bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring factors influencing the adoption of mobile healthcare technologies: perspectives from designers, consultants and users’ preferences
Authors: Namirad Sepehr , Deiranlou Mehdi , Sajadi Seyed Mojtaba
Published: June 2023

Purpose

Today, the use of smart technologies in healthcare systems is experiencing exponential growth, and the future of healthcare is seemingly closely intertwined with such technologies. Thus, any exploration of the factors that influence human health and healthcare systems inevitably touches upon the subject of new technologies. This study aims to design a conceptual model to investigate the elements that affect individuals' openness to accepting and using mobile healthcare applications (mHealth apps) and their reciprocal effects.

Design/methodology/approach

After a brief review of the literature, the authors identify the influential factors in the acceptance of smart technologies in healthcare systems and present a conceptual model in this regard. Next, the authors analyze the factors and variables and the extent of their impact by a structural equation modeling (SEM) approach. The statistical population of this study consists of 421 individuals including the developers, consultants and users (i.e. patients) of mHealth apps. Data analysis was done on the statistical software SPSS v.26, while SEM was carried out using the partial least squares (PLS) method on the modeling software SmartPLS.

Findings

The results indicate that user, consultant and developer preferences have a positive and significant impact on time, quality of life, managing chronic conditions and cooperation, and these constructs (system performance) finally have a positive and significant impact on the acceptance of mobile healthcare technologies.

Originality/value

This paper shows that mHealth apps can have a remarkable role in the prevention and treatment of medical conditions, and it is strongly recommended that this technology be utilized in the studied region.
Unearthing the intellectual structure of board interlocks research: a bibliometric analysis
Authors: Dhingra Deepali , Dwivedi Neeraj
Published: June 2023

Purpose

One of the most active areas of study in the field of corporate governance, board interlocks is a phenomenon that is both pervasive and perplexing. This paper aims to examine and integrate the empirical research on board interlocks to fill the void left by the lack of a recent review.

Design/methodology/approach

The bibliometric analysis methodology, which emphasizes methodological rigor and transparency, was used to analyze the board interlocks literature. Eighty publications published since 2000 were chosen as the subject of this research because they reveal the key contributions to the field of board interlocks. Additionally, their clustering pattern is also identified.

Findings

The authors classify various studies conducted on board interlocks into three clusters: “Social Capitalization”, “Antecedents and Outcomes” and “Corporate Governance”.

Originality/value

This literature review helps better comprehend the board interlocks literature by pointing out several areas of study that, if pursued, would add to the existing body of knowledge and open future research directions.
Impact of micro-credential learning on students' perceived employability: the mediating role of human capital
Authors: Zou Haobo , Ullah Asad , Qazi Zubaida , Naeem Amna , Rehan Sofia
Published: June 2023

Purpose

This paper examines the influence of micro-credential learning on students' perceived employability. In addition, the study aims to explore different components that will help students to gain knowledge, enhance their careers and develop their human capital (social, cultural and scholastic capital). Hence, the study also analyzed the mediating role of human capital on the aforementioned association.

Design/methodology/approach

Explanatory research was conducted by utilizing a correlational research design. A questionnaire comprising of closed-ended items was utilized in the study. The data was analyzed by employing PLS-SEM technique.

Findings

Our findings stipulate that micro-credential learning is an essential component to improve students' perceived employability. The study identified that micro-credential programs have a positive relationship with students' perceived employability. Moreover, the findings that micro-credential learning significantly impacts students' human capital, i.e. cultural, social and scholastic capital. Additionally, human capital acts as a significant mediator in the relationship between micro-credential learning and students' perceived employability. Moreover, participation in micro-credential learning can ensure that students can identify diverse career directions, seek information about the labor market and educational system, attain relevant qualifications for their vocations, and develop a plan for their future.

Originality/value

Micro-credential programs are short and focused educational programs that offer specialized knowledge and skills in a particular area. These programs are becoming increasingly popular in the modern workforce to upskill or reskill quickly and efficiently. However, lack of empirical evidence is the ultimate gap in determining the importance of micro-credential learning; as the limited literature is unable to determine the importance of MCL on students' perceived employability. Thus, the study identifies the impact of micro-credential learning on students' perceived employability.
Earnings forecast disclosures and oversubscription rates of fixed-price initial public offerings (IPOs): the case of Malaysia
Authors: Ong Chui Zi , Mohd-Rashid Rasidah , Anwar Ayesha , Mehmood Waqas
Published: June 2023

Purpose

The main purpose of this study is to examine the disclosure of earnings forecasts in firms' prospectuses to explain investor demands or, in other words, oversubscription rates of Malaysian initial public offerings (IPOs).

Design/methodology/approach

Ordinary least squares and robust methods were used to examine cross-sectional data comprising 466 fixed-price IPOs reported for the period from January 2000 to February 2020 on Bursa Malaysia.

Findings

The results showed that IPOs with earnings forecasts obtained higher oversubscription rates than those without earnings forecasts. IPOs with earnings forecasts provide value-relevant signals to prospective investors about the good prospects of firms, resulting in an increase in the demand for IPO shares. For the IPO samples listed during the global financial crisis (GFC) period, IPOs with earnings forecasts had negative impacts on the oversubscription rates. These results were robust to quantile methods and the two-stage least squares method.

Research limitations/implications

The research findings provide fresh information for investors regarding the importance of earnings forecasts as a trustworthy signal of a firm’s quality when making share subscription decisions.

Practical implications

The regulator is advised to encourage issuers to include earnings forecasts in their prospectuses since such forecasts help to increase the demand for IPOs.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature by offering empirical evidence regarding the signalling impact of earnings forecast disclosures on investor demands for Malaysian IPOs. Moreover, this study provides evidence demonstrating the impact of earnings forecast disclosures on oversubscription rates of Malaysian IPOs during the GFC period.
In the patient’s own words: a qualitative study of what patients find helpful in psychodynamic psychotherapy
Authors: Richardson Hannah , Ernst Julian , Drill Rebecca , Gill Annabel , Hunnicutt Patrick , Silver Zoe , Coger Mikaela , Beinashowitz Jack
Published: June 2023

Purpose

This study aims to examine what patients say is helpful in psychodynamic psychotherapy by analyzing responses to an open-ended question at two time points: three months into treatment and termination.

Design/methodology/approach

Participants in this naturalistic study were a diverse group of patients seeking treatment at a psychodynamic psychotherapy training clinic (within a public hospital system). The authors used thematic analysis to categorize patient responses to an open-ended question about what is helpful in their treatment.

Findings

The authors found that a majority of patients found their psychotherapy helpful, and patient responses broke down into 16 categories. Themes that emerged from categories were what patients experience or feel, what therapists/therapy provides and what patients do in therapy. The most frequently endorsed category at both three months and termination was embedded within other categories, “mention of an other,” which captured when patients specifically mentioned another person (i.e. the therapist) in their response. The next most frequently endorsed categories were “talking/someone to talk with,” “feeling better/experiencing well-being/improved functioning” and “having regularity/structure” (at three months) and “having attention directed at experience,” “having regularity/structure” and “experiencing the professional role of the therapist” (at termination).

Originality/value

Findings shed light on factors contributing to helpful psychotherapy from patients’ perspectives in their own words. While previous research has shown that the therapy relationship is an important factor in effective therapy, the findings of this study highlight this ingredient in a personal, spontaneous way.
Risk sources in agriculture and farmers’ behavior in risky prospects: a systematic review
Authors: Shah Jamal , Alharthi Majed
Published: June 2023

Purpose

The agricultural sector is a critical component of global economic development, and its significance has grown significantly in recent years. The risks associated with agriculture and the behaviors of farmers in handling these risks are becoming increasingly important, given the sector’s increasing dependence worldwide. Various activities related to agriculture are vulnerable to multiple risks, which can have severe consequences for farmers’ livelihoods. The purpose of this systematic review is to present a comprehensive analysis of the sources of risk faced by farmers and their choices in adopting risk management strategies worldwide.

Design/methodology/approach

The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses protocol was utilized to select relevant literature, and a total of 102 studies were analyzed. Through the use of Venn diagrams and graphical methods, the authors provide a transparent overview of the risks faced by farmers and the adoption of risk management strategies in developed and developing countries.

Findings

From the analysis, the authors found that, in terms of risk management strategies, diversification, reserve credit and accumulated assets are frequently used in developing countries, while developed countries tend to rely on future/forward contracts, crop insurance and hedging. Diversification is the most widely used risk management strategy across both developed and developing countries. Our study also highlights the different perceptions of weather-related risks among growers in developed and developing countries.

Practical implications

This systematic review provides valuable insights into the risks associated with agriculture and farmers' strategies in managing these risks, which could inform policy decisions and promote sustainable agricultural practices. For instance, understanding the individualistic nature of farmers' risk perception and the varying risk sources and management strategies depending on the locality and provide assistance to the farmers accordingly.

Originality/value

The paper explains how farmers behave during uncertainty in terms of risk perception and their decision to adopt risk management strategies in developed and developing countries.
Peers’ media coverage releases and investor heterogeneity
Authors: Duan Jiaxin , Wei Yixin (Lucy) , Lu Lei
Published: June 2023

Purpose

This study aims to examine the behaviour of institutional and retail investors in response to news about industry leaders (peer firms) and to determine its impact on the stock prices of other firms (focal firms) within the same industry.

Design/methodology/approach

The study investigates the impact of peer news on investor behaviour of Chinese A-shares listed on the Shanghai and Shenzhen Stock Exchanges from 2010 to 2019. The media coverage of industry leaders is sourced from prominent Chinese online financial outlets and the Chinese Financial Press. Support vector machine is applied to identify the positive, neutral and negative news within the articles. The study uses event study and logistic regression to examine the effects of peer news on focal firms’ investor behaviour.

Findings

The results show that both good and bad news about leaders cause peers’ stock prices to increase initially, but then reverse within one quarter. Further analysis reveals that when leaders’ shares receive positive news coverage, institutional investors tend to exert excessive abnormal buying pressure on peers’ shares, resulting in overreactions. Conversely, retail investors do not actively trade on peers on leaders’ news day due to limited attention. In addition, the study shows that short-selling constraint inhibits bad news from reflecting in the stock prices.

Originality/value

The study highlights differences in investor behaviour. The finding that institutional investors tend to overreact more to peer firms’ news when focal firms are smaller and have a lower frequency of information disclosure supports the salient theory. This is consistent with the previous framework that suggests overreaction is more pronounced when it is difficult to combine external sources of information to evaluate the focal firms. In contrast, retail investors do not engage in active trading on peers on leaders’ news day due to the limited attention theory.
Socially responsible consumers and stockpiling during crises: the intersection of personal norms and fear
Authors: Elhoushy Sayed , Ribeiro Manuel Alector
Published: June 2023

Purpose

Urging people to avoid stockpiling was a common declaration made by governments during the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak, yet empty supermarket shelves and supply shortages of basic products were observed worldwide. This study aims to (a) identify the factors that activate consumer personal norms towards socially responsible behaviours, specifically resisting stockpiling, and (b) examine how fear moderates the link between personal norms and consumer engagement in stockpiling during public crises.

Design/methodology/approach

The study recruited a sample of US consumers who were responsible for household grocery shopping during the COVID-19 pandemic. A total of 593 individuals participated in the study, and the collected data were analysed using structural equation modelling.

Findings

The results show that awareness of the negative consequences of stockpiling and a sense of personal responsibility for those consequences activate personal norms towards responsible shopping during public crises. However, perceived fear has the opposite effect, encouraging stockpiling. In addition, fear weakens the negative relationship between personal norms and stockpiling.

Originality/value

This study extends the norm activation model and indicates that personal norms may not always promote responsible behaviours when fear is high. It is unique in that it sheds light on non-mainstream responsible consumption behaviours (e.g. resisting stockpiling), and the interaction between consumption and social responsibility.
Woodland wildfire enables fungal colonization of encroaching Douglas‐fir
Authors: Smith Gabriel Reuben , Peay Kabir G.
Published: June 2023

Self‐reinforcing differences in fire frequency help closed‐canopy forests, which resist fire, and open woodlands, which naturally burn often, to co‐occur stably at landscape scales. Forest tree seedlings, which could otherwise encroach and overgrow woodlands, are killed by regular fire, yet fire has other effects that may also influence these feedbacks. In particular, many forest trees require symbiotic ectomycorrhizal fungi in order to establish. By restructuring soil fungal communities, fire might affect the availability of symbionts or the potential for symbiont sharing between encroaching trees and woodland vegetation.

To investigate this possibility, we performed a soil bioassay experiment using inoculum from burned and unburned oak woodlands and Douglas‐fir forests. We examined how fire, ecosystem type, and neighboring heterospecific seedlings affect fungal root community assembly of Douglas‐firs and oaks. We asked whether heterospecific seedlings facilitated fungal colonization of seedling roots in non‐native soil, and if so, whether fire influenced this interaction.

External fungal colonization of oak roots was more influenced by fire and ecosystem type than by the presence of a Douglas‐fir, and oaks increased the likelihood that Douglas‐fir roots would be colonized by fungi in oak woodland soil. Yet, fire increased colonization of Douglas‐fir in oak soil, diminishing the otherwise crucial role played by oak facilitation. Fire also strengthened the positive effect of Douglas‐firs on oak root‐associated fungal diversity in Douglas‐fir forest soil.

Prior work shows that fire supports woodland ecosystems by stemming recruitment of encroaching seedlings. Here, we find evidence that it may contrastingly reduce fungal limitation of invasive seedling growth and establishment, otherwise relieved only by facilitation. Future work can investigate how these opposing effects might contribute to the net impact of changes in fire regime on landcover stability.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Coping with distance learning during COVID‐19 and its impact on students' emotional experiences: Differences between students with and without special education needs
Authors: Pozas Marcela , Letzel‐Alt Verena
Published: June 2023

Given the almost 2‐year COVID‐19 school‐related closure in Mexico, children and adolescents have experienced a negative impact not only on their learning, but as well as on their mental health and well‐being. Although international research has shown that distant learning as a response to the COVID‐19 school‐related closures has severely affected students with special education needs, there is still a lack of studies conducted in Mexico. Thus, this study attempts to tackle this gap by exploring how Mexican students with and without special education needs coped with distance learning as well as its impact on their emotional experiences. A total of 293 Mexican lower secondary students participated in the study. Independent sample t‐tests indicated that, in comparison with students without special needs, students with special needs coped significantly worse during distance learning as well as had higher levels of negative activation. Additionally, multiple linear regression analyses revealed that students' self‐efficacy functioned as an important coping mechanism. Implications of the results, as well as further lines of research are discussed.
Management and conservation implications of cryptic population substructure for two commercially exploited fishes (Merluccius spp.) in southern Africa
Authors: Forde Sarah , von der Heyden Sophie , Le Moan Alan , Nielsen Erica S. , Durholtz Deon , Kainge Paulus , Kathena Johannes N. , Lipinski Marek R. , Ndjaula Hilkka O. N. , Matthee Conrad A. , Henriques Romina
Published: June 2023

Genomic information can aid in the establishment of sustainable management plans for commercially exploited marine fishes, aiding in the long‐term conservation of these resources. The southern African hakes (Merluccius capensis and M. paradoxus) are commercially valuable demersal fishes with similar distribution ranges but exhibiting contrasting life histories. Using a comparative framework based on Pool‐Seq genome‐wide SNP data, we investigated whether the evolutionary processes that shaped extant patterns of diversity and divergence are shared among these two congeneric fishes, or unique to each one. Our findings revealed that M. capensis and M. paradoxus show similar levels of genome‐wide diversity, despite different census sizes and life‐history features. In addition, M. capensis shows three highly structured geographic populations across the Benguela Current region (one in the northern Benguela and two in the southern Benguela), with no consistent genome–environment associations detected. In contrast, although population structure and outlier analyses suggested panmixia for M. paradoxus, reconstruction of its demographic history suggested the presence of an Atlantic–Indian Ocean subtle substructuring pattern. Therefore, it appears that M. paradoxus might be composed by two highly connected populations, one in the Atlantic and one in the southwest Indian Ocean. The reported similar low levels of genomic diversity, as well as newly discovered genetically distinct populations in both hake species can thus assist in informing and improving conservation and management plans for the commercially important southern African Merluccius.
Rescaling the legal dimensions of grey zones: Evidence from Ukraine
Authors: Kormych Borys , Malyarenko Tetyana , Wittke Cindy
Published: June 2023

The Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 ended the hybrid stage of conflict that emerged in 2014, following the Russian illegal annexation of Crimea and proxy aggression in East Ukraine. Empirical data demonstrate a two‐fold interplay between grey zone strategies and applicable rules. ‘Lawfare’ instruments affect jus ad bellum, permitting multiple political choices and the deployment of different means of hybrid warfare. A grey zone conflict itself develops conflicting and overlapping sets of rules supported by different actors. Eventually, additional rules may emerge due to the actions or interactions of conflicting parties; these rules focus on conflict management or settlement.
Hemodynamic effects of a low versus a high dose of propofol during induction of anesthesia. A randomized trial
Authors: Sjøen Gunnar Helge , Falk Ragnhild Sørum , Hauge Tor Hugo , Tønnessen Tor Inge , Langesæter Eldrid
Published: June 2023

Background

Hypotension is common after anesthesia induction with propofol and is associated with increased morbidity. It is important to examine the effects of the proposed interventions to limit preventable hypotension, as suggested by the reduction in the dose of propofol. Our objective was to investigate whether a high dose of propofol is inferior to a low dose with respect to changes in systolic arterial blood pressure (SAP).

Methods

This randomized, double‐blind, dose‐controlled, non‐inferiority study included 68 healthy women scheduled for gynecological surgery at the Day Surgery Unit, Haugesund Hospital, Norway. The patients were randomly allocated 1:1 to a low or high dose (1.4 mg/kg total body weight (TBW) versus 2.7 mg/kg TBW of propofol corresponding to maximal effect site concentrations (Ce) of 2.0 μg/mL versus 4.0 μg/mL. The dose of remifentanil was 1.9–2.0 μg/kg TBW, with maximal Ce of 5.0 ng/mL. The patients were observed for 450 s from the start of the infusions. The first 150 s was the sedation period, after which a bolus of propofol and remifentanil was administered. Baseline was defined as 55–5 s before the bolus doses. LiDCOplus was used for invasive beat‐to‐beat hemodynamic monitoring of changes in SAP, heart rate (HR), cardiac output (CO), stroke volume (SV), and systemic vascular resistance (SVR). A difference of 10 mmHg in the change in SAP was considered to be clinically important.

Results

The SAP change difference for low versus high dose was −2.9 mmHg (95% CI −9.0–3.1). The relative changes for low versus high dose were SAP −31% versus −36%, (p < .01); HR −24% versus −20%, (p = .09); SVR −20% versus −31%, (p < .001); SV −16% versus −20%, (p = .04); and CO −35% versus −32%, (p = .33).

Conclusion

A high dose of propofol was not inferior to a low dose, and a reduction in the dose of propofol did not result in clinically important attenuation of major hemodynamic changes during induction in healthy women.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT 03861364, January 3, 2019.
Pacific Island children: The use of maps in helping better understand children's lives
Authors: Freeman Claire , Niusulu Anita Latai , Ergler Christina , Schaaf Michelle , Taua'a Tuiloma Susana , Tanielu Helen
Published: June 2023

Children's voices have been little heard in the Pacific research. The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child 1989 asserts the child's right to have a say on matters that affect them and for their views to be considered. There has been massive growth in technologically assisted participative research; however, we argue the value of hand drawn maps should not be underestimated in the rush to engage with more advanced techniques. We present data from 267 neighbourhood maps drawn by children in Fiji, Kiribati, Samoa and New Zealand. To better understand the social construction of knowledge in children's everyday lives, we propose two models to conceptualise the complexity of their world, a social connection and a spatial connection model. These models reveal how Pacific Island children negotiate different levels of social connection from home, family, and community through to transnational kinship relations. People, specifically family, provide the geographic basis on which their spatial encounters are overlaid. Irrespective of country or rural/urban/atoll setting, it is social space that is the strongest connector for children as displayed in their maps. Application of our models can be used to reveal how knowledge is socially constructed in Pacific children's everyday lives.
Use of intralesional cisplatin to successfully treat distal limb haemangiosarcoma in a foal
Authors: Norton AM , McGilp D , Vasey JR
Published: June 2023

A 4‐month old, 200 kg, grey warmblood colt presented for a firm, non painful mass on the distal medial aspect of the left third metatarsus. Excisional biopsy revealed a diagnosis of haemangiosarcoma. Equine haemangiosarcoma is uncommon and only limited reports of successful treatment are available. The prognosis for survival is therefore considered to be poor. After two separate incidences of recurrence with incomplete excision of the tumour, intralesional treatment with cisplatin without excision or debulking was performed on three separate occasions. Intralesional cisplatin injection was performed at monthly intervals for three treatments. Four years post treatment with cisplatin, the horse remained in remission. This case report describes the diagnostic and treatment challenges for successful treatment of a primary haemangiosarcoma on the distal limb of a warmblood foal using intralesional cisplatin chemotherapy.
Screening of novel serum biomarkers for gastric cancer in coastal populations using a protein microarray
Authors: Yi Yongdong , Nan Rubin , Lu Jianhua , Liang Danna , Zhao Shengsheng , Wang Xuhui , Zhang Hongbo , Chen Bozhen , Chen Jiangnan , Zheng Zhiqiang , You Tao , Chen Tanzhou , Chen Xiaodong , Wang Wenqian , Lin Limiao , Chen Yiming , Liu Shuai , Huang Yinpeng , Yu Yaojun , Lu Mingdong , Li Pihong , Huang He , Zhou Gongting , Lin Xianhui , Wu Hao , Shen Xian , Sun Weijian
Published: June 2023

Gastric cancer (GC) has high rates of morbidity and mortality, and this phenomenon is particularly evident in coastal regions where local dietary habits favor the consumption of pickled foods such as salted fish and vegetables. In addition, the diagnosis rate of GC remains low due to the lack of diagnostic serum biomarkers. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to identify potential serum GC biomarkers for use in clinical practice. To identify candidate biomarkers of GC, 88 serum samples were first screened using a high‐throughput protein microarray to measure the levels of 640 proteins. Then, 333 samples were used to validate the potential biomarkers using a custom antibody chip. ELISA, western blot, and immunohistochemistry were then used to verify the expression of the target proteins. Finally, logistic regression was performed to select serum proteins for the diagnostic model. As a result, five specific differentially expressed proteins, TGFβ RIII, LAG‐3, carboxypeptidase A2, Decorin and ANGPTL3, were found to have the ability to distinguish GC. Logistic regression analysis showed that the combination of carboxypeptidase A2 and TGFβ RIII had superior potential for diagnosing GC (area under the ROC curve [AUC] = 0.801). The results suggested that these five proteins alone and the combination of carboxypeptidase A2 and TGFβ RIII may be used as serum markers for the diagnosis of GC.
Targeting long noncoding RNAs in neuroblastoma: Progress and prospects
Authors: Ataei Ali , Tahsili Mahsa , Hayadokht Golsa , Daneshvar Maziar , Mohammadi Nour Shabnam , Soofi Asma , Masoudi Alireza , Kabiri Maryam , Natami Mohammad
Published: June 2023

Neuroblastoma (NB) is the third most prevalent tumor that mostly influences infants and young children. Although different treatments have been developed for the treatment of NB, high‐risk patients have been reported to have low survival rates. Currently, long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have shown an attractive potential in cancer research and a party of investigations have been performed to understand mechanisms underlying tumor development through lncRNA dysregulation. Researchers have just newly initiated to exhibit the involvement of lncRNAs in NB pathogenesis. In this review article, we tried to clarify the point we stand with respect to the involvement of lncRNAs in NB. Moreover, implications for the pathologic roles of lncRNAs in the development of NB have been discussed. It seems that some of these lncRNAs have promising potential to be applied as biomarkers for NB prognosis and treatment.
Journeying towards decolonising Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander oral health re‐search
Authors: Hedges Joanne , Poirier Brianna , Soares Gustavo , Haag Dandara , Sethi Sneha , Santiago Pedro Ribeiro , Cachagee Madison , Jamieson Lisa
Published: June 2023

Objectives

Arguably, the deficit narrative of oral health inequities, perpetuated by colonial re‐search agendas, media and sociopolitical discourse, contributes to oral disease burden and fatalism among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. There remains a need to evolve the way oral health is understood, in a manner that reflects the lived experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.

Methods

This paper proposes decolonising methodologies as a strategy to ensure oral health re‐search creates more equitable oral health outcomes and realities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communities. Anchored by a critical reflection of the failure of dominant oral health inequity re‐search practices to address Indigenous oral health, both in Australia and internationally, we propose five explicit pathways for decolonising Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander oral health re‐search.

Results

We argue the need for (1) positionality statements in all re‐search endeavours, (2) studies that honour reciprocal relationships through the development of proposals that ask questions and follow models based on Traditional Knowledges, (3) the development of culturally secure and strengths‐based data capturing tools, (4) frameworks that address the intersection of multiple axes of oppression in creating inequitable conditions and (5) decolonising knowledge translation techniques.

Conclusion

Importantly, we recognize that re‐search will never be entirely ‘decolonised’ due to the colonial foundations upheld by academic institutions and society more broadly; however, as oral health re‐searchers, we ascertain that there is an ethical compulsion to drive decolonising re‐search pursuits that produce equitable oral health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communities.
The lack of environmental cooperation in the Maghreb
Authors: Kalpakian Jack V.
Published: June 2023

This policy paper uses the Eightfold Path method developed by Bardach and Patashnik to study the problem that is the lack of Maghrebian trans‐boundary cooperation on the environment. It argues that political conflict has been allowed to obstruct a field that should remain nonpolitical. The paper concludes with policy recommendations intended to generate debate among decision makers and lead to more effective water management policies.
The role of pre‐ and post‐mating barriers in reproductive isolation in a dung beetle species complex
Authors: Lozano Daniel , Baena‐Díaz Fernanda , Favila Mario E.
Published: June 2023

Pre‐ and post‐zygotic reproductive barriers are key components of reproductive isolation (RI) between taxa. Their timing of appearance and their strength can tell us about the underlying processes promoting differentiation between taxa in allopatry.Canthon cyanellusLeConte (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) represents a species complex that has diversified recently, and the species delimitation is still unclear. In this study, we performed experimental crosses to evaluate pre‐mating reproductive barriers between three subspecies ofC. cyanellus:Canthon cyanellus cyanellus,Canthon cyanellus sallei, andCanthon cyanellus violetae.We further estimated post‐mating barriers by measuring fecundity and fertility in F1 and F2 generations in reciprocal crosses between two subspecies,C. c. cyanellusandC. c. sallei, and estimating the relative contribution of each barrier to total RI. Results showed that the subspecies are not strongly isolated overall, but asymmetric isolation was observed, with one cross accounting for 40% RI, whereas the other did not contribute to RI. Pre‐mating behavioral barriers accounted for a small fraction of total RI, whereas post‐mating (mostly post‐zygotic) barriers contributed to a larger extent. Fecundity and fertility in the F1 were higher than in parental populations, but this was strongly reduced in the F2. Our results suggest that diversification time between subspecies has been enough to accumulate genetic incompatibilities and indicate a faster accumulation of post‐ than pre‐zygotic reproductive barriers in this species complex.
Morphology and molecular phylogeny of Erysiphe japonica var. japonica found on Quercus aliena in Korea
Authors: Choi In‐Young , Abasova Lamiya , Choi Joon‐Ho , Choi Byoung‐Ki , Shin Hyeon‐Dong
Published: June 2023

In October 2022, Erysiphe powdery mildew from the section Typhulochaeta was found on Quercus aliena for the first time in Korea. Based on morphological characteristics and molecular‐phylogenetic analysis of the internal transcribed spacer region (ITS) and large subunit (LSU) gene sequences of the rDNA, the fungus was identified as Erysiphe japonica var. japonica. This is the first report of E. japonica var. japonica in Korea and the third report of this mildew on Q. aliena, with this current fungus‐host association spreading to China and Japan. Based on Korean samples, this study provides detailed morphology and molecular phylogeny of E. japonica var. japonica.
Efficacy and safety of PD‐1 monoclonal antibody plus rituximab in relapsed/refractory diffuse large B cell lymphoma patients
Authors: Qin Yan , He Xiaohui , Chen Xinrui , Xie Zucheng , Yang Jianliang , Yang Sheng , Liu Peng , Zhou Shengyu , Zhang Changgong , Gui Lin , Shi Yuankai
Published: June 2023

Background

Patients with relapsed/refractory diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (r/r DLBCL) have poor outcomes and few treatment options. We report the preliminary results of the efficacy and safety of PD‐1 monoclonal antibody (mab) plus Rituximab for r/r DLBCL.

Methods

In this single‐center, single‐arm phase 2 and retrospective study, r/r DLBCL patients received PD‐1 mab and Rituximab every 3 weeks. Immunohistochemistry, fluorescence in situ hybridization, and probe capture‐based high‐resolution sequencing were performed. Efficacy, safety and prognostic factors were analyzed.

Results

Between October 16th, 2018, and July 10th, 2022, 36 patients (10 patients in retrospective study and 26 patients in phase 2 study) were enrolled and received at least one dose of PD‐1 mab combined with Rituximab. The objective response rate was 52.8%. The median progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival was 2.8 and 19.6 months, respectively. The median duration of response was 18.7 months. Rare grade 3 or 4 treatment related adverse events were observed. B2M mutations correlated with a significantly poor PFS (p = .013) and OS (p = .009) in DLBCL patients treated with this regimen.

Conclusion

PD‐1 mab combined with Rituximab could be a potential treatment option for r/r DLBCL with manageable safety profile.
Association of intracranial atherosclerosis with cerebral small vessel disease in a community‐based population
Authors: Wang Yicong , Cai Xueli , Li Hang , Jin Aoming , Jiang Lingling , Chen Weiqi , Jing Jing , Mei Lerong , Li Shan , Meng Xia , Wei Tiemin , Wang Yongjun , Pan Yuesong , Wang Yilong
Published: June 2023

Background and purpose

The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between intracranial atherosclerosis and cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD).

Methods

Community‐dwelling residents of Lishui, China in the PRECISE (Polyvascular Evaluation for Cognitive Impairment and Vascular Events) study were involved. Intracranial atherosclerosis was grouped by the severity of intracranial artery plaques with stenosis and burden. Four imaging markers including lacunes, white matter hyperintensity (WMH), cerebral microbleeds (CMBs), and perivascular spaces (PVS) as well as the CSVD burden scores were assessed. Logistic regression or ordinal logistic regression models with odds ratio (OR) or common OR (cOR) were used to estimate the relationship between intracranial atherosclerosis and CSVD markers and burdens.

Results

The mean age was 61.20 ± 6.68 years, and 1424 (46.52%) were men among 3061 participants included at baseline. Intracranial atherosclerotic burden was associated with the severity of the lacunes (OR = 4.18, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.83–9.58), modified WMH burden (cOR = 1.94, 95% CI = 1.01–3.71), presence of CMBs (OR = 2.28, 95% CI = 1.05–4.94), and CMB burden (OR = 2.23, 95% CI = 1.03–4.80). However, it was not associated with the WMH burden and PVS. Intracranial atherosclerotic burden was associated with CSVD burden (Wardlaw: cOR = 2.73, 95% CI = 1.48–5.05; Rothwell: cOR = 2.70, 95% CI = 1.47–4.95). The association between intracranial atherosclerosis and CSVD was obvious in participants with both anterior and posterior circulation artery stenosis.

Conclusions

Based on a Chinese community population, there may be an association between intracranial atherosclerosis and CSVD, but its mechanism in relation to vascular risk factors still needs to be clarified.
Relapse‐associated worsening in a real‐life multiple sclerosis cohort: the role of age and pyramidal phenotype
Authors: Zanghì Aurora , Galgani Simonetta , Bellantonio Paolo , Zaffaroni Mauro , Borriello Giovanna , Inglese Matilde , Romano Silvia , Conte Antonella , Patti Francesco , Trojano Maria , Avolio Carlo , D'Amico Emanuele ,   for the Italian MS Registry
Published: June 2023

Background and purpose

The overall disability in patients with relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis is likely to be partly rather than entirely attributed to relapse.

Materials and methods

The aim was to investigate the determinants of recovery from first relapse and relapse‐associated worsening (RAW) in relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis patients from the Italian MS Registry during a 5‐year epoch from the beginning of first‐line disease‐modifying therapy. To determine recovery, the functional system (FS) score was used to calculate the difference between the score on the date of maximum improvement and the score before the onset of relapse. Incomplete recovery was defined as a combination of partial (1 point in one FS) and poor recovery (2 points in one FS or 1 point in two FSs or any other higher combination). RAW was indicated by a confirmed disability accumulation measured by the Expanded Disability Status Scale score confirmed 6 months after the first relapse.

Results

A total of 767 patients had at least one relapse within 5 years of therapy. Of these patients, 57.8% experienced incomplete recovery. Age (odds ratio [OR] 1.02, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.01–1.04; p = 0.007) and pyramidal phenotype were associated with incomplete recovery (OR = 2.1, 95% CI 1.41–3.14; p < 0.001). RAW was recorded in 179 (23.3%) patients. Age (OR = 1.02, 95% CI 1.01–1.04; p = 0.029) and pyramidal phenotype (OR = 1.84, 95% CI 1.18–2.88; p = 0.007) were the strongest predictors in the multivariable model.

Conclusions

Age and pyramidal phenotype were the strongest determinants of RAW in early disease epochs.
Transcriptional analysis reveals distinct gene expression profiles of three bowenoid papulosis patients
Authors: Tang Yi , Zhu Xiaoxia , Lu Wei , Song Yinjing , Tao Xiaohua , Cheng Hao
Published: June 2023

Bowenoid papulosis (BP) is a benign and possibly carcinogenic disease associated with human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, which has been increasingly recognised and paid attention to in recent years, but the potential mechanisms still remain unclear. In our study, three patients who were diagnosed with BP were enrolled into our research. Skin biopsies were taken and were separated into two parts, one part was for HE staining and the others were for RNA‐sequencing (RNA‐seq). All the three patents were human papillomavirus (HPV) positive and HE staining revealed typical skin histopathological changes in BP, including dyskeratosis, hyperplasia and hypertrophy of the granular and spinous layers, atypical keratinocytes. RNA‐seq analysis demonstrated that a total of 486 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were detected between the skin tissues from BP and the controls, among which, 320 genes were significantly upregulated and 166 genes were dramatically downregulated. GO enrichment revealed that antigen binding, cell cycle, immune response and keratinisation to be the most notably altered pathways, whereas KEGG analysis indicated that cell cycle cytokine‐cytokine receptor interaction, ECM receptor interaction and p53 signalling pathway to be the most significantly changed signalling pathways in BP. Furthermore, metabolism‐associated enrichment analysis showed that cholesterol metabolism, metabolism of xenobiotics by cytochrome p450 and pyrimidine metabolism to be the most dramatically dysregulated metabolic pathways in BP as compared to normal controls. Our study revealed that inflammation, metabolism and cell proliferation signalling pathways might be the most important pathways for BP disease, targeted inhibiting of these signals might be a potential method for BP treatment.
Parent coordinators: Effective interventions in adolescent mental health
Authors: Mitnick Mindy
Published: June 2023

The mental health system in the US was not meeting the increasing needs of teens before the pandemic started in 2020. The pandemic served to stress adolescents and their parents while significantly limiting the availability of services. Separated parents may have disputes about whether adolescents have mental health care needs, what services the child needs, where those services will be obtained, and who will be involved. The Parenting Coordinator as a dispute resolution professional can assist families in reaching agreements and meeting their teen's needs for care.
The red herring of adolescent mental health
Authors: Greenwald O'Brien Jessica P. , Osman Yael , Sample Danielle K.
Published: June 2023

An increase in adolescent distress and mental health symptoms has been clearly documented since the COVID‐19 pandemic, as has increased exposure to adverse childhood experiences. Layer on top of these stressors being a youth of divorcing or separating high conflict families, and adolescent symptomatology can suddenly become a flashpoint for parental attention, division and conflict. Approaching cases using an ecological and family systems framework is necessary for accurate conceptualization and assessment of best interests in the context of child custody evaluations. Doing so ensures that adolescent mental health does not become a red herring in high conflict cases, leading to undue focus on the adolescent's mental health without considering other salient factors in the case, such as the broader parent conflict. Programs offered at the Center of Excellence for Children, Families & the Law at William James College designed to improve the lives of youth by addressing parental conflict are described.
‘A hard rain's a‐gonna fall’: torrential rain, flash floods and desert lakes in the Late Triassic Arden Sandstone of Central England
Authors: Burley Stuart D. , Radley Jonathan D. , Coram Robert A.
Published: June 2023

The Arden Sandstone Formation of central and western England is a thin but conspicuous arenaceous unit within the Late Triassic Mercia Mudstone Group. Sedimentological and palaeontological data point to lacustrine depositional conditions, in contrast to the red desert mudstones above and below which were deposited as continental dryland desert floodplains. The Arden Sandstone records deposits of the lake margins and may be the high stand lateral equivalent of the halite and gypsum deposits which formed in the lake centre. The Carnian age of the Arden Sandstone potentially links it to the Carnian Pluvial Episode, marking the coalescence, spread and freshening of the formerly saline desert lakes, and deposition of sandy, fluvial and lacustrine deposits, during the wetter climate that prevailed for at least a million years.
Retro review: The Earliest Englishman
Authors: Donovan S. Kenneth
Published: June 2023

One of the most notable events in the history of palaeoanthropology was the description of ‘Piltdown Man’, a hoax that took 40 years to uncover. At the centre of this episode was Sir Arthur Smith Woodward, who was duped by the ‘discoverer’ and fossil forger, Charles Dawson. Smith Woodward never doubted the authenticity of this find and died before the dénouement of the Piltdown episode. His last major work was a summary of Piltdown Man and its associated ‘science’. The Earliest Englishman is well‐written and crafted, and still is worthy of being read at the present day, 70 years since the forgery was exposed.
Potential drug–drug interactions in males living with HIV who use drugs to treat lower urinary tract symptoms
Authors: Burger David , Oosterhof Piter , Grintjes Karin , Marneef‐Pietersma Manon , d'Ancona Frank , Zhu Xiaoye , Keijmel Stephan , Richel Olivier , van Crevel Reinout , Jansen David
Published: June 2023

Objective

Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) are becoming more prevalent in the ageing population of males living with HIV. Drugs to treat LUTS are known for both their potential role as victims in drug–drug interactions (DDIs) and their side effects. We aimed to evaluate the current use of drugs to treat LUTS and to assess potential DDIs in our cohort of adult males living with HIV.

Design

This was a retrospective review of pharmacy records.

Methods

We recorded the combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) regimen and any use of drugs to treat LUTS (anatomical therapeutic chemical codes G04CA/CB/CX and G04BD). Potential DDIs were assessed using the interaction checker developed by the University of Liverpool (https://www.hiv-druginteractions.org/checker).

Results

A total of 411 adult males living with HIV were included in this analysis. The median (interquartile range [IQR]) age was 53 (41–62) years. Nineteen (4.6%) patients used one or more drugs to treat LUTS. As expected, older patients were more likely to be receiving treatment for LUTS: Q1 (20–40 years) = 0%; Q2 (41–52 years) = 2%; Q3 (53–61 years) = 7%; Q4 (62–79 years) = 10%. Seven potential DDIs between cART and LUTS treatment were noted in six of the 19 (32%) patients. Following medication reviews of these six patients, the following interventions were proposed: evaluate safe use of alpha‐blocker (n = 4), change in cART (n = 2), and dose reduction of the anticholinergic agent (n = 1).

Conclusion

Treatment for LUTS coincided with cART in 7%–10% of patients aged above the median age of 53 years in our cohort. Improvements in DDI management appeared to be possible in this growing cohort of males living with HIV and with LUTS.