bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Human subcutaneous and visceral adipocyte atlases uncover classical and specialized adipocytes and depot-specific patterns
Authors: Lazarescu Or , Ziv-Agam Maya , Haim Yulia , Hekselman Idan , Jubran Juman , Shneyour Ariel , Kitsberg Danny , Levin Liron , Liberty Idit F , Yoel Uri , Dukhno Oleg , Adam Miriam , Körner Antje , Murphy Rinki , Blüher Matthias , Habib Naomi , Rudich Assaf , Yeger-Lotem Esti
Published: September 2023

Human adipose depots are functionally distinct. Yet, recent single-nucleus RNA-sequencing (snRNA-seq) analyses largely uncovered overlapping/similar cell-type landscapes. We hypothesized that adipocytes subtypes, differentiation trajectories, and/or intercellular communication patterns could illuminate this depot similarity-difference gap. For this, we performed snRNA-seq of human subcutaneous and visceral adipose tissue. Whereas the majority of adipocytes in both depots were ‘classical’, namely enriched in lipid metabolism pathways, we also observed ‘specialized’ adipocyte subtypes that were enriched in immune-related, extracellular matrix deposition (fibrosis), vascularization/angiogenesis, or ribosomal processes. Pseudo-temporal analysis suggested a developmental trajectory from adipose progenitor cells to classical adipocytes via specialized adipocytes, suggesting that the classical state stems from loss, rather than gain, of specialized functions. Lastly, intercellular communication routes were consistent with the different inflammatory tone of the two depots. Jointly, these findings provide a high-resolution view into the contribution of cellular composition, differentiation, and intercellular communication patterns to human fat depot differences.
Comparing mouse and human cingulate cortex organization using functional connectivity
Authors: van Hout Aran T.B. , van Heukelum Sabrina , Rushworth Matthew F.S. , Grandjean Joanes , Mars Rogier B.
Published: September 2023

The subdivisions of the extended cingulate cortex of the human brain are both implicated in a number of high-level behaviors and affected by a range of neuropsychiatric disorders. Its anatomy, function, and response to therapeutics are often studied using non-human animals, including the mouse. However, the similarity of human and mouse frontal cortex, including cingulate areas, is still not fully understood. Some accounts emphasize resemblances between mouse cingulate cortex and human cingulate cortex while others emphasize similarities with human granular prefrontal cortex. We use comparative neuroimaging to study the connectivity of the cingulate cortex in the mouse and human, allowing comparisons between mouse ‘gold standard’ tracer and imaging data, and, in addition, comparison between the mouse and the human using comparable imaging data. We find overall similarities in organization of the cingulate between species, including anterior and midcingulate areas and a retrosplenial area. However, human cingulate contains subareas with a more fine-grained organization than is apparent in the mouse and it has connections to prefrontal areas not present in the mouse. Results such as these help formally address between-species brain organization with an aim to improve the translation from preclinical to human results.
Simulating corn futures market reaction and prices under weekly yield forecasts
Authors: Tsiboe Francis , Tack Jesse B. , Coble Keith , Harri Ardian , Cooper Joseph
Published: September 2023

Purpose

The increased availability and adoption of precision agriculture technologies has left researchers to grapple with how to best utilize the associated high-frequency large-volume of data. Since the wealth of information from precision equipment can easily be aggregated in real-time, this poses an interesting question of how aggregates of high-frequency data may complement, or substitute for, publicly released periodic reports from government agencies.

Design/methodology/approach

This study utilized advances in event study and yield projection methodologies to test whether simulated weekly harvest-time yields potentially drive futures price that are significantly different from the status quo. The study employs a two-step methodology to ascertain how corn futures price reactions and price levels would have evolved if market participants had access to weekly forecasted yields. The marginal effects of new information on futures price returns are first established by exploiting the variation between news in publicly available information and price returns. Given this relationship, the study then estimates the counterfactual evolution of corn futures price attributable to new information associated with simulated weekly forecasted yields.

Findings

The results show that the market for corn exhibits only semi-strong form efficiency, as the “news” provided by the monthly Crop Production and World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates reports is incorporated into prices in at most two days after the release. As expected, an increase in corn yields relative to what was publicly known elicits a futures price decrease. The counterfactual analysis suggests that if weekly harvest-time yields were available to market participants, the daily corn futures price will potentially be relatively volatile during the harvest period, but the final price at the end of the harvest season will be lower.

Originality/value

The study uses simulation to show the potential evolution of corn futures price if market participants had access to weekly harvest-time yields. In doing so, the study provides insights centered around the ongoing debate regarding the economic value of USDA reports in the presence of growing information availability within the private sector.
Training and development in the Visegrad countries during Covid-19
Authors: Tomé Eduardo , Tracz-Krupa Katarzyna , Molek-Winiarska Dorota
Published: September 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to define the impact of training and development (T&D) in the Visegrad countries (V4) as impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic, namely, Hungary, Poland, Slovakia and the Czech Republic. These countries have some political, cultural, social and economic similarities and share some common ground in the human resource development (HRD) sectors.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors used the HRD theory and the human capital theory to analyse the context, operations and impact of T&D in the V4 countries due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The research was conducted in 400 companies, 100 from each of the four countries using the computer assisted web interviewing technique. The questionnaire was in a six-point Likert scale format and addressed 12 topics related to T&D: policy, expectations, procedures of diagnosis, preparation, implementation, monitoring, trainees, trainers, investment and expenditures, evaluation, results and controlling.

Findings

The authors concluded that in the Visegrad countries, Covid-19 raised expectations on T&D. This was followed by increased levels of action in diagnosis, preparation, monitoring and implementation, following pre-existing and adjusted policies. Evaluation and control were complicated. Investment and results and the human side of the T&D (trainees and trainers) were the ones for which there were more uncertainties and perplexities.

Research limitations/implications

The study has the limitation of using only a small sample in four countries. For further research, the authors suggest a larger study extended to all the European Union countries, an in-depth analysis of the current data and the kurtosis on Policy of T&D.

Practical implications

The results of the research can be used to improve T&D programs after the Covid-19 pandemic. They could also provide information to external trainers to improve and adjust their services according to the opinions of the respondents of the study. The research findings can also serve institutions responsible for policy provision of HRD at a national level by providing possibilities to apply for funding either within national or regional funds like the National Training Fund in Poland or within European Union money at a national level.

Originality/value

The study is original because even if the T&D in V4 countries during the Covid-19 pandemic had already been studied separately (e.g. Mikołajczyk, 2021; Vrabcová, Urbancová 2021; Vinichenko et al., 2021), no empirical, cross-national research analysing specifically the T&D in those countries has been carried out so far. The authors use an innovative methodology, addressing 12 topics and the people involved together with the stages in which a T&D policy is divided. That makes it innovative and very relevant.
Roles of board of directors and earnings management across SMEs life cycle: evidence from the UK
Authors: Hassan Inas Mahmoud , Amin Hala M.G. , Mostafa Diana , Elamer Ahmed A.
Published: September 2023

Purpose

This study aims to examine the role of the board of directors in affecting earnings management practices across small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) life cycle.

Design/methodology/approach

Data is collected from 280 SMEs listed on the London Stock Exchange during the period of 2009–2016. Fixed effects regression analysis is used to test the hypotheses.

Findings

This study shows that the impact of the board of directors' roles on earnings management practices varies depending on the SMEs life cycle stage. In the introduction, growth and decline stages of SMEs, the wealth creation role of the board is negatively significant with earnings management, while the wealth protection role of the board is positively significant in the growth and maturity phases. Results suggest that the board's responsibility to create wealth deters early-stage earnings management strategies, while protecting shareholder interests, in latter stages, leads to a decrease in earnings management.

Practical implications

The findings suggest that corporate governance should be customized to the specific stage of the SMEs life cycle. Additionally, different life cycle stages may impose different requirements on corporate boards to shape the effectiveness of these mechanisms and constrain earnings management practices.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study offers one of the first insights on the UK SMEs to understand how board functions and earnings management practices vary over SMEs life cycles. It will offer important information on the effect of board features on earnings management in SMEs in the UK and is anticipated to be of importance to policymakers, regulators, investors and practitioners.
Religiosity and ethics in the labor market: resume fraud and judgment
Authors: Shtudiner Zeev , Zvi Liza
Published: September 2023

Purpose

Labor market studies show that job applicants are naturally inclined to embellish or omit information on their resumes, to gain advantage over other applicants. Religiosity can reveal much about an individual's sense of right and wrong and it has importance as a social force with a foundational role in ethical development. The study’s objective is to clarify the relationship between personal religiosity and the intentional deceitful presentation of information on resumes, as well as the judgment of situations with ethical content.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is comprised of Jewish adult participants that submitted a resume in search of a job in the past 30 weeks in Israel. The questionnaire included questions regarding resume fraud, tolerance towards unethical and illegal behaviors and demographic and occupational questions.

Findings

The authors' results indicate that religious status may be a predictor of resume deception. Religious applicants reported more rigorous moral ethics, manifested by less tolerant attitudes toward unethical and illegal behaviors in comparison to seculars, which in turn, were associated with decreased tendency to deceive on resumes.

Practical implications

For many countries, and especially emerging markets, the Covid pandemic negatively affected the economy and creating sufficient employment may be a challenge. A better understanding of the personal factors associated with problematic job searching behaviors is relevant.

Originality/value

Despite the recognized importance of religion as a social force with a foundational role in ethical development, there is a lack of research on the impact of religiosity on ethical decisions in the labor market. The authors propose explanations for the results based on the theory of planned behavior and perceptions of normative beliefs.
Examining a centenary family business in the pasta industry: the case of Barilla, 1877–1971
Authors: Sargiacomo Massimo , Gliosca Luana , Quinn Martin
Published: September 2023

Purpose

This study aims to explore the evolution of corporate governance through a 100-year-old Italian Barilla pasta family business from its founding to 1971. The study builds on prior research which has applied the three-circle model of family business systems in a historic context.

Design/methodology/approach

Using legal records, five phases in the history of Barilla are noted. Annual reports and other sources have allowed for some more insights into business events and developments. Then, drawing on the three-circle model of family business, the corporate governance regime is mapped to the model and the family actors.

Findings

The findings here support extant literature in that the systems in the three-circle model are found to overlap more in a historic setting. Challenges with the three-circle model are also noted, specifically, when corporate governance is considered across a century of an organisation’s history.

Originality/value

This study supports prior use of three-circle model of a family business in an historic context, providing further evidence the model is not static over time. Contrary to the original three-circle model, this study suggests that family actors can potentially occupy more than one location in the model if the non-human actor of corporate governance and its effect on human actors is also considered.
Modeling the competition-restrictive actions in public works procurement
Authors: Bhagat Garima , Jha Kumar Neeraj
Published: September 2023

Purpose

With the surge in public procurement, especially in developing countries, ensuring fair competition in procurement has assumed paramount importance. Academic endeavors in the domain of competition issues have often lacked the views of field-level functionaries. This study aims to involve a large number of expert practitioners in India to identify the significant contemporary competition risks in public procurement from the procurer and supplier sides and develop a model depicting the hierarchy of competition-restrictive actions (CRAs) in procurement based on their mutual interactions.

Design/methodology/approach

The significant CRAs along the procurement cycle are identified through literature survey, interactive workshops and expert interviews. A questionnaire survey covering 143 respondents from 12 public organizations is used to evaluate their impact. Considering the complex causal interactions involved, interpretive structural modeling followed by MICMAC (Iimpact matrix cross-reference multiplication applied to a classification analysis is used to develop a hierarchical model of competition risks in procurement.

Findings

Tailor-made contracts, splitting of a project below competition thresholds, restrictive selection criteria and awarding the contract on nomination emerge as CRAs with the highest driving power. Horizontal collusion among vendors strongly depends on practices followed in the procuring organization.

Research limitations/implications

The survey data and the experts’ opinions emanate from practitioners in India, which is a limitation. However, with necessary contextual calibrations, the study is of high functional utility to policymakers and practitioners.

Social implications

The research facilitates a comprehensive understanding to procurement managers/policymakers of the CRAs along the procurement cycle and their interdependencies. It offers valuable insights for improving competition, which is foundational for optimal procurement outcomes.

Originality/value

The study enriches the public procurement domain knowledge by identifying and assessing the significant contemporary CRAs, examining their mutual interactions and developing an interpretive structural model. Although contributing to the body of knowledge, the study is unique in being grounded in field realities.
Brands talking on events? Brand personification in real-time marketing tweets to drive consumer engagement
Authors: Harrison Ebenezer Nana Banyin , Kwon Wi-Suk
Published: September 2023

Purpose

This study aims to explore how brands use brand personification techniques in real-time marketing on social media, particularly Twitter, and examine how these techniques impact consumer engagement, moderated by brand-event congruence levels.

Design/methodology/approach

Data included 464 tweets posted by 95 brands around three large events in 2019. The types of brand personification techniques and the level of brand-event congruence applied by the tweets were content-analyzed, and regression analyses were conducted to examine their linkages to consumer engagement metrics.

Findings

Results confirmed the use of diverse personification techniques in brands’ real-time marketing tweets as in the previous literature. The study also revealed a new personification technique, tacit expression, not reported in previous literature. The study also showed that the overall effectiveness of multimedia-based (vs caption-based) personification techniques in increasing consumer engagement on social media was greater, but their relative effectiveness varied depending on whether or not the event was functionally congruent with the brand.

Practical implications

The findings offer valuable suggestions to brand managers regarding prioritizing brand personification techniques and aligning brands’ social media marketing with real-time events to maximize the effectiveness of real-time marketing in boosting consumer engagement.

Originality/value

This research offers insights into the dynamic effects of different brand personification techniques in the new context of real-time marketing, extending the scope of literature on brand personification and anthropomorphism. The revelation of a new type of brand personification not captured in the extant literature is also a significant contribution.
The effects of product-brand fit and brand type on wearable smart masks
Authors: Tong Zhenghao , Lee Soyeong , Woo Hongjoo
Published: September 2023

Purpose

This study aims to examine the effects of perceived product–brand fit and brand type on consumer evaluations of wearable smart masks’ technological, aesthetic and social attributes and how these affect consumers’ attitudes and intentions to use.

Design/methodology/approach

Through an experimental approach, a total of 240 US consumers’ evaluations of smart masks are compared according to perceived product–brand fit (high vs low) and brand type (electronics vs fashion).

Findings

The results showed that high perceived product–brand fit increases consumers’ evaluations, while brand type did not significantly affect consumers’ evaluations. Among various attributes, social acceptability had the greatest influence on consumers’ attitude and intention to use. Perceived ease of use, however, positively influenced attitude but negatively influenced intention to use.

Originality/value

As consumers’ interest in smart health-care wearables increases and air pollution is a serious issue across countries, research on wearable smart masks is being facilitated. Smart masks refer to the digitalized, reusable wearable masks that provide protection and health-care functions. However, their market penetration is still limited. To close this gap between smart mask technology and the market, this study examines how perceived fit and brand type can be used to enhance consumer evaluations.
Gender and racial bias in email reference services
Authors: Vladoiu Megan , Fichman Pnina , Liu Jieli
Published: September 2023

Purpose

This article examines if there is evidence of racial or gender bias in email reference services in American public and academic libraries.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a two-by-two study design and an unobtrusive data collection, the authors conducted two studies in which the authors sent 1,960 email requests to 505 academic and public libraries. Requests in both studies differed in the perceived identity of the user as indicated by their name, and the counterbalanced method was utilized to control for intervening variables. Based on content analysis of the responses, the authors examined the statistical significance of the differences by race, gender and race by gender.

Findings

Overall, the authors found equitable service to users regardless of their race and gender; at times, however, there was evidence of favorable service to the White female in academic and public libraries and to the Black male in academic libraries.

Originality/value

There is little research into potential bias in email reference services in both academic and public libraries in the United States of America. Yet, following the rise of the Black Lives Matter Movement in 2020, there has been an increased focus on racial equality in library services and the American Library Association (ALA) Code of Ethics was modified accordingly. The authors' study makes significant contributions to the increasing body of research on racial and gender equality in online library services.
Can the supply chain management field be more critical? Building new bridges with critical management studies
Authors: Paiva Ely Laureano , Alcadipani Rafael , Freitas Kenyth Alves De , Sincorá Larissa Alves , Elias Arun Abraham
Published: September 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate how three core elements of critical management studies (CMSs), “de-naturalisation”, “reflexivity” and “(non)-performative intent”, can help expand the current debate in the supply chain management (SCM) field.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors used a systematic literature review to select 103 articles published in 12 high-ranking journals in the SCM field based on the Academic Journal Guide of the Chartered Association of Business Schools.

Findings

The findings of this study suggest that SCM studies can be narrowed down into four major CMSs themes: “power”, “ethics and environmental issues”, “diversity” and “working conditions”, but even these themes are still under-discussed and undertheorized in SCM. The literature the authors reviewed is more concerned with explaining these phenomena than questioning them and proposing new agendas. This paper, therefore, will discuss how these three core elements of CMS can help transform the “hidden” issues of SCM, which it will do by illustrating it in the context of buyer–supplier relationships and lean manufacturing.

Practical implications

This research will encourage SCM scholars who are interested in conducting more critical studies and teaching the harmful effects of global supply chains.

Originality/value

This paper highlights that a combination of SCM and CMS approaches is important when we decide to adopt a more critical “constructive” view of supply chain challenges and engage practical and critical views, respectively, to generate knowledge that not only increases (corporate) performance but also highlights social needs and values.
Applying theory and research toward reducing suicidality among graduate students and postdoctoral scholars
Authors: Jach Elizabeth A. , Rinaldi Anthony P.
Published: September 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to highlight suicide risk factors experienced by graduate students and postdoctoral scholars, and then outline suicide prevention strategies for these populations.

Design/methodology/approach

Through analysis of literature and application of theory, the authors use the diathesis-stress model and Joiner’s (2005) interpersonal theory of suicidality to outline suicide prevention strategies specific to graduate students and postdoctoral scholars.

Findings

The authors’ review of the literature and application of theory suggest that both individuals and groups can engage in suicide prevention strategies, specifically pertaining to reducing stressors unique to graduate students and postdoctoral scholars, as well as addressing feelings of thwarted belongingness and perceived burdensomeness that can lead to the development of suicidality within these populations.

Practical implications

Engaging in suicide prevention strategies can save lives and address the mental health conditions exhibited among graduate student and postdoctoral scholars.

Originality/value

The authors offer a synthesis of good practices addressing suicide risk factors and prevention with attention to the stress-diathesis model and Joiner’s (2005) interpersonal theory of suicidality toward reducing suicidality among graduate students and postdoctoral scholars.
The effect of online customer reviews and celebrity endorsement on young female consumers’ purchase intentions
Authors: Macheka Theresa , Quaye Emmanuel Silva , Ligaraba Neo
Published: September 2023

Purpose

Young consumers are increasingly using online reviews and celebrity influence to make purchase decisions. The purpose of this study is to ascertain the influence of online customer reviews, celebrity influencer’s attractiveness, celebrity influencer’s credibility on female millennials’ purchase intention of beauty products.

Design/methodology/approach

To validate the research questions and hypotheses, data were obtained from young female consumers using an electronic self-administered survey questionnaire that was close ended. A total of 203 valid responses were obtained from which data were analysed by making use of structural equation modelling Mplus and the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 28.

Findings

The obtained results showed that the seven hypotheses of the study were positive. However, two hypotheses were negative, namely, celebrity influencer attractiveness did not have a significant influence on the attitude of consumers; and brand loyalty was not significantly correlating with young female consumers’ purchase intention of beauty products.

Practical implications

Given that millennials are known to be active users of social media and often consult online peer product reviews, marketers and practitioners of beauty industry should improve the effectiveness and usability of beauty influencers and online reviews to attract female millennial consumers.

Originality/value

This research contributes to understanding young female consumers’ attitudes towards purchasing beauty products, especially the combined influence of group influence (online reviews) and media influence (celebrity beauty influencers) on such attitudes.
Desiccation induces varied responses within a soil bacterial genus
Authors: Scales N. C. , Huynh K. T. , Weihe C. , Martiny J. B. H.
Published: September 2023

Desiccation impacts a suite of physiological processes in microbes by elevating levels of damaging reactive oxygen species and inducing DNA strand breaks. In response to desiccation‐induced stress, microbes have evolved specialized mechanisms to help them survive. Here, we performed a 128‐day lab desiccation experiment on nine strains from three clades of an abundant soil bacterium, Curtobacterium. We sequenced RNA from each strain at three time points to investigate their response. Curtobacterium was highly resistant to desiccation, outlasting both Escherichia coli and a famously DNA damage‐resistant bacterium, Deinococcus radiodurans. However, within the genus, there were also 10‐fold differences in survival rates among strains. Transcriptomic profiling revealed responses shared within the genus including up‐regulation of genes involved in DNA damage repair, osmolyte production, and efflux pumps, but also up‐regulation of pathways and genes unique to the three clades. For example, trehalose synthesis gene otsB, the chaperone groEL, and the oxygen scavenger katA were all found in either one or two clades but not the third. Here, we provide evidence of considerable variation in closely related strains, and further elucidation of the phylogenetic conservation of desiccation tolerance remains an important goal for microbial ecologists.
Nylon microfibers develop a distinct plastisphere but have no apparent effects on the gut microbiome or gut tissue status in the blue mussel, Mytilus edulis
Authors: Collins Hannah I. , Griffin Tyler W. , Holohan Bridget A. , Ward J. Evan
Published: September 2023

Ingestion of microplastics (MP) by suspension‐feeding bivalves has been well‐documented. However, it is unclear whether exposure to MP could damage the stomach and digestive gland (gut) of these animals, causing ramifications for organism and ecosystem health. Here, we show no apparent effects of nylon microfiber (MF) ingestion on the gut microbiome or digestive tissues of the blue mussel, Mytilus edulis. We exposed mussels to two low concentrations (50 and 100 particles/L) of either nylon MF or Spartina spp. particles (dried, ground marsh grass), ca. 250–500 μm in length, or a no particle control laboratory treatment for 21 days. Results showed that nylon MF, when aged in coarsely filtered seawater, developed a different microbial community than Spartina spp. particles and seawater, however, even after exposure to this different community, mussel gut microbial communities resisted disturbance from nylon MF. The microbial communities of experimental mussels clustered together in ordination and were similar in taxonomic composition and measures of alpha diversity. Additionally, there was no evidence of damage to gut tissues after ingestion of nylon MF or Spartina spp. Post‐ingestive particle processing likely mediated a short gut retention time of these relatively large particles, contributing to the negligible treatment effects.
‘No, we're not going away’: Two trans activist lives in Aotearoa New Zealand, 1974–1987
Authors: Hansen Will
Published: September 2023

Utilising interviews conducted with two transgender women, Chanel Hati and ‘CJ’, this article will explore trans activism from 1974 to 1987. Though both were members of politically active trans communities with shared priorities around community building and trans pride, the intersections of race and class meant these communities operated in vastly different ways. Hati and her fellow trans sex workers practiced a politics of difference, while CJ's community, largely white and middle class, prioritised inclusion. This article will explore the relationships between these communities, highlighting their practices of resistance, as well as the implications of intersectionality on the historicising of these trans pasts.
Cold plasma application to fresh green leafy vegetables: Impact on microbiology and product quality
Authors: Özdemir Emel , Başaran Pervin , Kartal Sehban , Akan Tamer
Published: September 2023

Fresh green leafy vegetables (FGLVs) are consumed either garden‐fresh or by going through very few simple processing steps. For this reason, foodborne diseases that come with the consumption of fresh products in many countries have prioritized the development of new and reliable technologies to reduce food‐related epidemics. Cold plasma (CP) is considered one of the sustainable and green processing approaches that inactivate target microorganisms without causing a significant temperature increase during processing. This review presents an overview of recent developments regarding the commercialization potential of CP‐treated FGLVs, focusing on specific areas such as microbial inactivation and the influence of CP on product quality. The effect of CP differs according to the power of the plasma, frequency, gas flow rate, application time, ionizing gases composition, the distance between the electrodes and pressure, as well as the characteristics of the product. As well as microbial decontamination, CP offers significant potential for increasing the shelf life of perishable and short‐shelf‐life products. In addition, organizations actively involved in CP research and development and patent applications (2016–2022) have also been analyzed.
Analysis of the bond strength between conventional, putty or resin‐modified calcium silicate cement and bulk fill composites
Authors: Ipek İ , Karaağaç Eskibağlar B , Yildiz Ş , Ataş O , Ünal M
Published: September 2023

Background

The aim of this study was to evaluate the shear bond strength of three different calcium silicate‐based cements (CBCs) with two different bulk‐fill composite resins (CRs).

Methods

Plexiglas moulds with a diameter of 4 mm and a thickness of 2 mm were prepared (n = 60). The Biodentine, NeoPutty and MTA Cem LC samples were randomly divided into two subgroups containing 10 samples each. Surfaces of samples were air dried and Single Bond universal adhesive was applied. Cylindrical plastic capsules of 4 mm height and 2 mm inner diameter belonging to Filtek Bulk‐fill and EverX Posterior CRs were centred on coating material and polymerized for 20 s. After shear bond strength (SBS) testing, all samples were examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to identify failure patterns. Three samples, one from each group, were prepared to evaluate chemical composition of CBCs and examined with an energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy for surface elemental analysis.

Results

The values obtained from the tests were evaluated as statistically significant (P < 0.05). After SBS testing, the difference between all CBCs was statistically significant in both CRs.

Conclusion

According to the findings in this study, it was concluded that MTA Cem LC had highest SBS values in both CRs. © 2023 Australian Dental Association.
Intralesional 5‐fluorouracil as a management for cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas: A rural Australian retrospective case series
Authors: Luu William , McRae Michelle Yvonne
Published: September 2023

While the gold standard treatment for cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas (cSCCs) is surgical removal, there is a risk of infection, cosmetic and functional deficits. Intralesional 5‐fluorouracil (5‐FU) has been shown to be a potential non‐surgical treatment modality for cSCCs in the literature. The aim was to investigate the safety and feasibility of using intralesional 5‐FU to treat cSCCs. A literature review was conducted and a retrospective case series analysed patients who commenced intralesional 5‐FU treatment for at least one cSCC between 1 January 2018 and 1 January 2019 at a private clinic in Orange, Australia. Inclusion criteria include: at least one cSCC was treated; only intralesional 5‐FU was used; and treatment was ceased due to complete or inadequate remission, or adverse effects. There were 15 patients (7 female, 8 male, 60–99 years) and 20 out 21 cSCC lesions (82.6%) cleared while one lesion (4.3%) recurred. Six lesions (26.1%) ulcerated, four lesions became infected (17.4%) and one patient had an allergic reaction. The average number of treatments required for clearance was four (range 1–35), and the average 5‐FU dose used was 75 mg (range 50–150 mg). Across 25 studies, 656 out of 708 lesions cleared (92.66%). Adverse effects were self‐limiting and mostly well‐tolerated. Intralesional 5‐FU is an affordable and non‐invasive non‐surgical treatment modality that appears feasible to use for cSCCs and has a relatively low treatment‐associated morbidity. Future clinical trials can help develop a protocol to guide clinicians in its use.
High prevalence of chronic endometritis is associated with metabolic abnormality and reduced live birth rate among IVF women with non‐uniform endometrial echogenicity
Authors: Guo Jing , Li Yuan , Liu Shan , Ren Haiying
Published: September 2023

Objective

To assess the prevalence of chronic endometritis (CE) among women with non‐uniform endometrial echogenicity, and to evaluate the association between CE and metabolic characteristics as well as pregnancy outcomes in the subsequent frozen–thawed embryo transfer (FET) cycles.

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

University‐based hospitals and an academic medical center.

Patients

A total of 315 patients included in this research underwent hysteroscopy and endometrial biopsy before the first FET cycle after whole embryos freezing. Patients were divided into CE (histopathologic CE or hysteroscopic CE) and non‐CE groups.

Intervention(s)

Freeze‐all strategy, hysteroscopy and endometrial biopsy.

Main Outcome Measures

Baseline and cycle characteristics, hysteroscopic, and histopathological profile, as well as pregnancy outcomes.

Results

The prevalence of histopathologic CE and hysteroscopic CE were 78.1% and 34.9%, respectively. CE was associated with higher homocysteine level and BMI, independent of insulin response and dyslipidemia. High homocysteine level and BMI were risk factors for histopathologic CE (OR: 1.182; 95% CI: 1.01–1.384; p = .037) and hysteroscopic CE (OR: 1.117; 95% CI: 1.041–1.199; p = .002), respectively. Histopathologic CE was a risk factor for live birth (OR:2.167; 95% CI: 1.037–4.525; p = .04), and hysteroscopic CE was an independent risk factor for both live birth (OR: 4.239; 95% CI: 1.929–9.313; p = .001) and cumulative live birth (OR: 3.963; 95% CI: 1.875–8.376; p = .001).

Conclusions

Infertile women with non‐uniform endometrial echogenicity have a high prevalence of CE which significantly reduces the live birth rate. Diagnosing CE by hysteroscopy is important to assess the cumulative probability of pregnancy in IVF patients.
Role of tumor necrosis factor‐alpha ‐238 G>A promoter region polymorphism on recurrent miscarriage: An association study and meta‐analysis
Authors: Sudhir Neha , Kaur Mandeep , Singh Sukhjashanpreet , Beri Archana , Kaur Tajinder , Badaruddoza  , Kaur Anupam
Published: September 2023

Background

Recurrent miscarriage (RM) is defined as the loss of two or more consecutive pregnancies. A functional SNP, ‐238G>A in the promoter region of TNF‐α, affects the gene transcription activity with implications on human pregnancy. Previous limited studies, linking the TNF‐α ‐238 G>A to the risk of recurrent miscarriage have been inconclusive.

Material and method

The PCR‐RLFP technique was used to evaluate this polymorphism in 199 RM cases and 215 control women from Amritsar, Punjab. For a meta‐analysis, a total of 13 eligible studies (including the present study) comprising 2947 cases and 2933 controls were included. To evaluate the association among different genetic models, odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval (CI) and chi‐square were used.

Results

Genotype and allelic frequency did not differ significantly between both groups (p = .07 and p = .24, respectively). In the present meta‐analysis, a significant association was found with the recessive model (OR‐1.78 CI:1.24–2.55, p = .002).

Conclusion

Although, TNF‐α ‐238 G>A polymorphism did not provide any risk in the case‐control study but provided risk towards the development of RM with the recessive genetic model in the pooled analysis.
Prediction of adult asthma risk in early childhood using novel adult asthma predictive risk scores
Authors: Farhan Abdal J. , Kothalawala Dilini M. , Kurukulaaratchy Ramesh J. , Granell Raquel , Simpson Angela , Murray Clare , Custovic Adnan , Roberts Graham , Zhang Hongmei , Arshad S. Hasan
Published: September 2023

Background

Numerous risk scores have been developed to predict childhood asthma. However, they may not predict asthma beyond childhood. We aim to create childhood risk scores that predict development and persistence of asthma up to young adult life.

Methods

The Isle of Wight Birth Cohort (n = 1456) was prospectively assessed up to 26 years of age. Asthma predictive scores were developed based on factors during the first 4 years, using logistic regression and tested for sensitivity, specificity and area under the curve (AUC) for prediction of asthma at (i) 18 and (ii) 26 years, and persistent asthma (PA) (iii) at 10 and 18 years, and (iv) at 10, 18 and 26 years. Models were internally and externally validated.

Results

Four models were generated for prediction of each asthma outcome. ASthma PredIctive Risk scorE (ASPIRE)‐1: a 2‐factor model (recurrent wheeze [RW] and positive skin prick test [+SPT] at 4 years) for asthma at 18 years (sensitivity: 0.49, specificity: 0.80, AUC: 0.65). ASPIRE‐2: a 3‐factor model (RW, +SPT and maternal rhinitis) for asthma at 26 years (sensitivity: 0.60, specificity: 0.79, AUC: 0.73). ASPIRE‐3: a 3‐factor model (RW, +SPT and eczema at 4 years) for PA‐18 (sensitivity: 0.63, specificity: 0.87, AUC: 0.77). ASPIRE‐4: a 3‐factor model (RW, +SPT at 4 years and recurrent chest infection at 2 years) for PA‐26 (sensitivity: 0.68, specificity: 0.87, AUC: 0.80). ASPIRE‐1 and ASPIRE‐3 scores were replicated externally. Further assessments indicated that ASPIRE‐1 can be used in place of ASPIRE‐2‐4 with same predictive accuracy.

Conclusion

ASPIRE predicts persistent asthma up to young adult life.
Woman the hunter: The archaeological evidence
Authors: Lacy Sarah , Ocobock Cara
Published: September 2023

The Paleo‐fantasy of a deep history to a sexual division of labor, often described as “Man the Hunter and Woman the Gatherer,” continues to dominate the literature. We see it used as the default hypothesis in anatomical and physiological reconstructions of the past as well as studies of modern people evoking evolutionary explanations. However, the idea of a strict sexual labor division in the Paleolithic is an assumption with little supporting evidence, which reflects a failure to question how modern gender roles color our reconstructions of the past. Here we present examples to support women's roles as hunters in the past as well as challenge oft‐cited interpretations of the material culture. Such evidence includes stone tool function, diet, art, anatomy and paleopathology, and burials. By pulling together the current state of the archaeological evidence along with the modern human physiology presented in the accompanying paper (Ocobock and Lacy, this issue), we argue that not only are women well‐suited to endurance activities like hunting, but there is little evidence to support that they were not hunting in the Paleolithic. Going forward, paleoanthropology should embrace the idea that all sexes contributed equally to life in the past, including via hunting activities.
Woman the hunter: The physiological evidence
Authors: Ocobock Cara , Lacy Sarah
Published: September 2023

Myths of “Man the Hunter” and male biological superiority persist in interpretations and reconstructions of human evolution. Although there are uncontroversial average biological differences between females and males, the potential physiological advantages females may possess are less well‐known and less well‐studied. Here we review and present emerging physiological evidence that females may be metabolically better suited for endurance activities such as running, which could have profound implications for understanding subsistence capabilities and patterns in the past. We discuss the role of estrogen and adiponectin as respective key modulators of glucose and fat metabolism, both of which are critical fuels during long endurance activities. We also discuss how differences in overall body composition, muscle fiber composition, the metabolic cost of load carrying, and self‐pacing may provide females with increased endurance capacities. Highlighting these potential advantages provides a physiological framework that complements existing archaeological (Lacy and Ocobock, this issue) and cultural work reassessing female endurance and hunting capabilities as well as the sexual division of labor. Such a holistic approach is critical to amending our current understanding of hu(wo)man evolution.
Letter: elevated liver enzymes and outcomes in COVID Authors' reply
Authors: Kulkarni Anand V. , Kumar Pramod , Tevethia Harsh Vardhan , Arab Juan Pablo , Candia Roberto , Premkumar Madhumita , Sharma Mithun , Rao Padaki Nagaraja , Reddy Duvvuru Nageshwar
Published: September 2023

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Kulkarni et al and Elhence et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15916 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16010
Letter: unknown denominator and misleading conclusions in Covid‐19—authors' reply
Authors: Garrido Isabel , Liberal Rodrigo , Macedo Guilherme
Published: September 2023

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Garrido et al and Rodríguez‐Perálvarez et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15813 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16038
Evaluating the optimum number of biopsies to assess histological inflammation in ulcerative colitis: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Battat Robert , Vande Casteele Niels , Pai Rish K. , Wang Zhongya , Zou Guangyong , McDonald John W. D. , Duijvestein Marjolijn , Jeyarajah Jenny , Parker Claire E. , Van Viegen Tanja , Nelson Sigrid A. , Boland Brigid S. , Singh Siddharth , Dulai Parambir S. , Valasek Mark A. , Feagan Brian G. , Jairath Vipul , Sandborn William J.
Published: September 2023

Background

The optimal ulcerative colitis biopsy protocol is unclear.

Aim

To evaluate the number of biopsies required to accurately assess microscopic disease activity in ulcerative colitis

Methods

Biopsies from patients with ≥4 rectosigmoid samples, and clinical and endoscopic data, were retrospectively obtained from a prospective biobank. Histology and endoscopic videos were read blindly. A 4‐biopsy Robarts Histopathology Index (RHI) reference score, consisting of the worst item‐level ratings from four biopsies, was compared to 1‐, 2‐ and 3‐biopsy estimates. Agreement was determined using bivariate errors‐in‐variable regression analysis (acceptance interval: ±8.25). Endoscopic activity and disease location subgroup analyses were also performed.

Results

Forty‐six patients had ≥4 rectosigmoid biopsies available (N = 287). The 2‐biopsy (tolerance interval: −7.66, 4.79) and 3‐biopsy (tolerance interval: −4.86, 3.46) RHI scores demonstrated acceptable agreement with 4‐biopsy scores. One‐biopsy scores demonstrated unacceptable agreement (tolerance interval: −13.99, 7.78). Mean RHI scores using the 2‐, 3‐ and 4‐biopsy approaches were similar (6.1 ± 9.6 P = 0.36; 6.8 ± 10.5, P = 0.7; 7.5 ± 11.2), whereas the 1‐biopsy estimate was lower (4.4 ± 8.1, P = 0.06). Histological remission rates were identical for the 2‐, 3‐ and 4‐biopsy methods (65.2%, P = 1.0). Subgroup analysis demonstrated that three biopsies were required in patients with endoscopically active disease. Sampling additional colonic locations yielded lower histological remission rates compared to rectosigmoid sampling alone (33.3% vs 61.9%, P = 0.1).

Conclusions

A minimum of two — conservatively, three — biopsies are required to reliably assess disease activity in a single colonic segment using the RHI. Further studies are needed of endoscopically active patients and sampling locations. These results have implications for biopsy strategies in clinical trials and practice.
Letter: SARS‐CoV‐2‐induced gastrointestinal inflammation
Authors: Reuken Philipp A. , Wüst Michaela , Löffler Bettina , Bauer Michael , Stallmach Andreas
Published: September 2023

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Taxonera et al and Taxonera & Alba papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15804 and
https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16117
Letter: female patients with hepatocellular carcinoma may have better prognosis than male patients
Authors: Mo Dun‐Chang , Huang Jian‐Feng , Huang Shang‐Xiao , Wang Han‐Lei , Luo Peng‐Hui
Published: September 2023

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Rich et al paper. To view these article, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15917
Letter: substantial under‐diagnosis of NAFLD – more efforts are needed globally
Authors: Emhmed Ali Saad , Nguyen Mindie H.
Published: September 2023

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Canbay et al paper. To view this article, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16016