bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identifying unobserved heterogeneity in mobile wallet adoption – A FIMIX-PLS approach for user segmentation
Authors: Joshi Himanshu , Chawla Deepak
Published: November 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to segment mobile wallet users using a finite mixture partial least squares (FIMIX-PLS) approach and evaluate the unobserved heterogeneity across segments.

Design/methodology/approach

Partial least square structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) using a convenience sample of 744 responses was used to analyze the measurement, structural model and hypotheses testing. To examine unobserved heterogeneity and identify user segments, FIMIX-PLS technique was employed. To generate more precise recommendations, importance-performance map analysis (IPMA) was performed with attitude as the target variable.

Findings

A structural equation model revealed that except perceived ease of use (PEOU) all other dimensions, namely perceived usefulness (PU), lifestyle compatibility (LC), facilitating conditions (FC), trust and security significantly influences attitude which, in turn, determines intention. The FIMIX-PLS technique resulted in four segments – The Rationalist, Early Adopters, Late Adopters and The Innovators.

Practical implications

The paper provides segment specific and between segment differences to derive implications. Identification of relevant predictors and segments will help academicians, marketing researchers and practitioners in gaining further understanding of the mobile wallet adoption. The findings of the paper can guide mobile wallet providers to frame appropriate strategies and offerings pertaining to the obtained segments.

Originality/value

The paper builds upon Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) to propose an integrated model to explain adoption behaviors associated with mobile wallet. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is one of the first empirical attempts using FIMIX-PLS technique to assess precursors of adoption and substantiates the perceived value-attitude-intention linkage to identify heterogeneity among mobile wallet users.
Talent management practices in the extreme context of hospitality sector: an exploratory study
Authors: Mousa Mohamed , Arslan Ahmad , Szczepańska-Woszczyna Katarzyna
Published: November 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to specifically analyse the extent to which talent management practices in the post-COVID-19 era differ from those before the pandemic in the extreme work context of Egyptian hospitality sector.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses an exploratory qualitative research approach where semi-structured interviews were conducted with 30 full-time employees working at hotels in Sharm El-Sheikh (Egypt). Moreover, thematic analysis was undertaken on the interview transcripts.

Findings

The findings revealed that in the post-COVID-19 era, the case hotels exclusively use the inclusive talent management approach, in which all staff are recognised by the management as talents with the same workplace privileges. This approach helped to mitigate the negative influences caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Moreover, the findings highlighted the criticality of competencies such as multitasking along with in hospitality sector employees in relation to extreme context necessitated by COVID-19. The findings further established that when facing extreme events, such as COVID-19, a shift in training activities towards activating positive mental health and effective shock management among employees is also needed. This study found that organisational support and continuous learning play a vital role in individual employees’ resilience development, which also helped in retaining them.

Originality/value

This paper is one of the pioneering empirical studies on the relationship between talent management practices in extreme contexts and the influences of global disruptions resulting from COVID-19. Moreover, it is one of the few studies to specifically undertake a comparative assessment of the differences in talent management practices pre- and post-COVID-19 time period in the hospitality sector. The study findings contribute to multiple literature streams including extreme context, hospitality, human resource management and transaction stress model.
Promoting supply chain financing performance of SMEs based on the extended resource-based perspective
Authors: Lu Qiang , Deng Yang , Liu Beini , Chen Jinliang
Published: November 2022

Purpose

As an effective mode to help small and medium enterprises (SMEs) raise working capital, supply chain finance has recently gained extensive attention. The purpose of this paper is to explore the intrinsic mechanism of how both weak and strong ties in the supply chain network impact the supply chain financing performance (SCFP) of SMEs from the perspective of the supply chain network.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the extended resource-based perspective, this paper proposes a theoretical model to explain the mode in which strong ties and weak ties of SMEs in the supply chain network influence SCFP through both physical distribution flexibility and demand management flexibility. Based on data from 182 manufacturing firms in China, this paper uses multiple regression analysis to test hypotheses.

Findings

The results of this paper indicate that weak ties improve SCFP more effectively than strong ties. Furthermore, both physical distribution flexibility and demand management flexibility exert different mediating roles either between strong ties and SCFP or between weak ties and SCFP. Moreover, the effect of physical distribution flexibility and demand management flexibility on SCFP of SMEs is not reinforced.

Originality/value

This paper highlights the importance to expand supply chain finance research from the perspective of the supply chain network. In particular, this paper explores the poorly understood mediating effect both physical distribution flexibility and demand management flexibility exert on the relationship between network ties and the SCFP of SMEs.
Diffusion of person-centred care within 27 European countries – interviews with managers, officials, and researchers at the micro, meso, and macro levels
Authors: Rosengren Kristina , Buttigieg Sandra C. , Badanta Bárbara , Carlstrom Eric
Published: November 2022

Purpose

This study aimed to describe facilitators and barriers in terms of regulation and financing of healthcare due to the implementation and use of person-centred care (PCC).

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative design was adopted, using interviews at three different levels: micro = hospital ward, meso = hospital management, and macro = national board/research. Inclusion criteria were staff working in healthcare as first line managers, hospital managers, and officials/researchers on national healthcare systems, such as Bismarck, Beveridge, and mixed/out-of-pocket models, to obtain a European perspective.

Findings

Countries, such as Great Britain and Scandinavia (Beveridge tax-based health systems), were inclined to implement and use person-centred care. The relative freedom of a market (Bismarck/mixed models) did not seem to nurture demand for PCC. In countries with an autocratic culture, that is, a high-power distance, such as Mediterranean countries, PCC was regarded as foreign and not applicable. Another reason for difficulties with PCC was the tendency for corruption to hinder equity and promote inertia in the healthcare system.

Research limitations/implications

The sample of two to three participants divided into the micro, meso, and macro level for each included country was problematic to find due to contacts at national level, a bureaucratic way of working. Some information got caught in the system, and why data collection was inefficient and ran out of time. Therefore, a variation in participants at different levels (micro, meso, and macro) in different countries occurred. In addition, only 27 out of the 49 European countries were included, therefore, conclusions regarding healthcare system are limited.

Practical implications

Support at the managerial level, together with patient rights supported by European countries' laws, facilitated the diffusion of PCC.

Originality/value

Fragmented health systems divided by separate policy documents or managerial roadmaps hindered local or regional policies and made it difficult to implement innovation as PCC. Therefore, support at the managerial level, together with patient rights supported by European countries' laws, facilitated the diffusion of PCC.
An integrative framework for building organizational resilience through environmental scanning: a view of organizational information processing theory
Authors: YahiaMarzouk Yasmine , Jin Jiafei
Published: November 2022

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the impact of environmental scanning on organizational resilience through the mediation of organizational learning and innovation based on organizational information processing theory (OIPT) within Egyptian small and medium enterprises (SMEs) during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopted a cross-sectional design to collect the data used to carry out mediation analysis. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data from a sample consisting of 249 Egyptian SMEs. The smart partial least square structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) technique was adopted to test the hypotheses.

Findings

Environmental scanning does not have a direct effect on organizational resilience. However, organizational learning and innovation fully mediate the relationship between environmental scanning and organizational resilience.

Research limitations/implications

The sample size was small, covering only Egyptian manufacturing SMEs. The results may differ in the service sector and other countries. The study was cross-sectional which is limited to tracing the long-term effects of environmental scanning, organizational learning and innovation on organizational resilience. Accordingly, a longitudinal study may be undertaken.

Practical implications

Managers in Egyptian SMEs should use signals from environmental scanning activities as input for learning and transforming business processes through innovation to develop organizational resilience.

Originality/value

This study is the first to investigate the role of environmental scanning in building organizational resilience through organizational learning and innovation based on the perspective of OIPT within Egyptian SMEs during the COVID-19 crisis.
Direct inversion for the equivalent pore aspect ratio based on the theory of ellipsoid modelling
Authors: Wang Guoquan , Chen Shuangquan , Wang Yanghua
Published: November 2022

Pore aspect ratio, together with porosity, is a structural parameter that represents the geometric property of rock reservoirs. We have adopted the theory of ellipsoid modelling in material mechanics to derive the dry rock modulus. Based on this derivation, the Gassmann equation, which is a constitutional equation for a fully saturated rock model, can be linearized in terms of the pore structure parameters and the elastic parameters. We have established a relationship between the seismic reflection coefficient and the pore structure parameters, where the equivalent pore aspect ratio and porosity are two key parameters. Based on this relationship, the equivalent pore aspect ratio can be inverted directly from seismic reflection data instead of being converted from the intermediate parameters of conventional seismic inversion. Therefore, seismic inversion is a simultaneous inversion in which seven parameters are inverted: the elastic moduli (matrix bulk modulus and shear modulus, fluid bulk modulus), the densities (matrix and fluid densities) and the pore structure parameters (the equivalent pore aspect ratio and porosity). We applied this direct inversion scheme to a carbonate reservoir to predict the fracture development zone with low porosity and low aspect ratio.
Seismic imaging of the gold deposit and geological structures through reprocessing of legacy seismic profiles near Kloof–Driefontein Complex East Mine, South Africa
Authors: Mutshafa Ndamulelo , Manzi Musa S. D. , Westgate Michael , James Ian , Brodic Bojan , Bourdeau Julie E. , Durrheim Raymond J. , Linzer Lindsay
Published: November 2022

Two legacy reflection seismic profiles were acquired in 1988, north of the Kloof–Driefontein Complex East Mine in the West Rand goldfield (South Africa), for the purpose of gold exploration and mine planning. These legacy 2D seismic data have been reprocessed using the latest processing tools to improve imaging. Special interest is given to the Black Reef Formation, which hosts a known gold orebody. The original legacy data are of poor quality, especially in areas that are dominated by dolomitic outcrops. To improve the quality of the data, special attention was given to the refraction static correction to enhance the continuity of the reflections below dolomitic rocks. Refraction seismic tomograms from both profiles exhibit three‐layer P‐wave velocity models: (1) topsoil (1000–2000 m/s), (2) a weathered layer ranging from ca. 100 to 300 m in thickness (2000–5000 m/s) and (3) bedrock (> 5000 m/s). Seismic profile OK‐212 shows poor imaging of the Black Reef Formation because of the scattering of seismic energy in the near‐surface due to dolomites from the Transvaal Supergroup, while seismic profile OK‐213 exhibits south‐dipping reflections that are associated with the Black Reef Formation. To improve the structural imaging resolution, we tried pre‐stack time migration, pre‐stack depth migration and post‐stack time migration using the Kirchhoff algorithm. PreSDM most improved the imaging of deeper reflections due to its ability to honour complex lateral variations in the velocity field. Both pre‐stack time migration and post‐stack time migration enhanced the continuity of the near‐surface reflections below the dolomitic rocks.
Periphytic biofilms function as a double‐edged sword influencing nitrogen cycling in paddy fields
Authors: Sun Pengfei , Chen Yin , Liu Junzhuo , Xu Ying , Zhou Lei , Wu Yonghong
Published: November 2022

It remains unclear whether periphytic biofilms are beneficial to N cycling in paddy fields. Here, based on a national‐scale field investigation covering 220 rice fields in China, the N accumulation potential of periphytic biofilms was found to decrease from 8.8 ± 2.4 to 4.5 ± 0.7 g/kg and 3.1 ± 0.6 g/kg with increasing habitat latitude and longitude, respectively. The difference in abundant and rare subcommunities likely accounts for their geo‐difference in N accumulation potential. The N cycling pathways involved in periphytic biofilms inferred that soil N and N2 were two potential sources for N accumulation in periphytic biofilms. Meanwhile, some of the accumulated N may be lost via N2, N2O, NO, or NH3 outputs. Superficially, periphytic biofilms are double‐edged swords to N cycling by increasing soil N through biological N fixation but accelerating greenhouse gas emissions. Essentially, augmented periphytic biofilms increased change of TN (ΔTN) content in paddy soil from −231.9 to 31.9 mg/kg, indicating that periphytic biofilms overall benefit N content enhancement in paddy fields. This study highlights the contribution of periphytic biofilms to N cycling in rice fields, thus, drawing attention to their effect on rice production and environmental security.
Fusarium graminearum GGA protein is critical for fungal development, virulence and ascospore discharge through its involvement in vesicular trafficking
Authors: Sun Fengjiang , Zhang Ruotong , Li Tiantian , Zhang Liyuan , Chen Xiaochen , Liang Yuancun , Chen Lei , Zou Shenshen , Dong Hansong
Published: November 2022

Vesicular trafficking is a conserved material transport process in eukaryotic cells. The GGA family proteins are clathrin adaptors that are involved in eukaryotic vesicle transport, but their functions in phytopathogenic filamentous fungi remain unexplored. Here, we examined the only GGA family protein in Fusarium graminearum, FgGga1, which localizes to both the late Golgi and endosomes. In the absence of FgGga1, the fungal mutant exhibited defects in vegetative growth, DON biosynthesis, ascospore discharge and virulence. Fluorescence microscopy analysis revealed that FgGga1 is associated with trans‐Golgi network (TGN)‐to‐plasma membrane, endosome‐to‐TGN and endosome‐to‐vacuole transport. Mutational analysis on the five domains of FgGga1 showed that the VHS domain was required for endosome‐to‐TGN transport while the GAT167‐248 and the hinge domains were required for both endosome‐to‐TGN and endosome‐to‐vacuole transport. Importantly, the deletion of the FgGga1 domains that are required in vesicular trafficking also inhibited vegetative growth and virulence of F. graminearum. In addition, FgGga1 interacted with the ascospore discharge regulator Ca2+ ATPase FgNeo1, whose transport to the vacuole is dependent on FgGga1‐mediated endosome‐to‐vacuole transport. Our results suggest that FgGga1 is required for fungal development and virulence via FgGga1‐mediated vesicular trafficking, and FgGga1‐mediated endosome‐to‐vacuole transport facilitates ascospore discharge in F. graminearum.
Parent‐mediated numeracy intervention for children with autism spectrum disorder in Arabic families living in the UK
Authors: Alallawi Barah , Hastings Richard P. , Grindle Corinna
Published: November 2022

Research on teaching mathematics to children with autism spectrum disorder using parents as mediators is limited. The purpose of the present study was to carry out an initial evaluation of an adapted numeracy programme with three children with autism spectrum disorder from Arabic families in the UK by training and supporting their parents to deliver the intervention over the course of an 8‐week period. The three children's mathematical ability (on a standardised assessment) improved over the course of the intervention. Parents also described positive experiences of their training and of using the curriculum, especially mentioning how much their children had progressed in their understanding of mathematics. The study data show promising results and provide initial evidence that the adapted numeracy programme can be adapted for a home context and for teaching in Arabic.
Mapping experiences of pathological demand avoidance in Ireland
Authors: Doyle Alison , Kenny Neil
Published: November 2022

Pathological demand avoidance (PDA) is contended to be a distinct presentation within autism characterised by extreme levels of anxiety in response to the demands of everyday life, manifested in excessive levels of demand avoidance. This results in complex interactions with service providers in education and health settings, impacting on outcomes for individuals and their families. This national study sought to gather the viewpoints of individuals who experience PDA, families, and practitioners, with the intention of determining levels of knowledge, recognition and understanding of PDA; exploring current pathways to assessment and diagnosis; capturing experiences of access to education and healthcare services; identifying effective intervention and support strategies; and illuminating education and health outcomes for individuals and families. This mixed‐method study collates survey responses from N = 264 parents, N = 9 life partners, N = 6 individuals experiencing PDA and N = 54 practitioners, and in‐depth individual and focus group interviews from these cohorts. Findings suggest that a flexible, informed and individualised approach to assessment and service provision for individuals presenting with a PDA profile is essential. Practitioners universally referred to the necessity for a streamlined, integrated and multi‐disciplinary approach. The reported disconnect between education and health systems indicates a need for access to services on an equitable basis.
The European refugee crisis and public support for the externalisation of migration management
Authors: VRÂNCEANU ALINA , DINAS ELIAS , HEIDLAND TOBIAS , RUHS MARTIN
Published: November 2022

What preferences do people have for cross‐country cooperation on irregular migration and refugee protection? Existing research improves our understanding of how voters react to large‐scale inflows of asylum seekers, like those experienced by European countries in 2015–2016, and the type of asylum seekers and policies preferred by European citizens. We know less, however, about people's views concerning a particular European Union (EU) response to the so‐called ‘refugee crisis’, namely the cooperation with Turkey in March 2016 to stem inflows of asylum seekers and other migrants. To study such views, we build on several strands of the international relations literature exploring key determinants of public preferences for international cooperation on cross‐national issues, namely (a) sociotropic concerns, (b) humanitarian considerations, and (c) perceptions of fairness and reciprocity. Our research design leverages conjoint experiments conducted simultaneously in Germany, Greece and Turkey. We find that the three factors indeed play a role in explaining preferences in the three countries. Moreover, while respondents are favourable to several core features of the current EU–Turkey migration deal (regarding the return of irregular migrants, financial aid to refugees, and border controls), we also find evidence of public support for increased cooperation on resettlement and EU support to Greece to deal with migration, which goes beyond the status quo. In certain aspects of cooperation, public preferences seem to respond to interactions between policy dimensions that capture reciprocity. These findings have important implications for research on public preferences for asylum and migration policies and public support for international cooperation more generally.
Snapshot of suspected acute coronary syndrome assessment processes in the emergency department: A national cross‐sectional survey
Authors: Brownlee Emily , Greenslade Jaimi H , Kelly Anne‐Maree , Meek Robert A , Parsonage William A , Cullen Louise
Published: November 2022

Objective

The Snapshot of Suspected ACS Assessment (SSAASY) study aims to describe the assessment processes for patients with suspected acute coronary syndrome (ACS) in Australian EDs, and to compare these processes with the National Heart Foundation of Australia and Cardiac Society of Australia and New Zealand (NHFA/CSANZ) guidelines.

Methods

Between March and May 2021, a cross‐sectional survey of Australian EDs was undertaken to investigate the assessment strategies used within the ED. All public and private hospitals identified as having dedicated EDs were invited to participate. Respondents provided data on hospital, ED and cardiac service characteristics. They also provided data on the risk stratification process recommended within their department (risk scores, troponin testing, objective testing for coronary artery disease). Awareness of the NHFA/CSANZ guidelines was assessed.

Results

Responses were received from 109/162 departments (67%). Most sites (n = 100, 92%) reported using dedicated protocols developed by ED clinicians that included risk stratification scores. Highly sensitive troponin assays were used at 103 (94%) sites. Serial troponin testing was performed over 2 h for low‐risk patients in 53 (49%) sites and 2–3 h for intermediate and high‐risk patients in 74 (68%) sites. Further investigations included exercise stress tests (48%) and stress echocardiography (38%), with 45% of sites ordering outpatient investigations.

Conclusions

The SSAASY study reported the strategies used to assess suspected ACS. In line with current NHFA/CSANZ guidelines, highly sensitive troponin assays are widely utilised. However, serial sampling intervals were longer than guideline recommendations, suggesting a translational gap between guidelines and clinical practice.
Comparative analysis of fish environmental DNA reveals higher sensitivity achieved through targeted sequence‐based metabarcoding
Authors: McCarthy Avery , Rajabi Hoda , McClenaghan Beverly , Fahner Nicole A. , Porter Emily , Singer Gregory A. C. , Hajibabaei Mehrdad
Published: November 2022

Environmental DNA (eDNA)‐based methods of species detection are enabling various applications in ecology and conservation including large‐scale biomonitoring efforts. qPCR is widely used as the standard approach for species‐specific detection, often targeting a fish species of interest from aquatic eDNA. However, DNA metabarcoding has the potential to displace qPCR in certain eDNA applications. In this study, we compare the sensitivity of the latest Illumina NovaSeq 6000 NGS platform to qPCR TaqMan assays by measuring limits of detection and by analysing eDNA from water samples collected from Churchill River and Lake Melville, NL, Canada. Species‐specific, targeted next generation sequencing (NGS) assays had significantly higher sensitivity than qPCR, with limits of detection 14‐ to 29‐fold lower. For example, when analysing eDNA, qPCR detected Gadus ogac (Greenland cod) in 21% of samples, but targeted NGS detected this species in 29% of samples. General NGS assays were as sensitive as qPCR, while simultaneously detecting 15 fish species from eDNA samples. With over 34,000 fish species on the planet, parallel and sensitive methods such as NGS will be required to support effective biomonitoring at both regional and global scales.
A wastewater‐based evaluation of the effectiveness of codeine control measures in Australia
Authors: Tscharke Benjamin J. , O'Brien Jake W. , Ahmed Fahad , Nguyen Lynn , Ghetia Maulik , Chan Gary , Thai Phong , Gerber Cobus , Bade Richard , Mueller Jochen , Thomas Kevin V. , White Jason , Hall Wayne
Published: November 2022

Background and aim

From 1 February 2018, codeine was rescheduled from an over‐the‐counter (OTC) to a prescription‐only medicine in Australia. We used wastewater‐based epidemiology to measure changes in population codeine consumption before and after rescheduling.

Methods

We analysed 3703 wastewater samples from 48 wastewater treatment plants, taken between August 2016 and August 2019. Our samples represented 10.6 million people, 45% of the Australian population in state capitals and regional areas in each state or territory. Codeine concentrations were determined by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry and converted to per‐capita consumption estimates using the site daily wastewater volume, catchment populations and codeine excretion kinetics.

Results

Average per‐capita consumption of codeine decreased by 37% nationally immediately after the rescheduling in February 2018 [95% confidence interval (CI) = 35.3–39.4%] and substantially in all states between 24 and 51% (95% CI = 22.4–27.0% and 41.8–59.4%). The decrease was sustained at the lower level to August 2019. Locations with least pharmacy access decreased by 51% (95% CI = 41.7–61.7%), a greater decrease than 37% observed for those with greater pharmacy access (95% CI = 35.1–39.4%). Regional areas decreased by a smaller margin to cities (32 versus 38%, 95% CI = 30.2–34.1% versus 34.9–40.4%, respectively) from a base per‐capita usage approximately 40% higher than cities.

Conclusion

Wastewater analysis shows that codeine consumption in Australia decreased by approximately 37% following its rescheduling as a prescription‐only medicine in 2018. Wastewater‐based epidemiology can be used to evaluate changes in population pharmaceutical consumption in responses to changes in drug scheduling.
NKG2D‐mediated cytotoxicity improves after primary surgery for high‐grade serous ovarian cancer
Authors: Israelsson Pernilla , Björk Emma , Nagaev Ivan , Nagaeva Olga , Lundin Eva , Mincheva‐Nilsson Lucia , Ottander Ulrika
Published: November 2022

Problem

Tumors compromise the patients’ immune system to promote their own survival. We have previously reported that HGSC exosomes play a central role, downregulating NKG2D cytotoxicity. Primary surgery's effect on tumor exosomes and NKG2D cytotoxicity in HGSC patients has not been studied before. The overall objective of this study was to explore the effect of surgery on the exosome‐induced impairment of NKG2D cytotoxicity in HGSC.

Method of study

Paired pre‐ and post‐operative blood samples were subjected to cell and exosome analyses regarding the NKG2D receptor and ligands, and NKG2D‐mediated cytotoxicity. Lymphocytes were phenotyped by immunoflow cytometry. Exosomes, isolated by ultracentrifugation, and characterized by nanoparticle tracking analysis, transmission and immune electron microscopy and western blot were used in functional cytotoxic experiments. HGSC explant culture‐derived exosomes, previously studied by us, were used for comparison.

Results

HGSC exosomes from patients’ sera downregulated NKG2D‐mediated cytotoxicity in NK cells of healthy donors. In a subgroup of subjects, NKG2D expression on CTLs and NK cells was upregulated after surgery, correlating to a decrease in the concentration of exosomes in postoperative sera. An overall significantly improved NKG2D‐mediated cytotoxic response of the HGSC patients’ own NK cells in postoperative compared to preoperative samples was noted.

Conclusions

Surgical removal of the primary tumor has a beneficial effect, relieving the exosome‐mediated suppression of NKG2D cytotoxicity in HGSC patients, thus boostering their ability to combat cancer.
Biomarkers associated with the development of comorbidities in patients with atopic dermatitis: A systematic review
Authors: Broderick Conor , Ziehfreund Stefanie , van Bart Karin , Arents Bernd , Eyerich Kilian , Weidinger Stephan , Rastrick Joseph , Zink Alexander , Flohr Carsten ,   BIOMAP Consortium
Published: November 2022

Biomarkers associated with the development of comorbidities in atopic dermatitis (AD) patients have been reported, but have not yet been systematically reviewed. Seven electronic databases were searched, from database inception to September 2021. English language randomized controlled trials, prospective and retrospective cohort, and case–control studies that investigated the association between a biomarker and the development of comorbidities in AD patients were included. Two authors independently screened the records for eligibility, one extracted all data, and critically appraised the quality of studies and risk of bias. Fifty six articles met the inclusion criteria, evaluating 146 candidate biomarkers. The most frequently reported biomarkers were filaggrin mutations and allergen specific‐IgE. Promising biomarkers include specific‐IgE and/or skin prick tests predicting the development of asthma, and genetic polymorphisms predicting the occurrence of eczema herpeticum. The identified studies and biomarkers were highly heterogeneous, and associated with predominately moderate‐to‐high risk of bias across multiple domains. Overall, findings were inconsistent. High‐quality studies assessing biomarkers associated with the development of comorbidities in people with AD are lacking. Harmonized datasets and independent validation studies are urgently needed.
Cost‐effectiveness comparison of delayed versus immediate coloanal anastomosis following ultralow anterior resection for rectal cancer
Authors: Shannon Nicholas Brian , Seow‐En Isaac , Tan Emile Kwong‐Wei
Published: November 2022

Background

Following ultralow anterior resection for distal rectal cancers, a coloanal anastomosis is usually created along with a defunctioning ileostomy (DI). Recent evidence suggests that abdominoperineal pull‐through with delayed coloanal anastomosis (DCAA) is a viable alternative to immediate coloanal anastomosis (ICAA), minimizing the risk of anastomotic leakage and avoiding the need for stoma creation with the risk of stoma‐associated morbidity. However, DCAA requires a longer initial hospitalization. We aimed to perform a cost‐effectiveness analysis to compare DCAA versus ICAA for elective rectal cancer surgery.

Methods

A decision tree model was used to compare the cost‐effectiveness of the two strategies. Cost data were obtained from the 2019 to 2020 United Kingdom National Health Service reference costs. Model probabilities were derived from published studies. Univariate and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were used to evaluate the robustness of the results.

Results

DCAA was the overall cheaper strategy at £13 541 compared with £14 856 for ICAA in the base case analysis. This was explained by the decreased overall costs of hospitalization/surgery, reduction in costs associated with anastomotic or stoma‐related complications, specifically dehydration‐induced hospital readmissions and avoidance of stoma maintenance costs. Sensitivity analysis demonstrated that DCAA remained consistently more inexpensive except when the duration of total parenteral nutrition exceeded 14 days.

Conclusion

Despite a longer index hospitalization with higher initial costs, this economic analysis demonstrates that DCAA without stoma is overall more cost‐effective compared with ICAA with DI following ultralow anterior resection. Cost savings should be considered an additional benefit when selecting the DCAA approach for rectal cancer surgery.
Foetal and neonatal exposure prediction and dosing evaluation for ampicillin using a physiologically‐based pharmacokinetic modelling approach
Authors: Li Sanwang , Xie Feifan
Published: November 2022

Aims

Ampicillin is frequently used in neonates for the treatment of sepsis and as an intrapartum prophylaxis option for Group B Streptococcus. Pharmacokinetic data to guide ampicillin dosing in neonates and during the intrapartum period are limited. The objective of this study was to build a physiologically‐based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model to characterize the disposition of ampicillin in neonates and foetuses and to inform corresponding optimal dosing regimens.

Methods

An adult ampicillin PBPK model was first developed using the Simcyp® simulator. The adult model was then scaled to neonates by accounting for maturational changes in physiological parameters and age‐dependent drug disposition or extended to a pregnancy model for mothers and foetuses. Models were verified using collected mean or individual‐level concentration data from the literature.

Results

The developed adult PBPK model included elimination via glomerular filtration, OAT3‐mediated tubular secretion and biliary excretion as well as hepatic metabolism, and 89.8% of the observed mean concentrations in adults were within a 2‐fold range of model mean predictions. Most of the observed individual‐level observations in neonates (78.4%) and foetuses (about 65% in two studies) were within the 90% prediction intervals. The recommended 50 mg/kg every 8 h (q8h) ampicillin regimen achieved the 75% fraction time of total drug concentration above minimum inhibitory concentration (T > MIC) target for an MIC ≤8 mg/L in >90% virtual neonates, and 1 g ampicillin for pregnant women provided adequate foetal exposure (>0.25 mg/L) for 4 h prior to delivery.

Conclusions

A PBPK model was developed to characterize ampicillin's disposition in neonates, pregnant women, and foetuses, and the model supported optimal dosing evaluation in these vulnerable populations.
Estimated glomerular filtration rate with and without race for drug dosing: Cystatin C vs. serum creatinine
Authors: Yun Hyun Gi , Smith Andrew J. F. , DeBacker Kenneth C. , Pai Manjunath P.
Published: November 2022

The goal of this study was to use a model kidney function clearance‐dependent drug (vancomycin) to understand the gain or loss of precision in dosing with use of serum creatinine (Scr), serum cystatin C (Scys) and race and nonrace‐based equations of the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). In this study of hospitalized patients, we compared Scr, Scys and their combination to estimate kidney function and vancomycin clearance. The nonrace‐based Scys eGFR model outperformed other clearance models and improved the probability of target attainment by 15%. When Scys is not available, we show that the new 2021 CKD‐EPI eGFRcr equation (no race factor) performs as well as the current conventional approach. This improvement in model performance does not negate the need for individualized dosing but exemplifies the need to remove race as a factor of kidney‐function dose adjustment.
Incidence, treatment and outcome of central nervous system relapse in adult acute lymphoblastic leukaemia patients treated front‐line with paediatric‐inspired regimens: A retrospective multicentre Campus ALL study
Authors: Dargenio Michelina , Bonifacio Massimiliano , Chiaretti Sabina , Vitale Antonella , Fracchiolla Nicola Stefano , Papayannidis Cristina , Giglio Fabio , Salutari Prassede , Audisio Ernesta , Scappini Barbara , Zappasodi Patrizia , Defina Marzia , Forghieri Fabio , Scattolin Anna Maria , Todisco Elisabetta , Lunghi Monia , Guolo Fabio , Del Principe Maria Ilaria , Annunziata Mario , Lazzarotto Davide , Cedrone Michele , Pasciolla Crescenza , Imovilli Annalisa , Tanasi Ilaria , Trappolini Silvia , Cerrano Marco , La Starza Roberta , Krampera Mauro , Di Renzo Nicola , Candoni Anna , Pizzolo Giovanni , Ferrara Felicetto , Foà Robin
Published: November 2022

Within the Campus ALL network we analyzed the incidence, characteristics, treatment and outcome of a central nervous system (CNS) relapse in 1035 consecutive adult acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) patients treated frontline with pediatric‐inspired protocols between 2009 and 2020. Seventy‐one patients (6.8%) experienced a CNS recurrence, more frequently in T‐ (28/278; 10%) than in B‐ALL (43/757; 5.7%) (p = 0.017). An early CNS relapse—< 12 months from diagnosis—was observed in 41 patients. In multivariate analysis, risk factors for early CNS relapse included T‐cell phenotype (p = <0.001), hyperleucocytosis >100 × 109/L (p<0.001) and male gender (p = 0.015). Treatment was heterogeneous, including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, intrathecal therapy and novel agents. A complete remission (CR) was obtained in 39 patients (55%) with no differences among strategies. After CR, 26 patients underwent an allogenic transplant, with a significant overall survival benefit compared to non‐transplanted patients (p = 0.012). After a median observation of 8 months from CNS relapse, 23 patients (32%) were alive. In multivariate analysis, the time to CNS relapse was the strongest predictor of a lower 2‐year post‐relapse survival (p<0.001). In conclusion, in adult ALL the outcome after a CNS relapse remains very poor. Effective CNS prophylaxis remains the best approach and allogenic transplant should be pursued when possible.
Side‐chain cleavage enzyme deficiency: Systematic review and case series
Authors: Phadte Aditya , Arya Sneha , Sarathi Vijaya , Lila Anurag , Maheshwari Madhur , Memon Saba Samad , Rane Ankita , Patil Virendra , Rai Khushnandan , Raghav Darpan , Kunwar Ambarish , Bandgar Tushar
Published: November 2022

Objective

P450 side‐chain cleavage deficiency (SCCD) patients present with primary adrenal insufficiency (PAI) with or without undervirilized external genitalia. The distinction between classic and nonclassic steroidogenic acute regulatory protein deficiency has been described, whereas in SCCD is unclear. The data on gonadal function and its correlation with SCCD genotype has not been studied.

We describe our experience and perform a systematic review of genetically proven SCCD patients to determine the distinct phenotypic and genotypic characteristics of 46,XY SCCD patients with typical male external genitalia (SCCD‐TMG) and atypical (SCCD‐AG) external genitalia.

Design, Patients and Measurements

Retrospective review of three genetically proven SCCD patients from our centre and per‐patient data analysis from a systematic review of 52 probands was performed. SCCD‐TMG (n = 19) was defined as external genitalia of Sinnecker score 1 with 46,XY  karyotype; the rest (Sinnecker 2–5) were classified as SCCD‐AG (n = 15).

Results

We report two new Indian cases of SCCD with three novel likely pathogenic variants and pubertal follow‐up of a previously reported patient. In systematic review, age at diagnosis of PAI and elevated renin were not different between 46,XY  SCCD‐TMG (n = 19) and SCCD‐AG (n = 15), whereas spontaneous puberty (9/9 vs. 0/3, p = .0045), normal prepubertal (5/5 vs. 6/6, p = .002), pubertal gonadotropins (2/9 vs. 0/3, p = 1) and normal pubertal testosterone (9/11 vs. 0/3, p = .027) were more common in SCCD‐TMG. Testicular adrenal rest tumours were exclusive to SCCD‐TMG (n = 4). SCCD‐TMG was associated with four particular genotypes [monoallelic p.Glu314Lys with another deleterious variant on the second allele (p.Glu314Lys/X‐CHS: X‐compound heterozygous state), biallelic p.Arg451Trp, p.Phe215Ser/p.Arg232Ter and monoallelic p.Val79Ile]. 46,XX SCCD  patients with p.Glu314Lys/X‐CHS also had normal gonadotropins with spontaneous puberty.

Conclusion

SCCD‐TMG is associated with four specific genotypes and distinct gonadal characteristics from SCCD‐AG with overlapping features of PAI.
Safety of day‐case endoscopic sinus surgery in England: An observational study using an administrative dataset
Authors: Navaratnam Annakan V. , Pendolino Alfonso Luca , Andrews Peter J. , Saleh Hesham A. , Hopkins Claire , Randhawa Premjit S. , Little Sarah , Day Jamie , Briggs Tim W. R. , Gray William K.
Published: November 2022

Introduction

As elective surgical services recover from the COVID‐19 pandemic a movement towards day‐case surgery may reduce waiting lists. However, evidence is needed to show that day‐case surgery is safe for endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS). The aim of this study was to investigate the safety of day‐case ESS in England.

Design

Secondary analysis of administrative data.

Methods

We extracted data from the Hospital Episodes Statistics database for the 5 years from 1 April 2014 to 31 March 2019. Patients undergoing elective ESS procedures aged ≥17 years were included. Exclusion criteria included malignant neoplasm, complex systemic disease and trans‐sphenoidal pituitary surgery. The primary outcome was readmission within 30 days post‐discharge. Multilevel, multivariable logistic regression modelling was used to compare outcomes for those operated on as day‐cases and those with an overnight stay after adjusting for demographic, frailty, comorbidity and procedural covariates.

Results

Data were available for 49 223 patients operated on across 129 NHS hospital trusts. In trusts operating on more than 50 patients in the study period, rates of day‐case surgery varied from 20.6% to 100%. Nationally, rates of day‐case surgery increased from 64.0% in the financial year 2014/2015 to 78.7% in 2018/2019. Day‐case patients had lower rates of 30‐day emergency readmission (odds ratio 0.71, 95% confidence interval 0.62 to 0.81). Outcomes for patients operated on in trusts with ≥80% day‐case rates compared with patients operated on in trusts with <50% rates of day‐case surgery were similar.

Conclusions

Our data support the view that ESS can safely be performed as day‐case surgery in most cases, although it will not be suitable for all patients. There appears to be scope to increase rates of day‐case ESS in some hospital trusts in England.
Intervention pathways for low anterior resection syndrome after sphincter‐saving rectal cancer surgery: A systematic scoping review
Authors: Pape Eva , Burch Jennie , van Ramshorst Gabrielle H. , van Nieuwenhove Yves , Taylor Claire
Published: November 2022

Aim

Low anterior resection syndrome (LARS) has a large impact on patients' quality of life. Several heterogeneous intervention pathways are suggested in the literature. The steps and timing of the different steps in the pathways are unclear. This systematic scoping review aims to map the range of intervention pathways for LARS after sphincter‐saving rectal cancer surgery.

Methods

A search was undertaken on four databases (CINAHL, EMBASE, PubMed, and Web of Science). Any type of paper describing intervention pathways for patients with LARS following sphincter‐saving surgery was included. Excluded were patients with a stoma, no full paper, no intervention pathway and not being written in English or Dutch. The review was registered with Open Science Framework (10.17605/OSF.IO/JB5H8). Narrative synthesis of the results was performed by charting and summarising key results.

Results

A total of 373 records were screened and 12 papers were included. There was a high variability among the intervention pathways, including which patients should be included. The number of pathway steps ranged from 2–6. Most intervention pathways were treatment‐led. Intervention options ranged from conservative measures to a permanent stoma. Pathway flow was highly variable and sometimes not well described, with different or no timings provided for the start, progression, or end of the pathways. Three studies discussed the use of a nurse to coordinate the pathway.

Conclusion

This systematic scoping review shows that despite similarities in treatment options there are variations in which treatments are included, when treatments should be instigated, and even which patients should be treated.
Predictors of support for biodiversity loss countermeasure and bushmeat consumption among Vietnamese urban residents
Authors: Nguyen Minh‐Hoang , Jones Thomas E.
Published: November 2022

Biodiversity loss is happening at an unprecedented rate, especially in countries like Vietnam, with rich biodiversity and a high population growth rate. One of the main causes of biodiversity loss in Vietnam is the unsustainable bushmeat consumption rate in urban areas. To help mitigate the demand for bushmeat, this study aims to examine the associations between biodiversity loss perceptions, perception toward the prohibition of illegal wildlife consumption, and bushmeat consumption behaviors among urban residents in Vietnam. The investigation employed the Bayesian Mindsponge Framework (BMF)—an analytical framework that combines the strengths of the mindsponge mechanism and Bayesian inference to facilitate investigation into psychological and behavioral issues—on 535 respondents from urban areas across Vietnam (mostly in the two urban centers of Ho Chi Minh and Hanoi). We found that people perceiving environmental degradation, and losses of economic growth, nature‐based recreation opportunities, health, and knowledge as consequences of biodiversity loss were more likely to support the prohibition of illegal wildlife consumption. Although urban residents tended to consume bushmeat less frequently if they perceived losses of economic growth and knowledge as consequences of biodiversity loss, the perception of environmental degradation had an opposite effect on the behavior. Additionally, people consuming bushmeat frequently and supporting the biodiversity loss preventive measure seemed to share similar features: high income and educational levels. These paradoxical results hint at the cultural additivity phenomenon—the willingness to incorporate into one's mind the new values that might or might not logically contradict their existing core cultural values—and its influence on psychology and behavior among Vietnamese urban residents. Given the influence of cultural additivity, it is recommended to put tougher measures (e.g., financial punishment) into perspective so that urban people can recognize the high “cost” of bushmeat consumption and change their perceptions and behaviors accordingly. Apart from that, social marketing, demarketing, or educational campaigns should convey knowledge and information that can help receivers relate biodiversity loss and bushmeat consumption to their subjective cost‐benefit judgments rather than the rarity of the species to avoid triggering an anthropogenic Allee effect—for example, emphasizing the penalty for consuming bushmeat and negative impacts of biodiversity loss on humans in targeted campaigns (e.g., losses of economic growth and knowledge).