bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Restoring a parched tributary in global mobility research: the study of expatriates as leaders
Authors: Mendenhall Mark E. , Reiche B. Sebastian
Published: November 2024

Purpose

This paper explores an under-researched area in the field of global mobility, namely, the leadership behavior of expatriates. We bring attention to this largely overlooked area of research in global mobility and offer recommendations for future research in relation to this topic.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, we first map the degree to which expatriates as leaders have been studied in the field by conducting a search of the global mobility literature from 1965 to 2023. Next, we explore the potential efficacy of applying existing leadership theories to the study of expatriates as leaders, reflecting on the potential gains such an undertaking holds for both global mobility and leadership research.

Findings

Based on our reflections, we conclude that the global mobility domain provides a new, rich context in which traditional leadership theories could be studied, resulting in a richer understanding of boundary conditions associated with traditional leadership theories. We also consider the potential value-added contributions to the global mobility field if its scholars were to draw from existing theory from one of the sub-fields of leadership: global leadership. To do so, we chart the evolution of the global leadership field and discuss one of its models that holds particular value, in our estimation, for future global mobility research.

Originality/value

To date, the lack of focus on expatriates as leaders has not been discussed or widely considered in the literature. This paper is a first attempt to bring to light this gap in the literature and to consider the rich possibilities future research exploring this topic holds for the field and for the practice of expatriate training and development.
Tracing the path to democratic governance in South Africa and Ethiopia: a comparative policy analysis
Authors: Gebrihet Hafte Gebreselassie , Gebresilassie Yibrah Hagos
Published: November 2024

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the dynamics of democratic governance in South Africa and Ethiopia within the framework of Africa Agenda 2063 (AA2063), including how political polarisation and populism shape the democratisation process.

Design/methodology/approach

A mixed-methods approach integrates quantitative analysis using the Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) data set with qualitative case studies from South Africa and Ethiopia. Cohort analysis, comparative analysis and descriptive statistics revealed patterns and trends in democratic transformation, how groups evolve over time and the momentum needed for both countries to achieve the goals of AA2063.

Findings

This study found that the political landscapes of South Africa and Ethiopia are significantly shaped by the emergence of democracy, political polarisation and populist parties. Considering the 10-year expected outcomes outlined in AA2063, the findings show that South Africa achieved 84% of its 10-year democratic governance policy goals, whereas Ethiopia reached only 25%. South Africa, despite demonstrating a strong commitment to clean elections, has experienced significant political polarisation and the rise of populist movements. In Ethiopia, the shift towards one-man governance has significantly diverted the country’s trajectory from liberal democratic aspirations to undemocratic practices.

Practical implications

The findings provide actionable policy recommendations aimed at building resilient democracy against political polarisation and populism.

Social implications

This study highlights the vital role of informed citizens in safeguarding democratic practices.

Originality/value

This study makes a significant contribution through a rigorous comparison of democratic practices in South Africa and Ethiopia by elucidating the critical factors that shape their differing levels of democratic maturity. The analysis uncovers the impact of political polarisation and populism on governance by employing a comprehensive array of democratic indicators to provide a nuanced understanding of these dynamics.
Bee fear responses are mediated by dopamine and influence cognition
Authors: Gu Gaoying , Wang Ziqi , Lin Tao , Wang Sainan , Li Jianjun , Dong Shihao , Nieh James C. , Tan Ken
Published: November 2024

Predatory threats, even when they do not involve direct consumption (non‐consumptive effects, NCEs), can profoundly influence the physiology and behaviour of prey. For example, honeybees that encounter hornet predators show responses similar to fear.

However, the physiological mechanisms that are connected with this fear‐like response and their effects on bee cognition and olfaction remain largely unknown.

We show that bees decreased time spent near the hornet, demonstrated fearful behaviour and moved with greater velocity to escape. After a prolonged 24‐h exposure, bees adopted defensive clustering, displayed greater predator avoidance, and experienced a decline in brain dopamine levels. Prolonged predator exposure also diminished bee olfactory sensitivity to odours and their mechanical sensitivity to air currents, contributing to impaired olfactory learning.

However, boosting brain dopamine reversed one fear‐like behaviour (average bee velocity in the presence of a hornet) and rescued olfactory sensitivity and learning.

We therefore provide evidence linking dopamine to sensory and cognitive declines associated with fear in an insect.
TLR4 Inhibitor TAK‐242 Protected Henoch–Schonlein Purpura Nephritis in Rats by Regulating Inflammatory Response and Immune Competence via NF‐ κB/NLRP3 Signalling
Authors: Liu Yirong , Wu Qiong , Huang Zhenxing , Zhou Dongmei , Cai Chao , Luo Wenliang , Feng Ping
Published: November 2024

This study aimed to explore the effect of toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4)/nuclear factor‐kappa B (NF‐κB)/NOD‐like receptor thermal protein domain‐associated protein 3 (NLRP3) signalling on Henoch–Schonlein purpura nephritis (HSPN). We established a HSPN rat model in a high‐altitude hypoxic (HH) environment. Renal tissue lesions were observed by haematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) staining and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase‐mediated dUTP nick end labelling (TUNEL), CD20‐postive B cells and CD68‐postive macrophage cells were detected by immunohistochemistry, T‐cell activation was detected by flow cytometry and toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4)/nuclear factor‐kappa B (NF‐κB)/NOD‐like receptor thermal protein domain associated protein 3 (NLRP3) signalling was detected by western blot. TAK‐242 inhibited the expression of TLR4/NF‐κB/NLRP3 signalling related‐proteins, decreased the levels of 24 h urinary protein, serum creatinine, circular immune complex (CIC) and kidney immunoglobulin A (IgA), and improved renal histopathological damage in HH‐HSPN rats. Furthermore, TAK‐242 attenuated the infiltration of CD20 and CD68 into the kidney and increased the percentage of CD3+, CD4+ and CD4+/CD8+ cells in the blood of HH‐HSPN rats. The study revealed that suppressing TLR4/NF‐κB/NLRP3 signalling improved renal function and histopathological damage, and this improvement was related to inhibiting the inflammatory response and enhancing immune competence.
Sensitive Intervention Points for Australia's Transition to Net‐Zero Emissions
Authors: Muiruri Kimathi , Skarbek Anna , Mealy Penny , Hepburn Cameron
Published: November 2024

Australia is not on track to meet its obligations under the Paris Accord. How can action to achieve net zero be accelerated? Here, we apply the concept of ‘sensitive intervention points’ and consider six potential interventions that could have a disproportionate impact on Australia's progress: (i) a national plan to clarify direction; (ii) a national net‐zero authority to coordinate efforts; (iii) support for a set of nationally significant projects in particular places; (iv) an industrial policy response akin to the US IRA; (v) a standard for the construction industry; and (vi) a requirement that companies develop net‐zero plans. Individually and collectively, we argue that they could plausibly accelerate Australia's trajectory to net‐zero emissions.
Politics and the Pandemic: The UK Covid‐19 Inquiry and Devolution
Authors: Brown Swan Coree , Anderson Paul , Sijstermans Judith
Published: November 2024

Drawing on documentary and oral evidence presented in Module 2 of the UK Covid‐19 Inquiry, this article asks what the inquiry tells us about the nature and dynamics of intergovernmental relations (IGR) from the UK and devolved governments' interactions over the course of the pandemic. In so doing, the article focusses on formal IGR structures (since reformed), the actions of political leaders within these formal and informal structures and entrenched institutional cultures, with a particular focus on the ways in which decision‐making processes and devolved dynamics were understood by the principal actors over the course of the pandemic. The article concludes with reflections on how IGR might be reset or reformed by the newly elected UK government.
A statistical analysis for deepfake videos forgery traces recognition followed by a fine‐tuned InceptionResNetV2 detection technique
Authors: Sandhya  , Kashyap Abhishek
Published: November 2024

Deepfake videos are growing progressively more competent because of the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence and deep learning technology. This has led to substantial problems around propaganda, privacy, and security. This research provides an analytically novel method for detecting deepfake videos using temporal discrepancies of the various statistical features of video at the pixel level, followed by a deep learning algorithm. To detect minute aberrations typical of deepfake manipulations, this study focuses on both spatial information inside individual frames and temporal correlations between subsequent frames. This study primarily provides a novel Euclidean distance variation probability score value for directly commenting on the authenticity of a deepfake video. Next, fine‐tuning of InceptionResNetV2 with the addition of a dense layer is trained FaceForensics++ for deepfake detection. The proposed fine‐tuned model outperforms the existing techniques as its testing accuracy on unseen data outperforms the existing methods. The propsd method achieved an accuracy of 99.80% for FF++ dataset and 97.60% accuracy for CelebDF dataset.
Significance of image brightness levels for PRNU camera identification
Authors: Martin Abby , Newman Jennifer
Published: November 2024

A forensic investigator performing source identification on a questioned image from a crime aims to identify the unknown camera that acquired the image. On the camera sensor, minute spatial variations in intensities between pixels, called photo response non‐uniformity (PRNU), provide a unique and persistent artifact appearing in every image acquired by the digital camera. This camera fingerprint is used to produce a score between the questioned image and an unknown camera using a court‐approved camera identification algorithm. The score is compared to a fixed threshold to determine a match or no match. Error rates for the court‐approved camera‐identification PRNU algorithm were established on a very large set of image data, making no distinction between images with different brightness levels. Camera exposure settings and in‐camera processing strive to produce a visually pleasing image, but images that are too dark or too bright are not uncommon. While prior work has shown that exposure settings can impact the accuracy of the court‐approved algorithm, these settings are often unreliable in the image metadata. In this work, we apply the court‐approved PRNU algorithm to a large data set where images are assigned a brightness level as a proxy for exposure settings using a novel classification method and then analyze error rates. We find statistically significant differences between error rates for nominal images and for images labeled dark or bright. Our result suggests that in court, the error rate of the PRNU algorithm for a questioned image may be more accurately characterized when considering the image brightness.
At what cost? The impact of bacteriophage resistance on the growth kinetics and protein synthesis of Escherichia coli
Authors: Landor Lotta A. I. , Tjendra Jesslyn , Erstad Karen , Krabberød Anders K. , Töpper Joachim P. , Våge Selina
Published: November 2024

Cost of bacteriophage resistance (COR) is important in explaining processes of diversification and coexistence in microbial communities. COR can be expressed in different traits, and the lack of universally applicable methods to measure fitness trade‐offs makes COR challenging to study. Due to its fundamental role in growth, we explored protein synthesis as a target for quantifying COR. In this study, the growth kinetics of three genome‐sequenced strains of phage‐resistant Escherichia coli, along with the phage‐susceptible wild‐type, were characterized over a range of glucose concentrations. Bioorthogonal non‐canonical amino acid tagging (BONCAT) was used to track differences in protein synthetic activity between the wild‐type and phage‐resistant E. coli. Two of the resistant strains, with different levels of phage susceptibility, showed mucoid phenotypes corresponding with mutations in genes associated with the Rcs phosphorelay. These mucoid isolates, however, had reduced growth rates and potentially lower protein synthetic activity. Another resistant isolate with a different mutational profile maintained the same growth rate as the wild‐type and showed increased BONCAT fluorescence, but its yield was lower. Together, these findings present different patterns of trade‐offs resulting from the phage‐induced mutations and demonstrate the potential applicability of BONCAT as a tool for measuring COR.
Investigation of the effect of missense mutations in AHR and DNAH11 on feed conversion ratio and average daily residual feed intake in Duroc, Landrace and Yorkshire pigs
Authors: Sun Jiahong , Ibragimov Emil , Luigi‐Sierra Maria Gracia , Fredholm Merete , Karlskov‐Mortensen Peter
Published: November 2024

Feed efficiency (FE) in pigs is an important factor in the profitability of pig farming operations. It refers to the ability of a pig to convert the feed it consumes into body weight. We used two metrics to measure FE: feed conversion ratio and average daily residual feed intake. A previous genome‐wide association study and transcriptome study in crossbred pigs identified two QTL regions on SSC9 associated with residual feed intake and pointed out two candidate genes of interest: (a) the gene encoding the Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor gene (AHR) transcription factor; and (b) the Dynein, Axonemal, Heavy Polypeptide 11 gene (DNAH11). The previous study identified missense mutations in both genes leading to a conservative substitution of glycine to cysteine in AHR (AHR_rs339939442) and two non‐conservative substitutions in DNAH11, where arginine is replaced by threonine (DNAH11_rs325475644) and alanine is replaced by threonine (DNAH11_rs346074031). We have now genotyped the missense mutations in independent cohorts of 107 Duroc, 155 Landrace and 160 Yorkshire pigs to substantiate further if these variants directly impact FE‐related phenotypes. We verified that allele T of AHR_rs339939442 in AHR improves FE in Yorkshire pigs. Genotype GG of AHR_rs339939442 was fixed in Duroc pigs. We also confirmed that the variants rs325475644 and rs346074031 in DNAH11 did not affect FE. The findings contribute valuable insights into the genetic mechanisms governing FE in pigs, potentially offering contributions for future enhancements of FE.
Cannabis and the overdose crisis among US adolescents
Authors: Bleyer Archie , Barnes Brian , Stuyt Elizabeth , Voth Eric A. , Finn Kenneth
Published: November 2024

Background and Objectives

Since 2019, the drug overdose death rate among adolescents 14–18 years of age in the United States more than doubled. That cannabis legalization may have contributed to this tragedy is investigated by comparing the death rate in jurisdictions that have legalized medicinal or both medicinal and recreational use with those that have not.

Methods

Unintentional drug overdose death data for each state and District of Columbia (jurisdictions) were obtained from CDC WONDER and separately evaluated according to the jurisdiction legalization implementation of cannabis: recreational legalization, medicinal legalization but not recreational legalization, and nonlegalization.

Results

After a decade of similar and decreasing overdose death rates, jurisdictions that implemented cannabis legalization had a statistically significant greater increase in overdose deaths than nonlegalizing states. Those that implemented recreational legalization had the greatest increase, in which the rate was 88%, 479%, and 115% greater in 2019, 2020, and 2021, respectively, than in nonlegalizing jurisdictions. The overdose death rate versus cannabis legalization correlations are apparent in both females and males and in White, Black, and Hispanic individuals, and a statistically significant greater rate increases between recreational cannabis legalization implementation and nonlegalization.

Conclusion and Scientific Significance

Legalization of cannabis is associated with overdose deaths in American adolescents, especially recreational legalization, and regardless of sex or White–Black–Hispanic race/ethnicity. Cause and effect relationships of these previously unreported correlations, if verified, merit investigation of biologic and psychosocial mechanisms, interventions, and prevention strategies.
Afterword: Replenishing Geographical Thinking on Depletion through and of Social Reproduction
Authors: Rai Shirin M.
Published: November 2024

“Replenishing Geographical Thinking on Depletion through and of Social Reproduction” contributes to the growing interdisciplinary debates on depletion. It does so through analyses of the everyday rhythms of life by investigating the relationship between production and reproduction to understand the labour that goes into the maintenance of life and experiences of depletion, as well as strategies to measure and reverse it. I reflect on the different papers and suggest that this excellent Symposium is an important contribution to the study of depletion and opens up avenues for further explorations of the concept.
Useful central mechanical circulatory support system for critical biventricular heart failure associated with high pulmonary vascular resistance
Authors: Tadokoro Naoki , Kainuma Satoshi , Tonai Kohei , Koyamoto Tetsuya , Kawamoto Naonori , Kakuta Takashi , Minami Kimito , Nishioka Hiroshi , Tsukamoto Yasumasa , Fukushima Satsuki
Published: November 2024

Background

Peripheral veno‐arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is a powerful life‐saving tool; however, it can sometimes induce severe pulmonary edema in patients with critical heart failure. We report favorable outcomes in critically ill patients by using a central ECMO system with an innovative blood perfusion method.

Methods

We analyzed 10 patients with severe heart failure and pulmonary edema who were treated with the central ECMO system at our institution between April 2022 and October 2023. The system consists of central cannulation with two inflows from the right atrium and left ventricle, and two outflows to the aorta and pulmonary artery, connected by two Y‐connectors to a single ECMO circuit (RALV‐AOPA ECMO). In this system, blood flow to the pulmonary artery is adjusted and mean pulmonary artery pressure is limited to <20 mm Hg, which reduces right ventricular afterload and prevents the worsening of pulmonary edema and hemorrhage.

Results

Six patients were diagnosed with fulminant lymphocytic myocarditis, and four were diagnosed with coronavirus disease 2019‐related myocardial injury. The ejection fraction was 6.5 ± 4.1%. The average intraoperative pulmonary vascular resistance was 4.6 ± 1.3 Wood units. After 24 h, the mean pulmonary arterial pressure was 12.8 ± 4.3 mm Hg, and pulmonary vascular resistance was 1.5 ± 0.3 Wood units. The duration of central RALV‐AOPA ECMO was 3.7 ± 2.1 days. Finally, six patients were weaned, three received HeartMate3, and one received heart transplantation. At follow‐up, all patients remained alive (428 ± 208 days), and two patients experienced cerebrovascular accidents without any lasting sequelae.

Conclusions

The central RALV‐AOPA ECMO is an innovative system that achieves early improvement in pulmonary vascular resistance and is safe and feasible for patients with acute biventricular failure and pulmonary edema.
IL‐1 receptor antagonist anakinra downregulates inflammatory cytokines during renal normothermic machine perfusion: Preliminary results
Authors: Hosgood Sarah A. , Moore Tom , Walker Alex , Nicholson Michael L.
Published: November 2024

Background

The interleukin 1 (IL‐1) cytokine group plays a key role in sterile inflammation and may be an important target for transplant‐related renal injury. This study examined the effects of anakinra, a non‐specific IL‐1 receptor antagonist, administered during normothermic machine perfusion (NMP) of porcine kidneys.

Method

Paired porcine kidneys (n = 5 pairs) underwent 15 min of warm ischemia plus 2 h of static cold storage in ice. Kidneys were then perfused with autologous whole blood using an ex vivo NMP platform. Kidneys were randomly allocated to receive anakinra or vehicle administered at the start of NMP. Cortical biopsies were collected at baseline before ischemic injury and at the end of NMP. Functional parameters were recorded and calculated, and inflammatory markers were measured by qPCR and ELISA techniques.

Results

During NMP, there were no statistically significant differences in renal blood flow, urine output, creatinine clearance or fractional excretion of sodium in the anakinra and control groups. The administration of anakinra significantly downregulated transcriptional expression of IL‐6, Fas ligand and intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (p = 0.029, 0.029, 0.028, respectively).

Conclusion

Anakinra, an IL‐1 receptor blocker, successfully attenuated the downstream inflammatory and immune‐mediated response within the kidney during NMP.
Influence of Corporate Digital Responsibility on Financial Performance: The Mediating Role of Firm Reputation
Authors: Oduro Stephen , Haylemariam Leul Girma , Umar Rana Muhammad
Published: November 2024

This study examines the mediating role of firm reputation in the relationship between corporate digital responsibility (CDR) and financial performance in an emerging market, Ethiopia. An online cross‐sectional survey was used to collect data from 126 agricultural, manufacturing, and service firms. The study used partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS‐SEM) to analyze the hypothesized relationship. Our findings reveal that the impact of CDR on financial performance is indirect only as firm reputation plays a full, complementary mediation role in the CDR—financial performance nexus. This implies that firms could leverage CDR as a competitive “inducing” strategy to enhance their firm reputation, which, in turn, can boost their financial prospects. Our study significantly contributes to the business ethics and digital economy literature by offering a pioneering empirical validation of the CDR phenomenon in an emerging context, thus extending the signaling and stakeholder theories to digitalization and reputation management domains. The findings offer managers fresh insight into the potential impact of a CDR strategy on firm reputation and financial performance, showing that firms can leverage CDR as a loss prevention strategy to gain a competitive advantage. Policymakers are therefore urged to promote soft‐law regimes and policies on CDR to motivate companies to leverage it as a competitive tool.
Moral enhancement and cheapened achievement: Psychedelics, virtual reality and AI
Authors: Gordon Emma C. , Cheung Katherine , Savulescu Julian , Earp Brian D.
Published: November 2024

A prominent critique of cognitive or athletic enhancement claims that certain performance‐improving drugs or technologies may ‘cheapen’ resulting achievements. Considerably less attention has been paid to the impact of enhancement on the value of moral achievements. Would the use of moral enhancement (bio)technologies, rather than (solely) ‘traditional’ means of moral development like schooling and socialization, cheapen the ‘achievement’ of morally improving oneself? We argue that, to the extent that the ‘cheapened achievement’ objection succeeds in the domains of cognitive or athletic enhancement, it could plausibly also succeed in the domain of moral enhancement—but only regarding certain forms. Specifically, although the value of moral self‐improvement may be diminished by some of the more speculative and impractical forms of moral enhancement proposed in the literature, this worry has less force when applied to more plausibly viable forms of moral enhancement: forms in which drugs or technologies play an adjunctive or facilitative, rather than a determinative, role in moral improvement. We illustrate this idea with three examples from recent literature: the possible use of psychedelic drugs in certain moral‐learning contexts, ‘Socratic Al’ (a proposed Al‐driven moral enhancer) and empathy enhancement through virtual reality (VR). We argue that if one assumes that these technologies work roughly as advertised (which is an open empirical question), the ‘cheapened achievement’ objection loses much of its bite. The takeaway lesson is that moral enhancement in its most promising and practical forms ultimately evades a leading critique of cognitive and athletic enhancement. We end by reflecting on the potential upshot of our analysis for enhancement debates more widely.
Impaired physical ability in patients with transfusion‐dependent β‐thalassaemia: Can regular physical activity be a countermeasure?
Authors: Noguer Mathilde , Berthon Phanélie , Makowski Caroline , Messonnier Laurent A.
Published: November 2024

Transfusion‐dependent β‐thalassaemia (TDβT) is a genetic disorder characterised by reduced or absent β‐globin chain synthesis, resulting in chronic anaemia. Treatment consists of regular blood transfusions and chelation therapy to limit iron overload and its negative effects on organs (e.g. heart, lungs and liver). Despite improved life expectancy with transfusions and chelation therapy, TDβT patients experience poor quality of life and impaired exercise capacity (mainly due to muscle deconditioning and reduced cardiac inotropism). The aims of this review are (i) to discuss the role of organ dysfunction in the impairment of exercise capacity and reduced quality of life of TDβT patients; and (ii) to discuss physical activity as a potential therapeutic strategy to alleviate the multifactorial impact of the disease.
A new Q‐matrix validation method based on signal detection theory
Authors: Li Jia , Chen Ping
Published: November 2024

The Q‐matrix is a crucial component of cognitive diagnostic theory and an important basis for the research and practical application of cognitive diagnosis. In practice, the Q‐matrix is typically developed by domain experts and may contain some misspecifications, so it needs to be refined using Q‐matrix validation methods. Based on signal detection theory, this paper puts forward a new Q‐matrix validation method (i.e., method) and then conducts a simulation study to compare the new method with existing methods. The results show that when the model is DINA (deterministic inputs, noisy ‘and’ gate), the method outperforms the existing methods under all conditions; under the generalized DINA (G‐DINA) model, the method still has the highest validation rate when the sample size is small, and the item quality is high or the rate of Q‐matrix misspecification is ≥.4. Finally, a sub‐dataset of the PISA 2000 reading assessment is analysed to evaluate the reliability of the method.
Urban Versus Rural Differences in Meeting 24‐h Movement Behaviour Guidelines Among 3–4‐Year‐Olds: An Analysis of SUNRISE Pilot Study Data From 10 Low‐ and Middle‐Income Countries
Authors: Nusurupia Jackline J. , Germana Leyna H. , Wickramasinghe Pujitha , Tang Hong K. , Munambah Nyaradzai , Hossain Mohammad S. , Bang Pham , Hongyan Guan , Florindo Alex Antonio , Draper Catherine E. , Koh Denise , Sultoni Kuston , Okely Anthony D. , Tremblay Mark S. , Janssen Xanne , Reilly John J.
Published: November 2024

Background

Insufficient physical activity, excessive screen time and short sleep duration among young children are global public health concerns; however, data on prevalence of meeting World Health Organisation 24‐h movement behaviour guidelines for 3–4‐year‐old children in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs) are limited, and it is unknown whether urbanisation is related to young children's movement behaviours. The present study examined differences in prevalence of meeting 24‐h movement behaviour guidelines among 3–4‐year‐old children living in urban versus rural settings in LMICs.

Methods

The SUNRISE Study recruited 429, 3–4‐year‐old child/parent dyads from 10 LMICs. Children wore activPAL accelerometers continuously for at least 48 h to assess their physical activity and sleep duration. Screen time and time spent restrained were assessed via parent questionnaire. Differences in prevalence of meeting guidelines between urban‐ and rural‐dwelling children were examined using chi‐square tests.

Results

Physical activity guidelines were met by 17% of children (14% urban vs. 18% rural), sleep guidelines by 57% (61% urban vs. 54% rural), screen time guidelines by 50% (50% urban vs. 50% rural), restrained guidelines by 84% (81% urban vs. 86% rural) and all guidelines combined by 4% (4% urban vs.4% rural). We found no significant differences in meeting the guidelines between urban and rural areas.

Conclusions

Only a small proportion of children in both rural and urban settings met the WHO 24‐h movement guidelines. Strategies to improve movement behaviours in LMICs should consider including both rural and urban settings.
Effects of Polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN) on Endosinus Bone Regeneration Following Sinus Floor Elevation: An Experimental In Vivo Pilot Study
Authors: Lim Hyunwoo , Hong Ji‐Youn , Shin Seung‐Il , Chung Jong‐Hyuk , Thoma Daniel S. , Jung Ronald E. , Lim Hyun‐Chang
Published: November 2024

Objective

To determine the effect of polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN) on endosinus bone regeneration in a rabbit sinus model at sequential healing time points.

Materials and Methods

Eighteen New Zealand white rabbits were used. Bilateral sinus floor elevation (SFE) was performed. Two groups were randomly assigned to each sinus: (1) test group, in which SFE was performed using collagenated bone substitute material soaked with PDRN (concentration 2.0 mg/mL, dose 0.5 mL), and (2) control group, in which SFE was performed using collagenated bone substitute material only. The experimental animals were sacrificed at 2, 4, and 8 weeks (n = 6 at each healing time point). Microcomputed tomography (micro‐CT), histologic, and histomorphometric analyses were performed.

Results

The micro‐CT analysis revealed statistically significant increases in the mineralized tissue volume between 4 and 8 weeks (p < 0.05). Histologically, no specific intergroup difference was found in the pattern of new bone formation. Histomorphometrically, the area of newly formed bone (NB) was larger in the test group than in the control group at all healing time points (1.4 vs. 1.2 mm2 at 2 weeks, 3.4 vs. 1.9 mm2 at 4 weeks, and 5.7 vs. 4.5 mm2 at 8 weeks; median value), but the difference was statistically significant only at 4 weeks (p < 0.05). NB in set regions of interest (ROI_C, ROI_W, and ROI_M) tended to be greater in the test group than in the control group without statistical significance (p > 0.05).

Conclusions

PDRN appeared to enhance new bone formation at all healing time points, but the improvement was statistically significant only at 4 weeks.
9‐Methylfascaplysin Prevents Neuroinflammation and Synaptic Damage via Cell‐Specific Inhibition of Kinases in APP/PS1 Transgenic Mice
Authors: Le Jingyang , Xia Chenglong , Xu Jiayi , Cai Jinhan , Hu Chenwei , Bai Yu , Chen Huiyue , Rong Wenni , Jiang Yujie , Wu Xinming , Li Yongmei , Wang Qiyao , Naman C. Benjamin , Wei Hua , Zhang Jili , Liu Hao , Chen Xiaowei , Liu Fufeng , Liang Hongze , Cui Wei
Published: November 2024

Background

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a leading neurodegenerative disorder without effective treatments. The nonlinear dynamic nature of AD pathophysiology suggested that multiple pharmacological actions of anti‐AD drugs should be elucidated. 9‐Methylfascaplysin (9‐MF) was previously designed and synthesized as a novel anti‐AD candidate.

Methods and Results

In this study, 9‐MF at low concentrations significantly prevented cognitive impairments with similar efficacy as donepezil in APP/PS1 transgenic mice. In addition, 9‐MF potently reduced β‐amyloid (Aβ)‐associated neuroinflammation and tau‐associated synaptic damage in vivo. 9‐MF‐regulated microglia‐specific differentially phosphorylated proteins (DPPs) were mainly enriched in neuroinflammation, while 9‐MF‐regulated neuron‐specific DPPs were enriched in synaptic regulation, as revealed by a quantitative phosphoproteomic approach. A phosphoproteome‐kinome algorithm further identified that rho‐associated coiled‐coil kinase 2 (ROCK2) and glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β) ranked high in 9‐MF‐downregulated kinase perturbations. 9‐MF possessed high affinities for ROCK2 and GSK3β, which was confirmed by in vitro kinase activity assay. The protective effects of 9‐MF were abolished by ROCK2 knockdown in Aβ‐treated BV2 microglial cells, and by GSK3β knockdown in glyceraldehyde‐treated SH‐SY5Y neuronal cells, respectively.

Conclusions

All these results supported that 9‐MF produced anti‐AD effects via cell‐specific inhibition of ROCK2 and GSK3β in microglia and neurons, respectively.
Self‐reported mental health and the Dobbs decision: Variation by State abortion laws
Authors: Collins J. Michael , Das Vivekananda
Published: November 2024

When a US Supreme Court ruling allowed states to ban abortion, women of childbearing age in the states where abortion became illegal reported higher rates of anxiety symptoms compared to similar‐aged women in other states and older women in the same states. This study highlights how people respond to major policy changes and underscores the importance of mental health as a measure of well‐being for policymakers and researchers.
The Belt and Road Initiative and Its Unjustified Discontents
Authors: Posta Pompeo Della , Liu Qian
Published: November 2024

We argue that Western media advance two main interpretations of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). The first suggests that the BRI is primarily motivated by China's geopolitical ambitions. The second contends that the initiative creates “debt traps” for developing countries, hiding the true size of the debt while aiming at the seizure of the infrastructure it builds. We challenge both claims by reviewing critically the existing literature on the BRI. We posit that rather than geopolitical, China's primary motivation has been to promote the development of its western provinces, transforming landlocked areas into land linked ones. Moreover, most of the existing literature neglects the fact that the need for infrastructure development across various continents is well documented by respective regional banks. The dominant “debt trap” narrative is also refuted by several scholars, together with the hypothesis of “asset seizure” and other related critiques. The article concludes that, if anything, geopolitical motivations (particularly tensions between the US and China) are at the root of the negative narrative surrounding the BRI, rather than at the origin of the BRI itself.
Differential predation patterns of free‐ranging cats among continents
Authors: Philippe‐Lesaffre Martin , Bradshaw Corey J. A. , Castañeda Irene , Llewelyn John , Dickman Christopher R. , Lepczyk Christopher A. , Fantle-Lepczyk Jean , Marino Clara , Courchamp Franck , Bonnaud Elsa
Published: November 2024

Co‐evolutionary relationships associated with biogeographical context mediate the response of native prey to introduced predators, but this effect has not yet been demonstrated for domestic cats. We investigated the main factors influencing the vulnerability of prey species to domestic cat Felis catus predation across Australia, Europe and North America, where domestic cats are introduced. In addition to prey data from empirical records, we used machine‐learning models to compensate for unobserved prey in the diet of cats. We found continent‐specific patterns of predation: birds were more frequently depredated by cats in Europe and North America, while mammals were favoured in Australia. Bird prey traits were consistent across continents, but those of mammalian prey diverged, notably in Australia. Differences between prey and non‐prey species included mass, distribution, and reproductive traits, except in Australian mammals where there was no evidence for a relationship between mass and the probability of being prey. Many Australian mammal prey also have a high extinction risk, emphasizing their vulnerability compared to European and North American counterparts. Our findings highlight the role of eco‐evolutionary context in assessing predation impacts and also demonstrate the potential for machine learning to identify at‐risk species, thereby aiding global conservation efforts to reduce the negative impacts of introduced predators.
Beyond the Drill: Understanding Empathy Among Undergraduate Dental Students
Authors: Javed Muhammad Qasim , Ahmad Zaina , Muhammad Muhammad , Ali Kamran , Riaz Arham , Glanville Rebecca
Published: November 2024

Introduction

Compassionate care and empathy are fundamental components of health care which contribute to the social construction of physician–patient relationship to meet the expectations of the patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate clinical empathy among undergraduate dental students at a University in the Middle East.

Materials and Methods

It was a cross‐sectional study which used purposive sampling to recruit undergraduate dental students from five academic years. The Jefferson Scale of Physician Empathy‐Health Profession Students was used, a reliable 20‐item tool with a total score ranging from 20 to 140. Data collection was done online using Google Forms. All data were analysed and visualised using RStudio (version 2023.06.2) incorporating R version 4.0.5. Descriptive statistics including confidence intervals were calculated for each item and for the combined data set. Analysis of variance was used to determine any significant variation between the results by demographic factors. Estimated marginal means were calculated from the ANOVA outcomes.

Results

Responses were received from 150 participants including 75 males and 75 females. The overall response rate was 90.36%. The overall mean total score was 96.01 (95% CI 93.73–98.30). Analysis of variance (ANOVA) identified significant variation by gender only with female participants achieving statistically significant higher overall scores than male participants (f = 6.502, p = 0.012).

Conclusion

The study evaluated empathy among dental undergraduate students. The total mean scores of the participants appeared to be comparable to those reported in the literature findings. Higher mean empathy scores were observed for female participants in the current study. These findings emphasise the need for targeted interventions to promote empathy among dental students to boost patient‐centred care.
Trajectories of physical activity after ischaemic stroke: Exploring prediction of change
Authors: Damsbo Andreas Gammelgaard , Blauenfeldt Rolf Ankerlund , Andersen Grethe , Johnsen Søren P. , Mortensen Janne Kaergaard
Published: November 2024

Background and purpose

Physical activity (PA) is associated with lower risk of stroke and better functional outcome. However, low levels of PA after stroke are prevalent. The aim was to identify predictors of PA change after first‐time ischaemic stroke and to develop prediction models to predict change in PA.

Methods

Pre‐stroke and 6 months post‐stroke PA were quantified with the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE). Considered predictors were clinical data and demographics including data on socioeconomic status (SES). PASE change was analysed using mixed models of repeated measures. Elastic net regression models were used to predict decrease from higher PASE quartile to the lowest and increase from lowest to higher.

Results

A total of 523 first‐time ischaemic stroke patients were included. Median (interquartile range, IQR) age was 69 years (IQR 59, 77), 181 (35%) were female and median National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score was 3 (IQR 2, 5). Overall PASE score did not change, but 20% of patients decreased to the lowest PASE quartile whereas 48% from the lowest quartile increased to a higher. Prediction performance measured by area under the receiver operating curve was 0.679 for PA decrease and 0.619 for increase. SES factors were the most consistent predictors.

Conclusions

Half of the least active patients increased PA level after stroke whereas a fifth decreased with SES being the most consistent predictor. Despite comprehensive data, the prediction models only performed modestly. Efforts to optimize PA should include all stroke survivors to increase PA for least active patients and to prevent PA decrease.
A review of the genus Leptopa Zetterstedt, 1838 (Diptera: Scathophagidae) from Japan, with descriptions of two new species
Authors: Iwasa Mitsuhiro
Published: November 2024

The genus Leptopa Zetterstedt, 1838, which was recently regarded as a senior synonym of the genus Parallelomma Becker in Strobl, 1894 by Ozerov and Krivosheina (2023), is reviewed from Japan. Four species were identified, of which two new species, Leptopa kanmiyai sp. nov. and L. yezonica sp. nov., are described. The distributional records of all four species in Japan are given, and Leptopa hostae (Hering) is also recorded from the Republic of Korea for the first time. Leptopa yezonica sp. nov. was reared from the leaves of Polygonatum odoratum (Mill.) Druce var. pluriflorum (Miq.) Ohwi in Hokkaido, and its puparium is described. A key to the Japanese species of Leptopa is also provided.
Tracking the North American Asian Longhorned Beetle Invasion With Genomics
Authors: Cui Mingming , Roe Amanda D. , Boyle Brian , Keena Melody , Wu Yunke , Braswell W. Evan , Smith Michael T. , Gasman Ben , Shi Juan , Javal Marion , Roux Geraldine , Turgeon Jean J. , Hamelin Richard , Porth Ilga
Published: November 2024

Biological invasions pose significant threats to ecological and economic stability, with invasive pests like the Asian longhorned beetle (Anoplophora glabripennis Motschulsky, ALB) causing substantial damage to forest ecosystems. Effective pest management relies on comprehensive knowledge of the insect's biology and invasion history. This study uses genomics to address these knowledge gaps and inform existing biosurveillance frameworks. We used 2768 genome‐wide single nucleotide polymorphisms to compare invasive A. glabripennis populations in North America, using genomic variation to trace their sources of invasion and spread patterns, thereby refining our understanding of this species' invasion history. We found that most North American A. glabripennis infestations were distinct, resulting from multiple independent introductions from the native range. Following their introduction, all invasive populations experienced a genetic bottleneck which was followed by a population expansion, with a few also showing secondary spread to satellite infestations. Our study provides a foundation for a genome‐based biosurveillance tool that can be used to clarify the origin of intercepted individuals, allowing regulatory agencies to strengthen biosecurity measures against this invasive beetle.
Copper inactivates DcsB by oxidizing the metal ligand Cys86 to sulfinic acid
Authors: Oda Kosuke , Komaguchi Kenji , Matoba Yasuyuki
Published: November 2024

Nω‐hydroxy‐l‐arginine amidinohydrolase (EC:3.5.3.25), an enzyme in the d‐cycloserine (d‐CS) biosynthetic pathway of Streptomyces lavendulae, catalyzes the hydrolysis of an arginase inhibitor, Nω‐hydroxy‐l‐arginine, to produce l‐ornithine and hydroxyurea, despite being homologous to arginase. Like arginase, the enzyme (DcsB) possesses two manganese ions (MnA and MnB) essential for the enzymatic reaction at the bottom of the cavity formed within the molecule. However, one of the MnA ligands in DcsB is Cys86, whereas the corresponding residues in arginase are histidine. In this study, we determined the crystal structure of Mn‐free DcsB to elucidate the installation mechanism of the manganese ions. The flipping of the His111 residue after the formation of the coordination bond to the second manganese ion may facilitate the installation of MnB and the closing of the cavity entrance to retain MnA and MnB at the active site. Copper ions, which are known to be a positive regulator of many secondary metabolites in Streptomyces species, were found to irreversibly inactivate the catalytic activity of DcsB. Mass spectrometric and crystallographic analyses of the Cu(II)‐treated DcsB indicated that Cys86 is oxidized to sulfinic acid. The d‐CS biosynthesis in the producing microorganism may be negatively regulated by the concentration of intracellular copper ions, which mediates the oxidative stress.
Final results of the National Oncology Mentorship Program 2023 and its impact on burnout and professional fulfilment
Authors: Nindra Udit , Shivasabesan Gowri , Mellor Rhiannon , Ng Weng , Chua Wei , Karikios Deme , Richards Bethan , Liu Jia
Published: November 2024

Background and Aims

Significant burnout and low professional fulfilment are noted among medical oncologists and trainees. The National Oncology Mentorship Programme (NOMP23) was designed to evaluate the impact of a 1‐year mentorship program between oncology trainees (mentees) and consultants (mentors) on improving professional fulfilment and burnout.

Methods

NOMP23 was a single‐arm, prospective cohort study. One hundred twelve participants (56 mentors and 56 mentees) across Australia were recruited. Mentee/mentor pairs were orientated to the program virtually and met at least three times throughout 2023. The primary outcome was improvement in professional fulfilment as assessed using the Stanford Professional Fulfilment Index at conclusion of NOMP23 compared to baseline.

Results

A total of 112 participants enrolled. Eighty‐six (77%) completed the baseline and 63 (56%) completed the end‐of‐program survey. At baseline, 82% of mentees and 77% of mentors were classified as burnt out, which reduced to 57% and 51% at the conclusion of NOMP23; a reduction of 25% and 26% (P < 0.01). Baseline professional fulfilment was 0% and 5% for mentees and mentors respectively, which improved to 21% and 34% at the end of NOMP23 (P < 0.01). However, significant reduction in feelings of regret towards oncology as a profession was seen for mentees and mentors between baseline and the conclusion of NOMP23 (40% vs 14% and 29% vs 0% respectively, P < 0.01).

Conclusions

NOMP23 demonstrated that a centrally coordinated, low‐cost mentorship program could be feasible and was of high value. Mentorship programs, alongside multifactorial institutional, state‐based and national interventions to improve well‐being, can help ensure a sustainable workforce.