bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Does digitalization enhance the effects of lean production on social performance?
Authors: Chavez Roberto , Yu Wantao , Jacobs Mark , Wong Chee Yew
Published: March 2024

Purpose

This study aims to investigate whether Industry 4.0 digital technologies can enhance the effects of lean production on social performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Survey data collected from China’s manufacturing industry are used to test research hypotheses.

Findings

The results reveal that the three dimensions of lean production (internal, customer and supplier) have a significant positive effect on social performance and that digital technology advancement (DTA) positively moderates these relationships. DTA adds only a marginal contribution to social performance.

Practical implications

This study addresses a new challenging question from manufacturing firms: how to integrate lean, technology and people? The empirical findings provide timely and insightful practical guidance for managers to better understand the role of digital transformation in the traditional lean context.

Originality/value

While digitalization is known to complement lean production, this study shows digitalization also complements the effects of lean production on social performance.
Influencers of academic staff performance in higher education: the role of motivation, transformational leadership and involvement in strategic planning
Authors: Al-Aamri Musallam S. Hawas , Soliman Mohammad , Ponniah Logendra Stanley
Published: March 2024

Purpose

This study empirically examines the impact of motivation, transformational leadership and involvement in strategic planning (SP) on academic staff performance at higher education institutions (HEIs). It also examines how academics' involvement in SP mediates the associations between motivation, transformational leadership and performance.

Design/methodology/approach

This article conducted a quantitative approach based on a self-administered survey. Partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was applied to analyze the data gathered from 192 faculty members at governmental HEIs in Oman.

Findings

The results indicated that academic staff motivation has a significant and positive impact on their involvement in SP and performance in HEIs. It is also revealed that employee involvement in SP activities is significantly affected by transformational leadership, while the latter does not affect academic staff performance. There is also a significant association between academic staff involvement in SP and their performance. Moreover, the relationships between motivation, transformational leadership and performance are fully mediated by academic staff involvement in SP at HEIs.

Originality/value

The current empirical work is one of the few endeavors to develop an integrated structural model to investigate how faculty members' performance could be affected by motivation, transformational leadership and involvement in SP. Furthermore, it is considered one of the first attempts to explore the intervening role of academic staff involvement in the SP process in the connections between motivation, transformational leadership and performance within the HEI realm.
Contingency and paradoxes in management practices—development plan as a case
Authors: Vik Erlend , Hansson Lisa
Published: March 2024

Purpose

As part of a national plan to govern professional and organizational development in Norwegian specialist healthcare, the country’s hospital clinics are tasked with constructing development plans. Using the development plan as a case, the paper analyzes how managers navigate and legitimize the planning process among central actors and deals with the contingency of decisions in such strategy work.

Design/methodology/approach

This study applies a qualitative research design using a case study method. The material consists of public documents, observations and single interviews, covering the process of constructing a development plan at the clinical level.

Findings

The findings suggest that the development plan was shaped through a multilevel translation process consisting of different contending rationalities. At the clinical level, the management had difficulties in legitimizing the process. The underlying tension between top-down and bottom-up steering challenged involvement and made it difficult to manage the contingency of decisions.

Practical implications

The findings are relevant to public sector managers working on strategy documents and policymakers identifying challenges that might hinder the fulfillment of political intentions.

Originality/value

This paper draws on a case from Norway; however, the findings are of general interest. The study contributes to the academic discussion on how to consider both the health authorities’ perspective and the organizational perspective to understand the manager’s role in handling the contingency of decisions and managing paradoxes in the decision-making process.
Managing sustainable transition through farmer-owned enterprises: the case of Ram Rahim Pragati Producer Company
Authors: Saxena Abhishek , Prasad Shambu C.
Published: March 2024

Purpose

Food systems research is typically focused on productivity and efficiency. But in the face of impending challenges of climate, investment, markets, and incomes small holders may do well to shift to diversity and sufficiency. The transition requires institutions such as Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) to play the role of intermediaries. This paper aims to understand this challenging phenomenon using a case from India.

Design/methodology/approach

In this article, drawing from the emerging literature of PO as a sustainability transition intermediary, this paper uses the case study of a women-owned FPO and explores its role in contributing to sustainable food systems through practices of non-pesticide management of agriculture. This paper explores, through non-participant observer methods, focus group discussions and interviews with multiple stakeholders how an FPO embeds sustainability in its purpose and the challenges faced in transforming producer and consumers towards sustainable food systems.

Findings

The study argues for early articulation of the “sustainability transition intermediary” role in the FPO’s vision and mission. Second, FPOs’ role of being a transition intermediary is impacted by the key stakeholders and the durability of relationship with them.

Originality/value

By studying FPOs in India, from the framework of sustainability transitions, this article adds to the limited literature that looks as POs as sustainability transition intermediaries.
What matters the most, the assessment method or individual skills in marketing research learning?
Authors: Manrique Molina Luisa Fernanda , Durán William Fernando , Valencia Carlos Augusto
Published: March 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to generate knowledge about assessment methods in blended business education, which have become increasingly important to establish sustainable assessment practices that support knowledge acquisition for undergraduate students in business administration at a Colombian university.

Design/methodology/approach

For the analysis, a two groups comparison was performed using a nonequivalent control group design with a sample of 420 students. As this study wants to find insights to improve the knowledge on assessment topics in marketing research (MR) education, it was focused on the students from the business administration program. This study also uses individual scores from the state test as prior cognitive scores and the high school classification provided by the National Ministry of Education in Colombia (2012).

Findings

It was found that the variables that best predict performance on the MR course examinations were the mathematics skills and reading comprehension scores on the state test. The study also showed a better performance of female students on both assessment methods. There were no significant differences between the assessment methods or among the high school levels.

Research limitations/implications

One of the limitations of this study is the limited number of items on the tests. Additionally, the authors recommend conducting an analysis of the differences between the testing items to provide a detailed explanation of students’ performance when comparing computer-based testing and paper-and-pencil testing.

Practical implications

Further design of teaching material and assessments online and offline, based on local and regional marketing problems, is suggested. As the current text and readings are more oriented to the English-speaking contexts, most of the problems presented are oriented to multinational companies and brands.

Social implications

Insights into the skills required for future jobs provide valuable guidance (World Economic Forum, 2020). Essential skills for emerging roles, like data scientists, can find robust support within the MR course. To further enrich in-class and online exercises with Excel and SPSS, Colombian educators can leverage data sets obtained from sources like the national statistics office and international market intelligence databases available through the university’s library, including Passport and Statista. Engaging with authentic data sets provides students with a more profound understanding of practical applications in MR.

Originality/value

This approach facilitates the identification of key variables, such as assessment and cognitive abilities in math and reading, which predict students’ knowledge acquisition in MR. It not only offers insights into the relevant factors influencing learning in MR but also provides valuable feedback. Additionally, it suggests potential avenues for future research in this field.
Spiritual intelligence in the workplace: is there a dark side?
Authors: Oyewunmi Adebukola E. , Adedeji Oluwatomi , Adegbuyi Abimbola
Published: March 2024

Purpose

Practitioners and management researchers have chorused the salvific tendencies of spiritual intelligence. Whilst the emergence of spirituality and its derivatives in the workplace is widely acclaimed, the conflict that exists between spiritual ideals and the capitalist ethos of modern organisations raises questions about dark manifestations. This incongruence necessitates the consideration of the misuse of spiritual intelligence.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper adopts conceptual lens and theoretical arguments to interrogate the assumption of absolute constructiveness that is accorded spiritual intelligence in its framing and discusses the potential of a dark side.

Findings

The dark side of spiritual intelligence is its deployment to achieve self-serving purposes, to harm, rather than to help others. More practitioners and management researchers must acknowledge that spiritual intelligence and workplace spirituality may have dark manifestations and incorporate this reality in the assessment of organisations and the individuals within them.

Originality/value

This exploratory article joins the sparse extant literature on the dark side of spiritual intelligence and workplace spirituality. It contributes to the literature by offering critical insights into spiritual intelligence and the need to integrate the potential for misuse in the existing models.
Aligning performance metrics with business strategy
Authors: Kathuria Ravi , Lucianetti Lorenzo
Published: March 2024

Purpose

This study examines whether different strategy archetypes deploy specific performance metrics to support their strategic goals and priorities. If so, does alignment of strategy and metrics positively impact organisational performance?

Design/methodology/approach

The conceptual framework and hypotheses are couched in Contingency Theory. The role of business strategy as a moderating variable is tested using MANOVA, followed by post hoc pairwise comparisons. The results are based on cross-sectional survey data from 372 manufacturing and service organisations in Italy.

Findings

The overall contingency effect of business strategy in selecting and deploying performance metrics and their effect on organisational performance is supported. However, the group-wise post hoc analyses show support only for Prospectors but not for Defenders and Analysers.

Research limitations/implications

This research lends further support in favour of the Contingency Theory from a new geographic context (Italy) that there are no universally best performance metrics that drive organisational performance. However, more research is needed to understand why the theory only holds for certain strategic archetypes and not across all archetypes.

Practical implications

Managers can direct resources and effort towards designing and deploying the “right” type of performance metrics suitable for their strategic orientation and thus optimise organisational performance.

Originality/value

This is a rare study that tests the moderating role of business strategy using all four strategic archetypes of the Miles and Snow typology. It deploys both financial and non-financial measures and uses a very large sample of both manufacturing and service organisations from a relatively unexplored region of the world. The study provides additional evidence in favour of the Contingency Theory whilst advocating for more research to refine our understanding of why the contingency perspective is not so important for firms that are not the first-in.
The impact of total quality management practices on innovation in food SMEs: the mediating role of organizational culture
Authors: Saleh Yahya , Zaid Ahmed Adnan , Omar Rania
Published: March 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the relationship between total quality management (TQM) and the innovation performance of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) through empirical testing. It also seeks to determine whether the relationship between TQM and SMEs’ innovation is mediated by organizational culture (OC).

Design/methodology/approach

Data from managers/owners of food SMEs in the West Bank regions of Palestine were collected through a questionnaire that was assessed for validity and reliability. A structural equation model (SEM) was constructed using Smart PLS 3.9.2 to investigate the relationships.

Findings

The statistical results contribute to the existing literature by demonstrating a direct and positive relationship between TQM and OC where both have a positive and significant impact on innovation in food SMEs. Additionally, the study found that there is a significant and positive indirect impact of TQM on innovation in food SMEs, which is mediated by OC.

Research limitations/implications

The study's results offer valuable insights to food SMEs' managers/owners in the current dynamic manufacturing landscape, with a focus on using TQM as a means of enhancing their innovation. The findings can provide guidance to food SMEs by highlighting the significance of OC, as it impacts the effective implementation of TQM and subsequently leads to an improvement in innovation levels.

Originality/value

This study enhances the existing literature on TQM by providing an in-depth understanding of TQM as perceived by food SMEs in Palestine. It addresses the gap in empirical research on the combined impact of TQM and OC on innovations in food SMEs. The study contributes to the theoretical framework and has significant managerial implications, providing recommendations for future research.
The effects of different fiber fractions from sour cherry (Prunus cerasus L.) pomace and fiber modification methods on cake quality
Authors: Baskaya‐Sezer Duygu
Published: March 2024

Sour cherry pomace is the largest byproduct of sour cherry processing with more than 0.4 million tonnes per year. In this study, sour cherry pomace powder (SCPP) has been treated individually or by a combination of microwave (MW), enzymatic hydrolysis, and high pressure to increase soluble dietary fiber (SDF) content. Then, the untreated or treated forms of SCPP, their SDF, and insoluble dietary fiber (IDF) isolates were added (5%) to the reduced‐fat cake. Rheological, physical, and textural properties of the full‐fat (50%) and the reduced‐fat (25% fat) cakes enriched with dietary fiber (DF) were compared. SDF enrichment minimized the negative effect of fat reduction in the cake. Water absorption, mixing tolerance, hardness, and springiness values of the SDF‐enriched samples were found as the lowest. Extensibility, energy, weight loss, and cohesiveness values were found to be the highest values with the addition of SDF. All treatments helped to decrease mixing tolerance, dough development, and stability time. MW was the critical treatment for DF modification. Individual MW‐treated DF samples increased resistance to extension of the dough samples as compared to the untreated SDF, IDF, and SCPP. Nevertheless, SDF showed better performance in acting as a fat replacer than IDF and SCPP.

Practical Application

The soluble dietary fiber (SDF) isolate minimized the negative effect of fat reduction in cakes. Water absorption and mixing tolerance of the dough were measured as the lowest. The hardness and springiness of soluble dietary fiber‐enriched cakes were found to be the lowest. Extensibility and weight loss reached the highest value when SDF was used. Treatments helped decrease mixing tolerance, dough development, and stability time.
Risk of uveitis in autoimmune diseases patients treated with hydroxychloroquine: A population‐based retrospective cohort study
Authors: Bai Yi‐Chiao , Perng Wuu‐Tsun , Huang Jing‐Yang , Liao Pei‐Lun , Wei James Cheng‐Chung
Published: March 2024

Objective

Uveitis is a common manifestation of various autoimmune diseases and can lead to severe visual impairment. Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) is an antimalarial drug that is also used to treat autoimmune diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between HCQ use and the incidence of uveitis in patients with autoimmune diseases, as well as to identify potential risk factors for the development of uveitis in this study.

Methods

We conducted a population‐based cohort study using a nationwide database to investigate the incidence of uveitis in patients with autoimmune diseases who received HCQ treatment. We selected non‐HCQ comparison cohort at a 1:1 ratio by propensity score matching on age, sex, index date, urbanization, income, comorbidities, and medications. The data were analyzed using Cox proportional hazards models, and propensity score matching (PSM) was used to reduce selection bias.

Results

Our study included 15 822 patients with autoimmune diseases. After 1:1 PSM, there were 4555 individuals in both the HCQ group (n = 4555) and the non‐HCQ group (n = 4555). The multiple Cox proportional hazard regression analysis was used for the estimation of adjusted hazard ratios on uveitis. After PSM, the adjusted hazard ratio for the HCQ group was 0.74 (95% CI = 0.58–0.95). These findings suggest that HCQ may play a protective role in reducing the risk of uveitis in patients with autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, Sjogren's syndrome, and systemic lupus erythematosus groups. The Kaplan–Meier survival curves also showed a significantly lower incidence of uveitis in the HCQ group (log‐rank = 0.0229) after PSM.

Conclusion

HCQ use is associated with a lower incidence of uveitis in patients with autoimmune diseases. Further studies are needed to confirm this association and to investigate the underlying mechanisms.
Australia: Political Developments and Data in 2023
Authors: TAFLAGA MARIJA
Published: March 2024

This entry chronicles the failed referendum on constitutional recognition of First Nations Australians via the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice. The entry includes election results for the referendum, two by‐elections and one subnational election. It supplies data on the Cabinet and notes changes in parliamentary composition (sex and party). It notes changes to Australia's Public Service Act, its Reserve Bank and the ongoing implementation of measures to make Parliament a safer place. The entry discusses the development of the referendum proposal, debate, consequences and reasons for its defeat. Policy issues discussed include Labor's response to the cost‐of‐living crisis, including housing, social welfare energy and climate transition. Issues of governance are also discussed including Royal Commission and Secretary Sackings. Finally, Australia's foreign policy, including the Australian‐United Kingdom‐United States alliance and Australia's relationship with the Pacific and China, are also discussed.
Integrin restriction by miR‐34 protects germline progenitors from cell death during aging
Authors: Perry Noam , Braun Racheli , Ben‐Hamo‐Arad Aya , Kanaan Diana , Arad Tal , Porat‐Kuperstein Lilach , Toledano Hila
Published: March 2024

During aging, regenerative tissues must dynamically balance the two opposing processes of proliferation and cell death. While many microRNAs are differentially expressed during aging, their roles as dynamic regulators of tissue regeneration have yet to be described. We show that in the highly regenerative Drosophila testis, miR‐34 levels are significantly elevated during aging. miR‐34 modulates germ cell death and protects the progenitor germ cells from accelerated aging. However, miR‐34 is not expressed in the progenitors themselves but rather in neighboring cyst cells that kill the progenitors. Transcriptomics followed by functional analysis revealed that during aging, miR‐34 modifies integrin signaling by limiting the levels of the heterodimeric integrin receptor αPS2 and βPS subunits. In addition, we found that in cyst cells, this heterodimer is essential for inducing phagoptosis and degradation of the progenitor germ cells. Together, these data suggest that the miR‐34—integrin signaling axis acts as a sensor of progenitor germ cell death to extend progenitor functionality during aging.
Public support for and concerns regarding pediatric dose optimization for seizures in emergency medical services: An exception from informed consent (EFIC) trial
Authors: Ward Caleb E. , Adelgais Kathleen M. , Holsti Maija , Jacobsen Kammy K. , Simon Harold K. , Morris Claudia R. , Gonzalez Victor M. , Lerner Gonzalo , Ghaffari Kimia , VanBuren John M. , Lerner E. Brooke , Shah Manish I. ,   the Pediatric Emergency Care Applied Research Network (PECARN) PediDOSE Study Group
Published: March 2024

Background

Federal regulations allow exception from informed consent (EFIC) to study emergent conditions when obtaining prospective consent is not feasible. Little is known about public views on including children in EFIC studies. The Pediatric Dose Optimization for Seizures in EMS (PediDOSE) trial implements age‐based, standardized midazolam dosing for pediatric seizures. The primary objective of this study was to determine public support for and concerns about the PediDOSE EFIC trial. The secondary objective was to assess how support for PediDOSE varied by demographics.

Methods

We conducted a mixed‐methods study in 20 U.S. communities. Participants reviewed information about PediDOSE before completing an online survey. Descriptive data were generated. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis identified factors associated with support for PediDOSE. Reviewers identified themes from free‐text response data regarding participant concerns.

Results

Of 2450 respondents, 79% were parents/guardians, and 20% had a child with previous seizures. A total of 96% of respondents supported PediDOSE being conducted, and 70% approved of children being enrolled without prior consent. Non‐Hispanic Black respondents were less likely than non‐Hispanic White respondents to support PediDOSE with an adjusted odds ratio (aOR) of 0.57 (95% CI 0.42–0.75). Health care providers were more likely to support PediDOSE, with strongest support among prehospital emergency medicine clinicians (aOR 5.82, 95% CI 3.19–10.62). Age, gender, parental status, and level of education were not associated with support of PediDOSE. Common concerns about PediDOSE included adverse effects, legal and ethical concerns about enrolling without consent, and potential racial bias.

Conclusions

In communities where this study will occur, most respondents supported PediDOSE being conducted with EFIC and most approved of children being enrolled without prior consent. Support was lowest among non‐Hispanic Black respondents and highest among health care providers. Further research is needed to determine optimal ways to address the concerns of specific racial and ethnic groups when conducting EFIC trials.
Diet quality and blood pressure among pregnant women with overweight or obesity: A secondary analysis of two randomized controlled trials
Authors: Lynch Sorcha , Killeen Sarah Louise , O'Brien Eileen , Mullane Kate , Hokey Emma , Mealy Grace , McAuliffe Fionnuala M.
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Maternal obesity is a significant risk factor for hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. High diet quality may protect against this, yet data regarding the relationship between diet quality and blood pressure among pregnant women with raised body mass index (BMI) is limited.

Material and methods

This is a secondary analysis (n = 543) of women with BMI ≥25 kg/m2 from two randomized controlled trials; PEARS (Pregnancy Exercise and nutrition Research Study with smartphone application support) and ROLO (Randomized cOntrol trial of LOw glycemic index diet to prevent macrosomia in euglycemic women). Blood pressure was measured at 10–18 weeks and 28 weeks of pregnancy. Mean arterial pressure was calculated as (diastolic blood pressure [systolic blood pressure  diastolic blood pressure]). Diet quality was assessed using 3‐day food diaries, and Alternative Healthy Eating Index for Pregnancy (AHEI‐P) scores were generated, quantifying alignment of food intakes with dietary guidelines in first and early third trimesters. The cohort was divided based on AHEI‐P tertiles to explore differences at an alpha significance value of <0.05.

Results

The mean age of the group was 32.21 ± 4.39 years with a median body mass index (BMI) of 28.13 (IQR 3.47) kg/m2. Mean arterial pressures in the first and third trimesters were 81.07 ± 9.00 mmHg and 82.33 ± 7.53 mmHg, respectively. Rates of elevated blood pressure (≥120/80 mmHg) were 22.33% in trimester 1 and 24.48% in early trimester 3. Mean AHEI‐P scores in trimester 1 and early trimester 3 were 53.90 ± 10.43 and 54.05 ± 10.76, respectively. There was no correlation between AHEI‐P score and blood pressure and no differences in blood pressure between AHEI‐P tertiles at either timepoint (all P‐values <0.05). A higher proportion of those with elevated early third trimester blood pressure had a BMI of ≥30 kg/m2 compared with those with normal blood pressure (40.31% vs 28.64%, P = 0.016).

Conclusions

While diet remains an important factor in maternal health and wellbeing, we did not find a relationship between diet quality as measured by AHEI‐P and blood pressure among pregnant women with BMI ≥25 kg/m2. High BMI remains a risk factor for hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.
Epidemiological features and prognosis for primary gastrointestinal follicular lymphoma
Authors: Li Xuelei , Gao Fenghua , Meng Xiangrui , Zhang Xiaoyan , Sun Cong , Liu Hengqi , Yu Jingwei , Liu Xia , Han Xue , Li Lanfang , Qiu Lihua , Qian Zhengzi , Zhou Shiyong , Gong Wenchen , Golchehre Zahra , Chavoshzadeh Zahra , Ren Xiubao , Wang Xianhuo , Zhang Huilai
Published: March 2024

Primary gastrointestinal follicular lymphoma (PGI‐FL) is a rare extra‐nodal lymphoma. Its epidemiology and prognosis remain unclear. We performed a retrospective analysis of eligible patients with 1648 PGI‐FL and 34 892 nodal FL (N‐FL) in the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) database. The age‐adjusted average annual incidence of PGI‐FL was 0.111/100000. The median overall survival (OS) for PGI‐FL and N‐FL patients was 207 and 165 months respectively. The 5‐year diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL) transformation rates were 2.1% and 2.6% respectively. Age, sex, grade, Ann Arbor stage, primary site and radiation were independent prognostic factors (p < 0.05). Nomograms were constructed to predict 1‐, 5‐ and 10‐year OS and disease‐specific survival (DSS). The receiver operating characteristic curves and calibration plots showed the established nomograms had robust and accurate performance. Patients were classified into three risk groups according to nomogram score. In conclusion, the incidence of PGI‐FL has increased over the past 40 years, and PGI‐FL has a better prognosis and a lower DLBCL transformation rate than N‐FL. The nomograms were developed and validated as an individualized tool to predict survival. Patients were divided into three risk groups to assist clinicians in identifying high‐risk patients and choosing the optimal individualized treatments.
R2R01: A long‐acting single‐chain peptide agonist of RXFP1 for renal and cardiovascular diseases
Authors: Poirier Bruno , Pasquier Olivier , Chenede Xavier , Corbier Alain , Prigent Philippe , Azam Aurélien , Bernard Carine , Guillotel Michel , Gillot Florence , Riva Laurence , Briand Veronique , Ingenito Raffaele , Gauzy‐Lazo Laurence , Duclos Olivier , Philippo Christophe , Maillere Bernard , Bianchi Elisabetta , Mallart Sergio , Janiak Philip , Illiano Stephane
Published: March 2024

Background

The therapeutic potential of relaxin for heart failure and renal disease in clinical trials is hampered by the short half‐life of serelaxin. Optimization of fatty acid‐acetylated single‐chain peptide analogues of relaxin culminated in the design and synthesis of R2R01, a potent and selective RXFP1 agonist with subcutaneous bioavailability and extended half‐life.

Experimental Approach

Cellular assays and pharmacological models of RXFP1 activation were used to validate the potency and selectivity of R2R01. Increased renal blood flow was used as a translational marker of R2R01 activity. Human mastocytes (LAD2 cells) were used to study potential pseudo‐allergic reactions and CD4+ T‐cells to study immunogenicity. The pharmacokinetics of R2R01 were characterized in rats and minipigs.

Key Results

In vitro, R2R01 had comparable potency and efficacy to relaxin as an agonist for human RXFP1. In vivo, subcutaneous administration of R2R01 increased heart rate and renal blood flow in normotensive and hypertensive rat and did not show evidence of tachyphylaxis. R2R01 also increased nipple length in rats, used as a chronic model of RXFP1 engagement. Pharmacokinetic studies showed that R2R01 has a significantly extended terminal half‐life. The in vitro assays with LAD2 cells and CD4+ T‐cells showed that R2R01 had low potential for pseudo‐allergic and immunogenic reactions, respectively.

Conclusion and implications

R2R01 is a potent RXFP1 agonist with an extended half‐life that increases renal blood flow in various settings including normotensive and hypertensive conditions. The preclinical efficacy and safety data supported clinical development of R2R01 as a potential new therapy for renal and cardiovascular diseases.
Primary pulmonary histiocytic sarcoma with high PD‐L1 expression benefited from immunotherapy: A case report and bioinformatic analysis
Authors: Lin Yuanjie , Cao Qian , Hong Aonan , Liang Xiao
Published: March 2024

Histiocytic sarcoma is an aggressive haematopoietic malignancy accounting for less than 1% of haematolymphoid neoplasms with a diagnosis based on morphology and immunophenotype of tissue biopsies with a very poor prognosis. Here, we report a 45‐year‐old man who was diagnosed with primary pulmonary histiocytic sarcoma with systemic metastases, with partial remission (PR) treated with cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine and prednisone (CHOP) chemotherapy, but it relapsed soon after therapy above. Tests demonstrated that TMB was 21 Muts/Mb PD‐L1 expression was 90% positive, and the disease has been well‐controlled over 3 years using immune checkpoint inhibitors (nivolumab and pembrolizumab). Bioinformatic pan‐cancer analysis verified that there was the highest genetic alteration frequency of PD‐L1 in which amplification accounted for the majority of sarcoma tumour samples. Following that, we found that the genetic alteration of PD‐L1 was associated with poor prognosis in sarcoma patients in terms of overall survival (OS) (p = 1.51 × 10−4), progress‐free survival (PFS) (p = 4.90 × 10−2) and disease‐specific survival (DSS) (p = 4.90 × 10−2). To our knowledge, this may be the first reported case with high PD‐L1 expression in primary pulmonary histiocytic sarcoma who may benefit from immunotherapy such as nivolumab and pembrolizumab significantly and safely.
Tumor biomarkers in evaluating the severity and prognosis of idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension: A comprehensive analysis
Authors: Li Xin , Zhang Yi , Zhang Sicheng , Zhao Qing , Jin Qi , Duan Anqi , Huang Zhihua , Gao Luyang , Wang Yijia , Li Sicong , Zhao Zhihui , Luo Qin , Liu Zhihong
Published: March 2024

Inflammation contributes to development of idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH), and tumor biomarkers can reflect inflammatory and immune status. We aimed to determine the value of tumor biomarkers in IPAH comprehensively. We enrolled 315 patients with IPAH retrospectively. Tumor biomarkers were correlated with established indicators of pulmonary hypertension severity. Multivariable Cox regression found that AFP (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.587, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.014–2.482, p = 0.043) and CA125 (HR: 2.018, 95% CI: 1.163–3.504, p = 0.013) could independently predict prognosis of IPAH. The changes of AFP over time were associated with prognosis of patients, each 1 ng/mL increase in AFP was associated with 5.4% increased risk of clinical worsening (HR: 1.054, 95% CI: 1.001–1.110, p = 0.046), enabling detection of disease progression. Moreover, beyond well‐validated PH biomarkers, CA125 was still of prognostic value in the low‐risk patients (HR: 1.014, 95% CI: 1.004–1.024, p = 0.004), allowing for more accurate risk stratification and prediction of disease outcomes. AFP and CA125 can serve for prognosis prediction, risk stratification, and dynamic monitor in patients with IPAH.
Severe atopic dermatitis in early infancy: characteristics, challenges and new perspectives in clinical practice
Authors: Weins Andreas Benedikt , Kerzel Sebastian , Schnopp Christina
Published: March 2024

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is the most common skin disease in infants and children with a prevalence of 10% in the first two years of life. In this age group up to 15% are severely affected. “Children are not little adults” ‐ this applies in particular to infants with severe atopic dermatitis. Age‐specific clinical aspects (psychosocial, neurocognitive, morphological) of the disease require an adjusted disease management. Considering recent approval of systemic treatment options, early identification of infants and children with severe and early persistent disease is of particular importance also in view of possible prevention of atopic comorbidity. As several inborn errors of immunity (IEI) share features of the atopic phenotype, it is essential for clinicians to distinguish signs of immunodeficiency from severe AD. Here, we describe a practical approach on the basis of clinical history and key dermatological and laboratory findings. Furthermore, this paper is aimed at providing an update on general management of severe AD in early infancy, including recommendations for systemic treatment.
Using endoscopic radial incision and cutting combined with endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography to treat biliary‐enteric anastomotic stricture and stones
Authors: Wang Li , Chen Wei‐Feng , Zhou Ping‐Hong
Published: March 2024

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Predicting cerebral palsy: The importance of evidence‐based screening programs appropriate for low‐ and middle‐income countries
Authors: Hewawitharana Gemunu , Phillips John
Published: March 2024

This commentary is on the original articles by Romeo et al. and Tian et al. on pages 1173–1180 and 1181–1189 of this issue.
Acquired hypothalamic obesity: A clinical overview and update
Authors: Roth Christian L. , McCormack Shana E.
Published: March 2024

Hypothalamic obesity (HO) is a rare and complex disorder that confers substantial morbidity and excess mortality. HO is a unique subtype of obesity characterized by impairment in the key brain pathways that regulate energy intake and expenditure, autonomic nervous system function, and peripheral hormonal signalling. HO often occurs in the context of hypothalamic syndrome, a constellation of symptoms that follow from disruption of hypothalamic functions, for example, temperature regulation, sleep–wake circadian control, and energy balance. Genetic forms of HO, including the monogenic obesity syndromes, often impact central leptin–melanocortin pathways. Acquired forms of HO occur as a result of tumours impacting the hypothalamus, such as craniopharyngioma, surgery or radiation to treat those tumours, or other forms of hypothalamic damage, such as brain injury impacting the region. Risk for severe obesity following hypothalamic injury is increased with larger extent of hypothalamic damage or lesions that contain the medial and posterior hypothalamic nuclei that support melanocortin signalling pathways. Structural damage in these hypothalamic nuclei often leads to hyperphagia, central insulin and leptin resistance, decreased sympathetic activity, low energy expenditure, and increased energy storage in adipose tissue, the collective effect of which is rapid weight gain. Individuals with hyperphagia are perpetually hungry. They do not experience fullness at the end of a meal, nor do they feel satiated after meals, leading them to consume larger and more frequent meals. To date, most efforts to treat HO have been disappointing and met with limited, if any, long‐term success. However, new treatments based on the distinct pathophysiology of disturbed energy homeostasis in acquired HO may hold promise for the future.
Student voice in higher education: A negotiated curriculum in the foreign language classroom
Authors: Oruç Eylem
Published: March 2024

The article examines an action research of negotiated curriculum in a university‐level EFL (English as a Foreign Language) classroom. Drawing on critical pedagogy, this study is best suited to action research as negotiated curriculum can be explored with a deeper understanding through action‐oriented research. The research details how negotiated curriculum affects learning and teaching in an EFL classroom. Data collection methods included participant observation, teacher journals, student journals, and minutes of student meetings. The findings revealed that student choice, participation in classroom management, negotiated assessment, collaborative dialogue, and student‐led activities can be considered in a negotiated curriculum. Moreover, it was indicated that the negotiated curriculum contributed to speaking skills, learner engagement, motivation, self‐confidence, and enjoyment.
Social representations of teachers' dropout in the French context: An exploratory study
Authors: Benmbarek Abdelkader , Poplimont Christine , Lo Monaco Grégory
Published: March 2024

This work aims to investigate the causes behind teachers leaving their profession in France, as well as the aspects that influence some teachers to stay in. The phenomenon of teacher dropout and abandonment is increasingly prevalent in OECD countries, particularly affecting new teachers. Taking a social psychological perspective, the research delves into the representational content of teachers' attitudes towards their profession. By distinguishing between teacher dropout and abandonment—the latter being considered an earlier phase, the results suggest that pupils play a central role in preventing teachers' dropout, along with the love and passion for teaching and the discipline they teach. Conversely, lack of consideration, inadequate resources, working conditions and classroom management challenges are identified as aspects contributing to increase teachers' dropout phenomenon. The findings provide an empirical basis for future studies and valuable insights for enhancing initial teacher training programmes. Understanding these phenomena through the lens of social representations provides valuable insights for developing supportive environments that foster teacher retention and well‐being and facilitate intervention and prevention strategies targeting key elements linked to teachers dropping out.
Engaging with the Other
Authors: Cho Hyuk
Published: March 2024

The World Council of Churches (WCC) has recently stated that we live in a “poly‐crisis” world. This context raises questions about finding common ground with people of other faiths or no faith for the common good. How do Christians practise ecumenical diakonia in the public sphere and offer transformative diaconal services in their contexts? To explore these questions, I reflect on the essence of faith in Korean Sŏn Buddhist monk Chinul (知訥, 1158–1210) and that of the contemporary Canadian theologian Douglas John Hall to identify implications for the practice of ecumenical diakonia and its commitment to interreligious dialogue. Chinul and Hall agree that faith encourages reaching out to others. Buddhists and Christians can be companions on the journey of working together across differences for the common good of the world.
Changes in the composition of molecular species of covalently bound and free ceramides [EOS], and their correlation with disease severity in atopic dermatitis
Authors: Kondo A. , Takenaka Y. , Fujiwara A. , Takahashi S. , Kitade‐Miyayama M. , Morifuji M. , Kawashima M. , Ishiguro N.
Published: March 2024

Ceramides are major constituents of stratum corneum (SC) intercellular lipids involved in skin barrier function. The ratio of molecular species of ceramides and their correlation with disease severity was examined in patients with atopic dermatitis (AD). Thirty‐eight patients with AD and 32 healthy controls (HCs) were assessed for transepidermal water loss, SC collection and clinical assessment. The ceramide content of different molecular species in the samples was quantified using high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry. Unsaturated acyl chains of both covalently bound and free ceramides [EOS] were higher in AD lesional skin than those in AD non‐lesional or normal HC skin. The proportion of unsaturated acyl chains (C30:1, C32:1 and C34:1) was higher than other ceramide molecular species among covalently bound and free ceramides [EOS] in patients with AD. The proportion of unsaturated acyl chains in covalently bound ceramides was positively correlated with transepidermal water loss (r = 0.600) when considering the total number of non‐lesional and lesional skin. Additionally, thymus and activation‐regulated chemokine (TARC) showed a positive correlation with unsaturated acyl chains proportion in AD non‐lesional (r = 0.676) and lesional (r = 0.503) skin. Our study is the first to show the increase in unsaturated acyl chains of both covalently bound and free ceramides [EOS] in lesional and non‐lesional skin in AD for each molecular species. This increase is associated with dryness and impaired barrier function, which correlates with TARC levels, a marker for the degree of type 2 inflammation. We speculate that type 2 inflammation exacerbation leads to abnormal epidermal lipid metabolism in the skin of patients with AD.
Dermal papilla cells cultured as spheres improve angiogenesis
Authors: Oppenheimer Florencia Maia , Proietti Cecilia Jazmín , Ceruti Julieta María , Hagelin Karin , Leirós Gustavo José , Balañá María Eugenia
Published: March 2024

Tissue‐engineered skin represents a helpful strategy for the treatment of deep skin injuries. Nevertheless, these skin substitutes must promote and encourage proper vascularization for a successful graft take. Previous work showed that dermal papilla cells (DPC) favour an earlier neovascularization process of grafted skin substitute contributing to the rapid maturation of the neovascular network, reducing inflammation and favouring extracellular matrix remodelling in nude mice. Based on these results, we studied the influence of DPC and its culture conditions on the different stages of angiogenesis in in vitro models. Here, we showed that DPC cultured as spheres favour the expression of angiogenic factors such as VEGF, FGF2 and angiogenin compared to their monolayer culture. To study the effects of DPC on the different stages of angiogenesis, an in vitro model has been adapted. DPC cultured as spheres significantly enhanced HUVEC migration and tubule formation, indicating the importance of employing physiological culture systems that provide a closer representation of cell behaviour and interactions occurring in vivo. Overall, these results allow us to speculate that the use of DPC spheres in skin substitutes could promote its grafting, vascularization and vascular network maturation through the secretion of angiogenic factors. This approach has great potential to improve clinical outcomes in regenerative medicine and skin wound repair.
Defining sustainable clothing use: A taxonomy for future research
Authors: Dao Jessica F. , Joyner Martinez Cosette M.
Published: March 2024

The experiences, habits, and practices that occur post‐purchase within the clothing use phase have an impact on clothing's longevity, a linchpin in sustainable clothing consumption. Though it represents one of the most carbon‐intensive and polluting phases of consumption, a clear definition of sustainable clothing use practice and how it functionally contributes to sustainable consumption is currently underdeveloped. Consumer behavior researchers have most significantly illuminated sustainable clothing purchase and disposal behaviors, leaving an understanding of post‐purchase habits that emerge in everyday clothing use incomplete and fragmented. Through a systematic literature review of 77 articles published from 1991 to January 2022, this study provides a holistic view of this domain of sustainable clothing use that highlights three dimensions (wear, care, repair) alongside the associated habits of mind and domestic management that constitute a system of use practice. The themes that emerged within the review are utilized to develop a framework and an agenda for future research in this important domain of consumer behavior.
The effect of nurse‐led motivational interviewing based on the trans‐theoretical model on promoting physical activity in healthy older adults: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Sönmez Sari Ebru , Kitiş Yeter
Published: March 2024

Aim

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of motivational interviewing based on the trans‐theoretical model promoting physical activity in older adults.

Methods

A randomized controlled trial study was conducted with 117 older adults (intervention group: 58, and control group: 59) between April and November 2019. The data were collected via a questionnaire, trans‐theoretical model scales, the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly, the Katz Activities of Daily Living scale and a pedometer. The 24‐week intervention consisted of regular motivational interviewing. The control group received usual care at the family health centre.

Results

Following the intervention, the Intervention Group showed significant improvements Exercise Processes of Change Scale, Exercise Self‐Efficacy Scale and Perceived Benefits of the Decisional Balance Scale for Exercise. There was a significant difference between the groups in terms of stages of change. In the Intervention Group, 81.5% were in the contemplation stage in the pre‐test, while in the post‐test, 70.4% had transitioned to the action stage. In contrast, in the control group, 62.5% were in the contemplation stage initially, but in the post‐test, only 9.3% had reached the action stage. The mean number of step counts increased significantly in favour of the Intervention Group, as did the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly total score.

Conclusion

The trial indicated that after the trans‐theoretical model‐based motivational interviewing, the stages of change among the older adults improved, as did their exercise behaviours. It is recommended that the trans‐theoretical model and motivational interviewing be used by nurses to improve healthy lifestyle stage behaviours in older adults.