bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Proposing a corporate governance model for an Islamic property developer
Authors: Puspitasari Novi , Mufidah Ana , Prihatini Dewi , Muhsyi Abdul , Suroso Imam
Published: April 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study include analyzing the conformity between the General Guidelines for the Governance of the Indonesian Sharia Entities (GGG-ISE) and the implementation in the field and proposing a model of corporate governance for Islamic property developers.

Design/methodology/approach

This research uses a qualitative method with a case study approach. The researcher used a structured interview method and chose a purposive technique to determine the interviewees. This study has seven interviewees representing three Islamic property developer companies in Jember Regency, East Java, Indonesia. Data collection was conducted from June to July 2023, with a duration of about 60 min for each interviewee. The interviews were conducted face-to-face in each interviewee’s residential office.

Findings

The results showed that the companies had implemented several principles of GGG-ISE, namely, ethical and responsible actors, risk management, internal control, compliance, disclosure and transparency by making financial reports, shareholder rights and stakeholder rights, both internal and external stakeholders. Furthermore, this study found that GGG-ISE does not comply with the components of the organizing organ group. This study also found that governance reports have not been implemented in GGG-ISE components. In addition, this study identified a new component that must be present and not found in GGG-ISE, namely, a statement of the use of contracts for mudharib owners and between mudharib owners and stakeholders. Based on these findings, this study proposes a governance model for Islamic property developer companies called the GGG-IPDE.

Originality/value

This research is a pioneer in proposing a corporate governance model for Islamic property developers.
The determinants of renting intention and renting satisfaction: the role of housing knowledge, housing challenges, and housing policy
Authors: Yaaco Mahazril ‘Aini , Hammad Ahmad Khan Hafizah , Mohd Noor Nurul Hidayana
Published: April 2024

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the impact of housing knowledge, housing challenges and housing policy on the renting intention and satisfaction of young people.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire survey helped collect data from young people in the study area, which were then analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) 27 software. A descriptive analysis and the Cronbach’s alpha test were adopted to analyse the data. The confirmatory factor analysis confirmed a significant relationship between housing knowledge, housing challenges and housing policy and renting intention and satisfaction.

Findings

The overall findings revealed that most young people intend to own a home one day, and a minority of them decided to continue renting. The findings suggest that there is a significant relationship between housing knowledge and housing intention. However, housing challenges and housing policies do not appear to impact renting intentions. On the other hand, housing knowledge and housing challenges were found to be associated with housing satisfaction, while housing policy does not show a significant relationship.

Research limitations/implications

This study, however, poses limitations as it uses a limited model and location and involves only a cross-sectional study. Future studies can use the methodology used in this study to conduct further investigations on housing intention and satisfaction in other regions of the country, thereby validating the findings of this study.

Practical implications

In terms of practical implications, this study has made a valuable contribution to the field of housing literature by shedding light on two crucial elements, namely, housing intention and satisfaction, which have been understudied. Understanding the determinants of housing intention and satisfaction is vital in efforts to implement appropriate policy reforms.

Social implications

Findings from this study offer valuable insight related to managerial and practical implications, with the former implicating a need to prioritise initiatives that enhance renters’ housing knowledge. Implementing educational programmes and providing accessible resources can empower renters with a better understanding of the rental process and other important housing information.

Originality/value

This paper is relevant because it provides a guideline for policymakers to initiate regulations concerning housing and implement appropriate policy reforms. This study can also help housing providers develop more affordable housing that meets the needs of young people currently renting because most have expressed their housing intentions. Understanding housing intention and satisfaction determinants is vital to implementing appropriate policy reforms.
An unequal distribution of the human right to health: assessing ethnic health disparities in cardiometabolic disease prevalence among Hawaii’s houseless population
Authors: Fancher Nicholas , Saha Bibek , Young Kurtis , Corpuz Austin , Cheng Shirley , Fontaine Angelique , Schiff-Elfalan Teresa , Omori Jill
Published: April 2024

Purpose

In the state of Hawaii, it has been shown that certain ethnic minority groups, such as Filipinos and Pacific Islanders, suffer disproportionally high rates of cardiovascular disease, evidence that local health-care systems and governing bodies fail to equally extend the human right to health to all. This study aims to examine whether these ethnic health disparities in cardiovascular disease persist even within an already globally disadvantaged group, the houseless population of Hawaii.

Design/methodology/approach

A retrospective chart review of records from Hawaii Houseless Outreach and Medical Education Project clinic sites from 2016 to 2020 was performed to gather patient demographics and reported histories of type II diabetes, obesity, hyperlipidemia, hypertension and other cardiovascular disease diagnoses. Reported disease prevalence rates were compared between larger ethnic categories as well as ethnic subgroups.

Findings

Unexpectedly, the data revealed lower reported prevalence rates of most cardiometabolic diseases among the houseless compared to the general population. However, multiple ethnic health disparities were identified, including higher rates of diabetes and obesity among Native Hawaiians and other Pacific Islanders and higher rates of hypertension among Filipinos and Asians overall. The findings suggest that even within a generally disadvantaged houseless population, disparities in health outcomes persist between ethnic groups and that ethnocultural considerations are just as important in caring for this vulnerable population.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first comprehensive study focusing on ethnic health disparities in cardiovascular disease and the structural processes that contribute to them, among a houseless population in the ethnically diverse state of Hawaii.
Lean six sigma 4.0 methodology for optimizing occupational exams in operations management
Authors: Moreira Tatiana da Costa Reis , Nascimento Daniel Luiz de Mattos , Smirnova Yelena , Santos Ana Carla de Souza Gomes dos
Published: April 2024

Purpose

This paper explores Lean Six Sigma principles and the DMAIC (define, measure, analyze, improve, control) methodology to propose a new Lean Six Sigma 4.0 (LSS 4.0) framework for employee occupational exams and address the real-world issue of high-variability exams that may arise.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses mixed methods, combining qualitative and quantitative data collection. A detailed case study assesses the impact of LSS interventions on the exam management process and tests the applicability of the proposed LSS 4.0 framework for employee occupational exams.

Findings

The results reveal that changing the health service supplier in the explored organization caused a substantial raise in occupational exams, leading to increased costs. By using syntactic interoperability, lean, six sigma and DMAIC approaches, improvements were identified, addressing process deviations and information requirements. Implementing corrective actions improved the exam process, reducing the number of exams and associated expenses.

Research limitations/implications

It is important to acknowledge certain limitations, such as the specific context of the case study and the exclusion of certain exam categories.

Practical implications

The practical implications of this research are substantial, providing organizations with valuable managerial insights into improving efficiency, reducing costs and ensuring regulatory compliance while managing occupational exams.

Originality/value

This study fills a research gap by applying LSS 4.0 to occupational exam management, offering a practical framework for organizations. It contributes to the existing knowledge base by addressing a relatively novel context and providing a detailed roadmap for process optimization.
Service user perspectives on recovery: the construction of unfulfilled promises in mental health service delivery in Ireland
Authors: Swords Calvin , Houston Stan
Published: April 2024

Purpose

The concept of personal recovery is now a key pillar of service delivery. It aims to support individuals to flourish and establish a new identity following an acute episode or diagnosis. This view of recovery is unique to each person on that journey. However, there has been a significant focus on measuring these experiences. This paper aims to explore the influence of social constructionism on the concept of recovery within an Irish context, seeking to understand the influence of language, discourse and power on service users’ experiences.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative, interpretivist methodology was adopted for this case study design. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 service users. Thematic analysis was chosen as the method of analysis.

Findings

Personalising recovery did not always lead to the removal of biological symptoms, but with the appropriate supports, individual’s recovery journey was greatly enhanced. On the contrary, personal recovery places overwhelmingly responsibility on the individual to succeed, largely driven by neoliberal discourse. This focus on individualism and the pressure to succeed was further experienced when people sought to re-integrate into society and participate in normalised social order. Ultimately, for many service users, they viewed personal recovery as an unfulfilled promise.

Research limitations/implications

It is not a representative sample of service users within an Irish context.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to explore influence of social constructionism on the concept of personal recovery within a mental health service context.
Ethical leadership behaviors are their own reward for leaders: a moderated mediation model
Authors: Xu Zhixing , Ju Dong
Published: April 2024

Purpose

This study investigates the benefits of ethical leadership behaviors for leaders themselves and the underlying mechanisms and boundary conditions of this effect.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a multi-time and multi-source survey design, data was collected from both leaders and subordinates across three waves.

Findings

Ethical leadership behavior was found to be positively associated with the leader’s moral pride, resulting in the leader’s higher in-role performance and perceived manager effectiveness. The effect of ethical leadership behavior was moderated by core self-evaluation (CSE), such that low-CSE leaders benefit more from these behaviors.

Practical implications

Organizations should encourage ethical leadership behaviors and educate leaders to develop moral pride from conducting these behaviors. Leaders with low CSEs can enhance their in-role performance and overall effectiveness by taking pride in their ethical leadership behaviors.

Originality/value

The field of study on ethical leadership has predominantly focused on the positive outcomes for recipients, yet it is imperative to examine the self-benefits for leaders as well. This study drew upon affective events theory to posit that ethical leadership behaviors generate moral pride in leaders, leading to improved work-related attitudes and performance outcomes.
Is ChatGPT-like technology going to replace commercial search engines?
Authors: Strzelecki Artur
Published: April 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to give an overview of the history and evolution of commercial search engines. It traces the development of search engines from their early days to their current form as complex technology-powered systems that offer a wide range of features and services.

Design/methodology/approach

In recent years, advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) technology have led to the development of AI-powered chat services. This study explores official announcements and releases of three major search engines, Google, Bing and Baidu, of AI-powered chat services.

Findings

Three major players in the search engine market, Google, Microsoft and Baidu started to integrate AI chat into their search results. Google has released Bard, later upgraded to Gemini, a LaMDA-powered conversational AI service. Microsoft has launched Bing Chat, renamed later to Copilot, a GPT-powered by OpenAI search engine. The largest search engine in China, Baidu, released a similar service called Ernie. There are also new AI-based search engines, which are briefly described.

Originality/value

This paper discusses the strengths and weaknesses of the traditional – algorithmic powered search engines and modern search with generative AI support, and the possibilities of merging them into one service. This study stresses the types of inquiries provided to search engines, users’ habits of using search engines and the technological advantage of search engine infrastructure.
A theory for context‐dependent effects of mammalian trampling on ecosystem nitrogen cycling
Authors: Meyer G. Adam , Leroux Shawn J.
Published: April 2024

Large mammalian herbivores substantially impact ecosystem functioning. As their populations are dramatically altered globally, disentangling their consumptive and non‐consumptive effects is critical to advance mechanistic understanding and improve prediction of effects over ecosystem and Earth‐system spatial extents. Mathematical models have played an important role in clarifying potential mechanisms of herbivore zoogeochemistry, based mostly on their consumptive effects as primary consumers and recyclers of organic and inorganic matter via defecation and urination. Trampling is a ubiquitous effect among walking vertebrates, but the consequences and potential mechanisms of trampling in diverse environments remain poorly understood.

We derive a novel mathematical model of large mammalian herbivore effects on ecosystem nitrogen cycling, focusing on how trampling and environmental context impact soil processes. We model herbivore trampling with a linear positive or negative additive effect on soil‐mediated nitrogen cycling processes.

Combining analytical and numerical analyses, we find trampling by large mammalian herbivores is likely to decrease nitrogen mineralisation rate across diverse environments, such as temperate grassland and boreal forest. These effects are mediated by multiple potential mechanisms, including trampling‐induced changes to detritivore biomass and functioning (e.g. rate of organic matter consumption). We also uncover scenarios where trampling can increase nitrogen mineralisation rate, contingent on the environment‐specific relative sensitivity of detritivore mineral‐nitrogen release and detritivore mortality, to trampling.

In contrast to some consumptive mechanisms, our results suggest the pace of soil nitrogen cycling prior to trampling has little influence over the direction of the trampling net effect on nitrogen mineralisation, but that net effects may be greater in slow‐cycling systems (e.g. boreal forests) than in fast‐cycling systems (e.g. grasslands).

Our model clarifies the potential consequences of previously overlooked mechanisms of zoogeochemistry that are common to all terrestrial biomes. Our results provide empirically testable predictions to guide future progress in empirical and theoretical studies of herbivore effects in diverse environmental contexts. Resolving ecological contingencies around animal consumptive and non‐consumptive effects will improve whole‐ecosystem management efforts such as restoration and rewilding.
Overexpression of HSP27 accelerates stress‐induced gastric ulcer healing via the CXCL12/CXCR4 axis
Authors: Lu Qiaoyan , Tang Hua
Published: April 2024

Chronic stress often triggers gastrointestinal complications, including gastric injury and ulcers. Understanding the role of heat shock protein 27 (HSP27) in stress‐induced gastric ulcers could unveil novel therapeutic targets. Here, we established a stress‐induced gastric ulcer rat model using water immersion restraint stress and administered adenovirus‐packaged HSP27 overexpression vector. Gastric ulcer severity was scored, and mucosal changes were assessed. Gastric epithelial and endothelial cells were treated with lipopolysaccharide and transfected with HSP27 overexpression vectors to evaluate cell viability, migration and angiogenesis. Expression levels of HSP27, C‐X‐C motif chemokine ligand 12 (CXCL12) and C‐X‐C motif chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) were measured in tissues and cells. HSP27 expression was initially low during stress‐induced gastric ulceration but increased during ulcer healing. HSP27 overexpression accelerated ulcer healing in rats, promoting gastric epithelial cell proliferation and migration and gastric endothelial cell angiogenesis through the CXCL12/CXCR4 axis. Inhibitor IT1t reversed the effects of HSP27 overexpression on cell proliferation, migration and angiogenesis. In summary, HSP27 overexpression facilitated ulcer healing, which was partially mediated by the CXCL12/CXCR4 axis.
Emotion work and emotional labour, neglected facets of parental health information work. Analysing mothers of neurodivergent children
Authors: Laurin Emma , Andersson Lisa
Published: April 2024

The neoliberal and biomedical ‘good caregiver’ discourse neglects the many facets of everyday information work that parents of children with special needs are required to do as they seek, receive and share information concerning their children’s health and wellbeing. Along with time and skills, one such neglected facet is emotion work, the management of feelings in relation to societal norms. The purpose of this article is to explore emotion work, as a facet in parental health information work in the care and education sector, among mothers of neurodivergent children. Our analysis draws on interviews with 50 Swedish mothers of neurodivergent children. We present three primary insights. 1. Emotion work, on the self as well as on others, is pivotal to the information work that the mothers carry out in the education and care sector as they strive to ameliorate their children’s situation. 2. Contested diagnoses, such as diagnoses associated with neurodivergent conditions, result in intense parental information and emotion work. 3. Fragmented and complex education and care systems, alongside traditional gender structures, compel mothers to undertake extensive information and emotion work.
Metagenomic‐based discovery and comparison of the lignin degrading potential of microbiomes in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems via the LCdb database
Authors: Chen Jiyu , Lin Lu , Tu Qichao , Peng Qiannan , Wang Xiaopeng , Liang Congying , Zhou Jiayin , Yu Xiaoli
Published: April 2024

Lignin, as an abundant organic carbon, plays a vital role in the global carbon cycle. However, our understanding of the global lignin‐degrading microbiome remains elusive. The greatest barrier has been absence of a comprehensive and accurate functional gene database. Here, we first developed a curated functional gene database (LCdb) for metagenomic profiling of lignin degrading microbial consortia. Via the LCdb, we draw a clear picture describing the global biogeography of communities with lignin‐degrading potential. They exhibit clear niche differentiation at the levels of taxonomy and functional traits. The terrestrial microbiomes showed the highest diversity, yet the lowest correlations. In particular, there were few correlations between genes involved in aerobic and anaerobic degradation pathways, showing a clear functional redundancy property. In contrast, enhanced correlations, especially closer inter‐connections between anaerobic and aerobic groups, were observed in aquatic consortia in response to the lower diversity. Specifically, dypB and dypA, are widespread on Earth, indicating their essential roles in lignin depolymerization. Estuarine and marine consortia featured the laccase and mnsod genes, respectively. Notably, the roles of archaea in lignin degradation were revealed in marine ecosystems. Environmental factors strongly influenced functional traits, but weakly shaped taxonomic groups. Null mode analysis further verified that composition of functional traits was deterministic, while taxonomic composition was highly stochastic, demonstrating that the environment selects functional genes rather than taxonomic groups. Our study not only develops a useful tool to study lignin degrading microbial communities via metagenome sequencing but also advances our understanding of ecological traits of these global microbiomes.
Association between genetically proxied PCSK9 inhibition and systemic lupus erythematosus risk: A mendelian randomization study
Authors: Ji Xincan , Guo Hao‐Yang , Han Mengqi , Peng Hui , Yuan Hui
Published: April 2024

Background

Preclinical and epidemiological studies suggest that proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) had a potential effect on the development of SLE, but it was unclear whether a causal relationship exists. We aimed to investigate the association between genetically proxied inhibition of PCSK9 and the risk of SLE using a two‐sample Mendelian randomization (MR) approach.

Methods

Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with PCSK9 were extracted from pooled data obtained from the Global Lipid Genetics Consortium (GLGC) Genome‐wide Association Study (GWAS) related to LDL‐c levels, which was used as a proxy for PCSK9 inhibition. Pooled statistics for SLE were obtained from an independent GWAS dataset including 5201 SLE patients and 9066 controls. Inverse variance‐weighted random‐effects models were used to examine the association between genetically proxied inhibition of PCSK9 and the risk of SLE. MR‐Egger, weighted median, weighted mode, Simple mode, and co‐location analyses were used as sensitivity analyses to test the robustness of the analyses.

Results

Genetically proxied inhibition of PCSK9 was associated with a reduced risk of SLE (OR = 0.51, 95% CI = 0.34 to 0.77, p = .001). This finding was replicated in an earlier GLGC GWAS analysis (OR = 0.59, 95% CI = 0.40 to 0.87, p = .007). Sensitivity analysis ensured that the results were robust. Co‐localization analysis did not find evidence of shared causal variation between PCSK9 and SLE.

Conclusions

This Mendelian randomization study showed that PCSK9 was associated with SLE pathogenesis, and its inhibition was associated with a reduced risk of SLE. This study has offered a prospective therapeutic avenue for intervening in the progression of SLE by inhibiting PCSK9 levels.
The capital market consequences of stock market liberalisation: Evidence from Mainland‐Hong Kong Stock Connect Programs in China
Authors: Fu Renhui , Gao Fang , Zhao Yi
Published: April 2024

We analyse the capital market consequences of stock market liberalisation in a quasi‐natural experiment setting, where Mainland‐Hong Kong Stock Connect Programs allow foreign investors to trade in the Chinese stock market. Utilising difference‐in‐differences estimations, we observe improved stock liquidity, driven by direct liquidity provision and indirect signals to domestic investors. Particularly notable are the effects on eligible stocks without previous exposure to foreign investors, characterised by high corporate transparency and investor protection. The resulting liquidity enhancements reduce equity costs, ultimately elevating firm value. In short, our study highlights the positive influence of stock market liberalisation on the capital market.
Treatment with fostamatinib in patients with immune thrombocytopenia: Experience from the Andalusian region in Spain—The Fostasur Study
Authors: Jiménez‐Bárcenas Reyes , García‐Donas‐Gabaldón Gloria , Campos‐Álvarez Rosa María , Fernández‐Sánchez de Mora María Carmen , Luis‐Navarro Josefa , Domínguez‐Rodríguez Juan Francisco , Nieto‐Hernández María del Mar , Sánchez‐Bazán Irene , Yera‐Cobo Maria , Cardesa‐Cabrera Rocio , Jiménez‐Gonzalo Francisco José , Ruiz‐Cobo María Antonia , Caparrós‐Miranda Isabel , Entrena‐Ureña Laura , Fernández Jiménez Dolores , Díaz‐Canales Dana , Moreno‐Carrasco Gloria , Calderón‐Cabrera Cristina , Núñez‐Vázquez Ramiro José , Pedrote‐Amador Begoña , Mingot‐Castellano María Eva ,   Grupo Andaluz de Coagulopatías (GACC)
Published: April 2024

Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is characterized by low platelet counts (PLTs) and an increased risk of bleeding. Fostamatinib, a spleen tyrosine kinase inhibitor, has been approved as a second‐line treatment for ITP. Real‐world data on fostamatinib are lacking. This observational, retrospective, multicentre study, conducted in the Andalusia region of Spain, evaluated 44 adult primary ITP patients (47.7% female; median age 58 years; newly diagnosed ITP 6.8%; persistent 13.6%; chronic 79.5%; median four prior treatments) after ≥ 4 weeks of fostamatinib therapy. The median PLT at the initiation of fostamatinib was 15 × 109/L. Common reasons for starting fostamatinib were refractoriness or intolerance to prior therapy, oral medication preference, history of thrombosis and cardiovascular risk. Dosing was individualized based on efficacy and tolerance. After 2 weeks, global response rate was 56.8% (response and complete response). Response rates were 70.5%, 62.5% and 64% at 4 weeks, 12 weeks and at the end of the study respectively. Adverse events were mild, and no patients discontinued as a result. This real‐world study demonstrated a response rate similar to fostamatinib as seen in the pivotal clinical trials while including newly diagnosed patients and allowing for individualized dosing.
Rethinking political symbols: Indigenous nationhood and settler colonialism in the Canada/United States borderlands
Authors: Hundley James M.
Published: April 2024

Straddling the Canada/United States border at its western end is a 67‐foot monument symbolizing 200 years of peace between the two countries. Today, it is frequently used as a site for protest against the state. This article analyzes an environmental protest against energy transmission projects through the Salish Sea by Coast Salish Indigenous nations. I argue that the Coast Salish are using the landscape as a political symbol, effectively erasing the international border that separates them. Their presentation as a unified nation succeeds because of their strategic manipulation of political symbols. Drawing primarily on ethnographic methods, this article demonstrates that the choice of the international park as a site of protest serves as an entry point for Indigenous activists to expand the scope of their position; the border is implicated in the creation of emergent political identities that draw on and transform political symbols. The argument is that the materiality of these political symbols is being used by Indigenous nations and their allies and contributes to theoretical work on settler colonialism as it pertains to the creation, deployment, and analysis of political symbols. The use of political symbols in the borderlands illustrates the shifts in a struggle over power and identity and how they manifest in daily life.
PTGER3 knockdown inhibits the vulnerability of triple‐negative breast cancer to ferroptosis
Authors: Wang Song , Zhang Yueyao , Zhang Dan , Meng Jie , Che Na , Zhao Xiulan , Liu Tieju
Published: April 2024

Prostaglandin E receptor 3 (PTGER3) is involved in a variety of biological processes in the human body and is closely associated with the development and progression of a variety of cancer types. However, the role of PTGER3 in triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC) remains unclear. In the present study, low PTGER3 expression was found to be associated with poor prognosis in TNBC patients. PTGER3 plays a crucial role in regulating TNBC cell invasion, migration, and proliferation. Upregulation of PTGER3 weakens the epithelial–mesenchymal phenotype in TNBC and promotes ferroptosis both in vitro and in vivo by repressing glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) expression. On the other hand, downregulation of PTGER3 inhibits ferroptosis by increasing GPX4 expression and activating the PI3K‐AKT pathway. Upregulation of PTGER3 also enhances the sensitivity of TNBC cells to paclitaxel. Overall, this study has elucidated critical pathways in which low PTGER3 expression protects TNBC cells from undergoing ferroptosis, thereby promoting its progression. PTGER3 may thus serve as a novel and promising biomarker and therapeutic target for TNBC.
Exploring socioeconomic inequality in caries experience in an adult Norwegian population; the HUNT4 Oral Health Study
Authors: Rødseth Siri Christine , Høvik Hedda , Bjertness Espen , Skudutyte‐Rysstad Rasa
Published: April 2024

Objectives

To investigate socioeconomic inequality in caries experience in an adult Norwegian population.

Methods

This population‐based study included 4549 dentate participants aged 25–94 years from the cross‐sectional HUNT4 Oral Health Study conducted in Central Norway in 2017–2019. Participants were randomly sampled from the larger HUNT4 Survey and answered questionnaires and underwent clinical and radiographic examinations. Caries experience was measured as numbers of decayed, missing and filled teeth (DMFT index) and socioeconomic position was denoted by education and household income. Negative binomial regression models were used to estimate associations between caries experience and socioeconomic position.

Results

Lower levels of both education and income were associated with higher caries experience, particularly pronounced for missing teeth. Socioeconomic gradients were observed for all outcomes DMFT, DT, MT and FT (p‐value linear trends <.001). Gradients were similar for both income and education and were apparent for all age groups but were most evident in middle‐aged and older individuals. High level of education was associated with a 50% lower mean number of missing teeth compared with basic level education, whereas high income was associated with a 24% lower mean number of decayed teeth and a 15% higher mean number of filled teeth than low income.

Conclusions

There was a socioeconomic gradient for caries experience in the study population that was present from early adulthood and increased with age. The gradient was particularly pronounced for missing teeth. Findings indicate that inequality was more associated with treatment given than with untreated disease.
Use of a dosimetry‐based RAI protocol for treatment of benign hyperthyroidism optimises response while minimising exposure to ionising radiation
Authors: Miller Clare , Al‐Jabri Amna , O'Murchada Liam , Mustafa Mohamad , Cooke Jennie , Phelan Niamh , Healy Marie‐Louise
Published: April 2024

Background

The optimal treatment strategy for radioiodine (RAI) treatment protocols for benign hyperthyroidism remains elusive. Although individualised activities are recommended in European Law, many centres continue to provide fixed activities. Our institution implemented a dosimetry protocol in 2016 following years of fixed dosing which facilitates the calculation of individualised activities based on thyroid volume and radioiodine uptake.

Methods

This was a retrospective study comparing success rates using a dosimetry protocol targeting an absorbed dose of 150 Gy for Graves’ disease (GD) and 125 Gy for Toxic Multinodular Goiter (TMNG) with fixed dosing (200MBq for GD and 400MBq for TMNG) among 204 patients with hyperthyroidism. Success was defined as a non‐hyperthyroid state at 1 year for both disease states. Results were analysed for disease specific or patient specific modulators of response.

Results

This study included 204 patients; 74% (n = 151) received fixed activities and 26% (n = 53) of activities administered were calculated using dosimetry. A dosimetry‐based protocol was successful in 80.5% of patients with GD and 100% of patients with TMNG. Differences in success rates and median activity administered between the fixed (204Mbq) and dosimetry (246MBq) cohort were not statistically significant (p = .64) however 44% of patients with GD and 70% of patients with TMNG received lower activities following treatment with dosimetry as opposed to fixed activities. Use of dosimetry resulted in successful treatment and reduced RAI exposure for 36% of patients with GD, 70% of patients with TMNG, and 44% of patients overall.

Conclusion

This retrospective clinical study demonstrated that treatment with a dosimetry‐based protocol for TMNG and GD achieved comparable success rates to fixed protocols while reducing RAI exposure for over a third of patients with GD and most patients with TMNG. This study also highlighted that RAI can successfully treat hyperthyroidism for some patients with activities lower than commonplace in clinical practise. No patient or disease specific modulators of treatment response were established in this study; however, the data supports a future prospective trial which further scrutinises the individual patient factors governing treatment response to RAI.
Robotic surgery after total neoadjuvant therapy for rectal cancer: pitfalls of beyond total mesorectal excision for patients with sidewall invasion
Authors: Iguchi Kenta , Numata Masakatsu , Atsumi Yosuke , Sato Tsutomu , Rino Yasushi , Saito Aya
Published: April 2024

Aim

Total neoadjuvant therapy (TNT) for locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) is rapidly spreading. The robotic surgical techniques to approach lateral invasion, such as that of the pelvic plexus, have not yet been established. In this technical note, we present a video illustrating a surgical technique for lateral invasion using our novel technique and discuss its pitfalls.

Method

We present the case of a 65‐year‐old man with LARC. Robotic surgery was performed after TNT using the da Vinci Xi Surgical System (Intuitive Surgical Inc., Sunnyvale, CA, USA). The surgical procedure was as follows: (1) D3 lymph node dissection around the inferior mesenteric artery using a medial‐to‐lateral approach; (2) rectal mobilization; (3) dissection of the ureterohypogastric fascia and ureter; and (4) combined resection of the hypogastric nerve and pelvic plexus. The key surgical point for sidewall invasion is the resection extent. Dividing the resection extent into three areas is important: zone A, which contains the pelvic plexus and is closest to the tumour; zone B, which contains the iliac vessels; and zone C, the most lateral zone, which contains the obturator nerves. This allows organ and function preservation by resecting only the smallest organ that truly requires R0 resection.

Results

The operating time was 333 min, console time was 232 min, and blood loss was 0 mL. The circumferential resection margin was 10 mm, and an R0 resection was achieved.

Conclusion

We introduced a novel approach for robotic surgery after TNT for LARC with sidewall invasion. This technique can be performed safely and may help standardize ‘beyond total mesorectal excision’.
High dose total marrow irradiation (TMI) does not increase long‐term toxicity of myeloablative fludarabine/busulfan (FluBu4) conditioning regimen in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT)
Authors: Maahs Lucas , Patel Pritesh , Koshy Matthew , Sweiss Karen , Chen Zhengjia , Xu Ziqiao , Aydogan Bulent , Rondelli Damiano
Published: April 2024

Objectives

Based on a previous phase 1 study, total marrow irradiation (TMI) at 9Gy was added to a myeloablative FluBu4 conditioning regimen in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) for myeloid malignancies. Here, we report on the long‐term toxicity of TMI combined with FluBu4 and compare it to patients who received only FluBu4.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed 38 consecutive patients conditioned with FluBu4/TMI (n = 15) or FluBu4 (n = 23, control group) who had at least 1 year follow‐up post‐transplant. The rate of long‐term adverse events that have been previously associated with total body irradiation (TBI) was analyzed in the two groups.

Results

The baseline characteristics did not differ between the two groups. The control group had a longer median follow‐up (71.2 mo) than the TMI group (38.5 mo) (p = .004). The most common adverse events were xerostomia, dental complications, cataracts, or osteopenia and did not differ between the two groups. Cognitive dysfunction or noninfectious pneumonitis, often detected after high dose TBI, were also not different in the two groups (p = .12 and p = .7, respectively). There was no grade 4 adverse event.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that a conditioning regimen with TMI 9Gy and FluBu4 does not increase long‐term adverse events after allogeneic HSCT.
Comparison of veterinarians and a deep learning tool in the diagnosis of equine ophthalmic diseases
Authors: Scharre Annabel , Scholler Dominik , Gesell‐May Stefan , Müller Tobias , Zablotski Yury , Ertel Wolfgang , May Anna
Published: April 2024

Background/Objectives

The aim was to compare ophthalmic diagnoses made by veterinarians to a deep learning (artificial intelligence) software tool which was developed to aid in the diagnosis of equine ophthalmic diseases. As equine ophthalmology is a very specialised field in equine medicine, the tool may be able to help in diagnosing equine ophthalmic emergencies such as uveitis.

Study design

In silico tool development and assessment of diagnostic performance.

Methods

A deep learning tool which was developed and trained for classification of equine ophthalmic diseases was tested with 40 photographs displaying various equine ophthalmic diseases. The same data set was shown to different groups of veterinarians (equine, small animal, mixed practice, other) using an opinion poll to compare the results and evaluate the performance of the programme. Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN) were trained on 2346 photographs of equine eyes, which were augmented to 9384 images. Two hundred and sixty‐one separate unmodified images were used to evaluate the trained network. The trained deep learning tool was used on 40 photographs of equine eyes (10 healthy, 12 uveitis, 18 other diseases). An opinion poll was used to evaluate the diagnostic performance of 148 veterinarians in comparison to the software tool.

Results

The probability for the correct answer was 93% for the AI programme. Equine veterinarians answered correctly in 76%, whereas other veterinarians reached 67% probability for the correct diagnosis.

Main limitations

Diagnosis was solely based on images of equine eyes without the possibility to evaluate the inner eye.

Conclusions

The deep learning tool proved to be at least equivalent to veterinarians in assessing ophthalmic diseases in photographs. We therefore conclude that the software tool may be useful in detecting potential emergency cases. In this context, blindness in horses may be prevented as the horse can receive accurate treatment or can be sent to an equine hospital. Furthermore, the tool gives less experienced veterinarians the opportunity to differentiate between uveitis and other ocular anterior segment disease and to support them in their decision‐making regarding treatment.
Functional traits drive tadpole responses to land use in coastal areas
Authors: Boelter Thaíse , Moreira Leonardo Felipe Bairos , Stenert Cristina , Maltchik Leonardo
Published: April 2024

Land use changes are considered a significant cause of amphibian declines worldwide. However, little is known regarding which land uses have more pervasive impacts and which help to supplement the biodiversity conserved in protected areas. In addition, amphibian species respond to a broad array of geographical constraints, which may blur responses to disturbance, depending on the species' natural history.

Here, we explored whether functional diversity patterns of amphibian assemblages are linked to human land use while considering spatial autocorrelation and phylogenetic relatedness among species. We surveyed tadpoles along 500 km in coastal wetlands in southern Brazil and quantified four traits related to tadpole habitat use and predator avoidance.

Spatial components influenced functional richness to a greater extent than land use. Functional evenness was higher in ponds surrounded by more exotic reforestation, and to a lesser extent  an effect of crop area. Functional divergence was also associated with reforestation areas.

Our results showed that some land uses (reforestation with exotic species and temporary crops) have more pervasive impacts on tadpole communities. Such changes in amphibian communities occurred even at low levels of landscape change. Our findings highlight that conversion to human land use requires complementary approaches (i.e., tadpole and adult responses) to provide early warning signals about habitat modification effects.
Operationalizing the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research to build and support the lived experience workforce in direct health service provision
Authors: Carrandi Alayna , Hu Yanan , McGill Katherine , Wayland Sarah , Karger Shae , Maple Myfanwy
Published: April 2024

Background

The involvement of people with lived experience (LEX) workers in the development, design, and delivery of integrated health services seeks to improve service user engagement and health outcomes and reduce healthcare gaps. Yet, LEX workers report feeling undervalued and having limited influence on service delivery. There is a need for systematic improvements in how LEX workforces are engaged and supported to ensure the LEX workforce can fully contribute to integrated systems of care.

Objective

This study aimed to operationalize the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) using a rigorous scoping review methodology and co‐creation process, so it could be used by health services seeking to build and strengthen their LEX workforce.

Search Strategy

A systematic literature search of four databases was undertaken to identify peer‐reviewed studies published between 2016 and 2022 providing evidence of the inclusion of LEX workers in direct health service provision.

Data Extraction and Synthesis

A descriptive‐analytical method was used to map current evidence of LEX workers onto the CFIR. Then, co‐creation sessions with LEX workers (n = 4) and their counterparts—nonpeer workers (n = 2)—further clarified the structural policies and strategies that allow people with LEX to actively participate in the provision and enhancement of integrated health service delivery.

Main Results

Essential components underpinning the successful integration of LEX roles included: the capacity to engage in a co‐creation process with individuals with LEX before the implementation of the role or intervention; and enhanced representation of LEX across organizational structures.

Discussion and Conclusion

The adapted CFIR for LEX workers (CFIR‐LEX) that was developed as a result of this work clarifies contextual components that support the successful integration of LEX roles into the development, design, and delivery of integrated health services. Further work must be done to operationalize the framework in a local context and to better understand the ongoing application of the framework in a health setting.

Patient or Public Contribution

People with LEX were involved in the operationalization of the CFIR, including contributing their expertise to the domain adaptations that were relevant to the LEX workforce.
Risk management and private debt contracts: The role of weather derivatives
Authors: Do Viet , Nguyen Thu Ha , Vu Tram
Published: April 2024

Using energy firm data and the 1997 introduction of weather derivatives as a natural experiment, we document an average 21‐basis‐point interest reduction in bank loans after borrowers hedge with weather derivatives. This saving increases among borrowers with higher risk or less complex financial reports, and during more uncertain market conditions or when investors pay more attention to climate risks. Our results are robust to endogeneity‐corrected methods. Hedging firms are more willing to pledge collateral, accept stricter covenants and exhibit lower risks and a lower likelihood of covenant violations within 1 year following loan origination. We also find hedging firms have lower bond yields and a lower bank debt ratio, indicating that the benefits from hedging with weather derivatives extend to the public debt market. Overall, our findings demonstrate important financial implications of hedging using weather derivatives.
A novel long non‐coding RNALINC00524 facilitates invasion and metastasis through interaction with TDP43 in breast cancer
Authors: Sun Xianglin , Li Wenfeng , Li Gang , Yang Huan , Jiang Zhenglin , Shen Lihua , Shen Yuexiang , Liu Yifei , Wang Guohua
Published: April 2024

Breast cancer (BC) remains a significant health concern worldwide, with metastasis being a primary contributor to patient mortality. While advances in understanding the disease's progression continue, the underlying mechanisms, particularly the roles of long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs), are not fully deciphered. In this study, we examined the influence of the lncRNA LINC00524 on BC invasion and metastasis. Through meticulous analyses of TCGA and GEO data sets, we observed a conspicuous elevation of LINC00524 expression in BC tissues. This increased expression correlated strongly with a poorer prognosis for BC patients. A detailed Gene Ontology analysis suggested that LINC00524 likely exerts its effects through RNA‐binding proteins (RBPs) mechanisms. Experimentally, LINC00524 was demonstrated to amplify BC cell migration, invasion and proliferation in vitro. Additionally, in vivo tests showed its potent role in promoting BC cell growth and metastasis. A pivotal discovery was LINC00524's interaction with TDP43, which leads to the stabilization of TDP43 protein expression, an element associated with unfavourable BC outcomes. In essence, our comprehensive study illuminates how LINC00524 accelerates BC invasion and metastasis by binding to TDP43, presenting potential avenues for therapeutic interventions.