bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Buyers-sellers’ value of courier services: assessment in the Indonesian C2C e-commerce
Authors: Timotius Elkana , Sunardi Oki , Soenandi Iwan Aang , Ginting Meriastuti , Sabini Burhan , Sutikno Yusak
Published: February 2023

Purpose

The quality of service provided by a courier service plays an essential role in the success of online shopping. Meanwhile, buyers and sellers tend to choose a vendor that meets their expectations. This study aims to show how buyers and sellers value the decision to select a courier service based on online shopping experiences.

Design/methodology/approach

A focus group discussion involving eight participants was used to gather consumer preferences and seller perspectives. Kansei Engineering principles were applied to organize these variables into a priority-scaled survey question. Furthermore, 200 respondents were simple-randomly selected and categorized based on age, gender, transaction frequency, average monthly transaction value and their role in online transactions.

Findings

This study found that buyers and sellers do not consider the delivery costs when the courier service guarantees the service quality. In contrast, the service quality offered is determined by problem-solving responsiveness, delivery accuracy and tracking systems. They also consider the short delivery time, wide delivery coverage area, couriers' attitude and scattered pick-up/drop point services. However, the order of priority is different for specific demographics.

Practical implications

In the rapid development of the online shopping trend, courier services are urgent to reconstruct their business model and maintain the quality of service. The proper understanding of online consumer preferences and seller perspectives will form the basis of appropriate strategies.

Originality/value

The role of a courier service is significant in the supply chain of online shopping transactions that connect buyers and sellers. The differences in consumer preferences and seller perspectives are attributed to the diverse objectives, even though they are still related to the service quality of the courier service.
Campus sustainability plans: past, present and future
Authors: Eby Robert F. , Rangarajan Nandhini
Published: February 2023

Purpose

This study aims to describe the different elements included in campus sustainability plans (CSPs) in colleges and universities across the USA.

Design/methodology/approach

It examines the contents and specific areas of emphasis of 155 CSPs using a document analysis approach. It determines the types and characteristics of the institutions that have adopted these plans.

Findings

The first CSP was written in 2000 and at least 155 plans have been written as of 2021. Only a small percentage of US institutions of higher education have a written CSP, and among those, large public institutions had the most. The quality of these plans varied greatly, indicating a lack of standardization. Engagement was the most discussed topic, and some aspect of campus operations was mentioned in every plan. Social equity was the least prevalent topic.

Research limitations/implications

This research focusing on US colleges and universities may have overlooked plans that have other titles. Nevertheless, it is a fairly comprehensive analysis of campus sustainability planning efforts to date in the USA.

Practical implications

This study has important practical implications for institutions that aspire to craft their first sustainability plan or those that wish to revise their existing plan in a comprehensive manner.

Originality/value

This study builds on a conceptual foundation of plan review by several other authors but presents a more robust and comprehensive method of application specific to CSPs. It fills a wide gap in the literature on the quality and content of CSPs by examining over five times more plans than were analyzed in an older study and addresses some of the research questions from previous articles.
Reducing air travel emissions in academia: an exploration of universities’ manoeuvring room
Authors: Schreuer Anna , Thaller Annina Elisa , Posch Alfred
Published: February 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the manoeuvring room of higher education institutions to take action to reduce emissions from academic flying. In particular, this study investigates how university staff and central actors in university management evaluate potential measures in this area.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors applied a single case study design encompassing an online survey directed at staff (N = 338) and 11 semi-structured interviews with key actors from management at an Austrian university. The authors used descriptive statistics and qualitative content analysis to examine the data.

Findings

This study found considerable support among university staff in principle for implementing measures to reduce academic flying, but also serious concerns about the fairness and viability of some restrictive measures, especially disincentives and caps on flying. However, bans on short-haul flights were largely supported. Actors from university management saw their manoeuvring room limited by the potential resistance and non-compliance of staff, as well as by framework conditions external to the university.

Practical implications

Dedicated leadership is needed to facilitate broad commitment within the university and to avoid shifting the responsibility between different governance levels. Restrictive measures to reduce academic air travel will be more readily accepted if perceived as fair and viable.

Originality/value

Although several papers have addressed the behavioural and institutional factors that sustain extensive flying in academia, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is one of the first contributions to investigate the potentials and challenges of introducing measures to reduce air travel in higher education institutions.
Retailers’ optimal ordering policies for a dual-sourcing procurement
Authors: Xu Xinsheng , Ji Ping , Chan Felix T.S.
Published: February 2023

Purpose

Optimal ordering decision for a retailer in a dual-sourcing procurement is an important research area. The main purpose of this paper is to explore a loss-averse retailer’s ordering decision in a dual-sourcing problem.

Design/methodology/approach

For a loss-averse retailer, the study obtains the optimal ordering decision to maximize expected utility. Based on sensitivity analysis, the properties of the optimal ordering decision are well discussed.

Findings

Under the optimal ordering quantity that maximizes expected loss aversion utility, the relevant expected profit of a retailer turns to be smaller under a bigger loss aversion coefficient. For this point, a retailer needs to balance between expected loss aversion utility maximization and expected profit maximization in deciding the optimal ordering policy in a dual-sourcing problem.

Originality/value

This paper reveals the influence of loss aversion on a retailer’s ordering decision in a dual-sourcing problem. Managerial insights are suggested to devise the optimal ordering policy for retailers in practice.
How leaderboard positions shape our motivation: the impact of competence satisfaction and competence frustration on motivation in a gamified crowdsourcing task
Authors: Na Kibbeum , Han Kwanghee
Published: February 2023

Purpose

Gamification is a booming motivational approach in information systems. Leaderboards play a key role in gamification; however, there are mixed findings regarding the heterogeneous motivational impacts of leaderboard positions. This study aims to clarify the motivational effects of high and low leaderboard positions by assembling diverse behavioral measures and self-reports. The measures used in this study shed a light on the quantitative and qualitative dynamics of motivation facilitated by leaderboard positions. The authors inspect motivation in relation to satisfaction and frustration of competence need.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conducted an online experiment set in a crowdsourcing context, asking the participants to compete in an image tagging game. Participants' leaderboard positions were manipulated to be either high or low for five consecutive rounds. The number of clicks, tags, duration of tagging and persistence on the task were measured as indicators of motivation.

Findings

High ranks on leaderboards induced complacent behaviors choosing easy ways to maintain their positions, while low ranks led the participants to stick to the right process of the task with intensified motivation round after round. However, neither of the motivations seemed to be of intrinsic nature.

Originality/value

The present study provides conclusive evidence on the varying motivational impact of leaderboard positions. The authors also demonstrate how the “needs-as-motive” model (Sheldon and Gunz, 2009) applies to gamification. Its implications in self-determination theory and gamification literature are discussed.
A robust DEA model in the presence of uncertain integer-valued parameters
Authors: Yousef Zehi Rokhsaneh , Nana Khurizan Noor Saifurina
Published: February 2023

Purpose

Uncertainty in data, whether in real-valued or integer-valued data, may result in infeasible optimal solutions or unreliable efficiency scores and ranking of decision-making units. To handle the uncertainty in integer-valued factors in data envelopment analysis (DEA) models, this study aims to propose a robust DEA model which is applicable in the presence of such factors.

Design/methodology/approach

This research focuses on the application of fuzzy interpretation of efficiency to a mixed-integer DEA (MIDEA) model. The robust optimization approach is used to address the uncertain integer-valued parameters in the proposed MIDEA model.

Findings

In this study, the authors proposed an MIDEA model without any equality constraint to avoid the arise problem by such constraints in the construction of the robust counterpart of the conventional MIDEA models. We have studied the characteristics and conditions for constructing the uncertainty set with uncertain integer-valued parameters and a robust MIDEA model is proposed under a combined box-polyhedral uncertainty set. The applicability of the developed models is shown in a case study of Malaysian public universities.

Originality/value

This study develops an MIDEA model equivalent to the conventional MIDEA model excluding any equality constraint which is crucial in robust approach to avoid restricted feasible region or infeasible solutions. This study proposes a robust DEA approach which is applicable in cases with uncertain integer-valued parameters, unlike previous studies in robust DEA field where uncertain parameters are generally assumed to be only real-valued.
Crafting and recognising good enough autoethnographies: a practical guide and checklist
Authors: Grant Alec John
Published: February 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to provide a practical guide and checklist for newcomers to autoethnography.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach is grounded in autoethnographic methodology, functioning as a comprehensive teaching resource.

Findings

When used as a learning resource, this study will enhance the work of beginning autoethnographers.

Social implications

As an arts and humanities and social science-based research approach, autoethnography is a vital, creative methodology in advancing social justice in mental health.

Originality/value

This study, written by an experienced teacher, mentor and supervisor of the approach with an international reputation, is original in its provision of a comprehensive teaching resource in article form to assist the development of beginning autoethnographers.
Performance-based building design: impact of emergency department layout on its functional performance efficiency - the case of Erbil hospitals
Authors: Sabir Bushra Mawlood , Mustafa Faris Ali
Published: February 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the potential role of the Emergency Department (ED) layout in enhancing its functionality. It applies a performance-based building design (PBBD) approach to evaluate emergency department functionality and efficiency as the most important criterion behind the success of the hospital service.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative approach based on space syntax theory was adopted through four syntactic maps (isovist, axial, convex, and visibility graph analysis VGA), to depict three case studies in Erbil city hospitals by analyzing three different layout typologies of ED such as Podular, Ballroom and Linear through measuring wayfinding, accessibility, privacy, visibility, time spend-length of stay and corridor circulation as layout factors.

Findings

This paper provides empirical insights on how the ED layout typology factors significantly affect producing functionally efficient EDs, whereas the Ballroom ED layout typology is the most effective compared to others. Given the importance of ED in enhancing a healthy environment for patients and staff, study findings are valuable resource for health designers, who play a critical role in ensuring patients enjoy a healthy and safe environment.

Originality/value

This paper has attempted to identify the appropriate layout of ED for effective functional performance in hospitals. A syntactical analysis between three different ED layout typologies based on the layout variables has been analysed using the PBBD approach. There has been no attempt carried out so far to analyse the functional performance of the PBBD approach in different ED layouts using layout variables.
Connectedness between low carbon portfolios, economy and finance: the role of pandemic crisis and Ukrainian war
Authors: Gabriel Vítor Manuel de Sousa , Neves Maria Elisabete Duarte , Vieira Elisabete , Reis Pedro M. Nogueira
Published: February 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this work is to study the connections generated between stock market indices, representing firms whose practices focus on fighting climate change and several global risk factors in accordance with the sustainability objectives defined in the 2030 Agenda. An endogenous perspective is adopted, considering the spillovers generated within the low carbon stock market sector, as well as the latter’s exposure to exogenous shocks of an economic and financial nature.

Design/methodology/approach

This work uses a multivariate model of dynamic correlation (GARCH-corrected dynamic conditional correlation [cDCC]), which can accompany the correlations generated over time.

Findings

Considering five low carbon indices, representing various parts of the world, and four global macro-economic and financial variables, over a period of approximately eight years, it was possible to understand that the variables studied transmit between each other a statistically significant spillover. The period of the pandemic crisis shows a sharp increase in the information transmission process. It was also possible to conclude that some global variables are risk factors, performing the role of transmission channels for the spillover effects to low carbon indices, increasing the risk of contagion and reducing the possibilities of diversifying the investment portfolio.

Originality/value

Firstly, this work analyses the connection and spillover effects between low carbon indices. Secondly, considers an extended sample covering different market phases, particularly that of the pandemic crisis and the Ukrainian War, creating conditions to compare connection patterns between those indices. Thirdly, it studies the variable influence over time of global risk factors in the transmission of spillover between low carbon indices.
Post-independence challenges for Caribbean tourism development: a solution-driven approach through Agenda 2030
Authors: Spencer Andrew J. , Lewis-Cameron Acolla , Roberts Sherma , Walker Therez B. , Watson Beienetch , McBean Larisa Monae
Published: February 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to provide a comparative analysis of sustainable tourism development across the Anglophone Caribbean region from the post-independence period of 1962 to the 2020s. The perspective explores the implications of insularity, tourism investment and the pace of technology adoption on the potential realisation of the sustainable development goals (SDGs) in the islands of Jamaica, Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago and the Eastern Caribbean States.

Design/methodology/approach

The viewpoint uses secondary data from grey literature such as government policy documents, academic literature, newspapers and consultancy reports to explore the central themes and provide a conceptual framework for the paper.

Findings

The findings reveal that Caribbean Small Island Developing States (SIDS) are nearer to the light-green single-sector approach to sustainable tourism development. The overarching findings reveal that the region’s heavy focus on economic priorities results in less attention to competitiveness challenges such as environmental management, social equity and technological innovations.

Research limitations/implications

The research presents a comprehensive overview of the tourism development trajectory of other tourism-dependent island-states. The research offers lessons and cross-learning opportunities that may be useful to decision-makers within SIDS. The main limitation is that the findings may only be transferable and generalised to the extent that other jurisdictions bear similar macroeconomic governance structures and cultural characteristics to Caribbean SIDS.

Practical implications

This paper provides a meaningful discussion and contributes to the body of knowledge on the history of Caribbean tourism development, the challenges and future potential of sustainability and lends itself to opportunities for future research in the Caribbean and other SIDS.

Social implications

The study outlines the social implications for inclusive, responsible and sustainable tourism that can potentially take Caribbean SIDS from slow growth to efficiency in developing the tourism product, including the technological environment. This can reduce inequalities, contribute to socio-economic development and improve the region’s human capital.

Originality/value

This paper provides a comprehensive comparative analysis of Caribbean tourism development specific to Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean States. No previous work has been done to compare tourism development within this grouping. Hence, this paper is essential in informing decision-makers and providing the foundation for continuing research in this area.
The role of cell size in shaping responses to oxygen and temperature in fruit flies
Authors: Leiva Félix P. , Boerrigter Jeroen G. J. , Verberk Wilco C. E. P.
Published: February 2023

The body size of an animal is strongly coupled to key ecological traits such as fecundity, mortality and growth. Ectothermic animals mature at smaller body sizes in warmer conditions and under low oxygen availability (hypoxia). Whether these responses result from changes in cell size and cell number (which together determine body size) and how such cellular responses may help ectotherms cope with heat and hypoxia is poorly understood.

The theory of optimal cell size postulates that cell size imposes constraints on oxygen delivery: Differences in cell size result in differences in membrane surface‐to‐volume ratio, which impact the capacity of cells to take up oxygen and has consequences for growth rate and hence body size.

Here, using inbred lines of fruit flies Drosophila melanogaster, which exhibit differences in cell size, we demonstrate that thermal responses in body size are magnified under hypoxia and in lines of flies that exhibit larger cell size. Furthermore, reductions in body size were partly manifested via reductions in cell size, resulting in a coupling between the body mass and cell size of flies.

The coupling between cell size and body size was tighter under conditions where oxygen is expected to become limited, that is, warm or hypoxia, supporting the idea that capacity for oxygen uptake is causally related to organismal growth and the resulting body size. Our data indicate that the benefits of diffusive oxygen uptake due to the higher surface‐to‐volume ratios in smaller cells can help explain the temperature‐size rule in this species.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Sandstone detection using three‐term amplitude variation with offset projection: A case study
Authors: Asaka Michinori
Published: February 2023

Seismic amplitude variation with offset projection is widely used in the oil and gas industry to extract information contained in amplitude variation with offset responses. Traditional two‐term amplitude variation with offset projection, based only on intercept (A) and gradient (B), has been used in various ways, including hydrocarbon detection and the estimation of target properties such as water saturation. Three‐term amplitude variation with offset projection, in which A, B and curvature (C) are blended using two projection angles (χ and ψ), can also be used for the same purposes and has some advantages over the two‐term methods. The effectiveness of the three‐term amplitude variation with offset projection in the detection of sandstone has been investigated using field data. A sandstone detection workflow is proposed, which includes (1) defining the target attribute, (2) optimizing projection angle in the χ–ψ analysis plane painted with the target attribute and (3) confirming/refining the selected projection angle using the two‐term amplitude variation with offset projection‐C cross‐plot. The impact of anisotropy is taken into consideration, and the sandstone index is introduced as the target attribute. The sandstone detection workflow was applied for both synthetic and field data, which illustrates that three‐term methods offer an important perspective on noise in the amplitude variation with offset attributes: Noise in the third term is correlated with noise in the other terms so that including C can actually suppress noise to some extent, even if C looks unusable. Moreover, two‐term amplitude variation with offset projections are a subset of three‐term amplitude variation with offset projections; therefore, if C adds no information, this fact is revealed as the worst‐case outcome in the three‐term analysis; inclusion of C will never degrade results and there is no reason to exclude C a priori.
Variation in diversity–function relationships can be explained by species interactions
Authors: Montoya Daniel
Published: February 2023

Research Highlight: Wu, D., Xu, C., Wang, S., Zhang, L., & Kortsch, S. (2022). Why are biodiversity–ecosystem functioning relationships so elusive? Trophic interactions may amplify ecosystem function variability. Journal of Animal Ecology, https://doi.org/10.1111/1365‐2656.13808. There is consensus that average trends of ecosystem functions increase with species diversity. However, large variations in ecosystem function (VEF) in systems with similar diversity levels are commonly observed, yet not understood. In this study, Wu et al. (2022) integrate empirical aquatic food webs with a multitrophic model to show that VEF generally shows a hump‐shaped pattern along the species richness gradient. This pattern is related to changes in taxa composition across trophic levels—the proportion of consumer species relative to basal species—along the gradient of species richness. Thus, VEF dependence on species diversity is driven by both bottom‐up and top‐down control that regulate taxa composition and taxa dominance. These results are corroborated with an independent food web dataset from the Gulf of Riga. An important implication of this study is that biodiversity loss may not only reduce the mean levels of ecosystem functioning, but also increase unpredictability of functions by generating greater function variability.
Effectiveness and safety of topical calcipotriol in the treatment of flat seborrheic keratosis on the face
Authors: Popadic Svetlana , Tomanovic Marija , Minic Snezana
Published: February 2023

Seborrheic keratosis is the most common slow‐growing, benign epithelial tumour, usually appearing on sun‐exposed areas. Treatment modalities for seborrheic keratosis may be uncomfortable and/or time‐consuming. We present a case series of 12 patients with solitary seborrheic keratosis localized on the face treated with 0.005% calcipotriol ointment. The treatment lasted 3–8 months and resulted in complete regression of the lesions. Remission (follow‐up period) lasted from 6 to 10 years. We conclude that topical calcipotriol may be a useful treatment option for seborrheic keratosis.
Targeting the mitochondrial Ca2+ uniporter complex in cardiovascular disease
Authors: Lozano Omar , Marcos Patricio , Salazar‐Ramirez Felipe de Jesús , Lázaro‐Alfaro Anay F. , Sobrevia Luis , García‐Rivas Gerardo
Published: February 2023

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), the leading cause of death worldwide, share in common mitochondrial dysfunction, in specific a dysregulation of Ca2+ uptake dynamics through the mitochondrial Ca2+ uniporter (MCU) complex. In particular, Ca2+ uptake regulates the mitochondrial ATP production, mitochondrial dynamics, oxidative stress, and cell death. Therefore, modulating the activity of the MCU complex to regulate Ca2+ uptake, has been suggested as a potential therapeutic approach for the treatment of CVDs. Here, the role and implications of the MCU complex in CVDs are presented, followed by a review of the evidence for MCU complex modulation, genetically and pharmacologically. While most approaches have aimed within the MCU complex for the modulation of the Ca2+ pore channel, the MCU subunit, its intra‐ and extra‐ mitochondrial implications, including Ca2+ dynamics, oxidative stress, post‐translational modifications, and its repercussions in the cardiac function, highlight that targeting the MCU complex has the translational potential for novel CVDs therapeutics.
Perspectives on medication safety from vulnerable older migrants and their relatives—A qualitative explorative study
Authors: Lynnerup Camilla , Rossing Charlotte , Sodemann Morten , Ryg Jesper , Pottegård Anton , Nielsen Dorthe
Published: February 2023

Little is known about the combined effect of several risk factors occurring simultaneously, and the perspectives of patients with language barriers or dementia are lacking because these patients are often excluded as research participants. This study aimed at investigating medication safety among older migrants with cognitive disorders who use five or more medications daily from the perspective of older patients and their relatives. Eight semi‐structured interviews with patients and relatives were conducted in their homes. The study adopted an inductive hermeneutic phenomenological approach and used both “Analyzing the present” and “Systematic text condensation” as inspiration for the analysis. Three main themes were identified: (i) potential medication safety and threats, (ii) communication and missing medication information and (iii) everyday life with medication. Threats to medication safety included medication perceptions, health perceptions, and cognitive impairment of the patient as well as miscommunication among departments, wrong diagnosis and medication, and unlocked medication cabinets. However, most families expressed having no problems concerning medication, which could be a result of limited engagement of the patient and relatives in the medical treatment and limited medication information provided to the families by healthcare professionals.
Ligustilide induces apoptosis and reduces proliferation in human bladder cancer cells by NFκB1 and mitochondria pathway
Authors: Yin Liqi , Ying Lu , Guo Rui , Hao Mingxuan , Liang Youfeng , Bi Ying , Chen Yuan , Yu Changyuan , Yang Zhao
Published: February 2023

Ligustilide (LIG), the bioactive constituent of Angelica sinensis, may exert potential benefits in cancer treatment. However, the potential mechanism of LIG in the suppression of bladder cancer (BC) has not been reported yet. This study uncovered the inhibitory effect of LIG on the proliferation and cell cycle arrest of BC cells (T24 and EJ‐1) along with unveiling the underlying molecular mechanism. The IC50 values of LIG‐treated T24 for 24 and 48 h are 39.91 μg/mL (209.8 μM) and 40.94 μg/mL (215.2 μM) separately. The same conditions, the IC50 values of EJ‐1 are 45.73 μg/mL (240.4 μM) and 43.81 μg/mL (230.3 μM), separately. Additionally, LIG induced apoptosis and cycle arrest of T24 and EJ‐1 cells in sub‐G1 phase. Further studies showed that LIG induced apoptosis of BC cells by upregulating Caspase‐8, truncated BID (tBID) and BAX proteins, and downregulating NFκB1 (p50) protein. In conclusion, LIG significantly inhibits the growth of BC cells in vitro and in vivo by inducing apoptosis and is inexpensive, making it a promising candidate for novel anti‐BC drugs.
Cytotoxic effects of neolignans from Saururus cernuus (Saururaceae) against prostate cancer cells
Authors: Toneto Nicholas Pietro Agulha , de Brito Juliana Ribeiro , Sartorelli Patricia , Uemi Miriam , Gonçalves Marina de Monroe , de Rubio Ileana Gabriela Sánchez , Lago João Henrique Ghilardi , Tamura Rodrigo Esaki
Published: February 2023

In this study, five neolignans were isolated from Saururus cernuus—threo‐dihydroguaiaretic acid (1), threo‐austrobailignan‐6 (2), threo‐austrobailignan‐5 (3), verrucosin (4), and saucernetin (5)—and have their cytotoxic effects evaluated in prostate cancer cell lines (PC3 and DU145). Initially, using an in silico approach, tested compounds were predicted to be absorbed by the gastrointestinal tract, be able to permeate the blood–brain barrier and did not show any alert in PAINS (pan‐assay structures interference). In vitro assays showed that compounds 2, 4, and 5 reduced cell viability of DU145 cell line at 100 μmol/L after 48 h while compounds 1 and 3 showed to be inactive at the same conditions. Furthermore, compounds 4 and 5 reduced cell number as early as in 24 h at 50 μmol/L and compound 2 showed effects at 100 μmol/L in 24 h against both cancer cell lines PC3 and DU145. Studies using flow cytometry were conducted and indicated that compound 4 induced strong necrosis and apoptosis whereas compound 5 induced strong necrosis. Otherwise, less active compound 2 did not show evidence of induction of apoptosis or necrosis, suggesting that its mechanism of action involves inhibition of cell proliferation. In conclusion, compounds 4 and 5 have been shown to be promising cytotoxic agents against prostate cancer cell lines and can be used as a starting point for the development of new drugs for the treatment of prostate cancer.
Trends in eczema prevalence in children and adolescents: A Global Asthma Network Phase I Study
Authors: Langan Sinéad Máire , Mulick Amy R. , Rutter Charlotte E. , Silverwood Richard J. , Asher Innes , García‐Marcos Luis , Ellwood Eamon , Bissell Karen , Chiang Chen‐Yuan , Sony Asma El , Ellwood Philippa , Marks Guy B. , Mortimer Kevin , Martínez‐Torres A. Elena , Morales Eva , Perez‐Fernandez Virginia , Robertson Steven , Williams Hywel C. , Strachan David P. , Pearce Neil ,   the Global Asthma Network Phase I Study Group
Published: February 2023

Background

Eczema (atopic dermatitis) is a major global public health issue with high prevalence and morbidity. Our goal was to evaluate eczema prevalence over time, using standardized methodology.

Methods

The Global Asthma Network (GAN) Phase I study is an international collaborative study arising from the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Children (ISAAC). Using surveys, we assessed eczema prevalence, severity, and lifetime prevalence, in global centres participating in GAN Phase I (2015–2020) and one/ both of ISAAC Phase I (1993–1995) and Phase III (2001–2003). We fitted linear mixed models to estimate 10‐yearly prevalence trends, by age group, income, and region.

Results

We analysed GAN Phase I data from 27 centres in 14 countries involving 74,361 adolescents aged 13–14 and 47,907 children aged 6–7 (response rate 90%, 79%). A median of 6% of children and adolescents had symptoms of current eczema, with 1.1% and 0.6% in adolescents and children, respectively, reporting symptoms of severe eczema. Over 27 years, after adjusting for world region and income, we estimated small overall 10‐year increases in current eczema prevalence (adolescents: 0.98%, 95% CI 0.04%–1.92%; children: 1.21%, 95% CI 0.18%–2.24%), and severe eczema (adolescents: 0.26%, 95% CI 0.06%–0.46%; children: 0.23%, 95% CI 0.02%–0.45%) with larger increases in lifetime prevalence (adolescents: 2.71%, 95% CI 1.10%–4.32%; children: 3.91%, 95% CI 2.07%–5.75%). There was substantial heterogeneity in 10‐year change between centres (standard deviations 2.40%, 0.58%, and 3.04%), and strong evidence that some of this heterogeneity was explained by region and income level, with increases in some outcomes in high‐income children and middle‐income adolescents.

Conclusions

There is substantial variation in changes in eczema prevalence over time by income and region. Understanding reasons for increases in some regions and decreases in others will help inform prevention strategies.
Visual fields in glaucoma: Where are we now?
Authors: Lee Graham A. , Kong George Y. X. , Liu Chun‐Huei
Published: February 2023

Visual fields are an integral part of glaucoma diagnosis and management. COVID has heightened the awareness of the potential for viral spread with the practice of visual fields modified. Mask artefacts can occur due to fogging of the inferior rim of the trail lens. Fortunately, the risk of airborne transmission when field testing is low. The 24‐2c may be useful to detect early disease and the 10‐2 more sensitive to detect advanced loss. The SITA faster test algorithm is able to reduce testing time thereby improving clinic efficiency, however, may show milder results for moderate or severe glaucoma. The technician has an important role of supervising the visual field performance to achieve reliable output. Home monitoring can provide earlier detection of progression and thus improve monitoring of glaucoma as well as reduce the burden of in‐clinic assessments. Artificial Intelligence has been found to have high sensitivity and specificity compared to expert observers in detecting field abnormalities and progression as well as integrating structure with function. Although these advances will improve efficiency and guide accuracy, there will remain a need for clinicians to interpret the results and instigate management.
Importance of conserving large and old trees to continuity of tree‐related microhabitats
Authors: Kozák Daniel , Svitok Marek , Zemlerová Veronika , Mikoláš Martin , Lachat Thibault , Larrieu Laurent , Paillet Yoan , Buechling Arne , Bače Radek , Keeton William S. , Vítková Lucie , Begovič Krešimir , Čada Vojtěch , Dušátko Martin , Ferenčík Matej , Frankovič Michal , Gloor Rhiannon , Hofmeister Jeňýk , Janda Pavel , Kameniar Ondrej , Kníř Tomáš , Majdanová Linda , Mejstřík Marek , Pavlin Jakob , Ralhan Dheeraj , Rodrigo Ruffy , Roibu Catalin‐Constantin , Synek Michal , Vostarek Ondřej , Svoboda Miroslav
Published: February 2023

Protecting structural features, such as tree‐related microhabitats (TreMs), is a cost‐effective tool crucial for biodiversity conservation applicable to large forested landscapes. Although the development of TreMs is influenced by tree diameter, species, and vitality, the relationships between tree age and TreM profile remain poorly understood. Using a tree‐ring‐based approach and a large data set of 8038 trees, we modeled the effects of tree age, diameter, and site characteristics on TreM richness and occurrence across some of the most intact primary temperate forests in Europe, including mixed beech and spruce forests. We observed an overall increase in TreM richness on old and large trees in both forest types. The occurrence of specific TreM groups was variably related to tree age and diameter, but some TreM groups (e.g., epiphytes) had a stronger positive relationship with tree species and elevation. Although many TreM groups were positively associated with tree age and diameter, only two TreM groups in spruce stands reacted exclusively to tree age (insect galleries and exposed sapwood) without responding to diameter. Thus, the retention of trees for conservation purposes based on tree diameter appears to be a generally feasible approach with a rather low risk of underrepresentation of TreMs. Because greater tree age and diameter positively affected TreM development, placing a greater emphasis on conserving large trees and allowing them to reach older ages, for example, through the establishment of conservation reserves, would better maintain the continuity of TreM resource and associated biodiversity. However, this approach may be difficult due to the widespread intensification of forest management and global climate change.
Seeing what is behind the smokescreen: A systematic review of methodological aspects of smoking interaction studies over the last three decades and implications for future clinical trials
Authors: Hermann Robert , Rostami‐Hodjegan Amin , Zhao Ping , Ragueneau‐Majlessi Isabelle
Published: February 2023

Smoking drug interaction studies represent a common approach for the clinical investigation of CYP1A2 induction. Despite this important role, they remain an “orphan topic” in the existing regulatory framework of drug interaction studies, and important methodological aspects remain unaddressed. The University of Washington Drug Interaction Database (DIDB) was used to systematically review the published literature on dedicated smoking pharmacokinetic interaction studies in healthy subjects (1990 to 2021, inclusive). Various methodological aspects of identified studies were reviewed. A total of 51 studies met all inclusion criteria and were included in the analysis. Our review revealed that methods applied in smoking interaction studies are heterogeneous and often fall short of established methodological standards of other interaction trials. Methodological deficiencies included incomplete description of study populations, poor definition and lack of objective confirmation of smoker and nonsmoker characteristics, under‐representation of female subjects, small sample sizes, frequent lack of statistical sample size planning, frequent lack of use of existing markers of nicotine exposure and CYP1A2 activity measurements, and frequent lack of control of extrinsic CYP1A2 inducing or inhibiting factors. The frequent quality issues in the assessment and reporting of smoking interaction trials identified in this review call for a concerted effort in this area, if the results of these studies are meant to be followed by actionable decisions on dose optimization, when needed, for the effects of smoking on CYP1A2 victim drugs in smokers.
Cost‐effectiveness analysis of computer‐aided detection systems for colonoscopy in Japan
Authors: Sekiguchi Masau , Igarashi Ataru , Toyoshima Naoya , Takamaru Hiroyuki , Yamada Masayoshi , Esaki Minoru , Kobayashi Nozomu , Saito Yutaka
Published: February 2023

Objectives

The usefulness of computer‐aided detection systems (CADe) for colonoscopy has been increasingly reported. In many countries, however, data on the cost‐effectiveness of their use are lacking; consequently, CADe for colonoscopy has not been covered by health insurance. We aimed to evaluate the cost‐effectiveness of colonoscopy using CADe in Japan.

Methods

We conducted a simulation model analysis using Japanese data to examine the cost‐effectiveness of colonoscopy with and without CADe for a population aged 40–74 years who received colorectal cancer (CRC) screening with a fecal immunochemical test (FIT). The rates of receiving FIT screening and colonoscopy following a positive FIT were set as 40% and 70%, respectively. The sensitivities of FIT for advanced adenomas and CRC Dukes' A–D were 26.5% and 52.8–78.3%, respectively. CADe colonoscopy was judged to be cost‐effective when its incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio (ICER) was below JPY 5,000,000 per quality‐adjusted life‐years (QALYs) gained.

Results

Compared to conventional colonoscopy, CADe colonoscopy showed a higher QALY (20.4098 vs. 20.4088) and lower CRC incidence (2373 vs. 2415 per 100,000) and mortality (561 vs. 569 per 100,000). When the CADe cost was set at JPY 1000–6000, the ICER per QALY gained for CADe colonoscopy was lower than JPY 5,000,000 (JPY 796,328–4,971,274). The CADe cost threshold at which the ICER for CADe colonoscopy exceeded JPY 5,000,000 was JPY 6040.

Conclusions

Computer‐aided detection systems for colonoscopy has the potential to be cost‐effective when the CADe cost is up to JPY 6000. These results suggest that the insurance reimbursement of CADe for colonoscopy is reasonable.
Visibilizando la discapacidad: Mirando el otro lado
Authors: Basu Anna , Friel Kathleen , Olusanya Bolajoko , Hadders‐Algra Mijna
Published: February 2023

The English version of this invited editorial is available at: https://doi.org/10.1111/dmcn.15452.
Designing Culture: A Call for Radical Thinking about Change and Design
Authors: Joyce Megan
Published: February 2023

One of the key challenges to scaling cultural change initiatives rests in our ability to define culture shift and operationalize that definition within the context of indicator frameworks.

Designers have the potential to affect change in areas such as public policy, government, and planning, but an understanding of culture change and its measurement will be critical to its success.
Species‐specific patterns in spatio‐temporal dynamics of juvenile chum salmon and their zooplankton prey in Otsuchi Bay, Japan, revealed by simultaneous eDNA quantification of diverse taxa from the same water samples
Authors: Minegishi Yuki , Wong Marty Kwok‐Shing , Nakao Mako , Nishibe Yuichiro , Tachibana Aiko , Kim Yoo‐Jun , Hyodo Susumu
Published: February 2023

To understand the spatio‐temporal dynamics of juvenile chum salmon Oncorhynchus keta and their zooplankton prey, the neritic Pseudocalanus newmani, the oceanic Eucalanus bungii, and Themisto japonica, we developed species‐specific environmental DNA (eDNA) quantification methods. First, we confirmed that juvenile chum salmon collected in Otsuchi Bay preyed on the target zooplankton by the stomach contents analyses using the developed assays. Size‐fraction analyses of the water collected in the bay showed that P. newmani and E. bungii DNA were derived mostly from nauplii and early copepodids. We then investigated the distribution and abundance of zooplankton and juvenile chum salmon in Otsuchi Bay using eDNA analyses of the same water samples collected from January to June in 2018 and 2019. Chum salmon DNA was found in the bay from the end of January to mid‐June. P. newmani DNA appeared across the bay throughout the season and were most abundant from February to May, while the other two species DNA were only found in spots, in lower quantities, from March to May. The timings that the zooplankton DNA quantities became greater were corresponded well to that of the Oyashio water intrusion into the bay. In addition, the environmental data indicates that P. newmani was possibly transported also by the Coastal Oyashio water in 2019. The present study successfully revealed species‐specific patterns in the dynamics of zooplankton and chum salmon, reflecting their ecological characteristics and oceanographic conditions, and showed the effectiveness of simultaneous eDNA quantifications for diverse taxa from the same water samples.
Prolactin in headache and migraine: A systematic review of preclinical studies
Authors: Al‐Karagholi Mohammad Al‐Mahdi , Kalatharan Veberka , Ghanizada Hashmat , Dussor Gregory , Ashina Messoud
Published: February 2023

Objective

To systemically review preclinical studies investigating the implication of prolactin signaling in headache and migraine pathophysiology.

Background

The features of migraine attacks, including characteristics, duration, frequency, and prevalence, are sex‐dependent with variability across a lifetime, indicating the involvement of the hypothalamus‐pituitary‐gonadal axis. Prolactin is a key regulator of this axis, and a new line of evidence implicates prolactin signaling in sex‐related differences in pain perception.

Methods

In this systematic review, we searched PubMed and EMBASE for the terms prolactin, hyperprolactinemia, macroprolactinemia, hypoprolactinemia, migraine, headache, head pain, and trigeminal pain pathway to find preclinical studies investigating prolactin signaling in headache and migraine. Two reviewers independently screened 841 articles for population, intervention, comparison, outcome, and study design. Studies were restricted to the English language and were excluded if they had a nonexperimental methodology.

Results

Of a total of 15 preclinical articles selected, 11 were both ex vivo and in vivo, 3 were ex vivo, and 1 was an in vivo study. The main findings were that prolactin receptors are distributed in the trigeminal pain pathway, and prolactin induced migraine‐like behavior in rodents. Moreover, prolactin signaling has a crucial role in calcitonin gene–related peptide (CGRP) release, a key molecule in migraine pathogenesis, and prolactin gene deletion attenuated CGRP‐induced migraine‐like behavior.

Conclusion

Preclinical data indicate a key role of prolactin and its receptors in mechanisms causing migraine. Further randomized and placebo‐controlled clinical studies targeting prolactin signaling are needed to further clarify the influences of prolactin in migraine‐attack initiation.
New regimens as first‐line eradication therapy for Helicobacter pylori infection in patients allergic to penicillin: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Zhang Yuxin , Suo Baojun , Tian Xueli , Zhang Hua , Lu Haoping , Yao Xingyu , Li Cailing , Ren Xinlu , Zhou Liya , Song Zhiqiang
Published: February 2023

Background

Helicobacter pylori eradication in penicillin‐allergic patients is challenging. The effective regimen is lacking in areas with high antibiotic resistance and tetracycline unavailable. Minocycline, cefuroxime, and full‐dose metronidazole are promising drugs.

Aims

To compare the eradication rate, safety, and compliance among three new bismuth quadruple therapies for first‐line H. pylori eradication in penicillin‐allergic patients.

Methods

This randomized trial was conducted on 450 naive patients with H. pylori infection and penicillin allergy. The 14‐day minocycline‐metronidazole‐containing (minocycline 100 mg twice daily and metronidazole 400 mg four times/day), minocycline‐cefuroxime‐containing (minocycline 100 mg twice daily and cefuroxime 500 mg twice daily), and cefuroxime‐metronidazole‐containing (cefuroxime 500 mg twice daily and metronidazole 400 mg four times/day) bismuth quadruple therapies were randomly assigned to the participants. Safety and compliance were assessed within 3 days after eradication. Urea breath test was performed 4–8 weeks after eradication to evaluate outcome.

Results

The differences of eradication rates in either intention‐to‐treat (84.0%, 82.7%, and 23 82.0%, p = .896) or per‐protocol (91.7%, 90.9%, and 88.2%, p = .599) analysis among minocycline‐metronidazole, minocycline‐cefuroxime, and cefuroxime‐metronidazole‐containing bismuth quadruple therapies were statistically insignificant. The incidence of adverse events (35.1%, 22.6%, and 28.9%) and compliance (90.5%, 91.8%, and 91.9%) were similar. Taste distortion, nausea, and anorexia were more common in metronidazole‐containing regimens, and dizziness was more common in minocycline‐containing regimens. The allergy was rare (~3%).

Conclusions

The efficacies of three bismuth quadruple therapies containing minocycline, cefuroxime, and full‐dose metronidazole (pairwise) for first‐line H. pylori eradication in penicillin‐allergic patients were similarly satisfactory with relatively good safety and compliance. The study was registered in the Chinese Clinical Trials Registration (ChiCTR1900023702).