bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A theory of planned behaviour: perspective on rehiring ex-offenders
Authors: Khasni Fatin Nadirah , Keshminder J.S. , Chuah Soo Cheng , Ramayah T.
Published: November 2022

Purpose

Using the theory of Planned Behaviour as the basis, the study investigates the impact of attitude, subjective norm and perceived behavioural control on rehiring intention. The predictors of attitude (i.e. organisational culture, risk and government incentives) and perceived behavioural control (i.e. skills and supporting documents) were examined by expanding the TPB model.

Design/methodology/approach

A self-administered survey was used to gather data from Malaysian firms hiring ex-offenders. Partial Least Squares (PLS) structural equation modelling (SEM) was used to verify the study's proposed research model's hypothesis.

Findings

The SEM analysis showed attitude and subjective norm as solid predictors of rehiring intention. For attitude, organisational culture and government incentives were proven to have an impact. Besides perceived behavioural control, the skill set was a significant predictor.

Practical implications

This study suggests that active involvement of the government to engage employers with ex-offenders through incentives (tax deductions and wage and training subsidies) and prison job fairs can increase their employment opportunities. There is also a need for formal guidelines and practices on hiring ex-offenders in organisations to promote a positive hiring culture. Establishing an employment-based re-entry unit that provides ex-offenders with various transition skill programs, such as technical skills, job search skills and life skills, is crucial for their employment prospects.

Originality/value

This study is among the pioneers in investigating ex-offenders’ rehiring agenda, specifically examining factors that influence employers' decision making. The results are relevant to managers, regulators, institutions and NGOs to structure the right interventions to ensure ex-offenders are successfully hired. It is found that Interventions aiming to increase job opportunities for ex-offenders require activities that expand community and ex-offender engagement since it reduces the social stigma and promotes more ex-offenders accepting behaviour.
Working capital management of IPO firms
Authors: Lefebvre Vivien
Published: November 2022

Purpose

Financial constraints limit firms' ability to invest in working capital, which results in opportunity costs from lost sales or stockouts. The author examines initial public offering (IPO) firms' working capital management and build on the idea that newly listed firms experience a liquidity shock that allows them to invest more in working capital.

Design/methodology/approach

The empirical results are based on a sample of European IPO firms matched with comparable non-IPO firms; the author uses the generalized method of moments panel-data regressions to test the hypotheses.

Findings

The author observes that IPO firms increase their inventories-on-sales ratio, accounts receivable-on-sales ratio and operating working capital after the IPOs, which is consistent with the idea that going public relaxes financial constraints and allows firms to adopt more conservative working capital management practices. The observed results are stronger for smaller firms and zero-debt firms, which are the most financially constrained firms.

Originality/value

The study shows that working capital requirements can be financed via equity and not only via debt, and can even motivate the decision to go public for financially constrained firms.
A market sentiment indicator, behaviourally grounded, for the analysis and forecast of volatility and bubbles
Authors: Ciaschini Clio , Recchioni Maria Cristina
Published: November 2022

Purpose

This work aims at designing an indicator for detecting and forecasting price volatility and speculative bubbles in three markets dealing with agricultural and soft commodities, i.e. Intercontinental Exchange Futures market Europe, (IFEU), Intercontinental Exchange Futures market United States (IFUS) and Chicago Board of Trade (CBOT). This indicator, designed as a demand/supply odds ratio, intends to overcome the subjectivity limits embedded in sentiment indexes as the Bull and Bears ratio by the Bank of America Merrill Lynch.

Design/methodology/approach

Data evidence allows for the parameter estimation of a Jacobi diffusion process that models the demand share and leads the forecast of speculative bubbles and realised volatility. Validation of outcomes is obtained through the dynamic regression with autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) error. Results are discussed in comparison with those from the traditional generalized autoregressive conditional heteroskedasticity (GARCH) models. The database is retrieved from Thomson Reuters DataStream (nearby futures daily frequency).

Findings

The empirical analysis shows that the indicator succeeds in capturing the trend of the observed volatility in the future at medium and long-time horizons. A comparison of simulations results with those obtained with the traditional GARCH models, usually adopted in forecasting the volatility trend, confirms that the indicator is able to replicate the trend also providing turning points, i.e. additional information completely neglected by the GARCH analysis.

Originality/value

The authors' commodity demand as discrete-time process is capable of replicating the observed trend in a continuous-time framework, as well as turning points. This process is suited for estimating behavioural parameters of the agents, i.e. long-term mean, speed of mean reversion and herding behaviour. These parameters are used in the forecast of speculative bubbles and realised volatility.
The bianchetto truffle (Tuber borchii) a lead‐resistant ectomycorrhizal fungus increases Quercus cerris phytoremediation potential
Authors: Sisti Davide , Donati Zeppa Sabrina , Amicucci Antonella , Vittori Antisari Livia , Vianello Gilmo , Puliga Federico , Leonardi Pamela , Iotti Mirco , Zambonelli Alessandra
Published: November 2022

Tuber borchii is a European edible truffle which forms ectomycorrhizas with several soft‐ and hardwood plants. In this article, the effects of high level of Pb on the in vitro growth of five T. borchii strains and the molecular mechanisms involved in Pb tolerance were studied. Moreover, the effects of the Pb treatment on T. borchii ectomycorrhizas and on the growth, element uptake and distribution in different organs of Quercus cerris seedlings were investigated. The results showed an extraordinary tolerance of T. borchii mycelium to Pb: all the tested strains were able to grow at Pb concentration over 4000 mg L−1. The mechanisms of tolerance seem related to Pb sequestration in the vacuole and its immobilization as crystal of Pb oxalate outside the hyphae rather than detoxification processes, considering the low expression of glutaredoxin and thioredoxin genes. T. borchii–Q. cerris mycorrhizas tolerate a soil concentration of Pb from 1869 to 4030 mg kg−1 although, at these Pb concentrations, T. borchii showed a reduced ability to colonize roots. T. borchii mycorrhization increased the uptake of Pb by Q. cerris. Mycorrhization and Pb treatment also significantly influenced the uptake and translocation in the plant of other elements.
Technology catch‐up in agriculture among advanced economies
Authors: Ball Virgil Eldon , San Juan Mesonada Carlos , Sunyer Manteiga Carlos , Ericson Kennet , Sheng Yu
Published: November 2022

We examine whether countries with low initial levels of agricultural total factor productivity (TFP) tend to ‘catch up’ with the technology leaders. We first compare relative levels of agricultural TFP, capital services and labour input levels in agriculture for 17 OECD countries between 1973 and 2011. Then we apply (conditional) convergence analysis to the panel data to examine the speed of convergence and test whether the convergence is transitory or permanent by analysing TFP changes over the business cycle. Capital intensities, quality improvement of capital, factors such as human capital spillovers, and certain agricultural policies are conditioning variables. We examine how differences in relative capital intensities affect agricultural productivity convergence over the business cycle. We find evidence that the speed of convergence increases during periods of contraction in economic activity.
Diet diversity, malnutrition and health: Evidence from Kenya
Authors: Korir Lilian , Rizov Marian , Ruto Eric
Published: November 2022

We investigate the effects of diet diversity on health outcomes indicated by the body‐mass index (BMI) of Kenyan women in their reproductive age (15–49 years). We estimate the demand for diet diversity (which is a proxy for diet quality) and analyse its relationship with BMI by allowing the effect of diet diversity to vary along the conditional BMI distribution. Results show that diet diversity is associated with a beneficial effect on the lower and upper tails of the BMI distribution, that is, dietary diversity improves BMI for underweight individuals while, at the same time, it reduces BMI for overweight/obese individuals. Specifically, doubling the diet diversity is associated with a 14.7% increase in BMI for underweight women and a 7.0% reduction in BMI of obese women. These results support the hypothesis that diet diversity is associated with optimal BMI and, thus, better health, contributing to the policy discourse concerning the double burden of malnutrition in developing countries.
Utilising in situ simulation within translational simulation programmes to evaluate and improve multidisciplinary response to anaphylaxis in the paediatric emergency department
Authors: Price Kim , Cincotta Domenic R , Spencer‐Keefe Felicity R , O'Donnell Sinead M
Published: November 2022

Objective

The prevalence of paediatric anaphylaxis is rising in Australia. Treatment requires timely administration of intramuscular (IM) adrenaline. Study goals included utilising in situ simulation (ISS) within a translational simulation (TS) programme as a diagnostic tool to identify the frequency and cause of IM adrenaline errors in a paediatric ED, and utilising ISS to evaluate multidisciplinary emergency team response to anaphylaxis.

Methods

A prospective observational study was conducted in the Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne ED utilising an ISS anaphylaxis scenario with a debrief pro forma within an established ISS/TS programme.

Results

Twenty‐three anaphylaxis ISS were delivered over 16 months. One hundred and sixty‐four multidisciplinary staff participated (mean of 8 per session). Median times (in minutes) for the total ISS were 12:33 (interquartile range [IQR] 9:06–15:19), consisting of the scenario 4:07 (IQR 3:33–4:44) and debriefing 9:00 (IQR 5–11). IM adrenaline was administered in all ISS within 5 min, median 2:57 (IQR 2:30–3:40). Adrenaline medication errors occurred in 30% ISS (7/23). Errors included three (13%) administrations and four (17%) potential or ‘near misses’ associated with a verbal order or medication preparation error. A weight‐based medication cognitive aid was utilised in 56% (13/23) ISS but was not utilised in all three administration errors.

Conclusions

ISS within TS programmes was successfully utilised as a diagnostic tool in identifying that medication errors were common during anaphylaxis management in the ED. Improving access to adrenaline in dosing boxes and promoting the utilisation of weight‐based cognitive aids alongside ISS education will likely reduce errors and improve patient safety.
Incidence of traumatic brain injuries in head‐injured children with seizures
Authors: Borland Meredith L , Dalziel Stuart R , Phillips Natalie , Dalton Sarah , Lyttle Mark D , Bressan Silvia , Oakley Ed , Kochar Amit , Furyk Jeremy , Cheek John A , Neutze Jocelyn , Eapen Nitaa , Hearps Stephen JC , Rausa Vanessa C , Babl Franz E ,   the Paediatric Research in Emergency Departments International Collaborative (PREDICT) group
Published: November 2022

Objective

Incidence and short‐term outcomes of clinically important traumatic brain injury (ciTBI) in head‐injured children presenting to ED with post‐traumatic seizure (PTS) is not described in current literature.

Methods

Planned secondary analysis of a prospective observational study undertaken in 10 Australasian Paediatric Research in Emergency Departments International Collaborative (PREDICT) network EDs between 2011 and 2014 of head‐injured children <18 years with and without PTS. Clinical predictors and outcomes were analysed by attributable risk (AR), risk ratios (RR) and 95% confidence interval (CI), including the association with Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) scores.

Results

Of 20 137 head injuries, 336 (1.7%) had PTS with median age of 4.8 years. Initial GCS was 15 in 268/336 (79.8%, AR −16.1 [95% CI −20.4 to −11.8]), 14 in 24/336 (7.1%, AR 4.4 [95% CI 1.6–7.2]) and ≤13 in 44/336 (13.1%, AR 11.7 [95% CI 8.1–15.3]) in comparison with those without PTS, respectively. The ciTBI rate was 34 (10.1%) with PTS versus 219 (1.1%) without PTS (AR 9.0 [95% CI 5.8–12.2]) with 5/268 (1.9%), 6/24 (25.0%) and 23/44 (52.3%) with GCS 15, 14 and ≤13, respectively. In PTS, rates of admission ≥2 nights (34 [10.1%] AR 9.0 [95% CI 5.8–12.3]), intubation >24 h (9 [2.7%] AR 2.5 [95% CI 0.8–4.2]) and neurosurgery (8 [2.4%] AR 2.0 [95% CI 0.4–3.7]), were higher than those without PTS. Children with PTS and GCS 15 or 14 had no neurosurgery, intubations or death, with two deaths in children with PTS and GCS ≤13.

Conclusions

PTS was uncommon in head‐injured children presenting to the ED but associated with an increased risk of ciTBI in those with reduced GCS on arrival.
IFT52 plays an essential role in sensory cilia formation and neuronal sensory function in Drosophila
Authors: Hou Ya‐Nan , Zhang Ying‐Ying , Wang Ya‐Ru , Wu Zhi‐Mao , Luan Yun‐Xia , Wei Qing
Published: November 2022

Cilia are microtubule‐based, hair‐like organelles involved in sensory function or motility, playing critical roles in many physiological processes such as reproduction, organ development, and sensory perception. In insects, cilia are restricted to certain sensory neurons and sperms, being important for chemical and mechanical sensing, and fertility. Although great progress has been made regarding the mechanism of cilia assembly, the formation of insect cilia remains poorly understand, even in the insect model organism Drosophila. Intraflagellar transport (IFT) is a cilia‐specific complex that traffics protein cargos bidirectionally along the ciliary axoneme and is essential for most cilia. Here we investigated the role of IFT52, a core component of IFT‐B, in cilia/flagellar formation in Drosophila. We show that Drosophila IFT52 is distributed along the sensory neuronal cilia, and is essential for sensory cilia formation. Deletion of Ift52 results in severe defects in cilia‐related sensory behaviors. It should be noted that IFT52 is not detected in spermatocyte cilia or sperm flagella of Drosophila. Accordingly, ift52 mutants can produce sperms with normal motility, supporting a dispensable role of IFT in Drosophila sperm flagella formation. Altogether, IFT52 is a conserved protein essential for sensory cilia formation and sensory neuronal function in insects.
Impact of floodplain and Stage 0 stream restoration on flood attenuation and floodplain exchange during small frequent storms
Authors: Federman Carly E. , Scott Durelle T. , Hester Erich T.
Published: November 2022

River flooding impacts human life and infrastructure, yet provides habitat and ecosystem services. Traditional flood control (e.g., levees, dams) reduces habitat and ecosystem services, and exacerbates flooding elsewhere. Floodplain restoration (i.e., bankfull floodplain reconnection and Stage 0) can also provide flood management, but has not been sufficiently evaluated for small frequent storms. We used 1D unsteady Hydrologic Engineering Center's River Analysis System to simulate small storms in a 5 km‐long, second‐order generic stream from the Chesapeake Bay watershed, and varied % channel restored (starting at the upstream end), restoration location, restoration bank height (distinguishes bankfull from Stage 0 restoration), and floodplain width/Manning's n. Stream restoration decreased (attenuated) peak flow up to 37% and increased floodplain exchange by up to 46%. Floodplain width and % channel restored had the largest impact on flood attenuation. The incremental effects of new restoration projects on flood attenuation were greatest when little prior restoration had occurred. By contrast, incremental effects on floodplain exchange were greatest in the presence of substantial prior restoration, setting up a tradeoff. A similar tradeoff was revealed between attenuation and exchange for project location, but not bank height or floodplain width. In particular, attenuation and exchange were always greater for Stage 0 than for bankfull floodplain restoration. Stage 0 thus may counteract human impacts such as urbanization.
Predicted uranium and radon concentrations in New Hampshire (USA) groundwater—Using Multi Order Hydrologic Position as predictors
Authors: Moore Richard B. , Belitz Kenneth , Ayotte Joseph , Arnold Terri L. , Hayes Laura , Sharpe Jennifer B. , Starn Jeffrey J.
Published: November 2022

Two radioactive elements, uranium (U) and radon (Rn), which are of potential concern in New Hampshire (NH) groundwater, are investigated. Exceedance probability maps are tools to highlight locations where the concentrations of undesirable substances in the groundwater may be elevated. Two forms of statistical analysis are used to create exceedance probability maps for U and Rn in NH groundwater. The first, Boosted Regression Tree (BRT), was selected for estimating U exceedance values. It computes exceedance values directly using the Bernoulli distribution function. The second method of statistical analysis used for Rn to determine exceedance probabilities is ordinary least squares (OLS) regression. In the process of determining exceedance probabilities for U and Rn, the utility of a new dataset is investigated. That new predictor dataset is the Multi‐Order Hydrologic Position (MOHP) dataset. MOHP raster datasets have been produced nationally for the conterminous United States at a 30‐m resolution. The concept behind MOHP is that, for any given point on the earth's surface, there is the potential for a longer groundwater flow path as one goes deeper beneath the land surface. MOHP predictors were tested in both models. Three MOHP predictors were found useful in the BRT model and two in the OLS model. MOHP data were found useful as predictors along with other site characteristics in predicting U and Rn exceedance probabilities in New Hampshire groundwater.
Comprehensive analysis of clinical and laboratory features of 440 published cases of Sjögren's syndrome and renal tubular acidosis
Authors: Sandhya Pulukool
Published: November 2022

Aim

To describe the clinical and laboratory features of Sjögren's syndrome (SS) with renal tubular acidosis (RTA) from published literature.

Methods

A systematic search of indexed publications in all languages till December 2021 identified cases of SS with RTA (SS‐RTA) and were included if either antibody (anti‐SSA/anti‐SSB) or salivary gland histopathology were positive.

Results

There were 440 cases of SS‐RTA (63.9% from Asia, 95.5% women). The median (range) age was 37 (6‐78) years. Only 7.7% had a previous diagnosis of SS. Oral or ocular sicca symptoms were present in 63.7%. Positive ocular tests, oral tests, anti‐SSA, anti‐SSB and salivary gland histopathology were reported in 256/331 (77.3%), 123/128 (96%), 382/407 (93.9%), 298/379 (78.6%), and 246/268 (91.8%), respectively. Hypokalemic paralysis (HP) was the presenting feature in 63.6%; 25% had multiple episodes of HP and 8.4% had respiratory paralysis. Type 1, type 2, combined type 1 & 2, and type 4 RTA was seen in 388, 8, 38, and 3 patients, respectively. Proximal dysfunction and RTA complications were infrequently evaluated. Fanconi syndrome, nephrogenic diabetes insipidus, proteinuria, and low estimated glomerular filtration rate were found in 45, 21, 178, and 157, respectively. Nephrocalcinosis, renal stones, and osteomalacia were reported in 92, 79, and 72, respectively. Tubulointerstitial nephritis was found in 142 out of 152 renal biopsies.

Conclusion

SS‐RTA is an early manifestation of SS characterized by younger age and subclinical sicca symptoms. Although evaluated less frequently, oral sicca signs and salivary gland biopsy have a high positive yield. HP is the most common presentation. RTA is mostly distal; proximal dysfunction and complications were infrequently assessed.
Industry Sensitivity to External Forces and the Information Advantage of Analysts over Managers*
Authors: Ali Ashiq , Amiram Dan , Kalay Alon , Sadka Gil
Published: November 2022

This study examines whether analysts have an industry‐level information advantage over managers when forecasting earnings. While analysts are often viewed as industry experts, prior research fails to document such an advantage. We predict that analysts' industry‐level information advantage is more likely to exist in industries where firm performance is more sensitive to industry‐level external economic forces. We find that for such firms, analysts provide relatively more accurate earnings forecasts compared to managers. Consistent with our predictions, we further find that managers of such firms provide fewer and less precise forecasts and that this association is more pronounced in firms with higher analyst following. Collectively, these findings suggest that analysts have an industry‐level information advantage over managers when forecasting earnings for firms in industries with high sensitivity to external forces, and that industry sensitivity risk is a distinct industry characteristic that affects firm‐level disclosure.
Israel: Political Developments and Data in 2021
Authors: GANEL YOSI
Published: November 2022

The year 2021 can be described in Israeli politics as one of change. After 12 consecutive years in power as Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu left office. After four election campaigns in two years, the ‘Anti‐Netanyahu bloc’ managed to form a minimum winning coalition of 61 Knesset members (one Member of the Knesset did not vote with the coalition). A rotation government was agreed upon, with the post of Prime Minister switching between Naftali Bennet, Yemina (right‐wing party) leader and Yair Lapid, Yesh Atid leader (the largest party in the coalition). Bennet served as Prime Minister first, even though his party only had six seats in the coalition. During 2021, Israel experienced terrorist incidents and a major military operation, as well as severe riots in mixed Jewish–Arab cities. Economic performance improved as the COVID‐19 restrictions were lifted, with economic indicators being better than for other OECD countries.
Cigarette pack size and consumption: a randomized cross‐over trial
Authors: Lee Ilse , Blackwell Anna K. M. , Hobson Alice , Wiggers Danielle , Hammond David , De‐loyde Katie , Pilling Mark A. , Hollands Gareth J. , Munafò Marcus R. , Marteau Theresa M.
Published: November 2022

Background and Aims

Smoking fewer cigarettes per day may increase the chances of stopping smoking. Capping the number of cigarettes per pack is a promising policy option, but the causal impact of such a change is unknown. This study aimed to test the hypothesis that lowering cigarette pack sizes from 25 to 20 reduces the number of cigarettes smoked.

Design

This randomized controlled cross‐over trial had two 14‐day intervention periods with an intervening 7‐day period of usual behaviour. Participants purchased their own cigarettes. They were instructed to smoke their usual brand from either one of two sizes of pack in each of two 14‐day intervention periods: (a) 25 cigarettes and (b) 20 cigarettes. Participants were randomized to the order in which they smoked from the two pack sizes (a–b; b–a).

Setting

Canada.

Participants

Participants were adult smokers who smoked from pack sizes of 25, recruited between July 2020 and June 2021. Of 252 randomized, 240 (95%) completed the study and 236 (94%) provided sufficient data for the primary analysis.

Measurements

Cigarettes smoked per participant per day.

Findings

Participants smoked fewer cigarettes per day from packs of 20 cigarettes [n = 234, mean = 15.7 standard deviation (SD) = 7.1] than from packs of 25 (n = 235, mean = 16.9, SD = 7.1). After adjusting for pre‐specified covariates (baseline consumption and heaviness of smoking), modelling estimated that participants smoked 1.3 fewer cigarettes per day [95% confidence interval (CI) = −1.7 to −0.9], equivalent to 7.6% fewer (95% CI = −10.1 to −5.2%) from packs of 20 cigarettes.

Conclusions

Smoking from packs of 20 compared with 25 cigarettes reduced the number of cigarettes smoked per day.
Speculative Urban Worldmaking: Meeting Financial Violence with a Politics of Collective Care
Authors: Summers Brandi T. , Fields Desiree
Published: November 2022

This article brings Black feminist thought to bear on the urban geography of racialised financial violence. Our analysis focuses on the Moms 4 Housing movement, which began when five Black mothers occupied a vacant, corporate investor‐owned house in West Oakland to protest how real estate speculation is fuelling displacement and homelessness for Black Oakland residents, disrupting care at the scale of the home and community. In taking space through recuperating the house on Magnolia Street, the Moms insist on housing as a site of care central to the survival of Black families and reclaim Oakland as a Black geographic space. In claiming ownership based on relations of care while refusing the institution of private property, we argue the Moms engage in speculative urban worldmaking—a form of collective care and a praxis of providing an alternative present that imagines and advocates for urban futures beyond financialisation's abstract racial violence.
A meta‐analysis of methotrexate polyglutamates in relation to efficacy and toxicity of methotrexate in inflammatory arthritis, colitis and dermatitis
Authors: van de Meeberg Maartje M. , Hebing Renske C. F. , Nurmohamed Michael T. , Fidder Herma H. , Heymans Martijn W. , Bouma Gerd , de Bruin‐Weller Marjolein S. , Tekstra Janneke , van den Bemt Bart , de Jonge Robert , Bulatović Ćalasan Maja
Published: November 2022

Aims

In immune‐mediated inflammatory diseases (IMIDs), early symptom control is a key therapeutic goal. Methotrexate (MTX) is the first‐line treatment across IMIDs. However, MTX is underutilized and suboptimally dosed, partly due to the inability of making individualized treatment decisions through therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM). To implement TDM in clinical practice, establishing a relationship between drug concentration and disease activity is paramount. In this meta‐analysis, we investigated the relationship between concentrations of MTX polyglutamates (MTX‐PG) in erythrocytes and efficacy as well as toxicity across IMIDs.

Methods

Studies analysing MTX‐PG in relation to disease activity and/or toxicity were included for inflammatory arthritis (rheumatoid [RA] and juvenile idiopathic arthritis [JIA]), inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's and ulcerative colitis) and dermatitis (psoriasis and atopic dermatitis). Meta‐analyses were performed resulting in several summary effect measures: regression coefficient (β), correlation coefficient and mean difference (of MTX‐PG in responders vs. nonresponders) for IMIDs separately and collectively.

Results

Twenty‐five studies were included. In RA and JIA, higher MTX‐PG was significantly associated with lower disease activity at 3 months (β: −0.002; 95% confidence interval [CI]: −0.004 to −0.001) and after 4 months of MTX use (β: −0.003; 95% CI: −0.005 to −0.002). Similarly, higher MTX‐PG correlated with lower disease activity in psoriasis (R: −0.82; 95% CI: −0.976 to −0.102). Higher MTX‐PG was observed in RA, JIA and psoriasis responders (mean difference: 5.2 nmol/L MTX‐PGtotal; P < .01).

Conclusion

We showed that higher concentrations of erythrocyte MTX‐PG were associated with lower disease activity in RA, JIA and psoriasis. These findings are an important step towards implementation of TDM for MTX treatment across IMIDs.
Cyanidin as potential anticancer agent targeting various proliferative pathways
Authors: Safdar Muhammad Azhaf , Aslam Rana Muhammad Nabeel , Shakeel Amna , Shiza  , Waqar Mashael , Jmail Abdullah , Mehmood Malik Hassan , Gul Humaira
Published: November 2022

A natural compound cyanidin, which is a type of anthocyanin present in pigmented leaves, fruits, and flowers; distributed widely in berries, apples, and oranges possess anticancer activities, thus curing various types of cancer such as breast, liver, lung, prostate, and thyroid cancer. The article provides an insight into the potential of using a single phytochemical, cyanidin to treat various cancer types including breast, liver, lung, prostate, and thyroid cancer. Information about cyanidin and its pharmacological impact on cancer was collected from books, scientific journals, and reports through electronic data search (Web of Science, Scifinder, PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, Elsevier, Springer, Wiley, ACS, Science Direct, CNKI as well as Kew Plants of the Word Online) and library. Cyanidin produces its effects against cancer probably by inhibiting (RAS, MAPK) and activating (caspases‐3 and P‐38) innovative molecular pathways. It may cause cell cycle arrest, cell differentiation processes and changes in redox status which trigger the cytotoxic chemotherapeutic effects. However, it also optimizes the chemotherapeutic targets which are cancer cells less responsive to chemotherapy. Cancer is considered the most widely spread disease and cyanidin from natural origin provides an essential role in treatment of cancer by approaching various mechanistic pathways.
Early detection of anastomotic leak with C‐reactive protein increases the chances of anastomotic salvage
Authors: Gozalichvili David , Binquet Christine , Boisson Cyril , Guiraud Adeline , Facy Olivier , Ortega‐Deballon Pablo
Published: November 2022

Aim

Anastomotic leak results in increased morbidity and affects functional and oncological outcomes after colectomy. Measurement of C‐reactive protein (CRP) allows early detection of anastomotic leaks. The aim of this study was to evaluate the benefit to the patient of earlier diagnosis and management of anastomotic leaks, namely avoiding takedown of the anastomosis.

Method

Patients with an anastomotic fistula after elective colorectal surgery from 2010 to 2020 were included. Three periods were defined according to progressive adherence to the CRP protocol in our department. A comparison was made between the periods ‘before’ (2010–2013) and ‘after’ (2016–2020) in terms of morbidity, mortality, anastomotic salvage, days spent in hospital within the first postoperative month, timely adjuvant chemotherapy and anastomotic stenosis.

Results

Out of 2655 elective colorectal operations, 171 patients presented with an anastomotic leak and 123 patients were included in the study. In univariate analysis, patients in the ‘after’ group had fewer severe complications (Clavien–Dindo Grade III to IV, 66.7% vs. 56.9; p = 0.017); the difference did not reach significance regarding timely postoperative chemotherapy (p = 0.058) and anastomotic stenosis (p = 0.682). In both, univariate and multivariate analysis, the ‘after’ period increased the chances of preserving the anastomosis (OR = 2.37 [1.08–5.17]) and increased the number of days out of hospital (p = 0.0002).

Conclusion

A CRP‐based protocol for the screening of anastomotic leaks after colorectal surgery was related to increased anastomotic conservation, a decreased impact and severity of the leak and a shorter length of hospital stay.
Adsorption removal of Brilliant green and Safranin‐O contaminants from water using a hydrogel based on carboxymethyl cellulose and sodium alginate crosslinked by epichlorohydrin
Authors: Khushbu  , Vaid Vasudha , Dagar Nivaydita , Nikhil  , Jindal Rajeev
Published: November 2022

The current study investigates the adsorption properties of a chemically crosslinked hydrogel based on sodium alginate (NaALG) and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC). The structural characteristics of the investigated hydrogel are described using information from Fourier Transform–infrared spectra, X‐ray diffraction patterns and field emission scanning electron microscopy pictures. The NaALG/epichlorohydrin (ECH)/CMC hydrogel was synthesised under optimised conditions with respect to the swelling percentage. Various reaction parameters were varied to obtain the maximum swelling percentage. The synthesised hydrogel was taken as an adsorbent in the decolorisation of Brilliant green (BG) and Safranin‐O (SO) dyes from water. According to the kinetic investigations, the decolorisation equilibrium of SO by NaALG/ECH/CMC was discovered in 4 hours (98.98%), while the removal of BG by NaALG/ECH/CMC took 6 hours (97.7%). Chemical processes were used to describe the decolorisation mechanisms, which significantly supported the pseudo‐first‐order model. NaALG/ECH/CMC hydrogel absorption was indicated to take place in monolayer adsorption form (Langmuir isotherm). The highest adsorption capacity for BG was discovered to be 864.8 mg g−1 and for SO it was 193.1 mg g−1, by synthesised hydrogel, where “mg” refers to the commercial colourant and not to the pure dye. Therefore, the synthesised hydrogel can be considered as a smart device for the adsorption of dye in water purification tasks.
A novel case of cutaneous myxoid spindle cell neoplasm with FMR1‐ALK gene fusion and CD34/S100 co‐expression
Authors: Kasago Israel , Aypar Umut , Sukhadia Purvil , Vanderbilt Chad , Ladanyi Marc , Hurd Tierra , Pulitzer Melissa
Published: November 2022

A novel class of superficial CD34+ and S100+ cutaneous spindle cell neoplasm harboring ALK rearrangements has recently been described. Morphologically, these neoplasms have been characterized by bland spindled cells organized in whorls and cords against myxoid stroma, eventuating in the designation “superficial ALK‐rearranged myxoid spindle cell neoplasm.” Here, we report a 78‐year‐old male with a 3‐mm pink papule on the chest, clinically concerning for cutaneous carcinoma. Biopsy of the specimen showed a biphasic tumor with hypercellular and hypocellular zones consisting of epithelioid cells and monomorphic, bland spindled cells. The spindled cells were arranged in perineurial‐like concentric whorls and cords embedded in a myxo‐collagenous stroma. Neoplastic cells were diffusely positive for CD34, S100, and D5F3‐ALK, without SOX10 expression. Negative markers included GLUT1, EMA, factor XIIIa, desmin, actin, and SMA. ALK‐rearrangement was identified on fluorescence in situ hybridization break‐apart assay. A corresponding novel FMR1‐ALK fusion was found by next‐generation sequencing (NGS) based RNA sequencing. Identification of this new FMR1‐ALK fusion signature adds to the spectrum of diagnostic genomic alterations in this newly described class of tumors.
Migration and Imitation
Authors: Ivus Olena , Naghavi Alireza , Qiu Larry D.
Published: November 2022

This paper develops a North–South trade model with heterogeneous labour and horizontally differentiated products, and compares the implications of two policies: Southern intellectual property rights (IPR) and Northern immigration policy, with the latter aiming to attract Southern talent as a means of pre‐empting imitation. Individuals self‐select into becoming entrepreneurs and innovate (imitate) in the North (South). The likelihood of imitation depends on product quality, imitator's talent and IPR strength. Several interrelated channels of competition are identified. Allowing high‐talent migration when IPR protection in the South is weak shifts imitation to low‐quality products and innovation to high‐quality products. The outcome is in stark contrast to the policy of strengthening Southern IPR, which limits low‐talent imitation in the South and encourages low‐quality innovation in the North. Migration also increases the income of low‐talent entrepreneurs, as well as the average quality of products imitated by high‐talent entrepreneurs in the South. Global income rises with migration, but is not guaranteed to rise with stronger Southern IPR.
Oleic acid‐bound FABP7 drives glioma cell proliferation through regulation of nuclear lipid droplet formation
Authors: Umaru Banlanjo Abdulaziz , Kagawa Yoshiteru , Ohsaki Yuki , Pan Yijun , Chen Chuck T. , Chen Daniel K. , Abe Toshiaki , Shil Subrata Kumar , Miyazaki Hirofumi , Kobayashi Shuhei , Maekawa Motoko , Yamamoto Yui , Wannakul Tunyanat , Yang Shuhan , Bazinet Richard P. , Owada Yuji
Published: November 2022

Fatty acid‐binding protein 7 (FABP7), one of the fatty acid (FA) chaperones involved in the modulation of intracellular FA metabolism, is highly expressed in glioblastoma, and its expression is associated with decreased patients' prognosis. Previously, we demonstrated that FABP7 requires its binding partner to exert its function and that a mutation in the FA‐binding site of FABP7 affects tumour biology. Here, we explored the role of FA ligand binding for FABP7 function in tumour proliferation and examined the mechanism of FABP7 and ligand interaction in tumour biology. We discovered that among several FA treatment, oleic acid (OA) boosted cell proliferation of FABP7‐expressing cells. In turn, OA increased FABP7 nuclear localization, and the accumulation of FABP7–OA complex in the nucleus induced the formation of nuclear lipid droplet (nLD), as well as an increase in colocalization of nLD with promyelocytic leukaemia (PML) nuclear bodies. Furthermore, OA increased mRNA levels of proliferation‐related genes in FABP7‐expressing cells through histone acetylation. Interestingly, these OA‐boosted functions were abrogated in FABP7‐knockout cells and mutant FABP7‐overexpressing cells. Thus, our findings suggest that FABP7–OA intracellular interaction may modulate nLD formation and the epigenetic status thereby enhancing transcription of proliferation‐regulating genes, ultimately driving tumour cell proliferation.
An integrated scheme for the management of drifting fish aggregating devices in tuna purse seine fisheries
Authors: Song Liming , Shen Huihui
Published: November 2022

Drifting fish aggregating devices (dFADs) are extensively used in modern tuna purse seine fisheries. The use of dFADs has greatly improved fishing efficiency and generated substantial economic returns in purse seine fisheries, but adverse impacts on tuna juveniles, associated species and marine ecosystems are still of concern. Based on an analysis of current challenges in dFAD management measures in tuna regional fishery management organisations (t‐RFMOs), we explored opportunities to strengthen dFAD management in tuna fisheries. An integrated dFAD management scheme with multiple tools that account for different usage stages of a dFAD needs to be organised to regulate, track, monitor and recover in tuna purse seine fisheries. We recommend that (1) dFAD‐associated definitions should be standardised to provide operational guidance for dFAD activities; (2) all deployed dFADs should be counted towards dFAD limits on active dFADs, except those reported as lost and abandoned; (3) a regional dFAD tracking and monitoring program should track dFAD paths based on daily position reported to RFMOs directly, in addition to mandatory dFAD marking requirements; and (4) a framework of compensation mechanisms should provide financial support for joint dFAD recovery and eco‐compensation.
Cryptic diversity of Oxythyrea flower chafers and its implication for conservation of non‐forest biotopes in the Balkans
Authors: Vondráček Dominik , Král David , Šípek Petr
Published: November 2022

Flower chafers (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Cetoniinae) are usually associated with saproxylophagous life strategies, and several of these taxa are considered as flagship species of insect conservation in Europe.

Here, we discuss the significance of soil‐dwelling flower chafers for the conservation of natural habitats by reporting the rediscovery of two relict, habitat specialist flower chafers of the genus Oxythyrea in Europe.

We compare the observed population structure of both species with their widespread congeners and discuss the detected deep genetic divergences among populations of both species, O. dulcis and O. albopicta.

Surprisingly, deep genetic structure has been observed among the psammophilous O. dulcis, which is quite counterintuitive as psammophilous habitats are rather ephemeral and these species tend to be very vagile.

Populations of soil‐dwelling, habitat specialist flower beetles may represent relicts of the past paleogeographic events, and their conservation value has to be thoroughly assessed.
Ataxia telangiectasia mutated kinase inhibition promotes irradiation‐induced PD‐L1 expression in tumour‐associated macrophages through IFN‐I/JAK signalling pathway
Authors: Gao Yuke , Li Yangyi , Lin Zaihuan , Zeng Yuxin , Huang Zhengrong , Han Linzhi , Zhong Yahua , Gong Yan , Wu Qiuji , Xie Conghua
Published: November 2022

Tumour‐associated macrophages (TAMs) are one of the primary sources of PD‐L1 expression in the tumour microenvironment (TME). Ionizing radiation (IR) promotes PD‐L1 expression in tumour cells. However, the effect of IR on macrophage PD‐L1 expression and the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. ATM kinase, as the key kinase for initiating DNA damage repair (DDR) process, is associated with innate immune STING axis activation. Here, we explored the molecular mechanism implicated in macrophage PD‐L1 expression regulated by IR as well as the role of ATM kinase in this process. IR‐regulated PD‐L1 expression in macrophages and associated signalling pathways were explored by in vitro studies using murine and human macrophage cell lines. A colorectal xenograft murine model was employed to demonstrate the impact of targeting ATM and PD‐L1 expression in TAMs following IR on growth of tumour in vivo. IR up‐regulated PD‐L1 expression in macrophages, which was further augmented by ATM kinase inhibition. ATM inhibition increased IR‐induced DNA damage, which activated STING/interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3) signalling pathway and up‐regulated type I interferon (IFN‐I) expression in macrophages. IFN‐I bound to the IFN α receptor 1 on macrophages, activated the downstream JAK1 and STAT1/3 signalling and eventually led to PD‐L1 up‐expression. ATM inhibition augmented IR‐induced PD‐L1 expression in macrophages and CD8+ T cell infiltration, and promoted anti‐tumour efficacy in vivo. These results suggested that ATM inhibition promoted IR‐induced PD‐L1 expression through the activation of innate immunity in TAMs, which provided a novel approach to enhance the anti‐tumour efficacy of RT.
Early outcomes of complete excision followed by immediate postoperative single fractional 10 Gy for anterior chest keloids: A preliminary results
Authors: Ha Boram , Kim Sung Jae , Lee Yu Jun , Im Seongcheol , Park Tae Hwan
Published: November 2022

Treatment of chest keloids is challenging. The aim of this study is to present our experience using surgical excision followed by postoperative single fractional 10 Gy radiotherapy for recurrent anterior chest keloids on the same day. 16 patients with recurrent anterior chest keloids were treated with complete excision followed by single‐fractional 10 Gy radiotherapy within eight hours postoperatively. The mean follow‐up period was 12 months. (10–14 months) The outcome was reported with a recurrence‐free rate. We also reported side effects. The overall recurrence‐free rate was 81.25%. The side effects were minimal, with two reported hyperpigmentation which was subsided after six months, and two cases of acute wound problems. Second malignancy or serious complications were not reported. Our preliminary results show positive outcomes of complete excision followed by postoperative single fractional 10 Gy radiotherapy for recurrent anterior chest keloids on the same day. Our current study needs further long‐term validation with more diverse patients.
Effect of La2O3 content on the oxygen barrier ability of the HfB2‐SiC coating at 1973 K
Authors: Qian Deyu , Chen Yuexing , Ren Xuanru , Wang Leyu , Chen Jiaping , Zhao Yan , Shi Dalin , Li Yuan , Du Haobo , Feng Peizhong
Published: November 2022

To inhibit the destructive evolution of the HfB2‐SiC coating during oxidation, La2O3 was added to modify the oxygen‐blocking capability of the HfB2‐SiC coating. The effect of La2O3 content on the oxygen barrier capacity of HfB2‐SiC was investigated. The addition of 5 vol.% La2O3 lowered the oxidation activity and strengthened the inert oxygen barrier capacity of the HfB2‐SiC coating, which made the oxygen permeability and maximum weight change rate of the coating decrease by 30.32% and 73.97%, respectively. Due to the solid solution reaction of the dispersed La2O3, HfO2, and SiO2 nanoparticles, a stable Hf‐B‐La‐Si‐O multiphase glass was formed on the surface of the coating. Besides, the high‐melting‐point particles, such as HfO2, La2Hf2O7, and HfSiO4, dispersed in the glass layer as hard particles and formed a mosaic structure based on the Hf‐B‐La‐Si‐O compound, which increased the cumulative protection efficiency of the HfB2‐SiC coating to 98.5% and reduced the inert factor value by 84.57%. However, the excessive consumption of SiO2 glass by La2O3 results in dendritization of the generated glass when the La2O3 content is above 10 vol.%, which reduced the self‐healing capability of the generated glass and instead weakened the oxygen barrier properties of the HfB2‐SiC‐La2O3 coatings.
Survey tools for measuring research or evidence‐based practice constructs in dietetics: A narrative review
Authors: Hand Rosa K.
Published: November 2022

Background

Exact quantification of research conducted by dietitians and tracking the effectiveness of interventions or training programs to increase either evidence‐based practice (EBP) or research behaviours have been hampered by the variety of tools used to measure these constructs.

Methods

In this narrative review, we identified and classified the various tools previously used to measure constructs related to research and/or EBP in the dietetics profession, and to summarise estimates of the constructs measured.

Results

We identified and classified 15 scored tools that had been used at least once in the dietetics profession and extracted tool parameter estimates from 22 resulting papers. We also identified six unscored tools and three qualitative studies. The most frequent constructs measured were attitudes and behaviours. Very few tools measured objective knowledge (skills). No objective measures of research outputs were identified. Several tools were closely related to one another.

Conclusions

Even when tools were used across multiple papers, reporting method varied making comparisons difficult. This review should encourage future researchers to utilise existing tools when possible, and encourage the development or adaptation and testing of tools that fill identified gaps. The constructs measured by the tools identified may also provide a starting point for the development of educational interventions aiming to increase research or EBP skills among dietitians. Only by using consistent tools will the dietetics profession be able to track the progress in increasing research conduct and EBP implementation over time.