bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Real-world risk factors for herpes zoster in patients with rheumatoid arthritis undergoing tofacitinib treatment
Authors: Sun Yi-Syuan , Huang De-Feng , Chen Wei-Sheng , Liao Hsien-Tzung , Chen Ming-Han , Tsai Hung-Cheng , Tsai Ming-Tsun , Tsai Chang-Youh , Lai Chien-Chih , Yang Chih-Yu
Published: August 2024

Background:

This study sought to assess the risk factors of herpes zoster (HZ) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients treated with tofacitinib (TOFA).

Methods:

This retrospective study reviewed RA patients receiving TOFA. We compared clinical characteristics, laboratory profiles, concomitant medication use, and HZ incidence in patients with and without recent biologic synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (bDMARDs) treatment, which is defined as their administration ≤180 days before the initiation of TOFA treatment. We used univariate Cox proportional hazards models and Kaplan-Meier analysis to assess risk factors.

Results:

Among 304 RA patients, 97 had recent bDMARDs use and 207 did not. Patients with recent bDMARDs use typically had lower weekly doses of methotrexate, less hydroxychloroquine use, and shorter follow-up. In the recent bDMARDs group, 64 (66.0%) used tumor necrosis factor inhibitors (TNFi), 19 (19.6%) used tocilizumab, and 14 (14.4%) used abatacept. The overall incidence rate (IR) of HZ was 5.62 per 100 person-years. Patients with recent bDMARDs use exhibited a higher HZ risk compared to those without recent bDMARDs use (IR ratio: 2.34, 95% CI, 1.04-5.19, p = 0.028). Recent bDMARDs use (hazard ratio: 2.4, 95% CI, 1.12-4.95, p = 0.024) was an independent risk factor for HZ among multivariable analysis. Kaplan-Meier analysis confirmed increased HZ risk in RA patients on TOFA with recent bDMARDs use (log-rank p = 0.015).

Conclusion:

HZ is common in RA patients treated with TOFA, and recent bDMARDs (TNFi, tocilizumab, and abatacept) use is a risk factor for HZ. HZ vaccination, therefore, should be recommended for this group.
Impact of aromatherapy on anxiety among ICU nurses
Authors: Hubbard Sandra , O'conner Kalyn , Lockhart Ellen Rachel , Carter Kimberly Ferren , Harvey Ellen
Published: August 2024

Purpose:

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of aromatherapy with an essential oil blend containing lavender, bergamot, ylang-ylang, and sweet orange, compared with placebo, on perceptions of anxiety in ICU RNs.

Methods:

Nurses recruited from six adult ICUs and a neonatal ICU participated in this blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled study, which took place over a 30-day intervention period.

Results:

Although there were no statistically significant changes in anxiety pre- to postintervention or between the intervention and placebo groups, there were also no adverse events or untoward effects.

Conclusion:

The results of this study may support aromatherapy as an evidence-based strategy to reduce anxiety in ICU nurses. Additional research is needed.
How clinical resource nurses can support new nurses and address safety concerns
Authors: Nadeau Michelle , Madden Marissa W. , Glassman Emily L.
Published: August 2024

Inexperienced nursing staff can jeopardize patient safety and contribute to burnout. This quality improvement project evaluated a clinical resource nurse (CRN) role designed to address disparities in nurses' skills and experience. Survey results suggested that the CRN role effectively supported novice nurses.
Maintenance Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for Major Depressive Disorder
Authors: Akram Salman , Nanji Imaan , Deniz Ismail , Akram Faisal , Mukhtar Fahad
Published: August 2024

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is an effective therapy for acute treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD). However, the efficacy and optimal strategy of delivering maintenance rTMS beyond acute treatment remains unclear. This meta-analysis aims to quantify the treatment effect of maintenance rTMS therapy in MDD and compares the difference in treatment effect between the fixed and rescue maintenance rTMS protocols. We conducted a meta-analysis of 14 studies (N = 705) comparing depression rating scores before and after maintenance rTMS. Standardized mean scores adjusted for sample size (Hedges g) were used as the effect size. Subgroup analysis was performed to compare the fixed and rescue maintenance rTMS treatment. Maintenance rTMS was associated with a statistically significant improvement in depression scores (standardized mean difference [SMD] = 0.75; confidence interval [CI] = −1.25 to −0.25). The random effects model had the Q value = 142.67 (P < 0.0001) and I
2 = 90%, supporting significant heterogeneity among studies. The prediction interval yielded a possible effect size from −2.54 to 1.05. The subgroup analysis showed a stronger treatment effect for rescue maintenance protocol (SMD = −1.17; CI = −2.13 to −0.21) compared to fixed maintenance protocol (SMD = −0.45; CI = −1.00.16). Although not statistically significant (Q-between = 2.56, df-between = 1, P = 0.1096), a large difference in effect size was observed between subgroups. Maintenance rTMS appears to be an effective strategy for maintaining remission and preventing relapse in MDD. Significant heterogeneity among the studies warrants caution in interpreting the results. These findings suggest the need for standard protocols and consensus guidelines for the optimal delivery of maintenance rTMS treatment.
Morphogenic, molecular, and cellular adaptations for unidirectional airflow in the chicken lung
Authors: Gerner-Mauro Kamryn N , Ellis Lisandra Vila , Wang Guolun , Nayak Richa , Lwigale Peter Y , Poché Ross A , Chen Jichao
Published: August 2024

Unidirectional airflow in the avian lung enables gas exchange during both inhalation and exhalation. The underlying developmental process and how it deviates from that of the bidirectional mammalian lung are poorly understood. Sampling key developmental stages with multiscale 3D imaging and single-cell transcriptomics, we delineate morphogenic, molecular, and cellular features that accommodate the unidirectional airflow in the chicken lung. Primary termini of hyper-elongated branches are eliminated via proximal-short and distal-long fusions, forming parabronchi. Neoform termini extend radially through parabronchial smooth muscle to form gas-exchanging alveoli. Supporting this radial alveologenesis, branch stalks halt their proximalization, defined by SOX9-SOX2 transition, and become SOX9lowparabronchi. Primary and secondary vascular plexi interface with primary and neoform termini, respectively. Single-cell and Stereo-seq spatial transcriptomics reveal a third, chicken-specific alveolar cell type expressing KRT14, hereby named luminal cells. Luminal, alveolar type 2, and alveolar type 1 cells sequentially occupy concentric zones radiating from the parabronchial lumen. Our study explores the evolutionary space of lung diversification and lays the foundation for functional analysis of species-specific genetic determinants.
Gender and speech material effects on the long-term average speech spectrum, including at extended high frequencies
Authors: Delaram Vahid , Miller Margaret K. , Ananthanarayana Rohit M. , Trine Allison , Buss Emily , Stecker G. Christopher , Monson Brian B.
Published: August 2024

Gender and language effects on the long-term average speech spectrum (LTASS) have been reported, but typically using recordings that were bandlimited and/or failed to accurately capture extended high frequencies (EHFs). Accurate characterization of the full-band LTASS is warranted given recent data on the contribution of EHFs to speech perception. The present study characterized the LTASS for high-fidelity, anechoic recordings of males and females producing Bamford-Kowal-Bench (BKB) sentences, digits, and unscripted narratives. Gender had an effect on spectral levels at both ends of the spectrum: males had higher levels than females below approximately 160 Hz, owing to lower fundamental frequencies; females had ∼4 dB higher levels at EHFs, but this effect was dependent on speech material. Gender differences were also observed at ∼300 Hz, and between 800-1000 Hz, as previously reported. Despite differences in phonetic content, there were only small, gender-dependent differences in EHF levels across speech materials. EHF levels were highly correlated across materials, indicating relative consistency within talkers. Our findings suggest that LTASS levels at EHFs are influenced primarily by talker and gender, highlighting the need for future research to assess whether EHF cues are more audible for female speech than for male speech.
The impact of carbon emission regulations on B2C car-sharing platforms’ operating models
Authors: Sun Changyong , Li Yiwen , Liu Yixuan
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Although the impact of carbon emissions regulations is evident to upstream automakers, their influence on downstream B2C car-sharing platforms remains unclear. This article reveals the influence of carbon emission regulations on the performance of supply chain members. In particular, we focused on the decision of B2C car-sharing platforms.

Design/methodology/approach

We develop a three-stage dynamic game model consisting of an automaker, a B2C car-sharing platform and consumers.

Findings

The carbon emission cap has a critical threshold. Above this threshold, the regulation is ineffective for the platform’s operating model. Below it, the regulation affects the platform, moderated by customers' green awareness. The threshold initially decreases (weakly) and then increases in awareness. Effective caps reduce profits for the manufacturer, B2C car-sharing platform and supply chain, while ineffective caps see higher profits with increased awareness.

Originality/value

Firstly, this paper explores the impact of carbon emission caps on the operational strategies of B2C car-sharing platforms within the sharing economy, complementing existing research. Secondly, it identifies conditions where stricter caps prompt B2C car-sharing platforms to adjust their operational models and offers fresh insights for managers and departments responsible for carbon emission policy formulation. Thirdly, the study uncovers how carbon emission caps affect the performance of supply chain members, providing crucial managerial insights for sustainable operations.
Enhancing patient safety using failure mode and effect criticality analysis: a benchmarking study on selected hospitals
Authors: Sarkar Niloy
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Patient safety is a top priority globally. A robust healthcare system requires strategic collaboration between research and development. The author analysed over 300 cases from seven hospitals using the failure modes, effects, and criticality analysis (FMECA) tool to understand the underlying causes of medical errors.

Design/methodology/approach

The author studied seven hospitals and 300 cases using FMECA to prioritise activities. The findings showed that high-priority events occurred less frequently but had the potential to cause the most harm. Team members evaluated independently to ensure unbiased evaluations. This approach is useful for setting priorities or assessing difficulties.

Findings

Poor communication and lack of coordination among staff in a healthcare organisation caused misunderstandings, ineffective decision-making, delays in patient care, and medical errors. Implementation of effective communication and coordination protocols can help avoid these problems.

Practical implications

The study recommends using FMECA to identify and prioritise failures and conducting in-depth analyses to understand their root causes. It also highlights the importance of interdisciplinary knowledge and soft skills for healthcare staff.

Originality/value

This study reveals the significance of FMECA in healthcare risk management and benchmarking. FMECA helps identify system failures, develop prevention strategies, and evaluate effectiveness against industry benchmarks. It offers healthcare professionals a valuable tool to enhance patient safety and improve healthcare quality.
Enablers of new business density: a comparison between developed and developing countries using deep learning and explainable AI
Authors: Pramanik Paritosh , Jana Rabin K. , Ghosh Indranil
Published: August 2024

Purpose

New business density (NBD) is the ratio of the number of newly registered liability corporations to the working-age population per year. NBD is critical to assessing a country's business environment. The present work endeavors to discover and gauge the contribution of 28 potential socio-economic enablers of NBD for 2006–2021 across developed and developing economies separately and to make a comparative assessment between those two regions.

Design/methodology/approach

Using World Bank data, the study first performs exploratory data analysis (EDA). Then, it deploys a deep learning (DL)-based regression framework by utilizing a deep neural network (DNN) to perform predictive modeling of NBD for developed and developing nations. Subsequently, we use two explainable artificial intelligence (XAI) techniques, Shapley values and a partial dependence plot, to unveil the influence patterns of chosen enablers. Finally, the results from the DL method are validated with the explainable boosting machine (EBM) method.

Findings

This research analyzes the role of 28 potential socio-economic enablers of NBD in developed and developing countries. This research finds that the NBD in developed countries is predominantly governed by the contribution of manufacturing and service sectors to GDP. In contrast, the propensity for research and development and ease of doing business control the NBD of developing nations. The research findings also indicate four common enablers – business disclosure, ease of doing business, employment in industry and startup procedures for developed and developing countries.

Practical implications

NBD is directly linked to any nation's economic affairs. Therefore, assessing the NBD enablers is of paramount significance for channelizing capital for new business formation. It will guide investment firms and entrepreneurs in discovering the factors that significantly impact the NBD dynamics across different regions of the globe. Entrepreneurs fraught with inevitable market uncertainties while developing a new idea into a successful new business can momentously benefit from the awareness of crucial NBD enablers, which can serve as a basis for business risk assessment.

Originality/value

DL-based regression framework simultaneously caters to successful predictive modeling and model explanation for practical insights about NBD at the global level. It overcomes the limitations in the present literature that assume the NBD is country- and industry-specific, and factors of the NBD cannot be generalized globally. With DL-based regression and XAI methods, we prove our research hypothesis that NBD can be effectively assessed and compared with the help of global macro-level indicators. This research justifies the robustness of the findings by using the socio-economic data from the renowned data repository of the World Bank and by implementing the DL modeling with validation through the EBM method.
Being good by doing good: an analysis of audit fees, philanthropic initiatives and board gender diversity among Chinese listed firms
Authors: Zaid Mohammad A.A. , Issa Ayman
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Despite the acknowledged significance of the relationship between audit fees and corporate philanthropic initiatives, the existing literature has not yet reached the desired level of providing explicit evidence on how this relationship can be moderated by board gender diversity. This paper aims to contribute to the ongoing debate by using a panel data set comprising 905 Chinese listed firms over a five-year period from 2015 to 2019.

Design/methodology/approach

To generate solid findings and overcome the potential endogeneity bias, various econometric estimators, namely, ordinary least squares, two-step generalized method of moments, robust two-stage least squares and subsample analysis, have been carefully used. More interestingly, the study’s results remain consistent across different estimation methods.

Findings

The results reveal a statistically significant positive link between audit fees and corporate charitable giving. More interestingly, this connection strengthens with a higher representation of women directors on the board, particularly when there are three or more female directors. Furthermore, the results suggest that nonstate-owned firms exhibit greater motivation to participate in charitable giving initiatives compared to state-owned counterparts.

Practical implications

Stakeholders from various groups should attentively recognize the importance of gender-diverse boards as a dynamic factor impacting the association between audit fees and corporate charitable giving.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, the crushing majority of the preceding research has not delved deeply into the critical role of board gender diversity in the relationship between audit fees and corporate charitable donations. Hence, this study provides a profound understanding of how audit fees predict corporate philanthropic initiatives.
Beyond the resume: HR students’ evaluations of interview performances by first and second language speakers
Authors: Teló Cesar , Trofimovich Pavel , O'Brien Mary Grantham , Le Thao-Nguyen Nina , Bodea Anamaria
Published: August 2024

Purpose

High-stakes decision-makers, including human resource (HR) professionals, often exhibit accent biases against second language speakers in professional evaluations. We extend this work by investigating how HR students evaluate simulated job interview performances in English by first and second language speakers of English.

Design/methodology/approach

Eighty HR students from Calgary and Montreal evaluated the employability of first language (L1) Arabic, English, and Tagalog candidates applying for two positions (nurse, teacher) at four points in the interview (after reading the applicant’s resume, hearing their self-introduction, and listening to each of two responses to interview questions). Candidates’ responses additionally varied in the extent to which they meaningfully answered the interview questions.

Findings

Students from both cities provided similar evaluations, employability ratings were similar for both advertised positions, and high-quality responses elicited consistently high ratings while evaluations for low-quality responses declined over time. All speakers were evaluated similarly based on their resumes and self-introductions, regardless of their language background. However, evaluations diverged for interview responses, where L1 Arabic and Tagalog speakers were considered more employable than L1 English speakers. Importantly, students’ preference for L1 Arabic and Tagalog candidates over L1 English candidates was magnified when those candidates provided low-quality interview responses.

Originality/value

Results suggest that even in the absence of dedicated equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) training focusing on language and accent bias, HR students may be aware of second language speakers’ potential disadvantages in the workplace, rewarding them in the current evaluations. Findings also highlight the potential influence of contextual factors on HR students’ decision-making.
Negative emotions and marketing retrenchment during crisis: attribution effects through crisis severity and strategic orientations
Authors: Miocevic Dario
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Emotions are widely acknowledged decision-making drivers, taking the front seat when managers lack objective information. Existing evidence indicates that negative emotions often lead to the decision to retrench. Contrary to these insights, our research aims to show that negative emotions can sometimes push top managers to withdraw from retrenching marketing activities. By drawing on the affect-as-information approach, this study aims to examine the direct and conditional effects of top managers’ negative emotions on small and medium-sized enteprises (SMEs’) intention to retrench marketing activities during the recent economic crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a descriptive research design and surveys a sample of 155 chief executive officers from business-to-business (B2B) SMEs in Croatia. The authors empirically test the conceptual framework with hierarchical regression.

Findings

Based on the sample of 155 top managers of SMEs operating in B2B industries, negative emotions positively drive marketing retrenchment. However, additional insights reveal that this relationship is conditioned by crisis severity and SMEs' strategic orientations (exploration and exploitation). The relationship between negative emotions and marketing retrenchment weakens for SMEs severely hampered by the crisis and for SMEs following the exploitative orientation. In contrast, this relationship becomes stronger for SMEs whose business customers have been severely hampered and for SMEs following exploratory orientation.

Originality/value

This research advances the body of knowledge by demonstrating that, depending on the severity of the crisis and the strategic orientation of the SME, top managers may interpret negative emotions quite differently, which eventually has lasting consequences on marketing retrenchment during crises. Therefore, by focusing on emotional microfoundations and unique crisis- and firm-level contingencies, this study goes beyond existing theoretical discussions that contrast marketing retrenchment vs investment and offers a different understanding of why and when SMEs retrench their marketing activities during crises.
Reconceptualising performance measurement and management: evaluating a social complexity framework
Authors: Mackenzie Helen , Bititci Umit
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Alternative theoretical perspectives on performance measurement and management (PMM) have been advanced in response to shortcomings observed with the dominant control systems-based paradigm. The purpose of this investigation is to ascertain whether one such perspective, rooted in social systems theory and practice theory, can accommodate these shortcomings and positively impact organisational effectiveness (OE) and performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Longitudinal critical realism-based case study research is employed in action research mode to investigate how adopting a social complexity perspective on PMM affected the behaviour and performance of a commercial organisation.

Findings

The case study observations suggest that by putting people and their behaviour and organisational practices at the centre of PMM, near-term organisational outcomes can be influenced favourably in complex and dynamic environments.

Practical implications

This investigation provides a tool for undertaking a social complexity interpretation of PMM.

Originality/value

This research supports the proposal that complexity theory provides an alternative paradigm for managing performance in organisations and describes the first practical application of a social complexity interpretation of PMM. It presents a model for use and further development by other researchers.
Women-owned businesses and access to finance in Pakistan: a study of perceptions, experiences and behaviors
Authors: Altaf Mahnoor , Ullah Karim , Atiq Muhammad
Published: August 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the perceptions, experiences and behaviors of women entrepreneurs and industry professionals in raising finance for women-led businesses and associated problems faced by the women entrepreneurs.

Design/methodology/approach

This qualitative research adopts a narrative inquiry strategy. In-depth interviews are used to collect data from women entrepreneurs and women industry professionals in Pakistan. NVivo qualitative data analysis software is used to organize, analyze and find insights in the qualitative data.

Findings

This research finds that women entrepreneurs struggle to secure financing for their businesses, and most of them have not been successful in obtaining loans from banks. Women entrepreneurs have relied on various sources of funding, including microfinance banks, grants, personal finance and family members. Some of the barriers to finance attainment for women entrepreneurs include sociocultural inhibitions, lack of awareness and limited information dissemination by financial institutions. Women professionals suggest that entrepreneurs should maintain a bank account, have proper documentation and show dedication to their business to improve their chances of obtaining financing.

Research limitations/implications

This research provides theoretical contributions and methodological advancements in the study of financial inclusion for women-owned businesses in Pakistan. This research raises awareness about the difficulties women entrepreneurs face when trying to obtain credit from banks and other financial institutions and provides policy recommendations to inform the government about financial inclusion policies and financing policies for women entrepreneurs. Overall, this research contributes to the literature on financial access and access to finance for women-owned businesses in developing countries.

Originality/value

Based on the vulnerable group theory and theory of discouraged borrower, this paper has two important theoretical and practical implications. First, the findings of this study reveal that the financial services are indifferent to women, and there is a denial of women being vulnerable in the financial system, hence requiring a major policy shift to not portray women as vulnerable, as they will rationally feel risky and prefer to opt out of the financial system. Second, the findings suggest that the issue of access to finance for women is not in the financial services but in the women's capabilities and awareness. Therefore, a policy shift is suggested from “financial services for women” to “capability and awareness of women” to avail and access the current services.
Biomimetic kinetic façade as a real-time daylight control: complex form versus simple form with proper kinetic behavior
Authors: Hosseini Seyed Morteza , Heidari Shahin , Attia Shady , Wang Julian , Triantafyllidis Georgios
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This study aims to develop a methodology that extracts an architectural concept from a biological analogy that integrates forms and kinetic behavior to identify whether complex forms work better or simple forms with proper kinetic behavior for improving visual comfort and daylight performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The research employs a transdisciplinary approach using several methods consisting of a biomimetic functional-morphological approach, kinetic design strategy, case study comparison using algorithmic workflow and parametric simulation and inverse design, to develop an interactive kinetic façade with optimized daylight performance.

Findings

A key development is the introduction of a periodic interactive region (PIR), which draws inspiration from the butterfly wings' nanostructure. These findings challenge conventional perspectives on façade complexity, highlighting the efficacy of simpler shapes paired with appropriate kinetic behavior for improving visual comfort. The results show the façade with a simpler “Bookshelf” shape integrated with a tapered shape of the periodic interactive region, outperforms its more complex counterpart (Hyperbolic Paraboloid component) in terms of daylight performance and glare control, especially in southern orientations, ensuring occupant visual comfort by keeping cases in the imperceptible range while also delivering sufficient average spatial Daylight Autonomy of 89.07%, Useful Daylight Illuminance of 94.53% and Exceeded Useful Daylight Illuminance of 5.11%.

Originality/value

The investigation of kinetic façade studies reveals that precedent literature mostly focused on engineering and building physics aspects, leaving the architectural aspect underutilized during the development phase. Recent studies applied a biomimetic approach for involving the architectural elements besides the other aspects. While the biomimetic method has proven effective in meeting occupants' visual comfort needs, its emphasis has been primarily on the complex form which is difficult to apply within the kinetic façade development. This study can address two gaps: (1) the lack of an architectural aspect in the kinetic façade design specifically in the development of conceptual form and kinetic behavior dimensions and (2) exchanging the superficial biomimetic considerations with an in-depth investigation.
Green energy transition, economic complexity, green finance, and ecological footprint: Shaping the SDGs in the presence of geopolitical risk
Authors: Wang Xiaoli , Yang Jie , Ahmad Mahmood , Ahmed Zahoor
Published: August 2024

Achieving sustainable development while mitigating environmental degradation is a pressing global challenge. Economic development, accompanied by industrialization, fossil fuel consumption, and unsustainable use of natural resources, is widely identified in the literature as a leading cause of environmental degradation. Green energy transition (GET) and economic complexity—the shift towards more advanced and knowledge‐driven manufacturing, can be crucial strategies in reducing ecological degradation and helping countries achieve climate change mitigation targets. Green finance can play an important role in environmental sustainability, while geopolitical risk can impede countries' climate mitigation efforts. In this context, this study investigates the impact of GET, economic complexity, green finance, and geopolitical risk on the ecological footprint in OECD countries from 1995 to 2021. These four critical factors are integrated into the same environmental policy framework due to their potential to influence environmental sustainability in OECD economies. The study employed the Method of Moments Quantile Regression to provide robust estimates across different quantiles. The empirical outcomes unveiled that GET significantly reduces the ecological footprint across all quantiles. The economic complexity posed a significant and negative impact across all quantiles except at the lower quantile (τ = 0.10). Green finance also poses a negative impact, indicating its effectiveness in promoting environmental sustainability. However, geopolitical risk exacerbates the ecological footprint. The control variables, GDP and urbanization, are found to increase the ecological footprint. In terms of policy implications, this study suggests that policymakers should focus on increasing the share of green energy, fostering economic complexity and green finance, and mitigating geopolitical tensions to reduce the ecological footprint and achieve environmental sustainability in OECD nations.
Forensic alcohol calculations in individuals under the age of 18
Authors: Maskell Peter D. , Officer Jane A. , Lowrie Carolyn , Wylie Fiona M.
Published: August 2024

Alcohol calculations are carried out in many forensic case types. On occasion, individuals under the age of 18 are involved, and alcohol calculations may be beneficial. To date, there are no studies that have determined the best way to estimate total body water (TBW) or alcohol elimination rates in juveniles for alcohol calculations. We utilized a data set of 207 females and 218 males, aged 3–18 years, from a variety of ethnic backgrounds, where TBW had been empirically measured, to evaluate the best anthropometric equation to use to estimate TBW in juveniles. For males aged 3–15 years and females aged 2–13 years, the equation of Wells et al. was the most accurate and precise (RMSE of ≤10.4% in males and ≤9.9% in females). For males aged 16+ years and females aged 14+ years, the equation of Watson et al. was more appropriate (RMSE ≤11.5% and ≤12.4%, respectively). Based on published studies where the alcohol elimination rate was determined in 43 juveniles (aged 10‐17 years) who were hospitalized due to alcohol consumption, a mean alcohol elimination rate of 16 mg/100 mL/h should be used. The recommended range being 9–25 mg/100 mL (5th–95th percentile). This study provides evidence that there are valid anthropometric equations to determine TBW and alcohol elimination rates that can be used for alcohol calculations in juveniles between the ages of 10 and 17.
Development of the insect adult fat body relies on glycolysis, lipid synthesis, cell proliferation, and cell adhesion
Authors: Jin Ke‐Yan , Di Yu‐Qin , Liu Tian‐Wen , Zhao Xiao‐Fan
Published: August 2024

The fat body of the holometabolous insect is remodeled by the degradation of the larval fat body and the development of the adult fat body during metamorphosis. However, the mechanism of adult fat body development is quite unclear. Using the agricultural pest Helicoverpa armigera, the cotton bollworm, as a model, we revealed that the development of adult fat body was regulated by glycolysis, triglyceride (triacylglycerol [TAG]) synthesis, cell proliferation, and cell adhesion. RNA sequencing detected a set of genes that were upregulated in the 8‐d late pupal fat body at a late metamorphic stage compared with the 2‐d pupal fat body at an earlier metamorphic stage. The pathways for glycolysis, TAG synthesis, cell proliferation, and cell adhesion were enriched by the differentially expressed genes, and the key genes linked with these pathways showed increased expression in the 8‐d pupal fat body. Knockdown of phosphofructokinase (Pfk), acetyl‐CoA carboxylase (Acc1), phosphatidylinositol 4,5‐bisphosphate 3‐kinase catalytic subunit (P110) and collagen alpha‐1(IV) chain (Col4a1) by RNA interference resulted in abnormal eclosion and death at pupal stages, and repressed lipid droplets accumulation and adult fat body development. The expression of Acc1, P110, and Col4a1 was repressed by the insect steroid hormone 20‐hydroxyecdysone (20E). The critical genes in the 20E pathway appeared to decrease at the late pupal stage. These data suggested that the development of the insect adult fat body is regulated by glycolysis, lipids synthesis, cell proliferation, and cell adhesion at the late pupal stage when the 20E signal decreases.
Sensing volatiles throughout the body: geographic‐ and tissue‐specific olfactory receptor expression in the fig wasp
Authors: Krishnan Sushma , Karpe Snehal Dilip , Kumar Hithesh , Nongbri Lucy B. , Venkateswaran Vignesh , Sowdhamini Ramanathan , Grosse‐Wilde Ewald , Hansson Bill S. , Borges Renee M.
Published: August 2024

An essential adaptive strategy in insects is the evolution of olfactory receptors (ORs) to recognize important volatile environmental chemical cues. Our model species, Ceratosolen fusciceps, a specialist wasp pollinator of Ficus racemosa, likely possesses an OR repertoire that allows it to distinguish fig‐specific volatiles in highly variable environments. Using a newly assembled genome‐guided transcriptome, we annotated 63 ORs in the species and reconstructed the phylogeny of Ceratosolen ORs in conjunction with other hymenopteran species. Expression analysis showed that though ORs were mainly expressed in the female antennae, 20% were also expressed in nonantennal tissues such as the head, thorax, abdomen, legs, wings, and ovipositor. Specific upregulated expression was observed in OR30C in the head and OR60C in the wings. We identified OR expression from all major body parts of female C. fusciceps, suggesting novel roles of ORs throughout the body. Further examination of the OR expression of C. fusciceps in widely separated geographical locations, that is, South (urban) and Northeast (rural) India, revealed distinct OR expression levels in different locations. This discrepancy likely parallels the observed variation in fig volatiles between these regions and provides new insights into the evolution of insect ORs and their expression across geographical locations and tissues.
Back to the future: How economic history can gain more relevance by abandoning modernization thinking
Authors: van Bavel Bas
Published: August 2024

Economic history has built a solid scientific foundation over the past decades but runs a risk of becoming marginalized. This paper suggests various ways to enhance its academic and societal relevance. It proposes taking pressing societal issues as clear starting points and using history as a ‘laboratory’ to address them. To effectively do so, a sharper focus on the social and environmental contexts of economic development would be needed. This may be furthered by closer involvement in multidisciplinary teams, where economic historians would bring in the chronological dimension, making use of their historical skills. Relevance will also be increased by abandoning modernization thinking. This would encourage more openness to processes of contestation, reversal, and divergencies, and more fully using the research opportunities offered by periods further back in time and all across the globe, not because these are different from the ‘modern’, Western situation but because they are relevant as sources of knowledge in themselves – knowledge that may be vital in light of the grave challenges present societies are facing.
Commentary: Where Does Classroom Assessment Fit in Educational Measurement?
Authors: Brookhart Susan M.
Published: August 2024

This article is a commentary on the Foundational Competencies in Educational Measurement (Ackerman et al., 2024, hereafter the FCs) through the lens of classroom assessment. I focus on the place of classroom assessment in the FCs and in NCME and educational measurement more broadly.
Protein phosphatase 2A regulates blood cell proliferation and differentiation in Drosophila larval lymph glands
Authors: Zhang Fang , Luo Wang , Liu Sumin , Zhao Long , Su Ying
Published: August 2024

Protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A), one of the most abundant protein phosphatases, has divergent functions in multiple types of cells. Its inactivation has been closely associated with leukemia diseases. However, the physiological function of PP2A for hematopoiesis has been poorly understood in organisms. Drosophila hematopoiesis parallels the vertebrate counterpart in developmental and functional features but involves a much simpler hematopoietic system. Here, utilizing the Drosophila major larval hematopoietic organ lymph gland, we studied the function of PP2A for hematopoiesis in vivo. By knocking down the expression of Pp2A‐29B that encodes the scaffold subunit of the PP2A holoenzyme complex, we found that PP2A silencing in the differentiating hemocytes resulted in their excessive proliferation. Furthermore, this PP2A inhibition downregulated the expression of Smoothened (Smo), a crucial component in the Hedgehog pathway, and smo overexpression was able to rescue the phenotypes of PP2A depletion, indicating that Smo functions as a downstream effector of PP2A to restrict the hemocyte proliferation. PDGF/VEGF‐receptor (Pvr) overexpression also restored the Smo expression and lymph gland morphology of PP2A silencing, suggesting a PP2A‐Pvr‐Smo axis to regulate lymph gland growth and hemocyte proliferation. Moreover, inhibiting PP2A activity in the blood progenitor cells promoted their differentiation, but which was independent with Smo. Together, our data suggested that PP2A plays a dual role in the Drosophila lymph gland by preserving the progenitor population and restraining the hemocyte proliferation, to properly regulate the hematopoietic process.
Childhood cardiometabolic risk factors associated with the perinatal environment of the maternal–paternal–child triad
Authors: McGehee Diamond L. , Saben Jessica L. , Sims Clark R. , Turner Donald , Thakali Keshari M. , Diaz Eva C. , Sobik Sarah R. , Edwards Timothy , Krukowski Rebecca A. , Williams D. Keith , Børsheim Elisabet , Andres Aline
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Clustering of cardiometabolic risk factors in childhood significantly increases the risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease later in life. Identification of modifiable parental factors that contribute to offspring cardiometabolic health is critical for the prevention of disease. The objective was to identify factors associated with child cardiometabolic risk factors at age 5 years.

Methods

Triads from a longitudinal cohort were recalled at 5 years (n = 68). Dietary intake, anthropometrics, physical activity and serum‐based risk factors were collected. Best subset selection, linear and logistic regressions were used to identify triad variables associated with increased risk of cardiometabolic risk factor clustering at age 5 years.

Results

In this cohort, best subset modelling revealed that increased paternal fat mass, serum low‐density lipoproteins and triglycerides, maternal dietary added sugar and being female were associated with increased odds of offspring having two or more cardiometabolic risk factors at age 5 years.

Conclusions

Dietary and exercise interventions prior to conception targeting paternal adiposity and dyslipidaemia as well as maternal dietary habits could decrease children's cardiometabolic risk in later life.
Prospective evaluation of one surgeon's first 100 cases of endocapsular phacoemulsification cataract surgery
Authors: Francis Ian C , Irvine Simon , O'Brien Damien PB , Haylen Margaret J , Schumacher R Steve , Alexander Stella
Published: August 2024

In this series of one surgeon's first 100 cases of endocapsular phacoemulsification cataract surgery (EPECS), believed to be the first truly prospective study of its kind, 86% of patients achieved corrected vision of 6/6 to 6/4; 96% achieved vision of 6/12 or better; and excluding those with pre‐existing pathology, 99% achieved 6/12. Posterior capsular rupture occurred in 11 cases, with vitrectomy being required in eight cases. Detailed analysis of the 100 cases is provided.
The Koch endocapsular punch
Authors: Versace Patrick , Francis Ian C
Published: August 2024

The technique of endocapsular cataract extraction and intraocular lens implantation surgery provides optimal surgical conditions and more reliable intraocular lens positioning in the capsular bag. Several capsulectomy techniques are in use to remove anterior capsule from the central zone. The Koch endocapsular punch provides a new technique for creating a continuous anterior capsulectomy.

In this study the Koch punch was used in 96 eyes consecutively undergoing intended endocapsular cataract extraction and intraocular lens implantation. Ninety‐five eyes had appropriate lens centration at six months. There were no cases of vitreous loss. Ninety‐nine per cent of cases had visual acuity of 6/6 or better at six months.

This data demonstrates the Koch endocapsular punch to be an effective and safe means for anterior capsulectomy.
Endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy — primary and secondary
Authors: Benger Ross , Forer Martin
Published: August 2024

An endonasal approach was used to restore lacrimal drainage in both primary and secondary obstructions. Patients in the primary group had a history of keloid scar formation, or wished to avoid a scar and declined to have surgery performed via an external approach. Patients in the secondary group had undergone one or more previous unsuccessful lacrimal drainage repairs. A fibreoptic endonasal telescope, linked to a video monitor, and appropriate nasal and lacrimal instruments, were used. The approach proved highly successful, in both anatomical and functional terms, in each group. In the secondary group, the endonasal approach allowed direct visualisation and repair of both nasal and lacrimal causes of failure; this approach is our preference in this group. In the primary group, endonasal instrumentation had no advantage over a conventional external operation, other than avoiding a scar. The application of laser technology may make the endonasal approach a realistic option in primary DCRs as well.
Laser trabeculoplasty — argon or diode?*
Authors: Brooks Anne MV , Gillies WE
Published: August 2024

It is important to compare the pressure‐lowering effect of the recently introduced diode laser with that of the argon laser currently used for trabeculoplasty, since there is a considerable difference in their wavelengths. In 50 consecutive eyes of 50 patients argon laser trabeculoplasty (ALT) produced a fall from 23 to 18 mmHg at three months compared with a fall from 23 to 19 mmHg at three months with diode laser trabeculoplasty (DLT). This difference was not statistically significant. Comparing the magnitude of the fall in intraocular pressure (IOP) in these two groups of 50 eyes, 28 patients achieved a fall of 5 mmHg or more with ALT and 17 with DLT and this difference was significant (χ2 1df=4.04, P<0.05). Comparing 23 paired fellow eyes which both needed laser trabeculoplasty, those treated with ALT achieved a fall from 22 to 17 mmHg compared with a fall from 22 to 19 mmHg with DLT and this difference was statistically significant (T = 53.5, P<0.02, Wilcoxon matched‐pairs signed rank test). These results suggest that the pressure lowering effect of DLT is comparable to that of ALT, but ALT is somewhat more effective as shown by a greater fall in IOP after ALT than DLT in fellow eyes of the same patient. In the unpaired eyes the number of falls of 5 mmHg or more was significantly greater with ALT than DLT, although the mean fall was not statistically different between the two groups.
NADPH‐diaphorase histochemistry reveals cone distributions in adult human retinae
Authors: Diaz‐Araya Claudia M , Provis Jan M , Billson Francis A
Published: August 2024

NADPH‐diaphorase histochemistry was used to identify and analyse the topography of cones in adult human retinae (in the age range 44 to 68 years). Retinae were treated for NADPH‐diaphorase reactivity, present in vascular walls, amacrine cells and cone and rod outer segments; a subpopulation of less intensely reactive profiles, morphologically resembling cones, possibly represents the blue cone population. Regularly spaced pairs of cones (one intensely labelled and one weakly labelled cone) were also apparent throughout the retina, and were most common along the horizontal meridian, particularly towards the periphery.

The diameters and distributions of labelled cone outer segments were assessed using image analysis. Cone density in the adult retina ranged from 2000 per mm2 in the temporal periphery, to 82 000 to 120 000 per mm2 at the fovea centralis. Distribution patterns confirmed the presence of a cone streak, extending from the foveal region into nasal retina, but no evidence of superio‐inferior asymmetry was detected.
Chronic corneal ulceration
Authors: McCurrach F , Hurley I , Taylor H
Published: August 2024

A patient presented with a history of chronic corneal ulceration and corneal hypoaesthesia. This proved to be an unusual presentation of breast carcinoma metastatic to the sphenoidal wing. This was an unexpected diagnosis in view of the long duration of ocular signs without other evidence of metastatic disease.