bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Business intelligence and the leverage of information in healthcare organizations from a managerial perspective: a systematic literature review and research agenda
Authors: Trincanato Edoardo , Vagnoni Emidia
Published: March 2024

Purpose

Business intelligence (BI) systems and tools are deemed to be a transformative source with the potential to contribute to reshaping the way different healthcare organizations’ (HCOs) services are offered and managed. However, this emerging field of research still appears underdeveloped and fragmented. Hence, this paper aims to reconciling, analyzing and synthesizing different strands of managerial-oriented literature on BI in HCOs and to enhance both theoretical and applied future contributions.

Design/methodology/approach

A literature-based framework was developed to establish and guide a three-stage state-of-the-art systematic literature review (SLR). The SLR was undertaken adopting a hybrid methodology that combines a bibliometric and a content analysis.

Findings

In total, 34 peer-review articles were included. Results revealed significant heterogeneity in theoretical basis and methodological strategies. Nonetheless, the knowledge structure of this research’s stream seems to be primarily composed of five clusters of interconnected topics: (1) decision-making, relevant capabilities and value creation; (2) user satisfaction and quality; (3) process management, organizational change and financial effectiveness; (4) decision-support information, dashboard and key performance indicators; and (5) performance management and organizational effectiveness.

Originality/value

To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first SLR providing a business and management-related state-of-the-art on the topic. Besides, the paper offers an original framework disentangling future research directions from each emerged cluster into issues pertaining to BI implementation, utilization and impact in HCOs. The paper also discusses the need of future contributions to explore possible integrations of BI with emerging data-driven technologies (e.g. artificial intelligence) in HCOs, as the role of BI in addressing sustainability challenges.
Apple fruit preference and food mile problems under halal supply chain
Authors: Nazaruddin La Ode , Miah Md Tota , Susanty Aries , Fekete-Farkas Maria , Naárné Tóth Zsuzsanna , Balázs Gyenge
Published: March 2024

Purpose

This study aims to uncover apple preference and consumption in Indonesia, to disclose the risk of non-halal contamination of apples and the importance of maintaining the halal integrity of apples along the supply chain and to uncover the impacts of food miles of apples along supply chain segmentation.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopted mixed research methods under a fully mixed sequential dominant status design (QUAN → qual). Data were collected through a survey in some Indonesian provinces (N = 396 respondents). Samples were collected randomly from individual consumers. The qualitative data were collected through interviews with 15 apple traders in Indonesia. Data were analysed using crosstab, chi-square and descriptive analysis.

Findings

First, Muslim consumers believe in the risk of chemical treatment of apples because it can affect the halal status of apples. Second, Indonesian consumers consider the importance of halal certification of chemical-treated apples and the additives for apple treatments. Third, the insignificance of domestic apple preference contributes to longer food miles at the first- and middle-mile stages (preference for imported apples). Fourth, apple consumption and shopping distance contribute to the longer food miles problem at the last-mile stage. Fifth, longer food miles have negative impacts, such as emissions and pollution, food loss and waste, food insecurity, financial loss, slow development of the local economy and food unsafety.

Practical implications

This research has implications for the governments, farmers, consumers (society) and business sectors.

Originality/value

This study proposes a framework of food miles under a halal supply chain (halal food miles) to reduce the risk of food miles and improve halal integrity. The findings from this research have theoretical implications for the development of the food mile theory, halal food supply chain and green supply chain.
Outsourcing and entrepreneurial innovation in a transition economy: the moderating roles of private ownership and government support
Authors: Vo Dut Van , Phạm Phú Gia Minh , Nguyen Tri Giac
Published: March 2024

Purpose

This study aims to study the moderating effects of private ownership and government support on the relationship between outsourcing and product innovation in entrepreneurial ventures in a transition economy.

Design/methodology/approach

The data of 10,296 Vietnamese entrepreneurial ventures from the four rounds of the survey conducted by the General Statistics Office (GSO) of Vietnam to investigate the moderating effects of private ownership and government support on the association between outsourcing and entrepreneurial ventures’ product innovation performance. The Probit regression model is employed to estimate such associations.

Findings

Our research uncovered that the impact of outsourcing on the likelihood of product innovation is more significant for entrepreneurial operations characterized by a substantial degree of private ownership and government backing as opposed to those without.

Research limitations/implications

The results of our research indicated that the resource-based perspective and extended resource-based view (ERBV) are essential in examining the impact of gaining resources or skills from external sources on the growth of entrepreneurial enterprises. These ideas have significance and importance not just in industrialized economies but also in countries undergoing transition. Our findings suggest that entrepreneurial enterprises should have the ability to manage a wide range of resources and make decisions about which activities should be handled internally and which should be delegated to other parties.

Practical implications

Our findings also imply that entrepreneurial ventures should be able to control many resources and choose which tasks should be performed in-house and which should be outsourced to third parties.

Originality/value

By adopting and leveraging the resource-based view (RBV) and extended resource-based views (ERBV), our study developed a theoretical model about private ownership and government support for moderate outsourcing’s impact on entrepreneurial innovation in a transition economy.
Pandemic policymaking affecting older adult volunteers during and after the COVID-19 public health crisis in the four nations of the UK
Authors: Grotz Jurgen , Armstrong Lindsay , Edwards Heather , Jones Aileen , Locke Michael , Smith Laurel , Speed Ewen , Birt Linda
Published: March 2024

Purpose

This study aims to critically examine the effects of COVID-19 social discourses and policy decisions specifically on older adult volunteers in the UK, comparing the responses and their effects in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, providing perspectives on effects of policy changes designed to reduce risk of infection as a result of COVID-19, specifically on volunteer involvement of and for older adults, and understand, from the perspectives of volunteer managers, how COVID-19 restrictions had impacted older people’s volunteering and situating this within statutory public health policies.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses a critical discourse approach to explore, compare and contrast accounts of volunteering of and for older people in policy, and then compare the discourses within policy documents with the discourses in personal accounts of volunteering in health and social care settings in the four nations of the UK. This paper is co-produced in collaboration with co-authors who have direct experience with volunteer involvement responses and their impact on older people.

Findings

The prevailing overall policy approach during the pandemic was that risk of morbidity and mortality to older people was too high to permit them to participate in volunteering activities. Disenfranchising of older people, as exemplified in volunteer involvement, was remarkably uniform across the four nations of the UK. However, the authors find that despite, rather than because of policy changes, older volunteers, as part of, or with the help of, volunteer involving organisations, are taking time to think and to reconsider their involvement and are renewing their volunteer involvement with associated health benefits.

Research limitations/implications

Working with participants as co-authors helps to ensure the credibility of results in that there was agreement in the themes identified and the conclusions. A limitation of this study lies in the sampling method, as a convenience sample was used and there is only representation from one organisation in each of the four nations.

Originality/value

The paper combines existing knowledge about volunteer involvement of and for older adults.
Baseball bat, resign, or accept? Handling career impacting feedback
Authors: Weilage Christopher E. , Kraft Patricia
Published: March 2024

Research methodology

This case was developed from a primary source and is based on interviews and personal evaluations.

Case overview/synopsis

Maria was at a scheduled lunch with her direct manager, John, who inquired about the privacy leak regarding employee data she had found a few months earlier. Upon discovering the issue, Maria took on the task of ensuring the privacy leak was dealt with and resolved. John knew it was a challenging interdepartmental task because other managers did not immediately recognize the seriousness and full impact of the issue on employee privacy. Plus, the belief was that the project to combine two software programs improving CRM functionality, causing the employee data leak, needed immediate release. During the lunch, Maria stated that the privacy problem was fully eliminated and that, in the end, it did impact a lot more than only a few employees. John actively encouraged Maria in the conversation to seek feedback from Richard, the managing director directly involved and responsible for the project, which Maria had already done. When the feedback arrived, Maria felt extremely hurt by the comments and began to question the validity of the company’s values. Now, she must decide what her options are.

This case study is about dealing with feedback, career development and how to receive and provide feedback. It presents a situation that allows for a variety of ways to address negative feedback and shows that different reactions can have broader consequences for career development. At the same time, the case illustrates how feedback is given in international teams and companies, and how intercultural or gender-relevant circumstances may have to be considered.

Complexity academic level

This case study was written for use in BA and MA classes to promote discussion regarding feedback. Relevant courses in business and administration or an international business study program could be organizational behavior, communication training, conflict management, an intercultural competencies course or in line with career management sequences.

Early program BA students, BA students in advanced semesters as well as MA students with work experience are all markets for the case. It has been class-tested with BA international business students. While advanced BA and graduate students are able to and expected to enrich discussions by contributing personal stories, early program BA students benefit from learning how to create feedback and how to read feedback – including from other students, instructors and managers, to use during their first internships.
Expanding victim‐centred postcrisis communication through memorials: A case study of Lufthansa's communication efforts following the 2015 Germanwings plane crash
Authors: Tachkova Elina R.
Published: March 2024

Most of the existing literature on crisis communication focuses on the crisis response immediately following a crisis. There is a dearth of research examining postcrisis communication efforts. Postcrisis communication is especially important in the context of tragic crises, which leave stakeholders deeply affected and traumatized. This paper examines the multifaceted nature of memorials and their significance in postcrisis communication. Using the 2015 Germanwings crash as an illustrative case study, the paper highlights how memorials serve as artifacts of grief, remembrance and celebration of life. Postcrisis communication that centres on victim needs is a keystone to better crisis management. Moreover, I argue that postcrisis communication should facilitate healing by serving the needs of victims, which supersede those of organizations. The paper examines the notions of victim‐centred crisis communication and ethics of care by looking at memorials as artefacts of postcrisis communication.
A study protocol for live and deceased donor uterus transplantation as a treatment for women with uterine factor infertility
Authors: Pittman Jana , Brännström Mats , Keily Neill , Gerstl Brigitte , Cavazzoni Elena , Pleass Henry , Lotz Mianna , Rogers Natasha , Wong Germaine , Hsueh Wayne , Hanafy Ashraf , Abbott Jason A. , Deans Rebecca
Published: March 2024

Aim

Uterus transplantation (UTx) is an emerging treatment option for women with uterine factor infertility (UFI) or the absence of a functional uterus. This is the study protocol for the first human UTx clinical trial in Australia.

Materials and Methods

This protocol outlines the approved training program used to plan, diagnose, screen, and treat patients who may be eligible for UTx using living and deceased donors. This multi‐site clinical research study includes three tertiary hospital sites within New South Wales (NSW), Australia – Prince of Wales, Royal Hospital for Women and Westmead Hospitals. Our UTx protocol is based on that used by our collaborative partner, the inaugural UTx team in Gothenburg, Sweden. The Swedish UTx team provides ongoing preceptorship for the Australian UTx team. Ethics approval for six UTx procedures using living or deceased donors (Western Sydney Local Health District Human Research Ethics Committee: 2019/ETH138038) was granted in 2020.

Results

Results from surgeries and live births will be published. Data will be prospectively entered into the registry of the International Society of Uterus Transplantation (ISUTx), a sub‐section of The Transplantation Society (TTS). Trial Id: ACTRN12622000917730.

Discussion

A multidisciplinary research team has been formed between three tertiary hospitals in Sydney – The Royal Hospital for Women, Prince of Wales and Westmead Hospitals; and with the Swedish UTx, University of Gothenburg. The Swedish team pioneered animal and human UTx studies since 1998, including publishing the first live birth after UTx. (1) This Australian trial commenced in January 2023.

Conclusion

Uterus transplantation gives women with UFI the opportunity to be gestational and genetic mothers. It is a complex procedure for both the donor and recipient, with medical and surgical risks. An extensive multidisciplinary approach is required to optimise patient safety and graft outcomes. This protocol outlines our Australian UTx team strategy for screening, recruitment, surgical approach, and clinical management of UTx recipients and donors.
Triage of V‐V ECMO referrals for COVID‐19 respiratory failure
Authors: Niles Erin , Haase Daniel J. , Tran Quincy , Gerding James A. , Esposito Emily , Dahi Siamak , Galvagno Samuel M. , Boswell Kimberly , Rector Raymond , Pearce Robert , Abdel‐Wahab Maie , Singh Aditi , Pirzada Saad , Tabatabai Ali , Powell Elizabeth K.
Published: March 2024

Background

As the pandemic progressed, the use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) for COVID‐19‐related acute respiratory distress syndrome increased, and patient triage and transfer to ECMO centers became important to optimize patient outcomes. Our objectives are to identify predictors of patient transfer for veno‐venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (V‐V ECMO) evaluation as well as to describe the outcomes of accepted patients.

Methods

This is a single‐center, retrospective analysis of V‐V ECMO transfer requests for adult patients with known or suspected COVID‐19 and respiratory failure from March 2020 until March 2021. Data were collected prospectively during the triage process for transfer requests as part of clinical patient care at our institution.

Results

Of 341 referred patients, 112 (33%) were accepted for transfer to our facility, whereas 229 (67%) patients were declined for transfer. The Classification and Regression Tree analysis showed that patients' high pressure during airway pressure release ventilation (APRV) and age were the variables most significantly associated with the decision to accept or decline patients for transfer.

Conclusions

Our triage process enabled one‐third of referred patients to be transferred for evaluation, with nearly 70% of those patients ultimately receiving ECMO support. High ventilator settings on APRV and young age were associated with acceptance for transfer. Accepted patients also had a higher incidence of adjunctive therapies (proning and paralysis) prior to transfer request, less cardiac or renal dysfunction, and a shorter duration of mechanical ventilation. Further research is warranted to investigate the outcomes of nontransferred patients.
School children's perceptions about being offered the HPV vaccination – A focus group study
Authors: Enskär Ida , Fransson Emma , Enskär Karin , Nevéus Tryggve , Grandahl Maria
Published: March 2024

Aim

There is limited knowledge about the perceptions of HPV vaccination in middle‐school children. This qualitative study aimed to explore their views.

Methods

We conducted focus group interviews with children, 10–11 years of age, who had been offered HPV vaccination through the school health services in mid‐north Sweden in spring of 2023. Data were analysed with qualitative content analysis.

Results

This study included six focus group interviews with 49 children (boys n = 29; girls n = 20), mean of 11 years of age. Participating children expressed the need to feel safe to be of utmost importance and the means to do so was to be prepared and informed by someone the child trusted. The school nurse was perceived as the expert, best suited to provide factual information, support and motivation, both to children and their parents.

Conclusion

We confirm that healthcare providers' recommendations are crucial for HPV vaccine acceptance also from the child's perspective. Improved information about HPV vaccination to children is necessary. Children's right to participate on their own terms is not fulfilled today. Vaccine promotion, both to children and parents, should be actively managed by the school nurse.
‘The whole thing is beyond stress’: Family perspectives on the experience of hospitalisation through to discharge for individuals with severe learning disabilities and complex needs
Authors: Stock Megan , Mulholland Mark , Cooper Vivien , Head Annabel , Prowse Sam , Wellsted David , Mengoni Silvana E. , Rhodes Louisa , Ellis‐Caird Helen
Published: March 2024

Background

People with severe learning disabilities and complex needs are more likely to experience delayed discharge from hospital; however, there is little research into their experience in hospital and as they move out as part of the Transforming Care Programme.

Methods

Six family members of people with complex needs who had moved out of hospital took part in four focus groups co‐facilitated with an expert‐by‐experience consultant. Participants' relatives had hospital admissions that ranged from 6 weeks to 11 years. Transcripts were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Additional reflections are included from an expert‐by‐experience consultant to capture their unique perspective.

Results

Family members reported stories of abuse in hospital and parallel experiences of institutionalisation and trauma, resulting in long‐lasting impacts on themselves and their relative. Family members felt let down and undervalued by professionals. They described relief when their relatives moved out of hospital, but there were on‐going difficulties accessing the right support in the community and so stability felt fragile.

Conclusions

Key recommendations to support community living include respecting family members' expertise, improving partnership working and offering psychological support for family members and people with complex needs post‐discharge.
Pseudoacromegaly—A challenging entity in the endocrine clinic: A systematic review
Authors: Marques Pedro , Sapinho Inês , Korbonits Márta
Published: March 2024

Objective

Pseudoacromegaly encompasses conditions with features of acromegaly/gigantism, but no growth hormone (GH) or insulin‐like growth factor‐1 (IGF‐1) excess. We aimed to review published pseudoacromegaly cases evaluated due to clinical suspicion of acromegaly.

Design/Patients

PubMed/Medline search was conducted to identify reported pseudoacromegaly cases, which were systematically reviewed to ensure they met eligibility criteria: (1) presentation suggestive of acromegaly; (2) acromegaly excluded based on normal GH, IGF‐1 and/or GH suppression on oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT‐GH); (3) diagnosis of the pseudoacromegaly condition was established. Data were retrieved from each case and analysed collectively.

Results

Of 76 cases, 47 were males, mean ages at presentation and at first acromegaloid symptoms were 28 ± 16 and 17 ± 10 years, respectively. Most common conditions were pachydermoperiostosis (47%) and insulin‐mediated pseudoacromegaly (IMP) (24%). Acromegaloid facies (75%) and acral enlargement (80%) were the most common features. Measurement of random GH was reported in 65%, IGF‐1 in 79%, OGTT‐GH in 51%. GH excess was more frequently excluded based on two tests (53%). Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed in 30 patients, with pituitary adenoma or hyperplasia being reported in eight and three patients, respectively. Investigations differed between cases managed by endocrine and non‐endocrine specialists, the former requesting more often IGF‐1, OGTT‐GH and pituitary MRI.

Conclusions

Pseudoacromegaly is a challenging entity that may be encountered by endocrinologists. Pachydermoperiostosis and IMP are the conditions most often mimicking acromegaly. Adequate assessment of GH/IGF‐1 is crucial to exclude acromegaly, which may be better performed by endocrinologists. Pituitary incidentalomas are common and require careful judgement to prevent unnecessary pituitary surgery.
Synergies of management actions between species and community focused approaches to protecting threatened biodiversity
Authors: Olivares‐Rojas Javiera , Cook Carly N. , Walsh Jessica C.
Published: March 2024

Conservation efforts have focused largely on species, yet ecosystem management is suggested to be a more efficient strategy for biodiversity management. With increasing numbers of threatened species, ecosystems and ecological communities, and limited resources, an approach that delivers the best conservation outcomes across multiple levels of biodiversity is crucial. In this study, we compared a species approach and a community approach to management by evaluating the number of threatened species benefiting from actions targeted at threatened ecological communities (TECs), and vice versa. We ran three analyses: one theoretical, and two spatially‐explicit analyses accounting for co‐occurrence in distributions and site‐based actions. We found that of 124 actions, 61 were common to species and TECs. Yet, the overlap of actions was lower when considering species and TEC co‐occurrences across the distributions, and was mostly lost at the site‐scale. In all analyses, focusing on species management resulted in a greater percentage of actions considered, thus potentially benefiting more species and TECs. We suggest that when there is limited capacity to perform formal prioritization analyses, our process could identify actions addressing widespread and common threats impacting both species and communities. Further, simultaneously managing both species and TECs would potentially deliver a more effective solution.
Developing an intervention to support dietary change for shift workers living with type 2 diabetes: A stakeholder consultation
Authors: Gibson Rachel , Oliver Nick , McGowan Barbara , Guess Nicola , Lorencatto Fabiana
Published: March 2024

Background

Shift workers, compared to day workers, are more likely to be diagnosed with type 2 diabetes (T2D). Currently, there is no tailored programme of dietary support available to either shift workers living with T2D or employers.

Methods

An intervention development consultation workshop was convened in June 2023 with the aim of evaluating potential interventions to identify those with a potential to take forward for further development. Findings from prior formative research into factors influencing dietary behaviour in shift workers with T2D were mapped to potential interventions addressing the barriers and enablers to healthy eating reported by shift workers with T2D. The findings of the Shift‐Diabetes Study were presented in the context of the COM‐B (Capability, Opportunity, Motivation, Behaviour) theoretical framework of behaviour change. Three interventions in turn were presented to attendees: (1) Educational resources and structured education, (2) Increasing availability and accessibility of food on a night shift and (3) Biofeedback and tailored advice. Seven workshop attendees were invited to express their thoughts, using the APEASE criteria (Affordability, Practicability, Effectiveness, Acceptability, Side‐effects/Safety, Equity) to guide the discussion. The workshop was conducted online and recorded, and transcripts were thematically coded to the APEASE framework.

Results/Conclusions

The workshop highlighted the importance of multilevel interventions to support dietary behaviour change in this occupational group. Priority actions identified include (i) understanding barriers to 24/7 food availability, (ii) including shift workers in clinical diabetes studies and (iii) research to understand the effectiveness of continuous glucose monitoring in shift workers with T2D.
Canagliflozin or acarbose versus placebo to ameliorate post‐bariatric hypoglycaemia – The HypoBar I randomized clinical trial protocol
Authors: Lobato Carolina B. , Winding Clara Tornoe , Bojsen‐Møller Kirstine N. , Martinussen Christoffer , Veedfald Simon , Holst Jens J. , Madsbad Sten , Jørgensen Nils Bruun , Dirksen Carsten
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Post‐bariatric hypoglycaemia (PBH) is a rare yet disabling clinical condition, mostly reported after Roux‐en‐Y gastric bypass (RYGB) surgery. RYGB is one of the most widely used and effective bariatric procedures. The pathophysiology of PBH remains unclear, and treatment options are limited in effectiveness and/or carry significant side effects. Acarbose slows carbohydrates digestion and absorption and is generally considered first‐line pharmacological treatment for PBH but its gastrointestinal side effects limit patient compliance. Canagliflozin inhibits intestinal and renal sodium‐dependent glucose absorption and reduces postprandial excursions of glucose, insulin and incretins after RYGB – effects that could be beneficial in ameliorating PBH.

Aims

The trial aims to investigate how blood glucose levels are affected during daily living in subjects with PBH during treatment with canagliflozin or acarbose compared with placebo, and to study the meal‐induced entero‐endocrine mechanisms implied in the treatment responses.

Methods

In a double‐blinded, randomized, crossover clinical trial, HypoBar I will investigate the effectiveness in reducing the risk of PBH, safety, ambulatory glucose profile and entero‐endocrine responses when PBH is treated with canagliflozin 300 mg twice daily during a 4‐week intervention period, compared with acarbose 50 mg thrice daily or placebo.

Ethics and Dissemination

HypoBar I is approved by the Local regulatory entities. Results will be published in peer‐reviewed journals.

Conclusion

If effective, well‐tolerated and safe, canagliflozin could be a novel treatment for people with PBH. HypoBar I might also unravel new mechanisms underlying PBH, potentially identifying new treatment targets.

Trial Registration

EudraCT number 2022–000157‐87.
Modifying the success story of Sweden: Revised output and labour productivity figures for manufacturing, 1869–1950
Authors: Hamark Jesper , Prado Svante
Published: March 2024

The rampant growth rate of output and productivity in manufacturing borne out by Swedish Historical National Accounts (HNA) has nurtured the notion that the Swedish rise to prosperity was propelled by the confluence of disproportionately high levels of sophistication and very low levels of output per worker. The thrust of the argument is that this unique configuration allowed Sweden to leapfrog into modernization. The time has come to put this arresting claim under scrutiny, which is the foremost aim of this paper. This claim, we argue, is founded on a questionable empirical foundation. The most frequently used series of outputs from manufacturing at large and from groups of industries are those of the Swedish HNA. For several reasons, these series are inappropriate to use in studies assessing the rate of output and productivity increases before 1950. We have established new series of output and labour input for manufacturing at large between 1869 and 1950 that are suitable for investigations of productivity growth rates. The resulting series significantly raises the level of output per worker in the early part of the period and hence lowers the estimated growth rates of productivity for the era as a whole.
Ocular adverse events following CAR‐T cell therapy: A pharmacovigilance study and systematic review
Authors: Frey Connor , Cherniawsky Hannah , Etminan Mahyar
Published: March 2024

The rise of immuno‐oncology, including the use of chimeric antigen receptor T‐cell (CAR‐T) therapy is bringing in a new wave of cancer treatments, particularly in hematologic malignancies. However, data on their adverse events, particularly of the eye, is under‐reported. To assess the ocular adverse events associated with the six FDA‐approved CAR‐T cell therapies, a disproportionality analysis utilizing the FAERS database was conducted from the first quarter of 2017 to the third quarter of 2023, as well as a systematic review of case reports of ocular events following CAR‐T cell therapy up to December 20, 2023. A total of 53 ocular adverse events were identified from the FDAs FAERS database. The adverse events most frequently observed were mydriasis and xerophthalmia with tisagenlecleucel (Kymriah). The systematic review resulted in 8 case reports encompassing 19 patients which included a total of 27 events. This study demonstrates the importance of anticipation of potential ocular adverse events by ophthalmologists and oncologists as they can greatly contribute to morbidity in patients with cancer.
Stock market and the psychological health of investors
Authors: Liu Chang , Fan Maoyong
Published: March 2024

Utilizing a national individual‐level medical dataset and the home bias phenomenon in investment, our study shows a strong and robust link between declines in local stock returns and increased antidepressant consumption among investors. This effect intensifies in areas with higher per capita dividend income, suggesting a direct relationship between higher stock ownership and stronger responses. We confirm that portfolio losses, not local economic conditions, are responsible for increased antidepressant usage during market downturns. Using the frequency of psychotherapy sessions yields similar findings. Moreover, our study supports the loss aversion hypothesis as we find positive stock returns do not influence antidepressant usage.
The Institutional and Social Support Survey (ISS‐10): Quantifying international faculty language support
Authors: Patterson Allie Spencer , Brotherhood Thomas
Published: March 2024

The purpose of this study was to develop and test the internal and external reliability of a novel research instrument which measures language support for international faculty members and its effects on integration. While previous research has focused on the contributions of international faculty and efforts to attract them, growing concerns about negative experiences and low rates of retention have led scholars to focus on institutional linguistic support. Specifically in emerging host countries, interest exists for the role of support for learning the local language. In this context, this study substantiates an instrument, the Institutional and Social Support Survey (ISS‐10) which quantifies social support and language support provided by host universities. The instrument was first refined using Rasch rating scale analysis and exploratory factor analysis (EFA). Subsequent linear mixed effects (LME) regression on a second administration of the instrument revealed that the ISS‐10 significantly predicts the integration of international faculty as quantified by the IPL‐12, an often‐used measure of migrant integration. The ISS‐10 may, therefore, be of interest to scholars researching international faculty integration where local language proficiency is a concern.
EUROPEAN SOCIETY OF ENDODONTOLOGY Undergraduate Curriculum Guidelines for Endodontology
Authors: Baaij Annemarie , Kruse Casper , Whitworth John , Jarad Fadi
Published: March 2024

Undergraduate education should accomplish graduates who are skilled to provide quality care for patients, who are aware of their scope of practice, competency level and limits and who are open to referring patients whose needs are beyond their own skills and experience. They should also become self‐efficacious. Quality performance begins with good diagnosis and decision‐making. Graduates should understand when to treat, why to treat, what to treat and how to treat. These guidelines include a list of capabilities that the graduating student will be expected to have achieved to provide a minimum level of competency in endodontics. Theoretical knowledge, practical skills, understanding and insight should be assessed, with both formative and summative assessment procedures, making use of reflection and feedback. Endodontic procedures should be undertaken within the context of comprehensive patient care and should be evidence based. Students should not perform treatments on patients until they have demonstrated in a pre‐clinical setting that they possess the required skills. Only if it is not possible to simulate a specific procedure sufficiently in a pre‐clinical setting should students learn this procedure by performing it clinically under close supervision. Clinical endodontics should ideally be supervised by endodontists or by staff with special knowledge, interest and self‐efficacy in endodontics. It is advised to ensure that students apply their knowledge and practice their skills periodically throughout the continuum of endodontic education until graduation. A philosophy of lifelong learning and evidence‐based practice should be instilled in all dental undergraduates.
PROMINENCE AND MARKET POWER: ASYMMETRIC OLIGOPOLY WITH SEQUENTIAL CONSUMER SEARCH
Authors: Hanazono Makoto , Kudoh Noritaka
Published: March 2024

This article presents a new perspective on the nature of market power through the lens of firm prominence. We build a model of oligopolistic price competition with sequential consumer search, showing that a larger firm sets a higher price than its smaller competitors. Consumers are more likely to encounter sellers from a larger firm both immediately and in future interactions, resulting in less‐elastic demand for that firm. Small firms can free‐ride on the prominent firm's market power to raise their prices and earn higher profits. The Herfindahl–Hirschman Index provides a useful guide for welfare evaluation.
Prevalence of sex‐chromosome aneuploidy estimated using SNP genotype intensity information in a large population of juvenile dairy and beef cattle
Authors: Ryan Cliona A. , Purfield Deirdre C. , Matthews Daragh , Canedo‐Ribeiro Carla , Valldecabres Ainhoa , Berry Donagh P.
Published: March 2024

Aneuploidy is a genetic condition characterized by the loss or gain of one or more chromosomes. Aneuploidy affecting the sex chromosomes can lead to infertility in otherwise externally phenotypically normal cattle. Early identification of cattle with sex chromosomal aneuploidy is important to minimize the costs associated with rearing infertile cattle and futile breeding attempts. As most livestock breeding programs routinely genotype their breeding populations using single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) arrays, this study aimed to assess the feasibility of integrating an aneuploidy screening tool into the existing pipelines that handle dense SNP genotype data. A further objective was to estimate the prevalence of sex chromosome aneuploidy in a population of 146,431 juvenile cattle using available genotype intensity data. Three genotype intensity statistics were used: the LogR Ratio (LRR), R‐value (the sum of X and Y SNP probe intensities), and B‐allele frequency (BAF) measurements. Within the female‐verified population of 124,958 individuals, the estimated prevalence rate was 0.0048% for XO, 0.0350% for XXX, and 0.0004% for XXY. The prevalence of XXY in the male‐verified population was 0.0870% (i.e., 18 out of 20,670 males). Cytogenetic testing was used to verify 2 of the XXX females who were still alive. The proposed approach can be readily integrated into existing genomic pipelines, serving as an efficient, large‐scale screening tool for aneuploidy. Its implementation could enable the early identification of infertile animals with sex‐chromosome aneuploidy.
Syncopation and synchrony: Phenological dynamics of Pyropia nereocystis (Bangiophyceae) in central California
Authors: Gossard Daniel J.
Published: March 2024

Pyropia nereocystis is an annual northeastern Pacific‐bladed bangialean species whose macroscopic stage epiphytized the annual canopy forming bull kelp Nereocystis luetkeana. I examined three in situ facets of these epiphyte‐host dynamics in the central California region: (1) spatial and temporal variation in the presence of P. nereocystis epiphytes as a function of host density, (2) the relationship between individual host morphology and epiphytic P. nereocystis biomass, and (3) the ecophysiological growth ramifications for subtidal transplants of both life stages of P. nereocystis. Swath canopy surveys and whole host collections were conducted at five sites between November 2017 and February 2019. Additionally, transplants of P. nereocystis gametophytes and sporophytes were conducted across multiple subtidal depths. I observed temporal changes in the proportions of hosts epiphytized by P. nereocystis, with differences in seasonal persistence of P. nereocystis among sites and between years. Biomass of P. nereocystis was positively correlated with individual host stipe length, stipe surface area, and the primary principal component (PC) of stipe morphometrics denoted by principal component analysis (PCA). Gametogenesis in P. nereocystis epiphytes was spatially heterogeneous and limited for the 2018–2019 cohort due to comprehensive removal of hosts by the February 2019 sampling period. Transplants of P. nereocystis gametophytes yielded similar growth responses among depths, and sporophyte (conchocelis) transplant areal growth was positively correlated with transplant depth. These findings detail spatiotemporal complexity and multi‐scale (individual, site, and whole region) phenological nuances for central Californian P. nereocystis epiphytes.
Outcome of dogs diagnosed with concurrent intrahepatic portosystemic shunts and vertebral lesions: six cases (2016‐2022)
Authors: Solari F. P. , Case J. B. , Vilaplana Grosso F. R. , Culp W. T. N.
Published: March 2024

Objectives

To describe the clinical outcome of dogs diagnosed with concurrent discospondylitis/vertebral physitis and congenital intrahepatic portosystemic shunts.

Materials and Methods

Medical records from two academic institutions were searched for dogs diagnosed with discospondylitis and/or vertebral physitis, and a concurrent intrahepatic portosystemic shunt. Dogs were excluded if they did not undergo attenuation of their shunt, did not have a single congenital intrahepatic shunt and did not have at least 90 days of follow‐up.

Results

Six dogs met the inclusion criteria and were included in the study. Discospondylitis alone was diagnosed in four dogs, vertebral physitis alone in one dog and both discospondylitis and vertebral physitis in one dog. Three dogs had a right divisional intrahepatic portosystemic shunt, and three dogs had a left divisional intrahepatic portosystemic shunt. Median duration of antimicrobial therapy was 112 days (range 14 to 240 days). Clinical resolution of discospondylitis and vertebral physitis was noted in all dogs. Endovascular attenuation was performed in all dogs a median of 82 days after presentation (range 1 to 317 days). No perioperative or postoperative complications occurred. All dogs were alive at the last available follow‐up a median of 513 days after presentation (range 224 to 1504 days) and free of clinical signs associated with discospondylitis or vertebral physitis, as well as their portosystemic shunt.

Clinical Significance

Dogs with intrahepatic portosystemic shunts may concurrently develop discospondylitis and vertebral physitis. With antimicrobial therapy and endovascular embolisation of their portosystemic shunt, all dogs in this study had a good outcome with clinical resolution of both disease processes. However, long‐term follow‐up was not obtained in all cases.
Integrating edaphic gradients and community assembly concepts into the multidimensional root trait space
Authors: Dallstream Caroline , Soper Fiona M.
Published: March 2024

This article is a Commentary on Guilbeault‐Mayers & Laliberté (2024), 243: 636–647.
Linkage and association mapping in multi‐parental populations reveal the genetic basis of carotenoid variation in maize kernels
Authors: Yin Pengfei , Fu Xiuyi , Feng Haiying , Yang Yanyan , Xu Jing , Zhang Xuan , Wang Min , Ji Shenghui , Zhao Binghao , Fang Hui , Du Xiaoxia , Li Yaru , Hu Shuting , Li Kun , Xu Shutu , Li Zhigang , Liu Fang , Xiao Yingni , Wang Yuandong , Li Jiansheng , Yang Xiaohong
Published: March 2024

Carotenoids are indispensable to plants and critical components of the human diet. The carotenoid metabolic pathway is conserved across plant species, but our understanding of the genetic basis of carotenoid variation remains limited for the seeds of most cereal crops. To address this issue, we systematically performed linkage and association mapping for eight carotenoid traits using six recombinant inbred line (RIL) populations. Single linkage mapping (SLM) and joint linkage mapping (JLM) identified 77 unique additive QTLs and 104 pairs of epistatic QTLs. Among these QTLs, we identified 22 overlapping hotspots of additive and epistatic loci, highlighting the important contributions of some QTLs to carotenoid levels through additive or epistatic mechanisms. A genome‐wide association study based on all RILs detected 244 candidate genes significantly associated with carotenoid traits, 23 of which were annotated as carotenoid pathway genes. Effect comparisons suggested that a small number of loci linked to pathway genes have substantial effects on carotenoid variation in our tested populations, but many loci not associated with pathway genes also make important contributions to carotenoid variation. We identified ZmPTOX as the causal gene for a QTL hotspot (Q10/JLM10/GWAS019); this gene encodes a putative plastid terminal oxidase that produces plastoquinone‐9 used by two enzymes in the carotenoid pathway. Natural variants in the promoter and second exon of ZmPTOX were found to alter carotenoid levels. This comprehensive assessment of the genetic mechanisms underlying carotenoid variation establishes a foundation for rewiring carotenoid metabolism and accumulation for efficient carotenoid biofortification.
Morphology, phylogeny and pathogenicity of fungal species associated with leaf blight and stem canker of Theobroma cacao in Malaysia
Authors: Huda‐Shakirah Abd Rahim , Zakaria Latiffah , Mohd Masratul Hawa
Published: March 2024

Malaysia stands prominently among Asia's key cocoa‐producing countries. In the cocoa season of 2022–2023, Malaysia demonstrated its contribution to the industry, with an estimated production of around 364,000 tonnes of cacao bean grindings. Nonetheless, fungal diseases pose undeniable challenges to the cocoa sector. Extensive sampling conducted between September 2018 and March 2019 across multiple states in Malaysia revealed concerning symptoms of leaf blight and stem canker affecting Theobroma cacao plants. The aim of this study was to identify and characterize fungal species associated with leaf blight and stem canker of T. cacao in Malaysia through morphological, molecular and pathogenicity analyses. Morphological and molecular phylogenetic analyses using multiple DNA regions (rDNA internal transcribed spacer [ITS], TEF1 and TUB2) were performed and identified 40 fungal isolates found in this study as Diaporthe tulliensis (17 isolates), Fusarium solani (seven isolates), Fusarium proliferatum (six isolates) and Neopestalotiopsis clavispora (10 isolates). Pathogenicity tests with mycelial plugs and wound treatments showed that D. tulliensis and N. clavispora were responsible for causing leaf blight whereas D. tulliensis, F. solani and F. proliferatum caused stem canker of T. cacao. The present study provides insights into disease aetiology and symptomatology that may be useful in planning effective disease management for the host plant.
The pathogenic diversity and host range of Colletotrichum spp. causing pepper spot and anthracnose of lychee (Litchi chinensis) in Australia
Authors: Anderson Jay M. , Coates Lindy M. , Aitken Elizabeth A. B. , Mitchell Roger W. , McTaggart Alistair R. , Dann Elizabeth K.
Published: March 2024

Lychee pepper spot, a field disease affecting lychee fruit skin, pedicels and petioles, is caused by Colletotrichum siamense, a fungal pathogen within the gloeosporioides species complex. Members of Colletotrichum from the gloeosporioides species complex and occasionally those from the acutatum species complex also cause postharvest anthracnose of lychee. Pepper spot was first described in Australia many years after anthracnose on lychee was first described, giving rise to the hypothesis that a novel species or strain within the gloeosporioides species complex causes pepper spot. In the present study, 19 isolates of Colletotrichum spp., collected from pepper spot and anthracnose symptoms on lychee fruit, representing 13 different genotypes across five species, were inoculated onto lychee fruit in the field or on detached fruit in the laboratory, to understand more about their pathogenic diversity. We found that symptoms were specific to genotype of the pathogen, as three genetically similar isolates of C. siamense consistently caused pepper spot and anthracnose, whilst other isolates caused anthracnose only. Cross‐inoculation studies on detached fruit of lychee, banana, avocado and mango also provided some evidence of host specialization in isolates of C. siamense infecting lychee in Australia. Our experiments provided further evidence that detached fruit assays cannot be used as a reliable proxy for field inoculation studies. This research confirms that C. siamense is a causal agent of both lychee pepper spot and lychee anthracnose in Australia, and Colletotrichum alienum and Colletotrichum queenslandicum are reported as causal agents of anthracnose of lychee for the first time.