bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Examining authenticity on digital touchpoint: a thematic and bibliometric review of 15 years' literature
Authors: Vo Diem-Trang , Mai Nguyen Quynh , Nguyen Long TV , Thuan Nguyen Hoang , Dang-Pham Duy , Hoang Ai-Phuong
Published: October 2023

Purpose

The role of customers has moved from reactive to proactive, and they require more control over digital touchpoints. The quest for authenticity is their response to the dark side of interactive marketing – forms of faking, manipulation and exploitation. Authenticity becomes a key topic in interactive marketing as it reflects how customers assess digital touchpoints. However, there is a lack of comprehensive knowledge of authenticity in the interactive environment.

Design/methodology/approach

This article consolidates the authenticity studies in various digital touchpoints using the entity-referent correspondence framework. This research employs bibliometric analysis and thematic analysis of 103 articles in the last 15 years.

Findings

Five research clusters are identified: (1) human, (2) brand-generated content, (3) user-generated content, (4) branded platforms and (5) new technologies-based touchpoints (artificial intelligence, augmented reality and virtual reality). Most interactive marketing studies focus on human and content authenticity, and new technologies-based touchpoints lack comprehensive conceptualization. The review synthesizes the types of authenticity used in each touchpoint and highlights the importance of true-to-creator-self and true-to-customer-self in customer evaluation. We further propose a research framework with four antecedent groups and outcomes.

Practical implications

Our research supports managers by highlighting the type of authenticity prioritized in each touchpoint's development.

Originality/value

To answer the call from interactive marketing researchers, this research highlights the distinct definitions of authenticity at various digital touchpoints rather than looking at the overall brand. Trends, gaps and future research agenda of the authenticity concept in technology adoption and customer behavior are discussed.
How do we design curricula to foster innovation, motivation and interest in STEM learning?
Authors: Calabrese Julia E. , Songer Nancy Butler , Cordner Holly , Kalani Aina Daniel
Published: October 2023

Purpose

The authors designed a science and engineering curricular program that includes design features that promote student interest and motivation and examined teachers' and students' views on meaningfulness, motivation and interest.

Design/methodology/approach

The research approach consisted of mixed methods, including content analyses and descriptive statistics.

Findings

The curricular program successfully included all four of the US National Academies of Sciences' design features for promoting interest and motivation through scientific investigation and engineering design. During interviews, teachers and students expressed evidence of design features associated with interest and motivation. After experiencing the program, more than 60% of all students scored high on all four science and engineering meaningfulness and interest survey items.

Originality/value

A curricular program that extends science learning through the engineered design of solutions is an innovative approach to foster both conceptual knowledge development and interest and motivation in science and engineering.
Exploring ethnicity and personality disorder in a UK context: a scoping review of the literature
Authors: Lamph Gary , Mulongo Peggy , Boland Paul , Jeynes Tamar , King Colin , Burrell Rachel-Rose , Harris Catherine , Shorrock Sarah
Published: October 2023

Purpose

The UK Mental Health Act (MHA) Reform (2021) on race and ethnicity promotes new governmental strategies to tackle inequalities faced by ethnically racialised communities detained under the MHA. However, there is a scarcity in personality disorder and ethnicity research. This study aims to investigate what is available in the UK in relation to prevalence, aetiology and treatment provisions of personality disorder for ethnically diverse patients, and to understand their interconnectedness with mental health and criminal justice service provisions. Three key areas of investigations were reviewed, (1) UK prevalence of personality disorder amongst ethnically diverse individuals; (2) aetiology of personality disorder and ethnicity; (3) treatment provisions for ethnically diverse individuals diagnosed with personality disorder.

Design/methodology/approach

A scoping study review involved a comprehensive scanning of literature published between 2003 and 2022. Screening and data extraction tools were co-produced by an ethnically diverse research team, including people with lived experience of mental health and occupational expertise. Collaborative work was complete throughout the review, ensuring the research remained valid and reliable.

Findings

Ten papers were included. Results demonstrated an evident gap in the literature. Of these, nine papers discussed their prevalence, three papers informed on treatment provisions and only one made reference to aetiology. This review further supports the notion that personality disorder is under-represented within ethnic minority populations, particularly of African, Caribbean and British heritage, however, the reasons for this are multi-facetted and complex, hence, requiring further investigation. The evidence collected relating to treatment provisions of personality disorder was limited and of low quality to reach a clear conclusion on effective treatments for ethnically diverse patients.

Originality/value

The shortage of findings on prevalence, aetiology and treatment provisions, emphasises the need to prioritise further research in this area. Results provide valuable insights into this limited body of knowledge from a UK perspective.
Assessment of the mechanical properties of PC/ABS blends for functional prototyping by FFF 3D printing
Authors: De Assis Cleiton Lazaro Fazolo , Rampazo Cleber Augusto
Published: October 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to evaluate the mechanical behaviour of polycarbonate/acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (PC/ABS) filaments for fusion filament fabrication (FFF). PC/ABS have emerged as a promising material for FFF due to their excellent mechanical properties. However, the optimal processing conditions and the effect of the blending ratio on the mechanical properties of the resulting workpieces are still unclear.

Design/methodology/approach

A statistical factorial matrix was designed, including infill pattern, printing speed, nozzle size, layer height and printing temperature as factors (with three levels). A total of 810 workpieces were printed using PC/ABS blends filament with the FFF. The workpieces’ finishing and mass were evaluated. Tensile tests were performed. Analysis of variance was performed to determine the main effects of the processing conditions on the mechanical properties.

Findings

The results showed that the PC/ABS (70/30) exhibited higher tensile. Tensile rupture corresponded to 30% of the tensile strength. The infill pattern showed the highest contribution to the responses. The concentric pattern showed higher tensile strength. Tensile strength and mass ratio demonstrated the influence of mass on tensile strength. The influence of printing parameters on deformation depended on the blend proportions. Higher printing speed and lower layer height provided better quality workpieces.

Originality/value

This study has implications for the design and manufacturing of three-dimensional printed parts using PC/ABS filaments. An extensive experimental matrix was applied, aiming at a complete understanding of mechanical behavior, considering the main printing parameters and combinations not explored by literature.
Climate change-induced firms’ initiatives and investors’ perceptions: evidence from Bursa Malaysia
Authors: Alam Md. Mahmudul , Mohamad Tahir Yasmin , Y.H. Saif-Alyousfi Abdulazeez , Pahlevi Reza Widhar
Published: October 2023

Purpose

This research paper aims to empirically explore how stock market investors’ perceptions are affected by extreme climatic events like El Nino and floods in Malaysia.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses structural equation modelling (SEM) to analyse the empirical data gathered through a questionnaire survey involving 273 individual investors from Bursa Malaysia between January and June 2019.

Findings

Results reveal that companies’ efforts, especially for agriculture and plantation-based industries, to adapt to climate change risk at the production, business and stock market levels significantly impact investors’ behaviour and investment decisions. Moreover, stock market investors’ climate change knowledge shows a significant moderating effect on corporate climate change adaptation initiatives and investors’ decisions to invest in Malaysian agricultural and plantation industry stocks.

Practical implications

This research has significant implications for practice and policy, as it measures the stock market investors’ level of awareness about climate change events and explores the companies’ strategies to reduce climatic risks to their business model.

Social implications

This study shows the way to adjust the climate change information in the stock market investment decision to improve market efficiency and sustainable stock exchanges initiative.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this paper is the pioneer one to provide a comprehensive link between climate change events and business performances at production level, business level and stock market levels by drawing inferences from empirical data on investors’ behaviours. This study also added value in investment theories and financial literature by observing the climate change as an important factor to determine the investors’ decisions in the stock market.
Senior official speeches and severe price discontinuities in the foreign exchange market
Authors: Ayadi Mohamed A. , Ben Omrane Walid , Wang Jiayu , Welch Robert
Published: October 2023

Purpose

This study aims to better understand the effects of speeches as a valuable communication tool for central banks. It extends the analysis of the effects of public speeches on jumps to determine whether individual speakers matter partly because of their name, position or institution.

Design/methodology/approach

This study detects intraday jumps using a robust-to-jump volatility estimator that accounts for deterministic seasonality. As a result, this study removes spurious jumps that occur when volatility is high and consider the relatively small jumps that occur when volatility is low. After identifying jumps, this study examines their reactions to senior official speeches and macroeconomic news surrounding the US and European Union (EU) financial crises.

Findings

Despite having the most influential individual speakers, this study finds that the impact of the Federal Reserve (Fed) and European Central Bank (ECB) is mitigated because the two institutions have a relatively small impact on currency jumps. This finding shows that the speaker’s name is more important than his or her institution affiliation. While the Federal Reserve Bank President and Chief Executive, as well as ECB board members, significantly reduce jump sizes, particularly during the EU crisis period, both the Fed Chairman and the ECB President increase the magnitude of the jump in both the US crisis and noncrisis periods, contributing to market instability.

Practical implications

The implications of the results include international portfolio management, currency derivatives pricing and hedging, risk management and market efficiency.

Originality/value

The findings contribute to a better understanding of the effects of senior official speech attributes on currency jumps in various economic states. The results raise questions about the speaker’s name, institution and position’s effectiveness in calming markets and reducing uncertainty.
The relevance of carbon performance and board characteristics on carbon disclosure
Authors: Mardini Ghassan H. , Elleuch Lahyani Fathia
Published: October 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of carbon performance on carbon disclosure among nonfinancial French-listed firms, while also considering the corporate board’s characteristics as a secondary objective.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a sample of Société des Bourses Françaises 120 Index (SBF-120) French-listed firms to investigate the effect of multiple carbon performance proxies on carbon disclosure based on random effects models for the period 2010–2021. Generalized method of moments regressions are used to encounter endogeneity problems.

Findings

Drawing on stakeholder theory, this paper finds that greater carbon performance leads to greater carbon disclosure. Given the growing societal awareness about climate-change issues, carbon-responsible firms are likely to disseminate relevant carbon-related information through disclosures to respond to the information demands of a varied stakeholder group. Coherent with signaling theory, large firms that undertake carbon-reduction initiatives tend to disclose more information about their enhanced carbon performance to equity participants to distinguish themselves and highlight their decarbonization efforts.

Originality/value

This study offers significant insights given that SBF-120 firms are involved in climate-change activities as a response to the growing institutional and societal pressure to perform better and disclose reliable environmental information in their sustainability reports.
Internet use in small tourism in Italy: what will be the role of local government?
Authors: Gritta Fabrizio , Calabrese Mario
Published: October 2023

Purpose

The digital revolution is causing profound transformations, characterised by the way companies and customers approach the market, helping to significantly transform the tourism sector. The aim of this study is to investigate how small hospitality businesses use internet in terms of marketing.

Design/methodology/approach

After analyzing the literature, which concerns the relationship that has gradually developed over the years between small businesses in the tourism sector and the use of the internet, it was decided to carry out an empirical survey conducted among the subjects managing micro-activities in the hospitality sector. The research hypothesis is that the adoption of the website is conditioned by the size of the company and the type of experience one has with small businesses.

Findings

The results show how small hospitality businesses make limited use of booking portals and social networks, and it emerges how digital marketing policies are crucial to achieve success, both in Italy and abroad.

Originality/value

It is believed that this work can provide useful insights that can be useful for the local government, aimed at promoting a greater ability of small businesses to participate more actively in the competition.
Efficacy of 5% sofpironium bromide gel in Duchenne muscular dystrophy with palmoplantar hyperhidrosis: A retrospective case study
Authors: Funato Michinori , Iwata Reina , Iimoto Masami
Published: October 2023

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a severe, progressive, muscle‐wasting disease. Notably, several extramuscular manifestations and complications of advanced DMD, including skin disorders, are known. However, hyperhidrosis and its treatment have not been well‐described in association with advanced DMD, therefore we aimed to confirm the efficacy of 5% sofpironium bromide gel in treating secondary hyperhidrosis in patients with advanced DMD. We retrospectively reviewed patients with advanced DMD who underwent treatment with 5% sofpironium bromide gel. All patients were evaluated using the hyperhidrosis disease severity scale (HDSS) score and by measuring the gravimetric weight of palmar and/or plantar sweat. Three patients with advanced DMD were treated and the patients were aged 28, 31, and 32 years, respectively. Their HDSS scores showed a decreasing tendency within 5 weeks after treatment. In addition, all patients had a decreased gravimetric weight of palmar and/or plantar sweat, and the mean decrease rate of palmar sweat at 7 weeks after treatment was 53.7%. One patient had skin dryness on both soles, but no serious adverse events were observed. Treatment using 5% sofpironium bromide gel showed beneficial efficacy against palmoplantar hyperhidrosis in patients with advanced DMD. These findings warrant further investigation in future studies.
Epidemiological characteristics and therapeutic advances of EGFR exon 20 insertion mutations in non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Pan Binyang , Liang Jiaqi , Shi Haochun , Rao Kungeng , Guo Weigang , Zhan Cheng
Published: October 2023

The third most prevalent type of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation, EGFR exon 20 insertions (EGFRex20ins), involves 2%–12% of all cases of EGFR‐positive non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Approximately 90% of the mutations occur within the loop structure region, and the most frequently reported subtypes are A767_V769dup and S768_D770dup, which together account for almost 50% of instances. Apart from the unique subtype of A763_Y764insFQEA, NSCLCs with EGFRex20ins are resistant to approved EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) and are also insensitive to chemotherapy or immunotherapy. A new modality of treatment for NSCLC patients with EGFRx20ins has been established with the approval of mobocertinib and amivantamab. There are also numerous novel targeted treatments for NSCLC with EGFRex20ins in development, which are anticipated to improve this patient population's survival even further. This review provides a reference for the clinical management of these patients by summarizing the most recent epidemiological, and clinicopathological characteristics, diagnostic techniques, and therapeutic advances of EGFRex20ins in NSCLC.
Decolonising Australia's International Relations? A Critical Introduction
Authors: Davis Alexander E. , Blackwell James
Published: October 2023

Australia's international relations (IR) discipline has a deep colonial history, but has never been through a conscious process of decolonisation. Although discussions of decolonising IR have taken place elsewhere, the discussion in Australia is in its infancy. This collection examines the possibilities for decolonising Australia's IR in the present moment, looking at its teaching practice, its research, its styles of analysis, and its relationship with Australian foreign policy. We consider what is particular to Australia's settler colonial context, what is achievable, and what is not. The collection also seeks to develop a new style of anti‐colonial foreign policy analysis in Australia, looking at the relationship between colonisation, settlement, and foreign policy. In this introduction, we first look over debates on decolonisation elsewhere in the field. We then examine the historical background of Australia's IR discipline, and look at Australian Indigenous diplomacy, to consider what is specific to Australia's context. We conclude by looking over the contributions of the papers in this collection, and consider what a decolonised Australian IR might look like. Ultimately, we argue that any process of decolonisation will be extremely difficult, and that decolonisation in Australian IR should be perceived as an ongoing struggle, rather than an endpoint in itself.
Long‐term functional and structural outcomes in patients with primary congenital glaucoma—A Danish nationwide study
Authors: Brynskov Troels , Bach‐Holm Daniella , Kappelgaard Per , Siersma Volkert , Pedersen Karen Bjerg , Kessel Line
Published: October 2023

Purpose

Evaluation of long‐term functional and structural outcomes in patients with primary congenital glaucoma (PCG) based on visual acuity (VA), visual field (VF) using standard automated perimetry, and peripapillary retinal nerve fibre layer thickness (pRNFL).

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed medical records of all patients diagnosed with PCG in Denmark from 1977 to 2016. Severe vision loss was defined as VA <6/60 and/or VF >20 decibels (dB). Prognostic factors were evaluated in a correlation matrix.

Results

The median age of the 94 patients (153 PCG eyes) was 12 years (IQR 9–16). In PCG eyes 62% had VA ≥6/18 but 22% had <6/60. VA in the better seeing eye was ≥6/18 in 90% and <6/60 in 5%. VF was measured in 59 PCG eyes and the median mean defect was 5.1 dB (IQR 2.1–9.6) with 52% better than 6 dB and 9% worse than 20 dB. Generalized pRNFL was reduced below the age‐expected 1st percentile in 29% of the 58 PCG eyes where pRNFL was measured. Poor VA, poor VF and reduced pRNFL were all correlated (p = 0.0001). More surgeries (p < 0.0001) and longer diagnostic delay (p = 0.004) were associated with poorer vision and to a lesser degree with poor VF pRNFL.

Conclusion

In Denmark, most patients with bilateral PCG retain VA ≥6/18 in the better seeing eye. Poor VA was associated with poor VF. Longer diagnostic delay and more surgeries were associated with a poorer prognosis.
UK Prescribing Safety Assessment (PSA): The development, implementation and outcomes of a national online prescribing assessment
Authors: Magavern Emma F. , Hitchings Andrew , Bollington Lynne , Wilson Kurt , Hepburn David , Westacott Rachel J. , Sam Amir H. , Caulfield Mark J. , Maxwell Simon
Published: October 2023

Aims

The United Kingdom (UK) Prescribing Safety Assessment (PSA) is a 2‐h online assessment of basic competence to prescribe and supervise the use of medicines. It has been undertaken by students and doctors in UK medical and foundation schools for the past decade. This study describes the academic characteristics and performance of the assessment; longitudinal performance of candidates and schools; stakeholder feedback; and surrogate markers of prescribing safety in UK healthcare practice.

Methods

We reviewed the performance data generated by over 70 000 medical students and 3700 foundation doctors who have participated in the PSA since its inception in 2013. These data were supplemented by Likert scale and free text feedback from candidates and a variety of stakeholder groups. Further data on medication incidents, collected by national reporting systems and the regulatory body, are reported, with permission.

Results

We demonstrate the feasibility, high quality and reliability of an online prescribing assessment, uniquely providing a measure of prescribing competence against a national standard. Over 90% of candidates pass the PSA on their first attempt, while a minority are identified for further training and assessment. The pass rate shows some variation between different institutions and between undergraduate and foundation cohorts. Most responders to a national survey agreed that the PSA is a useful instrument for assessing prescribing competence, and an independent review has recommended adding the PSA to the Medical Licensing Assessment. Surrogate markers suggest there has been improvement in prescribing safety in practice, temporally associated with the introduction of the PSA but other factors could be influential too.

Conclusions

The PSA is a practical and cost‐effective way of delivering a reliable national assessment of prescribing competence that has educational impact and is supported by the majority of stakeholders. There is a need to develop national systems to identify and report prescribing errors and the harm they cause, enabling the impact of educational interventions to be measured.
Bibliometric analysis of published articles on perinatal depression from 1920 to 2020
Authors: Dol Justine , Dennis Cindy‐Lee , Campbell‐Yeo Marsha , Leahy‐Warren Patricia
Published: October 2023

Aim

To analyze the characteristics and trends in published research on perinatal depression between 1920 and 2020.

Methods

A search strategy in Web of Science identified all published literature on perinatal depression between January 1, 1920, and December 31, 2020. Output from Web of Science was used to analyze bibliometric information, and VOSViewer was used to visualize the networks of linkages between identified publications.

Results

There were 16,961 publications identified. Among these publications, there were 82,726 unique authors and 140 countries represented. The United States had the highest frequency of publications (44.6%). Most publications (69.8%) occurred between 2011 and 2020, with the first publication identified in 1928. There were 2197 unique journals identified, with over half publishing only one (n = 948, 43.2%) or two relevant publications (n = 314, 14.3%). Authors with the largest number of publications were Wisner (n = 115), Dennis (n = 95), and Murray (n = 92), while authors with the largest number of citations were Cox (n = 7225), Murray (n = 2755), and O'Hara (n = 2069).

Limitations

While the Web of Science is a representative database identifying the greatest number of relevant articles, it may be unrepresentative of all published literature.

Conclusion

This is the first study mapping publications on perinatal depression between 1920 and 2020. The rate of publication on perinatal depression has been steadily increasing in recent years with a wide variety of authors, countries, and journals represented. As the field continues to grow, trends may shift as early career researchers emerge and the importance of mental health in low‐income countries is prioritized.
Colocalization of TDP‐43 and stress granules at the early stage of TDP‐43 aggregation in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Mori Fumiaki , Yasui Hina , Miki Yasuo , Kon Tomoya , Arai Akira , Kurotaki Hidekachi , Tomiyama Masahiko , Wakabayashi Koichi
Published: October 2023

TDP‐43 aggregates (skeins and round inclusions [RIs]) are frequent histopathological features of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). We have shown that diffuse punctate cytoplasmic staining (DPCS) is the earliest pathologic manifestation of TDP‐43 in ALS, corresponding to nonfibrillar TDP‐43 located in the rough endoplasmic reticulum. Previous in vitro studies have suggested that TDP‐43 inclusions may be derived from stress granules (SGs). Therefore, we investigated the involvement of SGs in the formation of TDP‐43 inclusions. Formalin‐fixed spinal cords of six ALS patients with a disease duration of less than 1 year (short duration), eight patients with a disease duration of 2–5 years (standard duration), and five normal controls were subjected to histopathological examination using antibodies against an SG marker, HuR. In normal controls, the cytoplasm of anterior horn cells was diffusely HuR‐positive. In short‐duration and standard‐duration ALS, the number of HuR‐positive anterior horn cells was significantly decreased relative to the controls. DPCS and RIs were more frequent in short‐duration ALS than in standard‐duration ALS. The majority of DPCS areas and a small proportion of RIs, but not skeins, were positive for HuR. Immunoelectron microscopy showed that ribosome‐like granular structures in DPCS areas and RIs were labeled with anti‐HuR, whereas skeins were not. These findings suggest that colocalization of TDP‐43 and SGs occurs at the early stage of TDP‐43 aggregation.
Enhancing ecosystem services through collaborative grass removal and fire exclusion in the Eastern Ghats
Authors: Soman Saneesh Cherapurath , Anjaneyulu Paradesi , Kumar Midigesi Anil , Sharma Himani , Rao Boyina Ravi Prasad , Ladouceur Emma , Knight Tiffany M.
Published: October 2023

Human activities in mesic savanna ecosystems have resulted in plant communities that are heavily dominated by fire‐tolerant grass species, are less diverse, and offer fewer ecosystem services such as palatable plant biomass. Experimental studies manipulating fire and grass presence have mostly been conducted in ecosystems invaded by exotic grass species. However, these experiments are also relevant to ecosystems that have become dominated by native grass species due to changes in human activities. Our study compared three different management treatments in the Eastern Ghats of India, where mesic savanna ecosystems are highly dominated by the unpalatable native Cymbopogon grasses, specifically: (1) control (both Cymbopogon grasses and fire are present), (2) fire exclusion, and (3) manual removal of Cymbopogon grasses and fire exclusion. We found that both grass removal and fire exclusion were necessary to significantly increase palatable herbaceous plant biomass and species diversity, and that species diversity responses were only significant at larger spatial grains of investigation. High site‐to‐site variation in the grass removal and fire exclusion treatment prevented us from detecting significant differences in species composition across treatments, even though particular palatable grass species benefited from the treatment. Our study is in line with research from other mesic savanna systems showing that fire management alone is not sufficient to transition ecosystems to a desired or historical state. We demonstrate how normally costly management practices, such as manual removal of dominant grasses, can be reasonably achieved through collaboration between scientists, community governed village institutions, and government and nongovernment agencies in socioecological systems.
Switch to gliflozins and biventricular function improvement in patients with chronic heart failure and diabetes mellitus
Authors: Correale Michele , Mazzeo Pietro , Fortunato Martino , Paradiso Matteo , Furore Andrea , Fanizzi Angela I. , Tricarico Lucia , Pastore Giuseppe , Alfieri Simona , Brunetti Natale D. , Lamacchia Olga
Published: October 2023

Background

SGLT2 inhibitors have been shown to reduce hospitalisation in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF). The cardioprotective mechanisms of gliflozins however have not been fully elucidated. The aim of this study was therefore to evaluate the effect of SGLT2 inhibitors on right and left ventricular function in patients with diabetes and HF.

Methods

Seventy‐eight patients with diabetes and CHF were enroled in the study and followed up; 38 started treatment with SGLT2i, while the remaining 40 continued their previous antidiabetic therapy. All patients underwent conventional, TDI and strain echocardiography in an ambulatory setting, at the beginning and after 3 months of therapy with SGLT2i.

Results

After 3 months of therapy with SGLT2i, echocardiographic parameters assessing both left and right ventricular dimensions and function were found as significantly improved in patients switching to SGLT2i than control group: LVEF (45 ± 9% vs. 40 ± 8%, p < 0.001), LVEDD (54 ± 6.5 vs. 56 ± 6.5 mm, p < 0.01), GLS (−13 ± 4% vs. −10 ± 3%, p < 0.001), TAPSE (21 ± 3 vs. 19 ± 3 mm, p < 0.001), RV S' (12.9 ± 2.5 vs 11.0 ± 1.9 cm/sec, p < 0.001) and PAsP (24 ± 8 vs. 31 ± 9 mmHg, p < 0.001). Also mitral (1.0 ± 0.5 vs. 1.3 ± 0.5, p < 0.01) and tricuspid regurgitation (1.0 ± 0.5 vs. 1.3 ± 0.5, p < 0.01) improved after SGLT2i therapy. Changes were not statistically significant in patients not treated with SGLT2i (p n.s. in all cases).

Conclusions

In a real‐world scenario, treatment with SGLT2i in patients with CHF and diabetes is associated with an improvement in both left and right ventricular function assessed at echocardiography. These data may explain potential anti‐remodelling effects of gliflozins.
Strategies supporting parent‐delivered rehabilitation exercises to improve motor function after paediatric traumatic brain injury: A systematic review
Authors: Young David , Cawood Sarah , Mares Kathryn , Duschinsky Robbie , Hardeman Wendy
Published: October 2023

Aim

To identify and analyse ways in which parents are supported to deliver rehabilitation exercises to their child after traumatic brain injury (TBI), conceptualized as strategies.

Method

A systematic search was completed using seven online databases and three grey literature databases, from inception to November 2021. The included studies focused on physical rehabilitation in children after TBI with the involvement of parents as hands‐on deliverers or facilitators of rehabilitation (e.g. supervising the exercise). Intervention descriptions were reviewed to identify strategies; this was followed by fine‐grained analysis using the Behaviour Change Wheel to identify intervention components. Risk of bias was analysed using the revised Cochrane Risk‐of‐Bias Tool for Randomized Trials or the Risk Of Bias In Non‐randomized Studies ‐ of Interventions.

Results

Six interventions including 211 participants and one trial protocol met the inclusion criteria. All studies included a proportion of children diagnosed with TBI and four studies included mixed samples of acquired brain injury or cerebral palsy. All interventions included elements of goal setting and instruction.

Interpretation

Interventions focus heavily on the initiation of physical rehabilitation, but focus less on the longer‐term maintenance of rehabilitation delivery. Further research should integrate perspectives from parents to inform the development of new interventions.

What this paper adds

Parents need support to deliver or supervise rehabilitation exercises.

The interventions identified in this review supported goal setting, action planning, and learning rehabilitation exercises.

Interventions focused primarily on the initiation of exercises but less on maintenance.

Rehabilitation is complex and new approaches are needed to better support parents.
Stigma and take‐up of labour market assistance: Evidence from two field experiments
Authors: Osman Adam , Speer Jamin D.
Published: October 2023

Aversion to ‘stigma’—disutility associated with a programme or activity due to beliefs about how it is perceived—may affect labour market choices and utilization of social programmes, but empirical evidence of its importance is scarce. Using two randomized field experiments, we show that stigma can affect consequential labour market decisions. Treatments designed to alleviate stigma concerns about taking entry‐level jobs—such as how those jobs are perceived by society—had small average effects on take‐up of job assistance programmes. However, using compositional analysis and machine learning methods, we document large heterogeneity in the responses to our treatments. Stigma significantly affects the composition of who takes up a programme: the treatments were more successful in overcoming stigma for older, wealthier and working respondents. For other people, we show that our treatments merely increased the salience of the stigma without dispelling it. We conclude that social image concerns affect labour market decisions and that messaging surrounding programmes can have important effects on programme take‐up and composition.
Artificial intelligence in the prediction of venous thromboembolism: A systematic review and pooled analysis
Authors: Chiasakul Thita , Lam Barbara D. , McNichol Megan , Robertson William , Rosovsky Rachel P. , Lake Leslie , Vlachos Ioannis S. , Adamski Alys , Reyes Nimia , Abe Karon , Zwicker Jeffrey I. , Patell Rushad
Published: October 2023

Background

Accurate diagnostic and prognostic predictions of venous thromboembolism (VTE) are crucial for VTE management. Artificial intelligence (AI) enables autonomous identification of the most predictive patterns from large complex data. Although evidence regarding its performance in VTE prediction is emerging, a comprehensive analysis of performance is lacking.

Aims

To systematically review the performance of AI in the diagnosis and prediction of VTE and compare it to clinical risk assessment models (RAMs) or logistic regression models.

Methods

A systematic literature search was performed using PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Web of Science from inception to April 20, 2021. Search terms included “artificial intelligence” and “venous thromboembolism.” Eligible criteria were original studies evaluating AI in the prediction of VTE in adults and reporting one of the following outcomes: sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, or area under receiver operating curve (AUC). Risks of bias were assessed using the PROBAST tool. Unpaired t‐test was performed to compare the mean AUC from AI versus conventional methods (RAMs or logistic regression models).

Results

A total of 20 studies were included. Number of participants ranged from 31 to 111 888. The AI‐based models included artificial neural network (six studies), support vector machines (four studies), Bayesian methods (one study), super learner ensemble (one study), genetic programming (one study), unspecified machine learning models (two studies), and multiple machine learning models (five studies). Twelve studies (60%) had both training and testing cohorts. Among 14 studies (70%) where AUCs were reported, the mean AUC for AI versus conventional methods were 0.79 (95% CI: 0.74–0.85) versus 0.61 (95% CI: 0.54–0.68), respectively (p < .001). However, the good to excellent discriminative performance of AI methods is unlikely to be replicated when used in clinical practice, because most studies had high risk of bias due to missing data handling and outcome determination.

Conclusion

The use of AI appears to improve the accuracy of diagnostic and prognostic prediction of VTE over conventional risk models; however, there was a high risk of bias observed across studies. Future studies should focus on transparent reporting, external validation, and clinical application of these models.
Perceived person–organization misfit and procrastination behaviour
Authors: De Clercq Dirk
Published: October 2023

This research examines the relationship between employees' resource‐draining perceptions of person–organization misfit and their procrastination behaviour, with special attention to the mediating role of their turnover intentions and the moderating role of two key personal orientations in this process. The hypotheses were tested with cross‐sectional survey data collected among employees in the education sector. The results reveal that a critical reason that beliefs about a mismatch between personal and organizational values spur slacking on work tasks is that employees make plans to quit. This mediating effect is invigorated by employees' uncertainty avoidance orientation but mitigated by their collectivistic orientation. This investigation therefore pinpoints an important conduit, plans to leave, through which frustrations with misaligned values escalate into a failure to meet work deadlines. Organizations can identify employees who are more or less likely to exhibit such a negative spiral, due to the strength of their uncertainty avoidance and collectivistic orientations.
Biomass burning in the Neotropics is exposing migrating birds to elevated fine particulate matter concentrations
Authors: La Sorte Frank A. , Zuckerberg Benjamin , Lepczyk Christopher A. , Aronson Myla F. J. , Horton Kyle G.
Published: October 2023

Aim

A unique risk faced by nocturnally migrating birds is the disorienting influence of artificial light at night (ALAN). ALAN originates from anthropogenic activities that can generate other forms of environmental pollution, including the emission of fine particulate matter (PM2.5). PM2.5concentrations can display strong seasonal variation whose origin can be natural or anthropogenic. How this variation affects seasonal associations with ALAN and PM2.5for nocturnally migrating bird populations has not been explored.

Location

Western Hemisphere.

Time Period

2021

Major Taxa Studied

Nocturnally migrating passerine (NMP) bird species.

Methods

We combined monthly estimates of PM2.5and ALAN with weekly estimates of relative abundance for 164 NMP species derived using observations from eBird. We identified groups of species with similar associations with monthly PM2.5. We summarized their shared environmental, geographical, and ecological attributes.

Results

PM2.5was lowest in North America, especially at higher latitudes during the boreal winter. PM2.5was highest in the Amazon Basin, especially during the dry season (August–October). ALAN was highest within eastern North America, especially during the boreal winter. For NMP species, PM2.5associations reached their lowest levels during the breeding season (<10 μg/m3) and highest levels during the nonbreeding season, especially for long‐distance migrants that winter in Central and South America (~20 μg/m3). Species that migrate through Central America in the spring encountered similarly high PM2.5concentrations. ALAN associations reached their highest levels for species that migrate (~12 nW/cm2/sr) or spend the nonbreeding season (~15 nW/cm2/sr) in eastern North America.

Main Conclusions

We did not find evidence that the disorienting influence of ALAN enhances PM2.5exposure during stopover in the spring and autumn for NMP species. Rather, our findings suggest biomass burning in the Neotropics is exposing NMP species to consistently elevated PM2.5concentrations for an extended period of their annual life cycles.
Impact of non‐obese metabolic dysfunction‐associated fatty liver disease on risk factors for the recurrence of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma treated with endoscopic submucosal dissection: A multicenter study
Authors: Fukunaga Shuhei , Mukasa Michita , Nakane Tomoyuki , Nakano Dan , Tsutsumi Tsubasa , Chou Tomonori , Tanaka Hiroshi , Hayashi Daiki , Minami Shinpei , Ohuchi Akihiro , Nagata Tsutomu , Takaki Kota , Takaki Hiroshi , Miyajima Ichiro , Nouno Ryuichi , Araki Toshihiro , Morita Taku , Torimura Takuji , Okabe Yoshinobu , Kawaguchi Takumi
Published: October 2023

Aim

Metabolic dysfunction is a risk factor for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). We investigated the impact of the recently proposed metabolic dysfunction‐associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) and its subtypes on ESCC recurrence after endoscopic treatment.

Methods

This multicenter observational cohort study enrolled consecutive patients newly diagnosed with ESCC after endoscopic treatment. Patients were classified into MAFLD or non‐MAFLD groups. The MAFLD group was further classified into non‐obese and obese MAFLD groups with a body mass index cutoff value of 25 kg/m2. The impact of MAFLD on the recurrence of ESCC was evaluated using a decision tree algorithm and random forest analysis.

Results

A total of 147 patients (average age 69 years; male : female, 127:20; observational period, 2.4 years) were enrolled. The 1‐, 3‐, and 5‐year recurrence rates were 2.0%, 21.1%, and 33.7%, respectively. Independent risk factors for the recurrence of ESCC were MAFLD (HR 2.2812; 95% confidence interval 1.0497–4.9571; p = 0.0373), drinking status, and smoking status. Metabolic dysfunction‐associated fatty liver disease was identified as the second most important classifier for recurrence, followed by drinking status. The cumulative incidence of ESCC recurrence was higher in the MAFLD group than in the non‐MAFLD group. In a subanalysis, the cumulative incidence of recurrence was significantly higher in the non‐obese than in the obese MAFLD group among abstainers/non‐drinkers. Directed acyclic graphs revealed that MAFLD directly contributes to ESCC recurrence.

Conclusions

MAFLD was independently and directly associated with ESCC recurrence after endoscopic treatment; a high recurrence rate was observed in patients with non‐obese MAFLD. Metabolic dysfunction‐associated fatty liver disease may identify patients at high risk for ESCC recurrence.
Extracellular vesicles in plasma and cerebrospinal fluid in patients with COVID‐19 and neurological symptoms
Authors: Taxiarchis Apostolos , Bellander Bo‐Michael , Antovic Jovan , Soutari Nida , Virhammar Johan , Kumlien Eva , Karakoyun Can , Rostami Elham , Antovic Aleksandra
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Increased levels of extracellular vesicles (EVs) are associated with haemostatic disturbances in various clinical settings. However, their role in COVID‐19 patients is still not fully clear. In the present study we investigated EVs in plasma from patients with COVID‐19 and neurological symptoms in relation to the activation of coagulation.

Methods

Nineteen COVID‐19 patients with neurological symptoms and twenty‐three aged‐matched healthy individuals were included. Global coagulation assays were performed and levels of EVs were determined by flow‐cytometry in plasma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).

Results

A procoagulant state characterized by significantly increased overall coagulation‐ (OCP) and overall haemostatic potential (OHP), diminished overall fibrinolytic potential (OFP) together with a denser fibrin structure was found in patients with COVID‐19. Flow cytometry revealed elevated levels of plasma circulating EVs derived from neutrophils (MPO+) and platelets (CD61+), as well as EVs expressing phosphatidylserine (PS+) and complement component C5b‐9 (TCC+) in patients with COVID‐19 compared with controls. The concentrations of PS+, CD61+ and TCC+ EVs were positively correlated with OCP and OHP in COVID‐19 patients. Moreover, we identified CD61+, MPO+ and endothelial cell‐derived EVs, as well as EVs exposing PS and TCC in the CSF of patients suffering from neurological symptoms during COVID‐19.

Conclusion

The unique finding in this study was the presence of EVs in the CSF of COVID‐19 patients with neurologic manifestations as well as higher expression of complement protein on circulating plasma EVs. EVs may indicate blood–brain barrier damage during SARS‐COV‐2 infection.
Different Group A Streptococcus pili lead to varying proinflammatory cytokine responses and virulence
Authors: Takahashi Risa , J‐Khemlani Adrina Hema , Loh Jacelyn Mei San , Radcliff Fiona Jane , Proft Thomas , Tsai Catherine Jia‐Yun
Published: October 2023

The human pathogen Streptococcus pyogenes, or Group A Streptococcus (GAS), is associated with a variety of diseases ranging from mild skin and soft tissue infections to invasive diseases and immune sequelae such as rheumatic heart disease. We have recently reported that one of the virulence factors of this pathogen, the pilus, has inflammatory properties and strongly stimulates the innate immune system. Here we used a range of nonpathogenic Lactococcus lactis gain‐of‐function mutants, each expressing one of the major pilus types of GAS, to compare the immune responses generated by various types of fully assembled pili. In vitro assays indicated variability in the inflammatory response induced by different pili, with the fibronectin‐binding, collagen‐binding, T antigen (FCT)‐1‐type pilus from GAS serotype M6/T6 inducing significantly stronger cytokine secretion than other pili. Furthermore, we established that the same trend of pili‐mediated immune response could be modeled in Galleria mellonella larvae, which possess a similar innate immune system to vertebrates. Counterintuitively, across the panel of pili types examined in this study, we observed a negative correlation between the intensity of the immune response demonstrated in our experiments and the disease severity observed clinically in the GAS strains associated with each pilus type. This observation suggests that pili‐mediated inflammation is more likely to promote bacterial clearance instead of causing disruptive damages that intensify pathogenesis. This also indicates that pili may not be the main contributor to the inflammatory symptoms seen in GAS diseases. Rather, the immune‐potentiating properties of the pilus components could potentially be exploited as a vaccine adjuvant.