bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Histopathological profile of triple negative breast carcinomas seen in patients in National Hospital, Abuja over a 10-year period (January 2010-December 2019)
Authors: Benye Tolulope A. , Jibrin Paul G. , Achusi Ben I. , Olah Friday G. , Nwana Edmund J.C.
Published: September 2024

Background

Triple negative breast carcinoma (TNBC) cases in Africa and the black race which are most commonly seen among the reproductive age group are highly aggressive and have a high mortality rate. Based on its protein expression using immunohistochemical methods it does not express the hormone receptors (oestrogen and progesterone) and the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2). As a result the only means of treating TNBC patients so far is by conventional chemotherapy +/- radiotherapy. Even then only 50.0 % of these patients will respond to the chemotherapy. Further studies which may help improve treatment and survival in these patients are important.

Objective

This study is aimed at knowing the histopathological profile of TNBCs in Abuja with the expression of androgen receptor; an important marker in these patients.

Method

Two hundred formalin-fixed paraffin embedded TNBC tissue blocks were selected for the study. The histological type and their respective histological grades (based on the Nottingham grading system) were noted from the haematoxylin and eosin(H&E) sections. Immunohistochemical staining was done using antibodies against androgen receptor (Biocare) and CK5/6 (Invitrogen) with in-house controls. The androgen receptor and CK5/6 expressions were analysed using a semi-quantitative scoring method: - A tumour was considered positive for LAR if ≥ 1.0 % of tumour cell nuclei were staining and positive for CK5/6 if ≥10.0 % of tumour cells had membrane staining. Other biographic data like tumour size, presence or absence of lymphovascular permeation were also analysed. Correlation between the histological types and grades were also done using SPSS version 21 statistical package.

Results

The 30-49 age group had the highest frequency of TNBC. The commonest histological type seen among TNBCs is Invasive carcinoma; NST at 93.0%. The most frequent histological grade is grade 2 at 56.0 %. The androgen receptor subtype constituted 19.0 %. The basal subtype formed 28.5 % of the total sample size. There was no significant correlation between the histological type and grade of TNBC. 73.3% of the patients had tumour size of pT1 and pT2.

Conclusion

This study shows that the percentage of androgen positive cases among triple negative breast carcinomas is significant enough to warrant routine luminal AR testing for TNBCs. Furthermore, this study has shown that the most frequent histological type is Invasive carcinoma; Non-specific type (NST) regardless of the molecular subtype and presence or absence of lympho-vascular permeation. It has also shown that the most frequent histological grade seen among patients with TNBCs is Grade 2.
Social Determinants of Health Factors Associated with Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease Prevalence and Severity: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Abu-Rumaileh Mohammed , Dhoop Sudheer , Pace Jordan , Qapaja Thabet , Martinez Maria Elena , Tincopa Monica , Loomba Rohit
Published: September 2024

Background & Aims

Social determinants of health (SDOH) impact disease risk and severity leading to health disparities and impeding health equity. Though important in mitigating adverse health outcomes, SDOH impacting metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) prevalence and severity are understudied and results are conflicting. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to assess the impact of specific SDOH factors on MASLD disease burden for adults in the United States (US).

Methods

We searched MEDLINE, Embase and Cochrane databases per the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guidelines. Studies from January 2010-May 2024 were included. Quantitative studies of adults in the US that evaluated SDOH beyond race/ethnicity were included. Outcomes included prevalence of MASLD, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), MASH-associated advanced fibrosis or cirrhosis and clinical outcomes.

Results

We identified 18 studies comprising of 547,634 total subjects from 11 unique cohorts. Nine studies evaluated MASLD prevalence, three MASH prevalence, eight MASH-associated advanced fibrosis/cirrhosis prevalence, and nine clinical outcomes. High diet quality was the most consistent SDOH factor associated with both MASLD and MASH-associated advanced fibrosis/cirrhosis prevalence (summarized OR of 0.76 p <0.01, and 0.74 p <0.01, respectively). Lower income was most consistently associated with risk of clinical outcomes (significant in 3/9 studies).

Conclusions

Diet quality was the most consistent SDOH associated with disease prevalence and severity in MASLD, with the remainder of SDOH showing inconsistent associations. Prospective assessments using consistent, validated tools to assess the impact of specific SDOH on MASLD disease burden are needed to inform public health interventions to mitigate health disparities in MASLD.
Evasion of neutrophil-mediated bacterial clearance inPseudomonas aeruginosaisolates from new-onset infections in cystic fibrosis children
Authors: Kwong Kelly , Goldman Sophia , Beauchamp Annie , Malet Karim , Levade Ines , Grana Lucia , Guttman David S. , Waters Valerie , Nguyen Dao
Published: September 2024

ChronicPseudomonas aeruginosa(PA) infections in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients can persist for decades and are associated with poor clinical outcomes. New-onset PA infections are routinely treated with antibiotics, but unfortunately up to 40% of patients fail eradication therapy due to reasons that are poorly understood. Recently, we found that Persistent PA isolates from CF patients who failed tobramycin eradication therapy were more resistant toin vitroneutrophil-mediated opsonophagocytosis and intracellular bacterial killing (OPK) and were significantly associated with a non-twitching phenotype compared to Eradicated isolates. In this study, we sought to investigate how Persistent isolates evade in neutrophil-mediated bacterial clearancein vitroand whether these PA isolates also persistin vivo. Furthermore, we investigated whether restoring pilus-mediated twitching motility is sufficient to restore susceptibility toin vitroOPK andin vivobacterial clearance. Using primary murine serum and bone marrow-derived neutrophils, we demonstrated that Persistent isolates are resistant to several neutrophil antibacterial functions compared to Eradicated isolates. Additionally, mice failed to clear pulmonary infections caused by Persistent isolates but not Eradicated isolates despite comparable responses in leukocyte recruitment and cytokine responses. We demonstrate that loss of Type IV pilus-mediated twitching motility confers a fitness advantage for a Persistent isolate during a murine pulmonary infection, and restoration of pilus-mediated twitching motility improvesin vivobacterial clearance. Our findings show that resistance to neutrophil-mediated bacterial clearance in Persistent isolates are partly mediated by loss of Type IV pilus-dependent motility and contributes to the persistence of new onset PA infections.
An evolutionarily conserved Hox-Gbx segmentation code in the rice coralMontipora capitata
Authors: He Shuonan , Rangel-Huerta Emma , Hill Eric , Ellington Lacey , Chen Shiyuan (Cynthia) , Robb Sofia , Majerová Eva , Drury Crawford , Gibson Matthew C.
Published: September 2024

Segmentation of the gastric cavity is a synapomorphic trait of cnidarians of the class Anthozoa (corals and sea anemones), with different clades forming distinct numbers of segments. In the starlet sea anemoneNematostella vectensis, for example, eight bilaterally positioned gastric segments are generated by the action of a group of Hox-Gbx genes in the developing larval endo-mesoderm. Still, given the range of segment numbers observed in different anthozoans, it remains unclear whether this Hox-Gbx module is evolutionarily conserved and how it might be deployed to generate different numbers of segments. Here, we systematically interrogate the role of Hox-Gbx genes during development of the rice coralMontipora capitata. We first characterize the temporal sequence of segmentation inM. capitatajuveniles and then combine transcriptomic profiling andin situhybridization to identify three conserved homeobox-containing genes,McAnthox8,McAnthox6a.1andMcGbx, which are collectively expressed in the developing endo-mesoderm prior to and during segment formation. The expression boundaries of these genes prefigure the positions of the first six segment boundaries, similar to theirNematostellahomologs. Further, we show that chemical inhibition of BMP activity at the planula stage abolishes the expression of Hox-Gbx genes, leading to the formation of an unsegmented gastric cavity. These findings demonstrate the existence of a functionally conserved Hox-Gbx module in evolutionarily divergent anthozoan species, suggesting that the last common ancestor of all anthozoans likely utilized a similar genetic toolkit to axially pattern the endo-mesoderm into metameric subunits.
Disentangling SMEFT and UV contributions in
h→Zγ
and
h→γγ
decays
Authors: Mantzaropoulos Kostas
Published: September 2024

LHC searches have revealed that the Higgs boson decay to a photon pair is nearly consistent with the Standard Model (SM), whereas recently, there is evidence for the decay of the Higgs boson to a Z boson and a photon. These decays are governed by the same set of Wilson coefficients at the tree level in Standard Model effective field theory (SMEFT). In this study, we aim to explain this potential discrepancy between the decays h→γγ and h→Zγ. We conduct a model-independent analysis in SMEFT to determine the magnitude and features of the Wilson coefficients required to account for the observed distinction between the two signal strengths. Following this, we adopt a top-down approach, considering all single- and two-field extensions of the SM, including scalars and fermions, as candidates for new interactions. We perform the matching of these models to one loop using automated packages and compare the models’ predictions regarding h→Zγ.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Quantum Entanglement between Optical and Microwave Photonic Qubits
Authors: Meesala Srujan , Lake David , Wood Steven , Chiappina Piero , Zhong Changchun , Beyer Andrew D. , Shaw Matthew D. , Jiang Liang , Painter Oskar
Published: September 2024

Entanglement is an extraordinary feature of quantum mechanics. Sources of entangled optical photons were essential to test the foundations of quantum physics through violations of Bell’s inequalities. More recently, entangled many-body states have been realized via strong nonlinear interactions in microwave circuits with superconducting qubits. Here, we demonstrate a chip-scale source of entangled optical and microwave photonic qubits. Our device platform integrates a piezo-optomechanical transducer with a superconducting resonator which is robust under optical illumination. We drive a photon-pair generation process and employ a dual-rail encoding intrinsic to our system to prepare entangled states of microwave and optical photons. We place a lower bound on the fidelity of the entangled state by measuring microwave and optical photons in two orthogonal bases. This entanglement source can directly interface telecom wavelength time-bin qubits and gigahertz frequency superconducting qubits, two well-established platforms for quantum communication and computation, respectively.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
The impact of digital fashion marketing on purchase intention
Authors: Mao Junyue , Xu Xiaohong , Han Jinghe , Ko Eunju
Published: September 2024

Purpose

This study aims to examine the effect of digital fashion marketing on consumer purchase intentions. Rooted in the stimulus–organism–response framework, it explores how digital marketing strategies in the fashion industry influence consumer attitudes and satisfaction, ultimately affecting their purchasing decisions.

Design/methodology/approach

It is mainly focused on the attitudes, satisfaction, and purchase intentions of young consumers in China and South Korea toward fashion brands stimulated by digital fashion shows and non-fungible tokens. This study modifies the research model through case studies, collects data through questionnaires, and analyzes the data using fsQCA and AMOS.

Findings

The findings of the fsQCA study show that stimuli impact consumers’ attitudes, satisfaction, involvement, and willingness to rewatch. The multigroup analysis shows that social norms and images have a greater influence on individuals in China, whereas Korea has a higher direct effect of individual involvement on consumption behavior.

Originality/value

The study is useful for global fashion brands because it emphasizes the role of digital innovations in shaping consumer–brand relationships and makes strategic recommendations for sustainable growth in the digital fashion landscape.
Effects of pulsed magnetic field intensity on the freezing rate and heat loads reduction of harvested mango and tomato
Authors: Alabi Kehinde Peter , Olalusi Ayoola Patrick , Isa John , Jaiyeoba Kehinde Folake , Odewole Michael Mayokun
Published: September 2024

Purpose

Fresh fruits and vegetables (FV) are crucial global food resources, but the presence of heat loads during harvest adversely impacts their shelf life. While freezing technology provides an effective means of removing heat loads, it is an energy-intensive process and may consequently prove too costly for practical business viability. The growing interest in utilizing magnetic field (MF) technology during the freezing of fresh FV enhances the freezing rate and rapidly removes the heat loads of products.

Design/methodology/approach

In the present study, pulsed magnetic field (PMF) pretreatment employing specific field strengths (9 T, 14 T and 20 T) was examined as a preliminary step before freezing mango and tomato and compared to the conventional freezing method (untreated) at − 18 °C.

Findings

PMF pretreatment prior to freezing demonstrated a noteworthy enhancement in freezing rate by around 10 and 12% when compared with the conventional (untreated) freezing, which exhibited freezing rates of −0.08 °C/min and −1.10 °C/min for mango and tomato, respectively. The PMF pretreatment (at 20 T) provided a higher freezing rate (at p = 0.05) than the conventional freezing method reduced heat loads amounting to 1.1 × 107 J/kg oC and 2.9 × 106 J/kg oC, significantly (at p = 0.05) from mango and tomato, respectively. These reductions in heat loads were approximately more than 5% of the calculated heat loads removed during conventional freezing.

Research limitations/implications

Mango and tomato samples were only tested; the results may lack generalizability. Therefore, researchers are encouraged to test for other products for further studies.

Practical implications

The paper includes implications for the development of a rapid freezing technique, the development of “pulsed magnetic field” and for eliminating the problem associated with conventional (slow) freezing.

Originality/value

The study holds significance for the production of postharvest freezing technology, providing insightful information on the PMF-assisted freezing of cellular foods.
Mapping the research landscape: exploring the relationship between corporate entrepreneurship and the circular economy
Authors: Díaz-Garrido Eloísa , Soriano-Pinar Isabel , Bermejo-Olivas Sara
Published: September 2024

Purpose

The analysis of current research trends in a specific research topic provides a starting point for future research. As a means to represent the conceptual structure of this field of study, this paper aims to analyse how the relationship between the research topics of corporate entrepreneurship and the circular economy has been studied in the literature.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology employed herein is the bibliometric technique of co-words. Specifically, 138 documents were analysed, obtained from the Web of Science (WOS) database and published between 2003 and 2022.

Findings

Through co-word analysis, this study maps the most relevant themes in the research between corporate entrepreneurship and the circular economy. The strategy map reveals diverse thematic approaches, including organisational learning and the role of managers.

Originality/value

This study combines corporate entrepreneurship and the circular economy and provides new insights through bibliometric co-word analysis. By connecting these two topics, it assists researchers, practitioners and policymakers in advancing knowledge and practice in the related literature.
Corporate social responsibility as a moderator of loyalty antecedents in the Brazilian banking context
Authors: de Oliveira Santini Fernando , Lugo Daniel Barrionuevo , Junior Ladeira Wagner , Akhtar Shakeb , Rocha Luciana da Silva , Sott Michele Kremer
Published: September 2024

Purpose

This study aims to analyze how corporate social responsibility (CSR) moderates the direct effects of satisfaction, service quality and trust on consumer bank loyalty.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey was conducted with 258 consumers who had held a bank account for at least six months to test the proposed model and achieve the research objectives. It was hypothesized that satisfaction, service quality and trust would positively influence bank loyalty. Additionally, it was expected that CSR would positively moderate the relationships between these constructs and bank loyalty.

Findings

The study confirmed the positive relationships among the direct effects of satisfaction, service quality and trust on bank loyalty. However, unexpected results were found in the moderation analysis. The moderating effects of CSR on the relationships between service quality and trust in customer loyalty contradicted expectations. These results suggest that banks should cautiously approach CSR activities, especially in Brazil. Consumers' perceptions are influenced by whether they perceive CSR initiatives as altruistic. Conversely, banks risk losing credibility if consumers perceive CSR as self-serving rather than beneficial to the public. The study underscores the importance of aligning CSR practices with genuine public benefit to enhance consumer trust and loyalty, urging companies to rethink their approach to CSR implementation.

Originality/value

This investigation benefits researchers, customers and banking executives. The findings may assist banks in (re)building their CSR reputation. This research evaluates banks in a developing economy and can serve as a precursor to future research, helping to develop CSR guidelines for banks.
Accountants as SME advisors: relevance lost?
Authors: Brickman Karen , Hiebl Martin R.W. , Quinn Martin , Warren Liz
Published: September 2024

Purpose

Accountants are portrayed as important advisors of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). However, increasing numbers of SMEs now use software for their transactional and compliance-related accounting work. This latter work is considered to be the “entry ticket” for accountants serving in advisory roles. This study aims to examine whether the relevance of accountants as advisors to SMEs has been lost.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on the resource-based view and applying a qualitative cross-sectional field study, interviews with small businesses in the European craft brewing/distilling sector are the data source.

Findings

The study’s analysis paints a concerning picture of the use of external accountants by SMEs. While not suggesting that accountants are incapable of offering value-adding advice, the findings suggest that the involvement of potentially value-adding accountants by SMEs is rare. The interviewees note that they would not approach their accountants for advice due to the existence of more cost-attractive alternatives. The study finds that external accountants are not imperfectly imitable and can be substituted, particularly by social media and community groups.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to examine the role of accountants in the craft brewing/distilling industry and one of the first to assess empirically the importance of accountants as advisors to SMEs with audit exemptions and to consider the increasing threat of substitution by software. The findings suggest that accountants have lost relevance as advisors to the businesses studied, or have never had much relevance.
Biomass supply chain coordination considering government subsidies and corporate social responsibility
Authors: Yu Long , Zhang Qianqian , Wu Jun , Liu Weina , Ding Lijuan
Published: September 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of various decision-making approaches and government subsidies on supply chain performance, aiming to enhance the profits of disposal firms and retailers as well as to improve social welfare.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, a two-echelon biomass supply chain composed of a disposal firm and a retailer is developed. Firstly, considering the effects of government subsidies, we analyze biofuels prices, corporate social responsibility levels, social welfare and supply chain profitability under centralized and decentralized decision-making scenarios, respectively. Furthermore, we assess how subsidies influence pricing, market participation, profitability and social welfare. Secondly, we propose a revenue sharing–cost sharing contract to enhance the profits of the disposal firm and retailer. Thirdly, we extend the supply chain to a disposal firm and two retailers and explore the impact of competition intensity on corporate decision-making behavior. Finally, numerical analysis is conducted by taking one biomass energy firm as an example to support the results.

Findings

Our research finds that (1) Equilibrium strategies under the centralized decision-making scenario are greater than those under the decentralized decision-making scenario. Centralized decision-making can increase market demand and consumer surplus. (2) Government subsidies can promote corporate social responsibility levels, despite causing a slight increase in retail price for biofuels. When market competition intensifies, companies usually reduce their investment in CSR, and this trend is particularly pronounced in the absence of subsidies. (3) In both the decentralized and the centralized decision-making scenarios, increasing conversion rates and the CSR coefficient can significantly increase the overall profitability and social welfare.

Research limitations/implications

A three-echelon biomass supply chain involving collection station, disposal firm and retailer can be studied in the future.

Originality/value

By examining the effects of subsidies on CSR engagement and market outcomes, our study contributes valuable insights into policy design for promoting sustainable practices in biomass industries.
Cybersecurity behavior in the metaverse: opportunities, challenges and future trends for libraries
Authors: Oladokun Bolaji David , Enakrire Rexwhite Tega , Ukubeyinje Ejiro Sandra , Oyighan Diseiye , Okeke Oluchi Cecilia , Ajani Yusuf Ayodeji
Published: September 2024

Purpose

This study explores cybersecurity behavior in the metaverse, focusing on the opportunities, challenges and future trends for libraries. This study aims to assess the evolving threats in virtual environments and the role libraries play in addressing cybersecurity in these immersive digital spaces.

Design/methodology/approach

This research uses a narrative review approach, synthesizing existing literature on cybersecurity threats in the metaverse, vulnerabilities of metaverse platforms and user behavior risks. It also examines how libraries can mitigate these risks while leveraging metaverse technologies.

Findings

This study identifies significant cybersecurity risks in the metaverse, including data breaches, identity theft and virtual property theft. It also highlights the vulnerabilities of metaverse platforms, such as weak user authentication and system integration challenges. Moreover, user behavior – like weak passwords and susceptibility to social engineering – amplifies these risks. Libraries have an opportunity to enhance digital literacy and cybersecurity education but face technological and skill-based barriers.

Originality/value

This study provides a novel exploration of how libraries can address cybersecurity concerns in the metaverse. It highlights the importance of proactive measures and evolving technologies in ensuring a safe virtual experience.
Political perspectives and their impact on fintech mortgage lending adoption
Authors: Hashemi Joo Mohammad , Nishikawa Yuka
Published: September 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the link between political perspectives and the adoption of financial technology (fintech) mortgage lending, a new type of mortgage lending facilitated by online platforms.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use fintech mortgage lending and presidential election data for the United States of America (USA) counties from 2010 to 2017. Employing several analysis techniques including ordinary least squares (OLS) regressions and propensity score matching (PSM) methodology, the authors test whether political views are related to fintech mortgage lending, after controlling for other county characteristics including population, unemployment rate, median income, median age, minority ratio and education.

Findings

The authors find that a higher tendency toward Republican views is positively associated with adoption rates of fintech mortgages. The empirical results are supported by Republican ideology, which advocates for deregulation and market-driven solutions, as well as an increasing skepticism among Republicans toward traditional banking and financial institutions.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the growing body of literature on fintech credit. By focusing on political views to explain the adoption of fintech mortgage lending – a recent and potentially disruptive innovation – the authors provide new insights into the dynamics within fintech credit markets.
“D-III students deserve better”: strategic communication with college stakeholders
Authors: Miller Laura Nicole
Published: September 2024

Research methodology

This case is based solely on secondary, publicly available information. Sources include the X social media platform, Anna Maria College’s (AMC) website and the Massachusetts-based Spectrum News.

Case overview/synopsis

AMC administrators knew student-athletes held a stake in the institution’s success. After all, over 40% of the College’s students played on its 13 Division-III (D-III) teams, which meant a significant portion of the private institution’s tuition and student fees were paid by student-athletes. But student-athletes were not AMC’s only stakeholders. In Spring 2024, this came to a head when the College found itself intervening as a faculty member and his student-athletes struggled to communicate with one another. AMC administrators were left wondering: How should they reconcile the competing needs of their diverse stakeholder groups?

Complexity academic level

This case and its accompanying teaching note are appropriate for lower-level undergraduate organizational communications classes that explore how stakeholder theory can drive messaging development. The case was tested in the classroom with upper-level undergraduate students in a strategic managerial communication course. It was embedded in a unit that focused on stakeholder management and communication, and it should be a prerequisite to a unit in which students build on the case’s content to develop full, multi-touch communication campaigns.
The professional structure required of primary school teachers in Japanese schools for the deaf
Authors: Nara Risa , Ikeda Ayano
Published: September 2024

This study aimed to identify the professional structure required by teachers working in primary schools for deaf students in Japan. Ten university teachers training in education for deaf students at Japanese universities participated in semi‐structured interviews. Data were analysed using the KJ method of qualitative analysis based on similarity, with 409 codes, 12 categories and 99 sub‐categories extracted. The results were aggregated into teaching skills and knowledge and collaborative skills categories, clarifying the specific structure of expertise required for teachers of deaf students. Teaching skills and knowledge have already been integrated into teacher training programmes; however, curriculum development for collaborative skills is required. The results of this study suggest that teachers need to acquire a wide range of professional skills to educate children with hearing impairment. We recommend improving social mechanisms for training these teachers in the future.
What Triggers Change in Antimicrobial Use?
Authors: Enticott Gareth , Gröndal Hedvig , Hémonic Anne , O'Mahony Kieran , Roguet Christine , Rousset Natalie , Shortall Orla , Sutherland Lee‐Ann
Published: September 2024

This article considers how different ‘triggers' contribute to changes in the use of antimicrobials. Drawing on the Triggering Change model, the article suggests that the use of antimicrobials is path dependent: economically, socially and culturally invested in maintaining a steady trajectory, with incremental changes. Triggering events – such as farm succession, financial crisis, or disease outbreak – are required to break these dependencies and stimulate transitions to new farming trajectories. The article investigates which triggering events are significant in the context of responsible antimicrobial usage, in three European countries, spanning the beef, dairy, poultry and pig sectors. Results demonstrated that major reductions in antimicrobial use are often part of larger transition processes. Triggers led to major changes on farm which included reduction in antimicrobial use amongst other changes. When antimicrobial change occurred in isolation, it was typically in response to legislation, and progressed incrementally over time. To achieve major changes in antimicrobial use thus requires policies which work with trigger events such as supporting training of successors, and enabling farmers who have experienced major disease outbreaks to ‘build back better’. Working to shape what farmers understand as ‘good farming’ through education, regulations and benchmarking, are also important options.
Market Valuation of Risk Reporting: The Role of Business Model Disclosure
Authors: Crovini Chiara , Giunta Francesco , Nielsen Christian , Simoni Lorenzo
Published: September 2024

Narrative risk reporting is essential to providing investors with information about company risks. Recent regulations require large companies to disclose narrative information about their main risks, opportunities, and business model (BM) value drivers. While only minimum disclosure requirements are defined, principle‐based guidelines have suggested that companies contextualize risk disclosure by linking it to BM information. Hence, this study investigates the level of integration of BM reporting and risk reporting, and the consequences of such an integration on market values. This research analyzes the annual reports of a sample of UK‐listed companies over four years. Risk disclosure indexes are developed to capture the quality and integration of risk information, and value‐relevance analyses are carried out to investigate the impact of risk reporting on market values. The analyses indicate that narrative risk information is value relevant only when integrated with BM reporting. Additional analyses show that risk information is associated with reduced information asymmetry but only when disclosed risk factors are related to BM information. Hence, BM disclosure can serve as a filter to identify and interpret the most relevant company's risks. The results are valuable to various stakeholders, including academics, standard setters, and professional bodies. The study's policy implications suggest the need to develop guidelines clarifying the definitions of BM and risk and ways to integrate the narrative information, in light of recent regulatory developments in the EU.
Dementia and neurodegenerative diseases: What is known and what is promising at the cellular and molecular level
Authors: Moroz Olesia F. , Kravchenko Viktoriia I. , Kushch Bohdan O. , Zholos Alexander V.
Published: September 2024

Millions of people worldwide are affected by neurodegenerative diseases and cognitive impairment, which includes dementia, while there are only symptomatic treatments available for this syndrome at present. However, several important prospective drug targets have been identified in recent years that can potentially arrest or even reverse the progression of neurodegenerative diseases. Their natural or synthetic ligands are currently in the experimental stage of drug development. In vitro and preclinical (e.g. using animal models) studies confirm their therapeutic potential, but clinical trials often fail or produce conflicting results. Here, we first review the complexity and typology of dementia, followed by the discussion of currently available treatments, and, finally, some novel molecular and cellular approaches to this problem.
The power and perils of large language models in haematology
Authors: Glass Jacob , Elemento Olivier
Published: September 2024

Large language models (LLMs) are a transformative technology poised to fundamentally change multiple fields including haematology. Here, we review the history of large language model development, describe their current capabilities and identify opportunities in haematology poised to benefit from their judicious application. We conclude by suggesting a framework for the safe and ethical development of LLM‐derived tools in a way that minimizes risk and maximizes clinical benefit for haematology physicians and patients.
Associations between weight self‐stigma and healthy diet and physical activity among adults with type 2 diabetes: Cross‐sectional results from the second Diabetes MILES – Australia (MILES‐2) study
Authors: Manallack Sarah , Holloway Edith E. , Pouwer Frans , Speight Jane , Holmes‐Truscott Elizabeth
Published: September 2024

Aims

To examine associations between weight self‐stigma and healthy diet or physical activity, and potential moderating effects of self‐esteem, diabetes self‐efficacy, and diabetes social support, among adults with type 2 diabetes.

Methods

Diabetes MILES‐2 data were used, an Australian cross‐sectional online survey. Participants with type 2 diabetes who considered themselves overweight, and reported concern about weight management (N = 726; 48% insulin‐treated), completed the Weight Self‐Stigma Questionnaire (WSSQ; total score and subscales: self‐devaluation, fear of enacted stigma), measures of diabetes self‐care (diet, exercise), and hypothesised psychosocial moderators (self‐esteem, diabetes self‐efficacy, and diabetes social support). Adjusted linear regression tested associations and interaction effects, separately by insulin treatment status.

Results

Greater weight self‐stigma (WSSQ total) was associated with less optimal dietary self‐care (both groups: β = −0.3), and with a lower level of exercise (non‐insulin only: β = −0.2; all p < 0.001). All hypothesised moderators were negatively associated with weight self‐stigma (range r = −0.2 to r = −0.5). Positive associations were identified between the hypothesised moderators and self‐care behaviours (strongest between diet and diabetes self‐efficacy, r = > 0.5). No significant interaction effects were observed.

Conclusions

This study provides novel evidence of negative associations between weight self‐stigma and self‐care behaviours among adults with type 2 diabetes. Weight self‐stigma is a demonstrated barrier to self‐care behaviours in type 2 diabetes cohorts. Acknowledgement and strategies to address weight self‐stigma are needed in clinical care and health programmes.
Glycaemic control metrics and metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes
Authors: Maffeis Claudio , Piona Claudia , Morandi Anita , Marigliano Marco , Morotti Elisa , Mancioppi Valentina , Caiazza Erika , Zusi Chiara , Emiliani Federica , Mantovani Alessandro , Colecchia Antonio , Targher Giovanni
Published: September 2024

Aim

The aim was to examine the prevalence of metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), a risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, and its association with glycaemic control metrics in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes (T1D).

Materials and Methods

We enrolled 244 children and adolescents with T1D (115 girls, mean age: 16.2 ± 3.2 years). The diagnosis of MASLD was defined by the presence of hepatic steatosis on ultrasonography in combination with at least one of five common cardiometabolic risk factors. Metrics of short‐term and long‐term glycaemic control, blood pressure, lipids, anthropometric characteristics and three genetic variants strongly related to MASLD susceptibility (rs738409 [patatin‐like phospholipase domain‐containing 3], rs58542926 [transmembrane 6 superfamily member 2] and rs1260326 [glucokinase regulator]) were assessed. Characteristics of these subjects with and without MASLD were compared using the unpaired Student t test, Mann–Whitney test or χ2 test as appropriate. Logistic regression analyses were performed to determine the main independent predictors of MASLD.

Results

The prevalence of MASLD was 27.5% in children and adolescents with T1D. Blood pressure, total cholesterol, low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, non‐high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, HbA1c and time above range (TAR) were significantly higher in subjects with MASLD than in those without MASLD. Mean HbA1c values from diabetes onset (adjusted odds ratio [OR]: 1.703, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.040–2.787, p = 0.034), TAR (adjusted OR: 1.028, 95% CI: 1.009–1.047, p = 0.006) and plasma LDL cholesterol (adjusted OR: 1.045, 95% CI: 1.013–1.078, p = 0.004) were independently associated with the presence of MASLD.

Conclusions

MASLD is a common condition in children and adolescents with T1D. The mean HbA1c values from diabetes onset, TAR and LDL cholesterol levels were the independent predictors of MASLD.
Risk of hypoglycaemia among people with type 2 diabetes not treated with insulin: A retrospective analysis of Medicare Advantage beneficiaries
Authors: Hannah Katia , Nemlekar Poorva , Bushman Jesse S. , Norman Gregory J.
Published: September 2024

Aims

In 2022, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services released proposed changes to Medicare's continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) coverage policy, making individuals with a history of problematic hypoglycaemia eligible for CGM coverage, irrespective of insulin use. This study estimated the burden of hypoglycaemia in Medicare Advantage beneficiaries with noninsulin‐treated type 2 diabetes (T2D).

Materials and Methods

We retrospectively analysed US healthcare claims data using Optum's deidentified Clinformatics® database. Noninsulin‐treated beneficiaries were identified in the 16 years from January 2007 to March 2023. Hypoglycaemia‐related encounters (HREs) were those accompanied by a hypoglycaemia‐specific ICD‐9/10 diagnosis code in any position on the claim or the first or second position. HREs following the first claim related to T2D were reported by setting (ambulatory or inpatient/emergency department [ED]).

Results

HREs were identified in 689,853 (21.4%) of 3,229,695 noninsulin‐treated Medicare Advantage beneficiaries, of whom 82.9% (n = 571,581) had ≥1 HRE in an ambulatory location and 26.8% (n = 184,833) in an ED/inpatient location. Use of sulfonylurea (odds ratio [OR]: 4.33 confidence interval [CI: 4.27–4.38]), evidence of end‐stage kidney disease (OR: 2.87 [CI: 2.79–2.94]), hypertension (OR: 3.09 [CI: 3.04–3.15]) and retinopathy (OR: 2.94 [CI: 2.82–3.07]) were the strongest predictors of an HRE (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

These findings show that HREs are prevalent in noninsulin‐treated diabetes and identify a large number of patients who may benefit from CGM. Because >80% of HREs occur in the ambulatory setting and >70% occur in patients not taking sulfonylureas, primary care providers should be aware of the latest eligibility criteria for Medicare's coverage of CGM and not restrict this technology to their sulfonylurea‐treated patients.
Improved diagnostic performance of high‐sensitivity cardiac troponins in muscle dystrophies using comprehensive definition criteria for cardiac involvement: A longitudinal study on 35 patients
Authors: Yildirim Mustafa , Salbach Christian , Reich Christoph , Pribe‐Wolferts Regina , Milles Barbara Ruth , Täger Tobias , Mueller‐Hennessen Matthias , Weiler Markus , Meder Benjamin , Frey Norbert , Giannitsis Evangelos
Published: September 2024

Background and purpose

Sparse information is available on the correct interpretation of elevated high‐sensitivity cardiac troponin (hs‐cTn) in confirmed muscular dystrophies.

Methods

Serum concentrations of hs‐cTn T (hs‐cTnT) and hs‐cTn I (hs‐cTnI) were determined in 35 stable outpatients with confirmed skeletal muscle dystrophies. We calculated sensitivities, specificities, and positive and negative predictive values of hs‐cTnT and hs‐cTnI for identification of cardiac involvement using a comprehensive definition that included diastolic left ventricular and right ventricular function, strain analysis using two‐dimensional transthoracic echocardiogram and magnetic resonance imaging, myocardial biopsies, and consideration of a variety of triggers for cardiac injury, including arrhythmias, conduction disorders, and hypoxemia due to respiratory failure.

Results

Cardiac involvement was diagnosed in 34 of 35 cases. Specificities of hs‐cTnT increased from 12.5% to 100% (p = 0.0006) applying the comprehensive definition compared to a definition based on electrocardiography and echocardiography alone. At the recommended 99th percentile upper limit of normal, sensitivities were significantly lower for hs‐cTnI than for hs‐cTnT (29.4% vs. 100%, p = 0.0164). Conversely, the specificities of hs‐cTnT and hs‐cTnI increased to 100% when using the comprehensive definition criteria for diagnosing cardiac involvement.

Conclusions

Elevated hs‐cTnT but not hs‐cTnI discriminates cardiac involvement in cases with confirmed skeletal muscle dystrophies with very high sensitivity and 100% specificity. Prior reports on worse performance may be explained by the use of less sensitive imaging methods or incomplete assessment of cardiac involvement.
Risk Management in the Public Sector: A Comparative Analysis of Central Government Settings in France, Germany, and Italy
Authors: Gourbier Léonard , Iacuzzi Silvia , Padovani Emanuele , Saliterer Iris
Published: September 2024

In recent years, public organizations have come under increasing pressure to implement comprehensive risk management (RM) systems that are based on international frameworks and standards. However, little is known about whether different countries have addressed this issue in their regulatory strategies and how they have done so. To address this gap, this study conducts a cross‐country analysis and introduces and applies an analytical framework to compare the different RM approaches adopted by the central governments of France, Germany, and Italy. This comparison sheds light on the regulatory landscape in the three largest countries in the European Union and reveals the diverse RM frameworks with varying focuses, drivers, designs, and levels of integration. Although each country has unique nuances in its approaches, commonality is the primary perception of risk as a threat. This stance, although understandable in the context of financial risks, calls for a shift toward viewing risk as an opportunity, thus promoting a balanced approach that goes beyond mere compliance.
Unusual photodynamic characteristics of the light‐oxygen‐voltage domain of phototropin linked to terrestrial adaptation of Klebsormidium nitens
Authors: Sharma Sunita , Gautam Avinash Kumar , Singh Rajani , Gourinath Samudrala , Kateriya Suneel
Published: September 2024

Phototropin (Phot), a blue light‐sensing LOV domain protein, mediates blue light responses and is evolutionarily conserved across the green lineage. Klebsormidium nitens, a green terrestrial alga, presents a valuable opportunity to study adaptive responses from aquatic to land habitat transitions. We determined the crystal structure of Klebsormidium nitens Phot LOV1 domain (KnLOV1) in the dark and engineered different mutations (R60K, Q122N, and D33N) to modulate the lifetime of the photorecovery cycle. We observed unusual, slow recovery kinetics in the wild‐type KnLOV1 domain (τ = 41 ± 3 min) compared to different mutants (R60K: τ = 2.0 ± 0.1 min, Q122N: τ = 1.7 ± 0.1 min, D33N: τ = 9.6 ± 0.1 min). Crystal structures of wild‐type KnLOV1 and mutants revealed subtle but critical changes near the protein chromophore that is responsible for modulating protein dark recovery time. Our findings shed light on the unique structural and biochemical characteristics of the newly studied KnLOV1 and its evolutionary importance for phototropin‐mediated physiology.
Forbs from seasonal managed wetlands boost plankton production more than emergent graminoids by supplying novel labile detritus
Authors: Phillips Kyle A. , Tung Alice M. , McConnell Rachel M. , O’Rear Teejay A. , Rejmánková Eliška , Lawler Sharon P. , Durand John R.
Published: September 2024

Opportunities to enhance ecosystem functions exist in human‐dominated working landscapes, but understanding of key drivers is often lacking in these novel environments. In Suisun Marsh, California, USA, impounded managed wetlands designed to promote waterfowl incidentally support higher plankton densities—a key resource for imperilled pelagic fishes—than adjacent tidal habitats. Managed wetland operations could produce plankton at critical periods for fish and the aquatic food‐web more broadly, but drivers of plankton production in managed wetlands are poorly understood.

We proposed that decaying vegetation resulting from controlled flooding in managed wetlands is important for stimulating plankton blooms, but that the effect varies by plant species and functional type. We conducted a mesocosm experiment to test the effects of different inundated plants on plankton production, including three forb species, three emergent graminoid species and a control treatment without added plant material.

Forbs promoted larger phytoplankton blooms and higher zooplankton production—by an order of magnitude—than both emergent graminoids and the control treatment. Emergent graminoids supported larger phytoplankton blooms, but not higher zooplankton production, than the control treatment. Phytoplankton blooms exhibited pulse dynamics in all treatments, with densities increasing initially and crashing by the end of the experiment. Phytoplankton blooms in forb and emergent treatments lasted similar durations, counter to the expectation that emergent graminoids would support diminished production over a relatively prolonged period. Among zooplankton taxa, Daphnia magna and rotifers were strongly associated with all three forbs species while the nonnative cyclopoid copepod Limnothoina tetraspina were associated with cattails (Typha domingensis) and the control. Forbs temporarily depleted dissolved oxygen concentrations during the first week of the experiment, suggesting a tradeoff by which decaying forbs boost plankton production at risk of initial hypoxia.

Our results suggest that seasonal drying and flooding operations in managed wetlands are likely to enhance plankton production because dry periods promote forb growth and subsequent flooding introduces labile forb material to the aquatic food web. Results also suggest that seasonal managed‐wetlands act as novel floodplain‐analogues, by which flood pulses drive productivity. Further research is needed to quantify production benefits and tradeoffs to the aquatic ecosystem at the landscape scale and to identify optimal management regimes that will help conserve imperilled species.