bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of institutional pressures and dynamic capabilities on sustainability performance of oil and gas sector
Authors: Jain Nikunj Kumar , Choudhary Piyush , Panda Abinash , Jain Sourabh , Dey Prasanta Kumar
Published: October 2022

Purpose

Globally, the oil and gas (OG) industries are under pressure from numerous stakeholders for their sustainable operations against the backdrop of climate change, ecological damage and social challenges. Drawing on the twin theoretical frameworks of the institutional theory and dynamic capability perspective, this study aims to examine the impact of the institutional pressures and dynamic capabilities on the overall sustainability performance of OG industry.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses survey method to analyze the responses from 275 middle management professionals of OG industry in India using partial least squares structural equation modeling. Further, focused group discussions with the select industry leaders validate the empirical findings of this study.

Findings

The research reveals that both institutional pressures and firm’s dynamic capabilities have significant positive impact on its economic and environmental performances in OG sector in India. However, they do not have any impact on social performance, unlike earlier findings.

Research limitations/implications

The main limitation of the study is generalizability of the findings, given the cross-sectional design of the study.

Practical implications

Insights of this study will help regulators and policymakers in formulating effective regulatory and policy frameworks, besides creating awareness amongst the organizations to simultaneously focus on all the three aspects of sustainability performance.

Originality/value

The research has bearing on policy formulation and creating a regulatory ecosystem to ensure overall sustainability performance of OG industry in India.
Public diplomacy in an age of perpetual crisis: assessing the EU's strategic narratives through six crises
Authors: Manfredi-Sánchez Juan-Luis , Smith Nicholas Ross
Published: October 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the EU's public diplomacy – towards both domestic and external audiences – during times of crisis. The EU's public diplomacy is examined across six major crises: the Eurozone crisis (2008), the Ukrainian crisis (2014), the migrant crisis (2015), the Brexit referendum (2016), the new transatlantic relationship (2017) and the COVID-19 pandemic (2020). The goal of examining these crises in conjunction is to derive policy-relevant insights.

Design/methodology/approach

This article adopts a problem-driven approach – the problem being how successful is the EU at public diplomacy during times of crisis – that draws theoretical and empirical insights from Communication Studies, International Relations and EU studies via a “strategic narratives” framework. It situates the EU as a unique public diplomacy actor, one which is becoming more prominent due to the mediatisation of diplomacy, especially driven by the advent of cyberspace.

Findings

The article finds that the EU has been experiencing a cycle of crises that have affected the political, economic, symbolic and social foundations of the common project. The EU has had some notable success – such as restoring confidence at the height of the Eurozone crisis – and some notable challenges – such as effectively combatting disinformation. Regardless, the EU has the potential to better manage these and future crises by engaging in an effective public diplomacy strategy that tells a shared European story that informs and inspires people, both domestically and externally.

Originality/value

The article offers an original examination of the EU's public diplomacy response to six different crises. It looks at different types of crises and utilises concepts from different social science perspectives. It offers novel strategic and policy recommendations.
A bibliometric analysis of work engagement in the hospitality and tourism industry
Authors: Han Yao , Yang Ying , Mohamed Rosmah
Published: October 2022

Purpose

For the past two decades, researchers have been exploring knowledge of work engagement in the hospitality and tourism industry (HTI). This study aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of global research trends in the field through a bibliometric analysis.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 335 papers from 2005 to 2021 were searched using the Scopus database. The analysis focused on the temporal distribution, most productive journals, countries/territories, institutions, authors, international and authors' collaboration, the most cited publications and author keywords. The VOS viewer and R software were used to visualise the scientific landscapes.

Findings

The results indicated a rapidly increasing trend of studies on work engagement in the HTI. The journal with the most published articles was the International Journal of Hospitality Management. The USA ranked first in production, and Karatepe, O.M., from Turkey was the leading author. The first and most cited article was from Salanova et al. (2005). Other themes were identified, mainly related to job resources and outcomes associated with work engagement.

Practical implications

The study provides a more comprehensive understanding of the progress of work engagement in HTI studies and offers clues for further investigation in this field.

Originality/value

This is the first paper to explore work engagement in the HTI using quantitative and visualised bibliometric analysis.
Leader humor and newcomer adjustment: The mediating role of role breadth self-efficacy
Authors: Kang Fei , Li Jiyu , Zhang Han , Zhang Ying
Published: October 2022

Purpose

Despite the increasingly growing empirical research on leader humor, the critical issue of how and when leader humor affects newcomer adjustment was largely overlooked. The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between leader humor and newcomer adjustment. Based on social information processing theory, the authors identify newcomers' role breadth self-efficacy (RBSE) as the mediator and suggest that newcomers' cognitive flexibility moderates the effects.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were obtained from a 2-wave sample of 195 newcomers. The authors utilized the PROCESS procedure developed by Hayes to assess the hypothesized moderated mediation model.

Findings

The findings showed that leader humor could boost newcomers' RBSE which, in turn, was beneficial to newcomer adjustment. Besides, newcomers' cognitive flexibility plays a moderating role in the relationship between leader humor and newcomers' RBSE.

Research limitations/implications

This study utilized a cross-sectional research design, making the design difficult to obtain causal conclusions. Moreover, the data were all based on self-reports from newcomers, which may raise a concern of common method bias.

Originality/value

This paper extends the literature on leader humor and newcomer adjustment by treating RBSE as the mediator and newcomers' cognitive flexibility as the moderator. This study is one of several empirical studies to test the link between leader humor and newcomer adjustment.
Elections and financial markets puzzle: Malaysian evidence
Authors: Mohamad Azhar
Published: October 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the election cycle and financial markets puzzle in a unique emerging market like Malaysia.

Design/methodology/approach

By employing an event-study methodology and wavelet analyses, the author tests for uncertain information hypothesis by examining the reactions of the Kuala Lumpur Composite Index (KLCI) and ringgit surrounding Malaysian general elections, spanning from GE5 (1978) to GE14 (2018). This paper also explores the relationship between KLCI and ringgit.

Findings

While the author does not find support for the uncertain information hypothesis, the author uncovers that KLCI tends to overreact following elections, regardless of the winning coalition. The author also records no relationship between KLCI and ringgit in the short run, but the author observes that ringgit leads KLCI in the long run.

Practical implications

The study’s findings bear implications for investors' disposition in the Malaysian equity market. Investors should square off their positions before the general elections to avoid equity market overreactions and potential losses.

Originality/value

Before Malaysia GE14 (2018) general election, Barisan Nasional carried the reputation as one of the longest-serving ruling coalitions in the world since Malaya independence in 1957. However, the ruling coalition was voted out in GE14 (2018), and the Malaysian equity has since dropped.
Increasing the willingness to stay – a novel and comprehensive member satisfaction index (MSI) model tested in a leading German tennis club
Authors: Kölbl Kathrin , Blank Cornelia , Schobersberger Wolfgang , Peters Mike
Published: October 2022

Purpose

This study aims to address customer focus as an important component of total quality management (TQM) and explore the key drivers of member satisfaction in tennis clubs via a novel theory-based member satisfaction index (MSI) model with high explanatory and predictive power. Furthermore, the study aims to investigate the relationship between satisfaction and behavioral intentions (willingness to stay; WTS) with consideration of the mediating effect of identification with the club.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses variance-based partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) to estimate the MSI model, which was tested in a leading tennis club in Germany (n = 185).

Findings

The results reveal that club atmosphere, club facilities and the price/quality ratio of the membership fee are the most important drivers of member satisfaction in tennis clubs. Member satisfaction has a large influence on the WTS of tennis club members. Identification with the club, when included as a mediator in the model, increases the variance explained in WTS considerably.

Research limitations/implications

The small sample limits the generalizability of findings, and further research is recommended.

Practical implications

The MSI model is a useful benchmark tool for club managers who want to quantify the satisfaction and WTS of their club members. In addition, because of the integrated formative measurement models, the PLS-SEM results show which indicators can be used to positively impact satisfaction with each of the service quality dimensions, overall member satisfaction and WTS. The most important of these results are discussed in an importance-performance map analysis.

Originality/value

The MSI model is a multi-attribute index model through which members' evaluations of various dimensions of service and value are derived through multivariable linear function with each dimension weighted according to its importance in one holistic model. The model shows the strong impact of satisfaction on WTS of sports club members and reveals that findings of previous research on the relationship between fan and spectator identification and loyalty are transferable to sports club members. The MSI represents a new contribution to the literature; it was applied here to tennis clubs but is also suitable for application to other sports clubs.
Rituximab therapy for intractable pemphigus: A multicenter, open‐label, single‐arm, prospective study of 20 Japanese patients
Authors: Yamagami Jun , Kurihara Yuichi , Funakoshi Takeru , Saito Yasuko , Tanaka Ryo , Takahashi Hayato , Ujiie Hideyuki , Iwata Hiroaki , Hirai Yoji , Iwatsuki Keiji , Ishii Norito , Sakurai Jun , Abe Takayuki , Takemura Ryo , Mashino Naomi , Abe Masahiro , Amagai Masayuki
Published: October 2022

This was a multicenter clinical trial of rituximab, a chimeric monoclonal IgG antibody directed against CD20, for the treatment of refractory pemphigus vulgaris and pemphigus foliaceus. In total, 20 patients were treated with two doses of rituximab (1000 mg; 2 weeks apart) on days 0 and 14. The primary end point was the proportion of patients who achieved complete or partial remission on day 168 following the first rituximab dose. Of the 20 enrolled patients, 11 (55%) and four (20%) achieved complete and partial remission, respectively; therefore, remission was achieved in a total of 15 patients (75.0% [95% confidence interval, 50.9%–91.3%]). It was demonstrated that the remission rate was greater than the prespecified threshold (5%). In addition, a significant improvement in clinical score (Pemphigus Disease Area Index) and decrease in serum anti‐desmoglein antibody level were observed over time. Four serious adverse events (heart failure, pneumonia, radial fracture, and osteonecrosis) were recorded in two patients, of which only pneumonia was considered causally related with rituximab. The level of peripheral blood CD19‐positive B lymphocytes was decreased on day 28 after rituximab treatment and remained low throughout the study period until day 168. Our results confirm the efficacy and safety of rituximab therapy for refractory pemphigus in Japanese patients.
Using individual‐based models to develop invasive species risk assessments by predicting species habitat suitability
Authors: Coulter David P. , Feiner Zachary S. , Coulter Alison A. , Diebel Matthew W.
Published: October 2022

Preventing invasive species establishment is a global conservation priority, yet limited management resources oftentimes restrict sites to target for prevention or monitoring. Risk assessments based on habitat suitability can identify sites most vulnerable to invasion that should be prioritized for preventative actions. Since habitat suitability is the result of interactions between environmental and organismal attributes, analyses should incorporate individual variability in demographics expected in an invasive population. Individual‐based models (IBMs) can predict habitat suitability by accounting for interactions between environmental conditions and individual‐level variability.

We developed an IBM to predict suitability of rivers in the northern United States to the invasive fishes silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) and bighead carp (H. nobilis) and explored the projected effects of climate change on habitat suitability.

All rivers supported adult survival, although complete survival of all adult demographics and positive growth only occurred in approximately 45% (17 of 38) of rivers for silver carp and 26% (10 of 38) of rivers for bighead carp. Only the largest individuals at the time of introduction survived in rivers where adult mortality occurred. Most rivers were unsuitable for young‐of‐year (89% and 92% of rivers for silver carp and bighead carp respectively).

Climate change simulations had relatively little effect on adult habitat suitability but resulted in up to four times the number of rivers being suitable for young‐of‐year by the late‐21st century and greatly extended the viable spawning season by up to an additional 65 days for silver carp and 77 days for bighead carp.

Synthesis and applications. Our approach of using individual‐based models as a risk assessment tool informs proactive conservation planning by identifying sites for invasive species early detection monitoring, promoting the development of contingency response plans and allowing for proactive prevention efforts. Model predictions also provide specific management guidance regarding the size and life stages to target for monitoring efforts, which capture gears to use, and the most effective time to sample for early detection monitoring.
Assessment of bone quality of apical periodontitis treated with MTA plug and regenerative endodontic techniques
Authors: Aricioglu Banu , Gunacar Dilara Nil , Kosar Tugba , Sanal Cikman Ahter , Pertek Hatipoglu Fatma , Maras Edanur
Published: October 2022

Fractal analysis (FA) is a quantitative, objective and non‐invasive method that facilitates the characterisation of the tissue architecture. This study aims to compare the periapical healing at 1‐year follow‐up by evaluating newly generated trabecular bone with FA after Mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) plug and regenerative endodontic treatment (RET). A total of 55 asymptomatic teeth with a single‐canal, open apex and periapical lesion, treated with MTA plug or RET, were evaluated retrospectively. After considering the inclusion/exclusion criteria, FA was conducted on 30 periapical images using the box‐counting method. In both groups, a significant decrease was observed in the periapical lesion size at 1‐year follow‐up (p < 0.01). However, there was no significant difference between the MTA plug and RET (p > 0.01). Significantly higher fractal dimension values were detected at 1‐year follow‐up in both MTA plug and RET cases (p < 0.01). However, the difference was not significant between the groups (p > 0.01). Both procedures seem to improve periapical healing with a new resistant bone of similar density and complexity.
More Time, More Conversation, More Care: California High School Youth Queering Comprehensive Sexuality Education
Authors: Sperling Jenny
Published: October 2022

Continuing to negate deficit framings of youth sexuality and amplify youth voices, this critical queer ethnography understands California high school students' experiences with comprehensive school‐based sex education. Findings make visible the detailed account of youth voices in the space of sexual health education, highlighting their agency, genuine curiosity, and critical awareness of complex issues. The implications demonstrate the need for community‐based solutions to sexual health education that are youth‐led and youth‐run.
Stimulation of naïve B cells with a fusion protein consisting of FlaA and Bet v 1 induces regulatory B cells ex vivo
Authors: Goretzki Alexandra , Lin Yen‐Ju , Meier Clara , Dorn Britta , Wolfheimer Sonja , Jamin Annette , Schott Maike , Wangorsch Andrea , Vieths Stefan , Jakob Thilo , Scheurer Stephan , Schülke Stefan
Published: October 2022

Background

The experimental fusion protein rFlaA:Betv1 was shown to efficiently suppress allergen‐specific sensitization in mice. However, the detailed mechanism of rFlaA:Betv1‐mediated immune modulation is not fully understood. In this study, we investigated the effect of rFlaA:Betv1 on naïve murine B cells.

Methods

Immune modulating capacity of rFlaA:Betv1 was screened in IL‐10 reporter mice. B cells were isolated from spleens of naïve C57Bl/6, TLR5−/−, or MyD88−/− mice, stimulated with rFlaA:Betv1 and controls, and monitored for the expression of the regulatory B cell markers CD1d, CD24, CD38, and surface IgM by flow cytometry. Secreted cytokines, antibodies, and reactivity of the induced antibodies were investigated by ELISA and intracellular flow cytometry. Suppressive capacity of rFlaA:Betv1‐stimulated B cells was tested in mDC:CD4+ T cell:B cell triple cultures.

Results

Upon in vivo application of rFlaA:Betv1 into IL‐10‐GFP reporter mice, CD19+ B cells were shown to produce anti‐inflammatory IL‐10, suggesting B cells to contribute to the immune‐modulatory properties of rFlaA:Betv1. rFlaA:Betv1‐induced IL‐10 secretion was confirmed in human B cells isolated from buffy coats. In vitro stimulation of naïve murine B cells with rFlaA:Betv1 resulted in an mTOR‐ and MyD88‐dependent production of IL‐10 and rFlaA:Betv1 induced Bet v 1‐reactive IgG production, which was not observed for IgA. rFlaA:Betv1‐stimulated B cells formed a CD19+CD24+CD1d+IgM+CD38+ Breg subpopulation capable of suppressing Bet v 1‐induced TH2 cytokine secretion in vitro.

Conclusion

rFlaA:Betv1 can act as a thymus‐independent B cell antigen, stimulating the mTOR‐ and MyD88‐dependent differentiation of B cells displaying a regulatory phenotype, IL‐10 secretion, antigen‐binding antibody production, and a suppressive capacity in vitro.
Neutrophil‐lymphocyte ratio and platelet‐lymphocyte ratio use in detecting bowel ischaemia in adhesional small bowel obstruction
Authors: Woodford Evangeline Phoebe , Woodford Hannah Mercy , Hort Amy Rose , Pang Tony Chun , Lam Vincent Wai To , Nahm Christopher Bahdah
Published: October 2022

Background

Bowel ischaemia significantly increases morbidity and mortality from adhesional small bowel obstruction. Current biomarkers and clinical parameters have poor predictive value for ischaemia. Our study investigated whether neutrophil‐lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet‐lymphocyte ratio (PLR) could be used to predict bowel ischaemia in adhesional small bowel obstruction.

Methods

This single‐centre retrospective study collected clinical, biochemical and radiological data from patients with adhesional small bowel obstruction between 2017 and 2020 who underwent operative management. The presence or absence of bowel ischaemia/infarction was used to distinguish two populations. Biochemical markers on admission and immediately prior to operation were collected to give platelet‐lymphocyte ratio (PLR0 and PLRPRE‐OP, respectively) and neutrophil‐lymphocyte ratio (NLR0 and NLRPRE‐OP, respectively). SAS 9.4 (SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC) software was used for data analysis with Mann–Whitney U testing for continuous variables and Pearson Chi‐square test for categorical variables. Sensitivity and specificity for PLR and NLR were calculated by means of receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis.

Results

Twenty‐seven patients had intra‐operative bowel ischaemia whilst the remaining 73 had no evidence of bowel ischaemia. Both median PLRPRE‐OP and NLRPRE‐OP were significantly higher in patients with bowel ischaemia compared to those without (PLRPRE‐OP 272 [IQR 224–433] and 231 [IQR 146–295] respectively, P = 0.027; NLRPRE‐OP 12.5 [IQR 8.6–21.3] v. 5.5 [IQR 3.5–10.2] respectively, P ≤ 0.001). Area under the receiver operator characteristic curve (AUC) was 0.762 for NLRPRE‐OP, with a sensitivity of 85.1% and specificity of 63% for NLR 7.4.

Conclusion

Raised NLR is predictive of bowel ischaemia in patients with adhesional small bowel obstruction.
Deloyers procedure compared to ileorectal anastomosis as restoration techniques of bowel continuity after extended left colon resection
Authors: Carpinteyro‐Espín Paulina , Santes Oscar , Moctezuma‐Velazquez Paulina , Navarro‐Iñiguez Julio A. , Navarro‐Navarro Adolfo , Salgado‐Nesme Noel
Published: October 2022

Background

Restoration of bowel continuity after left extended colectomy may be challenging because the remaining colon may not reach the rectal stump without tension to perform a safe anastomosis. Performing a total colectomy with ileorectal anastomosis (IRA) is an option, but the quality of life can be significantly impaired due to loose stools and an increase in bowel frequency. In contrast, the preservation of the right colon and ileocaecal valve in the Deloyers procedure (DP) might ensure a better stool consistency and bowel transit, and therefore a superior quality of life.

Materials and Methods

A transverse study comparing patients that underwent DP versus patients with an IRA was performed. Postoperative morbidity, mortality, functional outcomes, and quality of life were analysed between groups. Quality of life after the surgical procedure was assessed with the SF‐36 V2® health survey.

Results

A total of 16 patients with DP and 32 with IRA were included. The groups had similar demographic characteristics concerning age, sex, body mass index, ASA classification, diagnosis and Charlson comorbidity index. The median follow‐up was 55 months for DP and 99 months for IRA. Postoperative complications were similar in both groups. Patients in the DP group had fewer bowel movements (P = 0.01), tenesmus (P = 0.04) and use of loperamide (P = 0.03). DP patients achieved better scores in physical pain (P = 0.02) and general health (P < 0.01) than IRA patients.

Conclusions

DP for intestinal continuity restoration after extended left colon resection is a safe and feasible alternative, possibly achieving better functional outcomes and quality‐of‐life compared to IRA.
Labour Geography of the National Question in Times of Decolonisation: Sharecropper Politics in Western Punjab, c. 1945–1953
Authors: Tirmizey Kasim Ali
Published: October 2022

This article examines the labour geographies of nationalism through sharecropper “articulations” of anti‐colonialism. I study the Punjab Kisan (peasant) Committee at the eve and dawn of Pakistan’s independence from British colonialism. I analyse their actions and claims through newsletters, activist memoirs, and colonial reports. I situate them in relation to other social and political forces: the state, landlords, and Muslim nationalists. Whereas labour geography has often ignored nationalism, I outline an approach for the sub‐field to address this gap. First, subaltern nationalisms re‐articulate labour, land, gender, and religion in place‐specific ways. Second, exclusionary and liberatory nationalisms are variegated responses to the dynamics of being integrated to an imperialist world‐economy. This study found these multi‐religious peasant committees articulated sovereignty over labour, land, and social reproduction with the national question. Further, this article contributes to the subaltern and labour historiography of Pakistan.
Treatment adaptations and outcomes of patients experiencing inflammatory bowel disease flares during the early COVID‐19 pandemic: the PREPARE‐IBD multicentre cohort study
Authors: Saifuddin Aamir , Kent Alexandra J. , Mehta Shameer J. , Hicks Lucy C. , Gonzalez Haidee A. , Segal Jonathan P. , Brookes Matthew J. , Subramanian Sreedhar , Bhala Neeraj , Conley Thomas E. , Patel Kamal V. ,   PREPARE‐IBD Collaborators, Lamb Christopher A. , Walker Gareth J. , Kennedy Nicholas A. , Sebastian Shaji
Published: October 2022

Background

The COVID‐19 pandemic offered a unique opportunity to understand inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) management during unexpected disruption. This could help to guide practice overall.

Aims

To compare prescribing behaviour for IBD flares and outcomes during the early pandemic with pre‐pandemic findings

Methods

We performed an observational cohort study comprising patients who contacted IBD teams for symptomatic flares between March and June 2020 in 60 National Health Service trusts in the United Kingdom. Data were compared with a pre‐pandemic cohort after propensity‐matching for age and physician global assessment of disease activity.

Results

We included 1864 patients in each of the pandemic and pre‐pandemic cohorts. The principal findings were reduced systemic corticosteroid prescription during the pandemic in Crohn's disease (prednisolone: pandemic 26.5% vs. 37.1%; p < 0.001) and ulcerative colitis (UC) (prednisolone: pandemic 33.5% vs. 40.7%, p < 0.001), with increases in poorly bioavailable oral corticosteroids in Crohn's (pandemic 15.6% vs. 6.8%; p < 0.001) and UC (pandemic 11.8% vs. 5.2%; p < 0.001). Ustekinumab (Crohn's and UC) and vedolizumab (UC) treatment also significantly increased. Three‐month steroid‐free remission in each period was similar in Crohn's (pandemic 28.4% vs. 32.1%; p = 0.17) and UC (pandemic 36.4% vs. 40.2%; p = 0.095). Patients experiencing a flare and suspected COVID‐19 were more likely to have moderately‐to‐severely active disease at 3 months than those with a flare alone.

Conclusions

Despite treatment adaptations during the pandemic, steroid‐free outcomes were comparable with pre‐pandemic levels, although concurrent flare and suspected COVID‐19 caused worse outcomes. These findings have implications for IBD management during future pandemics and for standard practice.
Healthcare burden and outcomes of hepatorenal syndrome among cirrhosis‐related hospitalisations in the US
Authors: Singal Ashwani K. , Kuo Yong‐Fang , Reddy K. Rajender , Bataller Ramon , Kwo Paul
Published: October 2022

Background

Hepatorenal syndrome (HRS) contributes to significant morbidity and mortality in hospitalised patients with cirrhosis.

Aims

To examine recent trends, magnitude and outcomes of HRS in the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database

Methods

Among the NIS database on cirrhosis hospitalisations (2016–2019) due to alcohol (ALD), chronic viral hepatitis (CVH), or NASH and complicated by acute kidney injury (AKI) were analyzed.

Results

Of 113,454 hospitalisations, 18,735 (16.5%) had HRS (mean age 56 years, 36% females, 68% whites, 80% ALD, 7% NASH) with a stable trend over time. Among 1:1 propensity‐matched 36,090 hospitalisations, the odds of HRS were 12% higher in NASH versus CVH. Based on weighted national estimates, there were 27,180 (8.3 per 100,000 US population) HRS hospitalisations in 2019, with economic burden of $4.2 billion USD. Mean hospitalisation and total charges (ALD vs. CVH vs. NASH) were 11 versus 10.8 versus 9.2 days and 151,000 versus 157,000 versus 120,000 USD, respectively; p < 0.001. In‐hospital mortality was 18.9%, higher in HRS (25.8 vs. 12%, p < 0.001), and decreased by 15% annually. Survivors were more likely to be discharged to short‐ or long‐term care facilities (HRS vs. non‐HRS [42 vs. 27%, p < 0.001]); only 28.7% received palliative care.

Conclusion

HRS was the cause of AKI in 16.5% of patients hospitalised with cirrhosis and conferred significant healthcare burden with 27,180 HRS hospitalisations in 2019 and requiring an estimated 4.2 billion USD for hospital care. While there has been a decrease in in‐hospital mortality over time, it remained high at 23.7% in 2019 in those with HRS.
Which is more predictive: Domain‐ or task‐specific self‐efficacy in teaching and outcomes?
Authors: Lu Hong , Chen Xin , Qi Chunxia
Published: October 2022

Background

Students' academic performance and learning experiences are crucial in school education, yet their relationships with instructional characteristics remain an open question.

Aims

The present study examined how cognitive activation and teacher support were associated with students' academic emotions and achievement in math classrooms via domain‐ and task‐specific self‐efficacy.

Sample

In total, 5388 eighth graders from central China participated in this study.

Methods

Cognitive activation, teacher support, math‐related enjoyment and anxiety, and domain‐ and task‐specific self‐efficacy were measured with self‐reported student questionnaires. The math achievement was measured with a standardized test.

Results

Our findings showed that the two instructional characteristics were positively related to math achievement and enjoyment but negatively related to math anxiety, with the mediation effects of task‐ and domain‐specific self‐efficacy. In detail, cognitive activation had a stronger relationship with math anxiety through task‐specific self‐efficacy than domain‐specific self‐efficacy. Whereas, cognitive activation had a greater linkage with math enjoyment through domain‐specific self‐efficacy than task‐specific self‐efficacy. In addition, teacher support had a greater association with learning outcomes through domain‐specific self‐efficacy than task‐specific self‐efficacy.

Conclusions

The relational mechanism of cognitive activation and teacher support on math achievement and academic emotions were differentially mediated by task‐ and domain‐specific self‐efficacy in Chinese math classrooms.
Evolution of testicular asymmetry during puberty in adolescents without and with a left varicocele
Authors: Lourdaux Pieter‐Jan , Vaganée Donald , Leysen Cynthia , De Wachter Stefan , De Win Gunter
Published: October 2022

Objectives

To assess the evolution of the Testicular Atrophy Index (TAI) in adolescent boys with and without a left varicocele with special attention for the currently postulated cut‐off value of 20%.

Subjects and Methods

During 2015–2019, 364 adolescent boys aged 11–16 years were recruited. Genital examination and scrotal ultrasonography were repeatedly performed (≥4 month intervals). Testicular volume (TV) was calculated using the Lambert formula (length × width × height × 0.71). TAI was calculated using the formula: [(TVright − TVleft)/TVlargest (right, left)] × 100.

Results

The final study population comprised 239 participants, 161 (67.36%) controls and 78 (32.64%) adolescent boys with left varicocele. The mean (sd) number of measurements per participant was 3.82 (1.08). A TAI of ≥20% at first measurement occurred in 9.94% and 35.90%, respectively. Of these, only 31.25% and 46.43% had a TAI of ≥20% at the last measurement, respectively. Nevertheless, the risk of ending up with a TAI of ≥20% was significantly higher if a TAI of ≥20% was recorded at first measurement (P = 0.041 and P = 0.002, respectively). The normalisation rate did not differ significantly between the groups (P = 0.182). Normalisation occurred most frequently in Tanner Stages III and IV. Normalisation was mostly (≥74%) due to catch‐up growth of the left testis, in contrast to growth retardation of the right testis, in both groups. The TAI seems to be a fluctuating parameter.

Conclusion

A TAI of ≥20% is a phenomenon seen in boys with and without varicocele but is more common in boys with varicocele. Although normalisation of a high TAI is frequently seen, both adolescent boys with and without a left varicocele who have an initial TAI of ≥20% have a higher risk of a TAI of ≥20% in the future. As the TAI is a fluctuating parameter during pubertal development, it's use as indicator for varicocelectomy based on a single measurement during pubertal development is questioned.
Millennial‐scale oscillations and an environmental regime shift around the Middle to Late Holocene transition in the North Atlantic region based on a multiproxy record from Isfjorden, West Spitsbergen
Authors: Brice Camille , de Vernal Anne , Francus Pierre , Forwick Matthias , Nam Seung‐Il
Published: October 2022

Palynological and sedimentological analyses were performed on the sediment core HH16‐1205‐GC retrieved from the central Isfjorden, West Spitsbergen. The sequence, which spans the last 7000 years, revealed an overall cooling trend with an important climate shift between 4.4 and 3.8 cal. ka BP, in addition to millennial‐scale oscillations. Sea‐surface reconstruction from dinocyst assemblages indicates a decrease in summer sea‐surface temperature, from 2.5 to 1.5 °C, and primary productivity, from 750 to 650 gC m−2 a−1 over the last 7000 years. From around 6.8 to 5.8 cal. ka BP, the sedimentological and palynological data suggest a predominant sediment supply from the inner part of the fjord, ice rafting, dense sea ice cover, strongly stratified water masses and high primary productivity. The interval from 4.4 to 3.8 cal. ka BP is marked by a layer of coarser material and a significant decrease in the grain‐size mode. Our geochemical data show large‐amplitude fluctuations after 2.0 cal. ka BP, while an increase in the dinocysts Impagidinium pallidum and Spiniferites elongatus from 2.0 to 1.2 cal. ka BP suggests enhanced Atlantic Water inflow. The dinocyst‐based reconstructions also reveal large‐amplitude millennial fluctuations in sea ice cover, summer sea‐surface temperature and salinity. Wavelet analysis and cross‐wavelet analysis on K/Ti ratio coupled with sea‐ice estimates confirm a strong signal with a periodicity of 1200–1500 years.
Social worker decision‐making in court
Authors: Abbotts Dale , Norman Alyson
Published: October 2022

The current study aimed to explore the factors that influence how social workers make decisions and develop their decision‐making skills in care proceedings, and to identify effective support and intervention to develop social worker decision‐making skills. The study employed a mixed thematic approach across two phases of study: an initial inductive thematic analysis of responses to an online qualitative questionnaire and then a mixed thematic analysis of follow‐up focus groups and interviews with social workers working in various social work roles within England and Northern Ireland. The findings identified a number of themes that help to understand the decision‐making skills of social workers; thorough assessment skills, relationship‐based anti‐oppressive practice, being mindful of the lived experience of the child and using critical reflection to make complex decisions. Wider structural factors that support or hinder decision‐making, particularly in respect of organizational support and management supervision were also identified. Social workers can be supported to develop decision‐making skills through additional training, reflective learning and management support to develop their practice wisdom within this field.
‘I will grab a rifle and I will kill that bug!’: The role of children's humour in navigating painful treatments in a paediatric hospital in Argentina
Authors: Wainer Rafael
Published: October 2022

In the Argentinian healthcare system, medical residents play a key role in producing, sustaining, and witnessing intensely painful therapeutic interventions in children's bodies. I analyse the interactions between medical residents and children to focus on children's use of humour in a paediatric public hospital as a tool to navigate raw and invasive treatments. Humour was tactically used in two critical ways to deal with power differential: as a critique of power and as a collectivizing practice. When children are undergoing painful and invasive treatment, the importance of humour becomes prominent and its social effect and knowledge production more evident.
Immediate flapless full‐arch rehabilitation of edentulous jaws on 4 or 6 implants according to the prosthetic‐driven planning and guided implant surgery: A retrospective study on clinical and radiographic outcomes up to 10 years of follow‐up
Authors: La Monaca Gerardo , Pranno Nicola , Annibali Susanna , Di Carlo Stefano , Pompa Giorgio , Cristalli Maria Paola
Published: October 2022

Objectives

to retrospectively evaluate clinical and radiographic outcomes of immediate, flapless full‐arch prostheses, supported by 4/6 implants according to prosthetic‐driven planning and guided surgery.

Materials and Methods

The study involved 28 edentulous patients (20 female/8 males; average age 67.75 ± 8.627 years), 32 prostheses (17 all‐on‐4/15 all‐on‐6) and 164 implants. The Implants survival, prostheses success/survival, peri‐implant marginal bone loss, incidence of biological and prosthetic complications were evaluated. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to analyze the influence of implant and patient characteristics on marginal bone loss.

Results

Cumulative implant survival rate was 89.7% for all‐on‐four (seven failures) and 99.0% for all‐on‐six (one failure) after a mean follow‐up of 6.46 ± 2.236 years (range 1–10 years). Cumulative prosthesis success rate was 51.5% (58.8% for all‐on‐four/ 43.8% for all‐on‐six). Prosthesis survival rate was 88.2% for all‐on‐four. No failure was registered in all‐on‐six. Mean value of marginal bone loss was 1.38 ± 0.1.28 mm at 5‐year and 2.09 ± 0.56 mm at 10‐year follow‐up. No difference was found in the mean value of marginal bone resorption between all‐on‐four (1.56 ± 1.61 mm) and all‐on‐six (1.20 ± 0.85 mm) (p = 0.104) and between tilted (1.22 ± 1.29 mm) and axial implants (1.44 ± 1.27 mm) (p = 0.385) after 5‐year follow‐up. The incidence of biological complications was 1.0% in all‐on‐six (one mucositis) and 10.3% in all‐on‐four (two peri‐implantitis). Prosthetic complications affected teeth of final rehabilitations with 3 detachments, 10 chippings or fractures, and 3 severe occlusal wears.

Conclusions

Based on the results and within the limitations of the present study, the implant‐supported hybrid prosthesis according to prosthetic‐driven planning and guided surgery showed to be an efficient, safe, and effective approach to rehabilitate edentulous jaws.
Incidence and clinical predictors of 30‐day emergency readmission after colorectal cancer surgery – A nationwide cohort study
Authors: Clausen Johan , Hansen Hannah Falck , Walbech Julie Sparholt , Gögenur Ismail
Published: October 2022

Aim

The aim of this study was to investigate the risk and predictors of 30‐day emergency readmission and surgical reintervention after discharge from colorectal cancer surgery with curative intent in Denmark.

Method

This is a retrospective cohort study using Danish nationwide registry data. We included all patients who underwent colorectal tumour resection with curative intent between 1 January 2005 and 1 December 2018. The primary outcome was 30‐day emergency readmission, defined as any emergency hospital visit within 30 days of discharge. Secondary outcomes were 30‐day emergency readmission with a minimum duration of 2 days and 30‐day emergency readmission including any abdominal procedure. Twenty‐three candidate predictors including patient comorbidities, tumour characteristics, surgical treatment and length of stay were evaluated using multivariate logistic regression models. Length of stay was categorized into percentiles and standardized according to year of surgery.

Results

Of the 40 782 patients included in the study, 8360 (20.5%) were readmitted within 30 days of discharge. Median time to readmission was 6 days (interquartile range 2–15 days). A total of 4968 patients (12.2%) were readmitted for at least 2 days, and 793 patients (1.9%) underwent an abdominal procedure during their readmission. The strongest predictors of 30‐day readmission were length of stay below the fifth percentile (OR 2.36; P < 0.001) and American Society of Anesthesiologists score IV (OR 2.21; P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Emergency readmission is frequent after colorectal cancer surgery with curative intent, and almost 10% of readmitted patients require surgical reintervention. An increased focus on predicting preventable readmissions might facilitate interventions to reduce morbidity and hospital expenses.
Epilepsy in KBG syndrome
Authors: Auconi Marina , Serino Domenico , Digilio Maria Cristina , Gnazzo Maria , Conti Marta , Vigevano Federico , Fusco Lucia
Published: October 2022

Aim

To illustrate the epileptological and electroencephalographic (EEG) characteristics of a cohort of patients with KBG syndrome and epilepsy.

Method

Clinical history, age at epilepsy onset, seizure types, EEG findings, duration of epilepsy, and response to therapies were retrospectively reviewed in 11 patients (three females, eight males) with KBG syndrome.

Results

All detected genetic mutations were pathogenic and affected the C‐terminal region at exon 9 of ANKRD11. One patient had 16q24.3 microdeletion including the ANKRD11 gene. Mean age at onset was 67 months. Epilepsy type was focal in five patients and generalized in four. Two patients had developmental and epileptic encephalopathies. Seizure freedom was obtained after a period varying between 15 days and 6 years.

Interpretation

In our patients, epilepsy appeared to respond well to treatment and, in some cases, to be self‐limiting. The molecular characteristics of our patients' genetic abnormalities did not point towards any specific epilepsy hot spot. Epilepsy should be considered in the diagnostic work‐up of patients with KBG syndrome.

What this paper adds

Some of the epilepsy types of KBG syndrome appear to be self‐remitting.

The epilepsy phenotypes associated with KBG syndrome are quite variable.
Long‐term outcome of paediatric anti‐N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate receptor encephalitis
Authors: Flet‐Berliac Lorraine , Tchitchek Nicolas , Lépine Anne , Florea Anca , Maurey Hélène , Chrétien Pascale , Hacein‐Bey‐Abina Salima , Villega Frederic , Cheuret Emmanuel , Rogemond Véronique , Picard Géraldine , Honnorat Jérôme , Deiva Kumaran
Published: October 2022

Aim

To study long‐term clinical and cognitive outcomes of patients with anti‐N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate receptor encephalitis (NMDAR‐E), an acute autoimmune neurological disease with severe acute presentations.

Method

In this French multicentre retrospective observational cohort study, patients no older than 18 years with a follow‐up of at least 2 years were included. Data from clinical and cognitive assessments were collected.

Results

Eighty‐one patients were included (57 females, 24 males; median age 10 years 7 months [range 1–18 years], median follow‐up 40 months [range 25–53 months]). At last follow‐up, 35 patients (45%) had cognitive impairment, 48 (70%) had academic difficulties, and 65 (92%) needed rehabilitation. Seventy‐one patients (88%) had a modified Rankin Scale score of no more than 2. A higher number of symptoms at diagnosis was associated with cognitive impairment (p = 0.01), while an abnormal electroencephalogram at diagnosis increased the risk of academic difficulties (p = 0.03).

Interpretation

Although most children with NMDAR‐E seemed to recover from motor disabilities, more than 45% had cognitive and academic difficulties. The initial severity of symptoms seems to have an impact on cognition and academic performances.

What this paper adds

Forty‐five per cent of patients had cognitive impairment at ≥2 years diagnosis of anti‐N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate receptor encephalitis (NMDAR‐E).

Seventy per cent of patients had academic difficulties at ≥2 years diagnosis of NMDAR‐E.

Ninety‐two per cent of patients needed rehabilitative care at ≥2 years diagnosis of NMDAR‐E.

A high number of symptoms at diagnosis were associated with cognitive impairment.
Coronary flow abnormalities in chronic kidney disease: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Jain Vardhmaan , Gupta Kartik , Bhatia Kirtipal , Rajapreyar Indranee , Singh Amitoj , Zhou Wunan , Klein Allan , Nanda Navin C. , Prabhu Sumanth D. , Bajaj Navkaranbir S.
Published: October 2022

Background

Coronary vasomotion abnormalities have been described in small studies but not studied systematically. We aimed to review the present literature and analyze it to improve our understanding of chronic kidney disease (CKD) related‐coronary microvascular dysfunction.

Objective

Coronary flow reserve (CFR) is a well‐known measure of coronary vasomotion. We aimed to assess the difference in CFR among participants with and without CKD.

Methods

PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane CENTRAL were systematically reviewed to identify studies that compared CFR in participants with and without CKD. We estimated standardized mean differences in mean CFR reported in these studies. We performed subgroup analyses according to imaging modality, and the presence of significant epicardial coronary artery disease.

Results

In 14 observational studies with 5966 and 1410 patients with and without CKD, the mean estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was 29 ± 04 and 87 ± 25 ml/min/1.73 m2, respectively. Mean CFR was consistently lower in patients with CKD in all studies and the cumulative mean difference was statistically significant (2.1 ± .3 vs. 2.7 ± .5, standardized mean difference −.8, 95% CI −1.1, −.6, p < .05). The lower mean CFR was driven by both significantly higher mean resting flow velocity (.58 cm/s, 95% CI .17, .98) and lower mean stress flow velocity (−.94 cm/s, 95% CI −1.75, −.13) in studies with CKD. This difference remained significant across diagnostic modalities and even in absence of epicardial coronary artery disease. In meta‐regression, there was a significant positive relationship between mean eGFR and mean CFR (p < .05).

Conclusion

Patients with CKD have a significantly lower CFR versus those without CKD, even in absence of epicardial coronary artery disease. There is a linear association between eGFR and CFR. Future studies are required to understand the mechanisms and therapeutic implications of these findings.

Key Points

In this meta‐analysis of observational studies, there was a significant reduction in coronary flow reserve in studies with chronic kidney disease versus those without.

This difference was seen even in absence of epicardial coronary artery disease.

In meta‐regression, a lower estimate glomerular filtration rate was a significant predictor of lower coronary flow reserve.

Coronary microvascular dysfunction, rather than atherosclerosis‐related epicardial disease may underly increase cardiovascular risk in a patient with chronic kidney disease.