bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Calcium influx rapidly establishes distinct spatial recruitments of Annexins to cell wounds
Authors: Nakamura Mitsutoshi , Parkhurst Susan M.
Published: December 2023

To survive daily damage, the formation of actomyosin ring at the wound periphery is required to rapidly close cell wounds. Calcium influx is one of the start signals for these cell wound repair events. Here, we find that rapid recruitment of all threeDrosophilacalcium responding and phospholipid binding Annexin proteins (AnxB9, AnxB10, AnxB11) to distinct regions around the wound are regulated by the quantity of calcium influx rather than their binding to specific phospholipids. The distinct recruitment patterns of these Annexins regulate the subsequent recruitment of RhoGEF2 and RhoGEF3 through actin stabilization to form a robust actomyosin ring. Surprisingly, we find that reduced extracellular calcium and depletion of intracellular calcium affect cell wound repair differently, despite these two conditions exhibiting similar GCaMP signals. Thus, our results suggest that, in addition to initiating repair events, both the quantity and sources of calcium influx are important for precise Annexin spatiotemporal protein recruitment to cell wounds and efficient wound repair.

Cells have rapid and robust repair systems to survive daily damage. This study shows that calcium influx regulates the three distinctDrosophilaAnnexin recruitment patterns to the cell wound in order to organize an actomyosin ring for efficient wound closure.
Mechanical Netrin-1-DCC Coupling Mediates Netrin-1–induced Axonal Haptotaxis
Authors: Qiu Zhen , Minegishi Takunori , Aoki Daichi , Abe Kouki , Baba Kentarou , Inagaki Naoyuki
Published: December 2023

The growth cone, a motile structure located at the tip of growing axon, senses extracellular guidance cues and translates them into directional forces that drive axon outgrowth and guidance. Axon guidance directed by chemical cues on the extracellular adhesive substrate is termed haptotaxis. Recent studies reported that netrin-1 on the substrate functions as a haptotactic axon guidance cue. However, the mechanism mediating netrin-1–induced axonal haptotaxis remains unclear. Here, we demonstrate that substrate-bound netrin-1 induces axonal haptotaxis by facilitating physical interactions between the netrin-1 receptor, DCC, and the adhesive substrates. DCC serves as an adhesion receptor for netrin-1. The clutch molecule shootin1a interacted with DCC, linking it to actin filament retrograde flow at the growth cone. Speckle imaging analyses showed that DCC underwent either grip (stop) and retrograde slip on the adhesive substrate. The grip state was more prevalent on netrin-1-coated substrate compared to the control substrate polylysine, thereby transmitting larger traction force on the netrin-1-coated substrate. Furthermore, disruption of the linkage between actin flow and DCC by shootin1 knockout impaired netrin-1-induced axonal haptotaxis. These findings indicate that the directional force for netrin-1–induced haptotaxis is exerted on the substrates through the mechanical coupling between netrin-1 and DCC which occurs asymmetrically under the growth cone.
Extensive remodelling ofXISTregulatory networks during primate evolution
Authors: Cazottes Emmanuel , Alfeghaly Charbel , Rognard Cloé , Loda Agnese , Castel Gaël , Villacorta Laura , Dong Michael , Heard Edith , Aksoy Irène , Savatier Pierre , Morey Céline , Rougeulle Claire
Published: December 2023

Unravelling how gene regulatory networks are remodelled during evolution is crucial to understand how species adapt to environmental changes. We addressed this question for X-chromosome inactivation, a process essential to female development that is governed, in eutherians, by theXISTlncRNA and itscis-regulators. To reach high resolution, we studied closely related primate species, spanning 55 million years of evolution. We show that theXISTregulatory circuitry has diversified extensively over such evolutionary timeframe. The insertion of a HERVK transposon has reshuffledXIST3D interaction network in macaque embryonic stem cells (ESC) andXISTexpression is maintained by the additive effects of theJPXlncRNA gene and a macaque specific enhancer. In contrast,JPXis the main contributor toXISTexpression in human ESCs but is not significantly involved inXISTregulation in marmoset ESCs. None of these entities are however under purifying selection, which suggests that neutrally evolving non-coding elements harbour high adaptive potentials.
Organizational environments, work characteristics and employee innovative behavior in the digital age: an fsQCA approach
Authors: Liu Yueyue , Zhang Xu , Xi Meng , Liu Siqi , Meng Xin
Published: December 2023

Purpose

For start-ups or growing firms, to effectively navigate the unpredictable nature of digital development and achieve superior innovative performance, it is crucial to have a workforce comprised of creative and innovative employees. Drawing upon the principles of social information processing theory, this study aims to investigate whether specific combinations of organizational internal and external environments, as well as work characteristics in the digital age, can foster a high level of employee innovative behavior.

Design/methodology/approach

By collecting a multilevel and multisource data set comprising 693 employees and 88 CEOs from 88 start-ups or growing firms, this study used fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis to examine the distinctive configurations associated with achieving a high level of employee innovative behavior.

Findings

The study found that six solutions enabled employees to innovate more effectively, but six solutions led to the absence of employee innovative behavior.

Research limitations/implications

The findings of this study offer important theoretical and practical implications to motivate employee innovative behavior in Chinese enterprises.

Originality/value

First, this study contributes to the literature on employee innovative behavior by addressing the need to explore the impact of the digital context on promoting innovation among employees. Second, this study adds to the existing literature on employee innovation and entrepreneurship by examining multiple organizational contexts and their influence on innovative behavior. Third, this study makes a significant contribution to the field of employee innovative behavior by examining the macroenvironment surrounding digital transformation within enterprises and integrating both internal and external organizational factors.
Limitations of Jiles–Atherton models to study the effect of hysteresis in electrical steels under different excitation regimes
Authors: Atyia Abdelazeem Hassan Shehata , Ghanim Abdelrahman Mohamed
Published: December 2023

Purpose

The accurate modeling of magnetic hysteresis in electrical steels is important in several electrical and electronic applications. Numerical models have long been known that can correctly reproduce some typical behaviours of these magnetic materials. Among these, the model proposed by Jiles and Atherton must certainly be mentioned. This model is intuitive and fairly easy to implement and identify with relatively few experimental data. Also, for this reason, it has been extensively studied in different formulations. The developments and numerical tests made on this hysteresis model have indicated that it is able to accurately reproduce symmetrical cycles, especially the major loop, but often it fails to reproduce non-symmetrical cycles. This paper aims to show the positive aspects and highlight the defects of the different formulations in predicting the minor loops of electrical steels excited by non-sinusoidal currents.

Design/methodology/approach

The different formulations are applied to different electrical steels, and the data coming from the simulations are compared with those measured experimentally. The direct and inverse Jiles–Atherton models, including the introduction of the dissipative factor approach, are presented, and their limitations are proposed and validated using the measurements of three non-grain-oriented materials. Only the measured major loop is used to identify the parameters of the Jiles–Atherton model. Furthermore, the direct and inverse Jiles–Atherton models were used to simulate the minor loops as well as the hysteresis cycles with direct component (DC) bias excitation. Finally, the simulation results are discussed and compared to measurements for each study case.

Findings

The paper indicates that both the direct and the inverse Jiles–Atherton model formulations provide a good agreement with the experimental data for the major loop representation; nevertheless, both models can not accurately predict the minor loops even when the modification approaches proposed in the literature were implemented.

Originality/value

The Jiles–Atherton model and its modifications are widely discussed in the literature; however, some limitations of the model and its modification in the case of the distorted current waveform are not completely highlighted. Furthermore, this paper contains an original discussion on the accuracy of the prediction of minor loops from distorted current waveforms, including DC bias.
The role of accreditation on financial innovation and business sustainability: a study of AACSB-accredited business schools in the GCC region
Authors: Aldhaen Esra , Braendle Udo
Published: December 2023

Purpose

Accreditation represents a quality of academic standards and validation, and its impact on business schools is multifaceted. Accredited institutions are widely acknowledged for their higher quality, financial stability, stakeholder acceptance and overall growth compared to non-accredited educational institutions. Given these positive outcomes, this study aims to explore the role of accreditation in fostering financial innovation and business sustainability.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used a qualitative design to understand this relationship, engaging 36 leaders from Advance Collegiate Schools of Business-accredited business schools in the Gulf Cooperation Council region as participants to collect data. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to gain an in-depth understanding of the topic. Data were analysed using the content analysis method.

Findings

That accreditation significantly influences the business sustainability of these schools. In addition, although the direct impact of accreditation on financial innovation may not be immediately apparent, it was observed that financial inflows experienced remarkable growth after obtaining accreditation.

Originality/value

While the effects of accreditation have been thoroughly researched, its influence on financial innovation and business sustainability remains unexplored. This study aims to discern if accredited educational institutions excel in financial innovation and maintaining sustainable business practices. These findings have important implications as they guide university administrators to maximise the benefits of accrediting their business schools.
Cafe Galavis: a brand with the aroma of innovation
Authors: Perez Perez Juan Ernesto
Published: December 2023

Learning outcomes

Upon completion of the case study, the students will be able to analyze the brand equity construct through the associative neural network model for decision-making; identify prospective scenarios through the Delphi method for the construction of strategic plans in organizations; and propose the innovation of a product by applying creativity techniques to enter international markets.

Case overview/synopsis

Cafe Galavis was one of the leading family businesses in industrial development and had the highest business recognition, with a century of experience in producing and commercializing roasted and ground coffee in Cucuta, Colombia. In 2015, the diplomatic crisis between the governments of Colombia and Venezuela led to the indefinite closure of the Colombian–Venezuelan border, which caused an increase in income from smuggled coffee. In addition, the presence of different competitors and traditional brands negatively impacted the level of sales, which considerably affected financial stability. Likewise, internal difficulties of family nature and administrative management led to the change of senior management. By 2016, Juan Yáñez was appointed chief executive officer (CEO) and was in charge of avoiding the company’s closure. In January 2023, he received feedback from his consulting team, and upon evaluation of the new market challenges with his collaborators, he realized a great challenge that merited the search for a priority alternative solution. How to design a new product considering the loss of brand identity in the face of the generational change of its consumers? These were some of the challenges posed by the CEO that consequently required starting a strategic management process of innovation.

Complexity academic level

The teaching case is aimed at students of postgraduate academic programs in the areas of knowledge of innovation, product design, industrial design, marketing or MBA. In the modules of marketing, strategic management, brand management and strategic foresight, the case allowed for the orientation of the concepts of brand value or branding as well as the analysis of the value chain for the implementation of strategies that promote competitive advantages of companies. Similarly, in the modules of product or service design, creativity and innovation and complex thinking, the case allows one to approach a complex problem and apply creativity techniques for its solution.

Supplementary material

Teaching notes are available for educators only.

Subject code

CSS: 8 Marketing.
Toward the sustainable development of corporate universities: the case of South Korea
Authors: Oh Jeong Rok , Park Cho Hyun , Baek Kyungmin
Published: December 2023

Purpose

Despite the burgeoning interest in corporate universities (CUs), their pragmatic application and ongoing evolution present challenges. This study aims to analyze the South Korean CU landscape from a balanced perspective to draw implications for the sustainable development of CUs.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses a case study method to systematically explore CUs in South Korea by reviewing the South Korean government reports on CUs. The cases of CUs are analyzed based on the holistic model of CUs, which functions as an analytical framework.

Findings

By analyzing four groups of CUs, namely, in-house colleges, corporation colleges, technical colleges and in-house college-type lifelong educational establishments, implemented in South Korea, this study draws implications for the sustainable development of CUs, using the holistic CU model.

Originality/value

By analyzing cases of CUs from a new perspective, this study contributes to expand knowledge on CUs and suggests implications for organizations aiming to establish and sustain their own CUs tailored to their specific needs. Furthermore, this paper delves into the support necessary for the successful implementation and sustainable development of CUs, spanning organizational/team, national and individual levels.
Research on intangible cultural heritage resource description and knowledge fusion based on linked data
Authors: Fan Qing
Published: December 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to contribute to the digital development and utilization of China’s intangible cultural heritage resources, research on the theft of intangible cultural heritage resources and knowledge integration based on linked data is proposed to promote the standardized description of intangible cultural heritage knowledge and realize the digital dissemination and development of intangible cultural heritage.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, firstly, the knowledge organization theory and semantic Web technology are used to describe the intangible cultural heritage digital resource objects in metadata specifications. Secondly, the ontology theory and technical methods are used to build a conceptual model of the intangible cultural resources field and determine the concept sets and hierarchical relationships in this field. Finally, the semantic Web technology is used to establish semantic associations between intangible cultural heritage resource knowledge.

Findings

The study findings indicate that the knowledge organization of intangible cultural heritage resources constructed in this study provides a solution for the digital development of intangible cultural heritage in China. It also provides semantic retrieval with better knowledge granularity and helps to visualize the knowledge content of intangible cultural heritage.

Originality/value

This study summarizes and provides significant theoretical and practical value for the digital development of intangible cultural heritage and the resource description and knowledge fusion of intangible cultural heritage can help to discover the semantic relationship of intangible cultural heritage in multiple dimensions and levels.
Influencing factors of Six Sigma management in the construction of students mental health service system in the post-COVID-19 era
Authors: Wang Hao , Liu Yunna
Published: December 2023

Purpose

This study aims to construct a mental health service system for middle school students in the post-COVID-19 era with the framework of Six Sigma DMAIC (define, measure, analyze, improve and control) and analyze the influencing factors of the mental health service system to study the implementation strategies of quality-oriented mental health services in middle schools.

Design/methodology/approach

This study was conducted in Tianjin, China, from September to November 2022, and 350 middle school students from Tianjin Public Middle School were selected as subjects. A questionnaire survey was used to collect data. In this study, the Six Sigma DMAIC method, sensitivity analysis method, exploratory factor analysis and principal component analysis were used to analyze the mental health services provided to middle school students.

Findings

Based on the Six Sigma DMAIC framework, this study indicates that the contribution rate of the mental health service process factor is the largest in the post-COVID-19 era. The mental health cultivation factor ranks second in terms of its contribution. Mental health quality and policy factors are also important in the construction of middle school students’ mental health service system. In addition, the study highlights the importance of parental involvement and social support in student mental health services during the post-COVID-19 era.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, a study on middle school students’ mental health in the post-Covid-19 era has not yet been conducted. This study developed a quality-oriented mental health system and analyzed the influencing factors of mental health for middle school students based on data analysis and the Six Sigma DMAIC method.
Sustainable implementation of co-production: exploring conflicts and coping behavior employed by street-level professionals
Authors: Mortensen Nanna Møller
Published: December 2023

Purpose

This study explores how street-level professionals translate and implement a co-production strategy, formulated by top management, in their professional practices, focusing on conflicts that arise during this process and the effectiveness of the coping strategies employed by these professionals to manage them.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is based on a lower-level inquiry into three care services in Denmark. It adopted the translation perspective in organizational research to analyze the consequences of street-level professionals' translation choices. Data were collected through interviews and observations.

Findings

This study found that street-level professionals' translation choices contribute to conflicts of varying forms and extents. The finding suggests that the way conflicts are managed makes the difference between the actual organizational change and the more symbolic acceptance of co-production.

Originality/value

This study contributes to discourses on challenges in co-production implementation by deepening knowledge about the role of coping behavior and translation in sustainable implementation of co-production.
Using network visualizations to engage elementary students in locally relevant data literacy
Authors: Zhou Mengxi , Steinberg Selena , Stiso Christina , Danish Joshua A. , Craig Kalani
Published: December 2023

Purpose

This study aims to explore how network visualization provides opportunities for learners to explore data literacy concepts using locally and personally relevant data.

Design/methodology/approach

The researchers designed six locally relevant network visualization activities to support students’ data reasoning practices toward understanding aggregate patterns in data. Cultural historical activity theory (Engeström, 1999) guides the analysis to identify how network visualization activities mediate students’ emerging understanding of aggregate data sets.

Findings

Pre/posttest findings indicate that this implementation positively impacted students’ understanding of network visualization concepts, as they were able to identify and interpret key relationships from novel networks. Interaction analysis (Jordan and Henderson, 1995) of video data revealed nuances of how activities mediated students’ improved ability to interpret network data. Some challenges noted in other studies, such as students’ tendency to focus on familiar concepts, are also noted as teachers supported conversations to help students move beyond them.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study the authors are aware of that supported elementary students in exploring data literacy through network visualization. The authors discuss how network visualizations and locally/personally meaningful data provide opportunities for learning data literacy concepts across the curriculum.
Applicability of electronic document management system (EDMS) for the cost management of mega construction projects in Sri Lanka
Authors: Rathnayaka Lahiru Supun Deshan , Malsha Nadeetharu Buddha Koralage , Kulatunga Udayangani
Published: December 2023

Purpose

Documentation plays a key role in navigating the costs of construction projects. Traditional document management systems (TDMS) used in developing countries, however, hinder the achievement of expected cost targets. Although the electronic document management system (EDMS) has been implemented to improve documentation, the Sri Lankan construction industry has failed to effectively adapt to it. Hence, this study aims to provide strategies for the effective application of EDMS to the cost management of Sri Lankan mega construction projects.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a qualitative approach followed by 12 semi-structured expert interviews. Quantity surveying experts were selected through judgemental sampling. Manual content analysis was used to analyse the data.

Findings

The EDMS is more suitable for megaprojects than traditional methods of documentation in terms of functionality, neutrality, interoperability, space, reversibility and delivery speed. However, there are contradictory views about cost and security. Furthermore, five transitional challenges of EDMS have been identified under the three key themes of cost, stakeholder perception and technical difficulties. Four reasons were also identified as causing these five challenges. Seven suggestions were made to deal with these transitional challenges and three key feasible solutions for the Sri Lankan construction industry regarding the EDMS were identified. Development of Sri Lankan software with low initial cost was highlighted as the most feasible solution.

Originality/value

This is a novel study to investigate the applicability of EDMS to cost management mechanisms of megaprojects in Sri Lanka. The findings reveal transitional challenges and appropriate feasible solutions for EDMS adaptation. This can be applied to the cost management of megaprojects in other developing countries as well.
Co-creating successful mentoring relationships? Investigating mentor and protégé perceptions of dyadic fit and relationship quality
Authors: Alonso Nicole , Marshall Alyssa , Porter Caitlin , Kraiger Kurt
Published: December 2023

Purpose

To examine how perceptions of complementary and supplementary fit and relationship quality contribute to successful mentorship co-creation.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected via cross-sectional survey of 145 mentor–protégé dyads within institutions of higher education in the USA. Mentors evaluated their perceptions of supplementary and complementary fit and relationship quality with their protégés and vice versa. Additionally, mentors evaluated their protégés’ performance, whereas protégés reported on their own learning. Data were analyzed using the actor–partner interdependence model.

Findings

Results suggest that one's own fit perceptions are most important in predicting one's evaluation of relationship quality. Additionally, for both mentor and protégé, complementary fit and supplementary fit predict evaluations of relationship quality to a similar degree. Finally, each person's perceptions of relationship quality mediated the relationships between their own perceptions of fit and mentor-rated protégé performance, but not the relationships between perceptions of fit and protégé-rated learning.

Originality/value

Research has often studied mentorships from the perspective of one party, which limits our understanding of mentorship co-creation. This study investigates how both parties simultaneously contribute to mentorship success, as indicated by protégé learning and performance. Additionally, the authors clarify the extent to which perceptions of different types of fit are instrumental in co-creating successful mentorships.
Pricing strategy of knowledge payment products considering copyright supervision in the blockchain technology era
Authors: Gu Xiubin , Qu Yi , Lin Zhengkui
Published: December 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the pricing strategies for knowledge payment products, taking into account the quality level of pirated knowledge products, in the context of platform copyright supervision.

Design/methodology/approach

This study abstracts the knowledge payment transaction process and aims to maximize producer's revenue by constructing a pricing model for knowledge payment products. It discusses pricing strategies for knowledge payment products under two scenarios: traditional supervision and blockchain supervision. The analysis explores the impact of pirated knowledge products quality level and blockchain technology on pricing strategies and consumer surplus, while providing threshold conditions for effective strategies.

Findings

Deploying blockchain technology in platform operations can significantly reduce costs and increase efficiency. In both scenarios, knowledge producer needs to balance factors such as the quality of pirated knowledge products, the supervision level of platform, and consumer surplus to dynamically adjust pricing strategies in order to maximize his own revenue.

Originality/value

This study enriches the literature on the pricing models of knowledge payment products and has practical significance in guiding knowledge producer to develop effective pricing strategies under copyright supervision.
Perceived organizational politics and undesirable work attitudes: do hostility and emotional intelligence matter?
Authors: Meisler Galit
Published: December 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to answer the following research questions. Does hostility shape the undesirable attitudinal consequences of perceived organizational politics (POP)? If so, does emotional intelligence play a role in this context? To answer these questions, the author relies on the affective events theory to present and empirically investigate a moderated mediation model in which: hostility mediates the relationships between POP and both job tension and turnover intentions; and emotional intelligence moderates these relationships.

Design/methodology/approach

The moderated mediation model was tested among a sample of 408 employees. The data was collected in three waves.

Findings

The results revealed that hostility mediated the relationships between POP and the two undesirable attitudes explored. In addition, one of the emotional abilities included in emotional intelligence, namely, self-emotion appraisal, moderated these relationships.

Practical implications

Interventions designed to increase the emotional intelligence level of employees might reduce the hostility they experience in response to POP, and consequently, its harmful implications.

Originality/value

Among the four emotional abilities included in emotional intelligence, only self-emotional appraisal moderates the relationship between POP and hostility. Such findings imply that in some cases, a thorough understanding about one’s emotions is more effective in regulating the hostility experienced in response to organizational politics than other emotional abilities that seem more relevant in this context.
Accounting as a means to legitimacy: the case of internally generated intangibles
Authors: Lundh Simon , Seger Karin , Frostenson Magnus , Helin Sven
Published: December 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to identify the norms that underlie and condition the decisions made by preparers of financial reports.

Design/methodology/approach

This interview-based study illustrates how financial report preparers engage in behaviors linked to the perception of recognition and measurement of internally generated intangible assets by important stakeholders. All of the companies included in the study adhere to International Financial Reporting Standards when creating their consolidated financial statements. The participants selected for the study are involved in accounting decisions related to research and development in accordance with International Accounting Standard (IAS) 38.

Findings

The authors identify the normative assumptions underlying the recognition and measurement of internally generated intangibles, which are based on concerns of consistency, credibility and reasonableness. The authors find that the normative basis for legitimacy in financial accounting is primarily related to cognitive legitimacy and is not of a moral or pragmatic nature.

Originality/value

The study reveals that recognition and measurement of internally generated intangibles in financial accounting relate to legitimacy. The authors identify specific norms that form the basis of this legitimacy, namely, consistency, credibility and reasonableness. These identified norms serve as constraints, mitigating the risk of judgment misuse within the IAS 38 framework for earnings management.
Reaching for T in the South African archives
Authors: Lubinsky Noah
Published: December 2023

This article proposes a methodology of reaching in historicity. It does so by tracing the technical object of synthetic testosterone as it has been used by trans people for gender affirming care. To show the usefulness of the method, this article employs it first in relation to mentions of synthetic testosterone in the South African Medical Journal as a primer to understanding its relationship to the state and the law in South Africa from 1963 to 2003, reaching an apex in the Cape Town Transsexual/Transgender Groups advocacy for self‐identification, much of which hinged on the role of synthetic testosterone.
Persistent organic pollutant exposure as a risk factor of gestational diabetes mellitus: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Kouiti Malak , Castillo‐Hermoso María Ángeles , Youlyouz‐Marfak Ibtissam , Khan Khalid Saeed , Thangaratinam Shakila , Olmedo‐Requena Rocío , Zamora Javier , Jiménez‐Moléon José Juan
Published: December 2023

Background

Findings related to the association between persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) are inconclusive.

Objectives

To estimate the strength of the association between POP exposure and GDM in a systematic review with meta‐analysis.

Search strategy

MEDLINE, Scopus and Web of Science were searched until July 2023.

Selection criteria

Cohort and case–control studies analysing the association between POPs and GDM.

Data collection and analysis

We assessed the risk of bias using the Quality in Prognosis Studies scale (QUIPS). Standardised mean differences were pooled using random‐effect models.

Main results

Sixteen articles including 12 216 participants were selected. The risk of bias was high in four articles (25%), moderate in 11 (68.75%) and low in one (6.25%). Small mean difference between GDM cases and controls was observed for PFHpA (0.26, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.1–0.35, I2 = 0.0%), PCB180 (0.37, 95% CI 0.19–0.56; I2 = 25.3%), BDE47 (0.23, 95% CI 0.0–0.45, I2 = 0%), BDE99 (0.36, 95% CI 0.14–0.59; I2 = 0%), BDE100 (0.42, 95% CI 0.19–0.64; I2 = 0%) and HCB (0.22, 95% CI 0.01–0.42, I2 = 39.6%). No considerable difference was observed for the rest of POPs.

Conclusion

Small mean differences between GDM cases and controls were observed for some POPs. However, evidence shows mostly moderate quality and results were heterogeneous. Improved research methodology is needed to assess POPs and GDM risk.
Image quality and technical limitations in emergency department cardiac point‐of‐care ultrasound: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Beck Sierra , Aziz Shamri Haziq , Coffey Sean , Anakin Megan , Whalley Gillian
Published: December 2023

Objective

To assess the image quality and common technical limitations seen on cardiac point‐of‐care ultrasound (POCUS) performed and archived in a single New Zealand ED.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study of clinically indicated cardiac POCUS, archived from 1 October 2019 to 20 May 2020. Archived examinations were retrospectively reviewed by an ED POCUS expert, and an expert cardiac sonographer to determine diagnostic image quality, technical limitations present and opportunities for image quality improvement. Image quality of credentialed examinations was compared to uncredentialed examinations and examinations that were undocumented in the medical record.

Results

A total of 211 cardiac POCUS examinations were included. The impact of image quality on diagnostic interpretation was only documented in <2% of examinations. There was no difference in median global image quality scores for uncredentialed and credentialed examinations (8.5 vs 9, P = 0.55) and median score for undocumented examinations (5.5) was lower than credentialed examinations (P < 0.01). Common technical limitations identified were off‐axis imaging and artefacts limiting image quality.

Conclusion

In the present study of clinically indicated cardiac POCUS, low image quality was common but the impact of image quality on diagnostic interpretation was very rarely documented in the medical record. Local quality assurance and training should be directed at credentialed and uncredentialed clinicians including strategies to improve off‐axis imaging and managing artefacts where possible. Standardised documentation of image quality that may impact diagnostic accuracy should be encouraged.
Disentangling the contributions of alcohol use disorder and alcohol‐related liver disease towards dementia: A population‐based cohort study
Authors: Zhao Sixian , Widman Linnea , Hagström Hannes , Shang Ying
Published: December 2023

Aims

The aim of the study was to disentangle the contributions of alcohol and alcohol‐related liver disease (ALD) towards dementia by independently measuring the association between alcohol use disorder (AUD) alone and ALD with dementia.

Design

This was a nation‐wide cohort study.

Setting

The study was conducted in Sweden from 1987 to 2020.

Participants

DELIVER (DEcoding the epidemiology of LIVER disease in Sweden) cohort, containing administrative codes on patients with chronic liver disease from the National Patient Register and other registers between 1987 and 2020.

Measurements

International Classification of Disease 9th (ICD‐9) and 10th (ICD‐10) version codes were used to define the presence of AUD, ALD and dementia. The associations of AUD alone and ALD with incident dementia were estimated using Cox regression models adjusting for potential confounders. Cumulative incidences were also calculated accounting for competing risks of death.

Findings

A total of 128 884 individuals with AUD alone, 17 754 with ALD and 2 479 049 controls were identified. During a median follow‐up of 8.9 years, 13 395 (10.4%), 2187 (12.3%) and 138 925 (5.6%) dementia cases were identified in these groups, respectively. Dementia rates were increased in AUD alone [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) = 4.6, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 4.5–4.6] and in ALD (aHR = 8.6, 95% CI = 8.3–9.0) compared with controls. AUD alone was also associated with increased rates of vascular dementia (aHR = 2.3, 95% CI = 2.2–2.5) and Alzheimer's disease (aHR = 1.4, 95% CI = 1.3–1.4), while ALD was only associated with vascular dementia (aHR = 2.7, 95% CI = 2.3–3.2). The median age at dementia diagnosis was 67 years [interquartile range (IQR) = 56–76] in AUD alone and 63 years (IQR = 56–71) in ALD compared with 85 years (IQR = 79–89) in controls.

Conclusion

In Sweden, patients with alcohol use disorder (AUD) appear to have increased rates of dementia and diagnosis at a younger age, compared with patients without AUD. Concurrent alcohol‐related liver disease appears to increase the diagnosis rate and lower the median age further.
Pharmacokinetics of asundexian with combined CYP3A and P‐gp inhibitors and an inducer: Target in vitro and in vivo studies
Authors: Kanefendt Friederike , Brase Christine , Jungmann Natalia , Fricke Robert , Engelen Anna , Schmitz Sebastian
Published: December 2023

Aims

Asundexian is an oral, direct and reversible inhibitor of activated factor XI (FXIa) in development for the treatment of thromboembolic events. This article summarizes results from preclinical and clinical studies, including identification of enzymes involved in asundexian pharmacokinetics, and evaluation of potential target drug–drug interactions.

Methods

In vitro studies investigated the substrate characteristics of asundexian towards several cytochrome P450 (CYP) isoforms, hydrolytic enzymes and drug transporters. Inhibition of the amide hydrolysis of asundexian was investigated in vitro for several relevant drugs. Phase 1 studies in healthy male participants investigated the pharmacokinetics (PK) of asundexian upon co‐administration of combined inhibitors or an inducer of P‐gp and CYP3A4 (itraconazole, verapamil or carbamazepine, respectively, or the moderate CYP3A4 inhibitor fluconazole). The pharmacodynamic (PD) markers are activated partial thromboplastin time and FXIa inhibition.

Results

Asundexian was predominantly metabolized via carboxylesterase 1 and, to a lesser extent, via CYP3A4 and is a substrate of P‐gp. The asundexian area under the plasma concentration–time curve (AUC) increased by 103% and 75.6% upon combined inhibition of P‐gp and strong or moderate inhibition of CYP3A4, respectively, but was unaffected by moderate CYP3A4 inhibition. Combined P‐gp and CYP3A4 induction by carbamazepine decreased asundexian AUC by 44.4%. PD is concentration‐dependent, thus no differences in maximum responses and recovery commensurate with PK effect(s) were observed. Adverse events were mild and asundexian was well tolerated.

Conclusions

The presented studies confirmed that CYP3A4 and P‐gp contribute to asundexian metabolism and excretion. Observed effects were in line with data from a previous mass balance study.
Revisiting the first reported case of aplastic anaemia
Authors: Steensma David P.
Published: December 2023

The great pathologist Paul Ehrlich in Berlin is commonly credited with describing the first clear case of aplastic anaemia in 1888: a 21‐year‐old woman who presented with haemorrhage and signs and symptoms of severe anaemia, quickly succumbing to her illness. Ehrlich's description of this patient's background and clinical course allowed individual identification. Re‐analysis of this case suggests an inherited bone marrow failure syndrome as a possible additional diagnosis.
Control–value appraisals and academic emotions: An intensive longitudinal examination of reciprocal effects
Authors: Chen Xin , Leung Frederick K. S.
Published: December 2023

This study examined the reciprocal relation between lesson‐specific perceived cognitive appraisals and academic emotions on an intra‐individual level. A daily diary study was conducted using a sample of 266 Chinese Han students (Grades 7–8; 56.8% boys; Mage = 13.70, SDage = 0.52) during 10 mathematics lessons in 2022. Standardized questionnaires were also administered to these students before the daily diary study. The results of the dynamic structural equation modeling revealed significant reciprocal relations between cognitive appraisals and academic emotions within early adolescents and highlighted the role of emotions in guiding cognitive appraisals. Additionally, the study identified similarities and differences in the inter‐individual relation between appraisals and emotions across self‐reported questionnaires and daily diary measures.
Interspecific competition between ants and African honeybees (Apis mellifera scutellata) may undermine the effectiveness of elephant beehive–deterrents in Africa
Authors: Thornley Reece , Cook Robin , Spencer Matthew , Parr Catherine L. , Henley Michelle
Published: December 2023

Beehive deterrents are commonly used to mitigate human–elephant conflict and protect woody vegetation. To ensure hive activity, reduce abscondment risks, and maintain deterrent effectiveness, resident bee colonies require supplementary feeding during periods of low resource availability. However, our study found that ants frequently consume the supplementary feed in open feeders intended for bees. Anoplolepis custodiens was the most numerically dominant species that excluded bees from the feeders, followed by Camponotus and Crematogaster spp. With higher ant abundance, the predicted probability of zero bees being present at feeders increased up to 82%. This competition may undermine the efficacy of beehive deterrents as a conflict mitigation tool. We developed a simple and effective ant exclusion method that raised the overall predicted probability of bees' presence at supplementary feeding stations from 32% to 68%. Our findings suggest that innovative solutions to exclude ants from supplementary feed may improve the implementation and success of this conflict mitigation method across Africa.
Consecutive decentralization: The effect of central bank independence on capital account liberalization
Authors: Lee Joon Hyeok
Published: December 2023

Central bank independence (CBI) has been widely advocated as a means to address the time‐inconsistency problem of controlling inflation. Consequently, many countries have embraced central bank reforms since the 1990s. While extant research in political science has sought to unveil the consequences of CBI, there remains an unexplained variation in the response of countries with regard to capital account openness. Notably, a positive association exists between CBI and capital account openness due to the constraints CBI places on leaders' discretionary monetary and fiscal policies, thereby fostering reliance on financial policy to boost their economies. However, this relationship is contingent on the domestic political contexts of countries. CBI leads to capital account liberalization only when the rule of law is guaranteed, given that CBI is often stipulated by laws. Therefore, in countries where political leaders can easily override formal rules, CBI shows no discernible impact on capital account openness. Employing two‐way fixed‐effects and error‐correction models, the study reveals that CBI increases capital account openness only in democracies, in the presence of multiple veto players, and a high level of transparency. The findings underscore the pivotal role of the domestic political environment in analyzing how CBI constrains political leaders.
Networked feminism in a digital age—mobilizing vulnerability and reconfiguring feminist politics in digital activism
Authors: Vachhani Sheena J.
Published: December 2023

In what ways can we understand the productive tensions and complexities of digital feminist activism? This paper explores the increase of networked feminism, which focuses attention on digital activism and its relation to transformative social change. It suggests that we need a better understanding of how digital feminist activism might be changing the shape of transnational feminist resistance and praxis, and how feminist politics are created and enacted in digitally mediated environments. These result in new forms of feminist consciousness built on affective and embodied engagements. The paper explores the complex and ambivalent role of affective politics and embodied ethics to explore conditions of vulnerability. Using illustrative, global cases to show the nuances across digital activism, the paper contributes to understanding the complexities and differential effects of online environments, the mediation of feminist politics through digital knowledge cultures and the possibilities, challenges, and productive tensions that lie in the ever‐increasing use of digital environments.
Patterns of gastrointestinal injury in patients with chronic kidney disease: Comparison of cases with and without sevelamer crystals
Authors: Shakeri Hania , Panarelli Nicole C
Published: December 2023

Aims

Sevelamer is a phosphate‐binding resin implicated in gastrointestinal (GI) injury. This study aimed to investigate the role of sevelamer in GI injury among chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients.

Methods and results

The study included 17 CKD patients (cases) with and 18 CKD patients (comparisons) without sevelamer crystals in specimens. All cases were on sevelamer. Six comparison patients were also taking sevelamer, but crystals were absent in tissue sections. The comparison group was thus subclassified into patients who were and were not taking sevelamer. The frequency of underlying disorders was similar between two groups, including hypertension (cases = 82%; comparisons = 78%) and diabetes mellitus (cases = 53%, comparisons = 50%). The most common presentation was GI bleeding (cases = 41%, comparisons = 33%). Predominant histological patterns were also similar, with ulcers (cases = 42%; comparisons = 39%) and acute ischaemia (cases = 35%; comparisons = 28%) being predominant in both cohorts. Of note, sevelamer was present with amyloidosis and cytomegalovirus in one study case each. Two study patients who continued sevelamer had follow‐up biopsies; one showed persistent ulceration and the other appeared normal. Crystals were absent in both.

Conclusions

GI injury in CKD patients in both groups had similar features regardless of presence of sevelamer, suggesting that it adheres to tissue rather than causes injury. The study highlights other histologically identifiable causes of intestinal injury, as well as injuries unassociated with sevelamer in patients undergoing therapy. Therefore, physicians should be cautious in attributing GI injuries to sevelamer to avoid overlooking other causes and unnecessary treatment discontinuation.