bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Becoming both: “students” and “experts” of race in Australian higher education contexts
Authors: Gatwiri Kathomi , Udah Hyacinth
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to highlight how Black African academics who live and work under coloniality are systematically seen as “out of place” and how this positioning compounds their experiences of interpersonal and systemic marginalisation within predominantly white universities.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a conceptual paper that theorises the experiences of two Black African academics in Australian higher education. It takes a form of autoethnography, to demonstrate the intersectional barriers and setbacks within white academia that interact with gender, class and migranthood, potentially undermining their academic progression and/or professional well-being.

Findings

Black African academics in white-majority workplaces repeatedly report experiences of microaggressions, hyper-surveillance and epistemic Othering. This is characterised by research alienation, funding gaps and being passed over for promotion leading to feelings of exclusion and fractured belonging within academia.

Originality/value

The paper argues that while the Coloniality of Power within institutions of higher learning continues to racialise Black African academics as Other, the Coloniality of Knowledge marginalises their intellectual, theoretical and experiential perspectives and contributions. The power of Coloniality and white supremacy are implicated in the epistemic impositions, erasures and negations of the ontological legitimacy and contributions of Black academics in higher education institutions.
Risk culture and employee performance for optimal organizational success: the mediating role of employee satisfaction and employee engagement
Authors: Rahim Abdur , Rosid Md Harun Or , Hasan Najmul
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the impact of risk culture on employee performance by exploring the mediating roles of employee satisfaction and employee engagement in the relationship between risk culture and employee performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employed partial least squares-based structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) to assess both the direct effects and mediation effects, using a sample of 311 employees from the banking and insurance sectors. In contrast to PLS-SEM, a fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) technique was also applied to discern the causal configurations that lead to improved employee performance.

Findings

The findings revealed a significant direct effect of risk culture on employee performance, employee satisfaction and employee engagement. The findings also revealed that employee satisfaction significantly mediated the relationship between risk culture and employee performance, whereas the mediating role of employee engagement is partially significant. The fsQCA findings illustrated that a diverse combination of risk culture dimensions, employee satisfaction and employee engagement can result in enhanced employee performance.

Practical implications

This study provides important implications for the banking and insurance industries, suggesting that organizations should prioritize the development of a strong risk culture to improve employee-related outcomes such as performance, satisfaction and engagement, which are key factors for achieving optimal organizational success.

Originality/value

The paper specifically highlights the importance of integrating risk culture into human resource management, providing valuable insights for organizations seeking to enhance their risk management practices and culture.
Ways to improve the quality of local rice in Africa: comparison between physicochemical and sensory properties of rice consumed in Senegal
Authors: Mane Ibrahima , Bassama Joseph , Diedhiou Papa Madiallacke , Mestres Christian
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Rice is the main cereal in Senegal. Despite efforts to improve the sector, consumers still prefer imported rice. Only one previous study conducted by the authors analyzed these preferences using a sensory analysis approach (Mané et al., 2021). This initial study showed that local rice can compete with imported rice if processing is improved. Based on these results, this study aims to identify the physicochemical parameters responsible for the sensory quality identified in Senegalese consumers.

Design/methodology/approach

In this context, the physicochemical and cooking properties of 12 rice samples were analyzed and the correlations between these physicochemical and sensory properties were studied.

Findings

The results showed that imported rice had a higher 1000-kernel weight, grain length and transparency values, whereas local rice had higher water uptake, swelling ratios, gelatinization temperature and iron and magnesium contents. Correlations have shown that positive descriptors such as “beautiful,” “white color,” “good taste,” “fragrant,” “fine grains,” “typical rice odor,” well-cooked” and “scattered” were correlated with varietal and technological criteria such as high 1000-grain weight, grain length, whiteness, transparency and absence of impurities in rice. In contrast, negative sensory descriptors such as “pasty” and “sticky texture” were associated with water uptake ratio, gelatinization temperature, rice breakage and cooking time.

Originality/value

These results show how to improve the quality of new rice varieties in the country based on the physicochemical parameters associated with the positive sensory properties cited above by consumers.
Phytochemical, antioxidant, lipid peroxidation inhibition and sensory properties of roasted coffee mixed with various quantities of pomposia fruit (Syzygium cumini L.) powder
Authors: Alshammai Asiyah S.D.A. , Ali Rehab F.M. , Alhomaid Raghad M.
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This study aims to find out how pomposia fruit powder (Syzygium cumini L.) mixed with roasted coffee (RCO) affected antioxidants, phytochemicals, lipid peroxidation inhibition and sensory attributes.

Design/methodology/approach

Pomposia fruits (Syzygium cumini L.) powder (PFP) was integrated with RCO at levels of 0.0%, 5.0%, 10.0%, 15.0% and 20.0%. RCO, PFP and binary mixtures containing RCO: PFP were evaluated for their total phenolics (TP), total flavonoids (TF), anthocyanin content (AC), antioxidant activity and phenolic compounds fractionation. The oxidative indices of coffee oil samples were measured throughout different storage intervals. Additionally, sensory characteristics of RCO enriched with different PFP doses were evaluated.

Findings

PFP samples exhibited the greatest TP content (1910 mg/100 g), whereas RCO samples had the lowest concentration (1090 mg/100 g). As more PFP was added, the corresponding coffee blends’ concentrations of TP, TF and AC were improved significantly. PFP possesses a radical-scavenging activity that is about 1.20 times more than RCO’s. DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) radical-scavenging activity jumped significantly from 74.13% in control (untreated) samples to 77.64%, 78.39% and 80.15% for samples enriched with 10.0%, 15.0% and 20% PFP, respectively. Significant increases in gallic acid, hesperidine, benzoic acid, chlorogenic acid, hispertin, catechol, quercetin, pyrogallol and rutin were detected when RCO was mixed with different quantities of PFP. At the end of storage trial, the coffee oil treated with 20% PFP had AV, PV and TBA values that were about 1.70, 1.95 and 1.66 times lower, respectively, than those of the control sample that had not had PFP addition. The RCO with 5.0% PFP achieved the greatest over acceptability grades.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study was the first study to evaluate the effect of incorporating various level of pomposia fruit powder into RCO. The findings shows that adding different concentrations of pomposia fruit powder into RCO can indeed enhance the radical-scavenging activity of the coffee and potentially extend its shelf life.
Unveiling the effects of innovation awards on organizational innovations: comparison of bottom-up and top-down innovations
Authors: Choi Yoonhee , Washburn Mark , Hwang Seog Joo , Van de Ven Andrew
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the effects of innovation awards on subsequent innovation behaviors in organizations. Specifically, the authors investigate whether winning an external innovation award helps diffuse the award-winning innovations and develop additional innovation projects in the organization. Furthermore, the authors study the contextual influence of innovators’ organizational hierarchy on experiencing and using the winning consequence.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors collected survey data from clinics and hospitals that participated in a state-level innovation award program sponsored by a large health-care insurer and provider in Midwestern states. The authors tested the hypotheses using ordinary least squares regressions and supplemented the method with a post hoc analysis using Fisher’s least significant difference test.

Findings

The authors find that awards help a “bottom-up” innovation (i.e., an innovation initiated by a lower-level employee) disseminate at a larger scale due to award-bestowed legitimacy and reputation, whereas a “top-down” innovation (i.e., an innovation initiated by a top manager) does not experience the same benefit. On the other hand, the organizations that won the innovation award with a “top-down” innovation showed a higher number of additional innovation projects after winning, as manager–innovators experienced a boost in their confidence to engage in further innovation projects.

Originality/value

This paper offers a unique and nuanced examination of how innovation awards influence organizational innovation. By bridging literatures on awards and innovation, the authors propose the mechanisms through which innovation awards confer legitimacy and reputation upon the award winners and their innovations. Furthermore, the authors add insights into the recent academic interests in employee-driven innovation by showing the different benefits of innovation awards depending on the innovators’ organizational hierarchies.
Navigating the gig economy in Romania: unveiling perceptions of working on on-demand platforms
Authors: Daba-Buzoianu Corina , Ignat Maria Ramona , Ghețu Andrei-Octavian , Bîră Monica
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the realm of gig work and the gig economy in Romania in an attempt to shed light on the mechanisms of this type of work and the reasons and benefits of engaging in gig-related activities.Considering the low conceptual consensus on gig work, the authors aim to explore how participants in this study define and refer to gig work, thus helping to contribute to the current conceptualization and characterizations of gig work and the gig economy. Among the wide range of services encountered within the gig economy, this research focuses on three categories of tasks, as defined within COLLEEM 2018 questionnaire (see Pesole et al., 2018), namely, online creative and multimedia work, online sales and marketing support and online software development and technology work.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on semistructured interviews with people working in the gig economy in Romania, the authors look to understand the meaning given to gig work and its features. The authors tackle how participants in this study perceive themselves and their work. The authors also look into perceived similarities and differences with other types of independent work.

Findings

In this paper, findings are organized into two main sections. The first section showcases perceptions about working in the gig economy, including how people involved with this type of work are describing them and their activity and exploring financial insecurities in connection with the independent/gig work. The second section highlights the mechanisms of gig work on digital labor platforms, developing means and ways of reputation-building and their impact on financial earnings.

Originality/value

This research aims to contribute to a better understanding of the environment and needs of gig workers. Although gig economy and online work are widely covered by field literature, knowledge about the experiences and perceptions of gig workers in emerging markets has more to gain by exploring European Union developing markets.
Enhanced plant litter impacts nematode communities and carbon use efficiency in a mixed forest
Authors: Zhang Zhiyong , Miao Renhui , Rasmann Sergio
Published: July 2024

Rising temperatures and higher atmospheric CO2 levels can potentially increase plant photosynthesis and boost forest productivity, thereby spurring litter inputs to soils on a global scale. Understanding the feedback loops between increased litter inputs and soil biota activity will allow for better prediction of organic matter and carbon (C) cycling in terrestrial ecosystems.

Nematodes represent the full spectrum of trophic groups within the soil biota. Accordingly, we studied the link between nematode metabolic activities and plant litter input. For this, different litter input levels were manipulated in a temperate forest, including control zones without litter, natural litter input zones and zones with double, triple and quadruple amounts of natural litter input. Soil top layers (0–10 cm) were then collected to study the responses of nematode communities.

Increased litter input positively influenced the abundance and diversity of nematodes, except for plant‐parasitic species. Higher litter input levels led to an enhancement in the ratio of bacterivores to the total of bacterivores and fungivores. More litter increased the K/r strategist ratio among bacterivores and the corresponding nematode metabolic footprints. More litter also stimulated nematode production and respiration components and improved the carbon use efficiency of bacterivores. Moreover, structural equation modelling revealed the crucial role of bacterivores in influencing soil organic C under increased litter input.

In conclusion, our study shows that increased plant above‐ground litter input modifies the taxonomic and functional communities of soil nematodes, ultimately regulating carbon cycling in forest soils.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Movement‐driven modelling reveals new patterns in disease transmission networks
Authors: Herraiz Cesar , Triguero‐Ocaña Roxana , Laguna Eduardo , Jiménez‐Ruiz Saúl , Peralbo‐Moreno Alfonso , Martínez‐López Beatriz , García‐Bocanegra Ignacio , Risalde María Ángeles , Vicente Joaquín , Acevedo Pelayo
Published: July 2024

Interspecific interactions are highly relevant in the potential transmission of shared pathogens in multi‐host systems. In recent decades, several technologies have been developed to study pathogen transmission, such as proximity loggers, GPS tracking devices and/or camera traps. Despite the diversity of methods aimed at detecting contacts, the analysis of transmission risk is often reduced to contact rates and the probability of transmission given the contact. However, the latter process is continuous over time and unique for each contact, and is influenced by the characteristics of the contact and the pathogen's relationship with both the host and the environment.

Our objective was to assess whether a more comprehensive approach, using a movement‐based model which assigns a unique transmission risk to each contact by decomposing transmission into contact formation, contact duration and host characteristics, could reveal disease transmission dynamics that are not detected with more traditional approaches.

The model was built from GPS‐collar data from two management systems in Spain where animal tuberculosis (TB) circulates: a national park with extensively reared endemic cattle, and an area with extensive free‐range pigs and cattle farms. In addition, we evaluated the effect of the GPS device fix rate on the performance of the model.

Different transmission dynamics were identified between both management systems. Considering the specific conditions under which each contact occurs (i.e. whether the contact is direct or indirect, its duration, the hosts characteristics, the environmental conditions, etc.) resulted in the identification of different transmission dynamics compared to using only contact rates. We found that fix intervals greater than 30 min in the GPS tracking data resulted in missed interactions, and intervals greater than 2 h may be insufficient for epidemiological purposes.

Our study shows that neglecting the conditions under which each contact occurs may result in a misidentification of the real role of each species in disease transmission. This study describes a clear and repeatable framework to study pathogen transmission from GPS data and provides further insights to understand how TB is maintained in multi‐host systems in Mediterranean environments.
Using machine learning to link climate, phylogeny and leaf area in eucalypts through a 50‐fold expansion of leaf trait datasets
Authors: Guo Karina , Cornwell William K. , Bragg Jason G.
Published: July 2024

Leaf area varies within and between species, and previous work has linked this variation to environment and evolutionary history. However, many previous studies fail to examine both these factors and often are data‐limited.

To address this, our study developed a new workflow using machine learning to automate the extraction of leaf area from herbarium collections of Australian eucalypts (Eucalyptus, Angophora and Corymbia). This dataset included 136,599 measurements, expanding existing data on this taxon's leaf area by roughly 50‐fold. Our methods were validated using field standard metrics of accuracy, and comparisons to manual measurements both from the present study and existing datasets.

With this dataset for the eucalypt clade, we observed positive relationships between leaf area and mean annual temperature and precipitation similar to those reported for the global flora. However, these relationships were not consistently observed within species, potentially due to gene flow suppressing local adaptation. When we examined these relationships at different phylogenetic levels, the slope of trait–climate associations within lineages converged towards the overall eucalypt slope at shallow phylogenetic scales (5–12 MY), suggesting that effects of gene flow relax just above the species level.

The strengthening of trait–climate correlations at evolutionary scales just beyond the intraspecific level may represent a widespread phenomenon across various traits and taxa. Future studies can unveil these relationships with the larger sample sizes of new trait datasets generated through machine learning.

Synthesis. Using machine learning, researchers are able to confirm current positive global relationships between leaf area and mean annual temperature and precipitation. Additionally, they were able to take this a step further and examine how it changes across time. Here they saw that at roughly 5–12 million years ago in the phylogenetic tree, the trait–climate slope begins to show significantly less variation. Overall, the study shows the potential of machine learning in ecology, with exciting new potential findings with its use.
Reassessment of EUS features in preoperative diagnosis of pancreatic serous cystic neoplasm: Lessons to avoid misdiagnosis
Authors: Zhang Xiao Lan , Chen Ke , He Yi Ping , Yang Xiu Jiang , Liu Jian Qiang
Published: July 2024

Objectives

Pancreatic serous cystic neoplasm (SCN) is a benign cystic neoplasm that is likely to be surgically resected due to preoperative misdiagnosis or tentative diagnosis even using endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS). We aimed to analyze EUS findings of SCN associated with misdiagnosis.

Methods

Between January 2012 and September 2023, histologically confirmed pancreatic SCN were included and EUS features were reviewed.

Results

Overall, 294 patients with 300 surgically resected SCNs were included. The median age of the patients was 51 years and 75.9% were females. The lesions were predominantly located in the body/neck/tail of the pancreas (63.0%). The overall preoperative diagnostic rate of SCN was 36.3%, with the most common misdiagnosis being intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN) (31.3%), while 16.3% remained undefined. The preoperative diagnostic rate of SCN varied across different endosonographic morphologies, with oligocystic, macrocystic, microcystic, and solid patterns yielding rates of 12.8%, 37.9%, 76.5%, and 19.2%, respectively. Notably, the presence of central scar and vascularity improved the diagnostic accuracy and correctly identified 41.4% and 52.3% of the lesions. While mucus or pancreatic duct (PD) communication significantly increased the likelihood of misdiagnosis, particularly as IPMN. Multivariate analysis revealed a morphological pattern, mucin‐producing signs, wall thickening, vascularity, and PD communication were independent factors related to preoperative misdiagnosis, with an overall accuracy of 82.3%.

Conclusions

Preoperative diagnosis of SCN remains challenging. The microcystic pattern emerged as a reliable feature, while mucin‐producing signs, including mural nodules, mucus, and PD communication, pose diagnostic pitfalls despite the presence of typical central scar or vascularity commonly in SCN.
Inter hospital transfers in rotor wing aircraft. Patterns and challenges. Protocol for a scoping review
Authors: Hansen Peter Martin , Rudolph Søren Steemann , Barfod Charlotte , Hansen Troels Martin , Knudsen Jens Stubager , Fedog Trond Nuland , Krog Jan
Published: July 2024

Background

Inter‐hospital transfer is necessary for the transport of patients to specialized treatment. Rotor‐wing aircraft may be used in lieu of ambulances in time‐critical conditions over long distances and when specialist team skills are called for. The purpose of the review is to assess the current scientific literature that describes the scenario to develop a national guideline for inter‐hospital transfers using rotor‐wing aircraft. The aim is to describe the patterns and challenges.

Methods and Analysis

The authors will conduct a scoping review as per Joanna Briggs Institute guideline. The protocol for the scoping review will adhere to the Open Science Framework guideline for scoping reviews and we will report the findings of the scoping review as per PRISMA‐ScR guideline. We have developed the search strategy with the help of a research librarian and will conduct search in relevant electronic databases and include gray literature as well, using the PRESS and PRISMA‐S guidelines. Two authors will independently screen titles and abstracts for inclusion as per eligibility criteria and conflicts will be resolved by a third reviewer. Full text retrieval will be conducted accordingly. We will analyze the extracted data using validated statistical methods.

Ethics and Dissemination

According to Danish law, scoping reviews are exempt from ethics committee approval. The findings of this scoping review will provide the scientific foundation for a national guideline on rotor‐wing aircraft conveyed inter‐hospital transfers in Denmark. Furthermore, we will publish the results of the scoping review in a relevant scientific journal.
Effect of serial night shifts on the cognitive, psychomotor, and moral performance of residents in the department of Emergency Medicine
Authors: Mohammed Muthanikkatt Anas , Nathan Balamurugan , S Manu Ayyan , Murali Sharan , Krishna Navaneeth S. , Raghavan Bitty , Ganessane Ezhilkugan , Maroju Nanda Kishore
Published: July 2024

Objectives

The objective was to study the effect of serial night shifts on the cognitive, psychomotor, and moral performance of emergency medicine residents of an academic Emergency Medicine Department.

Methods

This prospective case‐crossover study compared emergency medicine residents' sleep time, subjective sleepiness, cognitive function, moral judgment, and psychomotor skills after 5 consecutive days versus night shifts using sleep diaries, activity monitors, and multiple performance tests. Paired t‐tests and Wilcoxon signed‐rank tests were used to analyze data based on normality. Correlation analysis was done using Spearman's correlation test. Subgroup analysis was also performed to find any difference based on gender and year of residency.

Results

Twenty‐seven emergency medicine residents participated (13 males, 48.1%). The distribution across residency years was as follows: 44.4% in their first year, 25.9% in their second year, and 29.6% in their third year. Following five consecutive night shifts, total sleep duration decreased significantly from 338.1 ± 67.8 to 307.4 ± 71.0 min (p < 0.001), while subjective sleepiness scores increased from 9.6 ± 3.3 to 13.6 ± 4.6. Psychomotor performance and reaction times did not significantly differ between night and day shifts. However, working memory declined, assessed by self‐paced three‐back test scores (median [IQR] 517.1 [471.9–546.7] vs. 457.6 [334.4–508.8]; p = 0.034) and interference test scores (445.5 ± 59.9 vs. 407.2 ± 56.8; p < 0.001), along with moral judgment (median [IQR] 19 [18–28] vs. 15 [11–21]; p = 0.010) after serial night shifts. No correlations existed between performance measures nor differences based on gender or residency year.

Conclusions

Residents sleep less following night versus day shifts, reporting the highest sleepiness levels after 5 consecutive nights. Despite this, psychomotor performance and reaction times did not significantly differ. However, considerable reductions occurred in moral judgment, working memory, and interference test performance after serial night shifts.
Care in the Community: A COVID‐19 initiative to reduce hospital re‐presentations among community‐dwelling people
Authors: Ling Tammy , Basic David , Tcharkhedian Elise , Campisi Josephine , Pringle Bernadette , Khoo Angela
Published: July 2024

Objective

The COVID‐19 pandemic has had a substantial impact on the utilisation of hospital and emergency department (ED) services. We examined the effect of a rapid response service on hospital re‐presentations among people discharged from the ED and short‐stay wards at a tertiary referral hospital.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study compared 112 patients who completed the Care in the Community program with 112 randomly selected controls. Both cases and controls were discharged from hospital between September 2020 and June 2021. Intervention patients were evaluated by a multidisciplinary team, who implemented a goal‐directed program of up to 4‐weeks duration. Logistic regression, negative binomial regression and Cox proportional hazards regression were used to evaluate outcomes at 28 days and at 6 months.

Results

The median time between referral and the first home visit was 3.9 days. In adjusted analyses, the intervention reduced hospital re‐presentations at 28 days (odds ratio: .40, 95% confidence interval (CI): .17–.94) and lengthened the time to the first hospital re‐presentation (hazard ratio: .59, 95% CI: .38–.92). Although the intervention did not reduce the total number of hospital re‐presentations at 6 months (adjusted incidence rate ratio: .73, 95% CI: .49–1.08), it reduced total time spent in hospital by 303 days (582 vs. 885).

Conclusions

This study is among the first to investigate the effect of a community‐based intervention on hospital re‐presentations during the COVID‐19 pandemic. It provides evidence that a sustainable 4‐week intervention is associated with reduced hospital re‐presentations and time spent in hospital.
Tax revenue instability in Sub‐Saharan Africa: Does institutional quality matter?
Authors: Nikiema Roukiatou , Zore Mahamoudou
Published: July 2024

Sub‐Saharan African (SSA) nations face a dual fiscal challenge: the need to increase tax revenue mobilization and to manage revenue instability. This paper examines the causal impact of institutional quality on tax revenue stability in SSA from 2000 to 2020. Using UNU‐WIDER data and the System GMM technique, the study finds that institutional quality reduces tax revenue instability, with a stronger effect on indirect tax revenues than on direct taxes. This result is robust to changes in the measure of tax revenue instability, the measure of quality of institutions, the sample, and the time horizon. The effect is particularly pronounced in resource‐rich countries and in countries experiencing economic growth. The article's results are relevant to tax policy, specifically the necessary adjustments to improve tax revenue stability through institutional quality.
Does Geopolitical Risk Matter for Cross‐Industry Risk Contagion: The Roles of Real Linkage and Information Channels*
Authors: Deng Yuanyue , Wu Ying
Published: July 2024

Using data from 34 Chinese industries from January 2007 to February 2024, we examine risk spillover in the economic system and the channels through which geopolitical risk (GPR) influences contagion effects. Risk spillover measurements are calculated for both the short and long term by combining variational mode decomposition with the variance decomposition of vector autoregression. Our findings provide evidence of significant and time‐varying spillovers among industries over time. The results on densities and assortativity coefficients indicate the presence of structural changes in the risk network during geopolitical crises. Furthermore, we find that the real linkage (input–output nexus) is an important determinant of long‐term spillovers during periods of high GPR, and the information channel (market sentiment) is associated with risk contagion caused by GPR in both the short and long term. Overall, this paper offers valuable insights to prevent and mitigate the negative consequences triggered by geopolitical events on the stability of the economic system.
Adoption of vaginally assisted natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery for hysterectomy: A single tertiary experience
Authors: Kapurubandara Supuni , Baekelandt Jan , Laws Patrick , King Jenny
Published: July 2024

Background

Vaginal hysterectomy (VH) rate is declining despite being considered as the optimal minimally invasive option for hysterectomy with reduced operative time and length of stay compared with laparoscopic hysterectomy (LH). Vaginal assisted natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery hysterectomy (VANH) combines the advantages of both vaginal and endoscopic approach to surgery.

Aims

To report feasibility and early experience of a single surgeon adopting VANH at a tertiary Australian hospital.

Materials and Methods

Prospective review of the first 20 VANH cases with complete data set collected retrospectively including patient demographics, indication for surgery and perioperative outcomes.

Results

The median age of the first 20 participants was 51.5 years (47–57 years of age) and the median body mass index was 33.5 kg/m2 (27.8–38.3 kg/m2). The predominant indication was complex hyperplasia with atypia (12/20, 60%). The median parity was two (1–3) where four patients were nulliparous. The median blood loss was 125 mL (100–200 mL) with an operative time of 149 min (138–198 min) and median weight of the specimen of 181.5 g (66.5–219 g). The mean length of stay was 1.4 days (1–2 days). Five cases had conversion to laparoscopy and the majority (80%) occurred within the first ten cases.

Conclusions

VANH is feasible but there is a learning curve to achieve competence in this technique, which requires adequate training in the early stages of adoption with careful case selection. Until further robust data is available to determine the clinical benefit and safety profile of VANH, patients should be carefully counselled and the decision on mode of hysterectomy be individualised.
Allergenic potency of various foods of mammalian origin in patients with α‐Gal syndrome
Authors: Perusko Marija , Grundström Jeanette , Eldh Maria , Reinhardt Annika , Fuhrmann Verena , Düzakin Meltem , Hamsten Carl , Starkhammar Maria , Apostolovic Danijela , van Hage Marianne
Published: July 2024

Background

The α‐Gal syndrome (AGS) is an emerging allergy to mammalian food caused by IgE‐mediated reactions to the carbohydrate galactose‐α‐1,3‐galactose (α‐Gal). Mammalian food sources contain α‐Gal, but the amount differs. The objective of this study was to investigate the allergenic potency of various foods of mammalian origin among AGS patients.

Methods

Twenty‐six AGS patients were included. Food extracts from innards, lean meats, processed meat products, milk, and whey were analyzed. Immunoblot, ELISA, immunofluorescence, and basophil activation test were used to determine the α‐Gal content, characterize IgE binding, and assess foods' allergenicity.

Results

The determined amount of α‐Gal, IgE reactivity to food extracts, and food extract potencies to activate patients' basophils correlated well with each other. Pork and beef kidney showed the highest allergenicity. Beef liver and bacon showed allergenicity comparable to that of lean meats. Game meat seemed to have a higher allergenic potency than meats from farm‐raised animals. The processed meat products liver pâté and black pudding, despite lower α‐Gal content, demonstrated moderate allergenicity. Milk showed the lowest allergenicity. IgE reactivity to food extracts was highly similar for all patients and strongly dominated by the α‐Gal epitope.

Conclusions

The allergenic potency of mammalian meat depends on the origin of the meat, the different cuts, and type of processing, with innards posing the greatest risk to AGS patients. Even processed mammalian meat constitutes a risk. Dairy products show the lowest risk. This study highlights the importance of analyzing even more foods to improve the management of AGS.
Improvements and challenges in intraperitoneal laparoscopic para‐aortic lymphadenectomy: The novel “tent‐pitching” antegrade approach and vascular anatomical variations in the para‐aortic region
Authors: Chai Xiaoshan , Zhu Tianyu , Chen Zhaoying , Zhang Hongwen , Wu Xianqing
Published: July 2024

Introduction

This study introduces and compares a new intraperitoneal laparoscopic para‐aortic lymphadenectomy method to reach the level of the renal vein, the “tent‐pitching” antegrade approach with the retrograde approach in gynecological malignancy surgeries in terms of success rate, complication incidence, and the number of lymph nodes removed. It focuses on the feasibility, safety, and effectiveness. Meanwhile, this article reports on the vascular anatomical variations discovered in the para‐aortic region to enhance surgical safety.

Material and Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study including patients undergone laparoscopic para‐aortic lymphadenectomy at a single center from January 2020 to December 2023 for high‐risk endometrial and early‐stage ovarian cancer. Patient charts were reviewed for mode of operation, perioperative complications, operative details, and histopathology. The patients were divided into anterograde group and retrograde group according to the operation mode. The two groups were further compared based on the success rate of lymph node clearance at the renal vein level, perioperative complications, and the number of removed lymph nodes. Quantitative data were analyzed using the t‐test, non‐normally distributed data using the rank‐sum test, and categorical data using Fisher's exact test and the chi‐square test, with statistical significance defined as P < 0.05.

Results

Among 173 patients, the antegrade group showed higher surgery success (97.5% vs 68.82%), more lymph nodes removed (median 14 vs 7), and less median blood loss. The operation time was shorter in the antegrade group. Postoperative complications like lymphocele and venous thrombosis were lower in the antegrade group. Vascular abnormalities were found in 28.9% of patients, with accessory lumbar vein routing anomaly and accessory renal arteries being most common.

Conclusions

The antegrade approach is feasible, safe, and effective, improving surgical exposure, reducing difficulty without additional instruments or puncture sites, and minimizing organ damage risk. It is effective in achieving better access to the renal vein and removing more para‐aortic lymph nodes than the retrograde method. Recognizing and carefully managing the diverse vascular abnormalities in the para‐aortic area, including variations in renal arteries, veins, and the inferior vena cava, is essential to reduce intraoperative bleeding and the likelihood of converting to open surgery.
Increased water intake dilutes protective uromodulin levels in urine and results in increased rates of pyelonephritis in a murine model
Authors: Hamilton Aimi D. K. , Sparsoe Laura V. , Skov Mathias , Johnsen Nanna , Chreistensen Mette H. , Corydon Thomas J. , Praetorius Helle
Published: July 2024

Aim

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) rank among the most prevalent infections in humans, carrying substantial implications for public health. Women experiencing recurrent UTIs are often advised to boost their fluid intake to help eliminate bacteria. In this study, we explored the impact of elevated fluid consumption during UTIs using a mouse model of pyelonephritis.

Methods

UTI was induced in 8–10 w female BALB/cJ‐mice by surgically injecting Escherichia coli (O6:K13:H1) into the bladder whereafter mice were randomized to gel food (GF) or regular chow. Immune response and infection severity were determined 24‐h post‐infection. In vitro bacterial growth (OD600) was determined in urine from mice or from human volunteers.

Results

Gel feeding increased urine output (1.40 ± 0.77 μL min−1, p < 0.01) and diluted the urine (668.7 ± 177 mOsmol kg−1, p < 0.0001) compared to controls on regular chow (urine output: 0.34 ± 0.27 μL min−1, osmolality: 1439 ± 473.5 mOsmol kg−1). Mice on GF had a higher risk of pyelonephritis (87.5%) and more severe infections (26.22 ± 9.88 CFU mg−1 tissue) compared to controls (43.75%; 3.87 ± 3.56 CFU mg−1, p < 0.01). Correspondingly, the growth of E. coli was markedly reduced at osmolalities above 1200 mOsmol kg−1 compared to 600 mOsmol kg−1 and GF mice had lower urine levels of uromodulin (13.70 ± 1.89 μg mL−1, p < 0.01) compared to controls (24.65 ± 2.70 μg mL−1).

Conclusion

Increased water intake and urine flow in mice will markedly increase the risk of pyelonephritis. The increased risk may reflect reduced urine uromodulin combined with optimized growth conditions for E. coli. The study does not immediately support the notion that established UTIs can be eliminated by increased water intake.
Immunohistochemical expression of SATB2 and PAX8 in differentiating primary from metastatic ovarian mucinous neoplasms
Authors: El Ghondakly Rana Ahmed , El Haddad Salwa Ibrahim , AbdelSalam Magda Mohamed , Nada Ola Hassan , Farid Rola Mohamed , Farid Laila M.
Published: July 2024

Accurate stratification of an ovarian mucinous neoplasm as primary or secondary is always challenging as they show overlapping histomorphological and immunohistochemical features. Immunohistochemical staining for SATB2 and PAX8 was performed on 80 cases of mucinous ovarian neoplasms subdivided into 53 primary [25 primary ovarian mucinous carcinomas (POMCs) and 28 mucinous borderline tumors (MBTs)] and 27 secondary (12 of colonic origin, 7 of appendiceal origin, and 8 of gastric origin). Expression was correlated with different clinicopathologic parameters. PAX8‐positive immunostaining was detected in 38 out of 53 cases (71.69%) of primary ovarian mucinous neoplasms (POMNs) with null positivity in the secondary ovarian mucinous tumors (0/27). SATB2‐positive expression was detected in 16 out of 27 cases (59.26%) of the secondary ovarian mucinous tumors. None of the studied POMNs showed any positive immunostaining for SATB2 (0/53). A profile of SATB2−/PAX8+ and SATB2+/PAX8− can be used to differentiate POMNCs from secondary ovarian mucinous tumors of GI origin, respectively, with 100% specificity. PAX8 expression is associated with some clinicopathologic parameters providing the basis for the possible usage of PAX8 as prognostic marker.
Bacteriophage therapy and infective endocarditis – is it realistic?
Authors: Pedersen Emilie C. , Lerche Christian Johann , Schwartz Franziska Angelica , Ciofu Oana , Azeredo Joana , Thomsen Kim , Moser Claus
Published: July 2024

Infective endocarditis (IE) is a severe infection of the inner heart. Even with current standard treatment, the mean in‐hospital mortality is as high as 15–20%, and 1‐year mortality is up to 40% for left‐sided IE. Importantly, IE mortality rates have not changed substantially over the past 30 years, and the incidence of IE is rising. The treatment is challenging due to the bacterial biofilm mode of growth inside the heart valve vegetations, resulting in antibiotic tolerance. Achieving sufficient antibiotic anti‐biofilm concentrations in the biofilms of the heart valve vegetations is problematic, even with high‐dose and long‐term antibiotic therapy. The increasing prevalence of IE caused by antibiotic‐resistant bacteria adds to the challenge. Therefore, adjunctive antibiotic‐potentiating drug candidates and strategies are increasingly being investigated. Bacteriophage therapy is a reemerging antibacterial treatment strategy for difficult‐to‐treat infections, mainly biofilm‐associated and caused by multidrug‐resistant bacteria. However, significant knowledge gaps regarding the safety and efficacy of phage therapy impede more widespread implementation in clinical practice. Hopefully, future preclinical and clinical testing will reveal whether it is a viable treatment. The objective of the present review is to assess whether bacteriophage therapy is a realistic treatment for IE.
Fire and grazing interaction in a subhumid grassland: Effects on a dominant tussock grass
Authors: López‐Mársico Luis , Lezama Felipe , Altesor Alice
Published: July 2024

Questions

Herbivory and fire are the main disturbance drivers in open ecosystems. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of fire, cattle grazing, and their interaction on structural traits and the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) of the tussock grass Saccharum angustifolium, and its temporal dynamics in a subhumid grassland.

Location

Grasslands of the Eastern Hills, Uruguay.

Methods

We set three blocks (four plots of 300 m2 each) in a homogeneous grazed area dominated by S. angustifolium within a protected area. Each block presented the combinations that emerged from the two levels of cattle grazing (grazed/ungrazed) and burning (burned/unburned) factors. The experimental burning was carried out in the spring. Clump volume, number of flowering culms, NDVI of S. angustifolium, and soil variables were measured for 2 years.

Results

Burning efficiency (plant biomass burned of the total available) was 82%, burn intensity ranged from 178–610 kW m−1, and the soil temperature increased 40% compared with pre‐fire measurements. The volume of S. angustifolium clumps decreased with fire, and the difference between burned–unburned plots decreased with time. The burned–ungrazed treatment increased the number of S. angustifolium flowering culms. NDVI of S. angustifolium clumps increased 50% with fire, and then decreased with time. Soil temperature was higher in burned treatments, and moisture was higher in unburned treatments on some dates. Bulk density, for the 0–5‐cm depth, was 9% higher in burned than in unburned plots irrespective of grazing.

Conclusions

Our results provide new data in favor of the management practice carried out by ranchers in Uruguayan grasslands dominated by S. angustifolium. Our data complement the evidence that a fire–grazing interaction can maintain grasslands in different phases of a stable state. Our results constitute a useful contribution for the managers/authorities of the protected area, and can be extrapolated to other tussock grass‐dominated grassland areas.
Miocene sequences and depocentres in the Roer Valley Rift System
Authors: Siebels Alexandra , ten Veen Johan , Munsterman Dirk , Deckers Jef , Kasse Cornelis , van Balen Ronald
Published: July 2024

The Miocene sequence in the Roer Valley Rift System consists of alternating open‐to‐shallow marine, coastal and fluvio‐deltaic deposits. In this study, well logs, bio‐chronostratigraphy and seismostratigraphy are used to characterize major units and their bounding unconformities and to infer sediment dispersal patterns. Three major unconformities occur in the sequence: the early, middle and late Miocene unconformities (EMU, MMU and LMU). The EMU formed due to tectonic motions related to the Savian phase. After formation of the EMU, a broad depocentre developed in the south‐eastern part of the Roer Valley Graben (RVG). Sediment accumulation increased during this period and peaked in the middle Langhian, after which it diminished again to a low level during the late Serravallian. The decrease in sediment accumulation coincided with a period of tectonic subsidence along the major bounding fault zones (i.e. the Peel Boundary Fault System, the Feldbiss Fault System and the Veldhoven Fault System). The resulting transgression caused sediment starvation in the central RVG. Subsequently, global sea‐level fall during the early Tortonian caused large‐scale erosion, and formation of incised valleys on the highs adjacent to the RVG (Peel Block and Campine Block), as well as the south‐eastern RVG, forming the MMU. However, sedimentation continued during this period in the central part of the RVG where no erosional hiatus developed. From the Tortonian onwards, accumulation rates increased again. The depocentre shifted towards the north‐west and clinoforms developed in the RVG. During the latest Miocene, the depocentre was concentrated along the south‐western margin of the RVG. Meanwhile, the depositional environment of the entire RVRS gradually shallowed as the LMU was formed.
Nucleocytoplasmic β‐catenin expression contributes to neuroendocrine differentiation in muscle invasive bladder cancer
Authors: Akman Burcu , Bursalı Ahmet , Gürses Mustafa , Suner Aslı , Karakülah Gökhan , Mungan Uğur , Yörükoğlu Kutsal , Erkek‐Ozhan Serap
Published: July 2024

Bladder cancers are heterogeneous in nature, showing diverse molecular profiles and histopathological characteristics, which pose challenges for diagnosis and treatment. However, understanding the molecular basis of such heterogeneity has remained elusive. This study aimed to elucidate the molecular landscape of neuroendocrine‐like bladder tumors, focusing on the involvement of β‐catenin localization. Analyzing the transcriptome data and benefiting from the molecular classification tool, we undertook an in‐depth analysis of muscle‐invasive bladder cancers to uncover the molecular characteristics of the neuroendocrine‐like differentiation. The study explored the contribution of transcription factors and chromatin remodeling complexes to neuroendocrine differentiation in bladder cancer. The study revealed a significant correlation between β‐catenin localization and neuroendocrine differentiation in muscle‐invasive bladder tumors, highlighting the molecular complexity of neuroendocrine‐like tumors. Enrichment of YY1 transcription factor, E2F family members, and Polycomb repressive complex components in β‐catenin‐positive tumors suggest their potential contribution to neuroendocrine phenotypes. Our findings contribute valuable insights into the molecular complexity of neuroendocrine‐like bladder tumors. By identifying potential therapeutic targets and refining diagnostic strategies, this study advances our understanding of endocrinology in the context of bladder cancer. Further investigations into the functional implications of these molecular relationships are warranted to enhance our knowledge and guide future therapeutic interventions.