bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The efficacy of government strategies to control the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Rathnayaka Imalka Wasana , Khanam Rasheda , Rahman Mohammad Mafizur
Published: July 2023

Purpose

This study aims to explore the efficacy of government policy directions in mitigating the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic by employing a panel of 22 countries throughout the 2020-second quarter of 2022.

Design/methodology/approach

The panel autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) model is employed to examine this phenomenon and to investigate the long-run effects of government policy decisions on infection and mortality rates from the pandemic.

Findings

The study reveals the following key findings: (1) Income support and debt relief facilities and stringent standards of governments are associated with reduced infection and death rates. (2) The response of governments has resulted in decreased mortality rates while simultaneously leading to an unexpected increase in infection rates. (3) Containment and healthcare practices have led to a decrease in infection rates but an increase in mortality rates, presenting another counterintuitive outcome. Despite the expectation that robust government responses would decrease infection rates and that healthcare containment practices would reduce mortality, these results highlight a lack of health equity and the challenge of achieving high vaccination rates across countries.

Research limitations/implications

To effectively combat the spread of COVID-19, it is crucial to implement containment health practices in conjunction with tracing and individual-level quarantine. Simply implementing containment health measures without these interconnected strategies would be ineffective. Therefore, policy implications derived from containment health measures should be accompanied by targeted, aggressive, and rapid containment strategies aimed at significantly reducing the number of individuals infected with COVID-19.

Practical implications

This study concludes by suggesting the importance of implementing economic support in terms of income, and debt relief has played a crucial role in mitigating the spread of COVID-19 infections and reducing fatality rates.

Social implications

To effectively combat the spread of COVID-19, it is crucial to implement containment health practices in conjunction with tracing and individual-level quarantine. Simply implementing containment health measures without these interconnected strategies would be ineffective. Therefore, policy implications derived from containment health measures should be accompanied by targeted, aggressive, and rapid containment strategies aimed at significantly reducing the number of individuals infected with COVID-19.

Originality/value

This research makes a unique contribution to the existing literature by investigating the impact of government responses on reducing COVID-19 infections and fatalities, specifically focusing on the period before COVID-19 vaccinations became available.
Political ties in emerging markets: a systematic review and research agenda
Authors: Adel Tantawy Ahmed , Amankwah-Amoah Joseph , Puthusserry Pushyarag
Published: July 2023

Purpose

This paper identifies the development of and gaps in knowledge in various management disciplines, including international marketing in relation to political ties in emerging markets, based on a systematic review of the related literature. The paper develops a synthesized integrative framework and provides a research agenda and pathways for future research.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopts the systematic literature review protocol to investigate the ways in which political ties have been examined in the management literature in various disciplines, such as international business, marketing, entrepreneurship, strategy, innovation, and organization. In total, 114 articles published in peer-reviewed journals from 2000 to 2022 were analyzed.

Findings

The authors believe that studying the impact of political ties on firm outcomes is timely and important as interest in this area of research is growing rapidly. The review reveals that the diverse conceptual and methodological approaches adopted in different management disciplines have resulted in inconclusive and mixed findings on the relationship between political ties and performance.

Originality/value

This is one of the few systematic literature reviews of political ties and firm performance in emerging markets. The authors clarify some of the ambiguities around the subject and offer a path forward for developing current understanding and insights. The study also highlights the major perspectives in management and clarify the similarities and differences in the conceptualization of political ties. In addition, the authors develop an integrative framework of the political ties–performance link in emerging markets.
The red flags of financial statement fraud: a case study
Authors: du Toit Elda
Published: July 2023

Purpose

According to the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners, financial statement fraud represents the smallest amount of fraud cases but results in the greatest monetary loss. The researcher previously investigated the characteristics of financial statement fraud and determined the presence of 16 fraud indicators. The purpose of this study is to establish whether investors and other stakeholders can detect and identify financial statement fraud using these characteristics in an analysis of a company’s annual report.

Design/methodology/approach

This study analyses a financial statement fraud case, using the same techniques that were previously applied, including horizontal, vertical and ratio analysis. These are preferred because stakeholders have relatively easy access to them.

Findings

The findings show several fraud characteristics, with a few additional ones not previously found prevalent. Financial statement fraud thus tends to differ between cases. It is also easier to detect and identify fraud indicators ex post facto.

Originality/value

This study is a practical case showing that financial statement fraud can be detected and identified in the financial statements of companies that commit fraud.
Knowledge management in small and medium enterprises: a systematic literature review, bibliometric analysis, and research agenda
Authors: Ramos Cordeiro Emerson , Lermen Fernando Henrique , Mello Cleverson Molinari , Ferraris Alberto , Valaskova Katarina
Published: July 2023

Purpose

Knowledge management effects on business performances are of great importance for companies. Yet, they are still overlooked by current literature. Moreover, the use of methods for bibliometric reviews and content analysis reinforces the need for relevant work on the current state of knowledge management application. To this end, this study aims to identify the main barriers for the application of knowledge management in small and medium-sized enterprises. A research agenda is then proposed.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic literature review was performed using data collection, bibliometric analysis and content analysis' steps. The sample used in this study contained 45 papers. For the bibliometric analysis, the authors used the bibliometrix (in RStudio). The content analysis was then performed to infer barriers, factors of relevance and an agenda of questions for future research.

Findings

The authors found that using knowledge management techniques to optimize business performance results in competitive advantages for small and medium-sized companies. This study contributes to both practitioners and academics by providing a list of 19 barriers, 12 factors and 36 research questions related to knowledge management in small and medium-sized companies to develop future theoretical and practical studies.

Originality/value

This study demonstrates the propensity and interest of small and medium-sized companies in using knowledge management. However, some barriers might make it difficult to implement this approach.
Leader–follower (dis)similarity in resilience, relational demography and absenteeism: a test of two competing perspectives
Authors: Parent-Rocheleau Xavier , Bentein Kathleen , Simard Gilles , Tremblay Michel
Published: July 2023

Purpose

This study sought to test two competing sets of hypotheses derived from two different theoretical perspectives regarding (1) the effects of leader–follower similarity and dissimilarity in psychological resilience on the follower's absenteeism in times of organizational crisis and (2) the moderating effect of relational demography (gender and age similarity) in these relationships.

Design/methodology/approach

Polynomial regression and response surface analysis were performed using data from 510 followers and 149 supervisors in a financial firm in Canada.

Findings

The results overall support the similarity–attraction perspective, but not the resource complementarity perspective. Dissimilarity in resilience was predictive of followers' absenteeism, and similarity in surface-level conditions (gender and age) attenuates the relational burdens triggered by resilience discrepancy.

Practical implications

The findings reiterate the importance of developing employees' resilience, while shedding light on the importance for managers of being aware of their potential misalignment with subordinates resilience.

Originality/value

The results (1) suggest that it is the actual (di)similarity with the leader, rather than leader's degree of resilience, that shapes followers' absenteeism and (2) add nuance to the resilience literature.
The impact of behavioral factors on investment decisions and investment performance in Croatian stock market
Authors: Vuković Marija , Pivac Snježana
Published: July 2023

Purpose

Investors' behavior in financial markets is often under the influence of various psychological and cognitive factors, as well as personality characteristics. This research explores which behavioral factors and personality traits affect investment decisions and, consequently, investment performance.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey analysis was conducted on a sample of 310 investors in Croatia. Partial least squares structural equation modeling was used to obtain the results.

Findings

Overconfidence heuristic, prospect theory elements, emotions and stability and plasticity (as big two personality dimensions) positively affect investment decisions, while herding has a negative effect. Investment decisions, observed through the preference for long-term investments, consequently have a positive effect on the investment performance satisfaction.

Originality/value

This research proposes a unique comprehensive model of the effect of numerous different cognitive and psychological behavioral factors on investment decisions. Furthermore, the influence of investment decisions on investment performance is observed simultaneously. Understanding human behavior based on their personal characteristics can help investors to make better investment decisions. Advisors can learn from human behavior and guide their clients in the right direction when it comes to stock investment. Scientists will be able to replicate the model with other data and make comparative analyses.
High-speed mobile networks and police repression during the COVID-19 pandemic: the case of Nigeria
Authors: Kim Hye-Sung , Marier Christopher J.
Published: July 2023

Purpose

Government repression against civilians while enforcing COVID-19 related lockdowns was widely reported in Africa. At the same time, many have claimed that high-speed (4G) mobile network proliferation provide an accountability mechanism that may constrain police abuses. This study focused on Nigeria to examine (1) the effect of COVID-19 lockdowns on police repression and (2) whether widespread high-speed mobile data networks constrain police repression.

Design/methodology/approach

Using data from the Armed Conflict Location and Event Database (ACLED) and the Mobile Coverage Database, this study used difference-in-differences (DID) and triple difference (DDD) estimation on a sample of 423,925 observations (local government area-days) between January 1, 2019 and June 30, 2020 to estimate the causal effects of COVID-19 lockdowns and high-speed (4G) mobile data on police repression.

Findings

Lockdowns increased certain forms of police repression in areas with substantial high-speed (4G) mobile networks. Separate from the lockdowns, widespread 4G network increased police repression even without lockdowns.

Research limitations/implications

Proliferation of high-speed mobile networks in Nigeria appears to facilitate, rather than constrain, police repression. It is possible that high-speed mobile data networks allow police to detect and repress citizen behaviors, rather than permitting citizens to correct repressive police behaviors.

Originality/value

Although many studies have explored the COVID-19 pandemic and police behavior in Western countries, only a few have examined its effects in states with even more troubled policing institutions, including those in sub-Saharan Africa, using DID and DDD estimation.
How local tournament incentives influence ESG disclosure: CEO’s genuinely altruistic or self-serving?
Authors: Zhu Yilu , Zhang Ruopiao
Published: July 2023

Purpose

This study aims to examine the effects of local tournament incentives on environmental, social and governance (ESG) disclosure and the quality of such disclosures among Chinese A-share listed companies. Furthermore, it seeks to investigate the moderating roles of CEO duality, institutional investors’ shareholding and product market competition in this relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a quantitative approach, and data from A-share listed companies in China spanning from 2012 to 2021. To test the proposed hypotheses, the authors conduct hierarchical regression analysis along with a series of robustness tests to ensure the validity of our findings.

Findings

The findings of this study indicate that local tournament incentives have a positive impact on companies’ propensity to disclose ESG information, yet they negatively influence the quality of these disclosures. Additionally, the presence of CEO duality and product market competition attenuate this relationship, whereas the shareholding of institutional investors serves to strengthen it.

Practical implications

This study’s findings can aid policymakers and regulators in China and other emerging economies in policies that promote high-quality ESG information disclosure, taking into account local tournament incentives. Furthermore, the study underscores the importance of maintaining robust corporate governance structures within firms to ensure that CEOs’ self-serving motivations do not undermine ESG disclosure.

Originality/value

This study adds to the ongoing discourse on the significance of ESG disclosure in emerging economies by analyzing the influence of executive promotion incentives on ESG disclosure from an external labor market standpoint. By exploring the potential self-serving motivations of CEOs in promoting ESG values and practices within organizations, this paper addresses a gap in the existing literature.
Analysis of multidrug‐resistant determinants of clinically isolated Acinetobacter baumannii CYZ via whole genome sequencing
Authors: Chuai Xia , Zhou Yaya , Feng Junhua , Yu Menghan , Wu Yan , Han Lujuan , Zhao Yan , Qiao Hongxiu , Gao Zhiyun , Li Jian , Xie Lixin , Zhao Wenting , Wang Changle
Published: July 2023

Acinetobacter baumannii is a multidrug‐resistant coccobacillus responsible for severe nosocomial infectious diseases. This study mainly focuses on investigating the antimicrobial resistance features of a clinically isolated strain (A. baumannii CYZ) using the PacBio Sequel II sequencing platform. The chromosomal size of A. baumannii CYZ is 3,960,760 bp, which contains a total of 3803 genes with a G + C content of 39.06%. Functional analysis performed using the Clusters of Orthologous Groups of Proteins (COGs), Gene Ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) databases, as well as the Comprehensive Antibiotic Resistance Database (CARD) revealed a complicated set of antimicrobial resistance determinants in the genome of A. baumannii CYZ, which were mainly classified into multidrug efflux pumps and transport systems, β‐lactamase relative and penicillin‐binding proteins, aminoglycoside modification enzymes, alternation of antibiotic target sites, lipopolysaccharide relative, and other mechanisms. A total of 35 antibiotics were tested for the antimicrobial susceptibility of A. baumannii CYZ, and the organism exhibited a stronger antimicrobial resistance ability. The phylogenetic relationship indicated that A. baumannii CYZ has high homology with A. baumannii ATCC 17978; however, the former also exhibited its specific genome characteristics. Our research results give insight into the genetic antimicrobial‐resistant features of A. baumannii CYZ as well as provide a genetic basis for the further study of the phenotype.
The consequences of heatwaves for animal reproduction are timing‐dependent
Authors: Pilakouta Natalie , Sellers Lorelei , Barratt Rebecca , Ligonniere Alice
Published: July 2023

In light of the increased frequency of heatwaves due to climate change, it is crucial to better understand their potential effects on animal reproduction. Heat stress can affect all aspects of reproduction, including gamete development, fertilisation success, parental care and offspring survival. We may, therefore, expect these effects to be highly sensitive to the timing of a heatwave event relative to an organism's reproductive cycle.

Here, we use an insect study system (Nicrophorus vespilloides) to test whether variation in the timing of a heatwave within a short timeframe has differential effects on reproductive success and offspring fitness.

We found that heatwaves had little to no effect when they occurred a few days before or after mating, but they were highly detrimental for fitness if they occurred during mating. Individuals that experienced a heatwave during mating were significantly less likely to have a successful breeding bout, had a longer breeding bout, and their offspring were smaller and suffered a lower survival rate.

Our study shows that variation in the timing of a heatwave event over very short timescales (on the order of days) can have drastically different consequences for animal reproduction. This work provides novel insights into the vulnerability of organisms at different stages of their reproductive cycle and can improve our ability to make informed predictions about the ecological consequences of heatwaves under climate change.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Matter of trust: How to include digital volunteers in crisis management
Authors: Ruohonen Heini , Backholm Klas
Published: July 2023

Digital volunteers are becoming more visible actors in crises. By collecting data, correcting misinformation, and organizing help, they are often a much‐needed resource in crisis management. Despite this, authorities generally see spontaneous volunteers as a risk and a burden, thereby creating a paradox identified by Harris and colleagues. To extend the paradox to digital volunteers, this study aims to understand how Finnish emergency response organizations perceive spontaneous digital volunteers and how these could become a resource in crisis management. Eight informants representing six authorities/non‐governmental organizations were interviewed in March 2019. The results show that authorities see potential in digital volunteers but only for strictly limited tasks as problems with trust and volunteers' lack of knowledge and training stand in the way of cooperation, thus confirming the paradox. The main contribution of this study is to show how the involvement/exclusion paradox exists in the relationship and may create barriers between authorities and digital volunteers.
Testing for viral DNA integration among HPV‐positive women to detect cervical precancer: An observational cohort study
Authors: Hu Ting , Li Kexin , He Liang , Huang Fanwei , Yang Fan , Chen Shimin , Wang Hui , Ma Ding , Huang Xiaoyuan , Wu Peng
Published: July 2023

Objective

Human papillomavirus (HPV) integration is a crucial genetic step in cervical carcinogenesis. This study aimed to evaluate the performance of an HPV integration test for the triage of HPV‐positive women.

Design

An observational cohort study.

Setting

A cervical cancer screening programme in China.

Population

1393 HPV‐positive women aged 25–65 years undergoing routine cervical cancer screening and HPV integration testing with 1‐year follow‐up.

Methods

The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value between HPV integration and cytology were compared.

Main outcome measures

Cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 3 or more severe (CIN3+).

Results

Among 1393 HPV‐positive patients, 138 (9.9% [8.3–11.5%]) were HPV integration test positive compared with 537 who had abnormal cervical cytology (38.5% [36.0–41.1%]). Compared with cytology, HPV integration exhibited higher specificity (94.5% [93.3–95.8%] versus 63.8% [61.2–66.4%]) and equivalent sensitivity (70.5% [61.4–79.7%] versus 70.5% [61.4–79.7%]) for detection of CIN3+. HPV integration‐negative women accounted for 90.1% (1255/1393) of the total population and had a low immediate CIN3+ risk (2.2%). At 1‐year follow‐up, the progression rate in the HPV integration‐positive women was higher than in the HPV integration‐negative women (12.0% versus 2.1%, odds ratio 5.6, 95% CI, 2.6–11.9). In 10 conservatively managed integration‐negative CIN2 patients, all showed spontaneous regression and seven showed HPV clearance after 1‐year follow‐up.

Conclusion

The HPV integration test may be a precise risk stratification tool for HPV‐positive women and could avoid excessive use of invasive biopsies.
Comparison of early and late intervention for necrotizing pancreatitis: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Niu Chen Gu , Zhang Jing , Zhu Kai Wen , Liu Hong Li , Ashraf Muhammad Farhan , Okolo Patrick I.
Published: July 2023

Objectives

Postponed open necrosectomy or minimally invasive intervention has become the treatment option for necrotizing pancreatitis. Nevertheless, several studies point to the safety and efficacy of early intervention for necrotizing pancreatitis. Therefore, we conducted a systematic review and meta‐analysis to compare clinical outcomes of acute necrotizing pancreatitis between early and late intervention.

Methods

Literature search was performed in multiple databases for articles that compared the safety and clinical outcomes of early (<4 weeks from the onset of pancreatitis) versus late intervention (≥4 weeks from the onset of pancreatitis) for necrotizing pancreatitis published up to August 31, 2022. The meta‐analysis was performed to determine pooled odds ratio (OR) of mortality rate and procedure‐related complications.

Results

Fourteen studies were included in the final analysis. For open necrosectomy intervention, the overall pooled OR of mortality rate with the late intervention compared with early intervention was 7.09 (95% confidence interval [CI] 2.33–21.60; I2 = 54%; P = 0.0006). For minimally invasive intervention, the overall pooled OR of mortality rate with the late intervention compared with early intervention was 1.56 (95% CI 1.11–2.20; I2 = 0%; P = 0.01). The overall pooled OR of pancreatic fistula with the late minimally invasive intervention compared with early intervention was 2.49 (95% CI 1.75–3.52; I2 = 0%; P < 0.00001).

Conclusion

These results showed the benefit of late interventions in patients with necrotizing pancreatitis in both minimally invasive procedures and open necrosectomy. Late intervention is preferred in the management of necrotizing pancreatitis.
Postoperative pulmonary complications in severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infected patients who underwent emergency surgery
Authors: Lee Moon Ok , Shim Sung Bo
Published: July 2023

Background

Recent studies suggest that severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) infection increases the incidence of postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) and mortality. Consequently, patients with SARS‐CoV‐2 infection undergoing emergency surgery are more vulnerable to PPCs, yet few studies have evaluated PPCs in these patients.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was conducted between January 2022 and February 2023 on the medical records of patients infected with SARS‐CoV‐2 who underwent emergency surgery. The study evaluated the incidence of PPCs and 30‐day postoperative mortality in all enrolled patients.

Results

A total of 41 patients were enrolled, among whom PPCs occurred in seven patients (17%). The incidence of PPCs was statistically significant in patients with underlying diabetes compared to those without (p = 0.01) and in patients with an American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) class 3 or higher compared to those with less than 3 (p = 0.005) (ASA classification uses a grading system of I (one) through V (five)). The 30‐day mortality rate was 4.9%.

Conclusions

Our study demonstrates that the incidence of PPCs and 30‐day mortality rates after emergency surgery in patients infected with SARS‐CoV‐2 are higher compared to prepandemic baseline rates. Given the significant interest and concern worldwide regarding severe infectious respiratory diseases, such as coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19), clinicians should focus on conducting research to identify ways to reduce the incidence of PPCs and mortality in patients with severe acute respiratory infections.
WIF1 promoter hypermethylation induce endometrial carcinogenesis through the Wnt/β‐catenin signaling pathway
Authors: Zhang Baohua , Ji Jing , Hu Mingzhu , Zhou Xiaoli , Nie Qiqin , Xu Hong , Jiang Chunlu , Fu Yu , Li Lan
Published: July 2023

This study explores the mechanism underlying WIF1 promoter methylation and its relationship with the pathogenesis of endometrial carcinoma. WIF1 promoter methylation was detected using methylation‐specific polymerase chain reaction (MSP). WIF1 expression was examined through qRT‐PCR and western blotting. Furthermore, 5‐aza‐2′‐deoxycytidine (5‐Aza) was used to demethylate the WIF1 promoter. The roles of WIF1 were investigated using in vitro loss‐ and gain‐of‐function assays. Xenograft models were used to analyze WIF1 expression and downstream genes, and results were confirmed using immunofluorescence and western blotting. WIF1 promoter methylation in endometrial cancer cells was significantly higher than that in normal cells, but the WIF1 mRNA and protein levels were reduced. The expression of WIF1 increased significantly after 5‐Aza treatment (p < .05). Thus, 5‐Aza treatment can inhibit the proliferation of endometrial cancer cells and induce apoptosis, while knockdown of WIF1 significantly inhibits the effects of 5‐Aza. 5‐Aza treatment can also inhibit Wnt pathway genes, including phosphorylation of β‐catenin protein, c‐Myc, and CyclinD1, inhibit downstream functional genes, and activate the tumor suppressor gene APC, which can be blocked by WIF1 knockdown in endometrial carcinoma cells. Finally, 5‐Aza inhibited the proliferation of subcutaneous tumor‐bearing nude mice with endometrial cancer cells, but the effect was weaker than that of WIF1 overexpression. Our research shows that WIF1 promoter hypermethylation may promote the progression of endometrial cancer by downregulating WIF1 expression, activating the Wnt/β‐catenin pathway, and promoting proliferation and inhibiting apoptosis. WIF1 may be a potential biological target for gene therapy and drug development for the treatment of endometrial cancer.
Affect variability and physical health: The moderating role of mean affect
Authors: Jenkins Brooke N. , Ong Lydia Q. , Lee Hee Youn (Helen) , Ong Anthony D. , Boehm Julia K.
Published: July 2023

Research has only begun to explore how affect variability relates to physical health and has typically not assessed long‐term associations nor considered the moderating role of mean affect. Therefore, we used data from the Midlife in the United States Study waves 2 (N = 1512) and 3 (N = 1499) to test how affect variability predicted concurrent and long‐term physical health while also testing the moderating role of mean affect. Results indicated that greater negative affect variability was associated concurrently with a greater number of chronic conditions (p = .03) and longitudinally with worse self‐rated physical health (p < .01). Greater positive affect variability was associated concurrently with more chronic conditions (p < .01) and medications (p < .01) and longitudinally with worse self‐rated physical health (p = .04). Further, mean negative affect played a moderating role such that at lower levels of mean negative affect, as affect variability increased, so did the number of concurrent chronic conditions (p < .01) and medications (p = .03) and the likelihood of reporting worse long‐term self‐rated physical health (p < .01). Thus, the role of mean affect should be considered when testing short‐ and long‐term associations between affect variability and physical health.
Mucomucosal anastomotic non‐transecting augmentation (MANTA) urethroplasty: a ventral modification for obliterative strictures
Authors: Marks Phillip , Dahlem Roland , Janisch Florian , Klemm Jakob , Kühnke Lennart , König Frederik , Ding Liucheng , Riechardt Silke , Fisch Margit , Vetterlein Malte W.
Published: July 2023

Objectives

To present a surgical modification for the repair of bulbar urethral strictures containing short, highly obliterative segments and report on long‐term objective and patient‐reported outcomes.

Patients and methods

We considered patients undergoing bulbar buccal mucosal graft urethroplasty (BMGU) between July 2016 and December 2019. Eligibility criteria for mucomucosal anastomotic non‐transecting augmentation (MANTA) urethroplasty were strictures of ≥2 cm with an obliterative segment of ≤1.5 cm. The stricture is approached ventrally to avoid extensive dissection and mobilisation. Dorsally, the scar is superficially excised and the spongiosum is left intact. Dorsal mucomucosal anastomosis is complemented by ventral onlay graft. Perioperative characteristics were prospectively collected including uroflowmetry data and validated patient‐reported outcome measures on voiding, erectile, and continence function. We evaluated functional follow‐up, incorporating patient‐reported (lower urinary tract symptoms [LUTS] score) and functional success. Recurrence was defined as need of re‐treatment.

Results

Of 641 men treated with anterior BMGU, 54 (8.4%) underwent MANTA urethroplasty. Overall, 26 (48%) and 45 (83%) had a history of dilatation and urethrotomy, respectively, and 14 (26%) were redo cases. Location was bulbar in 38 (70%) and penobulbar in 16 patients (30%), and the mean (SD) graft length was 4.5 (1.4) cm. At a median (interquartile range) follow‐up of 41 (27–53) months, the functional success rate was 93%. Whereas the median LUTS score significantly improved from baseline to postoperatively (13 vs 3.5; P < 0.001), there was no change in erectile function (median International Index of Erectile Function – erectile function domain score 27 vs 24) or urinary continence (median International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire – Urinary Incontinence Short Form sum score 0 vs 0; all P ≥ 0.4). All patients were ‘satisfied’ (27%) or ‘very satisfied’ (73%) with the outcome of their operation.

Conclusion

With excellent long‐term objective and patient‐reported outcomes, MANTA urethroplasty adds to the armamentarium for long bulbar strictures with a short obliterative segment.
Challenging Bipolarity: The Socialist International and the ‘Chilean Democratic Cause’ during the Cold War
Authors: Perry Mariana
Published: July 2023

This article analyses, the Socialist International's (SI) new international positioning strategies from a transnational perspective, through its relationship with the Chilean cause in the context of the Cold War détente. Focus will be placed on the SI's strong commitment to the Chilean democratic cause after the coup and its sustained activism during the military regime. Drawing from primary sources in various international archives, this article's main goal is to shed light on the SI's positioning regarding Latin America as a way to challenge the bipolar order.
To what extent does organizational learning influence the stakeholder pressure–green procurement nexus? Evidence from Ghana
Authors: Tuffour Priscilla , Chen Guangyu , Agyapong Richard Adu , Abdallah Assila , Opoku‐Mensah Evans
Published: July 2023

The United Nations has described global warming as reaching a code red point for humanity and requires drastic measures to avert further terrible warming. Green procurement practices have been recognized as sustainable measures towards a low carbon trajectory, yet its implementation is still at the embryonic stage mainly due to weaknesses in organizational creativity skills and learning strategies. For the first time, we provide a theoretical framework that links stakeholder pressure, organizational learning, green procurement, and environmental performance within a public–private partnership environment. The analysis in this study is performed using the partial least square structural equation modelling and a sample of 295 respondents from Ghanaian infrastructure projects. Overall, we have found that exploratory and exploitative learning are necessary to translate stakeholder pressure to implement green procurement practices effectively. Also, firms that yield to stakeholder pressure develop their creative skills and increase their environmental performance. We recommend that managers should consider frequent market research and consistent stakeholder dialogue to create a culture of learning towards green practice implementation and promote environmental sustainability.
Care coordination of children with neurodevelopmental disabilities and medical complexity during the COVID‐19 pandemic: Caregiver experiences
Authors: Currie Genevieve , Materula Dercia , Gall Nadine , Lachuk Gina , Richard Catherine , Yohemas Meridith , Dewan Tammie , Gibbard William Ben , Zwicker Jennifer
Published: July 2023

Background

The COVID‐19 pandemic and subsequent public health restrictions created significant challenges for children with neurodevelopmental disabilities with medical complexity and their caregivers including restrictions in care coordination for children and their families. Care coordination enhances families' skills in accessing and coordinating medical, education and disability care across sectors and systems.

Objective

This study examined the implications of pandemic restrictions on care coordination from caregiver perspectives. These experiences can inform emergency preparedness planning and recovery strategies.

Method

A qualitative descriptive design was utilized to explore and describe the experience of caregivers of children with neurodevelopmental disabilities and medical complexity. Nineteen caregivers were interviewed about their experience with care coordination during the pandemic.

Findings

Caregiver experiences of care coordination during the pandemic highlighted the importance of care coordination during a public health emergency. Two themes emerged: (1) disruptions to care coordination from initial COVID‐19 restrictions leading to lack of access to supports and services, increasing level of need, and impacts of disruption for caregivers and children; and (2) adaptation and responsiveness to COVID‐19 restrictions by advocating for families and managing uncertainties.

Recommendations

Recommendations include recognition of care coordination as a protective factor, designation as an essential service and sustained or increased funding for care coordination during emergencies. Families should be engaged in identifying care needs during care coordination, including during public health emergencies.
Role of BDNF–TrkB signaling in the antidepressant‐like actions of loganin, the main active compound of Corni Fructus
Authors: Gong Mingzhu , Wang Junming , Song Lingling , Wu Xiaohui , Wang Yanmei , Li Bingyin , Zhang Yueyue , Qin Lingyu , Duan Yaqian , Long Bingyu
Published: July 2023

Aims

Corni Fructus (CF) and some CF‐contained prescriptions are commonly used in clinical treatment of depression. This investigation aims to evaluate the main active compound of CF in antidepressant properties and its key target.

Methods

Firstly, this study established a behavioral despair model and used high‐performance liquid chromatography method to evaluate the antidepressant‐like effects of water extract, 20%, 50%, and 80% ethanol extracts of CF, and its main active compound. Then, this study created chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) model to assess loganin's antidepressant‐like properties, and its target was evaluated by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction, Western blot, Immunofluorescence, enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, and tyrosine receptor kinase B (TrkB) inhibitor.

Results

Results showed that the different extracts of CF significantly shortened the immobility time in forced swimming and tail suspension tests. Moreover, loganin alleviated CUMS‐induced depression‐like behavior, promoted neurotrophy and neurogenesis, and inhibited neuroinflammation. Furthermore, K252a blocked the improvement of loganin on depression‐like behavior, and eliminated the enhancement of neurotrophy and neurogenesis and the inhibition of neuroinflammation.

Conclusion

Overall, these results indicated that loganin could be used as a major active compound of CF for the antidepressant‐like properties and exerted antidepressant‐like actions by regulating brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)–TrkB signaling, and TrkB could be used as key target for itsantidepressant‐like actions.
Health‐care practitioner use of prescription drug monitoring programs in clinical practice in Australia: A qualitative study
Authors: Hoppe Dimi , (George) Liu Chaojie , Khalil Hanan
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Prescription drug monitoring programs (PDMP) are electronic databases used by prescribers and pharmacists to monitor the use of high‐risk prescription medications subject to extramedical use. This study aimed to explore how Australian pharmacists and prescribers are using PDMPs in practice and to gain an understanding of barriers to tool use, as well as practitioner recommendations to increase tool usability and uptake.

Methods

Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with pharmacists and prescribers who use a PDMP (n = 21). The interviews were audio‐recorded, transcribed and thematically analysed.

Results

The four themes that emerged were: (i) PDMP notifications combined with practitioner clinical judgement guide PDMP usability; (ii) practitioners use PDMPs to facilitate patient and practitioner communication; (iii) workflow systems integration impacts tool usability; and (iv) optimising PDMP information and data access including practitioner‐tool engagement to improve tool uptake and usability.

Discussion and Conclusions

Practitioners appreciate the value of PDMP information support for clinical decisions and patient communication. However, they also acknowledge the challenges to tool use and recommend improvements including enhanced workflow, systems integration, optimisation of tool information and national data sharing. Practitioners provide an important perspective on PDMP use in clinical practice. The findings can be drawn on by PDMP administrators to improve tool usefulness. Consequently, this may lead to an increase in practitioner PDMP use and optimise the delivery of quality patient care.
Could cremaster muscle spasticity cause retractile or undescended testis in cerebral palsy? Implications for assessment and management
Authors: Van Laecke Erik
Published: July 2023

This commentary is on the original article by Bortnick et al. on pages 82–86 of this issue.
Comorbidities associated with 2‐year mortality in adults with cerebral palsy in Japan
Authors: Fujimoto Yoh , Nakatani Eiji , Tabara Yasuharu
Published: July 2023

Aim

To clarify whether the Whitney Comorbidity Index (WCI) is useful in Asian adults with cerebral palsy (CP) and whether aspiration pneumonia and pressure ulcers improved the prognostic significance of the WCI.

Method

This cohort study evaluated individuals aged at least 18 years with CP in Japan. We used Cox proportional hazards regression to analyse 2‐year mortality rates. The predictive performance of the Charlson Comorbidity Index, Elixhauser Comorbidity Index, and WCI were compared as comorbidity assessment criteria. Aspiration pneumonia and pressure ulcers were added to the Cox models, and their impact on hazard ratios was determined.

Results

Of the 2232 adults with CP, 72 died during the 2 years. The model with a previously reported weighted WCI with aspiration pneumonia and pressure ulcers produced the best fit. Additionally, the hazard risk of 2‐year mortality for an unweighted WCI score of at least 4 was 2.56; when CP‐specific comorbidities were added, it increased to 8.94.

Interpretation

This study showed that the WCI can be used in Asian adults with CP. Furthermore, assessing patient age, aspiration pneumonia, and pressure ulcers in addition to the WCI increased the predictive value for mortality. Our findings indicate that the WCI can promote valid comparisons between international populations.

What this paper adds

The Whitney Comorbidity Index (WCI) is useful among adults with cerebral palsy, irrespective of ethnic differences.

Assessment of aspiration pneumonia and pressure ulcers increased the WCI predictive value.

The WCI helps identify adults with cerebral palsy at risk of adverse outcomes.
Bexagliflozin as an adjunct to metformin for the treatment of type 2 diabetes in adults: A 24‐week, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial
Authors: Halvorsen Yuan‐Di , Conery Annie L. , Lock John Paul , Zhou Wenjiong , Freeman Mason W.
Published: July 2023

Aim

To evaluate the relative safety and effectiveness of bexagliflozin as an adjunct to metformin for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Methods

In total, 317 participants were randomized to receive bexagliflozin or placebo plus metformin. The primary endpoint was the change in glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) from baseline to week 24, with secondary endpoints for systolic blood pressure (SBP), fasting plasma glucose and weight loss. An open label arm enrolled participants with HbA1c >10.5% and was analysed separately.

Results

The mean change in HbA1c was −1.09% (95% CI −1.24%, −0.94%) in the bexagliflozin arm and −0.56% (−0.71%, −0.41%) in the placebo arm, a difference of −0.53% (−0.74%, −0.32%; p < .0001). Excluding observations after rescue medication, the intergroup difference was −0.70% (−0.92, −0.48; p < .0001). The open label group change in HbA1c was −2.82% (−3.23%, −2.41%). Placebo‐adjusted changes from baseline SBP, fasting plasma glucose and body mass were −7.07 mmHg (−9.83, −4.32; p < .0001), −1.35 mmol/L (−1.83, −0.86; p < .0001) and −2.51 kg (−3.45, −1.57; p < .0001). Adverse events affected 42.4% and 47.2% of subjects in the bexagliflozin and placebo arms, respectively; fewer subjects in the bexagliflozin arm experienced serious adverse events.

Conclusions

Bexagliflozin produced clinically meaningful improvement in glycaemic control, estimated glomerular filtration rate and SBP when added to metformin in a population of adults with diabetes.
The impact of intergenerational income mobility on internal migration in China
Authors: Zhou Guangsu , Bian Xiaoyu
Published: July 2023

This study examines the impact of income mobility on internal migration across prefectures in China. We use income intergenerational persistence to evaluate income mobility and find that migrants prefer cities with higher income mobility. We further use the instrumental variable estimation and a set of robustness tests to verify the reliability of our findings. The influence is larger among women, the elderly, and the less‐educated, while the economic prosperity of destinations could relatively offset the negative effect of lower income mobility on migration. Additionally, higher mobility not only attracts but also retains migrants, hence benefiting the local economy. Through further exploration, we find that the real migration influencing factor underlying the higher income mobility is the higher job mobility, indicating that the real pursuit of Chinese migrants is the increased access to suitable job opportunities.
Targeting autophagy with tamoxifen in breast cancer: From molecular mechanisms to targeted therapy
Authors: Zamanian Mohammad Yasin , Golmohammadi Maryam , Nili‐Ahmadabadi Amir , Alameri Ameer A. , Al‐Hassan Mohammed , Alshahrani Shadia Hamoud , Hasan Mohammed Sami , Ramírez‐Coronel Andrés Alexis , Qasim Qutaiba A. , Heidari Mahsa , Verma Amita
Published: July 2023

Background

Tamoxifen (TAM) is often recommended as a first‐line treatment for estrogen receptor‐positive breast cancer (BC). However, TAM resistance continues to be a medical challenge for BC with hormone receptor positivity. The function of macro‐autophagy and autophagy has recently been identified to be altered in BC, which suggests a potential mechanism for TAM resistance. Autophagy is a cellular stress‐induced response to preserve cellular homeostasis. Also, therapy‐induced autophagy, which is typically cytoprotective and activated in tumor cells, could sometimes be non‐protective, cytostatic, or cytotoxic depending on how it is regulated.

Objective

This review explored the literature on the connections between hormonal therapies and autophagy. We investigated how autophagy could develop drug resistance in BC cells.

Methods

Scopus, Science Direct, PubMed, and Google Scholar were used to search articles for this study.

Results

The results demonstrated that protein kinases such as pAMPK, BAX, and p‐p70S6K could be a sign of autophagy in developing TAM resistance. According to the study's findings, autophagy plays an important role in BC patients' TAM resistance.

Conclusion

Therefore, by overcoming endocrine resistance in estrogen receptor‐positive breast tumors, autophagy inhibition may improve the therapeutic efficacy of TAM.
Evidence that long‐distance dispersal of aquatic invertebrates by ducks increases with propagule size
Authors: Santamaría Luis , Charalambidou Iris , Viana Duarte , van Donk Ellen
Published: July 2023

Migratory ducks are key dispersal agents for aquatic organisms, yet differences in their potential for short‐ and long‐distance dispersal are still poorly understood, particularly differences among aquatic invertebrate taxa.

Using seven species of aquatic invertebrates and a duck species known to feed on them in the wild (the northern shoveler) as a model system, we evaluated whether their potential for endozoochorous dispersal varies among five of the species and scales with propagule size for the seven species. We also tested the expectation of a lower dispersal potential for invertebrate propagules, as compared to plant seeds; and evaluated whether intra‐specific variation (in particular, sexual dimorphism) influences the potential of waterbirds as dispersal vectors.

An experiment with five invertebrate species demonstrated that most resting eggs (68%–95%) were retrieved by 4 hr after ingestion, with maximum gut‐passage times ranging from 16 hr forDaphnia magnato 36 hr forArtemia salinaandThamnocephalus platyurus. Using models that combine migratory duck movements with gut‐passage times, we show that aquatic invertebrates may disperse frequently over distances of 15–16 km (median dispersal distance) and regularly over distances up to 110–166 km (Q99distance).

Increasing propagule size resulted in increasing gut‐passage times, decreasing survival of gut passage and decreasing hatching success. While propagule size had no effects on “regular” dispersal distances (mean, median,Q95andQ99), the frequency of long‐distance dispersal increased with it.

Increasing propagule size therefore had two contrasting effects on invertebrate dispersal potential, decreasing the frequency of dispersal (fewer seeds dispersed) but increasing the potential for long‐distance dispersal.

Conclusions: We provide evidence that endozoochory of invertebrate propagules by waterbirds results in frequent dispersal among wetlands (tens of km) and regular dispersal at regional scale (over a hundred km).