bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A knowledge and preventive approach to COVID-19 and vaccination acceptance among Afghan immigrants in Iran
Authors: Gholinataj Jelodar Mohsen , Rafieian Shahab , Nasiriani Khadijeh , Dehghan Chenari Haniyeh , Haji Maghsodi Majid , Mirzaei Samaneh
Published: December 2023

Purpose

Considering the importance of knowledge, attitudes and practice (KAP) in communities toward COVID-19 and the acceptance of COVID-19 vaccination in the control of this disease, this study aims to evaluate and compare the KAP level toward COVID-19 and the acceptance rate of COVID-19 vaccination between the Afghan immigrant population and Iranians

Design/methodology/approach

This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in 2021 on Afghan immigrants, Afghan-neighboring Iranians and Afghan nonneighboring Iranians. Of the 885 people who participated in the survey, 295 from each group were randomly selected. Data collection tools were the following questionnaires: KAP toward COVID-19 and acceptance and attitude toward COVID-19 vaccination.

Findings

A total of 837 participants were included for data analysis. According to the findings, the KAP score on COVID-19 in Afghan immigrants was lower than the group of Iranians. Compared with Iranians, the score of nonneighboring Iranians was higher than the neighboring Iranians with Afghan immigrants. This difference in the mean scores suggests a statistically significant difference in the three groups (p < 0.0001). Among demographic data, the relationship between gender, education, type of job, income level and age with KAP indicated a significant difference in the total population studied. In the group of Afghan immigrants, the most likely reason for accepting the vaccination was the employer’s recommendation (55.63%). In comparison, the neighboring and nonneighboring Iranian groups with Afghan immigrants stated that they would receive the vaccine as soon as possible (49.22% and 63.22%, respectively).

Originality/value

Considering the low KAP score in the immigrant population in this study, these people are more vulnerable to the health and socioeconomic effects of COVID-19; therefore, the host countries have more challenges and responsibilities to protect these populations.
Effect of downward line extension on consumers’ purchase intentions: power distance belief as a moderator
Authors: He Yue , Mo Zan , Fu Huijian
Published: December 2023

Purpose

Downward line extension is a valuable growth strategy that enables multiple products and services to meet diverse customer needs. However, downward extended products launched by high-status brands may be challenged by horizontal extended products launched by relatively low-status brands when these two types of products target similar consumers. This study aims to examine the impact of product type (horizontal extended versus downward extended) on consumers’ purchase intentions, the underlying mechanism and the moderating role of power distance belief.

Design/methodology/approach

Four scenario-based experiments were conducted to probe the research questions.

Findings

Consumers develop lower purchase intentions for downward (versus horizontal) extended products due to the reduction of perceived fit and self-congruity (Study 1). Beyond that, power distance belief moderates the impact of product type on consumers’ purchase intentions, as a low power distance belief reduces the negative effect of downward line extension (Studies 2a, 2b and 2c). Perceived fit and self-congruity mediate the interaction effect between product type and power distance belief on consumers’ purchase intentions (Study 2c).

Practical implications

This study provides marketing practitioners with guidance on implementing the strategy of downward line extension.

Originality/value

This study serves as a preliminary effort to compare consumers’ responses between downward and horizontal extended products, which deepens the understanding of downward line extension. It also contributes to the body of knowledge about line extension and power distance belief by demonstrating the moderating role of power distance belief in a line extension context.
Evaluating the impact of cross-institutional teaching enhancement collaborations using a professional capital framework
Authors: Zou Tracy X.P. , Hounsell Dai , Parker Quentin A. , Chan Ben Y.B.
Published: December 2023

Purpose

This study aimed to evaluate the impact of four cross-institutional teaching enhancement projects (TEPs), a relatively new form of professional collaboration. The focus is on the impact at departmental, institutional and cross-institutional levels because such impact is the main reason for establishing cross-institutional TEPs.

Design/methodology/approach

A professional capital framework guided the examination of decisional and social capitals at departmental, institutional and cross-institutional levels. A theory-of-change method was adopted to collect data from 35 sets of documents, 22 project members and 65 stakeholders.

Findings

The authors found five forms of impact, showing the development of decisional and social capitals mostly at institutional and cross-institutional levels, whilst signaling the relatively weak impact at departmental levels. Therefore, the values of cross-institutional TEPs have not been fully realized and future endeavors need to better utilize the capitals in programs.

Originality/value

Few studies evaluated the impact of large-scale, cross-institutional TEPs. The authors offered new contributions by gauging the impact of these under-explored forms of complex professional collaborations.
Inclusive leadership, employee performance and well-being: an empirical study
Authors: Umrani Waheed Ali , Bachkirov Alexandre Anatolievich , Nawaz Asif , Ahmed Umair , Pahi Munwar Hussain
Published: December 2023

Purpose

This study examines the impact of inclusive leadership on two important work outcomes, i.e., employee performance and well-being. In order to better understand the above relationships, this study theorizes that employee psychological capital is a mediating mechanism and family motivation is a moderating mechanism.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors collected 370 responses in three different time waves with an interval of one week. All the constructs of the study were rated by employees except for the supervisor’s family motivation, which was rated by their supervisors. Given the predictive nature of the study, partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was used for data analysis.

Findings

The authors' findings confirm the mediating role of employee psychological capital in the relationship between inclusive leadership and employee performance and in the relationship between inclusive leadership and employee well-being. The moderating effects of supervisor family motivation in the relationship between inclusive leadership and employee performance were also significant; however, the authors did not find empirical support for the moderating effects of family motivation in the relationship between inclusive leadership and employee well-being.

Originality/value

Drawing on the conservation of resources (COR) theory, the present study extends the authors' understanding of the unique ways in which inclusive leadership improves employee performance and benefits their well-being.
Dead wood distributed in different‐sized habitat patches enhances diversity of saproxylic beetles in a landscape experiment
Authors: Haeler Elena , Stillhard Jonas , Hindenlang Clerc Karin , Pellissier Loïc , Lachat Thibault
Published: December 2023

Human intervention often alters the availability of habitat for biodiversity. The conservation of biodiversity therefore requires an optimized habitat management. In forests, dead wood represents one of the most important habitats and in boreal and temperate regions around 25% of forest species depend on it (= saproxylic species). Increasing the amount of dead wood in managed forests has thus become a policy objective, but there is no consensus on how to best distribute dead wood in space.

In a landscape experiment, we exposed freshly cut beech branches in bundles of different sizes (one, three, six and 12 branches) in the forest, representing newly created habitat patches to be colonized by saproxylic beetles. We investigated how species richness in a ‘single large’ branch bundle compares to that in ‘several small’ bundles (SLOSS debate). We further tested the effects of dead wood availability (amount and isolation) in the surrounding landscape (20–200 m) and environmental factors (temperature and light availability) on species richness, abundance and community composition.

The species richness of the pooled small bundles (1 + 3 + 6 = 10 branches) was as high as that of the large bundle (12 branches), despite having a smaller total surface, demonstrating the benefit of spatially dispersed habitat patches for total diversity. Also community composition differed and every bundle size yielded some unique species. Dead wood availability in the surrounding landscape had a minor effect in comparison. Our results further highlight the importance of microsite heterogeneity: species richness was related to light availability, and abundance and community composition were related to temperature.

Synthesis and applications: Larger amounts of dead wood harbour more saproxylic beetle species and the distribution of dead wood in patches of different sizes within the forest can promote the development of variable species communities. Combined, this results in a higher species diversity. In managed forests, where retained dead wood is often homogeneous in terms of size or tree species, increasing heterogeneity by distributing dead wood in the forest could foster higher diversity of saproxylic species.
Reviving anthropology's past: Digital archival access and ethical collaboration with Indigenous communities
Authors: Sorensen Amanda H. , Lee Samantha , Marsh Diana E. , Fenlon Katrina , Punzalan Ricardo L.
Published: December 2023

This article outlines the revitalization of the Council for the Preservation of Anthropological Records (CoPAR) to adapt to the changing dynamics of archival data reuse in anthropology. It begins by examining the prevailing discourse on anthropological data, archives and their reuse, then explores interdisciplinary data curation trends. Recent initiatives include collaborations with Wikipedia and Wikidata and innovative design strategies to improve access to anthropological archives. The article also discusses the ethical and logistical challenges faced during this transformation. The overarching vision presented is to position CoPAR as a central hub that connects archivists, anthropologists and Indigenous communities, ensuring streamlined and ethical access to anthropological records in the digital realm.
The mountains are high and the emperor is far away: Credit scoring and the infrastructure of surveillance capitalism in China
Authors: Xu Ruowen , Millo Yuval , Spence Crawford
Published: December 2023

Previous research on calculative intermediaries shows how these effectively challenge, distort, and disrupt accounting practices in ways that policy‐makers might not anticipate. The promises of surveillance capitalism—with its attendant data architectures, datafication processes, and technological sophistication—are different, supposing more accurate ways of reading individuals and greater calculative certainty overall. Yet there is little empirical research to explore how surveillance capitalism manifests itself at the organizational level, either conceptually or operationally. As a result, it remains uncertain whether such specters of omniscience are as haunting in reality as they appear in theory. We explore these themes by way of an ethnographic study into credit scoring in China, showing how intermediary organizations developed a multiplicity of credit scoring models based on machine learning and big data that differed both from original expectations and from each other. These different “renditions” of credit scoring suggest that the data architectures of surveillance capitalism are just as much subject to challenge and adaptation by intermediary organizations as calculative practices, such as accounting, are in more analog environments.
Impact of COVID‐19 on surgical exposure and training for general surgery trainees in Australia: a national audit
Authors: Tang Patrick , Newton Peter , Mori Krinal
Published: December 2023

Purpose

The COVID‐19 pandemic has caused a major disruption in operative volumes over the last few years, which has directly impacted on surgical training. This study aims to quantify the impact of COVID‐19 and the relevant restrictions on General Surgery trainees in Australia.

Methods

Logbook data of General Surgery trainees from 2019 to 2021 was analysed and compared to assess the impact of COVID‐19 on operative numbers and supervision levels during major operations.

Results

There was a statistically significant reduction in overall operative numbers in Australia, with a decrease of 2.0% in 2020 (IRR 0.980, 95% CI 0.973–0.986, P < 0.001) and 6.8% in 2021 (IRR 0.932, 95% CI 0.926–0.938, P < 0.001). Elective operations reduced by 6.6% in 2020 (IRR 0.934, 95% CI 0.927–0.942, P < 0.001) and 10.3% in 2021 (IRR 0.934, 95% CI 0.927–0.942, P < 0.001). Victoria and NT were the most affected jurisdictions; while hepatobiliary, trauma and surgical oncology were the most affected subspecialties. The proportion of overall primary operating has significantly decreased (41.8% vs. 40.2%, P < 0.001) between 2019 and 2020, and decreased further to 39.7% in 2021.

Conclusion

The COVID‐19 pandemic has had an overall negative impact on surgical training in General Surgery. Efforts should be directed at minimizing detraining of trainees and further disruptions to their training.
Protein tyrosine phosphatases as emerging targets for cancer immunotherapy
Authors: Qu Zihan , Dong Jiajun , Zhang Zhong‐Yin
Published: December 2023

Contemporary strategies in cancer immunotherapy, despite remarkable success, remain constrained by inherent limitations such as suboptimal patient responses, the emergence of drug resistance, and the manifestation of pronounced adverse effects. Consequently, the need for alternative strategies for immunotherapy becomes clear. Protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPs) wield a pivotal regulatory influence over an array of essential cellular processes. Substantial research has underscored the potential in targeting PTPs to modulate the immune responses and/or regulate antigen presentation, thereby presenting a novel paradigm for cancer immunotherapy. In this review, we focus on recent advances in genetic and biological validation of several PTPs as emerging targets for immunotherapy. We also highlight recent development of small molecule inhibitors and degraders targeting these PTPs as novel cancer immunotherapeutic agents.
Inpatient treatment of acute diverticulitis between 2010 and 2021 – A German nationwide study about long‐term trends and effects of the SARS‐CoV‐2 pandemic
Authors: Decker Josua A. , Scheurig‐Münkler Christian , Luitjens Jan H. , Schwarz Florian , Kroencke Thomas , Bette Stefanie
Published: December 2023

Aim

The aims of this study were to analyse all hospitalizations for acute diverticulitis in Germany from 2010 to 2021 and to assess the effects of the first 2 years of the SARS‐CoV‐2 pandemic on hospitalizations for acute diverticulitis.

Method

Using data from the German Federal Statistical Office, we analysed fully anonymized healthcare data of hospitalizations and treatment regimens with acute diverticulitis as the main diagnosis between 2010 and 2021. Logistic regression analyses for in‐hospital mortality were performed.

Results

A total of 608,162 hospitalizations were included. While the number of hospitalizations constantly increased until 2019 (+52.4%), a relative decrease of 10.1% was observed between 2019 and 2020, followed by stable numbers of hospitalizations in 2021 (+1.1% compared with 2020). In‐hospital mortality showed a relative decrease of 33.2% until 2019 and thereafter a relative increase of 26.9% in 2020 and of 7.5% in 2021. A 21.6% and a 19.3% drop in hospitalizations was observed during the first and second waves of the SARS‐CoV‐2 pandemic, mostly affecting hospitalizations for uncomplicated diverticulitis, with a corresponding 11.6% and 16.8% increase in admissions for complicated diverticulitis. Multivariable logistic regression analyses showed significantly higher in‐hospital mortality for hospitalizations in which surgery (OR = 2.76) and CT (OR = 1.32) were given, as well as lower mortality for women (OR = 0.88), whereas percutaneous drainage was not associated with higher in‐hospital mortality compared with conservative treatment (OR = 0.71).

Conclusion

This study points out the long‐term trends in inpatient treatment for acute diverticulitis and the in‐hospital mortality risk factors of patients hospitalized for acute diverticulitis in a large nationwide cohort, as well as changes in these trends and factors resulting from the SARS‐CoV‐2 pandemic. These changes might be attributable to delayed diagnosis and thus more severe stages of disease as a result of containment measures.
Risk of stroke within 3, 7, 14, 21 and 30 days after influenza vaccination in Alberta, Canada: A population‐based study
Authors: Tanaka Koji , Demchuk Andrew M. , Malo Shaun , Hill Michael D. , Holodinsky Jessalyn K.
Published: December 2023

Background and purpose

Influenza vaccination is associated with a longer‐term protective effect against stroke; however, it has a short‐term inflammatory response which may increase short‐term risk of stroke. The aim was to investigate the association between influenza vaccination and short‐term risk of stroke in adults.

Methods

Administrative data were obtained from the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan for all adults in Alberta, Canada, from September 2009 to December 2018. The hazard of any stroke (acute ischaemic stroke, intracerebral haemorrhage, subarachnoid haemorrhage and transient ischaemic attack) within 3, 7, 14, 21 and 30 days of influenza vaccination compared to unexposed time was analysed using Andersen−Gill Cox models, with adjustment for age, sex, anticoagulant use, atrial fibrillation, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes, hypertension, income quintile, and rural or urban home location.

Results

In the entire cohort consisting of 4,141,209 adults (29,687,899 person‐years), 1,769,565 (42.7%) individuals received at least one vaccination. In total 38,126 stroke events were recorded with 1309 occurring within 30 days of a vaccination event. Influenza vaccination was associated with a significantly reduced hazard of stroke within 3 days (hazard ratio [HR] 0.83, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.73–0.93), 7 days (HR 0.87, 95% CI 0.80–0.95), 14 days (HR 0.87, 95% CI 0.81–0.93), 21 days (HR 0.85, 95% CI 0.80–0.91) and 30 days (HR 0.66, 95% CI 0.65–0.68).

Conclusions

An increased early risk associated with vaccination was not observed. The risk of stroke was reduced at all time points within 30 days after influenza vaccination.
Sign here: Coresidence contracts for parents and young adults who live together
Authors: Wellsch Jordan , Gelech Jan , Mazurik Kathrina
Published: December 2023

Objective

To describe the content of parent and young adult coresidence contracts, attending to understandings of development and adulthood, processes of socialization, and conflict prevention and resolution.

Background

Little is known about overcoming the challenges of parent and young adult coresidence. Popular media encourages families to adopt written contracts to clarify expectations, prevent conflict, and cultivate positive experiences. However, their content, use, and effectiveness have not been empirically investigated.

Method

This work is a qualitative content analysis of a sample of young adult and parent coresidence contracts obtained from popular self‐help and parenting resources.

Results

Contract content emphasized the following: parent and young adult rights and responsibilities, timelines around the termination of coresidence and other responsibilities and developmental milestones, legal motifs, punishments and rewards, rationalizing commentary, and room for personalization. Overall, contracts focused on role‐specific rights and responsibilities and positioned young adults as subjects of socialization in hierarchical family systems.

Conclusion

Coresidence contracts scaffold young adult development according to traditional Western understandings of adulthood. Depending on family circumstances, they have the potential to benefit and harm parent–child relationships.

Implications

The asymmetrical nature of coresidence contacts raises questions about their ability to support mutual aims, intergenerational understanding, young adult independence, interpersonal trust, and healthy parent–young adult relationships.
Does negative news disclosure induce better decision‐making? Evidence from acquisitions
Authors: Ghosh Chinmoy , Pinto‐Gutiérrez Cristian , Shenoy Jaideep
Published: December 2023

We examine the effect of negative news disclosures on acquisition decisions of firms. Using textual analysis of company press releases, we find that the percentage of negative news disclosed by a firm reduces its probability of acquisitions. However, for firms that do undertake acquisitions, the percentage of negative news disclosed is positively related to announcement‐period abnormal returns. Consistent with theoretical predictions, this positive relationship is more pronounced for acquirers with low pay‐performance sensitivity and those operating in concentrated industries. Overall, our results suggest that when managerial reputation concerns are high following negative news development, they make more prudent acquisition decisions.
Association between dietary diversity and cognitive impairment in community‐dwelling older adults
Authors: Kiuchi Yuto , Doi Takehiko , Tsutsumimoto Kota , Nakakubo Sho , Kurita Satoshi , Nishimoto Kazuhei , Makizako Hyuma , Shimada Hiroyuki
Published: December 2023

Aim

The present study aimed to examine whether dietary diversity is associated with cognitive impairment, including mild cognitive impairment (MCI), in community‐dwelling older Japanese adults.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study was carried out in a general community setting. MCI and global cognitive impairment (GCI) were assessed using the Mini‐Mental State Examination and National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology‐Functional Assessment Tool, which are multicomponent neurocognitive tests that include memory attention, executive function and processing speed. Dietary diversity was assessed using the diet variety score. The diet variety score assessed the 1‐week consumption frequency of 10 food groups, and either 0 or 1 point was allocated to each category based on the following responses: (i) “eat almost every day” (1 point); and (ii) “not eaten almost daily” (0 points). Older adults with a diet variety score of ≥3 points were defined as having high dietary diversity.

Results

Data included 8987 older adults (mean age 73.9 ± 5.5 years; men 44.3%). The overall prevalences of MCI and GCI were 17.1% (n = 1538) and 8.4% (n = 753), respectively. The proportion of patients with a high dietary diversity was 69.9% (n = 6286). Multinomial logistic regression analysis revealed high dietary diversity was associated with MCI (OR 0.83, 95% CI 0.73–0.94) and GCI (OR 0.77, 95% CI 0.65–0.92) after adjusting for covariates.

Conclusions

This study had a large sample size of older Japanese adults, and showed that high dietary diversity was associated with a lower proportion of MCI and GCI among older adults. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; 24: 75–81.
Histologic manifestations of ocrelizumab‐associated intestinal and hepatic injury in patients with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Challa Bindu , Esnakula Ashwini Kumar
Published: December 2023

Aims

Ocrelizumab is a humanized anti‐CD20‐monoclonal antibody that has recently been approved for the treatment of certain types of multiple sclerosis. Isolated case reports of ocrelizumab‐associated colitis have been reported in the literature. We present a case series of ocrelizumab‐associated intestinal injury with a focus on histopathologic features and report a case of ocrelizumab‐associated hepatitis.

Methods and results

A retrospective computerized search was conducted from 03/2017 to 08/2022, which identified six patients with suspected or clinically confirmed ocrelizumab‐associated intestinal injury and one patient with hepatic injury. Pertinent clinical, endoscopic, and histopathologic findings were reviewed and recorded. Seven patients (six female, one male) were identified with ages ranging from 24 to 68 years. The presenting symptoms included diarrhoea (n = 5), abdominal pain (n = 3), hematochezia (n = 2), and vomiting (n = 1), nausea (n = 1) fever (n = 1), and weight loss (n = 1). Endoscopic findings ranged from normal (n = 1) to patchy colonic inflammation with or without ulceration (n = 4) and decreased mucosal vascular pattern in the rectum (n = 1). Crohn's disease was clinically suspected in two patients and ulcerative colitis in one patient. None of the patients had a prior confirmed diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease. Histologic patterns of initial colonic injury included acute colitis/proctitis (n = 5), and chronic active colitis (n = 1). Follow‐up ranged from 1 to 3 years and 10 months. All patients were alive at follow‐up. Follow‐up biopsies were available for four patients and findings included focal acute colitis (n = 1), apoptotic colopathy (n = 1) lymphocytic colitis (n = 1), and normal mucosa (n = 1). Four patients were treated with steroids and ocrelizumab was discontinued in three patients. Two patients were symptomatically managed with subsequent resolution of symptoms. The liver biopsy from the patient with a marked hepatic pattern of liver enzyme elevation showed an acute hepatitis pattern of injury with prominent centrilobular necrosis, which resolved upon discontinuation of the drug and treatment with steroids and azathioprine.

Conclusions

The histologic manifestations of ocrelizumab‐associated intestinal injury are variable and can mimic inflammatory bowel disease. Hepatic injury can rarely manifest as an acute hepatitis pattern of injury with necrosis. Identifying ocrelizumab‐associated injury is paramount in determining management, which often includes discontinuation of ocrelizumab therapy, and/or administration of immunosuppressive therapy.
Skin manifestations in adults with gender dysphoria on hormone treatment in the outpatient clinic of Hospital de San José, Bogotá—Colombia
Authors: Castañeda Manuel F. O. , Cortés Henry T. , Isaac Nicolle G. , Cárdenas Carolina M.
Published: December 2023

Background

Comprehensive healthcare for patients with gender dysphoria includes access to gender‐affirming hormone therapy. It may cause cutaneous and adnexal side effects, which often affect quality of life, are underdiagnosed, and do not receive timely treatment. The literature on this subject is scarce. The main objective was to identify skin manifestations secondary to hormone treatment in adults with gender dysphoria.

Methods

Observational, descriptive, cross‐sectional study. A search was performed in the database of patients with gender dysphoria older than 18 years treated at the dermatology and/or endocrinology outpatient clinic of the Hospital de San José de Bogotá in the period 2015–2021. Medical records of patients on hormone therapy with skin manifestations were selected, while patients using other medications as possible triggers were excluded.

Results

In total, 85 patients were included, with a predominance of young transgender men (average age was 27 ± 9 years) in whom the main manifestation was acne (87%), followed by androgenetic alopecia and acanthosis nigricans. Transgender women presented more acne, androgenetic alopecia, hypertrichosis, seborrheic dermatitis, and melasma. The majority received treatment, mainly topical therapies. More than half of the patients were treated by the endocrinology and dermatology services.

Conclusions

Skin manifestations in patients with gender dysphoria on hormone therapy are frequent, so they should be known and taken into account in the multidisciplinary approach to these patients, which should involve dermatologists. This is the first Colombian and Latin American study focused on documenting skin manifestations in patients with gender dysphoria undergoing hormone therapy.
Metrological traceability in flow cytometry? Evaluation of a new volumetric method for lymphocyte subsets
Authors: Ward Rosalie Y. , Stevens Matthew , Bashir Sheriaz
Published: December 2023

Introduction

Lymphocyte subset enumeration by flow cytometry is important for the therapeutic monitoring of a range of conditions. However, current bead‐based methodologies do not produce metrologically traceable results. Here we compare an established bead‐based methodology with a volumetric‐based system traceable to an internationally recognised reference method.

Method

A total of 118 samples received for lymphocyte subset analysis were tested using an established bead‐based technique (BD Multitest™ 6‐colour TBNK assay using Trucount™ tubes on a BD FACSLyric flow cytometer), followed by a volumetric method on the Sysmex XF‐1600 flow cytometer using Exbio Kombitest 6‐colour TBNK reagent. All samples were tested in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.

Results

Absolute count values from both methodologies for CD3+, CD3 + CD4+, CD3 + CD8+, CD19+ and CD3‐CD16+/CD56+ lymphocyte populations were compared using linear regression (R2 for all parameters >0.95) and Bland–Altman analysis. There was no significant bias (where p < 0.05) for absolute CD3 + CD4+ lymphocytes in the defined therapeutic range of 0–250 cells/μL (mean bias: 0.27 cells/μL). Although positive biases were seen for CD3 + CD4+ lymphocytes (over the entire range tested: 14–1798 cells/μL) and CD3‐CD16+/CD56+ lymphocytes (mean bias: 10.83 cells/μL and 6.79 cells/μL, respectively). Negative biases were seen for CD3 + CD8+ and CD19+ lymphocytes (mean bias: −29.17 cells/μL and − 18.76 cells/μL, respectively).

Conclusion

A high degree of correlation was found for results from both methodologies and observed bias was within the limits of clinical acceptability for all populations. This shows that the metrologically traceable lymphocyte subset absolute counts produced by the Sysmex XF‐1600 are robust within clinically required limits.
Global patterns of herbivorous eriophyoid mite species diversity: A reply to Ozman‐Sullivan and Sullivan (2024)
Authors: Li Ni , Xue Xiao‐Feng
Published: December 2023

Aim

The global patterns of phytophagous eriophyoid mite species diversity have been poorly studied for several decades. In a previous paper, we compiled a dataset covering 97% (4278/4400) of named eriophyoid mite species and 22,973 occurrence sites from 102 countries (Li et al., 2023). Using this dataset, we aimed to predict the global distribution patterns and species diversity of eriophyoid mites. Our findings revealed that the species richness of eriophyoid mites is particularly high in temperate regions, which is in contrast to the patterns of plants (Li et al., 2023). However, our results were criticized by Ozman‐Sullivan and Sullivan (2024), who argue that our analysis is based on a biased dataset of eriophyoid mites, because it is likely that there are many undescribed eriophyoid species in the tropics.

Location

Global.

Taxon

Eriophyoid mites (Acari: Eriophyoidea).

Main Conclusions

However, using plant species to predict eriophyoid mite diversity, as Ozman‐Sullivan and Sullivan propose, may result in an overestimation of species richness. We leave ‘whether the species richness of eriophyid mites is high in tropical regions’ as an open question and a potential area for future research.
Whole‐transcriptome defines novel glucose metabolic subtypes in colorectal cancer
Authors: Li Shaohua , Fang Wei , Zheng Jianfeng , Peng Zhiqiang , Yu Biyue , Chen Chunhui , Zhang Yuting , Jiang Wenli , Yuan Shuhui , Zhang Lingqiang , Zhang Xueli
Published: December 2023

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the most prevalent malignancy of the digestive system. Glucose metabolism plays a crucial role in CRC development. However, the heterogeneity of glucose metabolic patterns in CRC is not well characterized. Here, we classified CRC into specific glucose metabolic subtypes and identified the key regulators. 2228 carbohydrate metabolism‐related genes were screened out from the GeneCards database, 202 of them were identified as prognosis genes in the TCGA database. Based on the expression patterns of the 202 genes, three metabolic subtypes were obtained by the non‐negative matrix factorization clustering method. The C1 subtype had the worst survival outcome and was characterized with higher immune cell infiltration and more activation in extracellular matrix pathways than the other two subtypes. The C2 subtype was the most prevalent in CRC and was characterized by low immune cell infiltration. The C3 subtype had the smallest number of individuals and had a better prognosis, with higher levels of NRF2 and TP53 pathway expression. Secreted frizzled‐related protein 2 (SFRP2) and thrombospondin‐2 (THBS2) were confirmed as biomarkers for the C1 subtype. Their expression levels were elevated in high glucose condition, while their knockdown inhibited migration and invasion of HCT 116 cells. The analysis of therapeutic potential found that the C1 subtype was more sensitive to immune and PI3K‐Akt pathway inhibitors than the other subtypes. To sum up, this study revealed a novel glucose‐related CRC subtype, characterized by SFRP2 and THBS2, with poor prognosis but possible therapeutic benefits from immune and targeted therapies.
Higher cumulative dose of topical corticosteroids is associated with osteoporosis and major osteoporotic fracture: A nationwide case–control study
Authors: Hsieh Bing‐Jun , Shen Dereck , Chan Tom C. , Cho Yung‐Tsu , Tang Chao‐Hsiun , Chu Chia‐Yu
Published: December 2023

Background

Connections between long‐term use of topical corticosteroids (TCSs) of varying potency and osteoporosis and major osteoporotic fracture (MOF) are unclear. Susceptibility to adverse bone effects of TCSs in different sex, age and ethnic groups is unknown too.

Objectives

To demonstrate the association between cumulative dose of TCSs of varying potency and osteoporosis and MOF in Taiwanese population, with stratified analysis of sex and age.

Methods

We conducted a nationwide case–control study and obtained data from Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database. Cumulative TCS doses in different exposure periods were calculated, and the potency of TCSs was converted to prednisolone equivalent. Adjusted odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated for osteoporosis and MOF associated with TCS use.

Results

From 2017 to 2020, 129,682 osteoporosis cases and 34,999 MOF cases were selected and randomly matched with 518,728 and 139,996 controls by sex and age. We found clear dose–response relationships between long‐term TCS exposure and osteoporosis and MOF. For example, compared to no TCS use, adjusted ORs of osteoporosis were 1.216 (95% CI 1.189–1.243), 1.260 (95% CI, 1.241–1.280) and 1.341 (95% CI, 1.314–1.369) for exposure to low, medium and high cumulative TCS doses, respectively, over 5 years. Adjusted ORs of MOF were 1.118 (95% CI 1.069–1.170), 1.191 (95% CI, 1.156–1.227) and 1.288 (95% CI, 1.238–1.340) for exposure to low, medium and high cumulative TCS doses, respectively, over 5 years. Stratified analysis showed women had higher ORs of osteoporosis and MOF compared to men. Younger people (<50 years) had highest OR of osteoporosis compared to other age groups.

Conclusions

Higher cumulative TCS dose was associated with increased risk of osteoporosis and MOF. Long‐term use of TCSs should be cautious, especially in susceptible populations such as women and young people.
A new distinctively striped species of bushynose catfish (Siluriformes: Loricariidae: Ancistrus) from the Pachitea River drainage, Pasco, Peru
Authors: Neuhaus Emanuel Bruno , Meza‐Vargas Vanessa , Herrera Julio Ramírez , Lujan Nathan K.
Published: December 2023

With 76 currently valid species, the bushynose catfish genus Ancistrus is the fourth most species‐rich catfish genus, yet Ancistrus diversity remains underestimated, with many species still undescribed. This is especially true of the Peruvian Andean headwaters of the Amazon, which are rich in unnamed Ancistrus species but have received little recent taxonomic attention. We describe a distinctively striped new Ancistrus species from tributaries of the Palcazú River, in the Pachitea‐Ucayali‐Amazonas drainage basin. The new species differs from all congeners by having black, vermiculated lines covering the head and two to four distinct black, parallel, lateral body stripes from head to caudal fin (vs. body uniformly colored or with dark or light spots or blotches over head and body, or black vermiculate lines on flanks). The new species is the fifth valid species of Ancistrus described from the rich Ucayali River ichthyofauna. It has previously been recognized in the aquarium fish trade as L267.
The potential for egg‐guarding care in females of the damselfish, Dascyllus reticulatus, in the absence of uniparental male care
Authors: Sakai Yoichi , Muranaka Yu , Nakayama Hiromi , Baba Koji , Matsushita Kazuya , Kuwahara Hiroyuki , Kuniyoshi Hisato
Published: December 2023

Male damselfish typically demonstrate uniparental egg‐guarding care in nature. Potential plasticity in sexual behavior has recently been reported in various teleost fish. To examine behavioral plasticity in parental care, we conducted aquarium experiments to explore the potential for egg‐guarding care in the female damselfish, Dascyllus reticulatus. After initial caretaking, males were removed from the mating nests, and cohabiting females frequently exhibited egg predation on the same day. However, we confirmed that females showed significantly decreased egg‐predation frequencies on the following day and showed egg‐caring behaviors. All experimental females guarded their eggs until they hatched. Females subsequently spawned eggs as females even after performing parental care behaviors, indicating no progression of sex change into males. Molecular analysis of select pituitary gland hormones indicated that egg‐caring females and males showed high expression levels of prolactin, suggesting its involvement in the development of parental care behaviors. The cryptic possession of caretaking ability in females may be a tactical response to the need for temporary replacement of the care roles in cases where caretaking males are removed, for example, through predation, in damselfish species living in sexually cohabiting groups.
Is enhanced recovery after surgery essential?
Authors: Esercan Alev , Demir İsmail , Aksar Mustafa
Published: December 2023

Background

The enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) method is designed for the patient to recover quickly, have less pain and have a more comfortable period after the surgery; that includes preoperative, intra and postoperative processes. ERAS has been started to be applied in cesarean section surgeries as the patients need to recover quickly. In the literature, there is no study about the results of ERAS in cesarean section about pain scores and complications.

Objectives

It is aimed to compare the results of cesarean section patients using the ERAS method completely in patients who have had cesarean section without meeting some of the postoperative conditions of the ERAS criteria.

Study Design

It is a prospective study designed as postoperative metoclopramide, enema and routine opioids in group 1, enema and metoclopramide in group 2, metoclopramide only in group 3 and nothing in group 4. Postoperative pain scoring was done by using visual analog scale (VAS). Analysis of variance tests and t tests were used for results.

Results

There was no difference between groups according to age, parity, and birth weight. As a result, although there was no difference between the groups in terms of discharge time and complications, the VAS score used in pain scoring was found to be significantly lower in group 3 compared to the other groups (p: 0.000). Only metoclopramide group (group 3) had lowest VAS score.

Conclusion

It has been revealed that the ERAS procedure does not need to be so detailed in the postoperative period, and the addition of metoclopramide may be sufficient. Since pain can be a subjective factor, other randomized studies are needed in terms of other criteria.
Double Marginalization and Misplacement in Online Advertising*
Authors: White Alexander , Jain Kamal , Ichihashi Shota , Kim Byung‐Cheol
Published: December 2023

Internet users often surf multiple websites as a bundle to fulfill their needs and ‘pay’ for the content by viewing ads. We study how such complementary websites choose advertising policies. Two forces distort the equilibrium away from the industry optimum and the efficient outcome. First, websites place too many ads (double marginalization). Second, given the total advertising volume at equilibrium, websites misallocate ads among themselves (misplacement). Competition in one market segment may eliminate double marginalization but exacerbate misplacement. Introducing micropayments removes misplacement, but the welfare consequences are ambiguous. Policymakers must thus be cautious when applying standard remedies to zero‐price markets.
Audiovisual gamma stimulation for the treatment of neurodegeneration
Authors: Blanco‐Duque Cristina , Chan Diane , Kahn Martin C. , Murdock Mitchell H. , Tsai Li‐Huei
Published: December 2023

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common type of neurodegenerative disease and a health challenge with major social and economic consequences. In this review, we discuss the therapeutic potential of gamma stimulation in treating AD and delve into the possible mechanisms responsible for its positive effects. Recent studies reveal that it is feasible and safe to induce 40 Hz brain activity in AD patients through a range of 40 Hz multisensory and noninvasive electrical or magnetic stimulation methods. Although research into the clinical potential of these interventions is still in its nascent stages, these studies suggest that 40 Hz stimulation can yield beneficial effects on brain function, disease pathology, and cognitive function in individuals with AD. Specifically, we discuss studies involving 40 Hz light, auditory, and vibrotactile stimulation, as well as noninvasive techniques such as transcranial alternating current stimulation and transcranial magnetic stimulation. The precise mechanisms underpinning the beneficial effects of gamma stimulation in AD are not yet fully elucidated, but preclinical studies have provided relevant insights. We discuss preclinical evidence related to both neuronal and nonneuronal mechanisms that may be involved, touching upon the relevance of interneurons, neuropeptides, and specific synaptic mechanisms in translating gamma stimulation into widespread neuronal activity within the brain. We also explore the roles of microglia, astrocytes, and the vasculature in mediating the beneficial effects of gamma stimulation on brain function. Lastly, we examine upcoming clinical trials and contemplate the potential future applications of gamma stimulation in the management of neurodegenerative disorders.
Leveraging technology to increase the disseminability of evidence‐based treatment of dental fear: An uncontrolled pilot study
Authors: Heyman Richard E. , Daly Kelly A. , Slep Amy M. Smith , Wolff Mark S.
Published: December 2023

Objectives

U.S. and global estimates indicate that over 30% of adults fear receiving dental care, including over 20% who have visited a dentist in the last year, leading to avoidance and degraded oral and systemic health. Although evidence‐based cognitive‐behavioral treatments for dental fear (CBT‐DF) exist, they have little impact on the millions who seek dental care annually because they are not disseminable (6 h of in‐chair time, delivered only in person at a few sites). We developed a disseminable CBT‐DF stepped‐care treatment comprising (Step 1) a mobile‐health application and, for those who remain fearful, (Step 2) a 1‐h, one‐on‐one psychological treatment session that allows practice during exposure to the patient's most‐feared stimuli. We hypothesized that the treatment would (a) be rated highly on usability and credibility and (b) result in clinically consequential (i.e., lowering fear into the 0–3 “no/low fear” zone) and statistically significant changes in global dental fear.

Method

Racially/ethnically diverse patients (N = 48) with moderate to severe dental fear were recruited; all completed Step 1, and n = 16 completed Step 2.

Results

As hypothesized, users found the stepped‐care treatment highly usable, credible, and helpful. Critically, this stepped‐care approach produced reductions in patients' dental fear that were both clinically consequential (with half no longer fearful) and statistically significant (d = 1.11).

Conclusions

This usable, credible, stepped‐care approach to dental fear treatment holds promise for liberating evidence‐based CBT‐DF from specialty clinics, allowing broad dissemination.
Alterations in oxidative stress biomarkers and helper T‐cell subgroups in patients with periodontitis and IgA nephropathy
Authors: Li Jinfeng , Zhang Yanjun , Lu Hao , Li Zhiwei , Luo Hui , Ou Qianqiu , Chen Xiaotao
Published: December 2023

Objective

Investigating the changes in the oxidative stress levels and helper T lymphocyte (Th) subsets in patients with periodontitis and IgA nephropathy (IgAN) to determine their relationship.

Background

IgAN has a high prevalence, poor prognosis, and no effective cure. Accumulating evidence has implicated a close relationship between periodontitis and chronic kidney diseases, in which both IgAN and chronic periodontitis show chronic inflammation and abnormal metabolism. However, few studies have been conducted on the relationship between the two diseases from this perspective.

Methods

We divided 86 IgAN patients into patients with healthy periodontium (IgAN‐H, n = 34) and patients with periodontitis IgAN (IgAN‐P, n = 52); moreover, we divided 72 systemically healthy participants into patients with periodontitis (H‐P, n = 35) and participants with healthy periodontium (H‐H, n = 37). The proportions of Th subsets in peripheral blood were estimated using flow cytometry. Cytokine levels in plasma were assessed using cytokine assay kits. Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay was used to evaluate the plasma levels of oxidative stress.

Results

Our results from analyzing the Th cell subsets indicated that Th2 cell counts in the IgAN‐P group were significantly lower than those in the IgAN‐H group, while Th17 cell counts were increased (p < 0.05). Moreover, the Th1/Th2 ratio and interleukin‐6 levels in the IgAN‐P group were significantly higher than those in the H‐H group (p < 0.01). Compared with that in the H‐H group, in the remaining three groups, plasma total oxidation state (TOS) levels were increased (p < 0.01), while plasma total antioxidant state (TAS) levels were decreased (p < 0.05). Furthermore, estimated glomerular filtration rate was negatively correlated with the probing depth and gingival bleeding index. IgAN was a risk factor for periodontitis, while TAS was a protective factor for periodontitis. The oxidative stress index (OSI) might be valuable for distinguishing periodontitis patients from healthy controls (area under the receiver operator characteristic curve = 0.951).

Conclusion

IgAN is an independent risk factor of periodontitis, and the Th17 cell‐mediated inflammatory response might be associated with the occurrence of periodontitis in patients with IgAN. Patients with coexisting IgAN and periodontitis exhibit increased oxidative stress, in which TOS and OSI are potential biomarkers for diagnosing periodontitis.