bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Unveiling miR-451a and miR-142-3p as Prognostic Markers in NSCLC via sEV Liquid Biopsy
Authors: Burdiel Miranda , Arauzo Ana , Jiménez Julia , Moreno-Velasco Rocío , Antolín Carlos Rodríguez- , Pernía Olga , Higuera Oliver , Gutiérrez-Sainz Laura , Yubero Paloma , Sanchez Julia Villamayor , Losantos-García Itsaso , Sagalés Nadina Erill , Rumayor Víctor González , de Castro Javier , de Cáceres Inmaculada Ibáñez , Vera Olga
Published: December 2024

Despite advancements in personalized cancer therapies, platinum-based chemotherapy remains the cornerstone for treating solid tumors, including Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC). The integration of novel immunotherapies with platinum compounds has shown promising outcomes for the treatment of advanced disease. However, a significant proportion of patients experience therapeutic failure due to innate or acquired resistance. Thus, identifying molecular profiles and biomarkers to monitor patient progress and treatment response is crucial for tailoring therapeutic strategies. Small extracellular vesicle (sEV)-based liquid biopsy emerges as a promising non-invasive method for cancer management. sEVs play a critical role in cell communication and provide molecular insights into the tumor environment. In this study, we characterized the microRNome content of sEVs from cisplatin-resistant and -sensitive cancer cells using small-RNA sequencing. We identified and validated three miRNAs in two cohorts of 78 and 49 patients treated with either chemotherapy alone or chemo-immunotherapy, respectively, analyzed via liquid biopsy, differentiating NSCLC patients based on progression and overall survival. Notably, miR-451a emerged as a prognostic marker for chemo and chemo-immunotherapy, while miR-142-3p was identified for the first time as a potential prognostic marker specifically for stage IV patients, irrespective of the treatment. The combination of miR-451, miR-142-3p, and miR-55745, a novel miRNA identified from our miRNome screening, serves as a valuable biomarker for both cisplatin and chemo-immunotherapy treatment responses. This study underscores the role of sEVs in acquired cisplatin resistance and introduces novel miRNA-sEV biomarkers for managing NSCLC progression.
Positron emission tomography (PET) tracer enables imaging of high CD73 expression in cancer
Authors: Dobelmann Clemens , Schmies Constanze C. , Rolshoven Georg Wilhelm , Scortichini Mirko , Wagner Stefan , Isaak Andreas , Idris Riham M. , Dabel Jennifer , Grey Lucie , Losenkova Karolina , Moschütz Susanne , Keim Antje , Höppner Sandra , Sandholm Jouko , Boström Pia , Hollmén Maija , Sträter Norbert , Hermann Sven , Yegutkin Gennady G. , Jacobson Kenneth A. , Schelhaas Sonja , Müller Christa E. , Junker Anna
Published: December 2024

Ecto-5’-nucleotidase (CD73) is a potential new drug target for cancer immunotherapy. Its overexpression is associated with various aggressive cancers, including triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) and pancreatic cancer, making it a promising target for diagnostic imaging. Besides antibodies, small molecule CD73 inhibitors have been developed and are currently in clinical trials. This study aimed to develop and evaluate fluorine-18 labeled high-affinity CD73 inhibitors as tracers for the non-invasive positron emission tomography (PET) imaging of CD73 expression in cancer. Two CD73 inhibitors were selected for radiolabeling based on their high potency (Kivalues of ca. 1 nM), and favorable pharmacokinetic properties providing [18F]PSB-19427 ([18F]1) and [18F]MRS-4648 ([18F]2). Ex vivo imaging studies on human breast cancer tissues indicated specific binding of both radiotracers. Subsequent in vivo studies proved [18F]1to be superior due to its long elimination half-life and its accumulation in TNBC and pancreatic cancer tissues, suggesting its potential as a versatile PET tracer for imaging various solid tumors. [18F]1significantly outperformed [18F]FDG in visualizing triple-negative breast cancer, offering potential advantages over [18F]FDG in terms of specificity and diagnostic accuracy. Thus, [18F]1is a PET tracer with outstanding properties suitable for broad application in cancer diagnosis and potentially in therapy control. Based on these results, further clinical development of PET tracers targeting CD73 is warranted.

One Sentence Summary

A PET tracer for imaging CD73 expression was developed, enabling cancer diagnosis.
Coordinated organic and inorganic nitrogen transformations fuel soil microbial blooms and increase nitrogen retention during snowmelt
Authors: Sorensen Patrick O. , Karaoz Ulas , Beller Harry R. , Bill Markus , Bouskill Nicholas J. , Banfied Jillian F. , Chu Rosalie K. , Hoyt David W. , Eder Elizabeth , Eloe-Fadrosh Emiley , Sharrar Allison , Tfaily Malak M. , Toyoda Jason , Tolic Nikola , Wang Shi , Wong Allison , Williams Kenneth H. , Zhong Yangquanwei , Brodie Eoin L.
Published: December 2024

Snowmelt in high-elevation watersheds triggers a microbial bloom and crash that affects nitrogen (N) export. Predicting watershed N dynamics as snowpack declines is a challenge because the mechanisms that underlie this microbial bloom and crash are uncertain. Using a multi-omic approach, we show that the dynamic molecular properties of dissolved organic N, plus high gene expression for peptidases that recycle microbial biomass, suggested that microbial turnover provided N for biosynthesis during the microbial bloom. Amino acid fermentation byBradyrhizobiaproduced organic acids that also fueled denitrification and dissimilatory nitrate reduction to ammonia (DNRA) during snowmelt. Nitrification in spring was driven by Spring-AdaptedNitrososphaerales, which utilized ammonium derived from osmolyte degradation by Winter-AdaptedSolirubrobacteraceae. High DNRA gene expression after snowmelt suggested significant nitrate retention, increasing watershed N retention potential. However, declining snowfall may compromise microbial regulation of soil N retention, with implications for watershed N export.
Healthy lifestyles, plasma proteomic profile and long-term risk of dementia
Authors: Shen Jie , Wu Minyu , Huang Yuhui , Yan Minqin , Yang Yang , Xu Xin , Zong Geng , Yang Jie , Li Xue , Chen Hui , Yuan Changzheng
Published: December 2024

Considering the irreversible nature of dementia, lifestyle modification has been recognized as potentially effective preventive strategies. However, whether proteomic signatures of individuals mediate or modifiy the associations between healthy lifestyles and cognitive health remain unclear. Herein, we conducted proteome-wide association analyses and identified 12 plasma proteomic markers that were associated with both overall healthy lifestyle score and incident dementia (Bonferroni correctedP-values <0.05) among 53,014 individuals aged 55 years and older in the UK Biobank. Aggregately, they mediated 17.6% (95% CI, 10.0%, 29.6%) of the lifestyle-dementia association. The associations between overall healthy lifestyle score and two key proteinomic markers (GDF15 and IGFBP3) were further replicated in the Framingham Heart Study Offspring cohort. In the proteome-wide interaction analysis, the lifestyle-dementia association significanly differed by certain proteomic features. Using a machine-learning approach, we developed and tested 8 lifestyle protein stratification scores (LPSSs) to identify pariticipants showing stronger associations between overall or individual healthy lifestyles and dementia. In particular, the LPSS for overall healthy lifestyle (consisting of 25 proteins) identified a population with a substantially stronger lifestyle-dementia association (Harzard Ratio: 0.38, 95%CI: 0.32-0.45) compared with overall population (0.67, 0.60-0.75). Individuals with higher LPSS thus may exibit stronger responses to healthy lifestyle interventions, leading to substantially improved proportions of potentially preventable dementia cases. For example, the population attributable fraction of unhealthy diet increased from 1.63% in the overall population to 29.15% in the targeted population with higher LPSS for healthy diet. Our findings highlighted the key proteomic biomarkers that may serve as intervention intermediate outcomes and inform targeted lifestyle interventions for primary prevention of dementia.
Use of routine health data to monitor malaria intervention effectiveness: a scoping review
Authors: Reithinger Richard , Bisanzio Donal , Cushnie Anya , Craig Jessica
Published: December 2024

The expansive scale-up of malaria interventions has contributed to substantial reductions in malaria morbidity and mortality in the past 15–20 years. The effectiveness of these interventions has traditionally been estimated through research studies and trials, nationally representative surveys, and mathematical modelling. Because of their sheer volume across space and time, programmatic data collected and reported routinely through health management information systems (HMIS) can complement and even offer an alternative to nationally representative and other ad hoc surveys to assess health intervention effectiveness, and ultimately impact on health outcomes. The objective of this scoping review was to describe the different analytical approaches for estimating the impact and effectiveness of malaria interventions using routine HMIS and surveillance data.

We examined PubMed using combination searches of the following terms: “malaria” AND “intervention” AND “effect*” OR “impact” AND “system” OR “surveillance”. We limited inclusion to studies and analyses that were conducted in the past decade. We purposefully chose this time cut-off, as that is when countries’ routine HMIS began to substantially mature, with data reported by these systems progressively becoming more robust. Out of 957 records generated from the PubMed search, following title and abstract screening, 93 were included for full-text review, with 49 records ultimately meeting the inclusion criteria and being included in the scoping review.

We summarize included studies by publication year, geography, outcome variables, target populations, interventions assessed, HMIS data platform used—we show that analytical approaches used a range of modelling and non-modelling approaches to assess intervention effectiveness.

This scoping review shows that routine HMIS data can also be used to regularly assess the effectiveness of various malaria interventions—an important exercise to ensure that implemented malaria interventions continue to be effective, have the desired effect, and ultimately help countries progress towards their national strategic goals and targets.

Strengths and Limitations of this Study

► This scoping review describes the different analytical approaches for estimating the impact and effectiveness of malaria interventions using routine health management information system (HMIS) and surveillance data.

► A range of analytical approaches to assess malaria intervention effectiveness using routine HMIS and surveillance data were identified in the records (studies) reviewed, which broadly can be categorized into modelling and non-modelling approaches.

► Limitations lie in the inclusion criteria and main literature database used for the review: some papers and grey literature may not have been included, as well as papers in languages other than English may have been missed.

Article Summary Line

Monitoring malaria intervention effectiveness
Tetramer formation of CpoS facilitates Inc-Inc interactions during Chlamydia trachomatis infection
Authors: Tijerina Xavier , Jabeena C.A. , Faris Robert , Xu Zhen , Smith Parker , Schnicker Nicholas J , Weber Mary M
Published: December 2024

Chlamydia trachomatis (C.t.), the leading bacterial cause of sexually transmitted infections, replicates within a unique intracellular compartment called the inclusion, which is modified by secreted proteins known as inclusion membrane (Inc) proteins. Here we further characterize CpoS, an Inc previously shown to be critical for replication and inclusion development. We demonstrate that CpoS directly binds multiple coiled-coil domain-containing Incs while simultaneously engaging Rab GTPases at a separate site. Notably, CpoS-InaC interactions facilitate the recruitment of select Arfs to the inclusion membrane, while Rab recruitment occurs independtly of these interactions. Biochemical and biophysical analyses revealed that Incs self-oligomerize, forming higher-ordered structures, with CpoS adpoting a tetrameric structure resembling eukaryotic SNAREs. We propose these assemblies likely serve as scaffolds to orchestrate vesicle docking, tethering, and fusion. Our findings underscore the intricate interplay between bacterial and host factors, revealing that C.t. leverages both Inc-Inc interactions and host protein engagement to manipulate vesicular trafficking and sustain infection.
General assessment of genetically-encoded reporters inYarrowia lipolytica
Authors: Zhang Hanqing , Khoury Luai R. , Xu Peng
Published: December 2024

The development of genetically-encoded reporters is important to characterize gene expression dynamics and investigate cellular-level events. Unlike Baker’s yeast, the thick cell wall and the high oil content in oleaginous yeast have restricted our ability to establish efficient fluorescence or enzyme-based reporters. In this book chapter, we detailed the protocol for how to clone and construct fluorescence reporters including hrGFP, TurboGFP, and mScarlet-I3, and the Nanoluc luciferase reporters. We quantified the fluorescence/luciferase reporter efficiency with 96-well microplate readers, flow cytometry, and confocal microscopy. Our results indicate that TurboGFP and hrGFP have a relatively low signal/noise ratio, and mScarlet-I3 yields a very high signal/noise ratio. Compared to fluorescence, luciferase Nanoluc exhibits the highest signal/noise ratio. The downside of using luciferase is the relatively laborious procedure and the related high cost. This chapter may guide us to establish an efficient and reliable reporter system to study gene expression or protein-labeling in nonconventional yeast.
Discovery of diverse chimeric peptides in a eukaryotic proteome sets the stage for the experimental proof of the mosaic translation hypothesis
Authors: Çakır Umut , Gabed Noujoud , Köroğlu Yunus Emre , Kaya Selen , Sinharoy Senjuti , Benedito Vagner A. , Brunet Marie , Roucou Xavier , Kryvoruchko Igor S.
Published: December 2024

The high complexity of eukaryotic organisms enabled their evolutionary success, which became possible due to the diversification of eukaryotic proteomes. Various mechanisms contributed to this process. Alternative splicing had the largest known impact among these mechanisms: tens or hundreds of protein isoforms produced from a single genetic locus. Earlier, we hypothesized that along with alternative splicing, a different but conceptually similar mechanism creates novel versions of existing proteins in all eukaryotes. However, this mechanism acts at the level of translation, where the novelty of an amino acid sequence is achieved via multiple programmed ribosomal frameshifting. This mechanism, which is termed mosaic translation, is very difficult to demonstrate even with the most up-to-date molecular tools. Thus, it remained unnoticed so far. Using only a portion of all mass spectrometry proteomic data generated from various organs of the model plantMedicago truncatula, we attempted the first step toward the experimental proof of this hypothesis. Our originalin silicoapproach resulted in the discovery of two candidates for mosaic proteins (homologs of EF1α and RuBisCo) and 154 candidates for chimeric peptides. Chimeric peptides and polypeptides are produced in the course of one ribosomal frameshifting event and may correspond to parts of mosaic proteins. In addition, our analysis reveals the possibility of translation of chimeric peptides from five ribosomal RNA transcripts, ten long non-coding RNA transcripts, and one transfer RNA transcript. These findings are very novel and will be the basis for experimental validation in future studies. In this work, we present multiple lines of indirect evidence that support the validity of ourin silicodata.
The GluA1 cytoplasmic tail regulates intracellular AMPA receptor trafficking and synaptic transmission onto dentate gyrus GABAergic interneurons, gating response to novelty
Authors: Leana-Sandoval Gerardo , Kolli Ananth V. , Chinn Carlene A. , Madrid Alexis , Lo Iris , Sandoval Matthew A. , Vera Vanessa Alizo , Simms Jeffrey , Wood Marcelo A. , Diaz-Alonso Javier
Published: December 2024

The GluA1 subunit, encoded by the putative schizophrenia-associated gene GRIA1, is required for activity-regulated AMPA receptor (AMPAR) trafficking, and plays a key role in cognitive and affective function. The cytoplasmic, carboxy-terminal domain (CTD) is the most divergent region across AMPAR subunits. The GluA1 CTD has received considerable attention for its role during long-term potentiation (LTP) at CA1 pyramidal neuron synapses. However, its function at other synapses and, more broadly, its contribution to different GluA1-dependent processes, is poorly understood. Here, we used mice with a constitutive truncation of the GluA1 CTD to dissect its role regulating AMPAR localization and function as well as its contribution to cognitive and affective processes. We found that GluA1 CTD truncation affected AMPAR subunit levels and intracellular trafficking. ΔCTD GluA1 mice exhibited no memory deficits, but presented exacerbated novelty-induced hyperlocomotion and dentate gyrus granule cell (DG GC) hyperactivity, among other behavioral alterations. Mechanistically, we found that AMPAR EPSCs onto DG GABAergic interneurons were significantly reduced, presumably underlying, at least in part, the observed changes in neuronal activity and behavior. In summary, this study dissociates CTD-dependent from CTD-independent GluA1 functions, unveiling the GluA1 CTD as a crucial hub regulating AMPAR function in a cell type-specific manner.
DietaryPhyllanthus emblica L.(Indian gooseberry, Amla) improves fecundity and resistance to oxidative stress in aDrosophila melanogastermodel of early-life malnutrition
Authors: Padmaraj Pallavi , Megha
Published: December 2024

Amla is a celebrated ethnobotanical fruit whose consumption is associated with several beneficial claims. Many studies have demonstrated Amla’s positive impact on molecular and systemic readouts in diseased conditions. Studies on Amla’s potential as a nutraceutical however are limited. To test if daily dietary supplementation with Amla improves select systemic readouts associated with wellbeing, and alleviate phenotypes associated with early life malnutrition, we deployed the fly animal model system. Benefits were compared between adult flies that were subject to larval starvation (ELS) and controls, and between genders. The most dramatic effect was observed in resistance to oxidative stress: prophylactic feeding of 1% Amla Juice (AJ) increased median survival by ∼75% (control) and 200% (ELS) in males, and ∼167% (control) and ∼150% (ELS) in females, respectively. Interestingly, survival also increased in both genders when AJ was fed only during stress or, before and during stress. For other assays, impacts were seen only in ELS flies: AJ feeding decreased lifespan in female ELS flies, increased egg numbers by ∼25% and improved survival uponP. entomophilainfection by ∼80%. Together, these suggest that prophylactic AJ dietary intake has selective biological effects and in the context of malnutrition, it can be explored further as a nutraceutical.

Abstract Figure
Exploring genetic confounding of the associations between excessive screen time and depressive symptoms in adolescence and early adulthood
Authors: Xu Jiayao , Baldwin Jessie , Hughes Amanda , Herbert Annie , Munafo Marcus R , Howe Laura D
Published: December 2024

Background

Digital devices have become a major aspect of children’s life. Associations between screen time and mental health have been observed, but the causality remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the associations between excessive screen time and later depressive symptoms, and to test the robustness of these associations when accounting for genetic confounding.

Methods

This study used data from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC), a prospective cohort of children born between 1991 and 1992 in the UK. Different forms of screen time and depressive symptoms at ages 16, 22 and 26 were assessed through self-completion questionnaires. Screen time > 2 hours per day was defined as excessive. Depressive symptoms at age 26 were measured using the Short Mood and Feelings Questionnaire (SMFQ). Polygenic scores for mental health problems were calculated. Linear regression models were used to examine the associations between screen time at ages 16, 22 and 26 and depressive symptoms at age 26, adjusting for sociodemographic confounders and polygenic scores. Genetic sensitivity analysis (Gsens) was used to test for genetic confounding in these associations.

Results

A total of 3,005 participants were included in analysis. Some, but not all, forms of excessive screen time were associated with higher SMFQ scores, e.g. more than 2 hours of television time per day at age 16 (β: 0.07 [95%CI 0.04, 0.11] for weekdays; β: 0.06 [0.02, 0.09] for weekends) and more than 2 hours of gaming time at age 22 (β: 0.07 [95%CI 0.03, 0.10] for weekdays; β: 0.07 [0.04, 0.11] for weekends). These associations persisted after adjusting for sociodemographic confounders and polygenic scores but were attenuated to the null in the genetic sensitivity analysis (β=0.02 [-0.02, 0.06] for the association with >2 hours of television time at age 16 on weekdays; β=-0.01 [-0.05, 0.03]) for >2 hours of gaming time at age 22 on weekdays).

Conclusions

For most measures of screen time, there were no associations with depressive symptoms. Where associations were seen, they were completely attenuated in genetic sensitivity analysis, implying genetic confounding is present in the relationship between excessive screen time and depressive symptoms in adolescents and young adults.
Different cellular and molecular mechanisms of chitin deposition contribute to the specificity of the two chitin synthases inD. melanogaster
Authors: Bertran-Mas Joan , De Giorgio Ettore , Martín Nicolás , Llimargas Marta
Published: December 2024

Chitin is a major component of arthropod extracellular matrices, including the exoskeleton and the midgut peritrophic matrix. It plays a key role in the development, growth and viability of insects. Besides the biological importance of this aminopolysaccharide, chitin also receives a lot of attention for its practical applications in medicine and biotechnology as a superior biopolymer with excellent physicochemical and mechanical properties. Chitin is produced and deposited extracellularly by chitin synthases. Most insects encode two types of chitin synthases, presumably with type A being required for exoskeletons and type B to produce the peritrophic matrix. It is not fully understood, however, which factors contribute to the specificity of each type of chitin synthase. Here we leverage the advantages ofDrosophila melanogasterfor functional manipulations to evaluate the mechanisms of activity and functional requirements of Kkv (Chitin synthase A) and Chs2 (Chitin synthase B). We first demonstrate that Chs2 is expressed and required in a region in the larval proventriculus that produces the chitin deposited in the peritrophic matrix. We then analyse whether the two chitin synthases can replace each other. We also investigate the subcellular localisation of these chitin synthases in different tissues and their ability to deposit chitin in combination with known auxiliary proteins. Our results indicate that the two different chitin synthases are not functionally equivalent, and that they use specific cellular and molecular mechanisms to deposit chitin. We suggest that the specificity of the different insect chitin synthases may underly the production of chitin polymers with different properties, conferring different physiological activities to the extracellular matrices.
Predicting co-crystal structures of N-halide phthalimides with 3,5-dimethylpyridine
Authors: Momenzadeh Abardeh Zahrasadat , Bahrami Faezeh , Oganov Artem R.
Published: December 2024

Crystal structure prediction (CSP) calculations were carried out to examine potential formation of co-crystals between N-halide phthalimides (Cl, Br or I) and 3,5-dimethylpyridine (35DMP). The co-crystal structure of N-bromophthalimide (nbp) with 35DMP (nbp-35DMP) is known, and the generated co-crystal structure of rank 1 is identical to experimental structure (VELXES). For the unknown crystal structure of N-iodophthalimide (nip), structure of rank 1 is suggested as a likely co-crystal structure. On the other hand, our calculations suggest the improbability of co-crystal formation between ncp and 35DMP. The CSP findings indicate that strong N—X...N interactions consistent with similar experimental structures in the Cambridge Structural Database play a major role in crystal structures of the studied compounds.
Effect of climate change vulnerability on farm technical efficiency in central Africa: the case of rural Cameroun
Authors: Adeosun Oluyemi Theophilus , Bitting Cyrille Dominick , Tabi Henri Ngoa
Published: December 2024

Purpose

A major topical issue in the 21st century is climate change, and its impact on humanity cannot be quantified, as it affects agriculture, water levels, settlements and more. This study aims to evaluate the effect of climate change on farm technical efficiency in rural Cameroon and suggest ways for improvement.

Design/methodology/approach

We employ a two-step approach to assess whether the efficiency of these farms is vulnerable to climate change. In the first step, we calculate efficiency using the stochastic frontier approach with a Cobb–Douglas specification. In the second step, we investigate the effect of climate change on efficiency by applying a Tobit model. The data used come from a questionnaire survey of 419 randomly selected farmers.

Findings

The findings reveal that the average level of technical efficiency is 62.9%. This implies that there are existing opportunities to increase technical efficiency if resources are used optimally. The results also show that increases in the climate change vulnerability index have statistically significant negative effects on the technical efficiency of farms. This negative relationship is attributable to the adverse influence of the exposure and sensitivity components of the climate change vulnerability index.

Originality/value

We provide an understanding of the effect of climate change vulnerability on the technical efficiency of farms in rural Cameroon and suggest means of improving it. Additionally, we examine whether the influence of climate change varies across agro-ecological zones.
Nonlinear effects of board size and board independence on corporate sustainability performance: international evidence
Authors: Kamarudin Khairul Anuar , Mohamad Ariff Akmalia , Azmi Nurul Azlin , Mohd Suffian Mohd Taufik
Published: December 2024

Purpose

This study aims to examine the nonlinear effects of board size and board independence on the corporate sustainability performance of listed firms worldwide.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses the global environmental, social and governance (ESG) dataset from the Thomson Reuters database, which includes a sample of 23,766 firm-year observations from 33 countries from 2011 to 2022.

Findings

The results indicate that board size and independence have positive impacts on corporate sustainability performance; however, these relationships are nonlinear. The authors find an inverted U-shaped relationship for board size. After the optimal point, the positive relationship between board size and corporate sustainability performance becomes negative. Board independence, however, has a positive exponential relationship in which the positive effect increases exponentially after the optimal point. The results are robust to a battery of tests, including alternative measures for corporate sustainability performance, board independence and different estimation procedures.

Research limitations/implications

This study illustrates empirical evidence on the nonlinear effect of board size and board independence on corporate sustainability performance, which explains the mixed evidence involving board size and independence in corporate sustainability literature and offers a complementary research approach in the literature on board dynamics.

Practical implications

This study has practical implications for investors aiming for sustainable and ethical investment choices, as they should be mindful of matters relating to board composition, particularly the appointment of independent directors and ideal board size.

Originality/value

Extensive empirical evidence has examined the relationship between corporate governance variables and corporate sustainability performance. This study introduces the effect of the nonlinear relationship between board size and board independence on corporate sustainability performance using international evidence.
Exploring consumer purchase aversion amid Israel-Palestine war: a comparative study of consumers in India and GCC countries
Authors: Abbas Sajid , Ahmad Asad , Abbas Haidar
Published: December 2024

Purpose

In the context of ongoing Israel-Palestine war, this study aims to explore whether consumer animosity (CA) influences individuals’ reluctance to purchase brands contributing towards the hostile nation. Furthermore, it investigates the mediating effects of product judgement (PJ), boycott motivation (BM) and boycott participation (BP) in this relationship. It also examines the moderating roles of susceptibility to subjective norms (SSN) and switching barriers (SB) in shaping their relationships with purchase aversion (PA).

Design/methodology/approach

Using existing validated scales, the authors designed and administered an online survey to collect 589 responses from India and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. Using Smart PLS 4.0, the authors tested the hypothesized direct and indirect (mediated-moderated) relationships.

Findings

The findings reveal that in India, CA towards certain brands leads to negative evaluations, BM and BP. In GCC countries, it positively influences BM and BP. In general, SB subsides the influence of BM, PJ and BP on PA; however, SB has no moderating effects at all in the study.

Originality/value

Drawing upon the theory of planned behaviour, this paper offers novel insights into mediating and moderating roles of selected variables, namely, PJ, BM, BP, SSN and SB, in the direct relationship of CA and PA.
Scourge of replacing contemporary work environment with artificial intelligence (AI-dark-side): the role of capacity development in quality of work-life and organisational performance
Authors: Akinwale Olusegun Emmanuel , Kuye Owolabi Lateef , Doddanavar Indrajit
Published: December 2024

Purpose

The emergence of artificial intelligence (AI) which operates through technology and digital workspace has proven to transform organisations in recent times. However, there has been key concern over its efficiency among the workforce on how it may replace human intelligence in the contemporary work environment. This study aims to investigate the drawbacks otherwise known as the dark side of AI and its effect on employee quality of work−life and organisational performance through the lens of employee capacity development in reducing its shortcomings.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used a descriptive research design using a cross-sectional survey approach to administer the research instrument to 1,847 customer service officers of banks, customer agents of telecoms, customer care of retail organisations in Nigeria business environment across various units were respondents of this study, however, 862 participants were finally used. A simple random strategy was used to survey the study participants, and existing scales were adopted to form a new research instrument. A partial least square (PLS) based structural equation model (SEM) was adapted to analyse the collected data from the respondents.

Findings

The outcome of the study indicated that AI lacks creativity and has a negative impact on both employee quality of work−life and overall organisational performance. The outcome of the study demonstrated the drawbacks and the dark sides of AI as lack of emotional intelligence, lack of in-depth contextual knowledge, over-reliance on data quality and lack of ethical and moral decision analysis are the possible dark side of AI which adversely affect quality of work−life and overall performance of the organisations. The study concluded that it is difficult to replace human intelligence because of AI’s drawbacks and dark side. AI cannot function effectively beyond what is programmed in the system.

Originality/value

This study has offered a novel trajectory against the efficiency and possible benefits of AI that people are familiar with. It has changed the understanding of the researchers, policymakers and organisations that AI cannot replace human intelligence in the workplace without improvement on those established AI dark sides.
Influencing sustainability: the role of lobbyist characteristics in shaping the EU’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive
Authors: Pirveli Erekle , Ortiz-Martínez Esther , Marín-Hernández Salvador , Thompson Paul
Published: December 2024

Purpose

This study aims to examine how the characteristics of lobbyists – type, size and country of origin – affect the nature of the feedback submitted to the European Commission regarding the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive.

Design/methodology/approach

This research is grounded in an analysis of 143 public comment letters, encompassing the entire spectrum of feedback received. The authors begin with a content analysis of the directive’s 20 key items to categorize responses, construct a feedback index based on them and then use ordinary least squares, robust and ordered logit regressions.

Findings

This analysis reveals the expanding concept of “users” in sustainability reporting, with active lobbying from both business associations and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). While the directive is generally well received, concerns arise regarding its broad scope, third-party assurance, forward-looking information and the rushed timeline. Lobbyists’ characteristics play a significant role in shaping their feedback. NGOs show stronger support than business associations, with companies in between. Smaller lobbyists favor simplified disclosures, and notable French support suggests a potential “reversed lobbying” effect, possibly due to the French presidency’s role in shaping the European sustainability reporting framework.

Practical implications

This in-depth content analysis of feedback on the directive provides a comprehensive summary measure that serves as a powerful tool for standard-setters to develop sector-specific sustainability standards.

Social implications

As sustainability reporting gains traction and zero-emission targets grow more urgent, understanding the standard-setting process is increasingly crucial.

Originality/value

This research shifts the focus of lobbying from financial to sustainability reporting. The authors build on regulatory capture and public interest theories by incorporating networking theory and the phenomenon of reversed lobbying to uncover key variations.
Risk Factors of Complications After Uterine Artery Embolisation for Symptomatic Fibroids: A Case–Control Study
Authors: de Wit Adeline , Tassi Marc‐Florent , Herbreteau Denis , Marret Henri
Published: December 2024

Objective

We aim to clarify potential risk factors of complications after uterine artery embolisation (UAE).

Setting

Complications after uterine artery embolisation (UAE) for symptomatic fibroids are rare, but failure of treatment occurs for approximately 13%–24% of patients at 10 years.

Design

We conducted a case–control study including all complications post UAE over 15 years in our specialised unit.

Population

All Grade 2 complications (or worse) for the Society of Interventional Radiology Standards of Practice Committee complications post UAE were considered. One thousand one hundred seventy‐two UAE were performed.

Methods

Complications were divided into two groups: early (< 1 month) or late (≥ 1 month) to differentiate complications from failure of procedure. Multinomial analysis was conducted to assess links between complications and potential risk factors.

Results

Sixty‐nine (0.06%) complications were found: 24.6% hospitalisation for pain (n = 17/69), 30.4% for infection (n = 21/69) and 2.9% expulsion of fibroid (n = 2/69). Overall, 31 patients underwent a second procedure (45%).

Main Outcome Measures

Intra‐uterine device and multiple fibroids were strongly related to early complications (ORearly = 4.44, IC 95%: 1.5–13.3 and ORearly = 3.7, IC 95%: 1.2–11.3, respectively). The only factor that appeared to be associated with risk of early and late complications was the major fibroid's diameter (for an increased size of 25 mm, ORearly = 1.7, IC 95%: 1.1–2.6; ORlate = 1.5, IC 95%: 1.04–2.2).

Conclusion

Our study enlightens about the potential risk factors of UAE's complications and differentiate their impact between early and late complications.
Long COVID and financial hardship: A disaggregated analysis at income and education levels
Authors: Datta Biplab Kumar , Fazlul Ishtiaque , Khan M. Mahmud
Published: December 2024

Objectives

To examine how long COVID is associated with financial hardship (food insecurity, inability to pay bills, or threat of losing service) across income and education levels, and to assess the role of employment loss or reduced work hours in this hardship.

Data Source and Study Setting

We used nationally representative data on 271,076 adults from the 2022 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS).

Study Design

We used multivariable binomial logistic regression models to estimate the average marginal effect of long COVID on financial hardships across multiple income and education groups.

Principal Findings

In general, we found a significant positive association between long COVID and the three measures of financial hardships across income and education groups (1–11 percentage points increase, 95% CI 0.00–0.02 and 0.07–0.14, respectively). Mediation analysis showed that lost or reduced hours of employment accounted for a significant portion (6%–20%) of the changes in financial distress.

Conclusions

Long COVID has affected the economic wellbeing of people from all socioeconomic statuses, although at a higher rate for lower income groups. Policy attention is needed to address its economic impacts across income and education levels.
Research themes and key data points for child and adolescent emergency department mental health presentations: A national Delphi study
Authors: John‐White Marietta R. , Proper Edmund , Muscara Frank , Babl Franz E. , Anderson Vicki A. , Wilson Catherine L. , Borland Meredith L. , Tonge Bruce J. , Gray Kylie M. , Melvin Glenn A. , Kochar Amit , Borschmann Rohan , Haslam Richard , Tavender Emma J. , Gordon Michael S. , Dalziel Stuart R. , Smith Karen , Craig Simon S. ,   the Paediatric Research in Emergency Departments International Collaborative (PREDICT) Network
Published: December 2024

Objective

The objective was to identify a prioritized list of research themes and key data points (baseline data and research outcomes) for future studies regarding child and adolescent emergency department (ED) mental health presentations.

Methods

A prospective survey‐based Delphi process was undertaken in Australia within the Pediatric Research in Emergency Departments International Collaborative (PREDICT) network. Hospital‐based and community‐based clinicians, researchers, police, ambulance paramedics, pediatric patients, and their carers were recruited to generate research themes and key data points for future pediatric ED mental health research. Responses were collated and analyzed by a steering group consisting of pediatric mental health, medical, and research/academic experts. Participants then prioritized the items through three survey rounds using a 9‐point Likert‐type scale to generate a final prioritized list.

Results

184 participants (36 patients/carers and 148 clinicians/researchers) were recruited and generated 267 items for initial prioritization; 23 completed all survey rounds. The surveys identified a consensus of 71 items: 35 research themes and 36 key data points (11 baseline data points and 25 research outcomes) for future research. The top‐rated research themes included patient/staff safety within the ED, the efficacy of dedicated mental health spaces, and the importance of patient follow‐up. Important baseline data points included risk factors for mental health presentations and history of child abuse and/or family violence. Top‐rated research outcomes included the occurrence of severe behavioral disturbance in the ED, the use of parenteral sedation, and ED re‐presentation and/or suicide attempt postdischarge.

Conclusions

The Delphi process identified a prioritized list of research themes and key data points that will inform future research on child and adolescent mental health‐related ED presentations.
The efficacy of arterial only microsurgical nasal replantation: a systematic review
Authors: Secanho Murilo Sgarbi , Rajaram Rohan , de Menezes Neto Balduino Ferreira , Cavale Naveen , Ng Sally Kiu‐Huen , Neto Aristides Augusto Palhares
Published: December 2024

Background

Microsurgical nasal replantation is a rare yet important procedure in order to regain the respiratory, olfactory, and aesthetic features of the nose. However, due to the traumatic nature of most nasal amputations, appropriate veins for anastomosis are difficult to find‐ complicating replantation. This is the first systematic review that compares peri operative and post‐operative outcomes in arterial only versus arterial and venous anastomosis for nasal replantation.

Methods

A comprehensive search of Medline, SCOPUS, and Embase databases up to 30th November 2023 was undertaken. Inclusion criteria included studies reporting on nasal replantation. Reports were then split into venous anastomosis and arterial only anastomosis and compared against one another. The Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Critical Appraisal Checklist for Case Reports tool was used for bias assessment. Comparative analysis was undertaken using Microsoft Excel software utilizing chi squared tests and t‐tests where necessary.

Results

A total of 27 papers with a sample size of 29 were found. Risk of bias for the included studies was generally low. Demographics between the two groups were similar. Arterial only anastomosis was on average 2 h and 32 min faster. Arterial only anastomosis utilized Hirudotherapy (medicinal leeching) more often than venous anastomosis (P = 0.01) whereas venous anastomosis used heparin more frequently (P = 0.01). Otherwise, complications, tissue preservation, hospital stay and follow up outcomes were similar between the two groups.

Conclusion

The evidence to date suggests that arterial only anastomosis is a safe and viable method for nasal replantation.
Risk factors for complete uterine rupture in patients with trial of labor after cesarean delivery
Authors: Didier‐Mathon Hortense , Kayem Gilles , Thubert Thibault , Sentilhes Loîc , Garabedian Charles , Schmitz Thomas , Korb Diane , Lecarpentier Edouard , Goffinet François , Raiffort Cyril , Senat Marie‐Victoire , Azria Elie , Ricbourg Aude , Defline Alix , Delorme Pierre
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Vaginal birth after cesarean delivery (VBAC) attempt is promoted to reduce cesarean‐related morbidity, but it carries a risk of uterine rupture, posing significant maternal and neonatal risks. This study evaluated uterine rupture incidence and risk factors in a high VBAC attempt population.

Material and Methods

This was a 16‐year retrospective multicenter case–control cohort study (2002–2018). Eleven French university hospitals participated. Women were included if they had a complete uterine rupture during a VBAC attempt. Two controls, defined as a VBAC attempt without uterine rupture, were randomly included for each case. We analyzed the risk factors of uterine rupture among the overall population and then among women who had labor induction and those who had spontaneous labor. Logistic regression was used to compute crude odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for uterine rupture. Multivariable logistic regression was used to calculate adjusted ORs (aORs) and 95% CIs.

Results

Among 48 124 patients with a single prior cesarean section, 31668 (65.8%, 95% CI 65.3–66.2) had a VBAC attempt and 23 086 (72.9% 95% CI 72.4–73.4) had a successful vaginal delivery. The complete uterine rupture frequency was 0.63%. There were 199 cases of complete uterine rupture (0.63%, 95%CI 0.54–0.71) and 396 controls. Among the overall population, the odds of uterine rupture was inversely associated with prior vaginal delivery (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.3, CI 95% 0.2–0.5) and positively with induction of labor (aOR 2.2, 95% CI 1.4–3.4). For women with spontaneous labor, the odds of uterine rupture was positively associated with a Bishop score<6 (aOR 1.8, 95%CI 1.0–3.0), arrest of cervical dilatation of at least 1 hr. (aOR, 1.8 95%CI 1.1–2.9) and oxytocin augmentation (aOR 2.2 95% CI 1.3–3.7). For women undergoing labor induction, no factors were significantly associated with uterine rupture.

Conclusions

Uterine rupture frequency was low among women with high rates of VBAC attempt and successful vaginal delivery and was reduced with previous vaginal birth and increased with induction of labor, regardless of the method used. It was associated with any dystocia during spontaneous labor and suspected macrosomia in induced women, which should be managed with caution.
Clinical perspectives on post‐induction maintenance therapy in patients with acute myeloid leukaemia in remission who are ineligible for allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Sweet Kendra , Cluzeau Thomas
Published: December 2024

For patients with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) who achieve complete remission (CR) after induction therapy, subsequent allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo‐HSCT) reduces the risk of relapse. However, not all patients are eligible, warranting effective alternative maintenance strategies. Oral azacitidine is the only non‐targeted therapy approved by both the United States (US) Food and Drug Administration and the European Medicines Agency for the maintenance or continued treatment of allo‐HSCT‐ineligible patients with AML achieving CR or CR with incomplete haematological recovery following induction chemotherapy. Midostaurin and histamine dihydrochloride are approved in Europe as maintenance therapy for AML in remission, and quizartinib is approved in the United States and Europe for the treatment and maintenance of patients with newly diagnosed FLT3‐ITD AML. Barriers to maintenance treatment include limited clinical trial data informing appropriate patient and treatment selection, patient preference, financial burden and paucity of real‐world data. This article discusses current maintenance treatment guidelines for patients with AML in remission but not proceeding to allo‐HSCT and reviews clinical trial data for agents approved for use in remission. Ongoing studies of interest and considerations for future efforts are also discussed.