bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Factors Influencing Mandibular Deviation: A Retrospective Clinical Study
Authors: Zhao Jiong , Xia Simo , Yue Shijing , Luo Yi , Shen Pei , Yang Chi
Published: December 2023

This study aimed to investigate the correlation between mandibular deviation (MD) and possible clinical factors in patients with anterior disc displacement (ADD). This retrospective clinical study enrolled 296 patients with ADD, diagnosed using magnetic resonance imaging, from 2015 to 2018. The clinical symptoms and medical histories of these patients were carefully examined and recorded. Mandibular deviation was the primary outcome variable confirmed by a combination of clinical examination and facial photographs or posteroanterior cephalograms. The primary predictor variable was ADD staging. Secondary predictor variables included condylar height and distance of disc displacement. Other predictor variables were age, sex, disease course, oral parafunctions, depression, and bone mineral density. We used logistic regression to examine the correlation between the MD and all predictor variables. The χ2 test and analysis of variance were used to exclude the correlation between the predictor variables. In this study, the prevalence of MD was 77% among 278 patients with ADD. Bilateral ADD staging significantly contributed to MD on both sides. The odds ratio increased with the deterioration of disc displacement. The present study demonstrated that the ADD staging influences the condylar height and MD, and that articular disk position should be considered while treating MD.
Fecal Microbiota Transplantation Alleviates Severe PD-1 Inhibitor-Associated Colitis Caused by Neoadjuvant Therapy for Esophageal Cancer
Authors: Huang Xiaoyan , He Xiaojian , Chen Xi , Li Yuande
Published: December 2023

Surgical resection is the preferred treatment for early-stage esophageal cancer. But most patients with esophageal cancer are diagnosed at advanced stages, making them ineligible for surgery. Therefore, preoperative neoadjuvant therapy has been introduced to help them meet surgical requirements. However, this therapy has been associated with serious complications, such as diarrhea, preventing patients from surgery. During neoadjuvant therapy combined with chemoradiotherapy, a 58-year-old male patient with esophageal cancer was diagnosed with severe immune-related colitis, which seriously affected both cancer treatment and the patient's quality of life. Despite conventional antidiarrheal therapy, the patient remained refractory to treatment. However, after undergoing fecal microbiota transplantation, the frequency of diarrhea was significantly reduced. During e-colonoscopy, no significant ulcers were found in the sigmoid colon. Additionally, successful radical resection of esophageal cancer was performed, resulting in a favorable outcome for the patient. Regular follow-up appointments were scheduled to monitor the patient's progress. Fecal microbiota transplantation effectively relieved severe immune-related diarrhea in a patient undergoing neoadjuvant immunotherapy and chemoradiotherapy for esophageal cancer. This successful treatment ultimately enabled the patient to meet the surgical requirements for radical esophagectomy.
Implementation of Point of Care Ultrasound in extended focused assessment with sonography for trauma at a rural hospital in Uganda
Authors: Nassanga Rita , Bugeza Sam , Faith Ameda , Kabanda Irene , Nakiberu Harriet , Semaganda Tadeo , Olweny Francis , Nagawa Roy , Mubuuke Aloysius Gonzaga
Published: December 2023

Introduction

Focused Assessment with Sonography for Trauma (FAST) is a rapid bedside ultrasound examination performed at presentation of a trauma patient whereas the extended FAST (eFAST) examines each hemithorax for the presence of free fluid and air. It is an ‘extension’ of the trauma clinical assessment process and aids rapid diagnosis with an aim of identifying free peritoneal fluid which allows for immediate transfer to theatre or further imaging. FAST can be performed by surgeons, emergency physicians, and paramedics as a screening test to detect post-traumatic pericardial effusion or hemoperitoneum, performed at presentation of a trauma patient.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of implementing a point of care ultrasound training in trauma for non-imaging health professionals and evaluate the ability of the trainees to apply the knowledge and skills gained to perform the ultrasound examination among trauma patients.

Methods

It was a prospective cohort study conducted at Kiwoko hospital, a rural based hospital in Uganda. The study involved developing a curriculum and training of clinicians in point of care ultrasound for trauma patients through didactic lectures and practical sessions as well as assessing them at baseline and thereafter further assessment at three months follow up.

Results

A total of 19 clinicians were initially enrolled however, 12 were evaluated at baseline and nine were followed up for three months. The median length of time in clinical practice of the clinicians in this study was 11(2-36) months. At baseline, majority of the clinicians correctly identified and named all the anatomical structures pertinent to images obtained in eFAST; sub-xiphoid view 7(58.3%), right upper quadrant view 5(41.7%), left upper quadrant view 6(50.0%), suprapubic view 7(58.3%), thoracic-pleural fluid view 7(58.3%), and thoracic-pneumothorax view 4(33.3%). At follow-up, the clinicians demonstrated acceptable competency in ultrasound technique when performing eFAST in most views assessed. However, compared to the baseline observation, a statistically significant decline (p=0.001) in image quality was noted in evaluation of organs in the left upper quadrant.

Conclusion

Clinicians generally demonstrated acceptable competency in performing eFAST assessment in trauma patients. With more training, frequent hands-on practice, regulation and adequate supervision, clinicians can ably perform eFAST procedures to aid in management of trauma patients.
Pair-EGRET: enhancing the prediction of protein-protein interaction sites through graph attention networks and protein language models
Authors: Alam Ramisa , Mahbub Sazan , Bayzid Md. Shamsuzzoha
Published: December 2023

Proteins are responsible for most biological functions, many of which require the interaction of more than one protein molecule. However, accurately predicting protein-protein interaction (PPI) sites (the interfacial residues of a protein that interact with other protein molecules) remains a challenge. The growing demand and cost associated with the reliable identification of PPI sites using conventional experimental methods call for computational tools for automated prediction and understanding of PPIs. Here, we present Pair-EGRET, an edge-aggregated graph attention network that leverages the features extracted from pre-trained transformer-like models to accurately predict PPI sites. Pair-EGRET works on ak-nearest neighbor graph, representing the three-dimensional structure of a protein, and utilizes the cross-attention mechanism for accurate identification of interfacial residues of a pair of proteins. Through an extensive evaluation study using a diverse array of experimental data, evaluation metrics, and case studies on representative protein sequences, we find that our method outperforms other state-of-the-art methods for predicting PPI sites. Moreover, Pair-EGRET can provide interpretable insights from the learned cross-attention matrix. Pair-EGRET is freely available in open source form at (https://github.com/1705004/Pair-EGRET).
Synthesis and Assembly of mRNA-Bifunctional Lipid Nanoparticle (BLNP) for Selective Delivery of mRNA Vaccines to Dendritic Cells
Authors: Fan Chen-Yo , Wang Szu-Wen , Chen Jia-Yan , Wong Chi-Huey
Published: December 2023

The fight against COVID-19 pandemic has gained a strong consensus about the importance of developing mRNA vaccines to rapidly respond to an outbreak. Several studies have shown that mRNA vaccines formulated as mRNA-lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) for vaccination can elicit a robust and efficient immune response. In this study, we report the preparation of mRNA-bifunctional lipid nanoparticles (mRNA-BLNPs) as vaccines for targeted delivery to dendritic cells (DCs) to improve safety and enhance immune response. Using this DC-targeted delivery system, mice immunized with SARS-CoV-2 spike mRNA-BLNP vaccine elicited a stronger immune response with higher titer of neutralizing IgG antibody response than the LNPformulated vaccine against SARS-CoV-2. In addition, the spike mRNA-BLNP vaccine with deletion of glycosites in the stem elicited a broadly protective immune response against SARS-CoV2 and variants. These findings suggest the importance and potential of developing DC-targeted mRNA vaccines to elicit broadly protective immune responses against human viruses.
Single nucleus RNA sequencing reveals glial cell type-specific responses to ischemic stroke
Authors: Bormann Daniel , Knoflach Michael , Poreba Emilia , Riedl Christian J. , Testa Giulia , Orset Cyrille , Levilly Anthony , Cottereau Andreá , Jauk Philipp , Hametner Simon , Golabi Bahar , Copic Dragan , Klas Katharina , Direder Martin , Kühtreiber Hannes , Salek Melanie , zur Nedden Stephanie , Baier-Bitterlich Gabriele , Kiechl Stefan , Haider Carmen , Endmayr Verena , Höftberger Romana , Ankersmit Hendrik J. , Mildner Michael
Published: December 2023

Reactive neuroglia critically shape the brain’s response to ischemic stroke. However, their phenotypic heterogeneity impedes a holistic understanding of the cellular composition and microenvironment of the early ischemic lesion. Here we generated a single cell resolution transcriptomics dataset of the injured brain during the acute recovery from permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion. This approach unveiled infarction and subtype specific molecular signatures in oligodendrocyte lineage cells and astrocytes, which ranged among the most transcriptionally perturbed cell types in our dataset. Specifically, we characterized and compared infarction restricted proliferating oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs), mature oligodendrocytes and heterogeneous reactive astrocyte populations. Our analyses unveiled unexpected commonalities in the transcriptional response of oligodendrocyte lineage cells and astrocytes to ischemic injury. Moreover, OPCs and reactive astrocytes were involved in a shared immuno-glial cross talk with stroke specific myeloid cells.In situ,osteopontin positive myeloid cells accumulated in close proximity to proliferating OPCs and reactive astrocytes, which expressed the osteopontin receptor CD44, within the perilesional zone specifically.In vitro,osteopontin increased the migratory capacity of OPCs. Collectively, our study highlights molecular cross talk events which might govern the cellular composition and microenvironment of infarcted brain tissue in the early stages of recovery.
Identity exploration of university students in the somatic and material domains: the mediating role of conspicuous consumption
Authors: Adebo Adetumilara Iyanuoluwa , Hamsan Hanina Halimatusaadiah
Published: December 2023

Purpose

This paper is determined to examine the role of body image and materialism in predicting the identity exploration of university students when conspicuous consumption is a mediator variable.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used a quantitative method. Data were collected from students of three federal universities in Nigeria. The sample size was 331. A self-report questionnaire was used to collect data and analysis was performed using the partial least squares structural equation modelling.

Findings

Findings reveal that materialism has a negative association in predicting the identity exploration of students. At the same time, there was a significant full and partial mediating effect of conspicuous consumption on the relationship between body image and materialism on identity exploration, respectively.

Research limitations/implications

The study provides valuable information for parents in understanding how conspicuous consumption may influence their children’s identity formation. The findings can also be helpful for educators in the design of discussions and interventions for students on the social-psychological antecedents of conspicuous consumption and identity exploration. Government and regulatory agencies can use the study’s findings to shape student financial literacy and consumer protection policies.

Originality/value

This study makes both theoretical and methodological contributions to the existing literature. It provided concrete empirical evidence establishing a subtle connection between the symbolic self-completion theory and the identity status paradigm. It is also amongst the first single research conducted within the scope of these two theories in the Nigerian higher education context.
Exploring first-year engineering student perceptions of the engineering librarian as an IL instructor in multimodal teaching and learning environments
Authors: Omarsaib Mousin
Published: December 2023

Purpose

This study aims to explore first-year engineering students’ perceptions of the engineering librarian as an instructor in multimodal environments related to Information Literacy (IL) topics, teaching strategy, content evaluation, organising, planning and support.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative approach was used through a survey instrument based on an online questionnaire. Questions were adopted and modified from a lecturer evaluation survey. A simple random sampling technique was used to collect data from first-year cohorts of engineering students in 2020 and 2022.

Findings

Respondents perception of the engineering librarian as an instructor in multimodal learning environment was good. Findings revealed students’ learning experiences were aligned with IL instruction even though the environment changed from blended to online. However, an emerging theme that continuously appeared was a lack of access to technology.

Practical implications

These findings may help in developing and strengthening the teaching identity of academic librarians as instructors in multimodal learning environments.

Originality/value

To the best of the author’s knowledge, this study is novel in that it evaluates the teaching abilities of an academic librarian in multimodal environments through the lens of students.
A transformer-based deep learning method for automatic pixel-level crack detection and feature quantification
Authors: Ji Ankang , Xue Xiaolong , Zhang Limao , Luo Xiaowei , Man Qingpeng
Published: December 2023

Purpose

Crack detection of pavement is a critical task in the periodic survey. Efficient, effective and consistent tracking of the road conditions by identifying and locating crack contributes to establishing an appropriate road maintenance and repair strategy from the promptly informed managers but still remaining a significant challenge. This research seeks to propose practical solutions for targeting the automatic crack detection from images with efficient productivity and cost-effectiveness, thereby improving the pavement performance.

Design/methodology/approach

This research applies a novel deep learning method named TransUnet for crack detection, which is structured based on Transformer, combined with convolutional neural networks as encoder by leveraging a global self-attention mechanism to better extract features for enhancing automatic identification. Afterward, the detected cracks are used to quantify morphological features from five indicators, such as length, mean width, maximum width, area and ratio. Those analyses can provide valuable information for engineers to assess the pavement condition with efficient productivity.

Findings

In the training process, the TransUnet is fed by a crack dataset generated by the data augmentation with a resolution of 224 × 224 pixels. Subsequently, a test set containing 80 new images is used for crack detection task based on the best selected TransUnet with a learning rate of 0.01 and a batch size of 1, achieving an accuracy of 0.8927, a precision of 0.8813, a recall of 0.8904, an F1-measure and dice of 0.8813, and a Mean Intersection over Union of 0.8082, respectively. Comparisons with several state-of-the-art methods indicate that the developed approach in this research outperforms with greater efficiency and higher reliability.

Originality/value

The developed approach combines TransUnet with an integrated quantification algorithm for crack detection and quantification, performing excellently in terms of comparisons and evaluation metrics, which can provide solutions with potentially serving as the basis for an automated, cost-effective pavement condition assessment scheme.
From catering for death rituals to establishing a restaurant – the journey of KSN Iyengar Catering Service
Authors: Chilakamarri Savitha , Sreram Prashanth Kumar
Published: December 2023

Learning outcomes

The learning outcomes of this case study are to develop an understanding of informal business practices (IBP) from an economic and a behavioural perspective, identify the pros and cons of IBP and how they can hinder the realization of entrepreneurial aspirations, use the effectuation perspective to understand the entrepreneurial journey of the protagonist and apply the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) analysis and effectuation theory to understand the need for transition from informal to formal business practices.

Case overview/synopsis

KSN Iyengar Catering Services (KSNICS) had gained popularity for cooking and serving traditional “Iyengar” cuisine during festivals, ceremonies and other auspicious occasions. With the passage of time, KSNICS slowly diversified into offering food carrier services, corporate catering and preparation of sweets/savouries during the Diwali festival. The enterprise managed to sustain itself without additional investments from external sources. KSNICS was managed in an informal manner by the protagonist, Krishna Kumar. After almost 30 years of KSNICS’s existence, in 2021, Kumar felt that they should diversify into the restaurant business by establishing an authentic “Iyengar” restaurant. In spite of the unpredictable market and the challenging times due to the COVID-19 pandemic, he had somehow managed to sustain his catering business. However, given the informal methods through which he operated his catering services and in the post-COVID-19 pandemic scenario, would it be prudent on his part to establish a restaurant?

Complexity academic level

This case study is suitable for post-graduate- and executive-level instruction in courses such as managerial skills, entrepreneurship and human resource management. In managerial skills course, it can be used for applying SWOT analysis from a particular perspective for effective decision-making. In entrepreneurship-related courses, it can be used to introduce aspects such as entrepreneurship orientation, effectuation and decision-making. In organizational behaviour and HR-related courses, it can be used to highlight how employees can be trained and motivated and how businesses can be sustained within the scale, especially during challenging times. Irrespective of the course, the IBP discussion would remain a constant point of reference because that was the context under which the current business was operating.

Supplementary material

Teaching notes are available for educators only.

Subject code

CSS 3: Entrepreneurship.
Do industrial robots matter for corporate environmental governance? Evidence from Chinese firms
Authors: Luan Fushu , Qi Wenhua , Zhang Wentao , Chang Victor
Published: December 2023

Purpose

The connection between digital manufacturing technologies (Industry 4.0) and the environment has sparked discussions on firms' disclosure of negative information on pollutant emissions and the pursuit of positive environmental outcomes. However, very few studies explore how it relates to a firm's robot usage and its mechanism. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impacts of robot penetration on firms' environmental governance in China.

Design/methodology/approach

The ordered probit model (and probit model) are employed and empirically tested with a sample of 1,579 Chinese listed firms from 2010 to 2019.

Findings

The study reveals a negative relationship between robot usage and the disclosure of negative indicators and a U-shaped relationship between robot usage and positive environmental outcomes. Among the sample, nonstate-owned enterprises (SOEs) display unsatisfactory performance, while heavily polluting industries disclose more information on pollutant emissions. The robot–environmental governance nexus is conditional on firm size, capital intensity and local economic development.

Originality/value

The study proposes a fresh view of corporate environmental governance to assess the environmental implications of robot adoption. It also contributes to identifying the curvilinear, moderating and heterogenous effects in the robot–environment nexus. The results provide rich policy implications for the development of industrial intelligence and corporate environmental governance in the circular economy (CE) context.
Linking paternalistic leadership to employee creativity: a meaning-based perspective
Authors: Duan Jinyun , Wang Xiaotian , Liu Ye , Han Lifeng
Published: December 2023

Purpose

Integrating the pathway model of meaningful work and the intrinsic motivation principle of creativity, the authors investigate why, when and how paternalistic leadership relates to employee creativity in the Chinese organizational context. The authors suggest that the meaning of work (MOW) mediates the relationship between paternalistic leadership and employee creativity. The authors further identify perspective taking as a moderator in the mediated relationship for the path from MOW to creativity.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors relied on a sample of 340 employee-supervisor dyads collected from multiple organizations located in Eastern China to test the study hypotheses.

Findings

Results indicated that MOW mediated the positive relationships between the benevolence and morality dimensions of paternalistic leadership and employee creativity, and the negative relationship between the authoritarianism dimension of paternalistic leadership and employee creativity. Further, the indirect relationships between the three dimensions of paternalistic leadership (i.e. authoritarianism, benevolence and morality) and employee creativity through MOW were more pronounced when perspective taking was higher rather than lower.

Originality/value

Through a meaning-based perspective, the authors demonstrate that a culture-specific managerial philosophy (i.e. paternalistic leadership) shapes Chinese employees' perceptions of meaningful work and their subsequent creative performance. This paper complements the dominant focus on Western leadership in the creativity literature and denotes that paternalistic leadership matters for employee creativity in Chinese organizations.
How to prepare your business for the increasing digitalisation of HR
Authors: Nayler Joanna
Published: December 2023

Purpose

The emergence of new technologies – particularly generative AI tools – will accelerate the pace of change within the HR function and the organisation, as well as the level of preparation required. Within this context, this study aims to outline what businesses can do to prepare for this increasing digitalisation.

Design/methodology/approach

This study approaches preparation from two levels. The first is ensuring that the HR function itself is prepared, with the right people and skills in the right places to effectively implement these new technologies. The second focuses on preparation as a change management process. In doing so, it reviews published original CRF research (itself based on surveys and interviews with senior HR practitioners, as well as literature reviews).

Findings

To prepare itself for digitalisation, HR will need to carefully and strategically consider the profile of people needed within the function in the future, upskill and reskill to prepare for new technologies and foster partnerships that transcend traditional boundaries. HR will also need to play a leading role in overseeing digitalisation as a transformation process, particularly by establishing clear and transparent communication strategies, involving employees in decision-making where possible and supporting employees to make the best use of new technologies.

Originality/value

This research not only focuses on the technical skills relating to digitalisation, but also views digitalisation as a change management process. The research also draws on original 2023 CRF research into digital skills among the HR Business Partner community and concludes that there is much more to be done to prepare organisations for the increasing digitalisation of HR.
Nd:YAG/Er:YAG dual laser compared with topical steroid to treat vulvar lichen sclerosus: A randomised controlled trial
Authors: Zivanovic Irena , Gamper Marianne , Fesslmeier Debra , Walser Claudia , Regauer Sigrid , Viereck Volker
Published: December 2023

Objective

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of a novel non‐ablative Nd:YAG/Er:YAG dual laser treatment for vulvar lichen sclerosus (LS) in comparison with the recommended first‐line therapy with topical steroid.

Design

A randomised investigator‐initiated active‐controlled trial.

Setting

Single tertiary referral centre.

Population

Women with vulvar LS.

Methods

Randomisation (2:1) to Nd:YAG/Er:YAG laser therapy or topical clobetasol proprionate therapy. Four laser treatments at 0, 1, 2 and 4 months or decreasing doses of steroid for 6 months.

Main Outcome Measures

The primary outcome was the change in objective validated clinical LS score in the laser arm between baseline and 6 months. Secondary outcomes were laser tolerability/safety, symptom scores and patient satisfaction.

Results

Sixty‐six women were included, 44 in the laser group and 22 in the steroid group. The total LS score decreased by −2.34 ± 1.20 (95% CI −2.71 to −1.98) in women treated with laser compared with a decrease of −0.95 ± 0.90 (95% CI −1.35 to −0.56) in those receiving steroid applications (p < 0.001). Laser treatment was safe and well tolerated. Subjective severity scores (on visual analogue scale) and vulvovaginal symptoms questionnaire scores improved similarly for the laser and steroid arms without significant differences between the two treatments. Patient satisfaction was higher in the laser arm than in the steroid arm (p = 0.035).

Conclusions

Non‐ablative dual Nd:YAG/Er:YAG laser therapy was safe and significantly improved clinical outcome and subjective symptoms at the 6‐month follow up. This suggests that laser may be a promising alternative to corticosteroid therapy. However, the authors caution regular follow ups because of the premalignant nature of the disease.
Effect of jasmonic acid and ethylene mediate faba bean defense responses to the activity and gene expression of the detoxifying enzyme in Frankliniella occidentalis
Authors: Li Dingyin , Jia Yulian , Zhi Jun‐Rui , Zhang Tao
Published: December 2023

Frankliniella occidentalis is an important pest globally and causing serious damage to vegetables and flowers. Exogenous phytohormones can induce host plant resistance and reduce loss caused by pests. This study investigated the effects of detoxification enzyme activity and related gene expression in F. occidentalis after feeding on jasmonic acid (JA)‐ and ethylene (ET)‐cotreated faba bean plants. Change in MFO activity was nonsignificant at 6 and 48 h after F. occidentalis fed on the cotreated faba bean plants; but significantly decreased at 24 h compared with control group. The peak activities of carboxylesterase (CarE) and glutathione S‐transferase (GSTs) at 48 h showed a significant increase of 2.31‐fold and 1.15‐fold, respectively. Additionally, CarE and GSTs activities remained consistent and significantly higher than those of the control group at the remaining timepoints. The expression levels of the P450 genes CYP4‐3, CYP6‐2, and CYP6‐3 in F. occidentalis were significantly upregulated at 6 h and those of CYP6‐2 and CYP4‐5 were significantly upregulated at 24 h. The expression of the CarE gene CL4503.Conting2 was significantly upregulated at 6 and 48 h that of the GSTs gene FoGSTd1 was significantly upregulated at 24 and 48 h, that of FoGSTs1 was significantly upregulated at all three timepoints, and that of GSTs1 was only significantly upregulated at 6 h and significantly downregulated at 24 and 48 h. These results indicate that F. occidentalis can adjust the activity and gene expression of detoxification enzymes to adapt to the defense response of faba bean induced by JA and ET.
Reductions in WHO risk drinking levels correlate with alcohol craving among individuals with alcohol use disorder
Authors: Tuchman Felicia R. , Hallgren Kevin A. , Richards Dylan K. , Aldridge Arnie , Anton Raymond F. , Aubin Henri‐Jean , Kranzler Henry R. , Mann Karl , O'Malley Stephanie S. , Witkiewitz Katie
Published: December 2023

Background

Abstinence has historically been considered the preferred goal of alcohol use disorder (AUD) treatment. However, most individuals with AUD do not want to abstain and many are able to reduce their drinking successfully. Craving is often a target of pharmacological and behavioral interventions for AUD, and reductions in craving may signal recovery. Whether reductions in drinking during AUD treatment are associated with reductions in craving has not been well examined.

Methods

We conducted secondary analyses of data from three AUD clinical trials (N's= 1327, 346, and 200). Drinking reductions from baseline to the end of treatment were measured as changes in World Health Organization (WHO) risk drinking levels; alcohol craving was measured using validated self‐report measures. Regression analyses tested whether drinking reductions were associated with end‐of‐treatment craving reductions; moderation analyses tested whether associations between drinking reduction and end‐of‐treatment craving differed across AUD severity.

Results

Reductions of at least 1 or at least 2 WHO risk drinking levels were associated with lower craving (all p's < 0.05). Results were substantively similar after removing abstainers at the end‐of‐treatment. Associations between drinking reductions and craving were generally not moderated by AUD severity.

Conclusions

Individuals with WHO risk drinking level reductions reported significantly lower craving, as compared to those who did not achieve meaningful reductions in drinking. The results demonstrate the utility of WHO risk drinking levels as AUD clinical trial endpoints and provide evidence that drinking reductions mitigate craving.
Sporadic bovine encephalopathy caused by Chlamydia pecorum secondary to bovine viral diarrhoea virus infection in calves in South Australia
Authors: Gaussen J , Trott DJ , Spiers Z , Jenkins C , Griffiths H
Published: December 2023

Background

Despite bovine viral diarrhoea virus and Chlamydia pecorum being important endemic diseases of cattle, there are limited reports of theirco‐occurrence.

Case report

Several 12–18‐week‐old, weaned Hereford calves presented with ill‐thriftiness and neurological signs on a mixed cattle and sheep farm in South Australia in July 2021. Immune suppression resulting from transient infection with bovine viral diarrhoea virus (BVDV) is implicated in predisposing to infection with Chlamydia pecorum, the causative agent of sporadic bovine encephalopathy (SBE). Chlamydia spp. are difficult to culture in vitro or definitively identify based on current standard molecular based tests. In this case, diagnosis was confirmed by immunohistochemistry.

Conclusion

To the authors' knowledge, this case report is the first to document BVDV transient infection occurring in conjunction with SBE. Given the current high prevalence of BVDV on Australian farms, such co‐infections may have significant future clinical relevance. This case also highlights the need for appropriate tests, such as immunohistochemistry to demonstrate the causative organism in histological lesions and thus reduce the occurrence of false negative diagnosis.
Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) disclosure, earnings management and cash holdings: Evidence from a European context
Authors: Saleh Isam , Abu Afifa Malik , Alkhawaja Abdallah
Published: December 2023

The primary objective of this research is to examine the potential influence of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) disclosure on cash holdings. Additionally, the study explores the role of earnings management (EM) practices as a mediating factor in this relationship. The sample comprises 797 companies listed on financial markets across 19 European countries, and the data spans from 2013 to 2019. The outcomes indicate a significant negative correlation between ESG disclosure and cash holdings, implying that ESG performance can be used by management to resolve disputes with stakeholders. The outcomes further indicate that the existence of EM practices partially mediates the link between ESG disclosure and cash holdings. Moreover, they are robust by substitute cash holdings specification, three distinct initiatives of ESG disclosure (i.e., environment, social, and governance), and a two‐stage least squares assessment. Therefore, the findings document that nonfinancial reporting in the form of ESG disclosure can assist in controlling agency conflict, leading to better valuations of company performance by stakeholders.
Corporate social responsibility in times of social distancing: Evidence from China
Authors: Rahman Md Jahidur , Wu Qi , Zhu Hongtao
Published: December 2023

This study investigates whether and how the intensity of social distancing from the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic influences the corporate social responsibility (CSR) disclosure index. An empirical examination is carried out based on data from the Shanghai Stock Exchange from 2020 to 2022. CSR disclosure index is measured by the percentage of CSR‐related press releases from the total press releases published on a certain day. The intensity of the COVID‐19 pandemic is measured by the daily confirmed cases among the population in China. This research uses the two‐stage least squares regression model to alleviate the endogeneity issues. Findings reveal a reverse correlation between the intensity of the COVID‐19 pandemic and the CSR disclosure. The results are consistent and robust to endogeneity tests and sensitivity analyses. Findings support the stakeholder–agency theory and indicate that Chinese managers tend to satisfy the shareholders' interests rather than those of other broad stakeholders. Moreover, Chinese managers tend to choose short‐term survival rather than long‐term development in times of social distancing.
The Supervisor's Internal Monologue
Authors: Spurling Laurence
Published: December 2023

In clinical practice, there is a well‐established developmental path from beginner to post‐qualification and on to some form of expertise or mastery. In this paper, I explore whether the outline of a similar pathway could be mapped out for analytic supervision. For the clinician, a key element in becoming more competent and skilled is the capacity to reflect on one's work and learn from experience. To do that the clinician learns to develop a form of internal conversation which orients them to the work. I argue that an important developmental step for the supervisor is to acquire a similar capacity, which I call the supervisor's internal monologue. In this paper, I illustrate what I mean by the supervisor's internal monologue and discuss some of its functions and characteristics.
Treatment sequencing after failure to alectinib in patients with anaplastic lymphoma kinase‐positive non‐small‐cell lung cancer
Authors: Shimomura Yuki , Sawa Kenji , Imai Takumi , Ihara Yasutaka , Yoshida Hisako , Shintani Ayumi
Published: December 2023

Alectinib is the first‐line therapy for anaplastic lymphoma kinase‐positive non‐small‐cell lung cancer. Although some guidelines have recommended using other anaplastic lymphoma kinase inhibitors after alectinib failure, evidence for such regimens in patients who fail to respond to alectinib is limited. This study involved using administrative claims data from acute care hospitals in Japan. We extracted the data of 634 patients diagnosed with lung cancer between September 1, 2014, and January 31, 2023, who received alectinib treatment before treatment with another anaplastic lymphoma kinase inhibitor. We assessed distributions of patients according to their treatment sequencing and prognosis among three periods defined based on the initial marketing dates of lorlatinib and brigatinib. The type of anaplastic lymphoma kinase inhibitors after alectinib failure changed over time. In the most recent period, lorlatinib (58%) and brigatinib (40%) became predominant. Two‐year overall survival improved over time (47%–84%), accompanied by an increased 2‐year proportion of patients who continuously used anaplastic lymphoma kinase inhibitors after alectinib failure (13%–44%). The times to treatment discontinuation of the regimen between patients treated with lorlatinib and brigatinib were similar, with a hazard ratio of 1.02 (95% confidence interval, 0.64–1.64) in the period after marketing brigatinib. This study provides insights into the evolving treatment landscape for patients with anaplastic lymphoma kinase‐positive non‐small‐cell lung cancer who experience failed alectinib treatment and highlights the need for further studies and data accumulation to determine the optimal treatment strategy.
Clinical outcome and molecular landscape of patients with ARID1A‐loss gastric cancer
Authors: Sun Mengyao , Gu Yun , Fang Hanji , Shao Fei , Lin Chao , Zhang Heng , Li He , He Hongyong , Li Ruochen , Wang Jieti , Liu Hao , Xu Jiejie
Published: December 2023

Chromatin remodelers are commonly altered in human cancer. The mutation of AT‐rich interactive domain 1A (ARID1A) in gastric cancer (GC), a component of the SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling complex, was proven associated with treatment response in our previous study. However, ARID1A loss of function was caused not only by mutations but also copy number deletions. The clinicopathologic, genomic, and immunophenotypic correlates of ARID1A loss is largely uncharacterized in GC. Here, 819 patients with clinicopathological information and sequencing data or formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded tissues from four cohorts, Zhongshan Hospital (ZSHS) cohort (n = 375), The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) cohort (n = 371), Samsung Medical Center (SMC) cohort (n = 53), and ZSHS immunotherapy cohort (n = 20), were enrolled. ARID1A loss was defined by genome sequencing or deficient ARID1A expression by immunohistochemistry. We found that ARID1A mutation and copy number deletion were enriched in GC with microsatellite instability (MSI) and chromosomal‐instability (CIN), respectively. In the TCGA and ZSHS cohorts, only CIN GC with ARID1A loss could benefit from fluorouracil‐based adjuvant chemotherapy. In the SMC and ZSHS immunotherapy cohorts, ARID1A loss exhibited a tendency of superior responsiveness and indicated favorable overall survival after anti‐PD‐1 immunotherapy. ARID1A‐loss tumors demonstrated elevated mutation burden, neoantigen load, and interferon gamma pathway activation. Moreover, in CIN GC, ARID1A loss was correlated with higher homologous recombination deficiency. ARID1A loss defines a distinct subtype of GC characterized by high levels of genome instability, neoantigen formation, and immune activation. These tumors show sensitivity to both chemotherapy and anti‐PD‐1 immunotherapy. This study provides valuable insights for precision treatment strategies in GC.
A scoping study on the social determinants of health and sugar consumption in the context of policy approaches for improving population health
Authors: Zenz Bettina , Jackson Peter , Naidu Rahul , Gibson Barry
Published: December 2023

Objectives

To conduct a scoping review of existing research on the social determinants of health, sugar consumption and public health policy responses to address or improve health outcomes.

Methods

A total of 13 categories were developed to reflect the authors' interest in the overall focus on the social determinants of health, sugar as an independent risk factor, upstream policy action (‘whole populations’), downstream policy action (‘targeted’) and two contemporary policy strategies (namely ‘Vulnerable populations’ and ‘Proportionate Universalism’). The search strategy was then performed on MEDLINE (via Ovid) and Web of Science, and was limited to the English language. No time limits prior to when the database search was conducted in 2022 were set to explore the full extent of the literature in this field.

Results

Five hundred and sixty articles were retrieved, of which 181 met the criteria for review. When all categories were applied, the findings showed that 76% of papers focusing on sugar consumption as a risk factor for non‐communicable diseases (NCDs) mentioned the social determinants of health. The majority of studies (60%) recommended downstream interventions, with 40% recommending ‘upstream’ interventions.

A limited proportion (12%) of research work was published in dental journals. Research had been done using predominantly quantitative methods (66% of articles), with 24% of studies adopting a mixed methods approach, and 8% being exclusively qualitative. Research on contemporary strategies for sugar reduction were focused on the ‘Global North’ and 98% of papers used individual level data focused on targeted approaches, highlighting that there is little direct evidence for contemporary strategies aimed at reducing sugar consumption.

Conclusions

Whilst the majority of public and dental health research argues that there is a need to address the social determinants of health, the findings from this study highlight that very few empirical studies have been designed to directly inform contemporary strategies for sugar reduction. More research is therefore needed that can directly assess the evidence for contemporary strategies in public health policy.
UK survey of colorectal surgeons on the management of acute obstetric anal sphincter injuries
Authors: Roper Joanna C. , Thakar Ranee , Sultan Abdul H.
Published: December 2023

Aim

The role of colorectal surgeons in the management of acute obstetric anal sphincter injury (OASI) is an ongoing debate. Their expertise in operating in the anorectal region lends itself to assisting in OASI repair. The aim of this study was to establish the current involvement and recommended management of acute OASI by colorectal surgeons.

Method

An online survey of consultant colorectal surgeons was sent to members of the Pelvic Floor Society to assess current involvement in acute OASI management and repair.

Results

Forty completed surveys were collated and analysed. Sixty‐five per cent of respondents had seen an acute OASI since being a consultant and 50% stated they were involved in the repair of OASI less than once per year. 37.5% felt that a de‐functioning stoma was still necessary sometimes. Many agreed with current guidelines for OASI repair in terms of antibiotics, laxatives and follow‐up.

Conclusions

Colorectal surgeons have varied opinions on the management of OASI. We suggest that multidisciplinary training of obstetricians and colorectal surgeons could lead to more collaboration regarding the management of women with acute OASI.
Regional hotspots and drivers of shark meat consumption in India
Authors: Karnad Divya , Narayani S. , Kottillil Shruthi , Kottillil Sudha , Gupta Trisha , Barnes Alissa , Dias Andrew , Krishna Y. Chaitanya
Published: December 2023

Over one third of shark and ray (henceforth elasmobranch) species are threatened by global extinction. Overfishing, driven largely by human consumption of various products is a key threat to >95% of threatened elasmobranch species. The local consumption of elasmobranch meat is an emerging driver of these fisheries particularly in the Global South. Very little data exists on local elasmobranch meat consumption and restaurants offer a useful insight into patterns of consumption. We examined local elasmobranch consumption in India, which has the world's third highest elasmobranch catches. We surveyed 2649 seafood restaurants across 10 coastal states and found that two states alone accounted for 70% of all restaurants serving shark meat. Nine percent of all seafood restaurants advertised elasmobranch meat. 251.6 tonnes, equivalent to 9.8% of India's annual landings, is sold every year in India's restaurants. The drivers of these sales are local cultural affinities and regional cuisines, with evidence of new and evolving consumption pathways, in states like Goa. In Goa, the state with the highest prevalence of elasmobranch meat on restaurant menus, consumption by locals, as well as consumption of “baby sharks” by tourists was driving the demand for elasmobranch meat. Small‐bodied and juvenile sharks of threatened species are at risk from local meat consumption. Elasmobranch meat consumption can be reduced by targeting interventions in the regional hotspots of maximum consumption, substituting other types of seafood as alternatives in regional cuisines, bycatch reduction, increased price and seafood consumer awareness campaigns. Preliminary findings suggest that focusing on the health implications of eating species that concentrate heavy metals will produce the greatest decreases in elasmobranch meat sales at India's restaurants.
A guide to single‐cell RNA sequencing analysis using web‐based tools for non‐bioinformatician
Authors: Yarlagadda Sagnik , Giorgio Todd D.
Published: December 2023

Single‐cell RNA sequencing (scRNA‐seq) is a technique that has proven to be a powerful tool for a wide range of fields and research studies. However, scRNA‐seq data analysis has been dominated by scientists highly trained in bioinformatics or those with extensive computational experience and understanding. Recently, this trend has begun to shift as more user‐friendly web‐based scRNA‐seq analysis tools have been developed that require little computational experience to use. However, barriers persist for nonbioinformaticians in using this technique. Complex, unfamiliar language and scarce comprehensive literature guidance to provide a framework for understanding scRNA‐seq analysis outputs are among the obstacles. This work introduces many popular web‐based tools for scRNA‐seq and provides a general overview of their user interfaces and features. Then, a comprehensive start‐to‐finish introductory scRNA‐seq analysis pipeline is described in detail, which aims to enable researchers to carry out scRNA‐seq analysis, regardless of computational experience. Companion video tutorials can be found at “EasyScRNAseqTutorials” on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@scrnaseqtutorials). However, as scRNA‐seq continues to penetrate new fields and expand in importance, there remains a need for more literature to help overcome barriers to its use by explaining further the highly complex and advanced analyses that are introduced within this paper.