bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Supply chain sustainability and risk management in food cold chains – a literature review
Authors: Khalid Raja Usman , Jajja Muhammad Shakeel Sadiq , Ahsan Muhammad Bilal
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This article aims to evaluate published food cold chain (FCC) literature against risk management and supply chain sustainability concepts.

Design/methodology/approach

The article uses the theory refinement logic proposed by Seuring et al. (2021) to analyze the contents of FCC management-related literature published over the past 20 years. A sample of 116 articles was gathered using Web of Science and subsequently analyzed. The respective articles were then systematically coded against the frameworks of Beske and Seuring (2014) and Vlajic et al. (2012), which focused on building sustainable and robust supply chains, respectively.

Findings

The literature review revealed that debates around managing contemporary sources of disruptions/vulnerability and making FCCs more sustainable and resilient are gradually developing. However, an overarching risk management perspective along with incorporating social and environmental dimensions in managing FCCs still needs the adequate attention of the respective research community.

Research limitations/implications

The deductive internal logic of theory refinement approach used in this paper could have been further strengthened by using additional frameworks. This limitation, however, opens avenues for further research. The findings of the paper will stimulate the interest of future researchers to work on expanding our understanding related to sustainability and risk management in FCCs.

Originality/value

The paper is the first attempt to organize published FCC literature along dimensions of supply chain sustainability and risk management. The paper thus provides the respective researchers with a foundation that will help them adopt a focused approach to addressing the research gaps.
Policy drivers and tools influencing the development of social enterprises in Taiwan
Authors: Chang Ching-Tzu , Cheng Sheng-Fen
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Taiwan promotes social enterprises with the Social Enterprise Action Plan and Social Innovation Action Plan, focusing on solving social problems and achieving sustainable development goals. This study aims to clarify the impetus for the above policies and determines whether the relevant policy tools can achieve the established policy goals.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopts the in-depth interview method and uses the “social impact investment framework” constructed by OEDC and Dunn’s definition of public policy stakeholders to select 22 respondents, who were divided into three groups.

Findings

Taiwan’s decision-making in social enterprise policy is mainly driven by the pressure of youth unemployment and the 318-student movement. Intrinsic motivation strategies popularized the concept of social enterprise. Various strategies are used to break the limitations and diversify the organization, trigger more diverse social investments, broaden the goals of investment and complete the social enterprise ecosystem through these. Taiwan’s social enterprise policies are consistent with the global trend of “replacing subsidies with investment.”

Originality/value

This study shows that social enterprises generate mutual benefits between investors and social enterprises, that is, achieve free matching through external mechanisms. This study fills the gaps in Oliver’s “behavioral cube” framework of policy instruments. A “behavioral four-dimensional matrix” composed of nudge, shove, budge and reciprocity is proposed to complete the framework for social enterprise policy analysis tools.
The spatial development of tourism over eight decades: a Horizon 2050 paper
Authors: Butler Richard William
Published: May 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to show the spatial extent and growth of tourism and its likely patterns as past forces of change are replaced by new pressures to reduce climate change and meet new definitions of success.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach involves a review of changes that have occurred over the Horizon period with a focus on the spatial spread and development of tourism, using and based on a literature review, past research and personal experience. Likely new developments are identified based on the expected result of influences including climate change mitigation and altered understandings of what is meant by success in tourism.

Findings

Much of the spatial change in tourism has been evolutionary rather than revolutionary, but in the future, restrictive forces external to tourism may change travel patterns with severe effects on long haul travel and a change in travel mode.

Research limitations/implications

The research focus needs to produce effective measures of success as understood by all stakeholders in tourist destinations. Alternative destinations will need to replace those long haul destinations no longer available and research needs to refocus on managing rather than solely attracting visitors.

Practical implications

Long haul destinations will lose market share, destinations will change goals to satisfaction for stakeholders and travel modes will change to lower emission generators.

Social implications

Destination choice will be reduced, transport modes may be limited and tourism closer to home will become the norm.

Originality/value

A general overview of this type has not been presented before.
Planning for the future: Grasslands, herbivores, and nature‐based solutions
Authors: Borer Elizabeth T. , Risch Anita C.
Published: May 2024

Global interest and investment in nature‐based solutions (NbS) are rapidly increasing because of the potential of this approach to concurrently counter biodiversity loss, provide cost‐effective measures for climate change adaptations, and maintain natural processes that underpin human health and wellbeing.

Recognition is growing that grasslands in many regions will protect carbon stores more effectively than forests in the warmer, drier, more fire‐prone conditions of the future while also serving as hotspots for biodiversity. Yet grasslands have received less attention for their NbS potential. Despite the wide‐ranging goals of this approach, many investments in nature‐based solutions also have focused narrowly on using plants to meet climate pledges, often without considering plant interactions with herbivores and the abiotic environment that jointly control ecosystem functioning and underpin the success of nature‐based solutions.

Here, we review the roles that large and small vertebrate and invertebrate herbivores play in the ability of the world's grasslands to provide nature‐based solutions, with a focus on wild herbivore impacts on biodiversity and carbon storage.

Synthesis. Planning for nature‐based solutions with a holistic, ecologically informed view that includes the role of herbivores and their interaction with plants and the environment will allow NbS investments to more likely achieve successful, sustainable outcomes.
M6A‐induced transcription factor IRF5 contributes to the progression of cervical cancer by upregulating PPP6C
Authors: Hou Peng‐Xiao , Fan Qian , Zhang Qin , Liu Jia‐Jia , Wu Qian
Published: May 2024

Cervical cancer (CC) is a gynaecological malignancy tumour that seriously threatens women's health. Recent evidence has identified that interferon regulatory factor 5 (IRF5), a nucleoplasm shuttling protein, is a pivotal transcription factor regulating the growth and metastasis of various human tumours. This study aimed to investigate the function and molecular basis of IRF5 in CC development. IRF5, protein phosphatase 6 catalytic subunit (PPP6C) and methyltransferase‐like 3 (METTL3) mRNA levels were evaluated by quantitative real‐time (qRT)‐polymerase chain reaction (PCR). IRF5, PPP6C, METTL3, B‐cell lymphoma 2 and Bax protein levels were detected using western blot. Cell proliferation, migration, invasion, angiogenesis and apoptosis were determined by using colony formation, 5‐ethynyl‐2′‐deoxyuridine (EdU), transwell, tube formation assay and flow cytometry assay, respectively. Glucose uptake and lactate production were measured using commercial kits. Xenograft tumour assay in vivo was used to explore the role of IRF5. After JASPAR predication, binding between IRF5 and PPP6C promoter was verified using chromatin immunoprecipitation and dual‐luciferase reporter assays. Moreover, the interaction between METTL3 and IRF5 was verified using methylated RNA immunoprecipitation (MeRIP). IRF5, PPP6C and METTL3 were highly expressed in CC tissues and cells. IRF5 silencing significantly inhibited cell proliferation, migration, invasion, angiogenesis and glycolytic metabolism in CC cells, while induced cell apoptosis. Furthermore, the absence of IRF5 hindered tumour growth in vivo. At the molecular level, IRF5 might bind with PPP6C to positively regulate the expression of PPP6C mRNA. Meanwhile, IRF5 was identified as a downstream target of METTL3‐mediated m6A modification. METTL3‐mediated m6A modification of mRNA might promote CC malignant progression by regulating PPP6C, which might provide a promising therapeutic target for CC treatment.
The vulnerability to climate change in Africa: Does industrial development matter?
Authors: Tsomb Etienne Inedit Blaise Tsomb , Nguitchou Lyvane Pervange Nembot
Published: May 2024

In a context marked by an upsurge in the scale of climate change and its consequences in Africa, this article explores ways to increase the resilience of African economies. It aims to analyze the effect of industrialization on the continent's vulnerability to climate change (VCC). The sample used for this purpose consists of 41 African countries from 2010 to 2021. A dynamic panel model is estimated using the system generalized method of moments. Results show that industrialization reduces the VCC in African countries. It reduces their sensitivity to climate change while increasing their adaptive capacity. Furthermore, results show that industrialization is more likely to reduce the VCC in sectors such as ecosystems, habitat, health, and infrastructures whereas it increases vulnerability to climate change in the food and water sectors. The results, however, reject the environmental Kuznets curve hypothesis between industrialization and VCC. These results are robust to the change in industrialization measures. Therefore, African countries would benefit from pursuing their industrial development through greater use of renewable energy. This can help them to sustainably reduce their VCC. In addition, they need to implement specific measures to adapt to climate change in the food and water sectors.
Impact of OrCam Learn on reading comprehension
Authors: Ross Helen
Published: May 2024

This study explored impact of using OrCam Learn on students' reading comprehension outcomes. In three school settings (1 independent mainstream; 1 independent dyslexia specialist; 1 state‐funded mainstream), 32 students' (aged 10:01–13:07) reading comprehension was tested using the York Assessment of Reading for Comprehension (primary/secondary) assessment battery. Reading comprehension outcomes for independent, self‐reading of passages were captured and scores standardised. Then reading comprehension outcomes for passages, where students read using OrCam Learn were captured. Statistically significant improvements in reading comprehension outcomes were found (t32 = 4.92, p < 0.001). The mean improvement was 8.31 standard points (95% CI [4.87, 11.76]), with a high‐medium positive correlation (r = 0.33) and high‐medium effect size (d = 0.720). Use of OrCam Learn to support reading comprehension was found to be socially valid, with 84% of participants preferring using OrCam Learn over human support, and 94% of participants preferring using OrCam Learn to reading independently.
Hugh Easton's Neo‐Baroque Art and the Stained‐Glass Closet in Postwar Britain*
Authors: Brocket Jane , Janes Dominic
Published: May 2024

Hugh Ray Easton (1906–1965) was a leading mid‐twentieth century British designer of stained‐glass windows. His works combined neo‐baroque style with an aesthetic that was attuned to glamour in contemporary media such as film and homoerotic physique magazines. His work was installed in a large number of Anglican churches as well as in a range of other buildings. He was particularly noted for his war memorial windows including those at Westminster Abbey. These featured images of military service personnel, Jesus, saints, and angels modelled on an ideal type of youthful, muscular, blond masculinity. The article argues for a reappraisal of Easton's art and explains that the relative absence of critical discussion of these artworks can be explained by homophobia on the part of the artistic establishment and the closeting of same‐sex desire within the Church of England.
A re‐assessment of the Resource Curse Hypothesis in top resource‐rich developing countries: Fresh insights using method of moments quantile regression
Authors: Sun Shiru , Meng Fei , Nawaz Muhammad Atif , Hanif Sobia
Published: May 2024

Whether mineral and natural resources (NR) are a blessing or a curse for economic growth (ECON_G) is still a debatable issue among scholars and policymakers. Therefore, the primary goal of the present study is to investigate the relationship between mineral resources (MR), NR, and ECON_G to re‐assess the “Resource Curse Theory.” For this purpose, a panel of six top resource‐rich developing economies (China, Brazil, Russia, Iran, the Republic of the Congo, and Saudi‐Arabia) over the 1995 to 2021 period is analyzed using dynamic ordinary least square, fully modifies ordinary least square and method of moments quantile regression approaches. The basic findings of the above‐mentioned techniques reveal the significantly positive impact of both NR and MR on ECON_G in the selected economies. The estimation outputs of the method of moments quantile regression also reveal the significant positive contribution of these resources in ECON_G at all quantiles (0.10–0.90). Thus, the study finds that the Resource Bless Hypothesis is valid as both NR and MR support the absence of the Resource Curse Hypothesis in these countries. Furthermore, the findings of the Granger Causality test reveal that bidirectional causal association is present between NR and ECON_G and MR and ECON_G. The study recommends that policymakers and governments in the resource‐rich countries should promote the development of the mining sector and sustainable resource extraction by properly monitoring the resource sector. More importantly, implementing resource governance initiatives are needed to be prioritized for transforming resources as a blessing for the studied countries.
Magnaporthe oryzae infection triggers rice resistance to brown planthopper through the influence of jasmonic acid on the flavonoid biosynthesis pathway
Authors: Chen Su , Tao Zhihuan , Shen Yanjie , Yang Rui , Yan Siyuan , Chen Zixu , Sun Bo , Yang Xiaofang
Published: May 2024

In agroecosystems, plants are constantly exposed to attack from diverse herbivorous insects and microbes, and infestation with one species may change the plant defense response to other species. In our investigation of the relationships among rice plants, the brown planthopper Nilaparvata lugens (Stål) and the rice blast fungus Magnaporthe oryzae, we observed a significant increase in the resistance of rice treated with rice blast to N. lugens, as evidenced by improved plant survival rates in a small population resistance study. Subsequent transcriptome data analysis revealed that the rice blast fungus can induce the expression of genes in the jasmonic acid (JA) and flavonoid pathways. Similar to the flavonoid pathway, the JA pathway also contains 2 types of genes that exhibit similar and opposite trends in response to N. lugens and rice blast. Among these genes, the osjaz1 mutant and the osmyc2 mutant were phenotypically confirmed to positively and negatively regulate rice resistance to N. lugens and rice blast, respectively. Subsequent mass spectrometry and quantification experiments showed that the exogenous application of methyl jasmonate (MeJA) can induce the accumulation of eriodictyol, naringenin and quercetin, as well as the expression of OsF3H, Os4CL5 and OsCHI in the flavonoid pathway. This suggests a close connection between the JA pathway and the flavonoid pathway. However, OsF3'H, which negatively regulates rice resistance to N. lugens and rice blast, did not show increased expression. Phenotypic and molecular experiments confirmed that OsMYC2 can bind to and inhibit the expression of OsF3'H, thus revealing the mechanism of rice resistance to N. lugens after treatment with rice blast. These findings will deepen our understanding of the interactions among rice, N. lugens and rice blast.
Encouraging entrepreneurship in dietetics: A qualitative exploration of the experiences of new graduate dietitians participating in an entrepreneurship mentoring circle
Authors: Molderings Natascha , Kirkegaard Amy , Williams Lauren T. , Mitchell Lana J.
Published: May 2024

Aims

Healthcare needs of the Australian population are changing, providing an opportunity for dietitians to embrace innovation and entrepreneurship to meet evolving demands. This study explored the expectations and experiences of participants in a 12‐month mentoring circle designed to provide entrepreneurship learning and formal mentoring for the Provisional Accredited Practising Dietitians Program.

Methods

A qualitative study design was employed. New graduate dietitians (<2 years) participating in the Entrepreneurial Dietetics Mentoring Circle in 2019, 2020 or 2021 were invited to participate. Baseline demographic and employment data were collected via survey. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted before mentoring circle session 1 (baseline) and after the final session (completion), exploring insights into participant expectations and experiences in entrepreneurship. Thematic analysis, using methods outlined by Braun and Clark, was conducted to identify themes and subthemes.

Results

Twenty‐eight dietitians participated (85% of mentees). Participants were mostly female (89%), less than 12 months post‐graduation (75%), registered as Provisional Accredited Practising Dietitians (82%) and employed at least part‐time (55%). Forty five interviews were conducted (28 baseline, 18 completion). Themes developed were: (1) entrepreneurial career path as a deliberate choice; (2) the value of being prepared for entrepreneurial careers; and (3) the importance of networks to support entrepreneurship.

Conclusion

The mentoring circle at this single university was seen by participants as supporting their transition into entrepreneurial careers, while meeting their requirement to be formally mentored through their Provisional status. Future research could consider the applicability of the mentoring circle model across a wider graduate population to support innovative practice.
The timing and location of entry in growing markets: subgame perfection at work
Authors: Bollinger Bryan , Doraszelski Ulrich , Judd Kenneth L. , McDevitt Ryan C.
Published: May 2024

We develop and analyze a dynamic model in which firms decide when and where to enter a growing market. We do not pre‐specify the order of entry, allowing instead for the leader and follower to be determined endogenously. We characterize the subgame perfect equilibria of the dynamic game and show the times and locations of entry are governed by the threat of preemption, which leads to premature entry, less extreme locations, and the dissipation of rents. Using data on gas stations, restaurants, and hotels in isolated markets, we find results consistent with subgame perfection for gas stations and three‐star hotels.
Dust sprinkling as an effective method for infecting layer chickens with wild‐type SalmonellaTyphimurium and changes in host gut microbiota
Authors: Khan Samiullah , McWhorter Andrea R. , Andrews Daniel M. , Underwood Gregory J. , Moore Robert J. , Van Thi Thu Hao , Gast Richard K. , Chousalkar Kapil K.
Published: May 2024

Role of dust in Salmonella transmission on chicken farms is not well characterised. Salmonella Typhimurium (ST) infection of commercial layer chickens was investigated using a novel sprinkling method of chicken dust spiked with ST and the uptake compared to a conventional oral infection. While both inoculation methods resulted in colonisation of the intestines, the Salmonella load in liver samples was significantly higher at 7 dpi after exposing chicks to sprinkled dust compared to the oral infection group. Infection of chickens using the sprinkling method at a range of doses showed a threshold for colonisation of the gut and organs as low as 1000 CFU/g of dust. Caecal content microbiota analysis post‐challenge showed that the profiles of chickens infected by the sprinkling and oral routes were not significantly different; however, both challenges induced differences when compared to the uninfected negative controls. Overall, the study showed that dust sprinkling was an effective way to experimentally colonise chickens with Salmonella and alter the gut microbiota than oral gavage at levels as low as 1000 CFU/g dust. This infection model mimics the field scenario of Salmonella infection in poultry sheds. The model can be used for future challenge studies for effective Salmonella control.
Humanitarian protection activities and the safety of strangers in the DRC, Syria and South Sudan
Authors: Kirk Tom , Pendle Naomi , Vasilyeva Anastasia
Published: May 2024

Many contemporary humanitarian organisations derive their legitimacy from their claims to protect civilians. Yet, what these organisations do in its name includes a diverse and contested range of activities that are often far from what global publics and affected populations understand as constituting protection. As others have argued, this detracts from honest discussions about when and how humanitarians are well placed to keep civilians safe from violence and threats. To begin to address this gap, we review what three well‐known humanitarian organisations publicly say they have done to protect strangers across three violent protracted crises. We capture how they portray their activities, the logics they attribute to them and what is left unsaid. Our findings suggest that humanitarians must, once again, collaborate over a shared protection framework that better signals what others can expect from them. We also identify an emerging convergence around the notion that peer‐to‐peer denunciations, conflict resolution, supporting self‐protection and community protection strategies and improving state‐society relations can be important forms of protection activity. There is, therefore, a need for a public stocktake over what can, cannot, should and should not be done to protect civilians in such contexts.
Evaluation of mechanical properties of an original and a replica‐like reciprocating instruments
Authors: de Bastos Roberta Salles , da Silva Thamires Vidal , Vieira Victor Talarico Leal , Silva Emmanuel João Nogueira Leal
Published: May 2024

This study assessed the mechanical properties of the Only One File Blue and the Reciproc Blue instruments. A total of 80 new 25 mm reciprocating NiTi instruments (25/.08v) were evaluated for their mechanical performance (n = 40 per group). Cyclic fatigue resistance, torsional fatigue, flexural resistance and buckling resistance tests were conducted. Statistical analysis was employed with a significance level set at 5%. The results indicated no statistically significant differences in resistance to cyclic fatigue neither in the fragment length between the instruments (p > 0.05). However, the Reciproc Blue instrument exhibited greater torque to fracture and a larger rotation angle than the Only One File Blue instrument (p < 0.05). The Only One File Blue instrument demonstrated higher flexibility but lower resistance to buckling compared to the Reciproc Blue instrument (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the tested instruments exhibit differences in mechanical properties, with the Reciproc Blue instrument generally presenting greater advantages than the Only One File Blue.
Residual network improves the prediction accuracy of genomic selection
Authors: Wu Huaxuan , Gao Bingxi , Zhang Rong , Huang Zehang , Yin Zongjun , Hu Xiaoxiang , Yang Cai‐Xia , Du Zhi‐Qiang
Published: May 2024

Genetic improvement of complex traits in animal and plant breeding depends on the efficient and accurate estimation of breeding values. Deep learning methods have been shown to be not superior over traditional genomic selection (GS) methods, partially due to the degradation problem (i.e. with the increase of the model depth, the performance of the deeper model deteriorates). Since the deep learning method residual network (ResNet) is designed to solve gradient degradation, we examined its performance and factors related to its prediction accuracy in GS. Here we compared the prediction accuracy of conventional genomic best linear unbiased prediction, Bayesian methods (BayesA, BayesB, BayesC, and Bayesian Lasso), and two deep learning methods, convolutional neural network and ResNet, on three datasets (wheat, simulated and real pig data). ResNet outperformed other methods in both Pearson's correlation coefficient (PCC) and mean squared error (MSE) on the wheat and simulated data. For the pig backfat depth trait, ResNet still had the lowest MSE, whereas Bayesian Lasso had the highest PCC. We further clustered the pig data into four groups and, on one separated group, ResNet had the highest prediction accuracy (both PCC and MSE). Transfer learning was adopted and capable of enhancing the performance of both convolutional neural network and ResNet. Taken together, our findings indicate that ResNet could improve GS prediction accuracy, affected potentially by factors such as the genetic architecture of complex traits, data volume, and heterogeneity.
Gross anatomy of vascular supply and drainage of mammary fat pads in mice models
Authors: Jayalakshmi J. , Thomas Tijina Rachel , N. S Sreelakshmi , N. S Sunilkumar , Rajani C. V. , K. M Lucy , S Maya , Varghese Reji , T. V. Aravindhakshan , N Ashok , T. D Babu , Darvin Pramod , Chandrasekhar Leena
Published: May 2024

This work extensively studied the vasculature of mice mammary fat pads (BALB/c and C57BL/6) with special reference to haematogenous drainage routes. Mammary fat pads were five pairs (first cervical, second and third thoracic, fourth abdominal and fifth inguinal), bilaterally symmetrical, extending laterally and continuously with the subcutaneous fascia. The superficial cervical artery and vein primarily accomplished the blood vasculature of the first mammary fat pad, while the lateral thoracic and external thoracic arteries and veins supplied the second and third mammary fat pads. The superficial cervical vein (found parallel to the superficial cervical artery) drained into the external jugular vein. The lateral thoracic artery and external thoracic artery branched almost at the same level as the axillary artery (branch of subclavian artery), the latter being more medial in position. However, in some specimens, the branching of both arteries appeared to be at the same level, and their origins were indistinguishable. The lateral thoracic vein that was parallel to the lateral thoracic artery drained to the axillary vein close to the drainage of the external thoracic vein. The lateral thoracic, superficial caudal epigastric, iliolumbar and external thoracic arteries and veins vascularized the fourth mammary fat pad and displayed anastomosis among themselves. The iliolumbar vein (found parallel to the iliolumbar artery) drained into the inferior vena cava. The superficial caudal epigastric vein (found parallel to the superficial caudal epigastric artery (SCaEA)) drained into the femoral vein. Unlike humans, the internal thoracic artery and vein did not participate in the vasculature of mammary fat pads. The SCaEA and vein supplied blood and drained the fifth mammary fat pad. The anatomical continuity of the fourth and fifth mammary fat pads provided common drainage for both mammary fat pads. The BALB/c and C57BL/6 mice strains studied did not differ in topography and size of mammary fat pads. The vascular supply and drainage of the mammary fat pads also did not differ in the strains studied. Only minor variations could be noted in the small veins draining into the lateral thoracic vein. Lateral tributaries seen in the terminal end of the lateral thoracic vein were absent in the C57BL/6 mice.
Heme metabolism and HO‐1 in the pathogenesis and potential intervention of endometriosis
Authors: Hou Ding‐Yu , Lu Jia‐Jing , Zhang Xing , Abudukeyoumu Ayitila , Li Ming‐Qing , Zhu Xiao‐Yong , Xie Feng
Published: May 2024

Endometriosis (EM) is one of the diseases related to retrograded menstruation and hemoglobin. Heme, released from hemoglobin, is degraded by heme oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1). In EM lesions, heme metabolites regulate processes such as inflammation, redox balance, autophagy, dysmenorrhea, malignancy, and invasion, where macrophages (Mø) play a fundamental role in their interactions. Regulation occurs at molecular, cellular, and pathological levels. Numerous studies suggest that heme is an indispensable component in EM and may contribute to its pathogenesis. The regulatory role of heme in EM encompasses cytokines, signaling pathways, and kinases that mediate cellular responses to external stimuli. HO‐1, a catalytic enzyme in the catabolic phase of heme, mitigates heme's cytotoxicity in EM due to its antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, and anti‐proliferative properties. Certain compounds may intervene in EM by targeting heme metabolism, guiding the development of appropriate treatments for all stages of endometriosis.
Immunotherapy and biologics in the management of IgE‐mediated food allergy: Systematic review and meta‐analyses of efficacy and safety
Authors: Riggioni Carmen , Oton Teresa , Carmona Loreto , Du Toit George , Skypala Isabel , Santos Alexandra F.
Published: May 2024

Food allergy (FA) is a potentially life‐threatening chronic condition that is becoming an increasing public health problem worldwide. This systematic review (SR) was carried out to inform the development of clinical recommendations on the treatment of IgE‐mediated FA with biologics and/or IT for the update of the EAACI guidelines. A SR of randomized‐controlled trials or quasi‐controlled trials was carried out. Studies were identified via comprehensive search strategies in Medline, Embase, and Cochrane Library, up to April 2022. Population: Human adults, children, and adolescents with IgE‐mediated FA. Intervention: IT and/or biologics. Comparator: Placebo or standard‐of‐care (allergen avoidance). Outcome: Efficacy (desensitization, sustained unresponsiveness (SU), remission), quality of life, and safety (systemic and local adverse reactions (AR)). The Cochrane RoB tool was used to assess the risk of bias. It was reported according to PRISMA and registered in PROSPERO CRD4202229828. After screening, 121 studies were included (111 for IT and 10 for biologics). Most studies had a high risk of bias and showed high heterogeneity in design and results. Metanalysis showed a positive effect of biologics and IT in terms of relative risk (RR) for achieving tolerance to the culprit food compared to avoidance or placebo. Omalizumab for any FA showed a RR of 2.17 [95% confidence interval: 1.22, 3.85]. For peanut allergy, oral IT (OIT) had a RR of 11.94 [1.76, 80.84] versus avoidance or placebo, sublingual IT (SLIT) had a RR of 3.00 [1.04, 8.66], and epicutaneous IT (EPIT) of 2.16 [1.56, 3.00]. OIT had a RR of 5.88 [2.27, 15.18] for cow's milk allergy, and of 3.43 [2.24, 5.27] for egg allergy. There was insufficient data on SLIT or EPIT for the treatment of egg and milk allergies. Most ARs reported were mild. For OIT the most common AR involved the gastrointestinal system and for EPIT, AR's most commonly affected the skin. There was limited data on severe or life‐threatening ARs. There was limited evidence for long term efficacy and quality of life. In conclusion, biologics and IT, alone or in combination, are effective in achieving desensitization while on active treatment but more evidence is needed on long‐term tolerance as current evidence is not of high quality. Adverse events while on therapy are generally mild to moderate but a long‐term comprehensive safety profile is missing. There is a critical need to optimize and standardize desensitization protocols and outcome measures to facilitate our understanding of the efficacy and safety as well as to allow for comparison between interventions.
Stakeholder engagement processes for the made in Italy small‐ and medium‐sized enterprises: Value co‐creation in the stakeholder network
Authors: Giordino Daniele , Troise Ciro , Vanhaverbeke Wim , Culasso Francesca
Published: May 2024

This article aims to explore the role of stakeholder engagement in partnerships and the effects that it has on small‐ and medium‐sized enterprises' (SMEs) competitiveness and their ability to expand into foreign markets. This study employs a qualitative approach to research by gathering empirical data from nine SMEs that have engaged in a partnership fostered by a digital platform that operates as an online sales channel. Our study reveals that SMEs engaging in cooperative activities are able to leverage external stakeholders to improve their competitive advantage and increase their capabilities to permeate into foreign markets and better their structural costs and product variety. The insights derived from this study prove useful to both theory and practice. First, the obtained findings underline the significance of cooperative activities in enhancing SMEs' likelihood of growth and thriving amidst the ever‐changing global market. Second, the present article underlines the impact partnerships have on all three dimensions of stakeholder engagement, namely strategic, pragmatic and moral. Third, the present manuscript corroborates the influence of digital platforms in fostering collaborative initiatives. Finally, the findings carry insights supporting the significance of shared values, norms and objectives amongst businesses as crucial elements of the stakeholder engagement process.
Who holds the social power? The development of children's social power perceptions in China
Authors: Wang Chenglong , Lin Yunqiang , Yang Yijin , Li Tingyu , Cheng Nanhua , Yan Congcong
Published: May 2024

This study examined the development of social power perceptions among Chinese children aged 3–5 years (N = 105). After watching videos about various social power cues, such as resource possession, resource control, goal achievement, permission, giving orders, setting norms and popularity, the children were asked to identify the powerful agents (whom do you believe is the more powerful person?) in the videos and provide explanations (why do you think he (she) is a powerful person?). Three‐year‐olds can recognize powerful agents who can grant ‘permission’ to other agents. By the age of 4, children begin to associate ‘popularity’, ‘resource possession’ and ‘goal achievement’ with social power. Five‐year olds demonstrated the ability to recognize agents who control resources as being more powerful. Analysis of the reasons the children provided for their judgements revealed that for almost every cue (except giving orders), more than 14% of the responses highlighted ‘possession of material resources’ as an indicator of power. For children aged 3–5 years, ‘resource possession’ cues may be their preferred basis for inferring and explaining power differences. These results would facilitate researchers to further unravel the mechanisms underlying the development of children's social power perceptions.
French early nationwide idecabtagene vicleucel chimeric antigen receptor T‐cell therapy experience in patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (FENIX): A real‐world IFM study from the DESCAR‐T registry
Authors: Ferment B. , Lambert J. , Caillot D. , Lafon I. , Karlin L. , Lazareth A. , Touzeau C. , Leleu X. , Moya N. , Harel S. , Perrot A. , Bories P. , Vincent L. , Lamure S. , Mohty M. , Malard F. , Manier S. , Yakoub‐Agha I. , Schiano De Colella J.‐M. , Brisou G. , Talbot A. , Decaux O. , Houot R. , Le Gouill S. , Bigot N. , Facon T. , Corre J. , Moreau P. , Arnulf B. ,   Intergroupe Francophone du Myélome
Published: May 2024

Idecabtagene vicleucel (ide‐cel), a chimeric antigen receptor T‐cell therapy targeting B‐cell maturation antigen (BCMA), received early access program (EAP) authorization in France in April 2021 for relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM). We conducted a real‐world registry‐based multicentre observational study in 11 French hospitals to evaluate ide‐cel outcomes. Data from 176 RRMM patients who underwent apheresis between June 2021 and November 2022 were collected from the French national DESCAR‐T registry. Of these, 159 patients (90%) received ide‐cel. Cytokine release syndrome occurred in 90% with 2% grade ≥3, and neurotoxicity occurred in 12% with 3% grade ≥3. Over the first 6 months, the best overall response and ≥complete response rates were 88% and 47% respectively. The median progression‐free survival (PFS) from the ide‐cel infusion was 12.5 months, the median overall survival (OS) was 20.8 months and the estimated OS rate at 12 months was 73.3%. Patients with extra‐medullary disease (EMD) had impaired PFS (6.2 months vs. 14.8 months). On multivariable analysis, EMD and previous exposure to BCMA‐targeted immunoconjugate or T‐cell‐redirecting GPRC5D bispecific antibody were associated with inferior PFS. Our study supports ide‐cel's feasibility, safety and efficacy in real‐life settings, emphasizing the importance of screening for EMD and considering prior treatments to optimize patient selection.
Pregnancy and childbirth in patients with Glanzmann Thrombasthenia
Authors: Rottenstreich Amihai , Coller Barry S.
Published: May 2024

Glanzmann thrombasthenia (GT) is a rare inherited platelet bleeding disorder caused by a quantitative and/or qualitative defect of the αIIbβ3 integrin. Pregnancy and delivery pose special challenges as they entail increased risks of both maternal and foetal bleeding that may be life‐threatening. Multidisciplinary management throughout the preconception, intrapartum and peripartum periods is vital to optimize pregnancy outcomes. This Nutshell review focuses on the challenging management of pregnancy and childbirth in patients with GT.
TRPA1 up‐regulation mediates oxidative stress in a pulpitis model in vitro
Authors: Kunka Árpád , Lisztes Erika , Bohács Judit , Racskó Márk , Kelemen Balázs , Kovalecz Gabriella , Tóth Etelka D. , Hegedűs Csaba , Bágyi Kinga , Marincsák Rita , Tóth Balázs István
Published: May 2024

Background and Purpose

Pulpitis is associated with tooth hypersensitivity and results in pulpal damage. Thermosensitive transient receptor potential (TRP) ion channels expressed in the dental pulp may be key transducers of inflammation and nociception. We aimed at investigating the expression and role of thermo‐TRPs in primary human dental pulp cells (hDPCs) in normal and inflammatory conditions.

Experimental Approach

Inflammatory conditions were induced in hDPC cultures by applying polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid (poly(I:C)). Gene expression and pro‐inflammatory cytokine release were measured by RT‐qPCR and ELISA. Functions of TRPA1 channels were investigated by monitoring changes in intracellular Ca2+ concentration. Mitochondrial superoxide production was measured using a fluorescent substrate. Cellular viability was assessed by measuring the activity of mitochondrial dehydrogenases and cytoplasmic esterases. TRPA1 activity was modified by agonists, antagonists, and gene silencing.

Key Results

Transcripts of TRPV1, TRPV2, TRPV4, TRPC5, and TRPA1 were highly expressed in control hDPCs, whereas TRPV3, TRPM2, and TRPM3 expressions were much lower, and TRPM8 was not detected. Poly(I:C) markedly up‐regulated TRPA1 but not other thermo‐TRPs. TRPA1 agonist‐induced Ca2+ signals were highly potentiated in inflammatory conditions. Poly(I:C)‐treated cells displayed increased Ca2+ responses to H2O2, which was abolished by TRPA1 antagonists. Inflammatory conditions induced oxidative stress, stimulated mitochondrial superoxide production, resulted in mitochondrial damage, and decreased cellular viability of hDPCs. This inflammatory cellular damage was partly prevented by the co‐application of TRPA1 antagonist or TRPA1 silencing.

Conclusion and Implications

Pharmacological blockade of TRPA1 channels may be a promising therapeutic approach to alleviate pulpitis and inflammation‐associated pulpal damage.
Impact of sediment provenance and depositional setting on chlorite content in Cretaceous turbiditic sandstones, Norway
Authors: Azzam Fares , Blaise Thomas , Patrier Patricia , Beaufort Daniel , Barbarand Jocelyn , Elmola Ahmed Abd , Brigaud Benjamin , Portier Eric , Clerc Sylvain
Published: May 2024

Chlorite minerals, mainly in the form of clay coats, play a critical role in determining the reservoir quality of siliciclastic rocks. They can positively influence reservoir quality by preserving porosity during deep burial, but they can also play a negative role by reducing permeability through pore filling. The main aim of this research is to determine the optimal conditions for chlorite growth in sedimentary basins. This study investigates the Lower Cretaceous turbidite sandstone of the Agat Formation in the North Sea. We used a source‐to‐sink approach to investigate the impact of sediment source composition, chemical weathering and depositional environment on chlorite formation. Understanding the interplay between these processes can help refine exploration and exploitation strategies, optimise hydrocarbon recovery, and reduce exploration risks. Representative samples from two hydrocarbon fields (the Duva and Agat fields) were investigated using petrography, geochemistry, heavy mineral identification and quantification, and U–Pb geochronology of detrital zircons. Our results show a strong heterogeneity in the sediment provenance between the two turbidite systems. In the Duva field, the sandstone is derived from a mixture of mafic and felsic sources, producing Fe‐rich sediments. Intense chemical weathering generates fine fraction materials rich in kaolinite, vermiculite, and hydroxy‐interlayered clays, which are transported into shallow marine settings. Subsequent interaction with seawater results in the formation of glauconitic materials, Fe‐illite, and phosphatic concretions. These Fe‐rich materials are remobilised into deep marine settings, providing precursors for the development of authigenic Fe‐clays such as berthierine and chlorite. Conversely, in the Agat field, the sandstone is predominantly sourced from felsic rocks that underwent low chemical weathering, producing sediment rich in quartz and feldspar with a low amount of clays. With few Fe‐rich materials transported into the basin, the development of chlorite in the Agat field was less pervasive. Basin configuration and depositional environment exerted additional control on chlorite distribution. In the confined turbidite system (e.g. Duva field), chlorite is typically found as coating, whereas in less confined turbidite systems (e.g. Agat field) chlorite shows complex distribution related to depositional environment and dewatering processes. Our findings demonstrate the importance of considering the entire sediment routing system, from source to sink, when predicting chlorite occurrence and its impact on reservoir quality in deep marine settings. This integrated approach can guide exploration and development efforts in deepwater clastic reservoirs.
Supervision as a Dispersed Practice: Exploring the Creation of Supervisory Spaces in Day‐to‐Day Social Work Practice
Authors: Gregory Mark
Published: May 2024

Supervision is integral to social work practice; however, how it operates in day‐to‐day practice remains poorly understood. Existing research mainly comprises quantitative and qualitative accounts of social workers' and supervisors' experiences of supervision. More recently, a small number of studies examining the content of supervision have added to our understanding of what happens in supervision. However, supervisory interactions outside formal supervision have received scant empirical attention. This paper draws on an ethnographic study of four social work teams in England, exploring how formal and informal case discussion supports social workers' sensemaking. Data comprised observations of case talk in the office space (n = 21) and group case discussions (n = 2), recordings of one‐to‐one supervision (n = 17) and semi‐structured interviews (n = 22). Findings highlighted the importance of space in how social workers perceived and engaged with supervision. Supervisory spaces involve the interaction of physical, thinking and emotional spaces to create spaces that are supportive, task‐focused and reflective. Moreover, these supervisory spaces are not confined to formal one‐to‐one supervision or to the dyadic supervisor–supervisee relationship. This raises questions for how child protection social workers can be best supported, across diverse supervisory spaces and relationships, to ensure their practice is effective.
Comparing the modified socket‐shield technique with the conventional immediate implantation technique in the anterior dentition: A 5‐year retrospective clinical study
Authors: Li Xingfu , Li Xinhan , Xu Yamei , Fu Gang , Huang Hong
Published: May 2024

Aims

The aim of this retrospective clinical study was to compare the 5‐year radiological and clinical outcomes of patients undergoing immediate implantation with or without the modified socket‐shield technique.

Materials and Methods

Patients who underwent anterior tooth replacement via the modified socket‐shield technique (MSST) or the conventional immediate implantation technique (CIIT) between 2016 and 2017 were included. The labial bone thickness was assessed at different measurement levels (0, 2, 4 and 6 mm apical to the implant shoulder (IS)) postoperatively (T1), 6 months postoperatively (T2) and 5 years postoperatively (T3). The pink aesthetic score (PES) was evaluated before surgery (T0) and at T2 and T3. Implant success, complications and patient satisfaction were evaluated at every visit.

Results

Thirty‐six patients (18 in the MSST group) underwent follow‐up for 5 years, with no cases of implant failure. Two cases of exposure were detected in the MSST group, but there were no significant effects on hard or soft tissue. Patients in the MSST group showed less and more stable bone resorption than did those in the CIIT group at any measurement level and any time. A higher PES was achieved in the MSST group. Patient satisfaction was similar in both groups.

Conclusions

The MSST is a reliable immediate implantation method because of its ability to preserve the alveolar bone and provide superior recovery of aesthetics.