bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Photosynthetic demands on translational machinery drive retention of redundant tRNA metabolism in plant organelles
Authors: DeTar Rachael Ann , Chustecki Joanna , Martinez-Hottovy Anna , Ceriotti Luis Federico , Broz Amanda K. , Sanchez-Puerta M. Virginia , Elowsky Christian , Christensen Alan C. , Sloan Daniel B.
Published: August 2023

Eukaryotic nuclear genomes often encode distinct sets of translation machinery for function in the cytosol vs. organelles (mitochondria and plastids). This raises questions about why multiple translation systems are maintained even though they are capable of comparable functions and whether they evolve differently depending on the compartment where they operate. These questions are particularly interesting in plants because translation machinery, including aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases (aaRS), is often dual-targeted to the plastids and mitochondria. These organelles have different functions, with much higher rates of translation in plastids to supply the abundant, rapid-turnover proteins required for photosynthesis. Previous studies have indicated that plant organellar aaRS evolve more slowly compared to mitochondrial aaRS in eukaryotes that lack plastids. Thus, we investigated the evolution of nuclear-encoded organellar and cytosolic aaRS and tRNA maturation enzymes across a broad sampling of angiosperms, including non-photosynthetic (heterotrophic) plant species with reduced plastid gene expression, to test the hypothesis that translational demands associated with photosynthesis constrain the evolution of enzymes involved in organellar tRNA metabolism. Remarkably, heterotrophic plants exhibited wholesale loss of many organelle-targeted aaRS and other enzymes, even though translation still occurs in their mitochondria and plastids. These losses were often accompanied by apparent retargeting of cytosolic enzymes and tRNAs to the organelles, sometimes preserving aaRS-tRNA charging relationships but other times creating surprising mismatches between cytosolic aaRS and mitochondrial tRNA substrates. Our findings indicate that the presence of a photosynthetic plastid drives the retention of specialized systems for organellar tRNA metabolism.

Significance

The process by which endosymbionts are integrated into a host and become organelles results in a combination of gene loss, transfer to the nucleus, and retention in the organellar genome. It is not clear why some endosymbiont-derived genes may be retained when a functional host counterpart exists whose gene product could simply be retargeted to the organelles. This study revealed that the photosynthetic activity in plant plastids may be responsible for retention of functionally redundant tRNA processing machinery, while mitochondria are more flexible regarding substitution with cytosolic-type enzymes. Therefore, functional constraint in the plastid is likely more important than in the mitochondria for shaping the evolution and retention of functionally redundant proteins that are dual targeted to both organelles.
Germ granule association drives small RNA specificity for a nuclear Argonaute protein
Authors: Chen Shihui , Phillips Carolyn M.
Published: August 2023

RNA interference (RNAi) is a conserved gene silencing process that exists in diverse organisms to protect genome integrity and regulate gene expression. InC. elegans, the majority of RNAi pathway proteins localize to perinuclear, phase-separated germ granules, which are comprised of sub-domains referred to as P granules,Mutatorfoci, Z granules, and SIMR foci. However, the protein components and function of the newly discovered SIMR foci are unknown. Here we demonstrate that HRDE-2 localizes to SIMR foci and interacts with the germline nuclear RNAi Argonaute HRDE-1. Furthermore, HRDE-1 also localizes to SIMR foci, dependent on HRDE-2, but only in its small RNA unbound state. This germ granule localization is critical to promote the small RNA binding specificity of HRDE-1 and, in the absence of HRDE-2, HRDE-1 exclusively loads CSR-class 22G-RNAs rather than WAGO-class 22G-RNAs, resulting in inappropriate H3K9me3 deposition on CSR-target genes. Thus, our study demonstrates that the recruitment of unloaded HRDE-1 to germ granules, mediated by HRDE-2, is critical to ensure that the correct small RNAs are used to guide nuclear RNA silencing in theC. elegansgermline.
Robo1 loss has pleiotropic effects on postnatal development and survival
Authors: Kirk Nicole A. , Hwang Ye Eun , Lee Seul Gi , Kim Kee-Beom , Park Kwon-Sik
Published: August 2023

Roundabout guidance receptor 1 (Robo1) is known to function during midbrain development in mice, but its postnatal role remains poorly defined in part due to the perinatal lethality of the mice lacking the gene. Here, we describe the postnatal phenotypes ofRobo1-/-mice in the B6/129s genetic background.Robo1-/-mice had both a slower growth rate and shorter lifespan compared toRobo1+/+littermates. Skin histological analysis revealed thatRobo1-/-mice displayed increased wrinkles, enlarged sebaceous glands, and a reduced subcutaneous fat layer.Robo1-/-mice displayed accelerated hair graying in line with an observed overall decrease in melanin production. Although both growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth hormone 1 (IGF-1) were suppressed inRobo1-deficient mice at 3 weeks of age, they were expressed at similar levels toRobo1intact mice at 7 weeks of age. These findings suggest thatRobo1-mediated hormone regulation is required for normal growth during the early stages of puberty and may provide a crucial timepoint at which to examine the molecular mechanisms of pituitary disorders.
Long-term impact of early life stress on serotonin connectivity
Authors: Ramkumar Raksha , Edge-Partington Moriah , Adigun Kabirat , Ren Yi , Terstege Dylan J , Khan Nazmus S , Rouhi Nahid , Jamani Naila F , Tsutsui Mio , Epp Jonathan R , Sargin Derya
Published: August 2023

Chronic childhood stress is a prominent risk factor for developing mood disorders, yet mechanisms underlying this association remain unclear. Serotonin (5-HT) plays a crucial role in neurodevelopment and vulnerability to mood disorders. Maintenance of optimal 5-HT levels during early postnatal development is critical for the maturation of brain circuits. Developmental stress can alter the serotonin system, leading to chronic behavioral deficits. Yet, our understanding of the long-term impact of early life stress (ELS) on serotonin connectivity remains incomplete. Using a mouse model of chronic developmental stress, we sought to determine how ELS impacts brain-wide serotonin activity and behavior in adulthood. We established that adult female and male mice exposed to ELS during the first postnatal week show heightened anxiety-like behavior. Usingin vivofiber photometry and c-fos dependent activity mapping, we found that ELS enhances susceptibility to acute stress by disrupting the brain-wide functional connectivity of the raphe nucleus and the activity of dorsal raphe serotonin neuron population, in conjunction with a profound increase in the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) activity. We further identified that 5-HT release in the medial OFC during environmental challenge is disrupted in mice exposed to ELS. Optogenetic stimulation of 5-HT terminals in the mOFC elicited an anxiolytic effect in ELS mice in a sex-dependent manner. Our findings hold significant insight into the mechanisms underlying long-term brain connectivity deficits induced by ELS, with potential implications for developing targeted stimulation-based treatments for affective disorders that arise from early life adversities.
Examining generational differences in the workplace: narcissism, work centrality, and the impact on employee engagement and discretionary effort
Authors: Burawat Piyachat
Published: August 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the structural relationship model among narcissism, work centrality, employee engagement and discretionary effort.

Design/methodology/approach

Respecting the quantitative approach, the data were gathered by means of the survey completed by 1,190 respondents of Generation X, Y and Z working in the Thai service and manufacturing industries.

Findings

The findings of the study indicated positive associations between narcissism and work centrality, narcissism and employee engagement, work centrality and employee engagement and employee engagement and discretionary effort. It was observed that work centrality played a partially mediating role in the relationships between narcissism and employee engagement, while employee engagement fully mediated the associations between work centrality and discretionary effort, as well as between narcissism and discretionary effort. The structural model demonstrated variations across different generational cohorts, suggesting that the relationships differed among generations. However, the model did not exhibit any variations across different types of industries. Furthermore, the findings from the Thai samples indicated that generational differences had a moderating effect on the path relationships between narcissism and work centrality (with Generation Y having a stronger effect compared to Generation Z and Generation X), narcissism and employee engagement (with Generation Y having a stronger effect compared to Generation Z and Generation X) and narcissism and discretionary effort (with Generation X having a stronger effect compared to Generation Y and Generation Z), all with a significance level of 95%. Additionally, the relationship between employee engagement and discretionary effort showed a significant difference across generations, with Generation Z exhibiting a stronger effect compared to Generation Y and Generation X, at a significance level of 99%.

Originality/value

This study provides empirical evidence supporting the positive relationships between narcissism and work centrality, as well as narcissism and employee engagement, contrary to previous research findings. The results reveal that employee engagement fully mediates the associations between work centrality and discretionary effort, as well as between narcissism and discretionary effort, offering valuable contributions to the existing literature. Furthermore, this study expands on previous research by examining the moderating effect of industry type, specifically comparing manufacturing and service industries. The findings suggest that the model exhibits variations across different generational cohorts, highlighting the importance of considering generational differences in understanding these relationships. However, the model does not exhibit variations across different types of industries.
Entangling knowledge search and innovation targets for inventing emerging technologies: the case for blockchain technology
Authors: Huang Jingxuan , Dong Qinyi , Li Jiaxing , Kang Lele
Published: August 2023

Purpose

While the growth of emerging technologies like Blockchain has created significant market opportunities and economic incentives for firms, it is valuable for both researchers and practitioners to understand their creation mechanisms. This paper aims to discuss the aforementioned objective.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the knowledge search perspective, this study examines the impact of search boundary on innovation novelty and quality. Additionally, innovation targets, namely R&D innovation and application innovation, are proposed as the moderator of the knowledge search effect. Using a combination of machine learning algorithms such as natural language processing and classification models, the authors propose new methods to measure the identified concepts.

Findings

The empirical results of 3,614 Blockchain patents indicate that search boundary enhances both innovation novelty and innovation quality. For R&D innovation, the positive impact of search boundary on innovation quality is enhanced, whereas for application innovation, the positive effect of search boundary on innovation novelty is improved.

Originality/value

This study mainly contributes to the growing literature on emerging technologies by describing their creation mechanisms. Specifically, the exploration of R&D and application taxonomy enriches researchers' understanding of knowledge search in the context of Blockchain invention.
The impact of corporate social irresponsibility media coverage on firm performance
Authors: Mendiratta Anita , Singh Shveta , Yadav Surendra S. , Mahajan Arvind
Published: August 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to assess the impact of corporate social irresponsibility (CSiR) media coverage on firm performance in India. It also analyses the effects of the environment, social, governance, and cross-cutting issues on firm performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper utilizes a sample of Indian firms from the Reprisk® database, amounting to 1,103 CSiR media coverage counts for 693 firm-year annual observations from 2008 to 2015. Further, Reprisk® segregates comprehensive CSiR coverage counts into the environment, social, governance and cross-cutting issues, for which the study runs the fixed effects panel regression. The study takes year-fixed effects, industry-fixed effects and clustered standard errors at the industry level.

Findings

The results of this study indicate that CSiR coverage negatively influences the firm performance of Indian firms. All issues, including social, governance and cross-cutting, except environmental issues, negatively impact firm value in India.

Practical implications

The involvement of firms in CSiR costs the firms financially and drives down firm performance. Social issues, including community and employee-related matters, governance issues and cross-cutting issues, also reduce the firm performance.

Social implications

The insignificant environmental impact on firm performance does not indicate that environmental issues have no detrimental consequences. Instead, it might need more stakeholders' awareness to understand the harmful implications of environmental issues on society.

Originality/value

Limited studies have explored CSiR in India so far. The study is novel as it analyses the Reprisk® database and its segregation of media counts into the environment, social, governance and cross-cutting issues in the Indian context.
One for all, all for one: an analysis towards the speed of internationalization in clustered and non-clustered family firms
Authors: Mendes Telma , Braga Vitor , Silva Carina
Published: August 2023

Purpose

This article aims to explore how cluster affiliation moderates the relationship between family involvement and speed of internationalization in family firms. The speed of internationalization is examined in terms of earliness and post-internationalization speed.

Design/methodology/approach

The research is based on a sample of 639 Portuguese family businesses (FBs) created and internationalized between 2010 and 2018 that was retrieved from the Iberian Balance Analysis System – SABI database. The partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was used to assess the measurement and construct the model.

Findings

The results suggest that higher levels of family involvement in ownership and management make family firms enter on international markets in later stages of their development but, after the first international market entry, the firms are able to exhibit a higher post-internationalization speed. When considering the effect of cluster affiliation, the authors found that clustered FBs are more likely to engage in early internationalization and to accelerate the post-internationalization process than non-clustered FBs.

Originality/value

The study's findings are explained by the existence of socially proximate relationships with other cluster members, based on similarity, trust, knowledge exchange and sense of belonging, which push family firms to internationalize and increase their level of international commitment over time. The empirical evidence, therefore, highlights the primary role of industrial clusters in moderating the relationship between family involvement, earliness of internationalization and post-internationalization speed.
Ofsted suicides: who is responsible for suicide prevention?
Authors: Waters Sarah , Palmer Hilda
Published: August 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the response of the relevant authorities to evidence that female primary schoolteachers have an elevated suicide risk in the UK. The paper situates the recent tragic death of a primary school head teacher, following an Ofsted inspection at her school, within the wider context of teacher suicide deaths and asks what, if any, action the authorities have taken to prevent avoidable suicide deaths from occurring.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper examines a recent case of suicide by a primary head teacher within the wider context of statistical data on suicides by primary schoolteachers and in relation to previous cases of suicide linked to a school inspection.

Findings

The paper suggests that the relevant authorities have failed to act in relation to evidence of high suicide risk amongst female primary schoolteachers and to previous suicide deaths linked to the impact of a school inspection. Without learning from suicide deaths and acting on available evidence, there is a risk that preventable suicide deaths will continue to occur.

Originality/value

The paper draws together case study evidence and statistical data to make the case for regulatory reform to ensure that work-related suicides are investigated, monitored and prevented.
Corporate digital responsibility (CDR) in the age of AI: implications for interactive marketing
Authors: Kunz Werner H. , Wirtz Jochen
Published: August 2023

Purpose

Despite all the recent achievements in the field of interactive marketing and artificial intelligence (AI), it is important to consider the ethical implications of these technologies. This paper explains the concept of corporate digital responsibility (CDR) and how it is affected by new advances in AI.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors build on the work of Wirtz et al., (2023) and derive several managerial implications for the challenges that AI poses to CDR. CDR refers to a service company's ethical and fair use of data and technology within its digital service ecosystem. It involves establishing standards, protecting customer privacy, conducting external audits and striving for an equitable power dynamic between service firms and their partners.

Findings

Despite the risks involved, many companies are not prioritizing good CDR practices. Financial benefits from the collection and use of consumer data, improved customer experience through AI-driven customization and personalization, cost reduction through service automation and the trade-offs between organizational goals and CDR practices can prevent companies from prioritizing good CDR practices.

Originality/value

This is one of the first articles in the service domain to take the concept of CDR and apply it to recent developments in generative AI.

Research limitations/implications

The emergence of powerful AI tools presents opportunities and challenges. Research opportunities include responsible business restructuring, responsible service automation to ensure fairness and human oversight, addressing dehumanization of service delivery, responsible customer profiling to address privacy and discrimination concerns and preventing AI misuse.
Two decades of brand hate research: a review and research agenda
Authors: Kumar Ramesh , Jebarajakirthy Charles , Maseeh Haroon Iqbal , Dhanda Komal , Saha Raiswa , Dahiya Richa
Published: August 2023

Purpose

This review aims to synthesize the brand hate literature and suggest directions for future research on brand hate.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopted an integrative literature review method to synthesize and assess the brand hate literature.

Findings

The synthesis showed that social identity theory, disidentification theory and duplex theory are prominently used in brand hate studies, and a larger portion of brand hate research was conducted in Western countries. Further, brand-related, self-congruity, personal factors, information influence and brand community influence are the major types of antecedents of brand hate which can produce soft or hard consequences. Lexicometric analysis showed causes of brand hate, consumers' negative emotional and behavioral outcomes and community anti-brand behavior as key themes of brand hate research.

Research limitations/implications

The synthesis has followed predefined criteria for the inclusion research papers. Thus, the review is limited to articles that fulfilled the criteria for inclusion.

Practical implications

The finding will help marketers, specially brand managers, craft strategies to handle brand hate.

Originality/value

The brand hate literature is still developing and remains incoherent, suggesting that a synthesized review is needed. This study has systematically reviewed and synthesized the brand hate literature to study its development over time and proposes a framework which provides a comprehensive understanding of brand hate.
Athlete apparel: the impact of team brand awareness and apparel brand awareness on athletes' brands, logos, and merchandise
Authors: Williams Antonio , Pedersen Zack Paul
Published: August 2023

Purpose

Branded merchandise and licensed apparel comprise a substantial portion of revenue for many organizations and public figures that choose to employ such an endeavor. Endorsement deals with apparel manufacturers have historically been utilized for athletes looking to supplement their salaries and establish greater brand awareness. However, as some athletes establish ownership of their logo and become less reliant on companies such as Nike and Adidas for merchandise distribution, assessing the influence of various entity's logos on the athlete brand has become worthy of analysis. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the influence that cobranded merchandise has on consumers when the athlete logo is displayed next to another team or manufacturer logo.

Design/methodology/approach

Using an online panel and survey, a final sample of 127 participants completed a questionnaire to examine their attitudes towards various athlete brand elements. ANCOVA's and MANCOVA's were utilized to assess significant findings, holding the variable of identification constant.

Findings

The results revealed that only the perceptions of merchandise quality significantly varied between an athlete brand and an apparel manufacturer (i.e. Nike) co-brand. The findings indicate that athletes should look to co-brand with high brand awareness manufacturers, and that there is no significant difference between consumers' perceptions of athlete brands when co-branding with team brands.

Originality/value

This is one of the first studies to evaluate the relationship between the athlete brand and external entities from a consumer perspective.
Impacts of agrochemical intensification and spatial isolation on the assembly and reassembly of temporary pond metacommunities
Authors: Pelinson Rodolfo Mei , Valente Bianca Rodrigues Strecht , Shimabukuro Erika Mayumi , Schiesari Luis
Published: August 2023

Since the Green Revolution, the management of agrochemicals has become a cornerstone of agriculture, allowing it to expand over terrestrial ecosystems previously deemed unsuitable for cultivation. Such expansion altered the connectedness of aquatic habitats to organisms with complex life cycles by increasing the number of temporary ponds in interfluves. Here, we investigate how spatial isolation and intensification in the use of agrochemicals can interact to increase or decrease the permeability of agricultural fields to these organisms by affecting community structure in temporary ponds.

We carried out a field experiment that simulates realistic scenarios of agrochemical contamination at different levels of spatial isolation. We constructed 45 1200‐L artificial ponds in a Savanna landscape in Brazil at three distances from a source wetland (30, 120, and 480 m). The ponds were spontaneously colonized by aquatic insects and amphibians and treated with no agrochemicals (control), fertilizers (as in managed pastures) or fertilizers and a single pulse of the insecticide fipronil and the herbicide 2,4‐D (as in sugarcane fields) following realistic dosages and application schedules.

Communities treated only with fertilizers generally exhibited a higher abundance of aquatic insects at the peak of the rainy season, suggesting that fertilization caused bottom‐up effects. However, because low spatial isolation and fertilization favoured different predatory taxa, their insect prey eventually became less abundant in less isolated fertilized ponds. Communities treated with fertilizers and pesticides diverged strongly from other treatments after the application of the insecticide, when a decrease in insect abundance indirectly benefitted amphibian populations. In this case, spatial isolation delayed the recovery of the abundance of several herbivore and detritivore insects in isolated ponds.

Synthesis and applications. These results have direct consequences for the emergence of insects and amphibians, possibly affecting important ecosystem services. Such consequences can be controlled by avoiding agrochemical contamination at the peak of most taxa reproductive season or through changes in spatial isolation by deliberately constructing wetlands in interfluves. In all cases, the effects of agrochemicals and isolation must be addressed jointly for a successful management of biodiversity in agricultural landscapes.
Dialectics of Sign and Symbol and the Utterance of Archetype Theory
Authors: Jones Raya
Published: August 2023

Debates surrounding Jung’s archetype theory could be characterized as tacit attempts to contend with the concept’s dual function as referring to something known to psychologists (sign) and standing for something that is fundamentally unknowable (symbol). This essay considers implications of the term “archetype,” outlines and critiques some of the conundrums of categorization and scientific credibility posed by Jung’s formulation of the theory, and prompts locating the archetypal “human quality” of being human in imaginaries of typical patterning of the experiential realm.
Daily assessment of malting‐induced changes in the volatile composition of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.), rye (Secale cereale L.), and quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.)
Authors: Almaguer Cynthia , Kollmannsberger Hubert , Gastl Martina , Becker Thomas
Published: August 2023

Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) is the traditional malting cereal and is primarily used for beverages, whereas rye (Secale cereale L.) is mainly used in baked goods. Conversely, quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) is a gluten‐free pseudocereal, rich in starch and high‐quality proteins, and can be used in a similar manner to cereals. The sharp bitterness of unprocessed rye and the earthy aroma of native quinoa interfere with the acceptance and development of food products. Malting of barley is known to improve its processing properties and enhance its sensory quality. Therefore, the effect of germination and kilning on malt quality (e.g., viscosity) as well as the volatile composition of barley, rye, and quinoa were monitored. Moreover, temporal changes on the volatile patterns of rye and quinoa at the different stages of malting were compared to barley. In total, 34 volatile compounds were quantified in the three (pseudo)cereals; the alcohol group dominated in all unprocessed samples, in particular, compounds contributing grassy notes (e.g., hexan‐1‐ol). These grassy compounds remained abundant during germination, whereas kilning promoted the formation of Maillard reaction volatiles associated with malty and roasted notes. The volatile profiles of kilned barley and quinoa were characterized by high concentrations of the malty Strecker aldehyde, 3‐methylbutanal. In contrast, green, floral notes imparted by phenylacetaldehyde remained dominant in rye malt. Hierarchical cluster analysis of the volatile data discriminated the samples into the different stages of malting, confirmed the similarities in the volatile patterns of barley and rye, and indicated clear differences to the quinoa samples.

Practical Application

In this study, the effect of germination and kilning on the chemical and volatile composition of barley, rye, and quinoa was examined. Temporal changes on the volatile patterns of rye and quinoa at different stages of malting were compared to barley. Understanding the differences among the (pseudo)cereals as well as the influence of processing on malt quality and aroma development can help find new food applications.
Lobbying for government appropriations
Authors: Cox Christian
Published: August 2023

This article investigates the effect of lobbying on government contract allocation. I consider how lobbying affects both total contract spending and the distribution of contracts between firms. I solve a novel contest model which incorporates these two effects, and then I structurally estimate it using a panel of federal contractors. The results suggest that lobbying increases contract spending by $8.837 billion (3.22%) per year. However, its effects on the observed contract distribution and firm revenues are relatively small. Lastly, I find that increasing competition in procurement generally results in less lobbying.
Sweden's image in the world: Still a ‘model’?
Authors: Schroeder Ralph
Published: August 2023

Sweden has long been regarded as a ‘model’ for societal development. Recently, with the rise of an anti‐immigrant party and negative news coverage of crime, the image of a progressive Sweden has frayed. Positive models for societal development have existed in the past and included the United States during the heyday of modernization theory. This paper argues that positive models are useful, partly to crystallize options among the much‐debated varieties of capitalism, and partly as ideals which can be held up by social thinkers and publics as aspirations for the good society. This paper reviews the evolution of the Swedish model from a ‘middle way’ between Soviet communism and American capitalism to a welfare state under strain. It also examines how the Swedish model has been reinforced by its high international standing. The perceptions of Sweden abroad and domestically have changed in recent years. While these perceptions have correctly identified challenges not just for Sweden but also for other countries with similar problems, Sweden's government and civil society may be able to address them. The paper explores the lessons that can be learned from the current shortcomings and potential renewal of the strengths of the Swedish model, including its wider influence.
Weight and metabolic changes in early psychosis―association with daily quantification of medication exposure during the first hospitalization
Authors: Vochoskova Kristyna , McWhinney Sean R. , Fialova Marketa , Kolenic Marian , Spaniel Filip , Svancer Patrik , Boron Petra , Okaji Yurai , Trancik Pavel , Hajek Tomas
Published: August 2023

Background

The most common causes of death in schizophrenia are cardiovascular disorders, which are closely related to metabolic syndrome/obesity. To better understand the development of metabolic alterations early in the course of illness, we quantified daily medication exposure in the first days of the first hospitalization for psychosis and related it to changes in weight and metabolic markers.

Study Design

We recruited participants with first episode psychosis (FEP, N = 173) during their first psychiatric hospitalization and compared them to controls (N = 204). We prospectively collected weight, body mass index, metabolic markers, and exact daily medication exposure at admission and during hospitalization.

Study Results

Individuals with FEP gained on average 0.97 ± 2.26 BMI points or 3.46 ± 7.81 kg of weight after an average of 44.6 days of their first inpatient treatment. Greater antipsychotic exposure was associated with greater BMI increase, but only in people with normal/low baseline BMI. Additional predictors of weight gain included type of medication and duration of treatment. Medication exposure was not directly related to metabolic markers, but higher BMI was associated with higher TGC, TSH, and lower HDL. Following inpatient treatment, participants with FEP had significantly higher BMI, TGC, prolactin, and lower fT4, HDL than controls.

Conclusion

During their first admission, people with FEP, especially those with normal/low baseline BMI, showed a rapid and clinically significant weight increase, which was associated with exposure to antipsychotics, and with metabolic changes consistent with metabolic syndrome. These findings emphasize weight monitoring in FEP and suggest a greater need for caution when prescribing metabolically problematic antipsychotics to people with lower BMI.
Impact of health warning labels and calorie labels on selection and purchasing of alcoholic and non‐alcoholic drinks: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Clarke Natasha , Ferrar Jennifer , Pechey Emily , Ventsel Minna , Pilling Mark A. , Munafò Marcus R. , Marteau Theresa M. , Hollands Gareth J.
Published: August 2023

Aims

To estimate the impact on selection and actual purchasing of (a) health warning labels (text‐only and image‐and‐text) on alcoholic drinks and (b) calorie labels on alcoholic and non‐alcoholic drinks.

Design

Parallel‐groups randomised controlled trial.

Setting

Drinks were selected in a simulated online supermarket, before being purchased in an actual online supermarket.

Participants

Adults in England and Wales who regularly consumed and purchased beer or wine online (n = 651). Six hundred and eight participants completed the study and were included in the primary analysis.

Interventions

Participants were randomized to one of six groups in a between‐subjects three [health warning labels (HWLs) (i): image‐and‐text HWL; (ii) text‐only HWL; (iii) no HWL] × 2 (calorie labels: present versus absent) factorial design (n per group 103–113).

Measurements

The primary outcome measure was the number of alcohol units selected (with intention to purchase); secondary outcomes included alcohol units purchased and calories selected and purchased. There was no time limit for selection. For purchasing, participants were directed to purchase their drinks immediately (although they were allowed up to 2 weeks to do so).

Findings

There was no evidence of main effects for either (a) HWLs or (b) calorie labels on the number of alcohol units selected (HWLs: F(2,599) = 0.406, P = 0.666; calorie labels: F(1,599) = 0.002, P = 0.961). There was also no evidence of an interaction between HWLs and calorie labels, and no evidence of an overall difference on any secondary outcomes. In pre‐specified subgroup analyses comparing the ‘calorie label only’ group (n = 101) with the ‘no label’ group (n = 104) there was no evidence that calorie labels reduced the number of calories selected (unadjusted means: 1913 calories versus 2203, P = 0.643). Among the 75% of participants who went on to purchase drinks, those in the ‘calorie label only’ group (n = 74) purchased fewer calories than those in the ‘no label’ group (n = 79) (unadjusted means: 1532 versus 2090, P = 0.028).

Conclusions

There was no evidence that health warning labels reduced the number of alcohol units selected or purchased in an online retail context. There was some evidence suggesting that calorie labels on alcoholic and non‐alcoholic drinks may reduce calories purchased from both types of drinks.
Partnering with carers in the management of delirium in general acute care settings: An integrative review
Authors: Aggar Christina , Craswell Alison , Bail Kasia , Compton Roslyn , Hughes Mark , Sorwar Golam , Baker James , Shinners Lucy , Greenhill Jennene
Published: August 2023

Objectives

Delirium is a common, preventable condition. However, delirium is poorly recognised and often missed because symptoms are misinterpreted, and risk factors overlooked by health‐care professionals. Carers usually have intimate knowledge about the person they care for. Therefore, they are well placed within care teams to implement delirium prevention strategies, identify symptoms and support the early diagnosis of delirium. The aim of this integrative review was to synthesise findings from the published research reporting on partnering with carers in the management of delirium in general acute care settings.

Methods

Five databases (Medline‐EBSCO, PubMed, PsycINFO, ProQuest, CINAHL and SCOPUS) were searched to identify primary research regarding partnering with carers in the management of delirium in acute care settings, and results were synthesised. PRISMA guidelines were adhered to, and quality appraisal was conducted using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool.

Results

All seven studies reported that partnering with carers was a viable strategy in the management of delirium to maximise outcomes for people at risk of or experiencing delirium and that increasing carers' knowledge of delirium was key. The synthesis of findings also identified two themes: Increasing knowledge and Effective partnerships.

Conclusions

A collaborative approach to increasing carers' and nurses' knowledge about the management of delirium, coupled with education on how to develop therapeutic nurse–carer relationships, is important for ongoing effective partnerships in the management of delirium. Good communication supported effective partnerships, which enabled both nurses and carers the opportunity to express their needs and concerns and negotiate collaborative involvement in the management of delirium.
Efficacy and safety of medical termination of pregnancy in a regional primary care setting
Authors: LAI Sara Xiao‐Li , COHN Amanda
Published: August 2023

Background

Australia has demonstrated high efficacy and safety of medical termination of pregnancy (MToP) using a mifepristone–buccal misoprostol regime. The provision of medical termination services in primary care has the potential to alleviate access barriers, particularly in rural and regional populations. Large‐scale data are needed to support the expansion of this model.

Aim

The aim was to determine the efficacy and safety of nurse‐led MToP within a regional general practice clinic.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study of patients prescribed MToP from October 2014 to April 2020. Clinic nurses assessed patient eligibility and provided information, non‐directive counselling and instructions. The general practitioner then confirmed eligibility, obtained informed consent and prescribed. Patients were administered 200 mg of mifepristone orally in a pharmacy and then self‐administered 800‐μg buccal misoprostol 36–48 h later at home.

Results

A total of 998 patients were included in this study, with the median patient age being 27.3 years and 30.3% of patients travelling over 100 km to access the service. MToP was successful in 965 (96.7%) patients. There were 36 (3.6%) complications, of which 33 were incomplete MToP. Haemorrhage requiring transfusion, pain requiring hospital treatment and suspected infection were rare, each having a frequency of one (0.1%). Our follow‐up rate was 74.8%, with a strong correlation identified between increased gestational age and decreased follow‐up (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

This study is a large Australian example demonstrating high efficacy and safety of nurse‐led MToP within regional general practice. The establishment of similar services in rural and regional Australia may address geographical and financial barriers to termination access.
Individualization of the best approach for adhesive small bowel obstruction
Authors: Sebastian‐Valverde Enric , Téllez Clara , Burdío Fernando , Poves Ignasi , Grande Luis
Published: August 2023

Background

Laparoscopic postoperatives outcomes in adhesiolysis are promising but conversion and morbidity remains high. The objective of our study was to determine preoperative factors to individualize and select the most appropriate approach for each patient.

Methods

Patients ≥18 years old undergoing emergent surgery for adhesive small bowel obstruction and internal hernias were evaluated. Bivariate and multivariate analysis were performed to investigate factors related to conversion to open surgery and to the type of adhesions.

Results

Of 333 patients, 224 were operated by laparotomy and 109 by laparoscopy (conversion rate: 40%). Previous abdominal wall mesh, type of adhesions, bowel lesion, need for intestinal resection and laparoscopic skills were statistically related to conversion. In the multivariate analysis, complex adhesions (OR 4.3, 95% CI 1.5–12.2; P = 0.006), the need for intestinal resection (OR 14.16, 95% CI 2.55–78.68; P = 0.002), and non‐advanced laparoscopy surgeons (OR 4.31, 95% CI 1.56–11.94; P = 0.005) were independent factors for conversion to open surgery. ASA III–IV, previous surgeries, previous abdominal mesh and previous adhesiolysis were related to complex adhesions. Previous laparoscopic surgery and internal hernia or closed loop in computed tomography were associated with simple adhesions as a cause of the obstruction. In the multivariate, previous adhesiolysis (OR 4.76, 95% CI 1.23–18.3; P = 0.023) and the findings on computed tomography were significantly related with the type of adhesion.

Conclusion

Some preoperative factors allow to individualize the surgical approach in the adhesive small bowel obstruction improving surgical outcomes.
Efficacy and non‐target effects of herbicides in foothills grassland restoration are short‐lived
Authors: Lugar Rachelle , Nelson Cara R. , Wagner Viktoria
Published: August 2023

Questions

Selective herbicides are frequently used in ecological restoration to control invasive non‐native forbs and recover plant communities. However, the long‐term efficacy of this practice, its non‐target effects on native plants, and its role in facilitating secondary invasions are not well understood. Similarly, little is known about the extent to which herbicide drift may affect native plant communities.

Location

Foothills grasslands of Montana, USA.

Methods

We conducted a 6‐year experiment to investigate changes in the abundance of a target invasive plant, knapweed (Centaurea stoebe subsp. micranthos) and plant community structure in response to the herbicides Tordon® (picloram) and Milestone® (aminopyralid), applied at a recommended rate and a diluted rate that simulated drift.

Results

Knapweed cover and the richness of native and non‐native forb species declined in the first 3 years in response to treatment at recommended rates, but not drift rates. Secondary invasion by non‐native monocots was significant but weak. The cover of native forbs and the cover and richness of native monocots did not differ among treatments but changed significantly with the year. Surprisingly, 6 years after treatments, there were no differences among treatments in the cover of the target invasive plant or community structure.

Conclusions

Our results demonstrate that the efficacy and non‐target effects of herbicides in grassland restoration can be short‐lived and idiosyncratic because of year effects. Restoration of knapweed invasions might require other active interventions, such as seeding or repeated spraying. Our study supports previous calls for long‐term monitoring of herbicides application in ecological restoration.
Topiramate use in a pediatric patient with comorbid bipolar disorder and trichotillomania: A 3‐year follow‐up
Authors: Yang Ting , Liang Xiaolin , Wu Xiuhua , Li Tong , Lin Youzhen , Gan Zhaoyu
Published: August 2023

Trichotillomania (TTM) is an intractable and chronic mental disorder that causes significant distress or functional impairments in various life domains. Most individuals with trichotillomania have other comorbid diagnoses. Bipolar disorder (BD) is one of the most common comorbid conditions. Up to date, no FDA‐approved drugs for TTM are available, not to mention children and adolescent patients with TTM and BD. Here, we present a case of an 8‐year‐old child with a long history of episodic TTM and bipolar disorder who was effectively treated with topiramate in a 3‐year follow‐up.
Updates on accelerated and blast phase myeloproliferative neoplasms: Are we making progress?
Authors: Mahdi Dina , Spiers Jessica , Rampotas Alexandros , Polverelli Nicola , McLornan Donal P.
Published: August 2023

Management approaches for accelerated and blast phase myeloproliferative neoplasms remain challenging for clinicians and patients alike. Despite many therapeutic advances, outcomes for those patients who are not allogeneic haematopoietic cell transplant eligible remain, in general, very poor. Estimated survival rates for such blast phase patients is frequently reported as less than 6 months. No specific immunological, genomic or clinicopathological signature currently exists that accurately predicts the risk and timing of transformation, which frequently induces a high degree of anxiety among patients and clinicians alike. Within this review article, we provide an up‐to‐date summary of current understanding of the underlying pathogenesis of accelerated and blast phase disease and discuss current therapeutic approaches and realistic outcomes. Finally, we discuss how the horizon may look with the introduction of more novel agents into the clinical arena.
Integrating EMDR Standard Treatment Protocol into Child Psychotherapy at a Primary School with a 5‐year‐old Boy Who Suffered Complex Trauma: A Single Case Study
Authors: Rolli Nadja Julia
Published: August 2023

Schools are making an important contribution to providing access to professional counselling for young people and their families. The population of children who access school counselling includes young people who have experienced severe and complex trauma in their early life, which presents itself as post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is a recommended method of intervention for PTSD, with effective results in a short time. However, school counsellors are rarely specifically trained to work with complex trauma or PTSD. This article presents a case study exploring the integration of the EMDR eight‐phase protocol into child psychotherapy in an English primary school setting with a 5‐year‐old boy who suffered complex trauma. Following treatment, the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) score and Generalized Anxiety Disorder Assessment (GAD‐7) score—filled in by the child's parent and schoolteacher because of the child's age—decreased to non‐clinical levels. The six‐month follow‐up assessment confirmed the improvement in the emotional well‐being of the client. The promising results suggest the value of having adequately qualified child psychotherapists linked to primary schools to support emotionally vulnerable pupils.