bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cerebrovascular-balance relationships reveal mechanisms of neuromotor resilience to dual-task cognitive loading
Authors: Palmer Jacqueline A. , Hazen Emily M. , Billinger Sandra A.
Published: December 2023

BACKGROUND

Age-related decline in cerebrovascular health precipitates cognitive dysfunction and can be attenuated by habitual physical activity. Cognitive interference in balance control is well-known clinically and reflects compromised neuromotor resilience. However, whether cerebrovascular health affects cognitive-balance dual-tasking with aging is unclear.

METHODS

Thirty participants (76±4years) completed clinical balance/cognitive testing under single-task and dual-task conditions. Balance performance was assessed as the total distance traversed during a challenging beam walking task. Cognitive performance was assessed as response time (RT) during a working-memory n-back test. Transcranial Doppler ultrasound was used to measure resting middle cerebral artery blood velocity (MCAv). We tested whether MCAv was associated with single-task and dual-task interference (DTI) in balance and cognitive performance and the effects of age and physical activity level on this relationship.

RESULTS

During single-tasking, higher MCAv associated with higher balance function (r=0.40,p=0.033), while no relationship was observed for cognitive performance. Dual-tasking strengthened relationships between MCAv and DTI across domains of balance (r=0.442,p=0.016) and cognition (r=0.328,p=0.089); for cognitive DTI, this effect was driven by individuals ≥75years old (r=0.54,p=0.031). Individuals ≥75years exhibited greater cognitive DTI (p=0.049), yet achieved similar balance DTI compared to those <75. Regardless of age, participants with higher MCAv demonstrated greater dual-task prioritization of balance control over cognitive performance (r=0.410,p=0.030). Physically-active participants with higher MCAv also showed less balance DTI (r=0.621,p=0.003), while there was no relationship in under-active/sedentary individuals or within the cognitive domain.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results support a key role of cerebrovascular health in neuromotor resilience to cognitive loading, which may emerge earlier in brain aging processes affecting balance control compared to cognition. Cerebrovascular health may support people’s ability to prioritize balance in the face of competing attentional demands, and may mediate the positive effects of physical activity on cortically-mediated balance control.
Viscoelasticity of globular protein-based biomolecular condensates
Authors: Fisher Rachel S , Obermeyer Allie C
Published: December 2023

The phase separation of biomolecules into biomolecular condensates has emerged as a ubiquitous cellular process. Understanding how intrinsically disordered protein sequence controls condensate formation and material properties has provided fundamental biological insights and led to the development of functional synthetic condensates. While these studies provide a valuable framework to understand subcellular organization via phase separation they have largely ignored the presence of folded domains and their impact on condensate properties. We set out to determine how the distribution of sticker interactions across a globular protein contributes to rheological properties of condensates and to what extent globular protein-containing condensates differ from those formed from two disordered components. We designed three variants of green fluorescent protein with different charge patterning and used dynamic light scattering microrheology to measure the viscoelastic spectrum of coacervates formed with poly-lysine over a timescale of 10-6to 10 seconds, elucidating the response of protein condensates in this range for the first time. We further showed that the phase behavior and rheological characteristics of the condensates varied as a function of both protein charge distribution and polymer/protein ratio, behavior that was distinct to condensates formed with folded domains. Together, this work enhances our fundamental understanding of dynamic condensed biomaterials across biologically relevant length- and time-scales.
Human disease-specific cell signatures in non-lesional tissue in Multiple Sclerosis detected by single-cell and spatial transcriptomics
Authors: Lam Matti , Lee Dylan , Kosater Ivy , Khairallah Anthony , Taga Mariko , Zhang Ya , Fujita Masashi , Nag Sukriti , Bennett David A. , Jager Philip De , Menon Vilas
Published: December 2023

Recent investigations of cell type changes in Multiple Sclerosis (MS) using single-cell profiling methods have focused on active lesional and peri-lesional brain tissue, and have implicated a number of peripheral and central nervous system cell types. However, an important question is the extent to which so-called “normal-appearing” non-lesional tissue in individuals with MS accumulate changes over the lifespan. Here, we compared post-mortem non-lesional brain tissue from donors with a pathological or clinical diagnosis of MS from the Religious Orders Study or Rush Memory and Aging Project (ROSMAP) cohorts to age– and sex-matched brains from persons without MS (controls). We profiled three brain regions using single-nucleus RNA-seq: dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), normal appearing white matter (NAWM) and the pulvinar in thalamus (PULV), from 15 control individuals, 8 individuals with MS, and 5 individuals with other detrimental pathologies accompanied by demyelination, resulting in a total of 78 samples. We identified region– and cell type-specific differences in non-lesional samples from individuals diagnosed with MS and/or exhibiting secondary demyelination with other neurological conditions, as compared to control donors. These differences included lower proportions of oligodendrocytes with expression of myelination related genes MOBP, MBP, PLP1, as well as higher proportions of CRYAB+ oligodendrocytes in all three brain regions. Among microglial signatures, we identified subgroups that were higher in both demyelination (TMEM163+/ERC2+), as well as those that were specifically higher in MS donors (HIF1A+/SPP1+) and specifically in donors with secondary demyelination (SOCS6+/MYO1E+), in both white and grey matter. To validate our findings, we generated Visium spatial transcriptomics data on matched tissue from 13 donors, and recapitulated our observations of gene expression differences in oligodendrocytes and microglia. Finally, we show that some of the differences observed between control and MS donors in NAWM mirror those previously reported between control WM and active lesions in MS donors. Overall, our investigation sheds additional light on cell type– and disease-specific differences present even in non-lesional white and grey matter tissue, highlighting widespread cellular signatures that may be associated with downstream pathological changes.
Machine learning in healthcare strategic management: a systematic literature review
Authors: Salhout Sand Mohammad
Published: December 2023

Purpose

This study specifically seeks to investigate the strategic implementation of machine learning (ML) algorithms and techniques in healthcare institutions to enhance innovation management in healthcare settings.

Design/methodology/approach

The papers from 2011 to 2021 were considered following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. First, relevant keywords were identified, and screening was performed. Bibliometric analysis was performed. One hundred twenty-three relevant documents that passed the eligibility criteria were finalized.

Findings

Overall, the annual scientific production section results reveal that ML in the healthcare sector is growing significantly. Performing bibliometric analysis has helped find unexplored areas; understand the trend of scientific publication; and categorize topics based on emerging, trending and essential. The paper discovers the influential authors, sources, countries and ML and healthcare management keywords.

Research limitations/implications

The study helps understand various applications of ML in healthcare institutions, such as the use of Internet of Things in healthcare, the prediction of disease, finding the seriousness of a case, natural language processing, speech and language-based classification, etc. This analysis would help future researchers and developers target the healthcare sector areas that are likely to grow in the coming future.

Practical implications

The study highlights the potential for ML to enhance medical support within healthcare institutions. It suggests that regression algorithms are particularly promising for this purpose. Hospital management can leverage time series ML algorithms to estimate the number of incoming patients, thus increasing hospital availability and optimizing resource allocation. ML has been instrumental in the development of these systems. By embracing telemedicine and remote monitoring, healthcare management can facilitate the creation of online patient surveillance and monitoring systems, allowing for early medical intervention and ultimately improving the efficiency and effectiveness of medical services.

Originality/value

By offering a comprehensive panorama of ML's integration within healthcare institutions, this study underscores the pivotal role of innovation management in healthcare. The findings contribute to a holistic understanding of ML's applications in healthcare and emphasize their potential to transform and optimize healthcare delivery.
Effect of marketing literacy on the success of entrepreneurial projects
Authors: Elmobayed Mueen Ghazi , Al-Hattami Hamood Mohammed , Al-Hakimi Mohammed A. , Mraish Walaa Salama , Al-Adwan Ahmad Samed
Published: December 2023

Purpose

This research aims to determine the effect of marketing literacy on the success of entrepreneurial projects (EPS) in Palestine.

Design/methodology/approach

To attain the study’s purpose, the researchers employed the questionnaire, which was applied to a random sample of 298 individuals from the owners of entrepreneurial projects in Palestine. The data were analyzed and tested using SmartPls 4 software.

Findings

The study reached a set of results, including that the level of marketing literacy among owners of small businesses in the Gaza Strip was significantly higher for customer service (CS), management style (MS), technology (T) and customer retention (CR). In particular, the results implied that CS, MS, T and CR significantly and positively affect EPS.

Practical implications

This research would help the start-ups in Palestine spread marketing literacy among the workers in entrepreneurial projects.

Originality/value

Today, most countries tend to support entrepreneurs and owners of creative ideas and entrepreneurial projects through various programs. To the best of the authors'' knowledge, this research is distinguished by its modernity and scarcity in the Arab world, particularly in Palestine. Thus, it would help raise awareness of marketing literacy among owners of entrepreneurial projects and provide empirical evidence of success for those who are about to establish an entrepreneurial project.
Why do consumers buy NFTs?: Multi-path of attitude and the bandwagon effect
Authors: Lee Won-jun , Cha Moon-Kyung
Published: December 2023

Purpose

The non-fungible token (NFT) market has been multiplying in recent years. NFTs are tokens stored on a blockchain network based on smart contract technology that can be used to represent ownership of digital assets and cannot be changed like-for-like. With NFTs, all recorded digital properties can be freely traded and stored with values, making them possible to increase content transactions' privacy and security. In addition, NFTs engender new ways to organize, consume, share and store digital content. Despite the rapid growth of the NFT market, related consumer behaviors have yet to be well-known and relevant academic research results are very scarce. This study aims to explain how NFT fits with blockchain and cryptocurrency and how consumers accept it. This paper also develops a structured causal model with multiple paths to explain the antecedents and attitude variables for NFT acceptance.

Design/methodology/approach

The data collection was conducted from 542 young consumers in Korea via an online survey. The structural equation modeling method was used to analyze the hypotheses.

Findings

Attitudes toward technology and assets positively affect NFT purchase behavioral intentions. Additionally, symbolic driver affects behavioral intention directly.

Originality/value

The results expanded the understanding of the NFT market and consumers, which are still in their early stages. They also provide valuable insights for establishing future market strategies for NFT.
The role of transactive memory system of inter-organizational collaboration in innovation and performance
Authors: Utami Ami Fitri , Japutra Arnold , van Doorn Sebastiaan , Ekaputra Irwan Adi
Published: December 2023

Purpose

This study assesses how the transactive memory systems (TMS) framework extends to cross-organizational ties. This research also treats TMS dimensions (i.e. knowledge specialization, coordination and trust) as distinct variables, each with unique contributions toward innovation.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used a survey to collect data. Out of the 140 Fintech firms registered with OJK in Indonesia in 2021, 101 firms responded to the invitation to participate in the survey. Structural equation modeling was used to analyze the data.

Findings

The authors find evidence that collaborating with partners displaying high knowledge specialization leads to radical innovation, while low knowledge specialization collaborations lead to incremental innovation. Both relationships are moderated by the level of coordination and trust between collaborating partners, underlining the impact of TMS on the cross-organizational collaboration aspect. Finally, while incremental innovation leads to higher performance, radical innovation does not enhance performance in the short term.

Originality/value

This study explains how Fintech peer-to-peer lending firms' proficiency in pursuing innovation depends on their liaison with the collaborative partners.
Disaster risk reduction (DRR) pioneers interview with Charlotte Benson [1]
Authors: Benson Charlotte
Published: December 2023

Purpose

This transcript provides a historical overview of the discussions on economics in disaster risk reduction.

Design/methodology/approach

The transcript and video was developed in the context of a United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) project on the History of DRR.

Findings

The transcript discusses how the work on the economic impacts of disasters started and evolved over time.

Originality/value

The interview highlights the importance of studying and understanding risk and risk creation in disaster risk management.
Mapping the landscape of HRM research in higher education: a 40-year review and directions for future research
Authors: Gassanova Amina , Kozhakhmet Sanat
Published: December 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to analyze and map the terrain of human resource management (HRM) in higher education (HE) contexts, with the aim of uncovering potential gaps within the existing knowledge base.

Design/methodology/approach

This study employs a unique, in-depth bibliometric analysis of 945 publications from the Web of Science database over the past 40 years between 1981 and 2022.

Findings

Based on the bibliometric analysis, the authors retrospectively examined the dominant research themes in HRM within the HE sphere, tracing their evolution over time. Four central clusters emerged: the theoretical foundations of HRM, strategic HRM, organizational culture and human capital development. Furthermore, the authors pinpointed critical research gaps and proposed areas for future inquiry, such as the impact of HRM on productivity, leadership dynamics, sustainable growth development, international staffing strategies and knowledge transfer mechanisms.

Research limitations/implications

This study demonstrates how academics can use bibliometric techniques to systemize literature, expose potential gaps and suggest fruitful lines of inquiry in the field of investigation. The findings of this study can also help improve the decision-making processes of managers and human resource professionals.

Originality/value

This study provides readers with a systematic understanding of the development of HRM in HE settings and presents forward-looking perspectives, highlighting future research possibilities. Moreover, it validates the significance of bibliometric analysis as an efficient technique for discovering gaps in the existing literature.
Public debt forecasts and machine learning: the Italian case
Authors: Sica Edgardo , Altınbaş Hazar , Marini Gaetano Gabriele
Published: December 2023

Purpose

Public debt forecasts represent a key policy issue. Many methodologies have been employed to predict debt sustainability, including dynamic stochastic general equilibrium models, the stock flow consistent method, the structural vector autoregressive model and, more recently, the neuro-fuzzy method. Despite their widespread application in the empirical literature, all of these approaches exhibit shortcomings that limit their utility. The present research adopts a different approach to public debt forecasts, that is, the random forest, an ensemble of machine learning.

Design/methodology/approach

Using quarterly observations over the period 2000–2021, the present research tests the reliability of the random forest technique for forecasting the Italian public debt.

Findings

The results show the large predictive power of this method to forecast debt-to-GDP fluctuations, with no need to model the underlying structure of the economy.

Originality/value

Compared to other methodologies, the random forest method has a predictive capacity that is granted by the algorithm itself. The use of repeated learning, training and validation stages provides well-defined parameters that are not conditional to strong theoretical restrictions This allows to overcome the shortcomings arising from the traditional techniques which are generally adopted in the empirical literature to forecast public debt.
Effects of digital orientation on organizational resilience: a dynamic capabilities perspective
Authors: Liu Yanzhe , Guo Minrui , Han Zhongyi , Gavurova Beata , Bresciani Stefano , Wang Tao
Published: December 2023

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the impact of digital orientation (DO) on organizational resilience (OR) and explore the contingency effects of human resource slack and nature of enterprise ownership.

Design/methodology/approach

The model hypotheses were tested using fixed effects regression on panel data collected from Chinese A-share listed manufacturing firms spanning from 2007 to 2020.

Findings

DO has a positive effect on OR. Human resource slack positively moderates the relationship between DO and OR. Additionally, DO enhances OR more effectively in non-state-owned firms than in state-owned firms.

Research limitations/implications

This study relies on data from a single industry from a single country.

Practical implications

The study supports that firms facing uncertainty, risk and pressure should promptly develop their DO strategy. Firms can derive greater resilience from implementing a DO strategy when they have a high-level human resource pool. State-owned enterprises will benefit from a DO strategy if they make some adaptive changes in leadership, structure, culture and mindset aspects.

Originality/value

This study is the first to examine the relationship between DO and OR, contributing to the existing literature on digital transformation and organizational resilience. It offers valuable insights for practitioners and policymakers seeking to adapt their organizations for the digital era and foster predictive, defensive and growth responses strategies in a dynamic business environment.
The factors impacting the intermediating variable of employee engagement toward employee performance in a hybrid working model
Authors: Jindain Chanapa , Gilitwala Bhumiphat
Published: December 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to investigate the factors impacting the intermediating variable of employee engagement toward employee performance in a hybrid working organization in Bangkok, Thailand.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses secondary data analysis and an archival study; the primary data were gathered from 370 employees who are working in a hybrid model environment in a private agricultural machinery company. To construct a new conceptual framework, this study adopted four frameworks from the previous research.

Findings

Perceived organizational support and trust and respect in the organization are found to have a significant positive impact on employee engagement. Moreover, there is a significant positive impact of the employee engagement on employee performance in a hybrid working model.

Research limitations/implications

For hybrid work environments, the research focused mainly on the emotional themes of perceived support, trust and respect in the organization. Therefore, there would be many factors that could possibly affect those dependence variables in any environment, which will have to be investigated more in future research. Either in the organization or in the company, many departments and business units operates for the company, but the researcher specifies only the business units or departments that now use the hybrid working model.

Practical implications

This study focuses on a case study of an agricultural machinery company, which likely produces different results than other industries, other industries may produce different results.

Social implications

Hybrid working models can blur the boundaries between work and personal life, potentially leading to increased stress and burnout. Organizations should prioritize work-life balance and employee well-being by promoting flexible schedules, encouraging breaks and time off, and providing resources for mental health support.

Originality/value

The organization which is operating among a hybrid working model, the increasing of perceived organizational support and trust and respect level, has positively increase the employee engagement toward enhancing the employee performance.
Nitrogen addition suppresses soil positive priming effect in temperate plantations: Evidence from an 8‐year in situ field experiment
Authors: Qi Dandan , Huang Guodong , Feng Yuhan , He Xin , Song Yu , Song Fuqiang
Published: December 2023

The microbial‐driven soil priming effect (PE) determines soil carbon emissions and is essential for accurately predicting the feedbacks between the terrestrial carbon cycle and global changes. In recent years, human activities have resulted in increased atmospheric nitrogen (N) deposition, but there is limited understanding of the long‐term effects of N deposition on soil microbial communities and their impact on soil PE in temperate plantations.

This study utilized Korean pine plantation soils with 8 years of in situ N addition to investigate the mechanisms of the impact of long‐term N addition on PE through carbon (13C) isotope tracing and high‐throughput sequencing techniques.

We found that N addition significantly changed the soil bacterial community structure, while the effect on the fungal community structure did not reach a significant level. Addition of 13C‐glucose resulted in soil‐positive PE, which exhibited a significant decreasing trend with increasing N addition. Compared with the control (0 kg N ha−1 year−1), the net carbon balance of the low N (20 kg N ha−1 year−1) showed no significant change, while the medium N (40 kg N ha−1 year−1) and high N (80 kg N ha−1 year−1) significantly increased by 35.47% and 35.79%, respectively, implying that glucose carbon was trapped in the soil much more than organic carbon decomposition. The PLS‐PM explained 69.0% of the total variation in PE among different N additions, showing that bacterial core taxa were the main driver of PE and that carbon enzyme activities (β‐1,4‐glucosidase and polyphenol oxidase) were a direct factor in regulating PE.

Our results provide insights into accurately assessing the soil carbon sequestration potential of plantations under the influence of N deposition.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Homogeneous microenvironmental conditions under nurses promote facilitation
Authors: Sánchez‐Martín Ricardo , Montesinos‐Navarro Alicia , Ochoterena Helga , Pisanty Irene , Rodríguez‐Sánchez Mariana , Verdú Miguel , Flores‐Olvera Hilda
Published: December 2023

Biotic interactions are highly affected by species traits and micro‐environmental variability. Research on facilitation has primarily focused on how nurse species alleviate abiotic stress for beneficiary species, while the impact of the micro‐environmental variability generated by nurse plants in shaping facilitation outcomes is poorly understood. This study has two objectives: (i) To evaluate which traits define beneficiary species and (ii) to evaluate whether nurse and non‐nurse species differ in their ability to reduce abiotic stress and its variability under their canopy.

We sampled recruits in two arid and stressful environments to assess (i) which species accumulate more juveniles beneath their canopy controlling for their coverage (nurse vs. non‐nurse species) and (ii) which species benefited from facilitation by determining whether they tend to recruit more beneath other species or on the bare ground (beneficiary/non‐beneficiary). First, we compared how nurse and non‐nurse species modify the physical and chemical microenvironments underneath their canopy, both in terms of magnitude and variation. Second, we compared root growth, water retention and nutrient accumulation in juvenile plants of beneficiary and non‐beneficiary species.

We found that facilitation is enhanced by species that provide a more homogeneous microenvironment rather than an intense reduction of microenvironmental stress under their canopy. In addition, the juveniles of beneficiary species invest more in root development, accumulate Ca and S in their shoot tissues, and show a higher water content than non‐beneficiary species.

Our findings indicate that the homogeneity of microenvironments plays a crucial role in facilitative interactions, and the juveniles of beneficiary species show a less conservative strategy, investing more in resource acquisition than juveniles of non‐beneficiary species.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Sonographic features of abdominal organs in healthy captive Neotropical otters (Lontra longicaudis)
Authors: de Espírito Augusti Beatriz , Rahal Sheila Canevese , da Silva Jeana Pereira , Vac Mirian Halásc , Teixeira Rodrigo Hidalgo Friciello , da Costa Andre Luiz Mota , da Silva Gomes Marcelo , Novais Jeniffer , Junior Oldemar Carvalho , Mamprim Maria Jaqueline
Published: December 2023

This study aimed to assess the sonographic features of abdominal organs in healthy captive Neotropical otters (Lontra longicaudis). The sonograph showed that the urinary bladder was located in the caudal abdomen and its content was uniformly anechoic. The bladder wall had three layers: outer hyperechoic serosa, hypoechoic muscular layer and hyperechoic mucosa. The mean total wall thickness was 0.10 cm. The splenic parenchyma had a homogeneous echotexture with greater echogenicity than that of the left renal cortex and liver. The borders were regular and tapered. Rugal folds were observed in the stomach when undistended. The mean gastric wall thickness was 0.28 cm and five distinct layers were visible. The liver had smooth contours, and division of the hepatic lobes was not precisely visualized. The hepatic parenchyma had a homogeneous echotexture with greater echogenicity as compared to the right kidney and lesser echogenicity than that of the spleen. The gallbladder appeared as an oval or rounded structure in the transverse plane, filled with homogeneous anechogenic content; the wall was thin, regular and hyperechoic, with a mean thickness of 0.09 cm. The kidneys had a lobulated appearance with renicular subunits. The mean total length of the kidneys in longitudinal plane was 6.18 cm for the left and 6.27 cm for the right. Each reniculus was covered by an echogenic capsule, and the medullary region was more hypoechogenic than the cortical region. In conclusion, sonographic features in most of the abdominal organs in Neotropical otters are similar to the ultrasound patterns observed in healthy dogs and cats, except for kidneys with reniculi.
Slavic Reciprocity and Greek‐Cypriot Enosis as the Nineteenth‐Century Forms of the Law of Progress
Authors: Gluchman Vasil
Published: December 2023

In the context of Hobsbawm's thesis about the nineteenth‐century law of progress, the author studies Kollár's and Štúr's conception of Slavic reciprocity, which he compares with the Greek Great Idea (Megali Idea) and the Greek‐Cypriot idea of enosis. He came to the conclusion that there is greater similarity, especially between Štúr's conception and enosis, since they both required state‐political as well as territorial unification of Slavs or Greeks, unlike Kollár's conception, which was, rather, a cultural and literary reciprocity project. As a historical paradox, the author considers the fact that the practical and feasible conception of enosis was never carried out, while Kollár's theoretical conception and Štúr's highly unlikely model became, in a modified form, a reality after the First and Second World Wars.
Bioartificial liver system approved for clinical trials in China
Authors: Shah Aakash M.
Published: December 2023

Bioartificial organ systems are becoming more attractive options for end‐stage organ disease. Currently, end‐stage liver disease has several palliative options but relies on transplantation for curative management. A new bioartificial liver has been approved for clinical trials in China and helps support the failed liver via stem cells.
Vitamin D concentrations were often insufficient among native Norwegian adolescents and children with a non‐Western immigrant background
Authors: Devulapalli Chandra Sekhar
Published: December 2023

Aim

The aim of this study was to review papers that assessed the vitamin D intake of children living in Norway, as research has suggested that it has remained below the recommended daily allowance of 10 μg/day.

Methods

This mini review examined the vitamin D status of Norwegian children aged 0–18 years by systematically searching the PubMed, Google Scholar and Scopus databases from 1 January 2009 to 1 July 2020.

Results

The review comprised six studies published in English between 2009 and 2020 on native‐born and non‐Western immigrant children. Most studies defined satisfactory vitamin D status as a plasma 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentration of 50 nmol/L, with 25–50 nmol/L being classified as insufficient and below 25 nmol/L being classified as deficient. A study of healthy children found that 21% had insufficient levels and a further 1% were deficient, but this second finding was only among adolescents. Other studies showed that 47% of Norwegian children with a non‐Western immigrant background were deficient, and so were 19% of overweight children, mainly adolescents.

Conclusion

Vitamin D concentrations were often insufficient among children living in Norway, particularly adolescents and those with a non‐Western immigrant background. Higher recommended supplements may be needed.
Comparative diagnoses of respiratory disease in preweaned dairy calves using sequential thoracic ultrasonography and clinical respiratory scoring
Authors: Hinnant HR , Elder LA , Claus‐Walker R , Mandella CM , Slanzon GS , Parrish LM , Trombetta SC , McConnel CS
Published: December 2023

Aims

Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) has serious impacts on dairy production and animal welfare. It is most commonly diagnosed based on clinical respiratory signs (CRS), but in recent years, thoracic ultrasonography (TUS) has emerged as a diagnostic tool with improved sensitivity and specificity. This study aimed to assess the alignment of BRD diagnoses based on a Clinical Respiratory Scoring Chart (CRSC) and weekly TUS findings throughout the progression of BRD of variable severity in preweaned Holstein dairy heifers.

Methods

A total of 60 calves on two farms were followed from the 2nd week of life through the 11th week of life and assessed on a weekly basis for CRS and lung consolidation via TUS. The alignment of BRD diagnoses based on CRSC scores and TUS findings was evaluated across disease progression (pre‐consolidation, onset, chronic, or recovered) and severity (lobular or lobar lung consolidation) using receiver operator curves and area under the curves combined with Cohen's kappa (κ), sensitivity, and specificity.

Results

The diagnosis of BRD using CRSC scores ≥5 aligned best with the onset of lobar lung consolidation (>1 cm in width and full thickness). This equated to an acceptable level of discrimination (AUC = 0.76), fair agreement (κ = 0.37), and a sensitivity of 29% and specificity of 99%. Similarly, there was acceptable discrimination (AUC = 0.70) and fair agreement (κ = 0.33) between CRSC ≥5 and the onset of a less severe threshold of disease based on lobular (1–3 cm2 but not full thickness) or lobar consolidation. Discrimination remained acceptable (AUC = 0.71) with fair agreement (κ = 0.28) between CRSC scores ≥2 for nasal discharge and/or cough (spontaneous or induced) and the onset of lobar consolidation. However, sensitivity was <40% across comparisons and outside of the onset of disease there tended to be poor discrimination, slight agreement, and lowered sensitivity between CRS and TUS diagnoses of lobular or lobar consolidation (pre‐consolidation, chronic, or recovered). Conversely, specificity was relatively high (≥92%) across comparisons suggesting that CRSC diagnoses indicative of BRD and associated lung consolidation tend to result in few false positive diagnoses and accurate identification of healthy animals.

Conclusions and clinical relevance

Although we found the specificity of clinical signs for diagnosing lung consolidation to be ≥92% across all methods of TUS evaluations, the low levels of sensitivity dictate that clinical assessments lead to many false negative diagnoses. Consequently, depending on clinical signs alone to diagnose BRD within populations of dairy calves will likely result in overlooking a substantial proportion of subclinically affected animals that could inform the success of treatment and prevention protocols and guide management decisions.
A meta‐analysis exploring the relationship between perceived brand ethicality and consumer response
Authors: Geetha M. , Kaushik Arun Kumar , Abithakumari Jensolin , Gotmare Preeti R.
Published: December 2023

Recent research highlights the relationship between perceived brand ethicality (PBE), consumer purchase intention, and the consumer–brand relationship. Existing empirical studies offer mixed findings on whether these three relate positively, negatively, or not at all. Moreover, their relationships have not been the primary focus of existing meta‐analytic reviews. Therefore, we conducted a meta‐analysis to provide an empirical consensus to this debate by studying the magnitude of the association between PBE and consumer responses (purchase intention, brand trust, and brand loyalty). Moreover, we examined the moderating effects of self‐accountability and brand experience to expand our understanding of this relationship. After a thorough literature review from major databases and cross‐referencing of the relevant articles, we selected 31 peer‐reviewed articles for this meta‐analysis. The results reveal that consumer response to PBE positively influences attitude formation towards the brand and purchase intentions. Additionally, moderation analyses reveal the crucial roles of self‐accountability and brand experience in influencing the effects of PBE on consumer–brand relationships and purchase intention. Crucial theoretical and practical implications are discussed regarding these relationships, followed by limitations and future research directions.
ATBC 2019 in Madagascar: Its impact on the National Scientific Community
Authors: Rakotomanana Hajanirina , Razanamaro Onja Hariveloniana Morilline , Ravelomanana Andrianjaka , Andriantsaralaza Seheno , Rafalinirina Andry Herman , Razanaparany Tojotanjona P. , Ratsimbazafy Jonah , Rabakonandrianina Elisabeth , Goodman Steven M.
Published: December 2023

Conferences of the Association of Tropical Biology and Conservation aim to foster scientific understanding and conservation of tropical ecosystems by supporting research communication and collaboration among biologists and conservation practitioners working in the tropics. The annual meeting in 2019 was held in Antananarivo, Madagascar. To assess the importance of the meeting in the academic and professional development of the 89 Malagasy participants, an anonymous questionnaire survey was conducted 12 months after the meeting. Feedback from the respondents indicated that the three most important aspects of the meeting were developing networks (40.0%); improving professional skills (encompassing public speaking, data analysis, comments on their presentations, writing capacity, and ability to publish) (30.0%); and gaining visibility (16.7%). Among the respondents, 49.0% have subsequently become interest in problems associated with deforestation, 28.6% in topics related to conservation biology, 14.3% to new approaches for solving conservation problems, and 8.2% in food security issues. The survey found that language barriers and lack of funds for research (about 64.6% in both cases) were the most limiting factors to advance research programs for national scientists. The meeting also acknowledged three Malagasy scientists who received Association of Tropical Biology and Conservation awards. An important outcome was the “Ivato Declaration” a petition to bring to the world's attention the current conservation situation on the island and for which nearly 7000 people from 124 countries signed. The survey indicated that national scientists and students received multiple benefits and new opportunities from their participation in the meeting.

Abstract in French is available with online material.
Study on the molecular mechanism of dihydromyricetin in alleviating liver cirrhosis based on network pharmacology
Authors: Wei Lin , Li Xiaoying , Yao Yuanzhi , Wang Siqi , Ai Xinghui , Liu Shenggui
Published: December 2023

Dihydromyricetin (DHM) is a bioactive flavonoid extracted from Hovenia dulcis, which has various activities. In the present study, the molecular mechanism of dihydromyricetin (DHM) in relieving liver cirrhosis was investigated through network pharmacology and experimental verification. The cell model was induced by TGF‐β1 activating the human hepatic stellate cell line (HSC; LX‐2). The protein levels of α‐SMA, collagen I, and collagen III and pathway‐related proteins within LX‐2 cells were detected using Western blot. EdU staining was conducted to detect cell proliferation. Immunofluorescence staining was performed to detect the expression levels of α‐SMA and collagen I. Next, the drug targets of DHM were screened from the PubChem database. The differentially expressed genes in the liver cirrhosis dataset GSE14323 were identified. The expression of the identified drug targets in LX‐2 cells was verified using qRT‐PCR. The results showed that TGF‐β1 treatment notably increased LX‐2 cell viability, promoted cell proliferation, and elevated α‐SMA, collagen I, and collagen III protein contents. DHM treatment could partially eliminate TGF‐β1 effects, as evidenced by the inhibited cell viability and proliferation and reduced α‐SMA, collagen I, and collagen III contents. After network pharmacology analysis, nine differentially expressed target genes (MMP2, PDGFRB, PARP1, BCL2L2, ABCB1, TYR, CYP2E1, SQSTM1, and IL6) in liver cirrhosis were identified. According to qRT‐PCR verification, DHM could inhibit the expression of MMP2, PDGFRB, PARP1, CYP2E1, SQSTM1, and IL6, and enhance ABCB1 expression levels within LX‐2 cells. Moreover, DHM inhibited mTOR and MAPK signaling pathways in TGF‐β1‐induced HSCs. In conclusion, DHM could inhibit HSC activation, which may be achieved via acting on MMP2, PDGFRB, PARP1, CYP2E1, SQSTM1, IL6, and ABCB1 genes and their downstream signaling pathways, including mTOR and MAPK signaling pathway.
Exendin‐4: A potential therapeutic strategy for Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease
Authors: Verma Aanchal , Chaudhary Shobhit , Solanki Kunal , Goyal Ahsas , Yadav Harlokesh Narayan
Published: December 2023

Neurodegenerative disorders, which affect millions worldwide, are marked by a steady decline of neurons that are selectively susceptible. Due to the complex pathological processes underlying neurodegeneration, at present, there is no viable therapy available for neurodegenerative disorders. Consequently, the establishment of a novel therapeutic approach for such conditions is a clinical void that remains. The potential significance of various peptides as neuroprotective interventions for neurodegenerative disorders is gaining increasing attention. In the past few years, there has been growing scientific interest in glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists due to their claimed neuroprotective effects. Exendin‐4 is a glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonist that is known to possess anti‐diabetic effects and does not degrade for hours, making it a superior candidate for such disorders. Moreover, exendin‐4's neuroprotective effects have been reported in several preclinical studies. Exendin‐4's diverse therapeutic targets suggest its potential therapeutic uses in neurodegenerative ailments like Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease and have garnered an increasing amount of attention. Given the substantial body of evidence supporting the neuroprotective potential of exendin‐4 in various research models, this article is dedicated to exploring the promising role of exendin‐4 as a therapeutic agent for the treatment and management of Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. This review draws insights from the findings of numerous preclinical and clinical studies to highlight the collective neuroprotective advantages of exendin‐4 and the potential mechanisms that underlie its neuroprotective effects.
Effects of homicide timing on test scores: Quasi‐experimental evidence from two cities in Colombia
Authors: Cristancho Juan C. , Bailey Drew H. , Duncan Greg J. , Molano Andres , Harker Arturo , Norza Ervyn
Published: December 2023

This study examines the effect of homicides around schools on the standardized test scores of fifth and ninth graders (N = 4729; Mage = 12.71 years, SDage = 2.13) using a quasi‐experimental design in two Colombian cities. Exposure to homicides occurring within 7 days of the test and within 500 m of the school decreases test scores by 0.10 SD. Effects show a greater sensitivity to timing than distance, becoming null as the time to the testing date increases but remaining consistent across larger radii. Since students in the study are on average exposed to 12.1 homicides per year, even short‐lived learning losses can accumulate to impair learning for substantial portions of the school year. Findings are discussed, considering previous empirical work.
Women's perceptions of body mass graphics and their preferences for weight counselling
Authors: Kaak Katherine B. , Holliday Candice P. , Mulekar Madhuri S. , Trepman Elly , Holliday Nicolette P.
Published: December 2023

Health care providers may lack data‐driven guidance about best practises for discussing weight. We assessed women's self‐perception of body mass index (BMI) and preferences for weight counselling by provider characteristics and the initiating question. A voluntary, anonymous survey was completed by 756 women (age ≥ 19 year) at our tertiary care obstetrics and gynaecology clinics in autumn 2021. The respondents' height and weight were collected before respondents selected graphics from a validated Body Image Scale that they felt best represented their current body size and which graphs should prompt weight loss or gain recommendations. Respondents were asked their preferences about provider characteristics for discussion about weight and to identify which of six initiating questions from a provider was most and least preferred. Blank responses were allowed. In 708 responses, 366 women (52%) selected the most accurate graphic that corresponded to their BMI; the selected graphic represented a lower than actual BMI in 268 women (38%) and higher in 74 women (10%). In 648 responses, 374 women (58%) preferred a female provider, but provider body shape, ethnicity/race and age were not important to most women. The most preferred question to initiate a discussion about weight was “A lot of women have trouble achieving or maintaining a healthy weight; is that something we can discuss?” in 181 of 555 women (33%), and the least preferred question was “Do you feel like you are at an appropriate weight?” in 172 of 554 women (31%). Provider knowledge about patient preferences regarding questions may facilitate the discussion about weight.
Melanocyte colonization and pigmentation of breast carcinoma: A case report
Authors: Khazaeli Mahyar , Maruthi Vijaya Kadam , See Sharlene , Ondracek Theodore , Gerami Pedram
Published: December 2023

Pigmented mammary Paget disease is a rare variant of mammary Paget disease that is often clinically misdiagnosed as a melanocytic lesion of the skin or nipple–areolar complex. Careful morphological assessment, along with the performance of adequate immunohistochemical stains, will help in achieving the right diagnosis and avoiding misdiagnosis of the entity as malignant melanoma. We report a rare case of pigmented mammary Paget disease with concomitant colonization of the underlying invasive ductal carcinoma by melanocytes mimicking melanoma.
Reproductive justice in the Colombian armed conflict
Authors: Svallfors Signe
Published: December 2023

This study explores the impacts of armed conflict on women's sexual and reproductive health in Colombia, building on a reproductive justice perspective to analyse original interviews with stakeholders in healthcare, women's rights, and peacebuilding. The analysis reveals that war affects women's sexual and reproductive health in three ways, through violent politicisation, collateral damage, and intersectional dimensions. First, multiple armed actors have used women's health as an instrument in politically motivated strategies to increase their power, assigning political meaning to sexuality and reproduction within the context of war. Second, women's health has also suffered from secondary damage of conflict resulting from a decay in healthcare service provision and an unmet need for healthcare services among those affected by sexual and reproductive violence. Third, marginalised women have been particularly affected by a discriminatory nexus of poverty, ethnicity, and geographic inequality. The paper concludes with a reflection on the opportunities for reproductive justice in Colombia.