bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of weight-bearing and sex-stratified differences in risk factors of bone loss on bone mineral density in HIV conditions – findings of the Nigeria HIV-BMD study: An observational study
Authors: Ibeneme Sam Chidi , Fortwengel Gerhard , Okoye Ifeoma Joy , Okenwa Wilfred Okwudili , Ezuma Amarachi Destiny , Nwosu Akachukwu Omumuagwula , Ibeneme Georgian Chiaka , Nnamani Amaka , Limaye Dnyanesh , Fneish Firas , Myezwa Hellen , Philip Okere , Iloanusi Nneka , Ajidahun Adedayo Tunde , Ulasi Ifeoma
Published: October 2022

Background

Biomechanical loading exerts an osteogenic stimulus; thus, bone mineral density(BMD) may vary in weight-bearing and non-weight-bearing bones. Therefore, weight-bearing activities could modulate sex-, HAART- and HIV-related BMD loss.

Method

A cross-sectional observational study of 503 people living with HIV (PLWH) selected by convenience sampling at Enugu State University Teaching Hospital, Nigeria, was conducted from September 2015 to September 2016. The BMD of toe or weight-bearing(BMDtoe) and thumb or non-weight-bearing(BMDthumb) bones were measured with Xrite 331C densitometer and compared using independent t-test. Impact of the risk factors (age, weight, body mass index-BMI, duration of HIV, height and types of HAART) of bone loss and their relationships with the BMD were compared across the sexes using multivariate, and univariate regression analyses, at p<0.05,two-tailed.

Result

Participants comprised of females(378/75.1%), males(89/17.7%) and others(36/7.16%) without gender specificity, with mean age=37.2±9.79years, and BMI=25.6±5.06kg/m. HAART-experienced participants’ (352/69.98%) mean HAART-exposure duration was 4.54±3.51years. BMDtoe(−0.16±0.65g/cm3) was higher(p<0.05) than BMDthumb(−0.93±0.44g/cm3), and differed across the BMI classes (p=0.000003;d=0.998), and was accounted for inpost hocanalysis by normal weight versus underweight BMI classes (p=<0.001). BMDtoewas positively correlated with height (r=0.13,r2=0.0169;p<0.05), and males were taller than females(p<0.001). Females accounted for 90%(9/10) cases of osteopenia and 71.43%(5/7) osteoporosis. Males were older(p=0.002) while females had greater BMI (p=0.02), lower median BMDtoe(p=0.005) and BMDthumb(p=0.005).

Conclusion

Higher BMD in weight-bearing bones, and lower BMDtoein underweight (sub-optimal loading) BMI class suggest a role for osteogenic stimulus and fat metabolism in bone loss. Females being younger/heavier, would have greater loading/osteogenic stimulus reinforced by lesser age-related BMD changes. Males being taller would have greater bone marrow adipose tissue that promote osteogenesis through paracrine mechanisms. Therefore, higher BMD in males should be partly explained by height-related metabolic surrogates and sex-hormonal differences. Greater BMD In females’ weight-bearing bones implies that loading ameliorates physiological tendencies towards lower BMD.
Increased levels of inflammatory molecules in blood of Long COVID patients point to thrombotic endotheliitis
Authors: Turner Simone , Naidoo Caitlin A , Usher Thomas J , Kruger Arneaux , Venter Chantelle , Laubscher Gert Jacobus , Khan M Asad , Kell Douglas B , Pretorius Etheresia
Published: October 2022

The prevailing hypotheses for the persistent symptoms of Long COVID have been narrowed down to immune dysregulation and autoantibodies, widespread organ damage, viral persistence, and fibrinaloid microclots (entrapping numerous inflammatory molecules) together with platelet hyperactivation. Here we demonstrate significantly increased concentrations of Von Willebrand Factor, platelet factor 4,serum amyloid A, α-2antiplasmin E-selectin, and platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1, in the soluble part of the blood. It was noteworthy that the mean level of α-2-antiplasmin exceeded the upper limit of the laboratory reference range in Long COVID patients, and the other 5 were significantly elevated in Long COVID patients as compared to the controls. This is alarming if we take into consideration that a significant amount of the total burden of these inflammatory molecules has previously been shown to be entrapped inside fibrinolysis-resistant microclots (thus decreasing the apparent level of the soluble molecules). We also determined that by individually adding E-selectin and PECAM-1 to healthy blood, these molecules may indeed be involved in protein-protein interactions with plasma proteins (contributing to microclot formation) and platelet hyperactivation. This investigation was performed as a laboratory model investigation and the final exposure concentration of these molecules was chosen to mimic concentrations found in Long COVID. We conclude that presence of microclotting, together with relatively high levels of six inflammatory molecules known to be key drivers of endothelial and clotting pathology, points to thrombotic endotheliitis as a key pathological process in Long COVID. This has implications for the choice of appropriate therapeutic options in Long COVID.

SENTENCE SUMMARY

The presence of fibrinaloid microclots and multiple inflammatory molecules in the soluble part of blood points to thrombotic endotheliitis as a key pathological process in Long COVID.
Synergistic Combined-proteomics Guided Mapping strategy identifies mTOR mediated phosphorylation of LARP1 in nutrient responsiveness and dilated cardiomyopathy
Authors: Tan Meng-Kwang Marcus , Sobota Radoslaw M. , Wong Esther SM , Vardy Leah A. , Burke Brian , Stewart Colin L.
Published: October 2022

Increased activity of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signalling pathway, a crucial nutrient sensor, exacerbates ageing and ageing-related diseases, including cancer and heart failure. To further elucidate the physiological role of the serine/threonine kinase mTOR, we devised a novel tractable proteomics strategy that combines interaction proteomics, proximity-based proteomics and quantitative phosphoproteomics to identify interactors with and potential substrates of mTOR. We identified 58 candidate mTOR substrates, several of which were further validated. Interestingly, several of these candidate mTOR substrates are involved in various aspects of RNA biology, including regulating stability and processing. We characterized in-depth one of the validated mTOR substrates, LARP1, an RNA binding protein. mTOR-dependent phosphorylation of LARP1 is nutrient-sensitive and controls the RNA-binding ability of LARP1. We show that mTOR activity and LARP1 and LARP1 phosphorylation levels are increased in a congenital mouse model of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) caused by a mutation in the Lamin A gene. This implicates LARP1 in the development of DCM.
The translational role of SOS1 in colorectal cancer
Authors: Alem Diego , Yang Xinrui , Beato Francisca , Sarcar Bhaswati , Tassielli Alexandra F. , Dai Ruifan , Hogenson Tara L. , Park Margaret A. , Jiang Kun , Cai Jianfeng , Yuan Yu , Fernandez-Zapico Martin E. , Tan Aik Choon , Fleming Jason B. , Xie Hao
Published: October 2022

Background

It has been challenging to develop agents directly targetingKRASdriver mutations in colorectal cancer (CRC). Recent efforts have focused on developing inhibitors targeting SOS1 as an attractive approach forKRAS-mutant cancers. Here, we aimed to study the translational role of SOS1 in CRC using patient-derived organoids (PDOs).

Method

In this study, we used CRC PDOs as preclinical models to evaluate their sensitivity to SOS1 inhibitor BI3406 and its cellular effects. We utilized large CRC datasets including GENIE cohort, TCGA PanCancer Atlas, and CPTAC-2 cohort to study the significance of molecular alterations of SOS1 in CRC. To identify potential predictive markers, we performed immunohistochemistry (IHC) on CRC tissue for SOS1/2 protein expression and RNA sequencing to identify discriminative gene sets for sensitivity to SOS1 inhibition. The findings were validated by DepMap data forSOS1dependency.

Result

CRC PDOs instead of cell lines had differential sensitivities to BI3406. There was a significant correlation between SOS1 and SOS2 mRNA expressions (Spearman’s ρ 0.56, p<0.001). SOS1/2 protein expression by IHC were universal with heterogeneous patterns in cancer cells but only minimal to none in surrounding non-malignant cells. SOS1 protein expression was associated with worse overall survival in patients withRAS/RAFmutant CRC (p=0.04). We also found that SOS1/SOS2 protein expression ratio > 1 by IHC (p=0.03) instead ofKRASmutation (p=1) was a better predictive marker to BI3406 sensitivity of CRC PDOs. This was concordant with the significant correlation between SOS1/SOS2 protein expression ratio by mass spectrometry and SOS1 dependency score. RNA-seq and gene set enrichment analysis revealed differentially expressed genes and 7 enriched gene sets involving cholesterol homeostasis, epithelial mesenchymal transition, and TNFα/NFκB signaling in BI3406-resistant CRC PDOs. We further discovered that GTP-bound RAS level underwent rebound at 48 hours upon treatment with BI3406 even in BI3406-sensitive PDOs with no change of KRAS effector genes downstream. Cellular adaptation mechanisms to SOS1 inhibition may involve upregulation of SOS1/2 mRNA and SOS1 protein expressions, which may be overcome by SOS1 knockdown/degradation or synergistic effect of BI3406 with trametinib.

Conclusion

In summary, CRC PDOs could serve as better models for translational study of SOS1 in CRC. High SOS1 protein expression was a worse prognostic factor in CRC. High SOS1/SOS2 protein expression ratio predicted sensitivity to SOS1 inhibition and dependency. Our preclinical findings supported further clinical development of SOS1-targeting agents in CRC.
Role of a board of directors and corporate governance in a state-owned enterprise
Authors: Thompson Renée M. , Alleyne Philmore
Published: October 2022

Purpose

This study aims to investigate measures established to ensure board of directors (BODs) in a state-owned enterprise (SOE) meets the organization for economic cooperation and development (OECD, 2015) guidelines criteria: how they perform their advising and control roles, and interactions within the boardroom using agency theory and OECD guidelines.

Design/methodology/approach

This research adopts a qualitative approach of a board within a SOE in Barbados involving several stages of data collection. A case study approach was used involving interviews of nine board members and seven key management staff, analysis of board minutes and annual reports.

Findings

BODs follow majority of the OECD (2015) guidelines for good governance. The Chairman allowed full discussion and input from BODs. The board members’ diverse qualifications and skills added value to the organization. However, appointments to the board were heavily slanted toward political considerations which at times may have skewed judgments. Boardroom interactions reflected quality contributions from the BODs. Decision-making was lengthy and tedious. Boardroom atmosphere could be territorial.

Research limitations/implications

Political interference remains an issue facing BODs in executing their roles. This study did not observe board meetings but perceived views via the lens of BODs and management.

Originality/value

This paper adds to the existing body of knowledge of SOE board governance based on OECD (2015) guidelines and how the board performs its advising and control roles. Insights are gained on how board processes contribute to boardroom interaction by using agency theory as the theoretical framework.
Development and validation of an instrument for the health literacy assessment of secondary school students (HeLiASeSS)
Authors: Bechraki Eleni , Mavrikaki Evangelia , Gialamas Vasileios , Galanaki Evangelia
Published: October 2022

Purpose

The development of health literacy skills is of paramount importance especially for students, as it is associated with their wellbeing and academic success. Assessing students' health literacy is necessary for its advancement. This study comes to fill the need for a valid multidimensional health literacy assessment instrument for secondary school students.

Design/methodology/approach

Initially, the authors defined the conceptual framework within which the items of this instrument were generated. Its final form was obtained through three pilot studies. A test-retest followed and, finally, a nationwide survey was conducted on Greek seventh-, ninth- and tenth-grade students (N = 2,800).

Findings

A 37-item instrument, the Health Literacy Assessment for Secondary School Students (HeLiASeSS), was developed which includes the following nine dimensions/skills of health literacy: “access to”, “understand” and “evaluate” (health information), “functional communication”, “interactive communication” and “critical communication”, “relying on health information”, “self-efficacy regarding health matters” and “intention for active citizenship regarding health matters”. HeLiASeSS proved to have good stability (ICC = 0.943) and high internal consistency reliability (a = 0.903).

Originality/value

HeLiASeSS offers the possibility of a reliable and valid assessment of secondary school students' health literacy skills providing a multidimensional evaluation of this construct and is expected to be useful in interventions aiming at promoting this type of literacy.
Conjugate MHD natural convection of hybrid nanofluids in a square enclosure containing a complex conductive cylinder
Authors: Wang Tongsheng , Li Anna , Xi Guang , Huang Zhu
Published: October 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the enhancement and suppression of heat transfer for hybrid nanofluids (Cu–Al2O3/water) in a square enclosure containing a thermal-conductive cylinder when the Lorentz force is applied to the hybrid nanofluids.

Design/methodology/approach

Since the inner conductive cylinder in present research has a complex geometry, an in-house meshless method, namely, the local radial basis function (LRBF) method, is applied to solve the 2 dimensional (2D) incompressible Navier–Stokes equation in the fluid domain and Fourier heat conduction equation in solid domain. The solid–fluid interface remains the physical continuity of temperature and heat flux. Only the Lorentz force is considered for the presence of the magnetic field. The conjugate natural convection is assumed to be steady, thus only fully developed heat exchange from the nanofluids to solid or vice versa is comprehensively investigated.

Findings

It can be concluded that Lorentz force plays a more significant role than hybrid nanofluids in enhancing/suppressing heat transfer when the orientation of magnetic field is the same to the x direction. The thermal conductivity ratio can dramatically change the isotherms and streamlines as well as the mean value of the Nusselt number, resulting in totally different heat transfer phenomena. The included angle of magnetic field also has a significant effect on the heat transfer rate when it changes from horizontal to vertical.

Research limitations/implications

The constant thermo-physical properties of incompressible fluid and the 2D steady flow are considered in this study.

Originality/value

The conjugate MHD natural convection of hybrid nanofluids is numerically investigated by an in-house meshless LRBF method. The enhancement and suppression of heat transfer under the combined influence of the volume fraction of nanoparticles, Hartmann number and the thermal conductivity ratio are comprehensively investigated.
Transactive memory system and green innovation: a cross-level mediation of social network
Authors: Xiao Yao , Cen Jie , Hao Jie
Published: October 2022

Purpose

The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of the transactive memory system (TMS) on green innovation and examine the mediation role of the social network at all hierarchical levels.

Design/methodology/approach

Three hypotheses were examined by performing regression analyses on survey data from manufacturing firms in China. Especially, the nested sets of data from 389 individual observations nested in 53 work teams, including individual level and collective level have been investigated.

Findings

The study results show that the TMS has a positive effect on green innovation. Furthermore, the results indicate that at the team level, structure holes' mediation in this relationship is stronger than degree centrality; at the individual level, weak ties mediation in the relationship of specialization and green innovation is stronger than strong ties, conversely, strong ties mediation in the relationship of credibility and green innovation is stronger than weak ties.

Originality/value

This study expands previous research by highlighting the significance of multilevel social network elements in the context of the TMS and sustainable development and enriches the present research on green innovation.
Establishing the typology and the underlying structure of rumor-combating behaviors: a multidimensional scaling approach
Authors: Wu You , Shen Xiao-Liang , Sun Yongqiang
Published: October 2022

Purpose

Social media rumor combating is a global concern in academia and industry. Existing studies lack a clear definition and overall conceptual framework of users' rumor-combating behaviors. Therefore, this study attempts to empirically derive a typology of rumor-combating behaviors of social media users.

Design/methodology/approach

A three-phase typology development approach is adopted, including content analysis, multidimensional scaling (MDS), interpreting and labeling. Qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis methods are employed.

Findings

The elicited 40 rumor-combating behaviors vary along two dimensions: high versus low difficulty of realization, and low versus high cognitive load. Based on the two dimensions, the 40 behaviors are further divided into four categories: rumor-questioning behavior, rumor-debunking behavior, proactive-appealing behavior, and literacy enhancement behavior.

Practical implications

This typology will serve as reference for social media platforms and governments to further explore the interventions to encourage social media users to counter rumor spreading based on various situations and different characteristics of rumor-combating behaviors.

Originality/value

This study provides a typology of rumor-combating behaviors from a novel perspective of user participation. The typology delves into the conceptual connotations and basic forms of rumor combating, allowing for a comprehensive understanding of the complete spectrum of users' rumor-combating behaviors. Furthermore, the typology identifies the similarities and the differences between various rumor-combating behaviors, thus providing implications and directions for future research on rumor-combating behaviors.
The evolution of the Nigerian prince scam
Authors: Okosun Ojeifoh , Ilo Uchenna
Published: October 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to critically examine the evolution of a particular variant of cyber fraud known as the Nigerian prince scam and to demonstrate its socio-cultural impact. These scams are also referred to as yahoo scams. This paper traces the history of the Nigerian prince scam and how the scheme has evolved over the years to become more sophisticated, audacious and damaging to its victims.

Design/methodology/approach

The analytic approach is conceptual, drawing on institutional anomie theory, social learning theory and routine activity theory to explain this unique typology of cybercrime. Data were collected and analysed from books, journal articles, newspaper articles and other electronic Web sources.

Findings

The ineffective political leadership of Nigeria’s present elected and past military leaders could be attributed to creating culturally induced pressures to secure monetary success by the scammers. A significant number of people involved in this malfeasance justify these crimes with the argument of being owed reparations for colonisation, which might explain why international and local agencies may not be effective at eradicating this crime problem.

Originality/value

Despite the continued perpetration of the Nigerian prince scam, current research has not presented an evolutionary view of this fraudulent operation. This paper adds to the literature by explaining the origins of the scam, how they have developed over time and how internet technology has advanced the sophistication of the scam.
To build or not to build? Mobilization of uncertainty arguments in public decision-making on private megaprojects
Authors: Peda Peeter , Vinnari Eija
Published: October 2022

Purpose

Uncertainty, a state of unknowing linked to threats and opportunities, is a key characteristic of megaprojects, making it challenging for government officials and politicians to decide on their initiation. For them, implementation by the private sector adds an extra layer of complexity and uncertainty to megaproject planning. In this context, only a few studies have focussed on governing and the mobilization of uncertainty arguments in communication between government actors and private developers either in favour of or against megaprojects. The purpose of this article is to shed light on how private megaproject proposals progress towards political acceptance or rejection in public decision-making.

Design/methodology/approach

This process of public decision-making on private megaproject proposals is examined in the case of the Helsinki–Tallinn undersea rail tunnel. In line with the interpretive research tradition, the authors’ study draws on a qualitative methodology underpinned by social constructionism. The research process can be characterized as abductive.

Findings

The authors’ findings suggest that while public decision-making on megaprojects is a conflictual and dynamic process, some types of uncertainty are relatively more important in affecting the perceived feasibility of the projects in the eyes of public sector decision-makers.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the debate on uncertainty management in megaprojects, proposing a new type of uncertainty – uncertainty about privateness – which has not been explicitly visible thus far.
Renewing the object of work as a trigger for inter-organizational learning
Authors: Piria Marta , Gorli Mara , Scaratti Giuseppe
Published: October 2022

Purpose

The study refers to a health-care organization engaged in adopting “home health care” as a new object of activity. This study aims to explore how the reconfiguration of the object influences the transformative perspective, affecting not just a service but a broader approach and meaning behind patient care. It also investigates the main contradictions at play and the levers to support inter-organizational learning while facing the new challenges and change processes.

Design/methodology/approach

The work is based on a qualitative and ethnographic methodology directed to examine cultural, practical and socio-material aspects. The activity theory is assumed as a powerful approach to understand collective learning and distributed agency processes.

Findings

The renewal of the new object of work is analyzed as a trigger for shifts in representations, cultural processes and collective support implemented by the organization. Three agentic trajectories – technical, dialogical and collaborative agency – were cultivated by the management to deliver home health care through joint exercises of coordination and control, dialogical spaces and collaborative process.

Research limitations/implications

The data collection was disrupted by the pandemic. A follow-up study would be beneficial to inquire how the learning processes shifted or were influenced by the contextual changes.

Practical implications

This contribution provides a practical framework for health-care organizations aiming to navigate and explore the physiological tensions and contradictions emerging when the object of work is changed.

Originality/value

The paper develops the field of intra- and inter-organizational learning by presenting an intertwined and structural connection between these processes and the renewing of the object of work. It advises that processes of transformation must be handled with attention to the critical and collective dynamics that accompany sustainable and situated changes.
An assessment of valuation education and training in Kenya in comparison with practice
Authors: Cheloti Irene Naliaka , Mooya Manya Mainza
Published: October 2022

Purpose

This paper examines participants' opinions on whether valuation education and training in Kenya is adequate while comparing it to actual material conditions.

Design/methodology/approach

This research is based on a survey of registered and practicing valuers in Kenya, interviews of key informants from professional bodies and the five universities offering real estate degree courses in Kenya, and a review of Kenya's real estate curricula and Institution of Surveyors of Kenya (ISK) training.

Findings

It was perceived that while valuer education and training in Kenya is satisfactory, it differs from actual material conditions as it fails to cover practical issues in valuation practice.

Originality/value

The study makes a critical contribution to the empirical literature by introducing new insights in valuation education and training in Kenya.
Wire arc additive manufacturing (WAAM) of nanotreated aluminum alloy 6061
Authors: Chi Yitian , Murali Narayanan , Liu Jingke , Liese Maximilian , Li Xiaochun
Published: October 2022

Purpose

Additive manufacturing (AM) can achieve significant weight savings with only minor compromises in strength if high-performance wrought aluminum alloys are used as feedstock. Despite the advantages in strength that aluminum alloys (AA) 6061 offer, they cannot be manufactured via printing because of hot cracking and other solidification problems. The purpose of this study is to achieve high-quality printing of AA6061 with nanotreated wires.

Design/methodology/approach

Nanotreating was used to modify the AA6061 alloy composition by adding a small fraction of nanoparticles to enhance the alloy’s manufacturability and resultant properties. Wire arc additive manufacturing (WAAM) was used to print the nanotreated AA6061 wire feedstock. The microstructure of the printed AA6061 was characterized by X-ray crystallography, optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy mapping. The microhardness profile, tensile behavior and fracture surface were analyzed.

Findings

This work successfully used WAAM to print nanotreated AA 6061 components. The resulting AA6061 parts were crack-free, with exceptional grain morphology and superior mechanical properties. Owing to the excellent size control capabilities of nanoparticles, a homogeneous distribution of small grains was maintained in all deposited layers, even during repeated thermal cycles.

Originality/value

Previous studies have not successfully printed AA6061 using WAAM. Conventional WAAM products exhibit anisotropic mechanical properties. The nanotreated AA6061 was successfully printed to achieve homogeneous microhardness and isotropic tensile properties. The promising results of this study reflect the great potential of nanotech metallurgy as applied to the WAAM process.
Why did I join networks? The moderating effect of risk-taking propensity on network linkage and the performance of women-owned businesses
Authors: Ismail Ismail Juma
Published: October 2022

Purpose

This study aims to contribute to the body of knowledge through focusing on the moderating effect of risk-taking propensity in the relationship between network linkage and business performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Exploratory factor analysis was conducted so as to verify the items. Furthermore, the direct and moderation tests were conducted through the PROCESS macro.

Findings

The findings revealed the propensity for risk-taking is a significant moderator of the relationship between network linkage and business performance.

Practical implications

Women entrepreneurs are urged to increase their level of involvement in the networks so as to obtain external resources. Also, women entrepreneurs are encouraged to improve their risk-taking behaviour through training.

Originality/value

Little is known about the moderating role of risk-taking proclivity in the relationship between network linkage and business performance, particularly for women-owned businesses.
Trends in prescriptions of oral medications for psoriasis: A single‐center retrospective study
Authors: Takano‐Kawasaki Sayaka , Sato Emi , Yamaguchi Kazuki , Imafuku Shinichi
Published: October 2022

The systemic treatment of psoriasis has changed markedly with the introduction of many novel drugs. However, clinicians have had limited opportunities to evaluate these new therapies. One of the new drugs, apremilast (a phosphodiesterase‐4 inhibitor), was approved in 2017 in Japan. We previously reported oral treatment for psoriasis before the introduction of apremilast. In this study, we investigated the impact of apremilast on oral medication for psoriasis by comparing data obtained before and after apremilast became available. This retrospective study enrolled patients who visited the Department of Dermatology, Fukuoka University Hospital, who were diagnosed with psoriasis and treated with anti‐psoriatic oral medications. Patients were divided into two groups: Group 1, who first visited our clinic between January 2010 and March 2016; and Group 2, who first visited our clinic between April 2016 and March 2022. The information collected included patient demographics, drug use (apremilast, cyclosporine, methotrexate, and etretinate), and treatment duration. In Group 1 (n = 149 patients), cyclosporine, methotrexate, and etretinate were prescribed to 59.1%, 16.6%, and 24.3% of the patients, respectively. In Group 2 (n = 129 patients), apremilast was prescribed to 52.5% of patients, while the number of prescriptions for cyclosporine and etretinate had decreased to 17.1% and 8.3%, respectively. The number of methotrexate prescriptions did not change significantly. Apremilast, methotrexate, and etretinate had longer continuation rates than cyclosporine in Group 2. In conclusion, apremilast replaced cyclosporine and etretinate mainly because of its better safety profile, whereas methotrexate remained in constant demand in both eras. New oral treatments for psoriasis, such as tyrosine kinase‐2 inhibitors, are now in the pipeline, and our data will serve as a control for oral anti‐psoriatic medicine before the coming era.
Core rhizosphere microbiome ofPanax notoginsengand its associations with belowground biomass and saponin contents
Authors: Wei Guangfei , Zhang Guozhuang , Li Mengzhi , Liu Congsheng , Wei Fugang , Wang Yong , Huang Zhixin , Chen Zhongjian , Zheng Yuqing , Chen Shilin , Dong Linlin
Published: October 2022

The core rhizosphere microbiome is critical for plant fitness. However, its contribution to the belowground biomass and saponin contents ofPanax notoginsengremains unclear. High‐throughput sequencing of amplicon and metagenome was performed to obtain the microbiome profiles and functional traits inP. notoginsengrhizosphere across a large spatial scale. We obtained 639 bacterial and 310 fungal core OTUs, which were mainly affected by soil pH and organic matter (OM). The core taxa were grouped into four ecological clusters (i.e. high pH, low pH, high OM and low OM) for sharing similar habitat preferences. Furthermore, structural equation modelling (SEM) and correlation analyses revealed that the diversity and composition of core microbiomes, as well as the metagenome‐derived microbial functions, were related to belowground biomass and saponin contents. Key microbial genera related to the two plant indicators were also identified. In short, this study explored the main driving environmental factors of core microbiomes in theP. notoginsengrhizosphere and revealed that the core microbiomes and microbial functions potentially contributed to the belowground biomass and saponin contents of the plant. This work may enhance our understanding of interactions between microbes and perennial plants and improve our ability to manage root microbiota for the sustainable production of herbal medicine.
Scanning before injection for costochondritis: A case report of ultrasound imaging of Hodgkin's lymphoma with chest wall invasion
Authors: Wu Wei‐Ting , Galluccio Felice , Lin Ting‐Syuan , Chang Ke‐Vin , Özçakar Levent
Published: October 2022

Non‐traumatic costochondritis, which manifests as pain and tenderness over the anterior chest wall, may be associated with inflammatory arthritis affecting the upper costochondral and sternocostal joints. Local corticosteroid injection is helpful for recalcitrant cases and ultrasound guidance may not be routinely used by experienced rheumatologists. We report a female patient with pain over the right upper parasternal area with gradual swelling near the first costosternal junction. The ultrasound examination revealed a hyper‐vascular mass, which was proven to be Hodgkin's lymphoma. We want to emphasize the importance of using ultrasound for guiding injection for costochondral lesions which facilitated the detection of a tumor invading the chest wall in our case.
Immigrants experience oral health care inequity: findings from Australia's National Study of Adult Oral Health
Authors: Mejia GC , Ju X , Kumar S , Soares GH , Balasubramanian M , Sohn W , Jamieson L
Published: October 2022

Background

Oral health service utilization contributes to positive oral health and indicates realised access to services. The study aimed to describe patterns of oral health service use among overseas‐born and Australian‐born populations and assess equity in access to services.

Methods

The study used data from Australia's National Study of Adult Oral Health 2017–2018 and was guided by the Aday and Andersen framework of access to health and Australia's National Oral Health Plan. Descriptive analyses of service use by perceived need, enabling and predisposing factors were compared between four groups: Australian‐born and overseas‐born who mainly speak English and Australian‐born and overseas‐born who mainly speak a language other than English.

Results

Overseas‐born who mainly speak a language other than English experienced greater oral health care inequity, largely driven by financial difficulty (avoided care due to cost: 42% vs 27%–28%; avoided/delayed visiting due to cost: 48% vs. 37%–38%; cost prevented treatment: 32% vs. 18%–24%). The most favourable visiting patterns were among the Australian‐born population who speak a language other than English.

Conclusions

The study shows clear inequity experienced among immigrants in accessibility as measured through indicators of oral health care utilization and factors related to inequity, such as the ability to pay for services.
The motherhood effect on labour market outcomes: evidence from South Korea
Authors: Kim Anna , Hahn Youjin
Published: October 2022

We examine mothers' relative labour market outcomes around the first childbirth in South Korea, a country with the highest gender pay gaps and the lowest fertility rate among the OECD countries. Using an event study approach, we find that while fathers remain unaffected, mothers' earnings drop sharply by 66.2 per cent over the long run, mostly driven by a reduction in labour force participation. For women who continue to work, motherhood lowers the probability of entering male‐dominated occupations and industries but increases the probability of working in female‐dominated occupations and industries. Finally, we find that motherhood has a stronger negative effect on labour market outcomes for less‐educated mothers, young mothers, mothers who first bear children within two years of marriage, and mothers with three or more children.
Factor VII deficiency in China: Phenotype, genotype and current status of management
Authors: Qu Cuiyun , Liu Wei , Chen Lingling , Zhang Lei , Xue Feng , Yang Renchi
Published: October 2022

Congenital factor VII (FVII) deficiency is a rare bleeding disorder characterised by a wide molecular and clinical heterogeneity. We investigated the clinical phenotype of 193 patients and F7 genotype of 55/193 patients with FVII deficiency throughout China and showed their current status of management. The most frequent bleeding symptoms were epistaxis (44.6%), cutaneous (38.9%), oral cavity (40.4%) bleeding and menorrhagia (44.3% of females of reproductive age). Fatal central nervous system bleeding and disabling joint bleeding occurred in three patients each. The majority of patients (89.6%) had FVII activity (FVII:C) ≤10% and the proportion of symptomatic patients in this group (79.8%) was significantly higher than that in the groups with FVII:C >10%–25% (41.7%) and >25%–50% (37.5%) (χ2 = 13.641, p = 0.001). Major bleeds occurred only in patients with FVII:C ≤10%. In total 55 patients underwent genotype analysis: most variants were missense (62.5%) and most patients had homozygous/compound heterozygous (85.4%) variants. Prothrombin complex concentrates (72.4%) were the most frequently used on‐demand replacement therapy. Prophylaxis before delivery decreased the risk of postpartum bleeding in women (χ2 = 69.243, p = 0.000). Our study provides useful information on the phenotype, genotype and current status of FVII‐deficiency patients management and may promote further exploration and care of this population in the future.
Real‐life outgroup exposure, self‐reported outgroup contact and the other‐race effect
Authors: Stelter Marleen , Simon Deja , Calanchini Jimmy , Christ Oliver , Degner Juliane
Published: October 2022

People are better at recognizing faces from their own racial or ethnic group compared with faces from other racial or ethnic groups, known as the other‐‘race’ effect (ORE). Several theories of the ORE assume that memory for other‐race faces is impaired because people have less contact with members of other racial or ethnic groups, resulting in lower visual expertise. The present research investigates contact theories of the ORE, using self‐report contact measures and objective measures of potential outgroup exposure (estimated from participants' residential location and from GPS tracking). Across six studies (total N = 2660), we observed that White American and White German participants displayed better memory for White faces compared with Black or Middle Eastern faces, whereas Black American participants displayed similarly equal or better memory for White compared with Black faces. We did not observe any relations between the ORE and objective measures of potential outgroup exposure. Only in Studies 2a and 2b, we observed very small correlations (rs = −.08 to .06) between 4 out of 30 contact measures and the ORE. We discuss methodological limitations and implications for theories of the ORE.
An intertriginous hyperpigmented macular eruption
Authors: Harnett Clare , Meah Nekma , Low Su Enn , Eustace Karen
Published: October 2022

A 23-year-old woman presented with a hyperpigmented intertriginous eruption unresponsive to topical steroids and to topical and systemic antifungals. Histopathological assessment demonstrated patchy inflammatory infiltrate at the demoepidermal junction with pigment incontinence.

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Altered dynamic functional network connectivity in levodopa‐induced dyskinesia of Parkinson's disease
Authors: Si Qianqian , Gan Caiting , Zhang Heng , Cao Xingyue , Sun Huimin , Wang Min , Wang Lina , Yuan Yongsheng , Zhang Kezhong
Published: October 2022

Aims

The aim of this study was to clarify the dynamic neural activity of levodopa‐induced dyskinesia (LID) in Parkinson's disease (PD).

Methods

Using dynamic functional network connectivity (dFNC) analysis, we evaluated 41 PD patients with LID (LID group) and 34 PD patients without LID (No‐LID group). Group spatial independent component analysis and sliding‐window approach were employed. Moreover, we applied a k‐means clustering algorithm on windowed functional connectivity (FC) matrices to identify reoccurring FC patterns (i.e., states).

Results

The optimal number of states was determined to be five, the so‐called State 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5. In ON phase, compared with No‐LID group, LID group occurred more frequently and dwelled longer in strongly connected State 1, characterized by strong positive connections between visual network (VIS) and sensorimotor network (SMN). When switching from OFF to ON phase, LID group occurred less frequently in State 3 and State 4. Meanwhile, LID group dwelled longer in State 2 and shorter in State 3. No‐LID group occurred more frequently in State 5 and less frequently in State 3. Additionally, correlation analysis demonstrated that dyskinesia's severity was associated with frequency of occurrence and dwell time in State 2, dominated by inferior frontal cortex in cognitive executive network (CEN).

Conclusion

Using dFNC analysis, we found that dyskinesia may be related to the dysfunctional inhibition of CEN on motor loops and excessive excitation of VIS and SMN, which provided evidence of the changes in brain dynamics associated with the occurrence of dyskinesia.
Measuring benefit from non‐surgical interventions in otolaryngology for different conditions, using the revised 5‐factor Glasgow Benefit Inventory
Authors: Kubba Haytham , Whitmer William M. , Browning George G.
Published: October 2022

Objectives

The Glasgow Benefit Inventory (GBI) has been extensively used to report the benefit from otolaryngological surgery. Benefit from non‐surgical management has not been reported, despite this being the outcome of most otolaryngology and audiology consultations.

Design

GBI responses from 4543 adults from the Scottish ENT Outcome Study were categorised by diagnosis. Benefit scores for different interventions within diagnostic categories for which surgery was not a potential management are reported using the revised 5‐factor Glasgow Benefit Inventory (GBI‐5F; 15 questions and 5 factors).

Setting

Adult otolaryngology outpatient clinics in six university hospitals.

Participants

Adults seen with conditions that had no surgical option and given non‐surgical management.

Results

Overall, 80% of participants managed in Scottish Ear Nose and Throat Outcome Study (SENTOS) did not have surgery. A total of 1373 (30%) participants with various diagnoses were given reassurance and advice with no active intervention. There was no change in their GBI‐5F total or factor scores, suggesting that they did not come to harm from their lack of active intervention. Hearing aids for bilateral sensorineural hearing loss gave greater benefit than reassurance in all factors, though individuals with a conductive impairment reported greater benefit in the Quality of life factor than those with a sensorineural impairment. Hearing aids and maskers produced benefit in the Support factor for patients with tinnitus. Epley's manoeuvre for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo gave benefit in the total score and the Quality of life factor compared with reassurance. Systemic medication for laryngo‐pharyngeal reflux and topical medication for otitis externa gave no greater benefit in any factor or the total score compared with reassurance.

Conclusion

The GBI‐5F and its five factors give useful information for reporting the benefit of non‐surgical interventions in adult otolaryngology and audiology clinics.
A protocol for a prospective, multicentre observational study to determine if nonanaemic iron deficiency worsens postoperative outcome in patients undergoing elective surgery for resection of colorectal cancer: The NATO study
Authors: Miles Lachlan F. , Pac Soo Vanessa , Braat Sabine , Burgess Adele , Heritier Stephane , Smart Philip , Tan Nicole , Parker Anna , Burbury Kate L. , Story David A. ,   the ANZCA Clinical Trials Network
Published: October 2022

Background

Preoperative absolute and functional iron deficiency anaemia is associated with poor postoperative outcomes in patients undergoing surgery for colorectal cancer. It is biologically plausible that “early”, or “nonanaemic” iron deficiency may also be associated with worse postoperative outcomes in similar cohorts, albeit at lesser severity than that seen for anaemia. The evidence supporting this assertion is of low quality.

Methods

We have designed a prospective, observational study to delineate associations between preoperative non‐anaemic iron deficiency and postoperative outcomes after surgery for colorectal cancer. Patients without anaemia, undergoing elective surgery for colorectal cancer will be allocated to an iron replete or an iron deficient group based on preoperative transferrin saturation. The primary outcome is days alive and at home on postoperative day 90. Secondary outcomes include days alive and at home on postoperative day 30, length of hospital stay, readmission to acute care, postoperative complications, health‐related quality of life scores, quality of postoperative recovery, and requirement for allogeneic blood transfusion. The planned sample size is 422 patients, which has 80% power to detect a two‐day difference in the primary outcome. The study commenced in May 2019.

Conclusion

The results of this study will provide patients and clinicians with high‐quality evidence concerning associations between nonanaemic iron deficiency and patient‐centred outcomes after surgery for colorectal cancer. The study will be conducted in multiple urban and rural centres across Australia and New Zealand. The results will be highly generalisable to contemporary surgical practice and should be rapidly translated.
Major renal morbidity following elective rectal cancer resection by the type of diverting ostomy
Authors: Loria Anthony , Z. Becerra Adan , D. Melucci Alexa , Ghaffar Aqsa , Croft Ashley , A. Hanchett Virginia , K. Temple Larissa , J. Fleming Fergal
Published: October 2022

Aim

Patients with rectal cancer often undergo faecal diversion, yet the existing literature cursorily reports renal sequelae by the type of ostomy. We aimed to determine whether the presence of an ileostomy or colostomy was associated with postoperative renal morbidity.

Methods

We identified patients with rectal cancer undergoing elective resection with primary anastomosis without diversion, with an ileostomy and with a colostomy by 21 possible procedures in the colectomy‐ and proctectomy‐specific National Surgical Quality Improvement Program files. The odds of major renal events (renal failure [dialysis initiated] or progressive renal insufficiency [>2 mg/dl increase in creatinine without dialysis]), progressive renal insufficiency alone and readmissions were assessed using propensity score weighting and logistic regression.

Results

Of 15 075 patients (63.7% Stage II–III, 85.7% creatinine values obtained ≤30 days preoperatively), 37.7% were not diverted, 39.5% had an ileostomy and 22.9% a colostomy. Compared to non‐diverted patients, diversion was associated with major renal events (ileostomy, odds ratio [OR] 2.1, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.6–2.9; colostomy, OR 1.8, 95% CI 1.3–2.5), progressive renal insufficiency (ileostomy, OR 2.5, 95% CI 1.7–3.5; colostomy, OR 2.0, 95% CI 1.4–2.9), readmissions for renal failure (ileostomy, OR 3.2, 95% CI 2.1–5.0; colostomy, OR 2.5, 95% CI 1.6–4.1) and readmissions for fluid/electrolyte abnormalities (ileostomy, OR 2.3, 95% CI 1.6–3.3; colostomy, OR 1.8, 95% CI 1.2–2.6).

Conclusion

Diverting ostomies after elective rectal cancer resection are strongly associated with renal morbidity. The decision to divert is complex, and it is unclear whether select patients may benefit from a colostomy from a renal perspective.