bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identifying critical challenges and government’s responses for Filipino seafarers during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Lin Moses Shang-Min , Sarza Noel A.
Published: December 2023

Purpose

The COVID-19 pandemic had a disastrous impact on a substantial number of Filipino seafarers. The government agencies played a crucial role in helping the seafarers. This paper aims to explore the challenges that the Filipino seafarers faced amid the pandemic and initially evaluate the Philippine government’s countermeasures.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper reviewed academic literature and secondary data to identify and analyze the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on seafarers. To identify the full range of policies and measures that have been adopted by the Philippines’ government amid the pandemic to mitigate the impact on seafarers, an extensive survey of various sources was conducted. Furthermore, an analytic hierarchy process (AHP) survey was conducted from seafarers' perspective to analyze the priority of these government initiatives.

Findings

This study identifies four key challenges for seafarers during the pandemic: crew change crisis, healthcare shortages, certification and the derived problems including financial and mental health issues. Notably, mental health problems are prevalent but receive limited government attention. Despite the government’s efforts to assist seafarers, the AHP survey identifies crew change assistance as the most crucial issue, possibly impacting all others.

Originality/value

This paper recognizes the significant information regarding aid in recovery management and provides much-needed assistance to seafarers during the pandemic and similar crisis situations. It bridges the research gaps and contributes knowledge to the government, stakeholders and various entities such as shipping companies, ship management firms and seafarers' manning agencies.
Firm innovation: technological boundary-spanning search and knowledge base and distance
Authors: Zhu Xianglin , Yang Naiding , Zhang Mingzhen , Wang Yu
Published: December 2023

Purpose

Technical knowledge is a key factor in firm innovation. This study aims to construct a theoretical framework of technological boundary-spanning search, exploratory innovation and exploitative innovation to help firms adjust their search strategies and improve the effect of external resources on internal innovation.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses questionnaires to collect data and conducts empirical analysis using SPSS25 and AMOS24.

Findings

Technological boundary-spanning search is positively correlated with ambidextrous innovation. Additionally, knowledge base positively moderates the effect of technological boundary-spanning search on ambidextrous innovation and knowledge distance negatively moderates the effect of technological boundary-spanning search on ambidextrous innovation. When a firm’s knowledge base is robust, its ambidextrous innovation can benefit more from technological boundary-spanning search. Additionally, when the knowledge distance is less, a firm’s ambidextrous innovation can benefit more from technological boundary-spanning search.

Originality/value

Considering organizational ambidexterity, this study divides firm innovation into exploratory innovation and exploitative innovation and presents a theoretical framework for the effect of technological boundary-spanning search on ambidextrous innovation. Additionally, it provides a comprehensive understanding of the crucial roles of knowledge base and knowledge distance in the relationship between technological boundary-spanning search and exploratory and exploitative innovation.
Hubris research in business: taking stock and moving forward
Authors: Picone Pasquale Massimo , Galvagno Marco , Pisano Vincenzo
Published: December 2023

Purpose

There is growing interest in how hubris bias shapes managerial and entrepreneurial judgments and decisions and, in turn, firm strategy and performance. Based on a 44-years dataset of articles reaching the beginning of 2023, the authors offer a synthesis of hubris research published within business journals.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors implement a mixed-method approach offering a content representation of 600 peer-reviewed articles extracted from Scopus. The authors conduct a bibliometric investigation – employing Excel, VOSViewer and Biblioshiny software – and perform a qualitative review.

Findings

The analysis unveils four thematic clusters: hubris bias in financial policies (Cluster 1), hubris bias in restructuring deals (Cluster 2), hubris bias in entrepreneurial contexts (Cluster 3) and hubris bias in strategic decision-making (Cluster 4). Moreover, the authors infer that hubris research in business predominantly developed from three disciplinary perspectives – finance, entrepreneurship and strategic management – and progressed with limited interdisciplinary dialogue.

Practical implications

The authors call practitioners' attention to the impact of the hubris bias in forming financial, entrepreneurial and strategic choices. Managers get conscious of the risks of hubristic choices; hence, they implement organizational practices that move forward with unbiased (or less biased) judgments and decisions.

Originality/value

The authors offer an up-to-date and comprehensive view of hubris research in business. Furthermore, the authors provide an integrative framework and a research agenda.
Time use surveys, social practice theory, and activity connections
Authors: Southerton Dale , Whillans Jennifer
Published: December 2023

Social practice theory (SPT) represents a growing body of research that takes the ‘doings and sayings’ (social practices) of everyday life as its core unit of enquiry. Time use surveys (TUS) represent a substantial source of micro‐data regarding how activities are performed across the 24‐h day. Given their apparent complementarities, we ask why TUS have not been utilised more extensively within SPT‐inspired research. We advance two contentions: (1) ontological tensions obscure the relevance of TUS data in addressing core SPT research questions, and (2) SPT concepts do not readily translate for application in TUS analysis. In response, we operationalise Schatzki's (2019) concepts of activity events and chains to explore types and forms of temporal activity connection. Using TUS data we examine three activity events: sleeping, reading, and eating. Two types of temporal activity connection (sequence and synchronisation) are identified, together with four forms of connectivity (degrees of uniformity/diversity, sequential directionality, time‐varying connections, and symmetrical/asymmetrical relationships). While practices cannot be reduced to activity connections, we argue that this analytical approach offers a systematic basis for examining the ways in which activities combine to underpin the organisation of social practices. Further analysis to compare activity connections across practices, between different groups of practitioners, and over time would offer a valuable resource to empirically examine claims regarding core processes of societal change. We further contend that SPT approaches offer insights for time use research by providing a framework capable of recognising that activities are dynamic and variable rather than homogeneous and stable categories.
High efficacy of brigatinib for brain metastases in ALK fusion gene‐positive non‐small cell lung cancer: A case series
Authors: Morikawa Kei , Numata Yu , Shinozaki Yusuke , Kaneko Shotaro , Matsushima Aya , Nishida Makoto , Kida Hirotaka , Handa Hiroshi , Nishine Hiroki , Mineshita Masamichi
Published: December 2023

Anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) fusion gene‐positive lung cancer often shows brain metastasis at initial diagnosis or during the course of treatment. However, molecular‐targeted drugs are known to pass through the blood–brain barrier and present positive effects for central nervous system lesions. There are few reports suggesting how effective molecular‐targeted drug therapy alone is for brain metastasis lesions of ALK fusion‐positive lung cancer, especially after the first use of ALK‐tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) or for bulky brain metastases. A patient in his mid‐fifties with stage IV pleural dissemination developed brain metastases after 10 years of crizotinib use, but showed a complete response after switching to brigatinib. Moreover, a patient in her early sixties with stage III recurrent large brain metastases 5 years after chemoradiation therapy experienced dramatic tumor shrinkage with brigatinib. In each case of ALK fusion gene‐positive lung cancer with brain metastases, brigatinib showed a high efficacy and was well‐tolerated after previous ALK‐TKI and for bulky lesions.
Correlations between the Michigan Retinal Degeneration Questionnaire and visual function parameters in patients with retinitis pigmentosa
Authors: Karuntu J. S. , Nguyen X. T. , Boon C. J. F.
Published: December 2023

Purpose

To validate the use of best‐corrected visual acuity (BCVA), low‐luminance visual acuity (LLVA), low‐luminance deficit (LLD; the difference between BCVA and LLVA), mean macular sensitivity and fixation stability as parameters of vision‐related quality of life based on the novel Michigan Retinal Degeneration Questionnaire (MRDQ) in retinitis pigmentosa (RP) patients.

Methods

In this prospective cross sectional study, 30 patients with RP (47% female) were included with a median age of 41.0 years (interquartile range: 24.1–58.3 years). BCVA, LLVA and LLD were measured with Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) charts. Mesopic microperimetry was performed to measure mean macular sensitivity and fixation stability. Patients completed a Dutch translation of the MRDQ which results in an experienced disability (Θ‐)score of seven domains. Spearman's rank correlation was used.

Results

BCVA correlated significantly to the MRDQ domain of central vision (r = 0.657; p < 0.001) and colour vision (r = 0.524; p = 0.003). Lower LLVA significantly correlated to higher experienced disability in the MRDQ domains for central vision (=0.550; p = 0.002) and contrast sensitivity (r = 0.502; p = 0.005). LLD was significantly correlated to the MRDQ domains of scotopic function (r = −0.484; p = 0.007) and mesopic peripheral function (r = −0.533; p = 0.002). Lower mean macular sensitivity was significantly associated with high experienced disability in all domains except for photosensitivity.

Conclusions

The majority of the MRDQ domains is strongly associated with visual function parameters. These findings show that visual function measurements, especially LLVA, LLD and mean macular sensitivity on microperimetry, reflect vision‐related quality of life and can be used as relevant outcome measures in clinical trials for RP.
Clinical trials of pharmacological interventions for SARS‐CoV‐2 published in leading medical journals report adherence but not how it was assessed
Authors: Lee Charlotte , Otunla Afolarin , Brennan Isabelle , Aronson Jeffrey K. , Nunan David
Published: December 2023

Aims

Adherence to pharmacological interventions in clinical trials is crucial for accurate identification of beneficial and adverse outcomes. The ways in which adherence to interventions should be reported in trial publications are described in the Template for Intervention Description and Replication (TIDieR), a 12‐item extension of the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials reporting guidelines. The objective of this study was to assess compliance with TIDieR Items 11 and 12 of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of interventions in SARS‐CoV‐2 infection published in 5 selected journals during 2021.

Methods

We assessed pharmacological interventions for SARS‐CoV‐2 infection reported in RCTs published in 2021 in the Annals of Internal Medicine, The BMJ, JAMA, The Lancet and The New England Journal for Medicine for compliance with TIDieR items addressing intervention adherence (Items 11 and 12). We calculated proportional adherence for pharmacological and comparator interventions where available.

Results

We found 75 eligible RCTs. Twenty‐eight (37%) reported results of SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccinations. Compliance with Items 11 and 12 could be assessed in 71 of these 75. Of the 71 RCTs, 37 (52%) reported how adherence was assessed (Item 11), and 70 reported adherence rates (Item 12). Only 1 of the 71 RCTs (1.4%, 0–7.6%) fully complied with TIDieR Items 11 and 12.

Conclusion

Half of RCTs of SARS‐CoV‐2 pharmacological interventions published in leading medical journals in 2021 complied with reporting of how adherence assessments were made and almost none complied with both TIDieR Items 11 and 12. The implications for interpretation, application and replication of findings based on these publications warrant consideration.
Toleration, discrimination, or acceptance? How majorities interpret and legitimize minority toleration depends on outgroup threat
Authors: Acar Berfin , Bagci Sabahat Cigdem , Verkuyten Maykel
Published: December 2023

The notion of tolerance is widely embraced in plural contexts, but little is known about how majority members interpret the toleration of minorities. With four studies, we investigated majority group members' interpretations of a minority toleration situation (compared to full acceptance and discrimination situations) as a function of outgroup threat. Study 1 (N = 214) showed that higher perception of threat from Syrian refugees was associated with Turkish natives' stronger likelihood of interpreting a refugee toleration situation as ‘acceptance’. Studies 2 (N = 161, threatening context: Syrian refugees‐Turkish natives) and 3 (N = 206, non‐threatening context: homosexuals‐liberal heterosexual students) demonstrated that toleration was interpreted more as a form of acceptance in a high‐threat context, whereas it was perceived more like discrimination in the non‐threatening context. Experimental Study 4 (N = 150, pre‐registered, Muslims‐Christians in the UK) indicated that increasing outgroup threat led to higher legitimization of toleration, which, in turn, related to lower support of minority rights. It is concluded that outgroup threat affects how people interpret the way in which minorities are treated, which has implications for initiatives and policies that try to stimulate tolerance towards minority groups.
Damned if she does: The subordinate male target hypothesis and discrimination of social dominant female minority members
Authors: Buhl Sarah , Asbrock Frank , Sibley Chris G. , Houkamau Carla
Published: December 2023

According to the subordinate male target hypothesis (SMTH), racism is based on an ethnicity‐by‐gender interaction, with a stronger link between experiencing racist discrimination and subordinate or dominant ethnic group status for men compared to women. This study reevaluates the SMTH, originally focused on objective discrimination, by applying it to self‐reported active harm as a theoretically derived measure of racist discrimination and by exploring interindividual differences in female ethnic minority members' discriminatory experiences. We proposed that social dominance orientation (SDO) among female ethnic minorities would influence SMTH predictions. We tested this using multiple linear regression analyses among a sample of New Zealand Europeans as the majority in New Zealand and non‐Europeans as the minority. As hypothesized, male non‐Europeans reported disproportionally more active harm than female non‐Europeans. Unexpectedly, not only female but also male, non‐Europeans high in SDO reported more active harm than non‐Europeans low in SDO. Therefore, applied to self‐reported racist experiences, oppression of ethnic minorities is driven by interindividual differences rather than by gender. Together, these findings provide evidence that the SMTH cannot be unreservedly extended to reports of racist discrimination and that other processes may underlie these subjective experiences of discrimination that need to be considered in more detail.
Resveratrol, a novel inhibitor of fatty acid binding protein 5, inhibits cervical cancer metastasis by suppressing fatty acid transport into nucleus and downstream pathways
Authors: Chen Xiao , Tian Jing , Zhao Chunyuan , Wu Yanhui , Li Jiahuang , Ji Zehan , Lian Danchen , Jia Zhibo , Chen Xingyu , Zhou Zixin , Zhu Bo , Hua Zichun
Published: December 2023

Background and Purpose

Because of cervical cancer (CC) metastasis, the prognosis of diagnosed patients is poor. However, the molecular mechanisms and therapeutic approach for metastatic CC remain elusive.

Experimental Approach

In this study, we first evaluated the effect of resveratrol (RSV) on CC cell migration and metastasis. Via an activity‐based protein profiling (ABPP) approach, a photoaffinity probe of RSV (RSV‐P) was synthesized, and the protein targets of RSV in HeLa cells were identified. Based on target information and subsequent in vivo and in vitro validation experiments, we finally elucidated the mechanism of RSV corresponding to its antimetastatic activity.

Key Results

The results showed that RSV concentration‐dependently suppressed CC cell migration and metastasis. A list of proteins was identified as the targets of RSV, through the ABPP approach with RSV‐P, among which fatty acid binding protein 5 (FABP5) attracted our attention based on The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database analysis. Subsequent knockout and overexpression experiments confirmed that RSV directly interacted with FABP5 to inhibit fatty acid transport into the nucleus, thereby suppressing downstream matrix metalloproteinase‐2 (MMP2) and matrix metalloproteinase‐9 (MMP9) expression, thus inhibiting CC metastasis.

Conclusions and Implications

Our study confirmed the key role of FABP5 in CC metastasis and provided important target information for the design of therapeutic lead compounds for metastatic CC.
Why so serious? The effects of humour on creativity and innovation
Authors: Biemans Wim G. , Huizingh Eelko K. R. E.
Published: December 2023

Humour is an integral part of human interactions, but it is not clear how it contributes to creativity in innovation. This paper provides new insights into the emerging literature about the impact of humour on creativity in innovation by conceptualizing humour as a situation‐specific state and using a mixed methods research design to investigate the use and impact of humour in two specific innovation contexts: idea generation by customers and collaboration in innovation teams. Our research makes four important contributions. (1) It suggests and demonstrates the relevance of a situation‐specific humorous mood. (2) It distinguishes between natural and instrumental humour and emphasizes that a purposely induced humorous mood can enhance creativity. (3) It shows that the impact of humour is not limited to a firm's individual employees but can also include external actors, such as customers and interactions between members of innovation teams. (4) It identifies the key drivers and effects of humorous mood in innovation. The findings from two empirical studies are integrated into a framework that captures the key concepts and relationships and that is also used to derive several directions for further research to better understand the effects of humour on creativity in the context of innovation.
Incidence of adhesive small bowel obstruction after surgery for colorectal cancer in Sweden 2007–2016
Authors: Sakari Thorbjörn , Sköldberg Filip , Dietrich Caroline E. , Nordenvall Caroline , Karlbom Urban
Published: December 2023

Aim

Population‐based data on incidence and risk factors of adhesive small bowel obstruction (SBO) are limited. The aims of this study were to assess the risk of SBO and SBO surgery after bowel resection for colorectal cancer (CRC) and to assess whether this risk is modified by minimally invasive surgery (MIS) and radiotherapy in a retrospective national study.

Methods

CRCBaSe, a nationwide register linkage originating from the Swedish Colorectal Cancer Register, was used to identify Stage I–III CRC patients who underwent resection in 2007–2016, with follow‐up throughout 2017. Matched CRC‐free comparators (1:6) were included as a reference of SBO and SBO surgery incidence. The association between MIS and preoperative radiotherapy and the incidence rate of SBO was evaluated in adjusted multivariable Cox regression models.

Results

Among 33 632 CRC patients and 198 649 comparators, the 5‐year cumulative incidence of SBO and SBO surgery was 7.6% and 2.2% among patients and 0.6% and 0.2% among comparators, with death as a competing risk. In all patients, MIS was associated with a reduced incidence of SBO (hazard ratio [HR] 0.7, 95% CI 0.6–0.8) and SBO surgery (HR 0.5, 95% CI 0.3–0.7). In rectal cancer patients, radiotherapy was associated with an increased incidence of SBO (HR 1.6, 95% CI 1.4–1.8) and SBO surgery (HR 1.7, 95% CI 1.3–2.3).

Discussion

Colorectal cancer surgery is associated with a marked increase in risk of SBO, compared with the general population. The incidence is further increased if open surgery or radiotherapy is performed.
Rectal cancer – avoiding surgery?
Authors: Leite Julio S.
Published: December 2023

Nonoperative treatment of rectal cancer is gaining popularity. Several trials recently demonstrated advantages in disease‐free survival with total neoadjuvant treatment (TNT) with the addition of the watch and wait (WW) strategy for locally advanced rectal cancer. On longer follow‐up, an unexpected increased risk in local recurrence in the TNT group at the RAPIDO trial suggested early surgery for nonresponding tumours. The WW option is globally accepted for a complete clinical response; however, a high rate of regrowth was found in a registry with an increased risk of distant metastases, questioning the deleterious effect of deferral of surgery in this group. The short‐ and long‐term toxic effects of neoadjuvant treatment are costs to consider in the National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines compared with the European Society for Medical Oncology guidelines, which favour surgery alone if good mesorectal resection is assured with increasing surgical proficiency adjusted to the precise anatomical location.
Teaching virtual presentation with a theory‐based feedback intervention: An experiential class project for the postpandemic era
Authors: Rua Tuvana , Aytug Zeynep G.
Published: December 2023

This study draws from feedback intervention theory and professional communications theory to present a versatile, experiential class project to develop and improve students’ virtual communications and presentation skills by combining hard and soft‐skill development, multisource feedback, and self‐reflection. After successfully using this class project for four semesters, data were collected from six graduate classes (N = 145) to assess the project's effectiveness and students’ perceptions. Positive student feedback, control group–trained group comparisons, and the trained group's Time 1–Time 2 performance comparisons provide supportive evidence for the effectiveness of the project as a valuable learning tool in helping students develop virtual communication and presentation skills. As companies and institutions across industries continue to utilize virtual work arrangements, this project will be a useful tool for preparing students for the postpandemic digital business world.
The science of families: Nurturing hope, happiness, and health
Authors: Henderson Tammy L. , Matthews‐Juarez Patricia , Obasi Sharon N.
Published: December 2023

Objective

Authors explored ways to understand how families and communities remain hopeful, happy, and healthy.

Background

The 2021 National Council on Family Relations annual conference set the groundwork for the special issue, The Science of Families: Nurturing Hope, Happiness, and Health, asking authors to take a strength‐based, transformative, and trans‐ and interdisciplinary perspective.

Methods

Two translational methodologies are offered: the inclusive cultural‐variant community‐based participatory research model (ICV‐CBPR) and Communities of Practice. The six emerging themes and a summary of the connotations of hope, happiness, and health are described in the articles.

Results

The six emerging themes that connoted the meaning of hope, happiness, or health across 30 manuscripts included (a) the COVID‐19 pandemic and health, (b) diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility, (c) family policies and academic program needs, (d) military families, (e) contemporary family topics, and (f) research innovations. In one third of the articles, authors transformed implications, with all authors offering practical and research implications.

Conclusions

Health and happiness were often implied in notions of resilience, relationship quality, parenting, and coping. Just over half of the articles (n = 16) directly or indirectly referenced COVID‐19, health, and diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility. Other topics comprised mental and physical health, resilience, the social construction of gender, and military families. Some authors provided concrete suggestions; all submitted research and practical implications.

Implications

The movement toward Family Science disseminating and transforming research is moving forth. The diversity of topics, disciplines, and countries (n = 9) aligns with the inclusion and diversity goals of Family Relations.
Structure of the murine CD94–NKG2A receptor in complex with Qa‐1b presenting an MHC‐I leader peptide
Authors: MacLachlan Bruce J. , Sullivan Lucy C. , Brooks Andrew G. , Rossjohn Jamie , Vivian Julian P.
Published: December 2023

The heterodimeric natural killer cells antigen CD94 (CD94)–NKG2‐A/NKG2‐B type II integral membrane protein (NKG2A) receptor family expressed on human and mouse natural killer (NK) cells monitors global major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I cell surface expression levels through binding to MHC class Ia‐derived leader sequence peptides presented by HLA class I histocompatibility antigen, alpha chain E (HLA‐E; in humans) or H‐2 class I histocompatibility antigen, D‐37 (Qa‐1b; in mice). Although the molecular basis underpinning human CD94–NKG2A recognition of HLA‐E is known, the equivalent interaction in the murine setting is not. By determining the high‐resolution crystal structure of murine CD94–NKG2A in complex with Qa‐1b presenting the Qa‐1 determinant modifier peptide (QDM), we resolved the mode of binding. Compared to the human homologue, the murine CD94–NKG2A–Qa‐1b–QDM displayed alterations in the distribution of interactions across CD94 and NKG2A subunits that coincide with differences in electrostatic complementarity of the ternary complex and the lack of cross‐species reactivity. Nevertheless, we show that Qa‐1b could be modified through W65R + N73I mutations to mimic HLA‐E, facilitating binding with both human and murine CD94–NKG2A. These data underscore human and murine CD94–NKG2A cross‐species heterogeneity and provide a foundation for humanising Qa‐1b in immune system models.
The historiography of social reproduction and reproductive labor
Authors: Allain Jacqueline
Published: December 2023

This article tracks the categories of social reproduction and reproductive labor as they appear in historical scholarship. Both within and beyond the historical discipline, scholars of diverse political, theoretical, and disciplinary persuasions deploy these concepts to denote a wide range of labors and processes in a manner that seems at times to have little coherence. The intentions of this article are to bring further clarity to these useful, if rather sprawling, terms and to reflect on the analytical work that they can do for historians.
(UN)DOING HISTORY: A CASE FOR EPISTEMOLOGICAL ALTERITY
Authors: SETH VANITA
Published: December 2023

This article addresses two primary tensions that currently beset medieval history. The first concerns a contentious debate within the field regarding the relative merits of two interpretative approaches: that which seeks to situate the Middle Ages within a narrative of continuity wherein aspects of the medieval bear some relationship of familiarity with the present and that which accords a radical alterity to the past that instigates moments of historical rupture. The second tension concerns the fraught relationship between history as a site of knowledge production with some proximity to engaging and producing truth and history as constructed, wherein its purported object of study, the past, is not an ontological fact but a cultural artifact. In this instance, what we witness is less a debate among scholars within history than an amorphic anxiety about history. This article makes a case for engaging the radical alterity that confronts the historian of the Middle Ages. It does so, however, cognizant of an ontological impasse: if alterity is attentive to difference, a difference that resists translation into modern knowledge regimes, then what does it mean to engage it historically—that is, through a temporal structure that would have been foreign to the very period of study?
Nutrition counselling and clinical outcomes in HIV: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Okusanya Temitayo Rebecca , Okoka Elile Monisola , Kuyebi Moshood Abiodun , Oyadiran Oluwafemi Temitayo , Kowe Temitope , Noor Ramadhani Abdallah , Omotayo Moshood Olanrewaju , Abioye Ajibola Ibraheem
Published: December 2023

Background

People living with the HIV (PLHIV) are at an increased risk of various diseases due to a weakened immune system, particularly if they are naïve or poorly adherent to antiretroviral therapy (ART). Nutrients play a critical role in improving immune health, especially among this population. We systematically reviewed the evidence concerning the impact of nutritional counselling on the occurrence of important clinical outcomes among PLHIV.

Methods

Medical literature databases (PubMed, EMBASE and Web of Science) were searched from inception to October 2022 for relevant published studies (n = 12) of nutritional counselling and HIV‐related outcomes in adults on ART. Random‐effects meta‐analyses were conducted when the exposure–outcome relationships were similar in three or more studies.

Results

Although the methodologies of nutritional intervention varied across all studies, overall, the evidence from the meta‐analysis indicates a nsignificant positive association between nutrition counselling and improvements in CD4 cell count, body mass index and low‐density lipoprotein concentration. However, the existing literature does not provide enough evidence to establish a significant impact of nutrition counselling on other immune, anthropometric, and metabolic outcomes including viral load, weight, and lean mass due to the differences in the study designs.

Conclusion

Well‐powered randomized controlled trials are needed that explore the effect of evidence‐based, individualized nutrition counselling on HIV‐related clinical outcomes.
Prevalence of, risk factors for, and target organ damage from metabolic syndrome among people living with HIV on ART: A cross‐sectional analysis in Chongqing, China
Authors: Liu Min , He Kun , Wu Yushan , Yu Qing , Sun Nannan , Teng Xiaochun , Meng Xianqin , Yuan Jing , Yang Honghong
Published: December 2023

Introduction

The incidence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) in people living with HIV is significantly higher than in people without HIV. MetS is not only a major driver of cardiovascular disease (CVD) but is also closely related to the development of chronic kidney disease (CKD). The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of and risk factors for MetS and to further understand the degree of damage to target organs.

Methods

This was a cross‐sectional descriptive study conducted at Chongqing Public Health Medical Center, China. Information was collected via questionnaire survey, physical examination, and laboratory tests. We used the China Diabetes Society guidelines to define MetS. Pooled cohort equations were calculated to compare CVD risk in the next 10 years in people living with HIV aged ≥40 years with or without MetS. We used Student's t‐test, the chi‐squared test, Fisher's exact test, binary logistic regression, and multiple linear regression in the statistical analysis.

Results

The study included 979 people living with HIV, including 13 who have experienced CVD, receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART). The median age was 43.0 years, 20.9% were female, and the median ART time was 45.0 months. The prevalence of MetS was 33.9%. The components of MetS criteria were hyperglycaemia (50.4%), hypertriglyceridaemia (48.4%), hypertension (46.8%), low concentrations of high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (28.2%), and abdominal obesity (25.0%). Higher body mass index (odds ratio [OR] 1.266; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.203–1.333), higher total cholesterol (OR 1.267; 95% CI 1.011–1.588), high alcohol consumption (OR 1.973; 95% CI 1.009–3.859), and family history of diabetes (OR 1.726; 95% CI 1.075–2.770) were independent risk factors for MetS. Compared with the non‐MetS group, the MetS group had a higher rate of urine albumin (23.8% vs 14.8%, p = 0.001), and the estimated glomerular filtration rate <90 mL/min/1.73 m2 (18.37% vs. 12.8%, p = 0.020) and β2‐microglobin (p = 0.004) increased more markedly in the MetS group. Regarding the risk of developing CVD events in the next 10 years, 38.5% of those in the MetS group were at high or very high risk, which was significantly higher than in the non‐MetS group (p < 0.001). In addition, age (p < 0.001) and sex (p = 0.002) are independent risk factors for developing CVD events in the next 10 years.

Conclusions

The prevalence of MetS in people living with HIV on ART is high in Chongqing, China. Risk factors for the development of MetS are high alcohol consumption, family history of diabetes, higher body mass index, and higher total cholesterol levels. In addition, MetS is associated with a risk of CKD and the incidence of 10‐year CVD.
Different perspectives on engagement, where to from here? A systematic literature review
Authors: Wittenberg Hadas , Eweje Gabriel , Taskin Nazim , Forsyth Darryl
Published: December 2023

Engagement has emerged as a significant focus in contemporary management research, widely acknowledged for its positive impact on wellbeing and performance. However, over 30 years since its introduction, the concept of engagement remains fractured with multiple definitions, ongoing theoretical debates, and inconsistent empirical evidence of practical value. This review addresses the evolving nature of work‐related engagement, recognizing the need for fresh perspectives to better understand this complex phenomenon. To facilitate progressing the research agenda beyond current debates, we used a meta‐narrative review as a systematic approach for synthesizing our findings and problematizing techniques to generate innovative ideas. Our review identified six distinct groups, each arguing for different conceptualizations of engagement. We illuminated opportunities for further research directions by mapping and challenging dominating narratives. Specifically, our review highlights the need to conduct research outside the predominant positivist/postpositivist perspective. It also identifies a need for additional research to understand how task‐level engagement happens through the interplay of individuals and the environment. Our study makes significant conceptual contributions by offering clear boundaries of existing knowledge, an alternative conceptualization of engagement, and a platform for new directions. Contribution to literature review methodology using integrative and generative approaches is also discussed.
Prescribing patterns of adjunctive therapy for the treatment of type 1 diabetes mellitus among Australian endocrinologists
Authors: Forner Patrice , Snaith Jennifer , Greenfield Jerry R.
Published: December 2023

Background

Many people living with type 1 diabetes (type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM)) do not meet glycaemic targets. Adjunctive therapies have both risks and metabolic benefits and may have a role in selected patients.

Aim

To review the prescribing patterns of adjunctive therapy for the treatment of T1DM diabetes in Australia.

Methods

We conducted an online survey of Australian endocrinologists and endocrinology registrars. We surveyed the frequency of, motivations and concerns regarding the prescription of metformin, dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 (DPP‐IV) inhibitors, sodium‐glucose transport protein 2 (SGLT‐2) inhibitors and glucagon‐like peptide 1 receptor agonist (GLP1RA) in T1DM.

Results

Fifty‐two practitioners participated. Most respondents (94%) had prescribed adjuncts for the treatment of T1DM in some form. Weight (89%), large insulin doses (73%), glycaemic variability (52%), high HbA1c (48%) and the presence of cardiovascular disease (48%) were the most common factors determining the use of adjuncts. The most commonly prescribed adjuncts were metformin (94%) and SGLT‐2 inhibitors (65%). Respondents who had never prescribed an SGLT‐2 inhibitor (n = 18) reported risk of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) (100%), off‐label status (39%), lack of evidence (39%), withdrawal of support from the European Medicines Agency (17%) and cost (17%) as factors contributing to their decision. Thirty‐one respondents (60%) had prescribed a GLP1RA. Among those who had never prescribed a GLP1RA (n = 21), off‐label status (57%), lack of evidence (48%), cost (38%) and expected lack of efficacy (14%) were factors affecting their decision. Only five respondents (10%) had prescribed a DPP‐IV inhibitor.

Conclusion

Australian endocrinologists commonly prescribe adjuncts to address cardiometabolic concerns in T1DM. DKA risk and off‐label status are significant factors contributing to reluctance to prescribe.
Adenosine 2A receptor antagonists promote lymphocyte proliferation in sepsis by inhibiting Treg expression of PD‐L1 in spleen
Authors: Zhang Teng , Zhao Jie , Zheng Ting , Fu Wei , Ma Tao
Published: December 2023

The spleen is essential for lymphocyte proliferation, which is associated to sepsis prognosis. Adenosine 2A receptor (A2AR) blocking promotes lymphocyte proliferation in sepsis, however the mechanism is uncertain. Our sepsis cecum ligation perforation model showed that blocking A2AR increased survival and CD4+ cell numbers in a spleen‐dependent mechanism. The sequencing of the transcriptome of the spleen indicated alterations in the expression of genes involved in the control of lymphocyte proliferation by inhibiting A2AR, including a reduction in the expression of PD‐L1. Flow cytometry analysis of PD‐L1 expression intensity in splenic cell subpopulations revealed that the Treg cell subpopulation was the strongest PD‐L1‐expressing cell population, and Treg PD‐L1 expression decreased after blocking A2AR. In vitro activation of A2AR was able to upregulate PD‐L1 expression of Treg and boost Treg capacity to limit lymphocyte proliferation, while blockage of PD‐L1 partly reduced A2AR‐activated Treg's ability to inhibit lymphocyte proliferation. In addition, blocking CREB phosphorylation significantly inhibited A2AR‐induced PD‐L1 expression. According to the findings of our research, inhibiting A2AR improves the prognosis of sepsis by lowering the level of PD‐L1 expression by Treg in the spleen and reducing the inhibition of lymphocyte proliferation.
Circadian rhythm regulation in the immune system
Authors: Ding Jun , Chen Pengyu , Qi Chunjian
Published: December 2023

Circadian rhythms are a ubiquitous feature in nearly all living organisms, representing oscillatory patterns with a 24‐h cycle that are widespread across various physiological processes. Circadian rhythms regulate a multitude of physiological systems, including the immune system. At the molecular level, most immune cells autonomously express clock‐regulating genes, which play critical roles in regulating immune cell functions. These functions encompass migration, phagocytic activity, immune cell metabolism (such as mitochondrial structural function and metabolism), signalling pathway activation, inflammatory responses, innate immune recognition, and adaptive immune processes (including vaccine responses and pathogen clearance). The endogenous circadian clock orchestrates multifaceted rhythmicity within the immune system, optimizing immune surveillance and responsiveness; this bears significant implications for maintaining immune homeostasis and resilience against diseases. This work provides an overview of circadian rhythm regulation within the immune system.
RETRACTED: Impact of perioperative enhanced recovery after surgery on wound infection in patients undergoing orthopaedic surgery: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Niu Gui‐Xia , Lv Ai‐Hua , Peng Yan‐Jun , Zhang Gui‐Qin
Published: December 2023

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of perioperative application of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) concepts on wound infections and post‐operative complications in patients receiving orthopaedic surgery, to provide a theoretical basis for post‐operative care. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) on the application of ERAS to patients receiving orthopaedic surgery, published up to October 2023, were identified in PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Embase, Wanfang, China Biomedical Literature Database and China National Knowledge Infrastructure databases. Literature was screened and evaluated by two reviewers based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria, and data were extracted from the final included articles. Data were analysed using RevMan 5.4 software. A total of 20 RCTs were included in the analysis, which included 1875 patients undergoing orthopaedic surgery, of whom 938 and 937 were in the ERAS and control groups, respectively. The analysis revealed that in patients undergoing orthopaedic surgery, implementation of ERAS in the perioperative period was associated with a significantly reduced the rate of wound infections (1.6% vs. 6.19%, risk ratio [RR]: 0.30, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.18–0.50, p < 0.001) and complication (5.12% vs. 21.88%, RR: 0.23, 95% CI: 0.17–0.32, p < 0.001) and can effectively shorten the hospital length of stay (standardised mean difference [SMD]: −2.50 days, 95% CI: −3.17 to −1.83 days, p < 0.001) compared with that of conventional care. The available evidence suggests that the implementation of ERAS in the perioperative period of patients undergoing orthopaedic surgery could effectively reduce the rate of wound infections and complications, shorten the hospital length of stay and promote the early recovery of patients.
Comparative analysis of surgical and non‐surgical wound approaches in diabetic foot ulcer treatment: Meta‐analysis and systematic review
Authors: Lei Yu , Jiang Ping , Tian Tian
Published: December 2023

The assessment for safety and effectiveness of surgical interventions in the management of diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) in comparison to non‐surgical approaches was performed. A comprehensive search was performed across PubMed, MEDLINE, Cochrane Library and EMBASE in order to identify case–control studies, randomized controlled trials (RCTs), observational studies, cohort studies and observational studies pertaining to DFU treatments. Studies conducted in English language and focusing on wound healing rates, recurrence rates, time to healing and complication management met the inclusion criteria. There were six studies included in this meta‐analysis. Surgical procedures, such as debridement, revascularization and skin transplantation, demonstrated significantly superior efficacy in promoting wound healing (84%) and shorter duration of healing (6 weeks) in comparison to non‐surgical approaches, including off‐loading, wound dressings and pharmacological therapies. Surgical interventions for DFUs resulted in a wound recovery rate of 84%, a significantly higher mean rate than non‐surgical approaches (60%) that was observed. In addition, it was observed that the surgical group experienced considerably reduced average healing period of 9 weeks, in contrast to the non‐surgical group's mean healing period of 12 weeks. Nevertheless, it is imperative to acknowledge that surgical procedures were notably correlated with a heightened occurrence of complications, such as amputations, which transpired in 19% of instances. Surgical interventions for DFUs may provide superior short‐term results with regard to healing rates and recovery time, as indicated by this meta‐analysis. However, they are additionally correlated with the heightened likelihood of complications. Although non‐surgical techniques offered comparatively secure option, they were also less reliable. Individualized treatment modalities should be chosen in consideration of patient‐specific factors and comparative advantages and disadvantages.
Effect of intraoperative abdominal lavage versus suction alone on postoperative wound infection in patients with appendicitis: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Wu Haiyan , Chen Xiujuan , Ren Yanhong , Yang Fengyong
Published: December 2023

There is much controversy about the application of abdominal irrigation in the prevention of wound infection (WI) and intra‐abdominal abscess (IAA) in the postoperative period. Therefore, we performed a meta‐analysis of the effect of suctioning and lavage on appendectomy to assess the efficacy of either suctioning or lavage. Data were collected and estimated with RevMan 5.3 software. Based on our research, we found 563 publications in our database, and we eventually chose seven of them to analyse. The main results were IAA after the operation and WI. Inclusion criteria were clinical trials of an appendectomy with suctioning or lavage. In the end, seven trials were chosen to meet the eligibility criteria, and the majority were retrospective. The results of seven studies showed that there was no statistically significant difference between abdominal lavage and suctioning treatment for post‐operative WI (OR, 1.82; 95% CI, 0.40, 2.61; p = 0.96); There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in the risk of postoperative abdominal abscess after operation (OR, 1.16; 95% CI, 0.71, 1.89; p = 0.56). No evidence has been found that the use of abdominal lavage in the treatment of postoperative infectious complications after appendectomy is superior to aspiration.
Clinical efficacy of blood derivatives on wound healing: A systematic review and network meta‐analysis
Authors: Wu Yanhong , Peng Guang , Wang Yuzhi , Chen Jianwu , Zhang Bin , Tang Jianbing , Cheng Biao
Published: December 2023

This study aims to evaluate the clinical effects of different blood derivatives on wound healing using network meta‐analysis. PubMed, Embase, OVID, Web of Science, SCOPUS and Cochrane Central were searched to obtain studies about blood derivatives on wound healing until October 2023. R 4.2.0 and Stata 15.0 softwares were used for data analysis. Forty‐four studies comprising 5164 patients were included. The results of network meta‐analysis showed that the healing area from high to low was GF + ORCCB, ORCCB, GF, PRF, Unnas paste dressing, APG, PRP injection, PRP, PRP + thrombin gel, PPP, HPL, CT. The healing time from low to high was PRP + thrombin gel, GF, PRP, PC + K, PC, APG, PRF, CT, Silver sulfadiazine ointment. The number of patients cured from high to low was APG, PRP injection, PRP, Aurix, PRF, Leucopatch, HPL, Antimicrobial Ointment Dressing, CT, 60 μg/cm2 repifermin, 120 μg/cm2 repifermin, AFG, PPP. The order of analgesic effect from high to low was AFG, Aminogam gel, PRF, PRP, Oxidised oil, APG, GF, CT. The order of the number of wound infection cases from low to high is APG, 20 μg/cm2 repifermin, 60 μg/cm2 repifermin, PRP, LeucoPatch, CT, PPP, Antiseptic ointment dressing. Healing area: GF + ORCCB had the best effect; Healing time: PRP + thrombin gel took the shortest time. The number of cured patients and the reduction of wound infection: APG has the best effect. Analgesic effect: AFG has the best effect. More studies with large sample sizes are needed to confirm the above findings.