bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigation of corticosteroid levels in the hairs of female Holstein calves
Authors: Fushuku Hiroki , Matsunaga Nobuyoshi
Published: December 2024

This study was designed to investigate the degree of long‐term effects by measuring cortisol and aldosterone concentrations in the growing hair including lipid which is absorbed from the blood of six female Holstein calves by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The total number of calves used was 18 (three seasons). Three comparative factors were used: region (back and chest), hair color (black and white), and season (summer, winter, and spring). The hair cortisol of the back region (white color) was higher than the other region and color (p < 0.05). The measured value in the spring season (back region) was significantly higher than that in the summer (chest region) (p < 0.05). Although there has been no report on the hair aldosterone until now, it was possible to measure the concentration in the present study. The hair aldosterone of the back region was higher than the chest region (p < 0.01), and the white hair color was higher than the black hair color (p < 0.05). The measured value in the spring season was also significantly higher than that in the summer season and the winter season (p < 0.01). This result suggested the changes are affected by the hair region factor, the hair color factor, and the changing meteorological conditions.
Heterogeneous experiences of people with bipolar disorder during euthymia: Profiles of global remission and personal recovery
Authors: Munuera Caroline , Compagnone Philippe , Gard Sébastien , Chevrier François , Chevrier Basilie , M'Bailara Katia
Published: December 2024

Objectives

Clinical heterogeneity is a major problem in mental health, referring to wide clinical variability among people with the same diagnosis. In bipolar disorders (BD), an heterogeneity was found both in global remission (symptomatic and functional) and in personal recovery during euthymia. This heterogeneity is a challenge for clinicians, who have to adapt their care to the individuals' characteristics. This preliminary study aimed at identifying profiles of experiences during euthymia by considering global remission (manic and depressive symptomatology, and functional impairment) and personal recovery, and exploring personal and contextual correlates associated with the heterogeneity of experiences.

Methods

A convenience sample of 58 participants in euthymia of BD was recruited. Data were collected using self‐report questionnaires. Consistent with a person‐oriented approach, clustering was performed to identify profiles by simultaneously considering symptomatology, functional impairment, and personal recovery. Associations between the identified profiles and socio‐demographic, clinical, and family characteristics were explored using analysis of variance, Fisher's exact tests, and post hoc tests.

Results

Five profiles were identified when considering both global remission and personal recovery: adverse experience (20.69%), slightly adverse experience (22.41%), unbalanced experience (10.34%), positive experience (22.14%), and hyperthymic positive experience (24.14%). Among the correlates, only current family functioning was significantly associated with the identified profiles through cohesion, communication, and satisfaction dimensions.

Conclusions

These results highlight that personal recovery and family dynamics of people with BD should be more considered in the clinical practice to better understand their experience during euthymia and adapt therapeutic care accordingly.
Literature and Psychoanalytic Process: A Look Through The Lens of Metaphor
Authors: Enckell Henrik
Published: December 2024

In this paper, the author highlights some aspects of the psychoanalytic process through the perspective of poetic metaphors. In reading new metaphors, we often become bewildered. A literal reading, and a first hand meaning, comes to nothing. A concrete reference, as well as truth, is likewise destroyed. On the ruins of these literary dimensions, however, a second hand reading, meaning, world, and truth may be formed. To take a step from literal understanding to a metaphoric one is demanding, as the former provides safety. The same is true of the position of the psychoanalytic patient. He or she needs to leave an idiosyncratic, well known, way of apprehending world and others, to take perspectives never tried before. The challenges and vulnerabilities the patient meets when facing the possibilities of starting a psychoanalytic process are compared to the position of the reader of poetic metaphors. The argument is illustrated with a psychoanalytical case.
Antidepressant Medication and Psychotherapy: Why It Matters
Authors: Chiesa Marco
Published: December 2024

Many patients enter psychotherapy while being on antidepressant medication. This article outlines and discusses the main effects of antidepressant medication both on the patient and on the psychotherapy process. Although widely prescribed, the effectiveness of antidepressant medication is still open to debate, and several authors have questioned whether it is more effective than placebo. The multi‐faceted adverse effects of antidepressants include emotional blunting, sexual dysfunction, a number of physical ailments and chronicity in the course of depression. These adverse effects are often not easy to identify as stemming from the medication and may be mistakenly attributed to the patient's own emotional difficulties. This presents a challenge to the process of psychotherapy with the risk of creating an impasse and unfavourable outcome. In most cases, a gradual process of withdrawal from antidepressant medication is necessary to reduce the impact of these side effects both on the patient's quality of life and on the psychotherapy process. A clinical case of a patient with a 10‐year history of psychiatric medication and hospitalisations, who was suffering from medication stressful adverse effects while not improving psychiatrically. A gradual withdrawal of psychiatric medication coupled with a combination of supportive and exploratory psychotherapy led to a more favourable prognosis and clear improvements in the patient's life.
Comparing ambulatory to inpatient percutaneous nephrolithotomy: systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Du Katie , Uy Michael , Cheng Alan , Millan Braden , Shayegan Bobby , Matsumoto Edward
Published: December 2024

Objectives

To investigate the differences in perioperative characteristics and postoperative outcomes between inpatient and ambulatory percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) with a subgroup analysis of same‐day discharge (SDD) patients, summarise published ambulatory pathways and compare cost and satisfaction data.

Patients and Methods

This study was completed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses guidelines and registered a priori with the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO: CRD42023438692). Ambulatory PCNL was defined as patients who were discharged after an overnight stay (≤23 h) and SDD was considered a subgroup discharged on postoperative Day 0.

Results

A total of 25 studies were included in the systematic review, of which 12 comparative studies were utilised for meta‐analysis. We had a pooled population of 2463 patients, of which 1956 (79%) ambulatory (747 [30%] SDD) and 507 (21%) inpatients. The ambulatory PCNL cohort had fewer overall complications (risk ratio [RR] 0.65, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.47–0.90; P = 0.010); however, there were no differences in major complications (i.e., Clavien–Dindo Grade ≥III; RR 0.46; 95% CI 0.17–1.21; P = 0.12), emergency department visits (RR 1.09, 95% CI 0.69–1.74; P = 0.71), 30‐day readmission (RR 1.09, 95% CI 0.54–2.21; P = 0.81) or readmission at any point (RR 1.00, 95% CI 0.53–1.88; P = 0.99). The ambulatory PCNL cohort was more likely to be stone‐free defined by imaging (RR 1.35, 95% CI 1.09–1.66; P = 0.005); however, when stone‐free was inclusive of any definition there was no difference in stone‐free rates (RR 1.10, 95% CI 0.98–1.23; P = 0.10). Subgroup analysis of SDD did not result in any significant differences. Cost savings ranged from $932.37 to a mean (standard deviation) $5327 (442) United States Dollars per case. No studies reported patient satisfaction data.

Conclusions

Ambulatory PCNL seems to be a safe and efficacious model for select patients. Selection bias likely influenced ambulatory outcomes; however, this supports overall safety of current ambulatory inclusion criteria.
The impact of positive surgical margins after cystectomy on oncological outcomes: a nationwide study
Authors: Bosveld Jikke , Nguyen Tri Q. , Boormans Joost L. , Witjes J. Alfred , van der Heijden Antoine G. , Mehra Niven , Kiemeney Lambertus A. , Aben Katja K.H. ,   ProBCI Study Group, Meijer Richard P. , Richters Anke
Published: December 2024

Objective

To evaluate whether surgical margin status, alongside existing postoperative risk indicators, improves the identification of bladder cancer patients who may benefit from adjuvant therapy following radical cystectomy (RC).

Methods

In this nationwide cohort study, patients aged ≥18 years diagnosed with muscle‐invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) without nodal or distant metastasis (cT2‐4aN0/xM0) between November 2017 and December 2020 who underwent RC were selected from the Netherlands Cancer Registry. Detailed information on surgical margin status was obtained through linkage with the Dutch central pathology database, Palga. Overall survival (OS) and progression‐free survival (PFS) were assessed using the Kaplan–Meier method. Multivariable Cox regression analysis was performed to assess the independent prognostic effect of positive surgical margins (carcinoma in situ (CIS) only or invasive carcinoma) on PFS and OS.

Results

We identified 1445 MIBC patients treated by RC (53% open, 47% robot‐assisted), of whom 135 (9.3%) had positive surgical margins (10.7% in the open and 7.7% in the robot‐assisted cohort). In the entire cohort, OS was 79% and 60% at 12 and 48 months after RC, respectively. PFS was 70% and 61% at 12 and 24 months, respectively. Multivariable Cox regression showed worse PFS (hazard ratio (HR) 2.13, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.67–2.72) and OS (HR 2.02, 95% CI 1.58–2.58) in patients with surgical margins with invasive carcinoma vs patients with negative margins. Patients with only CIS in the margins also appeared to have worse PFS (HR 1.60, 95% CI 1.00–2.58) but these results were not statistically significant. No difference was found for OS (HR 1.30, 95% CI 0.80–2.12).

Conclusion

Positive margins should be considered a ‘high risk feature’, as they result in increased risk of disease progression and impaired survival outcomes. These findings support further investigation of the potential efficacy of adjuvant therapy (i.e., radiotherapy and systemic therapy) among patients with positive surgical margins.
Sun, Sea and Sand; Cretaceous Source to Sink Systems of Senegal, NW Africa
Authors: Pearson M. , Casson M. , Pashley V. , Redfern J.
Published: December 2024

Paleo source to sink system analysis requires a complete earth systems model approach, utilising regional geology, tectonics, climate and modern‐day source to sink analogues. This study examines the Cretaceous source to sink systems of Senegal, NW Africa, integrating a broad regional dataset using a multidisciplinary mineralogical approach. The most significant regional geological and tectonic events to affect Senegal since the Pan‐African Orogenies (800–520 Ma) are the Hercynian Orogeny (320–290 Ma), Pangea break‐up and rifting between S. America and Africa, with associated Central Atlantic Magmatic Province volcanism (200 Ma) and uplift of the Mauritanide hinterland (113–66 Ma). In addition to tectonic controls, climate is the principal driver for paleo‐drainage reorganisation. During the Cretaceous an antithetical shift in climate from warm and arid (145–115 Ma), to hot and humid (100–88 Ma), increased fluvial catchment and energy. Antecedent paleo‐drainage of the Cretaceous Senegalese Basin is governed by subsurface grabens striking hundreds of kilometres into the continent formed during Atlantic rifting. Early Cretaceous aridity restricted fluvial catchments to recycling pre‐Cretaceous basinal sediments. Climate change triggered expansion of paleo‐drainage catchments during the Aptian caused fluvial incision and erosion of the Gaouâ Group Hercynian to Pan‐African age source rocks along the western flank of the Mauritanides. Exhumation increased significantly throughout the Cretaceous Thermal Maximum during the Cenomanian–Turonian, with exhumation of the Gadel Group Pan‐African source rocks, evidenced from a shift between a garnetiferous to staurolitic basin mineralogy. Inclusion of 200 Ma zircons into the central Senegalese Basin during the Albian is evidence of possible catchment shifts to include CAMP detritus from the Fouta Djallon Plateau. Cretaceous basinal sediments are almost exclusively sourced from the Mauritanide belt which includes Hercynian metamorphic host rocks and Palaeozoic sediments ultimately derived from the erosion of the Pan‐African orogenic belts. During the Maastrichtian, the central fluvial systems breached the southern Mauritanides, sourcing Cambrian zircons from the south.
Comprehensive Analysis of TEK Variants in Patients With Vascular Malformations
Authors: Ghasemi Reza , Corliss Meagan M. , Bowling Kevin M. , Krysiak Kilannin , Walker Jason , Dickson Alexa M. , Schroeder Molly C. , Parikh Bijal A. , Neidich Julie A. , Polonis Katarzyna , Cao Yang
Published: December 2024

Pathogenic variants in the receptor tyrosine kinase TIE2, encoded by TEK, are known to cause vascular malformations (VMs). In this study, we retrospectively reviewed the deidentified data generated through clinical NGS testing in our laboratory and found 88 VM cases with a total of 107 clinically significant TEK variants. Among those, 23 unique variants at the amino acid level were identified, including five novel (p.Cys1040Arg, p.Arg1099PhefsTer12, p.Glu1109Ter, p.Phe1111LeufsTer7, p.Phe1111ValfsTer7) and 18 previously published variants. Missense variants were identified more often in the tyrosine kinase domain, while all nonsense/frameshift variants were clustered in the C‐terminal tail (CTT). In addition, most variants occurred as solitary alterations, whereas certain variants always co‐occurred with a second TEK variant. Five patterns of TEK variants (P1–P5) were identified: (P1) Arg849 + another variant; (P2) Tyr897 + another variant; (P3) Leu914 single variants; (P4) Arg915/918 single variants; and (P5) CTT single /co‐occurring variants. This study provides the most comprehensive view of pathogenic TEK variants in VMs to date.
Movement Ecology of a Coastal Foundation Seagrass Species: Insights From Genetic Data and Oceanographic Modelling
Authors: Ruocco Miriam , Lacorata Guglielmo , Palatella Luigi , Provera Isabella , Zenone Arturo , Martinez Marco , Dattolo Emanuela , Pazzaglia Jessica , Giacalone Vincenzo Maximiliano , Badalamenti Fabio , Procaccini Gabriele
Published: December 2024

Aim

Seed dispersal plays a key role in shaping the distribution and genetic complexity of seagrass populations and affects their resilience capacity under disturbance. The endemic seagrass Posidonia oceanica is a key component of Mediterranean coastal ecosystems, but knowledge about movement ecology in this species is limited, especially regarding seed movement pathways and dispersal potential.

Location

Western coast of Sicily (central Mediterranean).

Methods

Beach‐cast fruits of the Mediterranean seagrass P. oceanica were collected from nine localities along the Western coast of Sicily, along with adult shoots from eight putative donor meadows. We determined pair‐wise genetic differentiation between established meadows and seed cohorts. Genetic assignment tests were used to infer the most likely meadow of origin of individual seeds and were complemented with forward and backward Lagrangian simulations of dispersal.

Results

A significant genetic differentiation was found between seed pools and the most‐likely meadow of origin. The genetic assignment confirmed that seeds from the same cohort originated from multiple meadows and emphasised the presence of long‐distance‐dispersal (LDD) events (up to hundreds of km). Genetic connectivity appeared to be greater than that predicted by oceanographic simulations, which may reflect the longer temporal scales on which gene flow is shaped, in contrast to contemporary dispersal patterns. Lagrangian simulations highlighted that fruits were physically capable of dispersing beyond the study area and that the north Tunisian coast could be a key source of propagules for the populations studied.

Main Conclusions

Our study represents a significant step forward in the understanding of P. oceanica movement ecology and could guide meadows' conservation and restoration actions. Our findings are significant in a broader context outside of the research area and could be the basis of similar studies in other regions, especially considering the increasing number of fruiting events recorded across the Mediterranean likely associated with ocean warming.
Current status and issues for prediction and prevention of postendoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis
Authors: Kato Hironari , Tomoda Takeshi , Matsumi Akihiro , Matsumoto Kazuyuki
Published: December 2024

Acute pancreatitis, which sometimes results in mortality, is a significant complication of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). Many studies have been conducted to predict and prevent post‐ERCP pancreatitis (PEP), and meta‐analyses have been reported that summarized these studies. However, many issues remain unresolved. Many risk factors for PEP have been reported, and it is rare for patients undergoing ERCP to have only one risk factor. The use of artificial intelligence may be important for analyzing complex and diverse risk factors. It is desirable to develop an alternative test for pancreatic enzymes that can predict the onset of PEP within 1 h after ERCP. The effectiveness of low‐dose nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are controversial. Nitrate and tacrolimus are considered medications that have additional effects on NSAIDs and may be used for the prevention of PEP. Pancreatic stent placement with deliberate placement of the guidewire into the pancreatic duct may be more effective in preventing PEP. A comparison between transpancreatic sphincterotomy with deliberate guidewire placement into the pancreatic duct and needle‐knife precut sphincterotomy is necessary. Early precutting is thought to be effective for the prevention of PEP, and the effectiveness of primary precut has been reported. However, the optimal timing of precut for the prevention of PEP has not been sufficiently discussed. Further research on prediction and prevention must be conducted to eliminate the mortality caused by PEP.
Utilizing a novel highly rotatable and dual‐action sphincterotome for precise cannulation and endoscopic sphincterotomy in surgically altered anatomy
Authors: Toyonaga Haruka , Takayama Takuya , Shimatani Masaaki
Published: December 2024

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New Fetal Sonographic Marker to Rule Out Total Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Return: Color Doppler Drainage From Pulmonary Vein to Atrium to Ventricle (CDDVAV)
Authors: Chainarong Natthicha , Anton Tracy , Satou Gary , Voleti Sonia , DeVore Greggory , Ambrowitz Karen , Sklansky Mark
Published: December 2024

Many cases of total anomalous pulmonary venous return (TAPVR) present with life‐threatening pulmonary venous obstruction within hours following delivery. As a result, prenatal detection represents an important approach to optimizing outcome. Unfortunately, TAPVR remains one of the most challenging major forms of congenital heart disease to detect prenatally; most cases elude diagnosis until postnatal life, despite the widespread recognition of multiple fetal two‐dimensional (2D) and color Doppler sonographic markers. This commentary demonstrates that even the 2D and color Doppler appearance of pulmonary venous drainage to the left atrium may be seen in cases of TAPVR. Accordingly, we describe, for the first time, a novel color Doppler fetal sonographic marker to rule out TAPVR.
Critical Areas in the Teaching of Philosophy at Grammar Schools From the Teachers' Perspective
Authors: Číhalová Martina , Hubálek Tomáš , Cieslarová Zuzana
Published: December 2024

The paper deals with the issue of critical areas in the philosophy as part of the subject Basics of Social Sciences in the Czech Republic from the perspective of teachers. The critical areas are components of the curriculum that are difficult, challenging and problematic for educational practice. They can be on the side of both teachers and students and cause problems with teachers' didactic transformation and students' understanding. We investigated how teachers perceive the causes of critical areas on their own side and also on the side of their students. We chose the subject of philosophy in general grammar schools because of its huge time consumption in relation to other social science disciplines taught in Basics of Social Sciences. And we also chose it because of the difficulties in mastering the philosophy curriculum cited by students and teachers. We applied qualitative research based on the grounded theory to analyse the causes of the critical areas from the viewpoint of teachers. To achieve our results, we applied content analysis concerning relevant curricular documents and conducted interviews with 11 teachers. For the analysis of respondents' interviews, open, axial and selective coding methods of grounded theory were applied. The process of obtaining the most general axial codes is introduced, and each axial code is specified in detail. Finally, we applied selective coding to provide a theory for a deeper description of the relationships between axial codes that detected causes of critical areas. The proposed theory may serve for a better understanding of the critical areas origin and understanding of the educational process regularities.
The Influence of Perceived Organisational Support on Work Engagement Amongst Chinese Inclusive Education Teachers: A Chain Mediation of Psychological Empowerment and Attitudes Toward Inclusive Education
Authors: Guan Wenjun , Cheng Yuke , Wu Tianhao , Liu Jingjing , Xie Zhengli
Published: December 2024

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between teacher perceived organisational support and their work engagement in the context of inclusive education, highlighting the mediating roles of psychological empowerment and attitudes towards inclusive education. A total of 366 primary and secondary inclusive school teachers participated in a cross‐sectional online survey. The results indicated that perceived organisational support significantly and directly predicted work engagement. Psychological empowerment and attitudes toward inclusive education mediated the influence of perceived organisational support on work engagement, respectively. Furthermore, psychological empowerment and attitudes played a chain mediating role. The findings shed light on the mechanisms underlying the influence of perceived organisational support on work engagement amongst inclusive education teachers and provide practical implications for enhancing their engagement in inclusive education.
Chromosome 1 Alterations in Multiple Myeloma: Considerations for Precision Therapy
Authors: McAuley Niamh , Cymer Izabela , McAvera Roisin , Hopkins Ann M. , Glavey Siobhan V.
Published: December 2024

Multiple myeloma (MM) is an incurable blood malignancy characterized by the clonal expansion of plasma cells and the secretion of monoclonal immunoglobulins. High‐risk MM, defined by specific cytogenetic abnormalities, poses significant therapeutic challenges and is associated with inferior survival outcomes compared to standard‐risk disease. Although molecularly targeted therapies have shown efficacy in other hematologic malignancies, currently venetoclax is the only targeted therapy approved for MM (t(11;14)). However, chromosome 1q gains, amplifications, and 1p deletions are frequently observed in MM, and have been linked to drug resistance and poor patient prognosis. Accordingly, this review focuses on emerging MM precision therapies capable of targeting dysregulated genes within these regions. It addresses gene therapies, small molecule inhibitors and monoclonal antibodies currently under investigation to antagonize oncogenic drivers including MCL‐1, BCL9, F11R, and CKS1B, all of which are implicated in cell survival, proliferation or drug resistance. In conclusion, the link between chromosome 1 abnormalities and high‐risk disease in MM patients offers a compelling rationale to identify and explore therapeutic targeting of chromosome 1 gene products as a novel precision medicine approach for a poorly served patient population.
Electrocardiograms from different types of exercise in Eventing horses with and without cardiac signs
Authors: Navas de Solis Cristobal , Solomon Claire , Durando Mary , Stefanovski Darko
Published: December 2024

Background

Exercising arrhythmias can be clinically irrelevant or associated with poor performance, collapse and sudden cardiac death.

Objectives

To test if readable exercising ECGs can be recorded by grooms or riders and to describe arrhythmias in ECGs from different types of exercise in Eventing horses and investigate associations with type of workout, the presence of previous cardiac signs and intensity of exercise.

Study design

Cohort study.

Methods

Single lead exercising ECGs were obtained by riders or grooms during training and competition from a convenience sample of horses in training for Eventing competitions. Arrhythmias were described, and associations between different arrhythmia categories and variables that described the horse and the workouts were sought.

Results

There were 1002 ECGs from 62 horses (median [range] 7 [2–97] ECGs/horse) evaluated and 737 workouts (73.6%) were >95% readable and included in the analysis. There were arrhythmias in 250 (33.9%) of the workouts, complex arrhythmias in 13 (1.8%) and the number of premature complexes was median (range) 0 (0–118). Peak heart rate and duration of exercise were associated with the number of premature complexes, the presence of arrhythmias and complex arrhythmias and were colinear with the type of exercise. Having previous signs of cardiac disease and the type of workout were associated with higher odds of having arrhythmias.

Conclusions

Monitoring the rhythm of equine athletes with ECGs obtained by riders and transmitted to an online cloud was feasible. Arrhythmias were frequent, and complex arrhythmias were rare. The presence of cardiac signs, type of exercise and peak heart rate were associated with the presence of arrhythmias. None of the horses developed poor performance or collapse attributed to cardiac disease. The arrhythmias that should be concerning for equine veterinarians need further definition.
Enhanced Semantic Natural Scenery Retrieval System Through Novel Dominant Colour and Multi‐Resolution Texture Feature Learning Model
Authors: Pavithra L. K. , Subbulakshmi P. , Paramanandham Nirmala , Vimal S. , Alghamdi Norah Saleh , Dhiman Gaurav
Published: December 2024

A conventional content‐based image retrieval system (CBIR) extracts image features from every pixel of the images, and its depiction of the feature is entirely different from human perception. Additionally, it takes a significant amount of time for retrieval. An optimal combination of appropriate image features is necessary to bridge the semantic gap between user queries and retrieval responses. Furthermore, users should require minimal interactions with the CBIR system to obtain accurate responses. Therefore, the proposed work focuses on extracting highly relevant feature information from a set of images in various natural image databases. Subsequently, a feature‐based learning/classification model is introduced before similarity measure calculations, aiming to minimise retrieval time and the number of comparisons. The proposed work analyses the learning models based on the retrieval system's performance separately for the following features: (i) dominant colour, (ii) multi‐resolution radial difference texture patterns, and a combination of both. The developed work is assessed with other techniques, and the results are reported. The results demonstrate that the implemented ensemble learning model‐based CBIR outperforms the recent CBIR techniques.
Design science in operations management: A review and synthesis of the literature
Authors: Gauss Leandro , Lacerda Daniel P. , Siluk Julio C. M. , Romme A. Georges L.
Published: December 2024

The application of design science (DS) in the field of operations management (OM) is believed to be lopsided, with most studies pursuing theory‐to‐practice rather than practice‐to‐theory applications of DS. However, this belief has remained untested at the level of the entire body of DS applications in OM. This paper therefore reviews and synthesises 66 peer‐reviewed DS‐based publications (2003–2024) and presents a novel configurational framework. We analyse the DS applications through the lens of this framework to conclude that most of these applications contribute incrementally to extant theories but make a rather revelatory contribution to practice. This analysis points at four main reasons: DS is still an emerging research methodology, which is not labelled as such in many applications; OM researchers often assume that problem‐solving is the primary purpose of DS, which inhibits the delivery of more theoretical research outcomes; the lack of methodological guidelines to support the transition from specific to generalised knowledge; and the rather fragmented body of knowledge on DS, which is dispersed across multiple sources and different domains. This paper offers a configurational framework for DS to guide OM scholars in their efforts to explore scientific discoveries beyond problem‐solving.
Social Identification in Times of Crisis: How Need to Belong, Perspective Taking, and Cognitive Closure Relate to Changes in Social Identification
Authors: Till Franziska Julia , Heimrich Julia , Frenzel Svenja B. , van Dick Rolf , Mojzisch Andreas , Junker Nina M. , Häusser Jan A.
Published: December 2024

In a world shaped by global crises—from pandemics to international armed conflicts to an escalating climate crisis—research into human reactions to and coping with uncertainty is becoming increasingly important. The fundamental role of identification with social groups in maintaining well‐being during times of threat has been emphasized. In this context, the aim of this study was to examine the relationship between interindividual differences— need to belong, perspective taking, need for cognitive closure—and changes in social identification. To test our hypotheses, we conducted a two‐wave online study with a sample of 1008 participants during the COVID‐19 pandemic. We examined changes in social identification in narrow social groups (i.e., family, friends, neighbors) and broader social categories (i.e., own country, Europe, humanity). We found an overall increase in social identification in times of crises across all groups. The results show that need to belong (at Time 1) was positively related to increases in social identification (at Time 2) for all groups, while the positive association between perspective taking (at Time 1) and increases in social identification (at Time 2) was observed for almost all groups except neighbors. Contrary to our expectations, however, the need for cognitive closure (at Time 1) showed no association with changes in identification with any social group (at Time 2). These findings emphasize the importance of interindividual differences for our understanding of changes in social identification over time.
Efficacy and Safety of Sacubitril/Valsartan Versus Amlodipine in Japanese Patients With Essential Hypertension: A Randomized, Multicenter, Open‐Label, Noninferiority Study (PARASOL Study)
Authors: Yamamoto Koichi , Yarimizu Daisuke , Shimanishi Ayano , Eguchi Shunsuke , Iekushi Kazuma , Takami Yoichi , Nozato Yoichi , Kario Kazuomi , Rakugi Hiromi
Published: December 2024

Sacubitril/valsartan, an angiotensin receptor‐neprilysin inhibitor, has demonstrated a superior blood pressure‐lowering effect compared with renin‐angiotensin system inhibitors in several clinical trials. However, there has been no available evidence on the comparison between sacubitril/valsartan and calcium channel blockers (CCBs), a well‐established class of antihypertensive drugs.

In this open‐label, multicenter study, we aimed to demonstrate the efficacy and safety of sacubitril/valsartan versus amlodipine, one of the most widely used CCBs, after 8 weeks of treatment. A total of 359 Japanese patients with essential hypertension (office systolic blood pressure [SBP] ≥ 150 to < 180 mmHg), aged 18–79, were randomly assigned to receive either once‐daily sacubitril/valsartan 200 mg or once‐daily amlodipine 5 mg in a 1:1 allocation ratio. The primary endpoint was the noninferiority of sacubitril/valsartan compared with amlodipine in mean change in 24‐h SBP from baseline to Week 8, followed by a significance test as a secondary endpoint analysis. The mean change in 24‐h SBP in sacubitril/valsartan was noninferior to that in amlodipine (between‐treatment difference −0.62 mmHg [95% confidential interval: −3.23 to 1.98; p = 0.003 for noninferiority; independent t‐test with noninferiority margin 3.0 mmHg]), with no significant difference observed (p = 0.637). There was no significant difference in the incidence of adverse events (AEs). These results suggested that the blood pressure‐lowering effect of sacubitril/valsartan is comparable to that of amlodipine, with no marked differences in tolerability between the two groups. Sacubitril/valsartan, a potent antihypertensive drug comparable to amlodipine, is expected to improve blood pressure control in clinical practice.
Pyrvinium Pamoate Alone and With Gemcitabine Exhibits Anti‐Pancreatic Cancer Activity in 2D and 3D Cell Culture Models
Authors: Serala Karabo , Bai Jinming , Prince Sharon
Published: December 2024

Pancreatic cancer is an intractable disease with the worst prognosis of all common cancers. The treatment regimens currently used for pancreatic cancer do not significantly impact patient survival, and therefore, effective treatment strategies are urgently needed. Drug repurposing, which identifies new indications for existing and approved drugs, has proven to be a desirable approach to anti‐cancer drug discovery. Indeed, the antihelminthic drug, pyrvinium pamoate, has shown promise as an anti‐pancreatic cancer drug. However, the only mechanism of action ascribed to this has been its ability to inhibit mitochondrial function. This study showed, using pancreatic cancer 2D cell cultures and 3D spheroids, that pyrvinium pamoate exhibited short‐ and long‐term cytotoxicity, inhibited epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition and cell invasion and migration. Mechanistically, pyrvinium pamoate induced DNA damage, inhibited stemness markers and the PI3K/AKT cell survival pathway, triggered an S‐phase cell cycle arrest and induced apoptotic and autophagic cell death. Importantly, pyrvinium pamoate acted synergistically with the first‐line drug, gemcitabine, in 2D and 3D pancreatic cancer cell culture models. This study provides evidence that pyrvinium pamoate is effective as a single agent and in combination with gemcitabine for the treatment of pancreatic cancer.
Key Factors in the Implementation of Value‐Based Healthcare Performance Evaluation in General Hospitals Healthcare Groups: A Mixed Methodology Study
Authors: He Wenbo , Feng Wei , Du Liang , Zhang Wei
Published: December 2024

Objective

To identify the principal factors influencing the implementation of high‐value healthcare performance evaluation and to examine the interrelationships among these factors.

Background

Value‐based health care (VBHC) is gaining momentum as a model that focuses on improving patient outcomes. However, there is still a lack of understanding of the multifaceted factors that contribute to its successful implementation.

Design

Theoretical modelling and mixed research methods.

Methods

First, this study constructed a framework of influencing factors on the implementation of VBHC performance evaluation based on the Technology‐Organization‐Environment model. Second, a representative set of influencing factors for healthcare performance evaluation was identified. The implementation of performance evaluation was identified based on a literature analysis and a case study in China. Finally, experts were invited to assess the relevance of the aforementioned influencing factors, and the collected data were analysed using Interpretative Structural Model. The PRISMA‐ScR checklist guided the reporting of this study.

Results

We initially constructed the theory framework with the objective of categorising and summarising the influential factors and potential problems revealed in the implementation of patient VBHC performance evaluation in general hospitals. Subsequently, 15 key factors were identified through interviews with 10 experts. Then, a six‐level hierarchy was developed to construct a visual structure diagram, the purpose of which was to clarify the hierarchy of roles of each influencing factor. Finally, we categorise the influencing factors into four clusters based on their driving power and dependency within the system.

Conclusion

The insights from this research will assist hospital managers in identifying and prioritising the key factors that influence high‐value healthcare performance.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

This study provides a reliable pathway reference for clinical and nursing performance value enhancement and provides important insights into resource allocation and decision‐making for clinical practitioners.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution.
Unpacking the relationship between leaders' age and active conflict management: The moderating role of generativity
Authors: Fousiani Kyriaki , Scheibe Susanne , Walter Frank
Published: December 2024

As organizations face an ageing workforce, it is crucial to understand the role of leaders' age in their interactions with employees. Seminal theories on ageing cast age as a key factor shaping individuals' interpersonal behaviours, for example when handling conflicts. We integrate this notion with insights from generativity research to investigate the role of leaders' age in their active conflict management strategies through two distinct pathways. Depending on a leader's generativity, leaders' age may differentially shape both their perceptions of leader‐member exchange (LMX) quality and their emotion regulation knowledge, thereby advancing either more constructive or more destructive approaches towards employee conflicts. Results from Study 1, a time‐lagged study of 303 leaders, revealed that age is negatively related to their LMX perceptions and, thus, to leaders' constructive approaches towards employee conflicts—but only among leaders with lower generativity. Study 2, a cross‐sectional study of 84 leader‐employee teams, revealed that leaders' age is positively associated with their emotion regulation knowledge, which in turn is negatively related to their destructive conflict management—but only among leaders with higher generativity. Our findings reveal key mechanisms linking leader age to conflict management and underscore leader generativity as a crucial boundary condition in these relationships.
When Self‐Compassion Lacks Ferocity: Anger and Responding to False Accusations
Authors: Schellenberg Benjamin J. I. , Geddes Amy , Strachan Shaelyn , Bailis Daniel
Published: December 2024

Objective

Self‐compassion can help people when they make mistakes, but does it affect how people respond when falsely accused of making a mistake? In this research, we tested the hypothesis that self‐compassion is associated with lower levels of anger after a false accusation which, in turn, lowers the likelihood that people will attempt to challenge the accusation.

Method

In Studies 1A (N = 422) and 1B (N = 492), participants imagined that they were playing in an important tennis match and were falsely accused by an official of making an error. In Study 2 (N = 346), participants completed an online survey that, at one point, displayed a message accusing them of plagiarizing one of their responses.

Results

In all studies, self‐compassion assessed prior to the accusation was negatively associated with levels of anger following the accusation. Anger, in turn, was positively associated with intentions to challenge the accusation (Studies 1A and 1B) and with the likelihood that participants brought the false accusation to our attention when given an opportunity to do so (Study 2).

Conclusion

This research shows that highly self‐compassionate people are not always ferocious and may be susceptible to being taken advantage of when facing false accusations.
The Degree of Cervical Intervertebral Disc Degeneration Is Associated With Denser Bone Quality of the Cervical Sub‐endplate and Vertebral Body
Authors: Chen Jia‐Yu , Yang Jia‐Chen , Li Ruo‐Yao , Huang Zu‐Cheng , Huang Zhi‐Ping , Wu Xiu‐Hua , Zhu Qing‐An , Ding Yin
Published: December 2024

Objective

The relationship between cervical disc degeneration and bone quality of adjacent vertebral body remains controversial. This study aims to investigate the relationship between cervical disc degeneration and bone quality of the adjacent vertebral body and sub‐endplate bone with a new MRI‐based bone quality score in patients over 50 years with cervical spondylosis.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 479 cervical disc segments from 131 patients. Disc degeneration at levels C3/C4–C6/C7 was graded using T2‐weighted MRI. Vertebral body quality (VBQ) score and sub‐endplate bone quality (EBQ) score from C3 to C7 were computed from T1‐weighted MRI images. Additionally, bone mineral density (BMD) of the cervical vertebrae was measured in 52 patients using a novel phantom‐less quantitative computed tomography (PL‐QCT) system. The correlation between bone quality score and Pfirrmann grade was analyzed and risk factors for VBQ and EBQ were further evaluated.

Results

Significant differences were found in cranial VBQ among different Pfirrmann grades, with a score of 2.55 ± 0.54 for Grade 5 discs, which was lower compared to Grades 4 (2.70 ± 0.56) (p < 0.05) and 3 (2.81 ± 0.58) (p < 0.01). Caudal VBQ for Grade 5 discs (2.43 ± 0.52) was also significantly lower than for Grade 3 discs (2.66 ± 0.54) (p < 0.01). EBQ scores decreased with increasing Pfirrmann grades. Negative correlations were observed between both cranial and caudal VBQ and EBQ scores and Pfirrmann grades. Grades 4 and 5 discs were identified as independent risk factors for decreased caudal VBQ and EBQ, whereas only Grade 5 was a significant risk factor for decreased cranial EBQ. Additionally, a moderate correlation (0.4 < R < 0.6, p < 0.05) was noted between vertebral body BMD and VBQ at each cervical level.

Conclusion

In individuals over 50 years with cervical spondylosis, the severity of disc degeneration was closely correlated with denser bone quality in both the caudal vertebral body and sub‐endplate, as measured by VBQ and EBQ scores. These findings suggest that worsening disc degeneration is associated with increased bone density in specific areas of the cervical spine.
In Vitro Antileishmanial and Immune Modulation of Trigonelline Against Leishmania major
Authors: Esmaeili Elaheh , Dezaki Ebrahim Saedi , Amini‐Khoei Hossin , Mokhtarian Kobra , Abdizadeh Rahman , Esmaili Majid , Raesi Hadi
Published: December 2024

The mechanistic study of new pharmaceutical compounds is crucial for evaluating their efficacy, identifying potential side effects, and optimising drug formulations. This study aimed to investigate the mechanism of action of trigonelline on the promastigote and amastigote stages of Leishmania major (MRHO/IR/75/ER). An initial in silico study was conducted to examine the pharmacological effects of trigonelline using molecular docking to evaluate the potential binding affinity of trigonelline with nitrate, a crucial molecule in the macrophage immune response against Leishmania. In this experimental study, the inhibitory mechanism of trigonelline on promastigotes was evaluated by measuring metacaspase expression levels. In the amastigote stage of L. major, the expression levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), interleukin 12 (IL‐12), interferon‐gamma (IFN‐γ), tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐α), transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β) and interleukin 10 (IL‐10) genes were assessed using Real‐time PCR. Trigonelline demonstrated a high‐binding affinity to the iNOS molecule in computer modelling. In macrophages treated with various concentrations of trigonelline, glucantime and their combination, the expression levels of metacaspase, IL‐12, TNF‐α, IFN‐γ and iNOS genes significantly increased compared to the control group (p < 0.05), whereas IL‐10 and TGF‐β gene expression levels significantly decreased (p < 0.05). Trigonelline exerts its antileishmanial effects through its high antioxidant properties, non‐cytotoxicity to macrophages, and its ability to enhance apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in promastigotes of L. major.
Gestational Age‐Specific Stillbirth Rates: Are We Using the Right Denominator?
Authors: Sexton Jessica , Wojcieszek Aleena M. , Chambers Georgina M. , Coory Michael , Andrews Christine , Al‐Gharibeh Aya , Ellwood David , Flenady Vicki
Published: December 2024

Background

Globally, a stillbirth occurs every 17 seconds totalling almost 2 million every year. The global standard for reporting stillbirths is the stillbirth rate. While a critical and accessible summary statistic, it masks gestational age‐specific trends.

Objectives

This study aimed to summarise and critique stillbirth trends and document gestational age‐specific rates and risk calculations according to three published methodologies: gestational age‐specific stillbirth rate (GS‐SBR), foetus‐at‐risk (FAR) stillbirth rate, and continuity corrected foetus‐at‐risk (ccFAR) stillbirth rate.

Methods

We conducted a cross‐sectional analysis of all births from the National Perinatal Data Collection in Australia (1998–2018). Stillbirth was defined as the birth of a baby with no sign of life from 20 weeks of gestation or weighing 400 grams at birth. Three statistical measures were applied reflecting alternate denominators: the GS‐SBR measure used the number of births in a given week, the FAR used the number of foetuses in utero at the start of a week, and the ccFAR used the number of foetuses at the midpoint of the week.

Results

In Australia from 1998 to 2018, there were 39,576 stillbirths among 5.9 million births, an overall stillbirth rate of 6.7 per 1000 births. For each week of gestation (20–41+), the average GS‐SBR varied from 1.0 to 790.0 stillbirths per 1000 births; FAR varied from 0.1 to 1.2 stillbirths per 1000 FAR; and ccFAR varied from 0.1 to 2.4 stillbirths per 1000 ongoing pregnancies. The three stillbirth rate calculations showed distinct trends during pregnancy, and only FAR and ccFAR reflected increased stillbirth risk as gestation advances.

Conclusions

When calculating gestational‐age‐specific stillbirth rates, the FAR or ccFAR approaches provide the most accurate representation of the probability of stillbirth throughout pregnancy and better enable clinicians to act on risk.