bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Feeling connected and informed through informal communication: a quantitative survey on the perceived functions of informal communication in organizations
Authors: Denner Nora , Koch Thomas , Viererbl Benno , Ernst Alicia
Published: September 2024

Purpose

This study examines the functions of informal communication in organizations. Informal communication can be characterized as any interaction within an organization in which two or more individuals assume personal roles rather than their professional roles and in which employees do not intend to solve work-related problems. Despite its central role in organizations, a comprehensive understanding of the specific functions of informal communication within workplace dynamics is lacking.

Design/methodology/approach

We reviewed existing literature to identify the functions of informal communication and then surveyed employees (N = 1,380). We asked them to indicate their agreement with statements measuring the functions of informal communication that we derived from the literature.

Findings

Using exploratory factor analysis, we identified four core functions: stress management and recreation, nurturing private relationships, fostering a sense of belonging and connectedness and facilitating information exchange and coordination. We then examined how these core functions related to job-related and sociodemographic characteristics. Our findings underscore the importance of informal communication in organizations, particularly in facilitating the development and maintenance of social relationships as well as information exchange and coordination, both of which play critical roles in organizational success.

Originality/value

This study is among the first to systematize the functions of informal communication in organizations and to empirically extract core functions that can be used for further research. It is also highly relevant to practitioners of organizational management and organizational communication.
Invasion of privacy in smart services: the role of interaction mode and privacy commitment
Authors: Du Wei , Wang Yiqin
Published: September 2024

Purpose

The widespread application of smart technologies in services not only brings efficiency and convenience to consumers but also inevitably comes with negative effects. Therefore, this article aims to illustrate the impact of privacy invasion on consumers' intention to use smart services. Using distrust as a mediating variable, compare two different modes of interaction between voice and text, and study the positive impact of privacy commitment. This study aims to provide recommendations for smart service providers to make the consumer experience better.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper adopts an experimental approach, with data collection and hypothesis analysis by designing four different experiments.

Findings

The results show that the negative impact of privacy invasion on consumers' intention to use smart services is moderated by privacy commitments and interaction modes. This article verifies the mediating effect of distrust on consumers' intention to use when privacy invasion occurs and verifies the moderating effect of the interaction modes by comparing voice interaction with text interaction and demonstrates that text interaction mode will attenuate the mediating role of distrust in the path in privacy invasion. Besides, it also indicates that privacy commitments can moderate the relationship between privacy invasion’s effect on distrust and intention to use.

Originality/value

Focusing on privacy invasion, this study explores consumers' intention to use smart services, compares the two interaction modes of voice and text to explore their moderating effects, deeply explores consumer psychology and studies the mediating role of distrust and the moderating role of privacy commitment.
Social support for the chronically ill during lockdown. Qualitative research in the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Virole Louise , Gabarro Céline , Ricadat Elise
Published: September 2024

Chronic illness requires a web of actors, both professional and familiar, who constitute the support network of the chronically ill. This article aims to analyse how the COVID‐19 pandemic has impacted on the delicate balance of these supports. Qualitative research was conducted among people with four types of chronic diseases in France: cystic fibrosis, kidney disease, haemophilia and mental disorders. Data on social support was collected using an innovative methodology combining semi‐directive interviews (n = 54) and drawings (n = 32). During the first French lockdown (March–May 2020), the chronically ill were mainly supported by the usual support actors of their primary network: spouse and/or family. However, the COVID‐19 health crisis has led to several changes in their support network; health‐care professionals diversified their support roles and new supporting actors emerged, especially non‐human entities and patient organisations. The chronically ill have received an interweaving of emotional, instrumental and informational, formal and informal and human and non‐human support. Our study highlights the multiple and dynamic ties between these types of support and argues in favour of a comprehensive approach to social support of the chronically ill, both in social science theory and in practice of care.
“Social science is explanation or it is nothing.” Introduction to a debate
Authors: Krause Monika
Published: September 2024

This essay introduces contributions to a special section, which documents and extends a debate on the proposition “Social Science is Explanation or it is Nothing” held at the London School of Economics on October 13th, 2022. It discusses the history of the “Group for Theoretical Debates in Anthropology” led by Tim Ingold, Peter Wade and Soumhya Venkatesan, which has handed down a list of credible candidates for issues that had a chance of engaging every anthropologist, including students and those with interdisciplinary interests. It raises questions about the specific affordances of debates as forms of academic engagements. It argues that the chosen proposition concerning explanation invites a discussion about the contributions of the social sciences at a time when impulses from science and technology studies as well as fruitful exchanges across the boundary between “theory” and “method” have helped us moved beyond the older question as to whether or not sociology is “a science”.
The effect of insect excretions/secretions and decomposition fluid on DNA quantity and quality in human bloodstains
Authors: Murphy Maggie , Harvey Michelle , van Oorschot Roland A. H. , Durdle Annalisa
Published: September 2024

The larval excretions/secretions (ES) of blowflies contain proteolytic enzymes and bacteria that assist with tissue breakdown. Decomposition fluid (DF) contains organic and inorganic waste products from cell death. This study investigated if human DNA recovery from blood was impacted by exposure to ES and DF over time. Lucilia sericata ES were collected daily from 50 larvae, and all available DF was collected from two fetal piglets left to decompose for 2 weeks. Daily for 3–5 days, 28 μL‐30 μL of ES, DF, or a 1:1 mixture of the fluids was added to 30 μL of blood on cotton. Three bloodstains per treatment were sampled every 12 h up to 3 days and at 1 and 2 weeks after initial addition of fluid. No PCR inhibition was detected, but DNA degradation increased over time, primarily in samples exposed to ES and ES/DF mixtures. The amount of DNA recovered decreased over time, but generally more DNA was recovered from DF samples than other samples. Full profiles, or partial profiles suitable for routine database searching (14–39 alleles), were generated from all DF and ES samples and at least one mixture sample at all timepoints. Partial profiles of between 1 and 13 alleles were obtained from all other mixture samples, except one mixture sample which generated no profile. These findings indicate bloodstain evidence recovered from maggot‐infested and/or decomposing bodies may generate forensically useful DNA evidence and should be analyzed as quickly as possible after collection or stored appropriately to prevent further degradation.
Application of machine learning for the differentiation of thymomas and thymic cysts using deep transfer learning: A multi‐center comparison of diagnostic performance based on different dimensional models
Authors: Yang Yuhua , Cheng Jia , Chen Liang , Cui Can , Liu Shaoqiang , Zuo Minjing
Published: September 2024

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and performance of deep transfer learning (DTL) networks with different types and dimensions in differentiating thymomas from thymic cysts in a retrospective cohort.

Materials and Methods

Based on chest‐enhanced computed tomography (CT), the region of interest was delineated, and the maximum cross section of the lesion was selected as the input image. Five convolutional neural networks (CNNs) and Vision Transformer (ViT) were used to construct a 2D DTL model. The 2D model constructed by the maximum section (n) and the upper and lower layers (n − 1, n + 1) of the lesion was used for feature extraction, and the features were selected. The remaining features were pre‐fused to construct a 2.5D model. The whole lesion image was selected for input and constructing a 3D model.

Results

In the 2D model, the area under curve (AUC) of Resnet50 was 0.950 in the training cohort and 0.907 in the internal validation cohort. In the 2.5D model, the AUCs of Vgg11 in the internal validation cohort and external validation cohort 1 were 0.937 and 0.965, respectively. The AUCs of Inception_v3 in the training cohort and external validation cohort 2 were 0.981 and 0.950, respectively. The AUC values of 3D_Resnet50 in the four cohorts were 0.987, 0.937, 0.938, and 0.905.

Conclusions

The DTL model based on multiple different dimensions can be used as a highly sensitive and specific tool for the non‐invasive differential diagnosis of thymomas and thymic cysts to assist clinicians in decision‐making.
Referral to hepatology is lower in patients with excessive alcohol use who have mental health disorders despite a high fibrosis‐4 index
Authors: Houston Kevin , Harris Spencer , Teklezghi Adonay , Silvey Scott , Snyder Andrew D. , Arias Albert J. , Bajaj Jasmohan S.
Published: September 2024

Background

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a multifaceted disease, and integration of AUD treatment between mental health and hepatology is necessary to improve outcomes. We aimed to ascertain whether patients with excessive alcohol use (EAU) and high FIB‐4, which is a non‐invasive method to identify advanced liver disease, are appropriately referred to hepatology and detect which clinical barriers, if any, might pertain.

Methods

Records of patients with excessive alcohol use between 2013 and 2023 were extracted from a large public system. Demographics, alcohol‐related hospitalizations, mental health conditions, Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) and referral patterns were evaluated. Comparisons were made between those referred to hepatology versus not.

Results

1131 subjects showed evidence of EAU but on further review, 189 were in alcohol‐remission. The remaining 942 (636 men, age 55.7 ± 14.5 years, 548 white, 363 black, 19 Hispanic) subjects with CCI 2.61 ± 2.23 were further analyzed for FIB‐4 score and referral patterns. 316 patients had active EAU and a high FIB‐4, of whom only 116 (37%) were referred to hepatology. Patients with alcohol‐related mental health concerns and admitted for trauma were less likely to be referred. Logistic regression showed referral was higher with alcohol‐related liver hospitalizations (OR: 9.25, 95% CI: 4.90–17.47, p < 0.001), higher CCI (OR: 6.23, 95% CI: 3.00–12.94, p < 0.0001) and lower with mental health admissions (OR: 0.36, 95% CI: 0.15–0.48, p < 0.001) or mental health diagnoses (OR: 0.36, 95% CI: 0.15–0.82, p = 0.02) and increasing age (OR: 0.95, 95% CI: 0.92–0.97, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

In a large public health system, almost 63% of patients with EAU and FIB‐4 >2.67 are not referred to hepatology for evaluation. Patients not referred were more likely to have alcohol‐related mental‐health hospitalizations and mental health diagnoses, while those with liver‐related hospitalizations and comorbidities were more likely to be referred. Greater education of mental health providers and for teams taking care of inpatients admitted with alcohol‐related mental health concerns would better integrate care and improve outcomes for patients with higher risk for advanced liver disease.
Holding cash for corruption? Evidence from China's anti‐corruption campaign
Authors: Chen Yulin , Wang Changyun , Yi Yang , Zeng Jianyu
Published: September 2024

Exploiting China's anti‐corruption campaign in 2012 as a quasi‐natural experiment, we find that firms with higher prior entertainment and travel costs (ETC), a proxy for corruption, decrease cash holdings more because of the campaign. We further observe a greater decline in cash values for more corrupt firms. Moreover, the baseline pattern is more pronounced in financially constrained, better‐governed, and private enterprises. We also rule out possible confounders concerning firms' financing conditions and investment decisions. Overall, the evidence favours the liquidity hypothesis that firms demand less cash as they anticipate fewer corrupt opportunities in the business environment in the post‐campaign era.
Rock outcrops as interglacial refugia for plants: Ecological evidence from the forest‐steppe transition of Patagonia
Authors: Dezzotti A. , Medina A.
Published: September 2024

In the forest‐steppe transition of Patagonia from Argentina, the intense physical variability promotes the occurrence of contrasting vegetation units, among which is the saxicolous meadow developed on rock outcrops. In temperate and tropical regions, these geoforms of highly variable climate and topography, and poor soil development play an ecological and evolutionary role disproportionate to their reduced area. In Aguas Frías (38°46′S, 70°54′W), the range, diversity, density and adaptation of vascular plant species growing in the saxicolous meadow were compared to those of the surrounding steppe, forest and hygrophilous meadow. We hypothesize that rock outcrops exhibit a compositionally and functionally divergent, cold‐adapted flora of a previously more widespread distribution, allowing them to be categorized as refugia for species whose range retreated during the current interglacial. In comparison to the other units, the saxicolous meadow exhibited a small area, low plant cover, high total, native and rare species richness, high density and diversity of species, high richness of unique families and species and an exclusive presence of (rock) ferns. It also presented a high richness of endemic species with more extreme latitudinal and altitudinal distribution, particularly >46° S and >3000 m a.s.l. The similarity of species between the saxicolous meadow and the other units was low. Chamaephytes and nanophanerophytes were dominants, hemicryptophytes and geophytes were infrequent and mesophanerophytes and therophytes were absent. Equivalent results in terms of area of rock outcrops, and origin, strategy, composition, diversity and range of species were found in different regions. The biological and physical attributes would allow these outcrops to be characterized as reduced habitats of high diversity which could be acting as refugia for cold‐adapted plants. Conservation actions must prevent and mitigate the effects of fire, biological invasion and cattle grazing that represent the current threats to this ecosystem.
Health professionals' experiences and views on obstetric ultrasound in Victoria, Australia: A cross‐sectional survey
Authors: Xu Vicky X. , Mogren Ingrid , Bergström Cecilia , Edvardsson Kristina , Small Rhonda , Flood Margaret , Holmlund Sophia , Aldrich Rosemary , Brennecke Shaun , McDonald Susan , McEvoy Michael , Said Joanne M , Shembrey Michael , Yuen Nicola , East Christine E
Published: September 2024

Background

Obstetric ultrasound is an important tool, aiding in screening, diagnosis, and surveillance throughout pregnancy.

Aims

To explore obstetric doctors', midwives', and sonographers' experiences and views of obstetric ultrasound in Victoria, Australia. To investigate the increasing role of obstetric ultrasound for clinical management, and the adequacy of resources and training for appropriate use of ultrasound in clinical management.

Materials and Methods

This cross‐sectional study forms part of a multi‐national CROss‐Country Ultrasound Study (CROCUS) exploring the views of consumers and health professionals from high‐, middle‐ and low‐income countries. Qualitative studies conducted in several countries informed the construction of a quantitative survey. These quantitative surveys were distributed to 16 hospitals across regional and metropolitan Victoria, Australia. Descriptive statistics were analysed from the responses.

Results

There were 354 questionnaires returned from 106 doctors, 222 midwives, and 26 sonographers. Overall, 72% of respondents held concerns about the potential loss of focus on clinical skills with increasing ultrasound use. Midwives were more concerned about the contribution of ultrasound to medicalisation of pregnancy than were doctors (P < 0.001). Many respondents noted that geographical factors (71%), rather than income levels (53%) influenced access to obstetric ultrasound. Over 90% of doctors and midwives believed additional training for their respective professions in ultrasound would enhance its reach and effectiveness.

Conclusions

Our survey findings confirm that clinicians place high levels of trust in the diagnostic findings of obstetric ultrasound antenatal care in Australia. Access to routine ultrasound could be improved for women in rural and lower‐income areas.
The role of the play therapist in supporting children and families following a natural disaster: A scoping review
Authors: Nilsson Nicole , Hadiprodjo Natalie , Parson Judi
Published: September 2024

Background

The predicted rise in weather‐related disasters indicates that many Australian children and their families will be affected by these events in the future. Play therapy, an emerging profession in Australia, may provide valuable support to children exposed to these events.

Methods

A scoping review was designed to map the existing literature and the role of the play therapist in supporting children (aged 3–12 years) and families following natural disasters, and to formulate a model to guide play therapists in the future.

Results

A systematic search of the literature was performed and a total of 25 articles were identified as relevant to the role of the play therapist in response to natural disasters.

Conclusion

Play therapists must be mindful of the different phases of natural disaster response and how their role may vary across these phases. In the early stages post‐disaster, a play therapist may be involved in psychoeducation, facilitating therapeutic play and community involvement. More formal clinical play therapy interventions that focus on the individual child or family are better suited to the latter stages of disaster response. There is a need for further research into the impact of natural disasters on children and families and interventions that aid mental health and well‐being, especially for children who may be more vulnerable and potentially overlooked in the wake of such disasters. Further research is also needed into the effectiveness of play therapy as a post‐disaster intervention for children.
Liposome‐encapsulated hemoglobin rescues hemorrhagic shock heart through anti‐ischemic and anti‐arrhythmogenic effects on myocardium in repetitive 65% bleeding rat model
Authors: Takase Bonpei , Higashimura Yuko , Masaki Nobuyuki , Kinoshita Manabu , Adachi Takeshi , Sakai Hiromi
Published: September 2024

Background

Phase I clinical trial of an artificial oxygen carrier (liposome‐encapsulated hemoglobin vesicles [HbVs]) is safely completed, considering the other clinical application. Herein, we aimed to investigate the resuscitation effects of HbVs in cases of lethal hemorrhage, including the mechanisms involved.

Methods

Optical mapping analysis (OMP) and electrophysiological studies (EPS), immunostaining pathological examination for hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1α (HIF1‐alpha) in the heart tissue, and blood troponin I (TnI) level measurements were performed in rats that underwent five rounds of spontaneous arterial bleeding with up to 65% hemorrhage.

Results

Ten rats in each group were resuscitated by a transvenous infusion of 5% albumin (ALB), washed erythrocytes (wRBC), HbVs (HbV), 50% HbV diluted by 5% albumin (50% HbV), and 66% HbV diluted by 5% albumin (66% HbV). The rats in the ALB and 50% HbV groups died, whereas those in the other groups survived. OMP showed impaired action potential duration dispersion (APDd) in the left ventricle in the ALB and 50% HbV groups, which was attenuated in the other groups. Lethal arrhythmias were provoked by EPS in the ALB and 50% HbV groups but not in the other groups. HIF1‐alpha was positively stained only in the ALB and 50% HbV groups. TnI levels were elevated in the ALB and 50% HbV groups.

Conclusions

Acute lethal hemorrhage causes myocardial ischemia with hypoxia and arrhythmias, which may be induced by impaired APDd and myocardial damage, reflected in the increased levels of HIF1‐alpha and TnI. HbVs could be useful for resuscitation and may help save patients with injuries such as gunshot wounds.
Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for prevention of barotrauma in patients with respiratory failure: A scoping review
Authors: Belletti Alessandro , D’Andria Ursoleo Jacopo , Piazza Enrica , Mongardini Edoardo , Paternoster Gianluca , Guarracino Fabio , Palumbo Diego , Monti Giacomo , Marmiere Marilena , Calabrò Maria Grazia , Landoni Giovanni , Zangrillo Alberto
Published: September 2024

Background

Barotrauma is a frequent complication in patients with severe respiratory failure and is associated with poor outcomes. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) implantation allows to introduce lung‐protective ventilation strategies that limit barotrauma development or progression, but available data are scarce. We performed a scoping review to summarize current knowledge on this therapeutic approach.

Methods

We systematically searched PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials for studies investigating ECMO as a strategy to prevent/limit barotrauma progression in patients with respiratory failure. Pediatric studies, studies on perioperative implantation of ECMO, and studies not reporting original data were excluded. The primary outcome was the rate of barotrauma development/progression.

Results

We identified 21 manuscripts presenting data on a total of 45 ECMO patients. All patients underwent veno‐venous ECMO. Of these, 21 (46.7%) received ECMO before invasive mechanical ventilation. In most cases, ECMO implantation allowed to modify the respiratory support strategy (e.g., introduction of ultraprotective/low pressure ventilation in 12 patients, extubation while on ECMO in one case, and avoidance of invasive ventilation in 15 cases). Barotrauma development/progression occurred in <10% of patients. Overall mortality was 8/45 (17.8%).

Conclusion

ECMO implantation to prevent barotrauma development/progression is a feasible strategy and may be a promising support option.
Electrification and specialist training associated with decreased neonatal mortality and increased admissions in Sierra Leone
Authors: Conroy Niall , Barr David Adam , Nalley Joy , Conteh Juliana Emilia Mamie , Mitchell Louise , Bury Gerard
Published: September 2024

Aim

The aim of this study was to describe the evolution of a regional neonatal service in Sierra Leone and changes in mortality and service use as it transitioned from a non‐specialist service to a dedicated special care baby unit (SCBU).

Methods

This was a retrospective observational study. Anonymised data were taken from the ward admissions books at Bo Government Hospital, and trends in admissions and mortality within the neonatal service were examined for each stage of the department's evolution.

Results

Four phases of the service's development were identified between November 2015 and October 2019. Records of 2377 admissions and 333 deaths were identified. The average number of admissions per month and deaths per month varied by service development phase. There was a trend towards reduced death rates and increased numbers of admissions as the unit evolved into a dedicated neonatal unit with a reliable electricity supply.

Conclusions

The development of an adequately sized SCBU with a reliable electricity supply and specially trained staff was associated with a reduction in the death rate and an increase in admissions.
Insulin‐like growth factor‐1 in cirrhosis is linked to hepatic dysfunction and fibrogenesis and predicts liver‐related mortality
Authors: Hartl Lukas , Schwarz Michael , Simbrunner Benedikt , Jachs Mathias , Wolf Peter , Bauer David Josef Maria , Scheiner Bernhard , Balcar Lorenz , Semmler Georg , Hofer Benedikt Silvester , Dominik Nina , Marculescu Rodrig , Trauner Michael , Mandorfer Mattias , Reiberger Thomas
Published: September 2024

Background and Aims

We aimed to characterise insulin‐like growth factor‐1 (IGF‐1) signalling in patients with advanced chronic liver disease (ACLD).

Methods

Consecutive patients undergoing hepatic venous pressure gradient [HVPG] measurement were prospectively included. Clinical stages were defined as follows: probable ACLD (pACLD): liver stiffness ≥10 kPa and HVPG ≤5 mmHg, S0: mild PH (HVPG 6–9 mmHg), S1: clinically significant PH (CSPH), S2: CSPH with varices, S3: past variceal bleeding, S4: past/current non‐bleeding hepatic decompensation and S5: further decompensation.

Results

In total, 269 patients were included; 105 were compensated (pACLD: n = 18; S0: n = 30; S1: n = 20; S2: n = 37), and 164 were decompensated (S3: n = 11; S4: n = 89; S5: n = 64). Median levels of IGF‐1 decreased with progressive cirrhosis (from pACLD: 88.5 ng/mL to S5: 51.0 ng/mL; p < 0.001). Patients with CSPH had significantly lower IGF‐1 levels (63.5 ng/mL vs. 81.0 ng/mL; p = 0.001). IGF‐1 showed an independent negative association with body mass index (BMI; aB: −1.56; p < 0.001), enhanced liver fibrosis (ELF) test (aB: −8.43; p < 0.001), MELD (aB: −1.13; p = 0.042) and age (per 10 years; aB: −6.87; p < 0.001). IGF‐1 exhibited an excellent AUROC (0.856) for the prediction of liver‐related death at 6 months of follow‐up. Lower IGF‐1 (per 10 ng/mL) was linked to higher risk of (further) decompensation (0.90; 95% CI: 0.83–0.98; p = 0.016), acute‐on‐chronic liver failure (ACLF; asHR: 0.80; 95% CI: 0.68–0.93; p = 0.004) and liver‐related death (asHR: 0.76; 95% CI: 0.63–0.91; p = 0.004).

Conclusion

Decreased levels of IGF‐1 reflect impaired hepatic function and fibrogenesis in patients with cirrhosis, which seems particularly relevant in obesity since low IGF‐1 was independently linked to high BMI. Lower IGF‐1 in cirrhosis predicts decompensation, ACLF and liver‐related death.
Workforce diversity in Cambodia: Does it make differences in employees' perceptions?
Authors: Cho Sangmi , An Soyoung , Sultana Razia
Published: September 2024

This study explored the dynamics of workforce diversity and employees' perceptions of inclusion, fairness, organization support, and leader‐member exchange (LMX) in Cambodia. The survey was conducted with 90 participants in international non‐profit organizations. Data was analyzed using the nonparametric tests. Among diversity characteristics, gender and religion were associated with differences in interactional fairness and LMX. Marital status and educational level produced differences in LMX and distributive fairness, respectively. Further, higher job positions were found to be associated with positive inclusion and LMX. This study points to the necessity of establishing a culture of diversity and inclusion in Cambodian workplaces.
Calcium channel blocker overdose: Not all the same toxicity
Authors: Isbister Geoffrey K. , Jenkins Shane , Harris Keith , Downes Michael A. , Isoardi Katherine Z.
Published: September 2024

Aims

Calcium channel blocker (CCB) overdose remains an important poisoning, with increasing availability of dihydropyridines. We aimed to compare the severity and treatment of CCB overdoses.

Methods

We reviewed CCB overdoses presenting to two toxicology services from 2014 to 2023. We extracted prospectively collected data from a clinical database, including demographics, dose, co‐ingestants, complications, treatments and outcomes, to compare different CCBs.

Results

There were 236 overdoses; median age 55 years (interquartile range [IQR]: 41–65 years); 130 (55%) were females. Dihydropyridine overdoses increased significantly: median of nine cases annually (IQR: 8.8–12.3) during the study compared to a median of three cases annually (IQR: 1–4.3; P < 0.001) in the 10 years prior. The commonest agent was amlodipine (147), then lercanidipine (28), diltiazem (27), verapamil (23) and felodipine (11). Median defined daily dose ingested was higher for dihydropyridines, and cardiac co‐ingestants were common except verapamil. Median length of stay was 21 h (IQR: 13–43 h), which was similar except longer for diltiazem (median, 39 h). Fifty‐six patients (24%) were admitted to intensive care, more often for diltiazem (14; 52%) and verapamil (7; 30%). Dysrhythmias occurred in 19 patients (diltiazem [9], verapamil [8], amlodipine [2]), and included 13 junctional dysrhythmias. Hypotension occurred in 91 patients (39%), 62 (26%) received inotropes/vasopressors (adrenaline 32 [52%], noradrenaline 48 [77%]), 21 (9%) high‐dose insulin and 44 (19%) calcium. Adrenaline and high‐dose insulin were more commonly given in diltiazem and verapamil overdoses, compared to vasopressors in dihydropyridine overdoses. Acute kidney injury occurred in 39 patients. Seven (3%) patients died.

Conclusions

Dihydropyridines were the commonest CCB overdoses, with amlodipine making up half. More severe toxicity occurred with diltiazem and verapamil.
The association between use of proton pump inhibitors and frailty index among middle‐aged and older adults
Authors: Wu Rui , Hong Guojun , Cheng Xiankun , Zhu Yue
Published: September 2024

Aims

This study aimed to investigate the association between use of proton pump inhibitors (PPI) and frailty index (FI), and to assess the causality relationship using Mendelian randomization (MR).

Methods

A total of 9756 middle‐aged and older adults from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were included. The FI was evaluated using a previously validated 49‐item deficit model to assess frailty status, which is one of the common approaches to measure overall health burden. We performed weighted multivariable‐adjusted linear regression to assess the association between PPI use and FI, and conducted a two‐sample MR to evaluate causality, employing various sensitivity analyses for robustness. The inverse variance weighted (IVW) method was used as the primary analysis.

Results

Multiple linear regression analysis revealed a positive association between PPI use and FI (β = 0.048, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.042–0.054, P < .001). This association was observed in both short‐term (≤ 1 year) and long‐term (> 1 year) PPI users (P for trend < 0.001). The MR study also revealed a positive association between PPI use and FI based on the IVW method (β = 1.183, 95% CI: 0.474–1.892, P = .001).

Conclusions

While our findings suggest a potential link between PPI use and FI, they should be interpreted with caution due to the study's limitations. Although the MR analysis suggests a causal relationship, further research, particularly longitudinal studies, is needed to confirm these findings and better establish temporality.
Novel KIF26A variants associated with pediatric intestinal pseudo‐obstruction (PIPO) and brain developmental defects
Authors: Nosrati Mohammad Sadegh Shams , Doustmohammadi Alireza , Severino Mariasavina , Romano Ferruccio , Zafari Mahdi , Nemati Amir Hesam , Velmans Clara , Netzer Christian , Breuer Jonas , Broekaert Ilse Julia , Joachim Alexander , Almasri Nihad , Kruer Michael C. , Skidmore Peter , Bisarad Pritha , Hoque Jumana , Bakhtiari Somayeh , Torella Annalaura , Nigro Vincenzo , Buffelli Francesca , Fulcheri Ezio , Müller Annette , Zara Federico , Capra Valeria , Scala Marcello
Published: September 2024

Pediatric intestinal pseudo‐obstruction (PIPO) is a rare congenital disorder of the enteric nervous system with distal colon aganglionosis potentially leading to intestinal obstruction. Recently, biallelic variants in KIF26A, encoding a crucial motor protein for the migration and differentiation of enteric neural crest cells, have been associated with a neurodevelopmental condition featuring cortical defects and PIPO‐like features, though in absence of aganglionosis. So far, only 10 patients have been reported. In this study, we investigated three subjects with congenital hydrocephalus, neurodevelopmental impairment, and intestinal obstruction megacolon syndrome. Brain MRI revealed malformations within cortical dysplasia spectrum, including polymicrogyria and heterotopia. Pathology study of the intestine revealed aganglionosis and elevated acetylcholinesterase activity in parasympathetic nerve fibers. Through trio‐exome sequencing (ES), we detected four novel biallelic KIF26A variants, including two missense changes (#1) and two distinct homozygous truncating variants in (#2 and #3). All variants are rare and predicted to be deleterious according to in silico tools. To characterize the impact of the missense variants, we performed 3D protein modeling using Alphafold3 and YASARA. Mutants exhibited increased energy scores compared to wild‐type protein, supporting a significant structural destabilization of the protein. Our study expands the genotype and phenotype spectrum of the emerging KIF26A‐related disorder.
Factors Associated With Persisting Olfactory Dysfunction After COVID‐19
Authors: Prem Bernhard , Liu David T. , Boehme Katharina , Maurer Mia T. , Renner Bertold , Mueller Christian A.
Published: September 2024

Background

Fortunately, the majority of COVID‐19 patients recover from olfactory dysfunction (OD) within the first couple of weeks. However, from approximately 5% up to 20% continue to suffer from OD even more than 1 year after the onset. Nonetheless, factors associated with long‐lasting OD are hardly known. The aim of this study was to identify favourable and disadvantageous markers of persisting OD in COVID‐19 patients.

Methodology

Sixty‐six patients (46 female; mean age: 39.9 years) that suffer from OD longer than 6 months due to laboratory‐confirmed SARS‐CoV‐2 infection have participated in this longitudinal study. Participants completed comprehensive psychophysical chemosensory tests (i.e., Sniffin' Sticks = TDI) and questionnaires twice at our department—on average 219 ± 80 (T‐1) and 489 ± 89 (T‐2) days after the onset of symptoms, respectively. Olfactory recovery rates were associated with demographic factors and questionnaires using linear regression analysis.

Results

Patients below 40 years of age improved better (TDI: 4.1 ± 4.3 vs. 0.7 ± 5.8; p = 0.008) and achieved statistically significant higher scores (TDI: 31.5 ± 4.0 vs. 27.3 ± 6.7; p = 0.033) regarding psychophysical chemosensory tests. Furthermore, linear regression analysis revealed that parosmia was associated with worse orthonasal smell function (T‐1: β = −0.346, p = 0.004; T‐2: β = −0.384, p = 0.001), especially concerning identification subtest (T‐1: β = −0.395, p = 0.001; T‐2: β = −0.398, p < 0.001). Moreover, increasing parosmia between T‐1and T‐2 led to worse orthonasal olfactory function (β = −0.294, p = 0.016).

Conclusions

Older age and parosmia seem to be unfavourable factors of persisting OD in COVID‐19 patients.
Bio‐based polyethylene masterbatch preparation and investigation of the effect of process conditions on pigment dispersion
Authors: Yücetürk Mert , Seydibeyoğlu M. Özgür
Published: September 2024

Although the importance of bio‐polyethylene is increasing, academic research on the subject is still limited. The dispersion level of pigments and functional additives plays a crucial role in achieving the desired effect from polymer composites. This study investigates the effects of additives and process conditions on pigment dispersion in bio‐polyethylene masterbatches using four different factors and three different parameters by the Taguchi method. To achieve this, the relative colour strengths of extruder‐produced masterbatches were measured using a spectrophotometer, blown film samples were visually observed and filter pressure values were examined in a filter tester. The results were subjected to Taguchi analysis to determine which factors and parameters are important to the process and which can be neglected. The study identified the physical properties of the wax, extruder screw speed, barrel temperature and mixer time as the most effective factors on pigment dispersion, respectively. Micronised wax was found to be the most critical parameter among wax types, while mixer mixing time was found to be the least important. It was observed in all the experiments that the colour strength obtained from a constant pigment content in the masterbatches was improved by increasing the dispersion and reducing the number of agglomerated particles.
Cost, risk, landscape context, and potential treatments vary with biological value for conservation of declining grassland birds
Authors: Niemuth Neal D. , Barnes Kevin W. , Runia Travis J. , Iovanna Rich
Published: September 2024

Spatially explicit models are an important component of systematic conservation planning, enabling the depiction of biodiversity metrics across landscapes and objective evaluation of candidate sites for conservation delivery. However, sites considered “best” for conservation are typically viewed from the standpoint of biological value and may not be the most effective or efficient when risk of habitat loss, cost of conservation, intended conservation treatments, and overall conservation strategy are considered. We evaluated risk of habitat loss, land cost, and landscape context for geographic areas harboring most‐dense to least‐dense population quartiles for 16 species of grassland birds in the US northern Great Plains. Differences in land cost, risk of grassland conversion, and landscape context among quartiles and species indicated that a minimum‐area strategy may be inefficient and even ineffective. Priority zones for western species were generally associated with lower agricultural land cost, more protected land, and landscape characteristics associated with intact grasslands; eastern species were generally associated with higher agricultural land cost, tillage probability, grass loss, cropland, development, forest, Conservation Reserve Program grasslands, and distance to grass. Our results indicate that addressing areas outside of population cores increases conservation options and may provide substantial benefits to portions of populations that are most vulnerable to habitat loss or other stressors.
How Does Economic Policy Uncertainty Impact a Country's Position in Global Value Chains?
Authors: Zhang Jiaxuan , Zhang Hongsheng , Shen Xuhang , Meng Bo
Published: September 2024

Economic globalization in the 21st century has been characterized by the rise and spread of global value chains (GVCs). It faces significant challenges due to increasing domestic and international policy uncertainty in the context of emerging mega risks like geopolitical tensions and climate change. This paper begins by constructing a theoretical model for an open economy to study how risk‐averse firms make decisions regarding the sourcing of intermediate inputs in an uncertain environment. Our model solution proposes that firms will source fewer intermediate inputs from countries with more economic uncertainty. An increase in domestic and foreign uncertainty will have opposite impacts on a country's position in GVCs. In this sense, we argue that a country tends to move downstream along GVCs if its own economic policies become more uncertain, and it tends to move upstream with an increase in the uncertainty of its trading partner countries. Our regression analyses, based on data including the World Input–Output Database, World Development Indicators, the UN Comtrade database, and the Economic Policy Uncertainty Index, provide empirical support for this model‐based conclusion. Our findings highlight that a nation must consider foreign economic policy uncertainty and maintain domestic policy stability to participate in GVCs.
Diplomatic Relations and Investment Location of Chinese Multinationals: An International Political Economy Perspective
Authors: Quer Diego
Published: September 2024

Past research has suggested that diplomacy can play a significant role as a mechanism to pave the way for multinational enterprises (MNEs) in foreign countries. Drawing on the international political economy perspective, this article analyzes the influence of the diplomatic activities of the Chinese government on the location of Chinese MNEs. It develops several hypotheses regarding the influence of three essential tools in the Chinese government's current diplomatic agenda: high‐level visits by the Chinese President, the establishment of Confucius Institutes, and the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). The empirical analysis is based on a sample of 972 country–year observations from 2013 to 2021. The results show that high‐level government visits and Confucius Institutes positively impacted the location of China's outward foreign direct investments, with the effect being lower in BRI countries. The impact of Confucius Institutes was higher for state‐owned enterprises.
E‐commerce, Pandemic Shock, and the Survival of Small and Medium Enterprises
Authors: Cao Zengdong , Tu Qin , Williams Nichola Latoya
Published: September 2024

This study examines the impact of e‐commerce on the survival rate of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) during the COVID‐19 pandemic using a combined dataset from the Enterprise Survey for Innovation and Entrepreneurship in China for the period from 2018 to 2020. We conducted a difference‐in‐differences analysis by exploiting the variation in the adoption of e‐commerce across SMEs before and after the outbreak of COVID‐19. The results show that e‐commerce had a significantly positive effect on the survival rate of SMEs during the crisis. Specifically, it improved the survival rate of SMEs by 3.0 to 3.4 percentage points by expanding the scale of the enterprises' markets, mitigating declines in orders, shortening the repayment periods of accounts receivable, and improving cash flow during a pandemic. Heterogeneity analysis reveals that the impact of e‐commerce was more pronounced for SMEs with a larger share of online sales and for labor‐intensive SMEs, and third‐party e‐commerce platforms or Web sites played a bigger role than self‐built Web sites and social media. This study offers novel evidence highlighting the value of digitalization for firms during the crisis.
Collateral Monetary Policy, Regional Financial Development, and Nonfinancial Firms' Shadow Banking Activities
Authors: Yuan Chao , Jiang Hai , Ren Jiawen , Kapitsinis Nikos
Published: September 2024

The disparity in credit access between large firms and small and medium‐sized enterprises contributes to the prevalence of shadow banking activities, where large, nonfinancial firms with high credit ratings have become new financial intermediaries. These activities vary geographically and are affected significantly by collateral monetary policy. This paper examines the effect of collateral monetary policy, its reform, and regional financial development characteristics on large firms' shadow banking activities, with a focus on the medium‐term lending facility (MLF), the primary collateral monetary policy instrument in China. The results indicate that the MLF encouraged large firms' shadow banking activity. However, the MLF reform in 2018 mitigated this effect by broadening the range of acceptable collateral. Regional financial development, such as a higher number of bank branches around firms, facilitated large firms' shadow banking activities and amplified the MLF's stimulating effect. In contrast, regional advancements in digital finance and market development limited both shadow banking activities and MLF's impact.
Quantifying Inter‐regional Trade Inequality of China's Cities Based on Environmental‐economic Benefits in Virtual Built‐up Land Flow
Authors: Wang Pengfei , Li Hongbo , Huang Zhenbin
Published: September 2024

The development of spatial interactions of land resources enhances virtual built‐up land flow, which contributes to China's inter‐regional trade inequality. Little is known about the degree of inequality among regions. This work seeks to estimate the degree of interregional trade inequality through environmental‐economic benefits. We combined a multiregional input–output model at the city level with a new classification to calculate the virtual built‐up land flow among cities and analyzed its implications for the regional economy and carbon balance. The results indicate that developed regions were the main beneficiaries of inter‐regional trade, as reflected in land‐use efficiency. China's economic hub has been progressively shifting southward, and the inter‐regional trade inequality has continuously increased. The flow of virtual service industry land among developed regions rose, while underdeveloped regions remained suppliers of raw materials, further increasing inter‐regional trade inequality.
Can we leverage botanical gardens to study global plant functional diversity?
Authors: Puglielli Giacomo
Published: September 2024

Biodiversity is a multidimensional concept spanning the diversity of organismal form and function (functional diversity) together with taxonomic and genetic diversity. In the case of plants, botanical gardens have historically strived to preserve taxonomic diversity with a global scope. However, their success in preserving global functional diversity lacks testing. Given that living collections in botanical gardens span major global vegetation types and evolutionary histories, it is reasonable to expect that a species assemblage in a botanical garden is a representative random sample of global vegetation. In such a case, botanical gardens should contain global functional diversity. Testing for this could elect botanical gardens as laboratories for studying global plant functional diversity, providing a much‐needed alternative in the way we study global patterns of this diversity facet.
Gender and Active Citizenship in Tanzanian Teacher Education: Curriculum Analysis and Student Teachers' Reflections
Authors: Massao Prisca Bruno , Sheshe Bahiya Abdi , Mkenda Theresia Bonifasi
Published: September 2024

Active citizenship is core to social justice for both women and men. This paper explores how gender and active citizenship are addressed in teacher education training programmes in Tanzania. We applied qualitative methods in analysing two teacher education institutions' curricula documents and conducted thee focus group discussions with final year teacher student teachers. Our review of the curricula focused on (1) the course names, (2) course aims, (3) learning outcomes, (4) teaching/learning contents or (5) reading lists. This was supported by the findings from focus group discussions. The findings show that, although both gender and active citizenship were incorporated in the existing teacher's education curricula in Tanzania, the weight given to these topics were marginal. We argue that more content in combination with contextualised and gender‐responsive teaching and learning resources or materials could give student teachers better competence necessary for linking knowledge they get with everyday gender and citizenship challenges in Tanzanian schools and their communities.