bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Carbon emissions, female CEOs and earnings management
Authors: Houqe Muhammad Nurul , Opare Solomon , Zahir-Ul-Hassan Muhammad Kaleem
Published: April 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the association between carbon emissions and earnings management (EM). This study also considers the effect of female CEOs on the association between carbon emissions and EM.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses the carbon disclosure project (CDP) for carbon emissions data, the Compustat database for financial information and the ExecuComp database for female CEOs. The empirical sample of this study consists of 1,692 firm-year observations in the USA that voluntarily participated in the CDP survey from 2007 to 2015. Regression analysis and robustness tests are conducted for this study and both accrual and real EM are considered.

Findings

This study provides evidence that firms with female CEOs who voluntarily disclose their carbon emissions information engage in less real EM. Thus, the presence of female CEOs moderates the association between carbon emissions and EM. This study/paper also finds a positive association between carbon emissions and real EM, although there is an insignificant association between carbon emissions and accruals EM.

Practical implications

The association between carbon emissions and EM has important implications for investors, regulators and policymakers. This study suggests that policymakers should improve the conditions that promote inclusion of females in the top management positions to constrain EM.

Originality/value

This study focuses on the USA, which is one of the major contributors to carbon emissions in the world. The presence of female CEOs moderates the association between carbon emissions and EM and firms with female CEOs show a greater impact on EM.
Managing uncertainties in fault avoidance zone of urban areas: a case study of Karaj, Iran
Authors: Mirmoghtadaee Mahta , Abdi Mohammad Hamed , Eslamlou Mohammad Saber
Published: April 2024

Purpose

This study aims to develop the application of the strategic choice approach (SCA) in Karaj City (Iran) as the case study for facilitating the decision-making process concerning uncertainties associated with determining fault trace, fault buffer zone and fault setback, as well as inherent uncertainties related to urban issues – known as wicked problems – which make a clear definition unachievable for them.

Design/methodology/approach

The SCA was recycled in this study to manage uncertain situations in planning. It is designed to deal with problems caused by uncertainty, insufficient knowledge and unpredictable policy outcomes. In combination with the risk-based planning approach, the paper proposes a new model to deal with uncertainty and hazard risk at the same time.

Findings

The results indicated that such decision-making tools are helpful for urban planners who impose changes in the fault zone to save lives and properties where the process seems problematic and ambiguous. Further analysis from the SCA development not only shows that urban planning restrictions should be applied gradually and in pace with the completion of fault displacement geological data but also reveals that defining the implementation process and institutional structure is as important as the preparation of binding fault zoning documents.

Originality/value

The paper will push forward global research and practice because the results can be generalized for use in other earthquake-prone countries, as the considerations and obstacles have a universal character and more specifically because many earthquake-prone countries have not started to define fault avoidance zone restrictions up to now.
Linking perceived supervisor listening with OCBIP in Islamic financial institution: multiple mediation approach
Authors: Zakiy Muhammad , Ramadhani Khairiza
Published: April 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to determine the role of perceived supervisor listening (PSL) on employee organizational citizenship behavior Islamic perspective (OCBIP) with several mediating variables as a link.

Design/methodology/approach

The research was conducted using a purposive sampling technique with a total sample of 100 employees in Islamic financial institutions (IFIs). The collected data were analyzed using SEM-PLS.

Findings

The results of this study indicate that PSL is one of the factors that can improve OCBIP attitudes among employees of IFIs. In addition, this study also shows the role of job motivation and satisfaction in mediating the relationship between PSL and OCBIP. However, the results do not indicate affective commitment.

Practical implications

Based on the results of this study, the leadership of IFIs must be able to develop superior attitudes in OCBIP to increase employee motivation and satisfaction and help increase company productivity.

Originality/value

This study confirms the importance of the role of leaders in shaping positive employee behavior and strengthens the literature related to OCBIP variables that can be used for Islamic-based organizations.
Painting the picture: why art dealers should be added to Australia’s designated non-financial businesses and professions definition
Authors: Martin Sophie
Published: April 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to demonstrate to lawmakers that the addition of art dealers to the designated non-financial businesses and professions (DNFBPs) definition would provide Australia with more comprehensive protection against money laundering within the art market.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper opted for an exploratory study using doctrinal and jurisdictional comparative analysis that focused on arguments for and against the inclusion of art dealers in respective DNFBPs definitions. Evaluation of these arguments concludes that art dealers should be included in Australia’s DNFBPs definition and subject to anti-money laundering (AML) regulation.

Findings

The current omission of art dealers from Australia’s DNFBPs definition perpetuates AML vulnerabilities within the Australian art market.

Originality/value

This paper fulfils an identified need to study high-value dealers not included in Australia’s DNFBPs definition and provide arguments for and against the inclusion of Australian art dealers in the listed DNFBP.
Sharing our account of journeying through Jindaola: an Aboriginal way towards decolonising educators
Authors: Tanima Farzana Aman , Moerman Lee , Twyford Erin Jade , Pupovac Sanja , Nikidehaghani Mona
Published: April 2024

Purpose

This paper illuminates our journey as accounting educators by exploring accounting as a technical, social and moral practice towards decolonising ourselves. It lays the foundations for decolonising the higher education curriculum and the consequences for addressing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Design/methodology/approach

This paper focuses on the potential to foster a space for praxis by adopting dialogism-in-action to understand our transformative learning through Jindaola [pronounced Jinda-o-la], a university-based Aboriginal knowledge program. A dialogic pedagogy provided the opportunity to create a meaningful space between us as academics, the Aboriginal Knowledge holder and mentor, the other groups in Jindaola and, ultimately, our accounting students. Since Jindaola privileged ‘our way’ as the pedagogical learning process, we adopt autoethnography to share and reflect on our experiences. Making creative artefacts formed the basis for building relationships, reciprocity and respect and represents our shared journey and collective account.

Findings

We reveal our journey of “holding to account” by analysing five aspects of our lives as critical accounting academics – the overarching conceptual framework, teaching, research, governance and our physical landscape. In doing so, we found that Aboriginal perspectives provide a radical positioning to the colonial legacies of accounting practice.

Originality/value

Our journey through Jindaola contemplates how connecting with Country and engaging with Aboriginal ways of knowing can assist educators in meaningfully addressing the SDGs. While not providing a panacea or prescription for what to do, we use ‘our way’ as a story of our commitment to transformative change.
Playful work design in fostering organizational citizenship behaviors and performance: two studies on the mediating role of work engagement
Authors: Caracuzzo Emanuela , Caputo Andrea , Callea Antonino , Cortese Claudio Giovanni , Urbini Flavio
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Playful work design (PWD) is a set of proactive strategies implementing fun and self-challenge at work to actively create better work conditions. Following the job demands-resources theory, this study aims to investigate the effects of PWD’s dimensions – i.e. “designing fun” and “designing competition” – on task and contextual performance (Study 1) and on the dimensions of organizational citizenship behaviors (OCBs) – i.e. altruism, conscientiousness and civic virtue (Study 2). Furthermore, the present research investigates the mediating role of work engagement (WE) for both studies.

Design/methodology/approach

Two samples of 339 and 141 Italian workers participated by filling in a self-report questionnaire. Measuring models and hypotheses have been tested by structural equation models.

Findings

Results suggest that WE partially mediates the relationship of the “designing competition” subdimension of PWD with task and contextual performance (Study 1) and with conscientiousness and civic virtue of OCBs, while “designing fun” shows a positive direct relationship only with altruism (Study 2).

Originality/value

This paper contributes to expanding knowledge about PWD’s effectiveness in facilitating performance and positive behaviors. Furthermore, it disentangles the different effects of PWD’s dimensions on performance. In light of the results, both employees and managers should be aware of the beneficial consequences of introducing fun and self-competitiveness when completing their own work activities.
Capital market manipulation and regulatory compliance – a bibliometric analysis of scholarly research in the post-2000 era
Authors: Singh Shailendra , Sarva Mahesh , Gupta Nitin
Published: April 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to systematically analyze the literature around regulatory compliance and market manipulation in capital markets through the use of bibliometrics and propose future research directions. Under the domain of capital markets, this theme is a niche area of research where greater academic investigations are required. Most of the research is fragmented and limited to a few conventional aspects only. To address this gap, this study engages in a large-scale systematic literature review approach to collect and analyze the research corpus in the post-2000 era.

Design/methodology/approach

The big data corpus comprising research articles has been extracted from the scientific Scopus database and analyzed using the VoSviewer application. The literature around the subject has been presented using bibliometrics to give useful insights on the most popular research work and articles, top contributing journals, authors, institutions and countries leading to identification of gaps and potential research areas.

Findings

Based on the review, this study concludes that, even in an era of global market integration and disruptive technological advancements, many important aspects of this subject remain significantly underexplored. Over the past two decades, research has lagged behind the evolution of capital market crime and market regulations. Finally, based on the findings, the study suggests important future research directions as well as a few research questions. This includes market manipulation, market regulations and new-age technologies, all of which could be very useful to researchers in this field and generate key inputs for stock market regulators.

Research limitations/implications

The limitation of this research is that it is based on Scopus database so the possibility of omission of some literature cannot be completely ruled out. More advanced machine learning techniques could be applied to decode the finer aspects of the studies undertaken so far.

Practical implications

Increased integration among global markets, fast-paced technological disruptions and complexity of financial crimes in stock markets have put immense pressure on market regulators. As economies and equity markets evolve, good research investigations can aid in a better understanding of market manipulation and regulatory compliance. The proposed research directions will be very useful to researchers in this field as well as generate key inputs for stock market regulators to deal with market misbehavior.

Originality/value

This study has adopted a period-wise broad-based scientific approach to identify some of the most pertinent gaps in the subject and has proposed practical areas of study to strengthen the literature in the said field.
Effect of using camel milk on quality characteristics, free amino acid content and biogenic amine formation in Domiati cheese
Authors: Elkot Wael F , Al‐Farga Ammar , Malek Gihan , Bakr Ashraf , Zaidalkilani Ayah T , Alnuzaili Ehab S , Eljeam Hamdi Abdelrasool Abdelsamad , El‐Sawah Talaat H
Published: April 2024

The effect of using camel milk on the physiochemical, microbiological and sensory properties, and free amino acid and biogenic amine contents of processed Domiati cheese was investigated during pickling (90 days) at 4°C. The results revealed a decrease in biogenic amines and an increase in free amino acids in cheese made from camel milk compared to cheese made from buffalo milk. Histamine and tryptamine were the most predominant amines in all the treatments (13 and 12 mg/kg), respectively. All samples had lower than the allowable level of biogenic amines, according to the Food and Drug Administration (10 mg/100 g).
Looking into the lipid profile of avocado and byproducts: Using lipidomics to explore value‐added compounds
Authors: Neves Bruna B. , Pinto Sara , Pais Rita , Batista Joana , Domingues M. Rosário , Melo Tânia
Published: April 2024

Consumer priorities in healthy diets and lifestyle boosted the demand for nutritious and functional foods as well as plant‐based ingredients. Avocado has become a food trend due to its nutritional and functional values, which in turn is increasing its consumption and production worldwide. Avocado edible portion has a high content of lipids, with the pulp and its oil being rich in monounsaturated fatty acids and essential omega − 3 and omega − 6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). These fatty acids are mainly esterified in triacylglycerides, the major lipids in pulp, but also in minor components such as polar lipids (phospholipids and glycolipids). Polar lipids of avocado have been overlooked despite being recently highlighted with functional properties as well. The growth in the industry of avocado products is generating an increased amount of their byproducts, such as seed and peels (nonedible portions), still undervalued. The few studies on avocado byproducts pointed out that they also contain interesting lipids, with seeds particularly rich in polar lipids bearing PUFA, and thus can be reused as a source of add‐value phytochemical. Mass spectrometry‐based lipidomics approaches appear as an essential tool to unveil the complex lipid signature of avocado and its byproducts, contributing to the recognition of value‐added lipids and opening new avenues for their use in novel biotechnological applications. The present review provides an up‐to‐date overview of the lipid signature from avocado pulp, peel, seed, and its oils.
Personal identification using frontal sinus coding methods: The effect of mixed image modality comparisons
Authors: Avent Patricia R. , Campbell Jessica L. , Garvin Heather M. , Butaric Lauren N.
Published: April 2024

Several code‐based methods have been created for comparing the frontal sinus in skeletal identification scenarios. However, little is known regarding matched‐pair accuracy rates of these methods or how varying image modalities may affect these rates. The goals of this study were to validate the exclusion rates and to establish matched‐pair accuracy rates of two well‐cited coding methods, Cameriere et al. [23] and Tatlisumak et al. [24]. Additionally, individual variables were assessed for consistency in scoring between image modalities. Using a sample of U.S. African American, Native American, and European American females and males (n = 225), we examined individual variable scoring and string codes between two different image modalities (radiographs and CT‐based 3D models). Arcades showed poor scoring consistency between modalities (p < 0.001). Although exclusion rates were similar to those reported in the original studies (93%–96%), matched‐pair accuracy rates were low (13%–18%). None of the demographics (collection, sex, age, ancestry, and orientation) had an effect on the odds of a match. Interobserver and intraobserver analyses showed moderate to near‐perfect agreement for all variables except supraorbital cells, which had minimal to no agreement. Currently, we do not recommend the application of these frontal sinus coding methods independent of other supporting identification methods given low variable consistency and accuracy rates. Visual identification should still be used to include or exclude an identification when using the frontal sinus.
Management of primary spontaneous pneumothorax: Did practice change after a landmark multicentre study?
Authors: Kalafatis Lucca , Armstrong Rachel , Hall Emma J. , Keijzers Gerben
Published: April 2024

Objective

To compare management of primary spontaneous pneumothorax (PSP) before and after the completion of multicentre study which showed non‐inferiority of conservative compared to interventional treatment for PSP.

Methods

This is a retrospective study of patients aged 14–50 years with a first diagnosis of medium to large PSP before and after March 2019 in a tertiary ED. Medical record and radiology database review were used to identify demographic, clinical and radiological data.

Results

The proportion of patients receiving an intervention in the ED decreased from 31.3% (10/32) to 12.5% (3/24).

Conclusion

Intervention for management of PSP is less frequent, suggesting adoption and implementation of best evidence.
This is the Age of Microbial Technology: Crucial roles of learned societies and academies
Authors: Timmis Kenneth , Hallsworth John E.
Published: April 2024

Microbial technologies constitute a huge and unique potential for confronting major humanitarian and biosphere challenges, especially in the realms of sustainability and providing basic goods and services where they are needed and particularly in low‐resource settings. These technologies are evolving rapidly. Powerful approaches are being developed to create novel products, processes, and circular economies, including new prophylactics and therapies in healthcare, bioelectric systems, and whole‐cell understanding of metabolism that provides novel insights into mechanisms and how they can be utilised for applications. The modulation of microbiomes promises to create important applications and mitigate problems in a number of spheres. Collectively, microbial technologies save millions of lives each year and have the potential, through increased deployment, to save many more. They help restore environmental health, improve soil fertility, enable regenerative agriculture, reduce biodiversity losses, reduce pollution, and mitigate polluted environments. Many microbial technologies may be considered to be ‘healing’ technologies – healing of humans, of other members of the biosphere, and of the environment. This is the Age of Microbial Technology. However, the current exploitation of microbial technologies in the service of humanity and planetary health is woefully inadequate and this failing unnecessarily costs many lives and biosphere deterioration. Microbiologists – the practitioners of these healing technologies – have a special, preordained responsibility to promote and increase their deployment for the good of humanity and the planet. To do this effectively – to actually make a difference – microbiologists will need to partner with key enablers and gatekeepers, players such as other scientists with essential complementary skills like bioengineering and bioinformatics, politicians, financiers, and captains of industry, international organisations, and the general public. Orchestration and coordination of the establishment and functioning of effective partnerships will best be accomplished by learned societies, their academies, and the international umbrella organisations of learned societies. Effective dedication of players to the tasks at hand will require unstinting support from employers, particularly the heads of institutes of higher education and of research establishments. Humanity and the biosphere are currently facing challenges to their survival not experienced for millennia. Effectively confronting these challenges is existential, and microbiologists and their learned societies have pivotal roles to play: they must step up and act now.
Development of a group II intron‐based genetic manipulation tool for Streptomyces
Authors: Sang Ziwei , Li Xingwang , Yan Hao , Wang Weishan , Wen Ying
Published: April 2024

The availability of an alternative and efficient genetic editing technology is critical for fundamental research and strain improvement engineering of Streptomyces species, which are prolific producers of complex secondary metabolites with significant pharmaceutical activities. The mobile group II introns are retrotransposons that employ activities of catalytic intron RNAs and intron‐encoded reverse transcriptase to precisely insert into DNA target sites through a mechanism known as retrohoming. We here developed a group II intron‐based gene editing tool to achieve precise chromosomal gene insertion in Streptomyces. Moreover, by repressing the potential competition of RecA‐dependent homologous recombination, we enhanced site‐specific insertion efficiency of this tool to 2.38%. Subsequently, we demonstrated the application of this tool by screening and characterizing the secondary metabolite biosynthetic gene cluster (BGC) responsible for synthesizing the red pigment in Streptomyces roseosporus. Accompanied with identifying and inactivating this BGC, we observed that the impair of this cluster promoted cell growth and daptomycin production. Additionally, we applied this tool to activate silent jadomycin BGC in Streptomyces venezuelae. Overall, this work demonstrates the potential of this method as an alternative tool for genetic engineering and cryptic natural product mining in Streptomyces species.
Automated CT quantification of interstitial lung abnormality in patients with resectable stage I non‐small cell lung cancer: Prognostic significance
Authors: Chung Jae Ho , Park Jong Myung , Kim Do Hyung
Published: April 2024

Background

In patients with non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), interstitial lung abnormalities (ILA) have been linked to mortality and can be identified on computed tomography (CT) scans. In the present study we aimed to evaluate the predictive value of automatically quantified ILA based on the Fleischner Society definition in patients with stage I NSCLC.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 948 patients with pathological stage I NSCLC who underwent pulmonary resection between April 2009 and October 2022. A commercially available deep learning‐based automated quantification program for ILA was used to evaluate the preoperative CT data. The Fleischner Society definition, quantitative results, and interdisciplinary discussion led to the division of patients into normal and ILA groups. The sum of the fibrotic and nonfibrotic ILA components constituted the total ILA component and more than 5%.

Results

Of the 948 patients with stage I NSCLC, 99 (10.4%) patients had ILA. Shorter overall survival and recurrence‐free survival was associated with the presence of ILA. After controlling for confounding variables, the presence of ILA remained significant for increased risk of death (hazard ratio [HR] = 3.09; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.91–5.00; p < 0.001) and the presence of ILA remained significant for increased recurrence (HR = 1.96; 95% CI: 1.16–3.30; p = 0.012).

Conclusions

The automated CT quantification of ILA, based on the Fleischner Society definition, was significantly linked to poorer survival and recurrence in patients with stage I NSCLC.
Daidzein ameliorates nonmotor symptoms of manganese‐induced Parkinsonism in zebrafish model: Behavioural and biochemical approach
Authors: Haridevamuthu Balasubramanian , Sudhakaran Gokul , Pachaiappan Raman , Kathiravan Muthu Kumaradoss , Manikandan Krishnan , Almutairi Mikhlid H. , Almutairi Bader O. , Arokiyaraj Selvaraj , Arockiaraj Jesu
Published: April 2024

Background and Purpose

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a prevalent neurodegenerative movement disorder characterized by motor dysfunction. Environmental factors, especially manganese (Mn), contribute significantly to PD. Existing therapies are focused on motor coordination, whereas nonmotor features such as neuropsychiatric symptoms are often neglected. Daidzein (DZ), a phytoestrogen, has piqued interest due to its antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, and anxiolytic properties. Therefore, we anticipate that DZ might be an effective drug to alleviate the nonmotor symptoms of Mn‐induced Parkinsonism.

Experimental Approach

Naïve zebrafish were exposed to 2 mM of Mn for 21 days and intervened with DZ. Nonmotor symptoms such as anxiety, social behaviour, and olfactory function were assessed. Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity and antioxidant enzyme status were measured from brain tissue through biochemical assays. Dopamine levels and histology were performed to elucidate neuroprotective mechanism of DZ.

Key Results

DZ exhibited anxiolytic effects in a novel environment and also improved intra and inter fish social behaviour. DZ improved the olfactory function and response to amino acid stimuli in Mn‐induced Parkinsonism. DZ reduced brain oxidative stress and AChE activity and prevented neuronal damage. DZ increased DA level in the brain, collectively contributing to neuroprotection.

Conclusion and Implications

DZ demonstrated a promising effect on alleviating nonmotor symptoms such as anxiety and olfactory dysfunction, through the mitigation of cellular damage. These findings underscore the therapeutic potential of DZ in addressing nonmotor neurotoxicity induced by heavy metals, particularly in the context of Mn‐induced Parkinsonism.
Fat and proteolysis due to methionine, tryptophan, and niacin deficiency leads to alterations in gut microbiota and immune modulation in inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Hara Tomoaki , Meng Sikun , Motooka Daisuke , Sato Hiromichi , Arao Yasuko , Tsuji Yoshiko , Yabumoto Takeshi , Doki Yuichiro , Eguchi Hidetoshi , Uchida Shizuka , Ishii Hideshi
Published: April 2024

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is one of the intractable diseases. Nutritional components associated with IBD have been identified, and it is known that excessive methionine intake exacerbates inflammation, and that tryptophan metabolism is involved in inflammation. Analysis of the gut microbiota has also progressed, where Lactobacillus regulate immune cells in the intestine and suppress inflammation. However, whether the methionine and tryptophan metabolic pathways affect the growth of intestinal Lactobacillus is unknown. Here we show how transient methionine, tryptophan, and niacin deficiency affects the host and gut microbiota in mouse models of colitis (induced by dextran sodium sulfate) fed a methionine‐deficient diet (1K), tryptophan and niacin‐deficient diet (2K), or methionine, tryptophan, and niacin‐deficient diet (3K). These diets induced body weight decrease and 16S rRNA analysis of mouse feces revealed the alterations in the gut microbiota, leading to a dramatic increase in the proportion of Lactobacillus in mice. Intestinal RNA sequencing data confirmed that the expression of several serine proteases and fat‐metabolizing enzymes were elevated in mice fed with methionine, tryptophan, and niacin (MTN) deficient diet. In addition, one‐carbon metabolism and peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor (PPAR) pathway activation were also induced with MTN deficiency. Furthermore, changes in the expression of various immune‐related cytokines were observed. These results indicate that methionine, tryptophan, and niacin metabolisms are important for the composition of intestinal bacteria and host immunity. Taken together, MTN deficiencies may serve as a Great Reset of gut microbiota and host gene expression to return to good health.
Incentivizing dental services in healthy behaviour Medicaid waivers
Authors: Semprini Jason
Published: April 2024

Objective

In the United States, adult dental benefits are optional in the state‐managed, public insurance program, Medicaid. States also have the option to adapt their Medicaid program via waivers which pair healthy behaviour incentives (HBI) with cost‐sharing. These waivers have proven ineffective, but the empirical evidence has ignored differences between states. This study aims to evaluate the impact of four state's HBI Medicaid waiver on dental visits among low‐income adult population subject to incentives and cost‐sharing requirements by the HBI waiver.

Methods

Analysing biannual data from the Behavioural Risk Factor Surveillance System's Oral Health module (2008–2018) with a Difference‐in‐Differences design, this study estimated the effect of a Healthy Behaviour Incentive waiver on the probability of visiting the dentist in the past year. The three states that implemented an HBI Waiver (Indiana, Michigan and Wisconsin) were analysed separately. Secondary outcomes included being uninsured and having all teeth extracted. Matrix Completion methods accounted for dynamic treatment and tested for non‐common trends. Inference was based on randomization inference tests.

Results

Only in Michigan was an HBI waiver consistently associated with a significant increase in the probability of a dental visit (Est. = 5.6%‐points, p = .01). There was little convincing evidence that HBI waivers were associated with being uninsured or having all teeth extracted.

Conclusions

Between 2010 and 2019, many states have implemented an HBI waiver, each with a different approach to incentivizing dental visits. These implementation differences may explain the heterogeneous effects by state. More work is needed to evaluate how Medicaid waivers impact health outcomes in low‐income populations.
How well do parents identify their child's baby teeth? Engagement and accuracy of parent‐reported information on a tooth checklist survey
Authors: Le Luyer Mona , Boll Molly E. , Lemmers Simone A. M. , Stoll Samantha J. , Hoffnagle Alison G. , Smith Andrew D. A. C. , Dunn Erin C.
Published: April 2024

Objectives

Naturally exfoliated primary teeth are being increasingly collected in child development studies. Most of these odontological collections and tooth biobanks use parent‐reported information from questionnaires or tooth checklists to collect data on offspring teeth. To the best of the authors' knowledge, no studies have assessed parental engagement in tooth checklists, nor parental accuracy in identifying their child's baby tooth. This study aimed to evaluate these dimensions by analysing data from the about this tooth checklist returned with donated primary teeth in a natural experimental study called STRONG (the Stories Teeth Record of Newborn Growth).

Methods

Parental self‐reported information were analysed on checklists returned with 825 primary teeth belonging to 199 children. The percentage of blank answers was calculated for each question. The accuracy of parents‐reported tooth identification was evaluated by comparing parental ratings to researchers' ratings. Reliability of researchers' tooth identification was first evaluated by calculating intra‐observer and inter‐observer agreements, as well as Cohen's Kappa values. The percentage of accuracy of parents' tooth identification (relative to researcher's) was then calculated, and logistic regressions were used to evaluate if time elapsed between when exfoliation occurred and the checklist was completed associated with parental accuracy in tooth identification.

Results

Parents returned 98.4% of the checklists and completed 74.9% to 97.7% of the questions. Excellent reliability was demonstrated for researchers' intra‐ and inter‐rater tooth identification (agreement percentages >90%; Cohen's Kappa values >.83). Moderate accuracy of parents‐reported tooth identifications was found, with parents correctly identifying 49.5% of the donated tooth. Better parental accuracies were highlighted for partial identifications (87.1% of correct jaw, 75.6% of correct tooth type, and 65.8% of correct lateralization). Logistic regressions showed the odds of correct parental identifications decreased on average by 1.8% every 30 days of distance between tooth exfoliation and checklist completion.

Conclusions

While parental engagement is high, parents‐reported tooth identifications have moderate accuracy, which decreases over time. High accuracy is however found for partial identifications. Parent‐reported information on the accompanying questionnaire of naturally exfoliated primary teeth collection or tooth biobanks, even when filled in a long time after exfoliation took place, should be encouraged. However, expert identifications of teeth should remain best practice.
Biodiversity conservation, human–animal interactions, and zootherapy in ecological knowledge of Indonesian Healers
Authors: Patrick Patricia G. , Singkam Abdul Rahman
Published: April 2024

We examined the entanglement of biodiversity conservation, human–animal interactions, zootherapy, and local beliefs among Sumatran Healers and their local community by completing an ethnography of 43 Indigenous Healers across 8 tribes in Bengkulu Province, Sumatra, Indonesia. Data collection tools were interviews, observations, videos, photographs, and a researcher journal. Of the 43 Healers, 30 used animals and mentioned 62 species. Of the animals identified, the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List lists 34% (n = 21) as endangered, decreasing, or vulnerable, including Sumatran tiger (Panthera tigris sumatrae), Sumatran elephant (Elephas maximus sumatranus), and Sumatran rhinoceros (Dicerorhinus sumatrensis). Of the 30 Healers using animals, 50% (n = 15) practiced healing with at least one endangered, decreasing, or vulnerable animal. We defined 3 personas: Healer self‐persona, Healer‐imposed persona, and community‐imposed persona. A persona represented a group's opinions and sentiments related to Healers killing animals for medicinal purposes. Using an iterative data analysis process, we grouped the data across the 3 personas into 5 themes: ease of killing and preparing animals, emotions related to killing animals, animal value, relationship to religion, and Healers are tricksters. The complexity of merging the identities of Healers and the community within an actor‐network embodies the relationality of actions, interactions, and feelings among Healers, between Healers and animals, and between Healers and the community. Conservationists should be cognizant of Healers’ medicinal use of animals, views of human–animal interactions, and zootherapy from all social and emotional perspectives. The data led to defining Indigenous Healer ecological knowledge components of zootherapy, human–animal interactions, and biodiversity conservation.
Dose‐response analysis between alcohol consumption and psoriasis: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Choi Jeeyu , Han Ikjoon , Min Joohong , Yun Jisang , Kim Byung‐Soo , Shin Kihyuk , Kim Kihun , Kim Yun Hak
Published: April 2024

The association between psoriasis and alcohol consumption has been inconsistent across various studies. However, to the best of our knowledge, no dose‐response meta‐analysis has been performed to date. This study aims to investigate the association between alcohol consumption and psoriasis. The search was performed on July 27, 2021, using Embase and MEDLINE. The restricted cubic spline analysis was used to perform a dose‐response analysis. We identified 3,904 studies, of which 48 studies with 1,702,847 individuals across 24 countries were included. Alcohol consumption was positively associated with psoriasis (odds ratio [OR], 1.47; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.27‐1.70). In addition, a significantly increased OR for psoriasis was observed in males (OR, 1.84; 95% CI, 1.13–3.01) but not in females (OR, 1.22; 95% CI, 0.97–1.54). Based on eight studies, including three cohort and five case‐control studies, the analysis revealed that with each additional gram of daily alcohol intake, the OR for psoriasis increased by 4%. We found a positive association between alcohol consumption and psoriasis. The association is more prominent in the group drinking more than 45 g of alcohol per day (3.2 alcoholic drink equivalent).
S1‐Guideline Sebaceous Carcinoma
Authors: Utikal Jochen , Nagel Pia , Müller Verena , Becker Jürgen C. , Dippel Edgar , Frisman Alexander , Gschnell Martin , Griewank Klaus , Hadaschik Eva , Helbig Doris , Hillen Uwe , Leiter Ulrike , Pföhler Claudia , Krönig Lisa , Ziemer Mirjana , Ugurel Selma
Published: April 2024

Sebaceous gland carcinomas are rare malignant cutaneous adnexal tumors with sebocytic differentiation. The typical predilection area is the head and neck region, where sebaceous gland carcinomas are the most common malignant adnexal tumors of the skin. According to their localization a distinction is made between periocular and extraocular sebaceous gland carcinomas. Muir‐Torre syndrome (MTS) should always be ruled out if it is suspected.

In terms of prognosis, sebaceous gland carcinomas are potentially aggressive tumors with a clear tendency to recur and metastasize. Only small extraocular sebaceous gland carcinomas that have been completely resected have a very good prognosis. Sebaceous gland carcinomas most frequently metastasize lymphogenously to regional or distant lymph nodes; organ metastasis occurs less frequently. Periocular sebaceous gland carcinomas have a higher metastasis rate (up to 15%) than extraocular sebaceous gland carcinomas (up to 2%).

Complete micrographically controlled surgery (MCS) of the primary tumor is the therapy of first choice, regardless of periocular or extraocular localization. Adjuvant or therapeutic radiotherapy may be considered. There is currently no established standard therapy for advanced, inoperable, or metastatic sebaceous gland carcinomas. Local procedures and systemic therapies such as chemotherapy or immunotherapy can be considered. The procedure should be determined individually by an interdisciplinary tumor board. Close follow‐up care is recommended for these potentially aggressive carcinomas.
Landscape simplification leads to loss of plant–pollinator interaction diversity and flower visitation frequency despite buffering by abundant generalist pollinators
Authors: Maurer Corina , Martínez‐Núñez Carlos , Dominik Christophe , Heuschele Jonna , Liu Yicong , Neumann Peter , Paxton Robert J. , Pellissier Loïc , Proesmans Willem , Schweiger Oliver , Szentgyörgyi Hajnalka , Vanbergen Adam , Albrecht Matthias
Published: April 2024

Aim

Global change, especially landscape simplification, is a main driver of species loss that can alter ecological interaction networks, with potentially severe consequences to ecosystem functions. Therefore, understanding how landscape simplification affects the rate of loss of plant–pollinator interaction diversity (i.e., number of unique interactions) compared to species diversity alone, and the role of persisting abundant pollinators, is key to assess the consequences of landscape simplification on network stability and pollination services.

Location

France, Germany, and Switzerland.

Methods

We analysed 24 landscape‐scale plant–pollinator networks from standardised transect walks along landscape simplification gradients in three countries. We compared the rates of species and interaction diversity loss along the landscape simplification gradient and then stepwise excluded the top 1%–20% most abundant pollinators from the data set to evaluate their effect on interaction diversity, network robustness to secondary loss of species, and flower visitation frequencies in simplified landscapes.

Results

Interaction diversity was not more vulnerable than species diversity to landscape simplification, with pollinator and interaction diversity showing similar rates of erosion with landscape simplification. We found that 20% of both species and interactions are lost with an increase of arable crop cover from 30% to 80% in a landscape. The decrease in interaction diversity was partially buffered by persistent abundant generalist pollinators in simplified landscapes, which were nested subsets of pollinator communities in complex landscapes, while plants showed a high turnover in interactions across landscapes. The top 5% most abundant pollinator species also contributed to network robustness against secondary species loss but could not prevent flowers from a loss of visits in simplified landscapes.

Main Conclusions

Although persistent abundant pollinators buffered the decrease in interaction diversity in simplified landscapes and stabilised network robustness, flower visitation frequency was reduced, emphasising potentially severe consequences of further ongoing land‐use change for pollination services.
Do early musical impairments predict later reading difficulties? A longitudinal study of pre‐readers with and without familial risk for dyslexia
Authors: Couvignou Manon , Peyre Hugo , Ramus Franck , Kolinsky Régine
Published: April 2024

The present longitudinal study investigated the hypothesis that early musical skills (as measured by melodic and rhythmic perception and memory) predict later literacy development via a mediating effect of phonology. We examined 130 French‐speaking children, 31 of whom with a familial risk for developmental dyslexia (DD). Their abilities in the three domains were assessed longitudinally with a comprehensive battery of behavioral tests in kindergarten, first grade, and second grade. Using a structural equation modeling approach, we examined potential longitudinal effects from music to literacy via phonology. We then investigated how familial risk for DD may influence these relationships by testing whether atypical music processing is a risk factor for DD. Results showed that children with a familial risk for DD consistently underperformed children without familial risk in music, phonology, and literacy. A small effect of musical ability on literacy via phonology was observed, but may have been induced by differences in stability across domains over time. Furthermore, early musical skills did not add significant predictive power to later literacy difficulties beyond phonological skills and family risk status. These findings are consistent with the idea that certain key auditory skills are shared between music and speech processing, and between DD and congenital amusia. However, they do not support the notion that music perception and memory skills can serve as a reliable early marker of DD, nor as a valuable target for reading remediation.

Research Highlights

Music, phonology, and literacy skills of 130 children, 31 of whom with a familial risk for dyslexia, were examined longitudinally.

Children with a familial risk for dyslexia consistently underperformed children without familial risk in musical, phonological, and literacy skills.

Structural equation models showed a small effect of musical ability in kindergarten on literacy in second grade, via phonology in first grade.

However, early musical skills did not add significant predictive power to later literacy difficulties beyond phonological skills and family risk status.
Continuous glucose monitoring for glycaemic control and cardiovascular risk reduction in patients with type 2 diabetes not on insulin therapy: A clinical trial
Authors: Reed Joseph , Dong Tony , Eaton Elke , Friswold Janice , Porges Jodie , Al‐Kindi Sadeer G. , Rajagopalan Sanjay , Neeland Ian J.
Published: April 2024

Aim

To evaluate the impact of the Dexcom G6 continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) device on glycaemic control and cardiometabolic risk in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) at high cardiovascular risk who are not on insulin therapy.

Materials and Methods

Adults with T2DM with glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) >7% and body mass index (BMI) ≥30 kg/m2 not using insulin were enrolled in a two‐phase cross‐over study. In phase 1, CGM data were blinded, and participants performed standard glucose self‐monitoring. In phase 2, the CGM data were unblinded, and CGM, demographic and cardiovascular risk factor data were collected through 90 days of follow‐up and compared using paired tests.

Results

Forty‐seven participants were included (44% women; 34% Black; mean age 63 years; BMI 37 kg/m2; HbA1c 8.4%; 10‐year predicted atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk 24.0%). CGM use was associated with a reduction in average glucose (184.0 to 147.2 mg/dl, p < .001), an increase in time in range (57.8 to 82.8%, p < .001) and a trend towards lower glucose variability (26.2 to 23.8%). There were significant reductions in HbA1c, BMI, triglycerides, blood pressure, total cholesterol, diabetes distress and 10‐year predicted risk for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (p < .05 for all) and an increase in prescriptions for sodium‐glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (36.2 to 83.0%) and glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists (42.5 to 87.2%, p < .001 for both).

Conclusions

Dexcom G6 CGM was associated with improved glycaemic control and cardiometabolic risk in patients with T2DM who were not on insulin. CGM can be a safe and effective tool to improve diabetes management in patients at high risk for adverse cardiovascular outcomes.
Association of gestational diabetes with long‐term risk of premature mortality, and cardiovascular outcomes and risk factors: A retrospective cohort analysis in the UK Biobank
Authors: Michalopoulou Moscho , Piernas Carmen , Jebb Susan A. , Gao Min , Astbury Nerys M.
Published: April 2024

Aim

To investigate the association of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) with premature mortality and cardiovascular (CVD) outcomes and risk factors.

Materials and Methods

Parous women recruited to the UK Biobank cohort during 2006‐2010 were followed up from their first delivery until 31 October 2021. The data were linked to Hospital Episode Statistics and mortality registries. Multivariate Cox proportional hazard models investigated associations of GDM with all‐cause mortality, CVD, diabetes, hypertension and dyslipidaemia.

Results

The maximum total analysis time at risk and under observation was 9 694 090 person‐years. Among 220 726 women, 1225 self‐reported or had a recorded diagnosis of GDM. After adjusting for confounders and behavioural factors, GDM was associated with increased risk for premature mortality [hazard ratio (HR): 1.44, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.12‐1.86], particularly CVD‐related death (HR: 2.38, 95% CI: 1.63‐3.48), as well as incident total CVD (HR: 1.50, 95% CI: 1.30‐1.74), non‐fatal CVD (HR: 1.41, 95% CI: 1.20‐1.65), diabetes (HR: 14.37, 95% CI: 13.51‐15.27), hypertension (HR: 1.49, 95% CI: 1.38‐1.60), and dyslipidaemia (HR: 1.30, 95% CI: 1.22‐1.39). The total CVD risk was greater in women with GDM who did not later develop diabetes than in those with GDM and diabetes.

Conclusions

Women with GDM are at increased risk of premature death and have increased CV risk, emphasizing the importance of interventions to prevent GDM. If GDM develops, the diagnosis represents an opportunity for future surveillance and intervention to reduce CVD risk factors, prevent CVD and improve long‐term health.