bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Position: a study protocol for the prevention of fall injuries in French Special Forces selection courses using a body-centered intervention
Authors: Obligi Loucas , Bertrand Mathieu , Boivent Mathieu , Corcostegui Simon-Pierre , Coz Pierre-Emmanuel , Derkenne Clément , Des Robert Vincent , Hurpin Victor , Hus Jauffrey , L’Hermitte Benoît , Lely Laurent , Patey Edouard , Romary Emeric , Saint-Jean Luc , Trente Alexandre , Turpin Marine , Vertu Nicolas , Verdonk Charles , Duffaud Anaïs M.
Published: July 2023

Introduction

The Military Physical and Sports Training program was developed by the French Army in order to train, optimize, and maintain individual readiness. Although the health benefits of sport practice do not need to be demonstrated, such activities can cause acute musculoskeletal injuries that need to be addressed. The prevalence of lower limb injury is rather high in the French military population and, in particular, ranges from 15 to 45% during Special Forces selection courses. Thus, this project aims to investigate the efficiency of a body-centered program designed to enhance body awareness. The program seeks to train the mind to actively pay attention to body information, while the latter is viewed as a protective factor against fall injuries. We assume: (i) that postural control can be improved by enhancing the level of body awareness; and (ii) that greater postural awareness could be beneficial in reducing the risk of fall injuries. The body-centered prevention program is based on the Optimization of the Resources of the Armed Forces (ORAF) intervention, which focuses on mental preparation and recovery, and has been deployed in the French Army for many years

Method and analyses

The study focuses on five French Special Forces selection courses (400 soldiers/ participants). It is divided into two stages (year 1, year 2). The first year is dedicated to data collection from the control group (200 participants), while in the second year the ORAF intervention will be deployed. The main objective is to evaluate the effectiveness of the ORAF intervention in reducing the rate of fall injuries during military selection, based on a multidisciplinary method that captures demographic, biological, biometric, clinical, and para clinical measures.

Registration number

IDRCB number 2021-A02108-33, Clinical Trial: NCT 05451394
Pooled endogenous protein tagging and recruitment for scalable discovery of effectors for induced proximity therapeutics
Authors: Serebrenik Yevgeniy V. , Mani Deepak , Maujean Timothé , Burslem George M. , Shalem Ophir
Published: July 2023

The field of induced proximity therapeutics is in its ascendancy but is limited by a lack of scalable tools to systematically explore effector-target protein pairs in an unbiased manner. Here, we combined Scalable POoled Targeting with a LIgandable Tag at Endogenous Sites (SPOTLITES) for the high-throughput tagging of endogenous proteins, with generic small molecule-based protein recruitment to screen for novel proximity-based effectors. We apply this methodology in two orthogonal screens for targeted protein degradation: the first using fluorescence to monitor target protein levels directly, and the second using a cellular growth phenotype that depends on the degradation of an essential protein. Our screens revealed a multitude of potential new effector proteins for degradation and converged on members of the CTLH complex which we demonstrate potently induce degradation. Altogether, we introduce a platform for pooled induction of endogenous protein-protein interactions that can be used to expand our toolset of effector proteins for targeted protein degradation and other forms of induced proximity.
Mimicking Kidney Flow Shear Efficiently Induces Aggregation of LECT2, a Protein Involved in Renal Amyloidosis
Authors: Ha Jeung-Hoi , Xu Yikang , Sekhon Harsimranjit , Wilkens Stephan , Ren Dacheng , Loh Stewart N.
Published: July 2023

Aggregation of leukocyte cell-derived chemotaxin 2 (LECT2) causes ALECT2, a systemic amyloidosis that affects the kidney and liver. Homozygosity of the I40V LECT2 mutation is believed to be necessary but not sufficient for the disease. Previous studies established that LECT2 fibrillogenesis is greatly accelerated by loss of its single bound zinc ion and stirring or shaking. These forms of agitation are often used to facilitate protein aggregation, but they create heterogeneous shear conditions, including air-liquid interfaces that denature proteins, that are not present in the body. Here, we determined the extent to which a more physiological form of mechanical stress—shear generated by fluid flow through a network of artery and capillary-sized channels—drives LECT2 fibrillogenesis. To mimic blood flow through the human kidney, where LECT2 and other proteins form amyloid deposits, we developed a microfluidic device consisting of progressively branched channels narrowing from 5 mm to 20 μm in width. Flow shear was particularly pronounced at the branch points and in the smallest capillaries, and this induced LECT2 aggregation much more efficiently than conventional shaking methods. EM images suggested the resulting fibril structures were different in the two conditions. Importantly, results from the microfluidic device showed the first evidence that the I40V mutation accelerated fibril formation and increased both size and density of the aggregates. These findings suggest that kidney-like flow shear, in combination with zinc loss, acts in combination with the I40V mutation to trigger LECT2 amyloidogenesis. These microfluidic devices may be of general use for uncovering the mechanisms by which blood flow induces misfolding and amyloidosis of circulating proteins.
Polyubiquitinated PCNA promotes alternative lengthening of telomeres by inducing break-induced replication
Authors: Kim Sangin , Kang Nalae , Ra Jae Sun , Park Su Hyung , Myung Kyungjae , Lee Kyoo-young
Published: July 2023

Replication stresses are the major source of break-induced replication (BIR). Here, we show that in alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT) cells, replication stress-induced polyubiquitinated PCNA (polyUb-PCNA) triggers BIR at telomeres and the common fragile site (CFS). Consistently, depleting RAD18, a PCNA ubiquitinating enzyme, reduces the occurrence of ALT-associated PML bodies (APBs) and mitotic DNA synthesis at telomeres and CFS, both of which are mediated by BIR. In contrast, inhibiting USP1, an Ub-PCNA deubiquitinating enzyme, results in an increase in the above phenotypes in a RAD18- and UBC13 (the PCNA polyubiquitinating enzyme)-dependent manner. Furthermore, deficiency of ATAD5, which facilitates USP1 activity and unloads PCNAs, augments recombination-associated phenotypes. Mechanistically, telomeric polyUb-PCNA accumulates SLX4, a nuclease scaffold, at telomeres through its ubiquitin-binding domain and increases telomere damage. Consistently, APB increase induced by Ub-PCNA depends on SLX4 and SLX4-associated nucleases. Taken together, our results identified the polyUb-PCNA-SLX4 axis as a trigger for directing BIR.
How effective are UK-based support interventions and services targeted at adults who have experienced domestic and sexual violence and abuse at improving their safety and wellbeing? A systematic review protocol
Authors: Carlisle Sophie , Bunce Annie , Prina Matthew , McManus Sally , Barbosa Estela , Feder Gene , Lewis Natalia
Published: July 2023

Background

Domestic and sexual violence and abuse (DSVA) is prevalent in the UK, with wide-ranging impacts both on individuals and society. However, to date, there has been no systematic synthesis of the evidence for the effectiveness of UK-based support interventions and services for victim-survivors of DSVA. This review will aim to systematically collate, synthesise and quality assess the evidence regarding the effectiveness of UK support interventions and services targeted at those who have experienced DSVA. The review will use findings of a preliminary scoping review, as well as input from stakeholders representing domestic and sexual violence third sector organisations to identify and prioritise the most relevant outcomes to focus on.

Methods

We will undertake a systematic search for peer-reviewed literature in MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, Social Policy and Practice, Applied Social Sciences Index and Abstracts (ASSIA), International Bibliography of the Social Sciences (IBSS), Sociological abstracts and SSCI. Grey literature will be identified by searching grey literature databases, circulating a call for evidence to local and national DSVA charities and organisations, and targeted website searching. Two reviewers will independently perform study selection and quality appraisal, with data extraction undertaken by one reviewer and checked for accuracy by a second reviewer. Narrative synthesis will be conducted, with meta-analysis if possible.

Discussion

Existing individual studies and evaluations have reported positive impacts of support interventions and services for those who have experienced DSVA. Thus, it is expected that this review and synthesis will provide robust and conclusive evidence of these effects. It will also allow comparisons to be made between different types of support interventions and services, to inform policy makers and funders regarding the most effective ways of reducing domestic and sexual violence and abuse and its impacts.
Satisfaction with information services among individuals in China’s urban communities during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Shen Wang , Wang Junyao , Feng Xin , He Yuming
Published: July 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to study individuals’ information service satisfaction during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown in China’s urban communities.

Design/methodology/approach

The researchers analyse people’s uncertainties during the pandemic and argue that uncertainties caused by the lockdown can negatively affect people. By reducing people’s uncertainty during the pandemic, community staff members can improve individuals’ information service satisfaction and social order. This study constructs a conceptual model that includes key transparency and self-disclosure constructs and their relationships that can contribute to the trust and satisfaction of the community information service phenomenon. The researchers collected 489 responses to test their hypothesis from an online survey of Chinese residents in areas where the strict lockdown policy was implemented.

Findings

The empirical results show that policy and goods information transparency significantly affect information service satisfaction in a positive way, with goods information transparency having the highest impact. Second, self-disclosure of community staff members is also an effective way to increase information service satisfaction. Finally, trust plays a mediating role in the influence of information transparency and self-disclosure on information service satisfaction.

Originality/value

This paper innovatively uses uncertainty reduction theory to examine the effects of information transparency and self-disclosure on satisfaction with community information services. It expands the research in the field of information service satisfaction and extends the scope of the research subjects of self-disclosure.
Interval multi-objective grey wolf optimization algorithm based on fuzzy system
Authors: Lin Youping
Published: July 2023

Purpose

The interval multi-objective optimization problems (IMOPs) are universal and vital uncertain optimization problems. In this study, an interval multi-objective grey wolf optimization algorithm (GWO) based on fuzzy system is proposed to solve IMOPs effectively.

Design/methodology/approach

First, the classical genetic operators are embedded into the interval multi-objective GWO as local search strategies, which effectively balanced the global search ability and local development ability. Second, by constructing a fuzzy system, an effective local search activation mechanism is proposed to save computing resources as much as possible while ensuring the performance of the algorithm. The fuzzy system takes hypervolume, imprecision and number of iterations as inputs and outputs the activation index, local population size and maximum number of iterations. Then, the fuzzy inference rules are defined. It uses the activation index to determine whether to activate the local search process and sets the population size and the maximum number of iterations in the process.

Findings

The experimental results show that the proposed algorithm achieves optimal hypervolume results on 9 of the 10 benchmark test problems. The imprecision achieved on 8 test problems is significantly better than other algorithms. This means that the proposed algorithm has better performance than the commonly used interval multi-objective evolutionary algorithms. Moreover, through experiments show that the local search activation mechanism based on fuzzy system proposed in this study can effectively ensure that the local search is activated reasonably in the whole algorithm process, and reasonably allocate computing resources by adaptively setting the population size and maximum number of iterations in the local search process.

Originality/value

This study proposes an Interval multi-objective GWO, which could effectively balance the global search ability and local development ability. Then an effective local search activation mechanism is developed by using fuzzy inference system. It closely combines global optimization with local search, which improves the performance of the algorithm and saves computing resources.
Implementing Lean Six Sigma in financial services: the effect of motivations, selected methods and challenges on LSS program- and organizational performance
Authors: Vashishth Abhishek , Lameijer Bart Alex , Chakraborty Ayon , Antony Jiju , Moormann Jürgen
Published: July 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to contribute to the limited body of empirical knowledge on the impact of Lean Six Sigma (LSS) program implementations on organizational performance in financial services by investigating how antecedents of Lean Six Sigma program success (motivations, selected LSS methods and challenges) affect organizational performance enhancement via LSS program performance.

Design/methodology/approach

A sample of 198 LSS professionals from 7 countries are surveyed. Structural equation modeling (SEM) is performed to test the questioned relations.

Findings

This study’s findings comprise: (1) LSS program performance partially mediates the relationship between motivations for LSS implementation and organizational performance, (2) selected LSS method applications has a fully (mediated) indirect impact on organizational performance, (3) LSS implementation challenges also have an indirect (mediated) impact on organizational performance and (4) LSS program performance has a positive impact on organizational performance.

Originality/value

The findings of this research predominantly provide nuances and details about LSS implementation antecedents and effects, useful for managers in advising their business leaders about the prerequisites and potential operational and financial benefits of LSS implementation. Furthermore, the paper provides evidence and details about the relationship between important antecedents for LSS implementation identified in existing literature and their impact on organizational performance in services. Thereby, this research is the first in providing empirical, cross-sectional, evidence for the antecedents and effects of LSS program implementations in financial services.
The orchestration of a sustainable development agenda in the European Higher Education Area
Authors: Kushnir Iryna , Eta Elizabeth Agbor , Mbah Marcellus Forh , Kennedy Charlotte-Rose
Published: July 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to ask how the European Higher Education Area (EHEA) has orchestrated a sustainable development (SD) agenda in its international policy since 2020.

Design/methodology/approach

By drawing on theoretical ideas around policy orchestration as a key UN governing strategy and applying them to the analysis of the progression of the SD agenda in the EHEA, the paper conducts a thematic analysis of six recent key EHEA international policy documents and 19 interviews with key Bologna stakeholders in France, Germany and Italy.

Findings

The resultant analysis uncovers three overarching key themes that show the EHEA has the capacity to mitigate pitfalls in the UN’s SD agenda; some weaknesses of the UN’s orchestration of SD are translated into weaknesses in the EHEA’s formulation of its SD agenda; and the further development of an SD agenda as an essential direction of EHEA’s work. The paper then goes on to discuss how EHEA policies only mention SD discourse, omit concrete plans for its implementation and keep the very meaning of SD ambiguous throughout international policy documents.

Originality/value

The authors offer three original recommendations that the EHEA should adopt in an attempt to mitigate the issues raised in the run-up to its 2030 deadline for implementing its policies: the EHEA should develop an explicit definition of SD; recognise the Euro-centredness of EHEA policies and open them up to other voices; and cite academic research when developing policy documents.
A step toward understanding the association between depressive symptoms and workplace support: documenting the mediating roles of unproductivity and self-disclosure
Authors: Reynolds Samantha , Manata Brian
Published: July 2023

Purpose

In this manuscript, the authors argue that those suffering from depressive symptoms are prone to experiencing bouts of unproductivity. The authors argue further that such conditions promote instances of self-disclosure regarding related symptoms in the interest of procuring workplace support, i.e. the effect of depressive symptomology on workplace support is mediated by both unproductivity and self-disclosure, in turn.

Design/methodology/approach

Two different online investigations were implemented to assess the accuracy of this prediction. Moreover, two different samples of organizational employees from numerous organizations were procured, such that one sample contained diagnosed individuals, whereas the other contained undiagnosed individuals (total N = 756). In general, the main analyses consisted of confirmatory factor analysis and path analysis.

Findings

Substantial statistical support was obtained for the authors' four-variable path model. Specifically, across two different investigations, a model was found in which those with depressive symptoms were unproductive, which prompted self-disclosure and thus subsequent manifestations of workplace support. Moreover, this was generally true for both diagnosed and undiagnosed individuals. Correlation coefficients and model fit indices are reported in the manuscript.

Originality/value

This work contributes substantially to the understanding of how depressive symptomology, self-disclosure and workplace support are interrelated within organizations. In addition, having examined these relationships using a sample of undiagnosed individuals, new insights were gained regarding a subset of the population that remains vastly understudied.
BesNet: binocular ferrographic image recognition model based on deep learning technology
Authors: Xie Fei , Wei Haijun
Published: July 2023

Purpose

Using computer technology to realize ferrographic intelligent fault diagnosis technology is fundamental research to inspect the operation of mechanical equipment. This study aims to effectively improve the technology of deep learning technology in the field of ferrographic image recognition.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper proposes a binocular image classification model to solve ferrographic image classification problems.

Findings

This paper creatively proposes a binocular model (BesNet model). The model presents a more extreme situation. On the one hand, the model is almost unable to identify cutting wear particles. On the other hand, the model can achieve 100% accuracy in identifying Chunky and Nonferrous wear particles. The BesNet model is a bionic model of the human eye, and the used training image is a specially processed parallax image. After combining the MCECNN model, it is changed to BMECNN model, and its classification accuracy has reached the highest level in the industry.

Originality/value

The work presented in this thesis is original, except as acknowledged in the text. The material has not been submitted, either in whole or in part, for a degree at this or any other university. The BesNet model developed in this article is a brand new system for ferrographic image recognition. The BesNet model adopts a method of imitating the eyes to view ferrography images, and its image processing method is also unique. After combining the MCECNN model, it is changed to BMECNN model, and its classification accuracy has reached the highest level in the industry.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-05-2023-0150/
A closer look at the relationship between firm-specific return variation and stock returns
Authors: Nguyen Ha , Lan Yihui , Treepongkaruna Sirimon
Published: July 2023

Purpose

Prior studies use two measures of firm-specific return variation (FSRV): idiosyncratic volatility in absolute and relative terms, the latter of which is also termed stock price nonsynchronicity. Whereas most research focuses on investigating the idiosyncratic volatility puzzle, the authors carry out comparison of these two measures and further investigate which of the two constituents of nonsynchronicity explain the association between FSRV and stock returns, emphasising the importance of assessing which component drives stock returns.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use the US individual stock returns from 1925 to 2016 and define the two measures of FRSV based on the Fama and French (1993) model. Specifically, the authors decompose the relative measure into two components: (i) absolute idiosyncratic volatility and (ii) systematic volatility. The authors conduct various tests based on high-minus-low, zero-investment quintile portfolio sorts and perform the Fama–MacBeth analysis by singling out each component.

Findings

The authors find a positive return on the portfolio sorted on relative idiosyncratic volatility or on systematic volatility, but find a negative return sorted on absolute idiosyncratic volatility. The results are robust after controlling for size, BM and other risk characteristics using a double-sorting approach. The Fama–MacBeth regression results show that a positive association between the relative measure and stock returns is driven primarily by the low-systematic-volatility anomaly across firms. The findings are robust to controlling for return residual momentum, skewness, jumps and information discreteness.

Originality/value

Extant research posits the idiosyncratic volatility puzzle and the low-volatility anomaly. The authors emphasize the importance of integrating these two streams of research. This study enhances the understanding of the driving force underlying the relationship between FSRV and cross-sectional stock returns.
Quantifying the drivers of residential housing demand – an interpretable machine learning approach
Authors: Cajias Marcelo , Zeitler Joseph-Alexander
Published: July 2023

Purpose

The paper employs a unique online user-generated housing search dataset and introduces a novel measure for housing demand, namely “contacts per listing” as explained by hedonic, geographic and socioeconomic variables.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors explore housing demand by employing an extensive Internet search dataset from a German housing market platform. The authors apply state-of-the-art artificial intelligence, the eXtreme Gradient Boosting, to quantify factors that lead an apartment to be in demand.

Findings

The authors compare the results to alternative parametric models and find evidence of the superiority of the nonparametric model. The authors use eXplainable artificial intelligence (XAI) techniques to show economic meanings and inferences of the results. The results suggest that hedonic, socioeconomic and spatial aspects influence search intensity. The authors further find differences in temporal dynamics and geographical variations.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, it is the first study of its kind. The statistical model of housing search draws on insights from decision theory, AI and qualitative studies on housing search. The econometric approach employed is new as it considers standard regression models and an eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGB or XGBoost) approach followed by a model-agnostic interpretation of the underlying effects.
Developing responsible management in the Middle East and North Africa region: reviewing PRME progress
Authors: Goumaa Rasha , Hay Amanda , El Ayouby Lamia
Published: July 2023

Purpose

Reflecting emerging concerns about Principles of Responsible Management Education’s (PRME's) reach beyond the West, the authors provide an analysis of its contribution to responsible management development in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on 18 PRME MENA signatories' Sharing Information on Progress Reports, the authors examine levels of engagement with PRME, as well the practices used in the region to progress its six principles. The authors examine the depth of integration based on Rusinko's (2010) typology and its success in addressing local responsible management challenges.

Findings

The analysis revealed modest levels of engagement with PRME in MENA. Consistent with other regions, for those actively participating, the authors identified a wide variation in PRME responses. First, the authors found wide variation in the interpretation of the six principles. Second, the authors found a diversity of practices, especially the extent to which efforts were linked to progressing local management challenges. Third, the authors also found variability relating to the depth of PRME's integration into the curricular of MENA signatories with, most displaying Ruskino's (2010) narrower approaches.

Originality/value

The authors address calls to understand the contribution of PRME beyond Western contexts and offer suggestions for how PRME can be strengthened to facilitate responsible management development in MENA.
Skill rather than beak kinematics affects seed handling performance in a granivorous songbird
Authors: Andries Tim , Müller Wendt , Van Wassenbergh Sam
Published: July 2023

In granivorous songbirds, feeding is a complex process as seeds need to be dehusked before they can be consumed, making the feeding act a biomechanically challenging endeavour. However, most previous research has focused on how beak morphology affects feeding performance, while the influences of beak kinematics remain largely unknown.

In this study, we hence investigated at the individual level how feeding performance (i.e. seed processing time and success rate) relates to both beak kinematics (i.e. beak tip speed, acceleration, frequency) and skill (i.e. seed handling tactics and cracking techniques) in the Canary Serinus canaria. To do so, high‐speed videos during feeding were recorded and subjected to automated tracking of beak tip movements.

Better skills, that is accurate positioning of the seed for being split in half, reduced total seed handling time compared to more random positioning and crushing the husk into multiple, scattering fragments. Surprisingly, individual variation in beak speed, acceleration or frequency generally did not relate to differences in performance.

Thus, our data suggest that seed positioning precision, and hence the control of coordinated beak and tongue movement, is critical to minimize feeding durations in songbirds. Further studies are needed to explore whether this develops via a positive feedback between behaviour, learning and increased efficiency or if it relates to intrinsic differences.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Deliberate disproportionate policy outcomes and regulating deforestation in Queensland, Australia
Authors: Boer Henry
Published: July 2023

This paper analyses the strategic interests that inform deforestation policies in Australia, and the variance in policy selections over time. A theory of deliberate policy disproportionality is used to analyse 20 years of regulatory reform in Queensland, focusing on the Vegetation Management Act (VMA) 1999. Application of the framework to this case suggests that political executives were prone to deliberately adopt (dis)proportionate policies as a strategic response to either manage or capitalise on stakeholder support or opposition to any proposed legislative change. The high variance in (dis)proportionate deforestation policies is attributed to how political executives respond to claims made by competing constituencies regarding the costs versus benefits of successive reforms. During key reform phases, policy under‐reaction was the norm, and political executives intentionally limited the scope and effectiveness of the VMA 1999 due to perceived impacts on the agricultural sector. Political executives were highly responsive to the emotional investment of rural constituents and averse to introducing policies that required difficult trade‐offs. Elections offered strategic opportunities for delivering more proportionate policies that balanced public environmental benefits with economic impacts, as evidenced by a conditional deforestation ban introduced between 2004 and 2012 and reinstated in 2018.

Points for practitioners

Variance in Queensland's deforestation policy over time can be attributed to the intentional decisions by political executives to limit or expand the scope of regulations as a strategic response to stakeholder expectations.

Political executives were responsive to the costs versus environmental impacts/benefits of any deforestation reforms, but prone to policy under‐reaction when the priority was managing the emotive reactions from rural constituencies.

More proportionate regulations, such as the partial deforestation ban of 2004, aimed to balance environmental benefits with compensation for landholders but were only implemented when electorally beneficial.

Stakeholders have a significant influence on disproportionate deforestation policy design and governments will need to manage competing claims to deliver more durable policy outcomes.
A Cognitive Method for Comparing and Elaborating on Technology Frames
Authors: Ghobadi Shahla , Mathiassen Lars
Published: July 2023

From employees’ varied interpretations of software efficacy to consumers’ diverse beliefs about data privacy, technology frames refer to cognitive interpretations, assumptions and expectations that people use to comprehend the essence of information technology within a particular context. These frames differ across groups with different values, interests, experiences and expertise, having critical implications for researchers, managers and organizations. Despite theoretical enthusiasm to understand technology frames, limited methodological insights exist on how to systematically explore and compare technology frames. This gap impedes researchers from exploring novel questions related to technology frames, their variations and how they can be managed effectively. This paper proposes a cognitive method for comparing and elaborating on technology frames. Building on causal mapping and empirical studies, the method formulates steps to plan, elicit, compare and elaborate on the relationships that underlie framing differences. The method offers detailed recommendations and templates for effectively organizing and communicating diverse manifestations of framing differences and their implications. The paper concludes by highlighting the method's practical implications and encouraging research to advance extant knowledge of technology frames in the rapidly changing digital world.
Suspected myocardial infarction in the emergency department: An evaluation of clinical thresholds for the Beckman Coulter Access hsTnI high‐sensitivity cardiac troponin I assay
Authors: Meek Robert , Cullen Louise , Lu Zhong , Nasis Arthur , Kuhn Lisa , Sorace Laurence
Published: July 2023

Objective

The primary objective was to determine rapid rule‐out (RRO) criteria for the outcome of myocardial infarction (MI) using the Beckman Coulter Access high‐sensitivity cardiac troponin I (hs‐cTnI) assay. Secondary objectives were to explore cut‐points for rapid rule‐in (RRI) and amount of change at 3‐h (3‐h delta) indicative of MI.

Methods

A retrospective study included ED patients with suspected MI between June and September 2019. hs‐cTnI levels were performed at baseline and after 3 h. The performance benchmark for RRO criteria was a negative predictive value (NPV) for MI with a lower 95% confidence limit >99%, and for RRI and 3‐h delta cut‐points was a positive predictive value (PPV) for MI >70%. Delta calculation required rising hs‐cTnI levels, with at least one above the 99th percentile of the upper reference limit. Analyses utilised receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and contingency tables.

Results

Baseline hs‐cTnI levels from 935 patients were available for RRO analyses. Of tested criteria, baseline hs‐cTnI <6 ng/L (females) or <11 ng/L (males) plus symptom onset >2 h met the performance benchmark (NPV: 100% [95% confidence interval 99–100]). hs‐cTnI levels were available for RRI and 3‐h delta analyses from 935 and 52 patients, respectively. A 3‐h delta cut‐point >35 ng/L met the performance benchmark (PPV: 81% [95% confidence interval 58–95]) but no RRI cut‐point did so.

Conclusions

For the Beckman Coulter Access hs‐cTnI assay, RRO criteria of baseline hs‐cTnI <6 ng/L (females) or <11 ng/L (males) plus symptom onset >2 h met our performance benchmark. A 3‐h delta cut‐point >35 ng/L met the performance benchmark, but poor precision means further adequately powered research is required.
Impact of auricular percutaneous electrical nerve field stimulation on gut microbiome in adolescents with irritable bowel syndrome: A pilot study
Authors: Bora Geetanjali , Atkinson Samantha N. , Pan Amy , Sood Manu , Salzman Nita , Karrento Katja
Published: July 2023

Objectives

Percutaneous electrical nerve field stimulation (PENFS) has documented efficacy for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) via plausible vagal neuromodulation effects. The vagus nerve may affect gut microbiome composition via brain–gut–microbiome signaling. We aimed to investigate gut microbiome alterations by PENFS therapy in adolescent IBS patients.

Methods

A prospective study of females with IBS aged 11–18 years receiving PENFS therapy for 4 weeks with pre‐ and post‐intervention stool sampling was conducted. Outcome surveys completed pre‐therapy, weekly, and post‐therapy included IBS‐Severity Scoring System (IBS‐SSS), Visceral Sensitivity Index (VSI), Functional Disability Inventory (FDI), and the global symptom response scale (SRS). Bacterial DNA was extracted from stool samples followed by 16S rRNA amplification and sequencing. QIIME 2 (version 2022.2) was used for analyses of α and β diversity and differential abundance by group.

Results

Twenty females aged 15.6 ± 1.62 years were included. IBS‐SSS, VSI, and FDI scores decreased significantly after PENFS therapy (P < 0.0001, P = 0.0003, P = 0.0004, respectively). No intra‐ or interindividual microbiome changes were noted pre‐ versus post‐therapy or between responders and non‐responders. When response was defined by 50‐point IBS‐SSS score reduction, α diversity was higher in responders compared with non‐responders at week 4 (P = 0.033). There was higher abundance of Blautia in excellent responders versus non‐responders.

Conclusions

There were no substantial microbial diversity alterations with PENFS. Subjects with excellent therapeutic response showed an enrichment of relative abundance of Blautia, which may indicate that patients with specific microbial signature have a more favorable response to PENFS.
Understanding the role of GRE3 in the erythritol biosynthesis pathway in Saccharomyces uvarum and its implication in osmoregulation and redox homeostasis
Authors: Albillos‐Arenal Sonia , Minebois Romain , Querol Amparo , Barrio Eladio
Published: July 2023

Erythritol is produced in yeasts via the reduction of erythrose into erythritol by erythrose reductases (ERs). However, the genes codifying for the ERs involved in this reaction have not been described in any Saccharomyces species yet. In our laboratory, we recently showed that, during alcoholic fermentation, erythritol is differentially produced by Saccharomyces cerevisiae and S. uvarum species, the latter being the largest producer. In this study, by using BLAST analysis and phylogenetic approaches the genes GRE3, GCY1, YPR1, ARA1 and YJR096W were identified as putative ERs in Saccharomyces cerevisiae Then, these genes were knocked out in our S. uvarum strain (BMV58) with higher erythritol biosynthesis compared to control S. cerevisiae wine strain, to evaluate their impact on erythritol synthesis and global metabolism. Among the mutants, the single deletion of GRE3 markedly impacts erythritol production, although ΔYPR1ΔGCY1ΔGRE3 was the combination that most decreased erythritol synthesis. Consistent with the increased production of fermentative by‐products involved in redox balance in the Saccharomyces uvarum strain BMV58, erythritol synthesis increases at higher sugar concentrations, hinting it might be a response to osmotic stress. However, the expression of GRE3 in the S. uvarum strain was found to peak just before the start of the stationary phase, being consistent with the observation that erythritol increases at the start of the stationary phase, when there is low sugar in the medium and nitrogen sources are depleted. This suggests that GRE3 plays its primary function to help the yeast cells to maintain the redox balance during the last phases of fermentation.
Ineficácia das formigas na proteção de duas plantas mirmecófilas simpátricas contra besouros endofíticos
Authors: Mendes‐Silva Isamara , Queiroga Drielly , Calixto Eduardo Soares , Torezan‐Silingardi Helena Maura , Del‐Claro Kleber
Published: July 2023

As plantas com nectários extraflorais (NEFs) atraem formigas, que podem protegê‐las contra a herbivoria e aumentar a produção de frutos. Em alguns casos, porém, as formigas são ineficazes contra os herbívoros. Tais eventos ocorrem, por exemplo, quando os herbívoros apresentam adaptações para evitar a predação pelas formigas. Assim, os resultados dessas interações dependem de fatores como a identidade da formiga, fenologia da planta e características do herbívoro. Aqui, investigamos o impacto de besouros florívoros endofíticos sobre o sucesso reprodutivo de suas plantas hospedeiras, duas espécies simpátricas de Banisteriopsis (Malpighiaceae), dependendo da ação das formigas visitantes de nectários extraflorais. Manipulamos experimentalmente a presença de formigas e herbívoros nas espécies B. malifolia e B. laevifolia durante seu período reprodutivo para testar a eficácia do mutualismo formigas‐NEFs na produção do conjunto de frutos da planta. Realizamos tratamentos onde três inflorescências similares foram selecionadas para serem (I) ramo de controle, sem manipulações, (II) ramo livre de besouros, isolado com cobertura de tecido e (III) ramo livre de formigas, isolado na base com cera atóxica. Formulamos a hipótese de que os herbívoros endofíticos têm um impacto negativo sobre o sucesso reprodutivo das plantas porque escapam da ação das formigas (defesas bióticas). Como resultado, observamos (i) que os besouros florívoros Anthonomus têm um impacto negativo no sucesso reprodutivo de Banisteriopsis; (ii) as formigas falham na proteção das plantas contra os besouros endofíticos florívoros; e (iii) a maioria dos resultados foram específicos da espécie. Nossos resultados indicam que estes sistemas apresentam resultados condicionais que dependem dos fatores intrínsecos de cada espécie de planta.
Decolonizing anthropology
Authors: Bolles A. Lynn
Published: July 2023

Thirty‐two years after the publication of Faye V. Harrison's edited volume, Decolonizing Anthropology: Moving Further toward an Anthropology of Liberation, I take stock of the book's origins and its impact on the discipline. Despite intellectual barriers and postmodernist critiques, Decolonizing Anthropology has influenced a generation of anthropologists who carry forward the book's original spirit. Focusing on the third edition, I show that Decolonizing has both reflected and incited changes in the discipline. Finally, I turn to some recent work in which scholars continue to push the boundaries of what decolonizing anthropology can mean. Throughout, I emphasize the importance of decolonization as a practice in anthropology and highlight the ongoing struggles and successes of scholars working in this tradition.
Association between levothyroxine treatment for maternal subclinical hypothyroidism with negative TPOAb and early child neurodevelopment: A prospective real‐world clinical trial
Authors: Zhao Zhekun , Zhou Qiongjie , Zhao Huanqiang , Xiong Yu , Li Xiaotian
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) during pregnancy is reported to have detrimental impact on pregnancy and child development. However, its treatment indications require further investigation in different thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPOAb) status.

Material and methods

This was a secondary analysis of a Chinese prospective cohort in a real‐world setting. Pregnant women with gestational SCH were enrolled at the first antenatal visit and grouped by TPOAb positivity. Child neurodevelopment was assessed by the Gesell development diagnosis scale (GDDS) at one, three, six, 12, and 24 months of age. Subgroup analyses and sensitivity analyses were also conducted. Clinical trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01744743.

Results

From January 2012 to December 2013, a total of 171 participants were enrolled, including 116 of SCH with TPOAb negative (SCH‐TPOAb [−]) and 55 of SCH with TPOAb positive (SCH‐TPOAb [+]). Compared to women in the SCH‐TPOAb (+) group, those in the SCH‐TPOAb (−) group had lower thyroid‐stimulating hormone (TSH) levels at enrollment and 12–16+6 gestational weeks, and unexpectedly higher TSH levels at 30–34+6 gestational weeks and delivery, with a correspondingly lower levothyroxine dosage throughout pregnancy (all p < 0.05). Offspring in the SCH‐TPOAb (−) group displayed lower GDDS scores at one year old than did their counterparts (adjusted p < 0.05), which was possibly related to the worse thyroid function control of maternal SCH‐TPOAb (−). No statistically significant difference was found in the GDDS assessments of children at one, three, six, and 24 months of age. These results were also confirmed in subgroup analyses stratified by maternal thyroid characteristics at enrollment, namely TSH levels, free levothyroxine (T4) levels, and anti‐thyroglobulin antibody (TgAb) status, as well as in sensitivity analyses excluding participants with no levothyroxine treatment at enrollment.

Conclusions

In the current clinical practice, infants born to mothers with SCH‐TPOAb (−) displayed slightly lower neurodevelopmental scores at one year old than did those born to mothers with SCH‐TPOAb (+) but this difference was not seen at two years.
Where next for managed retreat: Bringing in history, community and under‐researched places
Authors: Taylor Aiken Gerald , Mabon Leslie
Published: July 2023

Managed retreat—the purposive and coordinated movement of people away from climate risks—has risen in importance, discussion and urgency in recent years. As climate threats increase in size and scope, both scholarly and policy responses are likely to take increasing interest in this deeply geographic phenomenon. This is an important juncture to take stock, and reflect on what Geography can offer both academic and policy responses to managed retreat. While managed retreat has developed a critical and useful set of tools and ideas for dealing with profound climate adaptation measures, there remain omissions. Here we point to the historical perspective, participative community‐based approaches, and diversifying from over‐researched examples that can dominate this (sub)field as aspects that can all be strengthened going forward. To end, we offer three recommendations for further thought on managed retreat.
Ethical and legal race‐responsive vaccine allocation
Authors: Steuwer Bastian , Eyal Nir
Published: July 2023

In many countries, the COVID‐19 pandemic varied starkly between different racial and ethnic groups. Before vaccines were approved, some considered assigning priority access to worse‐hit racial groups. That debate can inform rationing in future pandemics and in some of the many areas outside COVID‐19 that admit of racial health disparities. However, concerns were raised that “race‐responsive” prioritizations would be ruled unlawful for allegedly constituting wrongful discrimination. This legal argument relies on an understanding of discrimination law as demanding color‐blindness. We argue that a, color‐blind understanding of discrimination would be hostile only to one of two rationales for prioritizing the relevant racial minorities in settings of racial health disparities. We also propose a method for incorporating appropriate race‐responsive concerns that is in many ways ethically and legally superior to ones suggested thus far. That method turns artificial intelligence, thanks precisely to its artificial and “black box” nature (features that underlie recent concerns about artificial intelligence's discriminatory potential), into an instrument of social justice.
Expanding midwifery care in the United States: Implications for clinical outcomes and cost
Authors: McLean Kate A. , Souter Vivienne L. , Nethery Elizabeth
Published: July 2023

Background

This study compared clinical and financial outcomes for low‐risk birthing people between those attended by midwives and those attended by obstetricians during hospital births.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort analysis of births from January 1, 2016 to December 31, 2020 at hospitals participating in a perinatal quality improvement collaborative, Obstetrical Care Outcomes Assessment Program (OB COAP), in the Northwest region of the United States and estimated risk ratios using a multivariate regression approach with a modified Poisson binomial for mode of delivery, labor interventions, and newborn outcomes comparing midwife‐led to obstetrician‐led care. Using publicly available data on average costs of vaginal and cesarean births, we then extrapolated the cost differences in care between midwives and obstetricians.

Results

Births in the midwife group were less likely to be associated with induction (17.6% vs. 20.3% RR 0.74; 95% CI 0.70–0.78), epidural use (58.9% vs. 76.3% RR 0.78; 95% CI 0.77–0.80), and episiotomy (2.2% vs. 3.4% RR 0.68; 95% CI 0.58–0.81). Cesarean birth was also lower in the midwifery group (7.8% vs. 12.3% RR 0.68, 95% CI 0.62–0.73), without a corresponding increase in risk in adverse neonatal outcomes. We estimated that expanding midwifery care to 100% of low‐risk births across the United States could save as much as $340 million per year.

Conclusions

Midwifery care is associated with a lower risk of cesarean birth and other interventions versus care provided by obstetricians and is therefore likely lower‐cost.