bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How generative AI will drive enterprise innovation
Authors: Marshall Anthony , Bieck Christian , Dencik Jacob , Goehring Brian C. , Warrick Richard
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Most recent C-suite surveying suggests current applications of generative AI, although hyped, are fragmented and unlikely to yield major financial returns anticipated. Instead, business leaders expect major value from generative AI will be achieved through application of generative AI to innovation: operational innovation, product and service innovation, and most elusive of all, business model innovation.

Design/methodology/approach

Findings and analysis presented draws on data from several surveys of C-level executives conducted by IBM Institute for Business Value in collaboration with Oxford Economics during 2023. Each survey focused on the potential of generative AI in a particular business area. The n-count of each survey ranged from 100-3000.

Findings

1. Business leaders expect generative AI to build on returns achieved from investments in traditional AI, with 10 percent RoI expected on generative AI investments by 2025. 2. Executives anticipate that generative AI will have most impact when implemented to expand innovation. 3. Specific examples provided for operational innovation, product innovation, and business model innovation

Research limitations/implications

We are still very early in the generative AI development cycle. We have made best efforts to project, but only time will tell for sure.

Practical implications

Business application of generative AI are extremely fragmented. Despite the desire to throw investments at the wall to see what sticks, it is important that leaders take a structured approach to generative AI, focusing on RoI from innovation investments.

Social implications

To alleviate negative impacts of generative AI, focusing on innovation potential and value maximization is crucial.

Originality/value

This research is based on completely new surveying and data. This papers adds to the sum total of new knowledge in the generative AI domain.
The semi-analytical model of capacitive imaging (CI) sensors based on the renormalization group method
Authors: Li Zhen , Han Jianqing , Zhao Mingrui , Zhang Yongbo , Wang Yanzhe , Zhang Cong , Chang Lin
Published: April 2024

Purpose

This study aims to design and validate a theoretical model for capacitive imaging (CI) sensors that incorporates the interelectrode shielding and surrounding shielding electrodes. Through experimental verification, the effectiveness of the theoretical model in evaluating CI sensors equipped with shielding electrodes has been demonstrated.

Design/methodology/approach

The study begins by incorporating the interelectrode shielding and surrounding shielding electrodes of CI sensors into the theoretical model. A method for deriving the semianalytical model is proposed, using the renormalization group method and physical model. Based on random geometric parameters of CI sensors, capacitance values are calculated using both simulation models and theoretical models. Three different types of CI sensors with varying geometric parameters are designed and manufactured for experimental testing.

Findings

The study’s results indicate that the errors of the semianalytical model for the CI sensor are predominantly below 5%, with all errors falling below 10%. This suggests that the semianalytical model, derived using the renormalization group method, effectively evaluates CI sensors equipped with shielding electrodes. The experimental results demonstrate the efficacy of the theoretical model in accurately predicting the capacitance values of the CI sensors.

Originality/value

The theoretical model of CI sensors is described by incorporating the interelectrode shielding and surrounding shielding electrodes into the model. This comprehensive approach allows for a more accurate evaluation of the detecting capability of CI sensors, as well as optimization of their performance.
A review of surface acoustic wave sensors: mechanisms, stability and future prospects
Authors: Tang Zhaozhao , Wu Wenyan , Yang Po , Luo Jingting , Fu Chen , Han Jing-Cheng , Zhou Yang , Wang Linlin , Wu Yingju , Huang Yuefei
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Surface acoustic wave (SAW) sensors have attracted great attention worldwide for a variety of applications in measuring physical, chemical and biological parameters. However, stability has been one of the key issues which have limited their effective commercial applications. To fully understand this challenge of operation stability, this paper aims to systematically review mechanisms, stability issues and future challenges of SAW sensors for various applications.

Design/methodology/approach

This review paper starts with different types of SAWs, advantages and disadvantages of different types of SAW sensors and then the stability issues of SAW sensors. Subsequently, recent efforts made by researchers for improving working stability of SAW sensors are reviewed. Finally, it discusses the existing challenges and future prospects of SAW sensors in the rapidly growing Internet of Things-enabled application market.

Findings

A large number of scientific articles related to SAW technologies were found, and a number of opportunities for future researchers were identified. Over the past 20 years, SAW-related research has gained a growing interest of researchers. SAW sensors have attracted more and more researchers worldwide over the years, but the research topics of SAW sensor stability only own an extremely poor percentage in the total researc topics of SAWs or SAW sensors.

Originality/value

Although SAW sensors have been attracting researchers worldwide for decades, researchers mainly focused on the new materials and design strategies for SAW sensors to achieve good sensitivity and selectivity, and little work can be found on the stability issues of SAW sensors, which are so important for SAW sensor industries and one of the key factors to be mature products. Therefore, this paper systematically reviewed the SAW sensors from their fundamental mechanisms to stability issues and indicated their future challenges for various applications.
Effect of smartphone addiction on compulsive app downloading tendency: protective factors for generation Z consumers
Authors: Jimenez Nadia , San Martin Sonia , Rodríguez-Torrico Paula
Published: April 2024

Purpose

This study aims to focus on how smartphone addiction impacts young consumer behavior related to mobile technology (i.e. the compulsive app downloading tendency). After a thorough literature review and following the risk and protective factors framework, this study explores factors that could mitigate its effects (resilience, family harmony, perceived social support and social capital).

Design/methodology/approach

The study used the covariance-based structural equation modeling approach to analyze data collected from 275 Generation Z (Gen Z) smartphone users in Spain.

Findings

Results suggest that resilience is a critical factor in preventing smartphone addiction, and smartphone addiction boosts the compulsive app downloading tendency, a relevant downside for younger Gen Z consumers.

Originality/value

Through the lens of the risk and protective factors framework, this study focuses on protective factors to prevent smartphone addiction and its negative side effects on app consumption. It also offers evidence of younger consumers’ vulnerability to smartphone addiction, not because of the device itself but because of app-consumption-related behaviors.
Everyone will know someone who died of Corona: Government threat language during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: DINGLER SARAH C. , HAYEK LORE , SCHWADERER CHRISTIAN , SENN MARTIN , KRAXBERGER ANDREAS M. , RAGHEB NADA
Published: April 2024

Threat language is an important, albeit ambivalent, element of political crisis communication. It raises public awareness and enhances compliance with emergency measures, but, if overused, it also carries the risk of making governments appear overwhelmed by a crisis. Research on political communication during the COVID‐19 pandemic has so far only produced very limited insights into the use of threat language by governments. To address this gap in the literature, our article analyses which factors influence the likelihood of threat language in the crisis communication of governments. We argue that individual‐level factors (politician vs. non‐politician and gender) shape the odds of including threat language and that contextual factors (time and subject area) determine the probability with which speakers employ this communication tool.

Based on a unique dataset of 1108 press conferences with 433 speakers in 17 OECD countries and three US states, we demonstrate that men are slightly more prone to employ threat language than women. The most important determinant of its use, however, is the subject area that speakers are addressing. In particular, in the context of the health system and public management, speeches are likely to be associated with risks, dangers, and threats. Overall, our findings imply that crisis communication across countries is not as diverse as indicated by previous literature. Once countries are facing a comparable challenge, political actors largely communicate in a similar manner.
Sex estimation research trends in forensic anthropology between 2000 and 2022 in five prominent journals
Authors: Ferrell Morgan J. , Schultz John J. , Adams Donovan M.
Published: April 2024

In forensic anthropology, osteological sex estimation methods are continuously reevaluated and updated to improve classification accuracies. Therefore, to gain a comprehensive understanding of recent trends in sex estimation research in forensic anthropology, a content analysis of articles published between 2000 and 2022 in Forensic Science International, the Journal of Forensic Sciences, the International Journal of Legal Medicine, the American Journal of Biological Anthropology, and Forensic Anthropology, was performed. The main goals of this content analysis were to (1) examine trends in metric versus morphological research, (2) examine which areas of the skeleton have been explored, (3) examine which skeletal collections and population affinities have been most frequently utilized, and (4) determine which statistical methods were commonly implemented. A total of 440 articles were coded utilizing MAXQDA and the resulting codes were exported for analysis. Statistical analyses were conducted utilizing the Cochran‐Armitage and Jonckheere‐Terpstra tests for trends, as well as Fisher–Freeman–Halton tests. The results demonstrate that sex estimation research published in these journals has prioritized metric over morphological methods. Further, the most utilized skeletal regions continue to be the skull and pelvis, while the most popular classification statistics continue to be discriminant function analysis and logistic regression. This study also demonstrates that a substantial portion of research has been conducted utilizing U.S. and Europe‐based collections and limited populations. Based on these results, future sex estimation research must continue exploring the use of long bones and other postcranial elements, testing newer methods of analysis, as well as developing population‐inclusive methods.
Reflections on co‐productive research in a youth‐focused climate education project
Authors: Portus Rosamund , Williams Sara‐Jayne , Mansikka‐aho Anette , Reilly Kathy , Aarnio‐Linnanvuori Essi , de Vito Laura , Dillon Bronagh , Fahy Frances , Gnecco Ilaria , Palla Anna , Sposito Sabrina , McEwen Lindsey
Published: April 2024

The 1989 UN Convention on the Rights of the Child emphasises the value of listening to young people’s voices. Since its inception, there have been significant moves to involve young people in research that concerns their lives in a time of environmental emergency. Drawing on critical analysis of our work with Youth Action Partnerships (YAPs), this article explores how co‐production with young people can effectively be achieved and offers meaningful ways for young people to share their stories in a time of climate crisis. We draw on rich insights from our experience of working in partnership with young people and explore how they have been supported to shape and influence the research process. Our findings enable us to build on Hickey’s five principles for co‐production with adults in a health and social care context. We show that, in addition to those, there is need to consider three other principles when co‐working with youth. We embed the eight principles for co‐production in a new model for effective co‐production with young people to support researchers to successfully prepare for, and implement, such co‐production processes in other work.
Cranial variation in species and subspecies of kangaroo rats (Dipodomys, Dipodomyinae, Rodentia) according to geometric morphometrics
Authors: ALHAJERI Bader H.
Published: April 2024

Traditional Dipodomys (sub)species identification uses geography, phenotype, and external/skull measurements. Such measurements are correlated with size and thus redundant. I assessed the value of scaled cranial shape, based on two‐dimensional landmarks (analyzed using geometric morphometric methods) in distinguishing Dipodomys taxa, and in summarizing their variation. My dataset includes 601 adult specimens from 20 species (49 operational taxonomic units ‐ OTUs) across 190 localities. Cranial shape was highly useful in classifying Dipodomys taxa without considering geography. The auditory bulla was the most variable region—taxa differed in its hypertrophy, accompanied by different degrees of nearby structure crowding. Cranial shape was weakly allometric, with no significant sexual dimorphism. Weak size dimorphism was detected. (Sub)specific taxonomy is not reflective of shape variation, as the number of subspecies per species is not associated with disparity. Shape had significant phylogenetic signal, but subspecies did not always cluster with conspecifics and species did not always cluster according to phylogenetic relationship/taxonomy. Shape variation was correlated with climate, and species differed in morphological disparity and degree of specialization, which may contribute to divergence in shape variation patterns from phylogeny. D. deserti was the most specialized species, diverging greatly from the genus mean; D. heermanni was the least specialized. This study provides new insights into morphological variation of North American keystone species, several of conservation interest, for example, D. heermanni berkeleyensis, D. h. dixoni, D. nitratoides brevinasus, and D. n. nitratoides.
Production of probiotic fermented salami using Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, and Bifidobacterium lactis
Authors: Tukel Olcay , Sengun Ilkin
Published: April 2024

The objectives of the study were to improve the functionality of fermented salami using probiotics, to evaluate the effects of the addition of probiotics on the physicochemical and microbiological characteristics and sensory acceptance of fermented salami, and to introduce a brand‐new probiotic food to the market for meat products. Fermented salami samples were produced using various formulations, including no probiotic (A), non‐probiotic starter cultures (B) or probiotic cultures [Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus LR32 200B (C), Lactiplantibacillus plantarum LP115 400B (D), Bifidobacterium lactis BB12 (E), and L. rhamnosus LR32 200B + L. plantarum LP115 400B (F)]. The samples were kept at 4°C for 60 days, and their probiotic viability as well as their chemical, physical, microbiological, and sensory qualities were assessed at intervals of 0, 15, 30, 45, and 60 days. The probiotic addition enhanced the safety and quality of the product while favorably affecting the microbiological, physical, chemical, and sensory properties of the samples. The sample produced with mixed probiotics (F) had the highest moisture and fat content and the lowest pH. Lactic acid bacteria counts were found above 6.0 log CFU/g in the samples produced with probiotic at the end of the storage. Probiotic added products were rated higher than products without probiotics in terms of color, texture, flavor, and overall acceptance during storage. Consequently, a probiotic fermented salami with high probiotic cell counts and meeting the sensory preferences of the consumers was produced.
Therapeutic drug monitoring in inflammatory bowel disease patients on vedolizumab
Authors: Ansari Mohammed , Glassner Kerri , Irani Malcolm , Saleh Adam , Wang Lin , Ezeana Chika , Wong Stephen , Perry Caroline , Abraham Bincy
Published: April 2024

Objective

We aimed to investigate whether vedolizumab (VDZ) levels were associated with inflammatory markers or clinical or endoscopic scoring in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Methods

Besides demographic data, clinical scoring, endoscopic data, and laboratory markers of IBD patients treated with VDZ from 2015 to 2020 who had trough levels drawn on maintenance therapy were collected at baseline and at follow‐up (after at least 8 weeks on VDZ therapy or after change in dose frequency). Low drug levels were defined as VDZ trough <20 μg/mL.

Results

We identified 89 patients with a mean age of 42.9 years. Of the 90 total trough levels drawn, 61.1% were low. Among patients on every 8 week (Q8 week) VDZ dosing, 81.5% had low troughs. After increasing dosing frequency to Q4 weeks, all patients showed improvement in VDZ levels, but 30.6% remained <20 μg/mL. Higher VDZ levels on Q8 week dosing were associated with higher albumin levels (P = 0.01). While higher VDZ levels on Q4 week dosing were associated with higher albumin (P = 0.02), lower erythrocyte sedimentation rate (P = 0.04) and higher likelihood of having mild disease or endoscopic remission (P = 0.01). No significant association was found between VDZ levels and clinical scoring, body mass index, hemoglobin, vitamin D or platelet levels on either Q8 or Q4 week dosing.

Conclusions

Higher VDZ troughs were associated with higher albumin, mild endoscopic disease or endoscopic remission. Patients who continue to have low VDZ troughs despite Q4 week dosing may require a change in therapy.
Association of healthy sleep pattern with lower risk of acute myocardial infarction mortality among people with diabetes: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Du Min , Liu Min , Liu Jue
Published: April 2024

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Increased risk of cardiovascular and renal disease, and diabetes for all women diagnosed with gestational diabetes mellitus in New Zealand—A national retrospective cohort study
Authors: Daly Barbara M. , Wu Zhenqiang , Nirantharakumar Krishnarajah , Chepulis Lynne , Rowan Janet A. , Scragg Robert K. R.
Published: April 2024

Background

Gestational diabetes mellitus increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The aim of this study is to compare cardiometabolic and renal outcomes for all women in New Zealand with gestational diabetes (2001–2010) with women without diabetes, 10–20 years following delivery.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study, utilizing a national dataset providing information for all women who gave birth between 1 January 2001 and 31 December 2010 (n = 604 398). Adolescent girls <15 years, women ≥50 years and women with prepregnancy diabetes were excluded. In total 11 459 women were diagnosed with gestational diabetes and 11 447 were matched (for age and year of delivery) with 57 235 unexposed (control) women. A national hospital dataset was used to compare primary outcomes until 31 May 2021.

Results

After controlling for ethnicity, women with gestational diabetes were significantly more likely than control women to develop diabetes—adjusted hazard ratio (HR) 20.06 and 95% confidence interval (CI) 18.46–21.79; a first cardiovascular event 2.19 (1.86–2.58); renal disease 6.34 (5.35–7.51) and all‐cause mortality 1.55 (1.31–1.83), all p values <.0001. The HR and 95% CI remained similar after controlling for significant covariates: diabetes 18.89 (17.36–20.56), cardiovascular events 1.79 (1.52–2.12), renal disease 5.42 (4.55–6.45), and all‐cause mortality 1.44 (1.21–1.70). When time‐dependent diabetes was added to the model, significance remained for cardiovascular events 1.33 (1.10–1.61), p = .003 and renal disease 2.33 (1.88–2.88), p < .0001 but not all‐cause mortality.

Conclusions

Women diagnosed with gestational diabetes have an increased risk of adverse cardiometabolic and renal outcomes. Findings highlight the importance of follow‐up screening for diabetes, cardiovascular risk factors, and renal disease.

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Microbial and metabolomic profiles of type 1 diabetes with depression: A case–control study
Authors: Liu Ziyu , Yue Tong , Zheng Xueying , Luo Sihui , Xu Wen , Yan Jinhua , Weng Jianping , Yang Daizhi , Wang Chaofan
Published: April 2024

Background

Depression is the most common psychological disorder in patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D). However, the characteristics of microbiota and metabolites in these patients remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate microbial and metabolomic profiles and identify novel biomarkers for T1D with depression.

Methods

A case–control study was conducted in a total of 37 T1D patients with depression (TD+), 35 T1D patients without depression (TD−), and 29 healthy controls (HCs). 16S rRNA gene sequencing and liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC–MS) metabolomics analysis were conducted to investigate the characteristics of microbiota and metabolites. The association between altered microbiota and metabolites was explored by Spearman's rank correlation and visualized by a heatmap. The microbial signatures to discriminate TD+ from TD− were identified by a random forest (RF) classifying model.

Results

In microbiota, 15 genera enriched in TD− and 2 genera enriched in TD+, and in metabolites, 14 differential metabolites (11 upregulated and 3 downregulated) in TD+ versus TD− were identified. Additionally, 5 genera (including Phascolarctobacterium, Butyricimonas, and Alistipes from altered microbiota) demonstrated good diagnostic power (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.73; 95% CI, 0.58–0.87). In the correlation analysis, Butyricimonas was negatively correlated with glutaric acid (r = −0.28, p = 0.015) and malondialdehyde (r = −0.30, p = 0.012). Both Phascolarctobacterium (r = 0.27, p = 0.022) and Alistipes (r = 0.31, p = 0.009) were positively correlated with allopregnanolone.

Conclusions

T1D patients with depression were characterized by unique profiles of gut microbiota and serum metabolites. Phascolarctobacterium, Butyricimonas, and Alistipes could predict the risk of T1D with depression. These findings provide further evidence that the microbiota–gut–brain axis is involved in T1D with depression.

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The potential of 5‐methoxy‐N,N‐dimethyltryptamine in the treatment of alcohol use disorder: A first look at therapeutic mechanisms of action
Authors: Tap Stephan C.
Published: April 2024

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) remains one of the most prevalent psychiatric disorders worldwide with high economic costs. Current treatment options show modest efficacy and relapse rates are high. Furthermore, there are increases in the treatment gap and few new medications have been approved in the past 20 years. Recently, psychedelic‐assisted therapy with psilocybin and lysergic acid diethylamide has garnered significant attention in the treatment of AUD. Yet, they require significant amounts of therapist input due to prolonged subjective effects (~4–12 h) leading to high costs and impeding implementation. Accordingly, there is an increasing interest in the rapid and short‐acting psychedelic 5‐methoxy‐N,N‐dimethyltryptamine (5‐MeO‐DMT). This paper offers a first look at potential therapeutic mechanisms for AUD by reviewing the current literature on 5‐MeO‐DMT. Primarily, 5‐MeO‐DMT is able to induce mystical experiences and ego‐dissolution together with increases in psychological flexibility and mindfulness. This could decrease AUD symptoms through the alleviation of psychiatric mood‐related comorbidities consistent with the negative reinforcement and self‐medication paradigms. In addition, preliminary evidence indicates that 5‐MeO‐DMT modulates neural oscillations that might subserve ego‐dissolution (increases in gamma), psychological flexibility and mindfulness (increases in theta), and the reorganization of executive control networks (increases in coherence across frequencies) that could improve emotion regulation and inhibition. Finally, animal studies show that 5‐MeO‐DMT is characterized by neuroplasticity, anti‐inflammation, 5‐HT2A receptor agonism, and downregulation of metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 with clinical implications for AUD and psychiatric mood‐related comorbidities. The paper concludes with several recommendations for future research to establish the purported therapeutic mechanisms of action.
Excessive androgen exposure and risk of malignancies: A cohort study
Authors: Heerfordt Ida M. , Windfeld‐Mathiasen Josefine , Dalhoff Kim Peder , Trærup Andersen Jon , Horwitz Henrik
Published: April 2024

Background

A link between androgen use and the risk of cancers, especially prostate and breast cancer, has been suggested. The knowledge about a possible association is limited.

Objective

The study aimed to investigate cancer incidence rates, particularly those related to prostate and breast cancer, in male androgen users and compare them to a control group.

Methods

We included male androgen users identified through a nationwide anti‐doping testing program in Danish fitness centers from 2006 to 2018. We paired each case with 50 male controls of the same age, selected randomly. The cohort was followed from baseline and until 2023. The outcome was the incidence of prostate cancer, breast cancer, or any cancer excluding non‐melanoma skin cancer.

Results

The study included 1,189 androgen users and 59,450 controls, with a mean age of 27 years at enrolment. During the follow‐up period with a mean length of 11 years, 13 androgen users, and 612 controls were diagnosed with cancer. This resulted in an incidence rate ratio of 1.05 (95% CI: 0.55–1.81). None of the androgen users were diagnosed with prostate or breast cancer.

Discussion and conclusion

Male androgen users did not face an increased short‐term risk of cancer, neither overall nor related to prostate or breast cancer. Our study indicates that the absolute risk of malignancies in androgen users is comparable to that in the background population. However, we cannot exclude androgens as a cancer risk factor due to the limited sample size, relatively short follow‐up period, and subject age.
Unfounded beliefs, distress and powerlessness: A three‐wave longitudinal study
Authors: Ballová Mikušková Eva , Teličák Peter
Published: April 2024

The aim of the study was to examine the relationships between unfounded COVID‐19 beliefs and distress and powerlessness, specifically, whether distress and powerlessness are causes or consequences of unfounded COVID‐19 beliefs represented by conspiracy beliefs and pseudoscientific beliefs regarding treatment and measures. Unfounded beliefs were assessed using the COVID‐19 Unfounded Beliefs Scale; distress was measured with the Symptom Checklist‐10, and powerlessness was measured with four items measuring the feeling of losing control. Data collection took place during three phases of the pandemic in Slovakia (October 2021, N = 1838; July 2022, N = 1,420; April 2023, N = 925). Results suggest that individuals with stronger unfounded beliefs about COVID‐19 reported greater powerlessness longitudinally, and individuals with stronger COVID‐19 unfounded beliefs treatment and measures reported greater distress longitudinally (notably, beliefs about COVID‐19 measures in the first wave were associated with distress in the second wave, and beliefs about COVID‐19 treatment in the second wave were associated with distress in the third wave). The present findings corroborate an existential threat model of conspiracy theories that says the relationship between unfounded beliefs and indicators of well‐being is bidirectional, so interventions should be focused both on eliminating the unfounded beliefs and strengthening well‐being.
A 10‐year retrospective study of antibacterial‐induced thrombocytopenia in a women and children hospital using China Hospital Pharmacovigilance System and Visual Basic for Applications
Authors: Yang Jianhui , Cai Can , Pan Xiuming , Chen Weida , Zhuang Wei , Lin Wanlong , Chen Yao
Published: April 2024

Aims

We aimed to investigate antibacterial‐induced thrombocytopenia using the China Hospital Pharmacovigilance System (CHPS) in conjunction with Visual Basic for Applications (VBA).

Methods

Between September 2011 and December 2022, a 2‐phase workflow was employed to identify antibacterial‐induced thrombocytopenia, including preliminary screening in phase (I) conducted by CHPS algorithms and causality assessment by trained pharmacists in phase (II) using VBA. The incidence of thrombocytopenia in each antibacterial was calculated, and comparisons were performed between paediatric and adult patients.

Results

CHPS algorithms identified 4080 cases from 485 238 admissions (including 223 735 admissions receiving at least 1 antibacterial treatment). After ruling out cases with chemotherapy and abnormal platelet count at admission, 3832 cases were available. Using VBA, pharmacists identified 1039 cases (1246 antibacterial treatments, 28 agents) as potential thrombocytopenia instances (κ = 0.89), with an incidence of 0.46%. All antibacterial treatments correlated temporally with thrombocytopenia. Carbapenems (meropenem 1.77%), glycopeptides (vancomycin 1.55%) and lincosamides (clindamycin 0.44%) were prominent causal groups. The highest incidences of thrombocytopenia in the cephalosporins and penicillins groups were ceftazidime (2.04%) and piperacillin/tazobactam (1.24%), respectively. Among all antibacterial treatments, clindamycin showed the shortest time to onset (TTO), and erythromycin showed the longest TTO. Paediatric patients exhibited a longer TTO (61 vs. 29 h), extended time to nadir (83 vs. 37 h), lower platelet nadir count values (110 vs. 92 × 109/L), and a higher severe case proportion (12.37 vs. 3.86%) when compared with adults.

Conclusion

Different antibacterial agents exhibit varying incidences of thrombocytopenia, with notable disparities between adults and children in the characteristics of thrombocytopenia.
A case report highlighting drug–drug interactions between 3 life‐saving treatments: Feminizing hormones, antiretrovirals and antituberculosis drugs
Authors: Suchak Tara , Bracchi Margherita , Mercer Maria , Lander Frances , Boffito Marta
Published: April 2024

We here present a case providing valuable insights for clinicians who deliver care to patients identifying as transgender or nonbinary. A 30‐year‐old trans woman presented to sexual health services requesting a routine sexual health screen and was subsequently diagnosed with HIV and syphilis. She started antiretrovirals for HIV (bictegravir/tenoforvir alafenamide/emtricitabine) 12 days later and was treated with benzathine penicillin G. The patient also had a positive tuberculosis (TB) ELIspot blood test result and further investigations proved the presence of active TB in the chest with mediastinal involvement. She commenced treatment for TB with quadruple therapy, including rifampicin. Due to the clinically significant interaction between rifampicin and bictegravir, the patient's antiretroviral treatment was switched to dolutegravir 50 mg twice daily in combination with tenofovir disoproxil fumarate and emtricitabine. As the patient had transitioned from male to female and was self‐medicating with oestrogen‐containing feminizing hormone therapy, her hormonal treatment was optimized and blood levels of oestradiol were closely monitored and titrated to manage the drug–drug interaction between rifampicin and oestrogen to ensure the latter would be maintained within the expected therapeutic range. Our case report demonstrates the importance of combining treatment of multiple conditions under 1 team ideally integrated with gender services to prevent multiple attendances and mismanagement of feminizing hormone therapies.
A natural inhibitor of diapophytoene desaturase attenuates methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) pathogenicity and overcomes drug‐resistance
Authors: Han Baoqing , Wang Hongsu , Niu Xiaodi
Published: April 2024

Background and Purpose

At present, the inhibition of staphyloxanthin biosynthesis has emerged as a prominent strategy in combating methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection. Nonetheless, there remains a limited understanding regarding the bio‐structural characteristics of staphyloxanthin biosynthetic enzymes, as well as the molecular mechanisms underlying the interaction between inhibitors and proteins. Furthermore, the functional scope of these inhibitors is relatively narrow.

Experimental Approach

In this study, we address these limitations by harnessing the power of deep learning techniques to construct the 3D structure of diapophytoene desaturase (CrtN). We perform efficient virtual screening and unveil alnustone as a potent inhibitor of CrtN. Further investigations employing molecular modelling, site‐directed mutagenesis and biolayer interferometry (BLI) confirmed that alnustone binds to the catalytic active site of CrtN. Transcriptomic analysis reveals that alnustone significantly down‐regulates genes associated with staphyloxanthin, histidine and peptidoglycan biosynthesis.

Key Results

Under the effects of alnustone, MRSA strains exhibit enhanced sensitivity to various antibiotics and the host immune system, accompanied by increased cell membrane permeability. In a mouse model of systemic MRSA infection, the combination of alnustone and antibiotics exhibited a significant therapeutic effect, leading to reduced bacterial colony counts and attenuated pathological damage.

Conclusion and Implications

Alnustone, as a natural inhibitor targeting CrtN, exhibits outstanding antibacterial properties that are single‐targeted yet multifunctional. This finding provides a novel strategy and theoretical basis for the development of drugs targeting staphyloxanthin producing bacteria.
The evolution of larvae in temnospondyls and the stepwise origin of amphibian metamorphosis
Authors: Schoch Rainer R. , Witzmann Florian
Published: April 2024

The question of what the ancient life cycle of tetrapods was like forms a key component in understanding the origin of land vertebrates. The existence of distinct larval forms, as exemplified by many lissamphibians, and their transformation into adults is an important aspect in this field. The temnospondyls, the largest clade of Palaeozoic–Mesozoic non‐amniote tetrapods, covered a wide ecomorphological range from fully aquatic to terrestrial taxa. In various species, rich ontogenetic data have accumulated over the past 130 years, permitting the study of early phases of temnospondyl development. In temnospondyls, eight ontogenetic phases have been identified in which the skeleton formed. In branchiosaurids and the eryopiform Sclerocephalus, large parts of the ossification sequence are now known. Most taxa in which small specimens are preserved had aquatic larvae with external gills that superficially resemble larval salamanders. In the edopoids, dvinosaurs, and eryopiforms, the larvae developed slowly, with incompletely ossified axial and appendicular skeletons, but possessed a fast‐developing dermal skull with strong teeth. Irrespective of adult terrestriality or a fully aquatic life, there was no drastic transformation during later ontogeny, but a slow and steady acquisition of adult features. In dissorophoids, the limbs developed at a much faster pace, whereas skull formation was slowed down, especially in the amphibamiforms, and culminating in the neotenic Branchiosauridae. In the zatracheid Acanthostomatops, slow but profound transformation led to a fully terrestrial adult. The basal dissorophoid Stegops retained rapid development of dermal skull bones and established a fully dentigerous, strongly ossified palate early. In Micromelerpeton, formation of the last skull bones was slightly delayed and metamorphosis remained a long and steady phase of morphological transformations. In amphibamiforms, metamorphosis became more drastic, with an increasing number of events packed into a short phase of ontogeny. This is exemplified by Apateon, Platyrhinops, and Amphibamus in which this condensation was maximised. We distinguish three different types of metamorphosis (morphological, ecological and drastic) that evolved cumulatively in early tetrapods and within temnospondyls.
Deep‐targeted gene sequencing reveals ARID1A mutation as an important driver of glioblastoma
Authors: Xiao Menglin , Cui Xiaoteng , Xu Can , Xin Lei , Zhao Jixing , Yang Shixue , Hong Biao , Tan Yanli , Zhang Jie , Li Xiang , Li Jie , Kang Chunsheng , Fang Chuan
Published: April 2024

Aims

To investigate the key factors influencing glioma progression and the emergence of treatment resistance by examining the intrinsic connection between mutations in DNA damage and repair‐related genes and the development of chemoresistance in gliomas.

Methods

We conducted a comprehensive analysis of deep‐targeted gene sequencing data from 228 glioma samples. This involved identifying differentially mutated genes across various glioma grades, assessing their functions, and employing I‐TASSER for homology modeling. We elucidated the functional changes induced by high‐frequency site mutations in these genes and investigated their impact on glioma progression.

Results

The analysis of sequencing mutation results of deep targeted genes in integration revealed that ARID1A gene mutation occurs frequently in glioblastoma and alteration of ARID1A could affect the tolerance of glioma cells to temozolomide treatment. The deletion of proline at position 16 in the ARID1A protein affected the stability of binding of the SWI/SNF core subunit BRG1, which in turn affected the stability of the SWI/SNF complex and led to altered histone modifications in the CDKN1A promoter region, thereby affecting the biological activity of glioma cells, as inferred from modeling and protein interaction analysis.

Conclusion

The ARID1A gene is a critical predictive biomarker for glioma. Mutations at the ARID1A locus alter the stability of the SWI/SNF complex, leading to changes in transcriptional regulation in glioma cells. This contributes to an increased malignant phenotype of GBM and plays a pivotal role in mediating chemoresistance.
Women at Multiple Levels of Strategic Leadership: Evidence of Gender Spillovers
Authors: Edacherian Saneesh , Karna Amit , Uhlenbruck Klaus , Sharma Sunil
Published: April 2024

Manuscript Type

Empirical.

Research Question/Issue

We examine how the combined presence of women in multiple levels of strategic leadership, including gender‐diverse boards, affects firm accounting performance.

Research Findings/Insights

Our meta‐analysis of 273 effect sizes across various hypotheses expands research on women in upper echelons by showing that gender‐diverse boards are positively related to gender spillovers, that is, the appointment of female executives. Most importantly, our work demonstrates that gender spillovers mediate the relationship between board gender diversity and firm performance, indicating there are joint effects of women leaders when serving at various levels of the organization simultaneously. We also find that the size of gender‐diverse boards negatively affects gender spillovers to the level of executives.

Theoretical/Academic Implications

Our research highlights interdependencies between gender diversity at different organizational levels and the distinct contribution of women directors. We draw attention to the role of gender spillovers as a mechanism that helps explain how the appointment of women directors benefits firm performance. Our findings broadly contribute to upper echelons theory.

Practitioner/Policy Implications

This study emphasizes that increasing the representation of women on boards can advance the cause of women at other levels of strategic leadership. Furthermore, if women are in multiple levels of strategic leadership at the same time, this can lead to improved firm performance.
Texture and color enhancement imaging improve visibility in photodynamic therapy for patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Nakamura Jun , Hikichi Takuto , Hashimoto Minami
Published: April 2024

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Epithelial–mesenchymal transition contrast in the amputated tail and limb of the northern house gecko, Hemidactylus flaviviridis
Authors: Raval Pooja , Khaire Kashmira , Sharma Shashikant , Balakrishnan Suresh
Published: April 2024

The northern house gecko Hemidactylus flaviviridis exhibits appendage‐specific responses to injuries. The autotomized tail regenerates, whereas the severed limb fails to regrow. Many site‐specific cellular processes influence tail regeneration. Herein, we analyzed the epithelial–mesenchymal transition contrast in the lizard's amputated appendages (tail and limb). Morphological observations in the healing frame indicated the formation of regeneration blastema in the tail and scar formation in limb. Histology of the tail showed that epithelial cells closer to mesenchyme appeared less columnar and loosely packed, with little intercellular matrix. Whereas in the limb, the columnar epithelial cells remained tightly packed. Collagen deposition was seen in the limb at the intersection of wound epithelium and mesenchyme, favoring scarring by blocking the epithelial–mesenchymal transition. Markers for epithelial–mesenchymal transition were assessed at transcript and protein levels. The regenerating tail showed upregulation of N‐cadherin, vimentin, and PCNA, favoring epithelial–mesenchymal transition, cell migration, and proliferation, respectively. In contrast, the scarring limb showed persistently elevated levels of E‐cadherin and EpCAM, indicating retention of epithelial characteristics. An attempt was made to screen the resident epithelial stem cell population in both appendages to check their potential role in the epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), hence the differential wound healing. Upregulation in transcript and protein levels of Nanog and Sox2 was observed in the regenerating tail. Fluorescence‐activated cell sorting (FACS) provided supporting evidence that the epithelial stem cell population in tail remained significantly higher than in limb. Thus, this study focuses on the mechanistic role of the epithelial–mesenchymal transition in wound healing, highlighting the molecular details of regeneration and scarring events.
Safety and efficacy of teplizumab in the treatment of type 1 diabetes mellitus: An updated systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Grando Alves Gabriel , Cunha Luisa , Henkes Machado Rafael , Lins de Menezes Vanessa
Published: April 2024

Aim

To provide updated efficacy and safety information for teplizumab in the treatment of Stage 3 type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM).

Materials and Methods

The PubMed, Embase and Cochrane databases were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing teplizumab to placebo for T1DM that reported any of the following outcomes: (1) C‐peptide area under the curve (AUC); (2) glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) levels; (3) insulin requirements; and (4) adverse events. Heterogeneity was examined with I2 statistics. p values <0.05 were taken to indicate statistical significance. The continuous endpoints were compared through the pooled mean difference (MD) and binary endpoints were assessed using risk ratios, both with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Statistical analyses were performed using Review Manager Web software.

Results

Eight RCTs with 1052 patients (754 receiving teplizumab) were included. Teplizumab significantly increased the AUC of C‐peptide levels at 6 (MD 0.10 nmol/L, 95% CI 0.05, 0.16), 12 (MD 0.13 nmol/L, 95% CI 0.06, 0.20), 18 (MD 0.18 nmol/L, 95% CI 0.09, 0.27) and 24 months (MD 0.16 nmol/L, 95% CI 0.02, 0.31), significantly reduced HbA1c levels at 6 (MD −0.57%, 95% CI −1.07, −0.08) and 12 months (MD −0.31%, 95% CI −0.59, −0.02), and significantly reduced insulin requirements at 6 (MD −0.12 U/kg, 95% CI −0.16, −0.08), 12 (MD −0.11 U/kg, 95% CI −0.15, −0.07), 18 (MD −0.17 U/kg, 95% CI −0.26, −0.09) and 24 months (MD −0.11 U/kg, 95% CI −0.22, −0.01).

Conclusion

Teplizumab increases AUC of C‐peptide levels and decreases HbA1c levels and insulin use, without raising serious adverse event risk.
The effect of sodium‐glucose cotransporter‐2 inhibitors on inflammatory biomarkers: A meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Buttice Leonardo , Ghani Maryam , Suthakar Janahan , Gnanalingham Sathyan , Carande Elliott , Kennedy Brett W. C. , Pitcher Alex , Gamble James H. P. , Ahmad Mahmood , Lewis Andrew , Jüni Peter , Rider Oliver J. , Stephens Jeffrey W. , Bray Jonathan J. H.
Published: April 2024

Aims

To conduct a meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to assess the effect of sodium‐glucose cotransporter‐2 (SGLT2) inhibitors on inflammatory biomarkers.

Methods

Medline, Embase and the Cochrane Library were searched for RCTs investigating the effect of SGLT2 inhibitors on inflammatory biomarkers, adipokine profiles and insulin sensitivity.

Results

Thirty‐eight RCTs were included (14 967 participants, 63.3% male, mean age 62 ± 8.6 years) with a median (interquartile range) follow‐up of 16 (12–24) weeks. Meta‐analysis showed that SGLT2 inhibitors significantly improved adiponectin, interleukin‐6, tumour necrosis factor receptor‐1 (vs. placebo alone: standardized mean difference [SMD] 0.34 [95% confidence interval {CI} 0.23, 0.45], mean difference [MD] −0.85 pg/mL [95% CI −1.32, −0.38], SMD −0.13 [95% CI −0.20, −0.06], respectively), leptin and homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance index (vs. control: SMD −0.20 [95% CI −0.33, −0.07], MD −0.83 [95% CI −1.32, −0.33], respectively). There were no significant changes in C‐reactive protein (CRP), tumour necrosis factor‐α, plasminogen activator inhibitor‐1, fibroblast growth factor‐21 or monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1.

Conclusions

Our analysis shows that SGLT2 inhibitors likely improve adipokine biomarkers and insulin sensitivity, but there is little evidence that SGLT2 inhibitors improve other inflammatory biomarkers including CRP.
The impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on business students’ future preference for online courses
Authors: Stanley Denise , Mitra Sinjini
Published: April 2024

This study analyzes students’ future preferences for online business courses based on responses from a spring 2021student sample from a California public regional university. The timing of this research takes advantage of the COVID‐19 “sudden disruption” that provided a unique opportunity to examine factors (including challenges specific to COVID‐19) that affect student choices about course delivery modality. Academic background, remote‐learning experiences, and mental health significantly impacted future course enrollment decisions. Study results provide insights for both university administrators and faculty who will need to plan curriculum in the challenging postpandemic higher education setting.
Standing to praise
Authors: Telech Daniel
Published: April 2024

This paper argues that praise is governed by a norm of standing, namely the evaluative commitment condition. Even when the target of praise is praiseworthy and known to be so by the praiser, praise can be inappropriate owing to the praiser's lacking the relevant evaluative commitment. I propose that uncommitted praisers lack the standing to praise in that, owing to their lack of commitment to the relevant value, they have not earned the right to host the co‐valuing that is the communicative aim of praise.