bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Health status and health-care utilization among men recently released from a superjail: a matched prospective cohort study
Authors: Matheson Flora I. , McLuhan Arthur , Croxford Ruth , Hahmann Tara , Ferguson Max , Mejia-Lancheros Cilia
Published: September 2023

Purpose

Continuity of care and access to primary care have been identified as important contributors to improved health outcomes and reduced reincarceration among people who are justice-involved. While the disproportionate burden of health concerns among incarcerated populations is well documented, less is known about their health service utilization, limiting the potential for effective improvements to current policy and practice. This study aims to examine health status and health care utilization among men recently released from a superjail in a large metropolitan area to better understand patterns of use, risk factors and facilitators.

Design/methodology/approach

Participants included adult men (n = 106) matched to a general population group (n = 530) in Ontario, Canada, linked to medical records (88.5% linkage) to examine baseline health status and health utilization three-months post-release. The authors compared differences between the groups in baseline health conditions and estimated the risk of emergency department, primary care, inpatient hospitalization and specialist ambulatory care visits.

Findings

Superjail participants had a significantly higher prevalence of respiratory conditions, mental illness, substance use and injuries. Substance use was a significant risk factor for all types of visits and emergency department visits were over three times higher among superjail participants.

Originality/value

This empirical case is illustrative of an emerging phenomenon in some regions of the world where emergency departments serve as de facto “walk-in clinics” for those with criminal justice involvement. Strategic approaches to health services are required to meet the complex social and health needs and disparities in access to care experienced by men released from custody.
Effectiveness of certified maize and rice seeds supply outlets in Northern region: what influences smallholder farmers' decision?
Authors: Natogmah Azizu , Damba Osman Tahidu , Mabe Franklin Nantui
Published: September 2023

Purpose

Maize and rice constitute the two major staple crops in Ghana. The demand for maize and rice outstrips production levels in Ghana, creating deficits for farmers to capitalize on to increase yield. Farmers procure certified seeds from different supply outlets to improve crop yield. This study assessed the effectiveness of supply outlets of certified maize and rice seeds. This study also examined factors that influence smallholder farmers' decisions in sourcing seed from the identified supply outlets.

Design/methodology/approach

Multi-stage sampling was used to collect data from smallholder farmers. A total of 360 farmers were interviewed for the analysis. The multivariate probit model was used to estimate the main drivers of the supply outlets of certified seeds.

Findings

The findings revealed that farmers' decisions to use certified seeds from a particular supply outlet are contingent on household size, years of farming, extension contacts, distance to the nearest market, distance to the district capital, access to credit and farm size.

Research limitations/implications

Sourcing certified seeds from National Seed Traders Association of Ghana, Research Institutions and Ministry of Food and Agriculture is more effective than input dealers, open market and family and friends.

Originality/value

This study is one of its kind that looked at how effective are the supply outlets of certified seed purchasing outlets.
Intellectual capital and employee innovative behavior in cross-border e-commerce enterprises: the moderating role of career sustainability
Authors: Chin Tachia , Zhang Wei , Jawahar I.M.
Published: September 2023

Purpose

To cope with intensifying uncertainties coupled with the rapid advancement of information communication technology (ICT), understanding how to encourage employees' innovative workplace behavior (IWB) is imperative, with two motivational concerns: (1) the possession of critical knowledge resources characterized by intellectual capital (IC) to better reconfigure new and existing knowledge and (2) the development of career sustainability to handle ICT-enabled intricate job arrangements. The authors investigate the relationships among IC, career sustainability and IWB in Chinese cross-border e-commerce enterprises (CEEs), which are becoming increasingly prevalent and central to the global economy.

Design/methodology/approach

Using data collected from 417 participants employed in Chinese CEEs, the authors used regression analyses to test the authors' hypotheses.

Findings

Human capital (HC) and structural capital (SC) exerted inverted U-shaped influences on IWB, while relational capital (RC) was positively related to IWB. Perceived career sustainability positively moderated such associations between HC and IWB and between SC and IWB; perceived career sustainability negatively moderated the positive RC-IWB relationship.

Practical implications

Results can inform managers which components of IC and how managers are related to IWB so crucial for success of CEEs with ICT-enabled, intricate architectures of knowledge exchange. The authors' results can help global managers and policymakers to more appropriately allocate scarce knowledge resources to maximize innovative behaviors in the highly competitive international business context.

Originality/value

From the knowledge-based view (KBV) of firm innovation, the authors examine the differential effects of IC components on employee IWB amid coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) through a novel lens of employees' perceptions of career sustainability, enriching the literature at the intersection of IC, knowledge management (KM) and career development. The authors' cross-level analysis links micro-level variables to organizational IC in the new normal.
Do union strategic influence, job security and the industrial relations climate matter for the adoption of high performance work systems?
Authors: Valizade Danat , Cook Hugh , Forde Chris , MacKenzie Robert
Published: September 2023

Purpose

The paper aims to explore the role of union strategic influence on the adoption of High Performance Work Systems (HPWS) in organisations and examines how the effects of job security and then in turn the industrial relations climate, mediate this relationship in a serial manner.

Design/methodology/approach

The research analyses an original quantitative survey of union negotiators and representatives in 382 workplaces in England. The analysis employs structural equation modelling techniques to examine the relationships between union influence, job security, industrial relations climate and HPWS.

Findings

Union strategic influence has a positive effect on the take up of HPWS in unionised workplaces. Job security and the industrial relations climate demonstrate a serial mediation effect between union strategic influence and the take up of HPWS: union strategic influence has a positive effect on job security, which in turn positively impacts the industrial relations climate, thereby increasing the likelihood of the adoption of HPWS. The findings for the industrial relations climate are particularly strong.

Practical implications

Findings suggest that organisations will benefit from focussing on the development of positive industrial relations, where unions have genuine strategic influence, because this maximises the likelihood that HPWS can be adopted and sustained.

Originality/value

The paper provides a novel focus on the take up of HPWS within unionised workplaces. It focusses on the role of union strategic influence and the mediating effects of job security and the industrial relations climate, which are contextual factors that have been underexplored in the HPWS literature to date.
Audit quality, value relevance, integrated reporting and the moderating role of business ethics: evidence from European ESG firms
Authors: Hichri Abir
Published: September 2023

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the relationship between audit quality and value relevance and subsequently ascertain the moderating effect of business ethics on integrated reporting (IR)–value relevance.

Design/methodology/approach

This study applied linear regressions with panel data using the Thomson Reuters ASSET4 database from European countries to analyse data of 510 companies belonging to the environmental, social and governance (ESG) index between 2010 and 2022.

Findings

A significant positive relationship was found between audit quality and value relevance. The results also suggest that IR has significant explanatory power on value relevance, and that business ethics moderate the relationship between IR and value relevance in European ESG firms.

Practical implications

Managers will see IR, business ethics and audit as a business strategy with incremental market value. In this regard, this study tried to provide insights and managerial solutions for managers of international companies to improve their strategy by drawing on the social, moral and business ethics approach. This finding will improve the informational relevance for investment opportunities, thus resulting in improved business performance.

Originality/value

To the best of the author’s knowledge, this is the first study to investigate the moderating role of business ethics in the relationship between IR and value relevance. This paper fulfils a recognised need to study the influence of audit quality on investor decisions. Furthermore, the contribution of this study could be observed in the fact that the market value analysis differs between the contractual and the business ethics approaches. Also, including a moderating variable in the explanation and determination of value relevance remains somewhat underexplored.
Strategy development in times of crisis – How the European National Olympic Committees are mastering the corona crisis
Authors: Schu Kim , Preuss Holger
Published: September 2023

Purpose

This research aims to focus on the strategic management by National Olympic Committees (NOCs) during the COVID-19 crisis. The authors investigate “How are strategies being developed within European NOCs to tackle the impact of the corona crisis?” and “which measures have proven to be particularly helpful?”

Design/methodology/approach

The research uses a sequential exploratory mixed-methods approach. Five high-level representatives of European NOCs were interviewed using expert interviews to gain insights into their strategy development process. The interviews were analyzed using qualitative content analysis, and a questionnaire was developed based on the results. Nineteen other European NOCs were surveyed using this questionnaire to verify the strategy development process steps on a larger sample.

Findings

The research resulted in a six-step NOC strategy development process framework, with helpful measures for each step. It can help the organizations to better cope with current or upcoming crises.

Originality/value

This framework can serve as a guide for NOCs to find the right steps and measures to better perform in crisis situations.
The misplacement of ISO 18404:2015 in organisational improvement: a point-counterpoint article
Authors: McDermott Olivia , Antony Jiju , Sony Michael , Swarnakar Vikas
Published: September 2023

Purpose

This paper gives the background to the ISO 18404:2015 standard and explains its rationale. It aims to rebut the Oudrhiri et al. (2022) paper. Furthermore, this paper adds further evidence of the misplacement and unfitness for use of the standard, as evidenced in the previous work by Antony et al. (2021, 2022).

Design/methodology/approach

A point-counterpoint methods approach with a literature review of studies available on ISO 18404:2015 to respond to the Oudrhiri et al. (2022) study.

Findings

The findings indicate that Oudrhiri et al.'s (2022) work is not open minded in relation to ISO18404. Each point raised in the Oudrhiri et al. (2020) study has been answered and counter argued.

Research limitations/implications

Other than Antony et al.'s three studies (2021 and 2022) and Oudrhiri et al.’s (2022) study empirical studies looking into the impact of the ISO 18404 standard in the literature were limited. As the literature has shown, many companies are not utilising the standard given its current format; hence, a lack of information relating to the practical implementation is sparse.

Practical implications

The findings indicate that Oudrhiri et al.'s (2022) work can be answered and counter argued.

Originality/value

This study consolidates and strengthens the findings from the three studies by Antony et al. (2021 and 2022) and acts as a rebuttal to the Oudrhiri et al. (2022) study.
Outdoor tourism: risk preference, information acquisition, and safety decisions
Authors: Yu Caihua , Zhang Heng , Lian Tonghui
Published: September 2023

Purpose

This study aims to explore the influence of risk preference and information acquisition on outdoor tourism safety decision-making.

Design/methodology/approach

Five hundred twenty outdoor tourists were surveyed, and data were analyzed using two-stage regression.

Findings

Risk preference positively affects tourists’ safety decisions for outdoor travel. The greater the risk preference is, the more likely the tourists are to make the risky decision of outdoor tourism. Information acquisition significantly negatively affects tourists’ safety decisions for outdoor tourism. Tourists who obtain information through social channels are more likely to make safer travel decisions than those who do not.

Originality/value

Risk preference and information acquisition are introduced into outdoor tourism safety research.
Effects of temozolomide on tumor mutation burden and microsatellite instability in melanoma cells
Authors: Sawada Masahide , Hida Tokimasa , Kamiya Takafumi , Minowa Tomoyuki , Kato Junji , Okura Masae , Idogawa Masashi , Tokino Takashi , Uhara Hisashi
Published: September 2023

The efficacy of combination therapy with an immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) and cytotoxic chemotherapeutic agents has been investigated in cancer, including melanoma. Before ICIs were introduced, dacarbazine or temozolomide (TMZ) were used to treat melanoma. Several studies using glioma or colorectal cancer cells showed that TMZ can increase the tumor mutation burden (TMB) and induce mismatch repair (MMR) deficiency associated with microsatellite instability (MSI). These could increase immunoreactivity to an ICI, but this has not been evaluated in melanoma cells. We investigated the effects of TMZ on MSI status and TMB in melanoma cells. To evaluate the TMB, we performed whole‐exome sequencing using genomic DNA from the human melanoma cell lines Mel18, A375, WM266‐4, G361, and TXM18 before and after TMZ treatment. Polymerase chain reaction amplification of five mononucleotide repeat markers, BAT25, BAT26, NR21, NR24, and MONO27, was performed, and we analyzed changes in the MSI status. In all cell lines, the TMB was increased after TMZ treatment (the change amount of TMB with ≤ 5% variant allele frequency [VAF] was 18.0–38.3 mutations per megabase) even in the condition without obvious cytological damage. MSI after TMZ treatment was not observed in any cells. TMZ increased TMB but did not change MSI status in melanoma cells.
Impact of coastal tourism demand on fisheries industry sustainability: A suggested framework for blue growth
Authors: Alsaleh Mohd , Wang Xiaohui , Nan Zhang , Liu Ru , Sun Qingru
Published: September 2023

Intense use of coastal resources and construction of new marinas to expand the tourist industry might result in developing water and marine environmental quality due to pollution, noise, and species disturbance, harming aquatic ecosystems and fisheries. By considering the roles played by fisheries output, tourist development, energy input, economic growth, governance, and population density during 1990–2022, this research aims to explore the dynamic influence of tourism development on the sustainability of the fisheries sector in 27 European nations. The findings of this study, which used the new Method of Moments Quantile Regression (MMQR) with fixed variables, revealed a considerable adverse impact of energy consumption and tourist growth on the sustainability of fisheries across the EU27 area. In particular, the findings show that across all quantiles, the considerable adverse impact of tourist development on fisheries sustainability is more substantial in EU13 developing nations than in EU14 developed countries. At the same time, the findings show that the EU14 developed nations had a more significant negative impact on fisheries sustainability than the EU13 developing countries at the most recent quantiles. The relationship between governance (across all quantiles) and economic growth in the EU27 was also favorably significant. Notably, the findings show that the EU14 developed countries have a more substantial beneficial impact on fisheries sustainability than the EU13 developing nations. At medium quantiles, it was discovered that population density increased fisheries sustainability. Results show that population density has a more significant beneficial impact on fisheries sustainability in EU13 developing nations than in EU14 developed countries. To safeguard marine ecosystems and achieve sustainable blue growth, our results provide policymakers insight into how to support coastal tourism development in EU14 and EU13 nations using effective and environmentally friendly resources and technology.
Prevalence of xylazine in overdose cases: An analysis of Miami‐Dade County medical examiner case data
Authors: Potoukian Rocio B. , Gonyea Jennifer , Shoff Elisa N. , Hime George W. , Moore Diane M.
Published: September 2023

Xylazine sedative, muscle relaxant, and analgesic used in a veterinary setting. Although xylazine was never approved for therapeutic use in humans, it has become popular in the street drug market as a cutting or bulking agent in the fentanyl and heroin supply. Recently, there has been a significant increase in the detection of xylazine in postmortem forensic toxicology casework. Xylazine can be identified during routine toxicology screening utilizing instrumentation such as gas chromatography–mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry. Using the Miami‐Dade Medical Examiner's LIMS system, all cases received between 2015 and 2022 in which xylazine was reported were reviewed. The cases studied include accidental drug overdose deaths in Miami‐Dade County as well as Collier County (Naples), Florida. In total, there are 170 cases; the majority are accidental polydrug overdoses involving White males between the ages of 25 and 44 years old. Of the 170 cases, 37% listed xylazine as the cause of death. 13% of cases contained only xylazine and fentanyl while the remaining 87% of deaths were attributed to polydrug toxicity involving two or more substances. The prevalence of xylazine can be attributed to its increasing popularity rather than an increase in caseload. In 2019, xylazine was present in only 4% of all accidental fentanyl overdoses. By 2021, this percentage has increased sixfold, with xylazine present in 24% of all accidental fentanyl overdoses. Despite a decrease in fentanyl overdoses in 2022, the percentage of xylazine detection remained the same.
En bloc resection of the recurrent pleural mesothelioma and reconstruction of the chest wall after immunotherapy: A case report
Authors: Qin Changlong , Xia Qinghong , Chen Zi‐Jia , Zhou Qinghua , Zheng Xi
Published: September 2023

Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is associated with previous asbestos exposure, while more clinical insights into this disease have come from other case studies. Maximal cytoreduction is critical in disease control and might help to improve the prognosis. Here, a 41‐year‐old female presented with a 6‐month history of a mass detected in the chest wall following resection of a right pleural mesothelioma 2 years previously. A fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography scan showed a right chest wall mass with a blurred boundary 8.9 cm × 3.7 cm in size. The patient had received one cycle of bevacizumab, carboplatin, and pemetrexed, and two cycles of nivolumab, ipilimumab, and gemcitabine 5 months before admission. We subsequently resected the tumor, the involved diaphragm, and the fifth and sixth ribs, and titanium mesh and continuous suture were used to close the thoracic cage. The fixed paraffin‐embedded tissues showed epithelioid pleural mesothelioma. The patient received nivolumab and ipilimumab postoperatively, and no recurrence was detected 16 months after surgery. En bloc resection with reconstructive surgery effectively removed the locally advanced malignancy and restored the biological function of the thorax with a favorable prognosis. Neoadjuvant immunotherapy might therefore be conducive to radical resection and perioperative immunotherapy might improve the prognosis.
Behavioural self‐control training versus motivational enhancement therapy for individuals with alcohol use disorder with a goal of controlled drinking: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Hammarberg Stina Ingesson , Wallhed Finn Sara , Rosendahl Ingvar , Andréasson Sven , Jayaram‐Lindström Nitya , Hammarberg Anders
Published: September 2023

Background and aims

Controlled drinking (CD) is an attractive treatment goal for a large proportion of individuals with alcohol use disorder (AUD), but the availability of treatment methods supporting a goal of CD is scarce. We tested if behavioural self‐control training (BSCT) was superior to motivational enhancement therapy (MET) for individuals with AUD with a treatment goal of CD.

Design

Randomized controlled two‐group trial. Follow‐ups were conducted at 12 and 26 weeks (primary end‐point) after inclusion.

Setting

Three specialized dependency care clinics in Stockholm, Sweden.

Participants

Two hundred and fifty self‐referred adults (52% men) fulfilling criteria of AUD (DSM‐5) and a stated treatment goal of CD.

Intervention and comparator

BSCT (n = 125), a five‐session treatment based on cognitive behavioural therapy versus the active comparator, MET (n = 125), containing four sessions based on Motivational Interviewing.

Measurements

Primary outcome measure was mean weekly alcohol consumption at the 26‐week follow‐up, adjusted for baseline consumption.

Conclusions

A randomized controlled trial found no evidence of a difference between behavioural self‐control training and motivational enhancement therapy in reducing weekly alcohol consumption. Both groups substantially reduced consumption and behavioural self‐control training was superior in reducing hazardous drinking.
Craving modulates attentional bias towards alcohol in severe alcohol use disorder: An eye‐tracking study
Authors: Bollen Zoé , Pabst Arthur , Masson Nicolas , Wiers Reinout W. , Field Matt , Maurage Pierre
Published: September 2023

Background and aims

Competing models disagree on three theoretical questions regarding alcohol‐related attentional bias (AB), a key process in severe alcohol use disorder (SAUD): (1) is AB more of a trait (fixed, associated with alcohol use severity) or state (fluid, associated with momentary craving states) characteristic of SAUD; (2) does AB purely reflect the over‐activation of the reflexive/reward system or is it also influenced by the activity of the reflective/control system and (3) does AB rely upon early or later processing stages? We addressed these issues by investigating the time‐course of AB and its modulation by subjective craving and cognitive load in SAUD.

Design

A free‐viewing eye‐tracking task, presenting pictures of alcoholic and non‐alcoholic beverages, combined with a concurrent cognitive task with three difficulty levels.

Setting

A laboratory setting in the detoxification units of three Belgian hospitals.

Participants

We included 30 patients with SAUD self‐reporting craving at testing time, 30 patients with SAUD reporting a total absence of craving and 30 controls matched on sex and age. All participants from SAUD groups met the DSM‐5 criteria for SAUD.

Measurements

We assessed AB through early and late eye‐tracking indices. We evaluated the modulation of AB by craving (comparison between patients with/without craving) and cognitive load (variation of AB with the difficulty level of the concurrent task).

Findings

Dwell time measure indicated that SAUD patients with craving allocated more attention towards alcohol‐related stimuli than patients without craving (P < 0.001, d = 1.093), resulting in opposite approach/avoidance AB according to craving presence/absence. SAUD patients without craving showed a stronger avoidance AB than controls (P = 0.003, d = 0.806). AB did not vary according to cognitive load (P = 0.962, η2p = 0.004).

Conclusions

The direction of alcohol‐related attentional bias (approach/avoidance) appears to be determined by patients' subjective craving at testing time and does not function as a stable trait of severe alcohol use disorder. Alcohol‐related attentional bias appears to rely on later/controlled attentional stages but is not modulated by the saturation of the reflective/control system.
Rare but not lost: Endemic mountain lizard occupancy following megafire and grazing disturbances
Authors: Hartley Renée , Blanchard Wade , Clemann Nick , Schroder Mel , Schulz Martin , Lindenmayer David B. , Scheele Ben C.
Published: September 2023

Wildfire and grazing by invasive herbivores can influence habitat suitability for ground‐dwelling fauna, such as reptiles. Australia has a large and diverse reptile fauna, with the Australian Alps bioregion in the southeast of the continent supporting a disproportionately high number of threatened species. In this bioregion, many species are threatened by fire, habitat loss or modification, and invasive species. The range of one such threatened endemic lizard, Cyclodomorphus praealtus (family Scincidae), was impacted by the 2019–20 megafires and is also subject to widespread grazing by invasive species. We investigated the relationship between C. praealtus site occupancy and fire and grazing. We completed 2045 surveys across 120 sites over 4 years, detecting the species at 43% of sites and increasing the species' known geographic range. Using single season detection occupancy models, we found C. praealtus occupancy was not associated with elevation, vegetation height or whether the site was burnt, but was positively associated with grazing activity. Our results indicate that C. praealtus has the capacity to persist following a single fire in some cases, and that habitats with high occupancy probabilities are subject to high grazing pressure. However, our results do not rule out more nuanced impacts associated with these disturbances, which affect a large proportion of C. praealtus' habitat. Our cumulative detection probability calculations revealed that considerable survey effort is often required to determine C. praealtus site occupancy. We therefore recommend that impact assessments assume species presence within areas of suitable habitat within the species' range. Our study improves our understanding of disturbance impacts on C. praealtus' occupancy, while demonstrating the need for sufficiently resourced impact assessments for cryptic and threatened species.
Gill arch and raker morphology of common carp (Cyprinus carpio, Linnaeus, 1758) sampled in aquaculture system
Authors: Demirci Beste , Kesbiç Osman Sabri
Published: September 2023

The study aimed to investigate the morphologic aspects of common carp's gill arch and gill rakers (Cyprinus carpio, Linnaeus, 1758), an omnivore and highest‐produced aquaculture species. The study used 10 common carp (395.35 ± 45.06 g) grown entirely under aquaculture conditions. The fish tissues were fixed with Glutaraldehyde (2.5%) for scanning electron microscopy and with formalin (10%) for stereomicroscopic examination. In the SEM examination, two types of taste papillae (Type II and Type III) were observed in the pharyngeal mucosa. Microridge‐like structures in the epithelial layer were found to have two forms. The study findings indicate a significant decrease in gill arch lengths from cranial to caudal and a significant increase in rakers per unit area, as determined through digital calliper measurements and stereomicroscopic examinations (p < 0.05). However, there was no significant difference in measurements of gill arches and raker numbers between the bilateral symmetry of the gill arches (p > 0.05). In conclusion, it was observed that the epithelial structure on the common carp gill arch contained two types of microridge‐like structures: the gill arch length decreased from cranial to caudal, and the rake density on these arches increased caudally.
After migration: An ethnographic exploration of the mindwork of stuckness
Authors: Dantzer Alexandra
Published: September 2023

In this essay, I follow the migration journey of a young middle‐class woman migrating from Serbia to Germany. I explore the existential condition of stuckness that she reports as a continuous impasse throughout various stages of her migration career. By focusing on her migration contradiction, I survey the intimate temporalities brought about by being stuck differently in changing contexts.
What happens at work does not always stay at work: Daily job crafting and detachment among colleagues
Authors: Sanz‐Vergel Ana Isabel , Nielsen Karina , Rodríguez‐Muñoz Alfredo , Antino Mirko
Published: September 2023

Through job crafting, employees proactively change or modify their tasks, thus reducing adverse job demands or protecting resources. There is still a lack of understanding of the impact that job crafting may have on colleagues at work (crossover effect), and how this may affect their ability to disconnect from work (spillover effect). In the present daily diary study, we examine these two processes among 82 dyads of colleagues (N = 164 employees) over five consecutive working days (N = 820 observations). We found a number of crossover and differential spillover effects. For example, when the focal employee starts new challenging projects, their colleague reacts by reducing the number of stressful tasks. This, in turn, affects psychological detachment from work. Specifically, whereas increasing challenging demands hinders daily detachment, decreasing hindering demands facilitates it. Taken together, these findings demonstrate that the impact of job crafting goes beyond the focal employee and beyond the work domain.
Editorial: the microscope holds the key to predict need for biologic therapy in immunotherapy‐checkpoint inhibitor colitis
Authors: Buckle Andrew D. , Christensen Britt
Published: September 2023

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Pai et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16142 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16245
Letter: is female sex really associated with better prognosis in hepatocellular carcinoma?
Authors: Pelizzaro Filippo , Penzo Barbara , Trevisani Franco , Farinati Fabio ,   the Italian Liver Cancer (ITA.LI.CA) study group
Published: September 2023

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Rich et al paper. To view this article, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15917
Transmural healing and MRI healing are associated with lower risk of bowel damage progression than endoscopic mucosal healing in Crohn’s disease
Authors: Lafeuille Pierre , Hordonneau Constance , Vignette Jeanne , Blayac Laurianne , Dapoigny Michel , Reymond Maud , Rouquette Olivier , Sollelis Elisa , Boube Mathilde , Magnin Benoit , Pereira Bruno , Buisson Anthony
Published: September 2023

Background

Endoscopic mucosal healing is the current therapeutic target in Crohn's disease. However, transmural healing could lead to better outcomes.

Aims

To assess whether transmural healing or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) healing are better therapeutic targets than endoscopic mucosal healing to predict long‐term improved outcome in Crohn's disease

Methods

From our MRI database, we retrospectively identified all Crohn's disease patients who had MRI and colonoscopy within a 3‐month interval (median interval = 17.5 days). Four groups were considered: endoscopic mucosal healing (no ulceration or aphthoid erosion), MRI healing (no MRI signs of inflammation and no complication), transmural healing (combination of endoscopic and MRI healing) or no healing. Outcomes were time to surgery, bowel damage progression, hospitalisation, major outcomes (one of the three previous endpoints) and Crohn's disease‐related drug discontinuation. Results were expressed in multivariable analyses adjusted on potential confounders (hazard ratio (HR) [95% confidence interval]).

Results

Among 154 patients with Crohn's disease, 51.9% (80/154), 10.4% (16/154), 19.5% (30/154) and 18.2% (28/154) achieved no healing, endoscopic mucosal healing, MRI healing and transmural healing, respectively. Transmural healing (HR = 0.05 [0.00‐0.40], P = 0.002) and MRI healing (HR = 0.09 [0.00‐0.47], P = 0.005) were associated with lower risk of bowel damage progression than endoscopic mucosal healing. In addition, achieving transmural healing or MRI healing reduced the risk of experiencing major outcomes compared to endoscopic mucosal healing (HR = 0.28 [0.00‐0.74], P = 0.01). Patients with transmural healing also had a decreased risk of relapse‐related drug discontinuation (HR = 0.35 [0.13‐0.95], P = 0.039) compared to those with endoscopic mucosal healing.

Conclusion

Transmural healing and MRI healing are associated with lower risk of bowel damage progression than endoscopic mucosal healing and could be considered as better therapeutic targets in Crohn's disease.
Editorial: similar risk of hepatocellar carcinoma in chronic hepatitis B patients treated with tenofovir or entecavir—new clues from Europe
Authors: Lampertico Pietro , Papatheodoridis George V.
Published: September 2023

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Pol et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16197 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16251
Impact of proton pump inhibitors on cytochrome P450 activity assessed by 13C‐aminopyrine breath test in patients with cirrhosis
Authors: Rocco Alba , Compare Debora , Sgamato Costantino , Coccoli Pietro , Chiodini Paolo , Nardone Gerardo
Published: September 2023

Background

Chronic use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) in patients with impaired liver function may worsen cytochrome P450 (CYP450) activity, predisposing them to clinically relevant drug–drug interactions. The 13C‐aminopyrine breath test (13C‐ABT) is a non‐invasive tool to study CYP450‐dependent liver function.

Aims

To assess 13C‐ABT modifications with different PPIs in patients with cirrhosis

Methods

Sixty consecutive patients with HCV‐related cirrhosis and indication to start PPI therapy were randomised to receive omeprazole 20 mg/day, esomeprazole 20 mg/day, lansoprazole 15 mg/day, pantoprazole 40 mg/day or rabeprazole 20 mg/day. 13C‐ABT was performed at baseline and on the 15th day of PPI therapy.

Results

At baseline, mean values of max 13C% dose/h and 13C% cum dose at 120 minutes did not differ significantly among groups. On the 15th day of therapy, max 13C% dose/h and 13C% cum dose at 120 minutes did not significantly differ with respect to baseline for pantoprazole (P = 0.184 and P = 0.309, respectively) or rabeprazole (P = 0.536 and P = 0.286, respectively), but were significantly decreased on omeprazole (P = 0.013 and P = 0.015, respectively), esomeprazole (P = 0.009 and P = 0.001, respectively), and lansoprazole (P = 0.033 and P = 0.035, respectively).

Conclusions

In patients with cirrhosis, omeprazole, esomeprazole and lansoprazole inhibit microsomal activity while pantoprazole and rabeprazole do not have a significant impact. Should our data be confirmed in larger cohort studies, pantoprazole and rabeprazole could be safely recommended for patients with cirrhosis.
Editorial: anti‐TNF agents against vedolizumab as a second‐line treatment? Not surprising tie game—authors’ reply
Authors: Rundquist Sara , Sachs Michael C. , Eriksson Carl , Olén Ola , Montgomery Scott , Halfvarson Jonas
Published: September 2023

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Rundquist et al and Roblin et al. papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16193 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16212
Editorial: the microscope holds the key to predict need for biologic therapy in immunotherapy‐checkpoint inhibitory colitis. Authors' reply
Authors: Pai Rish K. , Pai Reetesh K. , Schaeffer David F. , Choi Won‐Tak , Kumarasinghe Priyanthi , Brown Ian , Lauwers Gregory Y.
Published: September 2023

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Pai et al and Buckle & Christensen papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16142 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16203
Editorial: towards an understanding of increased mortality in coeliac disease—authors' reply
Authors: Schneider Carolin V. , Strnad Pavel
Published: September 2023

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Schneider et al and Anderson papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16206 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16237
Editorial: will clusters for anxiety, depression, sleep disturbance and fatigue symptoms predict treatment outcomes in functional dyspepsia? Authors' reply
Authors: Barberio Brigida , Black Christopher J. , Ford Alexander C.
Published: September 2023

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Barberio et al and van Zanten papers. To view these articles, visithttps://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16184andhttps://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16235
Editorial: similar risk of hepatocellular carcinoma in chronic hepatitis B patients treated with tenofovir or entecavir—new clues from Europe. Authors' reply
Authors: Pol Stanislas , Luzivika Nzinga Clovis , Fontaine Hélène , Carrat Fabrice ,   the French ANRS CO22 Hepather cohort
Published: September 2023

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Pol et al and Lampertico & Papatheodoridis papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16197 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16238
Editorial: proton pump inhibitor use in cirrhosis—a piece of the puzzle. Authors' reply
Authors: Rocco Alba , Compare Debora , Sgamato Costantino , Coccoli Pietro , Nardone Gerardo
Published: September 2023

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Rocco et al and Celsa & Cammà papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16239 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16250
Editorial: time trends in colectomy rates for ulcerative colitis in England—mixed methods brings mixed messages? Authors' reply
Authors: Worley Guy , Faiz Omar
Published: September 2023

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Worley et al and Bodger papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16202 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16243
Incremental value of HBcrAg to classify 1582 HBeAg‐negative individuals in chronic infection without liver disease or hepatitis
Authors: Brunetto Maurizia R. , Carey Ivana , Maasoumy Benjamin , Marcos‐Fosch Cristina , Boonstra André , Caviglia Gian Paolo , Loglio Alessandro , Cavallone Daniela , Scholtes Caroline , Ricco Gabriele , Smedile Antonina , Riveiro‐Barciela Mar , van Bömmel Florian , van der Eijk Annemiek , Zoulim Fabien , Berg Thomas , Cornberg Markus , Lampertico Pietro , Agarwal Kosh , Buti Maria
Published: September 2023

Background

An accurate, single‐point differential diagnosis between HBeAg‐negative infection (ENI) and chronic hepatitis B (CHB) is an unmet need.

Aims

To assess the diagnostic value of the new hepatitis B core‐related antigen (HBcrAg) assay.

Methods

A retrospective anonymised data analysis was performed in a multicentre European (nine centres and six countries) cohort of 1582 consecutive HBsAg‐positive/HBeAg‐negative subjects classified according to EASL guidelines as: 550‐CHB, 710‐ENI and 322‐GZ (grey‐zone, HBV‐DNA <20 000 IU/mL).

Results

Mean age was 44 (±13.2 y), 59% were men; HBV genotypes were 15% A, 2% B, 2% C, 45% D, 9% E, 1% F and 26% unknown. Median HBV‐DNA serum levels were 2.2 (1.5‐2.7), 3.5 (3.2‐3.8) and 5.6 (4.8‐6.6) logIU/mL in ENI, GZ and CHB, P < 0.0001. HBsAg serum levels (HBsAgsl) were comparable in CHB and GZ, but lower in ENI (2.9 [2.1‐3.6] logIU/mL), P < 0.0001. HBcrAg serum levels (HBcrAgsl) were <3 logU/mL in 90.7% (644/710) ENI, 75.2% (242/322) GZ and 4.7% (26/550) CHB (P < 0.0001). Median HBcrAgsl were 4.8 (3.9‐5.7), 2.5 (2.0‐2.9) and 2.0 (2.0‐2.5) logU/mL in CHB, GZ and ENI, (P < 0.0001). ROC‐AUCs for HBcrAg and HBsAg were 0.968 (95% CI, 0.958‐0.977) and 0.732 (95% CI, 0.704‐0.760) respectively. The optimal HBcrAgsl cut‐off to distinguish CHB from ENI was 3.14 logU/mL (95% CI, 3.02‐3.25, 91% SE, 93% SP and 92.4% DA). HBcrAgsl were associated with HBV genotypes (P < 0.001, one‐way ANOVA) but using genotype‐specific cut‐offs, HBcrAg DA remained unchanged with overlapping 95% CI.

Conclusion

The HBcrAg assay showed high diagnostic performance in the accurate single‐point identification of patients with HBeAg‐negative CHB, independently of HBV genotype. This should prompt future prospective studies to confirm its diagnostic role in clinical practice.
Tranexamic acid for acute gastrointestinal bleeding: updated after the HALT‐IT trial
Authors: Chang Chun‐Yu , Huang Huai‐Kuan , Chen Yu‐Long , Wu Meng‐Yu
Published: September 2023

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Twum‐Barimah et al paper. To view this article, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15761
Letter: improved parsimony of genetic risk scores for coeliac disease through refined HLA modelling
Authors: Erlichster Michael , Bedo Justin , Skafidas Efstratios , Kwan Patrick , Kowalczyk Adam , Goudey Benjamin
Published: September 2023

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Sharp et al paper. To view this article, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15826
Chronic opioid use is associated with early biologic discontinuation in inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Rhudy Christian , Perry Courtney L. , Singleton Michael , Talbert Jeffery , Barrett Terrence A.
Published: September 2023

Background

Chronic opioid use is associated with poorer clinical outcomes in inflammatory bowel disease.

Aims

To investigate an association between chronic opioid use and persistence with biologic agents in management of inflammatory bowel disease.

Methods

A total of 16 624 patients diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease and receiving a first‐time biologic prescription from 2011 to 2016 were identified retrospectively from the Truven MarketScan Database. A cohort of 1768 patients were identified as chronic opioid users utilising outpatient prescription claims. Utilisation patterns of biologic therapies were assessed from inpatient administration and outpatient claims data, including persistence calculations. Information on healthcare utilisation and common comorbidities was also collected. A Cox regression model was constructed to assess the hazard of chronic opioid use on early discontinuation of biologic therapy controlling for disease severity.

Results

A mean 1.5 different biologic agents were utilised by inflammatory bowel disease patients with chronic opioid use (vs 1.37 in the comparator group; P < 0.0001). A lower proportion of the chronic opioid use cohort persisted on biologic therapies to the end of the study period (16.2% vs 33.5% P < 0.0001). Inflammatory bowel disease patients with chronic opioid use utilised more healthcare resources and had a higher rate of comorbidities than the reference cohort. Patients with chronic opioid use were 23% more likely (hazard ratio 1.23; 95% CI [1.16‐1.31]) to be non‐persistent with biologic therapy while accounting for relevant markers of disease acuity.

Conclusions

Chronic opioid use is associated with increased hazard of biologic discontinuation in inflammatory bowel disease. Symptoms of opioid withdrawal may mimic IBD flares thereby leading providers to inappropriately switch biologic therapies and compromise disease control.
Letter: elobixibatting for the long run
Authors: Tobi Martin , Talwar Harvinder , McVicker Benita
Published: September 2023

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Khanna & Camilleri papers. To view these articles, visithttps://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16143andhttps://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16290
Letter: SARS‐CoV‐2 infection in two IBD patients treated with dual targeted therapy
Authors: Privitera Giuseppe , Pugliese Daniela , Scaldaferri Franco , Armuzzi Alessandro
Published: September 2023

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Al‐Ani et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15779 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16297
Letter: serum hepatitis B virus DNA and risk of hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with chronic hepatitis B—authors' reply
Authors: Kim Gi‐Ae , Lim Young‐Suk
Published: September 2023

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Kim et al and Huang et al papers. To view these articles, visitc https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15725 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16264
Editorial: incorporating liver stiffness to risk scores for HCC in patients with chronic hepatitis B treated with oral antivirals: ready to use or not?
Authors: Yang Hwai‐I , Hsu Yao‐Chun
Published: September 2023

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Chon et al paper. To view this article, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16267
Letter: elobixibatting for the long run—authors’ reply
Authors: Khanna Lehar , Camilleri Michael
Published: September 2023

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Khanna & Camilleri and Tobi et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16143 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16270
Editorial: the rising tide of coeliac disease autoimmunity
Authors: Jossen Jacqueline , Lebwohl Benjamin
Published: September 2023

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Lechtman et al paper. To view this article, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16282
Artificial intelligence in clinical pharmacology: A case study and scoping review of large language models and bioweapon potential
Authors: Rubinic Igor , Kurtov Marija , Rubinic Ivan , Likic Robert , Dargan Paul I. , Wood David M.
Published: September 2023

This paper aims to explore the possibility of employing large language models (LLMs) – a type of artificial intelligence (AI) – in clinical pharmacology, with a focus on its possible misuse in bioweapon development. Additionally, ethical considerations, legislation and potential risk reduction measures are analysed. The existing literature is reviewed to investigate the potential misuse of AI and LLMs in bioweapon creation. The search includes articles from PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science Core Collection that were identified using a specific protocol. To explore the regulatory landscape, the OECD.ai platform was used. The review highlights the dual‐use vulnerability of AI and LLMs, with a focus on bioweapon development. Subsequently, a case study is used to illustrate the potential of AI manipulation resulting in harmful substance synthesis. Existing regulations inadequately address the ethical concerns tied to AI and LLMs. Mitigation measures are proposed, including technical solutions (explainable AI), establishing ethical guidelines through collaborative efforts, and implementing policy changes to create a comprehensive regulatory framework. The integration of AI and LLMs into clinical pharmacology presents invaluable opportunities, while also introducing significant ethical and safety considerations. Addressing the dual‐use nature of AI requires robust regulations, as well as adopting a strategic approach grounded in technical solutions and ethical values following the principles of transparency, accountability and safety. Additionally, AI's potential role in developing countermeasures against novel hazardous substances is underscored. By adopting a proactive approach, the potential benefits of AI and LLMs can be fully harnessed while minimizing the associated risks.