bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Complex Patient Perspectives on Evolving Diverticulitis Treatment
Authors: Altman-Merino Annie , Bonnet Kemberlee , Schlundt David , Wrenn Jessie , Self Wesley H. , Gordon Elisa J. , Hawkins Alexander T.
Published: June 2023

Background

Despite evidence that antibiotics may not be necessary to treat acute uncomplicated diverticulitis, they remain the mainstay of treatment in the United States. A randomized controlled trial evaluating antibiotic effectiveness could accelerate implementation of an antibiotic-free treatment strategy, but patients may be unwilling to participate.

Objective

This study aims to assess patients’ attitudes regarding participation in a randomized trial of antibiotics versus placebo for acute diverticulitis, including willingness to participate.

Design

This is a mixed-methods study with qualitative and descriptive methods.

Settings

Interviews were conducted in a quaternary care emergency department and surveys were administered virtually through a web-based portal.

Patients

Patients with either current or previous acute uncomplicated diverticulitis participated.

Interventions

Patients underwent semi-structured interviews or completed a web-based survey.

Main Outcome measures

Rates of willingness to participate in a randomized controlled trial was measured. Salient factors related to healthcare decision-making were also identified and analyzed.

Results

Thirteen patients completed an interview. Reasons to participate included a desire to help others or contribute to scientific knowledge. Doubts about the efficacy of observation as a treatment method were the main barrier to participation. In a survey of 218 subjects, 62% of respondents reported willingness to participate in a randomized clinical trial. “What my doctor thinks,” followed by “What I’ve experienced in the past” were the most important decision-making factors.

Limitations

There is possible selection bias inherent to using a study to evaluate willingness to participate in a study. Also, the population sampled was disproportionately White compared to the population affected by diverticulitis.

Conclusions

Patients with acute uncomplicated diverticulitis maintain complex and varying perceptions of the use of antibiotics. Most surveyed patients would be willing to participate in a trial of antibiotics versus placebo. Our findings support a trial’s feasibility and facilitate an informed approach to recruitment and consent.
DNA hypomethylation activates Cdk4/6 and ATR to cause dormant origin firing and cell cycle arrest that restricts liver outgrowth in zebrafish
Authors: Madakashira Bhavani P. , Magnani Elena , Ranjan Shashi , Sadler Kirsten C.
Published: June 2023

Coordinating epigenomic inheritance and cell cycle progression is essential for organogenesis. UHRF1 connects these functions by facilitating maintenance of DNA methylation and cell cycle progression. Here, we provide evidence resolving the paradoxical phenotype ofuhrf1mutant zebrafish embryos that have both activation of pro-proliferative E2F target genes and increased number of hepatocytes in S-phase, but the liver fails to grow. We find that Atr inhibition reduces DNA replication and increases liver size inuhrf1mutants, suggesting thatuhrf1mutant hepatocytes have replication stress leading to Atr-mediated cell cycle inhibition and dormant origin firing. We uncover persistent Cdk4/6 activation as the mechanism drivinguhrf1mutant hepatocytes into S-phase, activating Atr and restricting hepatic outgrowth. Palbociclib treatment ofuhrf1mutant embryos prevented aberrant S-phase entry, and the DNA damage response. Palbociclib rescued most cellular and developmental phenotypes inuhrf1mutants, except DNA hypomethylation, transposon activation and the interferon response. Pro-proliferative genes were also activated in a Cdk4/6 dependent fashion in the liver ofdnmt1mutants, suggesting DNA hypomethylation as a mechanism of Cdk4/6 activation. Thus, the developmental defects caused by DNA hypomethylation are attributed to persistent Cdk4/6 activation leading to DNA replication stress, dormant origin firing and cell cycle inhibition, preventing hepatic outgrowth.
Persistence of intact HIV-1 proviruses in the brain during antiretroviral therapy
Authors: Sun Weiwei , Rassadkina Yelizaveta , Gao Ce , Collens Sarah Isabel , Lian Xiaodong , Solomon Isaac H. , Mukerji Shibani , Yu Xu G. , Lichterfeld Mathias
Published: June 2023

HIV-1 reservoir cells that circulate in peripheral blood during suppressive antiretroviral therapy (ART) have been well characterized, but little is known about the dissemination of HIV-1-infected cells across multiple anatomical tissues, especially the central nervous system (CNS). Here, we performed single-genome, near full-length HIV-1 next-generation sequencing to evaluate the proviral landscape in distinct anatomical compartments, including multiple CNS tissues, from 3 ART-treated participants at autopsy. While lymph nodes and, to a lesser extent, gastrointestinal and genitourinary tissues represented tissue hotspots for the persistence of intact proviruses, we also observed intact proviruses in CNS tissue sections, particularly in the basal ganglia. Multi-compartment dissemination of clonal intact and defective proviral sequences occurred across multiple anatomical tissues, including the CNS, and evidence for the clonal proliferation of HIV-1-infected cells was found in the basal ganglia, in the frontal lobe, in the thalamus and in periventricular white matter. Deep analysis of HIV-1 reservoirs in distinct tissues will be informative for advancing HIV-1 cure strategies.
Spontaneous movements and their impact on neural activity fluctuate with latent engagement states
Authors: Yin Chaoqun , Melin Max , Rojas-Bowe Gabriel , Couto Joao , Sun Xiaonan , Gluf Steven , Kostiuk Alexander , Musall Simon , Churchland Anne K
Published: June 2023

Existing work demonstrates that animals alternate between engaged and disengaged states during perceptual decision-making. To understand the neural signature of these states, we performed cortex-wide measurements of neural activity in mice making auditory decisions. The trial-averaged magnitude of neural activity was similar in the two states. However, the trial-to-trial variance in neural activity was higher during disengagement. To understand this increased variance, we trained separate linear encoding models on neural data from each state. The models demonstrated that although task variables and task-aligned movements impacted neural activity similarly during the two states, movements that are independent of task events explained more variance during disengagement. Behavioral analyses uncovered that during disengagement, movements become uncoupled to task events. Taken together, these results argue that the neural signature of disengagement, though obscured in trial-averaged neural activity, is evident in trial-to-trial variability driven by changing patterns of spontaneous movements.
Thymidylate synthase disruption to limit cell proliferation in cell therapies
Authors: Sartori-Maldonado Rocio , Montaser Hossam , Soppa Inkeri , Eurola Solja , Balaz Melanie , Puttonen Henri , Otonkoski Timo , Saarimäki-Vire Jonna , Wartiovaara Kirmo
Published: June 2023

Engineered cells hold great promise for regenerative medicine and gene therapy. However, living cell products entail a fundamental biological risk of unwanted growth. Here, we describe a novel metabolic safety system to control cell proliferation without added genetic elements. We inactivated a key enzyme for nucleotide metabolism,TYMS, in several cell lines, thus obtaining cells that proliferate only when supplemented with exogenous thymidine but fail to replicate in its absence. Under supplementation,TYMS-/-pluripotent stem cells proliferate normally, produce teratomas and differentiate into potentially therapeutic cell types such as pancreatic beta cells. After differentiation, the postmitotic cells do not require thymidine to function, as seen by prolongedin vivoproduction of human insulin in implanted mice. Hence, this method allows robust cell culture and manufacture while mitigating the risk of uncontrolled growth of transplanted cells.

One Sentence Summary:Genetic disruption of DNA synthesis prevents unwanted proliferation in cell therapies without affecting cell function.
USP16 is an ISG15 cross-reactive deubiquitinase targeting a subset of metabolic pathway-related proteins
Authors: Gan Jin , Pinto-Fernández Adán , Flierman Dennis , Akkermans Jimmy J. L. L. , O’Brien Darragh P. , Greenwood Helene , Scott Hannah Claire , Neefjes Jacques , Fritz Günter , Knobeloch Klaus-Peter , van Dam Hans , Kessler Benedikt M. , Ovaa Huib , Geurink Paul P. , Sapmaz Aysegul
Published: June 2023

The ubiquitin-like modifier ISG15 can modulate host and viral proteins to restrict viral and microbial infections, and act as a cytokine. Its expression and conjugation are strongly up-regulated by type I interferons. Here we identify the deubiquitinating enzyme USP16 as an ISG15 cross-reactive protease. Ubiquitin-specific protease 16 (USP16) was found to react with an ISG15 activity-based probe in pull-down experiments using chronic myeloid leukaemia-derived human cells (HAP1). Supporting this finding, recombinant USP16 cleaved pro-ISG15 and ISG15 iso-peptide linked model substratesin vitro, as well as ISGylated substrates present in cell lysates. Moreover, the interferon-induced stimulation of ISGylation in human HAP1 cells was increased by knockdown or knockout of USP16. Depletion of USP16 did not affect interferon signaling, and interferon treatment did not affect USP16 expression or enzymatic activity either. A USP16-dependent ISG15 interactome was established by anti-ISG15 immunoprecipitation mass spectrometry (IP-MS), which indicated that the deISGylating function of USP16 may regulate metabolic pathways involving GOT1, ALDOA, SOD1 and MDH1, all of which were further confirmed to be deISGylated by USP16 in HEK293T cells. Together, our results indicate that USP16 may contribute to regulating the ISGylation status of a subset of proteins related to metabolism during type I interferon responses.
Short-term intermittent hypoxia therapy promotes gliogenesis in a rat model of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) stroke
Authors: Roshan Syed Aasish , Gunaseelan Dharani , Jayachandran Swaminathan K , Kandasamy Mahesh , Anusuyadevi Muthuswamy
Published: June 2023

Aim

After focal cerebral ischemia, intermittent hypoxia therapy (IHT) could be used as a non-invasive method to stabilize and stimulate neurogenesis in the innate stem cell niche in the brain, and disrupt the glial scar around the infarct to increase neuroblast migration in the striatal infarct area.

Methods

We induced focal cerebral ischemia in Wistar albino rats using the MCAo model. A week later, animals were subjected to intermittent hypoxia (12%O2, 4hr/day) for a period of 14 days. Post-treatment analysis of functional recovery and cellular regeneration was done using immunofluorescence analysis of multiple neuronal cell markers including Doublecortin (DCX), Nestin, and Vimentin among others.

Results

Observations of GFAP-positive cells revealed that IH treatment facilitates gliogenesis in the infarct striatal region of a rat model of MCAo stroke. The percentage of DCX and GFAP double-positive cells was increased in the IH-treated group. Also, there was a significant difference in the morphology of vimentin-positive cells and microglia cells between the stroke groups.

Conclusion

These outcomes suggest that exposure of MCAo stroke-affected rats to intermittent hypoxia results in an increase in migrated neuroblasts resulting in a subsequent altered glial scar integrity in the infarct region, thus suggesting an alternative non-invasive method against the common stem cell transplant techniques, to increase endogenous neuroblasts in the infarct area after stroke.
A whole-organism landscape of X-inactivation in humans
Authors: Gylemo Björn , Bensberg Maike , Nestor Colm E.
Published: June 2023

As females are mosaic for X-inactivation, direct determination of X-linked allelic expression in bulk tissues is typically unfeasible. Using females that are non-mosaic for X-inactivation (nmXCI) has proven a powerful and natural genetic system for profiling X-inactivation in humans. By combining allele-resolution data for one previously reported and two newly identified nmXCI females, we directly determined X-inactivation status of 380 X-linked genes across 30 normal tissues, including 198 genes for which XCI status is directly determined for the first time. Our findings represent a substantial advance in our understanding of human X-inactivation and will serve as a reference for dissecting the genetic origin of sex-bias in human traits. In addition, our study reveals nmXCI as a common feature of the human female population, with profound consequences for the penetrance and expressivity of X-linked traits in humans.
Interaction molecular QTL mapping discovers cellular and environmental modifiers of genetic regulatory effects
Authors: Kasela Silva , Aguet François , Kim-Hellmuth Sarah , Brown Brielin C. , Nachun Daniel C. , Tracy Russell P. , Durda Peter , Liu Yongmei , Taylor Kent D. , Johnson W. Craig , Van Den Berg David , Gabriel Stacey , Gupta Namrata , Smith Joshua D. , Blackwell Thomas W. , Rotter Jerome I. , Ardlie Kristin G. , Manichaikul Ani , Rich Stephen S. , Barr R. Graham , Lappalainen Tuuli
Published: June 2023

Bulk tissue molecular quantitative trait loci (QTLs) have been the starting point for interpreting disease-associated variants, while context-specific QTLs show particular relevance for disease. Here, we present the results of mapping interaction QTLs (iQTLs) for cell type, age, and other phenotypic variables in multi-omic, longitudinal data from blood of individuals of diverse ancestries. By modeling the interaction between genotype and estimated cell type proportions, we demonstrate that cell type iQTLs could be considered as proxies for cell type-specific QTL effects. The interpretation of age iQTLs, however, warrants caution as the moderation effect of age on the genotype and molecular phenotype association may be mediated by changes in cell type composition. Finally, we show that cell type iQTLs contribute to cell type-specific enrichment of diseases that, in combination with additional functional data, may guide future functional studies. Overall, this study highlights iQTLs to gain insights into the context-specificity of regulatory effects.
G2C4targeting antisense oligonucleotides potently mitigate TDP-43 dysfunction in C9orf72 ALS/FTD human neurons
Authors: Rothstein Jeffrey D. , Baskerville Victoria , Rapuri Sampath , Mehlhop Emma , Jafar-nejad Paymaan , Rigo Frank , Bennett Frank , Mizielinska Sarah , Isaacs Adrian , Coyne Alyssa N.
Published: June 2023

The G4C2repeat expansion in the C9orf72 gene is the most common genetic cause of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Frontotemporal Dementia. Many studies suggest that dipeptide repeat proteins produced from this repeat are toxic, yet, the contribution of repeat RNA toxicity is under investigated and even less is known regarding the pathogenicity of antisense repeat RNA. Recently, two clinical trials targeting G4C2(sense) repeat RNA via antisense oligonucleotide failed despite a robust decrease in sense encoded dipeptide repeat proteins demonstrating target engagement. Here, in this brief report, we show that G2C4antisense, but not G4C2sense, repeat RNA is sufficient to induce TDP-43 dysfunction in induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) derived neurons (iPSNs). Unexpectedly, only G2C4, but not G4C2sense strand targeting, ASOs mitigate deficits in TDP-43 function in authentic C9orf72 ALS/FTD patient iPSNs. Collectively, our data suggest that the G2C4antisense repeat RNA may be an important therapeutic target and provide insights into a possible explanation for the recent G4C2ASO clinical trial failure.
Cross regional coordination of neural activity in the human brain during autobiographical self-referential processing
Authors: Stieger James R. , Pinheiro-Chagas Pedro , Fang Ying , Lusk Zoe , Perry Claire M. , Wagner Anthony , Contreras Diego , Chen Qi , Hugenard John , Buch Vivek , Parvizi Josef
Published: June 2023

For the human mind to operate, populations of neurons across remote regions of the brain need to coordinate their activity in the subsecond temporal scale. To date, our knowledge of such fast interactions involving cortical and subcortical structures in large brains, such as the human brain, remains limited. Here, we used stereo-electroencephalography (sEEG) recordings across four brain regions that are known, from decades of work, to be important for autobiographical memory processing. Our recordings involved 31 human participants implanted with intracranial electrodes in the hippocampus (HPC), posteromedial cortex (PMC), and ventromedial, as well as orbital subregions of the prefrontal cortex (OFC). In 14 subjects, we also recorded simultaneously in the anterior thalamus (ANT) across various experimental conditions and with direct electrical stimulations. Our observations provide new lines of correlative and causal evidence about the spatiotemporal profile of oscillatory coordination of cortical and subcortical activity during self-referential memory-based processing.
Investigating Metabolic Trends in the Oral Cavity to Identify Novel Metabolites
Authors: Okiye Maribel E.K. , Velez Michelle A. , Sugai James , Kinney Janet , Giannobile William V. , Tripathi Ashootosh , Sherman David H
Published: June 2023

The human oral microbiome typically contains over 700 different microbial species. These interactions between the microorganisms within this community can shape the microenvironment throughout the human body, as these interactions are paramount to maintaining oral and overall systemic health. Recent advances in technology, such as next-generation sequencing (NGS), have revealed the complexities of the oral microbiome, linking dysbiosis of the oral microbiome with several chronic ailments such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and inflammatory bowel disease. However, the role of microbial secondary metabolites in oral and systemic disease progression remains poorly understood. Here, we conducted a metabolomics study on the human salivary secondary metabolome during the induction of gingival inflammation (gingivitis), the precursor to periodontal disease. In this study, we sought to assess the changes in the oral secondary metabolome during disease progression by emulating dysbiosis of the oral microbiome through a twenty-one-day induction of gingivitis in twenty human participants. We identified secondary metabolites, cyclo(L-Tyr-L-Pro) with regulatory properties for quorum sensing and inflammatory marker secretion, indicating a specialized role for secondary metabolites in oral health maintenance. Surprisingly, we also uncovered a previously unknown metabolic lag that occurs during dysbiosis recovery of the oral cavity, which indicates a lingering presence of signaling molecules for pathogenic microbe proliferation or a total oral metabolome modification following microenvironmental stress in the oral cavity. This work represents a high-resolution metabolomic landscape for understanding oral health during gingivitis that opens new opportunities for combating progressive periodontal diseases and sepsis due to the translocation of oral microbes in the human body.
Spatial correspondence in relative space regulates serial dependence
Authors: Lim Jaeseob , Lee Sang-Hun
Published: June 2023

Our perception is often attracted to what we have seen before, a phenomenon called ‘serial dependence.’ Serial dependence can help maintain a stable perception of the world, given the statistical regularity in the environment. If serial dependence serves this presumed utility, it should be pronounced when consecutive elements share the same identity when multiple elements spatially shift across successive views.

However, such preferential serial dependence between identity-matching elements in dynamic situations has never been empirically tested. Here, we hypothesized that serial dependence between consecutive elements is modulated more effectively by the spatial correspondence in relative space than by that in absolute space because spatial correspondence in relative coordinates can warrant identity matching invariantly to changes in absolute coordinates. To test this hypothesis, we developed a task where two targets change positions in unison between successive views. We found that serial dependence was substantially modulated by the correspondence in relative coordinates, but not by that in absolute coordinates. Moreover, such selective modulation by the correspondence in relative space was also observed even for the serial dependence defined by previous non-target elements. Our findings are consistent with the view that serial dependence subserves object-based perceptual stabilization over time in dynamic situations.
L-Methionyl-L-tyrosine monohydrate
Authors: Babu Sainath , Claville Michelle O. , Fronczek Frank R. , Uppu Rao M.
Published: June 2023

The study of the oxidation of various proteins necessitates scrutiny of the amino acid sequence. Since methionine (Met) and tyrosine (Tyr) are easily oxidized, peptides that contain these amino acids are frequently studied using a variety of oxidation methods, including, but not limited to, pulse radiolysis, electrochemical oxidation, and laser flash photolysis. To date, the oxidation of the Met–Tyr dipeptide is not fully understood. Several investigators have proposed a mechanism of intramolecular electron transfer between the sulfide radical of Met and the Tyr residue. Our elucidation of the structure and absolute configuration of L-Met–L-Tyr monohydrate, C14H20N2O4S·H2O (systematic name: (2S)-2-{[(2S)-2-amino-4-methylsulfanylbutanoyl]amino}-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)propanoic acid monohydrate) is presented herein and provides information about the zwitterionic nature of the dipeptide. We suspect that the zwitterionic state of the dipeptide and its interaction within the solvent medium may play a major role in the oxidation of the dipeptide. In the crystal, all the potential donor atoms interact via strong N—H...O, C—H...O, O—H...S, and O—H...O hydrogen bonds.
Innovative instructional approach: the effect of information and communication technology-assisted instruction on civic education students' performance
Authors: Misan-Ruppee Rachael Oke , Obro Sunday , Akpochafo Williams Pius
Published: June 2023

Purpose

The study explored the effect of information and communication technology-assisted instruction (ICTAI) on civic education (CE) students' academic performance and the effect of gender on students' performance. Specifically, the study addressed the facilitating effect of ICTAI on students' scholarly performance.

Design/methodology/approach

This study utilised the quasi-experimental approach. A sample of 255 senior secondary school students was the analysis unit. A teacher-made performance test was used as an instrument for the study. The data were analysed with descriptive statistics for the research questions, and hypotheses tested with paired sample t-test statistics.

Findings

The study results indicated that ICTAI improved student scholarly performance. The study also proved that gender had an impact on student academic performance.

Research limitations/implications

Not all the students in intact classes that were used for conducting the study/research, and the background and gender of research assistants were not considered, and these could have affected the result of the study. The study implications are that this study is a piece of deeper ingenuity and innovation that provides an additional source of information to study. The study provided proof that innovative activity-based instructions such as computer-assisted instruction (CAI) boost students’ performance.

Practical implications

On the instructor, the study findings demonstrated the significant effect of ICTAI on the scholarly performance of CE students. Consequently, this study contends that CE instructors/teachers can benefit from the implications of these findings by comprehensively understanding that ICTIA usage enhances student performance and, thus, improves the students' performance. Additionally, the study's findings proved that gender affected students' performance when instructed with ICTAI. The study implies that CE instructors/teachers should pay special attention to students' gender, specifically female students, as gender affects the improvement of students' CE performance when instructed with ICTAI.

Originality/value

The study findings contribute to the literature on academic improvement and performance of CE students by enhancing the understanding of the effect of ICTAI on students' scholarly performance. The study recognises the existing gaps in previous literature and vivid understanding of the effect of ICTAI on students' performance and gender as a mediator.
An overview of the SWOT analysis in India's pharmaceutical supply chain
Authors: Wahab Siti Norida , Ahmed Nusrat , Ab Talib Mohamed Syazwan
Published: June 2023

Purpose

The Indian pharmaceutical industry has contributed significantly to global healthcare by securing superior-quality, inexpensive and reachable medicines worldwide. However, supply chain management (SCM) has been challenging due to constantly shifting requirements for short lifecycles of products, the convergence of industry and changeable realities on the ground. This study aims to identify, assess and prioritize the strengths, weaknesses and opportunities of the pharmaceutical SCM environment in India.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper employs a Strength, Weakness, Opportunity, Threat (SWOT) analysis and recognizes strategies to utilize the advantages of the strengths and opportunities, rectify weaknesses and resolve threats.

Findings

A variety of strategies that could have a positive effect on the Indian pharmaceutical business are presented. Findings and suggested strategies can significantly advance knowledge, enhance understanding and contribute to the growth of a successful SCM for the Indian pharmaceutical sector.

Originality/value

This paper would act as a roadmap to greater comprehension of the market leaders and market leaders' operating climate. The findings from this study will offer academic scholars and business practitioners deeper insights into the environment of SCM.
A framework for social sustainability on the building level: a contextual approach
Authors: Sharif Ahlam Ammar
Published: June 2023

Purpose

This study aims to build on a contextualised approach for revealing the particularities of social sustainability indicators on the building scale within the particular context of Jordan, focusing on the buildings of the Dahiyat Al Hussein suburb.

Design/methodology/approach

This study relied on a review of the relevant previous research as well as global, regional and local rating tools, followed by working with a diversified participant base comprising experts as well as users through Delphi rounds and analytic hierarchy process-based assessments.

Findings

This study resulted in several key indicators that were classified into three main categories: environmental friendliness, comfort and convenience and social blend. It resembled a step on the path towards the standardisation of context-specific social sustainability indicators, an effort that would be further supported by future research addressing other development within Jordan.

Originality/value

The sustainability debate has, for long, acquired the undivided attention of its key stakeholders. With the continuous rise of global attention, the conceptualisation of sustainability has grown more specialised in both function and scale, and sustainable measures have been developed at the macro and micro levels. With the further spread of the concept, recognition of its contextual differences between various countries became more vivid, where the social dimension attains particular importance.
Managing geopolitical risks: the global oil and gas industry plays a winning game
Authors: Gamso Jonas , Inkpen Andrew , Ramaswamy Kannan
Published: June 2023

Purpose

Geopolitical risks associated with the return of great power politics and growing nationalism have generated new challenges for foreign investors across industries. Oil and gas companies are well acquainted with such risks and have developed strategies to manage them. This paper reviews five of these strategies: divorcing ownership control from operating control in designing collaborative ventures; proactively managing stakeholder relationships; ensuring transparency and communication; diversifying risks while proactively positioning for emerging opportunities; and deliberately planning for exit should such an eventuality arise. Firms outside of oil and gas can draw on these strategies as they navigate the emerging geopolitical context.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper reviews five strategies that oil and gas companies can use to manage geopolitical risk: divorcing ownership control from operating control in designing collaborative ventures; proactively managing stakeholder relationships; ensuring transparency and communication; diversifying risks while proactively positioning for emerging opportunities; and deliberately planning for exit should such an eventuality arise.

Findings

This study identifies several strategies that oil and gas companies have used to manage geopolitical risks. These tools will be increasingly important in the shifting global political landscape.

Originality/value

Drawing on the experiences of oil and gas companies, this study has identified several strategies that companies can use to shield themselves from the risks that are currently emanating from geopolitics. While these best practices originate in the experiences of oil and gas firms, the ability to deftly manage geopolitical risks is becoming an important prerequisite for companies across industries.
Impact of fashion influencers on consumers' purchase intentions: theory of planned behaviour and mediation of attitude
Authors: Tiwari Archana , Kumar Audhesh , Kant Rishi , Jaiswal Deepak
Published: June 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of fashion influencer measures on consumers' purchase intentions and the mediation of attitudes to understand the phenomenon of influencer marketing in the backdrop of the fashion industry.

Design/methodology/approach

The present study employs a conceptual model based on extended theory of planned behaviour (TPB) with added perceived trust. Data were collected from 341 participants from different regions of the country and analysed using direct path analysis and mediation technique.

Findings

The study found that attitudes toward fashion influencers are positively influenced by perceived trust, subjective norms and perceived behavioural control. However, perceived behavioural control is not directly related to purchasing intents in the research model. The results confirmed that attitudes have a positive association with purchase intentions both directly and indirectly (partially mediation).

Research limitations/implications

The study advocates market practitioners and advertisers to acknowledge the increasing importance of influencer marketing and the promotion of their fashion offerings in the setting of emerging fashion industry.

Originality/value

The present study adds crucial value to enhance the understanding of fashion influencer marketing in the Indian context. This research offers several insights into the continually growing knowledge domain of influencer marketing by predicting the direct relationships with purchase intents and the mediation of attitudes.
Knowledge codifiability, common interests and knowledge transfer: the inhibiting role of system dependence under increasing novelty
Authors: Acharya Chandan , Sigdyal Pratigya , Ojha Divesh , Patel Pankaj C. , Dhir Amandeep
Published: June 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to address the challenges knowledge actors face when using knowledge codifiability to develop common interests. The challenge is compounded when actors with diverse knowledge domains depend on each other to complete tasks, and, simultaneously, update their knowledge to address novelty in the organizational environment.

Design/methodology/approach

Given this context, this paper studies the impact of two moderating variables, systems dependence (Z) and novelty (W), on the relationship between knowledge codifiability (X) and common interests (M). This study also examines whether common interests (M) mediate the relationship between knowledge codifiability (X) and knowledge transfer (Y). To test the hypotheses, the authors collected data from 163 entrepreneurs in the southwest USA.

Findings

The results demonstrate that novelty in the knowledge domain of actors provides a supporting context for knowledge codifiability to develop common interests, but only when actors’ dependence on each other to complete tasks is at low to medium level. Moreover, the results also provide evidence that common interests mediate the relationship between codifiability and ease of knowledge transfer.

Originality/value

Using the results, this study provides a decision-making framework for managing tasks based on system dependence and novelty level.
Formative research for a social marketing safety campaign at a biomedical research facility
Authors: Lagoe Carolyn A. , Newcomer Derek , Fico Ashley
Published: June 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to consider the potential use of social marketing to enhance safety compliance in a biomedical research laboratory.

Design/methodology/approach

This project used focus group discussions (n = 32) and semi-structured interviews (n = 10) to gather information on occupational health and safety professionals’ perceptions of safety culture, knowledge of barriers and facilitators of safety at the worksite and insights on how to effectively communicate safety information to employees through a campaign effort.

Findings

Results outlined the barriers (e.g. structural obstacles, lack of awareness of policies, perception of occupational safety and health professionals as safety police) and facilitators (e.g. rapport building, partnering with formal leadership and demonstrating the value of services) of safety and safety communication.

Originality/value

Results from this work add to theoretical and practical knowledge regarding how risk may be effectively addressed by using social marketing and health behavior theories to promote voluntary adherence to existing rules and recommendations.
The role of national context in the relationship between founder CEO and IPO performance
Authors: Tupper Christina , Mehta Anju
Published: June 2023

Purpose

Although founders are often replaced with external CEOs prior to firms making IPOs, firms that do retain founder CEOs generally perform better at IPO. However, this relationship may be contingent upon context. This study aims to investigate how national context influences the relationship between a founder CEO and IPO long-run performance. The authors hypothesize that founder-CEOs will perform better in IPO firms in countries where managerial discretion, future orientation, and the level of conformity to professionalize management are high, and uncertainty avoidance is low.

Design/methodology/approach

Using insights from the upper echelon and institutional theory, the authors used hierarchical linear modeling to analyze over 1,000 firms across eight countries.

Findings

Founder CEOs perform best in IPO firms in a national context where managerial discretion is low, uncertainty avoidance is high and the level of conformity is high.

Originality/value

This study contributes to a growing area of cross-national IPO research in management by investigating the relationship between culture, management and IPO performance.
Digital skills and entrepreneurial intentions for final-year undergraduates: entrepreneurship education as a moderator and entrepreneurial alertness as a mediator
Authors: Abaddi Samer
Published: June 2023

Purpose

This study aims to test the impact of digital skills on the entrepreneurial intentions of last-year undergraduate students in Jordanian universities, especially after the Coronavirus disease pandemic and the digital transformation in education and business patterns. In addition, it aims to assess the role of entrepreneurial alertness as a mediator and entrepreneurship education as a moderator in the relationship between the independent and dependent variables.

Design/methodology/approach

The quantitative study used a questionnaire distributed to 401 students from different Jordanian universities. The data was collected over 2 months and two structural equation models were developed using AMOS 25 to examine the relationship.

Findings

A significant negative relationship was found between digital skills and entrepreneurial intentions of last-year undergraduate students in Jordanian universities post-coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. A fully mediating role of the alertness variable has appeared in addition to a significant moderating role of entrepreneurship education.

Originality/value

This is the first study that attempts to investigate the impact of digital skills on students' entrepreneurial intentions in Jordan after the COVID-19 pandemic, In addition, it is one of the few studies that assess the mediator's and moderator's effects on the same conditions. Finally, the study provided a review of the definitions and models used as part of the contribution to upcoming reviews.
Involvement of the genus Corynebacterium in the pathogenesis of pigmented intratarsal keratinous cyst
Authors: Yoshikawa Miyuki , Rokunohe Daiki , Takahashi Mika , Korekawa Ayumi , Nakajima Koji , Nakano Hajime , Akemoto Yui , Kurose Akira , Sawamura Daisuke
Published: June 2023

Intratarsal keratinous cyst (IKC) is a benign cystic lesion of the eyelid that retains keratin flakes. IKCs are usually yellow to white cystic lesions but rarely become brown or gray‐blue, making clinical diagnosis difficult. The mechanisms by which dark brown pigments are generated in pigmented IKC are unclear. The authors report a case of pigmented IKC that had melanin pigments within the lining of the cyst wall and within the cyst. Focal infiltrates of lymphocytes were observed in the dermis, particularly beneath the cyst wall in areas with more melanocytes and intense melanin deposition. These pigmented parts faced bacterial colonies inside the cyst, which were identified to be Corynebacterium species in a bacterial flora analysis. The pathogenesis of pigmented IKC in relation to inflammation and bacterial flora is discussed.
Boldness predicts plasticity in flight responses to winds
Authors: Gillies Natasha , Weimerskirch Henri , Thorley Jack , Clay Thomas A. , Martín López Lucía Martina , Joo Rocío , Basille Mathieu , Patrick Samantha C.
Published: June 2023

Behavioural plasticity can allow populations to adjust to environmental change when genetic evolution is too slow to keep pace. However, its constraints are not well understood. Personality is known to shape individual behaviour, but its relationship to behavioural plasticity is unclear.

We studied the relationship between boldness and behavioural plasticity in response to wind conditions in wandering albatrosses (Diomedea exulans).

We fitted multivariate hidden Markov models to an 11‐year GPS dataset collected from 294 birds to examine whether the probability of transitioning between behavioural states (rest, prey search and travel) varied in response to wind, boldness and their interaction.

We found that movement decisions varied with boldness, with bolder birds showing preferences for travel, and shyer birds showing preferences for search. For females, these effects depended on wind speed. In strong winds, which are optimal for movement, females increased time spent in travel, while in weaker winds, shyer individuals showed a slight preference for search, while bolder individuals maintained preference for travel.

Our findings suggest that individual variation in behavioural plasticity may limit the capacity of bolder females to adjust to variable conditions and highlight the important role of behavioural plasticity in population responses to climate change.
Pervasive impacts of climate change on the woodiness and ecological generalism of dry forest plant assemblages
Authors: Moura Mario R. , do Nascimento Fellipe A. O. , Paolucci Lucas N. , Silva Daniel P. , Santos Bráulio A.
Published: June 2023

Climate emergency is a significant threat to biodiversity in the 21st century, but species will not be equally affected. In summing up the responses of different species at the local scale, we can assess changes in the species quantity and composition of biotic assemblages.

We used more than 420K curated occurrence records of 3060 plant species to model current and future patterns of plant species distribution in one of the world's largest tropical dry forests—the Caatinga. While allowing different model extrapolation scenarios, we estimated potential changes in the species richness and composition of dryland plant assemblages in response to projected climate change, and assessed how the ecological generalism and woodiness of plant assemblages can be impacted by the climate crisis.

More than 99% of plant assemblages were projected to lose species by 2060, with biotic homogenisation—the decrease in spatial beta diversity—forecasted in 40% of the Caatinga. The replacement of narrow‐range woody species by wide‐range non‐woody ones should impact at least 90% of Caatinga plant assemblages. The exacerbated species loss in the dryland plant assemblages was connected to the heterogenisation and homogenisation of biotic assemblages. Still, the magnitude of climate change impacts on ecological generalism and woodiness patterns of dryland plant assemblages differ according to the direction of the biotic change process.

Synthesis. The future increase in aridity will change the patterns of woodiness and ecological generalism of tropical dry forest plant assemblages by decreasing vegetation diversity and complexity. The projected biotic changes in dryland plant assemblages indicate the erosion of ecosystem services linked to biomass productivity and carbon storage. We highlight the importance of long‐term conservation planning for maintaining tropical dry forests.
Women as Frontier‐Makers in the Llibre dels fets of James I of Aragon
Authors: Snowden Emma
Published: June 2023

Much of the reign of James I of Aragon (1213–76) was devoted to the conquest and colonisation of Islamic Majorca and Valencia, as he elaborates in his Llibre dels fets, or Book of Deeds. This article offers a close reading of the role of women and feminine figures in the Llibre, arguing that James portrays them as frontier‐makers who signal and embody the Christianisation of previously Islamic territory. It also explores what the relationship between women and the frontier can tell us about the gendered construction of power in thirteenth‐century Aragon.
Impact of diet supplemented with microencapsulated condensed tannins on cow milk nutritional profile
Authors: Matera Attilio , Sepe Lucia , Vincenzetti Silvia , Tolve Roberta , Condelli Nicola , Claps Salvatore , Genovese Francesco , Ricciardi Annamaria , Zotta Teresa , Scarpa Teresa , Di Napoli Maria Antonietta , Cifuni Giulia Francesca , Polidori Paolo , Santini Giuseppe , Scarano Luciano , Altieri Giuseppe , Di Renzo Giovanni Carlo , Renzi Sofia , Giavalisco Marilisa , Galgano Fernanda
Published: June 2023

Feed production systems should consider more sustainable solutions to reduce the pressure on earth's finite resources. In this work, we investigated the effect of microencapsulated condensed tannins (MCTs)‐enhanced diet on the cow milk characteristics. The diet reduced the urea content, while preserved and the n‐3 and n‐6 portion of fatty acids. Aside from the rising of vitamin C level, MCTs had a negative effect on the amount of B group vitamins. MCTs may be considered a promising feed supplement that offers a good trade‐off in terms of milk chemical quality while increasing the environmental sustainability of cattle livestock.
Restin protein expression in non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Nana Frank Aboubakar , Lamberts Virginie , Hoton Delphine , Stanciu Claudia Pop , Lecocq Marylène , Carlier François M. , Duplaquet Fabrice , Pirard Lionel , Pilette Charles , Bihin Benoît , Ocak Sebahat
Published: June 2023

Background

Restin is a member of the melanoma‐associated antigen (MAGE) superfamily. Its expression has been reported to be up‐ or downregulated in cancer. Preclinical data suggest it is a tumor suppressor. In this study, we aimed to evaluate restin expression and prognostic value in non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Methods

Restin expression was analyzed by immunohistochemistry in three tissue microarrays consisting of formalin‐fixed/paraffin‐embedded NSCLC specimens from 113 patients, represented in triplicate. Restin staining H‐score was the result of the staining intensity (0‐no, 1‐weak, 2‐moderate, and 3‐strong) multiplied by the percentage of stained tumor cells; it was defined as low if 1–100, moderate if 101–200, and strong if 201–300. Haverage‐score was the average H‐score in the triplicate. Restin Haverage‐scores were tested for correlations with clinical and pathological characteristics and patient outcome.

Results

Restin expression was localized to the cytoplasm, with nuclear enhancement, of 112/113 (99.1%) NSCLCs. Restin Haverage‐scores were 0 in 1/113 (0.88%), low in 15/113 (13.3%), moderate in 48/113 (42.5%), and strong in 49/113 (43.4%) NSCLCs. Restin Haverage‐scores did not correlate with NSCLC histological subtype, disease stage, recurrence/progression‐free, or overall survival.

Conclusion

Restin is moderately to strongly expressed in the majority of NSCLC tumors but its expression has no prognostic value in patients with NSCLC.
The experiences of people with disability and their families/carers navigating the NDIS planning process in regional, rural and remote regions of Australia: Scoping review
Authors: Veli‐Gold Sarah , Gilroy John , Wright Wayne , Bulkeley Kim , Jensen Heather , Dew Angela , Lincoln Michelle
Published: June 2023

Background

Australia's National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) was launched in 2013 to provide financial support packages for people with disability to purchase supports and services to enhance independence. People with disability are required to develop a plan with the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA), the government department responsible for managing the NDIS. This scoping review aims to ascertain the level of research into people's experience of the NDIS planning process in these geographic areas.

Methodology

Research publication databases were searched using a specific search string to identify research about people with disability and their families/carer's experiences of the NDIS planning process in regional, rural and remote regions of Australia. The Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT) was adopted to appraise the quality of the research publications. Research publications focused on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people were additionally appraised using the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Quality Appraisal Tool developed by the Centre for Excellence in Aboriginal Chronic Disease Knowledge Translation and Exchange. A thematic synthesis of the publications' contents was undertaken to ascertain people with disabilities and carers experience of the NDIS planning process.

Results

Ten (N = 10) research papers were found that met the inclusion criteria. Two papers were policy reviews and reported on the improvements of the NDIS planning process since its conception. The analysis found the research archive focused on five themes: (1) healthcare workforce and NDIA staff; (2) NDIS package holders and carers lack of awareness of the NDIS; (3) cultural/socio‐economic barriers; (4) travel funding; and (5) emotional burden of the NDIS planning process.

Conclusion

There are limited papers available that explore people's experiences of the NDIS planning process in regional, rural and remote regions of Australia. This systematic review illuminates the difficulties, barriers and concerns of people with disability and their carers about the planning process.