bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of spike protein variants evolved in a novel mouse model of persistent SARS-CoV-2 infection
Authors: Kim Dongbum , Kim Jinsoo , Kim Minyoung , Park Heedo , Maharjan Sony , Baek Kyeongbin , Kang Bo Min , Kim Suyeon , Park Sangkyu , Park Man-Seong , Lee Younghee , Kwon Hyung-Joo
Published: March 2023

SARS-CoV-2 mutation rates have increased over time, resulting in the emergence of several variants of concern. Persistent infection is assumed to be involved in the evolution of the variants; however, there is currently no animal model to recapitulate persistent infection. We established a novel model of persistent infection using xenografts of Calu-3 human lung cancer cells in immunocompromised mice. After infection with wild-type SARS-CoV-2, viruses were found in the tumor tissues for up to 30 days and acquired various mutations, predominantly in the spike (S) protein, some of which increased while others fluctuated for 30 days. Three isolated viral clones with defined mutations produced higher virus titers than the wild-type virus in Calu-3 cells without cytotoxic effects. In K18-hACE2 mice, the variants were less lethal than the wild-type virus. Infection with each variant induced production of cross-reactive antibodies to the receptor binding domain of wild-type S protein and provided protective immunity against subsequent challenge with wild-type virus. These results suggest that most of the SARS-CoV-2 variants acquired mutations promoting host adaptation in the Calu-3 xenograft mice. This model can be used in the future to further study persistent SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Purkinje-Enriched snRNA-seq in SCA7 Cerebellum Reveals Zebrin Identity Loss as a Central Feature of Polyglutamine Ataxias
Authors: Bartelt Luke C. , Switonski Pawel M. , Adamek Grażyna , Carvalho Juliana , Duvick Lisa A. , Jarrah Sabrina I. , McLoughlin Hayley S. , Scoles Daniel R. , Pulst Stefan M. , Orr Harry T. , Hull Court , Lowe Craig B. , La Spada Albert R.
Published: March 2023

Spinocerebellar ataxia type 7 (SCA7) is an inherited neurodegenerative disorder caused by a CAG-polyglutamine repeat expansion. SCA7 patients display a striking loss of Purkinje cell (PC) neurons with disease progression; however, PCs are rare, making them difficult to characterize. We developed a PC nuclei enrichment protocol and applied it to single-nucleus RNA-seq of a SCA7 knock-in mouse model. Our results unify prior observations into a central mechanism of cell identity loss, impacting both glia and PCs, driving accumulation of inhibitory synapses and altered PC spiking. Zebrin-II subtype dysregulation is the predominant signal in PCs, leading to complete loss of zebrin-II striping at motor symptom onset in SCA7 mice. We show this zebrin-II subtype degradation is shared across Polyglutamine Ataxia mouse models and SCA7 patients. It has been speculated that PC subtype organization is critical for cerebellar function, and our results suggest that a breakdown of zebrin-II parasagittal striping is pathological.
The impact of board-level female directors on firm performance: evidence from India
Authors: Saha Rupjyoti
Published: March 2023

Purpose

This study investigates the impact of female directors on firms' financial performance by scrutinizing the different roles they are empowered to fulfill.

Design/methodology/approach

This study examines the impact of the roles performed by female directors on firms' financial performance using a panel dataset of the top 100 listed Indian firms over a period of 5 years. The study uses an appropriate panel data model for empirical analysis. For the robustness evaluation, a two-stage least square (2SLS) with the instrumental variable model were used.

Findings

The findings reveal a significantly positive impact of the total percentage of female directors on firms' financial performance. Further, by disentangling the impact of the total percentage of female directors between independent directors and executive directors, the study shows that independent female directors make a significant positive contribution to their firms' financial performance. By contrast, the performance impact of female executive directors was insignificant. In addition, the findings reveal that firms with a higher proportion of independent female directors outperform firms with a higher percentage of female executive directors.

Originality/value

This study is the first of its kind to unravel the performance impact of female directors and distinguish between the roles of independent directors and executive directors in the context of the emerging market of India, after the imposition of a gender quota for corporate boards.
A framework for assessing a country’s scientific productivity based on published articles by scientists affiliated with that country
Authors: Hamed Golzar Negar , Altunok Elif , Aghabaiglou Amir , Külekci Muhammed Oğuzhan
Published: March 2023

Purpose

This study aims to propose a framework to assess the scientific productivity performance of a country in terms of its international visibility and national capabilities.

Design/methodology/approach

In a given subject, all publications with at least one author from the target country as well as the received citations are counted as quantitative and qualitative indicators, respectively. The ratios of these counts to their expected values, which are estimated according to the global gross domestic product (GDP) and population percentages of the country are used to assess international visibility. Also, in certain publications, all authors are from the target country, therefore, their publication and citation proportions are provided as metrics of national competence.

Findings

As a sample, this study analyzes Turkey’s performance in “Business, Economics & Management” and “Engineering & Computer Science” in the top 20 publication venues of the regarding subject areas according to Google Scholar Metrics taxonomy. This study shows that in some subfields, Turkey’s performance is 2.73–6 times as per expectations. This study also provides the international visibility assessment of all countries for the past two decades in “Theoretical Computer Science” which shows that Israel is a leading country based on this framework.

Originality/value

This paper introduces new indices to evaluate a country’s national competence and international visibility on a subject field based on the number of published papers affiliated with the country and their citations by considering the global GDP and population share.
What makes consumers repeat consumption internet celebrity restaurant?
Authors: Tang Jianxiong , Xie Liping , Sun Qiao , Liu Xian
Published: March 2023

Purpose

Given the growing preference for internet celebrity restaurants, it is crucial to explore how internet celebrity restaurants can maintain customer loyalty. Therefore, this study aims to examine the connections between brand cognition [emotion value, brand symbol (BS) and brand experience (BE)], brand resonance (BR) and revisit intention.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, the authors use a theoretical model to test the relationship between cognition and intention. A total of 366 volunteers were recruited to participate in this research. Hypothesis testing and a moderated mediation model were used to measure the results.

Findings

BR acts as a mediator in the interaction between emotion value, BS, experience and repurchase intention (RI). Surprisingly, the authors also discover that electronic word-of-mouth (e-WOM) acceptance negatively modifies the relationship between brand cognition and BR. Internet exposure (IE) helps consumers perceive BE and BSs more favorably.

Practical implications

Managers should be aware of how internet celebrity BR is built. Specifically, they can use cultural or emotional elements to maintain relationships with consumers. Furthermore, to lessen the negative consequences of e-WOM, managers should work to maintain positive WOM consistency.

Originality/value

The research advances our knowledge of RI in internet celebrity restaurants settings. This study pioneers an investigation of how brand cognition is related to RI through BR’s mediating effect. It enriches this research perspective of the emerging restaurant literature. By analyzing the boundary impact of internet transmission on resonance, it also advances the literature.
The effects of housing price on the mortgage debt in Malaysia: new evidence from FMOLS method
Authors: Hammad Ahmad Khan Hafizah
Published: March 2023

Purpose

The main purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of housing price on mortgage debt accumulation while considering the structural break effects associated with the Global Financial Crisis (GFC).

Design/methodology/approach

To determine the existence of a long run relationship among the variables, this study used a Johansen cointegration test. The long run model was then estimated using the fully modified ordinary least square method and reported for both the model with and without a structural break associated with the GFC.

Findings

The findings demonstrate a moderate positive relationship between housing price and mortgage debt, with the impact of the GFC is positive but insignificant. The household’s lack of responsiveness to the GFC may be attributed to their optimistic expectations and confidence in the Malaysian housing market.

Practical implications

Findings of this study provide some guidance to policymakers and the banking sector in predicting household borrowing behavior during future economic crises.

Originality/value

The increase in housing prices and mortgage debt after the GFC has been a concern for many countries, including Malaysia. This study contributes to the literature by investigating the relationship between housing prices and mortgage debt in Malaysia and sheds light on the impact of the GFC on household borrowing behavior. The study’s contributions include providing new evidence to the underexplored topic, enhancing the robustness and reliability of the empirical results and providing insights into the importance of testing for structural breaks in time series analysis.
Investigation of the quality category approach for BS7910-based rapid fatigue assessment of welded structures containing cracks
Authors: Chen Sheng , Xie Suming , Li Tao , Wang Jian
Published: March 2023

Purpose

This study aims to extend the application of the quality category approach in rapid fatigue assessment of complex welded structures containing defects under arbitrary loadings, following the investigation of their core data and fatigue assessment procedures based on fracture mechanics.

Design/methodology/approach

The analysis methods and procedures for calculating equivalent sizes of semi-elliptic cracks and initial sizes of through-width cracks at the weld toe were developed based on the life equivalence principle. Different stress concentration solutions, i.e. 2D-Mk and 3D-Mk solutions, and different bending ratios were considered. Then, approximate equations were proposed to calculate the crack size under combined stress. In addition, a procedure for calculating the fatigue life by interpolation was proposed and applied to engineering examples.

Findings

The fatigue lives of fillet and butt weld joints obtained with the 3D-Mk solution for large L/B are longer than those obtained with the 2D-Mk solution. The results of the fatigue life of the brake unit bracket show that the average error between the proposed approximation equations and the quality category approach is 1.6%.

Originality/value

The quality category and equivalent size curves of different stress concentration solutions under combined membrane and bending stresses are newly added, which further expands the application of the quality category approach. When the proposed fatigue life calculation methods are employed, the remaining life can be quickly derived in addition to the qualitative conclusion on the safety of the structure. These provide the necessary conditions to perform a rapid fatigue assessment adapted to engineering purposes.
Exploration of Indian plus-size women's ready-to-wear: problems and preferences
Authors: Kumari Annu , Anand Noopur
Published: March 2023

Purpose

Body positivity movement empowered plus-size women globally to speak up boldly about their clothing needs. Retailers cannot satisfy this group with some classic style offerings anymore. By taking clue from existing literature, this study aims to identify clothing preferences and problems related to ready-made plus-size clothing in India. Although many past literature pointed out about poorly fitted and size unavailability issues worldwide, very few of them addressed about clothing style preferences.

Design/methodology/approach

A self-administered close-ended questionnaire was used to answer a set of objectives. A pilot study with 40 plus-size women was carried out to check the reliability and validity of the instrument. Four hundred subject's data were gathered from six Indian cities with a purpose of varied geographical importance. Statistical tests like binomial distribution was used to analyze fit-related problems of 12 bodily sites such as shoulder, upper arm, lower arm, bust, waist, stomach, abdomen, hip, thigh, lower leg, armhole and elbow, and frequency charts were used to examine Likert scale data of sizing problems. The choices of 12 clothing styles were mapped through four factors which affect the purchasing decision of a plus-size woman.

Findings

Poor-fitted clothes at 10 body sites out of the 12 reflected about the fit aspect of plus-size clothing in India. Findings associated to sizing issues like unavailability of trendy clothes in appropriate sizes, which also adorn Indian curvy figure, shows synonymy to the worldwide researcher's findings related to sizing chaos. Classic silhouettes like Straight Indian kurti, A-line dresses and regular-fit trousers were majorly preferred by women. Hiding body bulges was mostly preferred while purchasing loose-fitted garments, and fitted garments were preferred only if these suits to the curvy body proportion. Appropriate fit and size availability are always a prime requisite for this class of women.

Originality/value

The outcomes of research will help Indian retailers/manufacturers to update their patterns in order to provide desired fit. In this lacuna of standard size chart, the study will add value in the development of Indian plus-size women's size chart. The factor mapping with clothing preferences will be useful to reduce rejections and inventories.
The effects of political connections on entrepreneurial venture operations, employee productivity and investment decisions
Authors: Linh Duong Thuy
Published: March 2023

Purpose

This study aims to examine the effect of political connection on operational efficiencies in the case of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and to discover the channel through which political ties affect a firm's decision-making process.

Design/methodology/approach

Following the scope of the study, panel fixed effect has been adopted to explore the impact of political connection on a firm's operational efficiencies. The data were collected every two years from 2005 to 2015 from SMEs in Vietnam under the collaboration of the Central Institute for Economic Management (CIEM), the Institute of Labor Science and Social Affairs (ILSSA) and the Development Economics Research Group (DERG) of the University of Copenhagen (Denmark).

Findings

The results suggest that political connection has a significantly negative effect on both investment efficiencies and employee productivity. Significantly, the impact of political connections on employment decisions is more significant than it is on investment decisions. Furthermore, the findings also indicate that high-growth firms experience the interference of political connection in the decision-making process less often than their low-growth peers.

Originality/value

This paper provides some empirical evidence of the negative impact of political connections on a firm's operational efficiencies. It analyzes the channels through which political connection influences a firm's operational efficiencies. Providing empirical evidence demonstrates a dimension to capture the negative side of the political link to small and medium enterprises in developing economies.
Exploring service employees’ involvement in value co-creation: dimensions, antecedents and consequences
Authors: Xu Hangjun , Tang Chuanyi , Guo Lin
Published: March 2023

Purpose

Although customer co-creation has received a significant amount of attention in both practice and academics, most of the previous studies have been conducted from the customer perspective while how service employees are involved in the customer value co-creation process has been rarely examined. To fill in this gap, the purpose of this paper is to develop a scale of employee involvement in customer value co-creation, and test a theoretical model that investigates the antecedents and consequences of employee involvement in customer value co-creation.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on a comprehensive literature review and 12 in-depth interviews with service employees, a scale of employee involvement in customer value co-creation was developed in Study 1. The items were purified, and the construct validity and reliability were evaluated via a survey (n = 178). In Study 2, the newly developed scale was cross-validated in a new service context and a conceptual model was tested by estimating a structural equation model with survey data collected from service employees (n = 225).

Findings

The newly developed scale of employee involvement in customer value co-creation has demonstrated sufficient construct validity and reliability across different service contexts. Moreover, the results show that both customer orientation and perceived organizational support are positively associated with employee involvement in customer value co-creation, which, in turn, influences employees’ job satisfaction and job stress. In addition, firm cross-functional cooperation strengthens the relationships between perceived organizational support and employee involvement in customer value co-creation.

Research limitations/implications

Future research from other service contexts and countries is needed to confirm the generalizability of the new scale and the findings.

Practical implications

The findings of the study will provide implications to service managers regarding where to focus their organizational resources and how to facilitate employee involvement in customer value co-creation.

Originality/value

This study takes an initial step to develop a scale of employee involvement in customer value co-creation and test the antecedents and consequences of employee involvement in customer value co-creation.
Who or what really counts? The application of BASEClass for stakeholder evaluation and classification
Authors: Khedmatgozar Hamid Reza , Namdarian Leila , Rasuli Behrooz
Published: March 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to develop a framework for categorizing and evaluating stakeholders that addresses the key five constraints of The Theory of Stakeholder Identification and Salience (TSIS), including (1) binary attributes, (2) heterogeneous stakeholders in each category, (3) ignoring stakeholder-organization relationship, (4) ignoring stakeholders' communication frequency and (5) ignoring fringe stakeholders.

Design/methodology/approach

In the first step, a set of solutions for the limitations and constraints of TSIS was extracted by holding three rounds of the Delphi method with the participation of 42 senior and middle Iranian managers in various organizations and based on it, “Basic Analysis for Stakeholder Evaluation and Classification” (BASEClass) was developed as an enhanced theoretical and empirical framework for stakeholder analysis. In the second Step BASEClass is validated by conducting an empirical study in an organization with the participation of 46 managers, experts and specialists.

Findings

BASEClass is an enhanced theoretical and methodological framework for classifying stakeholders based on the three primary attributes of legitimacy, power and urgency, and also the communication quantity as a complementary attribute in a 3D cubical schema, prioritizing stakeholders in several cubes based on one of the multi-criteria group decision-making methods.

Originality/value

BASEClass effectively reduces the mentioned limitations and constraints of TSIS and as a result can improve the effectiveness of strategies for dealing with different stakeholders.
“You can end up in a happy place” (Voyce): a role for positive autoethnography
Authors: Gonot-Schoupinsky Freda , Weeks Mark , Carson Jerome
Published: March 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this opinion piece is to present a case for the potential of positive autoethnography (PosAE) as a new autoethnographic approach.

Design/methodology/approach

This work resulted from on-going discussions between the authors as to the practicalities and benefits of associating the qualitative approach of autoethnography with the field of positive psychology.

Findings

PosAE is proposed to encourage writers to actively reflect on the importance for themselves, and their readers, of including positive narrative elements, prospective visions and exploratory trajectories in their work.

Research limitations/implications

This research builds on existing research that has included positive psychology in autoethnography. As positive psychology is grounded in empirical research, the authors are suggesting that PosAE is allied to pragmatic autoethnography.

Practical implications

PosAE offers to facilitate positive thought, affect and strategies that could improve well-being. For example, some people struggling with serious health issues, and those helping them, may find it useful for articulating conditions and envisioning, even experiencing, positive change.

Social implications

With so many lives impacted by mental health issues globally, and with rapidly changing societies struggling to provide stability and purpose, an autoethnography that provides tools such as PERMA (Positive emotions, Engagement, Positive Relationships, Meaning, Accomplishments/Achievements) to communicate the positive seems timely.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first time the creation of an autoethnographic approach explicitly linked to positive psychology has been proposed.
Stakeholders' perspective on smart tourism development: a case study of the West Bank, Palestine
Authors: Isaac Rami K. , Dodeen Sahar
Published: March 2023

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the tourism stakeholders' opinions about developing smart tourism (ST) in the West Bank, Palestine. This research fulfils intriguing gaps in the literature on stakeholders' perceptions and views on developing ST in the West Bank, Palestine.

Design/methodology/approach

The research study employed a qualitative methodology using semi-structured interviews with nineteen respondents. All data collected were in April and May 2022.

Findings

The findings show that the understanding of ST-related stakeholders in the West Bank is mainly linked to information communication and technology, digitalisation, and online use of technology within the tourism industry. Moreover, the results show the high potential of developing the ST industry in the West Bank. However, this study revealed that challenges could affect the West Bank's development at different levels, such as managerial, technological, awareness, public sector restrictions, infrastructural, financial and political challenges.

Research limitations/implications

This research has some shortcomings. The first restriction of this study was the political restrictions and the checkpoints, which limited the reach of some of the participants who reside in Jerusalem or other cities outside of the West Bank, which delayed the time of the interviews or converted it to be done through a digital platform. Secondly, the sample of this study was small in tourism stakeholders in the West Bank.

Originality/value

To the author's knowledge, this paper is the first on ST from the stakeholders' perspectives. Therefore, this study has set the first step in closing the existing gap in the literature.
Influence of tuck stitches on the physical and mechanical properties of knitted fabrics
Authors: Sarybayeva Elvira , Kuramysova Meruert , Mukimov Mirabzal , Shardarbek Mukhamejan , Rakhmanova Zhansaule , Makhanbetaliyeva Kamshat , Tashmukhamedov Farkhad , Jurinskaya Indira , Kalmakhanova Marzhan
Published: March 2023

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the effects of the number of miss stitches and tuck stitches in the knit structure on the technological parameters and physical and mechanical properties of knitted fabrics.

Design/methodology/approach

The number of miss stitches and tuck stitches was increased from 3.6% to 8.3%, and the influence of this increase on knitwear properties was analyzed.

Findings

It was found that an increase from 3.6% to 8.3% leads to a decrease in the stretchability of knitwear in width from 330% to 290% and in length from 112% to 95%. With an increase from 5% to 6.3%, the surface density of knitwear decreases by 11.6 g. And with an increase from 6.3% to 8.3%, the surface density of knitwear decreases by 11.8 g. It was also found that the presence of miss stitches and tuck stitches in the knit structure reduces the material consumption, and the presence of miss stitches increases the shape stability of the knitted fabric.

Originality/value

It was concluded that the number of miss stitches and tuck stitches has the strongest influence on surface density, followed by volume density.
Nondestructive observation of the surrounding powder in the vicinity of polymer laser-sintered specimens for understanding orange peel formation
Authors: Kobayashi Ryuichi , Yang Ming
Published: March 2023

Purpose

Orange peel formation remains to be understood clearly because it is difficult to directly observe a laser-sintered process in a partcake. Therefore, this study aims to provide insight into the orange peel formation mechanism through the nondestructive observation of laser-sintered specimens and their surrounding powders.

Design/methodology/approach

This study observed polyamide 12 powder in the vicinity of a laser-sintered specimen via X-ray computed tomography (CT) scanning. The specimen for nondestructive observation was 3D modeled in a hollow box using 3D CAD software. The boxes built using a laser-sintering system contained unsintered surrounding powder and sintered specimens. The box contents were preserved even after the boxes were removed from the partcake. After X-ray CT scanning, the authors broke the boxes and evaluated the unevenness formed on the specimen surface (i.e. the orange peel evaluation).

Findings

Voids (not those in sintered parts) generated in the powder in the vicinity of the specimen triggered the orange peel formation. Voids were less likely to form in the build with a 178.5° powder bed than in the build with a 173.5° powder bed. Similarly, the increment in laser energy density effectively suppressed void formation, although there was a tradeoff with overmelting. Thin-walled parts avoided void growth and made the orange peel less noticeable.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to observe and understand the relationship between voids generated in the powder in the vicinity of sintered parts and orange peel formation.
Treatment for taxane‐resistant cutaneous angiosarcoma: A multicenter study of 50 Japanese cases
Authors: Fujimura Taku , Maekawa Takeo , Kato Hiroshi , Ito Takamichi , Matsushita Shigeto , Yoshino Koji , Fujisawa Yasuhiro , Ishizuki Shoichiro , Segawa Kojiro , Yamamoto Jun , Hashimoto Akira , Kambayashi Yumi , Asano Yoshihide
Published: March 2023

Cutaneous angiosarcoma (CAS) is a rare and highly aggressive type of vascular tumor. Although chemoradiotherapy with taxanes is recognized as a first‐line therapy for CAS, second‐line therapy for CAS remains controversial. From the above findings, the efficacy and safety profiles of taxane‐switch (change paclitaxel to docetaxel or vise), eribulin methylate, and pazopanib regimens in second‐line chemotherapy were evaluated retrospectively in 50 Japanese taxane‐resistant CAS patients. Although there was no significant difference in progression‐free survival (P = 0.3528) among the regimens, the incidence of all adverse events (AEs) (P = 0.0386), as well as severe G3 or more AEs (P = 0.0477) was significantly higher in the eribulin methylate group and pazopanib group than in the taxane‐switch group. The present data suggest that switching to another taxane should be considered for the treatment of taxane‐resistant CAS in second‐line therapy based on the safety profiles.
Unveiling the liaison between human capital, trade openness, and environmental sustainability for BRICS economies: Robust panel‐data estimation
Authors: Haseeb Abdul , Xia Enjun , Saud Shah , Usman Muhammad , Quddoos Muhammad Umer
Published: March 2023

Global warming and greenhouse gas emissions pose severe threats to environmental sustainability. A sustainable environment is a prerequisite for long‐term socioeconomic growth and human survival. Green technology is brought about by a country's economic and financial openness, and education provides knowledge to the public and labor, contributing to environmental sustainability. Thus, this research aims to unveil the liaison between human capital, trade openness, and environmental quality for Russia, Brazil, India, China, and South Africa (BRICS) countries from 1998 to 2018. Several econometric methods, including the Driscoll–Kraay standard errors and the Dumitrescu–Hurlin causality approaches, reveal long‐run and causal relationships among the modelled indicators. The Driscoll–Kraay standard error results show that human capital is negatively related to carbon dioxide emissions (CO2 emissions). Imposing high tariffs and excise duties, changing tax structures, discouraging the inflow of polluted commodities, and encouraging green trade can help BRICS combat high environmental pollution. The results show that a one‐point increase in human capital in models 1 and 2 can reduce CO2 emissions by 1.5279 and 0.1538 points, respectively. In contrast, a 1% growth in trade can lead to a rise in CO2 emissions of 0.3731% and 0.2384%, respectively. Similarly, financial development and energy consumption result in high CO2 emissions in the long run. Moreover, a feedback effect of the human capital index on CO2 emissions is discovered. As a result of the findings, the government and responsible authorities should provide financial support and encourage investments in the region's energy‐resourceful and sustainable green projects.
A meta‐analytic review of the frequency and patterning of laryngohyoid and cervical fractures in cases of suicide by hanging
Authors: Wilson Rachel , McFadden Clare , Rowbotham Samantha
Published: March 2023

The frequency and distribution of fractures are commonly utilized to assist in interpreting the manner of death. In cases of alleged suicide by hanging, however, the evidence base for the frequency and patterning of laryngohyoid and cervical vertebrae fractures resulting from such blunt force traumatic events is limited and so fractures cannot be reliably used to assist in interpreting the manner. Using meta‐analytic techniques, this study aimed to estimate frequency and distribution of fractures in the context of relevant intrinsic and extrinsic variables. A systematic review of the literature identified 20 studies with relevant data (8523 cases of suicide by hanging). Meta‐analyses identified the frequency and distribution of fractures present and how fracture frequency was affected by the subgroups of age, sex, completeness of suspension, ligature knot position and study design. Results indicated that fracture frequency was variable, there was no unique patterning, and high levels of heterogeneity were present in all variable sub‐groups. Age was the only subgroup to show differences. Findings suggest that neck fracture frequency is inconsistent and cannot be predicted by the chosen variables. Subsequently, neck fractures in isolation should not be given weight in medico‐legal interpretations of a hanging death as suicidal.
Solving the delivery of Lactococcus lactis: Improved survival and storage stability through the bioencapsulation with different carriers
Authors: Dusso Diego , Salomon Claudio J.
Published: March 2023

Probiotics are live microorganisms that confer beneficial effects on the health of the host if administered in adequate amounts (106 CFU viable microorganisms/g of food). As the most frequent route of administration of these microorganisms is oral, the number of them that remains viable through the gastrointestinal tract decreases substantially. Thus, in this research work, we developed a series of alginate‐based microparticles using different adjuvants such as methylcellulose, carboxymethylcellulose, chitosan, carbopol, β‐cyclodextrin, starch, carrageenan, and Eudragit® RS 100 as carriers for improving the survival of Lactococcus lactis. The alginate‐based formulations exhibited very good drug encapsulation efficiency, up to 90%. Release studies from selected microparticles revealed that almost 100% of bacteria were in solution at 30 min. By scanning electron microscopy, irregular nonporous particles with a size between 200 and 500 µm were seen. In particular, microparticles formulated with alginate–carboxymethylcellulose and alginate–methylcellulose exhibited the best protection for the bacterial cells against both simulated gastric juice and simulated intestinal juice. In addition, those microparticulate systems were able to maintain the viability of the encapsulated bacteria in large numbers for at least 24 weeks. Thus, the present study confirmed that these alginate‐based microparticles are a valuable approach for keeping the viability and storage stability of L. lactis.
Montelukast as a treatment for refractory cutaneous lupus: A case series
Authors: Rocha Francisco Airton Castro , da Silva Guilherme Ferreira Maciel , Nogueira Igor Albuquerque , Nunes Rodolfo de Melo , Martins Conceição da Silva
Published: March 2023

Introduction

There are no drugs specifically approved to treat cutaneous lupus. Inflammatory cells in lupus skin lesions can produce leukotrienes (LT), which promote tissue damage. In addition to hypersensitivity reactions, LT are also associated with cardiovascular diseases and elevated serum LT levels have been linked to worse atherosclerotic disease in lupus. Targeting LT could thus be an alternative to treat lupus. We present 4 cases of cutaneous lupus successfully treated with montelukast (MLK), a Cys‐LT antagonist.

Methods

Four consecutive female systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients with refractory skin lesions were treated with MLK (10 mg/d) in the Hospital Universitário Walter Cantídio of the Universidade Federal do Ceará. Skin lesions were scored using Revised Cutaneous LE Disease Area and Severity Index (RCLASI). Relative expression of the 5‐lipoxigenase (ALOX5) and 15‐lipoxigenase (ALOX15) genes was determined in peripheral blood cells (PBC) from lupus patients and 4 age‐matched female controls.

Results

All patients experienced improvement of skin lesions measured using RCLASI scores within 2–12 weeks following initiation of MLK. The response was sustained for at least 3 months follow‐up and no adverse events were recorded. ALOX5 but not ALOX15 gene expression was significantly (P = 0.0425) increased in PBC from SLE patients vs controls.

Conclusion

This is the first report of a fast and sustained successful response of cutaneous lupus to MLK. Given its acceptable safety profile, our data encourage development of a randomized trial as an attempt to reposition MLK as a safe, affordable alternative to treat cutaneous lupus.
Immune‐related adverse events in hepatitis treated with thiopurine‐based immunosuppressants: A case report
Authors: Kawakado Keita , Nakashima Kazuhisa , Tobita Hiroshi , Nagase Mamiko , Yoshihara Ken , Horie Mika , Hamaguchi Megumi , Okimoto Tamio , Tsubata Yukari , Isobe Takeshi
Published: March 2023

An 82‐year‐old man was treated with ipilimumab and nivolumab for malignant pleural mesothelioma. Although he was previously treated with prednisolone (1 mg/kg/day) for immune‐related adverse event (irAE) hepatitis by a previous doctor, he still had worsening liver function and was transferred to our hospital. Blood tests and imaging findings were negative for autoimmune and infectious hepatitis, and liver biopsy results were consistent with irAE hepatitis. Steroid pulse therapy improved liver function, but tapering to prednisolone (1 mg/kg/day) again worsened his liver function. Concomitant use of mycophenolate mofetil was initiated, but no improvement in liver function was observed, therefore azathioprine, a thiopurine immunosuppressant, was administered in combination with steroids. During the course of treatment, hepatic dysfunction due to azathioprine was suspected, and the concomitant use of mercaptopurine and prednisolone was started. Afterward, the liver function improved, and the prednisolone dose was gradually reduced to 10 mg/day. This is a rare case in which a thiopurine‐based immunosuppressant was effective against irAE hepatitis, therefore thiopurine‐based immunosuppressants may be effective against steroid‐refractory hepatitis.
Ted's Teas: A Two‐Part Accounting and Audit “Crossover Case”*
Authors: Taylor Samantha , Riddle Poppy , Crowell Tammy , Bullock Ana , Chisholm Kyla
Published: March 2023

This fictional case is based on a real specialty tea company in Nova Scotia. Ted's Teas is a two‐part crossover case that illustrates the integration of financial accounting and audit learning outcomes applied to real‐world scenarios. In Part 1, students assume the role of an internal accountant and apply knowledge of the Chartered Professional Accountants (CPA) of Canada's CPA Way to identify how to treat leases, changes in policy, and estimates as part of accounting knowledge under both Accounting Standards for Private Enterprises and IFRS frameworks. In Part 2, students “cross over” and change roles, so they are now external auditors for Ted's Teas, tasked to provide an analysis of risk of material misstatement, recommend an audit approach, and develop substantive procedures. This two‐part case presents opportunities for students to demonstrate technical competence in multiple areas, either separately in two different courses or combined in one “capstone” or case course. The case and teaching notes, including the marking rubrics, were adapted from principles used to train and evaluate CPA Professional Education Program candidates, tailored to an appropriate level for undergraduate and graduate learners.
Psychiatric comorbidity in patients with pediatric bipolar disorder – A systematic review
Authors: Fahrendorff Anne Mette , Pagsberg Anne Katrine , Kessing Lars Vedel , Maigaard Katrine
Published: March 2023

Background

A growing body of evidence suggests that pediatric bipolar disorder (PBD) frequently co‐occurs with comorbid psychiatric disorders that may impact functioning.

Objective

To review existing literature on the prevalence of psychiatric comorbidity and general functioning in patients with a primary diagnosis of PBD.

Methods

We performed a systematic literature search on the PubMed, Embase and PsycInfo databases on November 16th, 2022. We included original papers on patients ≤18 years with primary PBD and any comorbid psychiatric disorder, diagnosed according to a validated diagnostic tool. Risk of bias of the individual studies was assessed using the STROBE checklist. We calculated weighted means to assess the comorbidity prevalence. The review complied with PRISMA statement guidelines.

Results

Twenty studies with a total study population of 2722 patients with PBD were included (mean age = 12.2 years). We found an overall high prevalence of comorbidity in patients with PBD. The most common comorbidities were attention‐deficit‐hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) (60%) and oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) (47%). Anxiety disorders, obsessive–compulsive disorder, conduct disorder, tic disorders and substance‐related disorders affected between 13.2% and 29% of patients, while one in 10 had comorbid mental retardation or autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The prevalence of comorbid disorders was lower in studies that assessed the current prevalence in patients in full or partial remission. General functioning was overall not specifically decreased in patients with comorbidity.

Conclusions

Comorbidity across a broad range of disorders was high in children diagnosed with PBD, especially regarding ADHD, ASD, behavioral and anxiety disorders including OCD. Future original studies should assess current prevalence of comorbidities in patients with PBD who are in remission to obtain more reliable estimates of psychiatric comorbidity in this patient group. The review highlights the clinical and scientific importance of comorbidity in PBD.
Association of gut microbiome dysbiosis with the progression of atrial fibrillation: A systematic review
Authors: Rashid Sarim , Noor Tayyiba Ahmed , Saeed Hamayle , Ali Asma Sabir , Meheshwari Govinda , Mehmood Asad , Fatima Laveeza , Zaidi Syed Muhammad Jawad , Malik Jahanzeb , Mehmoodi Amin , Hayat Azmat
Published: March 2023

Objective

Many clinical and preclinical studies have implicated an association between atrial fibrillation (AF) and its progression to imbalances in the gut microbiome composition. The gut microbiome is a diverse and complex ecosystem containing billions of microorganisms that produce biologically active metabolites influencing the host disease development.

Methods

For this review, a literature search was conducted using digital databases to systematically identify the studies reporting the association of gut microbiota with AF progression.

Results

In a total of 14 studies, 2479 patients were recruited for the final analysis. More than half (n = 8) of the studies reported alterations in alpha diversity in atrial fibrillation. As for the beta diversity, 10 studies showed significant alterations. Almost all studies that assessed gut microbiota alterations reported major taxa associated with atrial fibrillation. Most studies focused on short‐chain fatty acids (SCFAs), whereas three studies evaluated TMAO levels in the blood, which is the breakdown product of dietary l‐carnitine, choline, and lecithin. Moreover, an independent cohort study assessed the relationship between phenylacetylglutamine (PAGIn) and AF.

Conclusion

Intestinal dysbiosis is a modifiable risk factor that might provide newer treatment strategies for AF prevention. Well‐designed research and prospective randomized interventional studies are required to target the gut dysbiotic mechanisms and determine the gut dysbiotic‐AF relationship.
Cesarean birth rates among migrants in Europe: A systematic review
Authors: Cadman Victoria , Soltani Hora , Spencer Rachael , Marvin‐Dowle Katie , Harrop Deborah
Published: March 2023

Background

Cesarean birth (CB) rates have increased over recent years with concerns over differences between these rates in migrant communities compared with the rates among women in their receiving country. This review aimed at summarizing the available literature regarding the incidence of CB among migrants in Europe.

Methods

A systematic search of four electronic databases was carried out, including CINAHL, MEDLINE, Scopus, and Maternity and Infant Care. Identified studies were screened and their quality assessed. Meta‐analysis was undertaken using Rev Man 5.4 where sufficient data were available. Otherwise, data were synthesized narratively.

Results

From the 435 records identified in searches, 21 papers were included. Analysis shows that overall CB rates were significantly lower for Syrian refugee women compared with women in their receiving country (Turkey) and higher for Iranian migrants than women in their host country. Emergency CB rates were significantly higher for migrant women from “Sub Saharan Africa” and the “South East Asia, Asia and Pacific” region than rates in the receiving country. Statistical significance was not found between other populations.

Conclusions

This review highlights differences between CB rates in certain migrant groups in comparison with women native to their host country, which merits further investigation for potential explanations. We also identified a need to standardize definitions and population groupings to enable more meaningful analysis. This review also highlights a substantial lack of data on CB rates between different population groups that could negatively impact the provision of care.
Informed consent in episiotomy: Co‐analysis with midwives and distillation of best practice
Authors: MacLellan Jennifer , Webb Sara S. , Byrne Carmen , Brace Emily , Glyn‐Jones Elizabeth , Edwards Elizabeth , Hunter Tracey , Longton Jacqueline , Cleary Jane , Christie Katie , Dow Lorna , Gould Jo
Published: March 2023

Background

Performing an episiotomy where clinically indicated is a key intervention in the Obstetric Anal Sphincter Injury Care Bundle (OASI‐CB) implemented across England and Wales to reduce the risk and increase the detection of severe perineal trauma after birth. Standards of consent provided to people in maternity care generally and for episiotomy specifically have been reported as suboptimal. Compromising birthing people's personal autonomy or sense of control has been linked to a dissatisfying birth experience, negative psychological sequelae, and litigation.

Methods

This study explored experienced midwives' practice of informed consent for episiotomy during a midwife‐led birth. We sampled 43 midwives across eight NHS Trusts in England and Wales using online focus groups and telephone interviews about their experience of consent in episiotomy. Using qualitative content analysis and art‐based co‐analysis methods with eight midwives from across the research sites, we co‐analyzed and co‐constructed three themes and four practice recommendations from the data.

Results

Three themes were constructed from the data: Assent rather than consent, Change in culture to support best practice, and Standardized information. These themes informed the shaping of four recommendations for best practice in episiotomy informed consent.

Conclusion

This study has shown how variations in midwifery practice and culture may impact birthing people's experience of informed consent in episiotomy. Midwives may not have the knowledge or skills to conduct a detailed consent conversation, leading to variation in practice and messages for birthing people. The use of antenatal discussion aids can offer women the opportunity to become informed and fully participate in the decision‐making process.
Talking about the experiences of racism: A study of reporting racism in broadcast interviews
Authors: Xie Yarong
Published: March 2023

This study examines how experiences of racism are talked about during broadcast interviews. Inspired by discursive‐psychological and conversation‐analytic investigations on experience in interactions, this study approaches experience as a ‘loose term’ and as a participant's issue in the unfolding sequence of talks. The analysis documents a range of interactional moments wherein experiences are invoked and negotiated over the course of reporting racism in the interviews. The findings align with the existing discursive‐psychological and conversation‐analytic research on experiences, and provide further evidence on how speakers jointly orient to and manage the issues of who knows and owns an experience, and has the premier authority to claim an experience, in relation to reporting racism. The analysis unveils the intricacy of inquiring and talking about a victim's experience of racism. People's (use of) common sense understanding of the detrimental nature of racism is met and complicated by an orientation to our unlevelled access to an experience of racism, which is a category‐based societal problem.