bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The determinants of Tunisian influencer-mompreneurs’ success: an exploratory study of a new form of female web entrepreneurship on Instagram
Authors: Boufares Tayaa Siwar , Bouzaabia Rym
Published: September 2022

Purpose

This paper is designed with the aim to enlarge our understanding of a new form of women’s entrepreneurship in an emerging market, which is Tunisia. By exploring the role of nowadays’ “influencer-mompreneurs” on Instagram, our research provides a springboard to holistically investigate an up-to-date facet of female entrepreneurship in the digital era and to identify the determinants of its success.

Design/methodology/approach

This study took place in Tunisia and examined a sample of 20 female followers of three successful influencer-mompreneurs. A qualitative exploratory study was conducted through semistructured interviews. To analyze the collected data, the authors used thematic analysis, through which the determinants of influencer-mompreneurs’ success on Instagram bearing on Tunisian followers’ perspectives and previous literature were identified.

Findings

The results suggest that the key determinants of influencer-mompreneurs’ success from their followers’ perspectives depend on their personal traits and their shared content. This is consistent with previous theories and models. In particular, source credibility theory and Ducoffe’s model of advertisement value, which to our knowledge, has not yet been wholly served with regard to influencer marketing research. Paradoxically, the findings reveal that “sharenting” details of their private lives as well as those of their children is also a determinant of influencer-mompreneurs’ success.

Originality/value

Research into influencer-mompreneurs’ success with presence of their children on Instagram can help to provide valuable insights because existing literature into the subject is ambiguous and requires further research to clarify this research gap. Furthermore, by broadening the view of a new form of women entrepreneurship in relation to mother-influencer marketing, this study will inspire future research to dig deeper into creative women owned businesses and to support such emerging economies in the African context.
Does lack of social interaction act as a barrier to effectiveness in work from home? COVID-19 and gender
Authors: Deepa V. , Baber Hasnan , Shukla Balvinder , Sujatha R. , Khan Danish
Published: September 2022

Purpose

The COVID-19 pandemic pushed organizations across the world to suddenly adopt work from home at a mass scale to maintain business continuity. This study aims to investigate the influence of lack of social interaction in work from the home arrangement on employee work effectiveness.

Design/methodology/approach

The data were analysed using the partial least square (PLS) structural equation modelling (SEM) approach, a nonparametric method based on total variance, through SmartPLS software 3.0. The data were collected from 399 participants in India using the snowball sampling technique. The target populations were the people who were working from home due to the pandemic and by asking them to forward the survey link in their network.

Findings

The results suggest that social interaction has a significant positive impact on work effectiveness. However, this impact is not affected by the employee's perceived benefits of maintaining social distancing during the pandemic. The study also found that social interaction is important for both genders and found no significant difference in the relationship between social interaction and work from home effectiveness for male and female employees.

Practical implications

This study will be useful for human resource practitioners and managers as they build strategies to adopt work from home as a regular practice even in non-pandemic situations.

Originality/value

This study is the first to examine the influence of lack of social interaction on the work from home effectiveness during the COVID-19 times. It examines the moderating role of the perceived benefits of maintaining social distancing and gender on the effect of lack of social interaction as a barrier to work from home effectiveness.
Evaluation of investment preference with phantasy, emotional intelligence, confidence, trust, financial literacy and risk preference
Authors: Aren Selim , Nayman Hamamci Hatice
Published: September 2022

Purpose

There is strong excitement during Ponzi schemes and financial bubble periods. This emotion causes investors to turn to “unknown and new investment instruments”. This study, the factors that made “unknown and new investment instruments” preferable to “known and experienced investment instruments” were investigated.

Design/methodology/approach

It was taken into account unconscious like phantasy, emotional like emotional intelligence, both affective and cognitive like financial literacy and subjective beliefs like trust and overconfidence. In addition, risk preferences were measured with four different risk variables. In this context, data were collected by online survey method between November 2020 and May 2021 with convenience sampling. First, the data were collected from 832 participants in the pilot study. Additional data were also collected using convenience sampling and online surveys, and a total of 1,692 participants were obtained. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) 25 and AMOS 24.

Findings

As a result of the analyses made, the variables that lead investors to choose “unknown and new investment instruments” were determined as risky investment intention, phantasy, risk taking/risk avoidance, confidence, risk tolerance and subjective financial literacy. Trust and risk perception have a very weak effect on preferences. However, no effect of emotional intelligence and objective financial literacy was detected. In addition, a moderately positive and significant relationship was found between objective and subjective financial literacy. Subjective financial literacy was found to have a strong and significant relationship with emotional intelligence, confidence, trust, risky investment intention and phantasy.

Originality/value

This study investigates the factors underlying individuals' investment preferences from a broad perspective. We think that this study is unique in this structure and wide variables. We believe that the findings obtained in this manner are unique to both academics and practitioners. We also believe that the findings of the study will make an important contribution to understanding participation behavior in various Ponzi schemes and financial bubbles.
System dynamics model for sports entrepreneurship ecosystem (case study: Iran)
Authors: Darooghe Arefi Nahid , Bahrololoum Hassan , Andam Reza , Hasani Aliakbar
Published: September 2022

Purpose

Sustainable development of entrepreneurship could be comprehensively analyzed using a simulation model for entrepreneurship ecosystem based on the system dynamics approach. Thus, a complete analysis of the entrepreneurship ecosystem is of high importance. However, an effective analysis of entrepreneurship ecosystem involves many challenges, such as the presence of several factors which interact with each other in various ways with different complex effects in time. Therefore, the approach used in this study is employing analysis of entrepreneurship ecosystems in sports industry using analysis of dynamic systems.

Design/methodology/approach

Several applied issues such as entrepreneurship opportunities, infrastructures, market opportunities and entrepreneurship space in the borders of the dynamic model developed based on the literature and experts' opinion. Finally, a set of strategies based on experts' opinion are ranked with the objective of improvement of evaluation measures using network analysis decision-making approach and fuzzy TOPSIS.

Findings

The results obtained indicate the important role of sports entrepreneurship opportunities, sports tourism, market opportunities, entrepreneurship infrastructures and entrepreneurship-oriented environment in the development of sports entrepreneurship infrastructure in Iran. The credibility and efficiency of the proposed model for analysis of sports entrepreneurship have been ultimately shown.

Originality/value

A holistic approach is proposed based on the hybrid system dynamics approach and fuzzy decision-making method to analyses sports entrepreneurship ecosystem.
The effect of student self-efficacy on learning outcomes in a business simulation mobile game: a quasi-experimental study
Authors: Yang Qixing , Chen Quan , Wang Jingan , Ou Ruiqiu
Published: September 2022

Purpose

This study has two objectives: to explore the factors that influence student self-efficacy regarding engagement and learning outcomes in a business simulation game course and to compare the difference between hierarchical and general teaching methods.

Design/methodology/approach

From September 2021 to May 2022, a questionnaire was administered to 126 students in a business simulation game course at the Zhongshan Institute, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China. Data were analyzed using nonparametric paired samples tests and linear regression.

Findings

The results showed that student self-efficacy, engagement and learning outcomes were significantly higher with the hierarchical teaching method than with the general teaching method. There were also differences in the factors that influenced self-efficacy regarding learning outcomes between the two teaching methods. With the general teaching method, student self-efficacy did not directly affect learning outcomes, but did so indirectly by mediating the effect of engagement. However, with the hierarchical teaching method, self-efficacy directly and significantly affected learning outcomes, in addition to indirectly affecting learning outcomes through student engagement.

Research limitations/implications

Compared with the control group experimental research method, the quasi-experimental research method can eliminate the influence of sample heterogeneity itself, but the state of the same sample may change at different times, which is not necessarily caused by the hierarchical teaching design.

Practical implications

Based on the results of this study, teachers can apply hierarchical teaching according to student ability levels when integrating business simulation games. The results of this study can inspire teachers to protect student self-confidence and make teaching objectives and specific requirements clear in the beginning of the course, and also provide an important practical suggestion for students on how to improve their course performance.

Social implications

The research results can be extended to other courses. Teachers can improve students' self-efficacy through hierarchical teaching design, thus improving students' learning performance and also provide reference value for students to improve their learning performance.

Originality/value

This study built a model based on self-system model of motivational development (SSMMD) theory, comparing factors that affect student self-efficacy regarding learning outcomes under different teaching methods. The model enriches the literature on SSMMD theory as applied to business simulation game courses and adds to our understanding of hierarchical teaching methods in this field. The results provide a valuable reference for teachers that can improve teaching methods and learning outcomes.
Total quality service in digital era
Authors: Schiavone Francesco , Pietronudo Maria Cristina , Sabetta Annamaria , Ferretti Marco
Published: September 2022

Purpose

Total quality management is a valuable approach to continuously improve the quality of organizations; however, scholars debate its applicability to services, which require specific best practices that are different from those related to manufacturing. Moreover, digitization is pervading all kinds of services, but little has been written about total quality service practices in digital-based companies. For this purpose, the authors provide a holistic model of total quality service that reflects the peculiarities of such companies, guided by the question: how do total quality service practices change in digital-based service organizations?

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conduct an illustrative case study on Healthware Group, a global integrated digital health organization, to evaluate theoretical assumptions about total quality service practices in the digital environment.

Findings

The findings allow to validate the model provided. In addition, the study enables them to observe the changes the authors are witnessing in service provision in the digital era and the consequent transformation of best practices. To be accurate, the authors cannot refer to a full transformation in digital-based companies but rather to the enrichment and extension of TQS practices. The best illustration of these conclusions has been summarized in a set of propositions corresponding to seven of the key levers of a TQS model.

Originality/value

The paper represents the first attempt to discuss the relationship between total quality service and digitalization, offering a set of propositions for academics and insights for practitioners. The model can be used as a tool to visualize the different levers that successful implementation of TQS in digital-based services companies can rely on.
SlyA regulates virulence gene expressions through activation of pchA regulatory gene in enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli
Authors: Hamamura Riho , Yen Hilo , Tobe Toru
Published: September 2022

SlyA is a DNA‐binding protein that alters the nucleoid complex composed of histone‐like nucleoid‐structuring protein (H‐NS) and activates gene expression. In enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC), the expression of virulence genes is repressed by H‐NS but is up‐regulated in response to environmental factors by releasing a nucleoid complex. This study examined the effect of slyA deletion mutation in EHEC and discovered that the production of the locus of enterocyte effacement (LEE)‐encoded EspB and Tir, as well as the cell adherence ability, was reduced in the mutant compared with the wild type. The promoter activity of the LEE1 operon, including the regulatory gene, ler, was reduced by slyA mutation, but tac promoter‐controlled expression of pchA, which is a regulatory gene of LEE1, abolished the effect. The promoter activity of pchA was down‐regulated by the slyA mutation. Furthermore, the coding region was required for its regulation and was bound to SlyA, which indicates the direct regulation of pchA by SlyA. However, the slyA mutation did not affect the butyrate‐induced increase in pchA promoter activity. Additionally, the pchA promoter activity was increased via induction of lrp, a regulatory gene for butyrate response, in the slyA mutant and, conversely, by introducing high copies of slyA into the lrp mutant. These results indicate that SlyA is a positive regulator of pchA and is independent of the Lrp regulatory system. SlyA may be involved in the virulence expression in EHEC, maintaining a certain level of expression in the absence of a butyrate response.
Mycotoxins in soybean‐based foods fermented with filamentous fungi: Occurrence and preventive strategies
Authors: Tian Fei , Woo So Young , Lee Sang Yoo , Park Su Been , Im Ju Hee , Chun Hyang Sook
Published: September 2022

Fermented soybean products are widely consumed worldwide, and their popularity is increasing. Filamentous fungi, such as Actinomucor, Aspergillus, Monascus, Mucor, Penicillium, Rhizopus, and Zymomonas, play critical roles in the fermentation processes of many soybean foods. However, besides producing essential enzymes for food fermentation, filamentous fungi can release undesirable or even toxic metabolites into the food. Mycotoxins are toxic secondary metabolites produced by certain filamentous fungi and may be detected during the food production process. Without effective prevention strategies, mycotoxin contamination in fermented soybean products poses a risk to human health. This review focused on the changes in mycotoxigenic fungal abundance and mycotoxin contamination at different stages during the production of soybean‐based fermented foods, as well as effective strategies for preventing mycotoxin contamination in such products. Data from relevant studies demonstrated a tendency of change in the genera of mycotoxigenic fungi and types of mycotoxins (aflatoxins, alternariol, alternariol monomethyl ether, deoxynivalenol, fumonisins, ochratoxin A, rhizoxins, T‐2 toxin, and zearalenone) present in the raw materials and the middle and final products. The applicability of traditional chemical and physical mitigation strategies and novel eco‐friendly biocontrol approaches to prevent mycotoxin contamination in soybean‐based fermented foods were discussed. The present review highlights the risks of mycotoxin contamination during the production of fermented soybean products and recommends promising strategies for eliminating mycotoxin contamination risk in soybean‐based fermented foods.
Hidden description of the respiratory system anatomy in ‘La Bella Principessa’
Authors: Keshelava Grigol
Published: September 2022

Objective

The object of this research is the drawing ‘La Bella Principessa’. The research revealed that in this drawing the sitter belonged specifically to the Milanese court of the 1490s, with its fashion for elaborately bound hair.

Methodology

Through the program Paint X, we moved two details circled along the faint contour by the author himself.

Results

The received imaging includes the larynx, trachea, two main bronchi and right lung. In our view, in that era, image of the trachea, bronchi and lung must have been associated with either singing or respiratory illnesses, such as tuberculosis, which was often the cause of death.

Conclusion

In our opinion, the author of the drawing ‘La Bella Principessa’ is Leonardo da Vinci, who secretly described the human respiratory system in it.
Evaluation of the usage of YouTube videos about Histology and Embryology as an educational material
Authors: Cetinavci Dilan , Yasar Volkan , Yucel Anil , Elbe Hulya
Published: September 2022

The use of YouTube videos for educational purposes has been increasingly popular. The quality and accuracy of the information level of these videos should be checked by expert trainers. This study aims to evaluate the content, quality and functionality of YouTube videos on Histology and Embryology and to measure their educational usefulness. In the study, searches were performed using the keywords “Histology” and “Embryology” in the YouTube search tab. Quality and content were evaluated using the Video Power Index (VPI), modified DISCERN scale, JAMA and the Global Quality Scale (GQS). Videos were categorized by educational usefulness. SPSS software was used for statistical analysis. A statistically significant high correlation was observed between modified DISCERN scores and JAMA scores (r = 0.757, p < 0.001) and between modified DISCERN scores and GQS scores (r = 0.743, p < 0.001). A statistically significant high correlation was also determined between JAMA and GQS scores (r = 0.632, p < 0.001). GQS scores were weakly, negatively and significantly correlated with the number of comments (r = −0.302, p < 0.05) and dislikes (r = −0.325, p < 0.05). Based on GQS, the useful and non‐useful videos differed significantly in terms of views, likes, dislikes, comments counts and days since upload (p < 0.05). Modified DISCERN and JAMA scores also differed significantly between the useful and non‐useful videos (p < 0.001). Educational videos published for Histology and Embryology education on the internet will be more beneficial if they are prepared by expert educators from reliable information sources, by the current literature, and by scoring systems such as DISCERN, JAMA and GQS.
The murine male reproductive organ at a glance: Three‐dimensional insights and virtual histology using label‐free light sheet microcopy
Authors: Pinkert‐Leetsch Diana , Rost John Uwe , Schmiedeknecht Max Ulrich Heiner , Stadelmann Christine , Alves Frauke , Missbach‐Guentner Jeannine
Published: September 2022

Background

The unique anatomy of the male reproductive organ reflects its complex function from sperm maturation to their storage for months until emission. Since light microscopy in two dimensions (2d) cannot sufficiently demonstrate its complex morphology, a comprehensive visualization is required to identify pathologic alterations in its entire anatomical context.

Objectives

Aim of this study was to use three‐dimensional (3d) light sheet fluorescence microscopy (LSFM) to visualize entire murine testes in 3d, label‐free and at subcellular resolution, and to assign local autofluorescence to testicular and deferent structures.

Materials and methods

Murine testes were fixed with four different fixatives and subsequently cleared with benzoic acid/benzyl benzoate. Hereafter, complete murine testes were scanned with LSFM with different fluorescence filter sets and subsequently embedded in paraffin for further conventional planar histology.

Results

Autofluorescence signals of the murine reproductive organ allowed the unambiguous identification of the testicular anatomy from the seminiferous tubules to the vas deferens with their specific stratification independent of the used fixative. Blood vessels were visualized from the pampiniform plexus to the small capillaries of single tubules. Moreover, due to the specific intrinsic fluorescence properties of the efferent ducts and the epididymis, luminal caliber, the epithelial stratification and retronuclear cytoplasmic inclusions gave a unique insight into the interface of both morphological structures. Subsequent 2d histology confirmed the identified morphological structures.

Discussion

LSFM analysis of the murine reproductive organ allows due to its intrinsic fluorescence a simple, label‐free 3d assessment of its entire duct morphology, the epithelial composition, and the associated blood supply in its anatomical relation.

Conclusion

LSFM provides the technical basis for comprehensive analyses of pathologically altered murine testes in its entirety by depicting specific autofluorescence. Thereby it facilitates mouse studies of testicular disease or their drug‐related alterations in more detail potentially for clinical translation assessing human testicular biopsies.
Incidence of mother‐to‐child transmission of hepatitis B in relation to maternal peripartum antiviral prophylaxis: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Yao Naijuan , Fu Shan , Wu Yuchao , Tian Zhen , Feng Yali , Li Juan , Luo Xufei , Yang Yuan , Ji Fanpu , Chen Yaolong , Liu Jinfeng , Zhao Yingren , Chen Tianyan
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Mother‐to‐child transmission (MTCT) of the hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a serious public health challenge. Estimating HBV MTCT incidence by region under different prophylaxis regimens is critical to understanding the regional disease burden and prioritizing interventions. This study aimed to calculate HBV MTCT incidence under different prophylaxis regimens globally and regionally and identify the HBV DNA threshold for maternal peripartum antiviral prophylaxis.

Material and methods

This review was registered in advance in PROSPERO (CRD 42019120567). We searched PubMed, Embase, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, ClinicalTrials.gov, and Cochrane Library databases for studies on MTCT in pregnant women with chronic HBV infection from their inception until June 13, 2022. MTCT was defined as hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) or HBV DNA seropositivity in infants aged 6–12 months. We calculated the pooled HBV MTCT incidence using the DerSimonian‐Laird random‐effects model.

Results

Among 300 studies, 3402 of 63 293 infants had HBV due to MTCT. Without prophylaxis regimens, the pooled HBV MTCT incidence was 31.3%, ranging from 0.0% (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.0%–6.0%; European Region) to 46.1% (95% CI 29.7%–63.0%; Western Pacific Region). Following the introduction of the hepatitis B vaccine, the HBV MTCT incidence decreased from 82.9% to 15.9% in HBeAg‐positive women and from 10.3% to 2.3% in HBeAg‐negative women. Maternal peripartum antiviral treatment alongside infant immunoprophylaxis further decreased MTCT incidence to 0.3% (95% CI 0.1%–0.5%). Despite infant immunoprophylaxis, the incidences of MTCT at maternal HBV DNA levels of <2.30, 2.00–3.29, 3.00–4.29, 4.00–5.29, 5.00–6.29, 6.00–7.29 and ≥7.00 log10 IU/ml were 0.0% (95% CI 0.0%–0.0%), 0.0% (95% CI 0.0%–0.0%), 0.0% (95% CI 0.0%–0.5%), 0.6% (95% CI 0.0%–2.6%), 1.0% (95% CI 0.0%–3.1%), 4.3% (95% CI 1.8%–7.5%), and 9.6% (95% CI 7.0%–12.5%), respectively.

Conclusions

HBV MTCT incidence varies across regions. The Western Pacific Region bears the heaviest burden. Peripartum antiviral prophylaxis plus infant immunoprophylaxis is promising for interrupting HBV MTCT. Regarding the HBV DNA threshold for peripartum antiviral prophylaxis, maternal HBV DNA of 4.00 log10 IU/ml or greater seems justified.
Individual differences in the dietary response to stress in ecological momentary assessment: Does the individual‐difference model need expansion?
Authors: Ruf Alea , Neubauer Andreas B. , Koch Elena D. , Ebner‐Priemer Ulrich , Reif Andreas , Matura Silke
Published: September 2022

According to the individual‐difference model, individuals differ in the way stress changes their eating behaviour. Research shows that some increase, some decrease, and others show no change in food intake. Despite numerous efforts to identify moderating variables that explain these individual (i.e., between‐person) differences, evidence remains inconclusive. The present study aims at deepening the understanding of the stress and eating relationship by applying ecological momentary assessment to study (1) the influence of stress on whether and how much individuals eat and (2) the moderating role of gender, age, BMI, trait stress‐eating, and eating styles. The APPetite‐mobile‐app was used for 3 days to capture actual food intake (event‐contingent) and perceived stress (signal‐contingent). Data of 154 healthy adults suggest that stress is not associated with whether but how much individuals eat. Only gender moderated the relationship between stress and the amount of food intake. Individual differences were small indicating that an individual's dietary response to stress might not be as stable as yet assumed. Moreover, a study suggests that time‐varying factors (e.g., food availability) moderate the stress and eating relationship. Hence, intraindividual (i.e., within‐person) variability may be relevant. Therefore, we propose an expansion of the individual‐difference model, which accounts for time‐varying factors.
Systematic review: the role of psychological stress in inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Black Jacqueline , Sweeney Louise , Yuan Yuhan , Singh Harinder , Norton Christine , Czuber‐Dochan Wladyslawa
Published: September 2022

Background

Psychological stress is a possible factor in the disease course and poor psychosocial outcomes in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Understanding the exact relationship between stress and health has been hampered by methodological issues and how stress has been defined and measured.

Aims

To explore the association between stress and disease outcomes, investigate the impact of stress on psychosocial outcomes, and evaluate the efficacy of interventions in reducing stress for people with IBD

Methods

We performed a systematic review, searching Medline, CINAHL, Embase and PsycInfo databases on 21 January 2021. We included prospective studies that recruited people with IBD who were aged 16 or over and that measured psychological stress or distress. Analyses included Critical Appraisal Skills Programme quality assessments of included studies and narrative analyses against each research question.

Results

We reviewed 38 studies with 4757 people with IBD, and included 23 observational and 15 interventional studies using 36 different instruments to measure stress. Perceived stress was the most frequently studied concept and preceded IBD exacerbation. Only three studies examined the relationship between stress and psychosocial factors. Cognitive behavioural interventions may reduce stress and other interventions with disease‐specific stress, but more studies are needed where groups have comparable baseline characteristics and potential harms are considered alongside benefits.

Conclusion

Psychological stress appears to precede IBD exacerbation, although what role it plays in psychosocial outcomes and how it is best managed is unclear. Further research needs to examine the differential effects of stress on disease subtypes and IBD in flare and remission.
An enzymatic assay with formate oxidase for point‐of‐care diagnosis of methanol poisoning
Authors: Lao Yvonne Elisabeth , Heyerdahl Fridtjof , Jacobsen Dag , Hovda Knut Erik
Published: September 2022

Gas chromatographic analysis for quantification of plasma methanol requires laboratory equipment and personnel, and it is typically unavailable in short time notice, especially in low‐ and middle‐income countries. Detection of formate with the enzyme formate oxidase (FOX) is a promising method that can make the diagnosis of methanol poisoning simple and fast. The aims of this study were to test the sensitivity and specificity of a modified FOX‐enzyme and to test the specificity of a point‐of‐care (POC)‐model containing FOX‐enzyme with samples from patients with metabolic acidosis. The sensitivity and specificity of FOX‐enzyme in aqueous solution were evaluated with a spectrometer and by visual detection for colour change. Formate concentrations between 1 and 20 mmol/L were used to test sensitivity, and 18 potentially interfering substances were tested for specificity. The sensitivity of the FOX‐enzyme was 100% and the specificity 97%. When specificity of the POC‐model was tested, no false positives were detected. As such, the sensitivity and specificity of this modified FOX‐enzyme for detection of formate were high. The results with this enzyme confirm the potential for its use in formate analysis as a fast diagnosis of methanol poisoning.
Guidelines of guidelines: focal therapy for prostate cancer, is it time for consensus?
Authors: Ong Sean , Chen Kenneth , Grummet Jeremy , Yaxley John , Scheltema Matthijs J. , Stricker Phillip , Tay Kae Jack , Lawrentschuk Nathan
Published: September 2022

Objective

To provide a summary and discussion of international guidelines, position statements and consensus statements in relation to focal therapy (FT) for prostate cancer (PCa).

Methods

The European Association of Urology‐European Association of Nuclear Medicine‐European Society for Radiotherapy and Oncology‐European Society of Urogential Radiology‐International Society of Urological Pathology‐International Society of Geriatric Oncology and American Urological Association‐American Society for Radiation Oncology‐Society of Urologic Oncology guidelines were interrogated for recommendations for FT. PubMed and Ovid Medline were searched for consensus statements. Only studies in English since 2015 were included. Reference lists of the included articles were also interrogated and a manual search for studies was also performed.

Results

Our results showed a lack of long‐term randomised data for FT. International Urological guidelines emphasised the need for more high‐quality clinical trials with robust oncological and toxicity outcomes. Consensus and positions statements were heterogenous.

Conclusion

A globally accepted guideline for FT planning, technique and follow‐up are still yet to be determined. Well‐designed studies with long‐term follow‐up and robust clinical and toxicity endpoints are needed to improve our understanding of FT and create uniform guidelines to streamline management and follow‐up.
Randomized controlled trial of intravesical electrical stimulation for underactive bladder
Authors: Liao Limin , Deng Han , Chen Guoqing , Chen Hui , Huang Maping , Xie Keji , Wei Xinghua , Xu Zhihui , Huang Banggao , Chong Tie , Chen Qi , Xiao He , Huang Zhongming , Jiang Haihong , Jing Huafang
Published: September 2022

Aim

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of intravesical electrical stimulation (IVES) performed with a novel device in patients with underactive bladder (UAB).

Patients and Methods

This was a multicentre, prospective, single‐blind, randomized controlled clinical trial of patients with UAB in China. Eligible patients were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive conventional IVES (n = 38) or IVES with an open circuit (n = 38). The primary efficacy measure was change from baseline in post‐void residual urine volume (PVR) after 4 weeks of treatment. Secondary efficacy measures included changes in maximum urinary flow rate (Qmax), bladder voiding efficiency (BVE), number of 24‐h clean intermittent catheterization (CIC) procedures, and Patient Perception of Bladder Condition‐Scale (PPBC‐S) and American Urological Association Symptom Index Quality of Life (AUA‐SI‐QoL) scores from baseline after 4 weeks of treatment. Adverse events (AEs) were monitored throughout the trial.

Results

In the full analysis set (FAS), the mean (sd) PVR changes in the trial and control groups at 4 weeks were −97.1 (107.5) mL and −10.5 (86.7) mL, respectively (P < 0.01). Similar results were obtained in the per‐protocol set (PPS): −102.9 (100.0) mL vs 0.7 (82.5) mL (P < 0.01). In the FAS and PPS, Qmax improved significantly at 4 weeks (P = 0.04 and P = 0.03). In the FAS and PPS, BVE was significantly improved at 4 weeks in the two groups (P < 0.01 and P < 0.01), whereas no significant differences in the number of 24‐h CIC procedures, PPBC‐S score or AUA‐SI‐QoL score were observed between the groups. Six possible therapy‐related AEs occurred in six patients (four in the trial group and two in the control group; P = 0.67), all of which were urinary tract infections. No severe AEs were reported.

Conclusions

The results of this clinical study strongly demonstrate that UAB patients benefit from this novel IVES device. More research is needed to validate the clinical utility of this device.
p53 Arg72Pro polymorphism, adiposity status, and cancer risk: Two case‐cohorts within a Japanese prospective study
Authors: Nakano Shiori , Yamaji Taiki , Katagiri Ryoko , Sawada Norie , Inoue Manami , Tsugane Shoichiro , Iwasaki Motoki ,   for the Japan Public Health Center‐based Prospective Study Group
Published: September 2022

The tumor suppressor protein, p53, is a critical molecule involved in cancer development. However, the association between p53 Arg72Pro polymorphism and cancer risk remains unclear, possibly due to the pro‐tumor potential of p53 under metabolic stress. Here, we hypothesized that the p53 Arg72Pro polymorphism plays different roles during tumorigenesis by adiposity status. We measured baseline body mass index (BMI) and p53 Arg72Pro polymorphism for two case‐cohorts, which included 4264 cancers with up to 20 years of follow‐up. Multivariable‐adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) and confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using weighted Cox proportional‐hazards method. Without consideration of adiposity status, p53 Arg72Pro polymorphism was not associated with cancer risk. However, proline (Pro) homozygous genotype conferred an increased cancer risk for individuals with a BMI <25 kg/m2 (HR [95% CI]: 1.12 [1.00–1.26] for total cancer and 1.19 [1.02–1.38] for obesity‐related cancer), but not for those with a BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2. The heterogeneous effect of p53 Arg72Pro polymorphism on cancer risk according to adiposity status was indicated (pheterogeneity: 0.07 for total cancer and 0.03 for obesity‐related cancer). Furthermore, the association between overweight and cancer risk was only observed in arginine (Arg) carriers, but not in Pro homozygous carriers (pheterogeneity: 0.07 for total cancer and 0.02 for obesity‐related cancer). Pro homozygous carriers were more likely to be predisposed to cancer than Arg carriers with normal‐weight conditions. In addition, overweight was related to a higher cancer risk in Arg carriers than Pro homozygous carriers. Our findings may suggest the adiposity‐dependent dual effects of p53 Arg72Pro polymorphism during tumorigenesis.
Language, ambiguity, and executive functions in adolescents' theory of mind
Authors: Brodsky Jessica E. , Bergson Zachary , Chen Ming , Hayward Elizabeth O. , Plass Jan L. , Homer Bruce D.
Published: September 2022

Executive functions' (EF) role in adolescents' advanced theory of mind (aToM) was examined. In Study 1, adolescents (N = 189 in 2017, Mage = 13.1 years, 55.6% female from racially/ethnically diverse schools) completed the Flexibility and Automaticity of Social Cognition task (FASC), and shifting and inhibition measures. Study 2 (N = 289 in 2018 and 2019, Mage = 15.7 years, 59.9% female, 56.4% Hispanic/Latino) replicated Study 1 in older adolescents using automated scoring of FASC flexibility. Flexibility of social cognition varied based on ambiguity and language use; automaticity of social cognition varied by ambiguity. The role of EF was less conclusive; shifting and inhibition predicted some flexibility and automaticity measures. Ambiguity, language, and EF, particularly shifting, influence aToM into adolescence.
Family support services buffer the effect of child welfare notifications on child removals
Authors: Toikko Timo , Seppälä Piia , Häkkilä Laura , Hietamäki Juulia
Published: September 2022

Previous studies have found mixed results about the effects of family support services within the child protection system. The purpose of the study is to examine whether family support services are associated with the need for child removals at the community level. The material of the study consists of Finnish municipalities (N = 292) and their child protection indicators. Linear regression analysis was conducted to analyse the associations between the dependent variable (child removals) and the main predictors (child welfare notifications and family support services). It was found that family support services are associated with child removals. The more children there are in family support services, the more there are also child removals in a municipality. The key finding of the analysis is that a higher rather than lower proportion of clients in family support services buffers the increased effect of demand (child welfare notifications) on child removals better. In this sense, the demand for child removals is not only associated with the characteristics of children and families but may be partly explained by the role of family support services in a municipality. The present study underlines the significance of a system‐level approach to child protection.
Platelet findings in 22q11.2 deletion syndrome correlate with disease manifestations but do not correlate with GPIb surface expression
Authors: Campbell Ian M. , Crowley T. Blaine , Jobaliya Chintan , Bailey Alice , McGinn Daniel E. , Gaiser Kimberly , Bassett Anne , Gur Raquel E. , Morrow Bernice , Emanuel Beverly S. , Franco Aime T. , French Deborah , Zackai Elaine H. , McDonald‐McGinn Donna M. , Lambert Michele P.
Published: September 2022

Prior studies have demonstrated that patients with chromosome 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11.2DS) have lower platelet counts (PC) compared to non‐deleted populations. They also have an increased mean platelet volume. The mechanism for this has been postulated to be haploinsufficiency of the GPIBB gene. We examined platelet parameters, deletion size and factors known to influence counts, including status of thyroid hormone and congenital heart disease (CHD), in a population of 825 patients with 22q11.2DS. We also measured surface expression of GPIB‐IX complex by flow cytometry. The major determinant of PC was deletion status of GP1BB, regardless of surface expression or other factors. Patients with nested distal chromosome 22q11.2 deletions (those with GP1BB present) had higher PCs than those with proximal deletions where GP1BB is deleted. Patients with 22q11.2DS also demonstrated an accelerated PC decrease with age, occurring in childhood. These data demonstrate that genes within the proximal deletion segment drive PC differences in 22q11.2DS and suggest that PC reference ranges may need to be adjusted for age and deletion size in 22q11.2DS populations. Bleeding did not correlate with either platelet count or GPIb expression. Further studies into drivers of expression of GPIb and associations with severe thrombocytopenia and immune thrombocytopenia are needed to inform clinical care.
Orthopedic surgical outcomes that matter in children with cerebral palsy
Authors: Shrader M. Wade
Published: September 2022

This commentary is on the original article by Almoajil et al. on pages 254–263 of this issue.
Cross‐sectional association of metrics derived from continuous glucose monitoring with cognitive performance in older adults with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Sugimoto Taiki , Tokuda Haruhiko , Miura Hisayuki , Kawashima Shuji , Ando Takafumi , Kuroda Yujiro , Matsumoto Nanae , Fujita Kosuke , Uchida Kazuaki , Kishino Yoshinobu , Sakurai Takashi
Published: September 2022

Aim

To examine the association between continuous glucose monitoring (CGM)‐derived metrics and cognitive performance in older adults with type 2 diabetes (T2D).

Materials and methods

A total of 100 outpatients with T2D aged 70 years or older were analysed. Participants underwent CGM for 14 days. As CGM‐derived metrics, mean sensor glucose (SG), glucose coefficient of variation (CV), time in range (TIR; 70‐180 mg/dl), time above range (TAR; > 180 mg/dl) and time below range (TBR; < 70 mg/dl), were calculated. Participants underwent cognitive tests, including the Japanese version of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA‐J), a delayed word‐recall test from the Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale‐cognitive subscale, a digit symbol substitution test, a letter word fluency test, a trail‐making test (TMT) and digit span test (DSP).

Results

In multiple regression analyses adjusted for confounders, a higher mean SG was associated with a lower performance in MoCA‐J and TMT part B (TMT‐B) (P < .05). A higher TAR was associated with a lower performance in TMT‐B and DSP‐backward (P < .05). By contrast, a higher TIR was associated with better function in TMT‐B and DSP‐backward (P < .05). Furthermore, CV and TBR were not associated with any cognitive function.

Conclusion

Hyperglycaemia metrics and TIR derived from CGM are associated with cognitive functions, especially with executive function and working memory, in older adults with T2D.
External validation and extension of the TIMI risk score for heart failure in diabetes for patients with recent acute coronary syndrome: An analysis of the EXAMINE trial
Authors: Razaghizad Amir , Sharma Abhinav , Ni Jiayi , Ferreira João Pedro , White William B. , Mehta Cyrus R. , Bakris George L. , Zannad Faiez
Published: September 2022

Aims

The Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction Risk Score for Heart Failure (HF) in Diabetes (TRS‐HFDM) prognosticates HF hospitalization in people with type 2 diabetes (T2D). This study aimed to externally validate and extend its use for those with recent acute coronary syndrome (ACS).

Materials and Methods

The TRS‐HFDM was externally validated in the Examination of Cardiovascular Outcomes with Alogliptin versus Standard of Care (EXAMINE) trial (n = 5380) and extended with natriuretic biomarkers. Missing data were multiply imputed. Initial TRS‐HFDM variables were previous HF (2 points), atrial fibrillation (1 point), coronary artery disease (1 point), estimated glomerular filtration rate <60 ml/min/1.73 m2 (1 point), and urine albumin‐to‐creatinine ratio 30‐300 mg/g (1 point) and >300 mg/g (2 points).

Results

In total, HF hospitalization occurred in 193 (3.6%) patients. Based on the TRS‐HFDM, 25% of patients were classified as intermediate risk (1 point), 30% were classified as high risk (2 points), 19% were classified as very‐high risk (3 points) and 26% were classified as severe risk (≥4 points). Before model extension, discrimination (C‐index 0.76, 95%·CI 0.73‐0.80) and calibration (calibration slope 0.82, 95%·CI 0.65‐1.0; calibration‐in‐the‐large −0.15, 95%·CI −0.37‐0.64) were moderate‐to‐good in individuals with T2D and recent ACS. The extension of TRS‐HFDM with the addition of N‐terminal pro‐B‐type natriuretic peptide (NT‐ProBNP) improved discrimination (C‐index 0.82, 95%·CI 0.79‐0.85) and calibration (calibration slope 0.84, 95%·CI 0.66‐1.02; calibration‐in‐the‐large −0.12, 95%·CI −0.33‐0.081) for this higher‐risk population.

Conclusion

The TRS‐HFDM with the extension of NT‐ProBNP improves risk stratification and generalizes the use of the risk score for patients with T2D and ACS. Future validation studies in ACS populations may be warranted.
Development of Artificial Intelligence‐based chatbot for smart aquafarm practices
Authors: Jasmin Ayesha , Ramesh Pradeep , Tanveer Mohammad
Published: September 2022

This study includes the development of a farm advisory framework known as the “AquaProFAN framework,” which is concerned with the study of various requirements by the aquafarmers and stakeholder community in fisheries. AquaProFAN (Aqua Professional Farm Advisory Network) advisory committee provided careful consideration to the aquafarmers' inquiries and proper clarification with many innovative ideas, and the feasibility study on chatbot implementation was also performed. The end product, called AquaGent, is an AI‐based chatbot designed for shrimp aquafarmers and support services. It was developed and deployed in social media platforms like Facebook Messenger and Telegram for research and dissemination purposes. The effectiveness of the chatbot was analysed and the findings indicated that: (i) informational requests are more satisfactory than emotional requests, (ii) the performance of chatbot is comparatively better than other software applications concerning informational requests, (iii) participants perceive ‘AquaGent’ chatbot to be more user friendly and time saving. It can be concluded that the implementation of this state‐of‐art technology in aquaculture sector will improve stakeholders' understanding for future efficient and profitable production.
Influence of dry‐ and wet‐milled LLZTO particles on the sintered pellets
Authors: Zheng Hongpeng , Li Guoyao , Liu Hezhou , Wu Yongmin , Duan Huanan
Published: September 2022

A Ta‐doped Li7La3Zr2O12 (LLZTO) solid electrolyte is a promising candidate for all‐solid‐state lithium battery due to its high ionic conductivity and stability against lithium metal. In this work, physicochemical properties of both dry‐ and wet‐milled LLZTO particles were investigated. Based on X‐ray diffraction, Fourier transform–infrared, thermogravimetric analysis, and scanning electron microscopy results, it was confirmed that highly reactive LLZTO powder prepared in dry milling conditions exhibited faster size reduction, rougher surface morphology, fewer surface impurities, and less agglomerated particles, in contrast to those in wet milling conditions. Sintering these dry‐milled powders at 1320°C for 10 min in the air via solid‐state reaction produced dense ceramic pellets with a relative density of 97.4%. The room‐temperature ionic conductivity for LLZTO pellet via the dry milling was determined to be 6.94 × 10−4 S cm−1. Li–sulfur batteries based on the pellets showed an initial discharge capacity of 1301 mA h g−1 and a coulombic efficiency of 99.82% when cycled at room temperature. The effect of the milled powder on the sintered pellets was discussed in terms of boundary mobility, pore mobility, and morphology.