bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Photonic Simulation of Majorana-Based Jones Polynomials
Authors: Li Jia-Kun , Sun Kai , Hao Ze-Yan , Liang Jia-He , Tao Si-Jing , Pachos Jiannis K. , Xu Jin-Shi , Han Yong-Jian , Li Chuan-Feng , Guo Guang-Can
Published: December 2024

By braiding non-Abelian anyons it is possible to realize fault-tolerant quantum algorithms through the computation of Jones polynomials. So far, this has been an experimentally formidable task. In this Letter, a photonic quantum system employing two-photon correlations and nondissipative imaginary-time evolution is utilized to simulate two inequivalent braiding operations of Majorana zero modes. The resulting amplitudes are shown to be mathematically equivalent to Jones polynomials. The high fidelity of our optical platform allows us to distinguish between a wide range of links, such as Hopf links, Solomon links, Trefoil knots, Figure Eight knots and Borromean rings, through determining their corresponding Jones polynomials. Our photonic quantum simulator represents a significant step towards executing fault-tolerant quantum algorithms based on topological quantum encoding and manipulation.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Impact of digital platform capability on innovation performance: the serial mediation effects of external knowledge search and resource bricolage
Authors: Zhao Feifei , Zha Yifan
Published: December 2024

Purpose

In the era of the digital economy, digital platform capability plays an important role in the process of firm digitization. This study aims to investigate the relationships among digital platform capability and innovation performance from the perspective of external knowledge search and resource bricolage.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses the hierarchical regression and bootstrapping methods to test the theoretical framework and research hypotheses. The survey data were collected from 629 Chinese firms.

Findings

This study finds that digital platform capability has a significant positive effect on innovation performance; external knowledge search and resource bricolage both play partial mediating roles between digital platform capability and innovation performance. There exist the serial mediation effects of “digital platform capability – external knowledge search – resource bricolage – innovation performance”.

Originality/value

The conclusion of this study can expand the research on digital platform capability, reveal the internal mechanism of digital platform capability in firm innovation and provide ideas and inspiration for firms to improve innovation performance and realise high-quality development.
The expectancy violation effect: how negative performance feedback affects firms’ M&A intensity
Authors: Ding Yixin , Lei Zhen , Wei Junrong
Published: December 2024

Purpose

Building on expectancy violations theory, this study aims to investigate the role of negative performance feedback in firm’s mergers and acquisitions (M&A) intensity, a typical risky strategic option which might entail negative reactions from shareholders, and also examine the moderating effects of top management teams (TMTs) regulatory focus on this relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use a longitudinal panel sample of 2,042 Chinese A-share listed manufacturing firms and data for the years between 2007 and 2019 collected from multiple data sources. Furthermore, the authors also conducted supplementary analyses and various robustness checks of the key variables.

Findings

The findings show that both the intensity and duration of negative performance feedback negatively impact firms’ M&A intensity. Besides, the effect of negative performance feedback on M&A intensity will be magnified when the focal firm of TMTs with high prevention focus.

Practical implications

During the period of performance depression, TMTs are supposed to focus on stability, keep an eye on potential risks and be prudent in making decisions like walking on eggshells to avoid making further losses.

Originality/value

This study develops a core mechanism – managers of underperformance firms prioritize meeting shareholder expectations as their foremost task to ensure minimal negative repercussions – and also highlights the role of fit between TMT prevention focus and negative performance feedback on M&A intensity.
Exploring ChatGPT usage amongst female academics and researchers in the academia
Authors: Adewale Sulaimon
Published: December 2024

Purpose

This study aimed to explore the experiences of female academics and researchers in tertiary institutions in South Africa as a means of bridging the gaps in research productivity.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopted a qualitative research design of a phenomenological type to explore the experiences of purposively selected 20 female academics and researchers in a South African University. A semi-structured interview was used to generate data, while NVivo version 14 software was used to code and thematically categorise codes.

Findings

The study’s findings showed that female academics and researchers have mixed perceptions about the usefulness of artificial intelligence for their research productivity. While many used ChatGPT to support their research and other scholarly works, others identified the fear of involving in unethical acts that can tarnish their academic integrity as a threat to its usage. Nonetheless, the tool has contributed to their productivity.

Practical implications

The outcome of this study is a pointer to the need for educational leaders in tertiary institutions in Africa to upskill academics and researchers' knowledge of the use of emerging technologies for research. Institutions could achieve this through training and peer mentoring.

Originality/value

The study is unique because it will call the attention of academics and researchers, especially women, to how the integration of education technologies can help improve both their research and teaching mandate delivery.
Taxation and labor supply decisions: impact of the earned income tax credit in Italy
Authors: Villamaina Luca , Acciari Paolo
Published: December 2024

Purpose

The earned income tax credit – so-called “monthly 80 euros bonus” – introduced in Italy in 2014, has been characterized by a rapid phase-out area for budget-constraints reasons, leading to very high effective marginal tax rates. The aim of our analysis is to empirically investigate whether this policy design has effectively determined a reduction of the intensive margin of the labor supply of employees.

Design/methodology/approach

The empirical analysis is based on the longitudinal electronic database of Personal Income Tax returns from 2011 to 2017 assembled by the Department of Finance of the Italian Ministry of Economy and Finance. The timing and the structure of the reform allow us to exploit the “Regression Discontinuity in Time” (RDiT) framework using the before/after with the discontinuous policy change.

Findings

Despite a close to 100% effective marginal tax rate for a substantial income range, a unique feature among EU and OECD countries, we found that the tax credit design had no negative effect on changes of the labor effort in Italy, challenging the economic theory but confirming previous empirical evidence. We identify the following explanations of this result: the unawareness of the workers of their effective marginal tax rate, caused by the complexity of the tax system, the limited ability of workers to actually decide their labor effort and the fact that labor supply also responds to anticipated future wage changes.

Originality/value

First, this is the first paper that applies the RDiT approach to measure the impact of the EITC policy, as previous studies applied difference-in-differences. Second, in previous empirical studies analyzing the effects of EITC on labor effort, the taxpayers’ behavioral response is observed where the EMTRs are around 50% or lower. Our application tests, in a quasi-natural experiment, an extremely high EMTR, reaching 96%, and has the added advantage of being based on the entire dataset of dependent employees. Third, our paper also specifically contributes to the literature on EITCs in Italy and their impact on the labor market.
Between real change and institutional facade: unpacking operational sustainability in English universities
Authors: Hope Alex , Zhang Hongyi
Published: December 2024

Purpose

This study aims to critically examine operational sustainability (OS) in English public universities, uniquely integrating neo-institutional and organisational legitimacy theories to explore the alignment of sustainability strategies with organisational practices.

Design/methodology/approach

Adopting a rigorous qualitative approach, this study combines semi-structured interviews with 20 OS managers and a thorough document analysis involving over 800 documents. This robust methodology ensures a deep exploration of institutional sustainability dynamics.

Findings

This study reveals a significant discrepancy between stated and actual sustainability performances, with institutions frequently engaging in symbolic sustainability efforts. It highlights the need for robust benchmarking systems to accurately measure and encourage genuine sustainability integration.

Practical implications

The identified barriers and the subsequent recommended approaches can guide public universities in their strategic planning and implementation of OS initiatives, ensuring more effective outcomes.

Social implications

This study underscores the importance of university stakeholders in shaping OS engagement. It signals a need for broader societal awareness and collaboration to truly drive universities towards a more sustainable future.

Originality/value

This study is original in its dual-theoretical approach, applying both neo-institutional and organisational legitimacy theories to dissect the complexities of sustainability in higher education. It extends the discourse on sustainability by scrutinising the often-overlooked gap between policy and practice, providing a nuanced understanding of institutional behaviours and pressures.
Microstructure and tribological performances of laser cladded FeCoCrMoSi amorphous coating under different normal loads
Authors: Peng Zhao , Dejun Kong
Published: December 2024

Purpose

The aim was to investigate the effect of normal load on the tribological performance of laser cladded FeCoCrMoSi amorphous coating, which might choose the appropriate normal load for the friction reduction and wear resistance.

Design/methodology/approach

A FeCoCrMoSi amorphous coating was prepared on 45 steel using laser cladding, and the tribological performance of obtained coating under the different normal loads was investigated using a ball-on-disk tribometer.

Findings

The FeCoCrMoSi amorphous coating is composed of M23C6, Co6Mo6C2 and amorphous phases, where the M23C6 hard phase enhances the coating hardness to increase the wear resistance and the Co6Mo6C2 with the vein shape forms the strong mechanical interlock to play the role of friction reduction. The average coefficients of friction of containing amorphous FeCoCrMoSi coating under the normal loads of 3, 4 and 5 N are 0.68, 0.65 and 0.53, respectively, and the corresponding wear rates are 17.7, 23.9 and 21.9 µm3•N−1•mm−1, respectively, showing that the appropriate normal load is beneficial for improving its friction reduction and wear resistance. The wear mechanism is composed of adhesive wear, abrasive wear and oxidative wear, which is attributed to the high hardness of amorphous coating by the amorphous phase.

Originality/value

The FeCoCrMoSi amorphous coating was first applied for the improvement of 45 steel, and the effect of normal load on its tribological performance was investigated.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-08-2024-0304/
Digital transformation of retail banking in the United Arab Emirates
Authors: Kothari Umesh , Grandhi Balakrishna , Thrassou Alkis
Published: December 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to study, understand and elucidate the digital transformation of retail banks in the UAE, and to identify its key components and their interrelationship. The paper further proposes theoretical and executive directions of international worth and application, particularly in Asian countries of comparable business contexts.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative study design was used using an online instrument, with a sample size of 367 respondents from the UAE, comprising retail banking professionals and customers. A conceptual model capturing the responses was developed to measure their impact on the dependent variable, and variance-based structured equation modeling was used.

Findings

The five independent variables of customer experience, service quality, automation, digital skills and regulation were measured through the literature survey. The results cleared the accuracy threshold, and eight hypotheses were found to be significant in delineating and explicating the variables’ direct and indirect associations.

Originality/value

The study presents new and original data that expand and refine our knowledge on the fast-evolving topic of digital transformation of retail banks. The findings offer both theoretical advancements and practicable directions, which focus on the UAE, and highlight substantial differences to generic international research. They further and inexorably build a solid foundation for scientific and executive application in the wider region and beyond.
Understanding green behaviours through the lens of self-determination theory
Authors: Saini Garima , Jena Lalatendu Kesari , Gupta Shivani , Mahale Girija
Published: December 2024

Purpose

The paper aims to explore and explain sustainable behaviours in an organizational context using self-determination theory, suggesting that individuals are likely to be engaged in green practices when supported by their needs.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used three waves of longitudinal design, consisting of 702 executives in leadership roles across public and private companies with an average of 15–20 years of work experience. Professionals working throughout PAN India, the USA, Germany and Australia provided us with the data.

Findings

Green transformational leaderships play a pivot in fostering optimism in employees when recrafting their work. Employees being encouraged to evaluate their jobs within the organization’s capacity would bring meaningful change and envision a sustainable future. All the study hypotheses were supported, highlighting the importance of green-focused leadership with individual agencies in line with the organization’s green values.

Practical implications

Using sustainable practices advances organizations in providing green commitment through leadership. Implementing this in the organization can help achieve long-term success by ensuring sustainable practices are embedded in culture rather than a peripheral initiative promoting sustainable decision-making and behaviours.

Originality/value

The study provides insights into the factors influencing decisions to maintain and adopt sustainable practices by providing a deeper understanding of green behaviour change and strategies for promoting pro-environmental strategies in organizations.
Characterization of tea polysaccharides from Tieguanyin oolong tea and their hepatoprotective effects via AMP‐activated protein kinase–mediated signaling pathways
Authors: Chen Yiqin , Huang Yanxin , Gan Qiaorong , Zhang Wenhui , Sun Han , Zhu Lingling , Wang Wenxiang
Published: December 2024

In the present study, we succeeded in extracting tea polysaccharide (TPS) from Tieguanyin oolong tea, and the TPS was characterized. TPS is an acidic heteropolysaccharide containing rhamnose, arabinose, galactose, glucose (Glc), xylose, mannose, galacturonic acid, and guluronic acid. We found that TPS supplementation partially reversed the elevated levels of serum alanine aminotransferase, total cholesterol, and low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol in high‐fat diet (HD)‐induced nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) mice (p < 0.05), and hepatic steatosis and impaired Glc tolerance were also ameliorated. After HD intervention, the activity of Adenosine 5'‐monophosphate‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) and its downstream genes, including Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1), sterol regulatory element‐binding protein‐1c (SREBP1c), acetyl‐coenzyme A carboxylase 1 (ACC1), and adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL), was significantly inhibited (p < 0.05). TPS can increase the expression of these genes. The hepatoprotective effects of TPS in AMPK−/− mice almost completely disappeared. Moreover, the expression levels of SIRT1, SREBP1c, ACC1, and ATGL did not significantly change after TPS supplementation (p > 0.05). Therefore, our findings suggest that TPS protects the liver from hepatic glucolipid metabolism disorders in HD‐induced NAFLD mice by activating AMPK‐mediated signaling pathways.
Accelerated biological aging, healthy behaviors, and genetic susceptibility with incidence of stroke and its subtypes: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Zhang Xuening , Zhao Hao , Li Zilin , Liu Xinjie , Zhang Yurong , Yang Ning , Zhang Tongchao , Yang Xiaorong , Lu Ming
Published: December 2024

Stroke risk increases with chronological age, but the relationship with biological age (BA) acceleration is poorly understood. We aimed to examine the association between BA acceleration and incident stroke and its subtypes, explore the modifying effects on genetic susceptibility, and assess how BA acceleration mediates the effect of behavior score. We studied 253,932 UK Biobank participants and computed two BA measures (Klemera‐Doubal Method [KDM], Phenotypic Age [PhenoAge]), with BA acceleration calculated by regressing BA on chronological age. The polygenic risk score (PRS) was derived from 87 genetic loci. The behaviors score was based on diet, physical activity, tobacco/nicotine, sleep, and BMI. During a median follow‐up of 13.6 years, 5460 strokes, 4337 ischemic stroke (IS), 951 intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), and 553 subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) cases were documented. Adjusting for confounding factors, each standard deviation increase in BA acceleration was associated with higher stroke risk: for KDM‐BA acceleration, stroke (HR = 1.28, 95% CI = 1.25–1.32), IS (1.32, 1.28–1.36), ICH (1.15, 1.08–1.23), and SAH (1.16, 1.07–1.27); for PhenoAge acceleration, stroke (1.22, 1.19–1.25), IS (1.26, 1.22–1.29), ICH (1.08, 1.02–1.16), and SAH (1.08, 1.00–1.18). Compared to participants with the lowest PRS and BA acceleration, those with the highest PRS and BA acceleration had the highest stroke risk (KDM‐BA acceleration: 2.19, 1.85–2.59; PhenoAge acceleration: 2.03, 1.69–2.42). Additionally, there was an additive interaction between KDM‐BA acceleration and PRS. The mediation proportion of BA acceleration in associations of behaviors score with incident stroke and its subtypes ranged from 15.84% to 33.08%. BA acceleration may raise stroke risk, especially in those with high genetic risk. Maintaining healthy behaviors may help mitigate this risk.
Demographic and clinical characteristics associated with utilization of alcohol use disorder treatment in a multicenter study of patients with alcohol‐associated cirrhosis
Authors: Luk Jeremy W. , Ha Nghiem B. , Shui Amy M. , Snyder Hannah R. , Batki Steven L. , Ostacher Michael J. , Monto Alexander , Wong Robert J. , Cheung Ramsey , Parekh Priti , Hua William , Tompkins D. Andrew , Fakadej Taylor , Haight Christina G. , Liao Meimei , Khalili Mandana , Satre Derek D.
Published: December 2024

Background

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) treatment can help improve clinical outcomes among patients with alcohol‐associated cirrhosis but is underutilized. Among socioeconomically disadvantaged patients with alcohol‐associated cirrhosis, we examined rates of lifetime and past 12‐month AUD treatment utilization and associated demographic and clinical characteristics.

Methods

Racial/ethnically diverse patients with alcohol‐associated cirrhosis who had at least one hepatology clinic visit in the prior 6 months were recruited from three Northern California medical centers serving veterans and safety‐net populations. Participants self‐reported their AUD treatment utilization, liver disease quality of life (LDQoL), history and current symptoms of anxiety and depression, and problematic drinking as measured by the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT). Clinical measures including liver disease severity were captured from medical records.

Results

Among 196 participants, the majority were male (88%) with a mean age of 62 years. Two‐thirds of participants (67%) reported ever utilizing AUD treatment and 32% reported utilizing AUD treatment in the past 12 months. Compared with those who did not utilize AUD treatment, participants who utilized lifetime or past 12‐month AUD treatment were younger, had lower LDQoL scores, and had higher scores on current symptoms of anxiety, depression, and problematic drinking. In multivariable analyses, the odds of ever utilizing pharmacological treatment alone or both behavioral and pharmacological treatment (vs. none) were lower with older age or higher LDQoL, and higher among those with a history of anxiety/depressive disorder. For past 12‐month treatment utilization, odds were lower with older age, and higher among those with current clinically significant anxiety/depression or problematic drinking.

Conclusions

Patients with alcohol‐associated cirrhosis who were younger or had anxiety/depression and problematic drinking were more likely to utilize AUD treatment. To improve AUD treatment utilization, targeted outreach to patients less likely to receive care and the provision of integrated ALD and AUD treatment is warranted.
Post‐prostatectomy Magnetic Resonance‐guided Radiotherapy on a 1.5 Tesla Magnetic Resonance Integrated Linear Accelerator: Feasibility, Toxicity, and Preliminary Clinical Outcomes
Authors: Poon Darren M. C. , Yuan Jing , Wong Oi Lei , Yang Bin , Tse Mei Yan , Fung Yan Yee , Chiu Sin Ting , Lin Wai Chi , Cheung Kin Yin , Chiu George , Yu Siu Ki
Published: December 2024

Introduction

This study aimed to prospectively investigate magnetic resonance (MR)‐guided radiotherapy (MRgRT) for post‐prostatectomy prostate cancer and report preliminary clinical outcomes.

Methods

All included patients underwent salvage or adjuvant adaptive MRgRT on a 1.5T MR integrated linear accelerator (MR‐LINAC). Gastrointestinal and genitourinary toxicities were assessed. The primary endpoint was the progression‐free survival (PFS) rate estimated by Kaplan‐Meier (KM) survival analysis. A progression event was defined as the first occurrence of biochemical failure, radiological progression, or death. Secondary endpoints were biochemical failure‐free survival (bFFS) rate, radiological PFS (rPFS) rate, and ≥G2 adverse events.

Results

Thirty post‐prostatectomy patients were enrolled and followed (median follow‐up: 32.0 months; 3.0–48.1 months). Three patients had biochemical failure during follow‐up. One patient developed pelvic node metastases. All patients were alive. The estimated PFS rates were 96.4% (95% confidence interval [95%CI]: 89.8%–100.0%) at 2 years and 78.8% (95%CI: 61.3%–100%) at 3 years. The estimated bFFS rates were 96.4% (95%CI: 89.8%–100%) /86.6%(95%CI: 73.4%–100%) at 2/3 years, respectively. The corresponding rPFS rates were 100% at 2 years and 92.3% (95%CI: 78.9%–100%) at 3 years, respectively. There was only one acute G2 GI adverse event (1/30, 3.33%) of abdominal pain occurred. Two late G2 events (one rectal bleeding and one urinary frequency) were scored (2/30, 6.67%). No ≥G3 events were observed.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest the feasibility, excellent patient tolerance, and encouraging efficacy of post‐prostatectomy MRgRT, extending our knowledge of the clinical outcomes of MRgRT and serving as a benchmark for future investigation.
The house is coming from inside the call
Authors: Summers Lachlan
Published: December 2024

You are reading the first sentence of this essay. In fact, outside of this abstract and a brief introduction, there are only first sentences in this essay, all collected from anthropology monographs and articles. Anthropology is a promiscuous discipline, but there are only about half a dozen ways to begin an anthropology essay. I collect sentences into their tropes, organize the sentences within those tropes, then arrange those tropes among one another, so this text reads like an opening to an anthropology essay, despite being composed entirely of openings to anthropology essays. I'd like to say I got the idea from Christian Marclay's film, The Clock, a memento mori whose 24‐hour narrative is driven by excerpts of movies that feature timepieces, but it probably came from a YouTube montage of Nicholas Cage screaming “Fuck” 40 times in 40 seconds. The expectations of academic realism as a genre transform this essay from archive to narrative: the text itself is theoretical, geographic, and historical nonsense, but it consolidates as an essay through the academic readers’ (your) efforts to suture discrepancies into cohesion. If this essay makes any sense, it's due to a magic trick realism performs on us. This might be worth thinking about whenever we read something that makes sense.
Impact of COVID‐19 on paediatric care in Japan: Analysis of national health insurance claims data
Authors: Ohnishi Takuma , Kinoshita Mari , Narumi Satoshi
Published: December 2024

Aim

To quantify the impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on paediatric care use compared to adult care and identify affected subdomains.

Methods

Data from the National Database of Health Insurance Claims and Specific Health Checkups of Japan (NDB) for six fiscal years (FY2016‐2021) were analysed. Pre‐pandemic (FY2016‐FY2019) and pandemic years (FY2020, FY2021) were compared to delineate changes in medical services for paediatric and adult patients. Virtually all individuals who received medical care in Japan during this period were included.

Results

In FY2019, healthcare utilisation by the paediatric population (under 15 years) accounted for 24% of 245 million first outpatient visits, 7% of 1.2 billion follow‐up visits, and 2.6% of 297 million patient‐days hospitalisations. In FY2020, outpatient visits of those aged 0–4 years decreased by 44% (first visit) and 24% (follow‐up visit) compared to FY2019, and hospitalisations decreased by 47%, with the largest declines observed in community medical institutions across all age groups.

Conclusion

The COVID‐19 pandemic led to a substantial reduction in paediatric healthcare utilisation in Japan, varying by age and type of care. These findings may inform the rational allocation of healthcare resources during public health emergencies.
Single‐port robotic transanal minimally invasive surgery (SPR‐TAMIS): another giant leap forward?
Authors: Ferrari Davide , Peponis Thomas , Violante Tommaso , Cheng Jyi Ng , Perry William R. , Larson David W. , Behm Kevin T.
Published: December 2024

Aim

Minimally invasive transanal platforms are now the standard of care for select low‐risk rectal tumours. However, existing platforms come with persistent technical challenges. The da Vinci SP Surgical System™ offers a new alternative designed to work effectively in narrow spaces. This technology has the potential to enhance the feasibility and proximal extent of complex transanal resections. This study aimed to describe the morbidity and technical success in patients undergoing single‐port robotic transanal minimally invasive surgery (SPR‐TAMIS). Secondary outcomes include rates of local recurrence.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was conducted on all patients who underwent SPR‐TAMIS at our institution between February 2019 and December 2023.

Results

The study included 31 patients (19 men, 12 women) with a mean age of 61 ± 13.3 years. The average tumour distance from the anal verge was 10 cm. Thirty patients completed SPR‐TAMIS, with one patient requiring conversion to robotic sigmoidectomy due to location in the mid‐sigmoid colon. The mean operating time was 106 ± 42 min. Twenty‐eight out of 30 patients underwent full‐thickness excision and all but two were successfully closed. All specimens were resected intact, and margins were negative in 93.5% of cases. The average tumour size was 13 ± 34 cm2, with 13 lesions classified as adenomas and 16 as adenocarcinomas. All patients who did not undergo associated procedures were discharged on the day of surgery. Two patients experienced 30‐day morbidity. At a mean follow‐up of 18 months (± 13), no local or systemic recurrences were identified.

Conclusion

SPR‐TAMIS for excision of low‐risk rectal tumours is associated with high rates of technical success and low 30‐day morbidity. Further research is needed to compare SPR‐TAMIS with other techniques to determine potential advantages over current transanal platforms.
Acute pilonidal abscess: Prospective nationwide audit in the Netherlands
Authors: Huurman Eleonora A. , den Otter A. A. Sophie , de Raaff Christel A. L. , van den Berg Rosaline , Baart Sara J. , Wijnhoven Bas P. L. , Schouten Ruben , Furnée Edgar J. B. , Smeenk Robert M. , Toorenvliet Boudewijn R. ,   the PITS Collaborative Study Group
Published: December 2024

Aim

The aim of this study was to assess Dutch surgical practice and outcomes for acute pilonidal abscess.

Method

Patients with pilonidal sinus disease (PSD) who underwent surgical treatment between 1 March 2020 and 1 March 2021 at 36 participating hospitals were included in a prospective observational cohort study. For the present study, only patients with an acute abscess were included for analysis. Outcomes included symptoms, wound healing, time to resume daily activities and complications. Follow‐up was 1 year and included questionnaires on recurrent abscesses, symptomatic chronic PSD, quality of life and patient‐reported experience measures.

Results

Of 681 included patients, 208 presented with an acute pilonidal abscess. Incision and drainage (I&D) was performed in 205 of these patients (99%). The wound healing rate after I&D was 42.2% at the outpatient clinic, with a median time to closure of 43 days. The complication rate was 4.4%. One‐year questionnaires were completed by 158 out of 205 patients (77.1%). Fifteen patients (7.3%) had a recurrent abscess within 1 year. The symptomatic chronic PSD rate was 8.8%.

Conclusion

Of all the patients presenting with PSD in this prospective national study cohort, 30% had a pilonidal abscess. Incision and drainage showed a low complication rate but successful wound healing in less than half of the patients. The study showed that 91.2% of patients did not undergo additional surgical treatment for symptomatic chronic PSD within 1 year of follow‐up.
An Unusual, Symmetric Rash on Both Forearms in a 94‐Year‐Old Patient A Clinicopathological Challenge and Diagnostic Pitfall
Authors: Forster Anna‐Maria , Muehleisen Beda
Published: December 2024

Trichophyton rubrum (T. rubrum), an anthropophilic ectothrix dermatophyte usually causes minor skin infection confined to the stratum corneum of the epidermis, to nails and the hair in immunocompetent persons. Life‐threatening invasive dermatophyte infections are rare and mainly reported in immunosuppressed patients such as organ transplant recipients. We herein present an extraordinary case of a symmetric bilateral invasive T. rubrum infection on both forearms in a 94‐year‐old male patient, histomorphologically mimicking cutaneous blastomycosis. Invasive T. rubrum with atypical large round spore‐like organisms resembling Blastomyces dermatitidis (B. dermatitidis) is common diagnostic pitfall but has never been reported in the setting of a concomitant systemic anti PD‐1 checkpoint‐inhibitor treatment. Correct diagnosis of atypical Blastomyces‐like T. rubrum based on morphology and staining characteristics alone can be challenging and emphasizes the need for confirmation via culture or PCR‐testing.
Do bigger farms suffer less from corruption? Anti‐corruption efforts and the recovery of livestock production
Authors: Rakhmetov Rustam , Herzfeld Thomas
Published: December 2024

A transparent and reliable business environment, free from corruption, is essential for agricultural development. However, the impact of corruption control on productive activities remains ambiguous. While corruption can facilitate transactions in an overly regulated environment, its control is also crucial for creating transparency and fostering economic progress. This paper examines how different organizational farm structures respond to corruption control in a long‐term dynamic specification. Using a unique dataset of an objective corruption control measure and livestock production at the subnational level in Kazakhstan and Russia, the analysis reveals that the relationship between production growth and corruption control is non‐linear and differs across household farms, peasant farmers and agricultural enterprises. We find peasant farms exhibit superior average growth in regions with stronger corruption control than other farm structures in regions with weaker corruption control. Conversely, enterprises report lower production growth in regions with intensified anti‐corruption measures in the short run, yet they eventually benefit from stronger corruption control in the long run. Livestock production by small household producers positively correlates with anti‐corruption initiatives, but this association wanes over time. This paper unravels the intricate dynamics surrounding corruption control and different business structures, shedding light on the multifaceted nature of their interrelationship.
Investing like conglomerates? When local governments diversify beyond public services
Authors: Bailey Warren , Fan Jianchao , Liu Jing , Zhou Yinggang
Published: December 2024

We examine government decision‐making by studying Chinese local government financing vehicles (LGFVs), an often‐criticized funding and investment channel. We find an inverted U‐shaped relationship between LGFV diversification and subsequent local economic growth confirmed by identification using policy and regulatory events. The inverted U‐shape is stronger when local economic development or government indebtedness is higher. The degree of diversification reflects career concerns and decision‐making biases of local political leaders. Thus, bad economic outcomes follow when local governments venture beyond public services, borrow aggressively and invest in too many businesses. Our findings echo the empirical literature on corporate conglomerates.
A Decade of Evolution: Examining the Dynamics of Academic Profession Internationalisation in China
Authors: Shu Jun , Tian Lin
Published: December 2024

Academic profession internationalisation is an important engine to promote higher education internationalisation, which can be analysed across four dimensions: international academic activities, cross‐cultural concepts and contents, internationalisation attitudes and internationalisation knowledge and skills. The comparative analysis of the survey data between 2013 and 2023 reveals the trends and changes of academic profession internationalisation in China. In terms of international academic activities, international research activities remains a top priority for faculty; regarding cross‐cultural concepts and contents, there has been limited progress in integrating domestic academic activities with international concepts and contents over the past decade; with respect to internationalisation attitudes, faculty members demonstrate a strong and persistent willingness to engage in internationalisation; concerning internationalisation knowledge and skills, there has been a notable improvement in internationalisation content knowledge, particularly evident in faculty's proficiency in foreign language communication.
Peak width of skeletonized mean diffusivity as a marker of small vessel disease in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy with hippocampal sclerosis
Authors: Lee Dong Ah , Lee Ho‐Joon , Kim Sung Eun , Park Kang Min
Published: December 2024

Objective

White matter abnormalities in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) and hippocampal sclerosis (HS) are well known. Peak width of skeletonized mean diffusivity (PSMD) is a novel marker for quantifying white matter integrity that may reflect small vessel disease. In this study, we aimed to quantify the extent of white matter damage in patients with TLE and HS by using PSMD.

Methods

We enrolled 52 patients with TLE with HS and 54 age‐ and sex‐matched healthy controls. Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) was performed using a 3‐T magnetic resonance imaging scanner. We measured PSMD using DTI findings and compared PSMD between patients with TLE with HS and healthy controls. We also evaluated the correlation between PSMD and clinical factors in patients with TLE and HS.

Results

PSMD differed significantly between healthy controls and patients with TLE and HS, and it was higher in the patients (2.375 × 10−4 mm2/s vs. 2.108 × 10−4 mm2/s, p < .001). Furthermore, PSMD in the ipsilateral hemisphere of the HS was higher than in the contralateral hemisphere of the HS (2.472 × 10−4 mm2/s vs. 2.258 × 10−4 mm2/s, p = .040). PSMD was positively correlated with age (r = .512, p < .001) and age at seizure onset (r = .423, p = .002) in patients with TLE and HS.

Significance

Patients with TLE and HS had higher PSMD values than healthy controls, and PSMD was positively correlated with age. These findings provide evidence of white matter damage probably due to small vessel disease in patients with TLE and HS and support the feasibility of PSMD as a promising imaging marker for epileptic disorders.
Did Joseph Conrad have juvenile myoclonic epilepsy?
Authors: Wolf Peter , Hein Dieter
Published: December 2024

Joseph Conrad's epilepsy is well documented but has received little attention as he had convulsive seizures only in childhood and adolescence. The type of epilepsy has never been discussed. His biography reveals that his condition was decidedly neuropsychiatric with depression, a suicidal attempt, and prominent signs of frontal lobe dysfunction, as is seen typically in juvenile myoclonic epilepsy. This diagnosis is supported by a congruent family history and probable lifelong myoclonic seizures including reflex myocloni that were misunderstood as nervosity. It is impressive to see how he disciplined himself to become a great writer against the odds of neuropsychological impairment.
Statement on medication simplification in long‐term care facilities by the Japanese Society of Geriatric Pharmacy: English translation of the Japanese article
Authors: Maruoka Hiroshi , Hamada Shota , Koujiya Eriko , Higashihara Kazumi , Shinonaga Hiroshi , Arai Katsuaki , Saotome Saiko , Okura Takashi , Mizokami Fumihiro , Okochi Jiro , Takeya Yasushi , Kurata Naomi , Akishita Masahiro ,   Japanese Society of Geriatric Pharmacy Working Group on Medication Simplification in Long‐term Care Facilities
Published: December 2024

Many older adults who are certified for long‐term care services live or stay in long‐term care facilities (LTCFs), where they receive medical and nursing care. These individuals often encounter medication‐related problems, such as polypharmacy and complex medication regimens, including frequent administration schedules. Although considerable attention has been paid to polypharmacy in the context of optimizing medication use in older adults, little emphasis has been placed on simplifying these regimens. Recently, the Japanese Society of Geriatric Pharmacy issued statements on medication simplification in LTCFs based on a scoping review of the literature and expert opinions. In these statements, medication simplification is defined as the process of reducing the number of medication administration times, ideally to once during lunchtime. The statements outline principles and processes to achieve medication simplification through interprofessional collaboration, including consolidating and reducing the number of medication administration times a day to minimize the risk of medication errors and ensure medical safety. Medication simplification will play a substantial role in alleviating the burden of medication intake for residents, and in reducing and equalizing the workload of medication administration for staff members throughout the day in LTCFs. These statements suggest that administering medication during lunchtime is beneficial when an adequate number of staff members are available in LTCFs. We hope that these statements will help ensure patient safety, and facilitate successful medication optimization for all medical, nursing and social care professionals working in LTCFs. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2025; 25: 14–24.
Genetic Analysis and Reproductive Interventions for Two Rare Families Affected by Severe Haemophilia A
Authors: Yuan Shimin , Hu Liang , Zhong Juanfang , Hu Xiao , Zhao Xiaomeng , Wan Zhenxing , Zeng Sicong , He Wen‐Bin , Gu Feng , Wang Sheng‐Peng , Lu Guangxiu , Lin Ge , Du Juan
Published: December 2024

Background

Haemophilia A (HA) is a rare bleeding disorder caused by variants in F8. Although traditional mutational analyses have identified numerous pathogenic variants, the aetiology of HA in certain patients remains unclear. Furthermore, female patients with severe HA are rare.

Aim

To investigate the molecular defects underlying severe HA in two patients and provide personalised reproductive interventions for their families.

Methods

Two patients diagnosed with severe HA without other clinical phenotypes were enrolled in the study. A combination of whole‐exome sequencing, real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and long‐read sequencing (LR‐sequencing) was performed to reveal the molecular defects of them, followed by the application of different reproductive intervention strategies.

Results

Proband 1, a 29‐year‐old man with FVIII activity of 0.8%, did not exhibit common F8 variants, including Inv1 or Inv22, in the coding region. However, he carried a rare maternal novel inversion on ChrX:154148973_154170321, spanning approximately 21.345 Kbp, with breakpoints in introns 13 and 14 of F8. Finally, the couple of Proband 1 opted for assisted reproductive technology using preimplantation genetic testing and successfully conceived. Proband 2, a 20‐year‐old female with severe HA and FVIII activity of 0.6%, carried inv22 of F8. Further investigation combining whole exome sequencing (WES) and pedigree analysis revealed that she carried a maternal cross‐deletion encompassing exons 1–22 of F8, FUNDC2, BRCC3 and CLIC2, along with a de novo missense variant c.5852T>C (p.Leu1951Ser) on her paternal X‐chromosome. Chromosome X‐inactivation (XCI) analysis demonstrated a highly skewed inactivation of the maternal X chromosome, with a ratio of 98:2. Subsequently, prenatal diagnosis confirmed that the third child in this family did not carry any of the F8 variants present in Proband 2.

Conclusion

Our findings provide novel insights into the genetic aetiology of HA and emphasise the importance of a definitive diagnosis in guiding genetic counselling and personalised reproductive interventions for affected individuals and their families.
Circulating and hepatic levels of growth differentiation factor 15 in patients with metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatotic liver disease
Authors: Werge Mikkel Parsberg , Grandt Josephine , Thing Mira , Hetland Liv Eline , Rashu Elias Badal , Jensen Anne‐Sofie Houlberg , Junker Anders Ellekær , Richter Michael Martin , Møller Søren , Bendtsen Flemming , Harder Lea Mørch , Mazzoni Gianluca , Viuff Birgitte Martine , Hvid Henning , Prada‐Medina Cesar Augusto , Jørgensen Sebastian Beck , Bendtsen Kristian Moss , Kildegaard Jonas , Vyberg Mogens , Serizawa Reza , Galsgaard Elisabeth Douglas , Wewer Albrechtsen Nicolai Jacob , Gluud Lise Lotte
Published: December 2024

Aim

Increased growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15) may reflect impaired metabolic health and an inflammatory state in metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). We investigated the role of GDF15 in histologically verified MASLD in a meal test (discovery) cohort (n = 20) and a prospective (validation) cohort with 2 years of follow‐up (n = 276).

Methods

Participants were evaluated clinically and histologically in both cohorts. Fibrosis severity was classified as no/mild (F0/F1) or significant (F2–4). Plasma GDF15 was measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays and the SOMAScan platform. Hepatic GDF15 mRNA expression was analyzed by RNA in situ hybridization and bulk RNA‐sequencing. In addition, we used data from public single‐nucleus RNA‐sequencing datasets.

Results

In both cohorts, plasma GDF15 was increased in MASLD compared with healthy controls (p < 0.0001) with the highest levels in patients with significant fibrosis (area under the curve 0.83; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.76–0.91). The GDF15 levels were unaffected by a standardized meal and there was no difference in peripheral or hepatic venous concentrations. After 2 years, the increase in GDF15 levels was reduced in patients treated with glucagon‐like peptide receptor agonists (GLP‐1‐RA) compared to patients receiving lifestyle advice (−28%; 95% CI, −44 to −8; p = 0.01). Plasma GDF15 was associated with circulating insulin‐like growth factor 1 and related proteins. Hepatic GDF15 mRNA was mainly expressed in hepatocytes and in cholangiocytes in fibrotic areas and was increased in MASLD (p = 0.02) with the highest expression in the group with steatohepatitis (p = 0.009).

Conclusions

Increased hepatic and circulating GDF15 are found in MASLD. Treatment with GLP‐1‐RA may reduce GDF15, possibly reflecting beneficial metabolic and inflammatory effects.
The Effect of Alignment on the Listening and Speaking Continuation Task
Authors: Zhang Yang , Wang Yanxin , He Lianzhen , Li Qidi , Chen Yuchu
Published: December 2024

This study aims to examine the effect of alignment on the listening and speaking continuation task (LSCT). A total of 47 Chinese L2 English learners were recruited as participants for the study. They were divided into two groups and were instructed to complete two separate continuation tasks with different input languages (English and Chinese). The scripts of oral continuation performed by the participants were analyzed from four aspects: word frequency, accuracy, fluency, and complexity. The results indicated that the effect of alignment exists in LSCT, especially in terms of lexicon and accuracy. When conducting English LSCT, participants tended to use more frequently the words that appeared in the audio story and paid more attention to the morphological characteristics of words, and participants achieved higher accuracy when the input language was English. However, there was no significant difference in terms of fluency and complexity between English and Chinese LSCT.