bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Corporate tax avoidance: a systematic literature review and future research directions
Authors: Duhoon Anshu , Singh Mohinder
Published: November 2023

Purpose

The increased interest among academicians to explore more about tax management behavior is evident in the literature on corporate tax avoidance. This paper aims to illustrate the multiple aspects that influence the tax avoidance behavior of corporations and its impacts through the systematic review method.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used “Tax Avoidance” OR “Tax Aggressiveness” OR “Tax Planning” as search strings to extract the relevant literature from the Scopus database. This study is a comprehensive analysis of existing literature on corporate tax avoidance behavior. Further, the keyword network analysis has been used to find out the most explored and dry research areas related to corporate tax avoidance behavior using VOSviewer software.

Findings

The study finds that taxation decision is an important managerial decision. Managers adopt tax avoidance tactics to boost postax profits to meet the shareholders’ expectations, particularly of risk-averse shareholders, and sometimes for their benefit also. With this, this study also finds that firms’ characteristics, political connections and corporate social responsibility activities also impact taxation decisions. In addition, the study identifies that tax-avoiding behavior has a contradictory impact on firm value, market growth and corporate transparency disclosure decisions.

Research limitations/implications

The study assists the researchers by providing a brief overview of tax avoidance behavior, for corporates in understanding the implications of tax avoidance, and for policymakers to fix the taxation loopholes and bring necessary tax reforms.

Originality/value

This study adds to the existing literature by providing a thorough overview of theories, determinants and outcomes of corporate tax avoidance behavior.
Origami organizations!
Authors: Faile Kristen , Roberts Paula , Loes Cate
Published: November 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to provide instructors with a hands-on engaging and experiential class activity designed to teach undergraduate and graduate students about different organizational structures in management courses. Through this exercise, students will be able to self-identify the challenges and strengths of working under contrasting organizational structures.

Design/methodology/approach

Split into two (or four) teams, students construct origami animals based on their team’s organizational structure, using both mechanistic and organic structures to create a zoo based on a set of instructions and boundary conditions. Materials required include origami paper, markers, printed instructions, origami animal instructions, and role title cards for each student. The exercise takes approximately 30–45 min, including debriefing discussion. All materials/instructions needed are included with this paper (except origami paper and markers).

Findings

Through this exercise, students internalize the challenges and strengths of working in organizations with contrasting structures. The debrief discussion will help solidify student understanding of what the day to day experience of working in different organizational structures might look like, the pros and cons of different structures, and what type of employees or industries might thrive under different structures.

Research limitations/implications

This paper is being submitted for the “Special Issue Call for Papers: Modern Day Experiential Exercises.”

Practical implications

This activity allows students to draw their own conclusions about organizational structure and to engage in a fruitful discussion about what working at different types of organizations looks like on a day-to-day basis.

Social implications

This activity allows students to strengthen their skills in communication, teamwork, and leadership by having them work in teams to complete a challenging, competitive task.

Originality/value

While teaching organizational structure in management courses has traditionally been limited to traditional forms of instruction such as lecturing and reviewing different organizational charts, this activity gives students a fun competitive in-class activity in which they practice working as a part of contrasting organizational structures to see what type of structure they might thrive in.
Does CEO's foreign experience promote export performance? Evidence from China
Authors: Wang Jialong , Cui Ran
Published: November 2023

We examine whether CEOs with foreign experience influence firms' export performance. Using a combined dataset based on Chinese‐listed firms from 2008 to 2021, we determine that hiring CEOs with foreign experience significantly enhances firms' export performance. In addition, we document that the positive relationship between CEOs' foreign experience and firms' export performance is more pronounced when CEOs have long‐term foreign work experience. The impact of foreign experience on firms' export performance varies with CEOs' gender. Furthermore, the advantage of appointing CEOs with foreign experience is only significant when firms have long‐time lifespan or receive intensive foreign direct investment. The results are robust to the endogenous CEO selection using instrument variable method, propensity score matching method, and the fixed‐effects model. Accordingly, our findings offer policy implications by suggesting that hiring a CEO with foreign experience is an efficient way to improve firms' export performance.
Conceptual framework of mental health literacy: Results from a scoping review and a Delphi survey
Authors: Soria‐Martínez Mireya , Navarro‐Pérez Carmen Flores , Pérez‐Ardanaz Bibiana , Martí‐García Celia
Published: November 2023

Mental health literacy (MHL) has been identified as a factor influencing early help‐seeking for mental health problems (MHPs) and stigmatizing attitudes. However, the lack of consensus on its definition has led to considerable heterogeneity in measurement and, consequently, methodological challenges in comparing data. In this way, the present study was conducted with the following objectives: in Phase I, mapping the existing literature through a scoping review; in Phase 2, 28 experts in the field of mental health participated to develop a consensus statement on the relevance and importance of the findings from Phase 1. A total of 37 articles were included for review. Notable nuances were identified in the conceptualization of MHL, particularly with regard to the fact that it should not be limited to mental disorders but should also encompass mental health. Furthermore, the sociocultural influence was highlighted as shaping MHL, recognizing it as a modifiable competence that adapts to different contexts and life stages, involving both individual and collective levels. The experts deemed the findings pertinent and relevant with a high degree of consensus, except for factors related to MHL. This framework provides a refined definition of MHL and related factors that should be taken into account to guide nursing and other disciplines' studies and interventions on MHL. The evolution of this concept includes dimensions to be considered in future research, especially when developing new measurement instruments or implementing educational programmes. This knowledge and skills cannot be determined globally without considering the context and development of the individual.
A sequential tape stripping approach for the assessment of the impact of personal cleansing products on the stratum corneum surface layers' acid mantle properties and antimicrobial defense
Authors: Zhang Lesheng , Yue Feng , Wu Xiaojian , Yu Hechuan , Chen Kuangyu , Liu Juan , Xu Zigang , Styczynski Peter , Li Chuiying , Wei Karl
Published: November 2023

Background

Stratum corneum (SC) plays a critical role in skin barrier function for protection and defense in nature. The acidic skin pH, which is also known as the acid mantle, is very important in fighting against outer environmental threats, especially, bacteria. Furthermore, recent research has shown that the transient bacteria could potentially penetrate into deeper layer of the SC down to a few micrometers while posing an additional threat to the deeper layers of the skin.

Aim

To develop a sequential tape stripping method for assessing the impact of personal cleansing product on the SC surface layers' acid mantle properties and antimicrobial defense against transient bacteria.

Methods

Fifty‐five subjects were recruited. High pH soap‐based Product 1 and low pH synthetic surfactant‐based Product 2 were applied on the left and right forearms of each subject. Sequential tape stripping was performed on the same spots to access multiple layers of the skin SC. Both antimicrobial defense property and skin pH of different skin layers were evaluated at baseline and 12 h after treatment.

Results

The skin's antimicrobial defense was significantly higher 12 h after treatment of the low pH Product 2 as compared to the treatment of high pH Product 1. In fact, this trend was consistent across all three skin layers (Layer 1 to Layer 3) as measured in this study (p < 0.01). Furthermore, the skin surface pH of Layer 1 and Layer 3 were also lower 12 h after the treatment of low pH Product 2 as compared to that of the high pH Product 1 (p < 0.01).

Conclusion

The results of this investigation demonstrated the benefits of 12‐h long lasting and deeper protection of SC acid mantle properties and antimicrobial defense using a low pH skin cleansing product as compared to a high pH product.
Liquidation Value and Loan Pricing
Authors: BARBIERO FRANCESCA , SCHEPENS GLENN , SIGAUX JEAN‐DAVID
Published: November 2023

This paper shows that the liquidation value of collateral depends on the interdependency between borrower and collateral risk. Using transaction‐level data on short‐term repurchase agreements (repo), we show that borrowers pay a premium of 1.1 to 2.6 basis points when their default risk is positively correlated with the risk of the collateral that they pledge. Moreover, we show that borrowers internalize this premium when making their collateral choices. Loan‐level credit registry data suggest that the results extend to the corporate loan market as well.
Enhancing gel behavior of yellow croaker surimi by fruit extracts: Physicochemical properties and molecular mechanism
Authors: Wang Xinyan , Lin Songyi , Wang Ruichun , Chu Junbo , Dong Liu , Zhang Simin
Published: November 2023

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of grape seed extract (GSE), acerola cherry extract (ACE), and blueberry extract (BBE) on the physicochemical properties and structure of the yellow croaker surimi gel. In addition, molecular docking and molecular dynamics (MD) simulation were utilized to study the binding mechanism of yellow croaker's fibrillin and fruit extracts. Surimi gel with 1.5% GSE, ACE, and BBE had the highest water holding capacity, hardness, chewability, cohesion, breaking force, breaking distance, gel strength, and densest 3D network structure, according to the experiment's findings. Nevertheless, the cross‐linking of proteins in surimi was blocked with the further increase of fruit extract (1.5%–2.0%), and the existing network of surimi was weakened or even destroyed. Three fruit extracts had little effect on the secondary structure of the surimi gel. Besides, hydrophobic and disulfide bonds are the main chemical bonds of croaker surimi. Molecular docking showed that B‐type procyanidine (BP) interacted with ASN‐183, SER‐571, ASP‐525, ARG‐350, LYS‐188, GLU‐349, CYS‐353, and other active amino acids in croaker protein. Moreover, it can form strong hydrogen bond interaction with ASN‐183, SER‐571, ASP‐525, and ARG‐350 at the active sites of protein. The BP‐Larimichthys crocea protein system's MD simulation was carried out, and calculations for the simulation's root mean square deviation, root mean square fluctuation, radius of gyration, solvent accessible surface area, and hydrogen bonds were made. It was found that these indices can demonstrate that the BP binding contributes to the stability of the yellow croaker structure.
Disentangling the mechanisms underlying phylosymbiosis in mammals
Authors: Mallott Elizabeth K.
Published: November 2023

Mammalian gut microbial communities are frequently found to be host‐specific—microbial community compositions are more similar within than between host species—and some individual microbial taxa consistently associate with a single or small set of host species. The ecoevolutionary dynamics that result in this pattern of phylosymbiosis or host specificity have been proposed, but robust tests of the mechanisms driving these relationships are lacking. In this issue of Molecular Ecology, Mazel et al. (2023) combine large amplicon sequencing data sets with bacterial phenotypic traits to test whether microbial dispersal patterns contribute to the host specificity of the gut microbiome. They find that both transmission mode and oxygen tolerance are predictive of how specialized a microbe is. Horizontally transmitted, oxygen‐tolerant microbes are more likely to be generalists, and vertically transmitted anaerobes are more likely to be limited to a few host species. This creative use of publicly available data provides a roadmap for testing hypotheses about the mechanisms underlying phylosymbiosis.
Transition mechanisms from atrial flutter to atrial fibrillation during anti‐tachycardia pacing therapy
Authors: Okada Jun‐ichi , Washio Takumi , Sugiura Seiryo , Hisada Toshiaki
Published: November 2023

Background

Atrial anti‐tachycardia pacing (aATP) has been shown to be effective for the termination of atrial tachyarrhythmias, but its success rate is still not high enough.

Objective

The main objective of this study was to investigate the mechanisms of atrial flutter (AFL) termination by aATP and the transition from AFL to atrial fibrillation (AF) during aATP.

Methods

We developed a multi‐scale model of the human atrium based on magnetic resonance images and examined the atrial electrophysiology of AFL during aATP with a ramp protocol.

Results

In successful cases of aATP, paced excitation entered the excitable gap and collided with the leading edge of the reentrant wave front. Furthermore, the excitation propagating in the opposite direction collided with the trailing edge of the reentrant wave to terminate AFL. The second collision was made possible by the distribution of the wave propagation velocity in the atria. The detailed analysis revealed that the slowing of propagation velocity occurred at the exit of the sub‐Eustachian isthmus, probably due to source‐sink mismatch. During the transition from AFL to AF, the excitation collided with the refractory zone of the preceding wave and broke into multiple wave fronts to induce AF. A similar observation was made for the transition from AF to sinus rhythm. In both cases, the complex anatomy of the atria played an essential role.

Conclusion

The complex anatomy of atria plays an essential role in the maintenance of stable AFL and its termination by aATP, which were revealed by the realistic three‐dimensional simulation model.
Is North Korea a Failed State?
Authors: Kim Jiyoung
Published: November 2023

Is North Korea a failed state? Through a case study of North Korea, this study tackles the meaning of defining a state as “failed” and highlights the theoretical and conceptual limitations of the failed state approach. This study presents a thorough literature review on the subject and aims to bridge a theoretical gap between academic discussions of failed states in the field of international development and the study of North Korea. By doing so, this study highlights the conceptual limitations of viewing North Korea as a failed state and suggests that that misconception has been one of the reasons for the failure to solve various puzzles about the country. In particular, this study underlines the conceptual problems and the Western‐dominant perspective in defining North Korea as a failed state for having weak political legitimacy and a lack of in‐depth understanding of contextual/historical factors and recent political‐economic changes that have affected state‐society relations in North Korea.
The novel HLA‐B*49:81 allele characterized by next‐generation sequencing
Authors: Ananeva Anastasiia , Akhmetshina Gulnaz , Andryushkina Anna V. , Shagimardanova Elena I.
Published: November 2023

The novel HLA‐B*49:81 allele differs by one nucleotide change from HLA‐B*49:01:01.
Dessencializar para Pluralizar
Authors: De Souza Santos Natália , Da Silva Abreu Ana Claudia
Published: November 2023

O presente estudo busca analisar como se dá a aplicação do conceito de mulher para o sistema de justiça criminal, especialmente a partir da Lei do Feminicídio que, fundada em uma matriz biológica (sexo feminino) traz à tona a seguinte questão: A hermenêutica sobre feminicídio permite uma interpretação extensiva, incluindo as mulheres transexuais e travestis no âmbito de proteção da norma? Foi utilizada uma metodologia feminista decolonial, mediante o estudo bibliográfico em diálogo com os transfeminismos, para delinear os contornos sobre conceitos de mulher, gênero e identidades trans. Com suporte no olhar decolonial, por meio da análise de dois julgados do Superior Tribunal de Justiça, revelou-se a percepção do sistema de justiça sobre a temática. Concluiu-se que é preciso romper com a cisgeneridade de um sistema de justiça que compactua com práticas coloniais, racistas, cissexistas, que não traz a perspectiva de gênero para o debate e reafirma o viés androcêntrico e patriarcal do Direito. Ao descolonizar o feminicídio, dando interpretação extensiva à categoria mulher, garantimos a aplicação da Lei às mulheres transexuais e às travestis.
Palavras-chave: Feminicídio; Mulher; Sistema de justiça criminal; Feminismo Decolonial.
Clustering of Multilevel Factors Among Children and Adolescents: Associations With Health-Related Physical Fitness
Authors: Cai Shan , Liu Yunfei , Dang Jiajia , Zhong Panliang , Shi Di , Chen Ziyue , Hu Peijin , Ma Jun , Dong Yanhui , Song Yi , Raat Hein
Published: November 2023

Background: To identify the clustering characteristics of individual-, family-, and school-level factors, and examine their associations with health-related physical fitness. Methods: A total of 145,893 Chinese children and adolescents aged 9–18 years participated in this cross-sectional study. The 2-step cluster analysis was conducted to identify clusters among individual-, family-, and school-level factors. Physical fitness indicator was calculated through sex- and age-specific z scores of forced vital capacity, standing long jump, sit-and-reach flexibility, body muscle strength, endurance running, and body mass index. Results: Three, 3, and 5 clusters were automatically identified at individual, family, and school levels, respectively. Students with low physical fitness indicator were more likely to be in the “longest sedentary time and skipping breakfast” cluster (odds ratio [OR] = 1.18; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.12–1.24), and “physical inactivity and insufficient protein consumption” cluster (OR = 1.07; 95% CI, 1.02–1.12) at individual level, the “single children and high parental education level” cluster (OR = 1.15; 95% CI, 1.10–1.21), and “no physical activity support and preference” cluster (OR = 1.30; 95% CI, 1.25–1.36) at family level, and the “physical education occupied” cluster (OR = 1.06; 95% CI, 1.01–1.11), and “insufficient physical education frequency” cluster (OR = 1.16; 95% CI, 1.08–1.24) at school level. Girls were more vulnerable to individual- and school-level clusters, while boys were more susceptible to family clusters; the younger students were more sensitive to school clusters, and the older students were more susceptible to family clusters (P-interaction < .05). Conclusions: This study confirmed different clusters at multilevel factors and proved their associations with health-related physical fitness, thus providing new perspective for developing targeted interventions.
The Importance of Being Humanoid
Authors: Vernon David , Sandini Giulio
Published: November 2023

A humanoid robot is a particular form of embodied agent. The form that an agent takes has a major impact on how that agent interacts with its environment and how it develops an understanding of that environment through its interactions. In this paper, we explore the importance of humanoid embodiment and we argue that humanoids occupy a special niche in the spectrum of robot forms. In doing so, we highlight the implications for the way a humanoid robot can interact with its environment, including humans, for the manner in which humans interact with humanoid robots, and for a humanoid robot’s capacity to develop cognitive abilities. We also consider the degree to which humanoid robots should approximate humans, addressing robot morphology, appearance, and movement. We emphasize the dual role of humanoid robots as engineering artifacts that can provide services for humans, and as platforms for scientific enquiry into the nature of human cognition. We conclude by highlighting some key research challenges for the discipline of humanoid robotics.
Enterovirus-Rhinovirus-Induced Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome in Adults: A Case Report and Short Literature Review
Authors: Avgoustou Eirini , Spyridaki Aikaterini , Pothitos Giorgos , Papadopoulos Antonios , Kois Spyridon , Vassilara Foula
Published: November 2023

Enteroviruses and rhinoviruses (EV-RV) are small RNA viruses that usually cause the common cold and asthma exacerbations. Although EV-RV-induced acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is common in children, only scattered reports of ARDS in adults have been published. The diagnosis has been greatly facilitated by the advent of molecular techniques, namely, real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). EV-RV can cause ARDS by stimulating a cytokine cascade. No antiviral therapy has yet been approved, and treatment is entirely supportive. Herein, we report a rare case of EV-RV infection in an afebrile adult with dyspnea that rapidly progressed to acute lung injury and ARDS. EV-RV was isolated with multiple real-time PCR in nasopharyngeal and bronchial specimens, while no other pathogen was detected. We also present an up-to-date review of relevant literature, in an attempt to stress the importance of the early identification of viral culprits, which can minimize the use of invasive diagnostic procedures and antibiotic agents.
Treatment of Maxillary Gingival Recessions Using the Modified Coronally Advanced Tunnel Technique in Combination with a Volume-Stable Collagen Matrix: A Prospective Case Series with a 12-Month Follow-up
Authors: Jalilvand Navid , Kasapoudis Dimitrios , Altun Ersin , Aarabi Ghazal , Hajilou Sahar , Baker Thomas
Published: November 2023

The aim of this case series was to evaluate the clinical performance of a new volume-stable collagen matrix (VCMX) in combination with the modified coronally advanced tunnel technique (MCAT) for the treatment of gingival recessions. Thirteen patients with a total of 33 maxillary RT1 single and multiple gingival recessions were included in the study. Probing pocket depth (PPD), recession width (RECW), recession depth (REC), height of keratinized tissue (HKT), and gingival thickness (GT) were assessed at baseline and at the 12-month follow-up. Postoperative healing was uneventful in all cases without any complications. At 12 months, mean root coverage (MRC) was 92.88%, with complete root coverage (CRC) in 87.88% of treated sites. The present findings suggest that VCMX in combination with MCAT results in predictable coverage of maxillary RT1 gingival recessions. Further studies with larger sample sizes and control groups are needed to support these preliminary outcomes.
Research for Change: Reflections on Online Collective Activism Against Accelerated Policies of University Privatization during covid-19 Restrictions in Hungary
Authors: Bigazzi Sara , Serdult Sara , Zeller Judit
Published: November 2023

This article delves into the dynamics of the “model change” within the Hungarian higher education during the covid-19 crisis, focusing on grassroots reactions in the University of Pécs. Amid pandemic-related restrictions, the study reveals how online platforms fostered collective action, allowing stakeholders discuss and voice concerns this change. The analysis uncovers a pattern where representative leadership sidelined democratic decision-making, indicating a disconnection between representation and accountability. Rooted in historical relational patterns and prevailing political culture, this detachment highlights the need for improved mechanisms of accountability. By presenting a participatory action research, the study underscores the transformative role of grassroots communities and trade unions in advocating collective interests and values. The paper emphasizes that online platforms, while promoting accessibility and pluralism, need to address the quality of participation. Overall, the research contributes to the complexities of decision-making in higher education transitions and the challenges of representation and accountability.
Taxonomic studies in Colombian Picramniaceae (Picramniales): new species of Aenigmanu, Nothotalisia and Picramnia from the Pacific and Magdalena Valley regions
Authors: LONDOÑO-ECHEVERRI YEISON , TRUJILLO-LÓPEZ ANA MARÍA
Published: November 2023

Three new species of Picramniaceae from Colombia are described and illustrated; Aenigmanu chococola from the Pacific region is the second species of the previously monotypic genus, known only from the Amazon region. In addition to its allopatric distribution, the new species is mainly recognisable by its wide leaf blades, which are basally convex and commonly apically emarginate at the very tip, and long bracts on the pistillate inflorescences. Nothotalisia karsticola and Picramnia vinacea are from karst areas in the Magdalena Valley; the former is mainly recognisable by its long inflorescences, pistillate inflorescences in racemes, staminate flowers with long petals and anthers apically mucronate, whereas the latter is mainly recognisable by its racemose inflorescences in both staminate and pistillate plants, pedicel length in staminate flowers, filaments shorter than the petals and glabrous fruits. We also include notes about their taxonomic affinities, habitat, geographical distribution, phenology, etymology and conservation status. A key for species of Nothotalisia is provided.
Parental perceptions of the importance of pediatric out-of-hospital cardiopulmonary resuscitation for the survival rate in Saudi Arabia: a cross-sectional survey
Authors: Almutairi Nouf S. , Alharthy Nesrin A. , Almaziad AlAnoud M. , Alsalloum AlJazi T. , AlHarbi Rozanna A. , Almulhem Shamayel A. , Yousif Amal , Othman Fatmah
Published: November 2023

Background

Pediatric out-of-hospital cardiac arrest is associated with high morbidity and mortality rates. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), the practice of chest compressions combined with rescue breathing, is crucial for the success of out-of-hospital resuscitation after sudden cardiac arrest. Thus, imparting the requisite knowledge and skills to parents/caregivers can significantly enhance survival rates. This study investigated parental awareness of the impact of out-of-hospital pediatric CPR on survival rates in Saudi Arabia.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted using an online questionnaire administered to Saudi parents from all regions of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Data were collected using the convenience sampling method, as the questionnaire was distributed via social media platforms. The questionnaire consisted of five parts: (1) demographic data, (2) questions about parents’ perception of basic life support (BLS), (3) evaluation of parents’ knowledge of the impact of prehospital CPR on survival rates, (4) measurement of parents’ competency in performing pediatric CPR, and (5) assessment of whether parents’ confidence was affected by prior training. Statistical analyses were conducted using the chi-squared test or Fisher’s exact test, and the t-test was used to compare the mean scores of the groups of parents with medical and non-medical professional backgrounds.

Results

A total of 1,065 individuals responded to the survey. The respondents’ mean age was 41 ± 0.2 years and 46.5% were men. We found that 73.9% of respondents had no prior experience with BLS, 87% had never taken a BLS course, and 61% did not know where to find one. The majority of participants agreed that bystander CPR contributes to overall survival rates, and 77% agreed to the importance of BLS training. Medical professionals showed a higher percentage of agreement on the importance of BLS than those from non-medical backgrounds (90% vs. 76%, p = 0.036), especially parents of high-risk children.

Conclusion

This study showed evidence of interest in CPR and BLS training in Saudi parents, despite the low levels of knowledge regarding BLS training.
The simultaneous occurrence of paraganglioma, Takotsubo syndrome, and Markis type I coronary artery ectasia in the same patient is a rare, high-risk clinical syndrome: a case report
Authors: Chai Bofeng , Su Yiping , Fu Na , Li Yuhong , Shen Youlu
Published: November 2023

Background

Population-wide, paraganglioma (PGL) is uncommon. The incidence of Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) ranges from 0.5% to 0.9% and also is an exceedingly rare manifestation of PGL. Coronary artery ectasia (CAE) is also uncommon, with an incidence ranging from 1.2% to 4.9%. Herein, we present a case of PGL, TTS, and Markis type I CAE that occured in the same patient.

Case presentation

A man in his early 40s was admitted to our hospital with a 16-hour history of abdominal colic. Computed tomography and laboratory examination led to the diagnosis of PGL, coronary angiography led to the diagnosis of Markis type I or Chinese type III CAE, and two echocardiographic examinations led to the diagnosis of TTS. When the patient was treated by phenoxybenzamine instead of surgery for the PGL, his blood pressure and glucose level gradually returned to normal. The CAE was treated by thrombolysis, antiplatelet medications, atorvastatin, and myocardial protection therapies. No symptoms of PGL, CAE, or TTS were seen during a 6-month follow-up, and the patient had an excellent quality of life. We confirmed that phenoxybenzamine was the cause of the TTS because paradoxical systolic motion of the apex, inferior wall, left ventricular anterior wall, and interventricular septum were similarly recovered when the PGL was treated by phenoxybenzamine.

Conclusions

To raise awareness of this illness and prevent misdiagnosis, we have herein presented a case of TTS that was brought on by PGL with Markis type I CAE for clinicians’ reference. In addition, in clinical practice, we should consider the possibility of a concomitant coronary artery disease even if the TTS is caused by a PGL-induced catecholamine surge.
Gut-Brain-axis: effect of basil oil on the gut microbiota and its contribution to the anticonvulsant properties
Authors: Amidu Sumaiya Bandile , Boamah Vivian Etsiapa , Ekuadzi Edmund , Mante Priscilla Kolibea
Published: November 2023

Background

Epilepsy is a chronic neurological condition that disrupts the normal functioning of the brain and it is characterized by seizures. Research suggests the involvement of the Gut-Brain axis in epilepsy. This study seeks to determine the role of the gut microbiota in the anticonvulsant effect of basil oil (BO) using antibiotic-depleted and altered germ-free mice against naïve mice in Pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) induced seizure model. There is an ever growing interest in improvement of treatment outcomes in epilepsy and also in the development of newer therapeutic options, especially in the population of patients that do not attain seizure relief from available antiseizure medications (ASMs). According to research, gut microbiota can alter brain function and development. Increasing evidence suggests disrupting the delicate symbiotic balance existing between the gut and brain results in disease conditions. Also, the oil from Ocimum basilicum L., (BO) has been proven scientifically to significantly block clonic seizures induced by PTZ and picrotoxin in seizure models.

Methods

The microbiota of mice were depleted or altered by administering cocktail antibiotics and individual antibiotics respectively. DNA was isolated from mouse stool, and then the 16S ribosomal ribonucleic acid (16S rRNA) gene was quantitatively amplified using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Amplicons were sequenced to determine the phylogenetic make-up of the bacteria involved. Metabolic profiles of the serum and stool of mice were determined using Proton (1H) Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy.

Results

Cocktail antibiotic pre-treatment significantly reversed the anticonvulsant effect of BO by increasing frequency and duration of seizures but did not affect latency to seizure. In mice pre-treated with single antibiotics, the anticonvulsant effect of BO was lost as latency to seizures, frequency and duration of seizures increased compared to mice that received only BO. Assessment of the phylogenetic make-up of the microbiota in antibiotic pre-treated mice showed a distorted composition of the microbiota compared to the control group.

Conclusion

Depletion of the microbiota significantly reversed the anticonvulsant actions of BO. The concentrations of short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) was higher in stool than in the serum of the mice. Administration of BO probably does not influence the microbial composition within the mouse microbiota. The elevated ratio of Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes in microbiota-depleted groups might have contributed to the reversal of anticonvulsant actions of BO.
Risk factors for cough after pulmonary resection
Authors: Wu Yongming , Song Wenpeng , Zhu Dongmei , Wang Yan , Che Guowei
Published: November 2023

Background

To investigate the risk factors for cough after pulmonary resection.

Methods

The PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, ClinicalTrials.gov, and China National Knowledge Network databases were searched from inception to November 2022. The Q tests and I2 statistic were used to evaluate the heterogeneity. Odds ratios (OR) were combined using the inverse variance method. All statistical analyses were performed by RevMan 5.4.1.

Results

Nineteen studies with 4755 patients were included, the incidence of postoperative cough was 21.1%-55.8%. The results showed that young age [OR = 0.66, 95% CI (0.46, 0.96), p = 0.03], female sex [OR = 1.69, 95% CI (1.07, 2.66), p = 0.02], preoperative cough [OR = 5.96, 95% CI (2.58, 13.73), p < 0.01], right lobe operation [OR = 2.14, 95% CI (1.44, 3.19), p < 0.01], lobectomy [OR = 3.70, 95% CI (1.73, 7.90), p < 0.01], subcarinal lymph node dissection [OR = 3.45, 95% CI (1.86, 6.39), p < 0.01], mediastinal lymph node removal [OR = 3.49, 95% CI (2.07, 5.89), p < 0.01], closure of bronchial stump with stapler [OR = 5.19, 95% CI (1.79, 15.07), p < 0.01], peritracheal lymph node resection [OR = 3.05, 95%CI (1.40,6.64), p < 0.01], postoperative acid reflux [OR = 11.07, 95%CI (4.38,28.02), p < 0.01] were independent risk factors for cough after pulmonary resection.

Conclusions

Young age, female sex, preoperative cough, right lobe operation, lobectomy, subcarinal lymph node dissection, mediastinal lymph node removal, closure of bronchial stump with stapler, peritracheal lymph node resection, and postoperative acid reflux are independent risk factors for cough after pulmonary resection.
Correlation Between Early Trends of a Prognostic Biomarker and Overall Survival in Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer Clinical Trials
Authors: Loureiro Hugo , Kolben Theresa M. , Kiermaier Astrid , Rüttinger Dominik , Ahmidi Narges , Becker Tim , Bauer-Mehren Anna
Published: November 2023

PURPOSE

Overall survival (OS) is the primary end point in phase III oncology trials. Given low success rates, surrogate end points, such as progression-free survival or objective response rate, are used in early go/no-go decision making. Here, we investigate whether early trends of OS prognostic biomarkers, such as the ROPRO and DeepROPRO, can also be used for this purpose.

METHODS

Using real-world data, we emulated a series of 12 advanced non–small-cell lung cancer (aNSCLC) clinical trials, originally conducted by six different sponsors and evaluated four different mechanisms, in a total of 19,920 individuals. We evaluated early trends (until 6 months) of the OS biomarker alongside early OS within the joint model (JM) framework. Study-level estimates of early OS and ROPRO trends were correlated against the actual final OS hazard ratios (HRs).

RESULTS

We observed a strong correlation between the JM estimates and final OS HR at 3 months (adjusted [Formula: see text] = 0.88) and at 6 months (adjusted [Formula: see text] = 0.85). In the leave-one-out analysis, there was a low overall prediction error of the OS HR at both 3 months (root-mean-square error [RMSE] = 0.11) and 6 months (RMSE = 0.12). In addition, at 3 months, the absolute prediction error of the OS HR was lower than 0.05 for three trials.

CONCLUSION

We describe a pipeline to predict trial OS HRs using emulated aNSCLC studies and their early OS and OS biomarker trends. The method has the potential to accelerate and improve decision making in drug development.
Optimal Accounting Rules, Private Benefits of Control, and Efficient Liquidation
Authors: Jiang Xu , Yang Ming
Published: November 2023

We study optimal accounting rules that alleviate inefficiencies caused by managerial private benefits. Accounting signals generated by the accounting rules guide the continuation decision at an interim project stage. The entrepreneur enjoys private benefits from continuation, which may induce inefficient decisions. The optimal accounting rule is characterized by a threshold, with a higher threshold representing more conservative accounting. The first-best is achieved under small private benefits. As private benefits increase, the first-best eventually is not achievable and more informative bad news is required for the manager to terminate, resulting in less conservative accounting rules. Therefore, more conservative accounting rules are associated with more efficient investment decisions.

This paper was accepted by Suraj Srinivasan, accounting.

Supplemental Material: The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2019.03087 .
An A to Z of enhancements: O is for Oral Health
Authors: Jackson Amy
Published: November 2023

Learning about the importance of toothbrushing can be enhanced through play and activities, explains Amy Jackson
Efficacy of β2-adrenergic receptor agonist combined with corticosteroid in the treatment of children with cough variant asthma
Authors: Cao Jun-Yi , Wang Ying-Chun , Deng Xiao-Xia
Published: November 2023

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), which is distinguished by increased glucose levels in the bloodstream, is a metabolic disease with a rapidly increasing incidence worldwide. Nevertheless, the etiology and characteristics of the mechanism of T2DM remain unclear. Recently, abundant evidence has indicated that the intestinal microbiota is crucially involved in the initiation and progression of T2DM. The gut microbiome, the largest microecosystem, engages in material and energy metabolism in the human body. In this review, we concentrated on the correlation between the gut flora and T2DM. Meanwhile, we summarized the pathogenesis involving the intestinal flora in T2DM, as well as therapeutic approaches aimed at modulating the gut microbiota for the management of T2DM. Through the analysis presented here, we draw attention to further exploration of these research directions.
Sneddon's syndrome concurrent with cerebral venous sinus thrombosis: A case report
Authors: Heng Yue , Tang Yu-Feng , Zhang Xian-Wen , Duan Jing-Feng , Shi Jian , Luo Qian
Published: November 2023

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), which is distinguished by increased glucose levels in the bloodstream, is a metabolic disease with a rapidly increasing incidence worldwide. Nevertheless, the etiology and characteristics of the mechanism of T2DM remain unclear. Recently, abundant evidence has indicated that the intestinal microbiota is crucially involved in the initiation and progression of T2DM. The gut microbiome, the largest microecosystem, engages in material and energy metabolism in the human body. In this review, we concentrated on the correlation between the gut flora and T2DM. Meanwhile, we summarized the pathogenesis involving the intestinal flora in T2DM, as well as therapeutic approaches aimed at modulating the gut microbiota for the management of T2DM. Through the analysis presented here, we draw attention to further exploration of these research directions.
Carcinosarcoma of the deep lobe of the parotid gland in the parapharyngeal region: A case report
Authors: Tang Yue-Yang , Zhu Gui-Quan , Zheng Zhi-Jian , Yao Li-Hong , Wan Zi-Xin , Liang Xin-Hua , Tang Ya-Ling
Published: November 2023

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), which is distinguished by increased glucose levels in the bloodstream, is a metabolic disease with a rapidly increasing incidence worldwide. Nevertheless, the etiology and characteristics of the mechanism of T2DM remain unclear. Recently, abundant evidence has indicated that the intestinal microbiota is crucially involved in the initiation and progression of T2DM. The gut microbiome, the largest microecosystem, engages in material and energy metabolism in the human body. In this review, we concentrated on the correlation between the gut flora and T2DM. Meanwhile, we summarized the pathogenesis involving the intestinal flora in T2DM, as well as therapeutic approaches aimed at modulating the gut microbiota for the management of T2DM. Through the analysis presented here, we draw attention to further exploration of these research directions.
Huge Bartholin’s cyst managed by primary marsupialization: A case report
Authors: Li Hao-Yu , Ding Dah-Ching
Published: November 2023

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), which is distinguished by increased glucose levels in the bloodstream, is a metabolic disease with a rapidly increasing incidence worldwide. Nevertheless, the etiology and characteristics of the mechanism of T2DM remain unclear. Recently, abundant evidence has indicated that the intestinal microbiota is crucially involved in the initiation and progression of T2DM. The gut microbiome, the largest microecosystem, engages in material and energy metabolism in the human body. In this review, we concentrated on the correlation between the gut flora and T2DM. Meanwhile, we summarized the pathogenesis involving the intestinal flora in T2DM, as well as therapeutic approaches aimed at modulating the gut microbiota for the management of T2DM. Through the analysis presented here, we draw attention to further exploration of these research directions.
Manifest Documentary
Authors: Mehta Rijuta
Published: November 2023

abstract: This article argues that the symbolic and material power of Manifest Destiny inhered in the norms of documentary photography at Life magazine, particularly in preexisting shooting scripts. An analysis of visual re-takes and narrative fixity in the 1947 photo-essay on the Indian Partition, "The Great Migration," reveals how tropes of US settler colonialism were projected onto distressed refugees in South Asia. The norm of having photographed subjects enact script-image correlation was a revenue-minded colonial action; it absorbed a range of racial differences—South Asian, Black American, and Native American—into the fantasy of postwar US hegemony.
Efficacy and safety of acupuncture for vocal nodules: A systematic review and meta-analysis with trial sequential analysis
Authors: Xiao Zhixian , Fu Qinwei , Long Xiaocui , Zhou Li , Zhu Ruijing , Peng Qianlin , Xie Xingbi , Liao Yiru
Published: November 2023

In this study, we aim to evaluate the efficacy and safety of acupuncture for vocal nodules, concerning qualitive overall efficacy and quantitative improvement on quality of voice. Four English and four Chinese databases were searched up to December 10th, 2022. Risk of bias among the included trials were evaluated by the Cochrane ROB tool. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses were conducted based on the Cochrane systematic review method by using RevMan 5.4 Software, and trial sequential analyses were performed by TSA 0.9. Meta-influence analyses, subgroup-analyses, meta-regression, and evaluation of publication bias were performed for exploration of heterogeneity by Stata V.14. Quality of the results was accessed through the GRADE-pro GDT. Cluster analyses and correlation coefficient were performed by R 4.1.3. Finally, 15 trials involving 1,888 participants were included. Results showed that compared with western medicine alone or Chinese herbal medicine alone, acupuncture alone yielded significantly (p<0.05) higher clinical effective rate and more improvement on scores of voice analyses. However, reduction on scores of grade, roughness, and breathiness and voice handicap index during follow-ups, and results of clinical effective rate suggested that acupuncture was inferior to voice training. In addition, meta-regression and sub-group analyses firstly revealed advanced efficacies of acupuncture when performed with local and remote acupoints, compared with local acupoints only. Acupuncture specified adverse event was denied in six trials while it was not mentioned in other nine trials. Results of cluster analyses and correlation coefficient showed that Kai yin yi hao and He gu (LI-4) were the most frequently applied matching-acupoints in trials. In conclusion, compared with western medicine (level of evidence: low ⨁⨁◯◯, GRADE C) and Chinese herbal medicine (level of evidence: moderate ⨁⨁⨁◯, GRADE B), acupuncture is safe and of better efficacy for patients with vocal nodules, while there is also need for RCTs with improvements on designing and interventions in experimental and controls.
From inpatient to outpatient mental health care: Protocol for a randomised feasibility trial of a care transition intervention for patients with depression and anxiety (the AMBITION-trial)
Authors: Tönnies Justus , Ayoub-Schreifeldt Marayah , Schrader Viola , Hartmann Mechthild , Wild Beate , Friederich Hans-Christoph , Haun Markus W.
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Despite guideline recommendations, inpatients with mental health disorders often do not receive appropriate treatment after discharge. This leads to high readmission rates, problems with medication adherence, increased risk of chronicity and suicide, and exclusion from the labour market accompanied by high individual and social costs. The causes are both system-related, such as limited treatment availability, and patient-related, such as ambivalent motivation to continue treatment and lack of information about available treatment options. The aim of this trial is to assess the feasibility of a Care Transition Intervention (CTI) which supports patients in the psychosocial follow-up treatment process after discharge from a psychotherapy ward.

Methods and analysis

Fifty patients with depression and/or anxiety who are treated as inpatients at a psychotherapy ward will be included and randomised into two groups with a 1:1 ratio. In the intervention group, patients will receive five CTI sessions with a Care Transition Navigator before and after discharge. The sessions will focus on individual patient support including a) identification and tackling of barriers to initiate follow-up treatment, b) reflection on the inpatient stay and individual progress, with focus on the helpful aspects and c) motivation of patients to organise and take up outpatient treatment. Patients in the control group will receive treatment-as-usual during discharge. We will evaluate the following outcomes: effectiveness of recruitment strategies, patient acceptance of randomisation, practicability of implemented workflows, feasibility of data collection, and clinical outcomes.