bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Compatibility of the CSR practices of Islamic banks with the United Nations SDGs amidst COVID-19: a documentary evidence
Authors: Umar Umar Habibu , Besar Mohd Hairul Azrin , Abduh Muhamad
Published: October 2022

Purpose

This study aims to establish whether the corporate social responsibilities (CSR) practices of Islamic banks are compatible with the sustainable development goals (SDGs) of the United Nations.

Design/methodology/approach

A documentary research method was applied by examining the annual reports of selected Islamic banks from Bangladesh, Indonesia, Pakistan, the UAE and Malaysia for 2020, which coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic.

Findings

The results indicate that Islamic banks discharged various CSR activities and contributed huge funds toward achieving the SDGs of the United Nations. Specifically, the banks prioritized the following CSR sectors: education, health, environmental protection and disaster relief and management. Besides, they provided support to micro and small businesses toward poverty alleviation.

Research limitations/implications

This study examined only CSR reports of the selected Islamic banks for 2020.

Practical implications

The findings have practical implications that may enable Islamic banks across the globe to improve their CSR initiatives, activities and reporting toward realizing the SDGs. They are also helpful to policymakers and regulators for the provisions of policies and regulations to motivate or mandate Islamic banks to effectively improve their CSR practices.

Social implications

CSR practices of Islamic banks can significantly support the SDGs toward mitigating many economic and social problems.

Originality/value

This study applied a relevant but rarely used method to explore the role of CSR practices of Islamic banks in achieving the SDGs.
Gender, social networks and job access: evidence from the Algerian labor market
Authors: Lassassi Moundir , Sami Lylia
Published: October 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to study the behavior of individuals in their job search. The authors analyze the impact of the size and quality of the network on the probability of finding a job through relationships and the quality of the job found through networks for men and women separately.

Design/methodology/approach

For this, the authors estimate a series of logit models using the Algerian employment survey (2003 and 2007). Then, they use these models to undertake predictions of the probability of finding jobs through social networks according to the size of the social networks.

Findings

The findings of this research, confirm that men and women use different methods in the job search; women use fewer connection networks in the search compared to men. There appears to exist some discrimination against women in the use of family networks; men use and find more jobs using family relationships. Overall, the jobs found through relationships are more precarious and less stable. Social networks appear to be an effective method of finding a job in Algeria but not for skilled jobs.

Originality/value

There are few empirical works that analyze at the same time the role of relationship networks in integration into the labor market and the quality of employment, in particular in the case of Middle East and North Africa (MENA) countries. Understanding the intermediation mechanisms can help to develop better employment policy strategies.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/IJSE-08-2021-0485
Who are voice users? The contributions of decision-making conflict theory
Authors: Berriche Amira , Benavent Christophe , Constantinides Efthymios
Published: October 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to categorize users of voice assistants and analyze decision-making conflicts to predict intention to adopt voice commerce (v-commerce).

Design/methodology/approach

This exploratory study used expert survey-based data collection founded on data saturation.

Findings

This study identifies three forms of voice systems based on senses aroused (screen first, voice only and voice first) and four profiles of voice users (passive resistant, hedonistic adopter, utilitarian adopter and active resistant), each with a different appraisal of the benefits and costs of v-commerce adoption and the experiences (positive or negative) felt during the shopping experience. This study proposes a conceptual model to predict intention to adopt v-commerce depending on voice-system and -user characteristics.

Practical implications

Learning from this study can help improve the marketing strategies and actions put in place by voice-assistant brands and advertisers by providing insights for adapting product recommendation algorithms to meet the needs of the identified profiles.

Originality/value

This paper provides an answer to the limits of classical approaches based on “one-size-fits-all” strategy by showing how voice-assistant users have different profiles that span a gradient of advance in technology adoption.
Why consumers support local: moral foundations theory and identity perspective
Authors: Im Hyunjoo , Lee Garim , Parr Jacqueline
Published: October 2022

Purpose

Consumers support local businesses as an ethical choice. However, consumer ethics researchers have not paid much attention to local consumption, limiting the understanding of why consumers believe local consumption is ethical. To address this research gap, this study aims to develop and test the theoretical model for local consumption decisions by integrating moral foundations theory and local–global identity literature.

Design/methodology/approach

An online survey of US adult consumers (n = 362) was conducted to test the theoretical model. A correlational structural equation model was used to analyze the data.

Findings

The results confirmed that consumers’ moral obligations to engage in local consumption are driven partially by pro-group moral foundations, and that this identity-based motivation is an intuitive predictor of local consumption behaviors. The findings of this study demonstrate that traditional ethical consumption frameworks that assume knowledge-based decision-making are not enough to explain local consumption, and provide arguments for the need to consider both moral intuitions and moral reasoning.

Originality/value

This study synthesizes two isolated streams of literature and presents an integrated model to holistically explain consumer motivations for local business support. Local consumption was rarely investigated and its unique characteristics were not fully understood in the context of ethical consumption. This study specifically focuses on local consumption, advancing our knowledge of this understudied consumer behavior.
A “new tourism cycle” on the Canary Islands: scenarios for digital transformation and resilience of small and medium tourism enterprises
Authors: Hernández Sánchez Nidia , Oskam Jeroen
Published: October 2022

Purpose

This paper discusses plausible future scenarios for small and medium tourism enterprises (SMTEs) in the “sun, sea and sand” destination of the Canary Islands (Spain) and assesses to what extent they are prepared to adjust to market changes and technological developments in the light of both sudden disruptions and long-term shocks.

Design/methodology/approach

A scenario analysis was made based upon expert interviews, leading to a 2 × 2 scenario matrix.

Findings

Although regional, national and European strategies advocate digital transformation as a step towards building resilience and towards a more sustainable future, this study identifies two major uncertainties that can put that transformation at risk: a change of the traditional “sun, sand and sea” visitor to a more conscious, individual and inquisitive traveller or “Promad”, and the business culture of SMTEs.

Research limitations/implications

Resilience for sudden and for slow-paced disruptions poses different challenges for SMTEs. Their next step in the digital transformation must take them form marketing and sales-oriented e-business to growing interconnectivity and innovation across supply chains.

Practical implications

A market change towards the “Promad” type of traveller causes at least a temporary mismatch of demand and supply. As many SMTEs miss either the knowledge or the resources to invest in digital transformation, the process will depend on support and coordination at destination level.

Originality/value

The study identifies, with the example of the Canary Islands, the difficulties for destinations and individual businesses in making the envisioned transition of mass tourism to more competitive forms of tourism with a smaller ecological footprint.
International linkages of emerging market index futures, under the closure of underlying spot market – evidence from Indian Nifty futures
Authors: Sundararajan Sivakumar , Balasubramanian Senthil Arasu
Published: October 2022

Purpose

This study examines the dynamic linkages between the Indian Nifty index futures traded on the offshore Singapore Exchange (SGX) and US stock indices (DJIA, NASDAQ and S&P 500) under the closure of the spot market for Nifty futures.

Design/methodology/approach

With high-frequency 5-min overlapping price data, the authors employ the Johansen cointegration test to investigate long-run relationships, the Granger causality test to assess short-run dynamics and the BEKK-GARCH model for volatility spillover investigation.

Findings

The empirical findings reveal that the SGX Nifty futures market is cointegrated with the US DJIA market. The US DJIA stock index strongly influences the price discovery of SGX Nifty futures and past innovations in the US markets strongly impact the current volatility of SGX Nifty futures.

Practical implications

Findings from this study have significant implications for market participants, particularly foreign investors and portfolio managers. These findings might be helpful for market participants to improve the prediction power of expected SGX Nifty futures price and volatility, especially under the closure of the spot market. Also, SGX market participants can take the significant role of the US market into account when formulating hedging and trading strategies with Indian Nifty futures. Besides, our findings have significant implications for policymakers in evaluating market stability.

Originality/value

This article adds to the very limited research on offshore or international stock index futures; it is the first study that empirically examines the international linkages of offshore SGX Nifty futures under the closure of its underlying spot market and also the driving force behind the linkages.
The reflection of Newman's defensible space theory on Turkey's neighbourhoods: typomorphological analysis of safe-space within an analytical framework
Authors: Kalfaoglu Hatipoglu Hatice , Okkali Alsavada Merve
Published: October 2022

Purpose

The research intends to investigate the different typological and morphological characteristics of the neighbourhood spaces produced by different urban dynamics since the late nineteenth century in Turkey.

Design/methodology/approach

The main problem that drives the research is that a significant increase in the construction of gated communities has started to be seen in the last five years as a solution to safety issues in Turkey. However, these gated communities as safe-spaces have resulted in the danger of destroying neighbourhood life's physical and social dynamics by changing their spatial configuration. The study offers an analytical framework structured from defensible space theory and other safe-space theories in the literature. It has analysed the effect of physical characteristics of urban fabric on the production of safe-space in neighbourhoods through mappings and site observations. The case studies are conducted in three different morphological periods in Turkey, which are the Seyrancik neighbourhood in Bolu (the Ottoman Period), the Subayevleri neighbourhood in Ankara (the Republican Period) and the Karaman neighbourhood in Sakarya (the Liberalisation Period).

Findings

The analysis concludes that any type does not come to the fore in the production of defensible space in terms of its spatial features, but each has various strengths and weaknesses. As a result, this study emphasises the role of design in providing defensible neighbourhoods in the case of Turkey's cities and reveals the aspects that will guide the design of an urban and housing form in terms of the safety–environment relationship in Turkey.

Originality/value

The significance of the study is the comparative analytical approach to studying the housing development and demonstrates a method for analysing safety issues in the transformation process of neighbourhood structures in Turkey.
New plant engineering techniques, R&D investment and international trade
Authors: Marette Stéphan , Disdier Anne‐Célia , Bodnar Anastasia , Beghin John
Published: October 2022

New plant engineering techniques (NPETs) may significantly improve both production and quality of foods. Some consumers and regulators around the world might be reluctant to accept such products and the global market penetration of these products may remain low. We develop a parsimonious economic model for R&D investment in food innovations to identify conditions under which NPET technology emerges in the context of international trade. The framework integrates consumers' willingness to pay (WTP) for the new food, the uncertainty of R&D processes, the associated regulatory cost of approval, and the competition between domestic and foreign products. With generic applicability, the model enables the quantitative analysis of new foods that could be introduced in markets and then traded across borders. We apply the framework to a hypothetical case of apples improved with NPETs. Simulation results suggest that import bans and high values of sunk cost can reduce R&D investment in NPETs to suboptimal levels.
Curcumin‐loaded complex coacervate made of mung bean protein isolate and succinylated chitosan as a novel medium for curcumin encapsulation
Authors: Mirmohammad Meiguni Maryam Sadat , Salami Maryam , Rezaei Karamatollah , Ghaffari Seyed‐Behnam , Aliyari Mohammad Amin , Emam‐Djomeh Zahra , Barazandegan Yasmin , Gruen Ingolf
Published: October 2022

A novel complex coacervate based on mung bean protein (MBP) and succinylated chitosan (SC) was developed in order to encapsulate curcumin to enhance its antioxidant and release properties. The optimum pH and MBP/SC ratio for fabrication of the complex coacervate were determined as 5.5 and 3:1, respectively. The MBP/SC complexes exhibited high affinity toward curcumin with encapsulation efficiency of 89.65%. The curcumin‐loaded MBP with succinyl chitosan (c‐MBP/SC) exhibited antioxidant properties investigated by DPPH and reducing power assays. c‐MBP/SC also showed significant photo stability and acceptable controlled release behavior in simulated gastrointestinal conditions. Fluorescence results indicated that curcumin interacted with the hydrophobic areas available in c‐MBP/SC. FTIR results showed the successful encapsulation of curcumin in the hydrophobic core of the complex, followed by minor changes in MBP conformation. Analysis of zeta potential revealed that MBP/SC particles were synthesized successfully at the pH value of 5.5 due to conformational changes of MBP. The conformational changes in protein structure were confirmed by Nile Red fluorescence anisotropy. As a result, c‐MBP/SC could be considered as a promising carrier for curcumin encapsulation in food formulations with enhanced dispersity characteristic.
Microbiomes in agroecosystem: Diversity, function and assembly mechanisms
Authors: Xiong Chao , Lu Yahai
Published: October 2022

Soils are a main repository of biodiversity harbouring immense diversity of microbial species that plays a central role in fundamental ecological processes and acts as the seed bank for emergence of the plant microbiome in cropland ecosystems. Crop‐associated microbiomes play an important role in shaping plant performance, which includes but not limited to nutrient uptake, disease resistance, and abiotic stress tolerance. Although our understanding of structure and function of soil and plant microbiomes has been rapidly advancing, most of our knowledge comes from ecosystems in natural environment. In this review, we present an overview of the current knowledge of diversity and function of microbial communities along the soil–plant continuum in agroecosystems. To characterize the ecological mechanisms for community assembly of soil and crop microbiomes, we explore how crop host and environmental factors such as plant species and developmental stage, pathogen invasion, and land management shape microbiome structure, microbial co‐occurrence patterns, and crop‐microbiome interactions. Particularly, the relative importance of deterministic and stochastic processes in microbial community assembly is illustrated under different environmental conditions, and potential sources and keystone taxa of the crop microbiome are described. Finally, we highlight a few important questions and perspectives in future crop microbiome research.
Association of cannabis use during pregnancy with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Young‐Wolff Kelly C. , Ray G. Thomas , Alexeeff Stacey E. , Benowitz Neal , Adams Sara R. , Does Monique B. , Goler Nancy , Ansley Deborah , Conway Amy , Avalos Lyndsay A.
Published: October 2022

Background and Aims

Cannabis use is increasingly common among pregnant individuals and might be a risk factor for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) infection. We aimed to test whether prenatal cannabis use is associated with increased risk of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection during pregnancy.

Design

This is a retrospective cohort study.

Setting

The study was conducted in California, USA.

Participants

A total of 58 114 pregnancies (with outcomes from 5 March 2020 to 30 September 2021) among 57 287 unique pregnant women aged 14–54 years who were screened for prenatal substance use, enrolled in Kaiser Permanente Northern California (KPNC) (a health‐care system) and had not tested positive for COVID‐19 prior to pregnancy onset.

Measurements

We utilized data from the KPNC electronic health record. Cannabis use status (current, recently quit and non‐user) was based on universal screenings during prenatal care (including urine toxicology testing and self‐reported use on a self‐administered questionnaire). SARS‐CoV‐2 infection [based on polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests] was estimated in time‐to‐event analyses using Cox proportional hazard regression models adjusting for covariates. Secondary analyses examined differences in (a) SARS‐CoV‐2 testing rates and (b) SARS‐CoV‐2 infection rates among those tested.

Findings

We observed 348 810 person‐months of follow‐up time in our cohort with 41 064 SARS‐CoV‐2 PCR tests and 6% (n = 2414) of tests being positive. At the start of follow‐up, 7% of pregnant individuals had current use, 12% had recently quit and 81% did not use cannabis. Adjusting for covariates, current use was associated with lower rates of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) = 0.60, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.49–0.74 than non‐use. Those who had recently quit did not differ from non‐cannabis users in infection rates (aHR = 0.96, 95% CI = 0.86–1.08). Sensitivity analyses among patients who received a SARS‐CoV‐2 test also found lower odds of infection associated with current versus no cannabis use (aOR = 0.76, CI = 0.61–0.93).

Conclusions

Current cannabis use appears to be associated with a reduced risk of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection among pregnant individuals.
The who and how of attentional bias in cannabis users: associations with use severity, craving and interference control
Authors: Kroon Emese , Kuhns Lauren , Dunkerbeck Annette , Cousijn Janna
Published: October 2022

Aims

Cognitive and motivational processes are thought to underlie cannabis use disorder (CUD), but research assessing how cognitive processes [e.g. interference control (IC)] interact with implicit [e.g. attentional bias (AB)] and explicit motivation (i.e. craving) is lacking. We assessed the presence of AB in cannabis users with varying use severity and tested models of moderation, mediation and moderated mediation to assess how AB, craving and IC interact in their association with measures of cannabis use.

Design

A cross‐sectional study design was used.

Setting and participants

Eight studies performed by our laboratory in the Netherlands including never‐sporadic, occasional (≤ 1/month) and regular cannabis users (≥ 2/week), and individuals in treatment for CUD were combined (n = 560; 71% male).

Measurements

Studies included a classic Stroop task (IC), a cannabis Stroop task (AB) and measures of session‐induced and average session craving. Both heaviness of cannabis use (grams/week) and severity of use related problems were included.

Findings

Only those in treatment for CUD showed an AB to cannabis (P = 0.019) and group differences were only observed when comparing CUD with never‐sporadic users (P = 0.007). In occasional and regular users, IC was negatively associated with heaviness (β = 0.015, P < 0.001), but not severity of use. Average session craving (exploratory), but not session‐induced craving (confirmatory), mediated this association between AB and heaviness (β = 0.050, P = 0.011) as well as severity of use (β = 0.083, P = 0.009); higher AB was associated with heavier use and more severe problems through increased craving.

Conclusions

Attentional bias only appears to be present in cannabis users with the most severe problems and craving appears to mediate the association between attentional bias and both heaviness and severity of use in occasional and regular users. The association of interference control with heaviness but not severity of use may point to subacute intoxication effects of cannabis use on interference control.
Timing of surveillance colonoscopy following malignant colorectal polypectomy in Queensland
Authors: Zammit Andrew P. , Brown Ian , Hooper John D. , Clark David A. , Riddell Andrew D.
Published: October 2022

Introduction

The management of malignant polyps presents a treatment challenge between a colorectal resection and polypectomy alone. Patients managed with polypectomy alone typically undergo surveillance for recurrent or metastatic disease, however, optimal timing of surveillance methods remains unclear. Guidelines recommend for completely resected malignant polyps, that a surveillance colonoscopy be perform 12 months from diagnosis. This study sought to clarify how patients with a malignant polyp were being colonoscopically surveilled if they did not undergo colorectal resection.

Methods

A retrospective, population‐wide cohort analysis of all patients from 2011 to 2019 was performed using data from the Queensland Oncology Repository. Patient, procedural and pathological data were extracted for all patients diagnosed with a malignant polyp and timing of the first surveillance endoscopy was calculated. Statistical analysis comparing the timing of surveillance colonoscopy across multiple patients, procedural and histological characteristics were assessed.

Results

A total of 1646 patients were identified with a malignant polyp, with 797 patients managed with polypectomy and surveillance alone. The median time to surveillance endoscopy was 182 days with the mean 220.01 days. This was substantially sooner than the recommended clinical guidelines of 365 days. There were no patient or procedural characteristics which predicted a difference in the timing of surveillance colonoscopy. No pathological factors appeared to change the timing for surveillance endoscopy (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

Overall, patients had surveillance endoscopy procedures substantially earlier than guideline recommendations. However, evidence underlying these guidelines and other surveillance methods for malignant polyps are not strong. Future technological developments, including improvements in imaging techniques, may provide additional options for surveillance of malignant polyps.
Dream Work in Clinical Practice: Guidelines Toward a Triangular Situation
Authors: Schӧn Joan
Published: October 2022

Since the publication of Freud's Interpretation of Dreams over a century ago, there has been a surprising dearth of systematic treatment in the psychoanalytic literature on ways to address dream interpretation in practice and in training. It is argued here that dreams remain a royal road to the unconscious and that understanding can be enriched through the application of a methodical approach which incorporates a range of different theories (despite their having generated major rifts in the history of psychoanalysis). In earlier research, I developed a four‐part sequential ‘model in theory’ for organizing, comparing and integrating contributions from different theorists to dream interpretation. The present article reports on the model's usefulness for examining case material. Analysis of three case vignettes from experienced clinicians revealed that the model's constructs hold good for examining real‐life dream material, which also suggests its applicability as a basis for training. Further work with the vignettes gave rise to a related ‘model in practice’ for understanding dream work in therapy as a triangular situation in which the dream, the patient, and the practitioner have distinct roles. Applying these models to case material, as illustrated in this paper, indicates their potential for further exploration, and to use in the structure, design and practical implementation of learning and training that specifically addresses work with dreams.
Fifty years with aspirin and platelets
Authors: Patrono Carlo
Published: October 2022

In 2021, we reached the 50th anniversary of the publication of Sir John Vane's seminal paper in Nature New Biology describing the experiments supporting his mechanistic hypothesis that inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis might explain the main pharmacological effects of aspirin and aspirin‐like drugs, that is, reduction in pain, fever and inflammation. Bengt Samuelsson's subsequent discoveries elucidating the cyclooxygenase pathway of platelet arachidonic acid metabolism motivated my research interest towards measuring platelet thromboxane A2 biosynthesis as a tool to investigate the clinical pharmacology of cyclooxygenase inhibition by aspirin in health and disease. What followed was a long, winding road of clinical research leading to the characterization of low‐dose aspirin as a life‐saving antiplatelet drug that still represents the cornerstone of antithrombotic therapy. Having witnessed and participated in these 50 years of aspirin research, I thought of providing a personal testimony of how things developed and eventually led to a remarkable success story of independent research.
Limited marginal bone loss in implant‐supported fixed full‐arch rehabilitations after 5 years of follow‐up
Authors: Galindo‐Moreno Pablo , Ravidà Andrea , Catena Andrés , O'Valle Francisco , Padial‐Molina Miguel , Wang Hom‐Lay
Published: October 2022

Purpose

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the 5‐year results in terms of marginal bone level (MBL) around implants supporting fixed full‐arch metal‐ceramic restorations in a series of cases of patients who had lost their teeth in that dental arch because of severe periodontal disease.

Material and Methods

A retrospective cohort study was designed to evaluate the 5‐year MBL results of OsseoSpeed™ Astra Tech TX implants with internal tapered conical connection. Age, gender, bone substratum, smoking habits, history of periodontitis, and prosthetic features were recorded. Mixed linear model was used to determine the influence of the different variables on MBL.

Results

In this series, a total of 160 implants placed in 19 patients were evaluated. No implant failure was reported during the 5 years of follow‐up. Only 14 (8.75%) implants had more than 2 mm of MBL. Abutment height,F(3,142) = 6.917,p < .001, and implant diameter,F(1,141) = 15.059,p < .001, were determined to be statistically associated with MBL. No other effect was significant. Pairwise comparisons showed that MBL was larger for abutment height = 1 (MBL = −0.987, SE = 0.186) compared with the remaining heights [−0.335 (0.171), −0.169 (0.192) and −0.247 (0.267), 2, 4 and 6 mm, respectively]. MBL was larger for narrow (−0.510, SE = 0.169) than for wide implants (−0.364, SE = 0.190).

Conclusion

The current study demonstrates that the vast majority of internal conical connection implants supporting fixed full‐arch metal‐ceramic restorations do not suffer from relevant MBL after 5 years in function. Particularly, those implants with transmucosal abutments longer than 2 mm show less than 0.5 mm from the implant shoulder to the marginal bone.
Efficacy and safety of 3‐n‐butylphthalide combined with endovascular treatment in acute ischemic stroke due to large vessel occlusion
Authors: Liu Shuai , Li Fengli , Yang Jie , Xie Dongjie , Yue Chengsong , Luo Weidong , Hu Jinrong , Song Jiaxing , Li Linyu , Huang Jiacheng , Zhao Chenhao , Gong Zili , Yang Qingwu , Zi Wenjie
Published: October 2022

Background

The drug 3‐n‐butylphthalide (NBP) was developed and approved in China, where it has been used to treat ischemic cerebrovascular diseases. It is also considered to have a neuroprotective effect. This study aimed to evaluate whether NBP combined with endovascular treatment (EVT) can improve the clinical outcome and safety in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) due to large vessel occlusion (LVO).

Methods

Data from three studies of patients treated with EVT for AIS due to LVO were combined in this study. Patients of LVO undergoing EVT were dichotomized into NBP and non‐NBP subgroups. The primary efficacy outcome was the shift of the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score at 90 days. The secondary efficacy outcome included favorable functional outcomes, functional independence, and excellent outcome (defined as an mRS score of 3 or less) at 90 days. Safety outcomes included mortality within 90 days and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) within 48 h.

Results

A total of 1820 patients undergoing EVT were included in this study; 628 (37.5%) patients received NBP treatment, whereas 1138 (62.5%) did not. After adjusting for multiple factors, NBP was associated with the improvement of functional outcomes at 90 days (adjusted common odds ratio [OR]: 1.503; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.254–1.801; p < 0.001). NBP was associated with a higher rate of 90‐day favorable outcomes (adjusted OR: 1.589; 95% CI: 1.251–2.020; p < 0.001) and a lower rate of 90‐day mortality (adjusted OR: 0.486 [95% CI: 0.372–0.635]; p < 0.001). sICH occurred in 74 of 682 (10.9%) patients in the NBP group and 155 of 1126 (13.8%) patients in the non‐NBP group; no statistical difference was detected (adjusted OR: 0.787 [95% CI: 0.567–1.092]; p = 0.152).

Conclusion

Among patients with AIS due to LVO, NBP combined with EVT is associated with better functional outcomes and reduced mortality risk without increasing the risk of sICH.
MicroRNA‐140‐5p inhibitor attenuates memory impairment induced by amyloid‐ß oligomer in vivo possibly through Pin1 regulation
Authors: Khodabakhsh Pariya , Bazrgar Maryam , Mohagheghi Fatemeh , Parvardeh Siavash , Ahmadiani Abolhassan
Published: October 2022

Aims

The peptidyl‐prolyl cis/trans isomerase, Pin1, has a protective role in age‐related neurodegeneration by targeting different phosphorylation sites of tau and the key proteins required to produce Amyloid‐β, which are the well‐known molecular signatures of Alzheimer's disease (AD) neuropathology. The direct interaction of miR‐140‐5p with Pin1 mRNA and its inhibitory role in protein translation has been identified. The main purpose of this study was to investigate the role of miRNA‐140‐5p inhibition in promoting Pin1 expression and the therapeutic potential of the AntimiR‐140‐5p in the Aß oligomer (AßO)‐induced AD rat model.

Methods

Spatial learning and memory were assessed in the Morris water maze. RT‐PCR, western blot, and histological assays were performed on hippocampal samples at various time points after treatments. miRNA‐140‐5p inhibition enhanced Pin1 and ADAM10 mRNA expressions but has little effect on Pin1 protein level.

Results

The miRNA‐140‐5p inhibitor markedly ameliorated spatial learning and memory deficits induced by AßO, and concomitantly suppressed the mRNA expression of inflammatory mediators TNFα and IL‐1β, and phosphorylation of tau at three key sites (thr231, ser396, and ser404) as well as increased phosphorylated Ser473‐Akt.

Conclusion

According to our results, Antimir‐140‐mediated improvement of AβO‐induced neuronal injury and memory impairment in rats may provide an appropriate rationale for evaluating miR‐140‐5p inhibitors as a promising agent for the treatment of AD.
The use of ketamine as a neuroprotective agent following cardiac arrest: A scoping review of current literature
Authors: Ornowska Marlena , Wormsbecker Andrew , Andolfatto Gary , Leung Tim S. , Khan Idan , Medvedev George
Published: October 2022

Aims

The objective of this article is to summarize the state of the literature surrounding the use of ketamine as a neuroprotective agent following cardiac arrest.

Methods

Five electronic databases were used to search for studies related to the use of ketamine for neuroprotection following cardiac arrest. This search was performed once in May 2020, and an updated search was conducted in May 2021 and March 2022.

Results

All searches combined retrieved 181 results; no clinical trials were identified. As such, the authors were limited to writing a scoping review of the literature rather than a systematic review.

Conclusions

The current state of the literature describes the mechanism of action of ketamine as a neuroprotective agent through its action as an NMDA antagonist. There is evidence of its efficacy as a neuroprotective agent in preclinical models of cardiac arrest. Current published clinical work supports the use of ketamine ameliorating neurologic outcomes in other conditions such as epilepsy, traumatic brain injury, and depression. The current state of the literature is reflective of the notion that the use of ketamine following cardiac arrest may result in improved neurologic outcomes. Future research directions should focus on the use of ketamine as a possible clinical intervention following cardiac arrest.
A new era of wolf management demands better data and a more inclusive process
Authors: Kareiva Peter , Attwood Samantha Kim , Bean Kim , Felix Desiree , Marvier Michelle , Miketa Madison L. , Tate‐Pulliam Elishebah
Published: October 2022

Hunting and trapping of gray wolves (Canis lupus) has increased dramatically in the “lower 48” states of the United States. We assess the data used to justify the intense hunting pressure on wolves, and find an absence of accessible biological data. We find there is a clear need for more transparent reporting of livestock losses, wolf kills, and especially the numbers and types of nontarget species captured in traps set for wolves. Also lacking is a full accounting of benefits and costs of hunting wolves, with a noteworthy failure to incorporate the ecosystem functions served by wolves. As apex predators, wolves warrant multi‐objective management as opposed to management focused largely on livestock interests and concerns.
“Foul‐smelling sign” during endoscopic necrosectomy indicates the presence of pancreatico‐colonic fistula
Authors: Hayashi Tsuyoshi , Ishii Tatsuya , Katanuma Akio
Published: October 2022

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Diagnosis of fetal congenitally unguarded tricuspid valve orifice by echocardiography
Authors: Liu Hailan , Yuan Gaole , Li Xia , Song Yan , Wang Chen , Zhang Chunquan
Published: October 2022

Objective

To review the imaging characteristics and evaluate the diagnostic value of echocardiography for fetal congenitally unguarded tricuspid valve orifice (CUTVO).

Methods

Doppler echocardiography was performed and the images were compared with operative and necropsy findings in ten fetuses with CUTVO. The aim of the study was to summarize the characteristics of fetal echocardiography and analyze the causes of missed diagnoses and misdiagnoses.

Results

There were six cases with complete absence (60%) and four cases with partial absence of the tricuspid leaflet (40%). Among all cases, six cases were consistent with the ultrasonic diagnosis. CUTVO ultrasonographic characteristics consist of the atrioventricular connection with normal arteries and the tricuspid valve device partially or completely absent. The annulus of the tricuspid valve can be described as “empty” in the apical four‐chamber view, Doppler evaluation shows to‐and‐fro flow across the tricuspid orifice with low velocity and two‐way spectrum.

Conclusion

Fetal echocardiography can accurately diagnose CUTVO, but missed diagnosis and misdiagnosis should be reduced.
Additive value of the right parasternal view for the assessment of aortic stenosis
Authors: Shimamura Toshio , Izumo Masaki , Sato Yukio , Shiokawa Noriko , Uenomachi Nina , Miyauchi Motoki , Miyamoto Junko , Kikuchi Hidekazu , Shinoda Junko , Okamura Takanori , Akashi Yoshihiro J.
Published: October 2022

Background

Although Doppler evaluation using a multiplanar method is recommended to assess the severity of aortic stenosis (AS) with transthoracic echocardiography, evidence on the diagnostic significance of a non‐apical method is limited. This study aimed to compare the use of the apical with the use of the right parasternal view (RPV) method to evaluate AS severity and to examine the diagnostic significance of performing the RPV method in addition to the apical method during the evaluation.

Methods

This retrospective observational study included 276 consecutive patients (mean age: 79 ± 10 years; women, 56%) with severe AS (aortic valve area [AVA] ≤1.0cm2). The severity of AS according to the apical method and that according to the RPV for all subjects were compared, and the significance of performing the RPV method in addition to the apical method was examined. Furthermore, we compared the concordance group, in which the apical and RPV methods indicated matching in severity, and the discordant group, in which the apical and RPV methods did not indicate matching severity.

Results

Peak velocity (Vmax), mean pressure gradient (MG) were significantly higher and the AVA, AVAi, and Doppler velocity index (DVI) were significantly smaller when the RPV was added to the apical view. Performing the RPV method in addition to the apical method significantly decreased the number of low PG AS cases (MG < 40 mmHg) from 69.9% to 65.0% and it increased the number of very severe AS cases (Vmax ≥ 5 m/s) from 8.7% to 14.5%. Deviation of Doppler angle was significantly greater in the discordant group compared to the concordant group (22.5 ± .6 vs. 31.8 ± 1.7, p < .001).

Conclusions

By performing the RPV method in addition to the apical method to determine AS severity, the diagnosis of AS to be resolved in approximately 10% of cases. These results suggest that AS severity may be underestimated by using the apical method alone.
Palliative home care for older patients with respiratory disease in Japan: Practices and opinions of physicians
Authors: Yamanaka Takashi , Kidana Kiwami , Yamaguchi Yasuhiro , Hirahara Satoshi , Hirakawa Yoshihisa , Mizuki Maiko , Arai Hidenori , Akishita Masahiro , Miura Hisayuki
Published: October 2022

Aim

Older adults at the end‐of‐life stage receiving home visits from physicians often experience symptoms such as dyspnea, pain and fatigue, among others. This study aimed to investigate the practices and opinions of physicians providing home visits regarding palliative care for older adults with respiratory symptoms due to non‐malignant diseases in Japan.

Methods

A nationwide questionnaire survey on home palliative care for non‐cancer chronic respiratory diseases was sent to 2988 home‐care physicians in 2020 through postal mail and/or email. The questions focused on their background, their use of rating scales to evaluate the intensity of dyspnea, and their practices and opinions regarding home palliative care for respiratory diseases or symptoms.

Results

Valid responses were collected from 592 physicians (19.8%). A total of 251 participants (43.1%) used a rating scale to evaluate the intensity of dyspnea. While 87.8%, 86.6%, 67.3%, and 60.0% of physicians considered pulmonary rehabilitation, morphine, sedative medications, and non‐invasive positive pressure ventilation (NPPV), respectively, as effective in relieving respiratory distress, 73.0%, 66.9%, 57.3%, and 55.2% of those physicians, respectively, used each modality to relieve respiratory distress. Frequently involved physicians in the aforementioned care prescribed morphine or sedative medications and used NPPV more frequently.

Conclusions

This study found a discrepancy between the proportion of physicians who considered palliative care as effective and those who prescribed it. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2022; 22: 943–949.
Sharing brands on social media: The roles of behavioural commitment and modality in identity shift
Authors: Johnson Benjamin K. , Rosenbaum Judith E.
Published: October 2022

People who publicly exhibit behaviours on social media adjust their sense of self accordingly, a process known as identity shift. This manuscript reports on two experiments that extend identity shift research, applying it to consumer engagement with media brands on social media. In the first study (N = 150), participants liked or shared brands' social media posts using their own Facebook accounts. We tested actual behavioural commitment against merely thinking about sharing or liking the post, to provide a rigorous test of identity shift theory. Contrary to expectations, results showed no significant differences between behaviour and thought. Findings did show that users were more cautious in sharing (vs. liking) posts and were more likely to be influenced by their own sharing if they were relatively infrequent social media sharers. The second study (N = 338) extended this design to include Twitter and account for the roles of social media users' personality traits, perceptions of different social media platforms, and user choice and autonomy. Results revealed that liking on Twitter or sharing on Facebook produced more positive brand attitudes. Contrary to expectations, extroverts and those who perceived their online performance as more public reported less positive attitudes after actually sharing.
Nurses' views on the provision of physical healthcare for individuals with comorbid mental illness and chronic disease
Authors: Tzeng Wen‐Chii , Su Pi‐Yu , Yeh Shih‐Hua , Chang Tsu‐Wei , Lin Chia‐Huei , Feng Hsin‐Pei
Published: October 2022

The prevalence of chronic diseases (such as diabetes, obesity, cancer, heart disease, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) continues to increase among patients with mental illness. This cross‐sectional study investigated the factors affecting nurses' views on the provision of physical healthcare to patients with comorbid mental illness and chronic disease. In total, 369 nurses working in mental health were assessed for the physical healthcare attitudes and practices using the Physical Health Attitude Scale for Mental Health Nurses. The results of generalized linear modelling indicated that nurses' involvement in physical healthcare was associated with psychiatric mental health nurse credentials (B = 1.560, 95% CI = 0.292–2.828, P = 0.016) and their confidence in delivering physical healthcare was associated with prior physical healthcare training (B = 0.639, 95% CI = 0.104–1.174, P = 0.019). In addition, the frequency with which the nurses engaged in physical healthcare practices was associated with working in a community unit (B = −7.416, 95% CI = −9.652 to −5.180, P < 0.001), involvement in physical healthcare (B = 0.349, 95% CI = 0.162–0.535, P < 0.001), and confidence in delivering physical healthcare (B = 1.148, 95% CI = 0.776–1.519, P < 0.001). Our findings suggest that interventions aiming to help nurses assess and improve their own physical healthcare practices should consider nurses' background and patients' physical health needs in various settings and focus on cultivating an organizational culture that gives nurses confidence in providing physical healthcare.
Nursing students' self‐directed learning experiences in web‐based virtual simulation: A qualitative study
Authors: Yeo Ji‐Young , Jang Myoung Sun
Published: October 2022

Background

Since the start of the COVID‐19 pandemic, virtual reality simulation, including web‐based simulation, has increased in nursing education. This study explored nursing students' self‐directed problem‐solving in web‐based virtual simulation experiences.

Method

Convenience sampling yielded 16 Korean senior nursing students who had experienced clinical practice in the last semester. Data were collected from August 2020 to January 2021 through in‐depth Zoom video interviews and organized using NVivo version 12.0. Thematic analysis was applied to analyze the data.

Results

The following four themes were identified from nursing students' learning experiences during the web‐based virtual simulations: “self‐awareness of a lack of nursing competency in virtual reality,” “applying new learning strategies learned from failure,” “voluntary learning behavior,” and “cognitive shift toward a holistic understanding.” Web‐based virtual simulations activated various cognitive and metacognitive factors of self‐directed learning, and the system's prompt feedback and students' reflections facilitated learning effects. Nursing students corrected their cognitive errors while learning from their failures and mistakes and gained a holistic view of nursing practice.

Conclusion

In this study, web‐based self‐directed learning activated the metacognition of nursing students in a virtuous cycle. The virtual environment with no actual harm to the patient has become a space for learners to experience a sense of confidence, achievement, and satisfaction. Web‐based virtual simulation can be an effective teaching method to improve nursing students' self‐directed learning abilities and nursing competency.