bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Advancing the understanding of the pre-purchase stage of the customer journey for service brands
Authors: Fuller Rachel , Stocchi Lara , Gruber Thorsten , Romaniuk Jenni
Published: November 2022

Purpose

Service branding research predominantly focuses on the purchase and postpurchase stages of the customer journey. This study aims to expand the lens of enquiry to the prepurchase stage, showing the role service brand awareness and service brand retrieval play before customer experiences and relationships can be established.

Design/methodology/approach

The research presents and empirically examines a new framework that links service brand awareness and service brand retrieval to key “battlegrounds” in the prepurchase stage of the customer journey: entry into the Awareness Set, Consideration Set and Repertoire Set. The empirical work draws on data from both services and goods markets from two UK-based consumer surveys (N = 771 and N = 270, respectively).

Findings

The findings indicate that, prepurchase, service brands compete most intensively to establish and reinforce a broad array of memory associations, rather than a specific corporate or brand image.

Research limitations/implications

To improve the generalizability of the conclusions drawn, the findings of this study should be replicated in additional service categories and consumer samples.

Practical implications

The findings translate into novel, long-term strategies for the management of service brands at the prepurchase stage of the customer journey, especially opportunities for effective and creative marketing communications.

Originality/value

This study contributes to marketing research and practice by introducing the notion of service brand retrieval and highlighting its role, together with service brand awareness and prepurchase.
Mediation role of systems adaptability between emotional intelligence and talent management
Authors: Namugumya Josephine , Munene John Chrysostom Kigozi , Mafabi Sam Samuel , Kagaari James
Published: November 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the mediating role of systems adaptability in the relationship between emotional intelligence and talent management in tertiary institutions in Uganda.

Design/methodology/approach

To achieve the study purpose, the authors used responses from 91 tertiary institutions following a cross-sectional survey design. Partial least structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) was used to analyse the data and done at an institutional level.

Findings

The results reveal that systems adaptability plays a full mediating role in the relationship between emotional intelligence and talent management in tertiary institutions as it accounts for 96.68% variance.

Research limitations/implications

Managing talented employees is not a snapshot process, yet the authors used a cross-sectional design. This paper is limited in this regard. Also, talent management in this paper is only explained by emotional intelligence and systems adaptability.

Practical implications

Talent management is explained by emotional intelligence and systems adaptability, which are metaphors of emotional intelligence and complex adaptive system theories. The authors also add to theory by establishing a fully mediating role of systems adaptability between emotional intelligence and talent management.

Originality/value

This paper establishes the mediating role of systems adaptability in the relationship between emotional intelligence and talent management in tertiary institutions.
Female leadership and financial reporting quality in Egypt
Authors: El-Dyasty Mohamed M. , Elamer Ahmed A.
Published: November 2022

Purpose

Many countries are enacting regulations or/and recommendations to promote gender equality in the workplace, especially in the top leadership and management positions. However, despite current research on gender diversity and firm outcomes, the authors know comparatively little about how different female leadership roles drive such outcomes. This study explores this notion in an emerging market by examining the effect of female leadership on financial reporting quality in Egypt.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses multiple regression analyses for a sample of 1,686 firm-year observations listed on the Egyptian Stock Exchange over the period 2011–2020.

Findings

This study’s results show that female directors, female executives and females on audit committees are positively associated with financial reporting quality. Further, the results suggest that executive female directors are less involved in income decreasing earnings management practices. The findings are robust to possible omitted variables bias, alternative measurements and endogeneity issues. Taken together, the results are in line with the view that gender diversity is an effective monitoring instrument, which attenuates agency conflict and thus upholds financial reporting quality.

Research limitations/implications

Future research may expand the analysis performed in this study by using other proxies of financial reporting quality (e.g. earnings persistence, earnings predictability, conservatism and restatements). Also, the authors did not investigate the characteristics related to female directors (e.g. education, experience and age) due to data availability. Future research may examine the effect of these characteristics on female directors regarding financial reporting quality.

Practical implications

The evidence about the importance of female leadership in shaping financial reporting quality may inform future policy and regulatory initiatives.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the growing literature related to gender diversity. First, this study extensively investigates the leadership aspects related to female directors in both mentoring and executive positions. Second, the evidence reached is based on three different proxies of financial reporting quality. Thus, unlike previous studies, conclusions were reached based on a solid basis to support the reliability of the results. These findings should be of great interest to policymakers, academics and stakeholders.
Imposter phenomenon and employee mental health: what role do organizations play?
Authors: Haar Jarrod , de Jong Kirsty
Published: November 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore impostor syndrome or impostor phenomenon (IP), which is defined as high-achieving individuals' failure to internalize accomplishments. Despite the wide study of IP, the role of the context beyond the individual is largely ignored, although recently, calls have been made for such scrutiny. In this study perceived organizational support (POS) is included as a contextual factor.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a large and representative sample (n = 1,042) of New Zealand employees, the study seeks to investigate IP using the standard Clance IP scale test, and the frequency of IP is calculated. Next, it assesses the links between IP and mental health, specifically job anxiety and job depression, are explored. POS is included as a moderator.

Findings

Overall, the study finds solid evidence of the psychometric properties of the scale, with the following frequencies across categories: few IP issues (14.0%), moderate IP issues (37.3%), frequent IP issues (39.7%) and intense IP issues (8.9%). Regression analysis shows that IP is positively related to job anxiety and job depression. The interactions between POS and IP support the hypothesized buffering effect. Additional tests suggest that IP is a widespread workplace phenomenon irrespective of individual or organization demographics.

Research limitations/implications

The findings of this study highlight the common nature of IP in the workplace and its role in mental health. However, POS clearly can play a key role in its management in the workplace.

Originality/value

The IP literature has a limited focus on workplaces, and mental health, including POS as a moderator, and provides additional value.
Does employee empowerment moderate the effect of situational and dispositional variables on emotional exhaustion differently? The COVID-19 crisis context
Authors: Linando Jaya Addin , Halim M.
Published: November 2022

Purpose

Building on the conservation of resources (COR) theory, this study aims to investigate employee empowerment’s moderation effect on the relationship of situational (job satisfaction, affective commitment) and dispositional (positive affectivity, emotional intelligence) variables toward the emotional exhaustion of service employees amidst the pandemic.

Design/methodology/approach

In total, 288 service employees from various sectors in Indonesia participate as the study’s respondents. This study applies a two-stage structural equation modeling approach to test the hypotheses.

Findings

The results show that employee empowerment moderates situational and dispositional variables differently. While employee empowerment significantly influences situational variables, a different situation is found on dispositional variables, that employee empowerment does not significantly influence these variables. This study’s findings portray the COR theory in practice and clarify the importance of employee empowerment for employees with particular attributions.

Research limitations/implications

The present study bears four limitations: the cross-sectional design; no exploration of dispositional and situational variables’ antecedents; the findings are limited to the service workers; and lastly, this study only takes Indonesian samples.

Practical implications

From a practical perspective, this study reveals which type of service employees are responsive to empowerment policy and which are prone to experience emotional exhaustion, particularly during a crisis.

Social implications

By understanding what factors determine employee empowerment’s effectiveness, managers could maximize the impacts of their empowerment policies. Subsequently, it will create better service deliveries which might benefit the broader societal scope.

Originality/value

This study contributes to both theoretical and practical understanding. Theoretically, this study adds and promotes using a categorical lens to examine the pattern of interactions between organizations and employees.
Technological myopia
Authors: Crowther David
Published: November 2022

Purpose

This paper provides an argument to consider in more detail the development and application of technology in the context of sustainability. It argues the need to go beyond economic benefit and that timescale is significant.

Design/methodology/approach

This argument is based upon Socratic argument and focuses upon the historiography of technology with particular references to agricultural developments. It then proceeds to apply the same arguments to artificial intelligence (AI) and to climate change.

Findings

The findings are encompassed in the argument and show the need to be more open and careful when considering the development, and especially, the implementation of technology to address problems.

Practical implications

This argument has significant implications for the adoption of technological developments.

Social implications

The social implications are equally profound and will impact upon the application of technological solutions to current problems.

Originality/value

Such a historiographical approach to this problem has not previously been applied to this.
Effectiveness and safety of COVID‐19 vaccine in pregnant women: A systematic review with meta‐analysis
Authors: Tormen Mara , Taliento Cristina , Salvioli Stefano , Piccolotti Irene , Scutiero Gennaro , Cappadona Rosaria , Greco Pantaleo
Published: November 2022

Background

There are limited data regarding COVID‐19 vaccination during pregnancy.

Objectives

To evaluate the effects of COVID‐19 vaccination received during pregnancy on SARS‐CoV‐2 infection, COVID‐19‐related hospitalisation, COVID‐19‐related intensive care unit (ICU) admission and maternal–fetal complications.

Search strategy

MEDLINE, CINHAL, Embase, Scopus and CENTRAL databases, as well as ClinicalTrials.gov, reference lists, related articles and grey literature sources.

Selection criteria

Randomised controlled trials, non‐randomised studies of interventions, pregnant women, COVID‐19 vaccination during pregnancy.

Data collection and analysis

Study selection, risk‐of‐bias assessment, data extraction and assessment of the certainty of evidence using the GRADE method were performed independently by two authors. Meta‐analyses were performed using Cochrane RevMan 5.4. PROSPERO registration number: CRD42022308849.

Main results

We included 14 observational studies (362 353 women). The administration of a COVID‐19 vaccine during pregnancy resulted in a statistically significant reduction in SARS‐CoV‐2 infection (OR 0.46, 95% CI 0.28–0.76) and COVID‐19‐related hospitalisation (OR 0.41, 95% CI 0.33–0.51). The effect appeared to be greater in fully vaccinated women, for both infection (OR 0.31, 95% CI 0.16–0.59) and hospitalisation (OR 0.15, 95% CI 0.10–0.21). However, the certainty of evidence was very low. The difference in COVID‐19‐related ICU admission between vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals did not reach statistical significance (OR 0.58, 95% CI 0.13–2.58). Finally, there were no statistically significant differences in any of the maternal–fetal complications considered in the included studies.

Conclusions

COVID‐19 vaccination administered during pregnancy seems to reduce SARS‐CoV‐2 infection and COVID‐19‐related hospitalisation, with no significant effects on maternal–fetal complications.
Trends in gender of first and senior authors of articles published in JMIRO
Authors: Batumalai Vikneswary , Kumar Shivani , Sundaresan Puma
Published: November 2022

Introduction

Despite progress of women in science and medicine, women remain underrepresented in academic publication. The aim of this study was to evaluate potential gender differences in women authorship in the Journal of Medical Imaging and Radiation Oncology (JMIRO).

Methods

Gender of the first and senior author of all articles published in JMIRO between 2012 and 2021 were examined. Changes over time and differences among groups were compared using the chi‐square test.

Results

In total, 1,138 articles were assessed. Women were first and senior authors on 34% and 25% of all articles respectively. The proportion of women as first author was 30%, 41% and 36% for medical imaging (MI), radiation oncology (RO) and combined MI/RO articles respectively. Similarly, the proportion of women as senior author was lower than men at 22%, 32% and 23% for MI, RO and MI/RO articles respectively. Women first authorship over the study period remained stable from 2014 (36%) to 2020 (38%); however, it decreased dramatically in 2021 to 28%. There was a trend of increasing women senior authorship from 2013 (15%) to 2017 (35%) but decreased to 23% in 2021.

Conclusion

Over the past 10 years of publications, one in three first authors were women and only one in four senior authors were women. The acknowledgement of this imbalance is the first step to pave the way towards addressing underlying systemic issues related to academic publication and disparities in gender and other inequities.
Chinese expert consensus on the diagnosis and treatment of HER2‐altered non–small cell lung cancer
Authors: Zhang Shirong , Wang Wenxian , Xu Chunwei , Zhang Yongchang , Cai Xiuyu , Wang Qian , Song Zhengbo , Li Ziming , Yu Jinpu , Zhong Wenzhao , Wang Zhijie , Liu Jingjing , Liu Anwen , Li Wen , Zhan Ping , Liu Hongbing , Lv Tangfeng , Miao Liyun , Min Lingfeng , Lin Gen , Huang Long , Yuan Jingping , Jiang Zhansheng , Pu Xingxiang , Rao Chuangzhou , Lv Dongqing , Yu Zongyang , Li Xiaoyan , Tang Chuanhao , Zhou Chengzhi , Zhang Junping , Guo Hui , Chu Qian , Meng Rui , Liu Xuewen , Wu Jingxun , Zhou Jin , Zhu Zhengfei , Pan Weiwei , Dong Xiaowei , Pang Fei , Wang Kai , Yao Chao , Lin Guomin , Li Site , Yang Zhi , Luo Jiancheng , Jia Hongtao , Nie Xiuqing , Wang Liping , Zhu Youcai , Hu Xiao , Xie Yanru , Lin Xinqing , Cai Jing , Xia Yang , Feng Huijing , Wang Lin , Du Yingying , Yao Wang , Shi Xuefei , Niu Xiaomin , Yuan Dongmei , Yao Yanwen , Kang Jing , Zhang Jiatao , Zhang Chao , Gao Wenbin , Huang Jianhui , Zhang Yinbin , Sun Pingli , Wang Hong , Ye Mingxiang , Wang Dong , Wang Zhaofeng , Wan Bing , Lv Donglai , Yu Genhua , Shi Lin , Xia Yuanli , Gao Feng , Zhang Xiaochen , Xu Tao , Zhou Wei , Wang Haixia , Liu Zhefeng , Yang Nong , Wu Lin , Wang Qiming , Wang Guansong , Hong Zhuan , Wang Jiandong , Fang Meiyu , Fang Yong , Zhang Yiping , Song Yong , Ma Shenglin , Fang Wenfeng , Lu Yuanzhi
Published: November 2022

Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) possesses tyrosine kinase activity and participates in cell growth, differentiation and migration, and survival. Its alterations, mainly including mutations, amplifications, and overexpression are associated with poor prognosis and are one of the major drivers in non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Several clinical trials had been investigating on the treatments of HER2‐altered NSCLC, including conventional chemotherapy, programmed death 1 (PD‐1) inhibitors, tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) and antibody‐drug conjugates (ADCs), however, the results were either disappointing or encouraging, but inconsistent. Trastuzumab deruxtecan (T‐DXd) was recently approved by the Food and Drug Administration as the first targeted agent for treating HER2‐mutant NSCLC. Effective screening of patients is the key to the clinical application of HER2‐targeted agents such as TKIs and ADCs. Various testing methods are nowadays available, including polymerase chain reaction (PCR), next‐generation sequencing (NGS), fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), immunohistochemistry (IHC), etc. Each method has its pros and cons and should be reasonably assigned to appropriate patients for diagnosis and guiding treatment decisions. To help standardize the clinical workflow, our expert group reached a consensus on the clinical management of HER2‐altered NSCLC, focusing on the diagnosis and treatment strategies.
Is resting and sleeping well helpful to job crafting? Daily relationship between recovery experiences, sleep quality, feelings of recovery, and job crafting
Authors: Hur Won‐Moo , Shin Yuhyung
Published: November 2022

Despite mounting research on job crafting, relatively little attention has been paid to the roles of recovery and sleep in daily job crafting. Drawing on self‐regulation theory, we proposed that overnight recovery experiences (i.e. relaxation and psychological detachment) and sleep quality replenish the self‐regulatory resources necessary for day‐level job crafting. We further isolated feelings of recovery as a self‐regulatory resource that mediates the relationship between overnight recovery experiences and sleep quality and day‐level job crafting. The results of the experience sampling method conducted with 126 employees for 5 consecutive working days revealed that overnight recovery experiences and sleep quality positively affected day‐level promotion‐oriented job crafting through increased feelings of recovery in the morning. However, we found no significant indirect effect of overnight recovery experiences and sleep quality on day‐level prevention‐oriented job crafting. These findings provide novel insights into the roles of recovery experiences and sleep quality in the context of job crafting.
Analysis of inhibitors of the anoctamin‐1 chloride channel (transmembrane member 16A, TMEM16A) reveals indirect mechanisms involving alterations in calcium signalling
Authors: Genovese Michele , Buccirossi Martina , Guidone Daniela , De Cegli Rossella , Sarnataro Sergio , di Bernardo Diego , Galietta Luis J. V.
Published: November 2022

Background and Purpose

Pharmacological inhibitors of TMEM16A (ANO1), a Ca2+‐activated Cl− channel, are important tools of research and possible therapeutic agents acting on smooth muscle, airway epithelia and cancer cells. We tested a panel of TMEM16A inhibitors, including CaCCinh‐A01, niclosamide, MONNA, Ani9 and niflumic acid, to evaluate their possible effect on intracellular Ca2+.

Experimental Approach

We recorded cytosolic Ca2+ increase elicited with UTP, ionomycin or IP3 uncaging.

Key Results

Unexpectedly, we found that all compounds, except for Ani9, markedly decreased intracellular Ca2+ elevation induced by stimuli acting on intracellular Ca2+ stores. These effects were similarly observed in cells with and without TMEM16A expression. We investigated in more detail the mechanism of action of niclosamide and CaCCinh‐A01. Acute addition of niclosamide directly increased intracellular Ca2+, an activity consistent with inhibition of the SERCA pump. In contrast to niclosamide, CaCCinh‐A01 did not elevate intracellular Ca2+, thus implying a different mechanism of action, possibly a block of inositol triphosphate receptors.

Conclusions and Implications

Most TMEM16A inhibitors are endowed with indirect effects mediated by alteration of intracellular Ca2+ handling, which may in part preclude their use as TMEM16A research tools.
The association between and development of school enjoyment and general knowledge
Authors: Jirout Jamie J. , Ruzek Erik , Vitiello Virginia E. , Whittaker Jessica , Pianta Robert C.
Published: November 2022

Learning environments can support the development of foundational knowledge and promote children's attitudes toward learning and school. This study explores the relation between school enjoyment and general knowledge from preschool (2016–2017) to kindergarten (2017–2018) in 1359 children (Mage = 55, 61 months, female = 50%; 58.5% Hispanic, 17% Black, 10% Asian, 10% White, 5% multiracial/other; linguistically diverse). Cross‐lagged panel models showed significant bidirectional associations between preschool enjoyment and change in general knowledge from preschool to kindergarten with a standardized coefficient of β = .21 (p < .001) and associations between preschool general knowledge and change in enjoyment, β = .09 (p = .015). Exploratory analyses with teacher characteristics and demographic subgroup comparisons are discussed. These associations suggest the potential intervention strategy of promoting early school enjoyment to support broader academic development.
Smaller, more diverse and on the way to the top: Rapid community shifts of montane wild bees within an extraordinary hot decade
Authors: Maihoff Fabienne , Friess Nicolas , Hoiss Bernhard , Schmid‐Egger Christian , Kerner Janika , Neumayer Johann , Hopfenmüller Sebastian , Bässler Claus , Müller Jörg , Classen Alice
Published: November 2022

Aim

Global warming is assumed to restructure mountain insect communities in space and time. Theory and observations along climate gradients predict that insect abundance and richness, especially of small‐bodied species, will increase with increasing temperature. However, the specific responses of single species to rising temperatures, such as spatial range shifts, also alter communities, calling for intensive monitoring of real‐world communities over time.

Location

German Alps and pre‐alpine forests in south‐east Germany.

Methods

We empirically examined the temporal and spatial change in wild bee communities and its drivers along two largely well‐protected elevational gradients (alpine grassland vs. pre‐alpine forest), each sampled twice within the last decade.

Results

We detected clear abundance‐based upward shifts in bee communities, particularly in cold‐adapted bumble bee species, demonstrating the speed with which mobile organisms can respond to climatic changes. Mean annual temperature was identified as the main driver of species richness in both regions. Accordingly, and in large overlap with expectations under climate warming, we detected an increase in bee richness and abundance, and an increase in small‐bodied species in low‐ and mid‐elevations along the grassland gradient. Community responses in the pre‐alpine forest gradient were only partly consistent with community responses in alpine grasslands.

Main Conclusion

In well‐protected temperate mountain regions, small‐bodied bees may initially profit from warming temperatures, by getting more abundant and diverse. Less severe warming, and differences in habitat openness along the forested gradient, however, might moderate species responses. Our study further highlights the utility of standardized abundance data for revealing rapid changes in bee communities over only one decade.
An evolving feature weighting framework for radial basis function neural network models
Authors: Muda Muhammad Zaiyad , Solis Adrian R. , Panoutsos George
Published: November 2022

Via Granular Computing (GrC), one can create effective computational frameworks for obtaining information from data, motivated by the human perception of combining similar objects. Combining knowledge gained via GrC with a Fuzzy inference engine (Neural‐Fuzzy) enable us to develop a transparent system. While weighting variables based on their importance during the iterative data granulation process has been proposed before (W‐GrC), there is no work in the literature to demonstrate effectiveness and impact on Type‐2 Fuzzy Logic systems (T2‐FLS). The main contribution of this paper is to extend W‐GrC, for the first time, to both Type‐1 and Type‐2 models known as Radial Basis Function Neural Network (RBFNN) and General Type‐2 Radial Basis Function Neural Network (GT2‐RBFNN). The proposed framework is validated using popular datasets: Iris, Wine, Breast Cancer, Heart and Cardiotocography. Results show that with the appropriate selection of feature weight parameter, the new computational framework achieves better classification accuracy outcomes. In addition, we also introduce in this research work an investigation on the modelling structure's interpretability (via Nauck's index) where it is shown that a good balance of interpretability and accuracy can be maintained.
The new “corporate state”: The meshing of corporate and political power and the erosion of democratic accountability in the UK
Authors: Cooper Christine , Tweedie Jonathan , Andrew Jane , Baker Max
Published: November 2022

This article argues that since 1979, in the UK, democratic accountability has been eroded—in spite of the far greater emphasis formally placed upon meeting the ideal of transparent workings of power. First, we look at structural reforms made to the government by Margaret Thatcher and how these led to an attenuation of ministerial accountability. Second, we consider how the increasing role of accountants and management consultants in formulating and delivering government policy subverts the ideal of a disinterested bureaucracy and results in a blurring of private (for‐profit) and public interests.
Freshwater mussel conservation: A global horizon scan of emerging threats and opportunities
Authors: Aldridge David C. , Ollard Isobel S. , Bespalaya Yulia V. , Bolotov Ivan N. , Douda Karel , Geist Juergen , Haag Wendell R. , Klunzinger Michael W. , Lopes‐Lima Manuel , Mlambo Musa C. , Riccardi Nicoletta , Sousa Ronaldo , Strayer David L. , Torres Santiago H. , Vaughn Caryn C. , Zając Tadeusz , Zieritz Alexandra
Published: November 2022

We identified 14 emerging and poorly understood threats and opportunities for addressing the global conservation of freshwater mussels over the next decade. A panel of 17 researchers and stakeholders from six continents submitted a total of 56 topics that were ranked and prioritized using a consensus‐building Delphi technique. Our 14 priority topics fell into five broad themes (autecology, population dynamics, global stressors, global diversity, and ecosystem services) and included understanding diets throughout mussel life history; identifying the drivers of population declines; defining metrics for quantifying mussel health; assessing the role of predators, parasites, and disease; informed guidance on the risks and opportunities for captive breeding and translocations; the loss of mussel–fish co‐evolutionary relationships; assessing the effects of increasing surface water changes; understanding the effects of sand and aggregate mining; understanding the effects of drug pollution and other emerging contaminants such as nanomaterials; appreciating the threats and opportunities arising from river restoration; conserving understudied hotspots by building local capacity through the principles of decolonization; identifying appropriate taxonomic units for conservation; improved quantification of the ecosystem services provided by mussels; and understanding how many mussels are enough to provide these services. Solutions for addressing the topics ranged from ecological studies to technological advances and socio‐political engagement. Prioritization of our topics can help to drive a proactive approach to the conservation of this declining group which provides a multitude of important ecosystem services.
Effects of nicotinamide mononucleotide on older patients with diabetes and impaired physical performance: A prospective, placebo‐controlled, double‐blind study
Authors: Akasaka Hiroshi , Nakagami Hironori , Sugimoto Ken , Yasunobe Yukiko , Minami Tomohiro , Fujimoto Taku , Yamamoto Koichi , Hara Chikako , Shiraki Akihiko , Nishida Kohji , Asano Kento , Kanou Masanobu , Yamana Kei , Imai Shin‐ichiro , Rakugi Hiromi
Published: November 2022

Objective

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide regulates various biological processes. Nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) increases its intracellular levels and counteracts age‐associated changes in animal models. We investigated the safety and efficacy of oral nicotinamide mononucleotide supplementation in older patients with diabetes and impaired physical performance.

Method

We carried out a 24‐week placebo‐controlled, double‐blinded study of male patients with diabetes aged ≥65 years with reduced grip strength (<26 kg) or walking speed (<1.0 m/s). The primary end‐points were to determine the safety of NMN oral administration (250 mg/day), and changes in grip strength and walking speed. The secondary end‐points were to determine the changes in various exploratory indicators.

Results

We studied 14 participants aged 81.1 ± 6.4 years. NMN was tolerable without any severe adverse events. The changes in grip strength and walking speed showed no difference between the two groups: 1.25 kg (95% confidence interval −2.31 to 4.81) and 0.033 m/s (−0.021 to 0.087) in the NMN group, and −0.44 kg (−4.15 to 3.26) and 0.014 m/s (−0.16 to −0.13) in the placebo group, respectively. There were no significant differences in any exploratory indicators between the two groups. However, improved prevalence of frailty in the NMN group (P = 0.066) and different changes in central retinal thickness between the two groups (P = 0.051) was observed.

Conclusion

In older male patients with diabetes and impaired physical performance, NMN supplementation for 24 weeks was safe, but did not improve grip strength and walking speed. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2023; 23: 38–43.
Area under the curve: Comparing the value of factor VIII replacement therapies in haemophilia A
Authors: Persson Sofie , Berndt Cecilia , Engstrand Sara , Trinczek Annegret , Carlsson Katarina Steen , Berntorp Erik
Published: November 2022

Introduction

In factor VIII (FVIII) prophylaxis for haemophilia A, cost comparisons have used price per international unit (IU) based on the once reasonable assumption of equivalent outcome per IU. Now, with several extended half‐life (EHL) products available, new outcome‐oriented ways to compare products are needed. Area under the curve (AUC) quantifies FVIII levels over time after infusion providing comparable data.

Aim

To develop a decision analytical model for making indirect comparisons of FVIII replacement products based on AUC.

Methods

A literature search identified 11 crossover studies with relevant pharmacokinetic data. A common comparator FVIII level curve was calculated using pooled data from selected studies. Absolute curves for other products were estimated based on relative differences to the common comparator (% difference vs the anchor). Three scenarios were investigated: (1) Kogenate® versus Kovaltry® and Jivi®; (2) Advate® versus Elocta®, NovoEight®, Kovaltry, Adynovate®, Afstyla®, and ReFacto®; and (3) Jivi versus Elocta, Adynovate, and Kogenate. Sensitivity analyses investigated effects of assay type and dose.

Results

In scenario 1, Jivi (+50%) and Kovaltry (+14%) showed larger AUCs versus Kogenate. In scenario 2, EHL products, Elocta and Adynovate, had the largest AUC (+64% and +58%, respectively) versus Advate. Compared with all other products in scenario 3, Jivi had the largest AUC by +13%–28%.

Conclusion

This analysis concludes that EHL products differ in relative AUC, have a larger AUC compared with standard half‐life, and thus, different FVIII levels over time after infusion. This model may aid decision makers in the absence of head‐to‐head data.
A social identity approach to COVID‐19 transmission in hospital settings
Authors: Hlubek Niklas , Templeton Anne , Wiseman‐Gregg Kirsty
Published: November 2022

The COVID‐19 pandemic poses a substantial risk of disease spread among healthcare workers (HCWs), making it important to understand what impacts perceived risk of COVID‐19 spread in hospital settings and what causes HCWs to mitigate COVID‐19 spread by following COVID‐19 safety measures. One determinant of risk perception and safe behaviors is the influence of seeing others as group members. The current study aims to (a) evaluate how social identification as an HCW and trust in co‐workers may influence perceived risk of COVID‐19 spread and (b) explore how communication transparency, trust in leaders, and identity leadership are associated with self‐reported adherence to COVID‐19 safety guidance. Using a correlational design, HCWs of a Scottish hospital were invited to participate in an online questionnaire measuring their perceptions of risk of COVID‐19 transmission, measures of social identification as an HCW, perception of leaders as members of the team, trust in co‐workers to follow the COVID‐19 guidelines and perception of leaders to manage COVID‐19 prevention effectively. Results showed that increased trust in co‐workers was associated with reduced risk perception of COVID‐19 transmission. Perceptions of transparent communication about COVID‐19 were found to be associated with increased adherence to COVID‐19 safety guidelines. Findings show the importance of the association between social identity processes and reduced risk perception and highlight the relationship between transparent communication strategies and self‐reported adherence to COVID‐19 guidelines, identity leadership, and trust in leaders to manage COVID‐19 appropriately.
A new Parakneria Poll 1965 (Gonorhynchiformes: Kneriidae), ‘Mikinkidi’ from the Upper Lufira Basin (Upper Congo: DRC): Evidence from a morphologic and DNA barcoding integrative approach
Authors: Kiwele Mutambala Pacifique , Abwe Emmanuel , Schedel Frederic D. B. , Chocha Manda Auguste , Schliewen Ulrich K. , Vreven Emmanuel J. W. M. N.
Published: November 2022

A new species, Parakneria alytogrammus, is described from the main stream of the Upper Lufira River. This species is easily distinguished from its congeners from the Congo Basin by its unique colouration, consisting of a low number of transversal bands on each of the caudal‐fin lobes, 2 (vs. 3–5) and the presence of an uninterrupted lateral mid‐longitudinal black band in fresh and preserved specimens (vs. absent). In addition, the new species differs from its Upper Lualaba congeners by the narrow width of its pectoral‐fin base, 4.8–5.6% LS [vs. wider, 8.2–10.1% for P. lufirae, 8.6% LS for P. damasi (holotype), and 7.6–7.9% LS for P. thysi]. Finally, it differs from the only species currently known from the Luapula‐Mweru system, P. malaissei, by having a short post‐dorsal distance, 36.4–36.6% LS (vs. longer, 38.6–41.1% LS) and a short post‐pelvic distance of 40.0–40.6% LS (vs. longer, 41.4–44.1% LS). Mitochondrial DNA‐haplotypes of P. alytogrammus sp. nov. form a clade, which is sister to the P. thysi clade, and from which it diverges by a genetic (Kimura 2‐parameter and uncorrected p) distance of 0.7% in the COI‐barcoding locus. The Upper Lufira, one of the sub‐basins of the Upper Congo Basin, remains poorly explored relative to its fish fauna. In contrast, the region is well explored with regard to its mineral wealth. Unfortunately, mining exploitation is carried out in the region without proper concern for the environment. Thus, the discovery of this new species for science calls for increased protection and aquatic biodiversity exploration in this mining region.
Leptin‐based hexamers facilitate memory and prevent amyloid‐driven AMPA receptor internalisation and neuronal degeneration
Authors: Doherty Gayle , Holiday Alison , Malekizadeh Yasaman , Manolescu Cosmin , Duncan Stephen , Flewitt Iona , Hamilton Kirsty , MacLeod Beth , Ainge James A. , Harvey Jenni
Published: November 2022

Key pathological features of Alzheimer's disease (AD) include build‐up of amyloid β (Aβ), which promotes synaptic abnormalities and ultimately leads to neuronal cell death. Metabolic dysfunction is known to influence the risk of developing AD. Impairments in the leptin system have been detected in AD patients, which has fuelled interest in targeting this system to treat AD. Increasing evidence supports pro‐cognitive and neuroprotective actions of leptin and these beneficial effects of leptin are mirrored by a bioactive leptin fragment (leptin116–130). Here we extend these studies to examine the potential cognitive enhancing and neuroprotective actions of 8 six‐amino acid peptides (hexamers) derived from leptin116–130. In this study, we show that four of the hexamers (leptin116–121, 117–122, 118–123 and 120–125) replicate the ability of leptin to promote α‐amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐methyl‐4‐isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) receptor trafficking and facilitate hippocampal synaptic plasticity. Moreover, the pro‐cognitive effects of the hexamers were verified in behavioural studies, with the administration of leptin117–122 enhancing performance in episodic memory tasks. The bioactive hexamers replicated the neuroprotective actions of leptin by preventing the acute hippocampal synapto‐toxic effects of Aβ, and the chronic effects of Aβ on neuronal cell viability, Aβ seeding and tau phosphorylation. These findings provide further evidence to support leptin and leptin‐derived peptides as potential therapeutics for AD.

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An updated classification of cyanobacterial orders and families based on phylogenomic and polyphasic analysis
Authors: Strunecký Otakar , Ivanova Anna Pavlovna , Mareš Jan
Published: November 2022

Cyanobacterial taxonomy is facing a period of rapid changes thanks to the ease of 16S rRNA gene sequencing and established workflows for description of new taxa. Since the last comprehensive review of the cyanobacterial system in 2014 until 2021, at least 273 species in 140 genera were newly described. These taxa were mainly placed into previously defined orders and families although several new families were proposed. However, the classification of most taxa still relied on hierarchical relationships inherited from the classical morphological taxonomy. Similarly, the obviously polyphyletic orders such as Synechococcales and Oscillatoriales were left unchanged. In this study, the rising number of genomic sequences of cyanobacteria and well‐described reference strains allowed us to reconstruct a robust phylogenomic tree for taxonomic purposes. A less robust but better sampled 16S rRNA gene phylogeny was mapped to the phylogenomic backbone. Based on both these phylogenies, a polyphasic classification throughout the whole phylum of Cyanobacteria was created, with ten new orders and fifteen new families. The proposed system of cyanobacterial orders and families relied on a phylogenomic tree but still employed phenotypic apomorphies where possible to make it useful for professionals in the field. It was, however, confirmed that morphological convergence of phylogenetically distant taxa was a frequent phenomenon in cyanobacteria. Moreover, the limited phylogenetic informativeness of the 16S rRNA gene, resulting in ambiguous phylogenies above the genus level, emphasized the integration of genomic data as a prerequisite for the conclusive taxonomic placement of a vast number of cyanobacterial genera in the future.
Potential and limits of (mal)adaptive mutation rate plasticity in plants
Authors: Monroe J. Grey
Published: November 2022

Genetic mutations provide the heritable material for plant adaptation to their environments. At the same time, the environment can affect the mutation rate across plant genomes. However, the extent to which environmental plasticity in mutation rates can facilitate or hinder adaptation remains a longstanding and unresolved question. Emerging discoveries of mechanisms affecting mutation rate variability provide opportunities to consider this question in a new light. Links between chromatin states, transposable elements, and DNA repair suggest cases of adaptive mutation rate plasticity could occur. Yet, numerous evolutionary and biological forces are expected to limit the impact of any such mutation rate plasticity on adaptive evolution. Persistent uncertainty about the significance of mutation rate plasticity on adaptation motivates new experimental and theoretical research relevant to understanding plant responses in changing environments.
Molecular module of CmMYB15‐like‐Cm4CL2 regulating lignin biosynthesis of chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum morifolium) in response to aphid (Macrosiphoniella sanborni) feeding
Authors: Li Fei , Zhang Yi , Tian Chang , Wang Xinhui , Zhou Lijie , Jiang Jiafu , Wang LiKai , Chen Fadi , Chen Sumei
Published: November 2022

Lignin is a major component of plant cell walls and a conserved basic defense mechanism in higher plants deposited in response to aphid infection. However, the molecular mechanisms of lignin biosynthesis in response to aphid infection and the effect of lignin on aphid feeding behavior remain unclear.

We report that 4‐Coumarate:coenzyme A ligase 2 (Cm4CL2), a gene encoding a key enzyme in the lignin biosynthesis pathway, is induced by aphid feeding, resulting in lignin deposition and reduced aphid attack. Upstream regulator analysis showed that the expression of Cm4CL2 in response to aphid feeding was directly upregulated by CmMYB15‐like, an SG2‐type R2R3‐MYB transcription factor.

CmMYB15‐like binds directly to the AC cis‐element in the promoter region of Cm4CL2. Genetic validation demonstrated that CmMYB15‐like was induced by aphid infection and contributed to lignin deposition and cell wall thickening, which consequently enhanced aphid resistance in a Cm4CL2‐dependent manner.

This study is the first to show that the CmMYB15‐like‐Cm4CL2 module regulates lignin biosynthesis in response to aphid feeding.
The clade F PP2C phosphatase ZmPP84 negatively regulates drought tolerance by repressing stomatal closure in maize
Authors: Guo Yazhen , Shi Yabo , Wang Yalin , Liu Fang , Li Zhen , Qi Junsheng , Wang Yi , Zhang Jingbo , Yang Shuhua , Wang Yu , Gong Zhizhong
Published: November 2022

Drought is a major environmental stress that threatens crop production. Therefore, identification of genes involved in drought stress response is of vital importance to decipher the molecular mechanism of stress signal transduction and breed drought tolerance crops, especially for maize.

Clade A PP2C phosphatases are core abscisic acid (ABA) signaling components, regulating ABA signal transduction and drought response. However, the roles of other clade PP2Cs in drought resistance remain largely unknown. Here, we discovered a clade F PP2C, ZmPP84, that negatively regulates drought tolerance by screening a transgenic overexpression maize library.

Quantitative RT‐PCR indicates that the transcription of ZmPP84 is suppressed by drought stress. We identified that ZmMEK1, a member of the MAPKK family, interacts with ZmPP84 by immunoprecipitation and mass spectrometry analysis. Additionally, we found that ZmPP84 can dephosphorylate ZmMEK1 and repress its kinase activity on the downstream substrate kinase ZmSIMK1, while ZmSIMK1 is able to phosphorylate S‐type anion channel ZmSLAC1 at S146 and T520 in vitro. Mutations of S146 and T520 to phosphomimetic aspartate could activate ZmSLAC1 currents in Xenopus oocytes.

Taken together, our study suggests that ZmPP84 is a negative regulator of drought stress response that inhibits stomatal closure through dephosphorylating ZmMEK1, thereby repressing ZmMEK1–ZmSIMK1 signaling pathway.
Kinematic Alignment May Reduce Opioid Consumption and Length of Stay Compared to Mechanically Aligned Total Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: Lung Brandon E. , Donnelly Megan R. , McLellan Maddison , Callan Kylie , Amirhekmat Arya , McMaster William C. , Yang Steven , So David H.
Published: November 2022

Objective

Previous studies have sought to determine the effects of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) using kinematic alignment (KA) versus mechanical alignment (MA) to reproduce the native knee alignment and soft tissue envelope for improved patient satisfaction. There are limited studies that compare acute perioperative outcomes between KA and MA patients as it pertains to pain‐related opioid consumption and hospital length of stay (LOS). This study aims to compare early KA and MA in restoring function and rehabilitation after surgery to reduce hospitalization and opioid consumption.

Methods

A retrospective review of 42 KA and 58 MA primary TKA patients performed by a single surgeon between 2020–2021 was conducted. Demographics were controlled between groups and radiographic measurements and functional outcomes were compared. Pain was evaluated with inpatient/outpatient morphine milligram equivalents (MME) and visual analogue scale (VAS) scores. Mobility was assessed using multiple measures by a physical therapist. Mean preoperative and 3‐month postoperative flexion range of motion (ROM) were analyzed, and overall complications, LOS, and non‐home discharge between groups compared. Continuous variables were compared using the Wilcoxon rank‐sum test, and categorical variables were compared using the chi‐square or Fisher exact test. Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05.

Results

KA patients had shorter LOS (1.8 vs 3.1 days) and less cumulative opioid requirements compared to MA patients (578 vs 1253 MME). On postoperative day 0, KA patients ambulated on average twice the distance of MA patients (20 vs 6.5 feet). KA patients had residual tibia component in varus (1.4° vs −0.3°), femoral component in valgus (−1.9° vs 0.2°), and valgus joint line obliquity compared with MA (−1.5° vs 0.2°). There were no significant differences between 3‐month postoperative flexion arc motion, discharge destination, KOOS or SF‐12 outcomes, and surgical complication rates between groups.

Conclusions

By restoring the native joint line obliquity and minimizing the frequency of ligament releases, KA for TKA may improve pain relief, early mobility, and decreased length of stay compared with traditional methods of establishing neutral limb axis by MA.