bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Building a nomological network for creative learning transfer focusing on leadership development
Authors: Kim Junhee , Beyerlein Michael , Wang Jia , Han Soo Jeoung
Published: July 2023

Purpose

The study attempts to build a creative learning transfer (CLT) theory represented by a nomological network incorporating relevant theories and empirical support for the relationships among the transfer predictors in the learning transfer system (LTS), leaders' CLT and their job performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors used 76-item survey data from 471 managers who worked for 16 large companies located in South Korea, had completed leadership training at least three months before the data collection and had received a performance review just before the data collection. A series of exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses (CFA) and reliability tests were conducted, followed by a common method variance test and structural equation modeling.

Findings

A nomological network of LTS, CLT and job performance was established. The findings supported the mechanism for motivating managers to transfer acquired leadership skills to challenging organizational situations and eventually, increase their managerial job performance. This study provided a parsimonious CLT scale and verified the influence of CLT on leaders' job performance.

Originality/value

This study is the first attempt to measure the concept of CLT and suggest a parsimonious CLT scale. In addition, this study conceptualized, operationalized and confirmed a nomological network for CLT. Organizations may develop such a system and help managers apply the learned leadership knowledge and skills to novel business situations for creating more competitive work systems, products and services.
The nexus between leadership styles and organizational performance: the mediating role of quality culture
Authors: Iqbal Shahzaf , Taib Che Azlan Bin , Razalli Mohd. Rizal
Published: July 2023

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the mediating role of quality culture (QC) between transformational leadership (TFL), transactional leadership (TNL) and organizational performance (OP) in higher education institutions.

Design/methodology/approach

The study collects data through a nationwide survey of administrators representing public and private universities in Pakistan using stratified random sampling techniques, while partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) is used for data analysis.

Findings

The results show that both TFL and TNL directly influence QC and that QC directly influences OP. Additionally, the study reveals significant indirect effects of TFL and TNL on OP through QC. However, the direct effects of TFL and TNL on OP are not empirically supported.

Research limitations/implications

This study contributes theoretically to the understanding of OP in universities by examining valuable resources (TFL, TNL) and dynamic capability (QC) as predictors while also introducing QC as a mediator to explain the underlying mechanism between TFL, TNL and OP. However, limitations include a cross-sectional design, a small sample size and reliance on administrators' perceptions as the sole respondents.

Practical implications

This study provides interesting insights for leaders, policymakers and quality managers to integrate valuable, dynamic resources and foster QC by increasing quality awareness at all departmental levels, thereby improving university performance.

Originality/value

The novelty of this study is the introduction of QC as a mediator of TFL, TNL and OP in a university setting.
Towards a future-proof organisation: using foresight in HR and organisational development
Authors: Ambrosat Sophie , Grünwald Christian
Published: July 2023

Purpose

Although trends such as digitisation, demographic change and flexibilisation of work have been recognised by many human resource (HR) practitioners, this viewpoint paper argues that future-orientation in the HR sector could benefit from making use of the foresight perspective. Foresight is understood as the systematic, method-guided analysis and discussion of possible future developments. The goal is to build future-robust structures in organisations at an early stage and to identify emerging skill needs. This paper aims to make HR professionals aware of the potential of foresight for their strategic activities.

Design/methodology/approach

Introducing the approach of strategic foresight to the field of HR, this study derives the argumentation from a discussion of literature and practitioners’ experiences.

Findings

So far, foresight in companies has mainly been conducted by strategy and innovation units, with HR and organisational development playing a subordinate role. However, foresight can contribute to gaining a competitive advantage and proactively shape future success factors in the organisation.

Practical implications

The authors advise practitioners to begin implementing strategic foresight within HR departments and organisational development to build future-proof organisations.

Originality/value

This paper introduces strategic foresight to the field of HR and points to a lack of integration between potentially existing foresight activities and people and culture considerations for the future.
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection in patients with autoimmune bullous diseases in China
Authors: Zhang Jia‐Ling , Wang Si‐Hang , Cui Sheng‐Nan , Zhang Jie , Li Si‐Zhe , Li Li , Zuo Ya‐Gang
Published: July 2023

Patients with autoimmune bullous diseases (AIBDs) are considered to be immunocompromised and, consequently, they may be more susceptible to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) infection and have poorer outcomes. However, the risk and repercussions of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection in patients with AIBDs have not been fully understood. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the risk factors of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection and the impact of SARS‐CoV‐2 on patients with AIBDs. From December 2022 to January 2023, all patients with AIBDs who visited our clinic were enrolled in this study. Meanwhile, web‐based questionnaires and telesurveys were used as supplements. Information about patients' demographics, comorbidities, SARS‐CoV‐2 infection, and vaccination, as well as AIBD status and treatments were collected and analyzed. The diagnosis of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection was based on a positive polymerase chain reaction test, and/or an antigen test, or the presence of typical symptoms in conjunction with an epidemiological history. Finally, 95 patients with AIBDs were enrolled, including 47 cases of pemphigus and 48 cases of pemphigoid cases, and 73 had symptoms consistent with coronavirus disease 2019. Common symptoms after SARS‐CoV‐2 infection were fever (80.8%), fatigue (75.0%), cough (71.2%), muscle/joint pain (49.3%), and sore throat (45.2%). No significant differences were found between SARS‐CoV‐2–infected and asymptomatic patients. Patients who had hypertension (p = 0.034), hyperlipidemia (p = 0.017), or more than two comorbidities (p = 0.011) were more likely to develop pneumonia after infection. Patients with pemphigus who did not achieve disease control (p = 0.045) or had an oral corticosteroid dose ≥15 mg/day (p = 0.024) and patients with pemphigoid with a disease duration ≥2 years (p = 0.037) were more prone to AIBDs aggravation. In conclusion, patients with AIBDs are generally susceptible to SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. Individuals with newly diagnosed AIBDs, uncontrolled disease, and a higher corticosteroid dose are more susceptible to disease exacerbation.
Association between glucocorticoid discontinuation and incidence of infection in older adults with rheumatoid arthritis: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Goto Yutaka , Nagafuchi Hiroko , Kaga Yasuyuki , Kawahata Kimito
Published: July 2023

Aim

Old age and glucocorticoid (GC) use increase the susceptibility to infection in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Accordingly, we investigated whether GC discontinuation reduces the incidence of infection in older adults with RA and analyzed factors associated with GC discontinuation.

Methods

Medical records of patients with RA aged ≥60 years were retrieved, and the association between GC use and the incidence of infection was investigated. The participants were divided into three groups: GC‐continued, GC‐discontinued, and non‐GC; the incidence of infection was statistically analyzed. Furthermore, patient treatments and comorbidities were examined.

Results

Among 389 patients with RA included in the study (n = 122, n = 126, and n = 141 in the GC‐discontinued, GC‐continued, and non‐GC groups, respectively), 65 (16.7%) patients developed infection, and the incidence of infection was significantly higher in the GC‐continued group than in the GC‐discontinued (p = .021) and non‐GC (p = .0003) groups; there was no significant difference between the non‐GC and GC‐discontinued groups (p = .659). The GC‐discontinued group was more likely to require biologic use throughout the disease course than the other two groups. Comorbidities, especially malignancies (p = .004), were more common in the GC‐continued group than in the GC‐discontinued group (p = .007).

Conclusion

In patients with RA aged ≥60 years receiving GCs, GC discontinuation reduced the incidence of infection. Therefore, a further analysis of factors that help reduce GC use is necessary.
Fibroblast growth factor 10 ameliorates neurodegeneration in mouse and cellular models of Alzheimer's disease via reducing tau hyperphosphorylation and neuronal apoptosis
Authors: Guo Kaiming , Huang Wenting , Chen Kun , Huang Pengkai , Peng Wenshuo , Shi Ruiqing , He Tao , Zhang Mulan , Wang Hao , Hu Jian , Wang Xinshi , Shentu Yangping , Xu Huiqin , Lin Li
Published: July 2023

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized with senile plaques formed by Aβ deposition, and neurofibrillary tangles composed of hyperphosphorylated tau protein, which ultimately lead to cognitive impairment. Despite the heavy economic and life burdens faced by the patients with AD, effective treatments are still lacking. Previous studies have reported the neuroprotective effects of FGF10 in CNS diseases, but its role in AD remains unclear. In this study, we demonstrated that FGF10 levels were reduced in the serum of AD patients, as well as in the brains of 3xTg‐AD mice and APPswe‐transfected HT22 cells, suggesting a close relationship between FGF10 and AD. Further investigations revealed that intranasal delivery of FGF10 improved cognitive functions in 3xTg‐AD mice. Additionally, FGF10 treatment reduced tau hyperphosphorylation and neuronal apoptosis, thereby mitigating neuronal cell damage and synaptic deficits in the cortex and hippocampus of 3xTg‐AD mice, as well as APPswe‐transfected HT22 cells. Furthermore, we evaluated the therapeutic potential of FGF10 gene delivery for treating AD symptoms and pathologies. Tail vein delivery of the FGF10 gene using AAV9 improved cognitive and neuronal functions in 3xTg‐AD mice. Similarly, endogenous FGF10 overexpression ameliorated tau hyperphosphorylation and neuronal apoptosis in the cortex and hippocampus of 3xTg‐AD mice. Importantly, we confirmed that the FGFR2/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway was activated following intranasal FGF10 delivery and AAV9‐mediated FGF10 gene delivery in 3xTg‐AD mice and APPswe‐transfected HT22 cells. Knockdown of FGFR2 attenuated the protective effect of FGF10. Collectively, these findings suggest that intranasal delivery of FGF10 and AAV9‐mediated FGF10 gene delivery could be a promising disease‐modifying therapy for AD.
Probabilistic assessment of the risk of black rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis) species extinction
Authors: Oukouomi Noutchie Suares Clovis
Published: July 2023

The black rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis), distinguished by its distinctive horned snout and imposing size, stands perilously close to the precipice of extinction. The survival of this majestic species is threatened by a combination of factors, necessitating urgent scientific inquiry into the underlying causes. In this research article, a nonlinear stochastic Ricker model is employed to investigate the challenges faced by the population of black rhinoceros. By integrating innovative mathematical approaches with ecological understanding, the aim is to unravel the intricate dynamics contributing to the endangered status of the black rhino. The critical role of habitat loss and illicit poaching activities in driving the decline of this remarkable species is highlighted by the analysis. These findings emphasise the need for immediate and decisive action to protect the black rhinoceros and mitigate the risk of its extinction. It is imperative that comprehensive conservation efforts be implemented to ensure the long‐term survival of the black rhinoceros and preserve its invaluable place within the ecosystem.
How to Make a City into a Firetrap: Relations of Land and Property in the UK's Cladding Scandal
Authors: Ward Callum , Brill Frances
Published: July 2023

Despite legislation banning combustible cladding materials after the 2017 Grenfell fire, at least 10,000 buildings were still awaiting remediation in 2022. This is in large part because fragmented ownership and management structures alongside the specificities of British property law produced a situation in which individual apartment owners (leaseholders) were liable for the costs of remediation rather than those who own the buildings (freeholders) or the developers who built them. Faced with unaffordable remediation bills, leaseholders became stuck in uninsurable, unsellable, potentially fire‐prone units. Through the case of a London housing block, we trace the relationship between the structure of landed property, value extraction, and the distribution of risk to understand how a significant portion of the UK's housing stock have remained firetraps. We argue that institutionalised value grabbing not only created the conditions of social murder but also became an obstacle to remediation, resulting in a politically charged “asset class struggle” over the way in which the structure of housing property and its capitalisation mediates social harm.
Providing ethics advice in a pandemic, in theory and in practice: A taxonomy of ethics advice
Authors: Wilson James , Hume Jack , O'Donovan Cian , Smallman Melanie
Published: July 2023

The pandemic significantly raised the stakes for the translation of bioethics insights into policy. The novelty, range and sheer quantity of the ethical problems that needed to be addressed urgently within public policy were unprecedented and required high‐bandwidth two‐way transfer of insights between academic bioethics and policy. Countries such as the United Kingdom, which do not have a National Ethics Committee, faced particular challenges in how to facilitate this. This paper takes as a case study the brief career of the Ethics Advisory Board (EAB) for the NHS Covid‐19 App, which shows both the difficulty and the political complexity of policy‐relevant bioethics in a pandemic and how this was exacerbated by the transience and informality of the structures through which ethics advice was delivered. It analyses how and why, after EAB's demise, the Westminster government increasingly sought to either take its ethics advice in private or to evade ethical scrutiny of its policies altogether. In reflecting on EAB, and these later ethics advice contexts, the article provides a novel framework for analysing ethics advice within democracies, defining four idealised stances: the pure ethicist, the advocate, the ethics arbiter and the critical friend.
Sanguinarine induces apoptosis in osteosarcoma by attenuating the binding of STAT3 to the single‐stranded DNA‐binding protein 1 (SSBP1) promoter region
Authors: Wang Kai‐Di , Zhu Miao‐Lin , Qin Cheng‐Jiao , Dong Rui‐Fang , Xiao Cheng‐Mei , Lin Qing , Wei Rong‐Yuan , He Xiao‐Yu , Zang Xin , Kong Ling‐Yi , Xia Yuan‐Zheng
Published: July 2023

Background and Purpose

Osteosarcoma, a primary malignant bone tumour prevalent among adolescents and young adults, remains a considerable challenge despite protracted progress made in enhancing patient survival rates over the last 40 years. Consequently, the development of novel therapeutic approaches for osteosarcoma is imperative. Sanguinarine (SNG), a compound with demonstrated potent anticancer properties against various malignancies, presents a promising avenue for exploration. Nevertheless, the intricate molecular mechanisms underpinning SNG's actions in osteosarcoma remain elusive, necessitating further elucidation.

Experimental Approach

Single‐stranded DNA‐binding protein 1 (SSBP1) was screened out by differential proteomic analysis. Apoptosis, cell cycle, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and mitochondrial changes were assessed via flow cytometry. Western blotting and quantitative real‐time reverse transcription PCR (qRT‐PCR) were used to determine protein and gene levels. The antitumour mechanism of SNG was explored at a molecular level using chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) and dual luciferase reporter plasmids.

Key Results

Our investigation revealed that SNG exerted an up‐regulated effect on SSBP1, disrupting mitochondrial function and inducing apoptosis. In‐depth analysis uncovered a mechanism whereby SNG hindered the JAK/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) signalling pathway, relieved the inhibitory effect of STAT3 on SSBP1 transcription, and inhibited the downstream PI3K/Akt/mTOR signalling axis, ultimately activating apoptosis.

Conclusions and Implications

The study delved further into elucidating the anticancer mechanism of SNG in osteosarcoma. Notably, we unravelled the previously undisclosed apoptotic potential of SSBP1 in osteosarcoma cells. This finding holds substantial promise in advancing the development of novel anticancer drugs and identification of therapeutic targets.
Towards an emotional geoeconomics? Masculinity and emotions among Mexican and Guatemalan temporary agricultural workers in Quebec
Authors: Campos‐Flores Linamar , Martin Patricia M.
Published: July 2023

This article explores the emotional geographies underpinning the experiences of temporary agricultural workers who migrate yearly to fields of labour in Canada. The research is based on a transnational qualitative study in Quebec, Mexico, and Guatemala. To provide a theoretical framework for this article, we bring the concepts of geoeconomics and geographies of emotion into conversation. We then briefly present the history and evolution of temporary agricultural work, highlighting its deeply racialized and gendered nature. We argue that the mobilization and interiorization of a particular form of masculinity and emotional expression are central to both the exploitation of workers and their acceptance of their working conditions. These forms of masculinity and emotional expression are tightly bound to the workers’ role as household providers. Workers demonstrate satisfaction and pride in fulfilling their roles while negotiating an ongoing fear of job loss if they do not comply with work expectations. We argue that this represents a new form of subaltern masculinity that underpins Canadian geoeconomic strategy.
Electroacupuncture pretreatment preserves telomerase reverse transcriptase function and alleviates postoperative cognitive dysfunction by suppressing oxidative stress and neuroinflammation in aged mice
Authors: Wang Wei , Chen Chen , Wang Qiang , Ma Ji‐Guang , Li Yan‐Song , Guan Zheng , Wang Rui , Chen Xin
Published: July 2023

Background

Elderly patients often exhibit postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD), a postsurgical decline in memory and executive function. Oxidative stress and neuroinflammation, both pathological characteristics of the aged brain, contribute to this decline. This study posits that electroacupuncture (EA) stimulation, an effective antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory modality, may enhance telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) function, the catalytic subunit of telomerase known for its protective properties against cellular senescence and oxidative damage, to alleviate POCD in aged mice.

Methods

The animal POCD model was created by subjecting aged mice to abdominal surgery, followed by EA pretreatment at the Baihui acupoint (GV20). Postoperative cognitive function was gauged using the Morris water maze (MWM) test. Hippocampal TERT mRNA levels and telomerase activity were determined through qPCR and a Telomerase PCR ELISA kit, respectively. Oxidative stress was assessed through superoxide dismutase (SOD), reactive oxygen species (ROS), and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. Iba‐1 immunostaining determined the quantity of hippocampal microglia. Additionally, western blotting assessed TERT, autophagy markers, and proinflammatory cytokines at the protein level.

Results

Abdominal surgery in aged mice significantly decreased telomerase activity and TERT mRNA and protein levels, but increased oxidative stress and neuroinflammation and decreased autophagy in the hippocampus. EA‐pretreated mice demonstrated improved postoperative cognitive performance, enhanced telomerase activity, increased TERT protein expression, improved TERT mitochondrial localization, and reduced oxidative damage, autophagy dysfunction, and neuroinflammation. The neuroprotective benefits of EA pretreatment were diminished following TERT knockdown.

Conclusions

Our findings underscore the significance of TERT function preservation in alleviating surgery‐induced oxidative stress and neuroinflammation in aged mice. A novel neuroprotective mechanism of EA stimulation is highlighted, whereby modulation of TERT and telomerase activity reduces oxidative damage and neuroinflammation. Consequently, maintaining TERT function via EA treatment could serve as an effective strategy for managing POCD in elderly patients.
A data‐driven approach to complement the A/T/(N) classification system using CSF biomarkers
Authors: Hernández‐Lorenzo Laura , Gil‐Moreno Maria José , Ortega‐Madueño Isabel , Cárdenas Maria Cruz , Diez‐Cirarda Maria , Delgado‐Álvarez Alfonso , Palacios‐Sarmiento Marta , Matias‐Guiu Jorge , Corrochano Silvia , Ayala José L. , Matias‐Guiu Jordi A. ,   for the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: July 2023

Aims

The AT(N) classification system not only improved the biological characterization of Alzheimer's disease (AD) but also raised challenges for its clinical application. Unbiased, data‐driven techniques such as clustering may help optimize it, rendering informative categories on biomarkers' values.

Methods

We compared the diagnostic and prognostic abilities of CSF biomarkers clustering results against their AT(N) classification. We studied clinical (patients from our center) and research (Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative) cohorts. The studied CSF biomarkers included Aβ(1–42), Aβ(1–42)/Aβ(1–40) ratio, tTau, and pTau.

Results

The optimal solution yielded three clusters in both cohorts, significantly different in diagnosis, AT(N) classification, values distribution, and survival. We defined these three CSF groups as (i) non‐defined or unrelated to AD, (ii) early stages and/or more delayed risk of conversion to dementia, and (iii) more severe cognitive impairment subjects with faster progression to dementia.

Conclusion

We propose this data‐driven three‐group classification as a meaningful and straightforward approach to evaluating the risk of conversion to dementia, complementary to the AT(N) system classification.
The associations of sodium‐glucose cotransporter‐2 inhibitors versus dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitors as add‐on to metformin with fracture risk in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: van Hulten Veerle , Driessen Johanna H. M. , Starup‐Linde Jakob K. , Al‐Mashhadi Zheer K. , Viggers Rikke , Klungel Olaf H. , Souverein Patrick C. , Vestergaard Peter , Stehouwer Coen D. A. , van den Bergh Joop P.
Published: July 2023

Aim

To investigate whether sodium‐glucose cotransporter‐2 (SGLT2) inhibitor use as compared to dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 (DPP‐4) inhibitor use as add‐on to metformin is associated with the risk of any fracture or major osteoporotic fractures (MOFs).

Methods

A cohort study using the Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD) Aurum database was conducted. All patients aged 18 years and older with a first‐ever prescription for a DPP‐4 inhibitor or an SGLT2 inhibitor as add‐on to metformin between January 1, 2013 and June 30, 2020 were selected. Patients starting with SGLT2 inhibitors were matched (up to 1:3) on propensity scores to patients starting with DPP‐4 inhibitors. Propensity scores were calculated based on sex, age, body mass index, comorbidities, comedication and lifestyle factors. Cox proportional hazard models were used to estimate the risk of fracture with SGLT2 inhibitor use as compared to DPP‐4 inhibitor use.

Results

A total of 13 807 SGLT2 inhibitor users (age 55.4 ± 10.6 years, 36.7% female) were included in this study, matched with 28 524 DPP‐4 inhibitor users (age 55.4 ± 8.0 years, 36.4% female). The risk of any fracture with current SGLT2 inhibitor use was similar compared with current DPP‐4 inhibitor use (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 1.09, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.91‐1.31), as was the risk of MOFs (aHR 0.89, 95% CI 0.64‐1.22) and the risk of fractures at any of the individual MOF sites. Additionally, no association was found with duration of SGLT2 inhibitor use (longest duration >811 days) for any of the individual SGLT2 inhibitor agents, or after stratification by sex and age.

Conclusion

Use of SGLT2 inhibitors was not associated with the risk of any fracture, MOFs or fracture at the individual MOF sites when compared to DPP‐4 inhibitor use.
Safety of sodium‐glucose co‐transporter‐2 inhibitors on amputation across categories of baseline cardiovascular disease and diuretics use in patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Park Sohee , Jeong Han Eol , Bea Sungho , Yu Oriana H. Y. , Cho Young Min , You Seng Chan , Man Kenneth K. C. , Shin Ju‐Young
Published: July 2023

Aim

To assess the risk of amputation associated with sodium‐glucose co‐transporter‐2 inhibitors (SGLT2is) among patients with type 2 diabetes, across categories of baseline cardiovascular disease (CVD) and diuretic use (DU).

Materials and Methods

We conducted an active comparator, new‐user cohort study using Korea's nationwide claims data (2015‐2020). The study cohort consisted of patients with type 2 diabetes who initiated SGLT2is or dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitors (DPP4is). Cohort entry was defined by first prescription date. We then classified patients into four discrete subcohorts based on their baseline status of CVD and DU as (1) CVD+/DU+, (2) CVD+/DU‐, (3) CVD‐/DU+ and (4) CVD‐/DU‐. We performed 1:1 propensity score (PS) matching within each cohort and estimated hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the risk of amputation with SGLT2is versus DPP4is using Cox models.

Results

We identified 219 900 PS‐matched pairs of SGLT2is and DPP4is (CVD+/DU+, n = 11 719; CVD+/DU‐, n = 26 092; CVD‐/DU+, n = 26 894; and CVD‐/DU‐, n = 155 195), with well‐balanced baseline covariates across all cohorts. Significantly lower risks of amputation with SGLT2is versus DPP4is were found in CVD+/DU+ (HR 0.36, 95% CI 0.14‐0.90), CVD+/DU‐ (0.45, 0.21‐0.99) and CVD‐/DU‐ (0.48, 0.33‐0.70), but not in CVD‐/DU+ (0.54, 0.26‐1.12). Consistent trends in estimates were found across various sensitivity analyses.

Conclusions

Initiating SGLT2is against DPP4is did not increase the risk of amputation across patient populations of varying vulnerability. These findings based on routine practice will reassure clinicians of the safety of SGLT2is with regard to amputation risk in selected high‐risk patients with type 2 diabetes.
Handedness effects on imagery of dominant‐ versus non‐dominant‐hand movements: An electroencephalographic investigation
Authors: Lambert Kathryn J. M. , Chen Yvonne Y. , Donoff Christopher , Elke Jonah , Madan Christopher R. , Singhal Anthony
Published: July 2023

Mental representations of our bodies are thought to influence how we interact with our surroundings. We can examine these mental representations through motor imagery, the imagination of movement using scalp EEG recordings. The visual modality of motor imagery emphasises ‘seeing’ the imagined movement and is associated with increased activity in the alpha rhythm (8–14 Hz) measured over the occipital regions. The kinaesthetic modality emphasises ‘feeling’ the movement and is associated with decreased activity in the mu rhythm (8–14 Hz) measured over the sensorimotor cortices. These two modalities can be engaged in isolation or together. We recorded EEG activity while 37 participants (17 left‐hand dominant) completed an objective hand motor imagery task. Left‐handers exhibited significant activity differences between occipital and motor regions only during imagery of right‐hand (non‐dominant‐hand) movements. This difference was primarily driven by less oscillatory activity in the mu rhythm, which may reflect a shift in imagery strategy wherein participants placed more effort into generating the kinaesthetic sensations of non‐dominant‐hand imagery. Spatial features of 8–14 Hz activity generated from principal component analysis (PCA) provide further support for a strategy shift. Right‐handers also exhibited significant differences between alpha and mu activity during imagery of non‐dominant movements. However, this difference was not primarily driven by either rhythm, and no differences were observed in the group's PCA results. Together, these findings indicate that individuals imagine movement differently when it involves their dominant versus non‐dominant hand, and left‐handers may be more flexible in their motor imagery strategies.
Effect of current direction and muscle activation on motor cortex neuroplasticity induced by repetitive paired‐pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation
Authors: Sasaki Ryoki , Liao Wei‐Yeh , Opie George M. , Semmler John G.
Published: July 2023

Repetitive paired‐pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) at indirect (I)‐wave periodicity (iTMS) can increase plasticity in primary motor cortex (M1). Both TMS coil orientation and muscle activation can influence I‐wave activity, but it remains unclear how these factors influence M1 plasticity with iTMS. We therefore investigated the influence of TMS coil orientation and muscle activation on the response to iTMS. Thirty‐two young adults (24.2 ± 4.8 years) participated in three experiments. Each experiment included two sessions using a modified iTMS intervention with either a posterior–anterior orientation (PA) or anterior–posterior (AP) coil orientation over M1. Stimulation was applied in resting (Experiments 1 and 3) or active muscle (Experiments 2 and 3). Effects of iTMS on M1 excitability were assessed by recording motor evoked potentials (MEPs) and short‐interval intracortical facilitation (SICF) with PA and AP orientations in both resting (all experiments) and active (Experiment 2) muscle. For the resting intervention, MEPs were greater after AP iTMS (Experiment 1, P = .046), whereas SICF was comparable between interventions (all P > .10). For the active intervention, responses did not vary between PA and AP iTMS (Experiment 2, all P > .14), and muscle activation reduced the effect of AP iTMS during the intervention (Experiment 3, P = .002). Coil orientation influenced the MEP response after iTMS, and muscle activation reduced the response during iTMS. While this suggests that AP iTMS may be beneficial in producing a neuroplastic modulation of I‐wave circuits in resting muscle, further exploration of factors such as dosing is required.
Soil properties of vineyards on arkoses as a basis to understand their suitability and optimum performance
Authors: Jiménez‐Ballesta R. , Bravo S. , Pérez‐de‐los‐Reyes C. , Amorós J. A. , García‐Navarro F. J.
Published: July 2023

The study of the soil properties and geochemistry of vineyard soils of the Méntrida Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) (central Spain) was performed to better understand the role of soil as a terroir component and to contribute to sustainable vineyard management. Soil physico‐chemical characteristics were determined, along with the content of trace elements (by placing emphasis on rare earths) in topsoils and subsoils. The dominant soil types were Inceptisols, Alfisols and Entisols (USDA soil classificacion), i.e., Cambisols, Luvisols and Regosols in the World Reference Base for Soil Resources (WRB) system. They were all deep and well‐structured. Our findings reveal that soil‐available nitrogen (N) ranged from 0.03 to 0.21 (%), with soil‐available phosphorus (P) ranging from 0.20 to 40.50 (mg·kg−1). pH had a mean of 6.33 (range: 4.4–8.7) in the ten observations, and a degree of mesotrophic saturation in bases (V%), except in one that had a 100% value (soils where carbonates were absent, save exceptional cases). A medium to high cation exchange capacity (CEC) was found (range: 9.8–38.3 cmol·kg−1). The mean values of elements' contents were (mg·kg−1): Sc 14.8, V 32.13, Cr 23.09, As 4.01, Ni 8.57, Cu 6.43, Zn 30.13, Rb 143.49, Sr 63.03, Y 15.39, Ba 374,44, La 25.87, Ce 43.77, Pb 22.25, Nd 21.28. They decreased in this order: Ba > Rb > Sr > Ce > V > Zn > La > Cr > Pb > Nd > Y > Sc > Cu > As. The results confirm the importance of soils for the PDO, with an optimum condition to produce grapevine quality laying the foundations to obtain a good wine. Our findings provide insights into the importance of pedological properties for regulating soil nutrient availability across soil types, and support soil resource utilization management in regional viticulture.
Stalevo®: A pioneering treatment for OFF periods in Parkinsons disease
Authors: Jenner Peter
Published: July 2023

Enzymatic metabolism is the key determinant of the overall bioavailability, brain penetration, and efficacy of levodopa in the treatment of Parkinsons disease (PD). Enzyme inhibitors in the form of peripheral dopa‐decarboxylase inhibitors and monoamine oxidase type‐B inhibitors have been successfully employed to maximize the utility of levodopa in both early‐ and late‐stage PD. However, another major pathway of the peripheral metabolism of levodopa through catechol‐O‐methyltransferase (COMT) remains unchecked by those measures. Consequently, this becomes a major factor in determining the extent of delivery to the brain. The introduction of tolcapone as a potent and effective peripheral and central COMT inhibitor was frustrated by the emergence of hepatic toxicity. Only with the subsequent introduction of entacapone as an effective inhibitor of peripheral COMT activity has it become possible to fully control the peripheral metabolism of levodopa and to optimize its delivery to the brain. At a single‐dose level of 200 mg, the efficacy of entacapone in reducing OFF time and increasing ON time has led to its widespread use for the treatment of "wearing off". To maximize the efficacy of entacapone and to time‐lock its pharmacokinetic profile to that of levodopa, a triple combination of levodopa, carbidopa, and entacapone in the form of Stalevo® that allowed for flexibility in levodopa dosing was introduced early in the 21st century. This pioneering development has been successfully used worldwide for the past 20 years. This review considers the role of all three classes of enzyme inhibitors in PD medicine.
Wrist‐worn smartwatch and predictive models for seizures
Authors: Pipatpratarnporn Waroth , Muangthong Wichuta , Jirasakuldej Suda , Limotai Chusak
Published: July 2023

Objective

This study was undertaken to describe extracerebral biosignal characteristics of overall and various seizure types as compared with baseline physical activities using multimodal devices (Empatica E4); develop predictive models for overall and each seizure type; and assess diagnostic performance of each model.

Methods

We prospectively recruited patients with focal epilepsy who were admitted to the epilepsy monitoring unit for presurgical evaluation during January to December 2020. All study participants were simultaneously applied gold standard long‐term video‐electroencephalographic (EEG) monitoring and an index test, E4. Two certified epileptologists independently determined whether captured events were seizures and then indicated ictal semiology and EEG information. Both were blind to multimodal biosignal findings detected by E4. Biosignals during 5‐min epochs of both seizure events and baseline were collected and compared. Predictive models for occurrence overall and of each seizure type were developed using a generalized estimating equation. Diagnostic performance of each model was then assessed.

Results

Thirty patients had events recorded and were recruited for analysis. One hundred eight seizure events and 120 baseline epochs were collected. Heart rate (HR), acceleration (ACC), and electrodermal activity (EDA) but not temperature were significantly elevated during seizures. Cluster analysis showed trends of greatest elevation of HR and ACC in bilateral tonic–clonic seizures (BTCs), as compared with non‐BTCs and isolated auras. HR and ACC were independent predictors for overall seizure types, BTCs, and non‐BTCs, whereas only HR was a predictor for isolated aura. Diagnostic performance including sensitivity, specificity, and area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve of the predictive model for overall seizures were 77.78%, 60%, and .696 (95% confidence interval = .628–.764), respectively.

Significance

Multimodal extracerebral biosignals (HR, ACC, EDA) detected by a wrist‐worn smartwatch can help differentiate between epileptic seizures and normal physical activities. It would be worthwhile to implement our predictive algorithms in commercial seizure detection devices. However, larger studies to externally validate our predictive models are required.
Volcanic ash as a resource for future research on Earth and the Moon
Authors: Butcher Alan R. , Windmill Richard , Corfe Ian J. , Lim Sungwoo , Jolis Ester M. , Lukkari Sari , Pankhurst Matt J. , Barbee Olivia A. , Coldwell Beverley C. , Rodriguez Nemesio Perez , White Lee F. , Dunford Alice , Anand Mahesh
Published: July 2023

When a volcano erupts, it is often associated with destruction, particularly damage to infrastructure and loss of life. But these natural events also offer unexpected research opportunities, leading to serendipitous discoveries. This was the case for the volcanic events that made the headlines during 19 September to 25 December 2021, on the Canarian Island of La Palma. Rather than viewing the voluminous ash that erupted as a waste material needing to be removed as soon as possible, we saw the many possibilities that this remarkable material could offer science and engineering. Sustainability is a word that is commonly used in connection with geology these days. Here we present some possibilities of how the La Palma ash can be re‐purposed for use on this planet but also help us to develop new ideas for the future living on the Moon.
Haemochromatosis patients' research priorities: Towards an improved quality of life
Authors: Romero‐Cortadellas Lídia , Venturi Veronica , Martín‐Sánchez Juan Carlos , Toska Ketil , Prince Dianne , Butzeck Barbara , Porto Graça , Milman Nils Thorm , Committee HI/EFAPH Survey , Sánchez Mayka
Published: July 2023

Background

Chronic diseases are associated with a range of functional and psychosocial consequences that can adversely affect patients' quality of life (QoL). Haemochromatosis (HC) is a genetically heterogeneous disorder characterized by chronic iron overload that can ultimately lead to multiple organ dysfunction. Clinical diagnosis remains challenging due to the nonspecificity of symptoms and a lack of confirmatory genotyping in a substantial proportion of patients. Illness perception among HC patients has not been extensively investigated, lacking relevant information on how to improve their QoL.

Methods

We present the results of the first worldwide survey conducted in nearly 1500 HC respondents, in which we collected essential demographic information and identified the aspects that concern HC patients the most.

Results

Out of all the participants, 45.3% (n = 676) voiced their concern about physical and psychological consequences such as HC‐related arthropathies, which can ultimately affect their social functioning. A similar proportion of patients (n = 635, 42.5%) also consider that better‐informed doctors are key for improved HC disease management. Taking a patient‐centred approach, we expose differences in patients' disease perspective by social and economic influences.

Conclusions

We identify potential targets to improve patients' health‐related QoL and reflect on strategic measures to foster gender equity in access to health resources. Finally, we make a call for a highly coordinated effort across a range of public policy areas to empower participants in the HC research process and design.

Patient or Public Contribution

Nearly 1500 patients with hereditary HC responded to an anonymized online survey in which research and clinical priorities were addressed regarding this chronic and rare disease.
Group work dynamics and the role of leadership in face‐to‐face and online second language classes
Authors: Hiromori Tomohito
Published: July 2023

This study aimed to investigate how having a student in a leader role impacts group work dynamics (GWD) in face‐to‐face (FTF) and online communication. A total of 144 pre‐intermediate English learners worked in groups of three on a picture‐description task under one of the four conditions: with or without a leader in FTF or online settings. All exchanges were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using a GWD measuring instrument to explore the process of GWD. The results showed that GWD scores were lower in the online condition than in FTF, particularly when there was no designated leader. Furthermore, when comparing the GWD scores of the leader‐role students and other students, leaders consistently scored higher across most GWD characteristics, regardless of communication mode. This study suggests that assigning a leader‐role student can facilitate group work activities, especially in online communication. It sheds light on students’ behaviors in group work contexts and highlights the importance of leadership in promoting effective group work.
A review and comparative perspective on health benefits of probiotic and fermented foods
Authors: Ibrahim Salam A. , Yeboah Philip J. , Ayivi Raphael D. , Eddin Abdulhakim S. , Wijemanna Namesha D. , Paidari Saeed , Bakhshayesh Rea V.
Published: July 2023

Fermented foods such as yogurt, kefir and sauerkraut have been part of the human diet throughout history and have gained attention in recent years due to their immense health and nutritional benefits. As a result, fermented foods are considered biofuel for the human microbiome which helps to boost the immune system. Fermented foods are those foods and beverages that are produced by employing specific microbial‐based fermentation aids such as yeasts and bacteria, particularly lactic acid bacteria (LAB). Through controlled enzymatic reactions, these microbial cultures transform food components as substrates into value‐added products promoting various healthy fermentative activities. These microbes in fermented foods also produce compounds that can inhibit food spoilage and pathogenic microorganisms, thereby extending the product shelf of fermented products. Probiotics are live microbiota with beneficial health properties, prevent gastrointestinal diseases and modulate the human microbiome. Thus, foods that are fermented by certain strains of probiotic bacteria that exhibit evidence of health benefits are referred to as probiotic fermented foods. This review describes fermented and functional foods, probiotics and their relationship to human health. In addition, we offer our perspective on the distinct differences between probiotic and fermented foods to promote awareness for consumers and key stakeholders regarding these highly functional and nutritionally fermented food products.
Moving the mountain: Stigma removal, strategic industry, and the Indian civilian nuclear industry
Authors: Gopakumar K. V. , Ram Mohan M. P. , Awasthi Kshitij
Published: July 2023

The present study examines stigma removal in the context of strategic industries. Strategic industries are critical from a national interest perspective and may not be able to engage in conventional stigma management strategies, such as concealment, dilution and coopting stakeholders, identified in extant literature. The present in‐depth qualitative study of the Indian civilian nuclear energy industry, a strategic industry within the Government of India, identifies two strategies, namely dependency reduction and category repositioning through responsible behaviour, employed in order to eradicate a global level stigma. The study concludes with implications for strategic industries and stigma management literature.
Integrating multiplicate data: A new trend for taxonomic study
Authors: Hong De‐Yuan
Published: July 2023

Taxonomy today encompasses classifi cation, phylogeny, and evolution. A pressing challenge faced by taxonomists is harnessing the vast amount of genomic data to effectively conduct research on hyper‐diverse taxa.
Third language phonological acquisition: Understanding sound structure in a multilingual world
Authors: Wang Di , Nance Claire
Published: July 2023

The field of third language acquisition has gathered increased attention over the last three decades. However, phonological acquisition in an L3 is still relatively understudied within the field, despite there likely being over a billion people regularly using an L3 worldwide. In this paper, we review experimental and theoretical studies of sequential L3 acquisition to date and aim to give implications for future L3 phonological acquisition research, laying the groundwork for advances in this area. According to the reviewed studies, it is necessary to adapt previous second language phonology models (i.e. SLM/SLM‐r, PAM/PAM‐L2, L2LP) into future L3 phonological research. Additionally, it is essential to expand the research scope and time scale to reflect linguistic diversity, age and education background of participants, and the processes of learning.
A hybrid ontology‐based semantic and machine learning model for the prediction of spring breakup
Authors: De Coste Michael , Li Zhong , Khedri Ridha
Published: July 2023

River ice breakups carry the potential for high flows and flooding and are of great interest to accurately predict. A challenge in forecasting these events is the management of the massive amounts of data associated with an ice season. This study couples ontological and machine learning models in a new hybrid modeling framework to predict spring breakup on a national scale. The Ice Season Ontology sorts the data and allows for a user‐friendly means of analyzing any ice season, providing insight on which variables are most and least central. With this, a refined variable selection is able to be made for machine learning models. The most successful developed model, a random forest, produced highly accurate forecasts when applied to a national scale case study, with a mean absolute error of 10.85 days and an R2 of .884. This new modeling framework provides a means for decision‐making support for river bound communities and a new methodology for modeling applications in other fields.