bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fasting C-peptide in Gestational Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Hasan Md. Rakibul , Sultana Nusrat , Hasan Mashfiqul , Jahan Sharmin , Hasanat Muhammad Abul
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Insulin secretion and sensitivity are thought to vary in gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) as well as in different trimesters within the same individual.

Objectives

To see the fasting serum C-peptide in subjects with GDM as an indicator of basal insulin secretion and to compare it to the normal glucose tolerance (NGT) control.

Method

This case-control study investigated and compared fasting serum C-peptide in 35 GDM subjects with 37, age, BMI, and trimester-matched control. GDM was diagnosed by WHO 2013 criteria. Plasma glucose was measured by the glucose oxidase method and C-peptide by a chemiluminescent immunometric assay.

Result

Fasting serum C-peptides were significantly higher in the GDM group than that of the NGT (NGT vs. GDM: 1.45±0.76 vs. 1.99±1.28, mean±SD, p=0.032), but no difference was observed between GDM and NGT with a BMI <25kg/m2(NGT vs. GDM: 1.25±0.44 vs. 1.37±0.77, mean±SD, p=0.597). Within the NGT group, fasting C-peptide was similar with a BMI cut-off 25kg/m2(<25 vs. ≥ 25: 1.25±0.44 vs. 1.61±0.94, p=0.159); however, within the GDM group, the fasting C-peptide was significantly higher with a BMI ≥25 kg/m2(<25 vs. ≥ 25: 1.37±0.77 vs. 2.45±1.41, mean ±SD, p=0.011). We did not observe any trimester-specific difference in fasting C-peptide between the NGT and the GDM (NGT vs. GDM: 1.55±0.45 vs. 1.67±0.57, p=0.736; 1.43±0.95 vs. 2.13±1.10, p=0.085; 1.43±0.71 vs. 1.97±1.60, p= 0.204; ng/dl, mean ± SD, for 1st, 2nd, and 3rdtrimester, respectively). Pearson correlation revealed BMI (r=0.389, p=0.001), Systolic BP (r=0.531, p<0.001), Diastolic BP (r=0.355, p=0.002), FPG (r=0.32, p=0.006) and 1hr PG on OGTT (r=0.423, p<0.001) had significant positive correlation with fasting C-peptide.

Conclusion

Fasting C-peptide increased significantly in GDM with BMI ≥25kg/m2, but not with <25kg/m2
Gait Adaptations to Walking Speeds in Individuals with Myotonic Dystrophy Type 1
Authors: Hoerter Barthélémy , Ballaz Laurent , Cherni Yosra
Published: August 2024

Background

Myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) is a prevalent inherited muscular dystrophy in adults, affecting distal muscles such as the gastrocnemius, soleus, and tibialis anterior. This leads to significant gait deviations and reduced walking speed, impacting overall well-being and increasing fall risk.

Objective

This study aimed to assess how walking speed affects gait kinematics in individuals with DM1.

Method

Eighteen individuals with genetically confirmed DM1 (4 women, age: 41.0 [35.5; 47.8] years, mass: 76.8 [67.1; 94.6] kg, height: 166.0 [156.7; 173.3] cm) participated in this study. Each participant walked barefoot along a 13-meter walkway at comfortable and fast speeds. Subsequently, spatiotemporal parameters and joint kinematics were assessed.

Results

The step length (p < 0.001), cycle speed (p < 0.001), and cadence (p < 0.001) increased significantly, leading to a higher walking speed. Moreover, the vertical amplitude of the center of mass (CoM) increased significantly (p = 0.015), while the mediolateral amplitude decreased (p = 0.001) at fast walking condition. In addition, significant kinematic changes included increased trunk tilt (p < 0.001), greater anterior pelvic tilt (p < 0.001), increased hip flexion at initial contact, and enhanced knee flexion during both stance and swing phases. Ankle dorsiflexion showed a trend towards increase during stance phase (p = 0.055) at fast walking condition.

Conclusions

Fast walking speed in individuals with DM1 lead to significant gait adaptations. These adaptations reflect compensatory mechanisms to manage muscle weakness. The present study revealed significant changes in spatiotemporal parameters related to walking speed. Fast walking also highlighted kinematic adaptations in trunk, pelvis and lower limb joints. These findings enhance our understanding of gait deviation in individuals with DM1 and suggest the potential benefits of targeted fast walking training in this population.
A 10 Years Update of Effects of Exercise on Depression Disorders – in otherwise healthy adults: A Systematic Review of Meta-Analyses and Neurobiological Mechanisms
Authors: Budde Henning , Dolz Nina , Mueller-Alcazar Anett , Velasques Bruna , Ribeiro Pedro , Machado Sergio , Wegner Mirko
Published: August 2024

Background

Depression is one of the most common mental illnesses worldwide and is a major burden for those affected. As conventional therapies do not always work and are also associated with side effects, alternative treatment methods are urgently indicated. In the past, exercise has established itself as a seemingly good alternative treatment method. The aim of this work is to provide a state of the art review and to check whether there are new findings since the publication of the article by Wegner et al. [1].

Methods

A systematic literature search was conducted in which relevant literature was searched in databases such as PsycINFO, PsychARTICLES, PubMed, CI-NAHL Complete, SocINDEX, SPORTDiscus and Psyndex. The effect sizes were calculated and the methodological quality was assessed using the AMSTAR-2 criteria. Finally, the neurobiological explanations for the effect of exercise on depression are discussed.

Results

Eleven meta-analyses met the inclusion criteria, with the total sample consisting of 16.255 participants and 229 individual studies. The most frequently implemented intervention was aerobic exercise, while the intervention in the control groups was usually no treatment, waiting list, or attention/activity placebo. The pooled results indicate a moderate clinical effect, suggesting the positive effect of exercise and physical activity in reducing depressive symptoms (SMD = -0.61, 95% CI [− 0.78; -0.43],p= <0.01).

Conlcusion

The consistently positive, moderate effects observed in the present study make exercise and physical activity a promising and supportive alternative for adults with depression. The positive effect of exercise and physical activity could potentially be explained by neurological changes. However, the exact mechanisms underlying the antidepressant effects are still unclear.
Monkeypox in Europe: Epidemiology and Risk Factors – A Scoping Review Study
Authors: Ravichandran Nandakumar , Jalili Parnian
Published: August 2024

Background

Monkeypox (mpox) is a zoonotic disease originating from the Congo Basin (Clade I) and West Africa (Clade II). In 2022, mpox spread to non-endemic European countries, predominantly through human transmission associated with sexual contact. The outbreak in Europe was primarily with the Clade IIb lineage, which is less virulent. The World Health Organization (WHO) declared this outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) in 2022, which ended in May 2023 after a decline in cases. However, in July 2024, a resurgence of the more virulent Clade I occurred in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), leading WHO to declare mpox a PHEIC again, due to the risk of global spread. Understanding epidemiology and risk factors of mpox is vital for effective public health measures.

Methodology and principal findings

A search conducted from 2014 to 2024 across PubMed, Scopus and Embase identified 38 studies on mpox in Europe, which were included for qualitative analysis. The key themes identified were epidemiology and risk factors/ behaviors. High-risk behaviors include sexual contact among men who have sex with men (MSM) with multiple partners, living with HIV, and frequent travel to endemic regions.

Conclusions and significance

With no definitive cure for mpox, public health measures such as surveillance, monitoring, and contact tracing are essential. Additionally, encouraging case-control studies is crucial for exploring other potential risk behaviors and design behavioral interventions, vaccination campaigns and awareness programs aimed at reducing high-risk behaviors among these populations. Although the number of cases in Europe did not surge in August 2024, proactive measures are necessary to prevent further spread.
Synaptic connectome of a neurosecretory network in theDrosophilabrain
Authors: McKim Theresa H. , Gera Jayati , Gayban Ariana J. , Reinhard Nils , Manoli Giulia , Hilpert Selina , Helfrich-Förster Charlotte , Zandawala Meet
Published: August 2024

Hormones mediate inter-organ signaling which is crucial in orchestrating diverse behaviors and physiological processes including sleep and activity, feeding, growth, metabolism and reproduction. The pars intercerebralis and pars lateralis in insects represent major hubs which contain neurosecretory cells (NSC) that produce various hormones. To obtain insight into how hormonal signaling is regulated, we have characterized the synaptic connectome of NSC in the adultDrosophilabrain. Identification of neurons providing inputs to multiple NSC subtypes implicates diuretic hormone 44-expressing NSC as a major coordinator of physiology and behavior. Surprisingly, despite most NSC having dendrites in the subesophageal zone (primary taste processing center), gustatory inputs to NSC are largely indirect. We also deciphered pathways via which diverse olfactory inputs are relayed to NSC. Further, our analyses revealed substantial inputs from descending neurons to NSC, suggesting that descending neurons regulate both endocrine and motor output to synchronize physiological changes with appropriate behaviors. In contrast to NSC inputs, synaptic output from NSC is sparse and mostly mediated by corazonin NSC. Therefore, we additionally determine putative paracrine interconnectivity between NSC subtypes and hormonal pathways from NSC to peripheral tissues by analyzing single-cell transcriptomic datasets. Our comprehensive characterization of theDrosophilaneurosecretory network connectome provides a platform to understand complex hormonal networks and how they orchestrate animal behaviors and physiology.
Behavioral pharmacology of mescaline - the role of serotonin 5-HT2A, 5-HT2B, 5-HT2C and 5-HT1A receptors
Authors: Olejníková-Ladislavová Lucie , Fujáková-Lipski Michaela , Šíchová Klára , Danda Hynek , Syrová Kateřina , Horáček Jiří , Páleníček Tomáš
Published: August 2024

Rationale

Mescaline is a classical psychedelic compound with a phenylethylamine structure that primarily acts on serotonin 5-HT2A/C receptors, but also binds to 5-HT1A and 5-HT2B receptors. Despite being the first psychedelic ever isolated and synthesized, the precise role of different serotonin receptor subtypes in its behavioral pharmacology is not fully understood.

Objectives

In this study, we aimed to investigate how selective antagonists of 5-HT2A, 5-HT2B, 5-HT2C, and 5-HT1A receptors affect the behavioral changes induced by subcutaneous administration of mescaline (at doses of 10, 20, and 100 mg/kg) in rats.

Methods

We used adult male Wistar rats in all our experiments. We evaluated locomotor activity using the open field test, and assessed sensorimotor gating deficits by measuring prepulse inhibition (PPI) of acoustic startle reaction (ASR).

Results

While the highest dose of mescaline induced hyperlocomotion, which almost all the other antagonists reversed, the PPI deficits were selectively normalized by the 5-HT2A antagonist. The 5-HT2C antagonist partially reversed the small decrease in locomotor activity induced by lower doses of mescaline.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that mescaline-induced changes in behavior are primarily mediated by the 5-HT2A receptor subtype, with less pronounced contributions from the 5-HT2C receptor. The other antagonists had limited effects.
CDKL5’s role in microtubule-based transport and cognitive function
Authors: Lopes André T. , Janiv Ondine , Claxton Suzanne , Ultanir Sila K.
Published: August 2024

Cyclin-dependent kinase like 5 (CDKL5) is a serine-threonine kinase highly enriched in mammalian neurons. CDKL5 is located on the X-chromosome and its loss-of-function leads to a severe neurodevelopmental disorder called CDKL5 deficiency disorder (CDD). CDKL5 phosphorylates microtubule-associated protein MAP1S and regulates its binding to microtubules. How MAP1S phosphorylation affects microtubule function is not well understood. To address this question, we generated MAP1S phosphomutant mice, in which the CDKL5 phosphorylation sites S786 and S812 are mutated to Alanine (MAP1S S786/812A or MAP1S SA). Using a microtubule co-sedimentation assay, we showed that dynein binding to microtubules is severely reduced in CDKL5 knockout (KO) and MAP1S SA brains. Time-lapse imaging in primary neurons showed impaired dynein motility in both Cdkl5 KO and MAP1S SA. Dynein-driven cargo transport was affected in mutant neuron dendrites, including the delivery of α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) receptors. We next studied tubulin tyrosination in Cdkl5 KO and MAP1S SA neurons and found that both mutants had a reduced tubulin tyrosination when compared to WT neurons. Since dynein-dynactin has a higher affinity for tyrosinated microtubules, we hypothesized that reduced tyrosination in MAP1S phosphomutant mice could be the mechanistic cause of impaired dynein motility. In support of this, we show that upon expression of tubulin tyrosine kinase TTL, we rescued dynein motility defects in MAP1S phosphomutant neurons. Hippocampal neurons derived from MAP1S SA mice revealed a significant reduction in spine density and synapses, and altered spine morphology. Finally, behavioral phenotyping of MAP1S phosphomutant mice showed increased anxiety, impaired motor performance, social and memory deficits, mirroring to some extent the clinical manifestations present in CDD patients. Our results reveal MAP1S phosphorylation to be an important contributor to dynein-mediated transport and synapse formation.

Graphical abstract
Is this scenery worth exploring? Insight into the visual encoding of navigating ants
Authors: Clement Leo , Schwarz Sebastian , Mahot-Castaing Blandine , Wystrach Antoine
Published: August 2024

Solitary foraging insects like desert ants rely heavily on vision for navigation. While ants can learn visual scenes, it is unclear what cues they use to decide if a scene is worth exploring at the first place. To investigate this, we recorded the motor behavior ofCataglyphis veloxants navigating in a virtual reality set-up and measured their lateral oscillations in response to various unfamiliar visual scenes under both closed-loop and open-loop conditions. In naturalistic-looking panorama, ants display regular oscillations as observed outdoors, allowing them to efficiently scan the scenery. Manipulations of the virtual environment revealed distinct functions served by dynamic and static cues. Dynamic cues, mainly rotational optic flow, regulated the amplitude of oscillations but not their regularity. Conversely, static cues had little impact on the amplitude but were essential for producing regular oscillations. Regularity of oscillations decreased in scenes with only horizontal, only vertical or no edges but was restored in scenes with both edge types together. The actual number of edges, the visual pattern heterogeneity across azimuths, the light intensity or the relative elevation of brighter regions did not affect oscillations. We conclude that ants use a simple but functional heuristic to determine if the visual world is worth exploring, relying on the presence of at least two different edge orientations in the scene.

Summary statement

Using a virtual reality setup, we reveal that ants rely on a heuristic to trigger visual exploration in an unfamiliar scene. The simultaneous presence of vertical and horizontal edges is necessary and sufficient for the ants to produce lateral oscillations and scan the scene.
Columnar cholinergic neurotransmission onto T5 cells ofDrosophila
Authors: Samara Eleni , Schilling Tabea , Ribeiro Inês M. A. , Haag Juergen , Leonte Maria-Bianca , Borst Alexander
Published: August 2024

Several nicotinic and muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (AChRs) are expressed in the brain ofDrosophila melanogaster. However, the contribution of different AChRs to visual information processing remains poorly understood. T5 cells are the primary motion-sensing neurons in the OFF pathway and receive input from four different columnar cholinergic neurons, Tm1, Tm2, Tm4 and Tm9. We reasoned that different AChRs in T5 postsynaptic sites might contribute to direction selectivity, a central feature of motion detection. We show that the nicotinic nAChRα1, nAChRα4, nAChRα5 and nAChRα7 subunits localize on T5 dendrites. By targeting synaptic markers specifically to each cholinergic input neuron, we find a prevalence of the nAChRα5 in Tm1-, Tm2- and Tm4-to-T5 synapses and of nAChRα7 in Tm9-to-T5 synapses. Knock-down of nAChRα4, nAChRα5, nAChRα7, or mAChR-B individually in T5 cells alters the optomotor response and reduces T5 directional selectivity. Our findings indicate a differential contribution of postsynaptic receptors to input visual processing and, thus, to the computation of motion direction in T5 cells.
Does slow oscillation-spindle coupling contribute to sleep-dependent memory consolidation? A Bayesian meta-analysis
Authors: Ng Thea , Noh Eunsol , Spencer Rebecca M. C.
Published: August 2024

The active system consolidation theory suggests that information transfer between the hippocampus and cortex during sleep underlies memory consolidation. Neural oscillations during sleep, including the temporal coupling between slow oscillations (SO) and sleep spindles (SP), may play a mechanistic role in memory consolidation. However, differences in analytical approaches and the presence of physiological and behavioral moderators have led to inconsistent conclusions. This meta-analysis, comprising 23 studies and 297 effect sizes, focused on four standard phase-amplitude coupling measures including coupling phase, strength, percentage, and SP amplitude, and their relationship with memory retention. We developed a standardized approach to incorporate non-normal circular-linear correlations. We found strong evidence supporting that precise and strong SO-fast SP coupling in the frontal lobe predicts memory consolidation. The strength of this association is mediated by memory type, aging, and dynamic spatio-temporal features, including SP frequency and cortical topography. In conclusion, SO-SP coupling should be considered as a general physiological mechanism for memory consolidation.
In silicoExploration Natural Compounds for the Discovery of Novel DNMT3A Inhibitors as Potential Therapeutic Agents for Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Authors: Das Uddalak , Uttarkar Akshay , Kumar Jitendra , Niranjan Vidya
Published: August 2024

Aberrant DNA methylation, a hallmark of acute myeloid leukemia (AML), is catalyzed by DNA methyltransferase 3A (DNMT3A). Approximately 20-30% of AML patients harbor DNMT3A mutations, leading to disrupted DNA methylation patterns and leukemogenesis. To identify potential therapeutic interventions, this study employed computational drug discovery. A pharmacophore model was constructed and utilized to screen a natural product database, yielding a set of promising compounds. Subsequent molecular docking, MM-GBSA calculations, and ADMET profiling identified two compounds, CNP0375130 and CNP0256178, as potential DNMT3A inhibitors. These compounds exhibited favorable binding affinities and demonstrated desirable drug-like properties. Molecular dynamics simulations confirmed stable protein-ligand interactions. These findings suggest that CNP0375130 and CNP0256178 may serve as promising lead compounds for the development of novel anti-leukemic therapies targeting DNMT3A, and contribute to the ongoing efforts to develop targeted therapies for leukemia.
Multi-camera Simultaneous Total Internal Reflection and Interference Reflection Microscopy
Authors: Spector Jeffrey O. , Chen Jiayi , Roll-Mecak Antonina
Published: August 2024

Interference Reflection Microscopy (IRM) is an optical technique that relies on the interference between the reflected light from an incident beam as it passes through materials of different refractive indices. This technique has been successfully used to image microtubules, biologically important biofilaments with a diameter of 25 nm. However, it is often desirable to image both the microtubule and microtubule interacting proteins simultaneously. Here we present a simple modification to a standard multi-color total internal reflection fluorescence (TIRF) microscope that enables simultaneous high-speed IRM and single molecule TIRF imaging. Our design utilizes a camera for each channel (IRM and TIRF) allowing independent optimization of camera parameters for the two different modalities. We illustrate its application by imaging unlabeled microtubules and GFP-labeled end-binding protein EB1 which forms comets on the tips of polymerizing microtubules. Our design is easily implemented, and with minimal cost, making it accessible to any laboratory with an existing fluorescence microscope.
HLA-A*02:01allele is associated with decreased risk and a longer survival in pancreatic cancer: Results from an exhaustive analysis of theHLAvariation in PDAC
Authors: Langtry Alberto , Rabadan Raul , Alonso Lola , van Eijck Casper , Macarulla Teresa , Lawlor Rita T , Carrato Alfredo , Alvarez-Gallego Rafael , Iglesias Mar , Molero Xavier , Löhr J Matthias , Michalski Christopher W , Perea José , O’Rorke Michael , Barberà Víctor M , Tardón Adonina , Farré Antoni , Muñoz-Bellvís Luís , Crnogorac-Jurcevic Tatjana , Domínguez-Muñoz Enrique , Gress Thomas , Greenhalf William , Sharp Linda , Sabroso-Lasa Sergio , Filip Ioan , Strijk Gaby , Castet Florian , Balsells Joaquim , Costello Eithne , Kleeff Jörg , Kong Bo , Mora Josefina , O’Driscoll Damian , Scarpa Aldo , Ye Weimin , Real Francisco X. , Malats Núria , López de Maturana Evangelina
Published: August 2024

Genetic susceptibility loci are associated with PDAC risk and survival, but the impact of germline HLA region variation remains largely unexplored. This study examinedHLAI-II alleles within the PanGenEU study and validated our findings using external datasets (UK Biobank, TCGA, PAN-NGS trial, and Caris trial).HLA-A*02:01and HLA-B*49alleles were linked to a decreased risk of PDAC, whereasHLA-B*39,HLA-DPB1*04,andHLA-A*26:01were directly associated with increased risk. PDAC patients carrying theHLA-A*02:01allele also showed lower mortality rates, with the effect being more pronounced in those withKRASG12Vmutations, pointing to a host*tumor genetic interaction. This research highlightsHLA-A*02:01, found in 20% of Europeans, as a marker for reduced PDAC risk and mortality, especially inKRASG12Vmutated tumors. Results from this study could enhance personalized medicine for PDAC by identifying patients who may benefit from regular screenings through tailored risk assessments. Importantly, our findings are crucial for stratifying PDAC patients based on their genetic background and tumor mutational profile, which can guide treatment strategies.
Clinical health outcomes of Ebola virus disease survivors eight years post recovery: a cross-sectional study in Sierra Leone
Authors: Schindell Brayden G. , Titanji Boghuma K. , Rimoin Anne W. , Shaw Souradet Y. , Kangbai Jia B. , Kindrachuk Jason
Published: August 2024

Background

The West African Ebola virus disease (EVD) epidemic that occurred between 2013-2016 resulted in >28,000 confirmed cases and >11,000 fatalities. Thousands of survivors necessitate an understanding of the long-term health effects and future medical needs of these patients.

Methods

A cross-sectional study of 595 EVD survivors from Sierra Leone and 403 close contacts (n=998). An in-person survey conducted between November 2021 and March 2022 included demographics, clinical health symptomology assessment of each organ system and a reproductive health assessment including sexual dysfunction question sets. The frequency of each disorder was examined and the association of each disorder with EVD survival was assessed.

Results

Of 12 number of symptom types, five were reported by >50% of EVD survivors (Ocular, Neurological, Constitutional, Genitourinary, Dermatological), and all but one were reported by >40% of EVD survivors. Symptom types associated with EVD survival included ENT symptoms (AOR: 8.75, 95% CI: 5.63 – 13.60, p < 0.001), ocular symptoms (AOR: 7.18, 95% CI: 5.02 – 10.25, p < 0.001), dermatological symptoms (AOR: 4.16, 95% CI: 3.06 – 5.65, p < 0.001) and cardiovascular symptoms (AOR: 2.96, 95% CI: 2.12 – 4.13, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

The West Africa EVD epidemic resulted in a high prevalence of persistent health issues among disease survivors. Continued support for survivor services in West Africa is crucial, and future outbreak response planning should include dedicated funding to ensure adequate care for survivors, both during the acute phase of infection and throughout the post recovery period.
Novel localized waves and dynamics analysis for a generalized (3+1)-dimensional breaking soliton equation
Authors: Quan Jingfeng , Tang Xiaoyan
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to explore new variable separation solutions for a new generalized (3 + 1)-dimensional breaking soliton equation, construct novel nonlinear excitations and discuss their dynamical behaviors that may exist in many realms such as fluid dynamics, optics and telecommunication.

Design/methodology/approach

By means of the multilinear variable separation approach, variable separation solutions for the new generalized (3 + 1)-dimensional breaking soliton equation are derived with arbitrary low dimensional functions with respect to {y, z, t}. The asymptotic analysis is presented to represent generally the evolutions of rogue waves.

Findings

Fixing several types of explicit expressions of the arbitrary function in the potential field U, various novel nonlinear wave excitations are fabricated, such as hybrid waves of kinks and line solitons with different structures and other interesting characteristics, as well as interacting waves between rogue waves, kinks, line solitons with translation and rotation.

Research limitations/implications

The paper presents that a variable separation solution with an arbitrary function of three independent variables has great potential to describe localized waves.

Practical implications

The roles of parameters in the chosen functions are ascertained in this study, according to which, one can understand the amplitude, shape, background and other characteristics of the localized waves.

Social implications

The work provides novel localized waves that might be used to explain some nonlinear phenomena in fluids, plasma, optics and so on.

Originality/value

The study proposes a new generalized (3 + 1)-dimensional breaking soliton equation and derives its nonlinear variable separation solutions. It is demonstrated that a variable separation solution with an arbitrary function of three independent variables provides a treasure-house of nonlinear waves.
Incorporating a partner’s strategic value into a fast-and-frugal heuristic for decision-making
Authors: Marle Franck , Robin François
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to propose an accurate and efficient decision-making process adapted to the specific context of Claim Management situations, implying partners engaged in a high-involvement relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

We used a three-step approach: first, an inductive phase based on 12 past case studies. Second, a theory-building phase. Third, a theory-testing phase based on an ongoing case study to observe and test our propositions.

Findings

Proposal 1: Partner’s Strategic Value is an influential decision parameter that must be incorporated into Claim Management-related decision-making processes in high-involvement relationships. Proposal 2: The Fast-and-Frugal Heuristic is adapted to the intense, interactive and iterative nature of the Claim Management context. Our final proposal combines these two findings, i.e. a Fast-and-Frugal Heuristic incorporating the Partner’s Strategic Value and based on using decision criteria as a sequence, not simultaneously.

Originality/value

In the context of high-involvement business relationships and Claim Management, this study introduces the importance of selecting an appropriate decision methodology and integrating a strategic decision parameter (Partner’s Strategic Value) into an operational decision-making context. Furthermore, the principle of considering decision parameters in a specific sequence corresponds to the iterative and interactive nature of the Claim Management processes.
Nexus between geopolitical risk, female CEOs and firm performance relationship: an international evidence
Authors: Barman Siddhartha , Mahakud Jitendra
Published: August 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the nexus between geopolitical risk, female CEOs and firm performance through a cross-country analysis.

Design/methodology/approach

The study period ranges from 2014 to 2021, and the dataset uses an unbalanced panel of 4,955 companies across 50 nations comprising both developed and emerging economies. Our study has employed a fixed-effect panel regression model, to examine this issue. This analysis was supplemented with applying a dynamic panel technique, i.e. System generalized method of moments (SGMM), to address any endogeneity problems.

Findings

The study reveals that female CEOs positively impact firm performance, while geopolitical risks decrease it. Gender plays a significant role in this relationship, with firms with female executives tending to make conservative financial decisions amidst increased risks. The study also shows that geopolitical threats (GPRT) have a greater impact on female CEOs-firm performance relationship in developed nations.

Originality/value

This study is a new investigation that explores the intertwining relationship between geopolitical risk, female CEOs and firm performance across the countries.
Strategy for auditing investigation records and information: a case study of records and information management in the Royal Malaysian Police
Authors: Abd Kadir Widura , Mokhtar Umi Asma’ , Yusof Zawiyah M.
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This study aims to conduct an analysis of the strategy used by Royal Malaysian Police in auditing investigation records and information.

Design/methodology/approach

Qualitative methodologies were used based on the pragmatic philosophy and a case study approach.

Findings

This paper discusses the strategy for auditing the investigation records and information (AIRI), which includes the pre-auditing (input), auditing (process) and post-auditing (output) phases that will be used to develop the AIRI framework.

Research limitations/implications

This study focuses on auditing investigative records and information that may not be universally applicable to all organisations.

Practical implications

The implications arising from this paper are those related to the need to understand, promote and implement auditing of records and information in organisations.

Originality/value

This study presents an opportunity and establishes the foundation for enhancing and broadening the scope of information auditing, a crucial component within the records and information management (RIM) life cycle.
When my organization is socially irresponsible: the joint effect of moral obligation and ideological psychological contract in digital employee activism
Authors: You Leping , Jin Jie
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Facilitated by social media, employee activism is on the rise, often in response to organizations' own socially irresponsible behavior. Given that digital employee activism is a vital yet underexplored research arena, the purpose of this study is to propose and test a theoretical model for understanding this phenomenon.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey was launched on Dynata, a US-based consumer panel company. A total of 657 representative full-time employees working at different levels of positions participated the survey to indicate their perceptual and behavioral responses to organizational social irresponsibility.

Findings

Moral obligation was a significant factor in mediating the relationship between organizational social irresponsibility and digital employee activism. Ideological psychological contract adds supplemental weights moderating the mediation effect on digital employee activism.

Originality/value

This study, based on social regulation theory, explores the rise of employee activism in response to organizations’ socially irresponsible behavior. The study identifies moral obligation and ideological psychological contract as the driving forces behind digital employee activism. This study advances digital employee activism scholarship by incorporating the normative lens of moral obligation and ideological psychological contract.
Translational science in the science of reading: A case study
Authors: Daniel Johny , Clucas Lauryn , Wenqing Chen , Collier Katherine , Moss Jennifer
Published: August 2024

This study explores the perceived effectiveness of an open educational reading programme for primary school pupils with specific learning difficulties (SpLD) such as dyslexia. The programme, implemented by experienced teaching assistants (TAs), encompassed multiple aspects of reading, including phonics, sight word reading, reading fluency, vocabulary development and comprehension strategies, addressing the diverse needs of students with SpLD. Past observational studies have shown a disconnect between recommended reading practices and actual teaching approaches, often leading to a neglect of crucial skills like vocabulary, reading fluency and reading comprehension instruction for this student population. The current study aimed to bridge this research‐to‐practice gap, involving educators in programme development to ensure its effectiveness and practicality. Findings from interviews with five TAs indicate a strong need for comprehensive programmes that integrate various reading skills. The open educational reading programme received positive feedback from TAs, highlighting its role in engaging students and supporting active participation. This research underscores the significance of translating scientific insights into practical, transformative educational resources, emphasising the critical role of public engagement in advancing reading education. Additionally, this study emphasises the imperative of developing educator‐oriented programmes that are research‐based and easily accessible, thereby enhancing the practical application of scientific knowledge.
Comparative analysis of the qualities of traditional and sous‐vide marinated duck drumsticks
Authors: Zhao Lingling , Xu Bin , Wu Ruifang , Chen Mingyue , Yi Yang , Wang Hongxun , Guo Danjun , Xu Wei
Published: August 2024

The sous‐vide technique is increasingly used to improve the quality of poultry meat; the study aimed to compare the quality of traditional and sous‐vide marinated (SVM) duck drumsticks by analyzing the sensory‐related, nutritional, storage‐related, and in vitro digestive‐related quality of duck meat. The results showed that the sensory quality scores of color, odor, and appearance, L* and a* values of duck drumsticks in SVM group were significantly increased compared with the traditional marinated (TM) group (t‐test, p < 0.05, the same below), and the b* values on the outside and inside of duck drumsticks were decreased by 22.47% and 38.04%, respectively. Compared with TM group, hardness, springiness, chewiness, adhesion, cohesion, and resilience of duck drumsticks in SVM group decreased by 43.32%, 29.52%, 65.08%, 62.35%, 20.23%, and 30.33%, respectively. The moisture content and total fat content of duck drumsticks in SVM group were significantly higher than those in TM group (p < 0.05), and the protein loss, total volatile basic nitrogen, and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances values were decreased by 61.4%, 25.86%, and 20.45%, respectively. The results of in vitro digestion experiments showed that the content of free sulfhydryl groups of duck drumsticks in SVM group was significantly increased (p < 0.05), and the contents of Schiff base and carbonyl groups were significantly decreased compared with the TM group (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the SVM technology could significantly improve the sensory‐related qualities, reduce the loss of nutrients, and improve the storage‐related qualities of duck drumsticks. This study provided theoretical reference for the high‐value application of SVM technology in duck meat.
Drought risk management in agriculture: A copula perspective on crop diversification
Authors: Schmitt Jonas , Offermann Frank , Ribeiro Andreia F. S. , Finger Robert
Published: August 2024

Drought events are a major cause of large crop yield losses with implications for food security and farmers’ incomes. Growing multiple crops simultaneously during a cropping season is a well‐known on‐farm risk management strategy to cope with these drought risks. However, the effectiveness of this crop diversification under different severity levels of drought and how this effectiveness is influenced by the crop composition is unclear. This article provides new methodological and empirical insights to assess the effectiveness of such diversification, in particular to cope with extreme drought. We apply and evaluate nested Archimedean copulas and elliptical copulas to assess simultaneous farm‐level yield losses of different cash crops in German agriculture (winter wheat, winter barley, winter rapeseed, sugar beet, and grain maize) under different drought severity levels (N = 249,756; regionally pooled farm‐level crop‐yield pairs, 1995–2019). We show that on‐farm crop diversification contributes to cope with drought risks, but its effectiveness varies considerably across regions, crop pairs, and drought severity. Our results underline that cropping system diversification alone is often not sufficient to cope with drought risks, but that the right crop combinations are needed. For example, during a severe drought (one in 20 years event), 26.4% of farmers in eastern Germany suffered simultaneous yield losses of at least 20% in winter wheat and winter barley, while 19.1% of farmers in eastern Germany suffered simultaneous yield losses of at least 20% in winter wheat and sugar beet. Farmers should therefore be encouraged to grow crops with more diverse phenological requirements throughout the year.
Resisting Post‐Political Adaptation to Climate Change: How a Small Community Stood Up to Big Development
Authors: Mikulewicz Michael
Published: August 2024

Recent critical scholarship has brought attention to local resistance in the spaces of adaptation, with reported instances of local communities rejecting planned adaptation interventions around the world. As adaptation funding is only expected to grow, so should our understanding of this resistance. In this article, I investigate one such dispute where residents of a small village in São Tomé and Príncipe refused to participate in an adaptation project implemented by the national government and the United Nations Development Programme. I ground my analysis in the literature on post‐politics and discuss the community's resistance as a Rancièrian “political interruption” of the post‐political adaptation configuration in the country. I also investigate the factors that arguably led to local resistance, including the residents’ disillusion with what I term Big Development, and their political subjectivation through a local grassroots initiative. The paper concludes with reflections on countering the post‐politics of adaptation as a prerequisite for more democratic and equitable local climate governance.
Modelling and drug targeting of a myeloid neoplasm with atypical 3q26/MECOM rearrangement using patient‐specific iPSCs
Authors: Nakamura Momoko , Chonabayashi Kazuhisa , Narita Megumi , Matsumura Yasuko , Nishikawa Misato , Ochi Yotaro , Nannya Yasuhito , Hishizawa Masakatsu , Inoue Daichi , Delwel Ruud , Ogawa Seishi , Takaori‐Kondo Akifumi , Yoshida Yoshinori
Published: August 2024

Structural variations involving enhancer hijacking induce aberrant oncogene expression and cause tumorigenesis. A rare translocation, t(3;8)(q26.2;q24), is associated with MECOM and MYC rearrangement, causing myeloid neoplasms with a dismal prognosis. The most recent World Health Organization classification recognises myeloid neoplasms with MECOM rearrangement as acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) with defining genetic abnormalities. Recently, the increasing use of induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology has helped elucidate the pathogenic processes of haematological malignancies. However, its utility for investigating enhancer hijacking in myeloid neoplasms remains unclear. In this study, we generated iPSC lines from patients with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) harbouring t(3;8)(q26.2;q24) and differentiated them into haematopoietic progenitor cells to model the pathophysiology of MDS with t(3;8)(q26.2;q24). Our iPSC model reproduced the primary patient's MECOM expression changes and histone H3 lysine 27 acetylation (H3K27ac) patterns in the MECOM promoter and MYC blood enhancer cluster (BENC). Furthermore, we revealed the apoptotic effects of the bromodomain and extra‐terminal motif (BET) inhibitor on iPSC‐derived MDS cells by suppressing activated MECOM. Our study demonstrates the usefulness of iPSC models for uncovering the precise mechanism of enhancer hijacking due to chromosomal structural changes and discovering potential therapeutic drug candidates for cancer treatment.
A case of coronary sinus ostium atresia misdiagnosed as patent foramen ovale
Authors: Li Fangzhou , Li Xiaoqiang
Published: August 2024

A 15‐year‐old male patient presented with a 3‐year history of recurrent dizziness and headaches and was initially diagnosed with patent foramen ovale. A transcatheter closure procedure was planned and conducted under general anesthesia, utilizing ultrasound guidance through the femoral vein. Preadmission echocardiography confirmed the presence of a patent foramen ovale. However, further investigation with transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) performed under general anesthesia, revealed that the observed atrial septal anomaly was not a patent foramen ovale. Instead, real‐time TEE identified it as the left atrial opening of the coronary vein. Subsequent detailed TEE tracking confirmed a rare case of coronary sinus ostium atresia with left atrial reflux of the coronary vein, leading to a significant revision of the initial diagnosis and planned treatment.
Variations in risk‐taking behaviour mediate matrix mortality's impact on biodiversity under fragmentation
Authors: Rohwäder Marie‐Sophie , Gallagher Cara , Jeltsch Florian
Published: August 2024

The impact of fragmentation on biodiversity is driven by more than the spatial configuration of suitable habitat patches. Habitat is embedded in the surrounding anthropogenic land cover, known as the matrix, which plays a key role in species movement and connects the fragmented habitat. Whether the matrix is a barrier or a conduit to movement depends on the mortality of the moving individuals. However, individuals differ in their behavioural response to the risk posed by the matrix, with the willingness to enter the matrix depending on an individual's risk‐taking behaviour. This individual‐level behavioural variability is rarely considered but represents an additional mechanism shaping inter‐ and intraspecific competition as well as evolutionary behavioural responses. We used an individual‐based model to scale up from individual foraging movements to the resulting community structure of a competitive small mammal community in differently fragmented landscapes. The model interactively considers extrinsic matrix conditions, given as a certain mortality rate, and individual differences in intrinsic movement decisions when moving into the matrix. The model was used to investigate consequences of fragmentation and matrix mortality for species and behavioural diversity. Low matrix mortality resulted in a positive effect of fragmentation on species diversity. At the same time, it led to a high average risk‐taking behaviour. While this was an important adaptive response to fragmentation, it also led to a loss of intraspecific diversity. High matrix mortality reversed the effect of fragmentation, leading to a drastic loss of species with increasing fragmentation. High mortality risk reduced average risk‐taking, especially at high fragmentation. Study findings suggest that the feasibility of movement in the matrix can influence species diversity and evolutionary responses of movement‐related behavioural traits in fragmented landscapes. The matrix may thus play a key role in reconciling contrasting empirical results and provides a promising tool for future biodiversity conservation.
Multi‐omics correlates of insulin resistance and circadian parameters mapped directly from human serum
Authors: Du Ngoc‐Hien , Sinturel Flore , Nowak Nora , Gosselin Pauline , Saini Camille , Guessous Idris , Jornayvaz François R. , Philippe Jacques , Rey Guillaume , Dermitzakis Emmanouil T. , Zenobi Renato , Dibner Charna , Brown Steven A.
Published: August 2024

While it is generally known that metabolic disorders and circadian dysfunction are intertwined, how the two systems affect each other is not well understood, nor are the genetic factors that might exacerbate this pathological interaction. Blood chemistry is profoundly changed in metabolic disorders, and we have previously shown that serum factors change cellular clock properties. To investigate if circulating factors altered in metabolic disorders have circadian modifying effects, and whether these effects are of genetic origin, we measured circadian rhythms in U2OS cell in the presence of serum collected from diabetic, obese or control subjects. We observed that circadian period lengthening in U2OS cells was associated with serum chemistry that is characteristic of insulin resistance. Characterizing the genetic variants that altered circadian period length by genome‐wide association analysis, we found that one of the top variants mapped to the E3 ubiquitin ligase MARCH1 involved in insulin sensitivity. Confirming our data, the serum circadian modifying variants were also enriched in type 2 diabetes and chronotype variants identified in the UK Biobank cohort. Finally, to identify serum factors that might be involved in period lengthening, we performed detailed metabolomics and found that the circadian modifying variants are particularly associated with branched chain amino acids, whose levels are known to correlate with diabetes and insulin resistance. Overall, our multi‐omics data showed comprehensively that systemic factors serve as a path through which metabolic disorders influence circadian system, and these can be examined in human populations directly by simple cellular assays in common cultured cells.