bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Linking self-efficacy and organizational identification: a moderated mediation model based on a self-verification perspective
Authors: Luo Wenhao , Sun Yuqing , Gao Feng , Liu Yonghong
Published: December 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the effect of employees' self-efficacy on employees' organizational identification. Based on a self-verification perspective, this paper focuses on the mediating role of leader–member exchange social comparison (LMXSC) and the moderating role of perceived organizational justice.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conducted a field survey (Study 1) of 207 employees recruited from multiple financial organizations and tested a moderated mediation model using Hayes's (2018) PROCESS macro. The authors conducted another scenario-based experiment (Study 2) using a sample of 151 employees recruited online to further establish causality in our model.

Findings

Results suggest that employees' self-efficacy is positively associated with their LMXSC, which, in turn, positively impacts employees' organizational identification. The positive relationship between LMXSC and organizational identification is stronger when employees' perceived organizational justice is higher. The indirect effect of self-efficacy on organizational identification through LMXSC is also strengthened by perceived organizational justice.

Practical implications

Managers are encouraged to develop employees' self-efficacy and to create a fair environment to promote employees' identification with the organization.

Originality/value

This research extends organizational identification literature by examining how and when employees' self-efficacy, a dispositional predictor, leads to employees' identification with the organization from a self-verification perspective.
An evaluation of stakeholders' participation process in developing smart sustainable cities in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alamoudi Abood Khaled , Abidoye Rotimi Boluwatife , Lam Terence Y.M.
Published: December 2022

Purpose

The smart sustainable cities (SSC) concept has a wide acknowledgement amongst governments and societies that deal with emerging technology and help in developing better urban communities. However, the fact that citizens' participation (CP) is not adherent to the current policies and governance often boosts their aspirations of decision-making to become smart cities. This paper aims to identify SSC variables and, more importantly, rank, categorise and discuss the factors towards implementing SSC by engaging, empowering and enabling citizens to participate in the urban development of SSC.

Design/methodology/approach

A comprehensive literature review identified 38 factors in the CP process. Those factors were used to design an online questionnaire administered to the respondents. A total of 164 valid responses were collected. A two-stage statistical analysis was adopted. First, the Relative Importance Index (RII) was used to rank and prioritise the importance of the factors that affect the current policies and agenda. Second, factor analysis was utilised to categorise and group those factors.

Findings

This study founds four significant factors that help in implanting SSC: “knowledge of smart sustainable cities”, “awareness of smart sustainable cities”, “willingness of the citizens to participate” and “opinion on the current agenda of the government's role”.

Research limitations/implications

This study has a few limitations which can be considered in future studies. First, the response rate of the participant is relatively low (163), so sampling a larger segment will support the broader perception of the citizens.

Practical implications

The outcome of this paper underlines the need for the successful implementation of smart cities by adopting CP in the process of impacting policies and governance. Particularly, it identifies factors that help cities and policymakers in engaging CP in developing new policies and revising existing policies for promoting SSC.

Originality/value

There is a need to investigate the most critical factors that influence CP for implementing SSC. These factors have not been adequately examined in extant literature.
A comparative lexical analysis of vehicle spare parts terms in Arabic
Authors: Al-Athwary Anwar A. H.
Published: December 2022

Purpose

Investigating technical terms of vehicle spare parts used in the mechanics' jargon in Saudi Arabic (SA) and Yemeni Arabic (YA) has received scant attention. The current study, therefore, is an attempt to shed some light on the topic. The aim is to identify the strategies used for creating equivalents in vehicle spare parts vocabulary and to pinpoint the most salient variations between the two dialects in this jargon.

Design/methodology/approach

More than 250 terms of vehicle spare parts were collected and analyzed qualitatively. Each list contains nearly 125 items. They were gathered from two main resources: semi-structured interviews with vehicle mechanics, and written lists from spare parts dealers in both countries.

Findings

Three main strategies are found at work: lexical borrowing (from English and French), metaphor and loan translation. Direct borrowing is the most influential strategy where loanwords represent nearly one-third of the data, the majority of which is from English. Metaphorical extensions and literal translations also have an important role to play in the process of spare part naming. While the two dialects share common practices in terms of literal translation, they are characterized by many differences with regard to lexical borrowing and metaphors.

Originality/value

The study approaches an under-researched topic that is related to the mechanic's jargon in Arabic and leaves the door open for further research. The findings of this study may be used as guidelines for Arabic academies and those who are concerned with translating and studying technical terms in the field of mechanical engineering.
Few studies of wild animal performance account for parasite infections: A systematic review
Authors: Chrétien Emmanuelle , De Bonville Jérémy , Guitard Joëlle , Binning Sandra A. , Melis Élizabeth , Kack Alexandra , Côté Ariane , Gradito Maryane , Papillon Amélie , Thelamon Victoria , Levet Marie , Barou‐Dagues Marie
Published: December 2022

Wild animals have parasites. This inconvenient truth has far‐reaching implications for biologists measuring animal performance traits: infection with parasites can alter host behaviour and physiology in profound and sometimes counterintuitive ways. Yet, to what extent do studies on wild animals take individual infection status into account?

We performed a systematic review across eight scientific journals primarily publishing studies in animal behaviour and physiology over a 5‐year period to assess the proportion of studies which acknowledge, treat or control for parasite infection in their study design and/or analyses.

We explored whether parasite inclusion differed between studies that are experimental versus observational, conducted in the field vs the laboratory and measured behavioural vs physiological traits. We also investigated the importance of other factors such as the journal, the trait category (e.g. locomotion, reproduction) measured, the vertebrate taxonomic group investigated and the host climatic zone of origin.

Our results show that parasite inclusion was generally lacking across recent studies on wild vertebrates. In over 680 filtered papers, we found that only 21.9% acknowledged the potential effects of infections on animal performance in the text, and only 5.1% of studies treated animals for infection (i.e. parasite control) or considered infection status in the statistical analyses (i.e. parasite analysis). Parasite inclusion, control and analysis were higher in laboratory compared to field studies and higher for physiological studies compared to behavioural studies but did not differ among journals, performance trait categories and taxonomic groups. Among climatic zones, parasite inclusion, control and analysis were higher in tropical, subtropical and temperate zones than in boreal and polar zones.

Overall, our literature review suggests that parasites are sorely under‐acknowledged by researchers in recent years despite growing evidence that infections can modify animal performance. Given the ubiquity of parasites in the environment, we encourage scientists to consider individual infection status when assessing performance of wild animals. We also suggest ways for researchers to implement such practices in both experimental and observational studies.
Telehealth adoption in cancer clinical trials: An Australian perspective
Authors: Thomas Emma E. , Kelly Jaimon T. , Taylor Monica L. , Mendis Roshni , Banbury Annie , Haydon Helen , Catto Janessa , Der Vartanian Carolyn , Smith Anthony C. , Caffery Liam J.
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Cancer clinical trials have traditionally occurred in‐person. However, the COVID‐19 pandemic has forced adaptions of all aspects of cancer care (including clinical trials) so they can be delivered remotely. We aimed to quantify and qualify current use of telehealth and how it can be further improved and routinely integrated into cancer clinical trials in Australia.

Methods

We used a mixed‐method study design, involving surveys of 14 multi‐site Collaborative Cancer Clinical Trial Groups members across Australia (n = 98) and qualitative interviews with trial administrators and clinicians (n = 21).

Results

The results of our study indicated a strong willingness to use telehealth for certain transactions of clinical trials because it was perceived as a way of increasing efficiency and reach of services. Hybrid models (including telehealth and in‐person methods), which considered transaction, cancer type, and patient preferences were most favorable. Additionally, telehealth allowed for greater equity to access and reduced trial burden but interestingly had little effect on increased diversity and recruitment. Factors influencing telehealth service implementation and uptake included communication among trial stakeholders, training, and learning from the experience of others in the clinical trials community.

Conclusion

Many but not all aspects of clinical trial care are appropriate to be delivered via telehealth. A hybrid approach provides flexibility to trial delivery and may support greater equity of access to trials in the future. Our findings and actionable recommendations support the need for greater planning, training, and guidelines to enable telehealth to be better integrated into clinical trials. Opportunities exist to expand the use of remote patient monitoring to enable more objective data collection from trial participants in the future.
Different phenotypes of drug‐induced anaphylaxis—Data from the European Anaphylaxis Registry
Authors: Hanschmann Theresa , Francuzik Wojciech , Dölle‐Bierke Sabine , Hofmeier Kathrin Scherer , Grabenhenrich Linus , Ruëff Franziska , Renaudin Jean‐Marie , Pföhler Claudia , Treudler Regina , Bilò M. Beatrice , Lang Roland , Ensina Luis Felipe , Christoff George , Cardona Victoria , Wagner Nicola , Reider Norbert , Müller Sabine , Dickel Heinrich , Worm Margitta
Published: December 2022

Background

Drugs are a frequent cause of severe anaphylactic reactions. Here, we analyze a large dataset on drug induced anaphylaxis regarding elicitors, risk factors, symptoms, and treatment.

Methods

Data from the European Anaphylaxis Registry (2007–2019) with 1815 reported cases of drug‐induced anaphylaxis were studied accordingly.

Results

Drugs are the third most frequent cause of anaphylaxis reported in the Anaphylaxis Registry. Among the eliciting groups of drugs analgesics and antibiotics were far most often reported. Female and senior patients were more frequently affected, while the number of children with DIA was low. DIA patients had symptoms affecting the skin and mucous membranes (n = 1525, 84.02%), the respiratory (n = 1300, 71.63%), the cardiovascular (n = 1251, 68.93%) and the gastrointestinal system (n = 549, 30.25%). Drugs caused significant more severe reactions, occurred more often in medical facilities and led to increased hospitalization rates in comparison to food and insect venom induced anaphylaxis. Adrenaline was used more often in patients with DIA than in anaphylaxis due to other causes. Patients with skin symptoms received more antihistamines and corticosteroids in the acute treatment, while gastrointestinal symptoms led to less adrenaline use.

Conclusion

The study contributes to a better understanding of DIA, with a large number of cases from Europe supporting previous data, e.g., analgesics and antibiotics being the most frequent culprits for DIA. Female gender and higher age are relevant risk factors and despite clear recommendations, the emergency treatment of DIA is not administered according to the guidelines.
The association between iron deficiency and outcomes: a secondary analysis of the intravenous iron therapy to treat iron deficiency anaemia in patients undergoing major abdominal surgery (PREVENTT) trial
Authors: Richards T. , Miles L. F. , Clevenger B. , Keegan A. , Abeysiri S. , Rao Baikady R. , Besser M. W. , Browne J. P. , Klein A. A. , Macdougall I. C. , Murphy G. J. , Anker S. D. , Dahly D. ,   The PREVENTT trial collaborators
Published: December 2022

In the intravenous iron therapy to treat iron deficiency anaemia in patients undergoing major abdominal surgery (PREVENTT) trial, the use of intravenous iron did not reduce the need for blood transfusion or reduce patient complications or length of hospital stay. As part of the trial protocol, serum was collected at randomisation and on the day of surgery. These samples were analysed in a central laboratory for markers of iron deficiency. We performed a secondary analysis to explore the potential interactions between pre‐operative markers of iron deficiency and intervention status on the trial outcome measures. Absolute iron deficiency was defined as ferritin <30 μg.l−1; functional iron deficiency as ferritin 30–100 μg.l−1 or transferrin saturation < 20%; and the remainder as non‐iron deficient. Interactions were estimated using generalised linear models that included different subgroup indicators of baseline iron status. Co‐primary endpoints were blood transfusion or death and number of blood transfusions, from randomisation to 30 days postoperatively. Secondary endpoints included peri‐operative change in haemoglobin, postoperative complications and length of hospital stay. Most patients had iron deficiency (369/452 [82%]) at randomisation; one‐third had absolute iron deficiency (144/452 [32%]) and half had functional iron deficiency (225/452 [50%]). The change in pre‐operative haemoglobin with intravenous iron compared with placebo was greatest in patients with absolute iron deficiency, mean difference 8.9 g.l−1, 95%CI 5.3–12.5; moderate in functional iron deficiency, mean difference 2.8 g.l−1, 95%CI −0.1 to 5.7; and with little change seen in those patients who were non‐iron deficient. Subgroup analyses did not suggest that intravenous iron compared with placebo reduced the likelihood of death or blood transfusion at 30 days differentially across subgroups according to baseline ferritin (p = 0.33 for interaction), transferrin saturation (p = 0.13) or in combination (p = 0.45), or for the number of blood transfusions (p = 0.06, 0.29, and 0.39, respectively). There was no beneficial effect of the use of intravenous iron compared with placebo, regardless of the metrics to diagnose iron deficiency, on postoperative complications or length of hospital stay.
Thrombotic microangiopathy due to acquired complement factor I deficiency in a male receiving interferon‐beta treatment for multiple sclerosis
Authors: Mrabet Sanda , Dahmane Rihem , Raja Boukadida , Fradi Asma , Aicha Narjess Ben , Sahtout Wissal , Azzabi Awatef , Guedri Yosra , Zellama Dorsaf , Achour Abdellatif , Sfar Imen , Goucha Rim , Abdessayed Nihed , Mokni Moncef
Published: December 2022

Aims

Interferon‐beta (IFNβ), the most widely prescribed medication for multiple sclerosis, is generally considered safe. Nevertheless, rare serious and/or life‐threatening side effects have been reported such as thrombotic microangiopathy. A few mechanisms have been proposed to explain how interferon causes thrombotic microangiopathy, but immunological studies have been unable to pin this phenomenon down to a single pathophysiologic pathway. The aim of this article was to report a new mechanism explaining Interferon beta related thrombotic microangiopathy.

Methods

We report thrombotic microangiopathy in a 28‐year‐old male receiving interferon‐beta treatment for multiple sclerosis.

Results

After three years of starting interferon beta therapy, the patient presented with malignant hypertension causing seizures, rapidly progressive renal failure requiring haemodialysis and haemolytic anaemia. Corticosteroid and plasma exchange sessions permitted haemolysis control. Nonetheless, the patient remained hemodialysis‐dependent. Exploration of the complement system found a complement factor I deficiency whose activity normalized at the control carried out after 2 years.

Conclusion

IFNβ treatment may cause complement factor I deficit, which can lead to thrombotic microangiopathy and severe renal failure.
We need to move beyond rating scales, white faces and adult perceivers: Invited Commentary on Sutherland & Young (2022), understanding trait impressions from faces
Authors: Mondloch Catherine J. , Twele Anita C. , Thierry Sophia M.
Published: December 2022

Sutherland and Young's perspective is a timely and rigorous examination of trait impressions based on facial cues. We propose three strtegies to further advance the field: incorporating natural language processing, including diverse facial stimuli, and re‐interpreting developmental data.
AMPK regulates homeostasis of invasion and viability in trophoblasts by redirecting glucose metabolism: Implications for pre‐eclampsia
Authors: Xu Ping , Zheng Yangxi , Liao Jiujiang , Hu Mingyu , Yang Yike , Zhang Baozhen , Kilby Mark D. , Fu Huijia , Liu Yamin , Zhang Fumei , Xiong Liling , Liu Xiyao , Jin Huili , Wu Yue , Huang Jiayu , Han Tingli , Wen Li , Gao Rufei , Fu Yong , Fan Xiujun , Qi Hongbo , Baker Philip N. , Tong Chao
Published: December 2022

Pre‐eclampsia (PE) is deemed an ischemia‐induced metabolic disorder of the placenta due to defective invasion of trophoblasts during placentation; thus, the driving role of metabolism in PE pathogenesis is largely ignored. Since trophoblasts undergo substantial glycolysis, this study aimed to investigate its function and regulatory mechanism by AMPK in PE development. Metabolomics analysis of PE placentas was performed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). Trophoblast‐specific AMPKα1‐deficient mouse placentas were generated to assess morphology. A mouse PE model was established by Reduced Uterine Perfusion Pressure, and placental AMPK was modulated by nanoparticle‐delivered A769662. Trophoblast glucose uptake was measured by 2‐NBDG and 2‐deoxy‐d‐[3H] glucose uptake assays. Cellular metabolism was investigated by the Seahorse assay and GC–MS.PE complicated trophoblasts are associated with AMPK hyperactivation due not to energy deficiency. Thereafter, AMPK activation during placentation exacerbated PE manifestations but alleviated cell death in the placenta. AMPK activation in trophoblasts contributed to GLUT3 translocation and subsequent glucose metabolism, which were redirected into gluconeogenesis, resulting in deposition of glycogen and accumulation of phosphoenolpyruvate; the latter enhanced viability but compromised trophoblast invasion. However, ablation of AMPK in the mouse placenta resulted in decreased glycogen deposition and structural malformation. These data reveal a novel homeostasis between invasiveness and viability in trophoblasts, which is mechanistically relevant for switching between the ‘go’ and ‘grow’ cellular programs.
Sleep scoring in rodents: Criteria, automatic approaches and outstanding issues
Authors: Rayan Abdelrahman , Agarwal Anjali , Samanta Anumita , Severijnen Eva , van der Meij Jacqueline , Genzel Lisa
Published: December 2022

There is nothing we spend as much time on in our lives as we do sleeping, which makes it even more surprising that we currently do not know why we need to sleep. Most of the research addressing this question is performed in rodents to allow for invasive, mechanistic approaches. However, in contrast to human sleep, we currently do not have shared and agreed upon standards on sleep states in rodents. In this article, we present an overview on sleep stages in humans and rodents and a historical perspective on the development of automatic sleep scoring systems in rodents. Further, we highlight specific issues in rodent sleep that also call into question some of the standards used in human sleep research.
Quantification of soil heterotrophic nitrification in 15N tracing and specific inhibitor approaches
Authors: Zhang Yi , Cai Zucong , Zhang Jinbo , Müller Christoph
Published: December 2022

Two methodological approaches are commonly used to investigate heterotrophic nitrification (Nith) in soil: process inhibitions and 15N tracing. Although many studies have reported Nith based on 15N tracing approaches, estimates via specific inhibitor are less common. Therefore, we conducted a meta‐analysis to illustrate the similarities and differences of the results of soil Nith between the two approaches. We observed that the average result of gross Nith rate was significantly lower with the 15N tracing approach (1.32 mg N kg−1 day−1) than with the inhibitor approach (3.54 mg N kg−1 day−1) (p < 0.01). Possible explanations include incomplete inhibition of autotrophic nitrification (Nita) due to the adsorption of inhibitors on soil aggregates and the fact that the estimation of Nith via 15N tracing quantifies only the Nith fraction related to organic N oxidation. The results of linear‐mixed models indicated that soil C:N ratio had a significantly positive effect on the difference of Nith estimated via 15N tracing and inhibitor approach, which was also supported by the paired data between natural and C‐ and N‐ manipulated soil. The average contribution of Nith to total nitrification, estimated by the ratio of Nith:(Nith + Nita) or the capacity of NO2−/NO3− production when Nita was inhibited, in the two approaches were not significantly different (34% vs. 33%). While, soil C:N ratio also caused a significantly positive effect on the contribution of Nith to soil total nitrification (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the result of the relative contribution of Nith is less affected by approach than the result of gross Nith rate. In addition, soil C and N substrate availability is likely to be a critical factor affecting the estimation of soil Nith by the two approaches.

Highlights

Process inhibitors and 15N tracing are two commonly used methods to quantify soil heterotrophic nitrification (Nith).

A meta‐analysis was carried out to compare the results of soil Nith between the two methods.

There was a significant difference of the rate of Nith estimated via the two methods, while the contribution of Nith to total nitrification was similar.

Soil C and N substrate appeared to influence the estimation of soil Nith via the two approaches.
Physical activity and brain health in patients with atrial fibrillation
Authors: Herber Elena , Aeschbacher Stefanie , Coslovsky Michael , Schwendinger Fabian , Hennings Elisa , Gasser Andreas , Di Valentino Marcello , Rigamonti Elia , Reichlin Tobias , Rodondi Nicolas , Netzer Seraina , Beer Juerg H. , Stauber Annina , Müller Andreas , Ammann Peter , Sinnecker Tim , Duering Marco , Wuerfel Jens , Conen David , Kühne Michael , Osswald Stefan , Bonati Leo H. ,   for the SWISS‐AF Investigators
Published: December 2022

Background and purpose

Vascular brain lesions, such as ischemic infarcts, are common among patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and are associated with impaired cognitive function. The role of physical activity (PA) in the prevalence of brain lesions and cognition in AF has not been investigated.

Methods

Patients from the multicenter Swiss‐AF cohort study were included in this cross‐sectional analysis. We assessed regular exercise (RE; at least once weekly) and minutes of weekly PA using a validated questionnaire. We studied associations with ischemic infarcts, white matter hyperintensities, cerebral microbleeds, and brain volume on brain magnetic resonance imaging and with global cognition measured with a cognitive construct (CoCo) score.

Results

Among 1490 participants (mean age = 72 ± 9 years), 730 (49%) engaged in RE. In adjusted regression analyses, RE was associated with a lower prevalence of ischemic infarcts (odds ratio [OR] = 0.78, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.63–0.98, p = 0.03) and of moderate to severe white matter hyperintensities (OR = 0.78, 95% CI = 0.62–0.99, p = 0.04), higher brain volume (β‐coefficient = 10.73, 95% CI = 2.37–19.09, p = 0.01), and higher CoCo score (β‐coefficient = 0.08, 95% CI = 0.03–0.12, p < 0.001). Increasing weekly PA was associated with higher brain volume (β‐coefficient = 1.40, 95% CI = 0.65–2.15, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

In AF patients, RE was associated with a lower prevalence of ischemic infarcts and of moderate to severe white matter disease, with larger brain volume, and with better cognitive performance. Prospective studies are needed to investigate whether these associations are causal. Until then, our findings suggest that patients with AF should be encouraged to remain physically active.
Mothering experiences in prison: Exploring distinctions between maternal and paternal caregiving arrangements
Authors: Wilson Amber , Koons‐Witt Barbara , Pasquire Nicola
Published: December 2022

Objective

The current study considers the mothering experiences of incarcerated women to identify important differences between maternal and paternal caregivers and explore how these arrangements influence mother–child relationships.

Background

Many incarcerated mothers decide who will care for minor children in their absence, often depending on relatives to care for children. Researchers have not yet explored the differential experiences of incarcerated mothers whose children are cared for by maternal and paternal caregivers.

Method

This study uses semistructured interviews with incarcerated mothers. Researchers engaged in thematic and comparative analyses to identify differences in maternal and paternal mother–caregiver dyads.

Results

Mothers whose children lived with maternal caregivers received support from caregivers and were afforded co‐parenting opportunities. In contrast, mothers whose children lived with paternal caregivers experienced limited information sharing and attempts to exclude them from parental decision‐making.

Conclusion

Mothers highlighted the importance of their maternal mother–caregiver relationships, as well as their mother–child relationships. With less support from paternal caregivers, mothers depended on maternal relatives to serve as an intermediary or resigned themselves to temporarily suspending their maternal role.

Implications

Prisons can promote positive mother–caregiver relationships by providing counseling and can support mother–child relationships through various contact programs. Parent educators can work with incarcerated mothers to identify maternal intermediaries, and formal agencies can target interventions to include maternal intermediaries and provide additional assistance to caregivers.
Identification of non‐neutralizing anti‐factor X autoantibodies in three Japanese cases of autoimmune acquired factor X deficiency
Authors: Souri Masayoshi , Osaki Tsukasa , Shimura Yuji , Ichikawa Satoshi , Mori Makiko , Ogawa Yoshiyuki , Ichinose Akitada
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Autoimmune factor X (FX or F10) deficiency (AiF10D) is an extremely rare acquired haemorrhagic disorder characterized by a severe reduction in FX activity due to autoantibodies against FX.

Aim

Anti‐FX autoantibodies were investigated in four patients with suspected AiF10D, and their properties were analysed.

Methods and results

Anti‐FX auto antibodies in plasma were detected by ELISA with three of four cases. One case of anti‐FX autoantibody negativity was later diagnosed as AL‐amyloidosis. IgG1 and IgG3 coexisted in all anti‐FX autoantibodies of the three patients with AiF10D (cases X1, X2, and X3). Western blot analysis showed that the antibodies were bound to the FX light chain for cases X2 and X3, but the binding was weak for case X1. When the fusion proteins of a secretory luciferase with full‐length FX or its γ‐carboxylated glutamic acid (Gla) domain were added to the plasma of the three patients, both fusion proteins were immunoprecipitated as antigen‐antibody complexes. Contrarily, the latter fusion protein produced in the presence of warfarin demonstrated a decrease in the collection rate, suggesting that their autoantibodies recognized the light chain and regions containing Gla residues. Since all three patients were essentially negative for FX inhibitors, it was concluded that the anti‐FX autoantibodies for these cases were predominantly non‐neutralizing. The concentration of the FX antigen also significantly reduced in these patients, suggesting that anti‐FX autoantibodies promote the clearance of FX.

Conclusion

Immunological anti‐FX autoantibody detection is highly recommended to ensure that AiF10D cases are not overlooked, and to start necessary immunosuppressive therapies.
Beneficial Effects of Maternal Physical Activity during Pregnancy on Fetal, Newborn, and Child Health: Guidelines for Interventions during the Perinatal Period from the French National College of Midwives
Authors: Guinhouya Benjamin C. , Duclos Martine , Enea Carina , Storme Laurent
Published: December 2022

The objective of this work is to synthesize current knowledge about the effects of maternal physical activity during pregnancy on children's health. During the prenatal and postnatal periods, maternal physical activity has protective effects against the risks of macrosomia, obesity, and other associated cardiometabolic disorders. Even though longitudinal studies in humans are still necessary to validate them, these effects have been consistently observed in animal studies. A remarkable effect of maternal physical activity is its positive role on neurogenesis, language development, memory, and other cognitive functions related to learning.
Prevalence and correlates of methamphetamine use in transitional age youth experiencing homelessness or housing instability in San Francisco, CA
Authors: Leonard Adam , Broussard Janessa , Jain Jennifer , Kumar Shanil , Santos Glenn‐Milo , Dawson‐Rose Carol
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Substance use, including methamphetamine use, is a contributing factor in HIV acquisition and treatment. Stimulant use is linked to mental health yet there is limited data from youth in community‐based settings.

Design

One hundred marginally housed or homeless transitional age youth (TAY) were recruited at Larkin Street Youth Services and completed a survey on mental health and substance use.

Methods

We conducted secondary data analysis using multivariable logistic regression models to identify the correlates of methamphetamine use among TAY.

Results

The participants’ mean age was 22. Of those who reported methamphetamine use in the past 3 months, 64% were Gay, Bisexual, or Pansexual. Factors independently associated with methamphetamine use were; living with HIV (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 3.18, 95% CI = 1.11–9.15), depressive symptoms (aOR = 6.02, 95% CI = 1.46–24.78), symptoms of PTSD (aOR = 13.38, 95% CI = 1.59–112.73), polysubstance use in the past 3 months (aOR = 50.02, 95% CI = 9.72–257.46) and a history of injection drug use (aOR = 8.38, 95% CI = 1.87–37.53).

Conclusions

Results from this study suggest a need to develop, adapt, and rapidly implement comprehensive interventions that address the combined epidemics of substance use, HIV, and mental health among TAY.

Clinical Relevance

This article examines factors associated with methamphetamine use among transitional age youth (TAY) experiencing homelessness or housing instability. Several factors were associated with use, including depression, PTSD, HIV status, polysubstance use, and injection drug use. These findings highlight the need for nurses to assess for methamphetamine use among youth as well as associated mental health and physical health problems. Nurses should link TAY who are using methamphetamine to evidence‐based treatment programs to address substance use and comorbid conditions.
Faces of hunger: an intersectional approach to children's right to food in the United Kingdom
Authors: MORRIS KATIE
Published: December 2022

This article explores the extent to which the right to food is currently enjoyed by children within the United Kingdom (UK) using image analysis of the food parcels received by children eligible for free school meals during the COVID‐19 pandemic. It argues that child food poverty serves as an illustration of the failings of neoliberalism in the UK context, which had already been observed prior to the pandemic in relation to the current Universal Credit system. The article adopts an intersectional approach, connecting the increased risk of food insecurity experienced by Black, Asian, and minority ethnic (BAME) children from low‐income backgrounds to the broader notions of racial capitalism and food oppression. It concludes by offering proposals to target inequalities and improve the realization of the right to food for all children in the UK, which could be adopted by other states to enhance the protection of children's right to food around the globe.
Acute rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease in children and adolescents in Victoria, Australia
Authors: Lindholm Daniel E , Whiteman Ida J , Oliver Jane , Cheung Michael M H , Hope Sarah A , Brizard Christian P , Horton Ari E , Sheridan Bennett , Hardy Myra , Osowicki Joshua , Steer Andrew C , Engelman Daniel
Published: December 2022

Aim

To describe the epidemiology and clinical profile of children and adolescents with acute rheumatic fever (ARF) and rheumatic heart disease (RHD) in Victoria, Australia.

Methods

A retrospective audit was undertaken of children and adolescents with ARF and RHD attending the Royal Children's and Monash Children's Hospitals in Victoria, Australia between 2010 and 2019. Potential cases were identified by searching multiple sources for relevant ICD‐10‐AM codes and keywords, then reviewed manually. For confirmed cases, we collected data on patient demographics, clinical features, comorbidities and management.

Results

Of 179 participants included, there were 108 Victorian residents and 71 non‐Victorian residents. 126 had at least one episode of ARF during the study period and 128 were diagnosed with RHD. In the Victorian resident group, the overall incidence of ARF was 0.8 per 100 000 5–14 year olds. This incidence was higher in Victorian Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander (3.8 per 100 000) and Pacific Islander (32.1 per 100 000) sub‐populations. Of 83 Victorian residents who had an ARF episode, 11 (13%) had a recurrence. Most Victorian residents with RHD had mixed aortic and mitral valve pathology (69.4%) and moderate to severe disease (61.9%). Most non‐Victorian residents were Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people (80.3%) and were commonly transferred for tertiary or surgical management of RHD (83.1%).

Conclusions

ARF and RHD continue to affect the health of significant numbers of children and adolescents living in Victoria, including severe and recurrent disease. Specialised services and a register‐based control program may help to prevent complications and premature death.
A SEC61A1 variant is associated with autosomal dominant polycystic liver disease
Authors: Schlevogt Bernhard , Schlieper Vincent , Krader Jana , Schröter Rita , Wagner Thomas , Weiand Matthias , Zibert Andree , Schmidt Hartmut H. , Bergmann Carsten , Nedvetsky Pavel I. , Krahn Michael P.
Published: December 2022

Background and Aims

Autosomal dominant polycystic liver and kidney disease is a spectrum of hereditary diseases, which display disturbed function of primary cilia leading to cyst formation. In autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease a genetic cause can be determined in almost all cases. However, in isolated polycystic liver disease (PLD) about half of all cases remain genetically unsolved, suggesting more, so far unidentified genes to be implicated in this disease.

Methods

Customized next‐generation sequencing was used to identify the underlying pathogenesis in two related patients with PLD. A variant identified in SEC61A1 was further analysed in immortalized patients' urine sediment cells and in an epithelial cell model.

Results

In both patients, a heterozygous missense change (c.706C>T/p.Arg236Cys) was found in SEC61A1, which encodes for a subunit of the translocation machinery of protein biosynthesis at the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). While kidney disease is absent in the proposita, her mother displays an atypical polycystic kidney phenotype with severe renal failure. In immortalized urine sediment cells, mutant SEC61A1 is expressed at reduced levels, resulting in decreased levels of polycystin‐2 (PC2). In an epithelial cell culture model, we found the proteasomal degradation of mutant SEC61A1 to be increased, whereas its localization to the ER is not affected.

Conclusions

Our data expand the allelic and clinical spectrum for SEC61A1, adding PLD as a new and the major phenotypic trait in the family described. We further demonstrate that mutant SEC61A1 results in enhanced proteasomal degradation and impaired biosynthesis of PC2.
Rethinking inclusivity and justice agendas in restoration of urban ecological commons: A case study of Bangalore lakes
Authors: Sen Amrita , Nagendra Harini
Published: December 2022

The present study analyses civic and community‐based initiatives in conserving urban ecological commons in India, which have been increasingly polluted, encroached upon and degraded because of rapid land‐use transformations. Bangalore, a city in south India, has one of the largest networks of manmade lakes, some of which are restored and managed by citizen groups, civil society, environmental activists and voluntary private bodies. The restoration process interfaces with urban policy making, shaping predominant management agendas in association with the State. Community initiatives in conserving the lakes are not only well‐organized, but also play a crucial role in making city commons vibrant and integral nodes of cultural and social identification. However, the contemporary management system involving citizen groups in lake conservation is largely at odds with the tradition of community‐managed lake systems previously existing in the city, which have eroded as the city became industrialized and increased in size and population, resulting in rapid landscape transformations. Against this background, the present study aims to illustrate that a seemingly representative community management of city ecologies is often embedded in an overwhelming political context. It also discusses the need for an urgent deconstruction to better understand how overtly flexible and dynamic restoration actions interact with inequality, power and conflicts. The results of the present study emphasize that the current participatory and community‐driven initiatives of ecological restoration in Indian cities unfortunately accord limited significance to the overarching questions of social justice and relations of power.
Treponema pallidum lipoprotein Tp0768 promotes the migration and adhesion of THP‐1 cells to vascular endothelial cells through stress of the endoplasmic reticulum and the NF‐κB/HIF‐1α pathway
Authors: Zhou Xiangping , Tang Yun , Cao Ting , Ning Lichang , Li Yumeng , Xie Xiaoping , Hu Yibao , He Bisha , Peng Binfeng , Liu Shuangquan
Published: December 2022

Endothelial cell injury is a key factor in the spread of infection and pathogenicity of Treponema pallidum. The migration and adhesion reaction mediated by T. pallidum lipoprotein plays an important role. This study aimed to systematically explore the migration and adhesion effect of T. pallidum lipoprotein Tp0768 and its molecular mechanism. Stimulating vascular endothelial cells with Tp0768 increased the expression of ICAM‐1, MCP‐1, and IL‐8. Moreover, it promoted the migration and adhesion of THP‐1 cells to vascular endothelial cells. Our results revealed that Tp0768 promoted the THP‐1 cells migrating and adhering to vascular endothelial cells by the PERK and IRE‐1α pathways of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. We further demonstrated that the inhibition of the NF‐κB pathway and the downregulation of hypoxia‐inducible factor 1 alpha (HIF‐1α) reduced the mRNA levels of ICAM‐1, MCP‐1, and IL‐8 induced by Tp0768. Also, the adhesion rate of THP‐1 cells to endothelial cells decreased. After inhibiting ER stress, NF‐κB p65 nuclear translocation was weakened, and the mRNA level of HIF‐1α was also significantly downregulated. Our results indicated that T. pallidum lipoprotein Tp0768 promoted the migration and adhesion of THP‐1 cells to vascular endothelial cells through ER stress and NF‐κB/HIF‐1α pathway.
Glucocorticoids, stress and eating: The mediating role of appetite‐regulating hormones
Authors: Kuckuck Susanne , van der Valk Eline S. , Scheurink Anton J. W. , van der Voorn Bibian , Iyer Anand M. , Visser Jenny A. , Delhanty Patric J. D. , van den Berg Sjoerd A. A. , van Rossum Elisabeth F. C.
Published: December 2022

Disrupted hormonal appetite signaling plays a crucial role in obesity as it may lead to uncontrolled reward‐related eating. Such disturbances can be induced not only by weight gain itself but also by glucocorticoid overexposure, for example, due to chronic stress, disease, or medication use. However, the exact pathways are just starting to be understood. Here, we present a conceptual framework of how glucocorticoid excess may impair hormonal appetite signaling and, consequently, eating control in the context of obesity. The evidence we present suggests that counteracting glucocorticoid excess can lead to improvements in appetite signaling and may therefore pose a crucial target for obesity prevention and treatment. In turn, targeting hormonal appetite signals may not only improve weight management and eating behavior but may also decrease detrimental effects of glucocorticoid excess on cardio‐metabolic outcomes and mood. We conclude that gaining a better understanding of the relationship between glucocorticoid excess and circulating appetite signals will contribute greatly to improvements in personalized obesity prevention and treatment.
Peritoneal dialysis‐associated peritonitis presenting with Ralstonia pickettii infection: A novel series of three cases during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Wu Henry H. L. , Collier Joanne , Crosby Laurie , Holder David , Trautt Elizabeth , Lewis David , Poulikakos Dimitrios , Chinnadurai Rajkumar
Published: December 2022

Peritoneal dialysis (PD)‐associated peritonitis secondary to Ralstonia infection is very rare. Ralstonia pickettii is an organism that can grow in contaminated saline, water, chlorhexidine, and other medical products used in laboratories and the clinical setting. Infective endocarditis, prosthetic joint, and severe chest infections are previously reported with R. pickettii infection. We report a novel series of three cases diagnosed with PD‐associated peritonitis caused by R. pickettii, where the cases appeared consecutively to our unit during a span of 4 weeks. During the COVID‐19 pandemic, there were increased uses of non‐sterile gloves by clinical staff as a form of personal protective equipment throughout patient interaction and PD exchange, as recommended by local hospital policy for all staff attending to patient care. A multidisciplinary team root cause analysis of our cases suggested non‐sterile gloves being the likely source of environmental contamination, leading to PD‐associated peritonitis caused by R. pickettii in this scenario.
Identification and characterization of 122 novel HLA alleles in bone marrow donors recruited to the Ezer Mizion Bone Marrow Donor Registry
Authors: Bishara Amal , Manor Sigal , Tanous Mary , Eitiel Yehudit , Cereb Nezih , Zisser Bracha
Published: December 2022

Between January 2018 and June 2021, the Ezer Mizion recruited 223,960 donors. All donors were typed for their HLA class I and II alleles at high resolution by Next Generation Sequencing techniques. Comparison between the sequences obtained from these donors and those in the IPD‐IMGT/HLA Database, revealed 122 Novel HLA alleles that were found in 133 donors. Most of the alleles, 94 (77%) were identified in the HLA class I genes (30, 35, and 29 in HLA‐A, ‐B, and –C, respectively), and 28 (23%) were detected in the HLA class II genes (9 in HLA‐DRB1 and ‐DQB1 and 10 in ‐DPB1). Most of these novel alleles, 106 (86.9%) comprised single nucleotide variation (SNV), 9 (7.4%) present multiple amino acids variation, 4 and 3 were generated because of deletions and insertions, respectively. Ten of these novel alleles were seen to be null alleles.
How a supply‐side intervention can help to increase caesarean section rates in Burkina Faso facilities—Evidence from an interrupted time‐series analysis using routine health data
Authors: Ravit Marion , Lohmann Julia , Dumont Alexandre , Kabore Charles , Koulidiati Jean‐Louis , De Allegri Manuela
Published: December 2022

Objectives

In Burkina Faso, only 2.1% of women give birth by caesarean section (CS). To improve the use of maternal health services during pregnancy and childbirth, many interventions were implemented during the 2010s including performance‐based financing (PBF) and a free maternal health care policy (the gratuité). The objective of this study is to evaluate the impact of a supply‐side intervention (PBF) combined with a demand‐side intervention (gratuité) on institutional CS rates in Burkina Faso.

Methods

We used routine health data from all the public health facilities in 21 districts (10 that implemented PBF and 11 that did not) from January 2013 to September 2017. We analysed CS rates as the proportion of CS performed out of all facility‐based deliveries (FBD) that occurred in the district. We performed an interrupted time series (ITS) analysis to evaluate the impact of PBF alone and then in conjunction with the gratuité on institutional CS rates.

Results

CS rates in Burkina Faso increased slightly between January 2013 and September 2017 in all districts. After the introduction of PBF, the increase of CS rates was higher in intervention than in non‐intervention districts. However, after the introduction of the gratuité, CS rates decreased in all districts, independently of the PBF intervention.

Conclusion

In 2017, despite high FBD rates in Burkina Faso as well as the PBF intervention and the gratuité, less than 3% of women who gave birth in a health facility did so by CS. Our study shows that the positive PBF effects were not sustained in a context of user fee exemption.