bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of human-centric technology adoption on sustainable construction success: a partial least square modeling
Authors: Waqar Ahsan , Othman Idris , Mansoor Muhammad Shoaib
Published: June 2024

Purpose

The primary objective of this study is to examine the effects of integrating human-centric technology on the overall effectiveness of sustainable building practises. This study intends to address the knowledge gap regarding the influence of human-centered factors on the adoption of technology in the construction industry. Additionally, it wants to establish a strong correlation between the integration of technology and the promotion of sustainability.

Design/methodology/approach

This research utilizes Partial Least Square Equation Modeling (SEM) as a comprehensive approach to analyze the intricate interrelationships within the building sector. This study examines a range of aspects, including “Change Management,” “Evaluation and Optimization,” “Integration and Coordination,” “Long-Term Planning,” “Safety and Compliance,” and “Training and User Engagement,” in order to evaluate their impact on the adoption of technology and the achievement of sustainable building outcomes.

Findings

The study reveals a robust and affirmative correlation between the use of human-centric technology and the attainment of success in the realm of sustainable building. The text elucidates the primary factors that influence the adoption of technology and underscores the need of adopting a comprehensive strategy that encompasses change management, adherence to safety standards, and optimization of resources.

Originality/value

This study contributes novelty by placing emphasis on the human-centric dimensions of technology adoption within the context of sustainable building. The results of this research provide a valuable contribution to the ongoing development of sustainable building practises and the adoption of new technologies in this sector.
Seeking social support on social media: a coping perspective
Authors: Chen Adela , Lemmer Kristina
Published: June 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the strength characteristics of a stressful event (i.e. novelty, disruption, and criticality) as factors that drive people’s social media use for seeking different types of supportive resources (i.e. emotional, appraisal, informational, and instrumental support) to facilitate emotion-focused and problem-focused coping. We further assess the impact of different types of social support obtained via social media use on people’s coping effectiveness.

Design/methodology/approach

Our study uses an online survey collecting data at two points in time from 291 social media users during the COVID-19 pandemic. Structural equation modeling was used for data analysis.

Findings

Empirical results reveal the usefulness and limitations of social media use as a coping mechanism. All three event strength characteristics influence people’s social media use for both emotion-focused and problem-focused coping. Event novelty motivates people’s pursuit of informational support on social media, event disruption drives social media use for seeking all four types of support, and event criticality motivates social media use for seeking emotional and informational support. However, only emotion-focused resources – emotional support and appraisal support – are found to significantly affect people’s coping effectiveness.

Originality/value

Our study contributes to a better understanding of the role played by social media when people cope with a stressful event. Applying the three characteristics of event strength allows us to identify people’s need for different supportive resources depending on how they perceive the event. Our analysis of the main and mediating effects of the four types of social support shows that not all types of social support can significantly enhance users’ coping effectiveness.
Study on the asymmetrical impact of climate change on Myanmar’s agriculture in the short and long runs
Authors: Yuhuan Zhao , Thann Ode Htwee
Published: June 2024

Purpose

Climate change negatively affects agriculture and food security, and jeopardizes Myanmar's agriculture, which is vital to ensure food security, rural livelihoods, and the economy. This study explores the asymmetric impacts of climate change on Myanmar's agricultural sector.

Design/methodology/approach

We utilize the nonlinear autoregressive distributed lag (NARDL) approach for the years 1991–2020, the Wald test to validate the asymmetric relationship between climate change and agriculture, and the FMOLS and DOLS approaches to confirm the validity of the outcomes.

Findings

Our findings reveal that temperature has a positive impact on Myanmar's agriculture, whereas rainfall and CO2 have negative effects over the long and short terms. Evidently, decreasing temperatures more favorably impact agriculture than increasing temperatures, while increasing rainfall more negatively impacts agriculture than decreasing rainfall. Increasing carbon emissions have a more detrimental effect on agriculture than decreasing them.

Research limitations/implications

We gathered data over periods longer than 30 years to provide more robust findings. However, owing to data limitations, such as missing values or unavailability, the study period spans from 1991 to 2020.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the existing literature on the asymmetric effects of climatic and non-climatic factors on agriculture. It is the first study in Myanmar to use the NARDL approach to measuring the effects of climate change on both the agricultural gross production index and value, providing robust findings.
Geopolitical risk and the sentiment connectedness among European stock markets
Authors: Le Thai Hong , Luong Tram Anh , Morales Heredia Sergio , Le Trang Thuy , Dong Linh Phuong , Nguyen Trang Thi
Published: June 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the sentiment connectedness among 10 European stock markets between January 2020 and July 2022, associating such connectedness with the level of the geopolitical risk index.

Design/methodology/approach

For this purpose, a time-varying parameter vector autoregressive connectedness framework is used.

Findings

Results show a high degree of sentiment connectedness. Overall, the sentiments of Portugal, France, the Netherlands, Spain, Germany and Italy are net transmitters of shocks while those of Poland, Sweden, Norway and Romania are net receivers. Additional evidence indicates that when geopolitical risks increase, the sentiment connectedness tends to decrease. However, the reverse holds under extremely high levels of geopolitical risks.

Originality/value

Overall, this study provides some significant contributions to the literature. First, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is among the first few studies to examine the dynamic connectedness among stock market sentiment across countries. This issue needs special consideration for European countries because of their close geographical distance and strong integration due to the European Union’s co-development strategies. Second, the association of sentiment connectedness with geopolitical risk is examined for the first time. This is even more meaningful in the context of growing geopolitical risks stemming from the Ukraine war, which could affect international financial markets.
Public–private partnerships, boundary spanners and the boundary wall in the English National Health Service
Authors: Alexander James Duncan
Published: June 2024

Purpose

The paper investigates English National Health Service (NHS) organisations partnering with private companies, a form commonly known as a Public-Private Partnership (PPP). Successive governments have promoted PPPs as a way of improving the delivery of health care, making the best of the different skills/experience which both sectors bring. However, the task of making these relationships work on the ground often falls to individual leaders/practitioners (“boundary spanners”) whose role has been under-researched in this type of partnership.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper opted for a comparative three case study approach, including 13 semi-structured interviews and questionnaires with employees representing middle and senior management involved in managing the partnerships. The data were complemented by documentary analysis, including minutes, descriptions of internal processes and press releases.

Findings

The paper provides conceptual and empirical insights by creating a framework called the “boundary wall” that indicates the ways in which different elements of the boundaries between organisations influence the role and activities of boundary spanners (managers of the partnership).

Research limitations/implications

This is an initial framework in an under-researched area, so will need further testing and application to other case study sites in future research.

Practical implications

The paper includes implications for both practice and policy.

Originality/value

While we know an increasing amount about the role of boundary spanners in public partnerships, the paper makes a unique contribution by exploring these concepts in the context of relationships between the public and private sectors.
Enhancing service adaptability: a moderated mediation model of workplace ostracism, robot anthropomorphism, employees’ readiness to change, and performance efficacy
Authors: Patwary Ataul Karim , Hossain Md Sazzad , Mistry Trishna G. , Parvez M. Omar
Published: June 2024

Purpose

This study aims to analyze workplace ostracism, robot anthropomorphism, employees’ readiness to change and employees’ service adaptive behavior. The moderating role of performance efficacy between employees’ readiness and service adaptive behavior was also assessed.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 591 restaurant employees in Malaysia. The data were analyzed using partial least squares-structural equation modeling.

Findings

Workplace ostracism and robot anthropomorphism positively influence employees’ readiness to change and service-adaptive behavior. Employees’ readiness to change mediates the relationship between ostracism, robot anthropomorphism and service-adaptive behavior.

Research limitations/implications

This study provides an exclusively applied understanding of robot anthropomorphism and service employee adaptive behavior. In addition to restaurant employees’ readiness to change and collaborate with service robots, a longitudinal study can be conducted to track the advancement of restaurant employees’ technology adaptive behavior over an extended area.

Originality/value

Service robots have mainly been assessed from consumer perspectives in the hospitality industry. This research used the conservation of resources theory to evaluate the human–computer interaction of service robots and restaurant employees. Organizational and individual factors were considered to assess the impact on employees’ service adaptability.
Real Estate Insights: Establishing transparency – setting AI standards in property valuation
Authors: Cheung Ka Shing
Published: June 2024

Purpose

This real estate insight scrutinises the emerging role of Artificial Intelligence (AI), particularly Large Language Models (LLMs) like ChatGPT, in property valuation, advocating for establishing standardised reporting guidelines in AI-enabled property valuation.

Design/methodology/approach

Through a conceptual exploration, this piece examines the shift towards AI integration in property valuation and the critical role of Explainable Artificial Intelligence (XAI) in this transition. It discusses the CANGARU framework for developing inclusive and universally applicable reporting guidelines and the importance of human oversight in validating AI-enabled valuations.

Findings

Integrating LLMs into property valuation signifies potential efficiency gains and task automation but also introduces risks related to accuracy, bias, and ethical dilemmas. Standardised reporting guidelines are identified as essential for responsibly harnessing AI’s benefits.

Practical implications

The article underscores the need for the real estate industry to adopt transparent reporting practices, with valuers acting as expert interpreters of AI outputs. Emphasising error reporting in XAI not only aids in understanding AI-generated insights but also builds trust among stakeholders, ensuring AI’s ethical and effective application in property valuation.

Originality/value

This commentary contributes to the discourse on AI’s role in property valuation by focusing on the need for standard reporting guidelines that align with professional standards and legal frameworks. It advocates for a balanced approach to AI integration, where technological advancements complement traditional valuation expertise, ensuring accurate, fair, and transparent property valuations.
Assessing consumer purchasing behaviour, use and disposal of clothes towards sustainable practices: a case in the Bolgatanga Municipality, Ghana
Authors: Kuupole Evelyn , Adjei Daniel Akuoko , Buami Edem Kwami , Awinzeligo Martin Harold
Published: June 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate consumer sustainability awareness. In addition, it examined consumer purchasing behaviour as well as the use and disposal of used clothes.

Design/methodology/approach

To investigate consumers’ understanding of sustainability, clothing consumption, use and disposal of cloth. Primary data was gathered through the use of open-ended questionnaires. The study used a total of 56 consumers.

Findings

It was shown that consumers are aware of sustainability as a worldwide concern. It was also established that customers occasionally buy garments based on their hobbies and end up not using all of the clothes before the season ends. They also revealed that destroying or discarding used clothing can be bad for the economy, the environment and society.

Research limitations/implications

Consumers in Bolgatanga were the primary subject of this investigation. Different outcomes might be produced if the study was conducted in different regions of Ghana.

Practical implications

Outlining the behaviour of consumers is important to advance awareness on sustainability to avoid congesting the environment/society with used clothes.

Social implications

To reduce the potential impact that clothing may have on the many agents of sustainability, fashion designers ought to provide instructions to consumers on how to use and dispose of clothing.

Originality/value

This study contributes to policy development strategies of disposing off used clothes and consumers purchasing behaviour of clothes.
After the PhD: the role of advisors and social connections in the job search process
Authors: West Moriah , McCain Jesse , Roksa Josipa
Published: June 2024

Purpose

While ample literature describes students’ experiences during graduate school, fewer studies examine how doctoral students transition into full-time employment post degree completion. The purpose of this study is to examine how faculty advisors, as well as other individuals, shape students’ experiences during a critical period in their graduate education – the job search.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is based on interviews with 47 PhD students in biological sciences in the US. This is a descriptive qualitative study, based on in-depth, semi-structured interviews.

Findings

Results reveal distinct roles that faculty advisors play in the job search process, including supportive, unsupportive and sponsorship. Supportive advisors offer opportunities for skill development and specific guidance during the job search process. Sponsorship advisors go beyond providing general support to leverage their personal networks to assist in the transition into full-time employment. Unsupportive advisors are on the other end of the spectrum and do not provide any assistance. In addition, the majority of doctoral students rely on individuals beyond their advisors during the job search, and they do so regardless of what type of support they receive from their advisors.

Originality/value

Presented findings highlight the complex constellation of social connections that graduate students draw on for entry into the career and make a compelling case for extending socialization research to dedicate more attention to students’ transition into full-time employment after degree completion.
Negative association of sea lice from fish farms on recreational fishing catches of Atlantic salmon
Authors: Larsen Mari Lie , Vormedal Irja , Vollset Knut W.
Published: June 2024

The question of whether and to what extent sea‐louse (Lepeophtheirus salmonis) infestations from salmon farms influence wild Atlantic salmon survival has been subject to sustained scientific debate and political controversy. Documenting population‐level effects of sea lice on wild salmon remains inherently challenging.

We employ comprehensive sea‐lice data and recreational catch data from Norway to assess the impact of farm sea‐louse infestations on wild salmon catches in different production areas (PAs).

Our analysis finds a significant correlation between declines in wild Atlantic salmon catches and increasing amounts of adult female sea lice per km2. The effect is most pronounced in PA 4 on the west coast of Norway, an area within the government's” traffic light” management system where out‐migrating salmon smolts are deemed to face high risk of louse‐induced mortality.

Our model predicts below‐average catches when the total sea‐louse load exceeds the limit of 0.1 average adult female sea louse per farmed fish within some production areas. Furthermore, our results indicate that the risk of below‐average catches increases by approximately 47% when salmon farms exceed this limit (estimated risk ratio of 1.47, 95% CI [1.10, 1.96]).

Synthesis and applications: Our study expands the existing body of evidence demonstrating a negative association between fish farming and the ecosystem services provided by wild salmon stocks. This has important implications for aquaculture management. First, it shows that farm sea lice directly affect peoples, rights holders and interest groups, such as landowners and anglers, who rely on viable populations of wild salmon. Second, it suggests that a >0.1 sea lice limit may be insufficient to prevent subpar catches in some areas. Furthermore, in the context of allowing further growth in farmed salmon biomass, setting absolute sea‐louse limits for entire production areas may be a more effective regulatory instrument than setting average lice limits per farmed fish. Our findings contribute to advancing a scientific basis for setting appropriate louse limits on farm and area scales.
Vascular Ehlers‐Danlos syndrome and pregnancy: A systematic review
Authors: Haem Théo , Benson Betty , Dernoncourt Amandine , Gondry Jean , Schmidt Jean , Foulon Arthur
Published: June 2024

Background

Vascular Ehlers‐Danlos syndrome (vEDS) is a hereditary connective tissue disorder associated with an elevated risk of vascular, uterine and digestive complications. Managing pregnancy in this context can be a challenge.

Objectives

To systematically review the literature data on the complications in pregnancy associated with vEDS.

Search strategy

We searched the Pubmed Medline and Embase databases for articles using the following terms “vascular Ehlers‐Danlos syndrome” or “vEDS” AND “pregnancy”.

Selection criteria

Women with vEDS.

Data collection and analysis

We searched the PubMed® MEDLINE® database for publications evaluating obstetric outcomes in women with vEDS.

Main results

A total of 121 publications were screened, with six (accounting for 412 pregnancies) included in our review. Of the women included in this sample, 30% were infertile. The miscarriage rate was 13.8% (57/412) and 8.8% of the live births were premature. Obstetric anal sphincter injuries occurred in 11.3% (23/203) of the deliveries. The maternal mortality rate per pregnancy was 5.7%.

Conclusions

Women with vEDS present an elevated risk of uterine rupture, vascular events, digestive events and death during pregnancy. Women appear to be most at risk during the peripartum period; to avoid expulsive efforts, a caesarean section should be scheduled at 37 weeks of gestation.
Functional analysis of SDR112C1 associated with fenpropathrin tolerance in Tetranychus cinnabarinus (Boisduval)
Authors: Li Jinhang , Liu Jialu , Peng Lishu , Liu Jingui , Xu Lin , He Junfeng , Sun Longjiang , Shen Guangmao , He Lin
Published: June 2024

Short‐chain dehydrogenases/reductases (SDRs) are ubiquitously distributed across diverse organisms and play pivotal roles in the growth, as well as endogenous and exogenous metabolism of various substances, including drugs. The expression levels of SDR genes are reportedly upregulated in the fenpropathrin (FEN)‐resistant (FeR) strain of Tetranychus cinnabarinus. However, the functions of these SDR genes in acaricide tolerance remain elusive. In this study, the activity of SDRs was found to be significantly higher (2.26‐fold) in the FeR strain compared to the susceptible strain (SS) of T. cinnabarinus. A specific upregulated SDR gene, named SDR112C1, exhibited significant overexpression (3.13‐fold) in the FeR population compared with that in the SS population. Furthermore, the expression of SDR112C1 showed a significant increase in the response to FEN induction. Additionally, knockdown of the SDR112C1 gene resulted in decreased SDR activity and reduced mite viability against FEN. Importantly, heterologous expression and in vitro incubation assays confirmed that recombinant SDR112C1 could effectively deplete FEN. Moreover, the overexpression of the SDR112C1 gene in Drosophila melanogaster significantly decreased the toxicity of FEN to transgenic fruit flies. These findings suggest that the overexpression of SDR SDR112C1 is a crucial factor contributing to FEN tolerance in T. cinnabarinus. This discovery not only enhances our understanding of SDR‐mediated acaricide tolerance but also introduces a new family of detoxification enzymes to consider in practice, beyond cytochrome P450s, carboxyl/choline esterases and glutathione S‐transferases.
Pathogenic tau induces an adaptive elevation in mRNA translation rate at early stages of disease
Authors: Zuniga Gabrielle , Katsumura Sakie , De Mange Jasmine , Ramirez Paulino , Atrian Farzaneh , Morita Masahiro , Frost Bess
Published: June 2024

Alterations in the rate and accuracy of messenger RNA (mRNA) translation are associated with aging and several neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer's disease and related tauopathies. We previously reported that error‐containing RNA that are normally cleared via nonsense‐mediated mRNA decay (NMD), a key RNA surveillance mechanism, are translated in the adult brain of a Drosophila model of tauopathy. In the current study, we find that newly‐synthesized peptides and translation machinery accumulate within nuclear envelope invaginations that occur as a consequence of tau pathology, and that the rate of mRNA translation is globally elevated in early stages of disease in adult brains of Drosophila models of tauopathy. Polysome profiling from adult heads of tau transgenic Drosophila reveals the preferential translation of specific mRNA that have been previously linked to neurodegeneration. Unexpectedly, we find that panneuronal elevation of NMD further elevates the global translation rate in tau transgenic Drosophila, as does treatment with rapamycin. As NMD activation and rapamycin both suppress tau‐induced neurodegeneration, their shared effect on translation suggests that elevated rates of mRNA translation are an early adaptive mechanism to limit neurodegeneration. Our work provides compelling evidence that tau‐induced deficits in NMD reshape the tau translatome by increasing translation of RNA that are normally repressed in healthy cells.
Discovery of genomic and transcriptomic pleiotropy between kidney function and soluble receptor for advanced glycation end products using correlated meta‐analyses: The Long Life Family Study
Authors: Feitosa Mary F. , Lin Shiow J. , Acharya Sandeep , Thyagarajan Bharat , Wojczynski Mary K. , Kuipers Allison L. , Kulminski Alexander , Christensen Kaare , Zmuda Joseph M. , Brent Michael R. , Province Michael A.
Published: June 2024

Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) have increased oxidative stress and chronic inflammation, which may escalate the production of advanced glycation end‐products (AGEs). High soluble receptor for AGE (sRAGE) and low estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) levels are associated with CKD and aging. We evaluated whether eGFR calculated from creatinine and cystatin C share pleiotropic genetic factors with sRAGE. We employed whole‐genome sequencing and correlated meta‐analyses on combined genome‐wide association study (GWAS) p‐values in 4182 individuals (age range: 24–110) from the Long Life Family Study (LLFS). We also conducted transcriptome‐wide association studies (TWAS) on whole blood in a subset of 1209 individuals. We identified 59 pleiotropic GWAS loci (p < 5 × 10−8) and 17 TWAS genes (Bonferroni‐p < 2.73 × 10−6) for eGFR traits and sRAGE. TWAS genes, LSP1 and MIR23AHG, were associated with eGFR and sRAGE located within GWAS loci, lncRNA‐KCNQ1OT1 and CACNA1A/CCDC130, respectively. GWAS variants were eQTLs in the kidney glomeruli and tubules, and GWAS genes predicted kidney carcinoma. TWAS genes harbored eQTLs in the kidney, predicted kidney carcinoma, and connected enhancer‐promoter variants with kidney function‐related phenotypes at p < 5 × 10−8. Additionally, higher allele frequencies of protective variants for eGFR traits were detected in LLFS than in ALFA‐Europeans and TOPMed, suggesting better kidney function in healthy‐aging LLFS than in general populations. Integrating genomic annotation and transcriptional gene activity revealed the enrichment of genetic elements in kidney function and aging‐related processes. The identified pleiotropic loci and gene expressions for eGFR and sRAGE suggest their underlying shared genetic effects and highlight their roles in kidney‐ and aging‐related signaling pathways.
Effects of increasing risk in common resource exploitation under cost asymmetry
Authors: Nkuiya Bruno
Published: June 2024

In their in situ habitat, renewable resource populations are subject to stochastic growth caused by environmental variability such as fluctuations in upwelling conditions or temperature. In this paper, we examine the effects of this type of uncertainty on the noncooperative harvest decisions made by harvesters exploiting a common‐pool renewable resource. To do this, we extend the related literature on dynamic resource extraction games based on Markov strategies to allow for asymmetric extraction costs and general economic, biological, and environmental conditions. We find equilibrium behaviors that can reverse conventional wisdom. For example, in response to increasing risk caused by anticipated higher variability in biological growth, a harvester may choose to enhance conservation efforts, whereas another harvester diminishes his escapement. Increasing risk can lead to conflicts as it may increase a harvester's payoff while causing a loss to another harvester. In response to an increase in the discount rate, we find that strategic interactions can give rise to greater conservation efforts. Overall, this paper highlights the importance of adequately accounting for uncertainty and strategic behaviors in renewable resource management.
Effect of nutritional status on adverse clinical events in elderly patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Zhang Kan , Sun Ying , Ding Jiancao , Ma Qing , Zhang Dai , Huang Wei , Xing Yunli
Published: June 2024

Objective

To explore the influence of nutritional status on adverse clinical events in elderly patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation.

Methods

This retrospective observational cohort study included 196 patients, 75–102‐years‐old, with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation, hospitalized in our hospital. The nutritional status was assessed using Mini‐Nutritional Assessment—Short Form (MNA‐SF). Patients with MNA‐SF scores of 0–11 and 12–14 were included in the malnutrition and nonmalnutrition groups, respectively.

Results

The average age of the malnutrition group was higher than that of the nonmalnutrition group, and the levels of body mass index (BMI), hemoglobin (HGB), and albumin (ALB) were significantly lower than those of the nonmalnutrition group, with statistical significance (p < .05). The incidence of all‐cause death in the malnutrition group was higher than that in the nonmalnutrition group (p = .007). Kaplan–Meier curve indicated that malnutrition patients have a higher risk of all‐cause death (log‐rank test, p = .001) and major bleeding events (p = .017). Multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression analysis corrected for confounders showed that malnutrition was an independent risk factor of all‐cause death (HR = 1.780, 95%CI:1.039–3.050, p = .036). The malnutrition group had a significantly high incidence of major bleeding than the nonmalnutrition group (p = .026), and there was no significant difference in the proportion of anticoagulation therapy (p = .082) and the incidence of ischemic stroke/systemic embolism (p = .310) between the two groups.

Conclusions

Malnutrition is an independent risk factor of all‐cause death in elderly patients with atrial fibrillation. The incidence of major bleeding in malnourished elderly patients with atrial fibrillation is high, and the benefit of anticoagulation therapy is not obvious.
Dose rationale for the use of meropenem/vaborbactam combination in paediatric patients with Gram‐negative bacterial infections
Authors: Fornari Chiara , Arrieta Antonio , Bradley John S. , Tout Mira , Magalhaes Paulo , Auriol Faten Koraichi , Borella Elisa , Piana Chiara , Della Pasqua Oscar , Vallespir Bartomeu Piza , Mazzei Paolo , Bokesch Paula M. , Hoover Randall , Capriati Angela , Habboubi Nassir
Published: June 2024

Aims

Meropenem/vaborbactam combination is approved in adults by FDA and EMA for complicated urinary tract infections and by EMA also for other Gram‐negative infections. We aimed to characterise the pharmacokinetics of both moieties in an ongoing study in children and use a model‐based approach to inform adequate dosing regimens in paediatric patients.

Methods

Over 4196 blood samples of meropenem and vaborbactam (n = 414 subjects) in adults, together with 114 blood samples (n = 39) in paediatric patients aged 3 months to 18 years were available for this analysis. Data were analysed using a population with prior information from a pharmacokinetic model in adults to inform parameter estimation in children. Simulations were performed to assess the suitability of different dosing regimens to achieve adequate probability of target attainment (PTA).

Results

Meropenem/vaborbactam PK was described with two‐compartment models with first‐order elimination. Body weight and CLcr were significant covariates on the disposition of both drugs. A maturation function was evaluated to explore changes in clearance in neonates. PTA ≥90% was derived for children aged ≥3 months after 3.5‐h IV infusion of 40 mg/kg Q8h of both meropenem and vaborbactam and 2 g/2 g for those ≥50 kg. Extrapolation of disposition parameters suggest that adequate PTA is achieved after a 3.5‐h IV infusion of 20 mg/kg for neonates and infants (3 months).

Conclusions

An integrated analysis of adult and paediatric data allowed accurate description of sparsely sampled meropenem/vaborbactam PK in paediatric patients and provided recommendations for the dosing in neonates and infants (3 months).
Identifying subtypes in persons, situations and person–situation interactions: Categorical latent state–trait modelling approaches
Authors: Liu Qimin , Cole David A.
Published: June 2024

The latent state–trait theory posits that a psychological construct may reflect stable influences specific to a person (i.e., trait), ephemeral influences from situations (i.e., state), and interactions between them (i.e., state–trait interactions). Researchers conventionally apply mixture modelling to explore heterogeneity in variables by identifying homogenous classes with respect to the measured variable, yet rarely distinguishing between person‐ and situation‐specific classes. The current study introduces novel categorical latent state–trait models to identify subgroups in states and traits, quantifying the effects of person‐specific classes, situation‐specific classes, and person–situation interactions. The proposed models are applied to an empirical dataset. We discuss statistical inference, effect size measures, and model visualization for the proposed models. Based on realistic parameter values from the empirical dataset, preliminary simulation studies were conducted to investigate models’ performances. Bayesian estimation in the proposed models allows flexible testing of a wide range of hypotheses related to state, trait, and interaction effects. We discuss limitations and future directions.
Functionally distinct pericyte subsets differently regulate amyloid‐β deposition in patients with Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Bohannon Diana G. , Long Danielle , Okhravi Hamid R. , Lee Sunhee C. , De Jesus Christopher Lawrence , Neubert Thomas A. , Rostagno Agueda A. , Ghiso Jorge A. , Kim Woong‐Ki
Published: June 2024

Although the concept that the blood–brain barrier (BBB) plays an important role in the etiology and pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD) has become increasingly accepted, little is known yet about how it actually contributes. We and others have recently identified a novel functionally distinct subset of BBB pericytes (PCs). In the present study, we sought to determine whether these PC subsets differentially contribute to AD‐associated pathologies by immunohistochemistry and amyloid beta (Aβ) peptidomics. We demonstrated that a disease‐associated PC subset (PC2) expanded in AD patients compared to age‐matched, cognitively unimpaired controls. Surprisingly, we found that this increase in the percentage of PC2 (%PC2) was correlated negatively with BBB breakdown in AD patients, unlike in natural aging or other reported disease conditions. The higher %PC2 in AD patients was also correlated with a lower Aβ42 plaque load and a lower Aβ42:Aβ40 ratio in the brain as determined by immunohistochemistry. Colocalization analysis of multicolor confocal immunofluorescence microscopy images suggests that AD patient with low %PC2 have higher BBB breakdown due to internalization of Aβ42 by the physiologically normal PC subset (PC1) and their concomitant cell death leading to more vessels without PCs and increased plaque load. On the contrary, it appears that PC2 can secrete cathepsin D to cleave and degrade Aβ built up outside of PC2 into more soluble forms, ultimately contributing to less BBB breakdown and reducing Aβ plaque load. Collectively our data shows functionally distinct mechanisms for PC1 and PC2 in high Aβ conditions, demonstrating the importance of correctly identifying these populations when investigating the contribution of neurovascular dysfunction to AD pathogenesis.
FoxG1/BNIP3 axis promotes mitophagy and blunts cisplatin resistance in osteosarcoma
Authors: Pan Baolong , Li Yan , Han Huiyun , Zhang Lu , Hu Xuemei , Pan Yanyu , Peng Zhuohui
Published: June 2024

Cisplatin (CDDP) is a commonly used chemotherapeutic for osteosarcoma (OS) patients, and drug resistance remains as a major hurdle to undermine the treatment outcome. Here, we investigated the potential involvement of FoxG1 and BNIP3 in CDDP resistance of OS cells. FoxG1 and BNIP3 expression levels were detected in the CDDP‐sensitive and CDDP‐resistant OS tumors and cell lines. Mitophagy was observed through transmission electron microscope analysis. The sensitivity to CDDP in OS cells upon FoxG1 overexpression was examined in cell and animal models. We found that FoxG1 and BNIP3 showed significant downregulation in the CDDP‐resistant OS tumor samples and cell lines. CDDP‐resistant OS tumor specimens and cells displayed impaired mitophagy. FoxG1 overexpression promoted BNIP3 expression, enhanced mitophagy in CDDP‐resistant OS cells, and resensitized the resistant cells to CDDP treatment in vitro and in vivo. Our data highlighted the role of the FoxG1/BNIP3 axis in regulating mitophagy and dictating CDDP resistance in OS cells, suggesting targeting FoxG1/BNIP3‐dependent mitophagy as a potential strategy to overcome CDDP resistance in OS.
Premature pubarche in Prader‐Willi syndrome: Risk factors and consequences
Authors: Griffing Emily , Halpin Kelsee , Lee Brian R. , Paprocki Emily
Published: June 2024

Objectives

Children with Prader‐Willi Syndrome (PWS) may develop premature pubarche (PP). We investigated the frequency of PP, and its potential precursors and sequelae, in PWS.

Design, Patients and Measurements

A chart review of children with PWS treated at our institution between 1990 and 2021 was performed. PP was defined as Tanner stage 2 (TS2) pubic hair in girls <8 and boys <9 years old. Demographic, anthropometric, and laboratory data were collected to assess predisposing factors and consequences of PP in comparison to patients with PWS who had normal pubarche (NP).

Results

Analysis included 43 children with PWS, 23 (53.5%) with PP and 20 (46.5%) with NP. Median age at pubarche was 7.0 years in PP group and 10.0 years in NP group. Age at pubarche was not correlated with age of recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) initiation, body mass index (BMI) z‐score, or homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR) at pubarche. BMI z‐score at pubarche was modestly correlated with degree of pubarchal BA advancement (p = 0.033). Those with PP were more likely to have a lower high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) (1.05 mmol/L vs. 1.41 mmol/L in the NP group, p = 0.041). The difference between target and final height did not differ between groups (p = 0.507).

Conclusion

PP is common in PWS but does not compromise final height in comparison to the NP group. Obesity and insulin resistance were not associated with PP in children with PWS, contrary to what has been seen in obese children without PWS.
Generalized lymphatic anomaly: A case report and review of literature
Authors: Hofny Eman R. M. , Ahmed Asmaa M. , Ghazally Alaa , Salah Yasmin , Mahran Ayman
Published: June 2024

Generalized lymphatic anomaly (GLA), previously known as lymphangiomatosis, is a rare developmental disease characterized by abnormal proliferation of lymphatic vascular structures that may involve the dermis, soft tissue, bone, and visceral parenchyma. Being an uncommon condition and the lack of specific symptoms often result in a delayed diagnosis or even misdiagnosis, which, in addition to its progressive nature, can lead to dysfunction of vital organs, and ultimately, a poor prognosis. In this report, we present a unique case of GLA in an upper Egyptian female child. Increasing awareness of the possible phenotypic presentations of such anomalies can lead to early diagnosis and possibly more effective management before significant organ damage ensues.
1100. Corallorhiza trifida Châtel.
Authors: Fay Michael F. , Raistrick Reinhild , Freudenstein John V.
Published: June 2024

Corallorhiza trifida Châtel., illustrated here as Plate 1100, is a widely distributed orchid, occurring in temperate and subarctic regions of Eurasia and North America [Correction added on 14 August 2024, after first online publication: In Summary section, ‘Plate 2000’ has been corrected to ‘Plate 1100’.]. It is an inconspicuous species that can be difficult to spot due to its lack of leaves and predominantly subterranean life history. Although it produces some chlorophyll, it is a mycoheterotroph dependent on its fungal associates for much of its nutrition, and it is difficult or impossible to cultivate.
The ‘means’ and the ‘ends’ of economic calculation: The missing aspect of an epochal dispute
Authors: Trubnikov Dmitrii
Published: June 2024

Current technological advances have revived the old socialist calculation debate. While the arguments on the socialist side appear to be backed by exciting technological developments, the pro‐market camp still mainly relies on the classical thinking of the Austrian school. A reasonable way to reinvigorate the free‐market thesis is to look at the ends of economic calculations, intentionally overlooked during the classical period of the debate. A valuable supplement to the contemporary pro‐market position could be found in the ordoliberal vision that emphasised the interdependence of various spheres and the power problem.
Susceptibility of Orius insidiosus to Beauveria bassiana, Akanthomyces muscarius, and Cordyceps fumosorosea and their effects on predator behavior
Authors: Manfrino Romina G. , Rocca Margarita
Published: June 2024

The use of pathogens and other natural enemies to suppress pest populations is a key component of integrated pest management (IPM) strategies. As biocontrol agents may interact synergistically, additively, or antagonistically, it is crucial to assess their interactions for effective pest management. In this study, we investigated the effect of three entomopathogenic fungus (EPF) species—Beauveria bassiana (Bals.‐Criv.) Vuill. CEP 091, Akanthomyces muscarius (Petch) Spatafora, Kepler & B. Shrestha CEP 182, and Cordyceps fumosorosea (Wize) Kepler, B. Shrestha & Spatafora CEP 315 (all Hypocreales)—on the survival, fecundity, and searching behavior of Orius insidiosus (Say) (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae). All three EPF species were found to be pathogenic to O. insidiosus, resulting in a significant decrease in survival compared with the control group. Fecundity remained unaffected by the fungal treatments. No effect of EPF on searching behavior of the predator was found. In relation to the searching behavior, individuals of 2 days post‐infections remained in the food patch longer than individuals of 7 days post‐infections, regardless of treatment. These findings provide valuable insights into the compatibility of EPF and O. insidiosus as combined biocontrol agents for managing whiteflies, aphids, and thrips. Understanding the interactions between EPF and predatory insects is crucial for developing IPM strategies that maximize pest control efficacy. Further studies should explore the long‐term effects of EPF on O. insidiosus populations and their overall impact on pest management in agricultural systems.
Effect of the mGlu2 positive allosteric modulator biphenyl‐indanone A as a monotherapy and as adjunct to a low dose of L‐DOPA in the MPTP‐lesioned marmoset
Authors: Kang Woojin , Frouni Imane , Kwan Cynthia , Bédard Dominique , Nuara Stephen G. , Hamadjida Adjia , Gourdon Jim C. , Huot Philippe
Published: June 2024

Activation of metabotropic glutamate 2 (mGlu2) receptors is a potential novel therapeutic approach for the treatment of parkinsonism. Thus, when administered as monotherapy or as adjunct to a low dose of L‐3,4‐dihydroxyphenylalanine (L‐DOPA), the mGlu2 positive allosteric modulator (PAM) LY‐487,379 alleviated parkinsonism in 1‐methyl‐4‐phenyl‐1,2,3,6‐tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)‐lesioned primates. Here, we sought to investigate the effect of biphenyl‐indanone A (BINA), a highly selective mGlu2 PAM whose chemical scaffold is unrelated to LY‐487,379, to determine if a structurally different mGlu2 PAM would also confer anti‐parkinsonian benefit. In monotherapy experiments, MPTP‐lesioned marmosets were injected with either vehicle, L‐DOPA/benserazide (15/3.75 mg/kg, positive control) or BINA (0.1, 1, 10 mg/kg). In adjunct to a low L‐DOPA dose experiments, MPTP‐lesioned marmosets were injected with L‐DOPA/benserazide (7.5/1.875 mg/kg) in combination with vehicle or BINA (0.1, 1, 10 mg/kg). Parkinsonism, dyskinesia and psychosis‐like behaviours (PLBs) were then quantified. When administered alone, BINA 1 and 10 mg/kg decreased parkinsonism severity by ~22% (p < 0.01) and ~47% (p < 0.001), when compared with vehicle, which was comparable with the global effect of a high L‐DOPA dose. When administered in combination with a low L‐DOPA dose, BINA 1 and 10 mg/kg decreased global parkinsonism by ~38% (p < 0.001) and ~53% (p < 0.001). BINA 10 mg/kg decreased global dyskinesia by ~94% (p < 0.01) and global PLBs by ~92% (p < 0.01). Our results provide additional evidence that mGlu2 positive allosteric modulation elicits anti‐parkinsonian effects. That this benefit is not related to a particular chemical scaffold suggests that it may be a class effect rather than the effect of a specific molecule.
Conflicting cognitive decisions: Does egg retrieval modify egg rejection in a host of an obligate brood parasite?
Authors: Peer Brian D. , Vozza Nicholas
Published: June 2024

Egg retrieval is an ancient behaviour displayed by birds in which a displaced egg is transferred back into the nest. Egg rejection, in contrast, is a recently evolved adaptation by hosts of brood parasites in which an egg is removed from a nest. These conflicting behaviours are both adaptive because they prevent reproductive losses, but egg retrieval may benefit brood parasites if hosts retrieve parasitic eggs into their nests. We examined these conflicting cognitive processes in the prothonotary warbler (Protonotaria citrea), a cavity‐nesting host of the brown‐headed cowbird (Molothrus ater). Eggs and nestlings are occasionally found on the rims of warbler nest cavities. We determined how this happened using video cameras and tested whether warblers retrieved their own eggs more often than cowbird eggs. We also determined if shape affects retrieval and rejection by placing cylinders inside nest cups or onto nest rims. We found that eggs were displaced by rapidly departing warblers whose nests are constantly prospected by nest competitors and brood parasites. Warblers retrieved their eggs (29%) and cowbird eggs (19%) at similar rates, and never rejected cowbird eggs after retrieval. Warblers removed most cylinders from nest rims and cups (89% and 78%, respectively), and never retrieved them. Warblers have retained egg retrieval at a low level and its expression is costly because they only retrieve a low level of their own eggs and also retrieve cowbird eggs, which benefits the brood parasite.