bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intellectual capital and non-performing assets: the role of knowledge assets in improving credit quality of Indian banking sector
Authors: Gaur Dolly , Gupta Kanishka
Published: March 2023

Purpose

Intellectual capital (IC) is beneficial to the improved performance of businesses, irrespective of their industry. The present study proposes to check if the use of IC can also help in improving the asset quality of banks. Thus, this study aims to examine the impact of IC and its components on non-performing assets (NPAs).

Design/methodology/approach

The study has been conducted with a sample of 30 Indian commercial banks and analysed over a time frame of 15 years (2004–2005 to 2018–2019). The modified value-added intellectual coefficient model has been used to measure the independent variables, IC, and its components. The dependent variable, NPA, has been represented by the net NPA ratio. Two-step system generalized methods of moments (SGMMs) have been applied for the regression analysis. Along with the short-term estimates provided by the SGMM approach, the long-term impact of explanatory variables on the dependent variables has also been seen.

Findings

The results of the study show that IC and its components are indeed helpful for the management of NPA, as they impact the problem loans negatively. Furthermore, the long-term benefits of IC in enhancing bank credit quality are more substantial.

Practical implications

The results from the present study can be used by bank management. The bank managers can draw inferences that the efficient application of IC can help them reduce their loan losses. Developing skills and knowledge of employees, maintaining close relations with stakeholders, significantly the customers, and putting more sophisticated processes and infrastructure to use can help banks to control their loan losses.

Originality/value

A major proportion of studies examining the role of intangible assets in various aspects of the banking sector focuses on the association between IC and the financial performance of banking entities. However, for banking institutions, apart from financial performance, improving credit quality is also imperative for staying afloat. Thus, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, the present study is one of the first to examine the relationship between knowledge-based assets (i.e. IC) and bank credit quality.
‘Friend or Foe?’: Brexit and French Bashing in the Conservative Parliamentary Party (2016–2022)
Authors: Alexandre‐Collier Agnès
Published: March 2023

This article explores the extent of anti‐French rhetoric in Conservative parliamentary discourse since 2016. It argues that up to the end of Liz Truss's extremely brief period of power, a fair number of Conservative MPs embarked on an escalation of tabloid‐like anti‐French bashing after the election of Boris Johnson, in an attempt to mimic the dramaturgy staged by their leader, while those who tried to provide a more positive discourse were left crying in the wilderness. Moreover, positive attempts to renew the relationship essentially came from MPs who had specific interests to defend, either in terms of representation of French residents in their constituencies or out of loyalty to family connections. Post‐Johnson, a more realistic and sensible discourse is anticipated, but damaging traces of this populist drift are likely to continue.
MRI‐based deep learning techniques for the prediction of isocitrate dehydrogenase and 1p/19q status in grade 2–4 adult gliomas
Authors: Kalaroopan Dinusha , Lasocki Arian
Published: March 2023

Molecular biomarkers are becoming increasingly important in the classification of intracranial gliomas. While tissue sampling remains the gold standard, there is growing interest in the use of deep learning (DL) techniques to predict these markers. This narrative review with a systematic approach identifies and synthesises the current published data on DL techniques using conventional MRI sequences for predicting isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) and 1p/19q‐codeletion status in World Health Organisation grade 2–4 gliomas. Three databases were searched for relevant studies. In all, 13 studies met the inclusion criteria after exclusions. Key results, limitations and discrepancies between studies were synthesised. High accuracy has been reported in some studies, but the existing literature has several limitations, including generally small cohort sizes, a paucity of studies with independent testing cohorts and a lack of studies assessing IDH and 1p/19q together. While DL shows promise as a non‐invasive means of predicting glioma genotype, addressing these limitations in future research will be important for facilitating clinical translation.
Effects of Spin Transition and Cation Substitution on the Optical Properties and Iron Partitioning in Carbonate Minerals
Authors: HU Jun , XU Liangxu , LIU Jin , YUE Donghui
Published: March 2023

The high‐pressure behavior of deep carbonate dictates the state and dynamics of oxidized carbon in the Earth's mantle, playing a vital role in the global carbon cycle and potentially influencing long‐term climate change. Optical absorption and Raman spectroscopic measurements were carried out on two natural carbonate samples in diamond‐anvil cells up to 60 GPa. Mg‐substitution in high‐spin siderite FeCO3 increases the crystal field absorption band position by approximately 1000 cm–1 but such an effect is marginal at >40 GPa when entering the low‐spin state. The crystal field absorption band of dolomite cannot be recognized upon compression to 45.8 GPa at room temperature but, in contrast, the high‐pressure polymorph of dolomite exhibits a strong absorption band at frequencies higher than (Mg,Fe)CO3 in the low‐spin state by 2000–2500 cm–1. Additionally, these carbonate minerals show more complicated features for the absorption edge, decreasing with pressure and undergoing a dramatic change through the spin crossover. The optical and vibrational properties of carbonate minerals are highly correlated with iron content and spin transition, indicating that iron is preferentially partitioned into low‐spin carbonates. These results shed new light on how carbonate minerals evolve in the mantle, which is crucial to decode the deep carbon cycle.
Deciphering the Origin of Abiotic Organic Compounds on Earth: Review and Future Prospects
Authors: WANG Chao , TAO Renbiao , WALTERS Jesse B. , REN Tianshi , NAN Jingbo , ZHANG Lifei
Published: March 2023

The geologic production of abiotic organic compounds has been the subject of increasing scientific attention due to their use in the global carbon flux balance, by chemosynthetic biological communities, and for energy resources. Extensive analysis of methane (CH4) and other organics in diverse geologic settings, combined with thermodynamic modelings and laboratory simulations, have yielded insights into the distribution of specific abiotic organic molecules on Earth and the favorable conditions and pathways under which they form. This updated and comprehensive review summarizes published results of petrological, thermodynamic, and experimental investigations of possible pathways for the formation of particular species of abiotic simple hydrocarbon molecules such as CH4, and of complex hydrocarbon systems, e.g., long‐chain hydrocarbons and even solid carbonaceous matters, in various geologic processes, distinguished into three classes: (1) pre‐ to early planetary processes; (2) mantle and magmatic processes; and (3) the gas/water‐rock reaction processes in low‐pressure ultramafic rock and high‐pressure subduction zone systems. We not only emphasize how organics are abiotically synthesized but also explore the role or changes of organics in evolutionary geological environments after synthesis, such as phase transitions or organic‐mineral interactions. Correspondingly, there is an urgent need to explore the diversity of abiotic organic compounds prevailing on Earth.
UHMK1 promotes lung adenocarcinoma oncogenesis by regulating the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway
Authors: Li Yongmeng , Wang Shuai , Jin Kai , Jin Wenxing , Si Libo , Zhang Huiying , Tian Hui
Published: March 2023

Background

Effective targeted therapy for lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD), the number one cancer killer worldwide, continues to be a difficult problem because of the limitation of number of applicable patients and acquired resistance. Identifying more promising drug targets for LUAD treatment holds immense clinical significance. Recent studies have revealed that the U2 auxiliary factor (U2AF) homology motif kinase 1 (UHMK1) is a robust pro‐oncogenic factor in many cancers. However, its biological functions and the underlying molecular mechanisms in LUAD have not been investigated.

Methods

The UHMK1 expression in LUAD cells and tissues was evaluated by bioinformatics analysis, immunohistochemistry (IHC), western blotting (WB), and real time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR) assays. A series of gain‐ and loss‐of‐function experiments for UHMK1 were carried out to investigate its biological functions in LUAD in vitro and in vivo. The mechanisms underlying UHMK1's effects in LUAD were analyzed by transcriptome sequencing and WB assays.

Results

UHMK1 expression was aberrantly elevated in LUAD tumors and cell lines and positively correlated with tumor size and unfavorable patient prognosis. Functionally, UHMK1 displayed robust pro‐oncogenic capacity in LUAD and mechanistically exerted its biological effects via the phosphoinositide 3‐kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway.

Conclusion

UHMK1 is a potent oncogene in LUAD. Targeting UHMK1 may significantly improve the effect of LUAD treatment via inhibiting multiple biological ways of LUAD progression.
Glucocorticoids added to paracetamol and NSAIDs for post‐operative pain: A systematic review with meta‐analysis and trial sequential analysis
Authors: Stormholt Emma Ritsmer , Steiness Joakim , Derby Cecilie Bauer , Larsen Mia Esta , Maagaard Mathias , Mathiesen Ole
Published: March 2023

Background

Paracetamol and non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are recommended as the basic pain treatment regimen for most surgeries. Glucocorticoids have well‐known anti‐inflammatory and anti‐emetic properties and may also demonstrate analgesic effects. We assessed benefit and harm of adding glucocorticoids to a combination of paracetamol and NSAIDs for post‐operative pain management.

Methods

We searched Embase, Medline and CENTRAL for randomised clinical trials investigating the addition of glucocorticoids versus placebo/no intervention to paracetamol and an NSAID in adults undergoing any type of surgery. We assessed three primary outcomes: cumulative opioid consumption at 24 h postoperatively, serious adverse events and pain at rest at 24 h postoperatively. We performed meta‐analysis and trial sequential analysis (TSA), assessed risk of bias using the Risk of Bias 2 tool and used the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach to evaluate the certainty of the evidence.

Results

We identified 12 relevant trials of which nine trials randomising 804 participants were included in quantitative analysis. When added to paracetamol and NSAIDs, we found no evidence of a difference of glucocorticoids versus placebo/no intervention in cumulative opioid consumption at 24 h postoperatively (mean difference [MD] −0.28, TSA‐adjusted 95% confidence interval [CI] −1.90 to 1.33, p = .68, moderate certainty of evidence), serious adverse events (risk ratio (RR) 0.99, TSA‐adjusted 95% CI 0.27–3.63, p = .93, very low certainty of evidence) or pain on the Numeric Rating Scale at 24 h postoperatively (MD −0.39, TSA‐adjusted 95% CI −0.84 to 0.17, p = .10, moderate certainty of evidence). All outcomes were assessed to be at high risk of bias and TSA showed that we had insufficient information for most outcomes.

Conclusion

Glucocorticoids added to a baseline therapy of paracetamol and an NSAID likely result in little to no difference in cumulative opioid consumption and pain at rest at 24 h postoperatively. In addition, the evidence is very uncertain about the effect on serious adverse events. For most outcomes we did not have sufficient information to draw firm conclusions and the certainty of the evidence varied from moderate to very low.

Editorial Comment

Multimodal approaches for post‐operative analgesia are favoured, including paracetamol and nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs. In this meta‐analysis, pooled results from clinical trials are assessed to describe possible benefit of addition of glucocorticoid treatment for analgesia. The findings did not identify additional benefit, though the certainty of the evidence was not high.
Combatting climate change using education and training in pharmacology and therapeutics
Authors: Dunne Henry , Jones Anna , Okorie Michael
Published: March 2023

The climate crisis has implications for the physical and mental health of people worldwide, while, paradoxically, healthcare itself contributes significant greenhouse gas emissions. Healthcare professionals need to be prepared to both mitigate the impacts of climate change and also manage the health effects of the climate crisis. Widespread adoption of sustainable healthcare models is required, with sustainability‐driven improvements in clinical pharmacology intrinsically linked to this. Recognizing that education and training are essential steps to equip medical professionals with the knowledge to face the unprecedented challenges that the climate crisis presents, here, with reference to pharmacology and therapeutics, we discuss how the theme of Education for Sustainable Healthcare (ESH) can be integrated into undergraduate and postgraduate teaching programmes and how barriers to successful implementation can be tackled. We support the use of the Principles of Sustainable Clinical Practice as a framework to guide educational interventions and draw upon examples of our own practice at Brighton and Sussex Medical School where ESH has become a core component of medical education in our undergraduate curriculum.
Fusobacterium nucleatum promotes the early occurrence of esophageal cancer through upregulation of IL‐32/PRTN3 expression
Authors: Lei Jing , Xu Feng , Deng Chao , Nie Xubiao , Zhong Li , Wu Zhixuan , Li Juan , Wu Xiaoling , He Song , Chen Yongyu
Published: March 2023

Previous studies have shown that gastrointestinal microbiome is associated with the development of esophageal cancer, but the relationship and molecular mechanism between esophageal microbiota and the early development of esophageal cancer remain unclear. Here, we found that Lactobacillus, Escherichia‐Shigella, Rikenellaceae‐RC9‐gut‐group, Morganella, and Fusobacterium were more abundant in early‐stage esophageal cancer (EEC) tissues compared with normal esophageal tissues. The abundance of bacteria such as Prevotella, Fusobacterium, Porphyromonas, Actinobacillus, and Neisseria in advanced esophageal cancer (AEC) was higher than that in EEC. Then, we further verified that Fusobacterium nucleatum (Fn) was enriched in EEC tissues and that its abundance increased with the progression of esophageal cancer by FISH and RT‐PCR. Next, we demonstrated that Fn promoted the proliferation of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) in vitro and in vivo. Finally, we confirmed that Fn promoted ESCC proliferation by upregulating the expression of interleukin (IL)‐32/proteinase 3 (PRTN3) and then activating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. In conclusion, Fn promoted the early development of ESCC by upregulating the expression of IL‐32/PRTN3 and thereby activating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. A better understanding of the molecular mechanism of Fn in early esophageal cancer may contribute to the development of early screening markers to diagnose ESCC and provide new targets for treatment.
Interactions between driver genes shape the signaling pathway landscape and direct hepatocellular carcinoma therapy
Authors: Shen Yiqing , Zheng Xiaohu , Qian Yeben , Liu Mantian , Nian Zhigang , Cui Quanwei , Zhou Yonggang , Fu Binqing , Sun Rui , Tian Zhigang , Wei Haiming
Published: March 2023

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most lethal malignancies, whose initiation and development are driven by alterations in driver genes. In this study, we identified four driver genes (TP53, PTEN, CTNNB1, and KRAS) that show a high frequency of somatic mutations or copy number variations (CNVs) in patients with HCC. Four different spontaneous HCC mouse models were constructed to screen for changes in various kinase signaling pathways. The sgTrp53 + sgPten tumor upregulated mTOR and noncanonical nuclear factor‐κB signaling, which was shown to be strongly inhibited by rapamycin (an mTOR inhibitor) in vitro and in vivo. The JAK‐signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) signaling was activated in Ctnnb1mut + sgPten tumor, the proliferation of which was strongly inhibited by napabucasin (a STAT3 inhibitor). Additionally, mTOR, cytoskeleton, and AMPK signaling were upregulated while rapamycin and ezrin inhibitors exerted potent antiproliferative effects in sgPten + KrasG12D tumor. We found that JAK‐STAT, MAPK, and cytoskeleton signaling were activated in sgTrp53 + KrasG12D tumor and the combination of sorafenib and napabucasin led to the complete inhibition of tumor growth in vivo. In patients with HCC who had the same molecular classification as our mouse models, the downstream signaling pathway landscapes associated with genomic alterations were identical. Our research provides novel targeted therapeutic options for the clinical treatment of HCC, based on the presence of specific genetic alterations within the tumor.
Molecular pathology quality control in Southeast Asia: Results of a multiregional quality assurance study from MASTER KEY Asia
Authors: Okuma Hitomi Sumiyoshi , Yoshida Hiroshi , Kobayashi Yoshihisa , Arakaki Motoko , Mizoguchi Chiharu , Inagaki Lina , Voon Pei Jye , Malik Bin Ismail Adam , Fen Soo Hoo Hwoei , Yusak Suhana , Severino B. Imasa Marcelo , Nguyen Huy Thinh , Thai Anh Tu , Kohsaka Shinji , Mano Hiroyuki , Yonemori Kan , Nakamura Kenichi , Yatabe Yasushi
Published: March 2023

Tissue specimen quality assurance is a major issue of precision medicine for rare cancers. However, the laboratory standards and quality of pathological specimens prepared in Asian hospitals remain unknown. To understand the methods in Southeast Asian oncology hospitals and to clarify how pre‐analytics affect the quality of formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded (FFPE) specimens, a questionnaire surveying pre‐analytical procedures (Part I) was administered, quality assessment of immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining and DNA/RNA extracted from the representative FFPE specimens from each hospital (Part II) was conducted, and the quality of DNA/RNA extracted from FFPE of rare‐cancer patients for genomic sequencing (Part III) was examined. Quality measurements for DNA/RNA included ΔΔCt, DV200, and cDNA yield. Six major cancer hospitals from Malaysia, Philippines, and Vietnam participated. One hospital showed unacceptable quality for the DNA/RNA assessment, but improved by revising laboratory procedures. Only 57% (n = 73) of the 128 rare‐cancer patients' specimens met both DNA and RNA quality criteria for next‐generation sequencing. Median DV200 was 80.7% and 64.3% for qualified and failed RNA, respectively. Median ΔΔCt was 1.25 for qualified and 4.89 for failed DNA. Longer storage period was significantly associated with poor DNA (fail to qualify ratio = 1579:321 days, p < 0.001) and RNA (fail to qualify ratio = 1070:280 days, p < 0.001). After improvement of pre‐analytical factors, the qualification rate increased for hospitals A and E from 41.5% to 70.5% and 62.5% to 86%, respectively. This is the first report to elucidate the pre‐analytical laboratory procedures of main Southeast Asian oncology hospitals. An external quality assessment program may improve factors associated with tumor FFPE specimen quality.
Implant stability changes over time following implant placement in elderly patients: A prospective study
Authors: Choi Yu‐Sung , Song In‐Seok , Kim Moon‐Young , Lim Ho‐Kyung , Chongyang Li , Shim Ji Suk
Published: March 2023

Objectives

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of aging on the changes in implant stability over time following implant placement.

Materials and methods

A total of 104 patients in four age ranges (group 1: <60 years, group 2: 61–70 years, group 3: 71–80 years, and group 4: >80 years) were included. Bone‐level tapered implants were placed without implementing any bone augmentation procedure. The final torque value displayed on the implant engine during implant insertion was recorded. Cone‐beam computed tomography (CBCT) was performed immediately after surgery to analyze the bone quality around the implant. Implant stability was measured immediately after surgery and 2, 4, and 8 weeks after surgery.

Results

In the CBCT image, higher grayscale values were observed in the order of group 1, group 2, and groups 3/4, with statistical significance (p < .05). There was no significant difference in the insertion torque values between age groups (p ≥ .05). Groups 1 and 2 showed lower implant stability values after 2 and 4 weeks compared to immediately and 8 weeks after surgery (p < .05); however, groups 3 and 4 showed no significant difference between the results measured at different timepoints (p ≥ .05).

Conclusions

Implant treatment in elderly patients is successful showing a settled implant stability over time following implant placement when the implant is appropriately engaged in the alveolar bone in the absence of bone augmentation.
Hip arthroscopy versus total hip arthroplasty—A study on patients with obesity above 40 years of age
Authors: Niehaus Richard , Zingg Patrick O. , Hoch Armando , Luttenberger Martin , Stefan Rahm
Published: March 2023

Patients older than 40 years with a body‐mass‐index (BMI) >30 kg/m2, a femoroacetabular‐impingement (FAI) and little cartilage damage are a challenge for hip surgeons. Hip‐arthroscopy (HAS) or conservative therapy until a total hip arthroplasty (THA) is needed are possible treatments. Our research purpose was to compare the clinical results and complication/reoperation rate after HAS and THA in patients with obesity over 40 years. This retrospective study includes a consecutive series of patients with obesity (BMI >30 kg/m2) who underwent HAS (19 hips) and THA (37 hips) over 40 years of age between 2007 and 2013 at our institution with a minimum of 12‐months follow‐up. Outcome measures were WOMAC (Western Ontario und McMaster Universities Arthritis Index), subjective‐hip‐value (SHV), residual complaints and the reoperation rate. Patient data and scores were collected pre‐operative, 12 months post‐operatively and at the last follow‐up. Both groups showed a comparable age (mean 48 years). Regarding SHV‐Scores the THA‐group shows continuous significant improvements. Reaching 87% (range 50%–100%), the HAS‐group showed in case of the SHV no significant change after 1 year and an improvement from preoperative to the last follow‐up reaching 72% (range 30%–100%) at the last follow‐up. Residual groin pain was significant higher in the HAS‐group. Two deep infections (5.4%) requiring reoperations were reported in the THA‐group. The conversion rate to THA after a mean time of 60 months was 26% (5 of 19). Patients with obesity over 40 years demonstrated inferior SHV, more often residual pain and revision surgery after HAS, when compared to THA at short‐term, with conversions rate of one fourth. However, THA in this patient group showed high infection rate of 5%. This information is relevant for counselling above‐mentioned patients.
Assigning trend‐based conservation status despite high uncertainty
Authors: White Richard S. A. , Stoffels Rick J. , Whitehead Amy L.
Published: March 2023

Estimates of temporal trends in species’ occupancy are essential for conservation policy and planning, but limitations to the data and models often result in very high trend uncertainty. A critical source of uncertainty that degrades scientific credibility is that caused by disagreement among studies or models. Modelers are aware of this uncertainty but usually only partially estimate it and communicate it to decision makers. At the same time, there is growing awareness that full disclosure of uncertainty is critical for effective translation of science into policies and plans. But what are the most effective approaches to estimating uncertainty and communicating uncertainty to decision makers? We explored how alternative approaches to estimating and communicating uncertainty of species trends could affect decisions concerning conservation status of freshwater fishes. We used ensemble models to propagate trend uncertainty within and among models and communicated this uncertainty with categorical distributions of trend direction and magnitude. All approaches were designed to fit an established decision‐making system used to assign species conservation status by the New Zealand government. Our results showed how approaches that failed to fully disclose uncertainty, while simplifying the information presented, could hamper species conservation or lead to ineffective decisions. We recommend an approach that was recently used effectively to communicate trend uncertainty to a panel responsible for setting the conservation status of New Zealand's freshwater fishes.
Meeting report: The Third Franco‐Japanese Developmental Biology Meeting
Authors: Ieda Yu , Ueno Naoto
Published: March 2023

The Third Franco‐Japanese Developmental Biology Meeting has been held to reinforce the partnership and facilitate the international collaborations and the academic exchanges between the French Society of Developmental Biology (SFBD) and the Japanese Society of Developmental Biology (JSDB). Nearly 200 participants attended, and we actively discussed interdisciplinary knowledge throughout the meeting period. The meeting realized not only the tightest connection between these two communities ever, but also a great contribution to international interdisciplinary academic communications and scientific communications with the public. In order to celebrate and maintain this massive momentum to push forward the entire field of developmental biology, we share the atmosphere with the entire international community and next generations through this report.
The effect of exercise intensity on the inflammatory profile of cancer survivors: A randomised crossover study
Authors: Clifford Briana K. , Kaakoush Nadeem O. , Tedla Nicodemus , Goldstein David , Simar David
Published: March 2023

Background

Systemic inflammation has been clearly linked to poorer health outcomes from cancer diagnosis through to survivorship. There is accumulating evidence that exercise can reduce inflammation. However, the optimal intensity of exercise to reduce systemic inflammation is unknown.

Aims

The aim of this randomised crossover study was to identify the difference between high‐ and low‐intensity aerobic exercise on the inflammatory profile of cancer survivors after a single exercise session (acute) and a short training period (six sessions over 2 weeks).

Method

Participants (n = 20) were randomised to either low‐ or high‐intensity exercise. They underwent 2 weeks of stationary cycling at their assigned intensity and then underwent a 6‐week washout period of no exercise before returning to complete 2 weeks of exercise at the remaining intensity.

Results

Twenty participants with a mean age of 56.4 (±9.4) years were enrolled and completed the intervention. There was no effect of exercise intensity after a single exercise session. After 2 weeks of training, there was a significant effect of intensity on chemokines CCL2 (mean difference ± SEM; 13.2 pg/mL ± 5.0, p = .04) and CXCL12 (150.3 pg/mL ± 51.8, p = .02), where CCL2 was decreased after low‐intensity exercise and CXCL12 decreased after high‐intensity exercise.

Discussion

Our data suggest that while exercise intensity may impact different cell types in the circulation, both low‐ and high‐intensity exercise can positively modulate inflammatory markers.

Conclusion

The potential to scale up low‐intensity exercise over time is likely to be more broadly applicable and achievable for cancer survivor cohorts while still eliciting beneficial effects on systemic inflammation.
Systematic review of clinical practice guidelines for traumatic dental injuries
Authors: Saikia Ankita , Patil Sneha S. , MS Muthu , CV Divyambika , Sabarish Ram , Pandian Senthoor , Anthonappa Robert , Walia Tarun , Shahwan Moayad Jamal Saeed Al
Published: March 2023

Background/Aims

Traumatic dental injuries (TDI) are considered a public health problem due to their high prevalence and associated physical, economic, psychological and social consequences. Hence, good Clinical Practice Guidelines are essential to achieving a favourable prognosis. The aim of this review was to appraise the existing Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPGs) on TDI using AGREE II and AGREE‐REX.

Materials and Methods

A systematic search for existing guidelines on TDI was performed on PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, ProQuest, National Institute for Health Care Excellence, BMJ Best Practice, Trip database, Guideline International Network, Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network, World Health Organisation, Web of Science and ‘Ministry of Health worldwide’ databases. Four appraisers independently appraised the included CPGs. The AGREE II tool was applied to assess the methodological quality, while AGREE REX assessed the quality of recommendations of the included guidelines.

Results

Of the 7736 titles screened, three guidelines, namely the International Association of Dental Traumatology Guidelines (IADT), and the Italian and Malaysian guidelines, were included for the final analysis. These guidelines were published between 2019 and 2020. The AGREE II analysis demonstrated scores above 80% for the IADT and Italian guidelines for the scope and purpose domain. Overall, the Malaysian guidelines achieved the highest score for all domains. The AGREE REX analysis indicated variability in implementation across the nine items, with five that scored above the midpoint of 4.0 on the response scale. Both the Italian and the IADT guidelines had a similar score for the values and preference domains (36.36%).

Conclusions

Several deficiencies exist in the methodological quality of existing CPGs on TDI. Future guidelines should consider improvements for domains such as ‘rigour of development’, ‘stakeholder involvement’ and ‘applicability’ to overcome the existing limitations.
Action affordance affects proximal and distal goal‐oriented planning
Authors: Keshava Ashima , Gottschewsky Nina , Balle Stefan , Nezami Farbod Nosrat , Schüler Thomas , König Peter
Published: March 2023

Visual attention is mainly goal directed and allocated based on the upcoming action. However, it is unclear how far this feature of gaze behaviour generalizes in more naturalistic settings. The present study investigates the influence of action affordances on active inference processes revealed by eye movements during interaction with familiar and novel tools. In a between‐subject design, a cohort of participants interacted with a virtual reality controller in a low‐realism environment; another performed the task with an interaction setup that allowed differentiated hand and finger movements in a high‐realism environment. We investigated the differences in odds of fixations and their eccentricity towards the tool parts before action initiation. The results show that participants fixate more on the tool's effector part before action initiation when asked to produce tool‐specific movements, especially with unfamiliar tools. These findings suggest that fixations are made in a task‐oriented way to plan the distal goals of producing the task‐ and tool‐specific actions well before action initiation. Moreover, with more realistic action affordance, fixations were biased towards the tool handle when it was oriented incongruent with the subjects' handedness. We hypothesize that these fixations are made towards the proximal goal of planning the grasp even though the perceived action on the tools is identical for both experimental setups. Taken together, proximal and distal goal‐oriented planning is contextualized to the realism of action/interaction afforded by an environment.
LCF‐HCF strain–life model: Statistical distribution and design curves based on the maximum likelihood principle
Authors: Tridello A. , Paolino D. S.
Published: March 2023

In the paper, the statistical distribution of the total strain and the fatigue life in the low cycle fatigue (LCF)–high cycle fatigue (HCF) life range is analytically derived starting from the Coffin–Manson and Morrow model. The maximum likelihood principle is exploited for parameter estimation, thus allowing to consider both failures and runout specimens. A straightforward procedure for the estimation of the design curves based on the likelihood ratio confidence lower bound has been also developed. The proposed model has been validated with literature datasets obtained by testing steel and aluminum alloys, proving its effectiveness and representing a reliable alternative to the currently adopted literature models.
Beyond state politics in Asia's transboundary rivers: Revisiting two decades of critical hydropolitics
Authors: Rogers Sarah , Fung Zali , Lamb Vanessa , Gamble Ruth , Wilmsen Brooke , Wu Fengshi , Han Xiao
Published: March 2023

For the past two decades, work across a range of fields, but particularly geography, has engaged ‘critical hydropolitics’ as a way to highlight not only the politics inherent in decisions about water, but also the foundational assumptions of more conventional hydropolitical analyses that tend to focus on conflicts and cooperation over water resources, with a heavy emphasis on ‘the state’ as the key actor and scale of analysis. In this article we review critical hydropolitical literature that focuses on transboundary rivers that descend from the eastern Tibetan Plateau, namely the Lancang‐Mekong, Yarlung Tsangpo‐Brahmaputra and Nu‐Salween river basins. We highlight five key and interrelated themes that have emerged in the literature to date ‐ the state, scale, infrastructure, knowledge and logics, and climate change ‐ and discuss how these provide useful tools for more fine‐grained analyses of power, control and contestation.
Trends in prescribing practices for management of haemophilia: 1999–2021
Authors: Curtis Randall , Roberts Jonathan C. , Crook Nicole , Decker‐Palmer Marquita , Khainar Rahul , Baker Judith R. , Ullman Megan , Koerper Marion A. , Wu Joanne , Nichol Michael B.
Published: March 2023

Introduction

People with haemophilia rely on specialists for their care, yet the specific dosing regimens of treatments prescribed by these specialists have not been widely studied.

Aim

The objective of this study is to describe trends in clinician prescribing practices for the management of haemophilia in the United States (US).

Methods

We administered surveys to members of the Hemostasis and Thrombosis Research Society via paper surveys at its in‐person annual symposia in 1999 and 2015, and an online survey in 2021. The surveys collected information on haemophilia treatments including factor dosing, inhibitor therapy and gene therapy.

Results

Clinicians treating haemophilia for more than 50% of their practice time have increased from 37.5% of respondents in 1999 to 46.3% in 2021. Clinicians prescribing factor concentrates at >40 units/kg for routine bleeding events increased from 0% in 1999 to 29.3% in 2021 in haemophilia A (HA) and from 22.5% to 87.8% in haemophilia B (HB). In 2021, the clinicians reported prescribing emicizumab to treat HA patients (>89.5% paediatric, >85.7% adult) with or without inhibitors at least some of the time. Approximately 78.0% of respondents reported that they expected to recommend gene therapy at least some of time.

Conclusion

These data indicate changing trends in prescribing practices among US haemophilia specialists during the past 22 years. Preference for high doses of factor (>40 units/kg) has increased during this period. Emicizumab prophylaxis has been prescribed for patients with and without HA inhibitors. Clinicians expect gene therapy to have value for some haemophilia patients.
Comparative complete scheme and booster effectiveness of COVID‐19 vaccines in preventing SARS‐CoV‐2 infections with SARS‐CoV‐2 Omicron (BA.1) and Delta (B.1.617.2) variants: A case–case study based on electronic health records
Authors: Kislaya Irina , Peralta‐Santos André , Borges Vítor , Vieira Luís , Sousa Carlos , Ferreira Bibiana , Pelerito Ana , Gomes João Paulo , Leite Pedro Pinto , Nunes Baltazar ,   PT COVID‐19 group
Published: March 2023

Background

Information on vaccine effectiveness in a context of novel variants of concern (VOC) emergence is of key importance to inform public health policies. This study aimed to estimate a measure of comparative vaccine effectiveness between Omicron (BA.1) and Delta (B.1.617.2 and sub‐lineages) VOC according to vaccination exposure (primary or booster).

Methods

We developed a case–case study using data on RT‐PCR SARS‐CoV‐2‐positive cases notified in Portugal during Weeks 49–51, 2021. To obtain measure of comparative vaccine effectiveness, we compared the odds of vaccination in Omicron cases versus Delta using logistic regression adjusted for age group, sex, region, week of diagnosis, and laboratory of origin.

Results

Higher odds of vaccination were observed in cases infected by Omicron VOC compared with Delta VOC cases for both complete primary vaccination (odds ratio [OR] = 2.1; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.8 to 2.4) and booster dose (OR = 5.2; 95% CI: 3.1 to 8.8), equivalent to reduction of vaccine effectiveness from 44.7% and 92.8%, observed against infection with Delta, to −6.0% (95% CI: 29.2% to 12.7%) and 62.7% (95% CI: 35.7% to 77.9%), observed against infection with Omicron, for complete primary vaccination and booster dose, respectively.

Conclusion

Consistent reduction in vaccine‐induced protection against infection with Omicron was observed. Complete primary vaccination may not be protective against SARS‐CoV‐2 infection in regions where Omicron variant is dominant.
Brain reserve theory: Are adults with intellectual disability more vulnerable to age than peers with typical development?
Authors: Zemach Moran , Vakil Eli , Lifshitz Hefziba
Published: March 2023

Background

Life expectancy is on rise and the intriguing question is: When does cognitive decline occur among adults with intellectual disability, compared to adults with typical development? This cross‐sectional study examined cognitive performance of crystallised/fluid intelligence, working and long‐term memory of adults with intellectual disability of etiologies other than Down syndrome (IQ 50–68) and adults with typical development (IQ 85–114) in four age cohorts (30–39; 40–49; 50–59; 60–69).

Method

The WAIS IIIHEB and the Rey‐AVLT were administered to both groups.

Results

Four patterns of cognitive performance were found: (a) Vocabulary (crystallised intelligence), Spatial Span Forward and Retention yielded similar scores across all four age cohorts in participants with typical development and with intellectual disability. (b) Similarities, Raven and Digit Span Backward exhibit lower scores only in 50–59 or 60–69 compared to the 30–39 age cohort in both groups, (c) Digit Span Forward, Spatial Span Backward and Total Leaning (LTM) yielded lower scores in the 50–59 or 60–69 age cohorts in the typical group, but similar scores in participants with intellectual disability along the age cohorts, (d) Block Design (fluid intelligence) yielded a lower score in the 50–59 cohort versus lower scores only at ages 60–69 in participants with typical development.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest a possible parallel trajectory in age‐related cognitive performance for individuals with and without intellectual disability in six measures, and a possible more preserved trajectory in fluid intelligence and some memory measures in adults with intellectual disability compared to their peers. Caution should be exercised regarding Digit and Spatial Span Backwards, which yielded a floor effect in participants with intellectual disability. The Cognitive Reserve Theory, the Safeguard Hypothesis and late maturation might serve as explanations for these findings.
Professional quality of life and fear of COVID‐19 among Spanish nurses: A longitudinal repeated cross‐sectional study
Authors: González‐Nuevo Covadonga , Postigo Álvaro , González‐Menéndez Ana , Alonso‐Pérez Fernando , Cuesta Marcelino , González‐Pando David
Published: March 2023

Aim and Objectives

To evaluate changes in compassion fatigue (CF), burnout (BO), compassion satisfaction (CS) and fear of COVID‐19 among Spanish nurses by comparing two assessment points: before and after the COVID‐19 vaccination campaign.

Background

The COVID‐19 pandemic has produced a great impact in healthcare worker's professional quality of life, especially among nurses. CF, BO and fear of COVID‐19 decisively affect the care provided by nurses and put them at risk for mental health problems, so longitudinal studies are essential.

Design

A repeated cross‐sectional design was carried out with a time‐lapse of 12 months.

Methods

A total of 439 registered nurses in December 2020 and 410 in December 2021 participated in this study through an online survey. Data were collected using the Professional Quality of Life Questionnaire and the Fear of COVID‐19 Scale. Occupational and sociodemographic variables were also analysed. This article adheres to the STROBE guidelines for the reporting of observational studies.

Results

The fear of COVID‐19 has not been reduced among nurses. The levels of BO remain stable and continue to be high in half of the professionals. CF has been reduced with a small effect size (d = 0.30), while CS has also decreased (d = 0.30). Positive correlations were found in both assessment points between fear of COVID‐19 and BO (r = .44, p ≤ .001; r = .41, p ≤ .001) and also between fear of COVID and CF (r = .57, p ≤ .001; r = .50, p ≤ .001). Negative correlations between fear and CS were also found (r = − .16, p = .001; r = − .22, p ≤ .001).

Relevance to Clinical Practice

Programmes to reduce fear of COVID‐19, BO and CF are needed to improve mental health and to prevent psychological distress among nurses, as well as to increase CS and preserve the productivity and quality of nursing care.

Patient or Public Contribution

The nurses collaborated by participating in the present study anonymously and disinterestedly.
From Keynes' Possibilities to Contemporary Precarities: Reflections on the Origins of Our Economically and Politically Precarious Times
Authors: Ebert Norbert
Published: March 2023

In his essay Economic Possibilities for Our Grandchildren John Maynard Keynes delineates an economic utopia where most work is done with the aid of technology. In contrast to pessimistic views associated with the term ‘technological unemployment’ today, Keynes offers an optimistic vision for work societies where technology facilitates more freedom from paid work. Keynes also envisaged a softening of the capitalist work ethic and achievement principle. Today, however, technologically inflicted unemployment is perceived as a threat where gainful employment as a cost and meaningful activity is reduced while profits are maximized. Simultaneously, moral pressures to be employed, self‐sufficient and to contribute to society have solidified. Inspired by Keynes' vision, it is argued that the origins of our economically and politically precarious times lie in a ‘de‐politicization of work’. What Keynes perceives as economic possibilities needs to be complemented with political possibilities which otherwise turn into economic and political precarities.
Effects of anthocyanins and microbial transglutaminase on the physicochemical properties of silver carp surimi gel
Authors: Zhong Qian , Wang Yudong , Tian Yuxin , Zhuang Yang , Yang Hong
Published: March 2023

The objective of this study was to investigate effects of anthocyanins (AC) and microbial transglutaminase (MTGase) on the physicochemical properties of surimi gels from silver carp. The addition of AC and MTGase significantly increased gel strength and water holding capacity (WHC) of surimi gels, but the effect of MTGase was much stronger (p < .05). There were the highest gel strength, storage modulus (G′) and WHC with 0.1 g/100 g AC and 0.4 g/100 g MTGase, while they were higher than that with AC or MTGase alone. AC promoted the cross‐linking mainly by covalent and non‐covalent bonds in surimi gels, while MTGase did mainly through covalent bonds. Sodium dodecyl sulfate‐polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS‐PAGE) confirmed the results of gel strength, WHC, chemical interactions and G′ of surimi gel or paste with AC and MTGase. In general, AC and MTGase could synergistically improve the physicochemical properties of surimi gels and potentially enhance the quality of surimi‐based product from silver carp.
Concept‐based language instruction and the teaching of citation in English academic writing
Authors: Yang Ruiying Y. , Sang Yiru R.
Published: March 2023

This article reports a teaching project for the purpose of improving the citation ability of second language (L2) graduate students in academic writing through concept‐based language instruction (C‐BLI). “Citation” here refers to writers’ use of external sources in their own writing, which is an important and unique feature of academic writing. However, developing the ability to use citation appropriately and effectively is a difficult process for many L2 novice writers of English. This study attempts to apply C‐BLI in the teaching of citation in order to observe whether it is effective in bringing about changes in the perception and performance of novice academic writers in terms of their use of citation forms and functions. The teaching focused on citation types and functions with creatively designed SCOBAs (schema for complete orienting basis of an action) and activities. To examine the pedagogical impact of C‐BLI, we administered four measurements: questionnaire, interview, test, and revision of previously written research proposals. The four types of data were collected before and after the teaching sessions. Comparative analyses identified positive evidence that indicates the occurrence of changes in the students’ understanding of the complexity of the citation concept as well as their improved practice in the use of citations.
North Korean Corporate Governance Reform and the State‐Market Nexus
Authors: Gray Kevin , Lee Jong‐Woon
Published: March 2023

The question of economic reform has been one of the most debated issues in the study of North Korean political economy. Through examining the case of corporate governance reform under the Kim Jong Un government, we argue that existing discusions of North Korea reform rest on a problematic ontological separation of state and market that fails to capture the extent to which the state uses economic reform to embed itself in and in certain respects deepen market dynamics to ensure its own reproduction. As we argue, the Socialist Enterprise Responsibility Management System has sought to reduce the role of central planning, increase management rights and incentives, institutionalize SOE engagement with the market, and provide more scope for performance‐related pay for workers. In recognizing the role of private capital, it has placed enterprises' market activities on a firmer legal basis, albeit without fully legalizing private property rights. The measures represent not only the recognition of existing market dynamics but also their institutionalization, giving the reforms both a reactive and a proactive dimension. However, there are also strict limits placed on this process as part of the state's strategy of political control. While the state's policies can to a degree be seen as “pro‐market,” policy makers are reluctant to allow space for a genuine non‐state sector to emerge and accept the market only to the extent that it contributes to and strengthens the state sector.