionnaire, and then counseled by a trained urologic oncologist (HC) in the clinic or referred to a genetic counselor prior to testing. Testing was performed with a 36‐gene pan‐cancer panel (CancerNext) or a 14‐gene targeted prostate cancer panel (ProstateNext), with or without additional RNA analysis (RNAinsight) (Ambry Genetics, CA, USA). Demographic and clinical parameters, as well as genetic testing results, were retrospectively collected under IRB approval. In the study period, 765 patients were seen over 1370 clinic visits. Of these, 505 patients (66.0%) completed the screening questionnaire. The majority were completed via email (54.5%) with the remainder (45.5%) via text message. Of the patients who completed screening, 125/505 (24.7%) met NCCN criteria for germline testing. 58/125 patients (46.4%) who met criteria underwent germline testing, of whom 5/58 (8.6%) had distinct pathogenic mutations identified. These included actionable mutations in BRCA1, BRCA2, and CHEK2, as well as an additional pathogenic mutation in NBN. Variants of unknown significance were identified in 8/58 patients (13.8%) in 11 total genes. Challenges to implementation of this program included meeting institutional requirements for genetic testing consent, facilitating specimen collection in clinic, and integration of results into the electronic health record. Genetic risk assessment for high‐risk individuals is feasible as part of a universal screening program in a community urology practice. Approximately 8% of tested patients were found to have pathogenic germline mutations, which is consistent with contemporary tertiary referral cohorts.
Building pondscapes for amphibian metapopulations
Authors: Moor Helen , Bergamini Ariel , Vorburger Christoph , Holderegger Rolf , Bühler Christoph , Bircher Nicolas , Schmidt Benedikt R.
Published: May 2024

The success of ponds constructed to restore ecological infrastructure for pond‐breeding amphibians and benefit aquatic biodiversity depends on where and how they are built. We studied effects of pond and landscape characteristics, including connectivity, on metapopulation dynamics of 12 amphibian species in Switzerland. To understand the determinants of long‐term occupancy (here summarized as incidence), environmental effects on both colonization and persistence should be considered. We fitted dynamic occupancy models to 20 years of monitoring data on a pond construction program to quantify effects of pond and landscape characteristics and different connectivity metrics on colonization and persistence probabilities in constructed ponds. Connectivity to existing populations explained dynamics better than structural connectivity metrics, and simple metrics (distance to the nearest neighbor population, population density) were useful surrogates for dispersal kernel‐weighted metrics commonly used in metapopulation theory. Population connectivity mediated the persistence of conservation target species in new ponds, suggesting source–sink dynamics in newly established populations. Population density captured this effect well and could be used by practitioners for site selection. Ponds created where there were 2–4 occupied ponds within a radius of ∼0.5 km had >3.5 times higher incidence of target species (median) than isolated ponds. Species had individual preferences regarding pond characteristics, but breeding sites with larger (≥100 m2) total water surface area, that temporarily dried, and that were in surroundings with maximally 50% forest benefitted multiple target species. Pond diversity will foster amphibian diversity at the landscape scale.
How does social contingency facilitate vocabulary development?
Authors: Luchkina Elena , Xu Fei
Published: May 2024

Previous research shows that infants of parents who are more likely to engage in socially contingent interactions with them tend to have larger vocabularies. An open question is how social contingency facilitates vocabulary growth. One possibility is that parents who speak in response to their infants more often produce larger amount of language input, which accelerates vocabulary growth. Another possibility is that the simplicity of contingent language input is especially suitable to support early word learning. A third possibility is that more evidence of the communicative nature of language, achieved through frequent contingent responses, helps infants build a link between their own words or vocalizations and others’ behaviors. This link may lead to a better understanding of the communicative nature of language and further language advances, including vocabulary growth. To distinguish between these hypotheses, we analyzed the relations between parent–infant interactions when infants were 9 months and their vocabulary size at 12 months, using a naturalistic corpus. Our findings show that the frequency of parents’ verbal contingent responses predicts receptive vocabulary size at 12 months and this predictive relation is unlikely to be due to the amount of language input or the simplicity of language within socially contingent interactions.

Research Highlights

Infants of parents who respond to their vocalizations more often during the first year of life tend to have larger vocabularies in the second year.

It is an open question what drives the predictive relation between parents’ responsiveness and infants’ vocabulary; we tested three hypotheses that offer competing explanations.

More responsive parents might provide (1) more language input, (2) simpler language input, (3) more evidence of the communicative nature of language (via frequent responses).

We find support for the third hypothesis; the frequency of parents’ responses predicts infants’ vocabularies above and beyond the amount and simplicity of language input.
A challenge to the expected: Lack of longitudinal associations between the early caregiving environment, executive functions in toddlerhood, and self‐regulation at 6 years
Authors: Jónsdóttir Lilja K. , Forslund Tommie , Frick Matilda A. , Frick Andreas , Heeman Emma J. , Brocki Karin C.
Published: May 2024

Previous research and theory indicate an importance of the quality of the early caregiving environment in the development of self‐regulation. However, it is unclear how attachment security and maternal sensitivity, two related but distinct aspects of the early caregiving environment, may differentially predict self‐regulation at school start and whether a distinction between hot and cool executive function is informative in characterizing such predictions through mediation. In a 5‐year longitudinal study (n = 108), we examined these associations using measures of maternal sensitivity and attachment security at 10–12 months, executive function at 4 years, and self‐regulation at 6 years. Surprisingly, and despite methodological rigor, we found few significant bivariate associations between the study variables. We found no credible evidence of a longitudinal association between maternal sensitivity or attachment security in infancy and self‐regulation at 6 years, or between executive function at 4 years and self‐regulation at 6 years. The lack of bivariate longitudinal associations precluded us from building mediation models as intended. We discuss our null findings in terms of their potential theoretical implications, as well as how measurement type, reliability, and validity, may play a key role in determining longitudinal associations between early caregiving factors and later self‐regulation and related abilities.

Research Highlights

The early caregiving environment has been implicated in the development of later self‐regulation, which includes more basic skills, such as hot and cool executive functions (EF).

In a 5‐year longitudinal study, with a sample of 108 children, we rigorously measured aspects of early caregiving, EF, and self‐regulation.

We found no significant longitudinal associations between early caregiving and self‐regulation at 6 years, nor between EF at 4 years and self‐regulation at 6 years.

These null results highlight the complexity of modeling self‐regulation development and raise critical questions about general methodological conventions within self‐regulation development research.
God, the Churches, and the World in Motion
Authors: Agudelo Olarte Felipe
Published: May 2024

Based on the theme of the 11th Assembly of the World Council of Churches, “Christ's love moves the world to reconciliation and unity,” this article analyzes the concept of “movement” as a theological category on the basis of the scripture. First, it argues that it is important for the churches to be attentive to the movements and transformations taking place in societies, recognizing in them the presence of the Spirit constantly working in the world. It then points out that the presence of the Spirit in the churches should be characterized by two actions: the denunciation of injustice as a prophetic action of believers, and the ecumenical character of synodality as a movement toward encounter with other Christians and a willingness to walk with them. Finally, the article proposes that this movement of the Spirit also requires dialogue with other religions as a necessary condition for building peace in society.
Evidence of the clinical effect of commonly used intra‐articular treatments of equine osteoarthritis
Authors: Nedergaard Anne , Carlsson Lisa Emilia , Lindegaard Casper
Published: May 2024

Background

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common disease in equine patients that causes joint pain and loss of function. The aetiology of OA is assumed to be multifactorial. A range of medical treatments are on the market for symptomatic treatment of OA in equine patients, both biological and conventional options. Today, no true disease‐modifying osteoarthritis drug (DMOAD) is available.

Objective

To summarise the current evidence of the clinical effect of commonly used intra‐articular treatments of equine OA, specifically the use of intra‐articular glucocorticosteroids (IA‐GCs), intra‐articular hyaluronic acid (IA‐HA), intra‐articular platelet‐rich plasma/autologous‐conditioned plasma (IA‐PRP), intra‐articular interleukin‐1 receptor antagonist protein/autologous‐conditioned serum (IA‐IRAP) and intra‐articular mesenchymal stem cells (IA‐MSCs).

Study design

Systematic review.

Methods

Using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines, a comprehensive search identified 22 clinical studies where horses with OA, naturally occurring or induced, were treated with one of the mentioned intra‐articular treatments. The studies were reviewed to collect all in vivo studies with clinical follow‐up on horses with OA.

Results

IA‐GCs seem to have a beneficial short‐term clinical outcome. Treatment with IA‐HA shows varying clinical results and provides uncertain evidence for a beneficial clinical effect. IA‐PRP shows overall promising clinical results for a significant improvement. IA‐IRAP shows promising significant clinical effect, but most of the studies lack a control group for comparison. IA‐MSCs show varying clinical results, but a majority of the included studies show evidence for a significant improvement in clinical effect.

Conclusion

To provide stronger evidence of the clinical effect of the five chosen treatments, further blinded, randomised and placebo‐controlled studies are needed.
Crop rotational diversity can mitigate climate‐induced grain yield losses
Authors: Costa Alessio , Bommarco Riccardo , Smith Monique E. , Bowles Timothy , Gaudin Amélie C. M. , Watson Christine A. , Alarcón Remedios , Berti Antonio , Blecharczyk Andrzej , Calderon Francisco J. , Culman Steve , Deen William , Drury Craig F. , Garcia y Garcia Axel , García‐Díaz Andrés , Hernández Plaza Eva , Jonczyk Krzysztof , Jäck Ortrud , Navarrete Martínez Luis , Montemurro Francesco , Morari Francesco , Onofri Andrea , Osborne Shannon L. , Tenorio Pasamón José Luis , Sandström Boël , Santín‐Montanyá Inés , Sawinska Zuzanna , Schmer Marty R. , Stalenga Jaroslaw , Strock Jeffrey , Tei Francesco , Topp Cairistiona F. E. , Ventrella Domenico , Walker Robin L. , Vico Giulia
Published: May 2024

Diversified crop rotations have been suggested to reduce grain yield losses from the adverse climatic conditions increasingly common under climate change. Nevertheless, the potential for climate change adaptation of different crop rotational diversity (CRD) remains undetermined. We quantified how climatic conditions affect small grain and maize yields under different CRDs in 32 long‐term (10–63 years) field experiments across Europe and North America. Species‐diverse and functionally rich rotations more than compensated yield losses from anomalous warm conditions, long and warm dry spells, as well as from anomalous wet (for small grains) or dry (for maize) conditions. Adding a single functional group or crop species to monocultures counteracted yield losses from substantial changes in climatic conditions. The benefits of a further increase in CRD are comparable with those of improved climatic conditions. For instance, the maize yield benefits of adding three crop species to monocultures under detrimental climatic conditions exceeded the average yield of monocultures by up to 553 kg/ha under non‐detrimental climatic conditions. Increased crop functional richness improved yields under high temperature, irrespective of precipitation. Conversely, yield benefits peaked at between two and four crop species in the rotation, depending on climatic conditions and crop, and declined at higher species diversity. Thus, crop species diversity could be adjusted to maximize yield benefits. Diversifying rotations with functionally distinct crops is an adaptation of cropping systems to global warming and changes in precipitation.
Meta‐analysis reveals that the effects of precipitation change on soil and litter fauna in forests depend on body size
Authors: Martin Philip A. , Fisher Leonora , Pérez‐Izquierdo Leticia , Biryol Charlotte , Guenet Bertrand , Luyssaert Sebastiaan , Manzoni Stefano , Menival Claire , Santonja Mathieu , Spake Rebecca , Axmacher Jan C. , Yuste Jorge Curiel
Published: May 2024

Anthropogenic climate change is altering precipitation regimes at a global scale. While precipitation changes have been linked to changes in the abundance and diversity of soil and litter invertebrate fauna in forests, general trends have remained elusive due to mixed results from primary studies. We used a meta‐analysis based on 430 comparisons from 38 primary studies to address associated knowledge gaps, (i) quantifying impacts of precipitation change on forest soil and litter fauna abundance and diversity, (ii) exploring reasons for variation in impacts and (iii) examining biases affecting the realism and accuracy of experimental studies. Precipitation reductions led to a decrease of 39% in soil and litter fauna abundance, with a 35% increase in abundance under precipitation increases, while diversity impacts were smaller. A statistical model containing an interaction between body size and the magnitude of precipitation change showed that mesofauna (e.g. mites, collembola) responded most to changes in precipitation. Changes in taxonomic richness were related solely to the magnitude of precipitation change. Our results suggest that body size is related to the ability of a taxon to survive under drought conditions, or to benefit from high precipitation. We also found that most experiments manipulated precipitation in a way that aligns better with predicted extreme climatic events than with predicted average annual changes in precipitation and that the experimental plots used in experiments were likely too small to accurately capture changes for mobile taxa. The relationship between body size and response to precipitation found here has far‐reaching implications for our ability to predict future responses of soil biodiversity to climate change and will help to produce more realistic mechanistic soil models which aim to simulate the responses of soils to global change.