bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Determinants of continuous intention to use e-government services: an extension of technology continuance theory
Authors: Abdul Rahim Noor Fareen , Abbasi Ghazanfar Ali , Iranmanesh Mohammad , Christopher Nwakaji , Amran Azlan
Published: July 2023

Purpose

Despite the fact that the success of e-government services is contingent on their continuous usage, the continuance intention to use e-government services has received extremely little scholarly attention. This study aims to investigate the determinants of the residents’ continuous intention to use e-government services.

Design/methodology/approach

The research model was developed based on the integration of technology continuance theory along with trust, transparency and habit constructs. The authors adopted a survey approach to collect the data. The data were collected using an online questionnaire from 260 residents of Penang in Malaysia.

Findings

Results revealed that transparency has a positive effect on both perceived usefulness and trust. Contrary to earlier studies on e-government, perceived ease of use was found to have no significant relationship with residents' perceived usefulness. Similarly, the results also demonstrated that habit was not significantly related to users’ continuous intention to use e-government services. This study also applied importance-performance analysis map analysis and discovered that perceived usefulness has the highest impact on continuous intention to use e-government services, whereas satisfaction was found to have the least effect.

Originality/value

This study used an integrative framework and presented an in-depth knowledge of the basic aspects that contribute to the post-adoption usage process and resident satisfaction, trust and attitude towards e-government services.
Personal characteristics of small business owners and their strategic change behavior during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Gimmon Eli , Zysberg Leehu
Published: July 2023

Purpose

This study aims to present and test a model of small business owners’ adaptation during the COVID-19 pandemic, through the lenses of the resource-based view of the firm, upper echelon theory (UET) and positive psychology. Specifically, it examined the relationships between personal characteristics and strategic pivot behavior in a sample of small business owners during a peak period of the crisis in Israel.

Design/methodology/approach

A sample (N = 202) of small business owners provided information on their business and demographics, and responded to questionnaires assessing their personality (Big Five personality traits), emotional intelligence (EI) and reported the extent to which they implemented strategic changes during the pandemic. These changes were categorized as “positive” (e.g. shifting to new markets, adding partners or investors) or “negative’ (e.g. letting employees go).

Findings

The results partially support an association between personality traits and “positive” strategic change behavior, mediated by EI.

Research limitations/implications

The results suggest that business owners' personality traits, and chief among them – EI may play a key role in enabling flexibility when dealing with a long-term crisis or threat. However, market and legislative differences between markets may limit the generalizability to other sectors or countries.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is among the first to address small businesses’ COVID-19-related challenges from a personal-resource perspective by applying a theoretical lens integrating the RBV of the firm, UET and positive psychology. The findings provide a better understanding of the ways in which business owners’ personal resources account for business pivot behavior in times of crisis.
Navigating climate change: migration challenges in Southeast Asia
Authors: Saha Pravati
Published: July 2023

Purpose

This article addresses some of the most pressing issues related to climate change and its potential consequences, namely population migration in Southeast Asia. It sheds light on how slow-onset events interact with other variables to limit the ability of people to adapt to stressors through human mobility.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopts an analytical methodology to evaluate the extent to which the planning policy framework addresses these issues within the context of achieving resilient development.

Findings

Climate stressors will force millions of people to move within their own countries, while others will be forced to cross international borders, leaving others stranded. Desertification, sea level rise, ocean acidification, air pollution, changing rainfall patterns and biodiversity loss are all examples of slow-onset processes that the author believes will be exacerbated by climate change.

Research limitations/implications

This will exacerbate many existing humanitarian issues, and more people may be forced to flee their homes as a result. This research helps improve the understanding of migration’s social, economic and environmental implications.

Originality/value

The research offers a novel perspective and analysis of the unique migration challenges arising from climate change in the Southeast Asian context.
Balletic bodies under lockdown: The consequences of a pandemic for highly disciplined habitus
Authors: Moore Catherine Anne , Emmerich Nathan
Published: July 2023

Like other elite athletes, ballet dancers are highly dedicated to the pursuit of their vocation. They work to perfect their bodies, their movements and their expression of the art form. The lockdowns that occurred during the COVID‐19 pandemic represented a significant interruption to the extraordinary but everyday lives of ballet dancers, creating unique environments where exploration of the embodied habitus of ballet can be further investigated. The impacts of lockdown upon dancers were explored via a series of interviews with 12 professional dancers from Germany. Framed by previous research, theorising the balletic body from a Bourdieusian perspective, interview data were analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Our research highlights the way in which COVID‐19 lockdowns and associated restrictions disrupt the habitus of dancers and results in a form of suffering that is comparable to injury or chronic illness. Our research suggests that individuals respond to the ‘structural injuries’ of lockdown measures in a manner comparable to the way they respond to physiological injury. Thus, dancers sought to repair or re‐establish the social structures they ordinarily inhabit whilst the inevitable limitations of such efforts engendered occasions for reflexive thinking about their role, careers and identity as dancers.
Periphrases with Motion Verbs in Vedic Sanskrit: (between) Textual Analysis and Grammaticalization Patterns
Authors: Grieco Beatrice
Published: July 2023

The Sanskrit language knows the use of iterative‐continuative periphrases which are so far mostly unexplored. The aim of this paper is to investigate the grammaticalization of the motion verbsi‐ ‘go’ andcar‐ ‘move’ plus participle into auxiliary verbs, collecting data from the earliest attestations (c. 2ndmillennium BC) to Late Vedic (c. 900–600 BC). I argue that in the earliest attestations there are no clear cases of periphrasis, but the motion verbs are combined with an extremely high percentage of intensive participles (with iterativeAktionsart). On the other hand, in Late Vedici‐ ‘go’ andcar‐ ‘move’ function as iterative‐continuative auxiliaries in composition with participial form. As I will show, this new periphrastic construction is one of the strategies to substitute the synthetic intensive category, which was slowly disappearing after the Early Vedic time.
Urinary incontinence more than 15 years after premenopausal risk‐reducing salpingo‐oophorectomy: a multicentre cross‐sectional study
Authors: Terra Lara , Heemskerk‐Gerritsen Bernadette A. M. , Beekman Maarten J. , Engelhardt Ellen , Mourits Marian J. E. , van Doorn Helena C. , de Hullu Joanna A. , Mom Constantijne H. , Slangen Brigitte F. M. , Gaarenstroom Katja N. , van Beurden Marc , Roeters Van Lennep Jeanine E. , van Dorst Eleonora B. L. , van der Kolk Lizet E. , Collée J. Margriet , Wevers Marijke R. , Ausems Margreet G .E. M. , van Engelen Klaartje , van de Beek Irma , Berger Lieke P. V. , van Asperen Christi J. , Gomez Garcia Encarna B. , Maas Angela H. E. M. , Hooning Maartje J. , Steensma Anneke B. , van Leeuwen Flora E.
Published: July 2023

Objective

To study the impact of premenopausal risk‐reducing salpingo‐oophorectomy (RRSO), compared with postmenopausal RRSO, on urinary incontinence (UI) ≥10 years later.

Design

Cross‐sectional study, nested in a nationwide cohort.

Setting

Multicentre in the Netherlands.

Population

750 women (68% BRCA1/2 pathogenic variant carriers) who underwent either premenopausal RRSO (≤45 years, n = 496) or postmenopausal RRSO (≥54 years, n = 254). All participants were ≥55 years at the time of the study.

Methods

Urinary incontinence was assessed by the urinary distress inventory‐6 (UDI‐6); a score ≥33.3 indicated symptomatic UI. The incontinence impact questionnaire short form (IIQ‐SF) was used to assess the impact on women's health‐related quality of life (HR‐QoL). Differences between groups were analysed using regression analyses adjusting for current age and other confounders.

Main outcome measures

Differences in UDI‐6 scores and IIQ‐SF scores between women with a premenopausal and a postmenopausal RRSO.

Results

Women in the premenopausal RRSO group had slightly higher UDI‐6 scores compared with women in the postmenopausal RRSO group (P = 0.053), and their risk of symptomatic UI was non‐significantly increased (odds ratio [OR] 2.1, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.93–4.78). A premenopausal RRSO was associated with a higher risk of stress UI (OR 3.5, 95% CI 1.2–10.0) but not with urge UI. The proportions of women with a significant impact of UI on HR‐QoL were similar in the premenopausal and postmenopausal RRSO groups (10.4% and 13.0%, respectively; P = 0.46).

Conclusions

More than 15 years after premenopausal RRSO, there were no significant differences in overall symptomatic UI between women with a premenopausal and those with a postmenopausal RRSO.
Efficacy of molnupiravir and sotrovimab in Japanese dialysis patients with COVID‐19 in clinical practice during the Omicron (BA.1 and BA.2) pandemic
Authors: Kikuchi Kan , Nangaku Masaomi , Ryuzaki Munekazu , Yamakawa Tomoyuki , Ota Yoshihiro , Hanafusa Norio , Sakai Ken , Kanno Yoshihiko , Ando Ryoichi , Shinoda Toshio , Wakino Shu , Nakamoto Hidetomo , Takemoto Yoshiaki , Akizawa Tadao ,   COVID‐19 Task Force Committee of the Japanese Association of Dialysis Physicians, the Japanese Society for Dialysis Therapy, and the Japanese Society of Nephrology
Published: July 2023

Introduction

In the present study, the efficacy of sotrovimab and molnupiravir in dialysis patients with COVID‐19 was investigated using a registry of COVID‐19 in Japanese dialysis patients.

Methods

Dialysis patients with confirmed SARS‐CoV‐2 during the COVID‐19 (Omicron BA.1 and BA.2) pandemic were analyzed. Patients were classified into four treatment groups: molnupiravir monotherapy (molnupiravir group), sotrovimab monotherapy (sotrovimab group), molnupiravir and sotrovimab combination therapy (combination group), and no antiviral therapy (control group). The mortality rates in the four groups were compared.

Results

A total of 1480 patients were included. The mortality of the molnupiravir, sotrovimab, and combination groups were significantly improved compared to the control group (p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis indicated that antiviral therapy improves the survival of dialysis patients with COVID‐19 (hazard ratio was 0.184 for molnupiravir, 0.389 for sotrovimab, and 0.254 for combination groups, respectively).

Conclusion

Sotrovimab showed efficacy in Omicron BA.1 but attenuated in BA.2. Molnupiravir also showed efficacy in BA.2, suggesting administration of molnupiravir would be important.
Conflicting selection pressures on seed size and germination caused by carnivorous seed dispersers
Authors: CUI Jifa , ZHANG Yaqian , GUO Jinyu , WU Nan , ZHOU Youbing
Published: July 2023

Plants produce nutritious, fleshy fruits that attract various animals to facilitate seed dispersal and recruitment dynamic. Species‐specific differential selection of seed size by multiple frugivorous disperser assemblages may affect the subsequent germination of the ingested seeds. However, there is little empirical evidence supporting this association. In the present study, we documented conflicting selection pressures exerted on seed size and germination by five frugivorous carnivores on a mammal‐dispersed pioneer tree, the date‐plum persimmon (Diospyros lotus), in a subtropical forest. Fecal analyses revealed that these carnivores acted as primary seed dispersers of D. lotus. We also observed that seed sizes were selected based on body mass and were species‐specific, confirming the “gape limitation” hypothesis; three small carnivores (the masked palm civet Paguma larvata, yellow‐throated marten Martes flavigula, and Chinese ferret‐badger Melogale moschata) significantly preferred to disperse smaller seeds in comparison with control seeds obtained directly from wild plants whereas the largest Asiatic black bears (Ursus thibetanus) ingested larger seeds. Seeds dispersed by medium‐sized hog badgers (Arctonyx albogularis) were not significantly different from control seeds. However, regarding the influence of gut passage on seed germination, three arboreal dispersal agents (martens, civets, and bears) enhanced germination success whereas terrestrial species (ferret‐badgers and hog badgers) inhibited the germination process compared with undigested control seeds. These conflicting selection pressures on seed size and germination may enhance the heterogeneity of germination dynamics and thus increase species fitness through diversification of the regeneration niche. Our results advance our understanding of seed dispersal mechanisms and have important implications for forest recruitment and ecosystem dynamics.
Tofacitinib in pyoderma gangrenosum – A case series
Authors: Sathyanarayana Vanitha Agrahara , Roy Debaditya , Nagaraju Bhavya , Rao Vijay K. R.
Published: July 2023

Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is a rare autoinflammatory disorder falling under the spectrum of neutrophilic dermatosis, characterized by distinctive skin ulceration which is non‐infective, non‐neoplastic and usually with no primary vasculitis. PG lesions are notorious for relapse and hence require multiple trials of medications often with prolonged and concomitant use of steroids. Due to lack of evidence‐based studies on effective treatment options for PG, we have presented three isolated biopsy‐proven PG cases who were successfully treated with Tofacitinib, a Janus kinase/signal transducers and activators of transcription (JAK/STAT) pathway inhibitor, without relapse in follow up.
Long‐term NAD+ supplementation prevents the progression of age‐related hearing loss in mice
Authors: Okur Mustafa N. , Sahbaz Burcin Duan , Kimura Risako , Manor Uri , Patel Jaimin , Park Jae‐Hyeon , Andrade Leo , Puligilla Chandrakala , Croteau Deborah L. , Bohr Vilhelm A.
Published: July 2023

Age‐related hearing loss (ARHL) is the most common sensory disability associated with human aging. Yet, there are no approved measures for preventing or treating this debilitating condition. With its slow progression, continuous and safe approaches are critical for ARHL treatment. Nicotinamide Riboside (NR), a NAD+ precursor, is well tolerated even for long‐term use and is already shown effective in various disease models including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. It has also been beneficial against noise‐induced hearing loss and in hearing loss associated with premature aging. However, its beneficial impact on ARHL is not known. Using two different wild‐type mouse strains, we show that long‐term NR administration prevents the progression of ARHL. Through transcriptomic and biochemical analysis, we find that NR administration restores age‐associated reduction in cochlear NAD+ levels, upregulates biological pathways associated with synaptic transmission and PPAR signaling, and reduces the number of orphan ribbon synapses between afferent auditory neurons and inner hair cells. We also find that NR targets a novel pathway of lipid droplets in the cochlea by inducing the expression of CIDEC and PLIN1 proteins that are downstream of PPAR signaling and are key for lipid droplet growth. Taken together, our results demonstrate the therapeutic potential of NR treatment for ARHL and provide novel insights into its mechanism of action.
Chromosome‐level Asian elephant genome assembly and comparative genomics of long‐lived mammals reveal the common substitutions for cancer resistance
Authors: Li Xuanjing , Wang Pengcheng , Pan Qi , Liu Gaoming , Liu Weiqiang , Omotoso Olatunde , Du Juan , Li Zihao , Yu Yang , Huang Yun , Zhu Pingfen , Li Meng , Zhou Xuming
Published: July 2023

The naked mole rat (Heterocephalus glaber), bats (e.g., genus Myotis), and elephants (family Elephantidae) are known as long‐lived mammals and are assumed to be excellent cancer antagonists. However, whether there are common genetic changes underpinning cancer resistance in these long‐lived species is yet to be fully established. Here, we newly generated a high‐quality chromosome‐level Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) genome and identified that the expanded gene families in elephants are involved in Ras‐associated and base excision repair pathways. Moreover, we performed comparative genomic analyses of 12 mammals and examined genes with signatures of positive selection in elephants, naked mole rat, and greater horseshoe bat. Residues at positively selected sites of CDR2L and ALDH6A1 in these long‐lived mammals enhanced the inhibition of tumor cell migration compared to those in short‐lived relatives. Overall, our study provides a new genome resource and a preliminary survey of common genetic changes in long‐lived mammals.
Higher‐order moments and asset pricing in the Australian stock market
Authors: Ahadzie Richard Mawulawoe , Jeyasreedharan Nagaratnam
Published: July 2023

This paper investigates a set of realised higher‐order co‐moment risk–return relationships in the Australian stock market. We test the predictive power of the asset pricing model by implementing the two‐, three‐, four‐moment Capital Asset Pricing Model. Our findings show that investors respond differently to information related to realised higher‐order co‐moments, and that the corresponding gamma (normalised co‐skewness) and kappa (normalised co‐kurtosis) risk factors remain priced in the presence of continuous beta and jump beta. Furthermore, we find that the realised high‐order co‐moment risk measures are priced differently and remain significant even when combined with a set of firm characteristics.
Systematic review and meta‐analysis investigating nicotine, cotinine and carbon monoxide exposures in people who both smoke and use nicotine replacement therapy
Authors: Podlasek Anna , Claire Ravinder , Campbell Katarzyna A. , Orton Sophie , Thomson Ross , Coleman Tim
Published: July 2023

Aims

To determine effects of concurrent smoking and nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) use on reported heaviness of smoking, nicotine (cotinine) body fluid and exhaled air carbon monoxide (CO) concentrations.

Methods

Systematic review and meta‐analysis of RCTs, which test interventions permitting concurrent NRT use and smoking and comparing, within participants, outcomes when smoking with those when smoking and using NRT concurrently. Measurements included reported number of cigarettes smoked per day (CPD), body fluid cotinine and expired air CO concentrations.

Results

Twenty‐nine studies were included in the review. Meta‐analysis of nine showed that, compared with when solely smoking, fewer cigarettes were smoked daily when NRT was used (mean difference during concurrent smoking and NRT use, −2.06 CPD [95% CI = −3.06 to −1.07, P < 0.0001]). Meta‐analysis of seven studies revealed a non‐significant reduction in exhaled CO during concurrent smoking and NRT use (mean difference, −0.58 ppm [95% CI = −2.18 to 1.03, P = 0.48]), but in the three studies that tested NRT used in the lead‐up to quitting (i.e. as preloading), a similar reduction in exhaled CO was statistically significant (mean difference, −2.54 ppm CO [95% CI = −4.14 to −0.95, P = 0.002]). Eleven studies reported cotinine concentrations, but meta‐analysis was not possible because of data reporting heterogeneity; of these, seven reported lower cotinine concentrations with concurrent NRT use and smoking, four reported no differences, and none reported higher concentrations.

Conclusions

People who smoke and also use nicotine replacement therapy report smoking less heavily than people who solely smoke. When nicotine replacement therapy is used in the lead‐up to quitting (preloading), this reported smoking reduction has been biochemically confirmed. There is no evidence that concurrent smoking and nicotine replacement therapy use result in greater nicotine exposure than solely smoking.
Two‐year results of tapered dupilumab for CRSwNP demonstrates enduring efficacy established in the first 6 months
Authors: van der Lans Rik Johannes Leonardus , Otten Josje Janna , Adriaensen Gwijde Flavius Jacobus Petrus Maria , Hoven Dinand Rienk , Benoist Linda Berendina , Fokkens Wytske Johanna , Reitsma Sietze
Published: July 2023

Background

Dupilumab is an anti‐T2‐inflammatory biological registered for chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) with nasal polyps (CRSwNP), indicated by integrated CRS‐care pathways when optimal medico‐surgical treatment yields insufficient CRS control. This study aims to evaluate long‐term results with focus on established therapeutic efficacy while tapering dupilumab.

Methods

Real‐life, prospective observational cohort study in single tertiary referral center with add‐on dupilumab as primary biological treatment in adult (≥18 years) biological‐naïve CRSwNP patients per the European Position Paper on Rhinosinusitis and Nasal Polyps (EPOS)2020‐indication with a 2‐year follow‐up. Tapering (increasing interdose interval) applied every 24 weeks, conditional to sufficient treatment response and CRS control.

Results

Mean scores (s.d.) of all co‐primary outcomes improved significantly from baseline ( 228) to the 48 ( 214) and 96‐weeks ( 99) timepoints: Nasal Polyp Score (0–8) improved from 5,3 (1,9) to 1,4 (1,8) and 1,3 (1,7); SinoNasal Outcome Test (SNOT)‐22 (0–110) improved from 53,6 (19,6) to 20,2 (15,4) and 21,2 (15,6); Sniffin’Sticks‐12 identification test (0–12; 0–6 anosmia, 7–10 hyposmia, 11–12 normosmia) improved from 3,7 (2,4) to 7,7 (2,9) and 7,3 (3,04); Asthma Control Test (5–25; >19 indicating well‐controlled asthma) improved from 18,5 (4,8) to 21,8 (3,8) and 21,4 (3,9). Tapering was feasible in 79,5% of the patients at the 24‐weeks timepoint, and in 93,7% and 95,8% at the 48‐ and 96‐weeks timepoints, respectively. One‐way repeated‐measures ANOVA demonstrated no significant alterations of individual co‐primary outcome mean‐scores from 24 weeks onward.

Conclusion

This first long‐term real‐life prospective observational cohort study shows high therapeutic efficacy of dupilumab for severe CRswNP in the first 2 years. Therapeutic efficacy is principally established within 24 weeks and endures while tapering dupilumab conditional to treatment response and CRS control.
Effects of social determinants of health on mortality and incident liver‐related events and cardiovascular disease in steatotic liver disease
Authors: Chen Vincent L. , Song Michael W. , Suresh Deepika , Wadhwani Sharad I. , Perumalswami Ponni
Published: July 2023

Background

Social determinants of health (SDOH) are becoming increasingly recognised as mediators of human health. In the setting of metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), most of the literature on SDOH relates to individual‐level risk factors. However, there are very limited data on neighbourhood‐level SDOH in MASLD.

Aim

To assess whether SDOH impact fibrosis progression in patients who already have MASLD.

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study of patients with MASLD seen at Michigan Medicine. The primary predictors were two neighbourhood‐level SDOH, ‘disadvantage’ and ‘affluence’. The primary outcomes were mortality, incident liver‐related events (LREs) and incident cardiovascular disease (CVD). We modelled these outcomes using Kaplan–Meier statistics for mortality and competing risk analyses for LREs and CVD, using a 1‐year landmark.

Results

We included 15,904 patients with MASLD with median follow‐up of 63 months. Higher affluence was associated with lower risk of overall mortality (hazard ratio 0.49 [0.37–0.66], p < 0.0001 for higher vs. lower quartile), LREs (subhazard ratio 0.60 [0.39–0.91], p = 0.02) and CVD (subhazard ratio 0.71 [0.57–0.88], p = 0.0018). Disadvantage was associated with higher mortality (hazard ratio 2.08 [95% confidence interval 1.54–2.81], p < 0.0001 for the highest vs. lowest quartile) and incident CVD (subhazard ratio 1.36 [95% confidence interval 1.10–1.68], p < 0.0001). These findings were robust across several sensitivity analyses.

Discussion

Neighbourhood‐level SDOH are associated with mortality, incidence of LREs and incident CVD in patients with steatotic liver disease. Interventions aimed at disadvantaged neighbourhoods may improve clinical outcomes.
A proposal to strengthen Indonesian democracy
Authors: O'Reilly John G.
Published: July 2023

For centuries, Java‐based rulers employed economic, political, and military measures to control the myriad islands lying in the eastern reaches of the Indonesian archipelago. Following Indonesia's transformation into a presidential democracy, the country's leaders modified this strategy and sought to maintain regional control by implementing economic and political decentralization measures on a massive scale. These measures also gave the eastern populations an appreciable influence on presidential elections. However, population projections and recent election data indicate that inhabitants of eastern Indonesia may become electorally marginalized because the region's population growth is being far outpaced by that of Java and Sumatra. Such marginalization could lead to social unrest, separatist movements, and other malevolent behaviors that threaten the country's democracy. To address this scenario, this article suggests that implementing a presidential voting framework based on the US Electoral College could strengthen Indonesia's democracy by significantly empowering voters in the country's eastern provinces.
A screen of pharmacologically active compounds to identify modulators of the Adgrg6/Gpr126 signalling pathway in zebrafish embryos
Authors: Asad Anzar , Shahidan Nahal O. , de la Vega de León Antonio , Wiggin Giselle R. , Whitfield Tanya T. , Baxendale Sarah
Published: July 2023

Adhesion G protein‐coupled receptors (GPCRs) are an underrepresented class of GPCRs in drug discovery. We previously developed an in vivo drug screening pipeline to identify compounds with agonist activity for Adgrg6 (Gpr126), an adhesion GPCR required for myelination of the peripheral nervous system in vertebrates. The screening assay tests for rescue of an ear defect found in adgrg6tb233c−/− hypomorphic homozygous mutant zebrafish, using the expression of versican b (vcanb) mRNA as an easily identifiable phenotype. In the current study, we used the same assay to screen a commercially available library of 1280 diverse bioactive compounds (Sigma LOPAC). Comparison with published hits from two partially overlapping compound collections (Spectrum, Tocris) confirms that the screening assay is robust and reproducible. Using a modified counter screen for myelin basic protein (mbp) gene expression, we have identified 17 LOPAC compounds that can rescue both inner ear and myelination defects in adgrg6tb233c−/− hypomorphic mutants, three of which (ebastine, S‐methylisothiourea hemisulfate, and thapsigargin) are new hits. A further 25 LOPAC hit compounds were effective at rescuing the otic vcanb expression but not mbp. Together, these and previously identified hits provide a wealth of starting material for the development of novel and specific pharmacological modulators of Adgrg6 receptor activity.
The anatomy of COVID‐19‐related conspiracy beliefs: Exploring their nomological network on a nationally representative sample
Authors: Knežević Goran , Lazarević Ljiljana B. , Mihić Ljiljana , Milovančević Milica Pejović , Terzić Zorica , Tošković Oliver , Vuković Olivera , Todorović Jovana , Marić Nađa P.
Published: July 2023

Objectives

The outbreak of the COVID‐19 pandemic was followed by the widespread proliferation of conspiracy beliefs (CBs) regarding the origin and harmfulness of the virus and a high level of hesitancy to vaccinate. We aimed to test a series of hypotheses on the correlates of CBs and vaccination, including socio‐demographic factors, personality dispositions, somatic health, stressful experiences during pandemics, and psychological distress.

Method

The sample (N = 1203), was based on a multistage probabilistic household sampling representative of the general population. The subjects were randomly split into two approximately equal subgroups, enabling cross‐validation. Based on the findings in the exploratory, the SEM model was tested in the confirmatory subsample.

Results

The correlates of CBs were Disintegration (proneness to psychotic‐like experiences), low Openness, lower education, Extraversion, living in a smaller settlement and being employed. The correlates of vaccination were older age, CBs and larger places of living. Evidence on the role of stressful experiences and psychological distress in CBs/vaccination was not found. The findings of moderately strong and robust (cross‐validated) paths, leading from Disintegration to CBs and from CBs to vaccination were the most important ones.

Discussion

Conspiratorial thinking tendencies—related to health‐related behaviour such as vaccination—appear to be, to a considerable extent, manifestations of the mechanisms that are part of our stable, broad, trait‐like thinking/emotional/motivational/behavioural tendencies, primarily proneness to psychotic‐like experiences & behaviours.
Robot‐assisted radical cystectomy with intracorporeal urinary diversion: a Danish 11‐year series
Authors: Vrang Marie‐Louise , Østergren Peter Busch , Fode Mikkel Mejlgaard , Vangedal Michael , Lam Gitte Wrist
Published: July 2023

Objectives

To evaluate the oncological and perioperative outcomes from a large, single‐centre, robot‐assisted radical cystectomy (RARC) cohort performed with intracorporeal urinary diversion (ICUD).

Patients and Methods

Patients who underwent RARC because of bladder cancer or recurrent carcinoma in situ from June 2009 until August 2020 at Herlev and Gentofte Hospital were prospectively and consecutively included. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis was used to estimate recurrence‐free survival (RFS), cancer‐specific survival (CSS) and overall survival (OS). A Cox proportional hazards model was used to identify individual predictors of outcomes. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to identify predictors of high‐grade complications (Clavien–Dindo Grade ≥III).

Results

A total of 542 patients were included. The median (interquartile range) follow‐up was 5.3 (2.73–8.06) years. In all, 78 patients (14%) were converted to open surgery; 15 (3%) during cystectomy and 63 patients (12%) were converted from ICUD to extracorporeal urinary diversion. The 5‐year RFS, CSS and OS rates were 63% (95% confidence interval [CI] 59%–68%), 75% (95% CI 72%–80%) and 67% (95% CI 63%–72%), respectively. Pathological non‐organ‐confined disease (tumour stage >T2 or positive lymph nodes) predicted poorer RFS, CSS and OS. Reconstruction with a neobladder (20% of cases) compared to an ileal conduit was the only predictor of high‐grade complications (odds ratio 2.54, 95% CI 1.46–4.43; P < 0.001).

Conclusion

A RARC with ICUD is feasible as a standard surgical procedure for bladder cancer with only a few patients converted to open surgery. In our hands reconstruction with a neobladder was a strong predictor for high‐grade complications.
Recurrent TRAK1::RAF1 Fusions in pediatric low‐grade gliomas
Authors: Benhamida Jamal K. , Harmsen Hannah J. , Ma Deqin , William Christopher M. , Li Bryan K. , Villafania Liliana , Sukhadia Purvil , Mullaney Kerry A. , Dewan Michael C. , Vakiani Efsevia , Karajannis Matthias A. , Snuderl Matija , Zagzag David , Ladanyi Marc , Rosenblum Marc K. , Bale Tejus A.
Published: July 2023

Fusions involving CRAF (RAF1) are infrequent oncogenic drivers in pediatric low‐grade gliomas, rarely identified in tumors bearing features of pilocytic astrocytoma, and involving a limited number of known fusion partners. We describe recurrent TRAK1::RAF1 fusions, previously unreported in brain tumors, in three pediatric patients with low‐grade glial‐glioneuronal tumors. We present the associated clinical, histopathologic and molecular features. Patients were all female, aged 8 years, 15 months, and 10 months at diagnosis. All tumors were located in the cerebral hemispheres and predominantly cortical, with leptomeningeal involvement in 2/3 patients. Similar to previously described activating RAF1 fusions, the breakpoints in RAF1 all occurred 5′ of the kinase domain, while the breakpoints in the 3′ partner preserved the N‐terminal kinesin‐interacting domain and coiled‐coil motifs of TRAK1. Two of the three cases demonstrated methylation profiles (v12.5) compatible with desmoplastic infantile ganglioglioma (DIG)/desmoplastic infantile astrocytoma (DIA) and have remained clinically stable and without disease progression/recurrence after resection. The remaining tumor was non‐classifiable; with focal recurrence 14 months after initial resection; the patient remains symptom free and without further recurrence/progression (5 months post re‐resection and 19 months from initial diagnosis). Our report expands the landscape of oncogenic RAF1 fusions in pediatric gliomas, which will help to further refine tumor classification and guide management of patients with these alterations.
Neither dead nor alive: Participatory slum governance as a zombie program
Authors: da Silva Sven , Koster Martijn , de Vries Pieter
Published: July 2023

This article focuses on PREZEIS, an internationally acclaimed participatory slum governance program in Recife, Brazil. PREZEIS was implemented in 1987 and emerged out of a strong popular movement that resisted forced evictions of squatter settlements under the military regime (1964–1985). To date, however, its main objectives—upgrading slums and regularizing land rights—have not been achieved, and its executive powers have been dismantled over the years. We argue that this institutionalization of a popular movement gave birth to a “zombie program” that lives off the past and refuses to die. We advance the zombie metaphor through the Lacanian notion of “fetishistic disavowal,” of knowing PREZEIS is “dead” but still believing it can be revived through ritualistic, fetishistic activities. We argue that the challenge is to accept its death, opening up the possibility for something truly new to arise. In the conclusion, we also explore how this factors into broader debates on urban post‐politics.
Prevention of internal bacterial colonization of dental implants: A comparative longitudinal observational study
Authors: Jervøe‐Storm Pia‐Merete , Jepsen Søren , Marder Michael , Kraus Dominik , Stoilov Milan , Enkling Norbert
Published: July 2023

Objectives

Previous studies have indicated a progressive internal bacterial colonization of implants and possible implications for peri‐implant bone loss. The aim of this study was to evaluate a decontamination protocol, two disinfectants, and a sealant for their ability to prevent such a colonization.

Materials and Methods

Bacterial samples were harvested from the peri‐implant sulcus (external) and following abutment removal from the implant cavity (internal) during routine supportive peri‐implant care in 30 edentulous patients 2 years after they had obtained two implants. In a split‐mouth design, implants were randomly assigned to receive either internal decontamination alone (10% H2O2, brush) or additional placement of either sealant (GS), disinfectant agent (CHX‐varnish) or disinfectant gel (1% CHX‐gel), in the internal cavity before remounting of abutment/suprastructure. Twelve months later, internal and external sampling was repeated. Total bacterial counts (TBCs) were determined using real‐time PCR in a total of 240 samples (eight per patient).

Results

Total bacterial counts in the internal cavity significantly reduced overall treatment modalities 1 year after the treatments (4.0 [2.3–6.9]‐fold reduction; p = .000). No significant differences between the four treatment types were found (p = .348). Comparison of internal and external sampling points revealed significant correlation (R2 = .366; p = .000) with systematically higher TBC counts in external samples.

Conclusions

Within the limitations of the present study, it can be concluded that the use of disinfectant agents or a sealant did not show an additional benefit in the prevention of internal bacterial colonization of implants compared to a decontamination protocol alone.
Delayed hypersensitivity reactions to iodinated contrast media: A diagnostic approach by skin tests
Authors: Bianchi Leonardo , Hansel Katharina , Biondi Filippo , Caroppo Elena Sofia , Galeotti Tommaso , Casciola Gabriele , Tramontana Marta , Marietti Rossella , Napolitano Maddalena , Patruno Cataldo , Stingeni Luca
Published: July 2023

Background

Adverse drug reactions to iodinated contrast media (ICM) have risen due to their increasing use in x‐ray‐based imaging modalities. Delayed hypersensitivity reactions are mainly caused by nonionic monomeric compounds and represent an issue impacting the diagnostic–therapeutic pathways of cancer, cardiology and surgery patients.

Objectives

To prospectively evaluate the usefulness of skin tests in delayed hypersensitivity reactions to ICM and to evaluate the tolerability of iobitridol, a monomeric nonionic low osmolality compound, as a possible safe alternative.

Methods

Patients with delayed hypersensitivity reactions to ICM referred to us from 2020 to 2022 were prospectively enrolled in the study. All patients underwent patch test and, if negative, intradermal test with the culprit ICM and iobitridol as alternative.

Results

A total of 37 patients (females 24, 64.9%) were enrolled in the study. Iodixanol and iomeprol were the most frequently involved ICM (48.5% and 35.2%, respectively); 62.2% of patients presented maculopapular eruption, while 37.8% reported delayed urticaria‐like rash. Skin tests resulted positive to the culprit ICM in 19 patients (51.4%), 16 to patch test and 3 to intradermal test. Skin tests with iobitridol, tested as alternative, resulted positive in 3/19 patients (15.8%). All 16 patients with negative results to iobitridol were administered this ICM and tolerated it.

Conclusions

In at least half of patients, delayed‐type hypersensitivity was demonstrated by skin tests, particularly by patch test. This diagnostic approach resulted simple, cost‐effective and safe, not only to confirm the culprit ICM but also to identify iobitridol as feasible alternative.
Social network interventions to reduce race disparities in living kidney donation: Design and rationale of the friends and family of kidney transplant patients study (FFKTPS)
Authors: Daw Jonathan , Verdery Ashton M. , Ortiz Selena E. , Reed Rhiannon Deierhoi , Locke Jayme E. , Redfield Robert R. , Kloda David , Liu Michel , Mentch Heather , Sawinski Deirdre , Aguilar Diego , Porter Nathaniel D. , Roberts Mary K. , McIntyre Katie , Reese Peter P.
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Racial/ethnic disparities in living donor kidney transplantation (LDKT) are a persistent challenge. Although nearly all directed donations are from members of patients’ social networks, little is known about which social network members take steps toward living kidney donation, which do not, and what mechanisms contribute to racial/ethnic LDKT disparities.

Methods

We describe the design and rationale of the Friends and Family of Kidney Transplant Patients Study, a factorial experimental fielding two interventions designed to promote LKD discussions. Participants are kidney transplant candidates at two centers who are interviewed and delivered an intervention by trained center research coordinators. The search intervention advises patients on which social network members are most likely to be LKD contraindication‐free; the script intervention advises patients on how to initiate effective LKD discussions. Participants are randomized into four conditions: no intervention, search only, script only, or both search and script. Patients also complete a survey and optionally provide social network member contact information so they can be surveyed directly. This study will seek to enroll 200 transplant candidates. The primary outcome is LDKT receipt. Secondary outcomes include live donor screening and medical evaluations and outcomes. Tertiary outcomes include LDKT self‐efficacy, concerns, knowledge, and willingness, measured before and after the interventions.

Conclusion

This study will assess the effectiveness of two interventions to promote LKD and ameliorate Black‐White disparities. It will also collect unprecedented information on transplant candidates’ social network members, enabling future work to address network member structural barriers to LKD.
Identification and confirmation via in situ hybridization of Merkel cell polyomavirus in rare cases of posttransplant cutaneous T‐cell lymphoma
Authors: Lawrence Lauren , Wang Aihui , Charville Gregory , Liu Chih Long , Garofalo Andrea , Alizadeh Ash , Jangam Diwash , Pinsky Benjamin A. , Sahoo Malaya , Gratzinger Dita , Khodadoust Michael , Kim Youn , Novoa Roberto , Stehr Henning
Published: July 2023

Background

Viral infection is an oncogenic factor in many hematolymphoid malignancies. We sought to determine the diagnostic yield of aligning off‐target reads incidentally obtained during targeted hematolymphoid next‐generation sequencing to a large database of viral genomes to screen for viral sequences within tumor specimens.

Methods

Alignment of off‐target reads to viral genomes was performed using magicBLAST. Localization of Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) RNA was confirmed by RNAScope in situ hybridization. Integration analysis was performed using Virus‐Clip.

Results

Four cases of post‐cardiac‐transplant folliculotropic mycosis fungoides (fMF) and one case of peripheral T‐cell lymphoma (PTCL) were positive in off‐target reads for MCPyV DNA. Two of the four cases of posttransplant fMF and the case of PTCL showed localization of MCPyV RNA to malignant lymphocytes, whereas the remaining two cases of posttransplant fMF showed MCPyV RNA in keratinocytes.

Conclusions

Our findings raise the question of whether MCPyV may play a role in rare cases of T‐lymphoproliferative disorders, particularly in the skin and in the heavily immunosuppressed posttransplant setting.
Primary mucoepidermoid carcinoma of the external auditory canal with a CRTC1::MAML2 fusion: A case report and a review of literature
Authors: De la Sancha Carlo , Kuhar Matthew , Kraft Adele , Alomari Ahmed K.
Published: July 2023

Mucoepidermoid carcinoma is a malignant neoplasm of exocrine glands that arises predominantly in salivary glands. It is seldom encountered as a primary cutaneous neoplasm, and in those patients, it often involves the external auditory canal. Given their rarity, they can pose a diagnostic challenge and prompt extensive workup. In salivary glands, mucoepidermoid carcinomas commonly harbor CRTC1/3::MAML2 fusions; however, genetic alterations of primary cutaneous neoplasms are less characterized, with previous studies reporting CRTC1 rearrangements in the absence of MAML2 aberrations. Herein, we report a case of a primary cutaneous mucoepidermoid carcinoma of the external auditory canal with a CRTC1::MAML2 rearrangement. We also review the clinical, morphologic, and molecular features of this neoplasm and compare them to those reported in the literature and to histopathologic mimics.
Examining the association between psychological distress and alcohol use in Australian adolescents over a period of declining consumption
Authors: Cerocchi Natalie , Mojica‐Perez Yvette , Livingston Michael , Arunogiri Shalini , Pennay Amy , Callinan Sarah
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Youth drinking rates have declined over the past 15 years while self‐reported psychological distress has increased, despite a well‐recognised positive relationship between the two. The current study aimed to identify changes in the relationship between psychological distress and alcohol use in adolescents from 2007 to 2019.

Methods

This study used survey responses from 6543 Australians aged 14–19 years who completed the National Drug Strategy Household Survey in 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016 or 2019. Logistic and multivariable linear regressions with interactions (psychological distress × survey wave) predicted any alcohol consumption, short‐term risk and average quantity of standard drinks consumed per day.

Results

Psychological distress was a positive predictor of alcohol use and this association remained stable across survey waves as alcohol consumption decreased.

Discussion and Conclusions

The relationship between distress and alcohol consumption remained relatively steady, even as youth drinking declined and distress increased. The proportion of drinkers experiencing distress did not increase as consumption rates dropped, suggesting that the decline in youth drinking is occurring independently of the increase in self‐reported and diagnosed mental health issues.
Social and contextual factors associated with drinking before, during and after watching Australian Football League games: A pilot ecological momentary assessment study
Authors: Pennay Amy , van Egmond Kelly , Anderson‐Luxford Dan , Wright Cassandra J. C. , Caluzzi Gabriel , Livingston Michael , Dickson Geoff , Nicholson Matthew , Kuntsche Emmanuel
Published: July 2023

Introduction

The aim of this study was to: (i) determine the feasibility of using ecological momentary assessment to collect data from Australian Football League (AFL) fans; (ii) explore pre‐game, during‐game and post‐game consumption patterns of AFL fans; and (iii) explore the social and setting‐related factors associated with risky single occasion drinking (5+ drinks) among AFL fans.

Methods

Thirty‐four participants completed up to 10 ecological momentary assessment surveys before, during and after 63 AFL games (n = 437 completed surveys). Surveys collected data about their drinking, and their social and environmental milieu (e.g., location, company). Binary logistic regression analyses clustered by participant identified which game‐day characteristics were associated with higher odds of risky single occasion drinking. Significant differences between pre‐game, during‐game and post‐game drinking on social and environmental factors were explored using pairwise comparisons.

Results

Risky single occasion drinking was more likely when games began in the early‐afternoon (1–3 pm) than late‐afternoon (3–6 pm), when participants watched the game at a stadium or pub compared to home, and when participants watched the game with friends compared to family. Pre‐drinking was more likely before night games and post‐drinking was more likely after day games. Drinking during the game was heavier when watching the game at a pub and when watching with a combined group of friends and family.

Discussion and Conclusions

Preliminary findings suggest that social and contextual factors matter in the way alcohol is consumed while watching AFL games. These findings require further investigation in larger samples.
Endoscopic gallbladder stenting using a 0.018‐inch guidewire and a novel spiral dilator
Authors: Shionoya Kento , Koizumi Kazuya , Tsuchiya Takayoshi
Published: July 2023

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