bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
When modesty meets fashion: how social media and influencers change the meaning of hijab
Authors: Karakavak Zerrin , Özbölük Tuğba
Published: December 2022

Purpose

This study aims to examine the functions of hijab fashion among hijab-wearing women and explore the role of social media and influencers in hijab fashion.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conducted in-depth interviews with 29 hijab-wearing women in Turkey. The authors collected data in June–November 2020.

Findings

Findings show that hijab fashion functions as encouragement, attraction, modesty and social image among Turkish Muslim women. This study also shows that social media and influencers change the meaning of the hijab while promoting hijab fashion. Findings reveal that Instagram boutiques act as digital fashion magazines, which enable women to integrate faster into popular culture today. While influencers have increased the number of hijab-wearing women, they have also turned the hijab into a commodity in the market by degenerating its true meaning.

Research limitations/implications

This study has several limitations regarding the sample and geographic context of consumers. This study may not represent Turkish Muslim women’s behavior as our sample consists of 29 women. Therefore, larger samples are needed to generalize our findings. Undertaking cross-cultural studies will also enable marketers to make cultural comparisons.

Practical implications

This study offers some insights for Islamic marketing practitioners in terms of influencer using in hijab fashion.

Originality/value

This study adds to the previous research on hijab fashion and hijab consumption on Instagram. This study also extends the previous literature by examining the role of social media and influencers in hijab fashion. Findings revealed that the hijab is gradually losing its spiritual value by becoming a commodity packaged and marketed through Instagram and influencers.
Knowledge integration for resilience among multinational SMEs amid the COVID-19: from the view of global digital platforms
Authors: Guo Yuanyuan , Chen Yilang , Usai Antonio , Wu Liang , Qin Wu
Published: December 2022

Purpose

Multinational small-to-medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are increasingly participating in cross-border digital platforms – especially amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Accordingly, knowledge integration (KI) has become more and more important. In fact, it has been deemed by many as the key to organizational resilience. Given this burgeoning phenomenon, this study aims to explore a path for improving the resilience of multinational SMEs. Through this process, this study also finds a relationship between the KI processes associated with adopting global digital platforms and the resiliency of local–global businesses. Hence, in part, this paper also explores the effectiveness of all these mechanisms.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used the stepwise regression method in Stata 16.0 to analyze the direct effects of both horizontal and vertical KI processes on the resilience of local–global businesses. Additionally, t-tests were also used to compare the differences in coefficients between the mechanisms. The sample analyzed comprised data on multinational manufacturing SMEs in the Yangtze River Delta region of China who are using global digital platforms.

Findings

The KI processes of these firms, both horizontal and vertical, positively correlate to resilience. Horizontal KI processes more efficiently increase the resilience of global businesses, whereas vertical processes more efficiently increase the resilience of local businesses.

Originality/value

First, this study provides insights into how multinational SMEs can improve their resilience in a crisis. In addition to adding to the knowledge of KI processes, this expands the KM literature on pandemics. Second, by creating two KI processes based on global digital platforms and discussing their influence on resilience, this research deepens the understanding of affordance in the KM literature. Third, focusing on the KI research stream, the results shed light on how KI processes might occur and how firms develop their KI processes.
Knowledge management and performance: a bibliometric analysis based on Scopus and WOS data (1988–2021)
Authors: Farooq Rayees
Published: December 2022

Purpose

This study aims to analyze the trends manifested in literature from the area of knowledge management and performance, with emphasis on bibliometric analysis.

Design/methodology/approach

To explore the studies focused on the area under investigation, the authors performed a search in ISI Web of Science and Scopus using the combination of keywords such as “Knowledge management” AND “Performance.” Generally, this study covered a period of 33 years, from 1988 to 2021 because the first study was published in 1970 and the databases have not covered all the journals and studies which date back to the early 1970s or 1980s. The final data set comprised 1,583 publications with 40 articles removed during the screening and eligibility process.

Findings

The results of the bibliometric analysis indicate that the interest in the area of knowledge management and performance has significantly increased, especially from 2000 to 2021. The application of bibliometric analysis on the relationship between knowledge management and performance uncovered various themes, productive authors and widely cited documents. The study highlighted how the knowledge management–performance relationship has evolved over the years and how the interplay between knowledge management and performance may help the firms in gaining the sustainable competitive advantage.

Originality/value

To the best of the author’s knowledge, this study is the first of its kind to conduct the bibliometric analysis on knowledge management and performance. This study can be a starting point for scholars interested in understanding how knowledge management is related to performance.
Too thin to be cute: the influence of letter height-to-width ratio on consumer perception
Authors: Xie Zhipeng , Wang Tao , Zhao Jing , Qin Huanyu
Published: December 2022

Purpose

This study aims to test the possible correlation between the letter height-to-width ratio and consumers’ perception of cuteness.

Design/methodology/approach

Through the design of three groups of experimental questionnaires, this paper carried out experiments on subjects with different professional backgrounds.

Findings

The result shows that perceived cuteness is only beneficial for consumers who adopt communal relationship (rather than exchange relationship) with the brand. Compared to consumers who adopt communal relationship with brands, letters of lower height-to-width ratio are perceived as cuter and thus more preferable than thinner ones, whereas for consumers who adopt exchange relationship with brands, thinner letters are preferred.

Research limitations/implications

To rule out interference, this study focuses only on the height-to-width ratio of the letters. In the future, researchers can pay more attention to the mobility of brand relationships, consumers’ reading strategy and logos’ visual elements that influence consumers’ brand perception (besides height-to-width ratio).

Practical implications

The research reminds scholars that the height-to-width ratio of letters/logos is not only of aesthetic value but also imposes a great impact on consumer perception. And the result of this research explains the contradiction in consumers’ preference for wide vs thin letter shapes and provides evidence for the interaction between brand relationship norms and letter preferences.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this research is the first to explore the influence of letter height-to-width ratio in marketing.
Seeking the resilience of service firms: a strategic learning process based on digital platform capability
Authors: Liu Ruhong , Long Jing , Liu Longjun
Published: December 2022

Purpose

How to improve the resilience of service firms in the crisis, such as the COVID-19 epidemic, to maintain a sustainable competitive advantage becomes a growing concern worldwide. Digital platform capability (DPC) provides a series of opportunities and advantages for service firms to shape resilience in the crisis. This study aims to clarify the effect and mechanism of DPC on service firms’ resilience, and provides a new mediator (strategic learning [SL]), as well as two boundary conditions (legal inefficiency [LIE] and legal incompleteness [LIC]).

Design/methodology/approach

Questionnaires were used to obtain firm data, and executives answered these key questions. Data from 293 service firms during the COVID-19 period were used for hypothesis testing.

Findings

DPC was positively related to the adaptive capacity (AC) and planning capacity (PC) of service firms. SL mediated the positive effect of DPC on the AC and PC of service firms. The positive effect between DPC and SL was weakened when LIE and LIC were high.

Practical implications

This study suggests that it is a very desirable measure to improve DPC to gain organizational resilience (OR) in the crisis. In addition, a SL process in the crisis is crucial, because service firms need to absorb key strategic information from digital platforms to cope with uncertainty. The services firms need to realize that the benefits of DPC will be weakened in the dysfunctional institutional environment of LIE and LIC.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to link the DPC with the resilience of service firms, and provides a new explanation mechanism and some boundary conditions for this important relationship. Furthermore, this study takes a step forward, because these efforts respond to the widespread call of the literature on digitalization and OR, and provide new insights for understanding digital resilience.
Analytical studies of Eyring-Powell fluid models
Authors: Pinar Izgi Zehra
Published: December 2022

Purpose

When the literature is reviewed carefully, the analytical solutions of these types of models are missing. First using appropriate similarity transformation, the equations are reduced to dimensionless form (NODE). To solve the reduced models, ansatz-based methods are considered. Finally, the explicit form solutions are obtained and the effects of material parameters and Prandtl number on the velocity and temperature profiles are shown in figures by the exact solutions. This study aims to discuss the aforementioned solution.

Design/methodology/approach

One of the non-Newtonian fluids is Eyring-Powell (EP) fluid which is derived from the kinetic theory of fluids. Two variations of EP model are considered to obtain the exact solutions that are missing in the literature. In order to obtain exact solutions, one of the ansatz-based methods is considered. The effects of material parameters and Prandtl number on the velocity and temperature profiles are shown in figures by the exact solutions. The results will guide to develop the model to predict the velocity profile and temperature profile when experimental data for dimensionless material parameters of EP fluid are available.

Findings

Finally, the explicit form solutions are obtained and the effects of material parameters and Prandtl number are shown in the figures. The results will guide to develop of the model to predict the velocity profile and temperature profile when experimental data for dimensionless material parameters of EP fluid are available. For the modified EP models, only special cases are considered. The generalized form, i.e. the modified EP models, which include deformation parameters, will be considered in the authors’ future work.

Originality/value

When the literature is reviewed carefully, the analytical solutions of these types of models are missing so by this work, the gap in the literature is filled. The explicit form solutions are obtained and the effects of material parameters and Prandtl number on the velocity and temperature profiles are shown in figures.
An assessment of selection and acquisition practices in meeting library users' information needs at Kenyan National Museum Library
Authors: Bonaya Kaltuma Sama
Published: December 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to show how quality information materials are maintained in Kenyan museum libraries by examining collection development policy, skills and processes used by librarians in acquisition.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 137 respondents, which included 130 registered library users and seven members of staff, completed the questionnaires. This included the principal librarian, for whom an interview schedule was used to collect the required data. A pilot study to ensure data validity and reliability was carried out at the Kenya Medical Research Institute Library. Statistical Packages for Social Science (SPSS) was used to analyze the research data.

Findings

The findings, which were presented both textually and graphically, show that the National Museum of Kenya library lacks a collection development policy to guide the acquisition process, as well as a diverse set of information resources that are both comprehensive and current to meet the current user information needs. Furthermore, the key impediment to the acquisition of information materials was revealed to be financial constraints, and there was a positive effort to involve library users in the acquisition process.

Research limitations/implications

The study focus on library users and library staff at the National Museums of Kenya (NMK) library in Nairobi, it may not be, therefore, representative of the acquisition processes at all Kenyan museum libraries. Although NMK has other branches across the country, they were not included in this study.

Practical implications

This paper purposes to provide the Kenyan museum library with important information about maintaining quality information materials from the perspectives of librarians and library users. Despite efforts to improve information materials, the management faces financial challenges.

Social implications

The study unveils underlying picture in selection and acquisition practices which will inform on meeting library users information needs.

Originality/value

The paper is of value as a case study of Kenya Museums Library.
Research progress on working conditions in supply chains: a comprehensive literature review and future research propositions
Authors: Bag Surajit , Dhamija Pavitra
Published: December 2022

Purpose

The International Labour Organization (ILO) has emphasized advancing decent employment in global supply chains. Supply chains (SC) are responsible for the growth of any economy and are positively correlated with job creation. However, studies show that decent working conditions are becoming a major concern. Hence, this study is a modest attempt to examine the shortcomings that result in a lack of decent working conditions in global SCs' and further discuss what kind of guidelines, programs, policies, initiatives or principles are necessary to stimulate decent jobs and/or make it easier to enhance decent working conditions in SC.

Design/methodology/approach

The present paper first applied the systematic literature review and second used the TCM (Theory-Context-Methods), which is a framework-based review, further reporting the analysis of 59 journal research articles/papers listed in the Scopus database.

Findings

The most commonly used theories in the selected studies are institutional theory. As per these theories, governance, rules and regulations play a crucial role in stopping forced labour, child labour practices and social injustice among workers. The findings of this study comply with SDG eight, which states the significance of decent working conditions. Further, the topic modeling reveals four themes: (1) Nature of working conditions (2) Corporate legitimacy (3) Corporate governance mechanisms and (4) Corporate social responsibility, sustainability and ethics in firms. Lastly, we proposed a research framework that shows all the leading factors that influence working conditions in the supply chain.

Practical implications

Managers must focus on integrating decent working conditions in SC activities in their respective organizations and factories. Managers must realize and shoulder this responsibility with other top officials in the organization that improving the SC working conditions is the need of the hour. Consultation with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) five (gender equality) (emphasize gender equality); and SDG eight (decent work and economic growth) (promote sustainable economic growth) is also recommended for managers. Lastly, managers need to develop suitable strategies keeping in mind the interplay between the leading factors (such as top management support, organizational culture, SA 8000 certification, occupational health and safety, stop forced labour and child labour practices, ethics training, enforce modern slavery act, global compliance regimes, buyer-supplier joint auditing, social responsible sourcing, stoppage of unauthorized sub-contracting, maintain SC transparency and CSR disclosure).

Originality/value

Using systematic literature review and TCM approach has provided some good takeaway points for managers. The study provides a valuable framework and fourteen research propositions which can be tested in the future.
Examination of the nutritional intake of patients undergoing opioid replacement therapy: A systematic review
Authors: Waddington Freya , Naunton Mark , Thomas Jackson , Kyle Greg , Wheatley Brendon , Oguoma Victor
Published: December 2022

Aim

 This systematic review aimed to determine the level of existing research that investigates the intake, specifically macro and micronutrient intake, of patients undergoing opioid replacement therapy.

Methods

A systematic review was conducted across PubMed, Embase, Cochrane and CINAHL databases using a pre‐determined protocol. Studies published between 2001 and 2022 assessing macronutrient or micronutrient intake in opioid replacement therapy patients were included. The Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology checklist was utilised for quality appraisal.  Data from each of the included papers was synthesised in a narrative manner. Data extracted included all measurements of nutrition including macronutrient, and micronutrient intake and any bioanalysis results and methods utilised.

Results

Seven papers (one cohort study and six cross‐sectional studies, n = 443) were included that investigated an aspect of nutritional intake in patients receiving opioid replacement therapy. The majority of included papers reported an assessment of both macro and micronutrient and resulting energy intake as determined by food consumption. The included papers described a picture of irregular nutritional intake in patients undergoing opioid replacement therapy.

Conclusion

Minimal research into the nutritional intake of opioid replacement therapy patients exists. The existing research is suggestive of irregular nutritional intake from both macro and micronutrient consumption and indicates a need for further studies and increased attention on this vulnerable patient group.
Are international organisations in decline? An absolute and relative perspective on institutional change
Authors: Debre Maria J. , Dijkstra Hylke
Published: December 2022

Many international organisations (IOs) are currently challenged, yet are they also in decline? Despite much debate on the crisis of liberal international order, contestation, loss of legitimacy, gridlock, pathologies and exiting member states, there is little research on IO decline. This article seeks to clarify this concept and argues that decline can be considered in absolute and relative terms. Absolute decline involves a decrease in the number of IOs and their authority, membership and output, whereas relative decline concerns a decrease in the centrality of IOs in international relations. Reviewing a wide range of indicators, this article argues that, whereas there is limited decline in absolute terms since 1945, there may well be important decline in relative terms. Relative decline is more difficult to measure, but to probe its significance this article presents data from speeches during the United Nations General Assembly General Debate. It shows that IOs were most often mentioned in 1996 and that there has been a decline since. These findings indicate that, whereas IOs might survive as institutions, they are decreasingly central to international relations.
Can the Unfree Be Held Morally Responsible? A Douglassonian Conception of Freedom and Distributed Moral Agency
Authors: Singer Abraham
Published: December 2022

Can those dominated and oppressed by racialized power structures be held responsible for their actions? On some plausible accounts of moral responsibility, the answer is “no”: domination exempts the oppressed from moral obligations because they are structurally deprived of the freedom to make choices for which one might be blameworthy. In this article, I use the work of Frederick Douglass to offer a different understanding of moral responsibility. Attending to specific arguments that Douglass makes regarding the moral responsibility of slaves, and the tensions it raises with other parts of his corpus, I argue that one's ability to act as a moral agent is deeply tied to the environmental resources at their disposal. Drawing on distributed theories of cognition, I offer a Douglassonian conception of “distributed moral agency,” contending that Douglass's writings draw our attention to various environmental factors that can scaffold moral responsibility, even among the enslaved.
Dexmedetomidine for adult cardiac surgery: a systematic review, meta‐analysis and trial sequential analysis
Authors: Poon W. H. , Ling R. R. , Yang I. X. , Luo H. , Kofidis T. , MacLaren G. , Tham C. , Teoh K. L. K. , Ramanathan K.
Published: December 2022

The effects of dexmedetomidine in adults undergoing cardiac surgery are inconsistent. We conducted a systematic review and meta‐analysis to analyse the effects of peri‐operative dexmedetomidine in adults undergoing cardiac surgery. We searched MEDLINE via Pubmed, EMBASE, Scopus and Cochrane for relevant randomised controlled trials between 1 January 1990 and 1 March 2022. We used the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology checklist to assess study quality and the GRADE approach to certainty of evidence. We assessed the sensitivity of results to false data. We used random‐effects meta‐analyses to analyse the primary outcomes: durations of intensive care and tracheal intubation. We included 48 trials of 6273 participants. Dexmedetomidine reduced the mean (95%CI) duration of intensive care by 5.0 (2.2–7.7) h, p = 0.001, and tracheal intubation by 1.6 (0.6–2.7) h, p = 0.003. The relative risk (95%CI) for postoperative delirium was 0.58 (0.43–0.78), p = 0.001; 0.76 (0.61–0.95) for atrial fibrillation, p = 0.015; and 0.49 (0.25–0.97) for short‐term mortality, p = 0.041. Bradycardia and hypotension were not significantly affected. Trial sequential analysis was consistent with the primary meta‐analysis. Adjustments for possible false data reduced the mean (95%CI) reduction in duration of intensive care and tracheal intubation by dexmedetomidine to 3.6 (1.8–5.4) h and 0.8 (0.2–1.4) h, respectively. Binary adjustment for methodological quality at a Joanna Briggs Institute score threshold of 10 did not alter the results significantly. In summary, peri‐operative dexmedetomidine reduced the durations of intensive care and tracheal intubation and the incidence of short‐term mortality after adult cardiac surgery. The reductions in intensive care stay and tracheal intubation may or may not be considered clinically useful, particularly after adjustment for possible false data.
The obesity paradox in ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction patients: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Liu Si‐Han , Lin Ying‐Zi , Han Shuo , Jin Yuan‐Zhe
Published: December 2022

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate whether there was a difference in survival after initial percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) among ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients with different body mass index (BMI).

Methods

Literature retrieval was conducted on PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, CNKI, and Wanfang databases to obtain the published studies on the survival of STEMI patients with different BMI after initial PCI from the establishment of the database to 2022. All statistical analyses were performed using STATA16.0.

Results

Two hundred thirty‐nine studies were retrieved, and 12 studies were eventually included. Meta‐analysis showed that overweight patients [OR = 0.66, 95% CI (0.58, 0.76), p < .001] and obese patients [OR = 0.60, 95% CI (0.51, 0.72), p < .001] had lower in‐hospital mortality than healthy‐weight patients. Overweight patients [OR = 0.66, 95% CI (0.58, 0.74), p < .001] and obese patients [OR = 0.62, 95% CI (0.53, 0.72), p < .001] had lower short‐term mortality than healthy‐weight patients. In addition, overweight patients [OR = 0.63, 95% CI (0.58, 0.69), p < .001] and obese patients [OR = 0.59, 95% CI (0.52, 0.66), p < .001] also had lower long‐term mortality than healthy‐weight patients. There was no significant difference in in‐hospital mortality [OR = 1.06, 95% CI (0.89, 1.27), p > .05], short‐term mortality [OR = 1.04, 95% CI (0.89, 1.22), p > .05], and long‐term mortality [OR = 1.07, 95% CI (0.95, 1.20), p > .05] between overweight and obese patients.

Conclusion

This meta‐analysis confirmed an obesity paradox in STEMI patients following PCI. The obesity paradox exists in in‐hospital, short‐term, and long‐term conditions.
Intraluminal oxygen mitigates acute mesenteric ischaemia: a systematic review of methods and outcomes in animal studies
Authors: Joh Daniel , Morreau Mathew , Lee Angela , Pendharkar Sayali , Stokes Bruce , Warren Roger , Hickey Anthony , Phillips Anthony J. , Windsor John A
Published: December 2022

Background

Acute Mesenteric Ischaemic (AMI) is a rare condition with significant morbidity and mortality. Many causes of AMI exist, which usually begin with mucosal injury. Onset is insiduous and there is frequent diagnostic delay. Current treatments can only control established injury and prevent propagation, hence new interventions are needed. The prevention and treatment of AMI by intraluminal delivery of oxygen has yet to be investigated in the clinical setting. This article aims to systemically review experimental studies investigating this novel therapy.

Methods

Following the PRISMA guidelines, searches of PubMed and Ovid MEDLINE databases were performed up to June 2022. Two independent investigators extracted the data.

Results

There were 20 experimental studies, 16 of which used an occlusive ischaemia reperfusion model. Six different formulations were used to deliver intraluminal oxygen, with perflurocarbon being the most common. Studies consistently showed local and systemic benefits. Intraluminal oxygen therapy improved histological severity of mucosal injury in all studies when oxygen was delivered during the ischaemia phase, but could cause harm if given during the reperfusion phase. Improvement was also demonstrated in endpoints assessing intestinal function, biomarkers of intestinal damage, measures of systemic physiological derangement and mortality.

Conclusion

Intraluminal oxygenation appears to be an effective treatment for AMI. There remain significant questions regarding optimal timing and delivery formulation before clinical translation of this treatment strategy.
The delayed, durable effect of expressive writing on depression, anxiety and stress: A meta‐analytic review of studies with long‐term follow‐ups
Authors: Guo Lin
Published: December 2022

Background

Expressive writing is a promising tool to heal the wounds with words.

Aims

This meta‐analysis evaluated the current state of efficacy of expressive writing on depression, anxiety and stress symptoms among healthy and subclinical samples.

Materials and Methods

Thirty‐one experimental studies (N = 4012) with randomized controlled trials and follow‐up assessments were analysed.

Results

Results showed that expressive writing had an overall small but significant effect (Hedges'g = −0.12, 95% CI [−0.21, −0.04]) on reducing symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress. Change score analyses suggested that the intervention effect emerged after a delay, as evidenced by assessments at follow‐up periods. Moderator analyses indicated that the effect sizes varied as a function of one intervention feature: interval. Studies that implemented short intervals (1–3 days) between writing sessions yielded stronger effects (Gdiff = −0.18,p = .01) relative to studies that implemented medium intervals (4–7 days) or long intervals (>7 days). The effects of expressive writing remained consistent across other intervention features including focus, instruction, number of sessions, topic repetition and delivery mode.

Discussion

Together, these findings provide evidence for the delayed, durable effect of expressive writing and underscore the importance of scheduling writing sessions at short intervals.

Conclusion

Implications for incorporating expressive writing into clinical practice and daily life are discussed.
Prevention of hospital‐associated venous thromboembolism — Insight from the Getting It Right First Time thrombosis survey in England
Authors: Roberts Lara N. , Hunt Beverley J. , Briggs Tim W. , Arya Roopen
Published: December 2022

A national Venous Thromboembolism (VTE) Prevention Programme was introduced in England in 2010, with limited subsequent study of its impact. Whilst the National Outcomes Framework reports VTE deaths related to hospitalisation annually, there are little data regarding VTE prevention practice or non‐fatal VTE associated with hospitalisation. We report the first national thrombosis survey undertaken in collaboration with Getting It Right First Time. 98 Trusts (103 sites, 67% of 144 invited) participated in at least one survey, contributing data regarding VTE prevention in 9553 patients. Anti‐coagulant thromboprophylaxis was prescribed to 88% (when indicated), with 8.1% of patients missing doses. Written patient information was provided to 31%. Of 4595 episodes of hospital‐associated VTE, 13% were considered potentially preventable. The survey highlights the success of the national programme and areas for improvement in delivery of thromboprophylaxis and patient information.
Effect of postoperative radiotherapy for patients with differentiated thyroid cancer
Authors: Ryu Hyejo , Wu Hong‐Gyun , Lee Kyu Eun , Chung Eun‐Jae , Ahn Soon‐Hyun , Park Young Joo , Choi Hoon Sung
Published: December 2022

Objective

We evaluated the efficacy and safety of postoperative radiotherapy (PORT) for differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) with high risk features.

Materials and Methods

This retrospective study analyzed 187 patients treated for DTC from 1985 to 2019. DTC referred to nonanaplastic thyroid cancer originating from follicular cells. PORT was defined as the administration of external beam radiation to the thyroid and regional lymph nodes following surgery for initially diagnosed DTC. The patients were included in the analysis if they received PORT or exhibited any of the following features: (a) pT4 or pN1b according to the 8th American Joint Committee on Cancer, (b) poorly differentiated thyroid cancer (PDTC), or (c) unfavourable variants such as anaplastic foci and etc. After 1:1 propensity matching, a total of 108 patients were analyzed according to PORT receipt. The median follow‐up duration of the matched group was 10.4 years.

Results

After matching, most of the variables became balanced, but the PORT group still had more PDTC and DTC with anaplastic foci. Radioactive iodine (RAI) was less frequently administered in the PORT group. PORT yielded a significantly higher 5‐year locoregional recurrence free survival (LRFS) than the No PORT group (5‐year LRFS 86.1% vs. 72.7%, p = 0.022), but the 10‐year cancer specific survival (CSS) was similar between them (97.8% vs. 85.9%, p = 0.122). The multivariable analysis indicated that PORT was a favourable prognostic factor (Hazard ratio 0.3, 95% Confidence interval 0.1–0.8, p = 0.02) for LRFS, but not for CSS. Among 133 patients without PORT for initial disease, 39 of them received salvage surgery followed by salvage PORT. No severe toxicity after PORT was reported.

Conclusion

PORT reduced locoregional recurrence in DTC patients without severe toxicity. PORT can be an effective and safe treatment to improve locoregional control in DTC with high risk features. However, further study is warranted to identify those who can benefit from PORT.
Evaluation of coronary microvascular dysfunction and risk factors in children and youth with Turner syndrome by magnetic resonance myocardial perfusion imaging
Authors: Bai Wei , Huang Wei , Xu Rong , Fu Hang , Zou Qing , Chen Lin , Xu Huayan , Wen Lingyi , Xie Linjun , Wu Jin , Guo Yingkun
Published: December 2022

Objective

Turner syndrome (TS) has an increased predisposition to ischaemic heart disease and the status of coronary microcirculation in TS is largely unknown. This study aims to evaluate myocardial microvascular function in TS using first‐pass magnetic resonance perfusion imaging and determine significant risk factors contributing to microvascular dysfunction in the early stage.

Design

Perspective cohort study.

Patients

The study cohort consisted of 67 children and youth with TS and 32 age‐ and gender‐matched controls. Measurements Clinical characteristics, left ventricle (LV) volume and function and cardiovascular magnetic resonance‐derived myocardial perfusion parameters were assessed. Univariable and multivariable linear regression analyses were performed to assess the potential risk factors for microvascular dysfunction.

Result

Microvascular perfusion decreased in TS in global and segmented myocardium as reflected in the lower upslopecor and maximum signal intensity (MaxSI) of LV myocardium compared to controls. Multivariable linear regression analysis indicated that age (β = −0.107, 95% confidence interval [CI] = −0.201 to −0.013, p = .026) and being overweight/obese (β = −1.155, CI = −2.134 to −0.176, p = .021) were independent impact factors of microvascular dysfunction. Subgroup analysis showed the upslopecor of older patients with TS decreased more significantly compared with that of normal controls. Upslopecor and MaxSI were lower in overweight/obese patients with TS than in patients with normal body mass index (BMI) and controls.

Conclusion

Myocardial microvascular dysfunction can occur in children and youth patients with TS. Age and overweight/obesity were the independent risk factors of microvascular dysfunction, which imply the importance of lowering BMI for the prevention of coronary heart disease in young TS population.
Reconsidering the olfactory and brain structures in Kallmann's syndrome: New findings in the analysis of volumetry
Authors: Bortolotto Felippe Trentin Marilia , Borges Daniel Karla , Reis Fabiano , Adolfo Silva Junior Nivaldo , Appenzeller Simone , Rittner Letícia , Benetti Pinto Cristina , Garmes Heraldo M.
Published: December 2022

Objective

Kallmann's syndrome (KS) is characterized by hypogonadotropic hypogonadism and olfactory disorders. The complementary exams for evaluating of patients with hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism are important for the diagnosis and management of these patients.

Patients

We performed a well‐established olfactory Sniffin' Stick test (SST) on 17 adult patients with KS and brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to evaluate olfactory structures and further analysis by Freesurfer, a software for segmentation and volumetric evaluation of brain structures. We compared the Freesurfer results with 34 healthy patients matched for age and sex and performed correlations between the data studied.

Results

More than half of the patients with KS reported preserved smell but had olfactory disorders in the SST. In the MRI, 16 patients showed changes in the olfactory groove, the olfactory bulb‐tract complex was altered in all of them and 52% had symmetrical structural changes. Interestingly, the pituitary gland was normal in only 29%. Regarding correlations, symmetrical changes in the olfactory structures were related to anosmia in 100%, while asymmetric changes induced anosmia in only 50% (p = .0294). In Freesurfer's assessment, patients with KS, compared to controls, had lower brainstem volume. In those with aplastic anterior olfactory sulcus, the brainstem volume was lower than in hypoplasia (p = .0333).

Conclusions

Olfactory assessment and MRI proved to be important auxiliary tools for the diagnosis and management of patients with KS. New studies are needed to confirm the decrease in brainstem volume found by the Freesurfer software in patients with KS. Further studies are needed to confirm the decrease in brainstem volume found by the Freesurfer software in patients with KS.
Olfactory Disorders Questionnaire: Scaling severity of quality‐of‐life impact
Authors: Garden Elizabeth Mairenn , Kumaresan Kala , Clark Allan , Philpott Carl Martin
Published: December 2022

Background

The Olfactory Disorders Questionnaire (ODQ) is widely used for patients suffering from olfactory disorders to depict the impact on quality of life. The aim of this study was to scale and produce reference values for patients ODQ score according to Becks Depression Inventory (BDI) severity.

Methods

In this prospective study, a cross‐sectional anonymous survey was created, which combined EQ‐5D‐5L, BDI and ODQ. Correlation was calculated between the three questionnaires. Receiver operator characteristic curves were created to produce cut‐off values for ODQ scores based on three BDI categories (mild, borderline clinical and moderate‐to‐severe depression).

Results

Of the 578 who responded to the survey, 445 completed all sections and were included in the study. Majority were female (n = 327,73.5%), median age group 55–70 years (n = 193,43.4%). There was a strong correlation between BDI score and total ODQ score. There was a clear gradient in total ODQ score for each BDI classification; those with mild depression had the lowest mean ODQ score (101.8, range 39–168), those with moderate‐to‐severe depression had the highest (138.24, range 74–177). Due to overlapping of confidence intervals we were unable to grade the ODQ score.

Conclusion

The study was unable to generate reference values for the ODQ due to lower numbers of patients with borderline clinical to extreme depression. However, we were able to appreciate the general trend, that the higher the ODQ score, the higher the risk of depression. These findings should guide clinical practice to ensure appropriate care and support is provided for those with olfactory dysfunction.
Distinct latitudinal community patterns of Arctic marine vertebrates along the East Greenlandic coast detected by environmental DNA
Authors: Jensen Mads Reinholdt , Høgslund Signe , Knudsen Steen Wilhelm , Nielsen Julius , Møller Peter Rask , Rysgaard Søren , Thomsen Philip Francis
Published: December 2022

Aim

Greenland is one of the places on Earth where the effects of climate change are most evident. The retreat of sea ice has made East Greenland more accessible for longer periods during the year. East Greenland fjords have been notoriously difficult to study due to their remoteness, dense sea ice conditions and lack of infrastructure. As a result, biological monitoring across latitudinal gradients is scarce in East Greenland and relies on sporadic research cruises and trawl data from commercial vessels. We here aim to investigate the transition in fish and marine mammal communities from South to Northeast Greenland using environmental DNA (eDNA).

Location

South to Northeast Greenland.

Methods

We investigated the transition in fish and marine mammal communities from South to Northeast Greenland using eDNA metabarcoding of seawater samples. We included both surface and mesopelagic samples, collected over approximately 2400 km waterway distance, by sampling from Cape Farewell to Ella Island in August 2021.

Results

We demonstrate a clear transition in biological communities from south to northeast, with detected fish and mammal species matching known distributions. Samples from the southern areas were dominated by capelin (Mallotus villosus) and redfish (Sebastes), whereas northeastern samples were dominated by polar cod (Boreogadus saida), sculpins (Myoxocephalus) and ringed seal (Pusa hispida). We provide newly generated 12S rRNA barcodes from 87 fish species, bringing the public DNA database closer to full taxonomic coverage for Greenlandic fish species for this locus.

Main Conclusions

Our results demonstrate that eDNA sampling can detect latitudinal shifts in marine biological communities of the Arctic region, which can supplement traditional fish surveys in understanding species distributions and community compositions of marine vertebrates. Importantly, sampling of eDNA can be a feasible approach for detecting northward range expansions in remote areas as climate change progresses.
RNA‐binding protein PUM2 promotes T‐cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia via competitively binding to RBM5 3′UTR with miR‐28‐5p
Authors: Bai Taomin , Liu Na
Published: December 2022

Objective

T‐cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T‐ALL) is an aggressive hematologic malignancy, and T‐ALL patients are prone to early disease relapse and suffer from poor outcomes. The crucial function of RNA‐binding proteins (RBPs) has been reported in the progression of cancers by regulating the expression of transcripts. This study aimed to reveal the role and molecular regulatory mechanism of RBP Pumilio2 (PUM2) in T‐ALL.

Methods

The expression of genes was detected by reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR) and western blot analysis. The viability, proliferation, and apoptosis of T‐ALL cells were evaluated by 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide, 5‐ethynyl‐2′‐deoxyuridine, and flow cytometry analysis. Luciferase reporter, RNA pulldown, and RNA immunoprecipitation assays were performed to confirm the binding of PUM2 to RBM5. The combination between RNA‐binding motif protein 5 (RBM5) and microRNA (miR)‐28‐5p was validated using luciferase reporter assay.

Results

Our data revealed that PUM2 was highly expressed in T‐ALL blood samples and cell lines. PUM2 knockdown suppressed the proliferation but accelerated the apoptosis of T‐ALL cells in vitro. Additionally, RBM5 exhibited a low expression level in T‐ALL samples and cells. PUM2 negatively regulated RBM5 via targeting its 3′untranslated region (3′UTR). Moreover, PUM2 competitively bound to RBM5 3′UTR with miR‐28‐5p. Rescue experiments showed that RBM5 knockdown reversed the anti‐tumor effects mediated by PUM2 knockdown in T‐ALL cells.

Conclusion

PUM2 plays as a novel oncogenic RBP in T‐ALL by competitively binding to RBM5 mRNA with miR‐28‐5p.
Clinical characteristics of Australian treatment‐naïve patients with classical Hodgkin lymphoma from the lymphoma and related diseases registry
Authors: Nguyen James , Wellard Cameron , Chung Eliza , Cheah Chan Y. , Dickinson Michael , Doo Nicole Wong , Keane Colm , Talaulikar Dipti , Berkahn Leanne , Morgan Susan , Hamad Nada , Cochrane Tara , Johnston Anna M. , Forsyth Cecily , Opat Stephen , Barraclough Allison , Mutsando Howard , Ratnasingam Sumita , Giri Pratyush , Wood Erica M. , McQuilten Zoe K. , Hawkes Eliza A. ,   the Lymphoma and Related Diseases Registry investigators
Published: December 2022

Comprehensive clinical characteristics of Australian patients with classical Hodgkin Lymphoma (cHL) have not previously been systematically collected and described. We report real‐world data of 498 eligible patients from the first 5 years of the Lymphoma and Related Diseases Registry (LaRDR), including baseline characteristics, histologic subtype, and treatment patterns in first‐line therapy. Patient demographics and distribution of histopathological subtypes of cHL are similar to reported international cohorts. Doxorubicin, bleomycin, vinblastine, and dacarbazine (ABVD) was the most common therapy for both early and advanced‐stage disease, and 48% of patients with the early‐stage disease received radiotherapy. Treatment patterns are consistent with international guidelines. In comorbid patients ≥60 years of age with advanced‐stage disease, there is greater variation in treatment. In patients with a recorded response, the objective response rate (ORR) was 96% in early‐stage disease, and 88% in advanced‐stage disease. Early progression‐free survival data suggest Australian patients with cHL have good outcomes, similar to other international studies.
Long‐term efficacy and safety of cannabidiol in patients with treatment‐resistant epilepsies: Four‐year results from the expanded access program
Authors: Szaflarski Jerzy P. , Devinsky Orrin , Lopez Merrick , Park Yong D. , Zentil Pilar Pichon , Patel Anup D. , Thiele Elizabeth A. , Wechsler Robert T. , Checketts Daniel , Sahebkar Farhad
Published: December 2022

Objective

Cannabidiol (CBD) expanded access program, initiated in 2014, provided add‐on CBD to patients with treatment‐resistant epilepsies (TREs) at 35 US epilepsy centers. Prior publications reported results through December 2016; herein, we present efficacy and safety results through January 2019.

Methods

Patients received plant‐derived highly purified CBD (Epidiolex®; 100 mg/ml oral solution), increasing from 2 to 10 mg/kg/day to tolerance or maximum 25–50 mg/kg/day dose, depending on the study site. Efficacy endpoints included percentage change from baseline in median monthly convulsive and total seizure frequency and ≥50%, ≥75%, and 100% responder rates across 12‐week visit windows for up to 192 weeks. Adverse events (AEs) were documented at each visit.

Results

Of 892 patients in the safety analysis set, 322 (36%) withdrew; lack of efficacy (19%) and AEs (7%) were the most commonly reported primary reasons for withdrawal. Median (range) age was 11.8 years (range = 0–74.5), and patients were taking a median of three (range = 0–10) antiseizure medications (ASMs) at baseline; the most common ASMs were clobazam (47%), levetiracetam (34%), and valproate (28%). Median top CBD dose was 25 mg/kg/day; median exposure duration was 694 days. Median percentage reduction from baseline ranged 50%–67% for convulsive seizures and 46%–66% for total seizures. Convulsive seizure responder rates (≥50%, ≥75%, and 100% reduction) ranged 51%–59%, 33%–42%, and 11%–17% of patients across visit windows, respectively. AEs were reported in 88% of patients and serious AEs in 41%; 8% withdrew because of an AE. There were 20 deaths during the study deemed unrelated to treatment by the investigator. The most common AEs (≥20% of patients) were diarrhea (33%), seizure (24%), and somnolence (23%).

Significance

Add‐on CBD was associated with sustained seizure reduction up to 192 weeks with an acceptable safety profile and can be used for long‐term treatment of TREs.