bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Examining the impact of translanguaging-enriched argument mapping on higher education EFL students’ argumentative writing skills
Authors: Robillos Roderick Julian
Published: November 2024

Purpose

This research explores the effects of combining argument mapping (AM) with translanguaging pedagogy on the argumentative writing abilities of third-year university English as a Foreign Language students (EFL) at a Thai university. The aim is to explore synergies between AM and translanguaging to enhance students’ argumentative writing skills and contribute to language education literature.

Design/methodology/approach

A sequential mixed-method research type, utilizing a single-group pre- and post-test design, was employed. About 27 third-year EFL university students participated in 13 sessions of AM with translanguaging to facilitate their argumentative writing tasks.

Findings

Quantitative results revealed a significant difference across development of writing content and development of writing coherence as manifested in their pre- and post-test scores. ANOVA showed significant differences in students’ quiz writing performances. Additionally, the participants perceived translanguaging as a normative and respectful practice, despite being EFL learners. Qualitative findings indicated participants embraced the use of AM with translanguaging, acknowledging its benefits in enhancing their writing tasks.

Originality/value

This study highlights the innovative approach of this integration, not only for improving argumentative writing skills but also for fostering cognitive and linguistic fluency, along with critical thinking skills. This contributes to language education literature, urging further exploration of AM with translanguaging in diverse educational contexts.
An evaluation of the understanding risk group programme in inpatient forensic psychological services
Authors: Taunton Kirsty M. , Cook Hannah R. , Eyers Stacey
Published: November 2024

Purpose

Risk assessment and risk management planning are integral to reducing risk of future violence in forensic settings. Over the past decade, emphasis has been placed on involving service users in this process. Nonetheless, service user knowledge of violence risk assessments such as the Historical-Clinical-Risk Management-20, Version 3 (HCR-20v3) and collaborative risk assessment is often limited. This service evaluation aimed to assess the effectiveness of a pilot Understanding Risk programme, on increasing knowledge of the HCR-20v3 and insight into risk of violence.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology used was a within-subjects design, collecting quantitative data before and after intervention. Participants’ beliefs and attitudes supportive of violence, and perceptions of their recovery, were assessed using a semi-structured HCR-20v3 questionnaire, the Maudsley Violence Questionnaire and the Recovery Assessment Scale – Domains and Stages. An HCR-20v3 historical factor checklist was also completed. The final sample (n = 11) consisted of low and medium secure forensic inpatients.

Findings

The results of this study indicated that after intervention, participants had significantly greater knowledge of the HCR-20v3 and more positive perceptions of their functional and personal recovery. Significant changes were not observed on the Maudsley Violence Questionnaire total score; however, further analysis indicated significantly lower scores on the “acceptance of violence” subscale after intervention.

Practical implications

The Understanding Risk programme was associated with positive changes across treatment domains in a small sample of forensic inpatients. Specifically, improvements were observed for increased knowledge of the HCR-20v3, attitudes towards recovery and non-acceptance of violence. It would be of clinical benefit to replicate this study across different levels of security to increase the generalisability of findings. This study shows promise for the efficacy of the Understanding Risk programme among forensic inpatients.

Originality/value

This service evaluation provides preliminary support for the benefits of educating and involving service users in violence risk assessment.
From faith to action: a perceptual assessment of social commitments of Islamic finance
Authors: Ahmed Quratulain Nazeer , Aleemi Abdur Rahman , Samo Asif Hussain , Shah Muzafar Ali
Published: November 2024

Purpose

This study aims to examine Islamic banks’ (IBs’) obligations to uphold society’s moral and ethical dimensions. Furthermore, it explores the perspectives of practitioners and Shariah scholars on the role of IBs as agents to advance social and ethical well-being.

Design/methodology/approach

Qualitative methodology, with constructivist philosophy, was used. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with Shariah scholars and Islamic banking officials in Pakistan. The thematic analysis uncovered diverse dimensions catering to fulfill the requirements of social and ethical upliftment of society.

Findings

The study reveals discrepancies in the perception of IBs’ advisory board members and managers regarding the social responsibilities of IBs. Results show that practitioners of IBs disregard the overall societal welfare upliftment and faith and spiritual upliftment as a responsibility of IBs. However, they consider the inclusiveness, transparency and assurance of Hifz-e-Maal (safeguarding the wealth) among the prime duties of IBs.

Practical implications

This study serves as a call for policymakers, emphasizing that, to achieve the desired social outcomes, it is imperative to address the perceptual inconsistencies among stakeholders of the Islamic financial system.

Social implications

This study compels policymakers to confront perceptual inconsistencies in Islamic banking, advocating for regulations that guarantee wider societal welfare and spiritual advancement in addition to financial objectives.

Originality/value

This study could help broaden the understanding of the Islamic financial system, particularly the aspects that may hamper getting the desired results of this system.
Melting is not an option: entrepreneurship and family succession in the Italian ice cream industry
Authors: Pasca Maria Giovina , Elmo Grazia Chiara , Poponi Stefano , Arcese Gabriella
Published: November 2024

Purpose

The study investigated which variables and family dynamics influence the entrepreneurship and succession process in the Italian ice cream sector. In light of the consequences of Covid-19, the research has identified the elements on which female leadership is based.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected using the qualitative approach by conducting semi-structured interviews at a homemade ice cream production organization.

Findings

Findings highlight that to pursue business longevity, one must maintain one’s family identity and values and, therefore, offer quality products. However, the company must know how to innovate to remain competitive and optimize its processes. All this is possible by creating a dialogue and transferring knowledge within the family business to strengthen and prepare future successors. The analysis of the family structure highlights how cultural family identity has privileged gender identity as a factor that has guided the development process since the first generation, in this case, allowing for expansion in terms of size and family. In addition, the results of the analysis highlighted two distinct scenarios within the same case study: the first emphasises the limits of the lack of management of a succession process; the second shows the openness of the organization to the introduction of innovations, expansion strategies and the entry of new partners outside the family.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the knowledge and understanding of how, in light of the pandemic, the resilience of these family businesses contributes to redesigning their internal governance system in favour of the second generation and effectively accelerating the succession process.
Drivers and inhibitors of gen Z’s proenvironmental travel engagement: exploring MOA factors and goal frames
Authors: Nilsson Vestola Jenny , Ek Styvén Maria
Published: November 2024

Purpose

This study aims to gain insights into the drivers and inhibitors of proenvironmental behaviors (PEB) among Gen Z tourists through the lens of the goal-framing theory (GFT) and the motivation–opportunity–ability (MOA) framework. It also aims to propose interventions for promoting proenvironmental tourist behaviors.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative approach was adopted, building on 20 in-depth interviews with Swedish teenagers. The thematic data analysis was guided by a conceptual model integrating MOA and GFT.

Findings

The findings indicate that teenagers primarily lack motivation for eco-friendly travel. Their ability is hindered by limited knowledge, while low involvement in travel decisions and unsupportive destination norms restrict their opportunities. Overcoming these challenges requires interventions that boost engagement in PEB through informational and structural strategies, making eco-friendly options more affordable, efficient, enjoyable and desirable.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is among the first to combine MOA and GFT, providing an in-depth exploration of the drivers and inhibitors of proenvironmental travel among Gen Z tourists.
Unusual success, future uncertainty, and science needs for adaptive management of invasive plants in a US national park
Authors: Lima Kyle A. , Wheeler Jesse S. , Hazen Connery Judith , Miller‐Rushing Abraham J. , Fisichelli Nicholas A.
Published: November 2024

Invasive plants threaten natural areas, yet Acadia National Park, Maine, USA has been successful in managing invasive plant populations for over three decades. However, rapid environmental change and increasing pressure from encroaching invasive plants may adversely affect the success of ongoing management.

This article presents an overview of invasive plant management in Acadia National Park, highlighting lessons learned in over 30 years of active management. Acadia provides a valuable case study for other protected areas, sharing many features with protected areas globally. We offer recommendations for protected area managers in the face of rapid environmental change.

Deliberate and continuous management actions by park resource staff starting in the late 1980s and expanding in the mid‐2000s have resulted in extremely low incidence of invasion within Acadia. This success has resulted from effort centred around a science‐based and adaptive approach to management, early detection, and rapid response. Strong partnerships have ensured the continuation of this work.

Park staff continue to reduce invasive species populations to <1% cover, monitor managed areas to track treatment success, and re‐treat upon reinvasion. However, total eradication is rare and continued management of new and re‐invasions is expensive and challenging. Maintaining effective invasive plant management is likely to become more difficult as climate change interacts with other stressors in protected areas.

Synthesis and applications: Responding to these changes requires articulating desired and realistic future conditions for resources in protected areas, then using actions such as invasive plant removal and native plant revegetation to achieve goals. Long‐term management through a flexible experimental approach is critical to successful invasive plant management. Both Western and Indigenous science are needed to inform responses to the multiple and interacting global change stressors, and management is needed to advance scientific understanding of ecosystem and species responses to change.
Differences in the genetic diversity and genome size between two ecotypes of Imperata cylindrica in Japan
Authors: Nomura Yasuyuki , Shimono Yoshiko , Nagano Atsushi J. , Imanishi Junichi , Tominaga Tohru
Published: November 2024

Understanding genomic characteristics, such as genetic diversity and genome size, is important because they relate to species and ecotype performance. Imperata cylindrica has two ecotypes, the common type (C‐type) and the early‐flowering type (E‐type), which differ in their ecological characteristics and distribution ranges in Japan. This study aimed to elucidate the genetic diversity of the C‐type and E‐type ecotypes of I. cylindrica throughout Japan, using the multiplexed inter‐simple sequence repeat genotyping by sequencing (MIG‐seq) method. Genome‐wide single‐nucleotide polymorphism data analysis revealed that the C‐type had greater genetic diversity and clearer isolation by distance than the E‐type. Additionally, the C‐type exhibited clear genetic differentiation between the southern part of Amami Oshima and other populations, consistent with differences in its life history. The C‐type also had a smaller genome than the E‐type, which may contribute to faster plant growth and smaller seed mass, as compared with the larger genome of the E‐type. These phenomena were consistent with the characteristics of the C‐type. These results showed that the two ecotypes differ genetically, highlighting the necessity for different guidelines for each ecotype in their conservation and use for revegetation.
Individual preferences for food items within couples: Validating choice experiments predictions with real purchases data
Authors: Franceschinis Cristiano , Scarpa Riccardo , Thiene Mara , Kessels Roselinde
Published: November 2024

Despite the popularity of choice experiments (CEs) for the valuation of environmental goods and services, some of its shortcomings have been only partially addressed by the literature. Among these, of particular saliency are the hypothetical nature of CEs and the lack of information on joint choices (e.g. choices made by couples) in traditional CEs. In this study, we contribute to filling these gaps by investigating joint choices concerning cheeses produced via different processes, involving environmental and social sustainability features. We use a two‐stage preference elicitation approach, using first stated and then real consumption choices collected from a sample of 90 couples. In the first stage, each member of the couples separately took part in a web survey with a hypothetical CE. In the second, these couples jointly engaged in a field experiment with monetary incentives in which they jointly chose the cheeses to purchase. This approach allows us to evaluate the role of individual preferences in shaping joint choices and to investigate whether predictions from stated choice data are congruent with, and validated by, real purchase data. We use CE data to estimate individual preferences with discrete choice models and use joint purchase data via the Multiple Discrete‐Continuous Nested Extreme Value model. Results suggest that joint real choices follow a substantively different decision process from that of individual stated choices.
A Pipeline and Recommendations for Population and Individual Diagnostic SNP Selection in Non‐Model Species
Authors: Armstrong Ellie E. , Li Chenyang , Campana Michael G. , Ferrari Tessa , Kelley Joanna L. , Petrov Dmitri A. , Solari Katherine A. , Mooney Jazlyn A.
Published: November 2024

Despite substantial reductions in the cost of sequencing over the last decade, genetic panels remain relevant due to their cost‐effectiveness and flexibility across a variety of sample types. In particular, single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) panels are increasingly favoured for conservation applications. SNP panels are often used because of their adaptability, effectiveness with low‐quality samples, and cost‐efficiency for population monitoring and forensics. However, the selection of diagnostic SNPs for population assignment and individual identification can be challenging. The consequences of poor SNP selection are under‐powered panels, inaccurate results, and monetary loss. Here, we develop a novel and user‐friendly SNP selection pipeline (mPCRselect) that can be used to select SNPs for population assignment and/or individual identification. mPCRselect allows any researcher, who has sufficient SNP‐level data, to design a successful and cost‐effective SNP panel for a diploid species of conservation concern.
Derivatives markets fragilities and the energy transition
Authors: Baker Colleen M. , Coleman James W.
Published: November 2024

It is common knowledge that climate change concerns have prompted countries around the world to plan for a reduction in their fossil fuel dependencies. Yet while much attention has been placed on new low‐carbon sources of energy such as wind, solar, and nuclear, comparatively little focus has centered on the commodity inputs, critical metals, needed to create this clean energy. In this article, we argue that at the heart of the energy transition is a commodities transition, representing an unprecedented international reliance on critical metals, which have traditionally been capricious commodities traded in global markets. Indeed, nations around the world have begun to stockpile these geographically concentrated, geopolitically potent materials which are poised to take center stage. This critical commodities transition accompanying the energy transition is underappreciated in the legal scholarship despite its widespread implications for many areas, including financial regulation. We use the story of the London Metal Exchange's March 2022 nickel debacle to turn a spotlight on this development and to highlight several areas of existing regulatory frameworks in derivatives markets that are ripe for reexamination given this commodities evolution. In doing so, this article sets the stage for a research agenda that will examine how regulators and financial innovators can build strong metal markets to enable secure metals supply chains and to provide the basis for a sustainable energy transition.
Prostate cancer presenting as an oral swelling—A case report
Authors: Beaumont S , Cavanagh K , Angel C , Choong K
Published: November 2024

Tumour metastasis to the jaw is an uncommon finding. When it does present, it is usually evidence of widespread metastatic disease and represents an unfavourable prognostic indicator. The clinical presentation of metastatic disease in the jaw can vary and may occur in the oral soft tissues, subcutaneous tissues adjacent to bone, mandible or maxillary alveolus and can mimic dental pathology. The radiographic appearance of metastatic disease is most commonly an expansive, lytic lesion with irregular borders. This case report describes the presentation of an otherwise medically well 76‐year‐old male patient to his dentist with a mobile lower left pre‐molar. Following extraction of the tooth, a rapid increase in the jaw swelling resulted in further medical investigation, leading to a diagnosis of metastatic prostate cancer. This case serves to remind dental practitioners to remain vigilant when dental treatment of seemingly obvious dental pathology does not resolve within the expected timeframe, and to maintain a low threshold for medical review and investigation when suspicious lesions arise. This is particularly relevant in the older patient when the incidence of other diseases, such as cancer, is more common.
Children's opinions about older people: A cross‐sectional study in Turkiye
Authors: Yuvakgil Zahide , Utkan Hacer Helin , Yıldırım Selenay , Varlığan Zeliha
Published: November 2024

Objectives

This cross‐sectional study aimed to ascertain the opinions of children towards older people and how these opinions change according to the age of the children.

Methods

The study was conducted with Turkish primary and secondary school students. A questionnaire developed after consulting the relevant literature was used to gather data on student demographics and their opinions about older people, including the domains of stereotypes of physical and personal characteristics.

Results

A total of 968 children (mean ± SD: 11.77 ± 1.61 years) were recruited. Older children have both positive and negative stereotypes towards older people, compared to younger children. These data suggest that as children get older, they do not appear to have more negative thoughts towards older people.

Conclusions

Early childhood may be a crucial time for preventing ageism and fostering children's positive opinions towards older people.
Correcting misperceptions about ethno‐racial discrimination: The limits of evidence‐based awareness raising to promote support for equal‐treatment policies
Authors: Schaeffer Merlin , Krakowski Krzysztof , Olsen Asmus Leth
Published: November 2024

The disadvantages experienced by minorities and lack of societal remedies are partly attributable to native‐majority citizens’ limited awareness of minority hardships. We investigate whether informing citizens about field‐experimental audits on ethno‐racial discrimination increases their recognition of the issue and support for equal‐treatment policies. Extending a largely US‐centric research frontier, we focus on beliefs about discrimination faced by Muslims in Denmark. To further comprehension, we test three types of framing: a scientist stressing credibility, a lawyer emphasizing the legal breach, or a minority expressing grief. Our survey experiment (n = 4,800) shows that citizens are generally aware of discrimination and tend to overperceive its extent. Communicating audit evidence corrects misperceptions but does not change recognition or policy support, regardless of framing or initial misperception. Only combining priming, correction, and framing temporarily increases recognition and donations to support groups. These findings suggest that audit‐based awareness campaigns have limited immediate success beyond donations acknowledging minority hardships.
Surgical outcomes of women undergoing radical resection of deep endometriosis of the sacral plexus: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Hudelist Gernot , Darici Kurt Ezgi , Szabó Gábor , Miklos Dominika , Hudelist Theresa , Bokor Attila
Published: November 2024

Introduction

Surgical resection of sacral plexus endometriosis (SPE) is contemplated in severely symptomatic patients not responding to medical or hormonal therapy. However, there is only limited data on the effects of surgery on pain and neurological symptoms. This study aims to report on the surgical outcomes in terms of pain and neurological symptom reduction in women undergoing surgical resection of SPE.

Material and Methods

Thirty premenopausal patients with histologically confirmed SPE who underwent surgical resection of the disease between 2018 and 2024 were included in this multicenter prospective analysis. The primary outcome was the change in neurological symptoms reflected by sacral radiculopathy including dysaesthesia, paraesthesia, hyperaesthesia, and pain. The secondary outcome was post‐surgical morbidity reflected by rates of major intra‐ and postoperative complications.

Results

All patients exhibited DE affecting the sacral roots S1‐S4, whereas no case of isolated supracardinal sciatic nerve involvement was observed. Out of 30 patients, one was lost to follow‐up leaving 29 patients for final analysis. Six (20%) of the 30 patients underwent partial resection of the sacral root because of endometriotic infiltration of the nerval tissue. In all other patients, dissection and shaving with cold scissors were sufficient to remove DE affecting the sacral root. Dysaesthesia was observed in 13/30 (43.3%), paraesthesia in 16/30 (53.3%), hyperaesthesia in 5/30 (16.7%), and secondary motor dysfunction in 4/30 (13.3%), preoperatively. The mean follow‐up interval was 25.5 ± 20.2 months showing an overall improvement in sacral radiculopathy in 93.1% (27/29) of the patients. A significant decrease in numeric rating scale (NRS) scores of dysaesthesia (p = 0.003), paraesthesia (p ≤ 0.001) and hyperaesthesia (p = 0.068) were observed post‐surgically. Equally, reduced pain symptoms including dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia and dyschezia (all p ≤ 0.001) with a relevant increase in post‐surgical quality of life scores (p ≤ 0.001) were recorded. De novo hyperaesthesia and paraesthesia occurred in 6.8% (2/29) and 3.4% (1/29) of the patients, respectively. Major Clavien‐Dindo grade III complications occurred in 13.3% (4/30) of the cases.

Conclusions

Radical resection of symptomatic deep endometriosis affecting the sacral plexus reduces neurological and pain symptoms and leads to an increase in quality of life but is associated with high surgical morbidity.
Native shrub and plant diversity mitigate plant invasion in eastern China's humid grasslands
Authors: Zhang Linhan , Chi Xiulian , Sun Mingyao , Chen Xuechun , Lan Shan , Zhang Yiwei , Su Xiangyan , Tang Chun‐guang , Wang Qinggang
Published: November 2024

Question

Understanding the factors influencing plant invasions is essential for effective prevention and control actions. However, the relative importance of the biotic resistance, resource availability, and propagule pressures on invasive plants in fragmented grasslands of humid and semi‐humid regions remains unclear.

Locations

Shandong Province, eastern coastal China.

Method

This study is based on community composition and soil nutrient data from 42 grassland plots of 30 × 30 m surveyed between 2021 and 2022. In each plot, we sampled six sub‐plots of 2 × 2 m, totaling 24 m2. We used beta regressions and general linear models to examine the coverage, relative coverage and relative richness of invasive plants in relation to community structure (such as richness and coverage of native shrubs, species richness, phylogenetic diversity and functional traits of native herbaceous plant), macroclimate, soil nutrients and human activities. Partial regressions and Random Forest analyses were used to assess the relative importance of different predictors.

Results

The coverage, relative coverage and relative richness of invasive plants decreased with the richness and coverage of shrubs, but increased with phylogenetic diversity of native herbaceous plant. Community structure factors, particularly shrub richness and coverage, exhibited higher relative importance on invasive‐plant performance compared to other variables.

Conclusions

Our results indicate that diversity–invasibility relationships are sensitive to the choice of diversity index. Overall, native shrubs within the local community play a crucial role in buffering against the spread and establishment of invasive plants in humid grasslands, underscoring the significance of biotic resistance in plant invasion.
Productivity and Task Heterogeneity in Online Labor Markets: A Bonus Payment Experiment
Authors: Mourelatos Evaggelos , Giannakopoulos Nicholas , Tzagarakis Manolis
Published: November 2024

We use an online experiment to investigate how monetary rewards and within‐task heterogeneity interact with workers’ productivity. By uniquely conceptualizing objective difficulty and complexity, we first investigate whether within‐task heterogeneity results in responses that are elicited solely by task characteristics related to the computational efficiency of the task doer. The subtasks’ difficulty and complexity have a robust reverse effect on every productivity outcome of the participant workers. Second, we find that monetary rewards mainly act as moderators of within‐task heterogeneity. Our investigation identified monetary rewards as a key moderator of within‐task heterogeneity. Notably, higher rewards effectively counteract the detrimental impact of task complexity and difficulty, yet we observe diminishing returns with extreme reward values. The study's central contribution lies in its uncovering of a complementary relationship. An optimally designed task coupled with a judicious reward policy not only eases workers’ perceived complexity and difficulty but also alleviates uncertainties that might otherwise hinder the achievement of high‐quality outcomes. This nuanced understanding provides valuable insights for shaping efficient task structures and reward strategies in the realm of online labor markets. An analysis of almost 20,396 crowdsourcing responses supports the theoretical model and hypotheses.
No Sign of Homogenisation in Reef Fish Communities Across an Ecological Transition Zone Exposed to Warming
Authors: Silva Fernanda C. , Quimbayo Juan P. , Spanheeden Dencker Tim , Pecuchet Laurene , Floeter Sergio R. , Lindegren Martin
Published: November 2024

Aim

Marine organisms are responding to warming by altering their distribution ranges, causing biogeographic range shifts and in some cases, favouring the community homogenisation. Transition zones can act as natural laboratories to explore the consequences of homogenisation. However, these habitats are relatively poorly studied in coastal areas. In this study, we aimed to investigate biotic homogenisation and changes in reef fish community composition from both a taxonomic and trait‐based perspective.

Location

Seven islands in the South‐western Atlantic transition zone.

Methods

We used a long‐term survey data set of reef fish species abundances and traits of communities to calculate beta‐diversity indices. By analysing the data, we derived temporal trends of beta‐diversity values by separately comparing the North and South regions of the transition zone and performed pairwise comparisons to explore their dynamics when considered together.

Results

Contrary to previous expectations, we found no sign of homogenisation. The colder islands (Southern) experienced a decrease in taxonomic and trait richness metrics, whereas for the warmer islands (Northern), the taxonomic and trait richness fluctuated without any significant temporal trends.

Main Conclusions

While taxonomic composition may change over time, the trait composition is generally more conserved, highlighting the trait redundancy in South‐western Atlantic communities and supporting the idea that these communities can maintain a range of ecological processes despite changes in taxonomic composition. Finally, the study revealed that despite non‐homogenisation, the species that contribute most to variation, especially in the South, have common trait combinations indicating an increase in the trait redundancy of fish communities over time. We underline that local‐scale conservation efforts may be particularly effective in preserving and protecting species and ecological functions in areas experiencing unique and fast changes in biodiversity.
Similar weight loss with semaglutide regardless of diabetes and cardiometabolic risk parameters in individuals with metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatotic liver disease: Post hoc analysis of three randomised controlled trials
Authors: Armstrong Matthew J. , Okanoue Takeshi , Sundby Palle Mads , Sejling Anne‐Sophie , Tawfik Mohamed , Roden Michael
Published: November 2024

Aims

Weight loss mediated by glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1) analogues is lower in patients with type 2 diabetes versus those without. Type 2 diabetes and obesity are risk factors for metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and associated steatohepatitis (MASH). We evaluated weight changes in adults with MASLD/MASH with or without type 2 diabetes receiving the GLP‐1 analogue semaglutide.

Materials and Methods

This was a post hoc analysis of data from three 48–72‐week randomised trials investigating the effect of semaglutide versus placebo in adults with MASLD (NCT03357380) or biopsy‐confirmed MASH (NCT02970942 and NCT03987451). Pooled data for semaglutide (0.4 mg once daily and 2.4 mg once weekly [n = 163]) and placebo (n = 137) were analysed at 1 year. Weight changes were analysed by type 2 diabetes status (type 2 diabetes [n = 209], pre‐type 2 diabetes [n = 51] and no diabetes [n = 40]) and by other cardiometabolic risk parameters using analysis of covariance and Spearman's rank correlations.

Results

The overall mean weight change was −11.1 kg (−11.7%) and −0.7 kg (−0.6%) with semaglutide and placebo, respectively. While numerically higher for people without type 2 diabetes, estimated treatment differences with semaglutide versus placebo were similar overall for people with type 2 diabetes (−10.2 kg; −10.8%), pre‐type 2 diabetes (−9.8 kg; −10.2%) and no diabetes (−11.6 kg; −13.1%). Differences between groups were not statistically significant (p > 0.50 for all). Baseline fasting plasma glucose, glycated haemoglobin, insulin levels, insulin resistance and lipids did not correlate with weight change.

Conclusions

People with MASLD/MASH had similar semaglutide‐mediated weight loss regardless of type 2 diabetes status and other cardiometabolic risk parameters.
SGLT2 inhibition improves endothelium‐independent vasodilatory function in type 2 diabetes: A double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled crossover trial
Authors: Kristensen Didde Kidmose , Mose Frank Holden , Buus Niels Henrik , Duus Camilla Lundgreen , Mårup Frederik Husum , Bech Jesper Nørgaard , Nielsen Steffen Flindt
Published: November 2024

Aims

The objective of this study was to examine the effects of empagliflozin on endothelium‐dependent and endothelium‐independent vasodilatation and systemic hemodynamic parameters and to assess the role of the nitric oxide (NO) system in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM).

Materials and Methods

In this double‐blind, placebo‐controlled cross over trial, patients with T2DM were treated with either empagliflozin 10 mg or matching placebo for 4 weeks. Following a 2‐week washout, participants were crossed over to 4 weeks of the opposite treatment. Forearm blood flow (FBF) was measured after each treatment period using venous occlusion plethysmography. Acetylcholine and sodium nitroprusside (SNP) were infused into the brachial artery to assess endothelium‐dependent and endothelium‐independent vasodilatory function, respectively. Total peripheral resistance, 24‐h blood pressure (BP) and biochemical markers of NO activity were measured as well.

Results

Sixteen participants completed the trial. The mean age was 68 ± 8 years, and 69% were male. The SNP response increased by 21% (geometric mean ratio 1.21, 95% CI: 1.09; 1.33) during treatment with empagliflozin compared to placebo (p ≤ 0.001), but not during acetylcholine infusion (p = 0.290). Empagliflozin decreased 24‐h systolic BP by 5 mmHg (95% CI: −9; −1 mmHg) (p = 0.015), diastolic BP by 2 mmHg (95% CI: −5; 0 mmHg) (p = 0.029) and systemic vascular resistance by 48 dyn×s/m5 (95% CI: −94; −1 dyn×s/m5) (p = 0.044). Furthermore, empagliflozin reduced plasma levels of nitrite and urinary levels of NOx.

Conclusions

Empagliflozin improves endothelium‐independent vasodilation, reduces vascular resistance and lowers 24‐h BP in patients with T2DM, whereas no change in endothelial‐dependent vasodilation was observed.

Trial registration

EU Clinical Trials Register number: 2019‐004303‐12 (https://www.clinicaltrialsregister.eu/ctr-search/trial/2019-004303-12/DK).
Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathies (CIDP) with monotruncular onset: Frequency, clinical features, electrophysiology, and evolution
Authors: Pascaud Julie , Fortanier Etienne , Salort‐Campana Emmanuelle , Verschueren Annie , Keriel Pierrick , Grapperon Aude‐Marie , Kouton Ludivine , Attarian Shahram , Delmont Emilien
Published: November 2024

Background

Multifocal chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP) is the most frequent variant of CIDP. It is characterized by asymmetric multifocal sensory and motor impairments. Few cases with monotruncular onset have been described. The aim of the study was to characterize the clinical, electrophysiological, and radiological features of these monotruncular‐onset CIDP cases.

Methods

The records of 145 patients with focal/multifocal CIDP followed in the hospital department revealed 16 patients with an initial clinical involvement limited to one nerve for at least 6 months.

Results

Median diagnostic delay was 24 months. The ulnar nerve was the most frequently involved nerve (44%, 7/16).

Based on extensive electrodiagnostic testing at initial evaluation, 5 patients (31%) met the electrodiagnostic criteria for CIDP and 8 patients (50%) for possible CIDP. Conduction blocks (CB) were the most frequent conduction abnormalities.

Motor evoked potentials using a triple‐stimulation technique showed proximal CB in 12/13 patients. Plexus magnetic resonance imaging was abnormal in 13/15 patients (86%), with bilateral short tau inversion recovery (STIR)‐hypersignal in 7 patients. Intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIg) were efficient for 12/15 patients (80%).

During follow‐up (median 8 years), 3 patients retained monotruncular involvement while 13 had a multitruncular worsening. The only difference was that IVIg treatment was started earlier in patients who were still monotruncular at the last visit (11 vs. 87 months, p = 0.015).

Conclusions

Monotruncular onset occurred in 11% of the focal/multifocal CIDP cases. Supportive criteria are highly valuable for positive diagnosis of this condition. The natural course tends to be progressive, involving more nerve trunks. Early treatment may prevent the disease from spreading.
Legacy Effects of Plant Community Structure Are Manifested in Microbial Biofilm Development With Consequences for Ecosystem CO2 Emissions
Authors: Wyatt Kevin H. , Cieslik Jillian , Dieleman Catherine M. , Kane Evan S. , Rober Allison R. , Sullivan Barrett , Turetsky Merritt R.
Published: November 2024

To better understand linkages between hydrology and ecosystem carbon flux in northern aquatic ecosystems, we evaluated the relationship between plant communities, biofilm development, and carbon dioxide (CO2) exchange following long‐term changes in hydrology in an Alaskan fen. We quantified seasonal variation in biofilm composition and CO2 exchange in response to lowered and raised water table position (relative to a control) during years with varying levels of background dissolved organic carbon (DOC). We then used nutrient‐diffusing substrates (NDS) to evaluate cause–effect relationships between changes in plant subsidies (i.e., leachates) and biofilm composition among water table treatments. We found that background DOC concentration determined whether plant subsidies promoted net autotrophy or heterotrophy on NDS. In conditions where background DOC was ≤ 40 mg L−1, plant subsidies promoted an autotrophic biofilm. Conversely, when background DOC concentration was ≥ 50 mg L−1, plant subsidies promoted heterotrophy. Greater light attenuation associated with elevated levels of DOC may have overwhelmed the stimulatory effect of nutrients on autotrophic microbes by constraining photosynthesis while simultaneously allowing heterotrophs to outcompete autotrophs for available nutrients. At the ecosystem level, conditions that favored an autotrophic biofilm resulted in net CO2 uptake among all water table treatments, whereas the site was a net source of CO2 to the atmosphere in conditions that supported greater heterotrophy. Taken together, these findings show that hydrologic history interacts with changes in dominant plant functional groups to alter biofilm composition, which has consequences for ecosystem CO2 exchange.
Australian Parental Leave Policy, Employers' Cognitive Bias, and Mothers' Wages: Penalty or Premium?
Authors: Lee Dongju , Craig Lyn
Published: November 2024

This paper utilizes a natural experiment created by Australia's first national mandate for paid parental leave in 2011, to investigate employer‐side mechanisms in motherhood wage penalties. Drawing on literature on cognitive bias, we hypothesize that maternity leave taking behaviors could trigger employer discrimination. We test this proposition by comparing whether and how four types of leave‐taking behaviors affect the wage prospects of working mothers. Using fixed effect models with lagged dependent variables and nationally representative panel data, the Household Income and Labor Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) for the period 2005–2019, this study reveals that before the mandate, mothers who had to use unpaid leave due to ineligibility for employer‐funded leave suffered pay penalties. After the mandate, mothers who forwent paid leave received pay premiums. Our study contributes to debates about parental leave policy and gender discrimination in the labor market by indicating that employers interpret contrasting leave taking behaviors differently, and reward employees in accordance with what they believe maternity leave behaviors imply about working mothers' conformity to the “ideal worker” norm.
A Landscape of Toleration: Central Europe in the Early Modern Era
Authors: Ptaszyński Maciej , Schunka Alexander
Published: November 2024

The question of religious toleration was crucial in the early modern era. Challenging simplistic views of toleration as mere peaceful coexistence, this essay explores its complexities from a historical perspective. It argues that toleration was a deliberate choice demanding effort and served as a flexible political tool in various contexts. Drawing on examples from Brandenburg‐Prussia and Poland‐Lithuania, it shows how toleration shaped political assets and public opinion. This essay introduces the concept of a “toleration landscape” to depict its multifaceted influence on society. Ultimately, it asserts Central Europe's pivotal role in early modern toleration, bridging historical divides between Eastern and Western Europe.
Unexpectedly high variability in determining tumour extent in prostatic biopsies: implications for active surveillance
Authors: Bernhardt Marit , Weinhold Leonie , Bremmer Felix , Chan Emily , Cheng Liang , Collins Katrina , Downes Michelle , Greenland Nancy , Hommerding Oliver , Iczkowski Kenneth A , Jufe Laura , Kreft Tobias , van Leenders Geert , Oxley Jon , Perry‐Keene Joanna , Reis Henning , Schmid Matthias , Tsuzuki Toyonori , Wobker Sara , Wiliamson Sean R , Kweldam Charlotte , Kristiansen Glen
Published: November 2024

Aims

Tumour content in prostatic biopsies is an important indicator of prostate cancer volume and patient prognosis. Consequently, guidelines typically recommend reporting it as a percentage or linear length (mm). This study aimed to determine the current practices for reporting tumour content in prostatic biopsies and evaluated the consistency among pathologists in diagnosing 10 standard biopsy cases of prostate cancer to assess interobserver variability.

Methods and results

A web‐based survey gathered data on demographics, experience and attitudes regarding the reporting of prostate cancer and its extent in biopsies. Virtual microscopy allowed analysis of 10 biopsy cases, each consisting of a single slide of prostate cancer. Self‐reports from 304 participants recruited via the International Society of Urological Pathology and the German Society of Pathology were analysed. Most participants (43.4%) reported tumour extent as percentage of the biopsy core, 37.6% reported percentages and mm and 18.3% reported mm exclusively. The methods used to determine percentages showed an unexpected spread of choices, leading to considerable variability in results. Additionally, 40.8% of participants took part in the practical segment of the survey. The reported measures of tumour extent confirmed a notable interobserver variability, which was significantly higher for reported percentages.

Conclusion

A high rate of interobserver variability in reporting tumour content in prostatic biopsies was found. This matter is especially critical for patients who are candidates for active surveillance. Reporting absolute measures of tumour content has the advantage of lower variability in comparison to percentages.
Impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on the HIV care continuum and associated factors in middle‐income countries: A mixed‐methods systematic review
Authors: Ojukwu Emmanuela , Pashaei Ava , Maia Juliana Cunha , Omobhude Oserekpamen Favour , Tawfik Abdulaziz , Nguyen Yvonne
Published: November 2024

Introduction

The HIV care continuum during the COVID‐19 era faced specific challenges. The pandemic, affecting the delivery of HIV care, exacerbated existing healthcare inequities and vulnerabilities in middle‐income countries with limited financial resources. This study aims to set the stage for the systematic review, focusing on the impact of COVID‐19 on HIV care in middle‐income countries with a focus on barriers and facilitators.

Methods

A systematic search of relevant literature, including electronic databases and manual assessment of references, was done. The review included quantitative, qualitative and mixed‐methods studies conducted in middle‐income countries, with no age or gender restrictions. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were used for reporting the results.

Results

In the course of our systematic review, a comprehensive examination of the pertinent literature published between 2020 and 2024 yielded a total of 76 studies. This adverse impact was prominently attributed to an amalgamation of factors intrinsically associated with pandemic‐induced restrictions, fear of contracting the COVID‐19 and fear of disclosing HIV status. Moreover, an emergent theme observed in select studies underscored the enduring trend of HIV treatment continuity, which was facilitated by the burgeoning utilization of telemedicine within this context.

Discussion

The pandemic negatively affected income and increased vulnerability to HIV across all phases of the HIV care continuum, except for viral suppression. Prevention measures, such as pre‐exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), were compromised, leading to increased risky behaviours and compromised mental health among people living with HIV. HIV testing and diagnosis faced challenges, with reduced access and frequency, particularly among key populations. The pandemic also disrupted linkage and retention in care, especially in urban areas, exacerbating barriers to accessing necessary HIV treatment. Additionally, this review highlights the complex and multifaceted landscape of the pandemic's impact on HIV medical appointments, adherence and treatment engagement, with various barriers identified, including fear of COVID‐19, economic constraints and disruptions in healthcare services.

Conclusions

The coexistence of pandemics has had negative effects on the HIV care continuum, with restrictions on services, an increase in care gaps and a break in the transmission chain in middle‐income countries.
The Role of CSR Report Assurance and ESG Rating in Bank Manager's Judgement on ESG Lending Decisions
Authors: Isack Markus , Aschauer Ewald
Published: November 2024

The increasing number of ESG‐linked financial instruments demonstrates the need for reliable information on companies' ESG performance, which is a challenge for users. Debates surround the effects of reliability‐enhancing instruments like corporate social responsibility (CSR) report assurance and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) rating services on decisions related to ESG‐linked financial instruments. Using experimental evidence from 156 bank managers, we show that assurance positively impacts ESG‐linked credit lending decisions, with an additional positive impact when a neutral ESG rating is present in conjunction. When ESG performance and ESG rating improve, reasonable assurance can further amplify this positive effect. Additionally, our research indicates that the implementation of a positive ESG rating positively influences ESG‐linked credit lending decisions, irrespective of any assurance factors. These findings have various implications, as they draw attention to the decision‐making relevance of CSR report assurance and ESG ratings, as well as the understanding of assurance levels.