bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Explicating the factors influencing firm performance: study of social enterprises in India
Authors: Pandey Nisha , Bhattacharyya Som Sekhar , Kharat Manoj G.
Published: June 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to ascertain organizational factors that impacted the performance of social enterprises.

Design/methodology/approach

For this research study, a structured close-ended survey questionnaire was prepared based upon literature inputs. The data was collected from 370 executives in social enterprises in India. The data was analysed through structural equation modelling.  The data was analysed towards hypothesis development as well as model development explicating the success of social enterprises.

Findings

This research study’s findings developed a model towards explicating firm level performance in social enterprises. The antecedent factors were organizational commitment (OC), organizational orientation (OO), employee empowerment (EE) and top management support (TMS). The factor business innovation capability (BIC) was the mediating variable, whereas the firm performance (FP) of social enterprises was the dependent variable. Business innovation creativity had full mediation effect.

Research limitations/implications

In this research study, the variable influencing the performance of social enterprises were ascertained. TMS and EE were independent organizational variables in any social enterprise along with the two organizational factors of OC as well as OO that did matter for enhancement of BIC of social enterprises. BIC had full mediating effect based upon the mentioned factors of OC, organization orientation, EE and TMS, which subsequently manifested in superior social enterprises FP.

Practical implications

Social enterprises had to balance the twin objectives of social good (doing good for society) as well as earning economic benefits for the enterprise.  Given this challenge, social enterprises had to develop an organizational context in which employees were empowered towards undertaking social issues proactively. Furthermore, top management team must provide support for such causes. When this aspect coupled with the presence of OC and OO then in the social enterprise, BIC got developed.  With the presence of BICs, it became easier for social enterprises to undertake innovation that were also socially oriented and led to superior FP.

Social implications

It has often been observed in developing countries like India that social innovation and entrepreneurial ventures associated with these have become a necessity. However, such ventures often do not to scale up. Hence, its case for business continuance and sustenance have been challenging. This study provided insights regarding the existential aspect of social enterprises in terms of its performance.

Originality/value

This study was one of the first research studies that integrated the factors of OC, OO, EE and TMS in building organizational capability towards innovation in social enterprises. This in turn contributed towards the improvement of FP of social enterprises.
Endings, freezing, and new beginnings: the return of customer comfort to Massachusetts restaurants following the pandemic
Authors: Palabiyik John Umit , Cronin Brendan , Markham Bagnera Suzanne D. , Legg Mark P.
Published: June 2022

Purpose

This study investigates restaurant patrons' comfort level with the sudden shift in the dining-in climate within the state of Massachusetts during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Design/methodology/approach

An exploratory study utilized learning algorithms via gradient boosting techniques on surveyed restaurant patrons to identify which restaurant operational attributes and patron demographics predict in-dining comfort levels.

Findings

Past consumers' eating habits determine how much their behavior will change during a pandemic. However, their dining-in frequency is not a predictor of their post-pandemic dining-in outlook. The individuals who were more comfortable dining in prior to the pandemic dined in more often during the COVID pandemic. However, they had a poorer outlook on when dining in would return to normal. Although there are no clear indicators of when and how customers will embrace the new norm (a combination of pre-, peri-, and post-pandemic), the results show that some innovative approaches, such as limiting service offerings, are not well accepted by customers.

Practical implications

The study offers several managerial implications for foodservice providers (i.e. restaurants, delivery services, pick-up) and investors. In particular, the study provides insights into the cognitive factors that determine diners' behavioral change in response to a pandemic and their comfort level. Operators must pay attention to these factors and consider different offering strategies when preparing to operate their business amid a pandemic.

Originality/value

This is a study of a specific location and period. It was conducted in Massachusetts before a vaccine was available. The restaurant industry was beset with uncertainty. It fills a gap in the current literature focused on the COVID-19 pandemic in customers' transition from pre-COVID-19 dining-in behaviors to customers' refreshed COVID-19 outlook and industry compliance with newly established hygiene and safety standards.
Ramadan effect and indices movement estimation: a case study from eight Arab countries
Authors: Al-Najjar Dania , Assous Hamzeh F. , Al-Najjar Hazem , Al-Rousan Nadia
Published: June 2022

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the Ramadan effect anomaly on the stock markets’ indices and estimate the movement of these indices in the light of the phenomenon.

Design/methodology/approach

Stock market indices are used as financial indicators to show the Ramadan effect. To validate this effect, eight Arab countries, which comprises Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait and Egypt, are adopted. A linear regression withR2, error, F-value andp-value is considered to analyze and understand the effect of Ramadan on the aforementioned Arab countries.

Findings

Results found that Ramadan has a strong effect on estimating and predicting the performance of stock market indices in all studied Arab countries, except Kuwait. Results found that the majority of the Ramadan effect occurred after the second 10 days of Ramadan, where the direction of stock indices is opposite of Ramadan variables in all aforementioned cases.

Originality/value

This study is considered as an enrichment of the existing literature review with regard to the Ramadan effect. The study presents a new methodology that can be followed to improve the predictions of stock market indices by using a weight least square method with linear regression. This study presents the most affected periods of time that could decrease or increase the stock prices. Finally, the study proves the capability of the weight least square method in building a predictive model that takes the date into consideration in predicting stock market indices.
The Great Resignation: the great knowledge exodus or the onset of the Great Knowledge Revolution?
Authors: Serenko Alexander
Published: June 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this Real Impact Viewpoint Article is to analyze the phenomenon of the Great Resignation from the knowledge management perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

It applies the knowledge-based view of the firm to the notion of the Great Resignation, reviews the extant literature and relies on secondary data.

Findings

The Great Resignation has created numerous knowledge-related impacts on the individual, organizational and national levels. On the individual level, because of an accelerating adoption of freelancing, the future may witness an expansion of the category of the knowledge worker and a growing need for personal knowledge management methods and information technologies. Organizational effects include knowledge loss, reduced business process efficiency, damaged intra-organizational knowledge flows, lower relational capital, lost informal friendship networks, difficulty attracting the best human capital, undermined knowledge transfer processes and knowledge leakage to competition. Countries may also witness the depletion of national human capital.

Practical implications

Managers should learn how to use the available human capital more efficiently; realize the importance of universal succession planning programs; automate knowledge-centric business processes; facilitate knowledge-based IT initiatives by implementing self-functioning virtual communities, including enterprise social networks; restructure organizations to optimize intra-organizational knowledge flows; adjust strategies, products and target markets based on the available human capital; and create telecommuting conditions for people with disabilities who cannot be physically present. Knowledge management scholars are presented with a unique opportunity to convert the numerous theoretical insights accumulated within the boundaries of their discipline into practical application to facilitate the Great Knowledge Revolution.

Originality/value

This viewpoint offers managerial recommendations and inspires future Great Resignation investigations.
A comprehensive nutritional support perspective in patients with COVID-19: a review
Authors: Ebrahimpour-Koujan Soraiya , Sohrabpour Amir Ali , Safari Saeid , Baziar Nima , Hadavi Shima , Payahoo Laleh , Shabani Samaneh
Published: June 2022

Purpose

Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) is becoming a crucial health problem worldwide. Continued and high-speed mutations of this virus result in the appearance of new manifestations, making the control of this disease difficult. It has been shown that well-nourished patients have strong immune systems who mostly have short-term hospitalization compared to others. The purpose of this study is to review the major nutrients involved in the immune system reinforcement and to explain nutritional aspects during the recovery of COVID-19.

Design/methodology/approach

In this review paper, the mechanistic role of nutrients in boosting the immune system and the nutritional aspects during the recovery of COVID-19 patients were discussed. Papers indexed in scientific databases were searched using antioxidants, COVID-19, inflammation, immune system, macronutrient, micronutrient and probiotic as keywords from 2000 to 2022.

Findings

Because of the adverse effects of drugs like thrombosis, pulmonary embolism and hypercholesterolemia, a balanced diet with enough concentrations of energy and macronutrients could increase the patient's durability. The inflammatory cytokines in a vicious cycle delay patients’ rehabilitation. The main mechanistic roles of micronutrients are attributed to the downregulation of virus replication and are involved in energy homeostasis. Dysbiosis is defined as another disturbance among COVID-19 patients, and supplementation with beneficial strains of probiotics helps to exert anti-inflammatory effects in this regard. Being on a well-planned diet with anti-inflammatory properties could reverse cytokine storms as the major feature of COVID-19. Future studies are needed to determine the safe and effective dose of dietary factors to control the COVID-19 patients.

Originality/value

Being on a well-planned diet with anti-inflammatory properties could reverse cytokine storms as the major feature of COVID-19. Future studies are needed to determine the safe and effective dose of dietary factors to control the COVID-19 patients.
Consumers’ opinions, use of food labels and knowledge of food additives
Authors: Bayram Hatice Merve , Ozturkcan Arda
Published: June 2022

Purpose

This study aims to determine what consumers take into consideration while buying food and to increase awareness. We also demonstrated food additives knowledge, and the association between food additive consumption and illness.

Design/methodology/approach

An online survey was used to collect data from respondents (n = 433).

Findings

Gender and knowledge of food additives and E numbers were found to be statistically different, as were education status and knowledge of food additives (p < 0.05). When purchasing foods, 40.0% of the respondents seldom read labels and also 34.9% were reading for each buy who verified the product’s expiration date (94.2%), followed by brand name (84.8%). Sucralose, Acesulfame potassium (Ace-K) and aspartame consumption were associated with type II diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Additionally, sulfite consumption was linked to diarrhea/constipation.

Research limitations/implications

This study has some limitations. First, the study was cross-sectional, which does not allow the establishment of causal relationships for the associations found here. Second, the study was limited to one city in Turkey. Therefore, the study's findings cannot be extrapolated to Turkey.

Practical implications

Nutrition education should be given by the experts, and the policies should be implemented so that food labels may be used more effectively. Furthermore, nutritional education and policies can increase the general public's awareness of food additives.

Social implications

Nutrition education should be given by the experts, and the policies should be implemented so that food labels may be used more effectively. Furthermore, nutritional education and policies can increase the general public's awareness of food additives.

Originality/value

Consumers must be knowledgeable about food additives and E numbers. However, the findings revealed that the majority of Turkish consumers seldom read product labels, and the use of several food additives resulted in negative health repercussions. Therefore, professionals should provide nutrition education, and legislation should be put in place so that food labels may be used more effectively.
The anti-corrosion performance of reinforcement behaviour of silica from different sources in bio-based paints
Authors: Eken Mustafa
Published: June 2022

Purpose

The aim of this study is to investigate the usability of horsetail, sunflower stalk, wheat stalk and corn stalk ashes as additives in paints and their performance against corrosion resistance when used.

Design/methodology/approach

The ashes of horsetail, sunflower stalk, wheat stalk and corn stalk were investigated in this study in single, binary and ternary combinations with three different percentages as additives in paints. Samples of concrete with any combinations of ashes resisted against the corrosion of steel reinforcements, but horsetail ash proved to be the most effective.

Findings

It can be said that these research results show that the paint containing horsetail ash is an excellent coating material that can be used in paints for the corrosion resistance of steel in reinforced concrete. The corrosion rate decreased with the increase in the amount of reactive SiO2. There was less mass loss with the formation of resistance against corrosion in the horsetail ash added concretes. That is why horsetail ash is one of the most effective options for the aforementioned purpose.

Originality/value

Being cheap and easily obtainable, the materials used for coating in this study are perfect candidates for industrial use.
A case study on enabling metrology in Africa with additive manufacturing
Authors: Greeff Gabriel Pieter
Published: June 2022

Purpose

This case study aims to investigate how locally additively manufactured functional parts can make African metrology institutes more sustainable and independent. These institutes provide calibration services, which links the measurement units to industrial and everyday measurements. This traceability is critical to overcome technical barriers to trade and industrialisation. Most African countries have such a designated institute that requires advanced scientific instrumentation. These instruments are custom-built for a specific application, hard to procure or sometimes obsolete. Servicing these instruments or obtaining spare parts are also difficult. The purpose aims to evaluate if three-dimensional (3D) printing can significantly improve this situation, by providing six institutes with a 3D printer and training.

Design/methodology/approach

Therefore, a 3D printer pilot project was launched, involving six African metrology institutes, with the aim of developing the basic manufacturing capabilities of these institutes so that they can produce functional parts. The project included training on both digital part modelling and 3D printer usage. This case study reviews the technology selection method, project risks, needs, challenges and results, with the aid of research questions.

Findings

The results of the project illustrate how additive manufacturing (AM) has started to enable metrology in Africa and how it can be expanded to the general scientific endeavour on the continent.

Social implications

The success of this project can be used to motivate the further adoption of AM in African National Metrology Institutes, as well as other scientific institutes.

Originality/value

The project is the first AM project of its kind for African National Metrology Institutes.
Engaged and/or burnt out? Finnish and South African doctoral students’ experiences
Authors: Pyhältö Kirsi , Peltonen Jouni , Anttila Henrika , Frick Liezel Liezel , de Jager Phillip
Published: June 2022

Purpose

Doctoral students’ ill-being in terms of stress, exhaustion and high levels of mental health problems has been well documented. Yet, the well-being of doctoral students is more than the absence of these negative symptoms. The number of studies exploring the combination of positive and negative attributes of doctoral students’ well-being is limited. Therefore, this study aims to focus on exploring individual variation in doctoral students’ experienced engagement and burnout across two distinct socio-cultural contexts in Finland and in South Africa.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 884 doctoral students from Finland (n = 391) and South Africa (n = 493) responded to the cross-cultural Doctoral Experience Survey. The data were quantitatively analyzed.

Findings

Altogether four distinctive engagement–burnout profiles were detected, including engaged, engaged–exhausted, moderately engaged–burnout and burnout profiles. Differences between the Finnish and South African students were identified in profile emphasis. The profiles were also related to several study progress attributes such as drop-out intentions, time-to-candidacy and satisfaction with study.

Originality/value

This study provides new understanding on doctoral students’ well-being by focusing on both positive and negative attributes and exploring doctoral students’ discrepant profiles with a cross-country design.
A decision support system to evaluate the quality and warranty policies for remanufactured products
Authors: Kuik Swee , Ban Joowon , Diong Li , Qi Xiaolie
Published: June 2022

Purpose

This paper proposes optimisation models to evaluate and examine the selling of extended warranty policies in terms of improved profits in producing/marketing remanufactured products. These models are numerically solved using a quadratic programming solution approach and implemented in the decision support system (DSS).

Design/methodology/approach

The purpose of this paper is to develop the optimisation models for a DSS and evaluate different warranty policies for buyers.

Findings

This study has demonstrated the flexibility and usefulness of a model-driven DSS for the quality and warranty management, which is applied to examine and evaluate different configurations (i.e. component reuse, rebuild and recycle) for remanufactured products and propose the selling of extended warranty policies for buyers.

Research limitations/implications

The developed model-driven DSS can assist manufacturers to select and increase the number of components, e.g. to be reused, rebuilt, and recycled for producing a remanufactured product and propose suitable warranty policies for buyers. However, this study focusses only on the evaluation of warranty policies for specific remanufactured products in a DSS, i.e. types of air compressors for production operations in manufacturing industry.

Originality/value

This study developed optimisation models to be used in a DSS for proposing the selling of extended warranty of a remanufactured product to improve customer satisfaction and maximise the gained profits for manufacturers.
Residents’ satisfaction with sustainable tourism: the moderating role of environmental awareness
Authors: Khan Ikram Ullah , Khan Safeer Ullah , Khan Salman
Published: June 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to empirically evaluate the significant influence of four sustainability dimensions in predicting the residents’ satisfaction with the development of sustainable tourism in the emerging tourism industry of Pakistan.
Anisotropy and fracture analysis for coalbed methane reservoir development in Bokaro coalfield, India
Authors: Banerjee Abir , Chatterjee Rima , Singha Dip Kumar
Published: June 2022

The low permeability of coal seams is a constraint in the efficient production of coalbed methane. However, the presence of natural fractures in coal enhances the permeability, and prior knowledge of sub‐surface fractures in coal seams is vital to identify the prospective seam. This paper investigates the anisotropy and identifies fractures by processing the advanced sonic and resistivity image logs to mitigate challenges in the reservoir. Anisotropy is estimated from the difference in the travel time between fast and slow shear waves. The application of Alford's rotation technique determines the fast shear wave polarization angle which is consistent with the fracture orientation along the NE–SW or NW–SE direction in coal seams. Moreover, the crossover of fast and slow shear waves in the slowness versus frequency plot indicates stress‐induced anisotropy that originates from fractures. Besides, drilling‐induced fractures observed along NE–SW in the resistivity image log indicate the maximum horizontal stress direction. Results from this study compare coal seams based on fractures in adopting better operational activities for optimized production and future geomechanical studies in the Bokaro coalfield situated in India.
Interpretation of gut microbiota data in the ‘eye of the beholder’: A commentary and re‐evaluation of data from ‘Impacts of radiation exposure on the bacterial and fungal microbiome of small mammals in the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone’
Authors: Watts Phillip C. , Mappes Tapio , Tukalenko Eugene , Mousseau Timothy A. , Boratyński Zbyszek , Møller Anders P. , Lavrinienko Anton
Published: June 2022

Evidence that exposure to environmental pollutants can alter the gut microbiota composition of wildlife includes studies of rodents exposed to radionuclides.

Antwis et al. (2021) used amplicon sequencing to characterise the gut microbiota of four species of rodent (Myodes glareolus, Apodemus agrarius, A. flavicollis and A. sylvaticus) inhabiting the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone (CEZ) to examine possible changes in gut bacteria (microbiota) and gut fungi (mycobiota) associated with exposure to radionuclides and whether the sample type (from caecum or faeces) affected the analysis.

The conclusions derived from the analyses of gut mycobiota are based on data that represent a mixture of ingested fungi (e.g. edible macrofungi, polypores, lichens and ectomycorrhizae) and gut mycobiota (e.g. microfungi and yeasts), which mask the patterns of inter‐ and intraspecific variation in the authentic gut mycobiota.

Implying that ‘faecal samples are not an accurate indicator of gut composition’ creates an unnecessary controversy about faecal sampling because the comparison of samples from the caecum and faeces confounds many other possible drivers (including different animals from different locations, sampled in different years) of variation in gut microbiota.

It is relevant also that Antwis et al.'s (2021) data lack statistical power to detect an effect of exposure to radionuclides on the gut microbiota because (1) all of their samples of Apodemus mice had experienced a medium or high total absorbed dose rate and (2) they did not collect samples of bank voles (M. glareolus) from replicate contaminated and uncontaminated locations.

Discussion of Antwis et al.'s (2021) analysis, especially the claims presented in the Abstract, is important to prevent controversy about the outcome of research on the biological impacts of wildlife inhabiting the CEZ.
Bacterioplankton communities reveal horizontal and vertical influence of an Island Mass Effect
Authors: Comstock Jacqueline , Nelson Craig E. , James Anna , Wear Emma , Baetge Nicholas , Remple Kristina , Juknavorian Amethyst , Carlson Craig A.
Published: June 2022

Coral reefs are highly productive ecosystems with distinct biogeochemistry and biology nestled within unproductive oligotrophic gyres. Coral reef islands have often been associated with a nearshore enhancement in phytoplankton, a phenomenon known as the Island Mass Effect (IME). Despite being documented more than 60 years ago, much remains unknown about the extent and drivers of IMEs. Here we utilized 16S rRNA gene metabarcoding as a biological tracer to elucidate horizontal and vertical influence of an IME around the islands of Mo′orea and Tahiti, French Polynesia. We show that those nearshore oceanic stations with elevated chlorophyll a included bacterioplankton found in high abundance in the reef environment, suggesting advection of reef water is the source of altered nearshore biogeochemistry. We also observed communities in the nearshore deep chlorophyll maximum (DCM) with enhanced abundances of upper euphotic bacterioplankton that correlated with intrusions of low‐density, O2 rich water, suggesting island influence extends into the DCM.
Gender and Access to Finance: Perceived Constraints of Majority‐Female‐owned Indian Firms
Authors: Dutta Nabamita , Mallick Sushanta
Published: June 2022

Do firms with majority female ownership differ from firms with minority female ownership or male‐owned firms in terms of perceived constraints on accessing finance? Using World Bank Enterprise Survey (WBES) data for Indian firms, our results show that there is no significant difference in male‐ and female‐owned firms in terms of their perceptions about accessing finance. Yet, this is true only for firms with minority female ownership (less than 50%). Firms with majority female ownership do perceive more constraints on accessing finance relative to firms with minority female ownership or zero female ownership. Based on demand‐ and supply‐side factors relating to business inexperience, weaker networking, and lender perceptions, as suggested by signalling and gender congruity theories, the results imply that majority‐female‐owned firms need to negotiate more for financing access, as they need to display positive signals for those investors who might possess stereotypical and gendered beliefs about the abilities of entrepreneurs. We also find that in relation to funding sources being one's own retained earnings or money from family and friends or advances from clients, majority‐female‐owned firms do not perceive financial barriers differently from male‐owned firms or firms with minority female ownership.
The sociology of rationing: Towards increased interdisciplinary dialogue ‐ A critical interpretive literature review
Authors: Martinus Hauge Amalie , Otto Eva Iris , Wadmann Sarah
Published: June 2022

Since the 1990s, the sociology of rationing has developed in explicit opposition to health economic and bioethical approaches to healthcare rationing. This implies a limited engagement with other disciplines and a limited impact on political debates. To bring the sociology of rationing into an interdisciplinary dialogue, it is important to understand the disciplines' analytical differences and similarities. Based on a critical interpretive literature synthesis, this article examines four disciplinary perspectives on healthcare rationing and priority setting: (1) Health economics, which seeks to develop decision models to provide for more rational resource allocation; (2) Bioethics, which seeks to develop normative principles and procedures to facilitate a just allocation of resources; (3) Health policy studies, which focus on issues of legitimacy and implementation of decision models; and lastly (4) Sociology, which analyses the uncertainty of rationing and the resulting value conflicts and negotiations. The article provides an analytical overview and suggestions on how to advance the impact of sociological arguments in future rationing debates: Firstly, we discuss how to develop the concepts and assumptions of the sociology of rationing. Secondly, we identify specific themes relevant for sociological inquiry, including the recurring problem of how to translate administrative priority setting decisions into clinical practice.
How moderates make boundaries after protracted conflict. Everyday universalists, agonists, transformists and cosmopolitans in contemporary Northern Ireland
Authors: Todd Jennifer , Curristan Sarah , Dornschneider‐Elkink Stephanie
Published: June 2022

This article explores how boundary making proceeds after protracted conflict has ended. Drawing on an interview and focus group study in two local areas in Northern Ireland, we identify the diverse forms of everyday boundary work amongst moderates who distance from the ethno‐political blocs: everyday universalism, agonism, transformation and cosmopolitanism. Each overcomes closed exclusivist boundaries and identity oppositions, thus providing a clear contrast with the overt political contention and polarization that has followed Brexit in Northern Ireland. Our research shows the internal shape and diversity of the moderate constituency who support peace‐building and a less‐polarized politics. It also offers an answer to the question how such everyday openness coexists with continued political polarization. We trace the different political perspectives associated with each form of boundary making and argue that this hinders political cohesion amongst moderates.
Effect of three different remineralizing agents on artificial erosive lesions of primary teeth
Authors: Üstün N , Güven Y
Published: June 2022

Background

This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of three remineralizing agents on dental erosion in primary teeth.

Methods

Forty primary molars were randomly divided into four groups (n = 10 each): self‐assembling peptide (P11–4), casein phosphopeptide‐amorphous calcium fluoride phosphate (CPP‐ACFP), sodium fluoride (NaF) and artificial saliva (AS; control). The erosion‐like formation was created by immersing the samples in citric acid (4 × 2 min, pH 2.3) and AS (4 × 2 h, pH 7). The eroded samples were then treated with remineralizing agents and subjected to further erosion consisting of 15 cycles (3x/8‐h interval) of immersion in citric acid and AS for 6 s each. Alterations in the mineral content and morphology of the samples were quantified using a microhardness tester and atomic force microscope.

Results

All agents had a significant remineralization effect on eroded primary tooth enamel. After further erosive challenge, enamel loss in the CPP‐ACFP group was found to be significantly lower than in all other groups, and no significant difference was found between the P11–4and NaF groups.

Conclusions

This study showed that all tested materials had remineralization ability, and CPP‐ACFP had a superior effect in inhibiting enamel loss due to dental erosion in primary teeth. © 2022 Australian Dental Association.
Taxane‐induced neuropathy: How serious is this problem for patients with early breast cancer?
Authors: Nicolae Robert , Uccellini Anthony , Siderov Jim , Mellerick Angela , Wong Vanessa , Yeo Belinda
Published: June 2022

Background

Taxanes form the mainstay of breast cancer therapy in the curative setting. Taxane‐induced peripheral neuropathy (TIPN) is a common toxicity and confers significant morbidity with no validated therapies. Literature detailing TIPN is inconsistent in reporting its frequency, severity, risk factors, impact upon treatment course, and management practices.

Methods

A retrospective chart review was performed including 348 early‐stage breast cancer patients undergoing weekly paclitaxel therapy between 2010 and 2020 in the adjuvant or neoadjuvant setting. The frequency, severity, and impact on treatment from TIPN were analyzed during treatment and at one year follow‐up. Clinicopathological and patient factors were collected to identify potential risk factors.

Results

279 out of 348 patients (80.2%) developed TIPN of any grade. One‐year follow‐up was available for 232 of the original 279 TIPN patients (83.2%). Of these, 52 patients (22.4%) exhibited persisting TIPN of any grade. The presence and severity of TIPN during treatment was significantly associated with a lower median dose intensity (100% versus 82.5% for non‐TIPN and all‐grade TIPN respectively, p < 0.001). Neoadjuvant treatment (p = 0.038) and body surface area (BSA, p = 0.035) were independently associated with TIPN during treatment. Increased age (p < .001) and pre‐treatment diabetes (p = 0.009) were associated with TIPN at one‐year follow‐up.

Conclusion

TIPN is common in breast cancer patients undergoing weekly paclitaxel therapy. TIPN results in patients receiving significantly lower dose intensity due to dose reductions and premature treatment cessation. Future prospective studies in similar cohorts are warranted, with a focus on long‐term outcomes.
Factors associated with cesarean birth in nulliparous women: A multicenter prospective cohort study
Authors: Panda Sunita , Begley Cecily , Corcoran Paul , Daly Deirdre
Published: June 2022

Background

There is widespread concern around the rising rates of cesarean births (CBs), especially among first‐time mothers, despite evidence suggesting increased morbidities after birth by cesarean. There are uncertainties around factors associated with rising rates of CBs among first‐time mothers in Ireland, and insight into these is essential for understanding the rising trend in CBs. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the factors associated with CBs in nulliparous women.

Methods

A prospective cohort study was conducted in three maternity hospitals in the Republic of Ireland between 2012 and 2017. Data were collected from 3047 nulliparous women using self‐administered surveys antenatally and at 3 months postpartum and from consenting women’s hospital records (n = 2755) and analyzed using the Poisson regression to assess associations between demographic and clinical factors and the main outcome measures, planned and unplanned CBs.

Results

Common risk factors for planned and unplanned CBs were being aged ≥40 years, being in private care, multiple pregnancy, and fetus in breech or other malpresentations. An unplanned CB occurred for 22.43% (n = 377/1681) of women who did not have induction of labor (IOL) or who had IOL with no epidural, but the risk was about twice as high for women who had IOL and epidural.

Conclusions

Findings confirm multifactorial reasons for CB and the challenge of reversing the increasing CB rate if maternal age, overweight/obesity, infertility treatment, multiple pregnancy, and preexisting hypertension in Ireland continue to increase. There is a need to address prelabor interventions, especially IOL combined with epidural analgesia with respect to unplanned CB.
Effects of treatment with methimazole on circulating CD4+ and CD8+ T cells positive for programed cell death protein‐1 and on subsets of CD4+ T cells in untreated hyperthyroid patients with Graves' disease
Authors: Hirao Nanako , Iijima Toshie , Tanuma Dai , Ohira Eriko , Kurai Hidetaka , Shinzawa Toshimitsu , Kase Masato , Sakurai Shintaro , Tomaru Takuya , Jojima Teruo , Usui Isao , Aso Yoshimasa
Published: June 2022

Objective

We investigated longitudinal changes in circulating CD4+ and CD8+ T cells positive for programed cell death protein‐1 (PD‐1) and in other subsets of CD4+ T cells in untreated hyperthyroid patients with Graves' disease after treatment with methimazole (MMI).

Design and Patients

The study included 18 untreated hyperthyroid patients with Graves' disease and 18 age‐matched controls. Before and after 12‐week treatment with MMI, we used flow cytometry to measure circulating PD‐1+ D4+ and PD‐1+ CD8+ T cells and subsets of CD4+ T cells in peripheral blood, as well as serum levels of chemokines related to T‐helper type 1 (Th‐1) and Th‐2 cells.

Results

At baseline, the percentage of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells expressing PD‐1 was significantly higher in patients than in age‐matched controls. Serum levels of chemokines related to Th‐1 and Th‐2 also were higher in patients. Twelve weeks after initiation of MMI, the percentage of CD4+ T cells expressing PD‐1 was significantly lower than at baseline, but no such change was seen in CD8+ T cells. Furthermore, the percentage of Th‐1 cells among CD4+ T cells and the serum levels of soluble CD26/dipeptidyl peptidase‐4, a surface marker of Th‐1 cells, also were significantly lower than at baseline.

Conclusions

The expression of PD‐1 on circulating CD4+ and CD8+ T cells is increased in hyperthyroid patients with active Graves' disease. MMI significantly decreases levels of circulating PD‐1+ CD4+ T cells, suggesting that PD‐1+ T lymphocytes may be associated with the pathogenesis of Graves' disease.
Beyond colonoscopy: Physical activity as a viable adjunct to prevent colorectal cancer
Authors: Chang Wei‐Yuan , Chiu Han‐Mo
Published: June 2022

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a common cancer with an increasing incidence worldwide. The implementation of a mass screening program has been proven effective in reducing the global burden of CRC, but its effectiveness is not ideal and some metabolic derangements and lifestyle factors were reported to be attributable for such a deficit. Implementing positive lifestyle intervention as primary prevention therefore becomes critical because colorectal carcinogenesis can be promoted by several lifestyle factors, such as a lack of physical activity. Herein, we review the current evidence on the association and possible mechanisms between physical activity and CRC carcinogenesis. In addition, since CRC prevention heavily relies on resection of precancerous polyps and subsequent surveillance by colonoscopy, this review will also explore the impact of physical activity on populations with different colorectal polyp risks and its potential adjunct role in altering surveillance outcomes.
Niche conservatism limits the distribution ofMedicagoin the tropics
Authors: Yang Yingbo , Bian Zhenghan , Ren Guangpeng , Liu Jianquan , Shrestha Nawal
Published: June 2022

The increase in species number from poles to the equator is one of the most fundamental patterns in ecology. Although several hypotheses have been proposed, there is a lack of consensus on the mechanisms underlying this pattern. While most hypotheses provide plausible explanation for high tropical diversity of tropical clades, it is unclear if similar mechanisms drive the diversity of extra‐tropical clades. Here, we investigated the environmental drivers influencing the diversity pattern of a Mediterranean plant genusMedicagoand dissect their effects across continents and biomes. We compiled a comprehensive dataset on the distribution of allMedicagospecies and mapped their distribution at the spatial resolution of 100 × 100 km2. We used generalized linear models to quantify the relative effects of environmental factors on the richness patterns ofMedicagoand its two life forms. Next, using geographically weighted regression, we explored the variation in richness–environment relationship across latitude. We found that Quaternary climate change and environmental energy were important explanatory variables, and their effects were consistent at global, continental and biome scales. However, we found contrasting effect of environmental energy in temperate and tropical regions, with species richness increasing with energy in the temperate and decreasing in the tropics. We also found strong affinity ofMedicagospecies to its ancestral Mediterranean climatic niche. Our results suggest that the spatial variation inMedicagorichness patterns may be strongly influenced by heat tolerance as opposed to the tropical clades that depend upon cold tolerance. This dependency on heat tolerance can be attributed to strong niche conservatism exhibited byMedicagospecies. Our findings provide new insights into the richness‐energy hypothesis and suggest that high environmental energy may not necessarily yield high species diversity but may also lower species diversity, especially of extra‐tropical clades towards the tropics.
Temporal changes in the fish community structure of a small subtropical spring lake: Decadal and seasonal analysis
Authors: Ramírez‐García Arely , Domínguez‐Domínguez Omar , López‐López Eugenia , Moncayo‐Estrada Rodrigo , De La Cruz‐Agüero José
Published: June 2022

In spring lakes, which have homogeneous environmental characteristics, it is expected that there will be no significant changes in the composition and structure of communities over time, and fluctuations will generally be related to the ecological attributes of the species. We studied the fish community in a small subtropical spring lake, Lake Zacapu, for two different decades to analyse its structural characteristics. Sampling was performed every 3 months at four sites from January to October 1995 and from May 2019 to May 2020. We determined the temporal variation (seasonal and decadal) in the fish community structure with respect to composition, abundance, diversity and dominance. We evaluated the association between species and water quality. Our results showed spatial homogeneity in most physicochemical variables that remained in the same range across decades, although some nutrients (NO3) recently increased. All species identified in the early samples were present in the recent surveys (eleven native and two nonnative species), indicating that the fish community composition had significant qualitative stability. However, the dominant littoral cyprinid in 1995 was replaced by the more limnetic atherinopsid in 2019–2020, and the diversity and abundance of sensitive fish decreased in recent samplings. Consequently, the current status of critically endangered species is supported for some restricted and microendemic fish. The changes in the community structure attributes, which show a tendency for reduction in native species, emphasise the need to implement efforts to conserve freshwater fish diversity in small spring lakes.
Interventions improving well‐being of adult cancer patients’ caregivers: A systematic review
Authors: Sak‐Dankosky Natalia , Sherwood Paula , Vehviläinen‐Julkunen Katri , Kvist Tarja
Published: June 2022

Aim

The aim of this study was to determine what kind of psychosocial interventions aimed at improving the well‐being of adult cancer patient caregivers were developed, and to describe the methodological characteristics and clinical effectiveness of the interventions which could be included in the nursing care plans.

Design

Systematic review

Data sources

A systematic search of three databases (PubMed, CINAHL, and PsycINFO) was conducted to identify peer‐reviewed papers published between years 2004–2019.

Review Methods

The review was guided by the Joanna Briggs Institute manual for systematic reviews. Data were extracted and appraised by three reviewers using standardized checklists. Narrative synthesis was used to analyse the data.

Results

A total of 37 studies underwent analysis. Most of the studies described psychoeducational interventions, designed for patient‐caregiver dyads, delivered face‐to‐face. There was a great variety in caregiver outcomes and measurement tools used. Even though most studies used a randomized controlled design and standardized intervention protocols, many reported problems with recruitment and attrition. Most studies reported that the intervention improved caregiver outcomes, yet the majority of them failed to report effect sizes.

Conclusion

There are currently a plethora of successful interventions available for cancer patient caregivers which can be included to the nursing care plan. Psychoeducational online interventions which include a social support component may have the best potential in supporting caregivers. It is important to address specific caregiver needs at different cancer stages rather than general needs of caregivers in future interventions.

Impact

This review suggests that despite a large number of different interventions which can be included in the nursing care plan to improve the support offered to caregivers, some issues should be addressed while designing an intervention study. The emphasis should be placed on reporting effect sizes, focusing on specific caregiver needs and improving recruitment, retention strategies and sustainability of caregiver interventions.
M‐beat—A novel marker for selective left bundle branch capture
Authors: Ponnusamy Shunmuga Sundaram , Basil William , Vijayaraman Pugazhendhi
Published: June 2022

Introduction

Premature‐ventricular‐complexes (template/fixation beat) guided left bundle branch pacing (LBBP) was recently described as a novel method of successful lead deployment by rapid rotations.

Methods

We aimed at analyzing the incidence of a unique morphology template beat, which we labelled as ‘M‐beat’ in patients undergoing PVC‐guided LBBP, its ability to predict selective LBB‐capture and clinical significance.

Results

Overall 210 out of 217 attempted‐patients (96.7%) underwent successful LBBP. Template beat was noted in 90.4% patients (n = 190) and M‐beat in 32.8%(n = 69). Non‐selective to selective capture transition demonstrated in 55.2%(n = 116). The QRS duration of the M‐beat was 129.3 ± 13.1ms. Patients were divided into two groups: Group‐I with M‐beat (n = 69;32.8%) and Group‐II without M‐beat (n = 141; 67.2%). The mean fluoroscopy‐time was significantly less in group‐I as compared to group‐II (13.1 ± 11.1 vs 16.8 ± 12.04 minutes; p‒0.03). Patients in group‐II required more attempts as compared to group‐I for successful lead deployment (2.8 ± 1.09 vs 2.2 ± 1.04; p ‒ 0.01). Six patients showed loss of R‐wave in lead‐V1 and 2 showed rise in LBB capture threshold by >1V during follow‐up in group‐II. M‐beat had a specificity of 96.77% and sensitivity of 58.62% (positive‐predictive‐value‐98.55%) to predict selective‐LBB capture. Myocardial excitability would not modify the occurrence of M‐beat as opposed to capture transition response since it could be demonstrated without pacing protocols. When confirmation of LBB‐capture itself would be difficult in patients with baseline LBBB‐morphology, M‐beat with 42.8% incidence predicted selective capture with 96.7% specificity and 66.04% sensitivity(positive‐predictive‐value‐97.22%).

Conclusion

M‐beat is a marker of transient‐selective LBB‐capture, independent of the local myocardial excitability with high specificity and positive predictive value irrespective of the baseline QRS morphology.