bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
What is not said in organisational methodology: how to measure non-verbal communication
Authors: Chitac Iuliana M. , Knowles Deborah , Dhaliwal Spinder
Published: December 2023

Purpose

Non-verbal communication (NVC) remains largely understudied despite its importance in today's fast-paced and cross-cultural management and research landscape. This article is significant because it reveals valuable insights into NVC, which represents 65–93% (Mehrabian, 1981) of communication and has the potential to considerably increase management effectiveness and efficiency by providing leaders and researchers with the knowledge they need to understand and handle diversity with competence.

Design/methodology/approach

This article draws on social identity theory (SIT) (Tajfel and Turner, 1979) and rapport management theory (RMT) (Brown and Levinson, 1987) to analyse illustrative interview extracts of co-occurring verbal and NVC from an interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) study focussed on understanding how London-based Romanian migrant entrepreneurs experience acculturation.

Findings

Romanian migrant entrepreneurs use a variety of verbal and non-verbal communication approaches in their acculturation narratives, providing depth and occasionally shifting meaning. These tactics include repeating verbal discourse with non-verbal clues, replacing verbal communication with non-verbal gestures, complementing verbal communication and juxtaposing non-verbal cues with verbal descriptions.

Originality/value

This study makes a valuable contribution to the fields of qualitative organisational management and entrepreneurial studies by addressing the lack of methodological tools available for analysing non-verbal language in interpretative research. This study presents a systematic technique for assessing non-verbal language symbols that has been developed through face-to-face interviews. The article utilises the first-hand interview experience of a Romanian co-researcher to demonstrate the significance of NVC in the transmission of meaning and the formation of identities amongst Romanian migrant entrepreneurs. These findings contribute to a better understanding of organisational management and research practices, particularly about this understudied entrepreneurial minority of Romanian businesses in London, by helping researchers and managers better grasp the cultural and contextual meanings communicated non-verbally. The article holds significance in the context of cross-cultural and organisational management practices.
Workplace ostracism and service-oriented behaviour: employees' workload and emotional energy
Authors: Rabiul Md Karim , Alam Md Mahmudul , Karim Rashed Al
Published: December 2023

Purpose

Using conservation of resources (CoR) theory, this study investigates the role of emotional energy as a mediating mechanism in the relationship between workplace ostracism and employees' service-oriented behaviour, as well as the moderating result of workload on the relationship between emotional energy and service-oriented behaviour.

Design/methodology/approach

The opinions of 554 customer-contact employees working in Bangladesh are collected via convenience sampling. Partial least squares structural equation modelling is performed to test the model.

Findings

Workplace ostracism and emotional energy are negatively related. Emotional energy is positively associated with service-oriented behaviour and mediates the link between ostracism and service-oriented behaviour. Workload significantly and negatively moderates the association between emotional energy and service-oriented behaviour.

Practical implications

Hoteliers need to improve employees' emotional energy, distribute workload appropriately and fairly and implement effective strategies to minimise workplace ostracism.

Originality/value

The findings contribute to the CoR theory by explaining the mediating role of emotional energy and moderating role of workload in the Bangladeshi hospitality industry.
Financial literacy–a regulator of intended investment behaviour: analysing the hypothetical portfolio composition
Authors: Rodrigues Crystal Glenda , Gopalakrishna B.V.
Published: December 2023

Purpose

The investment behaviour of individuals has been a major area of interest for several researchers and policymakers due to its great impact on the economy. This study aimed to assess the investment behaviour of individuals in light of their risk appetite and how financial literacy regulates this relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

A self-administered structured questionnaire was used to collect responses from individuals using purposive and convenience sampling techniques. Individuals were presented with 16 investment avenues widely offered by the Indian financial market to choose from to construct a hypothetical portfolio. The association between risk appetite, financial literacy and the composition of the hypothetical portfolio was analysed using a gologit model.

Findings

Increased risk appetite increased the probability of respondents creating a portfolio with a greater proportion of risky assets and less diversification. Lower levels of financial literacy pointed towards portfolios with traditional and low-risk avenues. The results also revealed a significant moderating impact of financial literacy on risk appetite and the creation of the type of a hypothetical portfolio.

Research limitations/implications

Even though the intended behaviour is a close estimate of actual behaviour, there is a possibility of deviation that cannot be ignored.

Originality/value

The present study provides insights into how individuals make portfolio choices by incorporating risk appetite and diversification factors whilst making investment decisions, thereby expanding the literature from an emerging economy perspective. The role of financial literacy as a moderator has not been studied in the domain of hypothetical portfolio creation in India, which has been empirically explored in the current study.
A film-based intervention (Intinn) to enhance adolescent mental health literacy and well-being: multi-methods evaluation study
Authors: Goodwin John , Behan Laura , Saab Mohamad M. , O’Brien Niamh , O’Donovan Aine , Hawkins Andrew , Philpott Lloyd F. , Connolly Alicia , Goulding Ryan , Clark Fiona , O’Reilly Deirdre , Naughton Corina
Published: December 2023

Purpose

Adolescent mental health is a global concern. There is an urgent need for creative, multimedia interventions reflecting adolescent culture to promote mental health literacy and well-being. This study aims to assess the impact of a film-based intervention on adolescent mental health literacy, well-being and resilience.

Design/methodology/approach

A pretest-posttest intervention with a multi-methods evaluation was used. A convenience sample of ten schools facilitated students aged 15–17 years to engage in an online intervention (film, post-film discussion, well-being Webinar). Participants completed surveys on well-being, resilience, stigma, mental health knowledge and help-seeking. Five teachers who facilitated the intervention participated in post-implementation interviews or provided a written submission. Analysis included paired-t-test and effect size calculation and thematic analysis.

Findings

Matched pretest-posttest data were available on 101 participants. There were significant increases in well-being, personal resilience and help-seeking attitudes for personal/emotional problems, and suicidal ideation. Participants’ free-text comments suggested the intervention was well-received, encouraging them to speak more openly about mental health. Teachers similarly endorsed the intervention, especially the focus on resilience.

Originality/value

Intinn shows promise in improving adolescents’ mental health literacy and well-being. Film-based interventions may encourage adolescents to seek professional help for their mental health, thus facilitating early intervention.
Defaunated and invaded insular tropical rainforests will not recover alone: Recruitment limitation factors disentangled by hierarchical models of spontaneous and assisted regeneration
Authors: Albert Sébastien , Franc Charlène , Solesse Raphaël , Strasberg Dominique , Flores Olivier
Published: December 2023

Most tropical forests are now severely degraded and their ability to recover is highly dependent on frugivores which ensure seed dispersal for most woody plants. The global collapse of large vertebrates therefore raises major concerns about tropical forest succession, but few field studies have been conducted to disentangle recruitment limitations during disrupted succession.

This study took place on Réunion (Mascarenes) where all large native frugivores have been extinct since human colonisation in 1665 and where multiple invasions threaten native ecosystems. We set up 20 experimental blocks on a lava flow dated back to 1800, in plant‐impoverished post‐defaunation vegetation bordered by old‐growth forests. We assessed fecundity, seed dispersal and seedling recruitment of the complete fleshy‐fruited plant community and used Bayesian analyses to disentangle the impact of multiple factors on these key processes. In the same blocks, we sowed four native trees assumed to be disperserless to test their capacity to establish, controlling for two additional post‐dispersal limitations (seed predation and competition with invasive plants).

On the flow, small‐seeded native plants were fairly dispersed but did not recruit, probably due to strong competition with invasive plants; the few native species that recruited somehow were mostly medium‐seeded plants that were still dispersed; large‐seeded plants were absent from seed rain (which shows that invasive frugivores did not replace extinct ones) and subsequently from spontaneous recruitment. Instead, some alien plants, notably the tiny‐seeded highly dispersed Clidemia hirta and the medium‐seeded Psidium cattleianum largely dominated seedling recruitment. Native plants recruited better at the forest margin, including some large‐seeded species nearby mother trees.

Sown large‐seeded species were able to emerge and survive in all plots whatever the treatment, which demonstrates that dispersal loss was the primary cause of regeneration failure on the flow.

Synthesis. The strong modulation of the establishment capacity of native plants by seed mass shows that invasive plants win by forfeit of large‐seeded plants after native frugivores loss. Our study emphasises the fundamental role of dispersal loss and competition with invasive plants in the disruption of ecological succession, as well as the urgency of restoring seed dispersal and strengthening biosecurity regulations.
Spatial scale matters for predicting plant invasions along roads
Authors: Kotowska Dorota , Skórka Piotr , Pärt Tomas , Auffret Alistair G. , Żmihorski Michał
Published: December 2023

Biological invasions threaten global biodiversity and can have severe economic and social impacts. The complexity of this problem challenges effective management of invasive alien species as the contribution of many factors involved in the invasion processes across different spatial scales is not well understood.

Here, we identify the most important determinants associated with the occurrence of two invasive alien plants, the North American goldenrods (Solidago canadensis and S. gigantea), commonly found in agricultural landscapes of Europe. We used Google Street View images to perform a remote, large‐scale inventory of goldenrods along 1347 roadside transects across Poland. Using open access geospatial data and machine learning techniques, we investigated the relative role of nearly 50 variables potentially affecting the distribution of studied species at five spatial scales (from within 0.25 to 5 km of the studied locations).

We found that the occurrence of goldenrods along roadsides was simultaneously associated with multiple drivers among which those related to human impacts, climate, soil properties and landscape structure were the most important, while local characteristics, such as road parameters or the presence of other alien plants were less influential. However, the relative contribution of different variables in predicting goldenrod distribution changed across spatial scales.

Synthesis: Mechanisms underlying plant invasions are highly complex and a number of factors can jointly influence the outcomes of this process. However, since different invasion drivers operate at different spatial scales, some important associations may be overlooked when focusing on a single spatial context. Although associations were consistent in direction (positive or negative) across scales, their relative influence on goldenrod occurrence often changed. Socio‐economic factors were largely important at local scales, while the effect of landscape factors broadly increased with increasing spatial scale. We highlight that using multi‐scale approaches involving a wide range of variables may enable setting priorities for the management of invasive alien plants.
Distributional Comparisons Using the Gini Inequality Measure
Authors: Creedy John
Published: December 2023

This article is aimed at undergraduate and graduate economics students, as well as public sector economists, who are interested in inequality measurement. It examines the use of the Gini inequality measure to compare income distributions. The implicit distributional value judgements are made explicit, via the use of a particular form of Social Welfare Function. Emphasis is given to the interpretation of changes in inequality.
Development of low‐fat Mozzarella cheeses enriched with soy or pea protein hydrolysates: Composition, texture and functional properties during ageing
Authors: Zhang Deju , Ling Xiaoling , Jiang Kai , Zhao Xiaorui , Gan Yiming
Published: December 2023

To explore the effect of plant protein hydrolysate (PPHS, soy and pea protein hydrolysate) on the characteristics of low‐fat Mozzarella cheeses (LFCs), samples incorporating PPHS were prepared and analysed for pizza bake performance, texture, meltability, sensory attributes and microstructure. Upon addition of an appropriate amount of PPHS to cheese milk, the pizza bake performance, stretch performance and sensory properties of LFC were improved, while the texture values (hardness, stickiness and stretch force) decreased gradually. Cheese matrix exhibited an irregular honeycomb structure as the PPHS content increased. Therefore, PPHS holds promise as substitute for milk protein, and LFC containing PPHS represents a highly promising low‐fat dairy product with improved quality and diversified ingredients.
Improving motor function in fetal surgery for open spina bifida
Authors: David Anna L.
Published: December 2023

Linked article: This is a mini commentary on Athiel et al, pp. 759‐767 in this issue. To view this article visit https://doi.org/10.1111/1471‐0528.17624.
COVID‐19 vaccination and pregnancy: Getting the word out
Authors: Male Victoria
Published: December 2023

Linked article: This is a mini commentary on Velez et al., pp. 415–422 in this issue. To view this article visit https://doi.org/10.1111/1471‐0528.17721.
The relationship between pellet size and shotgun dispersion patterns
Authors: Kerkhoff Wim , Maitimu Keanu , Pater K. Dieter H. , de Jong Markus A.
Published: December 2023

When reconstructing a shooting incident with a shotgun, the muzzle‐to‐target distance can be determined by relating the size of a dispersion pattern found on a crime scene to that of test shots. Ideally, the test shots are performed with the weapon and ammunition that were used in the incident. But sometimes examiners will have to resort to alternatives, such as using cartridges of the same brand and type but with another pellet size. For this reason, the relationship between pellet size and shotgun dispersion patterns was studied with both lead and steel shotgun pellets. Cartridges were loaded with identical cartridge cases, powder charges, and wads but with different pellet sizes, below size B. The cartridges were fired, and the dispersion patterns at 5 m in front of the muzzle were measured and compared. The results provide strong support for the proposition that shotgun dispersion patterns with both lead and steel shot increase with decreasing pellet size if all other relevant parameters are kept equal. The results also provide an indicative measure of the magnitude of the effect. Pattern sizes were approximately 1.7 times larger with #9 than with #0 lead shot and 1.4 times larger with #9 than with #1 steel shot. The differences between consecutive shot sizes were generally smaller. This means that cartridges of equal brand and type but with the next nearest shot number can be used for a muzzle‐to‐target distance determination, keeping the information of the current study in mind in the final interpretation of the results.
Effect of dietary Ptecticus tenebrifer powder on the fatty acid profile of egg yolk in laying hens
Authors: Chung Tae‐Ho
Published: December 2023

The poultry industry needs alternative feeds with no adverse effects on animal performance and egg quality. Insects represent effective animal feeds. However, Ptecticus tenebrifer (PT) has rarely been studied as an effective feed in terms of fatty acid contents. Therefore, we investigated the effect of dietary PT powder on the fatty acid profiles of egg yolks in laying hens. A total of 180 Hy‐Line brown hens were divided equally into three groups (n = 60), with three replicates: the control group and two groups fed 2% and 4% PT powder, respectively. After 2 weeks, minor effects (P < 0.05) on oleic acid, dihomo‐gamma‐linolenic acid, and total monounsaturated fatty acids were observed among the groups. After 4 weeks, docosahexaenoic acid, docosapentaenoic acid, myristic acid, oleic acid, and total polyunsaturated fatty acids were slightly altered in the treatment groups (P < 0.05). For other fatty acids, the 2% and 4% PT groups had fatty acid concentrations similar to those of the controls. No differences in total n‐6 and total n‐3 were observed among the groups. In conclusion, using 2% and 4% PT powders did not notably change the fatty acid profiles of egg yolks and could replace some layer‐hen feed without negative effects.
Prognostic significance of organ failure and infected pancreatic necrosis in acute pancreatitis: An updated systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Hu Wen Mo , Hua Tian Rui , Zhang Yue Lun , Chen Guo Rong , Song Kai , Pendharkar Sayali , Wu Dong , Windsor John A.
Published: December 2023

Objectives

In patients with acute pancreatitis (AP), minimally invasive treatment and the step‐up approach have been widely used to deal with infected pancreatic necrosis (IPN) in the last decade. It is unclear whether IPN has become a less important determinant of mortality relative to organ failure (OF). We aimed to statistically aggregate recent evidence from published studies to determine the relative importance of IPN and OF as determinants of mortality in patients with AP (PROSPERO: CRD42020176989).

Methods

Relevant studies were sourced from MEDLINE and EMBASE databases. Relative risk (RR) or weighted mean difference (WMD) was analyzed as outcomes. A two‐sided P value of less than 0.05 was regarded as statistical significance.

Results

Forty‐three studies comprising 11 601 patients with AP were included. The mortality was 28% for OF patients and 24% for those with IPN. Patients with OF without IPN had a significantly higher risk of mortality compared to those with IPN but without OF (RR 3.72, P < 0.0001). However, patients with both OF and IPN faced the highest risk of mortality. Additionally, IPN increased length of stay in hospital for OF patients (WMD 28.75, P = 0.032).

Conclusion

Though IPN remains a significant concern, which leads to increased morbidity and longer hospital stay, it is a less critical mortality determinant compared to OF in AP.
Morphological and taxonomic diversity of mesozooplankton is an important driver of carbon export fluxes in the ocean
Authors: Perhirin Margaux , Gossner Hannah , Godfrey Jessica , Johnson Rodney , Blanco‐Bercial Leocadio , Ayata Sakina‐Dorothée
Published: December 2023

Mesozooplankton is a very diverse group of small animals ranging in size from 0.2 to 20 mm not able to swim against ocean currents. It is a key component of pelagic ecosystems through its roles in the trophic networks and the biological carbon pump. Traditionally studied through microscopes, recent methods have been however developed to rapidly acquire large amounts of data (morphological, molecular) at the individual scale, making it possible to study mesozooplankton using a trait‐based approach. Here, combining quantitative imaging with metabarcoding time‐series data obtained in the Sargasso Sea at the Bermuda Atlantic Time‐series Study (BATS) site, we showed that organisms' transparency might be an important trait to also consider regarding mesozooplankton impact on carbon export, contrary to the common assumption that just size is the master trait directing most mesozooplankton‐linked processes. Three distinct communities were defined based on taxonomic composition, and succeeded one another throughout the study period, with changing levels of transparency among the community. A co‐occurrences' network was built from metabarcoding data revealing six groups of taxa. These were related to changes in the functioning of the ecosystem and/or in the community's morphology. The importance of Diel Vertical Migration at BATS was confirmed by the existence of a group made of taxa known to be strong migrators. Finally, we assessed if metabarcoding can provide a quantitative approach to biomass and/or abundance of certain taxa. Knowing more about mesozooplankton diversity and its impact on ecosystem functioning would allow to better represent them in biogeochemical models.
Denitrification in low oxic environments increases the accumulation of nitrogen oxide intermediates and modulates the evolutionary potential of microbial populations
Authors: Takahashi Kohei , Oshiki Mamoru , Ruan Chujin , Morinaga Kana , Toyofuku Masanori , Nomura Nobuhiko , Johnson David R.
Published: December 2023

Denitrification in oxic environments occurs when a microorganism uses nitrogen oxides as terminal electron acceptors even though oxygen is available. While this phenomenon is well‐established, its consequences on ecological and evolutionary processes remain poorly understood. We hypothesize here that denitrification in oxic environments can modify the accumulation profiles of nitrogen oxide intermediates with cascading effects on the evolutionary potentials of denitrifying microorganisms. To test this, we performed laboratory experiments with Paracoccus denitrificans and complemented them with individual‐based computational modelling. We found that denitrification in low oxic environments significantly increases the accumulation of nitrite and nitric oxide. We further found that the increased accumulation of these intermediates has a negative effect on growth at low pH. Finally, we found that the increased negative effect at low pH increases the number of individuals that contribute to surface‐associated growth. This increases the amount of genetic diversity that is preserved from the initial population, thus increasing the number of genetic targets for natural selection to act upon and resulting in higher evolutionary potentials. Together, our data highlight that denitrification in low oxic environments can affect the ecological processes and evolutionary potentials of denitrifying microorganisms by modifying the accumulation of nitrogen oxide intermediates.
Fertility and infertility uses of menstrual apps from the perspectives of healthcare providers and patients
Authors: Hohmann‐Marriott Bryndl , Williams Tiffany , Girling Jane
Published: December 2023

Background

Menstrual cycle tracking apps are increasingly used by those trying to conceive as well as those diagnosed and treated for infertility. However, the small amount of existing research about the use of these apps does not include the perspectives of healthcare providers.

Aims

This study explores how healthcare providers describe the role of menstrual apps in fertility and infertility health care, and how this compares with patients' views.

Materials and Methods

Responses were collected from an online survey (n = 37 providers and n = 89 patients) and online focus groups (n = 4 providers and n = 6 patients) and analysed using reflexive thematic analysis.

Results

Healthcare providers, as well as some patients, expressed doubts about the accuracy of app estimates of the timing of ovulation. By contrast, many patients, but no healthcare providers, were enthusiastic about ovulation estimates provided by their apps. Apps were described by both groups as having a role in diagnosing and treating infertility, with healthcare providers emphasising the calendar history function of the apps supporting treatment, and patients focused on recognising and diagnosing infertility.

Conclusions

This exploratory study suggests that apps are viewed by both healthcare providers and patients as having a potential role in fertility and infertility healthcare. Although patients and app users are attentive to app estimates of ovulation timing, healthcare providers are sceptical.
Forsythia velutina Nakai extract: A promising therapeutic option for atopic dermatitis through multiple cell type modulation
Authors: Kwon Yujin , Kang Yoon Jin , Kwon Jaeyoung , Cho Su‐Yeon , Kim Jiyoon , Le Tam Thi , Hwang Hoseong , Deshar Barsha , Kim Myungjun , Kim Ju Yeong , Jung Jae Hung , Kim Hyung‐Sik , Jung Sang Hoon , Kwon Hak Cheol , Kim Won Kyu
Published: December 2023

Background

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a complex condition characterized by impaired epithelial barriers and dysregulated immune cells. In this study, we demonstrated Forsythia velutina Nakai extract (FVE) simultaneously inhibits basophils, macrophages, keratinocytes, and T cells that are closely interrelated in AD development.

Methods

We analyzed the effect of FVE on nitric oxide and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in macrophages, basophil degranulation, T cell activation, and tight junctions in damaged keratinocytes. Expression of cell‐type‐specific inflammatory mediators was analyzed, and the underlying signaling pathways for anti‐inflammatory effects of FVE were investigated. The anti‐inflammatory effects of FVE were validated using a DNCB‐induced mouse model of AD. Anti‐inflammatory activity of compounds isolated from FVE was validated in each immune cell type.

Results

FVE downregulated the expression of inflammatory mediators and ROS production in macrophages through TLR4 and NRF2 pathways modulation. It significantly reduced basophil degranulation and expression of type 2 (T2) and pro‐inflammatory cytokines by perturbing FcεRI signaling. Forsythia velutina Nakai extract also robustly inhibited the expression of T2 cytokines in activated T cells. Furthermore, FVE upregulated the expression of tight junction molecules in damaged keratinocytes and downregulated leukocyte attractants, as well as IL‐33, an inducer of T2 inflammation. In the AD mouse model, FVE showed superior improvement in inflammatory cell infiltration and skin structure integrity compared to dexamethasone. Dimatairesinol, a lignan dimer, was identified as the most potent anti‐inflammatory FVE compound.

Conclusion

Forsythia velutina Nakai extract and its constituent compounds demonstrate promising efficacy as a therapeutic option for prolonged AD treatment by independently inhibiting various cell types associated with AD and disrupting the deleterious link between them.
Can a web application foster emotional competence in children and adolescents? The case of PandHEMOT®
Authors: Raccanello Daniela , Vicentini Giada , Rocca Emmanuela , Hall Rob , Burro Roberto
Published: December 2023

The COVID‐19 pandemic has had many traumatic consequences for the physical and psychological functioning of children and adolescents. Internet‐based interventions can reach a large audience and be a potentially powerful resource for promoting well‐being among young people. We tested the efficacy of the web application PandHEMOT®, developed ad hoc for increasing knowledge about pandemics, emotions, and emotion regulation. We involved a sample of 147 Italian third and seventh graders. The sample was assigned to an experimental (participating in the training) and a waitlist condition (who participated following a waitlist design). All the participants completed pretest and posttest measures. The intervention was structured into three units. The training took place between November and December 2021. Generalized linear mixed models and linear mixed models revealed that knowledge about pandemics, emotions, emotion regulation, and metacognitive awareness increased for the experimental condition. Moreover, adolescents performed better than children. The findings supported the efficacy of an Internet‐based training for increasing children and adolescents' resilience, according to the standards of evidence‐based research.
Long‐term effectiveness and acceptability of switching from intravenous to subcutaneous infliximab in patients with inflammatory bowel disease treated with intensified doses: The REMSWITCH‐LT study
Authors: Buisson A. , Nachury M. , Bazoge M. , Yzet C. , Wils P. , Dodel M. , Coban D. , Pereira B. , Fumery M.
Published: December 2023

Background

The long‐term risk of relapse after switching from intravenous (IV) to subcutaneous (SC) infliximab remains unknown in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Aims

To assess the long‐term effectiveness and acceptability of switching from IV to SC infliximab in patients with IBD treated with or without an intensified IV regimen.

Methods

We extended the follow‐up of the REMSWITCH study including patients with IBD in clinical remission who were switched from IV to SC infliximab (120 mg/2 weeks). Relapse was defined as clinical relapse or faecal calprotectin increase ≥150 μg/g compared to baseline.

Results

After median follow‐up of 18 [15–20] months, among 128 patients, rates of relapse were 13.8% (8/58), 18.4% (7/38), 35.3% (6/17) and 86.7% (13/15) at last follow‐up (p < 0.001), in those receiving 5 mg/kg/8 weeks, 10 mg/kg/8 weeks, 10 mg/kg/6 weeks and 10 mg/kg/4 weeks at baseline, respectively. Among relapsing patients, dose escalation led to clinical remission in 82.1% (23/28). In multivariable analyses, factors associated with higher risk of relapse were IV infliximab 10 mg/kg/4 weeks (OR = 61.0 [6.1–607.0], p < 0.001) or 10 mg/kg/6 weeks (OR = 4.7 [1.1–20.2], p = 0.017), and decreased (OR = 5.6 [1.5–20.3], p = 0.004) or stable (OR = 5.0 [1.6–15.0], p = 0.009) serum levels of infliximab between baseline and first post‐switch visit. Acceptability was improved at 6 months and did not decrease over time (6.9 ± 1.6 before the switch vs. 8.8 ± 1.3 at 6 months and 8.8 ± 1.3 at last follow‐up; p < 0.001). No severe adverse events were reported.

Conclusions

Switching from IV to SC infliximab 120 mg every other week is safe and well accepted leading to low long‐term risk of relapse. Tight monitoring and dose escalation should be recommended for patients receiving 10 mg/kg/6 weeks and 4 weeks, respectively.
Low‐ versus standard‐dose post‐transplant cyclophosphamide as GVHD prophylaxis for haploidentical transplantation
Authors: Fuji Shigeo , Sugita Junichi , Najima Yuho , Konishi Tatsuya , Tanaka Takashi , Ohigashi Hiroyuki , Eto Tetsuya , Nagafuji Koji , Hiramoto Nobuhiro , Matsuoka Ken‐ichi , Maruyama Yumiko , Ota Shuichi , Ishikawa Jun , Kawakita Toshiro , Akasaka Takashi , Kamimura Tomohiko , Hino Masayuki , Fukuda Takahiro , Atsuta Yoshiko , Yakushijin Kimikazu
Published: December 2023

Haploidentical haematopoietic cell transplantation (haplo‐HCT) using post‐transplant cyclophosphamide (PTCY) as graft‐versus‐host disease (GVHD) prophylaxis is the standard of care for various haematological malignancies. The original PTCY dose after haplo‐HCT was 100 mg/kg, but no dose‐finding studies have been performed to identify the optimal dose. We performed a retrospective analysis to compare standard‐dose PTCY (100 mg/kg) with reduced‐dose PTCY (80 mg/kg): 969 in the standard‐dose group and 538 in the reduced‐dose group. As there was a significant difference between the two groups regarding patient and transplant characteristics, we performed propensity score (PS) matching. After PS matching, 425 patients in each group were included. The probabilities of 2‐year OS were 55.9% in the standard‐dose group and 47.0% in the reduced‐dose group (p = 0.36). The cumulative incidences of 2‐year non‐relapse mortality were 21.3% in the standard‐dose group and 20.5% in the reduced‐dose group (p = 0.55). There was no significant difference in the incidence of acute (grade II–IV 29.2% [95% CI, 24.9–33.6] vs. 25.3% [95% CI, 21.3–29.6]; grade III–IV 7.3% [95% CI, 5.1–10.0] vs. 6.6% [95% CI, 4.5–9.3]) or chronic GVHD. In conclusion, reduced‐ and standard‐dose PTCY were comparable in terms of major clinical outcomes.
Proximate cues of flowering in a subtropical rain forest
Authors: Chang‐Yang Chia‐Hao , Chiang Po‐Hui , Wright S. Joseph , Hsieh Chang‐Fu , Sun I‐Fang
Published: December 2023

Plants have evolved mechanisms to track seasonal variation in environmental resources, enabling them to time key life‐history events to appropriate seasons. While the proximate cues for flowering initiation are well documented in the temperate region, it is still unclear what the flowering cues are in the tropics, especially in the subtropics. Our study compared first flowering dates (FFDs) predicted by eight hypothesized proximate cues concerning photoperiod, mean and directional changes in solar irradiance and warm/cool temperature, and rainfall with flowering dates observed over 19 years of weekly monitoring for 16 species in a subtropical rain forest. We observed considerable interannual variation in the median FFDs for the study species, ranging from 21 to 101 days. The early‐spring flowering species tended to have greater interannual variation in FFDs than the summer flowering species. For 13 study species, temperature cues best explained interannual variation in FFDs. Cool temperatures in the previous fall/winter and warm temperatures in the current spring (or previous summer) might trigger the onset of flowering in these 13 species. Cues associated with photoperiod and irradiance also predicted interannual variation in FFDs with small root mean square error (<1.5 census intervals) for 12 species but generally had higher prediction errors than temperature‐related cues. Cues associated with seasonal variation in rainfall failed to predict flowering times in any species. Our results suggest that future changes in temperature may alter flowering times for most species in subtropical forests, leading to changes in ecosystem processes and biosphere feedback to the climate system.

Abstract in Chinese is available with online material.
Sensitization to ethylenediamine dihydrochloride in patients with contact dermatitis in northeastern Italy from 1996 to 2021
Authors: Piapan Linda , Belloni Fortina Anna , Giulioni Erika , Larese Filon Francesca
Published: December 2023

Background

Ethylenediamine dihydrochloride is a versatile aliphatic amine found in numerous medications and industrial compounds and is a known sensitiser. The sensitization prevalence is affected by geographical and socio‐cultural factors.

Objectives

The objectives are to analyse the temporal trend of sensitization to ethylenediamine dihydrochloride in northeastern Italy and to investigate associations with occupations.

Methods

Between 1996 and 2021, 30 629 patients with suspected allergic contact dermatitis were patch tested with the Triveneto baseline series. Individual characteristics were collected through a standardised questionnaire.

Results

The overall prevalence of ethylenediamine dihydrochloride sensitization was 1.29% with percentages similar in both sexes. We observed a significant decreasing trend over time (p < 0.001), yielding a sensitization prevalence <1% in recent years. Among departments, residence in Pordenone area was protective for sensitization. No significant associations were observed with specific occupations. We found significant associations between ethylenediamine dihydrochloride sensitization and being 26–35 years old (odds ratio [OR], 1.47; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.05–2.08), and sensitization for many haptens, such as paraben mix (OR, 5.3; 95% CI: 3.3–8.5), epoxy resin (OR, 5.1; 95% CI: 3.0–8.7), neomycin sulphate and mercaptobenzothiazole.

Conclusions

Our study showed a downward time trend of ethylenediamine dihydrochloride sensitization in northeastern Italian population and pointed to an update of the Triveneto baseline series.
Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of finerenone in patients with chronic kidney disease and type 2 diabetes: Insights based on FIGARO‐DKD and FIDELIO‐DKD
Authors: Eissing Thomas , Goulooze Sebastiaan Camiel , van den Berg Paul , van Noort Martijn , Ruppert Martijn , Snelder Nelleke , Garmann Dirk , Lippert Joerg , Heinig Roland , Brinker Meike , Heerspink Hiddo J. L.
Published: December 2023

Aims

To perform dose–exposure–response analyses to determine the effects of finerenone doses.

Materials and Methods

Two randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled phase 3 trials enrolling 13 026 randomized participants with type 2 diabetes (T2D) from global sites, each with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of 25 to 90 mL/min/1.73 m2, a urine albumin‐creatinine ratio (UACR) of 30 to 5000 mg/g, and serum potassium ≤ 4.8 mmol/L were included. Interventions were titrated doses of finerenone 10 or 20 mg versus placebo on top of standard of care. The outcomes were trajectories of plasma finerenone and serum potassium concentrations, UACR, eGFR and kidney composite outcomes, assessed using nonlinear mixed‐effects population pharmacokinetic (PK)/pharmacodynamic (PD) and parametric time‐to‐event models.

Results

For potassium, lower serum levels and lower rates of hyperkalaemia were associated with higher doses of finerenone 20 mg compared to 10 mg (p < 0.001). The PK/PD model analysis linked this observed inverse association to potassium‐guided dose titration. Simulations of a hypothetical trial with constant finerenone doses revealed a shallow but increasing exposure–potassium response relationship. Similarly, increasing finerenone exposures led to less than dose‐proportional increasing reductions in modelled UACR. Modelled UACR explained 95% of finerenone's treatment effect in slowing chronic eGFR decline. No UACR‐independent finerenone effects were identified. Neither sodium‐glucose cotransporter‐2 (SGLT2) inhibitor nor glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonist (GLP‐1RA) treatment significantly modified the effects of finerenone in reducing UACR and eGFR decline. Modelled eGFR explained 87% of finerenone's treatment effect on kidney outcomes. No eGFR‐independent effects were identified.

Conclusions

The analyses provide strong evidence for the effectiveness of finerenone dose titration in controlling serum potassium elevations. UACR and eGFR are predictive of kidney outcomes during finerenone treatment. Finerenone's kidney efficacy is independent of concomitant use of SGLT2 inhibitors and GLP‐1RAs.
Designing school choice mechanisms: A structural model and demand estimation
Authors: Xu Zhiyi , Hammond Robert G.
Published: December 2023

Designing the markets that allocate public school seats is a crucial policy consideration. This paper compares the design of school choice mechanisms in terms of economic efficiency, stability, and strategic behavior. We estimate demand for schools using data from a large US public school system with novel indicators of students' levels of strategic sophistication. We find important benefits of reserving a set of seats to be assigned by a pure lottery. In settings that share features in common with the school system we study, our findings suggest that non‐selective criteria such as lotteries induce a large increase in truth‐telling.
How pondscapes function: connectivity matters for biodiversity even across small spatial scales in aquatic metacommunities
Authors: Barta Barbara , Szabó Attila , Szabó Beáta , Ptacnik Robert , Vad Csaba F. , Horváth Zsófia
Published: December 2023

Habitat loss and fragmentation are growing global threats to natural habitats and their networks, posing significant challenges to biodiversity conservation. Globally, ponds are sharply declining in number because their small size makes them highly vulnerable to land use changes. While it is generally agreed that connectivity in habitat networks is crucial for sustaining biodiversity, the effect of connectivity on biodiversity patterns over small‐scaled habitat networks has so far received less attention given the general assumption that metacommunities lack spatial structuring on small scales. In this study, we tested whether this holds for multiple passively and actively dispersing organism groups in a well‐delineated pond metacommunity of 54 bomb crater ponds situated within 1 km. We investigated the influence of space and environment on species richness and metacommunity structure in these ponds, which share similar age, size, and shape and are subject to strong environmental gradients, making it an ideal study system. We specifically examined the impact of network centrality on taxonomic richness and eigenvector‐based spatial arrangement on metacommunity structure across different organism groups, including prokaryotes, microeukaryotes, zooplankton, macroinvertebrates, and amphibians. We found that while environmental filtering is the primary driver of community dynamics, there is also a significant spatial signal, particularly for passively dispersing groups, demonstrating the role of the central‐peripheral connectivity gradient. These findings highlight the importance of studying and protecting ponds as parts of a network rather than focusing on individual ponds.
Decoupled responses of above‐ and below‐ground beta‐diversity to nitrogen enrichment in a typical steppe
Authors: Zhao Ming , Loreau Michel , Ochoa‐Hueso Raúl , Zhang Hongxiang , Yang Junjie , Zhang Yunhai , Liu Heyong , Jiang Yong , Han Xingguo
Published: December 2023

Increased atmospheric nitrogen (N) deposition affects biodiversity in terrestrial ecosystems. However, we do not know whether the effects of N on above‐ground plant β‐diversity are coupled with changes occurring in the soil seed bank. We conducted a long‐term N‐addition experiment in a typical steppe and found that above‐ground β‐diversity increased and then decreased with increasing N addition, whereas below‐ground β‐diversity decreased linearly. This suggests decoupled dynamics of plant communities and their soil seed bank under N enrichment. Species substitution determined above‐ and below‐ground β‐diversity change via an increasing role of deterministic processes with N addition. These effects were mostly driven by differential responses of the above‐ground vegetation and the soil seed bank β‐diversities to N‐induced changes in environmental heterogeneity, increased soil inorganic N concentrations and soil acidification. Our findings highlight the importance of considering above‐ and below‐ground processes simultaneously for effectively conserving grassland ecosystems under N enrichment.
Why am I always lonely? The lasting impact of childhood harsh parental discipline on adolescents' loneliness
Authors: Sun Zhaoxing , Ding Wan , Li Jiayi , Jiang Min , Li Weijian , Xie Ruibo
Published: December 2023

Objective

This study examined the mechanism of the effect of childhood harsh parental discipline on the developmental trajectory of loneliness among adolescents.

Background

More and more adolescents experience the problem of loneliness. The effect of early parenting on the developmental change of adolescent loneliness has not been sufficiently determined.

Method

A total of 1,214 Chinese high school adolescents responded to a series of questionnaires about loneliness, childhood harsh parental discipline, and core self‐evaluation three times at intervals of six months. The latent growth modeling and the structural equation model were established to investigate the developmental change of adolescent loneliness and the mechanism of childhood harsh parental discipline that affected the trajectory of adolescents' loneliness.

Results

There was a linear growth pattern in loneliness among high school adolescents. Childhood parental psychological aggression and corporal punishment positively predicted the initial level of loneliness, and childhood parental corporal punishment negatively predicted the changing slope of loneliness. Core self‐evaluation mediated the effect of childhood parental psychological aggression on the trajectory of loneliness.

Conclusion

Childhood parental corporal punishment directly affected the trajectory of adolescents' loneliness while childhood parental psychological aggression indirectly affected the trajectory of adolescents' loneliness through core self‐evaluation.

Implications

This study further enriched the research content on the developmental change of loneliness among high school adolescents and revealed the long‐term effect and mechanism of childhood harsh parental discipline on the trajectory of adolescent loneliness, providing new ideas for preventing and alleviating loneliness among adolescents.
miR‐93 and synaptotagmin‐7: two novel players in the regulation of autophagy during cardiac hypertrophy
Authors: Forte Maurizio , Sarto Gianmarco , Sciarretta Sebastiano
Published: December 2023

The molecular mechanisms involved in the transition of cardiac hypertrophy to heart failure (HF) are not fully characterized. Autophagy is a catabolic, self‐renewal intracellular mechanism, which protects the heart during HF. In the heart of a mouse model of angiotensin‐II‐induced hypertrophy, Sun and colleagues demonstrated that reduced levels of miR‐93 lead to synaptotagmin‐7 (Syt‐7) upregulation and consequent inhibition of autophagy. miR‐93 overexpression or syt‐7 inhibition rescues autophagy and maladaptive hypertrophy. This research identifies new players in the pathophysiology of cardiac hypertrophy, opening innovative therapeutic perspectives. miR‐93 may also be considered in the future as a novel circulating biomarker for patients at high risk to develop HF.
A configurational approach to transnational families: Who and where is one's family in the case of mobile older adults?
Authors: Nedelcu Mihaela , Fernández G. G. Eva , Wyss Malika
Published: December 2023

This article introduces a novel transnational family configuration (TNFC) approach to study the diversity of family forms across kinship and geographical boundaries. Integrating theoretical insights from family sociology and transnational family research, it examines contemporary families as personal networks that encompass both subjectively identified and potentially transnationally dispersed kin and non‐kin members. Drawing on original survey data and in‐depth interviews with adults aged 55+ living in Switzerland, it compares migrants’ and non‐migrants’ personal family networks. The results indicate that these networks are both diverse and transnational. Although there is a strong correlation between transnationality and migration background, other life‐course factors also contribute to the development of transnational family networks beyond the scope of migrant ‘exceptionalism’. By advocating the adoption of a TNFC approach to the study of contemporary families, in diverse population groups and various cultural contexts, this study paves the way for future research in this area.