bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dr. Mahmoud Khattab: leading by example through an Egyptian revolution
Authors: Debal Amaya , Lorenz Korbinian , Apaydin Marina
Published: November 2023

Learning outcomes

This case study is most suitable for a target audience of graduate-level students in leadership and/or change management classes. It will help students to apply a change management model to an existing problem/change and analyze its applicability, recognize different leadership approaches in practice and assess their appropriateness in different contexts and present key findings and ideas in front of an audience.

Case overview/synopsis

This case study examines the leadership of Dr. Mahmoud Khattab, CEO of B.TECH, during the turbulent times of the 2011 Egyptian Revolution. B.TECH was founded in 1997 as a subsidiary of the Egyptian home appliances manufacturer Olympic Electric, to enter the retail market. The morning after January 28, 2011, the “Friday of Rage,” Khattab found the company’s stores looted and seized, and the employees panicked. The company leader was pressured to decide the next steps quickly. Everything was condensed into a dilemma of whether to keep the stores open but potentially risk employee trust and safety as well as the company’s assets – or close them but lose revenue, the ability to pay workers and the company’s market leader position. Students should also identify and reflect on the elements of leadership that contributed to a business success in a turbulent political environment. This case study highlights critical leadership and management decisions during an unexpected crisis that threatened the company’s operations and diversification efforts. Khattab acted almost instinctively, using the interpersonal and creative skills he had acquired while running a family business in his native Egypt and while occupying various leadership roles.

Complexity academic level

This case study is particularly suitable for classes on change management and leadership for university students at the graduate level.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes are available for educators only.

Subject code

CSS11: Strategy.
Indian institutional investor's portfolio concentration decision: skill and performance
Authors: Pandey Amit , Sharma Anil Kumar
Published: November 2023

Purpose

This study examined Indian institutional investors' holding data to understand their investment strategy (Portfolio Concentration/Diversification) and explored whether their skills were associated with their portfolio strategy and performance. The study introduced a new proxy to identify skilled investors by forecasting abnormal returns. Moreover, the study also highlighted where skilled Indian investors put their money for long-term investment.

Design/methodology/approach

This study measures portfolio concentration based on the number of holdings, the Hirschman–Herfindahl index (HHI) and benchmarks adjusted industry concentration. The study introduced a new proxy to identify skilled investors. We measured Investors' performance with the help of Carhart's four factors model and examined the relationship between variables through various regression models.

Findings

The study concluded a negative relationship between portfolio concentration and performance. However, skilled Indian investors get rewards from portfolio concentration decisions. It was found that skilled investors with few stocks and an industry concentration in their portfolio show a positive association between concentration and fund performance. Additionally, this study found Indian investors showing their faith in the financial sector for long-term investment.

Originality/value

This study examined Indian institutional investors' portfolio concentration strategy and introduced a new proxy to measure investors' skills.
Farmers league: squad structure and resource dependency
Authors: Feuillet Antoine , Terrettaz Loris , Terrien Mickaël
Published: November 2023

Purpose

This research aimed to measure the influence of resource dependency (trading and/or shareholder's dependencies) squad age structure by building archetypes to identify strategic dominant schemes.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the Ligue 1 football clubs from the 2009/2010 season to the 2018/2019 data, the authors use the k-means classification to build archetypes of resource dependency and squad structure variables. The influence of resource dependency on squad structure is then analysed through a table of contingency.

Findings

Firstly, the authors identify archetypes of resource dependency with some clubs that are dependent on the transfer market and others that do not count on sales to balance their account. Secondly, they provide different archetypes of squad structure choices. The contingency between those archetypes allows to identify three main strategic schemes (avoidance, shaping and adaptation).

Originality/value

The research tests an original relationship between resource dependency of clubs and their human resource strategy to respond to it. This paper can help to provide detailed profiles for big clubs looking for affiliate clubs to know which clubs have efficient academy or player development capacities.
How can prosocial silence be golden? The roles of commitment to learning and organizational support
Authors: Kızrak Meral , Yeloğlu Hakkı Okan
Published: November 2023

Purpose

Drawing from organizational learning theory, social exchange theory and positive psychology approach, this study aims to examine the relationship between commitment to learning and prosocial silence, as well as the mediating role of perceived organizational support (POS) in this relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors used path analysis to examine the relationships between research variables. Data were collected from 275 employees of private sector companies in Turkey through an online survey platform. To test the proposed hypotheses, the authors conducted regression and mediation analyses using the bootstrapping method.

Findings

The results indicate that the organization’s commitment to learning positively and significantly impacts employee prosocial silence, and POS partially mediates this relationship.

Practical implications

Managers who aim to promote other-oriented and helping behavior in the organization should understand how prosocial silence can be golden. They should cultivate and model a learning mindset by focusing on strengths instead of weaknesses, reward experimentation and provide employees with timely feedback allowing them to think and reflect on their failures.

Originality/value

Although the dominant position of previous studies endorses the detrimental sides of organizational silence, less research has focused on employees’ prosocial silence behavior and the underlying mechanisms that may explain employees’ tendency to remain silent with helpful intent, a gap this research attempts to fill.
The Relationship Between Business Angels’ Psychological Attributes and Investments in Successful Portfolio Ventures: An Empirical Investigation Using Twitter Data
Authors: Altmeier Angela , Fisch Christian
Published: November 2023

The psychological attributes of business angels are an important but understudied determinant of business angels’ investment behaviour. We derive hypotheses on how psychological attributes (i.e. clout, risk‐taking, analytical thinking) affect business angels’ investments in successful portfolio ventures. Our theorized mechanisms draw on cognitive biases (i.e. overconfidence bias, loss‐aversion bias, confirmation bias) to explain how business angels’ psychological attributes could affect their selection of portfolio ventures. Empirically, we perform a language‐based text analysis using Twitter data to gain insights into the psychological attributes of 1511 US business angels who made 5209 investments. Our results show that the psychological attributes of clout, risk‐taking and analytical thinking can indeed affect business angels’ likelihood of investing in portfolio ventures that successfully acquire follow‐on funding, highlighting the importance of psychological attributes in business angel investments.
Musculoskeletal chest pain prevalence in emergency department presentations: A retrospective case notes review
Authors: Dacombe‐Bird Moreton , Dassanayake Suranga , Beck Sierra , Ribeiro Daniel Cury , Nixon Garry , Bryant Katrina , Stokes Tim , Wilkins Gerard , Johnstone Chris , Dixon David , August Stephen , Kennedy Ewan
Published: November 2023

Objective

Musculoskeletal (MSK) causes of chest pain are considered common in emergency care, yet management is limited, reported outcomes are poor and prevalence data in New Zealand are lacking. The present study aims to estimate the prevalence of MSK chest pain in New Zealand EDs and describe the characteristics of MSK chest pain cases.

Methods

A retrospective chart review was conducted based on de‐identified clinical notes extracted from four hospitals within the South Island of New Zealand from 3 months spanning 1 March to 31 May 2021. Individual cases were categorised to the single best‐fitting cause of chest pain using systems‐based categorisation, based primarily on the doctors' documented final impression.

Results

A total of 1344 cases were categorised in the present study. MSK chest pain had a prevalence of 15% (range 11–31%) of chest pain presentations across all study sites. This represented the second most common system responsible for chest pain, after the cardiovascular system. The mean age of MSK chest pain cases was 46.9 (standard deviation [SD] 19.1) years, compared to 55.5 (SD 19.7) years in all cases. Age and gender‐specific data, data from rural hospitals and MSK sub‐type data are presented.

Conclusions

These data provide a conservative estimate of MSK chest pain prevalence in EDs within the South Island of New Zealand. The findings highlight MSK chest pain as common in emergency care, providing a basis and justification for further research to improve management and outcomes for people with MSK chest pain.
Evaluation of routine proximal bone analysis for microbiology and histopathology in diabetes‐related foot infections and osteomyelitis
Authors: Jin LongHai , Chia Rong Xian , Neilson Wendell , Hardman David , Frahm‐Jensen Gert , Jones Alister
Published: November 2023

Purpose

The value of proximal bone analysis for surgical clearance of infection remains debated. Real‐world practice traditionally utilized proximal bone microbiology rather than histopathology to diagnose residual diabetes‐related osteomyelitis of the foot (DFO) post‐amputation. We assessed the concordance between proximal bone microbiology and histopathology in determining residual infection and their predictability for revision operation in DFO and diabetes‐related foot infection (DFI).

Methodology

A single‐centre retrospective study was conducted between June and December 2020 at a tertiary institution. We recruited patients with diabetes mellitus who had minor amputations for DFO and DFI and analyzed their proximal bone microbiology, histopathology and outcomes at 6 months.

Results

Eighty‐four patients were recruited; 64 (76.2%) were male. The mean age was 69.3 years. The mean HbA1c was 8.6%. Seventy‐seven operations were performed for DFO and 17 for DFI. Negative microbiology showed complete concordance with histopathology; and none had revision operation (P = 0.99). Positive microbiology had 9.8% concordance with histopathology (P = 0.99). Positive histopathology was associated with a higher rate of revision operation (80% vs. 12.5%; P = 0.01). High preoperative C‐reactive protein was associated with residual DFO (P = 0.02) and revision operation (P = 0.01).

Conclusion

Positive histopathology was more reliable for determining significant residual DFO and predicting revision operation. Positive microbiology was valuable for guiding antibiotic selection. We suggest routine proximal bone analysis for both histopathology and microbiology to optimize the treatment of DFO and DFI.
First experience with the Hugo™ robot‐assisted surgery system for endometriosis: A descriptive study
Authors: Olsen Rikke Groth , Hartwell Dorthe , Dalsgaard Torur , Madsen Mette Elkjær , Bjerrum Flemming , Konge Lars , Røder Andreas
Published: November 2023

Introduction

The Medtronic Hugo™ Robot‐assisted Surgery (RAS) system was recently approved for clinical use. We explored the safety and feasibility of this system for endometriosis surgery. The primary outcome was safe case completion without major surgical complications (Clavien–Dindo grade ≤2) and no conversion to open surgery or laparoscopy.

Material and methods

Surgeries for endometriosis performed at the Department of Gynecology, Rigshospitalet, on the Medtronic Hugo™ RAS system were included. Two experienced robotic surgeons performed all surgeries with their usual robotic team. The variables included were patient demographics, peri‐ and postoperative data, complications and 30‐day readmission rate. We used the IDEAL framework 1/2a for surgical innovation in this descriptive study.

Results

The first 12 patients were included. All cases were completed without intraoperative complications or conversion. Four patients experienced Clavien–Dindo grade 1 postoperative complications. No patients were re‐admitted within 30 days. Median docking time (17 minutes), console time (87.5 minutes), blood loss (40 mL) and length of hospital stay (1 day) were acceptable compared with previous literature.

Conclusions

In this pilot study, we found the Medtronic Hugo™ RAS system safe and feasible for robot‐assisted surgery for endometriosis. The advent of new robotic systems is welcomed to accelerate the development of technology that will advance surgical care for patients across the globe.
High‐frequency temporal variability of provenance signal in the submarine fan with the narrow shelf: Insights from sediment delivery and formation of late Triassic Zhuoni fan in the northeastern Paleo‐Tethys Ocean
Authors: Tan Mingxuan , Sun Haonan , Fu Yilin , Cui Haonan , Zhang Chengcheng
Published: November 2023

The submarine fan with a narrow shelf is usually reactive to environmental signal propagation; however, source‐to‐sink functioning can be further complicated by several allogenic forcings. Here, we document the high‐frequency provenance variations and different sediment delivery models recorded in the late Triassic Zhuoni fan developed in the northeastern Paleo‐Tethys Ocean, mainly based on process‐based sedimentological and provenance study of the Panyuan section in the West Qinling area in the northeastern margin of Tibetan Plateau. High‐, low‐density turbidites, hybrid event beds and hyperpycnites are distributed in the lobe‐dominated submarine fan succession. Field sedimentological evidence from surrounding outcrops suggests that shelf‐edge failure was the main cause of most high‐ and low‐density turbidites with the overall absence of submarine slides or slumps, whereas the narrow shelf configuration together with late Triassic humid pulses is favourable for the occurrence of flood‐related hyperpycnites in the Zhuoni fan. Detrital zircon grains (N = 6; n = 123–272) generally have Palaeozoic‐Mesozoic ages (ca. 350–250 Ma and 500–400 Ma) and Neoarchean‐Paleoproterozoic ages (ca. 2100–1750 Ma and 2600–2400 Ma), but they can be further categized into three age groups due to different proportions of Precambrian age populations. The results demonstrate that the potential source areas may include the South and North Qinling Orogenic Belt, Qilian Orogenic Belt, different segments of North China Craton and the tectonic junction area between the Qinling and Qilian Orogenic Belts. The temporal changes in provenance signals, which are reflected by both the detrital zircon age spectra and heavy mineral assemblages, indicate different contributions of those sources in response to sea‐level fluctuation. It could thus give rise to temporal variations between reactive and buffered source‐to‐sink sediment delivery models of the Zhuoni fan, despite the overall narrow shelf configuration. The development of the lowstand Zhuoni fan was directly related to extrabasinal hyperpycnal delivery from the river mouth and its high‐frequency provenance variability recorded different efficiencies of signal transfer through the onshore catchment with significantly influence of temporal storage, fluvial rejuvenation or even regional climate variability. The highstand submarine fan was thought to be formed by shelf‐edge failure with sediment buffering in the shelf region, which was associated with a strong magnitude of provenance mixing. Our work provides a new perspective for deciphering the different origins of deep‐water sediment delivery in response to high‐frequency sea‐level and climate changes.
Risk factors for lateral lymph node metastasis based on the molecular profiling of rectal cancer
Authors: Kasai Shunsuke , Hino Hitoshi , Hatakeyama Keiichi , Shiomi Akio , Kagawa Hiroyasu , Manabe Shoichi , Yamaoka Yusuke , Nagashima Takeshi , Ohshima Keiichi , Urakami Kenichi , Akiyama Yasuto , Notsu Akifumi , Kinugasa Yusuke , Yamaguchi Ken
Published: November 2023

Aim

The association between molecular profiles and lateral lymph node metastasis (LLNM) in patients with rectal cancer remains unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the molecular profiles of rectal cancer associated with LLNM.

Method

We retrospectively examined patients who underwent rectal cancer surgery with lateral lymph node dissection without preoperative treatment and whose surgically resected specimens were evaluated using multiomics‐based analyses from 2014 to 2019. We compared the clinical characteristics and molecular profiles of patients with pathological LLNM (pLLNM+) with those of patients without (pLLNM−) and identified risk factors for LLNM.

Results

We evaluated a total of 123 patients: 18 with and 105 without pLLNM. The accumulation of mutations in genes key for the development of colorectal cancer were similar between the groups, as was the tumour mutation burden. The distribution of consensus molecular subtypes (CMS) was significantly different between the groups (p = 0.0497). The pLLNM+ patients had a higher prevalance of CMS4 than the pLLNM− patients (77.8% vs. 51.4%). According to the multivariate analysis, the independent risk factors for LLNM were a short‐axis diameter of the lateral lymph node of ≥6.0 mm and CMS4; furthermore, the presence of either or both had a sensitivity of 100% for the diagnosis of LLNM.

Conclusion

Lateral lymph node size and CMS4 are useful predictors of LLNM. The combination of CMS classification and size criteria was remarkably sensitive for the diagnosis of LLNM.
Endodontic and restorative management of an adult with avulsion of multiple teeth: A case report with 5 years and 9 months of follow‐up
Authors: Eggmann Florin , Filippi Andreas , Mukaddam Khaled
Published: November 2023

Simultaneous avulsion of four or more teeth is a rare event. This case report examines the dental care given to an adult who, during a bicycle accident, experienced the avulsion of a mandibular incisor as well as all of his maxillary incisors. In the immediate aftermath of the accident, four out of the five incisors were located, promptly collected, and stored in a tooth rescue box, all within a 20‐min window. Replantation and splinting were performed on the day of the accident. Endodontic treatment involved sequential intracanal dressing with an antibiotic–corticosteroid paste followed by calcium hydroxide prior to root canal obturation. 3 months post‐accident, signs of external replacement resorption (ERR) began to appear in all the replanted teeth. The gap created by the missing maxillary central incisor was managed with a three‐unit fixed dental prosthesis, despite the onset of ERR in the incisors used as abutment teeth. Regular follow‐ups showed a relatively slow ERR progression rate over a span of nearly 6 years. The patient expressed satisfaction with both the esthetic and functional outcomes. This case, marked by multiple avulsions, underscores the importance of immediate and appropriate intervention alongside the imperative for carefully considered long‐term management strategies. Given the decelerated bone remodeling rate in adults, ERR generally progresses at a slower pace than in children. Accordingly, this case demonstrates the viability of retaining replanted teeth over the long term, even when these teeth have been subjected to nonphysiological storage for extended durations, a factor known to impede periodontal healing.
Foster parenting during the COVID‐19 pandemic: A qualitative analysis. Case of Poland
Authors: Danecka Marta , Matejek Józefa , Mirosław Joanna
Published: November 2023

Objective

This article aims to identify new risks for foster families and their institutional environment resulting from the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Background

During the pandemic, the government in Poland introduced significant restrictions, including social isolation and closures of public institutions. It caused challenges in the foster care system where self‐care has been major issue.

Method

In‐depth interviews were conducted with 45 people who were involved in the foster care system. Participants were recruited using a purposive approach and the snowball method. The interviews were analyzed using a six‐stage thematic analysis.

Results

The functioning of the foster care system in response to the COVID‐19 pandemic evidenced some practices that challenged carers and children.

Conclusion

The foster care system, which is based on the deinstitutionalization paradigm, requires changes and procedural approaches that need to be put in place for the system to be able to adapt to a similar crisis.

Implications

This article suggests some social policy solutions to improve the quality of care and parenting services, and the conditions for foster families when institutions in the social environment are closed.
The huge dilemma: how to increase seafood consumption for health benefits without impacting fisheries' sustainability?
Authors: Teixeira Célia M. , Silva Priscila M.
Published: November 2023

The seafood consumption is recognised as beneficial for health and its consumption is recommended. But how to promote seafood consumption and maintain fisheries at a sustainable level, when many stocks are overexploited? A comprehensive literature review focused on publications from the last two decades was carried out in the electronic library databases, using combinations of the keywords, and the relevant references cited in these sources were carefully analysed. To face this challenge, the involvement of all is needed, and consumers should choose seafood products that are ecologically sustainable (from assessed and well‐managed stocks). These choices should include locally sourced, aquaculture, certified and eco‐labelled products. This review identifies creation of school meal programmes as a major step towards the implementation of important concepts such as healthy and sustainable food choices and hospitality providers as places to educate population about the seafood sustainability by developing menus with sustainable recipes. It is necessary to improve communication with consumers to raise their awareness of sustainable consumption, providing clear and objective messages. Only in this way will it be possible to meet the great challenge of the century and ensure that the production, processing and distribution of food is socially, economically and environmentally sustainable.
Production of high moisture textured tempeh (fermented soy) protein by single screw cooking extrusion and evaluation of its physicochemical properties and sensory attributes
Authors: Patria Domas Galih , Prayitno Sutrisno Adi , Utami Dwi Retnaningtyas , Kalahal Sagar Pandappa , Lin Jenshinn
Published: November 2023

The focus of current research is to produce a high moisture textured vegetable protein (TVP) food by partially substituting soy protein isolate (SPI) with tempeh flour (TF) using a single screw cooking extruder. The influence of the screw speed (SS) on the physicochemical and sensory attributes of the textured tempeh protein (TTP) was compared with textured soy protein (TSP). The SS was adjusted across five distinct levels: 20, 30, 40, 50 and 60 rpm. The moisture, protein, ash, and colour profiles (L*, a*, and b* values) were all observed to improve with an increase in SS. On the contrary, the values of lipids, carbohydrates, water absorption capacity (WAC), and oil absorption capacity (OAC), along with textural profiles decreased. The texture profile values demonstrate a decreased value with the increase in SS. Screw speed influenced the fibrous structure of TTP. However, the visual surface and microstructure of TTP were similar to TSP. The TTP with SS 40 rpm exhibited the highest level of acceptability on sensory attributes. It is anticipated that tempeh will replace soy protein in the production of meat analogues due to its cost‐effectiveness, positive taste profile, high nutritional content, potential for mass production and widespread worldwide consumption.
Assessing the production of galactooligosaccharides in batch and continuous mode by using β‐galactosidase immobilised on mesoporous silicon dioxide nanoparticles
Authors: C. T. Manoj Kumar , S. Supreetha , M. H. Sathish Kumar , Rao Priyanka Singh , K. Jayaraj Rao
Published: November 2023

The present study evaluated the production of galactooligosaccharides (GOSs) from lactose in both batch and continuous modes using nano‐immobilised β‐galactosidase. Mesoporous silicon dioxide nanoparticles were used to immobilise β‐galactosidase to enhance the stability and production of GOSs. The change in enzyme‐characteristics was assessed using Fourier‐transform infrared and scanning electron microscope analysis. The nano‐immobilisation increased the enzyme's substrate affinity, but decreased its hydrolytic activity. A significant increase (P < 0.05) in stability was observed across a wide range of temperature (30 °C–70 °C) and pH (5.0–8.0). Both forms of enzymes (free and nano‐immobilised enzymes) followed the zero‐order reaction in all temperatures, while the nano‐immobilised enzyme had the highest activation energy. The free and nano‐immobilised enzymes retained 64.65% and 77.82% of their initial activity after 90 days of storage, respectively. In a batch mode, the nano‐immobilised enzyme produced 2.35 times more GOSs than the free enzyme. The GOSs production remained consistent while the enzyme activity decreased by 12.7% after 5 cycles of operation. The continuous mode of production in a packed bed reactor achieved a GOSs yield of 16.92%. Overall, the nano‐immobilised enzyme showed better GOSs production under batch and continuous mode of operation.
Effect of in vitro simulated digestion on the biological activities of purified phenolic compounds from Moringa oleifera leaves
Authors: Hamed Yahya S. , Akhtar Hafiz Muhammad Saleem , Rayan Ahmed M. , Zeng Xiaoxiong
Published: November 2023

The biological activities of Moringa oleifera leaf polyphenols were tested after in vitro gastrointestinal (GI) digestion and colonic fermentation (CF). Following in vitro GI digestion and CF, total phenolic compounds (TPC) were reduced by 30% and 38.82%, respectively. Moringa polyphenol extract (MPPE) substantially reduced pancreatic lipase and α‐glucosidase inhibition by 5.63% and 14.20% after GI digestion and 27.41% and 34.01% after CF. In contrast, inhibitory activity against α‐amylase was eliminated with GI digestion and CF. Slight decreases in both antioxidant activity assays (DPPH and ABTS) after GI digestion and CF were observed. Cytotoxic activity against HeLa and HepG2 cancer cells was decreased after GI digestion and CF while anti‐proliferation activity against HepG2 cells was improved after CF. MPPE significantly affected the abundance of gut microbiota groups, accordingly, could improve glucose metabolism, decline the energy harvest and subsequently reduce the risk of obesity.
Comparison of electrogram characteristics in persistent atrial fibrillation
Authors: Goldberger Jeffrey J. , Zaatari Ghaith , Mitrani Raul D. , Blandon Catherine , Bohorquez Jorge , Ng Jason , Ng Justin , Velasquez Alex , Lambrakos Litsa , Arora Rishi
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Multiple analysis techniques evaluate electrograms during atrial fibrillation (AF), but none have been established to guide catheter ablation. This study compares electrogram properties recorded from multiple right (RA) and left atrial (LA) sites.

Methods

Multisite LA/RA mapping (281 ± 176/239 ± 166 sites/patient) was performed in 42 patients (30 males, age 63 ± 9 years) undergoing first (n = 32) or redo‐AF ablation (n = 10). All electrogram recordings were visually reviewed and artifactual signals were excluded leaving a total of 21 846 for analysis. Electrogram characteristics evaluated were cycle length (CL), amplitude, Shannon's entropy (ShEn), fractionation interval, dominant frequency, organizational index, and cycle length of most recurrent morphology (CLR) from morphology recurrence plot analysis.

Results

Electrogram characteristics were correlated to each other. All pairwise comparisons were significant (p < .001) except for dominant frequency and CLR (p = .59), and amplitude and dominant frequency (p = .38). Only ShEn and fractionation interval demonstrated a strong negative correlation (r = −.94). All other pairwise comparisons were poor to moderately correlated. The relationships are highly conserved among patients, in the RA versus LA, and in those undergoing initial versus redo ablations. Antiarrhythmic drug therapy did not have a significant effect on electrogram characteristics, except minimum ShEn. Electrogram characteristics associated with ablation outcome were shorter minimum CLR, lower minimum ShEn, and longer mimimum CL. There was minimal overlap between the top 10 sites identified by one electrogram characteristic and the top 10 sites identified by the other 10 characteristics.

Conclusion

Multiple techniques can be employed for electrogram analysis in AF. In this analysis of eight different electrogram characteristics, seven were poorly to moderately correlated and do not identify similar locations. Only some characteristics were predictive of ablation outcome. Further studies to consider electrogram properties, perhaps in combination, for categorizing and/or mapping AF are warranted.
Comparison of the predictive validity of the Braden and Waterlow scales in intensive care unit patients: A multicentre study
Authors: Tao Hongxia , Zhang Hongyan , Ma Yuxia , Lv Lin , Pei Juhong , Jiao Yanxia , Han Lin
Published: November 2023

Background

The first step in preventing pressure injuries (PIs), which represent a significant burden on intensive care unit (ICU) patients and the health care system, is to assess the risk for developing PIs. A valid risk assessment scale is essential to evaluate the risk and avoid PIs.

Objectives

To compare the predictive validity of the Braden scale and Waterlow scale in ICUs.

Design

A multicentre, prospective and cross‐sectional study.

Methods

We conducted this study among 6416 patients admitted to ICUs in Gansu province of China from April 2021 to October 2022. The incidence and characteristics of PIs were collected. The risk assessment of PIs was determined using the Braden and Waterlow scale. The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of the two scales were compared.

Results

Out of 5903 patients, 72 (1.2%) developed PIs. The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive, and the area under the curve of the Braden scale were 77.8%, 50.9%, 0.014 and 0.996, and 0.689, respectively. These values for the Waterlow scale were 54.2%, 71.1%, 0.017, 0.994 and 0.651.

Conclusions

Both scales could be used for risk assessment of PIs in ICU patients. However, the accuracy of visual inspection for assessment of skin colour, nursing preventive measures for patients and scales inter‐rater inconsistency may limited the predictive validity statistics.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

Both scales could be used for PIs risk assessment. The low specificity of the Braden scale and low sensitivity of the Waterlow scale remind medical staff to use them in combination with clinical judgement and other objective indicators.

Patient or Public Contribution

This study was designed to enhance the management of PIs. Patients and the general public were not involved in the study design, analysis, and interpretation of the data or manuscript preparation.
Endocrine features ofLangerhanscell histiocytosis in paediatric patients: A 30‐year review
Authors: Alexander Ashley , Zacharin Margaret
Published: November 2023

Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is a rare proliferative disorder characterised as an inflammatory myeloid neoplasia. Endocrine manifestations of LCH, particularly central diabetes insipidus (CDI), have been described from the 1940s, through case studies and small cohort analyses. There are limited Australian paediatric data described in recent literature.

Aim

To document the incidence of endocrine features in paediatric patients with LCH, treated at a tertiary paediatric centre in Victoria, Australia.

Methods

Retrospective chart review of electronic medical records and oncology database of patients with LCH managed at a tertiary paediatric centre. Patients were excluded if a biopsy did not suggest LCH or if records were incomplete.

Results

One hundred seventy‐one patients were identified and 141 records of patients diagnosed with LCH over the last 30 years were assessed for endocrinopathies, from diagnosis to last documented follow‐up. Mean age at diagnosis was 5 years 8 months. Of these, 15% (n = 21) had CDI, 7% had growth hormone deficiency (GHD) (n = 10) and 8% (n = 11) had more than one endocrinopathy noted during follow‐up. Forty percent (n = 57) were pre‐pubertal at the time of audit or upon discharge from tertiary services.

Conclusions

Ongoing pituitary assessment, in addition to CDI, is required to detect evolving deficiencies of GHD and gonadotropins as these can be subtle, late or missed. Close follow‐up of growth and progression through puberty, even if discharged from tertiary care, is essential.
Involvement of the autonomic nervous system in colonic contractions in conscious Suncus murinus
Authors: Suzuki Miu , Watanabe Ayumi , Huang Jin , Kobayashi Yuki , Sakata Ichiro
Published: November 2023

Background

Colonic motility is regulated by various factors along the gut‐brain axis; however, detailed mechanisms are unknown. This study aimed to examine the involvement of the autonomic nervous system in colonic motility. Suncus murinus (suncus) is a small laboratory mammal suitable for gastrointestinal motility studies.

Methods

Colonic motility and concomitant feeding and defecation behaviors in vagotomized and reserpine‐administered suncus were recorded simultaneously for 24 h. Furthermore, we performed immunohistochemistry on tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and in situ hybridization on corticotropin‐releasing hormone (CRH) in suncus brain. Additionally, we examined c‐Fos expression in the brain using immunohistochemistry in conscious suncus with colorectal distension.

Key Results

In vagotomized suncus, clustered giant migrating contractions (GMCs), consisting of strong contractions occurring in a short time, were observed, and the percentage of GMCs without defecation increased. The frequency of GMCs in the reserpine‐administered suncus increased during a light period (ZT0‐4, 4–8) and decreased during a dark period (ZT16‐20, 20–24) compared to a vehicle group. Additionally, the percentage of GMCs without defecation in the reserpine‐administered suncus increased. Suncus TH‐immunopositive neurons were found in the locus coeruleus (LC), as shown in rodents. In contrast, CRH mRNA‐expressing cells were not observed in a region assumed to be the Barrington's nucleus (Bar). Furthermore, colorectal distension in conscious suncus induced c‐Fos expression in LC TH neurons.

Conclusions & Inferences

Our results suggest that the vagus and sympathetic nerves are not required for induction of GMCs in vivo. However, they are likely to exert a modulatory role in control of GMC frequency in Suncus murinus.
Two plastidial lysophosphatidic acid acyltransferases differentially mediate the biosynthesis of membrane lipids and triacylglycerols in Phaeodactylum tricornutum
Authors: You Lingjie , Połońska Ada , Jasieniecka‐Gazarkiewicz Katarzyna , Richard Fabien , Jouhet Juliette , Maréchal Eric , Banaś Antoni , Hu Hanhua , Pan Yufang , Hao Xiahui , Jin Hu , Allen Andrew E. , Amato Alberto , Gong Yangmin
Published: November 2023

Lysophosphatidic acid acyltransferases (LPAATs) catalyze the formation of phosphatidic acid (PA), a central metabolite in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms for glycerolipid biosynthesis. Phaeodactylum tricornutum contains at least two plastid‐localized LPAATs (ptATS2a and ptATS2b), but their roles in lipid synthesis remain unknown.

Both ptATS2a and ptATS2b could complement the high temperature sensitivity of the bacterial plsC mutant deficient in LPAAT. In vitro enzyme assays showed that they prefer lysophosphatidic acid over other lysophospholipids.

ptATS2a is localized in the plastid inner envelope membrane and CRISPR/Cas9‐generated ptATS2a mutants showed compromised cell growth, significantly changed plastid and extra‐plastidial membrane lipids at nitrogen‐replete condition and reduced triacylglycerols (TAGs) under nitrogen‐depleted condition. ptATS2b is localized in thylakoid membranes and its knockout led to reduced growth rate and TAG content but slightly altered molecular composition of membrane lipids.

The changes in glycerolipid profiles are consistent with the role of both LPAATs in the sn‐2 acylation of sn‐1‐acyl‐glycerol‐3‐phosphate substrates harboring 20:5 at the sn‐1 position. Our findings suggest that both LPAATs are important for membrane lipids and TAG biosynthesis in P. tricornutum and further highlight that 20:5‐Lyso‐PA is likely involved in the massive import of 20:5 back to the plastid to feed plastid glycerolipid syntheses.
Effects of various exercise types on visceral adipose tissue in individuals with overweight and obesity: A systematic review and network meta‐analysis of 84 randomized controlled trials
Authors: Chen Xiaoke , He Hui , Xie Kejia , Zhang Lingtao , Cao Chunmei
Published: November 2023

The purpose of this systematic review and network meta‐analysis (NMA) of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was to investigate the effects of various exercise categories on visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and other anthropometric variables in individuals with overweight and obesity. A total of 84 RCTs (4836 patients) were included. Aerobic exercise (AE) of at least moderate intensity, resistance training (RT), AE combined with RT (AE + RT), and high‐intensity interval training (HIIT) were beneficial for reducing VAT. A subgroup analysis showed that RT improves VAT in males and those with BF% < 40% but not in females and those with body fat percentage (BF%) ≥ 40%. AE, RT, AE + RT, and HIIT significantly improved weight (except RT), total body fat (TBF), body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), and subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT). Surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA) probability ranking showed that AE with vigorous intensity and HIIT have the highest probability of being the best exercise intervention for improving VAT, weight, TBF, BMI, WC, and SAT. These findings suggest that regular exercise can improve VAT in individuals with overweight and obesity. AE of vigorous intensity and HIIT may be the best exercise treatment, and RT is the least effective intervention.
Decoding the decisive role of seed moisture content in physical dormancy break: filling the missing links
Authors: Jaganathan G. K. , Harrison R. J.
Published: November 2023

Species producing seeds with a water‐impermeable seed coat, i.e., physical dormancy (PY), dominate the dry tropical forests. Despite increasing interest and understanding of the germination ecology of a PY species, less is known about how PY break occurs, particularly what changes lead to the opening of the ‘water gap’. Based on the moisture conent (MC) attained, two ranges of PY may exist: shallow PY, a state with higher MC and seeds could reverse to a permeable state when the relative humidity increases; and absolute PY, a completely dry state. Here, we demonstrate that this MC variation between seeds affects preconditioning and the ‘water‐gap’ opening stages. A conceptual model developed shows a strong relationship between temperature and duration, with high temperature breaking PY in seconds, but seasonal temperature fluctuations and constant temperatures require a longer time. The duration required at any conditions to break PY is purported to depend on the hydrophobic bonds of the lipids, which are likely weakened during the preconditioning, and the amount of water influences hydrolysis, leading to the ‘water‐gap’ opening. We argue that the moisture content of the seeds and its interaction with biochemical compounds are a possible explanation for why only a proportion of PY seeds become permeable to water each year. Nonetheless, empirical investigations must validate these notions.
Secondary prospective mathematics teachers learning to notice: The need for a dual perspective of teaching
Authors: Teuscher Dawn , Cannon Tenille , Christensen Sharon
Published: November 2023

The Association of Mathematics Teacher Educators recommends that well‐prepared beginning mathematics teachers apply their understanding of mathematics, curriculum, pedagogy, student learners, and social constructions to facilitate mathematics learning for all students. Using the context of a secondary methods course, where prospective mathematics teachers (PMTs) participate in six teaching cycles of peer taught lessons, we analyzed lesson debriefings of PMTs' questions and comments to determine what PMTs notice over the course of the semester and how their noticing changed based on their role as a teaching or peer PMT. Analysis of these data reveals that participating in both roles as student and teacher provided PMTs with different opportunities to connect the teaching elements (i.e., curriculum, mathematics, and pedagogy). Using these data, we present an observed learning trajectory for secondary PMTs that mathematics teacher educators can use as they design learning activities within their methods class to promote PMTs to begin to notice the dual (student/teacher) perspective.
For critical geoeconomics
Authors: Mallin Felix , Sidaway James D.
Published: November 2023

Here we respond to the five commentaries on Mallin and Sidaway (2023). This enables us to clarify our conception of the dialectic of geopolitics and geoeconomics and expand on the suggestions of how best to situate geoeconomics in historical geographical contexts. We thereby outline some agendas for undertaking critical geoeconomics.
Some Aspects of Unitary Addition Cayley Graph of Gaussian Integers Modulo n
Authors: Roy Joy , Patra Kuntala
Published: November 2023

In this paper, the Unitary addition Cayley graph defined by Sinha et al. is extended to the ring of Gaussian integers modulo n. Some graph theoretic properties of unitary addition Cayley graphs of gaussian integers modulo n are discussed here. Moreover, the condition for which the above mentioned graphs are Eulerian and Hamiltonian are also discussed.
Girls, Women, and Female Athletes in Sport Psychology: A Decade-Long Review of the Literature
Authors: Murata Alex , McGuire Cailie S. , Robertson Madison , KurtzFavero Mia , Coletti Jennifer T. , Simpson Philip B. , Pierone Ella , Martin Luc J. , Côté Jean
Published: November 2023

The underrepresentation of female research participants, women, and girls has been highlighted as an issue of concern within a variety of research areas and disciplines across academia. More specifically, this lack of visibility has contributed to widening knowledge gaps regarding these populations while also perpetuating and strengthening existing inequities. Given these concerns, the purpose of this review was to explore whether similar imbalances could exist within the sport psychology literature and, if so, what future research projects might be completed to rectify these issues. To do so, all articles (n = 3,005) published between the years of 2011 and 2021 in five journals of sport psychology were assessed. Following an analysis of the relevant studies collected, it was found that more articles including all boys, men, and male athletes (n = 343) were published within this time frame compared with articles including exclusively girls, women, and female athletes (n = 155). Additionally, it also appeared that research working with girls, women, and female athletes was lacking: (a) in recreational sport, (b) at both young and older ages, and (c) within team sport contexts. Further, most of the studies assessed often conflated participant sex- and gender-descriptive terminology. As such, it is highly encouraged that researchers in sport psychology make greater strides to conduct purposeful and targeted research focusing on girls, women, and female athlete participants and their specific issues over the coming years.
Meiotic DNA breaks drive multifaceted mutagenesis in the human germ line
Authors: Hinch Robert , Donnelly Peter , Hinch Anjali Gupta
Published: November 2023

Meiotic recombination commences with hundreds of programmed DNA breaks; however, the degree to which they are accurately repaired remains poorly understood. We report that meiotic break repair is eightfold more mutagenic for single-base substitutions than was previously understood, leading to de novo mutation in one in four sperm and one in 12 eggs. Its impact on indels and structural variants is even higher, with 100- to 1300-fold increases in rates per break. We uncovered new mutational signatures and footprints relative to break sites, which implicate unexpected biochemical processes and error-prone DNA repair mechanisms, including translesion synthesis and end joining in meiotic break repair. We provide evidence that these mechanisms drive mutagenesis in human germ lines and lead to disruption of hundreds of genes genome wide.
The costs of “costless” climate mitigation
Authors: Kotchen Matthew J. , Rising James A. , Wagner Gernot
Published: November 2023

The IPCC and leading economic models have different ideas about emissions reduction costs
Time-resolved crystallography captures light-driven DNA repair
Authors: Christou Nina-Eleni , Apostolopoulou Virginia , Melo Diogo V. M. , Ruppert Matthias , Fadini Alisia , Henkel Alessandra , Sprenger Janina , Oberthuer Dominik , Günther Sebastian , Pateras Anastasios , Rahmani Mashhour Aida , Yefanov Oleksandr M. , Galchenkova Marina , Reinke Patrick Y. A. , Kremling Viviane , Scheer T. Emilie S. , Lange Esther R. , Middendorf Philipp , Schubert Robin , De Zitter Elke , Lumbao-Conradson Koya , Herrmann Jonathan , Rahighi Simin , Kunavar Ajda , Beale Emma V. , Beale John H. , Cirelli Claudio , Johnson Philip J. M. , Dworkowski Florian , Ozerov Dmitry , Bertrand Quentin , Wranik Maximilian , Bacellar Camila , Bajt Saša , Wakatsuki Soichi , Sellberg Jonas A. , Huse Nils , Turk Dušan , Chapman Henry N. , Lane Thomas J.
Published: November 2023

Photolyase is an enzyme that uses light to catalyze DNA repair. To capture the reaction intermediates involved in the enzyme’s catalytic cycle, we conducted a time-resolved crystallography experiment. We found that photolyase traps the excited state of the active cofactor, flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD), in a highly bent geometry. This excited state performs electron transfer to damaged DNA, inducing repair. We show that the repair reaction, which involves the lysis of two covalent bonds, occurs through a single-bond intermediate. The transformation of the substrate into product crowds the active site and disrupts hydrogen bonds with the enzyme, resulting in stepwise product release, with the 3′ thymine ejected first, followed by the 5′ base.