bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Post COVID-19 Condition, Work Ability and Occupational Changes: Results from a Population-based Cohort
Authors: Kerksieck Philipp , Ballouz Tala , Haile Sarah R. , Schumacher Celine , Lacy Joanne , Domenghino Anja , Fehr Jan S. , Bauer Georg F. , Dressel Holger , Puhan Milo A. , Menges Dominik
Published: April 2023

Background

Evidence from population-based studies on the impact of post COVID-19 condition (PCC) on ability to work is limited but critical due to its high prevalence among individuals of working-age.

Objective

To evaluate the association between PCC, work ability, and occupational changes.

Design

Population-based, longitudinal cohort.

Setting

General population, Canton of Zurich, Switzerland.

Participants

672 adults of working-age with SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Measurements

Current work ability, work ability related to physical and mental demands, and estimated future work ability in 2 years (assessed using Work Ability Index), as well as PCC-related occupational changes at one year after infection.

Results

There was very strong evidence that current work ability scores were 0.62 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.30 to 0.95) points lower among those with PCC compared to those without. Similarly, there was very strong evidence for lower odds of reporting higher work ability with respect to physical (odds ratio (OR) 0.30, 95% CI 0.20 to 0.46) and mental (OR 0.40, 0.27 to 0.62) demands among those with PCC compared to those without. Higher age and history of psychiatric diagnosis were associated with a more substantial reduction in current work ability. 5.8% of those with PCC reported direct effects of PCC on their occupational situation, with 1.6% of those with PCC completely dropping out of the workforce and 43% of those with PCC-related occupational changes reporting financial difficulties as a result.

Limitations

Selection, use of self-reported outcome measures, and limited generalizability to individuals with most severe COVID-19 or following vaccination.

Conclusions

These findings highlight the need for providing support and interdisciplinary interventions to individuals affected by PCC to help them maintain or regain their work ability and productivity.

Primary Funding Source

Federal Office of Public Health, Department of Health of the Canton of Zurich, University of Zurich Foundation, Switzerland.

Study Registration

ISRCTN14990068.
Finding the right tool: a comprehensive evaluation of microglial inducible cre mouse models
Authors: Bedolla Alicia , Mckinsey Gabriel , Ware Kierra , Santander Nicolas , Arnold Thomas , Luo Yu
Published: April 2023

The recent proliferation of newCreandCreERrecombinase lines provides researchers with a diverse toolkit to study microglial gene function. To determine how best to apply these lines in studies of microglial gene function, a thorough and detailed comparison of their properties is needed. Here, we examined four different microglialCreERlines (Cx3cr1CreER(Litt),Cx3cr1CreER(Jung),P2ry12CreER,Tmem119CreER), focusing on (1) recombination specificity; (2) leakiness - degree of non-tamoxifen recombination in microglia and other cells; (3) efficiency of tamoxifen-induced recombination; (4) extra-neural recombination -the degree of recombination in cells outside the CNS, particularly myelo/monocyte lineages (5) off-target effects in the context of neonatal brain development. We identify important caveats and strengths for these lines which will provide broad significance for researchers interested in performing conditional gene deletion in microglia. We also provide data emphasizing the potential of these lines for injury models that result in the recruitment of splenic immune cells.
MRT-boost as the last fraction may be the most efficient irradiation schedule for increased survival times in a rat glioma model
Authors: Serduc Raphael , Bouchet Audrey
Published: April 2023

Synchrotron microbeam radiation therapy (MRT) is based on the spatial fractionation of the incident synchrotron beam into arrays of parallel microbeams, typically a few tens of micrometres wide and depositing several hundred Gray. This high dose, high dose rate, spatially fractionated radiotherapy has a high therapeutic impact on tumors, especially in intracranial locations. MRT leads to better control of incurable high-grade glioma than from homogeneous radiotherapy. The schedule of MRT within a conventional irradiation protocol (three fractions of 11 Gy) of brain tumors was evaluated on the 9L glioma model in rats. MRT delivered as a first fraction increased the median survival time of the animals by four days compared with conventional radiotherapy, while the last MRT fraction improved the lifespan by 148% (+15.5 days compared with conventional radiotherapy, p < 0.0001). The most efficient radiation regimen was obtained when the MRT-boost was applied as the last fraction, following two conventional clinical exposures.
Data driven approaches for smart city planning and design: a case scenario on urban data management
Authors: Bokolo Anthony Jnr.
Published: April 2023

Purpose

Because of the use of digital technologies in smart cities, municipalities are increasingly facing issues related to urban data management and are seeking ways to exploit these huge amounts of data for the actualization of data driven services. However, only few studies discuss challenges related to data driven strategies in smart cities. Accordingly, the purpose of this study is to present data driven approaches (architecture and model), for urban data management needed to improve smart city planning and design. The developed approaches depict how data can underpin sustainable urban development.

Design/methodology/approach

Design science research is adopted following a qualitative method to evaluate the architecture developed based on top-level design using a case data from workshops and interviews with experts involved in a smart city project.

Findings

The findings of this study from the evaluations indicate that the identified enablers are useful to support data driven services in smart cities and the developed architecture can be used to promote urban data management. More importantly, findings from this study provide guidelines to municipalities to improve data driven services for smart city planning and design.

Research limitations/implications

Feedback as qualitative data from practitioners provided evidence on how data driven strategies can be achieved in smart cities. However, the model is not validated. Hence, quantitative data is needed to further validate the enablers that influence data driven services in smart city planning and design.

Practical implications

Findings from this study offer practical insights and real-life evidence to define data driven enablers in smart cities and suggest research propositions for future studies. Additionally, this study develops a real conceptualization of data driven method for municipalities to foster open data and digital service innovation for smart city development.

Social implications

The main findings of this study suggest that data governance, interoperability, data security and risk assessment influence data driven services in smart cities. This study derives propositions based on the developed model that identifies enablers for actualization of data driven services for smart cities planning and design.

Originality/value

This study explores the enablers of data driven strategies in smart city and further developed an architecture and model that can be adopted by municipalities to structure their urban data initiatives for improving data driven services to make cities smarter. The developed model supports municipalities to manage data used from different sources to support the design of data driven services provided by different enterprises that collaborate in urban environment.
Antecedents and consequences of open innovation: a conceptual framework
Authors: Malodia Suresh , Chauhan Chetna , Jabeen Fauzia , Dhir Amandeep
Published: April 2023

Purpose

Entrepreneurship across sectors has been impacted by the paradigm of open innovation in the last few decades. Although Open Innovation is argued to impact firm performance the strategic building blocks of open innovation are not discussed in the prior literature. This study aims to conceptualize open innovation and identify the antecedents and outcomes of open innovation.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a qualitative study based on open-ended essays solicited from 47 SMEs and startups based out in Europe and the USA, the authors propose an overarching conceptual framework using a theoretical sampling approach adopted to establish data saturation and data analysis was carried out using thematic coding. Market place evidence was used for triangulation of the authors’ research framework and to establish the validity of the constructs.

Findings

Building on the entrepreneurial bricolage theory, this study proposes bricolage and Platformization of innovations as antecedents to open innovation. The study also conceptualizes open innovation by identifying three underlying dimensions for open innovation. Next, the study proposes a positive association between open innovation and firm performance. Finally, the authors discuss relevant implications with future research directions of the study.

Practical implications

The practical implication is the development of a sustained competitive advantage enhancing framework for entrepreneurial ventures with the help of open innovation.

Originality/value

With the application of the developed framework for the entrepreneurial ventures, a set of strategic activities related to open innovation can be proposed that would help these ventures to enhance their innovation and marketing capabilities, thereby helping them with a sustained competitive advantage. The present study would also help the policymakers to frame policies that help the firms with a shift toward open innovation.
Capability matching between suppliers and customers in solution co-creation: a process-based model
Authors: Leng Yixuan , Zhao Xiaoyu
Published: April 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine supplier–customer capabilities in solution co-creation and how they are matched from a relational process perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a qualitative approach, the authors identified 20 sets of supplier–customer capability matches by conducting in-depth interviews with 34 matched informants and retrieving suppliers’ archival data (project documents and success stories).

Findings

The authors identified 20 capability matching sets (21 supplier and 23 customer capabilities) and developed a process-based model of bilateral capabilities that match at the organizational level in solution co-creation. The authors reveal their match forms (complementarity and compatibility) and offer suggestions for future research.

Research limitations/implications

This paper is qualitative; quantitative studies are required for testing and extending the initial conclusions.

Practical implications

This study guides the supplier and customer to cultivate different capabilities at different stages of solution co-creation and alerts them to the importance of capability complementarity and compatibility.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to introduce the bilateral perspective into dynamic capability research in the context of solution co-creation. The authors discuss the abilities the supplier and customer must possess at different stages and how they match dynamically. The analysis extends the research on solution-specific capabilities and dynamic matching, offering useful implications for solution co-creation in practice.
License is “suspended”: the impact of social sharing on curbing moral licensing
Authors: Wen Na , Hu Tao Eric
Published: April 2023

Purpose

Despite its prevalence and serious negative impact on consumer behavior, marketing strategies and social welfare, little is known about how to effectively curb moral licensing. Drawing on research in warm-glow giving and virtue signaling, this paper aims to propose that social sharing can help alleviate the moral licensing effect; and this effect is mediated by moral self-regard and moderated by temporal distance.

Design/methodology/approach

Two experimental studies were conducted in a laboratory setting using large samples. In particular, Study 1 was designed to test the proposed main and mediation effects, and Study 2 was designed to further examine the proposed moderation effect.

Findings

Study 1 demonstrates after having shared a prior moral behavior on social media, people are more likely to engage in another moral act subsequently. This is because that sharing a prior moral behavior on social media leads to a drop in moral self-regard, which, in turn, boosts a subsequent moral intention. Study 2 further shows that after having shared a prior moral behavior on social media, when making a decision for the present, people are more likely to engage in a subsequent good deed; however, this effect is diminished when people are making such a decision for the future.

Practical implications

This work provides important implications for marketing managers and policymakers. In particular, this research suggests that social sharing can be an effective tool to encourage individuals’ consistent moral behavior so as to promote individual and collective well-being. Moreover, the findings demonstrate that temporal distance and social sharing can interact to reduce the moral licensing effect. In practice, this research contributes to the development of effective marketing strategies, particularly for those companies that aim to integrate sustainability into their business practices.

Originality/value

In contrast to previous research examining the cognitive approach to curbing moral licensing, this research explores a new, powerful behavioral approach to alleviating the moral licensing effect. Furthermore, this research consolidates previous findings on the relationship between identity signaling and self-regard, increases the scope of identity signaling research and offers a bridge between research on identity signaling and research on moral licensing. Finally, this research adds to understanding of moral licensing by showing that the moral licensing effect may vary depending on contextual factors and, therefore, is more malleable than previously thought, which opens up future research opportunities to explore when and how the moral licensing effect can be alleviated.
How boundary spanners wield influence by involving a third person: an exploratory study grounded in social control theory
Authors: Jørgensen Martin
Published: April 2023

Purpose

Power is one of the single most critical concepts for understanding industrial relations management. Yet, despite having been subject to much scholarly attention, existing research often implicitly assumes an organizational level of behavior or examines influence tactics within the confines of an individual-level dyad. This has led to a limited understanding of influence exercises involving a third person. Motivated to advance the understanding of this phenomenon, this study aims to explore how boundary spanners from a buying organization influence supplier representatives by involving a third person.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a longitudinal single case study design grounded in social control theory. Data consist of interviews, observations and documents collected over a period of 27 months in a global sourcing context.

Findings

The findings demonstrate how the influence agent from the buying organization can invoke a third person’s mediated and nonmediated social power base through either direct or indirect social control mechanisms. With these findings, this paper makes a novel theoretical contribution by developing a deeper understanding of underexposed social influence tactics unfolding in individual-level triads.

Practical implications

This study offers boundary spanning managers with practical insights into subtle and indirect forms of social influence with which they can influence external exchange partners.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to draw on social control theory to examine interpersonal influence tactics in buyer-supplier relationships. By integrating this theoretical perspective with extant research on social power, this study emphasizes the importance of considering how the influence agent mobilizes a third person’s social influence base.
The evolution of intellectual capital disclosure driven by European regulatory change: evidence from the Italian stock market
Authors: Amendola Carlo , Gennaro Alessandro , Labella Simone , Vito Pietro , Savastano Marco
Published: April 2023

Purpose

The matter of interest is the reporting and disclosure of intellectual capital (IC) in the global “knowledge economy” era. The aim of the paper is twofold: to verify the level of disclosure of IC through the non-financial statements (NFSs) published by public companies and to identify the main firm-specific factors that explain the propensity to disclose.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the 27 components of IC, a scoring system is designed to measure the level of disclosure of IC by 47 listed Italian companies. Content analysis (CA) is performed on the NFSs these companies published in 2020, to measure each company's so-called intellectual capital disclosure index (ICDI). A regression analysis is then applied to relate the ICDI scores to some firm-specific variables to determine their relevance and influence on the level of disclosure.

Findings

Although the NFS was not designed specifically for IC, the results of the analyses show an overall barely satisfactory ability of the NFS to give certain information on IC. Furthermore, the propensity to disclose IC appears significantly related to some firm characteristics considered here, such as capitalization, profitability, productivity, intangibility and financial structure.

Research limitations/implications

The analysis relates to a representative but limited sample that does not allow for sectoral or time-series analyses. Extending the companies and years under observation would allow the results to be validated with broader and more in-depth analysis.

Originality/value

This paper provides exploratory but interesting evidence about the relationships between IC disclosure (ICD), firm characteristics and market capitalization. Despite several previous studies on the disclosure of IC, no analyses were found that focused on the information capacity of the NFS. Also, to the authors' knowledge, relatively few researchers have considered a set of financial ratios that include capital structure indices.
Imagery evoking visual and verbal information presentations in mobile commerce: the roles of augmented reality and product review
Authors: Yoo Jungmin , Kim Jung-Hwan , Kim Minjeong , Park Minjung
Published: April 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of visual and verbal information presentations on mental imagery, perceived informativeness and purchase intention. The study assesses two types of product-related information: (1) visual information: static product images and augmented reality (AR) and (2) verbal information: abstract and concrete product reviews.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 320 mobile consumers participated in the experiment. To increase external validity, this study was conducted in an existing digital shopping environment.

Findings

The results suggest that AR has a greater effect on consumers' shopping outcomes than static images. The findings further reveal that concrete product reviews are important in increasing mental imagery, perceived informativeness and purchase intention when visual information does not provide an AR function.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the current literature by providing empirical support for AR effects and concrete reviews on consumer responses. The results further provide an important perspective for retailers seeking ways to develop effective information presentations in digital retailing.
Dissecting the compensation conundrum: a machine learning-based prognostication of key determinants in a complex labor market
Authors: Jaiswal Rachana , Gupta Shashank , Tiwari Aviral Kumar
Published: April 2023

Purpose

Amidst the turbulent tides of geopolitical uncertainty and pandemic-induced economic disruptions, the information technology industry grapples with alarming attrition and aggravating talent gaps, spurring a surge in demand for specialized digital proficiencies. Leveraging this imperative, firms seek to attract and retain top-tier talent through generous compensation packages. This study introduces a holistic, integrated theoretical framework integrating machine learning models to develop a compensation model, interrogating the multifaceted factors that shape pay determination.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing upon a stratified sample of 2488 observations, this study determines whether compensation can be accurately predicted via constructs derived from the integrated theoretical framework, employing various cutting-edge machine learning models. This study culminates in discovering a random forest model, exhibiting 99.6% accuracy and 0.08° mean absolute error, following a series of comprehensive robustness checks.

Findings

The empirical findings of this study have revealed critical determinants of compensation, including but not limited to experience level, educational background, and specialized skill-set. The research also elucidates that gender does not play a role in pay disparity, while company size and type hold no consequential sway over individual compensation determination.

Practical implications

The research underscores the importance of equitable compensation to foster technological innovation and encourage the retention of top talent, emphasizing the significance of human capital. Furthermore, the model presented in this study empowers individuals to negotiate their compensation more effectively and supports enterprises in crafting targeted compensation strategies, thereby facilitating sustainable economic growth and helping to attain various Sustainable Development Goals.

Originality/value

The cardinal contribution of this research lies in the inception of an inclusive theoretical framework that persuasively explicates the intricacies of a machine learning-driven remuneration model, ennobled by the synthesis of diverse management theories to capture the complexity of compensation determination. However, the generalizability of the findings to other sectors is constrained as this study is exclusively limited to the IT sector.
Hybrid workplace: current status, positives, negatives, challenges, and team learning
Authors: Oppong Peprah Emmanuel
Published: April 2023

Purpose

This study aims to find out if organizations are still practicing a hybrid workplace arrangement after COVID-19 ease of restrictions, determine the positive and negative sides of a hybrid workplace, ascertain the challenges organizations are currently facing in implementing a hybrid workplace and examine how successful team learning has been in hybrid workplaces.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopted a mixed approach. Two sets of data (quantitative and qualitative) were used to answer the research questions.

Findings

This study found that most organizations within professional service firms are still implementing hybrid workplaces even though COVID-19 restrictions have been eased. This study also found that one of the advantages of implementing a hybrid work arrangement includes employees’ opportunity to spend more time with their families. On the other hand, the disadvantages discovered were gradual loss of corporate identity, a feeling of loneliness and others. One of the challenges organizations are facing in implementing this working system is the lack of an ergonomic workplace and appropriate technology for remote working. With evidence, this study ends with finding out that companies are not successful as expected in terms of team learning in a hybrid workplace.

Originality/value

To the best of the author’s knowledge, this is among the first to look at hybrid workplace in the African setting where COVID restrictions which highlights the practice has not really been an issue. This study also combines its findings with those done on the subject before to firmly clarify attributes as they exist.
Forecasting the diffusion of ISO/IEC 27001: a Grey model approach
Authors: Podrecca Matteo , Sartor Marco
Published: April 2023

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to present the first diffusion analysis of ISO/IEC 27001, the fourth most popular ISO certification at global level and the most important standard for information security.

Design/methodology/approach

To achieve the purposes, the authors applied Grey Models (GM) – Even GM (1,1), Even GM (1,1,α,θ), Discrete GM (1,1), Discrete GM (1,1,α) – complemented by the relative growth rate and the doubling time indexes on the six most important countries in terms of issued certificates.

Findings

Results show that a growing trend is likely to be expected in the years to come and that China will lead at country level.

Originality/value

The study contributes to the scientific debate by presenting the first diffusive analysis of ISO/IEC 27001 and by proposing a forecasting approach that to date has found little application in the field of international standards.
Macroalgae maintain growth outside their observed distributions: Implications for biodiversity‐ecosystem functioning at landscape scales
Authors: Schrofner‐Brunner Benedikt , Hagan James G. , Cappelatti Laura , Hassellöv Jesper , Wißmann Merle , Gamfeldt Lars
Published: April 2023

The spatial insurance hypothesis states that at landscape scales with environmental variability between different places, biodiversity increases ecosystem functioning if species respond asynchronously to environmental variation, and they are highest functioning in places where they dominate the relative abundance.

Under this hypothesis, observed species turnover between places in a landscape with environmental variation might suggest that species diversity is an important driver of landscape‐scale ecosystem functioning. However, the spatial insurance implicitly assumes that species found in one place in the landscape will not be able to maintain high functioning in other places.

Given this assumption of the spatial insurance hypothesis, we would predict that species' functioning in monoculture should decline if transplanted to a different place on an environmental gradient, away from where they naturally dominate. If this is the case, we would expect that the loss of one species in one place of the environmental gradient could not be compensated through the establishment of another species in that place.

We tested this prediction using a model system of marine macroalgae on intertidal rocky shores on the Swedish west coast. We performed a reciprocal transplant experiment with adult individuals of four fucoid seaweeds that dominate the standing stock biomass at different depths on these shores and monitored their relative growth rate over 2 months.

Counter to the assumptions made by the spatial insurance hypothesis, growth rates for three of the four species showed limited responses to being transplanted to different depth zones. Spatial insurance may, hence, play a minor role in sustaining landscape ecosystem functioning in this and other systems.

Synthesis. The functional consequences of species loss at landscape scales may not be as obvious as observational studies and ecological models suggest. Consequently, natural patterns of species turnover should not be used directly to argue for the role of biodiversity at landscape scales. Instead, how species may or may not be able to compensate for the loss of other species is a critical aspect if we are to understand how changes in biodiversity at the landscape scale affect ecosystem functioning.
Antimicrobial properties of poly (vinyl alcohol) films with zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF‐8) nanoparticles for food packaging
Authors: Hara Yutaro , Castell‐Perez Maria Elena , Moreira Rosana G.
Published: April 2023

Antimicrobial packaging films are of interest to the fresh produce industry due to the high number of foodborne illness outbreaks associated with these products. This study evaluated the antimicrobial effectiveness of poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA) films with embedded zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF‐8) nanoparticles carrying trans‐cinnamaldehyde (TC) against Escherichia coli MG1655 in spinach leaves. PVA films were synthesized using distilled water and mixed at 90°C for 1 h. The synthesized nanoparticles were introduced at various mass ratio concentrations (0%–5% weight of ZIF‐8@TC nanoparticles to PVA), namely PVA‐Z8‐0 (control) through PVA‐Z8‐5. The PVA and ZIF‐8@TC solution was mixed for 24 h until it seemed homogenous, cast, and dried in a ventilated oven at 35°C for 24 h. The release rate of TC from the PVA/ZIF‐8@TC into both ethanol and methanol was characterized using HPLC methods. Disk diffusion and growth studies were performed to quantify the films antimicrobial effectiveness. Disk diffusion test showed that antimicrobial activity against E. coli MG1655 increased (p < 0.05) with increased nanoparticles concentration. Growth characteristics were described by the Baranyi model with some variations. About 0.26, 0.73, and 1.65 log reductions were achieved with the PVA‐Z8‐1 to PVA‐Z8‐3 films, respectively, while total inactivation was achieved with both the PVA‐Z8‐4 and PVA‐Z8‐5 films (p < 0.05). Similarly, the Baranyi model described the inhibitory profiles of the different films. This study contributes to the overall food safety body of knowledge regarding fresh produce and other packaged foods through the development of biopolymeric films with embedded nanoparticles to entrap natural antimicrobials.

Practical Application

This study paves the way for further research on the development of active polymeric films for food packaging applications.
E‐scooters and maxillofacial fractures: a seven‐year multi‐centre retrospective review
Authors: Goh EZ , Beech N , Johnson NR
Published: April 2023

Background

Standing electric scooters (e‐scooters) are a cost‐effective and environmentally‐friendly transport alternative, but also elicit substantial concern regarding associated craniofacial injuries. This study aims to describe the patient factors, procedural factors and post‐operative outcomes of maxillofacial fractures caused by e‐scooter accidents.

Methods

Retrospective chart review of patients aged 18 years or older who were surgically treated for these injuries in 2014–2020 at two Australian tertiary hospitals.

Results

There were 18 cases included. Most cases were male (66%). The mean age was 35 years. Common risk factors were alcohol use (86%) and lack of helmet use (62%). The most common fracture pattern was zygomatico‐maxillary complex (ZMC) fractures (50%). There were no associated systemic injuries. Mean operation timing was 12 days post‐injury for ZMC fractures and 3 days post‐injury for condyle fractures. For ZMC fractures, the most common method of fixation was 2‐point fixation (66%). For condyle fractures, the most common surgical approach was arch bars only (83%). Post‐operative complications were reported in six cases, with malocclusion being the most common (n = 3). Revision surgeries were performed in two cases.

Conclusions

Maxillofacial fractures associated with e‐scooter accidents appear to be increasing in incidence. Robust longitudinal evaluations with larger sample sizes are required to better understand associated presentations, surgical approaches and post‐operative complications.
A case of successful treatment of concurrent verrucous epidermal naevi and psoriasis with apremilast
Authors: Dev Prabin P. , Verma Prashant
Published: April 2023

In a rare case of concurrent verrucous epidermal naevi (VEN) with psoriasis, previous treatments with oral methotrexate and acitretin showed minimal improvement. However, treatment with oral apremilast resulted in complete resolution of psoriasis and significant improvement in VEN lesions after 1 month. This is the first documented case of successful VEN treatment with apremilast, highlighting its potential efficacy in treating verrucous epidermal naevus. Further studies are needed to validate its effectiveness.
Heritage as liberation
Authors: Fryer Tiffany C.
Published: April 2023

Why aren't archaeologists engaging in more substantive heritage work, and how might we do so? This article offers a conceptual framework for mobilizing our praxis toward the achievement of collective emancipation—what I am callingheritage as liberation. Heritage as liberation provides a mechanism for reckoning. It asks us to reevaluate our motivations and more clearly articulate what we stand for as archaeologists and heritage practitioners. I offer reflections on recent attempts by archaeologists to organize toward a just future, sketch what I think a practice of heritage as liberation offers that agenda, and then analyze the Equal Justice Initiative's (EJI) heritage work as an example of what is possible when we practice heritage as liberation. I close the article with thoughts on where archaeology stands in attempts to repair and redress past wrongs and on the range of contexts that might see an emancipatory heritage praxis enacted.
Outcomes of DCIS treated with breast conserving surgery without radiotherapy on recurrence, survival, and health‐related quality of life
Authors: Fitzpatrick Siobhan Elizabeth , Eaton Michael , McLeay William , Dean Nicola R.
Published: April 2023

Background

Sector resection for Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS) allows wide excision without compromising breast shape. There are concerns that radiotherapy for some DCIS after sector resection is unnecessary and reduces patient satisfaction and quality of life without affecting survival. This study aimed to investigate whether women with DCIS managed with sector resection without radiotherapy had acceptable rates of recurrence and health‐related quality of life outcomes.

Methods

Retrospective study of patients who underwent sector resection for DCIS without adjuvant radiotherapy from 1992 to 2021. Tumour size, grade, necrosis, margins, follow up and time to ipsilateral recurrence was recorded. Patients were posted a BREAST‐Q to assess health‐related quality of life.

Results

One hundred and thirty‐eight patients were treated for pure DCIS by two surgeons from 1992 to 2018. One hundred and sixteen patients underwent sector resection, 22 had mastectomy. Average age 61 years. Mean follow up 9.14 years. Recurrence rate after sector resection was 18.97%. 55% were DCIS. Annualized recurrence rate was 2.07%. There were no cancer‐related deaths. BREAST‐Q completion rate was 44%. Satisfaction with breasts, physical, psychosocial, and sexual well‐being scores were significantly higher than normative Australian values and a mixed cohort of women who underwent breast conserving surgery with radiotherapy.

Conclusion

DCIS can be safely managed with sector resection without radiotherapy and regular long‐term follow up. This approach results in low annualized recurrence rates, high levels patient satisfaction and health‐related quality of life and should be considered a safe alternative for patients with DCIS to minimize morbidity without affecting cancer survival.
A translational pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic approach supports optimal vonoprazan dosing for erosive oesophagitis and Helicobacter pylori infection
Authors: Scarpignato Carmelo , Howden Colin W. , Leifke Eckhard , Mulford Darcy J. , Lahu Gezim , Facius Axel , Hunt Richard
Published: April 2023

Background

Treatment of acid‐related disorders relies on gastric acid suppression. The percentage of time intragastric pH is >4 (pH >4 holding time ratio [HTR]) is important for healing erosive oesophagitis; and the pH >6 HTR is critical for eradication of Helicobacter pylori infection, as bacterial replication is active and antibiotic effectiveness is optimised. Vonoprazan, a potassium‐competitive acid blocker approved in the USA and other countries, suppresses gastric acid secretion in a predictable, rapid and consistent manner, extended over prolonged periods.

Aim

To explore the relationship between vonoprazan exposure and pH HTR through a pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) model.

Methods

We pooled data from Phase 1 studies with intragastric pH measurements. Pharmacokinetic profiles were predicted for study participants using an existing population pharmacokinetic model. Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic data were merged, and three direct‐link PK/PD models were derived and used to simulate pH HTRs with between‐participant variability for pH >4, >5 and >6, for vonoprazan doses of 20 mg once and twice daily.

Results

We used data from five Phase 1 studies to derive the PK/PD model. These included 245 participants (95.1% male, 50.6% Japanese and 49.4% non‐Asian). Pre‐dose, the mean pH >4 HTR was 6.4%, pH >5 3.2% and pH >6 1.2%. After 7 days of dosing, simulations predicted pH >4 HTRs of 89.7% and 98.1%, and pH >6 HTRs of 53.1% and 75.3%, for vonoprazan 20 mg once and twice daily, respectively.

Conclusions

Vonoprazan 20 mg once‐ and twice‐daily dosing demonstrated high, dose‐dependent, 24‐hour intragastric acid control in this PK/PD model, supporting clinical efficacy data in patients with acid‐related disorders.
Sparse Estimation in Semiparametric Finite Mixture of Varying Coefficient Regression Models
Authors: Khalili Abbas , Shokoohi Farhad , Asgharian Masoud , Lin Shili
Published: April 2023

Finite mixture of regressions (FMR) are commonly used to model heterogeneous effects of covariates on a response variable in settings where there are unknown underlying subpopulations. FMRs, however, cannot accommodate situations where covariates' effects also vary according to an “index” variable—known as finite mixture of varying coefficient regression (FM-VCR). Although complex, this situation occurs in real data applications: the osteocalcin (OCN) data analyzed in this manuscript presents a heterogeneous relationship where the effect of a genetic variant on OCN in each hidden subpopulation varies over time. Oftentimes, the number of covariates with varying coefficients also presents a challenge: in the OCN study, genetic variants on the same chromosome are considered jointly. The relative proportions of hidden subpopulations may also change over time. Nevertheless, existing methods cannot provide suitable solutions for accommodating all these features in real data applications. To fill this gap, we develop statistical methodologies based on regularized local-kernel likelihood for simultaneous parameter estimation and variable selection in sparse FM-VCR models. We study large-sample properties of the proposed methods. We then carry out a simulation study to evaluate the performance of various penalties adopted for our regularized approach and ascertain the ability of a BIC-type criterion for estimating the number of subpopulations. Finally, we applied the FM-VCR model to analyze the OCN data and identified several covariates, including genetic variants, that have age-dependent effects on OCN.
Turning the spotlight on bone marrow adipocytes in haematological malignancy and non‐malignant conditions
Authors: Austin Michael J. , Kalampalika Foteini , Cawthorn William P. , Patel Bela
Published: April 2023

Whilst bone marrow adipocytes (BMAd) have long been appreciated by clinical haemato‐pathologists, it is only relatively recently, in the face of emerging data, that the adipocytic niche has come under the watchful eye of biologists. There is now mounting evidence to suggest that BMAds are not just a simple structural entity of bone marrow microenvironments but a bona fide driver of physio‐ and pathophysiological processes relevant to multiple aspects of health and disease. Whilst the truly multifaceted nature of BMAds has only just begun to emerge, paradigms have shifted already for normal, malignant and non‐malignant haemopoiesis incorporating a view of adipocyte regulation. Major efforts are ongoing, to delineate the routes by which BMAds participate in health and disease with a final aim of achieving clinical tractability. This review summarises the emerging role of BMAds across the spectrum of normal and pathological haematological conditions with a particular focus on its impact on cancer therapy.
Drainage and sedimentary response of the Northern Andes and the Pebas system to Miocene strike‐slip tectonics: A source to sink study of the Magdalena Basin
Authors: Zapata S. , Calderon‐Diaz L. , Jaramillo C. , Oboh‐Ikuenobe F. , Piedrahita J. C. , Rodríguez‐Cuevas M. , Cardona A. , Sobel E. R. , Parra M. , Valencia V. , Patiño A. , Jaramillo‐Rios J. S. , Flores M. , Glodny J.
Published: April 2023

Miocene strike‐slip tectonics was responsible for creating and closing short‐lived (ca. 6 Ma) passages and the emergence of isolated topography in the Northern Andes. These geological events likely influenced the migration and/or isolation of biological populations. To better understand the paleogeography of the Miocene hinterland and foreland regions in the Northern Andes, we conducted a source‐to‐sink approach in the Magdalena Basin. This basin is located between the Central and Eastern Cordilleras of Colombia and contains an ample Miocene record, which includes Lower Miocene fine‐grained strata and Middle Miocene to Pliocene coarsening‐up strata. Our study presents a new data set that includes detrital U–Pb zircon ages (15 samples), sandstone petrography (45 samples) and low‐temperature thermochronology from the Southern Central Cordillera (19 dates); which together with previously published data were used to construct a paleogeographical model of the Miocene hinterland and foreland regions in the Northern Andes. The evolution of the Magdalena Basin during the Miocene was characterized by playa and permanent lake systems at ca. 17.5 Ma, which may be related to a marine incursion into NW South America and western Amazonia. The appearance of Eocene to Miocene volcanic sources in the Honda Group after ca. 16 Ma suggests the development of fluvial passages, which connected the Pacific with the western Amazonia and Caribbean regions. These passages were synchronous with a time of Miocene exhumation and topographic growth (ca. 16 to 10 Ma) in the Central Cordillera and the transition from lacustrine to fluvial deposition in the Magdalena Basin. Middle to Late Miocene strike‐slip deformation promoted by oblique plate convergence and the oblique collision of the Panamá‐Chocó Block likely explains the synchronous along‐strike fragmentation and exhumation in the Central Cordillera.
An operational workflow for producing periodic estimates of species occupancy at national scales
Authors: Boyd Robin J. , August Thomas A. , Cooke Robert , Logie Mark , Mancini Francesca , Powney Gary D. , Roy David B. , Turvey Katharine , Isaac Nick J. B.
Published: April 2023

Policy makers require high‐level summaries of biodiversity change. However, deriving such summaries from raw biodiversity data is a complex process involving several intermediary stages. In this paper, we describe an operational workflow for generating annual estimates of species occupancy at national scales from raw species occurrence data, which can be used to construct a range of policy‐relevant biodiversity indicators. We describe the workflow in detail: from data acquisition, data assessment and data manipulation, through modelling, model evaluation, application and dissemination. At each stage, we draw on our experience developing and applying the workflow for almost a decade to outline the challenges that analysts might face. These challenges span many areas of ecology, taxonomy, data science, computing and statistics. In our case, the principal output of the workflow is annual estimates of occupancy, with measures of uncertainty, for over 5000 species in each of several defined ‘regions’ (e.g. countries, protected areas, etc.) of the UK from 1970 to 2019. This data product corresponds closely to the notion of a species distribution Essential Biodiversity Variable (EBV). Throughout the paper, we highlight methodologies that might not be applicable outside of the UK and suggest alternatives. We also highlight areas where the workflow can be improved; in particular, methods are needed to mitigate and communicate the risk of bias arising from the lack of representativeness that is typical of biodiversity data. Finally, we revisit the ‘ideal’ and ‘minimal’ criteria for species distribution EBVs laid out in previous contributions and pose some outstanding questions that should be addressed as a matter of priority. Going forward, we hope that this paper acts as a template for research groups around the world seeking to develop similar data products.
Therapeutic potential of nitric oxide in vascular aging due to the promotion of angiogenesis
Authors: Zhang Jiaming , Li Cunrui , Zhang Yihua , Wu Jianbing , Huang Zhangjian
Published: April 2023

The decrease in angiogenesis that occurs with aging significantly contributes to the higher incidence and mortality of cardiovascular diseases among the elderly. This decline in angiogenesis becomes more pronounced with increasing age and is closely linked to abnormal function and senescence of endothelial cells. Enhancing angiogenesis in aging and targeting senescent endothelial cells have gained considerable attention. Nitric oxide (NO) has been thoroughly investigated for its function in regulating angiogenesis and is an important factor that can counteract endothelial cell senescence. This review summarizes the mechanisms of reduced angiogenesis during aging and therapeutic strategies targeting senescent cells. We also discuss the potential of combining the current approaches with NO in promoting angiogenesis in aging vessels.
Revisiting TOP2B‐related phenotypes: Three new cases and literature review
Authors: Çepni Ece , Börklü Esra , Avcı Şahin , Kalaycı Tuğba , Eraslan Serpil , Kayserili Hülya
Published: April 2023

DNA Topoisomerase IIβ (TOP2B) acts on DNA topology during transcription and has a critical role in neural development. Heterozygous pathogenic changes in its encoding gene, TOP2B (MIM *126431), has been linked with three overlapping phenotypes characterized by immunodeficiency, acral and urogenital anomalies: Hoffman, BILU and Ablepharon‐macrostomia‐like syndrome. We herein report on a mother and two sons with distinct TOP2B‐phenotype. Two males reported further delineated genital phenotype of males and all reported patients were reviewed for genotype–phenotype correlation. We believe the patients reported herein along with the previously defined 11 represent a phenotypic spectrum from mild‐to‐severe immunological, acral and urogenital involvement, for which we propose the acronym “TOP2B‐related Immunodeficiency and Congenital Anomalies Spectrum (TICAS)”.