bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A social identity perspective on language and researchers’ cultural identities in qualitative interviews in multinational corporations
Authors: Xian Huiping , He Yingying , Huang Fanke , Latreille Paul
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This study aims to advance knowledge in international management research about how researchers’ cultural identity in fieldwork encounters may be grounded in the choice of language in multicultural and multilingual projects.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is based on critical reflections on the experience of two co-authors as Chinese nationals conducting research in overseas Chinese multinational corporations (MNCs) in developing economies.

Findings

Drawing on social identity theory, the authors demonstrate that the cultural identity and cultural insider/outsider positionality of both the researcher and research participants can be shaped by language, translation and other artefacts in cross-cultural interviews, constantly being shifted, managed and renegotiated during qualitative interviewing. This study highlights the politics of language which, when combined with other forms of power relations, such as the researcher’s perceived status, economic development of the MNCs’ home country and the participants’ organisational hierarchy, affect power distribution between the researcher and participants. Researchers often need to move from being an “insider” to an “outsider” and often to an “in-betweener” at different stages in an interview interaction to balance power.

Originality/value

This study contributes to international debates about the complex interplay of languages, politics and identity in multilingual and multicultural qualitative research. In contributing to these literatures, the authors focus on the relatively under-researched Chinese MNCs in other developing countries including Mongolia and Tanzania. Recommendations for researcher training and reflexivity are proposed.
Academic motivations and the risk of not in employment, education or training: university and vocational college undergraduates comparison
Authors: Cheng Wen , Nguyen Pham Ngoc Thien
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the relationship between academic motivations and the risk of Not in Employment, Education or Training (NEET) among university undergraduates and Vocational Education and Training (VET) undergraduates.

Design/methodology/approach

The sample included 402 Vietnamese university undergraduates and 250 VET undergraduates in the southern region of Vietnam. Students took part in a survey, with all participants being informed about the study’s purpose and assured that their involvement was entirely voluntary. In addition to descriptive statistics, the study employed linear regression in SPSS to examine hypotheses.

Findings

The findings indicate that, for university students, intrinsic motivation and mastery approach motivation are associated with reduced NEET risk, while performance avoidance motivation is positively linked to this tendency. In contrast, for VET students, extrinsic motivation and performance approach motivation are negatively associated with NEET risk, but mastery approach motivation may exacerbate the risk.

Originality/value

Grounded in the principles of Self-Determination Theory (SDT) and Achievement Goal Theory (AGT), the study proposes that university students may prioritize competence improvement, knowledge acquisition and the satisfaction of their learning interests, which they believe will help them acquire valuable knowledge beneficial for their future careers. Conversely, VET students emphasize performance and external achievement, which may enhance their outcome and reduce NEET risk. These findings offer significant theoretical and practical insights into the adoption of SDT and AGT and also provide educators or policymakers with more detailed information regarding university and VET students’ learning and development.
Exploring the resource mobilization process in social enterprises in China: a bricolage and social exchange perspective
Authors: Li Xiaoqing , Sarpong David
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Resource mobilization has come to dominate contemporary discourse on the making and survival of social enterprises (SEs). Emphasizing the socially constructed nature of idiosyncratic firm resource environments, this study integrates bricolage and social exchange theory to explore the means at hand and the kinds of practices SEs in China employ to mobilize resources to address persistent social problems.

Design/methodology/approach

Adopting a qualitative multiple case design, the research contribution is developed in the context of four SEs based in two cities in China selected through a two-stage process. The main data for the inquiry come from 21 face-to-face, semi-structured interviews conducted with key informants in 2018 and 2019. The authors supplemented this with secondary data about each SE curated from social media platforms and publicly available documentary sources, including press statements, reports and popular press video interviews.

Findings

The research findings suggest that SEs in China tend to follow a two-step resource mobilization process: fraternize and exchange. Leveraging the means at hand – “social practice know-how” and the practice of “proactiveness,” SEs strategically engage with actors in their environment (fraternize) to understand and explore the possible sources of the resources they require. Nevertheless, fraternization alone is not sufficient; SEs must demonstrate exchange values (social, economic, functional and regulatory) to convince resource owners to either directly release resources (funds, the right of use of empty spaces, technologies, time and efforts) or offer them indirect support (certification, government procurement). The process of fraternizing within the contingencies of organizing, intertwined with social exchange practices, constitutes the success of resource mobilization. The combination and reconfiguration of the expanded repertoire of mobilized resources provide opportunities for the SEs to make do and, in return, help them maintain their status as valued SEs in China.

Originality/value

This study extends the understanding of bricolage through a social exchange lens to unpack the process through which SEs in China mobilize appropriate resources for their businesses. Emphasizing the importance of the social dimension of bricolage in resource mobilization, a two-step model, comprising fraternization exhibited in the form of social practice know-how and proactiveness and social exchange, is presented as an essential mechanism in SEs’ resource mobilization in China.
Development and validation of pedagogical leadership scale
Authors: Berhanu Kelemu Zelalem
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Pedagogical leadership (PL) has been regarded as the best leadership style in the education sector. Thus, the aim of this study was to develop and validate a pedagogical leadership scale (PLS).

Design/methodology/approach

Two distinct approaches (inductive and deductive) were utilized. First, a review of the literature was conducted, and then qualitative data were collected through interviews, and their responses were categorized into 40 items. These items were thematized using exploratory factor analysis (EFA) by involving 300 participants. To examine the fitness of the scale, the researchers conducted a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) with 470 participants.

Findings

EFA discovered a total variance of 64.766% for four factors. In CFA, RMSEA, NFI, RFI, NNFI, CFI, GFI and AGFI values were accepted. The highest correlation was found among constructs of PL. Path analysis revealed PL affected social, professional, intellectual and academic capitals. The correlations between the PLS and psychological empowerment demonstrated the theoretically predicted relationships with these variables. Thus, with the initial evidence of a valid and reliable PLS, a pool of 32 items under 4 factors (social, academic, professional and intellectual capital) were developed.

Originality/value

Despite the management of childhood education requiring the practice of PL, it is underexplored in childhood schools, particularly to our knowledge, no studies have been conducted to develop and confirm the PLS in Ethiopia.
The impact of order fulfillment on consumer experience: text mining consumer reviews from Amazon US
Authors: Vakulenko Yulia , Figueirinhas Diogo , Hellström Daniel , Pålsson Henrik
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This research analyzes online consumer reviews and ratings to assess e-retail order fulfillment performance. The study aims to (1) identify consumer journey touchpoints in the order fulfillment process and (2) determine their relative importance for the consumer experience.

Design/methodology/approach

Text mining and analytics were employed to examine over 100 m online purchase orders, along with associated consumer reviews and ratings from Amazon US. Using natural language processing techniques, the corpus of reviews was structured to pinpoint touchpoints related to order fulfillment. Reviews were then classified according to their stance (either positive or negative) toward these touchpoints. Finally, the classes were correlated with consumer rating, measured by the number of stars, to determine the relative importance of each touchpoint.

Findings

The study reveals 12 touchpoints within the order fulfillment process, which are split into three groups: delivery, packaging and returns. These touchpoints significantly influence star ratings: positive experiences elevate them, while negative ones reduce them. The findings provide a quantifiable measure of these effects, articulated in terms of star ratings, which directly reflect the influence of experiences on consumer evaluations.

Research limitations/implications

The dataset utilized in this study is from the US market, which limits the generalizability of the findings to other markets. Moreover, the novel methodology used to map and quantify customer journey touchpoints requires further refinement.

Practical implications

In e-retail and logistics, comprehending touchpoints in the order fulfillment process is pivotal. This understanding helps improve consumer interactions and enhance satisfaction. Such insights not only drive higher conversion rates but also guide informed managerial decisions, particularly in service development.

Originality/value

Drawing upon consumer-generated data, this research identifies a cohesive set of touchpoints within the order fulfillment process and quantitatively evaluates their influence on consumer experience using star ratings as a metric.
Masculinity and symbolic consumption among black African consumers: an interpretive study
Authors: Gbadamosi Ayantunji
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Despite the plethora of scholarship outputs on masculinity showing it as a fertile research domain, there are noteworthy lacunae on the topic especially in relation to its dynamics among ethnic minority groups. Accordingly, this paper aims to address masculinity and symbolic consumption among Black African consumers in the UK.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is interpretive in nature with the use of in-depth interviews conducted with 20 participants in London and the data analysis follows the grounded theory orientation.

Findings

It shows masculinity-oriented categorisations of market offerings but with an incidence of cultural tension. It suggests the prevalence of symbolic consumption among participants as demonstrated in their quest for admiration and commendation about their consumption and how masculinity is communicated. A new masculinity typology emerged from the study which depicts men in this context as falling into four categories of gay, conservative, contemporary and men on acme.

Originality/value

The study unpacks issues around masculinity, and multiculturalism, and proposes a novel typology on the topic vis-à-vis the discourse on segmentation, targeting and positioning strategy.
Electronic records management amidst the seismic shift in the dynamic infosphere
Authors: Matlala Mpubane Emanuel , Ncube Thandukwazi Richman
Published: August 2024

Purpose

The study aims to investigate the current electronic records management practices in government departments of South Africa to establish the extent to which they foster service delivery in public service reform programmes.

Design/methodology/approach

This study applied a systematic literature review approach to critically appraise the published literature on the status of records management in South Africa, following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines.

Findings

The findings indicate that the South African public sector encounters challenges such as a lack of skills in managing electronic records, management support, resources and legislative frameworks and policies. The study’s findings revealed that although electronic records are essential for service delivery in South Africa, the existing records management programme is not efficient and effective and does not sufficiently comply with legislative and statutory requirements.

Research limitations/implications

This study was limited to the public sector of South Africa.

Practical implications

This study recommends the development of policy frameworks and strategies aligned with the organisational goals and facilitation of professional training for all staff, including attendance of seminars, workshops and workplace training.

Social implications

The research demonstrates the need for a comprehensive legislative and policy framework, robust integration of electronic records practices in government e-government efforts, and adequate technological infrastructure support.

Originality/value

This study offers informed recommendations to address the challenges of managing electronic records in South African public sector organisations that continue to be a cause for concern.
Research on blind source separation of operation sounds of metro power transformer through an Adaptive Threshold REPET algorithm
Authors: Chen Liang , Xiong Liyi , Zhao Fang , Ju Yanfei , Jin An
Published: August 2024

Purpose

The safe operation of the metro power transformer directly relates to the safety and efficiency of the entire metro system. Through voiceprint technology, the sounds emitted by the transformer can be monitored in real-time, thereby achieving real-time monitoring of the transformer’s operational status. However, the environment surrounding power transformers is filled with various interfering sounds that intertwine with both the normal operational voiceprints and faulty voiceprints of the transformer, severely impacting the accuracy and reliability of voiceprint identification. Therefore, effective preprocessing steps are required to identify and separate the sound signals of transformer operation, which is a prerequisite for subsequent analysis.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper proposes an Adaptive Threshold Repeating Pattern Extraction Technique (REPET) algorithm to separate and denoise the transformer operation sound signals. By analyzing the Short-Time Fourier Transform (STFT) amplitude spectrum, the algorithm identifies and utilizes the repeating periodic structures within the signal to automatically adjust the threshold, effectively distinguishing and extracting stable background signals from transient foreground events. The REPET algorithm first calculates the autocorrelation matrix of the signal to determine the repeating period, then constructs a repeating segment model. Through comparison with the amplitude spectrum of the original signal, repeating patterns are extracted and a soft time-frequency mask is generated.

Findings

After adaptive thresholding processing, the target signal is separated. Experiments conducted on mixed sounds to separate background sounds from foreground sounds using this algorithm and comparing the results with those obtained using the FastICA algorithm demonstrate that the Adaptive Threshold REPET method achieves good separation effects.

Originality/value

A REPET method with adaptive threshold is proposed, which adopts the dynamic threshold adjustment mechanism, adaptively calculates the threshold for blind source separation and improves the adaptability and robustness of the algorithm to the statistical characteristics of the signal. It also lays the foundation for transformer fault detection based on acoustic fingerprinting.
Sustainable purchasing supply management assessment in construction supply chains: a design science research approach
Authors: Pacheco Diego A. de J. , Clausen Daniel Møller
Published: August 2024

Purpose

In response to multiple disruptions, the purchasing supply management (PSM) function in construction supply chain management (CSCM) has gained prominence due to stakeholder pressures, dynamic market conditions and the need to adhere to complex sustainability, safety and health regulations and standards. However, there is a noticeable absence of empirical research on measuring and mitigating PSM vulnerabilities, especially considering the distinct challenges faced by large engineer-to-order project-oriented manufacturers. To address these issues, the purpose of this study is to develop and test a novel method to assist companies in construction supply chains in assessing and managing risks associated with sustainable procuring and sourcing materials.

Design/methodology/approach

Grounded in the literature gaps on construction PSM and a real case supply chain, the research uses the design science research (DSR) approach to develop an integrated method for assessing PSM strategies in this sector. The method integrates three essential purchasing dimensions: supply risks, profit impact and sustainability risks of materials, supported by nine subdimensions. Empirical validation took place within a multinational European construction company based in Denmark.

Findings

Findings from the supplier–buyer relationships confirmed that the developed method allows for the identification of the key components that significantly impact supplier–buyer relationships, profitability and sustainability. The research further suggests that construction supply chain managers and purchasing practitioners can use the proposed method to evaluate PSM, thus enabling them to make more informed decisions.

Practical implications

Through the utilization of the proposed artifact, construction companies can take a more proactive approach to address PSM uncertainties, thereby enhancing their competitiveness in dynamic construction supply chains.

Originality/value

The research contributes to bridging the theory and practice, providing valuable assistance for construction companies assessing and managing the PSM and supply risks within global construction value chains. This paper provides original insights for the CSCM, aiding in adopting competitive PSM strategies to improve overall supply chain performance.
High‐quality genome assemblies for nine non‐model North American insect species representing six orders (Insecta: Coleoptera, Diptera, Hemiptera, Hymenoptera, Lepidoptera, Neuroptera)
Authors: Walden Kimberly K. O. , Cao Yanghui , Fields Christopher J. , Hernandez Alvaro G. , Rendon Gloria A. , Robinson Gene E. , Skinner Rachel K. , Stein Jeffrey A. , Dietrich Christopher H.
Published: August 2024

Field‐collected specimens were used to obtain nine high‐quality genome assemblies from a total of 10 insect species native to prairies and savannas of central Illinois (USA): Mellilla xanthometata (Lepidoptera: Geometridae), Stenolophus ochropezus (Coleoptera: Carabidae), Forcipata loca (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae), Coelinius sp. (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), Thaumatomyia glabra (Diptera: Chloropidae), Brachynemurus abdominalus (Neuroptera: Myrmeleontidae), Catonia carolina (Hemiptera: Achilidae), Oncometopia orbona (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae), Flexamia atlantica (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) and Stictocephala bisonia (Hemiptera: Membracidae). Sequencing library preparation from single specimens was successful despite extremely small DNA yields (<0.1 μg) for some samples. Additional sequencing and assembly workflows were adapted to each sample depending on the initial DNA yield. PacBio circular consensus (CCS/HiFi) or continuous long reads (CLR) libraries were used to sequence DNA fragments up to 50 kb in length, with Illumina sequenced linked‐reads (TellSeq libraries) and Omni‐C libraries used for scaffolding and gap‐filling. Assembled genome sizes ranged from 135 MB to 3.2 GB. The number of assembled scaffolds ranged from 47 to >13,000, with the longest scaffold per assembly ranging from ~23 to 439 Mb. Genome completeness was high, with BUSCO scores ranging from 85.5% completeness for the largest genome (Stictocephala bisonia) to 98.8% completeness for the smallest genome (Coelinius sp.). The unique content was estimated using RepeatMasker and GenomeScope2, which ranged from 50.7% to 75.8% and roughly decreased with increasing genome size. Structural annotation predicted a range of 19,281–72,469 protein models for sequenced species. Sequencing costs per genome at the time ranged from US$3–5k, averaged ~1600 CPU‐hours on a high‐performance cluster and required approximately 14 h of bioinformatics analyses with samples using PacBio HiFi data. Most assemblies would benefit from further manual curation to correct possible scaffold misjoins and translocations suggested by off‐diagonal or depleted signals in Omni‐C contact maps.
Safety and efficacy of percutaneous biopsy and microwave ablation in patients with pulmonary nodules on antithrombotic therapy: A study with rivaroxaban bridging
Authors: Wang Nan , Xue Tianyu , Zheng Wenwen , Shao Zhongying , Liu Zhuang , Dai Faliang , Xie Qi , Sang Jing , Ye Xin
Published: August 2024

Background

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of percutaneous biopsy and microwave ablation (B + MWA) in patients with pulmonary nodules (PNs) who are receiving antithrombotic therapy by rivaroxaban as bridging therapy.

Methods

The study comprised 187 patients with PNs who underwent 187 B + MWA sessions from January 1, 2020, to December 31, 2021. The enrolled patients were divided into two groups: Group A, who received antithrombotic therapy five days before the procedure and received rivaroxaban as a bridging drug during hospitalization, and group B, who had no antithrombotic treatment. Information about the technical success rate, positive biopsy rate, complete ablative rate, and major complications were collected and analyzed.

Results

Group A comprised 53 patients and group B comprised 134 patients. The technical success rate was 100% in both groups. The positive biopsy rates were 88.68% and 91.04%, respectively (p = 0.6211, X2 = 0.2443). In groups A and B, the complete ablative rates at 6, 12, and 24 months were 100.0% versus 99.25%, 96.23% versus 96.27%, and 88.68% versus 89.55%, respectively. There were no significant differences in bleeding and thrombotic complications between the two groups. No grade 5 complications occurred.

Conclusions

It is generally considered safe and effective that patients who are on antithrombotic therapy by rivaroxaban as bridging to undergo B + MWA for treating PNs.
“The client can get caught out”: Tax structure maintainability and the intricacies of tax planning aggressiveness
Authors: Mayer Maryse , Gendron Yves
Published: August 2024

In this field study, we examine tax advisors' decision‐making process when developing tax planning arrangements. Through interviews with 40 tax advisors, our analysis indicates that tax savings may come at a price in practice by unveiling adverse post‐implementation experiences shared by tax partners. Partners find themselves in a tricky position at the time they form their recommendation as they cannot be certain that their client will be able to “live with their tax structure”—that is, maintain it and cope with the inherent risks once implemented. Their main concern is that their client may “get caught out” by a structure too aggressive or complicated for them, having no control over the client's behavior once the plan is implemented. This has significant implications in the tax planning decision‐making process as these concerns shape how partners adapt their work to their client's perceived competency and possibly restrain corporate firms' tax aggressiveness. Following Feller and Schanz (2017, Contemporary Accounting Research, 34(1), 494–524), we conceive of this as the fourth hurdle of tax planning— whether a tax structure is maintainable, as perceived by tax advisors—and unpack how it operates. Interestingly, restraining the client's tax planning aggressiveness (and the corresponding potential tax savings) is not necessarily perceived by partners as detrimental to the client relationship. Our findings contribute to a better understanding of tax planning in action, highlighting how tax partners seek to influence their client's tax planning aggressiveness.
iLAM: Imaging Locomotor Activity Monitor for circadian phenotyping of large‐bodied flying insects
Authors: Dayton Jacob N. , Owens Avalon C. S.
Published: August 2024

Historically, most insect chronoecological research has used direct observations, cameras or infrared beam‐based monitors to quantify movement across timed intervals. Although some alternative DIY systems are cheaper than the current standard locomotor activity monitor, these options remain complicated to build and/or computationally intensive.

We developed the imaging Locomotor Activity Monitor (iLAM), an affordable (~$75 USD/unit) system for activity quantification. The iLAM utilizes a Raspberry Pi Zero W computer and night‐vision camera inside a flight cage to photograph a population of insects at user‐defined intervals. Open‐source, modular R‐scripts process the images and output a file containing the number, size, coordinate location and timestamp of all movements (blobs) identified between consecutive images. Output can be analysed directly or converted into the standard TriKinetics DAM format.

We demonstrated the flexibility and power of the iLAM system by comparing diel and circadian activity of different insect species (fireflies: Photinus marginellus, P. greeni, P. obscurellus), ecotypes (moths: Ostrinia nubilalis) and sexes (moths: O. nubilalis). Data captured by only six iLAMs ($450) identified that peak activity of O. nubilalis females (AZT: 19.2 h) occurs significantly earlier than males (22.0 h). Additionally, male moths from a univoltine population exhibited a significantly shorter endogenous period length (AZT: 21.3 h) than males from a bivoltine genetic background (22.7 h).

The iLAM will serve as a valuable tool for researchers seeking to measure locomotor activity across diverse species, sexes and populations in constant and changing environments.
The use of intranasal sufentanil and/or s‐ketamine for treatment of procedural pain in children in an ambulatory setting: A retrospective observational study
Authors: Nielsen Bettina N. , Henneberg Steen W. , Olsson Eva Malmros , Lundeberg Stefan
Published: August 2024

Background

Minor but painful medical procedures are often handled at the operating room. If safe and effective treatment options are available many procedures may be performed outside of the operating room.

Objective(s)

The objective of this study is to assess the adverse events of intranasal s‐ketamine and/or sufentanil alone or as part of a multimodal analgesic regime for medical procedures outside of the operating room. Secondary outcomes included analgesic effect, doses and indications for use.

Design

Retrospective observational study.

Setting

Tertiary care paediatric hospital.

Patients

Children 1 year up till 18 years.

Intervention(s)

Intranasal (IN) sufentanil (S), intranasal s‐ketamine (K) or the free combination of the two drugs (SK).

Main Outcome Measure(s)

The frequency of adverse events including serious adverse events reported by intervention.

Results

Between 2004 and 2014, 2185 medical procedures were registered, including 652 procedures with IN SK, 1469 procedures with IN S and 64 procedures with IN K. The children's median age was 5.6 years (range 1.0–17.9). Medical procedures with at least one adverse event were 18% with IN SK, 25% with IN K and 18% with IN S. Common adverse events included episodes of vomiting (9%), nausea (8%) and dizziness (3%). In two patients receiving IN S, serious adverse events occurred. One patient had respiratory depression and bronchospasm and another patient with cerebral palsy had a seizure. Both were handled immediately and did not result in any sequelae. The median doses of intranasal sufentanil were 38% lower when combined with s‐ketamine (IN SK free combination: sufentanil dose 0.5 μg/kg (range 0.2–1.3) and s‐ketamine dose 0.5 mg/kg (range 0.2–1.5). IN S monotherapy, sufentanil dose 0.8 μg/kg (range 0.2–2.7)). Similar analgesic effect was reported for S and SK.

Conclusions

Intranasal sufentanil and/or s‐ketamine are feasible for the treatment of procedural pain in an ambulatory setting with appropriate per‐ and post‐procedural observations and trained staff.
Suspected paraneoplastic syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion associated with a gastric adenocarcinoma in a dog
Authors: Thomas A , Finlay J , Sharp C
Published: August 2024

This report describes a suspected case of paraneoplastic syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH) in a 5‐year‐old male entire Australian Kelpie associated with a gastric adenocarcinoma. The dog had a history of chronic vomiting and presented with hyponatraemia, hypokalaemia, hypochloraemia and increased urinary sodium. Computed tomography identified the presence of a gastric tumour and histopathology confirmed a pyloric gastric adenocarcinoma. Removal of the tumour via a Billroth I procedure resulted in rapid resolution of electrolyte derangements. The dog was still alive six months postoperatively with no recurrence of either SIADH or tumour at the time of publication.
Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of PTC518, an oral huntingtin lowering splicing modifier: A first‐in‐human study
Authors: Gao Lan , Bhattacharyya Anuradha , Beers Brian , Kaushik Diksha , Bredlau Amy‐Lee , Kristensen Allan , Abd‐Elaziz Khalid , Grant Richard , Golden Lee , Kong Ronald
Published: August 2024

Aims

PTC518 is an orally administered, centrally and peripherally distributed huntingtin (HTT) pre‐mRNA splicing modifier being developed for the treatment of Huntington's disease (HD) for which there is a high unmet medical need as there are currently no approved disease‐modifying treatments. This first‐in‐human study investigated the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics (PK), and pharmacodynamics (PD) of PTC518 in healthy volunteers.

Methods

This phase 1, single‐centre, randomized study in 77 healthy male and female volunteers evaluated the safety and tolerability and PK of PTC518 following single ascending doses and multiple ascending doses, PD as assessed by HTT mRNA and HTT protein levels after single and multiple doses, and food effects.

Results

PTC518 demonstrated a favourable safety profile. The majority of treatment‐emergent adverse events were mild and transient. PTC518 Tmax was reached at 6–7 h and the terminal T1/2 was 54.0–75.3 h following a single oral dose. Exposure increased with dose though less than dose proportionally. The PTC518 concentrations in cerebrospinal fluid were approximately 2.6‐fold higher than the unbound free‐drug concentrations in plasma. A significant dose‐dependent reduction of up to approximately 60% in HTT mRNA and a significant dose‐dependent, time‐dependent and sustained reduction in HTT protein levels of up to 35% were observed after PTC518 treatment.

Conclusions

PTC518 was well tolerated, and proof of mechanism of this novel splicing modifier was demonstrated by the dose‐dependent decrease in systemic HTT mRNA and HTT protein levels. Results from this first‐in‐human study support further studies in patients with HD and demonstrate the potential for PTC518 as a breakthrough treatment for HD.
Beta‐thalassaemia intermedia due to a complex alpha‐globin rearrangement and a heterozygous beta thalassaemia mutation
Authors: Marin Victor , Huguenin Yoann , Bessi Lucile , Weinmann Laurent , Augis Vanessa , Desclaux Arnaud , Lebreton Louis , Dulucq Stephanie , Boutin Julian
Published: August 2024

The alpha‐thalassaemia alleles are very frequent in the world's population. The main molecular mechanism is a large deletion with the loss of one or two alpha genes. Another type of rarer abnormality exists: the gain of alpha genes. The consequence of a gain is an overproduction of alpha‐globin chains, which aggravates a beta‐thalassaemia trait into an intermedia phenotype (non‐transfusion‐dependent thalassaemia, NTDT). Here, we report the case of a young girl referred for a beta‐NTDT with a combination never described in the literature: a heterozygous beta‐thalassaemia mutation associated with a copy number gain of the alpha‐globin locus and ‐alpha 3.7 deletion on the same allele.
Item reduction of the “Support Intensity Scale” for people with intellectual disabilities, using machine learning
Authors: González‐Carrasco Félix , Espinosa Parra Felipe , Álvarez‐Aguado Izaskun , Ponce Olguín Sebastián , Vega Córdova Vanessa , Roselló‐Peñaloza Miguel
Published: August 2024

Background

The study focuses on the need to optimise assessment scales for support needs in individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Current scales are often lengthy and redundant, leading to exhaustion and response burden. The goal is to use machine learning techniques, specifically item‐reduction methods and selection algorithms, to develop shorter and more efficient scales.

Methods

A data set of 93 participants was analysed using the Supports Needs Scale. Five feature‐selection algorithms were evaluated to create a shortened questionnaire. For each algorithm, a Random Forest model was trained, and performance was assessed using metrics like accuracy, precision, recall and F1‐score to measure how well each model predicted support needs.

Findings

The "Select from Model" algorithm successfully identified key items that could predict the level of Support Needs using the Random Forest model. Only 51 variables, out of the original 147, were needed to maintain predictive accuracy. The reduced questionnaire maintained good reliability and internal consistency compared to the original instrument, with a strong F1 score indicating excellent predictive performance.

Conclusions

The study demonstrates that machine learning techniques are effective in reducing the length of support needs questionnaires while preserving their psychometric properties. These methods can help institutions provide more efficient access to information about support needs without compromising validity or reliability, potentially leading to better resource allocation and improved care for individuals with intellectual disabilities.
The role of venous capacity in fluid retention with endothelin A antagonism: Mathematical modelling of the RADAR trial
Authors: Yu Hongtao , Greasley Peter J. , Lambers Heerspink Hiddo J. , Ambery Philip , Ahlstrom Christine , Hamren Bengt , Khan Anis A. , Boulton David W. , Hallow K. Melissa
Published: August 2024

Background and Purpose

Endothelin‐1 (ET‐1) receptor A (ETA) antagonists reduce proteinuria and prevent renal outcomes in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients, but their utility has been limited because of associated fluid retention, resulting in increased heart failure risk. Understanding the mechanisms responsible for fluid retention could result in solutions that preserve renoprotective effects while mitigating fluid retention, but the complexity of the endothelin system has made identification of the underlying mechanisms challenging.

Approach

We utilized a previously developed mathematical model of ET‐1 kinetics, ETA receptor antagonism, kidney function, haemodynamics, and sodium and water homeostasis to evaluate hypotheses for mechanisms of fluid retention with ETA antagonism. To do this, we simulated the RADAR clinical trial of atrasentan in patients with type 2 diabetes and CKD and evaluated the ability of the model to predict the observed decreases in haematocrit, urine albumin creatinine ratio (UACR), mean arterial pressure (MAP), and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR).

Background and Key Results

An effect of ETA antagonism on venodilation and increased venous capacitance was found to be the critical mechanism necessary to reproduce the simultaneous decrease in both MAP and haematocrit observed in RADAR.

Conclusions and Impact

These findings indicate that fluid retention with ETA antagonism may not be caused by a direct antidiuretic effect within the kidney but is instead be an adaptive response to venodilation and increased venous capacity, which acutely tends to reduce cardiac filling pressure and cardiac output, and that fluid retention occurs in an attempt to maintain cardiac filling and cardiac output.
Editorial: The Cass Review – implications and reassurance for practitioners
Authors: Cass Hilary
Published: August 2024

This editorial perspective summarises the key findings of the independent review of gender identity services for children and young people commissioned by the National Health Service (NHS) in England (the Cass Review). Although the evidence underpinning endocrine interventions in this group of young people remains weak, there is much that mental health practitioners can do to improve their well‐being and support their families. The controversies surrounding this group of young people have disempowered local professionals, who have lost confidence in their ability to provide care for them. The reality is that CAMHS professionals already have all the necessary transferrable skills and with a small amount of top up training, they can make a profound difference to the lives of this vulnerable group, which has been marginalised in our healthcare system.
Editorial: Open science and methods review for Child and Adolescent Mental Health
Authors: Spreckelsen Thees F. , Paton Lewis W.
Published: August 2024

This editorial introduces the journal's new open data policy for original articles using quantitative data. It discusses key opportunities from data and code sharing. It further briefly sets out the new methods review that articles which use quantitative analysis will automatically undergo. With both changes we hope to strengthen our review process and contribute to a better evidence base in the field.
Visual morbidity in macroprolactinoma: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Rudman Yaron , Duskin‐Bitan Hadar , Masri‐Iraqi Hiba , Akirov Amit , Shimon Ilan
Published: August 2024

Objective

The management of visual field damage in patients with macroprolactinomas is a major therapeutic challenge. We aimed to study the visual morbidity associated with macroprolactinoma and its outcomes following medical and surgical treatment. We aimed to identify predictors of visual recovery.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed patient's data including clinical presentation, serial pituitary magnetic resonance imaging, laboratory tests, visual symptoms and neuro‐ophthalmologic examination, visual field tests and optical coherence tomography tests. The main outcome was complete visual field recovery. Descriptive analyses were conducted. Predictors of visual recovery were investigated.

Patients

The study cohort included 150 patients with macroprolactinoma [median follow‐up, 6.0 years (interquartile range (IQR) 2.9–10.6)].

Results

At diagnosis, visual field defects were evident in 40 patients (26.7%). At the end of follow‐up, 24 out of 39 available visual field tests (61.5%) exhibited complete recovery. Patients that achieved complete visual recovery had smaller macroadenomas at diagnosis [30.5 mm (15.0–80.0) vs. 42.0 mm (30.0–85.0), p < .01], lower baseline serum prolactin levels [1414 mcg/L (489–3586) vs. 4119 mcg/L (2715–6315), p < .01], lower rates of central hypogonadism (78.3% vs. 93.3%, p = .05) and central hypothyroidism (20.8% vs. 53.3%, p = .04), lower rates of compressive optic neuropathy (35.3% vs. 87.5%, p = .02) and a better visual acuity (better than 6/8 in both eyes, 93.7% vs. 28.6%, p < .01).

Conclusions

In our cohort of 150 patients with macroprolactinoma, 40 patients (26.7%) presented with visual field defects, of which 61.5% achieved complete visual recovery with treatment. Patients that achieved complete visual recovery presented with smaller macroadenomas, lower serum prolactin levels, lower rates of central hypogonadism and central hypothyroidism, lower rates of compressive optic neuropathy and better visual acuity.
Safflower Alleviates Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension by Inactivating NLRP3: A Combined Approach of Network Pharmacology and Experimental Verification
Authors: Ding Shibiao , Cui Jinyu , Yan Luning , Ru Chuhui , He Fei , Chen Aifeng
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Traditional Chinese medicinal plant, safflower, shows effective for treating pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), yet the underlying mechanisms remain largely unexplored. This study is aimed at exploring the potential molecular mechanisms of safflower in the treatment of PAH.

Methods

Network pharmacology approach and molecular docking were applied to identify the core active compounds, therapeutic targets, and potential signaling pathways of safflower against PAH. Meanwhile, high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) assay was performed to determine the core compounds from safflower. Further, the mechanism of action of safflower on PAH was verified by in vivo and in vitro experiments.

Results

A total of 15 active compounds and 177 targets were screened from safflower against PAH. Enrichment analysis indicated that these therapeutic targets were mainly involved in multiple key pathways, such as TNF signaling pathway and Th17 cell differentiation. Notably, molecular docking revealed that quercetin (core compound in safflower) displayed highest binding capacity with NLRP3. In vivo, safflower exerted therapeutic effects on PAH by inhibiting right ventricular hypertrophy, inflammatory factor release, and pulmonary vascular remodeling. Mechanistically, it significantly reduced the expression of proangiogenesis‐related factors (MMP‐2, MMP‐9, Collagen 1, and Collagen 3) and NLRP3 inflammasome components (NLRP3, ASC, and Caspase‐1) in PAH model. Similarly, these results were observed in vitro. Besides, we further confirmed that NLRP3 inhibitor had the same therapeutic effect as safflower in vitro.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that safflower mitigates PAH primarily by inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome activation. This provides novel insights into the potential use of safflower as an alternative therapeutic approach for PAH.
Prospective Cohort Study Examining the Ability of Performance‐Based and Self‐Reported Frailty Measures to Predict 30‐Day Rehospitalizations After Kidney Transplantation
Authors: Lorenz Elizabeth C. , Smith Byron H. , Mour Girish , Wadei Hani M. , Kennedy Cassie C. , Schinstock Carrie A. , Kremers Walter K. , Cheville Andrea L. , LeBrasseur Nathan K. , Rule Andrew D.
Published: August 2024

Performance‐based measures of frailty are associated with healthcare utilization after kidney transplantation (KT) but require in‐person assessment. A promising alternative is self‐reported frailty. The goal of this study was to examine the ability of performance‐based and self‐reported frailty measures to predict 30‐day rehospitalizations after KT. We conducted a prospective, observational cohort study involving 272 adults undergoing KT at Mayo Clinic in Minnesota, Florida, or Arizona. We simultaneously measured frailty before KT using the physical frailty phenotype (PFP), the short physical performance battery (SPPB), and self‐report (the Patient‐Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System [PROMIS] 4‐item physical function short form v2.0). Both the PFP and self‐reported frailty were independently associated with more than a 2‐fold greater odds of 30‐day rehospitalizations, while the SPPB was not. To our knowledge, this is the first study to assess the prognostic value of all three of the above frailty measures in patients undergoing KT. The PFP is more prognostic than the SPPB when assessing the risk of 30‐day rehospitalizations; self‐reported frailty can complement the PFP but not replace it. However, the 4‐item survey assessing self‐reported frailty represents a simple way to identify patients undergoing KT surgery who would benefit from interventions to lower the risk of rehospitalizations.
Serum β2‐Microglobulin Predicts Time to Recovery of Delayed Graft Function in Kidney Transplant Recipients
Authors: Parajuli Sandesh , Bloom Margaret , Mandelbrot Didier , Astor Brad C.
Published: August 2024

Background

Delayed graft function (DGF) after kidney transplantation is associated with adverse patients and allograft outcomes. A longer duration of DGF is predictive of worse graft outcomes compared to a shorter duration. Posttransplant serum β2‐microglobulin (B2M) is associated with long‐term graft outcomes, but its relationship with DGF recovery is unknown.

Methods

We included all kidney‐only transplant recipients with DGF enrolled in the E‐DGF trial. Duration of DGF was defined as the interval between the transplant and the last dialysis session. We analyzed the association of standardized serum creatinine (Scr) and B2M on postoperative Days (POD) 1–7 during the subsequent days of DGF with the recovery of DGF.

Results

A total of 97 recipients with DGF were included. The mean duration of DGF was 11.0 ± 11.2 days. Higher Scr was not associated with the duration of DGF in unadjusted or adjusted models. Higher standardized B2M, in contrast, was associated with a prolonged duration of DGF. This association remained in models adjusting for baseline characteristics from POD 2 (3.19 days longer, 95% CI: 0.46–5.93; p = 0.02) through Day 6 of DGF (4.97 days longer, 95% CI: 0.75–9.20; p = 0.02). There was minimal change in mean Scr (0.01 ± 0. 10 mg/dL per day; p = 0.32), while B2M significantly decreased as the time to recovery approached (–0.14 ± 0.05 mg/L per day; p = 0.006), among recipients with DGF.

Conclusion

B2M is more strongly associated with DGF recovery than Scr. Posttransplant B2M may be an important biomarker to monitor during DGF.

Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT 03864926
Clinical profiles of people enrolling in alcohol and other drug treatment in Australia: Do youth differ from young adults and adults?
Authors: Campbell Gabrielle , Pocuca Nina , Newland Grace , Ellem Rhiannon , Glasgow Sophia , Dignan Julie , Stokes Holly , Hides Leanne
Published: August 2024

Introduction

To examine and compare age groups on socio‐demographic, substance use, mental health, social and risk behaviour profiles of people entering alcohol and other drug (AOD) treatment in a large non‐government organisation (NGO) in Queensland and New South Wales, Australia.

Methods

Design—Cross‐sectional study; analysis of baseline routine outcome measures (ROM) and AOD minimum datasets for drug and alcohol treatment services. Setting and participants—People enrolling in Lives Lived Well, a large NGO AOD service between November 2020 and October 2022. Main outcome measures—Socio‐demographic, substance use, mental health, social factors and risk behaviours, by youth (≤24 years), young adults (25–35 years) and adults (>35 years).

Results

Between November 2020 and October 2022, 9413 clients enrolled in Lives Lived Well (LLW) AOD services and completed baseline ROMs. Over one‐fifth (21.9%) were youth (n = 2066), one‐third (32.4%) were young adults (n = 3052) and just under half (45.6%) were adults >35 years (n = 4295). The most common primary drug of concern was cannabis for youth, methamphetamine for young adults and alcohol for adults >35 years. Nearly two‐thirds (61.3%) reported moderate to severe symptoms of depression and 55.0% reported moderate to severe anxiety. Just under half (47.2%) screened positive for PTSD and two‐in‐five (40.4%) reported recent suicidal ideation. Co‐occurring mental health symptoms were more common in youth compared with young adults and adults >35 years.

Discussion and Conclusions

Co‐occurring mental health symptoms were high in the sample, particularly among youth. All age groups present with unique and complex socio‐demographic and clinical profiles that are important to understand to provide the most appropriate and effective treatment.