bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The impact of procurement digitalization on supply chain resilience: empirical evidence from Finland
Authors: Harju Aleksi , Hallikas Jukka , Immonen Mika , Lintukangas Katrina
Published: May 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the role of procurement digitalization in reducing uncertainty in the supply chain (SC) and how it relates to mitigating SC risks and improving SC resilience (SCRES).

Design/methodology/approach

Based on survey data collected from the procurement functions of 147 Finnish firms, this study conceptualizes data analytics, information sharing and procurement process digitalization as drivers of procurement digitalization and investigates their impact on SC risk management and SCRES by using partial least squares path modeling.

Findings

Procurement digitalization through data analytics and digital process maturity requires effective information sharing among SC partners and SC risk management to be able to improve SCRES. Procurement digitalization increases information-processing capacities and reduces uncertainty in the SC.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the understanding on the relationships between procurement digitalization and SCRES.
Validating a surveillance program of invasive mosquitoes based on citizen science in Hungary
Authors: Garamszegi László Zsolt , Kurucz Kornélia , Soltész Zoltán
Published: May 2023

Climate change, intensified tourism and trade activity have resulted in several exotic mosquito species invading the temperate zone, with considerable ecological and economic consequences, as well as threats to human health, due to the pathogen‐transmitting role of these organisms. Accordingly, three invasive mosquito species (Aedes albopictus, Ae. japonicus and Ae. koreicus) have been described in the last decade in Hungary, a Central European country. It is crucial to understand how invasive species are introduced and their distribution is expanded at the country‐level, for which intense surveillance programs are needed.

We have established a citizen science program, in which we asked the public to submit reports on their observations of invasive mosquitoes. During a 3‐year campaign, we collected and taxonomically validated about 3000 reports that can be arranged along both temporal and spatial scales. We aggregated these observations into 35 km2 quadrats and examined if these can be used for reliable scientific inferences.

We first found that the number of validated reports in a quadrat depends on the underlying sampling effort (i.e. number of total reports), but this relationship varies among species and study years. Second, after controlling for study effort, we showed that the prevalence and presence/absence of invasive mosquitoes within quadrats are significantly repeatable among years, but this consistency varies in a species‐specific way. Third, we demonstrated that conclusions about the local presence/absence of focal species based on citizen reports corroborate well the results of direct field sampling with conventional trapping protocols.

Synthesis and applications: We suggest that if the reporting intensity is appropriate (i.e. the number of reports reaches a species‐specific threshold), citizen science results can be used to derive biologically meaningful conclusions about the distribution of invasive mosquitoes in a country. Distribution maps of the three invasive species in Hungary can be used to identify ecological predictors that determine such spatial patterns and also to develop a mosquito control program and assess epidemiological risk.
Association of common BRCA1 variants with predisposition to breast tumors in Pakistan
Authors: Siddique Ayesha , Fatima Warda , Shahid Naeem
Published: May 2023

BRCA1 variants are extensively associated with increased risk of breast cancer. Early detection and screening of variants is still rare in developing countries. Here, we investigated six BRCA1 variants in 300 subjects from Pakistani population using tetra amplification‐refractory mutation system (T‐ARMS) PCR. Our results indicate significant association of BRCA1 variants rs8176237 (AA; OR 8.2, 95% CI 3.02–22.64, p < 0.0001), rs1060915 (CC; OR 4.29, 95% CI 1.94–9.48, p = 0.0003), and rs799912 (TT; OR 3.16, 95% CI 1.44–6.94, p = 0.004) with up to 8‐fold increased odds of breast cancer under recessive model. Furthermore, BRCA1 haplotypes AGCACG and AGCCCT were associated with up to 18% breast cancer cases (p < 0.05). Additionally, we found association of these variants with up to 11‐fold increased odds of benign breast tumors. Linkage disequilibrium (LD) block‐wise analysis revealed haplotypes GCAC and ATAC were associated with significantly increased risk. To our knowledge, this is the first study that identifies the association of these BRCA1 variants with breast tumors in Pakistani population. In conclusion, BRCA1 variants investigated in the present study are associated with high odds of benign‐ and malignant breast tumors. Studies with bigger sample size may help early detection and screening to reduce the odds of breast cancer.
More losers than winners: investigating Anthropocene defaunation through the diversity of population trends
Authors: Finn Catherine , Grattarola Florencia , Pincheira‐Donoso Daniel
Published: May 2023

The global‐scale decline of animal biodiversity (‘defaunation’) represents one of the most alarming consequences of human impacts on the planet. The quantification of this extinction crisis has traditionally relied on the use of IUCNRed Listconservation categories assigned to each assessed species. This approach reveals that a quarter of the world's animal species are currently threatened with extinction, and ~1% have been declared extinct. However, extinctions are preceded by progressive population declines through time that leave demographic ‘footprints’ that can alert us about the trajectories of species towards extinction. Therefore, an exclusive focus on IUCN conservation categories, without consideration of dynamic population trends, may underestimate the true extent of the processes of ongoing extinctions across nature. In fact, emerging evidence (e.g. theLiving Planet Report), reveals a widespread tendency for sustained demographic declines (an average 69% decline in population abundances) of species globally. Yet, animal species are not only declining. Many species worldwide exhibit stable populations, while others are even thriving. Here, using population trend data for >71,000 animal species spanning all five groups of vertebrates (mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and fishes) and insects, we provide a comprehensive global‐scale assessment of the diversity of population trends across species undergoing not only declines, but also population stability and increases. We show a widespread global erosion of species, with 48% undergoing declines, while 49% and 3% of species currently remain stable or are increasing, respectively. Geographically, we reveal an intriguing pattern similar to that of threatened species, whereby declines tend to concentrate around tropical regions, whereas stability and increases show a tendency to expand towards temperate climates. Importantly, we find that for species currently classed by the IUCNRed Listas ‘non‐threatened’, 33% are declining. Critically, in contrast with previous mass extinction events, our assessment shows that the Anthropocene extinction crisis is undergoing a rapid biodiversity imbalance, with levels of declines (a symptom of extinction) greatly exceeding levels of increases (a symptom of ecological expansion and potentially of evolution) for all groups. Our study contributes a further signal indicating that global biodiversity is entering a mass extinction, with ecosystem heterogeneity and functioning, biodiversity persistence, and human well‐being under increasing threat.
Breaking the circle‐effectiveness of liposuction in lipedema
Authors: Seefeldt Tobias , Aitzetmüller‐Klietz Marie‐Luise , Kückelhaus Maximilian , Wiebringhaus Philipp , Hirsch Tobias , Harati Kamran , Aitzetmüller‐Klietz Matthias M.
Published: May 2023

Background

Lipedema is a common chronic fat distribution disorder often aligned with pain and reduced quality of life affecting 6–10% of the female population. Although lipedema has acquired more scientific attention in the last decade, validated diagnosis and treatment still remain challenging for specialists.

Patients and Methods

In this article we evaluate the effect of liposuction on appearance, pain and coexisting diseases of 860 patients with lipedema. Comparison among stages of lipedema pre‐ and post‐liposuction was performed by using t‐Tests for independent samples and Kruskal‐Wallis‐Tests.

Results

Our study demonstrates the positive effect on pain reduction in patients with lipedema after liposuction (NRS 2.24) compared with pre‐liposuction pain perception (NRS 6.99) and pain perception of patients with conservative treatment (NRS 6.26). Significant differences were shown in the perception between the stages of lipedema and in the reduction of pain perception by liposuction. Furthermore we examined co‐diseases in patients with lipedema, primarily menstruation complaints (43%), sleeplessness (36%) and migraine (35%).

Conclusions

A progress of lipedema disease leads not only to a change of appearance and proportion but also to a progressive increase of pain. Liposuction shows a significant effect on pain reduction ‐independent of the patients’ stage of lipedema.
Resilient product and production adaptation in a large‐scale disaster: Does it pay off?
Authors: Sun Wei , Yang Bin , Dong Maggie Chuoyan , Cadeaux Jack
Published: May 2023

Pandemic outbreaks can disrupt firms’ normal operations, so they demand a resilient response. Firms can combine social responsibility initiatives with resilient responses by reconfiguring their production resources for pandemic relief. It remains unclear, however, whether pandemic‐relieving product adaptation (in short, PRPA) improves financial performance. We draw on stakeholder theory to analyze the effect of a PRPA strategy on the stock returns of US‐listed manufacturing firms during the COVID‐19 pandemic—the most enduring and large‐scale pandemic in recent history. The results reveal that the stock market reacts more positively to PRPA under severe pandemic circumstances and for firms with low political connectedness, low media coverage, and/or more unique production technology. The findings offer important implications for operations theory and practice.
Community resilience across Australia towards natural hazards: an application of the Conjoint Community Resiliency Assessment Measurement
Authors: Zander Kerstin K. , Sibarani Rifka , Abunyewah Matthew , Erdiaw‐Kwasie Michael Odei , Moss Simon A. , Lassa Jonatan , Garnett Stephen T.
Published: May 2023

Natural hazards can turn into disasters when not managed well. An important part of disaster risk reduction is to understand how well communities are prepared for natural hazards and how well they can cope with and recover from shocks in the long term. This research assesses self‐reported community resilience and asks what makes a community resilient, using Australia as a case study. It reports on an Australian‐wide online survey which included questions related to the Conjoint Community Resiliency Assessment Measurement, a subjective indicator, as well as questions about risk perception, well‐being, and self‐efficacy. Community resilience was found to be moderately high but scores for community leadership and preparedness were low. Perceived community resilience was positively correlated with age and those with high scores for self‐efficacy and well‐being. There was, as expected, an inverse relationship between reliance on external support during natural hazards and self‐efficacy. The results complement previous studies which used different measures of community resilience.
Childhood‐onset type 1 diabetes in Western Australia: An update on incidence and temporal trends from 2001 to 2022
Authors: Zhang Song , Mittinty Murthy , Davis Elizabeth A. , Cameron Ewan , Haynes Aveni
Published: May 2023

Objective

To determine the incidence and incidence trends over 2001–2022 of childhood‐onset type 1 diabetes (T1D) in Western Australia and assess the impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Methods

Children newly diagnosed with T1D aged 0–14 years in Western Australia from 1 January 2001 to 31 December 2022 were identified from the population‐based Western Australian Children's Diabetes Database. Annual age‐ and sex‐specific incidence was calculated, and Poisson regression was used to analyse trends by calendar year, month, sex and age group at diagnosis. Pandemic era impacts were also examined using the regression model adjusted for sex and age group.

Results

Between 2001 and 2022, 2311 children (1214 boys, 1097 girls) were newly diagnosed with T1D aged 0–14 years, giving an overall mean annual incidence of 22.9 per 100,000 person‐years (95% CI: 22.0, 23.9), with no significant difference observed between boys and girls. A significant linear increasing trend was only observed in 10–14 year olds with boys and girls combined (1.2% per year [IRR 1.012 (95% CI: 1.002, 1.022)]). No significant difference in the incidence was observed between the pre‐ and post‐pandemic period.

Conclusions

The incidence of type 1 diabetes in 0–14 year old Western Australian children continues to increase in the oldest age group. Longer term monitoring of the incidence during the COVID‐19 pandemic is needed to determine its impact on this globally unique population which experienced a delayed start to the pandemic with severe containment measures remaining in place until January 2022.
The Practical Wisdom of Phronesis in the Education of Purported Virtuous Character
Authors: Carr David
Published: May 2023

In the context of the recent revival of virtue ethics, the notion of character formation under the rational guidance of Aristotle's notion of phronesis, or practical wisdom, has been exalted as the principal aim of moral education. However, this is not unproblematic insofar as the promotion of Aristotelian phronesis seems to operate on rather different levels or to be ambivalent between the two rather different (and demonstrably separable) aims or goals of fostering reasonably sound deliberation and judgment concerning “right” or good (moral or other) agency or action and the allegedly optimal (empirical) psychological ordering of cognition and affect to the end of good or commendable human character. In this paper, David Carr argues that while the first of these aims is by and large educationally acceptable and defensible, the second is neither a desirable nor coherent educational goal.
Will a large complex system be productive?
Authors: Nie Shipeng , Zheng Junjie , Luo Mingyu , Loreau Michel , Gravel Dominique , Wang Shaopeng
Published: May 2023

While the relationship between food web complexity and stability has been well documented, how complexity affects productivity remains elusive. In this study, we combine food web theory and a data set of 149 aquatic food webs to investigate the effect of complexity (i.e. species richness, connectance, and average interaction strength) on ecosystem productivity. We find that more complex ecosystems tend to be more productive, although different facets of complexity have contrasting effects. A higher species richness and/or average interaction strength increases productivity, whereas a higher connectance often decreases it. These patterns hold not only between realized complexity and productivity, but also characterize responses of productivity to simulated declines of complexity. Our model also predicts a negative association between productivity and stability along gradients of complexity. Empirical analyses support our predictions on positive complexity‐productivity relationships and negative productivity‐stability relationships. Our study provides a step forward towards reconciling ecosystem complexity, productivity and stability.
Shareholder litigation and short selling ahead of private equity placements
Authors: Bayar Onur , Liu Yini , Mao Juan
Published: May 2023

We examine the impact of shareholder litigation on short selling ahead of private investments in public equity (PIPEs). We find that PIPE issuers that incurred securities class action lawsuits prior to the PIPE are shorted more heavily ahead of the PIPE issue. The case status at the PIPE date, the severity of the lawsuit, and the timing of the private placement after the litigation event also affect the extent of short selling activity ahead of PIPEs. Consistent with hedging incentives, the effects of prior shareholder litigation on short selling are more pronounced in PIPEs where lead investors are hedge funds and in traditional PIPEs.
Weight loss with subcutaneous semaglutide versus other glucagon‐like peptide 1 receptor agonists in type 2 diabetes: a systematic review
Authors: Stretton Brandon , Kovoor Joshua , Bacchi Stephen , Chang Shantel , Ngoi Benjamin , Murray Tess , Bristow Thomas C. , Heng Jonathan , Gupta Aashray , Ovenden Christopher , Maddern Guy , Thompson Campbell H. , Heilbronn Leonie , Boyd Mark , Rayner Christopher , Talley Nicholas J. , Horowtiz Michael
Published: May 2023

Glucagon‐like peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP‐1 RAs) reduce elevated blood glucose levels and induce weight loss. Multiple GLP‐1 RAs and one combined GLP‐1/glucose‐dependent insulinotropic polypeptide agonist are currently available. This review was conducted with the aim of summarising direct comparisons between subcutaneous semaglutide and other GLP‐1 RAs in individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D), particularly with respect to efficacy for inducing weight loss and improving other markers of metabolic health. This systematic review of PubMed and Embase from inception to early 2022 was registered on PROSPERO and was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses and Meta‐Analysis of Observational Studies in Epidemiology guidelines. Of the 740 records identified in the search, five studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Comparators included liraglutide, exenatide, dulaglutide and tirzepatide. In the identified studies, multiple dosing regimens were utilised for semaglutide. Randomised trials support the superior efficacy of semaglutide over other GLP‐1 RAs with respect to weight loss in T2D, but tirzepatide is more effective than semaglutide.
Staphylococcus aureus biofilm properties and chronic rhinosinusitis severity scores correlate positively with total CD4+ T‐cell frequencies and inversely with its Th1, Th17 and regulatory cell frequencies
Authors: Shaghayegh Gohar , Cooksley Clare , Bouras George , Nepal Roshan , Houtak Ghais , Panchatcharam Beula Subashini , Fenix Kevin Aaron , Psaltis Alkis James , Wormald Peter‐John , Vreugde Sarah
Published: May 2023

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) represents chronic inflammation of the sinus mucosa characterised by dysfunction of the sinuses' natural defence mechanisms and induction of different inflammatory pathways ranging from a Th1 to a Th2 predominant polarisation. Recalcitrant CRS is associated with Staphylococcus aureus dominant mucosal biofilms; however, S. aureus colonisation of the sinonasal mucosa has also been observed in healthy individuals challenging the significance of S. aureus in CRS pathogenesis. We aimed to investigate the relationship between CRS key inflammatory markers, S. aureus biofilm properties/virulence genes and the severity of the disease. Tissue samples were collected during endoscopic sinus surgery from the ethmoid sinuses of CRS patients with (CRSwNP) and without (CRSsNP) nasal polyps and controls (n = 59). CD3+ T‐cell subset frequencies and key inflammatory markers of CD4+ helper T cells were determined using FACS analysis. Sinonasal S. aureus clinical isolates were isolated (n = 26), sequenced and grown into biofilm in vitro, followed by determining their properties, including metabolic activity, biomass, colony‐forming units and exoprotein production. Disease severity was assessed using Lund–Mackay radiologic scores, Lund–Kennedy endoscopic scores and SNOT22 quality of life scores. Our results showed that S. aureus biofilm properties and CRS severity scores correlated positively with total CD4+ T‐cell frequencies but looking into CD4+ T‐cell subsets showed an inverse correlation with Th1 and Th17 cell frequencies. CD4+ T‐cell frequencies were higher in patients harbouring lukF.PV‐positive S. aureus while its regulatory and Th17 cell subset frequencies were lower in patients carrying sea− and sarT/U‐positive S. aureus. Recalcitrant CRS is characterised by increased S. aureus biofilm properties in relation to increased total CD4+ helper T‐cell frequencies and reduced frequencies of its Th1, Th17 and regulatory T‐cell subsets. These findings offer insights into the pathophysiology of CRS and could lead to the development of more targeted therapies.
Performance‐related pay, mental and physiological health
Authors: Andelic Nicole , Allan Julia , Bender Keith A. , Powell Daniel , Theodossiou Ioannis
Published: May 2023

Much of the literature on performance‐related pay (PRP) and poor health relies on self‐reported data, and the relationship is difficult to examine due to confounding variables. We examine the relationship between PRP and three groups of health measures using data from the UKHLS: blood pressure, inflammation markers in blood, and self‐reported health. Regressions correcting for self‐selection bias and socio‐demographic covariates find that PRP contracts are associated with poorer mental health, higher systolic blood pressure, and higher levels of fibrinogen. These findings suggest that firms that use PRP may need to implement policies to mitigate against PRP‐related stress.
A survey on emergent trends in the optimization of car‐sharing systems
Authors: Bruglieri M. , Pisacane O.
Published: May 2023

This paper reviews the most recent literature on the optimization of car‐sharing systems. Unlike other surveys, we do not focus on a single aspect of car‐sharing systems, but we consider a wide range of optimization problems with a global view. Our aim is threefold. First, we revise the classic decision problems arising in car‐sharing systems with conventional and electric vehicles, such as the fleet size, the station location, and the vehicle relocation. Then, we discuss some of the most recent decision problems arising in more innovative car‐sharing systems, like those with autonomous vehicles, with mixed fleets, and the multi‐modal and the time‐dependent ones. Finally, we focus on new perspectives arising in the optimization of some innovative car‐sharing services that are not yet (or little) investigated in the literature and that are worthy of attention from the operations research point of view. For each of them, we also highlight new and challenging open decision problems that deserve academic attention.
POSTCHOLECYSTECTOMY PROBLEMS AND THE ROLE OF ENDOSCOPIC RETROGRADE CHOLANGIOPANCREATOGRAPHY
Authors: Singh V , Kumar P , Rai HS , Singh K
Published: May 2023

SUMMARY Many patients continue to have symptoms even after cholecystectomy. We studied 254 patients with postcholecystectomy problems over a period of seven years; 208 were females, 46 males and their mean age was 41.8 years (range 14‐70). Presenting symptoms were abdominal pain (217), jaundice (74), cholangitis (38) and external biliary fistula (eight). Fifteen patients also had a t‐tube in situ. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography was successfully performed in 239 patients and revealed abnormal findings in 179. These included: stones (89), strictures (53), choledochoduodenal fistula (10), choledochal cyst (three), biloma (three), ligation of bile duct (five), ascaris in bile duct (three), pancreatitis (nine), long cystic duct stump (11), and various other findings. Endoscopic sphincterotomy was carried out in 59 patients with stones. Seven patients with strictures were managed with stents. Ascaris in the bile duct of three patients was removed with the help of a Dormia basket. To conclude, stones and strictures are common postcholecystectomy problems and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography is very helpful in the diagnosis and management of postcholecystectomy patients.
CURRENT METHODS TO REDUCE THE ADVERSE HAEMATOLOGICAL CONSEQUENCES OF CARDIOPULMONARY BYPASS
Authors: John LCH , Deverall PB
Published: May 2023

SUMMARYBleeding remains a significant cause of morbidity after cardiac surgery and results in a major demand on blood transfusion capacity. The aetiology is multifactorial, but platelet dysfunction is the most important cause. Because of the potential risks of heterologous blood transfusion, a number of techniques have been developed to reduce its need. These can broadly be divided into three categories. First, modification of bypass methods and the use of agents such as aprotinin can reduce blood loss. Second, more use can be made of the patient's own blood through predonation of autologous blood or blood conservation techniques. Finally, transfusion policy can be modified so that a lower postoperative haemoglobin level is accepted. However, a method with which to preoperatively predict those patients who will bleed significantly remains elusive.
A CLINICAL COMPARISON OF TYPHOID FEVER CAUSED BY SUSCEPTIBLE AND MULTIDRUG‐RESISTANT STRAINS OF SALMONELLA TYPHI
Authors: Alsoub H , Uwaydah AK , Matar I , Zebeib M , Elhag KM
Published: May 2023

SUMMARY The clinical features and response to therapy with ciprofloxacin were studied in two groups of patients: those infected by susceptible strains of Salmonella typhi and others infected by multidrug‐resistant strains. There was no significant difference in the clinical presentation, laboratory findings and outcome between the two groups. Patients infected with multidrug‐resistant strains, however, defervesced in significantly longer time (5.5 days) than those infected by susceptible strains (4.35 days) (p=0.031). In areas with high prevalence of multidrug‐resistant Salmonella infection, empiric treatment with quinolones or third‐generation cephalosporins of all patients with suspected typhoid fever until the results of culture and sensitivity tests are available may lead to better outcome.
THORACOSCOPIC (UPPER THORACIC) SYMPATHECTOMY FOR PRIMARY PALMAR HYPERHIDROSIS IN CHILDREN
Authors: Rashid HI , Osman HS , McIrvine AJ
Published: May 2023

SUMMARY Primary palmar hyperhidrosis is a disabling disorder that starts in childhood and causes physical and psychological inconvenience. Conservative treatment is not effective in severe cases. Thoracoscopic sympathectomy is the treatment of choice. It is a safe minimally invasive procedure with good results. There are few reports in the UK regarding surgical treatment in children. Post‐operative compensatory hyperhidrosis of the trunk and thighs occurs in up to 50% of cases. We report on three cases involving six procedures.
NON‐INPATIENT USE OF TEICOPLANIN
Authors: Nathwani D
Published: May 2023

SUMMARYTeicoplanin is a glycopeptide antibiotic which was introduced into clinical use in 1988. Its activity against most Gram‐positive bacteria, including the emergent multiply resistant species, its ease of administration and safety commend its continued use well into the next millennium. The provision of health care in alternative settings such as the home or outpatient clinic has grown in importance, both in Europe and North America. One such service is the provision of parenteral antibiotics for treating a variety of infections in the non‐inpatient setting. This paper aims to review and condense the current published experience of teicoplanin in this setting. Evidence suggests that teicoplanin can be administered effectively using a range of flexible, convenient and safe dosing schedules and is a highly cost‐effective therapeutic option for treating in the non‐inpatient setting many chronic infections, e.g. osteomyelitis and endocarditis, and some acute infections.
OMEPRAZOLE VERSUS RANITIDINE IN THE MEDICAL TREATMENT OF ACUTE UPPER GASTROINTESTINAL BLEEDING: ASSESSMENT BY EARLY REPEAT ENDOSCOPY
Authors: Fasseas P , Leybishkis B , Rocca G
Published: May 2023

The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of acid suppression in patients with upper gastrointestinal bleeding using early repeat endoscopy. Ninety‐two patients with the diagnosis of acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding (endoscopically verified), entered a single‐blind, randomised study comparing two treatment groups: omeprazole (40 mg orally daily) to ranitidine (50 mg intravenously four times daily). The lesions considered were gastric ulcers, duodenal ulcers and erosive gastritis. All patients were candidates for medical treatment. The parameters assessed included: 1) stabilisation of the lesion by repeat endoscopy at 7.0 ± 3.0 days, 2) bleeding recurrence, 3) duration of stay in the intermediate medical care unit. For erosive gastritis only parameters 2 and 3 were considered. The study was limited to the hospitalisation period. Endoscopic stabilisation rate at 7.0 ± 3.0 days for duodenal lesions was higher in the omeprazole group (71% vs 37%, p=0.03), but there was no significant difference for gastric lesions (50% vs 54%, NS). The overall bleeding recurrence rate (0% vs 17%, p=0.013) and the duration of stay (3.9 vs 6.4 days, p<0.01) were significantly lower in the omeprazole group. Our study suggests that omeprazole is more effective than ranitidine in the pharmacological treatment of acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding.
8. THE DILEMMA OF IN SITU CARCINOMA OF THE BREAST
Authors: Fentiman IS
Published: May 2023

Both ductal cardinoma in situ (DCIS) and lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS) are forerunners of invasive breast cancer but with different behaviour. Neither condition is fatal but management can be difficult. After 20 years follow‐up of LCIS, the cumulative risk of ipsilateral invasive cancer is 18%, and 14% for contralateral disease. Of the cancers that occur, 40% are invasive lobular and 60% invasive ductal. Standard management of LCIS is surveillance, with no attempt to perform a wide excision or a mastectomy. Many cases of DCIS are detected because of microcalcification on mammograms; 20% of screen‐detected cancers are of this type. DCIS is a forerunner of ipsilateral invasive disease, so complete excision is necessary, Subsequent relapse or progression to invasive disease can be reduced by breast irradiation. Because of the extent of DCIS, a significant proportion of patients will need a total mastectomy with or without immediate reconstruction.
SPONTANEOUS CORONARY ARTERY SPASM DURING CORONARY ANGIOGRAPHY IN A PATIENT WITH EXERCISE‐INDUCED ST SEGMENT ELEVATION
Authors: Hung MJ , Kuo LT , Wang CH , Cherng WJ
Published: May 2023

We describe a patient with a history of early morning chest pain who developed ST segment elevation during a treadmill exercise test. Severe coronary artery stenosis was identified initially and was relieved after intracoronary administration of nitroglycerin. A history of vasospastic angina in this patient facilitated prompt diagnosis.
GASTRIC LIPOMA CAUSING GASTRODUODENAL INTUSSUSCEPTION
Authors: Sankaranunni B , Ooi DSW , Sircar T , Smith RC , Barry J
Published: May 2023

A case of gastroduodenal intussusception caused by a submucosal gastric lipoma in a 48‐year‐old man is presented. He had intermittent symptoms of regurgitation and heartburn for a period of three years. Barium meal and CT scan showed a mass in the first part of duodenum. At laparotomy there was intussusception of gastric antrum into the duodenum with a submucosal lipoma in the antrum which formed the apex of the intussusception.
Students in the Forest: The Role of Design‐Build Pedagogies in Repairing Material Disconnections in Architecture Education
Authors: Brown James Benedict , Camilli Francesco
Published: May 2023

This article explores an intellectual disconnection in architectural education about the conception of wood as a building material. It explores initiatives to develop in future architects a deeper consciousness of the complex ecology of timber, promoting its sustainable use in the building industry. It explores six case studies drawn from architectural education to explore the ways in which the properties that make timber sustainable are explored through research and design, and how this deep understanding is transferred to students through hands‐on applications.
Should high‐cobalt EV batteries be repurposed? Using LCA to assess the impact of technological innovation on the waste hierarchy
Authors: Dunn Jessica , Ritter Kabian , Velázquez Jesús M. , Kendall Alissa
Published: May 2023

Lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) are a key technology in decarbonizing the transportation and electricity sectors, yet the use of critical materials, such as cobalt, nickel, and lithium, lead to environmental and social impacts. Reusing, repurposing, and recycling mitigate battery impacts by extending their lifespan and reducing reliance on virgin materials. Innovation that reduces demand for these problematic materials and increases battery efficiency also reduces impacts. Two examples of this technological innovation include, (1) the development of energy dense cathode chemistry containing less cobalt, a material with high social and environmental impacts; and (2) the use of columnar silicon thin film anode, which results in increased energy density compared to the commonly used graphite anode. This research assesses whether these technological innovations change the currently understood waste hierarchy, which prioritizes reuse or repurposing prior to recycling. This is of interest because retired high‐cobalt batteries could supply their constituent materials sooner if recycled immediately and be used in low‐cobalt, higher‐performing batteries. The assessment considers the life cycle environmental impacts of two end‐of‐life management routes for a high‐cobalt LIB: first, recycling the battery immediately after the first use life to produce a new, and less material intensive battery, and second, repurposing the battery for a stationary storage application followed by recycling. Findings show that battery reuse reduces life cycle environmental impacts relative to immediate recycling. Thus, from an environmental perspective, the waste hierarchy holds, and steps to retain the batteries in their highest value use, such as through repurposing, should still be prioritized.
The CsHSFA‐CsJAZ6 module‐mediated high temperature regulates flavonoid metabolism in Camellia sinensis
Authors: Zhang Xueying , Li Linying , He Yuqing , Lang Zhuoliang , Zhao Yao , Tao Han , Li Qingsheng , Hong Gaojie
Published: May 2023

High temperatures (HTs) seriously affect the yield and quality of tea. Catechins, derived from the flavonoid pathway, are characteristic compounds that contribute to the flavour of tea leaves. In this study, we first showed that the flavonoid content of tea leaves was significantly reduced under HT conditions via metabolic profiles; and then demonstrated that two transcription factors, CsHSFA1b and CsHSFA2 were activated by HT and negatively regulate flavonoid biosynthesis during HT treatment. Jasmonate (JA), a defensive hormone, plays a key role in plant adaption to environmental stress. However, little has been reported on its involvement in HT response in tea. Herein, we demonstrated that CsHSFA1b and CsHSFA2 activate CsJAZ6 expression through directly binding to heat shock elements in its promoter, and thereby repress the JA pathway. Most secondary metabolites are regulated by JA, including catechin in tea. Our study reported that CsJAZ6 directly interacts with CsEGL3 and CsTTG1 and thereby reduces catechin accumulation. From this, we proposed a CsHSFA‐CsJAZ6‐mediated HT regulation model of catechin biosynthesis. We also determined that negative regulation of the JA pathway by CsHSFAs and its homologues is conserved in Arabidopsis. These findings broaden the applicability of the regulation of JAZ by HSF transcription factors and further suggest the JA pathway as a valuable candidate for HT‐resistant breeding and cultivation.
Unwanted and unfollowed: Defining ghosting and the role of social media unfollowing
Authors: Collins Tara J. , Thomas Angela‐Faith , Harris Emma
Published: May 2023

Ghosting involves terminating communication, including through technological mediums, as a means of ending a relationship. Despite attention from popular media, empirical examinations of this breakup strategy are sparse. Using a correlational design, we examined the defining features of ghosting including its associations with other breakup tactics, whether it is an exclusively unilateral strategy, and the role of social media unfollowing in its implementation. A convenience sample of primarily undergraduate students (n = 260) completed an online survey describing recent breakups, indicating the disengagement tactics used, social media unfollowing, and the extent to which the breakups involved ghosting. Findings indicated that ghosting is extremely common, it was used to terminate more than half of participants' recent relationships. Most participants had experienced a breakup involving ghosting as either the disengager and/or the recipient. Ghosting was found to involve less open confrontation, more avoidance/withdrawal and de‐escalation tactics. Contrary to previous research, ghosting can occur bilaterally, with partners ghosting each other. Social media unfollowing is an important aspect of ghosting. Relationships ended via ghosting have fewer post‐breakup connections than those ended through other strategies. Typically, ghosters initiate social media unfollowing. Findings provide insight into how ghosting should be conceptualized and measured in future explorations.
Self‐Worth and Politics: The Distinctive Roles of Self‐Esteem and Narcissism
Authors: Cichocka Aleksandra , Marchlewska Marta , Cislak Aleksandra
Published: May 2023

One of the classic questions in political psychology has been whether feelings of self‐worth are relevant for politics. In this review, we summarize seven decades of research attempting to address this question, focusing on three sets of political outcomes: (1) political ideology, (2) political interest and engagement, and (3) intergroup relations. We rely on the distinction between self‐esteem (feelings of adequacy and satisfaction with oneself) and narcissism (feelings of entitled self‐importance and superiority over others). We argue that this distinction allows us to integrate the literature and explain the mixed effects observed in past research on self‐evaluation and politics. Our review points to a key role of narcissistic status pursuit and psychological defensiveness in predicting potentially problematic political attitudes and behaviors. We discuss practical implications these associations might have for democratic functioning and for understanding political leaders. We conclude by identifying outstanding questions and promising new research directions.
An integrated analysis of mRNAs and lncRNAs in goat's hypothalamus to explore the onset of puberty
Authors: Gao Xiaoxiao , Ren Chunhuan , Zhang Wei , Fang Fugui
Published: May 2023

The time of puberty onset is crucial for female animal, as it can affect the generation interval, feeding costs and the utilization of animals. However, little is known about the mechanism of hypothalamic lncRNAs (long noncoding RNAs) in regulatory goat puberty onset. Therefore, genome‐wide transcriptome analysis was performed in goats to clarify the roles of hypothalamic lncRNAs and mRNAs in the onset of puberty. In the present study, the co‐expression network of differentially expressed (DE) mRNAs in goat hypothalamus identified FN1 as the hub gene, and ECM‐receptor interaction, Focal adhesion and PI3K‐Akt signalling pathways are involved in puberty. We also observed the crucial hub transcription factors (TCF12, STAT1, STAT2, GATA3 and TEAD4) associated with reproduction and puberty. Then, genetic correlation analysis of DE mRNAs and DE lncRNAs identified the key lncRNAs involved in puberty. This research supplies a resource for transcriptome studies in goat puberty and indicated DE lncRNAs in the ECM‐receptor interaction pathway were novel candidate regulators for genetic studies on female reproduction.
Dispersal of endolithic microorganisms in vesicular volcanic rock: Distribution, settlement and pathways revealed by 3D X‐ray microscopy
Authors: Schmid‐Beurmann Hinrich A. , Kahl Wolf‐Achim , Bach Wolfgang , Ivarsson Magnus , Böttcher Michael Ernst , Peckmann Jörn
Published: May 2023

Pleistocene basanitic rocks of Vesteris Seamount in the Greenland Sea had been found to exhibit an endolithic habitat largely consisting of marine fungi that dwell within abundant vesicles, therefore representing cryptoendoliths. For the first time, we demonstrate that 3D X‐ray microscopy can unravel how microorganisms access and migrate through vesicular rock. The fossil assemblages occur within a set of vesicles connected by microcracks. Such microcracks, which are ubiquitous features in submarine volcanic rocks, enable the dispersal of marine microorganisms in the rock. This study suggests that this pathway for the colonization of marine volcanic rocks forms in consequence of early tensional stress due to variable rates of cooling of the lava flow. Subsequently, the interconnected vesicles get populated by rock‐dwelling microorganisms. This cryptoendolithic habitat exists at least since the Paleoproterozoic.
Understanding tourists' travel behavior before, during, and after the trip with data from social media platforms
Authors: Mou Naixia , Wang Yanci , Zheng Yunhao , Zhang Lingxian , Makkonen Teemu , Jiang Qi , Yang Tengfei
Published: May 2023

Analyzing tourists' travel behavior at different stages of a trip can help to better understand their travel demands, providing valuable suggestions for destination management. In this article, we propose a research framework that can help in comprehensively analyzing tourists' travel behavior from the perspective of the three main stages: before, during, and after the trip. A case study was conducted based on user‐generated content data from the Old Town of Lijiang to verify the feasibility of the proposed research framework. The results show that: (1) before the trip, tourists inquire about destinations and optimal stay; (2) during the trip, tourists are attracted to natural sceneries; (3) after the trip, tourists discuss experience and services. Travel behavior in stages provide detailed (inter‐, intra‐, and individual attractions) guidance (from tourists) for destinations. The proposed framework provides a novel perspective for exploring the spatiotemporal behavioral features of tourists at different stages of their trips.
Genetic disruption of mammalian endoplasmic reticulum‐associated protein degradation: Human phenotypes and animal and cellular disease models
Authors: Badawi Sally , Mohamed Feda E. , Varghese Divya Saro , Ali Bassam R.
Published: May 2023

Endoplasmic reticulum‐associated protein degradation (ERAD) is a stringent quality control mechanism through which misfolded, unassembled and some native proteins are targeted for degradation to maintain appropriate cellular and organelle homeostasis. Several in vitro and in vivo ERAD‐related studies have provided mechanistic insights into ERAD pathway activation and its consequent events; however, a majority of these have investigated the effect of ERAD substrates and their consequent diseases affecting the degradation process. In this review, we present all reported human single‐gene disorders caused by genetic variation in genes that encode ERAD components rather than their substrates. Additionally, after extensive literature survey, we present various genetically manipulated higher cellular and mammalian animal models that lack specific components involved in various stages of the ERAD pathway.
Conventional fractionated radiotherapy outcomes for young dogs with nephroblastoma of the spinal cord: 5 cases
Authors: Kim Jaeyoung , Kent Michael Sean , Théon Alain Pierre , Lejeune Amandine Tamara , Hansen Katherine Sarah
Published: May 2023

Published radiotherapy results for spinal nephroblastomas in dogs are limited. In this retrospective longitudinal study (1/2007–1/2022), five dogs with a median age of 2.8 years received post‐operative 3D conformal, conventional fractionated radiotherapy (CFRT) with 2–4 fields (parallel‐opposed with or without two hinge‐angle fields), for an incompletely resected nephroblastoma. Clinical findings prior to surgery included one or more of the following: pelvic limb paresis (5), faecal incontinence (2), flaccid tail (1), non‐ambulatory (2) and deep pain loss (1). All masses were located between T11 and L3 and surgically removed via hemilaminectomy. Dogs received 45–50 Gray (Gy) in 18–20 fractions, and no dogs received chemotherapy post‐radiation. At analysis, all dogs were deceased, with none lost to follow‐up. The median overall survival (OS) from first treatment to death of any cause was 3.4 years (1234 days; 95% CI 68 days‐upper limit not reached; range: 68–3607 days). The median planning target volume was 51.3 cc, with a median PTV dose of 51.4 Gy and median D98 = 48.3 Gy. Late complications or recurrence was difficult to fully determine in this small dataset; however, some degree of ataxia persisted throughout life in all dogs. This study provides preliminary evidence that post‐operative radiotherapy may result in prolonged survival times dogs with spinal nephroblastomas.
On the derivatives of Hardy's function Z(t)
Authors: Bui Hung M. , Hall Richard R.
Published: May 2023

Let be the th derivative of Hardy's ‐function. The numerics seem to suggest that if and have the same parity, then the zeros of and come in pairs that are very close to each other. That is to say that has constant sign for the majority, if not almost all, of values . In this paper, we show that this is true a positive proportion of times. We also study the sign of the product of four derivatives of Hardy's function, .
Non‐abelian simple groups which occur as the type of a Hopf–Galois structure on a solvable extension
Authors: Tsang Cindy (Sin Yi)
Published: May 2023

We determine the finite non‐abelian simple groups which occur as the type of a Hopf–Galois structure on a solvable extension. In the language of skew braces, our result gives a complete list of finite non‐abelian simple groups which occur as the additive group of a skew brace with solvable multiplicative group.
Tuning Buckling Behaviors in Magnetically Active Structures: Topology Optimization and Experimental Validation
Authors: Zhao Zhi , Wang Chao , Zhang Xiaojia Shelly
Published: May 2023

Buckling, a phenomenon historically considered undesirable, has recently been harnessed to enable innovative functionalities in materials and structures. While approaches to achieve specific buckling behaviors are widely studied, tuning these behaviors in fabricated structures without altering their geometry remains a major challenge. Here, we introduce an inverse design approach to tune buckling behavior in magnetically active structures through the variation of applied magnetic stimuli. Our proposed magneto-mechanical topology optimization formulation not only generates the geometry and magnetization distribution of these structures but also informs how the external magnetic fields should be applied to control their buckling behaviors. By utilizing the proposed strategy, we discover magnetically active structures showcasing a broad spectrum of tunable buckling mechanisms, including programmable peak forces and buckling displacements, as well as controllable mechano- and magneto-induced bistability. Furthermore, we experimentally demonstrate that multiple unit designs can be assembled into architectures, resulting in tunable multistability and programmable buckling sequences under distinct applied magnetic fields. By employing a hybrid fabrication method, we manufacture and experimentally validate the generated designs and architectures, confirming their ability to exhibit precisely programmed and tunable buckling behaviors. This research contributes to the advancement of multifunctional materials and structures that harness buckling phenomena, unlocking transformative potential for various applications, including robotics, energy harvesting, and deployable and reconfigurable devices.