bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Financial analysts' reaction to voluntary integrated reporting: cross-sectional variation in institutional enforcement contexts
Authors: Rossignoli Francesca , Stacchezzini Riccardo , Lai Alessandro
Published: September 2021

Purpose

European countries are likely to increasingly adopt integrated reporting (IR) voluntarily, after the 2014/95/EU Directive is revised and other initiatives are implemented. Therefore, the present study provides insights on the relevance of IR in voluntary contexts by exploring analysts' reactions to the release of integrated reports in diverse institutional settings.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on voluntary disclosure theory, a quantitative empirical research method is used to explore the moderating role of country-level institutional characteristics on the associations between voluntary IR release and analyst forecast accuracy and dispersion.

Findings

IR informativeness is not uniform in the voluntary context and institutional settings play a moderating role. IR release is associated with increased consensus among analyst forecasts. However, in countries with weak institutional enforcement, a reverse association is detected, indicating that analysts rely largely on IR where the institutional setting strongly protects investors. Although a strong institutional setting boosts the IR release usefulness in terms of accuracy, it creates noise in analyst consensus.

Research limitations/implications

Academics can appreciate the usefulness of voluntary IR across the institutional enforcement contexts.

Practical implications

Managers can use these findings to understand opportunities offered by IR voluntary release. The study recommends that policymakers, standard setters and regulators strengthen the institutional enforcement of sustainability disclosure.

Originality/value

This study is a unique contribution to recent calls for research on the effects of nonfinancial disclosure regulation and on IR “impacts”. It shows on the international scale that IR usefulness for analysts is moderated by institutional patterns, not country-level institutional characteristics.
Coachability and the development of the coachability scale
Authors: Johnson Matthew J. , Kim Ki Ho , Colarelli Stephen M. , Boyajian Melanie
Published: September 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this research was to develop a conceptualization and measure of workplace coachability.

Design/methodology/approach

Using four independent samples of employed adults, we developed a short and long version of the Coachability Scale. We followed standard scale development practices, presenting evidence of the scales’ factor structure, reliability and validity.

Findings

With the first two samples, we derived an initial three-dimensional version of the Coachability Scale and provided evidence of convergent validity. With Samples 3 and 4, we expanded the scale with additional dimensions related to coaching feedback processes and accumulated additional evidence of the scale's validity, and provided evidence of convergence between the two versions of the Coachability Scale.

Research limitations/implications

We encourage continued research on the Coachability Scale, as well as research on coachability in formal coaching relationships and with more diverse populations and cultures. It is also important to examine how coachability relates to specific coachee behaviors and outcomes. Although common method bias may be a limitation, we used temporally separated measurements to minimize method bias in Sample 4.

Practical implications

Knowledge about coachability can inform coaching practice decisions and help tailor the coaching engagement to better fit the coachee's needs.

Social implications

Measuring how individuals respond to coaching and coaching relationships has important implications for managerial behavior and the quality of work life.

Originality/value

This is one of the first studies to develop valid scales for assessing workplace coachability.
Artist jewelry designer entrepreneurship: does it only glitter or is it also gold?
Authors: Brandão Amélia , Ramos Sílvia , Gadekar Mahesh
Published: September 2021

Purpose

Creative entrepreneurship has contributed to economic development of regions and countries and have become models for the countries in the Western world. Jewelry designer entrepreneurs are one of the contributors toward creative economy for their role in economic prosperity. This article aims to investigate brand-building efforts of jewelry designer entrepreneurs. This study also aims to explore how jewelry designer entrepreneurs develop and communicate brand narrative, and how brand backstories confer value to jewelry.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used a qualitative approach. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with seven Portuguese designer jewelry.

Findings

The study identified seven themes to reflect the brand narratives of the Portuguese jewelry designer entrepreneurs: designer artists considered the importance of international recognition; designer jewelry uses the ontological metaphor to connect emotionally; designer jewelry making a jewelry piece that is fluid and organic; limited association with fashion; distinctive brand communication; fair pricing strategy; and identifying self as artistic worker. The study also shows that jewelry designer entrepreneurs adopt a distinctive brand communication tactics to connect emotionally with imagine customers.

Practical implications

This study proposes a general and managerial guide to boost personal brand jewelry designer entrepreneurs through brand narratives.

Originality/value

This study bridges an academia gap on personal branding, exploring how jewelry designer entrepreneurs develop and communicate brand narrative and brand backstories adding value to the jewelry industry.
The pollination of the gynomonoecious Bdallophytum oxylepis (Cytinaceae, Malvales)
Authors: Rios‐Carrasco Sandra , de Jesús‐Celestino Lucero , Ortega‐González Pactli Fernando , Mandujano María C. , Hernández‐Najarro Francisco , Vázquez‐Santana Sonia
Published: September 2021

Bdallophytum oxylepis is a rare and endemic species belonging to the Cytinaceae family, a root holoparasitic plant in which most resources are allocated to attracting pollinators. This species is gynomonoecious with intraindividual variation in flower size and sex. Moreover, the flowers exhibit sapromyophilous traits, as do other species of Bdallophytum. Firstly, this study aimed to determine whether all floral morphs can form seeds and be pollen donors (in the case of bisexual flowers). Secondly, as this species has floral traits hypothesized to adapt to particular types of pollen vectors (carrion flies), we also studied the pollination of B. oxylepis to confirm whether the syndromes correspond to what occurs in nature. Through pollination treatments, we determined that all floral morphs are functional. By monitoring the inflorescences, we found that pollination is specialized in the studied population. Stingless bees performed pollination, as they have a high visitation rate, frequency, and constancy, and they are unique visitors that deposit pollen on the stigmas. Thus, they appear to be effective pollinators rather than carrion flies, as predicted by the syndrome. As shown here, animal–plant interaction studies can help establish a basis for conserving rare species such as holoparasites. Moreover, knowledge about the reproductive aspects of B. oxylepis reveals essential clues about its life cycle and role in maintaining native pollinators with economic and cultural value, such as stingless bees.
Fate of glacier surface snow‐originating bacteria in the glacier‐fed hydrologic continuums
Authors: Liu Keshao , Liu Yongqin , Hu Anyi , Wang Feng , Zhang Zhihao , Yan Qi , Ji Mukan , Vick‐Majors Trista J.
Published: September 2021

Glaciers represent important biomes of Earth and are recognized as key species pools for downstream aquatic environments. Worldwide, rapidly receding glaciers are driving shifts in hydrology, species distributions and threatening microbial diversity in glacier‐fed aquatic ecosystems. However, the impact of glacier surface snow‐originating taxa on the microbial diversity in downstream aquatic environments has been little explored. To elucidate the contribution of glacier surface snow‐originating taxa to bacterial diversity in downstream aquatic environments, we collected samples from glacier surface snows, downstream streams and lakes along three glacier‐fed hydrologic continuums on the Tibetan Plateau. Our results showed that glacier stream acts as recipients and vectors of bacteria originating from the glacier environments. The contributions of glacier surface snow‐originating taxa to downstream bacterial communities decrease from the streams to lakes, which was consistently observed in three geographically separated glacier‐fed ecosystems. Our results also revealed that some rare snow‐originating bacteria can thrive along the hydrologic continuums and become dominant in downstream habitats. Finally, our results indicated that the dispersal patterns of bacterial communities are largely determined by mass effects and increasingly subjected to local sorting of species along the glacier‐fed hydrologic continuums. Collectively, this study provides insights into the fate of bacterial assemblages in glacier surface snow following snow melt and how bacterial communities in aquatic environments are affected by the influx of glacier snow‐originating bacteria.
Early biochemical markers in the assessment of acute kidney injury in children after cardiac surgery
Authors: Galić Slobodan , Milošević Danko , Filipović‐Grčić Boris , Rogić Dunja , Vogrinc Željka , Ivančan Višnja , Matić Toni , Rubić Filip , Cvitković Miran , Bakoš Matija , Premužić Vedran
Published: September 2021

Our aim was to evaluate biochemical markers in plasma (NGAL, CysC) and urine (NGAL, KIM‐1) in children's early onset of acute kidney injury after congenital heart defect surgery using cardiopulmonary bypass. This study prospectively included 100 children with congenital heart defects who developed AKI. Patients with acute kidney injury had significantly higher CysC levels 6 and 12 h after cardiac surgery and plasma NGAL levels 2 and 6 h after cardiac surgery. The best predictive properties for the development of acute kidney injury are the combination (+CysCpl or +NGALu) after 12 h and a combination (+CysCpl and +NGALu) 6 and 24 h after cardiac surgery. We showed that plasma CysC and urinary NGAL could reliably predict the development of acute kidney injury. Measurement of early biochemical markers in plasma and urine, individually and combination, may predict the development of cardiac surgery‐associated acute kidney injury in children.
2D radiographs, cone‐beam computed tomography and 3D CBCT‐based planning software in access cavity preparation: A single blinded randomised controlled in vitro study
Authors: Christofzik David W. , Glandorf Patrick , Conrad Jonas , Fawzy El‐Sayed Karim M. , Größner‐Schreiber Birte , Dörfer Christof E.
Published: September 2021

This study compared endodontic access cavities prepared by operators of different experience levels (students, general‐practitioners and specialists), guided by periapical radiographs, cone‐beam computed tomography (CBCT) or 3D CBCT‐based planning software, with regards to tooth substance loss and preparation errors. Operators (n = 34) prepared endodontic access cavities in 306 three‐dimensionally printed copies of human teeth with standardised anatomies. Access cavities were volumetrically assessed post‐operative using digital scans, while preparation errors were evaluated with CBCT. Tooth substance loss was significantly influenced by the operator’s experience, being highest with students’, followed by general‐practitioners and specialists (P < 0.05), with no significant association with the employed imaging/planning modality. Pulp chamber floor, iatrogenic perforations and incomplete pulpal roof removal were insignificant between operator groups or imaging/planning modalities. It can be concluded that irrespective of advancement in imaging/planning modalities the practitioner’s experience level remains to be the decisive factor significantly influencing tooth substance loss during endodontic access cavity preparations.
Morphological characteristics of the forebrain in the donkey (Equus asinus): A compared atlas of magnetic resonance imaging and cross‐sectional anatomy
Authors: Abdel Maksoud Mohamed K. M. , Halfaya Fatma M. , Mahmoud HebatAllah H. , Ibrahim Azza A. H.
Published: September 2021

The brain is the most essential part of the central nervous system which regulates and coordinates all body activities. Based on its phylogenetic development from the neural tube, the brain is divided into rhombencephalon (hindbrain), mesencephalon (midbrain) and prosencephalon (forebrain). The present study is achieved to describe the morphological characteristics of the normal forebrain in the donkey using the matched magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and cross‐sectional anatomy. Ten cadaveric heads of healthy adult donkeys of both sexes were used. Two heads were examined using a 1.5 Tesla MRI scanner, and the brains of the other heads were gently extracted; six brains were sectioned into transverse, dorsal and sagittal slices, and two brains were grossly inspected. MR images were selected in correlation to their closely corresponding gross sections. Both cross‐sectional anatomy and MRI scans showed extensive gyration of the neocortex. The forebrain structures appeared with variable intensities on three sequences, Flair, T1‐weighted and T2‐weighted MRI, enabling comprehensive evaluation of the relevant neuroanatomical structures. The present study provided a precise neuroanatomical atlas of the forebrain in the donkey which could help in the quick and efficient interpretation of clinical diseases of the forebrain, localization of the forebrain functions and evolutionary neurobiology.
Combination therapies for COVID‐19: An overview of the clinical trials landscape
Authors: Akinbolade Sola , Coughlan Diarmuid , Fairbairn Ross , McConkey Glenn , Powell Helen , Ogunbayo Dapo , Craig Dawn
Published: September 2021

The COVID‐19 pandemic has driven an unprecedented level of global activity in drug discovery and clinical development for effective therapeutics targeting the coronavirus disease. There are currently 744 therapeutics being tested in 2879 clinical trials globally. Almost 90% of these clinical trials are focused on monotherapies. Combination therapies are the mainstay of antiviral therapeutics to increase the potency of the individual compounds and to combat the rapid evolution of resistance, although combination therapies have inherently complex clinical and regulatory development challenges. Increased understanding of the SARS‐CoV‐2 lifecycle and COVID‐19 pathology provides a scientific rationale for evaluating the effectiveness of different combinations. In this paper, we provide an overview of the current clinical trial landscape for combination therapeutics targeting COVID‐19 through weekly scanning of national and international clinical trial registries. Our analysis delves specifically into dual combination therapies in what can be defined as “pivotal clinical trials” (active, randomised, controlled and at least phase II), with a focus on new and repurposed therapeutic candidates that have shown positive signals and/or been granted authorisation for emergency use based on positive efficacy and safety data.
Translational and clinical pharmacology considerations in drug repurposing for X‐linked adrenoleukodystrophy—A rare peroxisomal disorder
Authors: Tieu Julianne H. , Sahasrabudhe Siddhee A. , Orchard Paul J. , Cloyd James C. , Kartha Reena V.
Published: September 2021

X‐linked adrenoleukodystrophy (X‐ALD) is an inherited, neurodegenerative rare disease that can result in devastating symptoms of blindness, gait disturbances and spastic quadriparesis due to progressive demyelination. Typically, the disease progresses rapidly, causing death within the first decade of life. With limited treatments available, efforts to determine an effective therapy that can alter disease progression or mitigate symptoms have been undertaken for many years, particularly through drug repurposing. Repurposing has generally been guided through clinical experience and small trials. At this time, none of the drug candidates have been approved for use, which may be due, in part, to the lack of pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic information on the repurposed medications in the target patient population. Greater consideration for the disease pathophysiology, drug pharmacology and potential drug–target interactions, specifically at the site of action, would improve drug repurposing and facilitate drug development. Incorporating advanced translational and clinical pharmacological approaches in preclinical studies and early‐stage clinical trials will improve the success of repurposed drugs for X‐ALD as well as other rare diseases.
Healthy volunteers in first‐in‐human oncology drug development for small molecules
Authors: de las Heras Begoña , Bouyoucef‐Cherchalli Dalila , Reeve Lesley , Reichl Andreas , Mandarino Debra , Flach Stephen , Vidal Laura , van Brummelen Emilie M. J. , Steeghs Neeltje
Published: September 2021

This review provides tools to consider the inclusion of healthy volunteers (HVs) in first‐in‐human (FIH) oncology clinical trials with small molecules, including targeted and immunomodulatory agents, a strategy that was not envisioned with classic chemotherapy. To enable an FIH oncology trial in HVs compared to cancer patients (CPs), a robust nonclinical package must be generated, which includes toxicokinetic and pharmacokinetic studies, as well as more extensive safety pharmacology, toxicology and genotoxicity studies. This strategy could provide an early clinical characterization of the pharmacokinetic parameters and clinical safety profile in the absence of comorbidities and concomitant medication. It also avoids the ethical issue of administrating subtherapeutic doses to CPs, and could potentially help to accelerate the timelines of clinical drug development for patient care. That being said, stakeholders involved in these studies need to proceed with caution, fully understand the regulatory guidance and thoroughly evaluate the benefits and risks. This paper serves to address the regulatory guidance and other considerations needed when using healthy volunteers in early oncology trials.
Revisiting Boarding School Syndrome: The Anatomy of Psychological Traumas and Sexual Abuse
Authors: Schaverien Joy
Published: September 2021

The ABC‐D of Boarding School Syndrome clarifies the anatomy of the series of psychological traumas and sexual abuses that contribute to what, in 2011, I first classified as Boarding School Syndrome. The premise is that going to boarding school at a young age may inflict emotional injuries with lasting psychological consequences. The purpose here, ten years on, is to elucidate more fully aspects of the trauma embedded in the earlier writings and in the book Boarding School Syndrome. Research over the intervening years has led to developing an understanding of this enduring harm as presented in adult psychotherapy patients. The initials ABC‐D refer to the elements that constitute the multiple traumas suffered by the children: abandonment, bereavement, captivity and as a result, for some, disassociation. As a consequence, children may be vulnerable to sexual advances from paedophile adults, school bullies and the confusing, sexually charged, solace found in dormitories with other children. The accumulation of these events may have the long‐term effect of distorting intimate relationships and adult sexuality.
Mental health of adolescents after bariatric surgery: A textual analysis
Authors: Rigal Natalie , Bouvet Cyrille , Oderda Leslie , Tounian Patrick , Urdapilleta Isabel
Published: September 2021

Mental health after bariatric surgery during adolescence has been little explored. This is a sensitive period in terms of self‐image on which bariatric surgery could have negative effects because of the rapid and significant changes in morphology it induces. Previous studies have explored mental effects using questionnaires and only related to psychopathological disorders. The objective of our study was to complement these studies by exploring, via in‐depth interviews, the adolescents' views on changes after bariatric surgery at psychological as well as socio‐emotional levels. Fourteen adolescents with obesity were recruited in a French hospital 6–43 months after surgery. They participated in one‐on‐one interviews lasting an average of 45 minutes. A lexical analysis (using ALCESTE software©) of their speech highlighted the most positive effects, particularly in terms of social relationships, physical activities, self‐esteem and reduced stigma, along with less positive effects in terms of eating behaviour and skin. In terms of clinical implications, this study confirmed the value of bariatric surgery for adolescents at psychological and social levels and its contribution to their mental health. However, it also highlighted the importance of pre‐ and post‐operative support.
Multifunctional organic shockproof flexible sensors based on a composite of nickel phthalocyanine colourant, carbon nanotubes and rubber created with rubbing‐in technology
Authors: Asghar Umair , Karimov Khasan S. , Ibrahim Mohd Adib , Fatima Noshin
Published: September 2021

An organic multifunctional sensor based on a composite of nickel phthalocyanine colourant, multi‐walled carbon nanotubes and rubber is investigated in this work. The whole surface‐type device was fabricated over rubber substrate with rubbing‐in technology, including multi‐walled carbon nanotubes‐based electrodes. The proposed shockproof and flexible sensor is investigated in terms of its electric parameters, that is, its resistance and impedance, while varying the humidity (42%‐90% relative humidity), frequency (0.1‐200 kHz) and temperature (30‐68°C). The effect of each parameter is explained in depth to enhance the physics behind each outcome. The results demonstrate that impedance and resistance decrease with increases in temperature and humidity, while the sensitivity of the device decreases with an increase in frequency. These types of devices can be utilised by the medical industry for monitoring the humidity and temperature of patients while undergoing physiotherapy treatment.
Using recent baselines as benchmarks for megafauna restoration places an unfair burden on the Global South
Authors: Monsarrat Sophie , Svenning Jens‐Christian
Published: September 2021

The potential for megafauna restoration is unevenly distributed across the world, along with the socio‐political capacity of countries to support these restoration initiatives. We show that choosing a recent baseline to identify species' indigenous range puts a higher burden for megafauna restoration on countries in the Global South, which also have less capacity to support these restoration initiatives. We introduce the Megafauna Index, which considers large mammal's potential species richness and range area at the country level, to explore how the responsibility for megafauna restoration is distributed across the world according to four scenarios using various temporal benchmarks to define species' indigenous range – current, historical (1500 AD), mid‐Holocene and Pleistocene. We test how the distribution of restoration burden across the world correlates with indicators of conservation funding, human development and governance. Using a recent or historical baseline as a benchmark for restoration puts a higher pressure on African and south‐east Asian countries while lifting the responsibility from the Global North, where extinctions happened a long time ago. When using a mid‐Holocene or Pleistocene baseline, new opportunities arise for megafauna restoration in Europe and North America, respectively, where countries have a higher financial and societal capacity to support megafauna restoration. These results contribute to the debate around benchmarks in rewilding initiatives and the ethical implications of using recent baselines to guide restoration efforts. We suggest that countries from the Global North should reflect on their responsibility in supporting global restoration efforts, by both increasing their support for capacity building in the Global South and taking responsibility for restoring lost megafauna at home.
On allowing for transient variation in end‐member δ13C values in partitioning soil C fluxes from net ecosystem respiration
Authors: McCloskey Christopher S. , Otten Wilfred , Paterson Eric , Kirk Guy J. D.
Published: September 2021

The use of stable isotope analysis to resolve ecosystem respiration into its plant and soil components rests on how well the end‐member isotope signatures (δ13C) are characterised. In general, it is assumed that end‐member values are constant over time. However, there are necessarily diurnal and other transient variations in end‐members with environmental conditions. We analyse diurnal and seasonal patterns of ecosystem respiration and its δ13C in a C4 grass growing in a C3 soil using fixed and diurnally varying plant and soil δ13C end‐members. We measure the end‐members independently, and we assess the effects of expected variation in values. We show that variation in end‐members within realistic ranges, particularly diurnal changes in the plant end‐member, can cause partitioning errors of 40% during periods of high plant growth. The effect depends on how close the end‐member is to the measured net respiration δ13C, that is, the proportion of the respiration due to that end‐member. We show light‐driven variation in plant end‐members can cause substantial distortion of partitioned soil organic matter (SOM) flux patterns on a diurnal scale and cause underestimation of daily to annual SOM turnover of approximately 25%. We conclude that, while it is not practicable to independently measure the full temporal variation in end‐member values over a growing season, this error may be adjusted for by using a diurnally varying δ13Cplant.

Highlights

End‐member δ13C values used to partition ecosystem respiration vary diurnally and seasonally

Patterns of ecosystem respiration and its δ13C in a C4 grass growing in a C3 soil were analysed.

Ignoring temporal changes in end‐member δ13C values can cause large errors in partitioning

Long‐term data sets with sufficient temporal resolution can be used to correct for this
Distance factors and establishment mode choice of emerging‐market multinationals: The moderating effect of administrative distance
Authors: Rienda Laura , Quer Diego , Andreu Rosario
Published: September 2021

Regulations, governance quality, and political structure are important factors that may alter the cost and difficulties associated with doing business in foreign markets. Emerging‐market multinationals (EMNEs), with an imperative motivation to go abroad and to be competitive in a global landscape, should consider the impact of administrative distance, namely, the regulatory institutional differences between home and host countries. We suggest that the study of administrative distance is particularly important when addressing investment flows from emerging economies to developed ones, because of the differences between them. Drawing on transaction cost theory and institutional perspective, we analyze the moderating effect of administrative distance on the relationship between other cross‐national distance factors—cultural, geographic and economic—and establishment mode choice of EMNEs. From a sample of 357 outward foreign direct investments carried out by Indian firms, our results show that administrative distance moderates the relationship between cultural, geographic and economic distance, and establishment mode decisions.
How does responsible leadership emerge? An emergentist perspective
Authors: Meliou Elina , Ozbilgin Mustafa , Edwards Tim
Published: September 2021

Increasing academic and practitioner conversations regarding corporate responsibility, have led some leadership scholars to question the possibilities to accomplish responsible leadership. Drawing on an emergentist perspective, through an empirical study in three organizations, the article develops the responsible leadership literature by offering a critical analysis of the emergence of responsible leadership. Our key finding is that responsible leadership emerges as participants' “shared concerns,” namely: ‘environmental and communal concerns,” “professional concerns,” “employment concerns,” and “commercial concerns,” which constitute social arrangements that give meaning to what is responsible and possible. The theoretical perspective we develop highlights the conditioning role of shared and nested concerns of the study participants and unpack how the social context variously shapes responsible leadership.
Activated N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate receptor ion channels detected in focal epilepsy with [18F]GE‐179 positron emission tomography
Authors: Vibholm Ali K. , Dietz Martin J. , Beniczky Sándor , Christensen Jakob , Højlund Andreas , Jacobsen Jan , Bender Dirk , Møller Arne , Brooks David J.
Published: September 2021

Objective

Imaging activated glutamate N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate receptor ion channels (NMDAR‐ICs) using positron emission tomography (PET) has proved challenging due to low brain uptake, poor affinity and selectivity, and high metabolism and dissociation rates of candidate radioligands. The radioligand [18F]GE‐179 is a known use‐dependent marker of NMDAR‐ICs. We studied whether interictal [18F]GE‐179 PET would detect foci of abnormal NMDAR‐IC activation in patients with refractory focal epilepsy.

Methods

Ten patients with refractory focal epilepsy and 18 healthy controls had structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) followed by a 90‐min dynamic [18F]GE‐179 PET scan with simultaneous electroencephalography (EEG). PET and EEG findings were compared with MRI and previous EEGs. Standard uptake value (SUV) images of [18F]GE‐179 were generated and global gray matter uptake was measured for each individual. To localize focal increases in uptake of [18F]GE‐179, the individual SUV images were interrogated with statistical parametric mapping in comparison to a normal database. Additionally, individual healthy control SUV images were compared with the rest of the control database to determine their prevalence of increased focal [18F]GE‐179 uptake.

Results

Interictal [18F]GE‐179 PET detected clusters of significantly increased binding in eight of 10 patients with focal epilepsy but none of the controls. The number of clusters of raised [18F]GE‐179 uptake in the patients with epilepsy exceeded the focal abnormalities revealed by the simultaneously recorded EEG. Patients with extensive clusters of raised [18F]GE‐179 uptake showed the most abnormal EEGs.

Significance

Detection of multiple foci of abnormal NMDAR‐IC activation in 80% of our patients with refractory focal epilepsy using interictal [18F]GE‐179 PET could reflect enhanced neuronal excitability due to chronic seizure activity. This indicates that chronic epileptic activity is associated with abnormal NMDAR ion channel activation beyond the initial irritative zones. [18F]GE‐179 PET could be a candidate marker for identifying pathological brain areas in patients with treatment‐resistant focal epilepsy.
Male anti‐predation services in primates as costly signalling? A comparative analysis and review
Authors: van Schaik Carel P. , Bshary Redouan , Wagner Gretchen , Cunha Filipe
Published: September 2021

In species in which adults of the two sexes show long‐term association, males often engage in acts of assistance (“services”) aimed at females and/or their young in various behavioural contexts that are not reciprocated. We conducted a quantitative review of the primate literature on sex differences in involvement in protection against predation. We found that males were more likely to be at the front of group progressions, especially in contexts of increased risk, were more vigilant, sometimes to the point of becoming sentinels, were more active in mobbing, and were far more likely to counter‐attack felids and monkey‐eating raptors than females did. Our evaluation showed that these services may be an expression of male parental care or aimed at bonded partners, but we also encountered many cases in which non‐sires, unrelated to either females or immatures, provide them. We hence investigate explanations invoking group augmentation or costly signalling. Currently, available data on male anti‐predation services in nonhuman primates do not allow us to distinguish among them, although costly signalling better explains data on birds and humans. We develop predictions that will allow more detailed tests of the various hypotheses for this understudied phenomenon.
Reciprocal associations between affectual, associational, and normative solidarity with parents during children’s early to established adulthood
Authors: Hwang Woosang , Kim Jeung Hyun , Cheng Kent Jason , Brown Maria T. , Silverstein Merril
Published: September 2021

Intergenerational solidarity has become increasingly important to understand, as close family members mobilize the provision of social support across generations and contribute to family wellbeing. However, less is known about continuity and change in normative (eldercare norms), affectual, and associational solidarity with mothers and fathers as children emerge into full or established adulthood. Therefore, we focused on reciprocal associations between three dimensions of intergenerational solidarity (normative, affectual, and associational) as reported by young‐adult children from their early twenties to late thirties. Data were derived from respondents in the Longitudinal Study of Generations: daughters reported about relationships with 291 mother–father pairs and sons reported about relationships with 309 mother–father pairs in 2000, 2005, and 2016. Autoregressive cross‐lagged models prospectively predicted mutual influences among the three dimensions of solidarity across daughter‐parent and son‐parent relationships. In addition, multiple group analysis was conducted to examine the children's gender difference. We found that normative solidarity and emotional closeness with mothers were mutually reinforcing in daughters’ and sons’ parental relationships. However, normative solidarity predicted emotional closeness with fathers in both daughter‐parent and son‐parent relationships. The study concludes that sons and daughters establish eldercare norms based on emotional components of solidarity with mothers, and suggest that filial duty is a key reason why mother‐child relations become close over the family life course.
A comparison of nutritional values, physicochemical features and in vitro bioactivities of Southern Thai short‐grain brown rice with commercial long‐grain varieties
Authors: Chumsri Paramee , Chaijan Manat , Panpipat Worawan
Published: September 2021

This study aimed to determine the nutritional, physicochemical and bioactive characteristics of brown rice from the Noui Khuea (NK) cultivar, a non‐pigmented short grain from Southern Thailand, in comparison with commercial non‐pigmented long‐grain Hom Mali (HM) and pigmented long‐grain Sung Yod (SY) cultivars. The A‐type XRD pattern was found in all samples of flour. All starch granules had a spherical shape with variable diameters (3.1‐3.9 μm). The discrepancies in pasting properties across rice flours were explained by variances in compositions, particularly the amylose level. NK was classified as a high amylose rice, whereas SY and HM were classed as intermediate and low amylose types, respectively. Protein, minerals (phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, manganese, zinc and iron) and α‐tocopherol were all higher in NK. SY showed the highest total phenolic content (29.38 mg GAE/g), largely in bound form. Several phenolic compounds (e.g. phenolic acids, esters and glucosides) were discovered. NK extract had the highest ACE‐inhibitory activity (72.12%), but SY extract showed the strongest DPPH•/ABTS•+ inhibitions, FRAP and α‐amylase/α‐glucosidase inhibitions. Thus, the rice variety had a significant impact on its quality and bioactivity, and NK could be a viable alternative for both domestic and industrial use as a functional food ingredient.
The conformation and physico‐chemical properties of pH‐treated golden pompano protein on the oil/water interfacial properties and emulsion stability
Authors: Sun Shuang , Li Sihui , Yan Huijia , Zou Henan , Yu Cuiping
Published: September 2021

The influence of pH (3.0, 5.0, 7.0 and 9.0) on the conformation, physico‐chemical properties, interfacial properties and emulsion stability of golden pompano protein (GPP) was investigated. The conformation structures of GPP were characterised by Fourier transform‐infrared spectroscopy and intrinsic emission fluorescence spectroscopy. The particle size, zeta‐potential and solubility of GPP were also investigated. The interfacial properties were characterised by the interfacial tension and the percentage of absorbed protein at the oil/water interface. GPP under pH 3.0 displayed a lowest interfacial tension, the highest emulsifying stability index value. Creaming stability, viscosity and microstructure of the emulsion stabilised by GPP under different oil/water ratios (2:8, 3:7, 4:6 and 5:5) (v/v) were also investigated. The increase of the oil/water ratio increased the viscosity of the continuous phase, thereby improving the emulsion stability. The conformational changes of GPP significantly affected their physico‐chemical and interfacial properties, thus improving GPP‐stabilised emulsion stability.
Anthropometric models to estimate fat mass at 3 days, 15 and 54 weeks
Authors: Gopalakrishnamoorthy Mahalakshmi , Whyte Kathryn , Horowitz Michelle , Widen Elizabeth , Toro‐Ramos Tatiana , Johnson Jill , Gidwani Sonia , Paley Charles , Rosenn Barak , Lin Susan , Thornton John , Pi‐Sunyer Xavier , Gallagher Dympna
Published: September 2021

Background

Currently available infant body composition measurement methods are impractical for routine clinical use. The study developed anthropometric equations (AEs) to estimate fat mass (FM, kg) during the first year using air displacement plethysmography (PEA POD® Infant Body Composition System) and Infant quantitative magnetic resonance (Infant‐QMR) as criterion methods.

Methods

Multi‐ethnic full‐term infants (n = 191) were measured at 3 days, 15 and 54 weeks. Sex, race/ethnicity, gestational age, age (days), weight‐kg (W), length‐cm (L), head circumferences‐cm (HC), skinfold thicknesses mm [triceps (TRI), thigh (THI), subscapular (SCP), and iliac (IL)], and FM by PEA POD® and Infant‐QMR were collected. Stepwise linear regression determined the model that best predicted FM.

Results

Weight, length, head circumference, and skinfolds of triceps, thigh, and subscapular, but not iliac, significantly predicted FM throughout infancy in both the Infant‐QMR and PEA POD models. Sex had an interaction effect at 3 days and 15 weeks for both the models.

The coefficient of determination [R2] and root mean square error were 0.87 (66 g) at 3 days, 0.92 (153 g) at 15 weeks, and 0.82 (278 g) at 54 weeks for the Infant‐QMR models; 0.77 (80 g) at 3 days and 0.82 (195 g) at 15 weeks for the PEA POD models respectively.

Conclusions

Both PEA POD and Infant‐QMR derived models predict FM using skinfolds, weight, head circumference, and length with acceptable R2 and residual patterns.
2021 International Statistical Institute Mahalanobis Award: A Tribute to Heleno Bolfarine
Authors: Ruggeri Fabrizio , Bolfarine Henrique , Bazán Jorge Luis , Arellano‐Valle Reinaldo B. , Lachos Davila Victor Hugo , de Castro Mário
Published: September 2021

The Government of India sponsors the Mahalanobis International Award, which, managed by the International Statistical Institute, is presented every other year at the International Statistical Institute World Statistics Congress. The Mahalanobis Award recognises an individual for lifetime achievements in statistics in a developing country or region. This article celebrates the 2021 winner, Prof. Heleno Bolfarine, who, unfortunately, passed away a few days before the award ceremony.
Five‐in‐One: Simultaneous isolation of multiple major liver cell types from livers of normal and NASH mice
Authors: Zhou Ye , Adewale Funmilola , Kim Sun , Su Qi , Glass David , Sleeman Mark W. , Murphy Andrew J. , Cheng Xiping
Published: September 2021

NASH is a chronic liver disease that affects 3%–6% of individuals and requires urgent therapeutic developments. Isolating the key cell types in the liver is a necessary step towards understanding their function and roles in disease pathogenesis. However, traditional isolation methods through gradient centrifugation can only collect one or a few cell types simultaneously and pose technical difficulties when applied to NASH livers. Taking advantage of identified cell surface markers from liver single‐cell RNAseq, here we established the combination of gradient centrifugation and antibody‐based cell sorting techniques to isolate five key liver cell types (hepatocytes, endothelial cells, stellate cells, macrophages and other immune cells) from a single mouse liver. This method yielded high purity of each cell type from healthy and NASH livers. Our five‐in‐one protocol simultaneously isolates key liver cell types with high purity under normal and NASH conditions, enabling for systematic and accurate exploratory experiments such as RNA sequencing.
A case of resistant multiple plantar warts cured with combined autologous platelet‐rich plasma injection and topical salicylic acid 30%
Authors: Abu El‐Hamd Mohammed , Aboeldahab Soha
Published: September 2021

Background

Plantar warts are common benign cutaneous lesions affecting the plantar aspects of the feet; they are caused by infection of the keratinocytes by the human papillomavirus (HPV). The effective treatment of plantar warts is still a therapeutic challenge.

Aim

This study aimed to assess the possible clinical efficacy and safety of the combined intralesional autologous platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) injection with local application of salicylic acid 30% solution in the treatment of multiple resistant plantar warts.

Method

In the present case, a 54‐year‐old immunocompetent male patient presented with multiple, bilateral resistant plantar warts.

Results

A complete clearance of the plantar warts was observed after three sessions of intralesional autologous PRP injections with one‐month interval, combined with twice‐daily local application of salicylic acid 30% solution between sessions. No recurrence was recorded after a nine‐month follow‐up from the last session. There were no reported side effects during or after the sessions.

Conclusion

The combined intralesional autologous PRP injection with topical salicylic acid is an effective, economic, and safe modality of treatment for multiple resistant plantar warts.
Differences in self‐care knowledge, self‐efficacy, psychological distress and self‐management between patients with early‐ and end‐stage chronic kidney disease
Authors: Wu Shu‐Fang Vivienne , Wang Tsae‐Jyy , Liang Shu‐Yuan , Lin Li‐Ju , Lu Yu‐Yin , Lee Mei‐Chen
Published: September 2021

Aims

The study compares the differences in self‐care knowledge, self‐efficacy, psychological distress and self‐management between patients with early‐ and end‐stage chronic kidney disease (CKD), and predicts the influential factors of self‐management.

Design

A cross‐sectional study.

Methods

A total of 185 subjects by using convenience sampling from one teaching hospital were collected. The research instruments included the Chronic Kidney Disease Self‐Care Instrument Knowledge, the Chronic Kidney Disease Self‐Efficacy Instrument, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and the Chronic Kidney Disease Self‐Management Instrument. Descriptive statistics is used frequency, percentage, mean and standard deviation. Inferential statistics is used independent t‐test, one‐way ANOVA and multiple linear regression analysis. STROBE checklist was used as the guideline for this study.

Results

Our results showed that a significant difference was found in the age (p = 0.005), systolic pressure (p = .006), self‐care knowledge (p = .011) and depression level (p = .003) between patients with early‐ and end‐stage CKD. Furthermore, patients with early‐stage CKD have less self‐care knowledge and lower depression levels compared with patients with end‐stage CKD. However, self‐efficacy is the most significant predictor of self‐management for patients with early‐ and end‐stage CKD. For patients with early‐stage CKD, self‐efficacy explained 69.1% of the variation in self‐management.

Conclusion

According to our results, the management of depression in patients with CKD may improve their outcomes. Improving self‐care knowledge of patients with end‐stage CKD may improve their self‐management. Therefore, our findings suggest various interventions with different necessary and prioritised precision care at early‐ and late‐stage of CKD.

Relevance to clinical practice: Nurses should strive to improve the self‐care knowledge of patients with early‐stage CKD to delay the progression of the disease to end‐stage. Screening for depression among patients with end‐stage CKD is relevant, and these patients should be referred to professional counsellors when necessary.
Partisan Professionals: Evidence from Credit Rating Analysts
Authors: KEMPF ELISABETH , TSOUTSOURA MARGARITA
Published: September 2021

Partisan perception affects the actions of professionals in the financial sector. Linking credit rating analysts to party affiliations from voter records, we show that analysts not affiliated with the U.S. president's party downward‐adjust corporate credit ratings more frequently. Since we compare analysts with different party affiliations covering the same firm in the same quarter, differences in firm fundamentals cannot explain the results. We also find a sharp divergence in the rating actions of Democratic and Republican analysts around the 2016 presidential election. Our results show that analysts' partisan perception has price effects and may influence firms' investment policies.
A diary study on shared leadership, team work engagement, and goal attainment
Authors: Klasmeier Kai N. , Rowold Jens
Published: September 2021

Theory of shared leadership has suggested that this informal source of team leadership is highly dynamic and changes over time. We draw on this assumption and provide new insights about the nature of short‐term changes in shared leadership. Additionally, we advance the nomological network of shared leadership by examining the within‐team relations of day‐level shared leadership with cohesion, team work engagement, and goal attainment. To study these dynamics and short‐term relationships, we conducted a daily‐diary study. We collected daily measures from 53 teams with 187 team members resulting in 725 person‐days and 207 team‐days. Bayesian multilevel modelling supported our hypotheses as daily shared leadership was linked to daily cohesion, team work engagement, and goal attainment. The findings contribute to the understanding of within‐team associations of shared leadership and add to the understanding about the dynamic nature of this team state. Limitations and directions for further research are then discussed.

Practitioner points

Team’s daily shared leadership behaviour is related to day‐level team work engagement.

Teams can improve their day‐level collaboration by engaging in shared leadership.

Daily shared leadership facilitates daily progress in attaining team goals.