bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diagnostic performances of Nonhyperemic Pressure Ratios and Coronary Angiography-Based Fractional Flow Reserve against conventional Wire-Based Fractional Flow Reserve
Authors: Li Weijia , Takahashi Tatsunori , Sehatbakhsh Samineh , Parikh Manish A. , Garcia-Garcia Hector M. , Fearon William F. , Kobayashi Yuhei
Published: December 2023

Background

Nonhyperemic pressure ratios (NHPRs) have been proposed as alternatives to fractional flow reserve (FFR) without induction of hyperemia. More recently, imaging based-FFR estimation, especially coronary angiography-derived FFR (Angio-FFR) measurement, is proposed to estimate wire-based FFR. However, little is known about the diagnostic performance of these indices against conventional FFR.

Aims

We aimed to assess and compare the diagnostic performance of both NHPRs and coronary Angio-FFR against wire-based conventional FFR.

Methods

PubMed and Embase databases were systematically searched for peer-reviewed original articles up to 08/2022. The primary outcomes were the pooled sensitivity and specificity as well as the area under the curve (AUC) of the summary receiver-operating characteristic curve of those indices.

Results

A total of 6693 records were identified after a literature search, including 37 reports for NHPRs and 34 for Angio-FFR. Overall, NHPRs have a lower diagnostic performance in estimating wire-based FFR with an AUC of 0.85 (0.81, 0.88) when compared with Angio-FFR of 0.95 (0.93, 0.97). When all four modalities of NHPRs (iFR, Pd/Pa, DPR, RFR) were compared, those had overlapping AUCs without major differences among each other. Similarly, when the two most commonly used Angio-FFR (QFR, FFRangio) were compared, those had overlapping AUCs without major differences among each other.

Conclusion

Angio-FFR may offer a better estimation of wire-based FFR than NHPRs. Our results support a wider use of Angio-FFR in the cardiac catheterization laboratory to streamline our workflow for coronary physiologic assessment.

Classifications:

FFR,, stable ischemic disease and non-ST elevation acute coronary syndrome.
Oh, My Gut! New insights on the role of the gastrointestinal tract and the gut microbiome in chronic kidney disease-mineral and bone disorder
Authors: Mirmohammadali Seyedeh Nooshan , Gallant Kathleen M. Hill , Biruete Annabel
Published: December 2023

Purpose of review

The aim of this review is to highlight recent evidence on the role of the gastrointestinal tract and gut microbiome on chronic kidney disease-mineral bone disorder (CKD-MBD) outcomes, including intestinal phosphorus absorption and sensing, and the effect of gut-oriented therapies.

Recent findings

Recent evidence has revealed a complex interplay among mineral metabolism and novel gut-related factors, including paracellular intestinal phosphate absorption, the gut microbiome, and the immune system, prompting a reevaluation of treatment approaches for CKD-MBD. The inhibition of NHE3 limits phosphate transport in the intestine and may lead to changes in the gut microbiome. A study in rats with CKD showed that the supplementation of the fermentable dietary inulin delayed CKD-MBD, lowering circulating phosphorus and parathyroid hormone, reducing bone remodeling and improving cortical parameters, and lowering cardiovascular calcifications. In non-CKD preclinical studies, probiotics and prebiotics improved bone formation mediated through the effect of butyrate facilitating the differentiation of T cells into Tregs, and Tregs stimulating the osteogenic Wnt10b, and butyrate was also necessary for the parathyroid hormone (PTH) bone effects.

Recent findings support multiple possible roles for gut-oriented therapies in addressing CKD-MBD prevention and management that should be further explored through clinical and translational studies.
A case report of Cronkhite–Canada syndrome first encounterd at a hospital in northern Vietnam
Authors: Nguyen Long Cong , Thi Pham Thuy , Nguyen Tung Thanh , Nguyen Nam Hoai , Van Kieu Tuan , Anh Do Giang , Thi-Ngoc Doan Ha , Van Tran Chuong , Vu Nhung Thi
Published: December 2023

Introduction and importance:

Cronkhite–Canada syndrome (CCS) is an extremely rare non-inherited syndrome first described in 1955 with only about 500 more cases reported so far. Since the aetiology of the disease remains unknown, there were no specific treatments in consensus. In many countries, CCS is a completely new condition that may confuse physicians at first encounter. Lessons should be learned from these cases by gastrointestinal specialists to be aware of this condition in any circumstances.

Case presentation:

The authors reported a case study of a 45-year-old Vietnamese male with CCS diagnosis, which encountered at our centre for the first time.

Clinical discussion:

The definitive diagnosis was provided by combining clinical characteristics, and endoscopic and histopathologic features, after excluding other causes of gastrointestinal polyposis. The patient responds to corticosteroids, proton pump inhibitors, and nutritional support right after treatment. After 1 year of treatment, his symptoms ameliorated completely although colon polyps insignificantly reduced.

Conclusion:

Gastroenterologists should always be aware of patients with CCS with the following symptoms: gastrointestinal hamartomatous polyps, diarrhoea, and the dermatologic triad of alopecia, hyperpigmentation, and onychodystrophy.
Intraoesophageal pressure in patients receiving proximal gastrectomy with hinged double flap method for gastric cancer: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Saeki Yoshihiro , Tanabe Kazuaki , Ota Hiroshi , Chikuie Emi , Takemoto Yuki , Karakuchi Nozomi , Miura Osamu , Toyama Eiichiro , Ohdan Hideki
Published: December 2023

Background:

Objective functional assessment of esophagogastric anastomosis in patients who underwent proximal gastrectomy with the hinged double flap method for gastric cancer has not been well investigated. This study aimed to perform a functional analysis of reconstruction using high-resolution impedance manometry (HRIM).

Materials and methods:

The authors enroled 25 patients who underwent proximal gastrectomy for gastric cancer between May 2015 and April 2020 and subsequently underwent HRIM postoperatively. Eligible questionnaires [Postgastrectomy Syndrome Assessment Scale-37 (PGSAS-37)] were retrieved from 16 patients. The association between HRIM data and PGSAS-37 was analyzed.

Results:

The amplitudes of distal oesophageal peristaltic waves, contractile front velocity, and distal latency assessed by HRIM were almost normal after surgery. Most patient’s lower oesophageal sphincter (LES) resting pressure created by the hinged double flap was within normal limits. Conversely, LES residual pressure values during swallowing-induced relaxation were abnormally high in most patients, and the lower the values, the more severe the reflux and diarrhoea symptoms (P=0.038, P=0.041, respectively). In addition, even when the integrated relaxation pressure (IRP) was normal, lower values corresponded to more severe reflux symptoms (P=0.020). The required LES pressure may be higher after proximal gastrectomy because of the relatively higher intragastric pressure due to the reduced volume of the remnant stomach. This also suggests that swallowing-induced relaxation of the LES was considered a trigger for oesophageal reflux in post-proximal gastrectomy patients.

Conclusion:

LES residual pressure and IRP values in HRIM correlated with reflux symptoms in patients after proximal gastrectomy.
Neonatal Chylothorax and Early Fluid Overload After Cardiac Surgery: Retrospective Analysis of the Neonatal and Pediatric Heart and Renal Outcomes Network Registry (2015–2018)*
Authors: Brandewie Katie , Alten Jeffrey , Winder Melissa , Mah Kenneth , Holmes Kathryn , Reichle Garrett , Smith Andrew , Zang Huaiyu , Bailly David
Published: December 2023

OBJECTIVES:

To evaluate the association between postoperative cumulative fluid balance (FB) and development of chylothorax in neonates after cardiac surgery.

DESIGN:

Multicenter, retrospective cohort identified within the Neonatal and Pediatric Heart and Renal Outcomes Network (NEPHRON) Registry.

SETTING:

Twenty-two hospitals were involved with NEPHRON, from September 2015 to January 2018.

PATIENTS:

Neonates (< 30 d old) undergoing index cardiac operation with or without cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) entered into the NEPHRON Registry. Postoperative chylothorax was defined in the Pediatric Cardiac Critical Care Consortium as lymphatic fluid in the pleural space secondary to a leak from the thoracic duct or its branches.

INTERVENTIONS:

None.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS:

Of the 2240 NEPHRON patients, 4% (n = 89) were treated for chylothorax during postoperative day (POD) 2–21. Median (interquartile range [IQR]) time to diagnosis was 8 (IQR 6, 12) days. Of patients treated for chylothorax, 81 of 89 (91%) had CPB and 68 of 89 (76%) had Society of Thoracic Surgeons–European Association for Cardiothoracic Surgery Congenital Heart Surgery 4–5 operations. On bivariate analysis, chylothorax patients had higher POD 1 FB (3.2 vs. 1.1%, p = 0.014), higher cumulative POD 2 FB (1.5 vs. –1.5%, p < 0.001), achieved negative daily FB by POD 1 less often (69% vs. 79%, p = 0.039), and had lower POD 1 urine output (1.9 vs. 3. 2 mL/kg/day, p ≤ 0.001) than those without chylothorax. We failed to identify an association between presence or absence of chylothorax and peak FB (5.2 vs. 4.9%, p = 0.9). Multivariable analysis shows that higher cumulative FB on POD 2 was associated with greater odds (odds ratio [OR], 95% CI) of chylothorax development (OR 1.5 [95% CI, 1.1–2.2]). Further multivariable analysis shows that chylothorax was independently associated with greater odds of longer durations of mechanical ventilation (OR 5.5 [95% CI, 3.7–8.0]), respiratory support (OR 4.3 [95% CI, 2.9–6.2]), use of inotropic support (OR 2.9 [95% CI, 2.0–4.3]), and longer hospital length of stay (OR 3.7 [95% CI, 2.5–5.4]).

CONCLUSIONS:

Chylothorax after neonatal cardiac surgery for congenital heart disease (CHD) is independently associated with greater odds of longer duration of cardiorespiratory support and hospitalization. Higher early (POD 2) cumulative FB is associated with greater odds of chylothorax. Contemporary, prospective studies are needed to assess whether early fluid mitigation strategies decrease postoperative chylothorax development.
New Functional Impairment After Hospital Discharge by Traumatic Brain Injury Mechanism in Younger Than 3 Years Old Admitted to the PICU in a Single Center Retrospective Study
Authors: McNamara Caitlin R. , Kalinowski Anne , Horvat Christopher M. , Gaines Barbara A. , Richardson Ward M. , Simon Dennis W. , Kochanek Patrick M. , Berger Rachel P. , Fink Ericka L.
Published: December 2023

OBJECTIVES:

Children who suffer traumatic brain injury (TBI) are at high risk of morbidity and mortality. We hypothesized that in patients with TBI, the abusive head trauma (AHT) mechanism vs. accidental TBI (aTBI) would be associated with higher frequency of new functional impairment between baseline and later follow-up.

DESIGN:

Retrospective single center cohort study.

SETTING AND PATIENTS:

Children younger than 3 years old admitted with TBI to the PICU at a level 1 trauma center between 2014 and 2019.

INTERVENTIONS:

None.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS:

Patient characteristics, TBI mechanism, and Functional Status Scale (FSS) scores at baseline, hospital discharge, short-term (median, 10 mo [interquartile range 3–12 mo]), and long-term (median, 4 yr [3–6 yr]) postdischarge were abstracted from the electronic health record. New impairment was defined as an increase in FSS greater than 1 from baseline. Patients who died were assigned the highest score (30). Multivariable logistic regression was performed to determine the association between TBI mechanism with new impairment. Over 6 years, there were 460 TBI children (170 AHT, 290 aTBI), of which 13 with AHT and four with aTBI died. Frequency of new impairment by follow-up interval, in AHT vs. aTBI patients, were as follows: hospital discharge (42/157 [27%] vs. 27/286 [9%]; p < 0.001), short-term (42/153 [27%] vs. 26/259 [10%]; p < 0.001), and long-term (32/114 [28%] vs. 18/178 [10%]; p < 0.001). Sensory, communication, and motor domains were worse in AHT patients at the short- and long-term timepoint. On multivariable analysis, AHT mechanism was associated with greater odds (odds ratio [95% CI]) of poor outcome (death and new impairment) at hospital discharge (4.4 [2.2–8.9]), short-term (2.7 [1.5–4.9]), and long-term timepoints (2.4 [1.2–4.8]; p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS:

In patients younger than 3 years old admitted to the PICU after TBI, the AHT mechanism—vs. aTBI—is associated with greater odds of poor outcome in the follow-up period through to ~5 years postdischarge. New impairment occurred in multiple domains and only AHT patients further declined in FSS over time.
Microbe Profile: The Lactobacillaceae
Authors: Walter Jens , O'Toole Paul W.
Published: December 2023

Graphical abstract

Phylogeny, host association and genome size in the

Lactobacillaceae

. The phylogenetic tree of 287 unique species and 15 strains with unassigned species was built using concatenated alignment of amino acid sequences of core genes, produced by SCARAP (https://journals.asm.org/doi/10.1128/msystems.00264-19) as an input into IQ-TREE2 (https://academic.oup.com/mbe/article/37/5/1530/5721363) with model parameters are described in []. Coloured branches represent species divisions established in []. Coloured taxon labels indicate major clades and recently established genera. The solid circles by the species names represent genome sizes. The coloured bands on the outer ring indicate the typical habitat based on data in [].
Advancing Virus-Induced Gene Silencing in Sunflower: key factors of VIGS spreading and a novel simple protocol
Authors: Mardini Majd , Kazancev Mikhail , Ivoilova Elina , Utkina Victoria , Vlasova Anastasia , Demurin Yakov , Soloviev Alexander , Kirov Ilya
Published: December 2023

Virus-Induced Gene Silencing (VIGS) is a versatile tool in plant science, yet its application to non-model species like sunflower demands extensive optimization due to transformation challenges. In this study, we aimed to elucidate the factors that significantly affect the efficiency of Agrobacterium-VIGS in sunflowers. After reaffirming a number of approaches, we concluded that the seed vacuum technique followed by 6 h of co-cultivation produced the most efficient VIGS results. Genotype-dependency analysis revealed varying infection percentages (62-91%) and silencing symptom spreading in different sunflower genotypes. Additionally, we explored the mobility of tobacco rattle virus (TRV) and phenotypic silencing manifestation (photo-bleaching) across different tissues and regions of VIGS-infected sunflower plants. We showed the presence of TRV is not necessarily limited to tissues with observable silencing events. Finally, time-lapse observation demonstrated a more active spreading of the photo-bleached spots in young tissues compared to mature ones. This study not only offers a robust VIGS protocol for sunflowers but also provides valuable insights into genotype-dependent responses and the dynamic nature of silencing events, shedding light on TRV mobility across different plant tissues.
Sperm competition favours intermediate sperm size in a hermaphrodite
Authors: Santhosh Santhosh , Ebert Dieter , Janicke Tim
Published: December 2023

Sperm competition is a potent mechanism of post-copulatory sexual selection that has been found to shape reproductive morphologies and behaviours in promiscuous animals. Especially sperm size has been argued to evolve in response to sperm competition through its effect on sperm longevity, sperm motility, the ability to displace competing sperm and ultimately fertilization success. Additionally, sperm size has been observed to co-evolve with female reproductive morphology. Theoretical work predicts that sperm competition may select for longer sperm but may also favour shorter sperm if sperm size trades off with number. In this study, we studied the relationship between sperm size and post-mating success in the free-living flatworm,Macrostomum lignano. Specifically, we used inbred isolines ofM. lignanothat varied in sperm size to investigate how sperm size translated into the ability of worms to transfer and deposit sperm in a mating partner. Our results revealed a hump-shaped relationship with individuals producing sperm of intermediate size having highest sperm competitiveness. This finding broadens our understanding of the evolution of sperm morphology by providing empirical support for stabilizing selection on sperm size under sperm competition.
Elite athletes and sports training during the COVID-19 pandemic: A mini review
Authors: Musa Danladi Ibrahim , Toriola Abel Lamina , Bamidele Benson Babatunde , Lawal Badamasi , Sunday Abu , Toriola Oluwatoyin O. , Ahmed Jimoh Monay , David Adams
Published: December 2023

Purpose

The corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic had devastating impact on sporting activities, education and global health. Given the impact of the pandemic-related restrictions and closed fitness centers and other sports facilities, the coping strategies adopted by athletes while training at home to continue their training remain an important question. The purpose of this review is to examine the findings of key studies focusing on the impact of the pandemic on sport training.

Design/methodology/approach

A review was conducted on Google Scholar, Scopus and PubMed to identify articles on physical activity and sport training during the COVID-19 pandemic. Eligibility criteria included peer-reviewed empirical and quantitative studies. The selected articles were reviewed using contextual analysis.

Findings

The COVID-19 pandemic had devastating impact on sports activities globally. Studies evaluating the influence of the pandemic on sports training have revealed abysmal decline in training volume and general physical fitness, limited access to facilities and equipment and significant reduction in training load. The damage of the pandemic on the sporting world should serve as a guide for proactive steps that should be taken to prevent recurrence of a similar calamity.

Originality/value

This paper highlights important lessons to be learned from the lockdown imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic by stakeholders in sport, including the importance of improvisation of sports facilities by utilizing available spaces at home and neighborhood for physical training.
Influenza vaccine uptake and its determinants among adult population in the Kingdom of Bahrain: a cross-sectional study to identify areas for intervention
Authors: Alzayani Salman , Al Sedran Mohammed , Aburowais Safa , Hammad Jumana , Almuaili Noora , Alkawari Shaikha , Bureshaid Rayan , Almalki Muhannad , Almarabheh Amer , Ben Salah Afif
Published: December 2023

Purpose

Seasonal influenza epidemics accounted for significant morbidity and mortality loads worldwide despite the availability of a safe vaccine as an efficient tool against severity of the disease. However, the uptake of the latter was sub-optimal. This study aims to identify predictors and barriers related to seasonal influenza vaccine uptake in the Kingdom of Bahrain.

Design/methodology/approach

A cross-sectional study enrolled 502 individuals attending primary healthcare centers in Bahrain for ambulatory care between July and August 2022. The data were collected using an interviews-based questionnaire which included questions on demographic data, knowledge and attitudes and practices toward influenza vaccine. The authors identified the barriers as well as the determinants of the vaccine uptake and its recommendation to others.

Findings

The mean age of participants was 35.07 years (SD = 13.9). Most of the respondents were Bahraini (86.5%) and 53.4 % were females. The results revealed that 34.1% have previous information about the influenza vaccine and 36.9% versus 69.9% are willing to receive the vaccine or advice it to others, respectively. Determinants of vaccine uptake were identified.

Originality/value

This study confirmed a sub-optimal influenza vaccine acceptance in the general community of Bahrain despite a global access in primary care. Health professionals need to be more proactive in mobilizing the community and particularly females toward influenza vaccination.
The moderating role of CSR in the relationship between earnings management and cost of equity: evidence from European ESG data
Authors: Chouaibi Yamina , Zouari-Hadiji Rim , Khlifi Sawssen
Published: December 2023

Purpose

The present work aimed to identify the impact of accrual-based earnings management on the cost of equity (KE) through corporate social responsibility (CSR) as a moderating variable on European Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) companies.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors used data from a sample of 366 European firms over the 2012–2022 period. The data were collected from the Thomson Reuters Asset 4 and I/B/E/S database and analyzed using STATA 17 as a statistical software package.

Findings

As expected, the results showed a negative relationship between accruals, CSR and KE. Moreover, they suggest that the moderating variable negatively affects the relationship between accruals and the KE.

Practical implications

The results are pertinent to stakeholders and investors, who would pressure companies to enhance the quality of disclosed information and mitigate risks facing the company.

Originality/value

The main contribution lies in examining the relationship between accruals and KE through CSR in the European ESG context.
Balancing complexity and restoration in virtual interior environments: user perceptions of organized complexity in biophilic design
Authors: Bilgic Naz , Ebbini Genell Wells
Published: December 2023

Purpose

There is a growing interest in applying the principles of biophilic design to hotel lobbies to enhance positive user experiences. However, there is little empirical research in this area, particularly for abstract or indirect biophilic approaches. The current study analyzed the biophilic strategy of “organized complexity” (which entails structured hierarchical patterns) in a hotel lobby in relation to attention restoration outcomes.

Design/methodology/approach

A virtual reality approach was used to create three lobby designs, differing only in their degree of organized complexity. A between-subjects study was conducted with 91 participants, evaluating reactions to the lobby designs in terms of perceived attention restoration, perceived environmental complexity and environmental preferences.

Findings

A strong positive relationship was found between participants' perception of environmental complexity and feelings of restoration. However, no statistically significant correlation was found between restoration and the objective measures of organized complexity. This suggests that individual preferences or baseline responses may play a crucial role in the benefits associated with this aspect of biophilic design.

Originality/value

The findings suggest a novel possibility – that responses to organized complexity may not be universal but may instead depend on an individual’s background and personal preferences. While the study found that perceived complexity was associated with restoration, the objective features of the environment that incited these perceptions were different for different participants. This indicates that more research is needed into potentially relevant personal factors.
The feasibility and impacts of renewable energy auctions in Bangladesh: lessons based on best practices
Authors: Shahi Md. Tanvir Alam , Somosi Sarolta
Published: December 2023

Purpose

The present study aims to provide a roadmap for meeting the carbon-free, green energy production target within the stipulated period while also considering climate targets through a sustainable auctioning scheme.

Design/methodology/approach

The research outlines the opportunity to design auctions based on qualitative research, the impact of auctions on energy costs and thus the feasibility of suggested auctioning schemes based on country-specific empirical evidence and benefits.

Findings

The conclusions show that this may result in various advantages for emerging economies relating to technology-neutral site-specific auctions if designed according to state-specific socio-economic conditions.

Originality/value

The planned addition to the state-of-the-art in the renewable energy (RE) field of this paper is that it intends to bridge the gap between theory and practice. The analysis has concepts for research, practice and/or community. Thus, it can serve as a primary source of literature reference for those willing to learn more about the aspects of cost related to RE.
How social media fatigue feigning and altering emotion discourage the use of social media
Authors: Hsu Jack Shih-Chieh , Chiu Chao-Min , Chang-Chien Yu-Ting , Tang Kingzoo
Published: December 2023

Purpose

Social media fatigue (SMF) has been widely recognized; however, previous studies have included various concepts into a single fatigue construct. Fatigue has typically been explored from the stressor-strain-outcome (SSO) or stimulus-organism-response (SOR) perspectives. To further investigate SMF, the authors split it into the two constructs of exhaustion and disinterest. Furthermore, the authors introduced the concept of emotional labor and identified rules that may affect surface and deep acting strategies.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors designed and conducted a survey to collect data from social networking platform users.

Findings

Results from 364 users of social networking platforms supported most of the authors' hypotheses. First, most of the display rules affect the choice of deep or surface acting. Second, both types of acting lead to exhaustion, but only surface acting leads to disinterest. Third, discontinuance intention is affected by both types of fatigue.

Originality/value

This study contributes to SMF research by adding more antecedents (deep and surface acting) based on the emotional labor perspective and showing the impacts of communication rules on emotional labor. In addition, this study also distinguishes disinterest-style fatigue from exhaustion.
Permissibility vs. Feasibility: AI in service from a CX perspective
Authors: Giebelhausen Michael , Poehlman T. Andrew
Published: December 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to provide researchers and practitioners with a consumer-focused alternative for considering the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into services.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper reviews and critiques the most popular frameworks for addressing AI in service. It offers an alternative approach, one grounded in social psychology and leveraging influential concepts from management and human–computer interaction.

Findings

The frameworks that dominate discourse on this topic (e.g. Huang and Rust, 2018) are fixated on assessing technology-determined feasibility rather than consumer-granted permissibility (CGP). Proposed is an alternative framework consisting of three barriers to CGP (experiential, motivational and definitional) and three responses (communicate, motivate and recreate).

Research limitations/implications

The implication of this research is that consistent with most modern marketing thought, researchers and practitioners should approach service design from the perspective of customer experience, and that the exercise of classifying service occupation tasks in terms of questionably conceived AI intelligences should be avoided.

Originality/value

Indicative of originality, this paper offers an approach to considering AI in services that is nearly the polar opposite of that widely advocated by e.g., Huang et al., (2019); Huang and Rust (2018, 2021a, 2021b, 2022b). Indicative of value is that their highly cited paradigm is optimized for predicting the rate at which AI will take over service tasks/occupations, a niche topic compared to the mainstream challenge of integrating AI into service offerings.
Online learning effectiveness in private higher education institutions: the mediating roles of emotions and students’ learning behaviour
Authors: Seow Ai Na , Lam Siew Yong , Choong Yuen Onn , Choong Chee Keong
Published: December 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate students’ attitudes, self-efficacy and emotional behaviour associated with online learning and the effectiveness of online learning.

Design/methodology/approach

A research model was formulated and analysed with the structural equation modelling technique. The respondents consist of 843 students pursuing their studies at a private university’s foundation, undergraduate and postgraduate levels. A two-step systematic approach was used using the SmartPLS version 3 software to conduct statistical analysis and draw meaningful insights.

Findings

The study’s findings have demonstrated that students’ attitudes and self-efficacy exhibit a positive relationship with online learning behaviour (OLB). It is observed that the students’ emotions are related to online learning effectiveness (OLE) and mediate the relationship between OLB and OLE. Furthermore, OLB partially mediates the relationship between attitude and OLE and between self-efficacy and OLE.

Research limitations/implications

The operational instructions and digital resources have proven to be highly effective in providing valuable learning experiences to the students. As a result, the students are now expanding and applying their new encounters to a broader range of learning opportunities. This study has provided valuable insights for stakeholders, including scholars, higher education institutions and the Ministry of Higher Education, in providing the ideas of online learning or Web-based education.

Originality/value

The originality of this study sheds light on the role of OLB as a mediator. It was underlined that emotion is critical in improving students’ OLE. Thus, students’ attitudes and self-efficacy have been essential in reassuring OLB and enhancing OLE.
Accessible tourism: how people with vision impairment and blindness experience tourism and “see” the invisible
Authors: Noghan Nick , O’Connor Peter , Sigala Marianna
Published: December 2023

Purpose

Traditionally vision-focused, tourism effectively ignores the other senses. With tourists travelling to “see” places, an understanding of how people with vision impairment or blindness (PwVIB) experience tourism is currently lacking. Borrowing from psychology, this viewpoint proposes innovative research approaches to address this knowledge gap, clarifying how PwVIB psychologically experience tourism, enabling tourism professionals to design meaningful and appropriate tourism products and services for this market.

Design/methodology/approach

Reviewing extant literature on the tourist experience of PwVIB, this study highlights the existing knowledge gaps regarding understanding how PwVIB experience tourism, proposing alternative theoretical approaches and methodologies for use in future studies.

Findings

Alternative research approaches, borrowed from psychology, are proposed to address this knowledge gap and clarify our understanding of how PwVIB experience tourism, serving as a call to action for researchers to attack this issue in innovative ways. An example study, using a mental imagery approach is discussed by way of illustration of how such techniques could be applied.

Originality/value

Highlighting a gap in the understanding of tourist experiences of PwVIB, this viewpoint proposes the adoption of innovative research methods from psychology as a means of delving into the cognitive and conceptual processes involved, offering a new perspective on how to address this important and topical issue and contribute to the design of inclusive and meaningful tourism experiences for this demographic.
Judging Under Authoritarianism
Authors: Yam Julius
Published: December 2023

Authoritarianism has significant implications for how judges should discharge their duties. How should judges committed to constitutionalism conduct themselves when under authoritarian pressure? To answer this question, the article proposes a two‐step adjudicative framework, documents a variety of judicial strategies, and proposes how principles and strategies can and should be incorporated into the framework in different scenarios. The first step of the adjudicative framework involves judges identifying the ‘formal legal position’ while blindfolding themselves to extra‐legal factors (such as potential authoritarian backlash). In the second step, depending on the level of risk incurred by maintaining the formal legal position, judges should lift the blindfold to check whether, and if so how, the formal legal position should be supplemented with or adjusted by judicial strategies. Through this analysis, the article offers a guide to judicial reasoning under authoritarianism.
Do voters differentially punish transnational corruption?
Authors: CHENG‐MATSUNO VANESSA , BERLINER DANIEL
Published: December 2023

A large literature studies whether, and under what circumstances, voters will electorally punish corrupt politicians. Yet this literature has to date neglected the empirical prevalence of transnational dimensions to real‐world corruption allegations, even as corruption studies undergo a ‘transnational turn’. We use a survey experiment in the United Kingdom in 2020 to investigate whether voters differentially punish politicians associated with transnational corruption and test four different potential mechanisms: information salience, country‐based discrimination, economic nationalism and expected representation. We find evidence suggesting that voters indeed differentially punish transnational corruption, but only when it involves countries perceived negatively by the public (i.e. a ‘Moscow‐based firm’). This is most consistent with a mechanism of country‐based discrimination, while we find no evidence consistent with any other mechanism. These results suggest that existing experimental studies might understate the potential for electoral accountability by neglecting real‐world corruption allegations’ frequent transnational dimension.
Editorial: Antibiotics as a risk factor for irritable bowel syndrome
Authors: Shin Andrea
Published: December 2023

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Staller et al paper. To view this article, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17736
Editorial: Is there a relationship between dysphagia, chest pain and mucosal innervation in patients with oesophageal motility disorders?
Authors: Sykes Catherine , Dervin Humayra , Sweis Rami
Published: December 2023

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Sawada et al paper. To view this article, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17773
β‐glucosidase, driven by porcine transthyretin promoter, specific expression in the liver of transgenic mice
Authors: Zhang Feng , Li Yujiao , Xiong Qi , Chai Jin , Jiang Siwen
Published: December 2023

Under the background of food security, using non‐grain feed instead of corn–soybean‐based feed is an effective measure to alleviate the food‐feed competition. While, non‐grain feeds are often rich in fiber, which cannot be digested by non‐ruminants. Producing heterologous enzymes in non‐ruminants to improve cellulose utilization rate is a new research strategy by transgenic technology. In this study, porcine transthyretin (TTR) promoter, signal peptide‐coding sequence (CDS), Saccharomycopsis fibuligera β‐glucosidase gene (BGL1)‐CDS, 6×His sequences fragments were fused into pGL3‐control vector to generate transgenic vector. Then, transgenic mice were generated by pronuclear microinjection of the linearized expression vectors. Transgenic mice and their offspring were examined by PCR‐based genotyping and copy number variation. Results showed that BGL1 was successfully integrated into the mouse genome and transmitted stably. Furthermore, reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR), Western blotting, and β‐glucosidase activity assay demonstrated that BGL1 was specifically expressed in the liver, and β‐glucosidase activity significantly increased. In addition, liver weight index, cellular morphology, and collagen fiber content of the liver showed that exogenous gene insertion did not cause any lesions to live. Taken together, our findings suggest that β‐glucosidase driven by TTR promoter was specifically expressed in the liver of transgenic mice.
Low vitamin B12 blood levels in sickle cell disease: Data from a large cohort study in Tanzania
Authors: Kisali Eka Patricia , Iversen Per Ole , Makani Julie ,   the Sickle Cell Programme, MUHAS
Published: December 2023

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is associated with high rates of undernutrition and stunting. Undernutrition in combination with chronic haemolysis may lead to deficiencies in micronutrients necessary for erythropoiesis. Here we examined selected levels of ferritin, vitamins B2, B6, B9 and B12, and vitamin C that were measured in blood samples from 820 SCD patients from Tanzania with no history of hospital admission, infections or painful episodes in the previous 30 days. We studied children (0–8 years), early adolescents (9–14 years), late adolescents (15–17 years) and adults (≥18 years). Severely low levels of vitamin B12 were observed across the four age groups. Despite the lowered vitamin B12 concentrations, total homocysteine concentrations were normal across both genders in all age groups. We found no significant gender‐related differences between the other measured micronutrients. In this large SCD population, spanning the whole life cycle, a low level of vitamin B12 was consistently found across both genders and all age groups. Given the pivotal role of vitamin B12 in cellular metabolism, particularly in erythropoiesis, more studies are required to unravel how to better detect clinically relevant vitamin B12 deficiency among SCD patients, and thus to identify more precisely those who need supplementation of vitamin B12.
Debate: Social media content moderation may do more harm than good for youth mental health
Authors: Zhang Cindy C. , Zaleski Grayden , Kailley Jaya N. , Teng Katelyn A. , English Mahala , Riminchan Anna , Robillard Julie M.
Published: December 2023

Most social media platforms censor and moderate content related to mental illness to protect users from harm, though this may be at the expense of potential positive outcomes for youth mental health. Current evidence does not offer strong support for the relationship between censoring mental health content and preventing harm. In fact, existing moderation strategies can perpetuate negative consequences for mental health by creating isolated and polarized communities where at‐risk youth remain exposed to harmful content, such as pro‐eating disorder communities that use lexical variants to evade censorship. Social media censorship of content related to mental illness can also silence positive discourse about mental health, create barriers to accessing online support and resources, and hinder research efforts on youth well‐being. Social media content about mental health can have important positive impacts on youth mental health by facilitating help‐seeking, depicting positive coping strategies, and promoting a sense of belonging for struggling youth, but these benefits are minimized under existing moderation and censorship practices. This article presents a call to action for evidence‐based social media policies and for practitioners to consider the clinical implications of social media engagement when connecting with young patients.
Myelodysplasia cutis masquerading as granulomatous dermatitis
Authors: Yi Lauren G. , Guerra Ricardo , Irwin Lindsay , Noland Mary Margaret , Singh Amrit , Gradecki Sarah , Gru Alejandro A. , Flowers R. Hal
Published: December 2023

Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are a group of clonal hematopoietic neoplasms resulting from mutations in stem cells. They carry a risk of transformation to acute myeloid leukemia. Cutaneous manifestations of MDS, including myelodysplasia cutis or infiltration by MDS tumor cells, are rare, but significantly associated with increased risk of progression to high‐grade myeloid tumors. The clinical and histopathologic differential diagnosis for myelodysplasia cutis includes interstitial granulomatous dermatitis (IGD), a reactive granulomatous dermatitis (RGD) associated with systemic diseases including rheumatologic diseases, and hematologic malignancy like MDS. We report a patient with MDS who presented with myelodysplasia cutis masquerading as IGD both in a clinical and histopathological manner.
Risk‐based and individualised management of bleeding and thrombotic events in adults with primary immune thrombocytopenia (ITP)
Authors: Lambert Catherine , Maitland Hillary , Ghanima Waleed
Published: December 2023

Although bleeding is one of the main symptoms of primary immune thrombocytopenia (ITP), risk factors for bleeding have yet to be fully established. Low platelet count (PC; <20–30 × 109/L) is generally indicative of increased risk of bleeding. However, PC and bleeding events cannot be fully correlated; many other patient‐ and disease‐related factors are thought to contribute to increased bleeding risk. Furthermore, even though ITP patients have thrombocytopenia and are at increased risk of bleeding, ITP also carries higher risk of thrombotic events. Factors like older age and certain ITP treatments are associated with increased thrombotic risk. Women's health in ITP requires particular attention concerning haemorrhagic and thrombotic complications. Management of bleeding/thrombotic risk, and eventually antithrombotic therapies in ITP patients, should be based on individual risk profiles, using a tailored, patient‐centric approach. Currently, evidence‐based recommendations and validated tools are lacking to support decision‐making and help clinicians weigh risk of bleeding against thrombosis. Moreover, evidence is lacking about optimal PC for achieving haemostasis in invasive procedures settings. Further research is needed to fully define risk factors for each event, enabling development of comprehensive risk stratification approaches. This review discusses risk‐based and individualised management of bleeding and thrombosis risk in adults with primary ITP.
Correlations between serotonin impairments and clinical indices in multiple system atrophy
Authors: Nagao Ryunosuke , Mizutani Yasuaki , Shima Sayuri , Ueda Akihiro , Ito Mizuki , Yoshimoto Junichiro , Watanabe Hirohisa
Published: December 2023

Background and purpose

Multiple system atrophy (MSA) is a neurodegenerative disease with characteristic motor and autonomic symptoms. Impaired brain serotonergic innervation can be associated with various clinical indices of MSA; however, the relationship between clinical symptoms and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) levels of 5‐hydroxyindole acetic acid (5‐HIAA), a main serotonin metabolite, has not been fully elucidated.

Methods

To compare CSF 5‐HIAA levels between patients with MSA and healthy controls, we included 33 controls and 69 MSA patients with either predominant parkinsonian or cerebellar ataxia subtypes. CSF 5‐HIAA levels were measured using high‐performance liquid chromatography. Additionally, we investigated correlations between CSF 5‐HIAA and various clinical indices in 34 MSA patients.

Results

CSF 5‐HIAA levels were significantly lower in MSA patients than in controls (p < 0.0001). Probable MSA patients had lower CSF 5‐HIAA levels than possible MSA patients (p < 0.001). In MSA patients, CSF 5‐HIAA levels were inversely correlated with scores in Parts 1, 2, and 4 of the Unified Multiple System Atrophy Rating Scale, and with systolic and diastolic blood pressure in Part 3. Structural equation modeling revealed significant paths between serotonin and clinical symptoms, and significance was highest for activities of daily living, walking, and body sway.

Conclusions

Serotonin dysfunction, as assessed by CSF 5‐HIAA levels, may implicate greater MSA severity.
Abnormal dopamine transporter imaging in pure autonomic failure: a potential biomarker of central nervous system involvement
Authors: Alnasser Alsukhni Rana , Vichayanrat Ekawat , Koay Shiwen , Davis Laura May , Ingle Gordon , McNamara Patricia , Panicker Jalesh N. , Bhatia Kailash P. , Mathias Christopher , Bomanji Jamshed , Iodice Valeria
Published: December 2023

Background and purpose

Pure autonomic failure (PAF) is a rare progressive neurodegenerative disease characterized by neurogenic orthostatic hypotension at presentation, without other neurological abnormalities. Some patients may develop other central neurological features indicative of multiple system atrophy or a Lewy body disorder. There are currently no biomarkers to assess possible central nervous system involvement in probable PAF at an early stage. A possibility is to evaluate the nigrostriatal dopaminergic degeneration by imaging of dopamine transporter with DaTscan brain imaging. The objective was to evaluate subclinical central nervous system involvement using DaTscan in PAF.

Methods

We retreospectively reviewed pure autonomic failure patients who were evaluated at the Autonomic Unit between January 2015 and August 2021 and underwent comprehensive autonomic assessment, neurological examination, brain magnetic resonance imaging and DaTscan imaging. DaTscan imaging was performed if patients presented with atypical features which did not meet the criteria for Parkinson's disease or multiple system atrophy or other atypical parkinsonism.

Results

In this cohort, the median age was 49.5 years at disease onset, 57.5 years at presentation, and the median disease duration was 7.5 years. Five of 10 patients had an abnormal DaTscan without neurological features meeting the criteria of an alternative diagnosis. Patients with abnormal DaTscan were predominantly males, had shorter disease duration and had more severe genitourinary symptoms.

Discussion

Degeneration of nigrostriatal dopaminergic neurons measured using DaTscan imaging can present in patients with PAF without concurrent signs indicating progression to widespread α‐synucleinopathy. It is advocated that DaTscan imaging should be considered as part of the workup of patients with emerging autonomic failure who are considered to have PAF.
Prediction of creep deformation based on the Zc parameter method
Authors: Kang Wen , Cao Tieshan , Cheng Congqian , Zhao Jie
Published: December 2023

The prediction method of creep curve based on Zc parameter is proposed. The Zc parameter method is capable of effectively predicting creep curves and parameters (creep rate, minimum creep rate, and creep rupture life) under various experimental conditions, even with limited data. The predicted results are in accordance with experimental data, and all predictions are entirely within a 95% confidence interval, demonstrating the predictive reliability of the Zc method. Furthermore, on the premise of ensuring the accuracy of prediction, the setting of creep rupture strain for predicting creep rupture time using the Zc parameter method has a considerable range of options.
Valeriepieris Circles for Spatial Data Analysis
Authors: Arthur Rudy
Published: December 2023

The Valeriepieris (VP) circle is the smallest circle containing half of the world's population. The Valeriepieris circle acts as a spatial median, splitting spatial data into two halves in a unique way. In this article the idea of the VP circle is generalized and a fast algorithm to compute it is described. This algorithm has been implemented in Python and is available for download and use. The VP circle is compared to other measures of center and dispersion for population distributions and is shown to reflect expected differences between countries and changes over time. By studying the VP circle as a function of the included population fraction, a new way of representing population distributions is constructed, as well as a mathematical model of its expected behavior. Finally a measure of population “centralization” is constructed which measures the tendency of a territory to be dominated by a single population center or to have a more even distribution of population. Thus, VP circles unify measures of population center, dispersion and centralization while also being useful for more detailed modeling efforts.