bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Physical education mentors in initial teacher training: who cares?
Authors: Jones Luke , Tones Steven , Foulkes Gethin , Newland Andrew
Published: December 2023

Purpose

The broad aim of this paper is to use Noddings' theory of ethical care to analyse mentors' caring experiences. More specifically, it aims to analyse how physical education (PE) mentors provide care, how they are cared for and how this impacts their role within the context of secondary PE initial teacher training (ITT).

Design/methodology/approach

Semi-structured interviews were used to generate data from 17 secondary PE mentors within the same university ITT partnership in the north-west of England. Questions focused on the mentors' experiences of care and the impact this had on their wellbeing and professional practice. A process of thematic analysis was used to identify, analyse and report patterns in the data.

Findings

The participants reflected established definitions of mentoring by prioritising the aim of developing the associate teachers' (ATs) teaching rather than explicitly providing support for their wellbeing. This aim could be challenging for mentors who face personal and professional difficulties while supporting the training of an AT. Mentors frequently referred to the support of their departmental colleagues in overcoming these difficulties and the importance of developing interdependent caring relationships. Receiving care did not impede mentors from providing support for others; it heightened awareness and increased their desire to develop caring habits.

Originality/value

Teacher wellbeing has drawn greater attention in recent years and is increasingly prioritised in public policy. These findings highlight the value of mentor wellbeing and how caring professional relationships can mitigate the pressures associated with performativity and managing a demanding workload.
Impact of organizational positive and negative culture on employee performance
Authors: Fridan Abdulrahman Adel A. , Maamari Bassem E.
Published: December 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of both positive and negative corporate cultures on employee performance in Saudi Arabia, in the presence of performance reviews and factors leading to positive work culture, in an environment that underwent serious modification with COVID-19. The changing work methods (online, remote, etc.) have left their mark necessitating revisiting the needs and capabilities of employees in the work environment.

Design/methodology/approach

This quantitative study uses primary data from small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), non-profit organizations, and transnational organizations, in their transient role and influence on organizational culture change. The data set includes 311 usable responses from 50 randomly selected organizations and is analysed using structural equation modelling to test the proposed model.

Findings

A healthy corporate culture serves as the basis for increased employee performance in the workplace. The three independent variables, availability of negative culture, availability of positive culture and employee perceived performance, have a positive impact on the dependent variable employee perceived effectiveness of performance reviews; however, factors leading to the development of a positive organizational has a negative influence.

Research limitations/implications

This study faced a limitation with the potential similarity of responses due to the large number of same-background respondents (engineers). However, the results are indicative of a trend. Moreover, the responses did not allow for cross comparison between responding organizational types (SMEs, non-governmental organizations and multinational corporations) as was planned.

Practical implications

Managers should motivate their respective employees, through ensuring the diffusion and sustainability of the right culture work environment. This should allow their teams to complete tasks with little or no supervision. Moreover, as the Saudi economy is gearing up for global competitiveness, this performance culture becomes a key for the success of the strategic plans, thus the high importance of the positive culture at work today.

Social implications

Understanding the importance of positive and negative culture at the managerial level would affect the relationship with employees and improve work environment and job satisfaction.

Originality/value

This study pinpoints the need to revisit a dimming topic, proving that with the end of the COVID-19 pandemic, managers need to go back to square one. The introduction of the many novel work systems, online, remote work, etc. have changed the work setting and environment. This is requiring a new look at the employees’ perceptions on factors influencing corporate culture and performance.
Cardiovascular disease in Sub-Saharan African prisons: a scoping review
Authors: Gavi Amos , Plugge Emma , Van Hout Marie Claire
Published: December 2023

Purpose

The dual epidemic of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and human immuno-deficiency virus (HIV) in Sub-Saharan Africa has increased substantially in recent years, with cardiovascular disease representing a significant contributor to the regional burden of disease. Very little is known about the cardiovascular health of people deprived of their liberty in the region. The purpose of this study was to collate extant literature on the topic.

Design/methodology/approach

A scoping review mapped and described what is known about cardiovascular disease in prison populations in Sub-Saharan Africa. A systematic search of empirical literature with no date limitation was conducted in English. Sixteen studies representing six Sub-Saharan African countries (Cameroon, Nigeria, Guinea, Burkina Faso, Ghana and Ethiopia) were charted, categorised and thematically analysed.

Findings

Seven key themes were identified: custodial deaths and autopsy; cardiorespiratory fitness and exercise; cardiovascular disease and elderly people in prison; cardiovascular disease and women in prison; dietary deficiencies; influence of sleep patterns on cardiovascular disease; and other associated risk factors. Most natural deaths at autopsy of custodial deaths were due to cardiovascular disease. Cardiorespiratory fitness was low in prisons, and poor sleep patterns and dietary deficiencies are likely contributors to the burden of cardiovascular disease in prisons. The needs of elderly and female prison populations are ill-considered.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first known attempt to scope extant literature on cardiovascular disease in Sub-Saharan African prisons. A strategic focus on the cardiovascular health of people in prison is warranted. Routine monitoring and expansion of existing prison health-care services and integration of NCD services with infectious disease (HIV and tuberculosis) programmes in prisons are required.
Fostering innovative behaviours of public sector employees: the potency of innovation-based HR practices, risk propensity and error tolerance
Authors: AlMunthiri Ohoud , Bani-Melhem Shaker , Mohd-Shamsudin Faridahwati , Raziq Muhammad Mustafa
Published: December 2023

Purpose

Although the innovative behaviour of public employees is critical for the creation of public value and meeting of public interests, the authors are uncertain about the role of the human resource (HR) system in affecting individual behaviour as past studies tended to discuss innovation at the organisational level of analysis. Based on corporate human resource management (HRM) literature, the authors draw from the ability-motivation-opportunity (AMO) model to examine the influence of innovation-based HR practices on work-related risk propensity and innovative behaviour and the moderating role of perceived error tolerance of public sector organisations.

Design/methodology/approach

Dyadic data were collected from supervisors and their subordinates in various public sector organisations in the UAE. The authors collected valid responses from 100 managers and 200 employees.

Findings

This study's findings demonstrate that the HR system in the public sector shapes employees' behaviour at the individual level of analysis, consistent with the corporate HRM literature. The authors reveal that innovation-based HR practices significantly promote employees' innovative work behaviour because they trigger their inclination and disposition to take risks. Furthermore, the authors provide evidence that such risk-taking propensity at work is heightened under the conditions of a high level of error tolerance by the organisational management.

Practical implications

This study's findings point out the importance of implementing innovation-based HR practices, such as recruitment, reward and training, to drive public sector employees' innovative work behaviour as they could galvanise their risk-taking propensity and, subsequently, innovative behaviour. Public sector managers also need to develop an innovation culture tolerant toward employees' mistakes to further foster employees' work innovativeness. Policy wise, this study's findings could be integrated into the national innovation strategy to drive the national growth in the UAE.

Originality/value

This study sheds light on the drivers behind innovative behaviour among public employees, which is a less researched area, especially in a non-Western context.
Boosting innovativeness in organic farming: the role of external relational capital
Authors: Sáenz Josune , Alcalde-Heras Henar , Aramburu Nekane , Buenechea-Elberdin Marta
Published: December 2023

Purpose

Following the contextual approach to intellectual capital, this study analyzed the specific types of external relational capital that foster product/service, process and managerial innovativeness in organic farming as key drivers of sustainable food production.

Design/methodology/approach

Survey data from 358 organically certified Spanish farmers were analyzed using structural equation modeling based on partial least squares. A total of three models, one for each type of innovativeness, were developed to analyze the impact of external relational capital. These models took into account four specific types of relational capital: vertical relationships, horizontal relationships, relationships with government institutions and relationships with knowledge-intensive institutions.

Findings

Although relational capital and innovativeness are clearly underdeveloped, knowledge generated through and embedded in external relationships plays a substantial role in promoting innovativeness in organic farming. Moreover, depending on the type of innovation to be developed, the type of external relational capital that is relevant differs.

Practical implications

This study's findings indicate that organic farmers prioritize process innovation over product/service and managerial innovation. For the latter categories, building relationships with customers, consumers and government institutions is key. Policymakers should encourage farmer-engaging socialization spaces that emphasize family farms and their knowledge contribution.

Originality/value

Past studies have examined the overall degree of association between external relational capital and innovation, often overlooking the nuances of contextual factors. In contrast, this research delves into the unique contributions of knowledge sourced from various external relationships, focusing specifically on how these relationships influence different types of innovation within the specific context of organic farming.
Let’s talk about that slap at the Academy Awards ceremony: understanding individual behaviors and social processes
Authors: Bumpus Minnette A.
Published: December 2023

Research methodology

The case was developed from secondary sources. This descriptive case was classroom tested in undergraduate organizational behavior courses.

Case overview/synopsis

The 94th Academy Awards ceremony, which honored movies released in 2021, was held on March 27, 2022, at the Dolby Theater in Hollywood. Prior to Chris Rock announcing the winner in the category of best documentary film, Rock was assaulted on stage by Will Smith. On April 8, 2022, the Academy’s board of governors met to discuss disciplinary actions for Smith’s behavior. The Academy’s board decided to ban Smith from all Academy events for the next 10 years. Theories of individual behaviors and social processes can provide explanations for behaviors of Chris Rock, Will Smith, the producers and the Academy.

Complexity academic level

This descriptive case is most appropriate for undergraduate-level organizational behavior courses. The primary topics in this case align well with individual behaviors relative to emotional intelligence (EI) and motivation. The secondary topics in this case align well with social processes relative to decision-making, conflict and culture.
Maritime international trade and bioinvasions: A three‐year long survey of small mammals in Autonomous Port of Cotonou, Benin
Authors: Badou Sylvestre , Missihoun Antoine A. , Agbangla Clément , Gauthier Philippe , Houéménou Gualbert , Dossou Henri‐Joël , Etougbétché Jonas , Adamjy Tasnime , Tchabi Arlette , Faton Laurent , Hima Karmadine , Evenamia Camille , Diagne Christophe , Besnard Aurélien , Dalecky Ambroise , Dobigny Gauthier
Published: December 2023

International trade has been favouring the dissemination of a wide suite of invasive alien species. Upstream prevention through the monitoring of entry points is identified as an appropriate strategy to achieve control of bioinvasions and their consequences. Maritime transportation has been responsible for the introduction worldwide of exotic rodents that are major pests for crops and food stocks as well as reservoirs of many zoonotic pathogens. In order to limit further dissemination, the International Health Regulation constrains decisions makers and socio‐economic stakeholders to manage ship‐mediated import/export of rodents within seaports.

Unfortunately, eco‐evolutionary insights into rodent introduction events that could guide preventive actions in seaports are very scarce. In order to bridge this gap, we here describe the results of a 3 year‐long survey of small mammals conducted in the Port of Cotonou, Benin.

Our aim was to assess the spatiotemporal distribution, diversity and relative abundance of invasive and native rodents.

960 small mammal individuals were captured in nine within‐seaport sites. We found (i) a marked predominance of invasive species (84% of the individuals belonging to Mus musculus, Rattus rattus, R. norvegicus), (ii) with native species (i.e. Mastomys natalensis and the shrew Crocidura olivieri) essentially restricted to peripheral non‐industrial areas, as well as (iii) a fine‐scale spatial segregation stable over time between the invasive Norway rats and house mice on the one hand, and the black rats and shrews on the other hand.

Furthermore, trapping before and after two successive rodent control campaigns indicates that they were ineffective and that subsequent rodent recolonisation occurred 6–12 months following intervention.

Synthesis and applications. Our results are discussed in terms of ecological processes at play (e.g. interspecific interactions) and operational recommendations (e.g. assessment of proper eradication units, environmental modifications).
The natural ‘exclosure effect’ and tree regeneration following post‐windstorm salvage logging
Authors: Bosley‐Smith Colby , Fraver Shawn , D'Amato Anthony W. , Rogers Nicole S. , Tabak Nava , Wason Jay
Published: December 2023

Understanding the influence of post‐disturbance forest management on tree regeneration is critical for assessing ecosystem recovery and guiding future responses. In particular, the influx of elevated coarse woody material (CWM) following wind disturbance, if left in situ, may impede herbivore access, thereby protecting saplings from browsing damage through a natural ‘exclosure effect’.

In 2013, a tornado in northcentral Maine, United States and subsequent salvage logging operations created three clear ‘treatments’ for evaluation of the exclosure effect: blowdown, blowdown plus salvage logging and an undamaged control. Nine years post‐tornado, we inventoried tree regeneration within these treatments to evaluate differences in sapling abundance, species composition, size structure and browsing intensity. We also inventoried CWM, including the height above forest floor.

Results revealed significant differences in sapling composition and browsing intensity among treatments. The salvage treatment had the highest proportion of browsed saplings (56 ± 28%; mean ± standard error), followed by the control (9 ± 10%) and blowdown (5 ± 8%). Blowdown had by far the greatest mean (50 ± 9 cm) and average maximum (169 ± 43 cm) heights for CWM. Binomial generalized linear models revealed that browsing probability was a function of mean CWM height and an interaction between sapling density and proportion of sapling hardwoods. Thus, browsing damage was less likely in plots with greater CWM heights and more likely in plots with greater sapling density and more hardwood saplings.

Synthesis and applications. This study furthers our understanding of ecosystem recovery following blowdown and salvage logging. Results suggest that salvage logging created important differences in coarse woody material (CWM) abundance and height distribution, when compared to un‐salvaged areas, and that these differences in turn altered sapling size structure and browsing intensity. These findings highlight the potential long‐term effects of successive disturbances, as the differences evident in these early stages may persist for decades or longer. Importantly, we provide evidence of the exclosure effect, suggesting that CWM retained in the un‐salvaged area protected saplings from moose browsing. Thus, in post‐disturbance areas where browsing threatens regeneration, we recommend that managers consider retaining CWM to serve as a natural exclosure.
Insect herbivory but not plant pathogen infection drive floral volatile‐mediated indirect effects on pollinators and plant fitness in Brassica rapa
Authors: Moreira Xoaquín , Abdala‐Roberts Luis , Gols Rieta , Lago‐Núñez Beatriz , Rasmann Sergio , Röder Gregory , Soengas Pilar , Vázquez‐González Carla , Cartea María Elena
Published: December 2023

Plant enemies can indirectly affect pollinators by modifying plant traits, but simultaneous tests of herbivore and pathogen effects are lacking, and the role of floral volatiles has seldom been assessed.

In this study, we tested for indirect effects of insect herbivores and pathogens on pollinator attraction via altered floral volatile emissions, and its consequences for plant fitness in Brassica rapa. Plants in the field were exposed to either no damage or damage by caterpillars (Mamestra brassicae), aphids (Brevicoryne brassicae), a leaf fungus (Sclerotinia sclerotiorum), or a bacterium (Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris). We then recorded pollinator visits and measured floral traits (flower number, volatiles) and plant fitness‐correlates. We additionally performed a greenhouse experiment with artificial floral emitters to test for effects of target volatiles on pollinator attraction.

In the field experiments, relative to controls, plants subjected to herbivory by the aphid B. brassicae (but not those exposed to the other enemies) exhibited a marked reduction in the emission of two volatile organic compounds (nonanal and 2‐butyl‐1‐octanol), experienced lower pollinator visits and produced seeds of lower quality in terms of seed biomass and germination rate, while flower output itself was not affected. Consistently, artificial emitters with reduced amounts of these volatile organic compounds were less attractive to pollinators under greenhouse conditions.

Synthesis. These results provide strong evidence for volatile‐mediated indirect interactions between plant enemies and pollinators ultimately impacting plant fitness, and further point at enemy and compound specificity in such effects.
A ‘Public Service Internet’—Reclaiming the Public Service Mission
Authors: Jay Helen
Published: December 2023

This article looks forward, locating debates on public service broadcasting firmly within contemporary and future debates about technology regulation. Public service broadcasting has been a dominant theme in UK media policy since the creation of the BBC in 1922, aimed at delivering positive democratic and cultural outcomes. However, despite this rich heritage, and amidst widespread concerns about the social and democratic implications of ‘digital dominance’, the public service mission has failed fully to transcend its broadcasting origins and provide a model for a ‘public service internet’. The article reviews the relationship between the for‐profit business models of the dominant technology platforms and potential civic and individual harms, past and failed attempts to reimagine ‘public service’ institutions in a digital age and identifies opportunities for scholars, activists and policy makers to reimagine public service alternatives for a platform society.
How does ultrasound‐assisted ionic liquid treatment affect protein? A comprehensive review of their potential mechanisms, safety evaluation, and physicochemical and functional properties
Authors: Zhang Wenxue , Boateng Isaac Duah , Xu Jinsheng
Published: December 2023

Proteins are essential to human health with enormous food applications. Despite their advantages, plant and animal proteins often exhibit limited molecular flexibility and poor solubility due to hydrogen bonds, hydrophobic interactions, and ionic interactions within their molecular structures. Thus, there is an urgent need to modify the rigid structure of proteins to enhance their stability and functional properties. Ultrasound‐assisted ionic liquid (UA‐IL) treatment for developing compound modification and producing proteins with excellent functional properties has received interest. However, no review specifically addresses the interactions between UA‐ILs and proteins. Hence, this review focused on recent research advancements concerning the effects and potential reaction mechanisms of UA‐ILs on the physicochemical properties (including particle size; primary, secondary, and tertiary structure; and surface morphology) as well as the functionality (such as solubility, emulsifying properties, and foaming ability) of proteins. Moreover, the safety evaluation of modified proteins was also discussed from various perspectives, such as acute and chronic toxicity, genotoxicity, cytotoxicity, and environmental and microbial toxicity. This review demonstrated that UA‐IL treatment‐induced protein structural changes significantly impact the functional characteristics of proteins. This treatment approach efficiently promotes protein structure stretching and spatial rearrangement through cavitation, thermal effects, and ionic interactions. As a result, the functional properties of modified proteins exhibited an obvious enhancement, thereby bringing more opportunities to utilize modified protein products in the food industry. Potential future directions for protein modification using UA‐ILs were also proposed.
A critical review of a typical research system for food‐derived metal‐chelating peptides: Production, characterization, identification, digestion, and absorption
Authors: Yu Xuening , Liu Xiaoyang , Zhou Dayong
Published: December 2023

In the past decade, food‐derived metal‐chelating peptides (MCPs) have attracted significant attention from researchers working towards the prevention of metal (viz., iron, zinc, and calcium) deficiency phenomenon by primarily inhibiting the precipitation of metals caused by the gastrointestinal environment and exogenous substances (including phytic and oxalic acids). However, for the improvement of limits of current knowledge foundations and future investigation directions of MCP or their derivatives, several review categories should be improved and emphasized. The species’ uniqueness and differences in MCP productions highly contribute to the different values of chelating ability with particular metal ions, whereas comprehensive reviews of chelation characterization determined by various kinds of technique support different horizons for explaining the chelation and offer options for the selection of characterization methods. The reviews of chelation mechanism clearly demonstrate the involvement of potential groups and atoms in chelating metal ions. The discussions of digestive stability and absorption in various kinds of absorption model in vitro and in vivo as well as the theory of involved cellular absorption channels and pathways are systematically reviewed and highlighted compared with previous reports as well. Meanwhile, the chelation mechanism on the molecular docking level, the binding mechanism in amino acid identification level, the utilizations of everted rat gut sac model for absorption, and the involvement of cellular absorption channels and pathway are strongly recommended as novelty in this review. This review makes a novel contribution to the literature by the comprehensive prospects for the research and development of food‐derived mineral supplements.
Advances in new targets for immunotherapy of small cell lung cancer
Authors: Zheng Zitong , Liu Juanjuan , Ma Junling , Kang Runting , Liu Zhen , Yu Jiangyong
Published: December 2023

Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is one of the highly aggressive malignancies characterized by rapid growth and early metastasis, but treatment options are limited. For SCLC, carboplatin or cisplatin in combination with etoposide chemotherapy has been considered the only standard of care, but the standard first‐line treatment only results in 10‐month survival. The majority of patients relapse within a few weeks to months after treatment, despite the relatively sensitive response to chemotherapy. Over the past decade, immunotherapy has made significant progress in the treatment of SCLC patients. However, there have been limited improvements in survival rates for SCLC patients with the current immune checkpoint inhibitors PD‐1/PD‐L1 and CTLA‐4. In the face of high recurrence rates, small beneficiary populations, and low survival benefits, the exploration of new targets for key molecules and signals in SCLC and the development of drugs with novel mechanisms may provide fresh hope for immunotherapy in SCLC. Therefore, the aim of this review was to explore four new targets, DLL3, TIGIT, LAG‐3, and GD2, which may play a role in the immunotherapy of SCLC to find useful clues and strategies to improve the outcome for SCLC patients.
Optimum ratio of dietary protein and carbohydrate that maximises lifespan is shared among related insect species
Authors: Morimoto Juliano
Published: December 2023

Animals often regulate the intake and quantity of nutrients to maximise fitness through life‐history traits such as lifespan, but we still lack a proper understanding of how specific nutrients influence these traits. Here, I developed an algorithm which allowed me to create a nutrient‐specific database from literature data, and investigated how the requirements of protein (P) and carbohydrate (C) needed to maximise lifespan evolved across nine insect species. I found moderate evidence of a phylogenetic signal on the optimal ratio of protein to carbohydrate ratio (PC ratio) that maximised lifespan, suggesting that optimal PC ratio for lifespan could have evolved non‐independently among related species. I also found evidence for weak‐to‐strong sex‐specific optimal PC ratios for lifespan, suggesting that sex‐specific nutritional needs to maximise lifespan can emerge and persist in some species. Although limited in the number of species, the approach adopted here is portable to experiments with number of nutrients and, thus, can be used in complex comparative precision nutrition studies for insights into the evolution of animal nutrition.
Whole‐genome resequencing reveals candidate genes associated with milk production trait in Guanzhong dairy goats
Authors: Ni Jie , Xian Ming , Ren Yijie , Yang Lina , Li Yu , Guo Songmao , Ran Benkang , Hu Jianhong
Published: December 2023

Milk production is one of the most important economic utility of goats. Guanzhong dairy goat is a local dairy goat in Shaanxi Province of China and has high milk yield and quality. However, there are relatively few studies on molecular markers of milk production traits in Guanzhong dairy goats. In this study, we sequenced the whole genomes of 20 Guanzhong dairy goats, 10 of which had high milk yield (HM) and 10 of which had low milk yield (LM). We detected candidate signatures of selection in HM goats using Fst and π‐ratio statistics and identified several candidate genes including ANPEP, ADRA1A and PRKG1 associated with milk production. Our results provide the basis for molecular breeding of milk production traits in Guanzhong dairy goats.
Skin tone‐based stereotyping with Asian targets: Exploring possible mechanisms
Authors: Ha Chang Hyun , Park Sang Hee
Published: December 2023

Research on skin tone bias (i.e., bias against members of the same racial group with different skin tones) has been conducted mostly with Black/White targets. We tested skin tone bias with East Asian (Korean) targets and investigated its possible mechanisms. In Study 1, comparisons of impressions between targets with different skin tones (darker‐, medium‐, and lighter‐skinned) showed statistically significant differences in warmth, competence, morality, cleanliness, dangerousness, strongness, and social status. Study 2 revealed that lighter‐skinned Koreans were perceived to be more similar to Whites (vs. Blacks or South Asians), but this perceived similarity did not explain the effect of skin tone on impression ratings. In Study 3, participants showed associations of darker (vs. lighter) skin with rural (vs. urban) areas and with blue‐collar (vs. white‐collar) jobs. However, these associations explained only the skin tone effects on dangerousness. This research demonstrated skin tone bias with East Asian participants and targets.
The effect of guided imagery applied on geriatric orthopaedic patients on preoperative anxiety and comfort
Authors: Gunes Huseyin , Saritas Serdar , Ozdemir Ahmet , Bulbul Ali Savas
Published: December 2023

Background

This study was designed to examine the effect of guided imagery applied to geriatric orthopaedic patients on preoperative anxiety and comfort.

Methods

This study was conducted as a randomized controlled trial. The population of the study consisted of geriatric patients treated in the orthopaedics and traumatology clinic of a university hospital. The sample consisted of 80 patients, including the experimental group (n = 40) and the control group (n = 40). Personal Descriptive Form, The State–Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and General Comfort Scale were used as data collection tools.

Results

After the guided imagery application, it was determined that the anxiety of the experimental group decreased statistically significantly, and their comfort improved (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

After the imagery, it was determined that the patients in the experimental group had a decrease in their anxiety level and an improvement in their comfort. Since it is a low‐cost and easily accessible method, applying imagery in the preoperative period is recommended.
Evaluation of transcription factors and cytokine expressions of T‐cell subsets in CD19 deficiency and their possible relationship with autoimmune disease
Authors: Küççüktürk Serkan , Karaselek Mehmet Ali , Duran Tuğçe , Reisli İsmail
Published: December 2023

CD19 deficiency is a rare, predominantly antibody deficiency, and there are few studies showing that it can be seen in autoimmune diseases. The aim of study was evaluated to transcription factor and cytokine expressions of helper T (Th)‐cell subsets in CD19 deficiency and the possible mechanism role of this factor expression in autoimmune disease. Transcription factor and cytokine expressions of Th1, Th2, Th17, and regulatory T (Treg) cells were investigated by real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) method. In the study, in the patient/control comparison, transcription factor and cytokine expressions of Th1 (T‐bet, STAT1, and STAT4) were found to be significantly downregulated, but IFN‐γ was significantly upregulated in patients. Th2 factor GATA3, STAT6, IL‐4, and IL‐5 were significantly downregulated. For Th17, RORγt was downregulated while IL‐22 was upregulated. In the heterozygous/control comparison, there was no significant change in gene expressions other than IL‐5. T‐bet, STAT1, GATA3, IL‐4, RORγt, FoxP3, and TGF‐β were significantly downregulated in the patient/heterozygous comparison. It was revealed for the first time that the expression of the transcription factors and cytokines in CD19 deficiency. These findings might be showing the predominance of Th1 factors and suppressed Treg factors which could be related with autoimmunity in CD19 deficiency.
Medium‐term follow up of active surveillance for early prostate cancer at a non‐academic institution
Authors: Leni Riccardo , Roscigno Marco , Barzaghi Paolo , La Croce Giovanni , Catellani Michele , Saccà Antonino , de Angelis Mario , Montorsi Francesco , Briganti Alberto , Da Pozzo Luigi Filippo
Published: December 2023

Objectives

To report oncological outcomes of active surveillance (AS) at a single non‐academic institution adopting the standardised Prostate Cancer Research International Active Surveillance (PRIAS) protocol.

Patients and Methods

Competing risk analyses estimated the incidence of overall mortality, metastases, conversion to treatment, and grade reclassification. The incidence of reclassification and adverse pathological findings at radical prostatectomy were compared between patients fulfilling all PRIAS inclusion criteria vs those not fulfilling at least one.

Results

We analysed 341 men with Grade Group 1 prostate cancer (PCa) followed on AS between 2010 and 2022. There were no PCa deaths, two patients developed distant metastases and were alive at the end of the study period. The 10‐year cumulative incidence of metastases was 1.9% (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.33–6.4%). A total of 111 men were reclassified, and 127 underwent definitive treatment. Men not fulfilling at least one PRIAS inclusion criteria (n = 43) had a higher incidence of reclassification (subdistribution hazards ratio 1.73, 95% CI 1.07–2.81; P = 0.03), but similar rates of adverse pathological findings at radical prostatectomy.

Conclusion

Metastases in men on AS at a non‐academic institution are as rare as those reported in established international cohorts. Men followed without stringent inclusion criteria should be counselled about the higher incidence of reclassification and reassured they can expect rates of adverse pathological findings comparable to those fulfilling all criteria. Therefore, AS should be proposed to all men with low‐grade PCa regardless of whether they are followed at academic institutions or smaller community hospitals.
Addressing the overlooked: Integrating oral healthcare in a geriatric care system: Insights from Singapore
Authors: Tada Sayaka , Lee Gabriel Keng Yan , Tay Chong Meng
Published: December 2023

Oral health of the older population has long been overlooked in global healthcare agenda. Limited access to oral healthcare for dependent older adults results in poor oral health, negatively impacting their quality of life, nutrition and overall well‐being. Especially for nations experiencing rapid ageing population, efforts must be urgently made to integrate oral healthcare services into the current healthcare system and policy. Singapore stands out as one of the most rapidly ageing nations in Southeast Asia, achieving remarkable progress in the healthcare field, as well as advancements in social modernization and economic growth. It now faces the growing burden of the dependent older population and is required to respond to the complex challenges associated with providing holistic eldercare services and ensuring the well‐being of its ageing population. This narrative review offers an overview of Singapore's current healthcare policy and system development for the older population, with a specific focus on oral healthcare. The goal is to shed light on this underexplored area, highlighting the challenges that need to be tackled to improve the accessibility of oral health services for dependent older adults.
Contact allergy to acrylate‐containing nail cosmetics: A retrospective 8‐year study
Authors: Steunebrink Iemke M. , de Groot Anton , Rustemeyer Thomas
Published: December 2023

Background

Over the last 10 years, allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) from acrylate‐containing nail cosmetics (acrylic nails, gel nails, gel nail polish) has been reported repeatedly.

Objectives

To investigate the frequency and clinical features of ACD in nail cosmetics in a university hospital in Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

Patients and Methods

A retrospective study in patients diagnosed with ACD from acrylate‐containing nail cosmetics at the Amsterdam University Medical Centers between January 2015 and August 2023.

Results

Sixty‐seven patients, all women, were diagnosed with ACD from nail cosmetics, representing 1.6% of all individuals and 2.3% of all women patch tested in this period. Sixty‐five of sixty‐seven (97%) subjects had a positive patch test to 2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA). Forty‐nine patients (73%) were consumers and 18 (27%) were professional nail stylists. The sites most frequently affected with dermatitis were the fingers (79%), hands (40%) and the head and/or neck. Avoidance of contact with acrylate‐containing products resulted in complete clearing of dermatitis in 80% of patients.

Conclusions

ACD from acrylate‐containing nail cosmetics is frequent in women patch tested in Amsterdam. Nearly all were identified by a positive patch test to 2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate in the (meth)acrylate series or the European baseline series.
Comparison of two assessments of real‐world data and real‐world evidence for regulatory decision‐making
Authors: Yuan Lily , Rahman Motiur , Concato John
Published: December 2023

Real‐world data (RWD) and real‐world evidence (RWE) are increasingly used to support regulatory decision making, but regulatory agencies and stakeholders may apply different definitions for RWD and use different criteria to determine when analysis of such data are considered RWE in decisions on drug approvals. To explore this issue, we reviewed two prominent publications that operationalized the definitions of RWD and RWE when describing the use of RWE in drug approvals by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA). Both publications considered noninterventional (observational) studies, RWD as a comparator arm for a single‐arm trial, product‐related literature reviews, and RWD to support clinical trial implementation (e.g., to identify potential participants) as generating RWE. In contrast, inconsistencies were identified regarding types of data sources and study designs that were considered as not generating RWE. For example, a lack of agreement existed regarding whether RWE is generated when RWD describe therapeutic contexts or are used in phase I/II interventional trials, open‐label extension studies, or pharmacovigilance activities. These discrepancies highlight opportunities to develop a consistent understanding of the role of RWE in regulatory decision making for drug approvals among regulatory agencies and stakeholders.
Dermatology practice updates in mycobacterial disease
Authors: Barker Catherine , Alshaikh Hesham , Elston Dirk
Published: December 2023

Atypical mycobacterial infections are commonly acquired through exposure to water, and tuberculosis remains highly endemic in many parts of the world. In this era of global connection, travel, and immigration, it is more important than ever to maintain a high index of suspicion for infection from cutaneous tuberculosis and atypical mycobacteria. Epidemics related to surgical procedures have been related to inadequate sterilization, as almost 50% of public water supplies harbor mycobacteria. Improved diagnostic techniques for these microbes, including Auramine–Rhodamine staining and rapid detection of mycobacteria and drug susceptibilities through PCR and MALDI‐TOF, have improved detection and treatment outcomes. Given an increasing number of patients on immunosuppressive therapies, clinicians must remain vigilant.
Effect of sintering temperature on the dielectric properties of 3D‐printed alumina (Al2O3) in the W‐band
Authors: Jenkel Kai‐Daniel , Sánchez‐Pastor Jesús , Baloochian Mohammad Mahdi , Jakoby Rolf , Sakaki Masoud , Jiménez‐Sáez Alejandro , Benson Niels
Published: December 2023

This contribution discusses the impact of sintering temperatures on dielectric properties of 3D‐printed alumina (Al2O3) in the W‐band, by evaluating high quality factor (−Q) resonators integrated in a 2D photonic crystal structure. By varying the sintering temperature of the lithography‐based ceramic manufactured (LCM) samples, the microstructure of the material can be defined, which has a direct impact on the dielectric permittivity and material losses. Using a highly accurate photonic crystal structure, with a dimensional variation below 2% from print to print, an accurate extraction and evaluation of the dielectric material properties could be achieved. The relative permittivity of the alumina was tuned from 4.4 at 1250°C to 9.2 at 1650°C, whereas the observed change in dielectric losses was moderate. The maximum in observed dielectric loss for samples sintered at the lowest evaluated temperature, only yields an average value of 30 × 10−4. This demonstrates the versatility of the LCM technology for mm‐ and sub‐mm‐wave applications and its possibilities for material tuneability.
Impact of structural short‐range order and tetrahedral germanium on electronic and dielectric properties in phase‐change materials
Authors: Micoulaut M. , Flores‐Ruiz H.
Published: December 2023

The optoelectronic properties of prototypal Telluride amorphous phase‐change materials (GeTe and Ge2Sb2Te5) are investigated from ab initio molecular dynamics simulations. Local tetrahedral germanium geometries are identified from topological angular constraint counting and this permits to relate exactly their contribution to targeted properties. The analysis of our computation reveals that the dominant population of tetrahedral Ge contributes to the tail of the valence and conduction band but with an increased electronic localization for the latter, whereas residual (essentially octahedral) geometries induce an overall constant localization at except close to the Fermi gap, where p electrons are largely delocalized. The detailed calculation of the atomic dipoles in the amorphous state indicates that tetrahedral Ge leads to lower momenta, especially in a‐GeTe, and corresponding Ge‐based correlations with Wannier centers also indicate the dual nature of the local geometries. These features which drive optical and dielectric contrast exemplify the unique properties of phase‐change materials, and represent an obvious breakdown of the well‐known Zachariasen rule stating that the short‐range order is similar in crystals and glasses.
Synthesis and pyrolysis of Hf–N–B backbone polymer precursor for HfC/HfB2 composite ceramics
Authors: Zhao Zhe , Han Cheng , Wang Xiaozhou , Wang Yingde
Published: December 2023

Metallopolymers containing refractory metal in the main chain are highly desired but rarely reported as oxygen‐free single‐source precursors for preparing ultrahigh‐temperature ceramics. Herein, a novel single‐source precursor of poly‐hafnium‐borocarbosilane (PHBCNS) with an Hf–N–B backbone molecular structure was synthesized through the dehalogenation reaction between HfCl4 and B(NHCH3)3. The polymeric Hf–N–B chain with large bond angle and conjugated molecular structure endowed the PHBCNS precursor to be relatively stable, dissolvable, and meltable. Subsequent precursor pyrolysis up to 1800°C resulted in an HfC/HfB2 nanocomposite comprising an Hf content of 87.54 wt%, with the average grain size of HfC and HfB2 to be 34.9 and 74.1 nm, respectively. The ceramization mechanism and phase evolution from the PHBCNS precursor to HfC/HfB2 composite ceramics were thoroughly investigated. This work not only highlights a novel Hf–N–B backbone polymer with high metal content and good shaping properties but also provides fresh insights of designing single‐source precursors for ultrahigh‐temperature composite ceramics.
The agency costs of investment opportunities and debt contracting: Evidence from exogenous shocks to government spending
Authors: Callen Jeffrey L. , Chy Mahfuz
Published: December 2023

This study investigates the impact of macroeconomic shocks to firm investment opportunities on firm debt contracting policy. We find that adverse shocks to investment opportunities lead to a significant reduction in the use of debt covenants in syndicated bank loans. Consistent with incomplete contract theory, we show that firms mitigate debt–equity conflicts arising out of investment opportunities by employing accounting‐based financial covenants rather than non‐accounting‐based prepayment covenants. Adverse shocks to investment opportunities also lead to a concomitant decrease in the cost of borrowing. We find consistent evidence for corporate bond covenants and bond market borrowing costs as well. Overall, this study resolves prior mixed evidence concerning the impact of investment opportunities on debt contracting and connects macroeconomic theory with the accounting literature on debt contracting.
Approaching inselberg biodiversity conservation through plant growth and dispersal strategies
Authors: Bondi Luiz , Patreze Camila M. , Louro Ricardo P. , Santiago Laura Jane M.
Published: December 2023

Climate change is promoting global declines in plant diversity, which are expected to be more critical in islands or island‐like ecosystems due to environmental constraints and isolation. The species' vulnerability to climate change (VUL) depends on their ability to cope with changes or mitigate them. Therefore, we investigate the influence of growth and dispersal strategies of species from the Sugarloaf Rock Complex, Brazil, an island‐like ecosystem, on their niche breadth (NB), long‐dispersal (LD) capacity, and geographical range (GR). Besides, we evaluate the potential use of these strategies as indicators of species' VUL. We found that rock specialists exhibit narrower NB, lower LD capacity, and a more restricted GR when compared to other species. We also found that 63% of rock specialists are found in conservation red‐lists and they are more vulnerable to climate change than woody plants. Conversely, self‐dispersed plants are expected to be less vulnerable to climate change when compared to species with other dispersal mechanisms. Species vulnerable to climate change are 14 times more likely to be included in conservation red lists, and it might indicate that the species' VUL might also describe the species' vulnerability to other anthropogenic threats. Still, we suggest conservation attention on some species that are expected to be vulnerable to climate change but were not yet included in conservation red lists. We advocate for more efforts to ensure the conservation aspects of different functional groups in which inselbergs might not only offer isolation but also a refuge opportunity.