bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A model of lived experience leadership for transformative systems change: Activating Lived Experience Leadership (ALEL) project
Authors: Loughhead Mark , Hodges Ellie , McIntyre Heather , Procter Nicholas Gerard , Barbara Anne , Bickley Brooke , Harris Geoff , Huber Lisa , Martinez Lee
Published: August 2022

Purpose

This discursive paper presents a lived experience leadership model as developed as part of the Activating Lived Experience Leadership (ALEL) project to increase the recognition and understanding of lived experience leadership in mental health and social sectors. The model of lived experience leadership was formulated through a collaboration between the South Australian Lived Experience Leadership & Advocacy Network and the Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Research and Education Group.

Design/methodology/approach

As one of the outcomes of the ALEL research project, this model incorporates findings from a two-year research project in South Australia using participatory action research methodology and cocreation methodology. Focus groups with lived experience leaders, interviews with sector leaders and a national survey of lived experience leaders provided the basis of qualitative data, which was interpreted via an iterative and shared analysis. This work identified intersecting lived experience values, actions, qualities and skills as characteristics of effective lived experience leadership and was visioned and led by lived experience leaders.

Findings

The resulting model frames lived experience leadership as a social movement for recognition, inclusion and justice and is composed of six leadership actions: centres lived experience; stands up and speaks out; champions justice; nurtures connected and collective spaces; mobilises strategically; and leads change. Leadership is also guided by the values of integrity, authenticity, mutuality and intersectionality, and the key positionings of staying peer and sharing power.

Originality/value

This model is based on innovative primary research, which has been developed to encourage understanding across mental health and social sectors on the work of lived experience leaders in seeking change and the value that they offer for systems transformation. It also offers unique insights to guide reflective learning for the lived experience and consumer movement, workers, clinicians, policymakers and communities.
The asymmetric effect of eco-innovation on the energy consumption structure: the US as a case study
Authors: Kazemzadeh Emad , Ahmadi Shadmehri Mohammad Taher , Ebrahimi Salari Taghi , Salehnia Narges , Pooya Alireza
Published: August 2022

Purpose

One of the most important ways to pay attention to sustainable economic development is to invest in green technology and alter the energy consumption structure (ECS) in countries. Changing the ECS can be important in two ways: first, it increases the diversity of energy consumption and reduces energy dependence on other countries. Second, the use of highly polluted nonrenewable energy sources (such as oil and coal) is reduced, leading to the transfer of energy to natural gas with less carbon emissions or renewable energy. To this end, the authors examined the asymmetric effects of eco-innovation on the US ECS from 1980 to 2019. This paper aims to address this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

In this research, the nonlinear autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) (NARDL) model is used and the results are compared with the linear ARDL model.

Findings

The ARDL results also confirm the positive effects of oil prices and GDP per capita in the long run. On the other hand, short-term and long-term Wald test results confirm the nonlinear effects of eco-innovation (LPATENT) on US ECS. These results indicate that 1% positive shock in LPATENTˆ+ increases the ECS by 0.179, while 1% negative fluctuations (LPATENTˆ-) leads to a decrease (−0.085) in the ECS. However, the ARDL results, in general, show the positive effects of LPATENT on the ECS in long run. Evidence suggests that ignoring nonlinear effects can lead to inaccurate results. Policy suggestions for environmental technology innovation are presented in the results.

Originality/value

This research has innovations in various aspects so that the previous studies in this field have examined the effects of environmental innovation on renewable or nonrenewable energy consumption, and so far no study has been done on the ECS. In this research, the Shannon–Wiener index has been used to calculate the ECS.
Learning from home: the impact of COVID-19 on teaching and learning
Authors: Rughoobur-Seetah Soujata
Published: August 2022

Purpose

With the impact of COVID-19, the educational system across the world had to be reviewed and readapted. Both learners and tutors were forced to adopt the online teaching and learning mechanism. Learners had to cope with the drastic teaching mode. In all of these, the student’s level of satisfaction remains pivotal. Teaching and learning remain successful if the students are satisfied and engaged. Therefore, this study aims to identify and assess factors that influenced students’ level of learning from home satisfaction.

Design/methodology/approach

This study followed a mixed-method approach. Online focus groups were arranged to devise indicators for factors like the accessibility of lecturers, support from university and conducive home environment. A questionnaire was designed and disseminated through an online survey. A response rate of (N = 169) was received. The proposed framework was tested in two phases: confirmatory factor analysis and partial least square structural equation modeling.

Findings

The findings revealed that education/life balance and learners’ commitment have a positive and significant relationship with learning from home satisfaction. Accessibility of lecturers and a conducive home environment positively influenced education and life balance. Learners’ commitment was influenced by the accessibility of lecturers, education and life balance and support from the university. Support from university was positively influenced by the accessibility of lecturers and a conducive home environment.

Originality/value

Various studies focused on the quality of online teaching and learning, and very few studies paid attention to the day-to-day lives of learners at the tertiary level. This study has borrowed organizational factors and adapted them to the students’ lives with two theoretical foundations which will enable a better understanding of the students.
When the personal is academic: thoughts on navigating emotions in research on moral injury
Authors: Gilhuis Naomi , Molendijk Tine
Published: August 2022

Purpose

How should researchers navigate and interpret the moral emotions evoked in them in research on trauma? In this reflective essay, the authors discuss their experience as researchers on moral injury (MI) in veterans and police personnel in the Netherlands. Stories of MI usually do not allow for a clear-cut categorization of the affected person as a victim or perpetrator. This ambivalence, in fact, is explicitly part of the concept of MI. It means however that researchers face complicated psychological, ethical and methodological challenges during research on MI.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors contemplate these challenges by describing two empirical cases demonstrating the particular moral challenges that emerge in MI research. Drawing from literature on qualitative research and emotions, the authors distil different perspectives on the role of moral emotions in research.

Findings

Reflecting on the ambivalent and difficult emotions the authors experienced as researchers when listening to personal accounts of moral injury, the authors offer insights into the necessity and delicacy of navigating between the methodological potential and the ethical and psychological risks of such emotions.

Originality/value

This study is relevant for all researchers examining trauma, in particular when the research is surrounded by complex ethical questions. While the issue of managing emotions in research on trauma is challenging in itself, it is further complicated when the stories related by respondents challenge the researcher's own moral beliefs and values.
Corporate philanthropic response to the COVID-19 pandemic in China: a dilemma?
Authors: Zou Hailiang , Liang Zedong , Qi Guoyou , Ma Hanyang
Published: August 2022

Purpose

This study aims to examine the corporate donations in response to the intensive outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in China in 2020 and proposes that the local spread of COVID-19 is negatively associated with corporate donations due to the non-trivial costs, but meanwhile, strong institutional pressures based on institutional theory are put on firms to donate, which thus creates a dilemma for firms. This study further argues that the dilemma is heterogeneous across different institutional fields.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a sample of Chinese listed companies during the intensive outbreak of this pandemic, a two-stage Heckman selection model is conducted to address the potential sample selection bias.

Findings

This study reveals a negative relationship between the local spread of COVID-19 and corporate donations, confirms the driving effect of various types of institutional pressure and finds that the intensity of the COVID-19 pandemic strengthens the effect of coercive pressure and mimetic pressure on philanthropic giving but weakens the effect of normative pressure.

Originality/value

This study extends the knowledge on firms’ philanthropic response to natural crises, as the COVID-19 pandemic has not only led to a public health crisis but also to a global economic crisis, and how the effects of institutional pressures are affected by a situational crisis. This work enriches the literature on corporate philanthropy and crisis management and has some implications for both policymakers and business practitioners.
The influence of transformational leadership on work engagement in the context of learning organization mediated by employees’ motivation
Authors: Chen Si , Cuervo Javier Calero
Published: August 2022

Purpose

This study aims to focus on determining the influence of transformational leadership on work engagement as mediated by employee motivation.

Design/methodology/approach

The research findings are based on a quantitative analysis of a survey of 443 full-time employees working in the Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Great Bay Area (GBA) of China.

Findings

The positive perception of transformational leadership from employees enables them to accomplish tasks beyond expectations. With the help of structural equation modeling, this study reveals that the influence path of perceptions of transformational leadership on work engagement is partially mediated through employee motivation.

Research limitations/implications

Employee motivation is not the only mediating factor, other factors mediate the relationship between transformational leadership and work engagement. The problem of sample size and sampling collection, the survey only focuses on samples working in the GBA.

Originality/value

The analysis and results based on data from mainland China, especially the GBA, expands the boundaries of the role of transformational leaders in learning organization and provides additional data support and sources for future relevant research. At the same time, the study of the mediation models between leadership and work engagement also hints more potential possible mediation factors.
Modelling competitive advantage using the concepts of big data and social media to develop a sustainability strategy
Authors: Horng Jeou-Shyan , Liu Chih-Hsing , Chou Sheng-Fang , Yu Tai-Yi , Ng Yen-Ling
Published: August 2022

Purpose

This study aims to propose an integrated moderated mediation model to examine the process by which hotels obtain competitive advantage from the perspective of hotel managers.

Design/methodology/approach

After obtaining the agreement of the participants, a total of 560 candidates, all of whom were hotel managers, completed a survey administered online over a three-month period from November 2020 to January 2021. Ultimately, 257 valid responses were obtained after data screening by research assistants, for a response rate of 45.89%.

Findings

By reference to the concepts of big data (BD) and sustainability, the results show that BD management is a foundational attribute with respect to the indirect effects of BD analytics capabilities via proactive market orientation and social media collaboration. Furthermore, sustainability commitments and marketing are found to affect the relationship between such analytics capabilities and competitive advantage. Additionally, information sharing and food services have positive moderating effects that strengthen the changes in critical attributes during the process of obtaining competitive advantage.

Originality/value

To date, despite the proliferation of the concepts of BD, social media and sustainability, there is a lack of adequate empirical evidence and systematic literature reviews to comprehensively synthesize the emerging body of literature in the fields of tourism and hospitality research.
The effect of COVID-19 perceptions on tourists’ attitudes, safety perceptions and destination images: moderating role of information sharing
Authors: Liu Chih-Hsing , Lee Wei-Long , Fang Yen-Po , Zhang Yucheng
Published: August 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the mediating and moderating processes that link crisis management to tourist attitude changes and hygiene/safety perceptions through destination image.

Design/methodology/approach

Data from 524 tourists and structural equation models were used to examine the tourists’ perceptions of attitudes, safety perceptions and destination images in Taiwan.

Findings

The effectiveness of crisis management may positively influence destination image through attitude changes and hygiene/safety perceptions. This study also confirms that information sharing may not only speed up the process of positive destination-image development but also strengthen relationships among the critical attributes of crisis management.

Originality/value

As the impact of the COVID-19 crisis continues, it is critical to understand the role of crisis management in destination image and identify how attitudes or behavior intentions can be affected in the fast-spreading network of information sharing in an increasingly competitive tourism and hospitality market.
Interactions between land use, taxonomic group and aspects and levels of diversity in a Brazilian savanna: Implications for the use of bioindicators
Authors: Carvalho Raquel L. , Vieira Jésica , Melo Celine , Silva Adriano M. , Tolentino Vitor C. M. , Neves Karen , Vaz de Mello Fernando , Andersen Alan N. , Vasconcelos Heraldo L.
Published: August 2022

The conversion of natural habitats into anthropogenic uses is a key driver of global biodiversity loss, but effects can vary among taxa and diversity metrics. This has important implications for the use of bioindicators in land management.

We evaluated the local‐scale responses of multiple faunal taxa to land‐use change in the BrazilianCerradomeasuring different aspects (taxonomic and functional) and levels (alpha and beta) of diversity. We compared ant, dung beetle and bird assemblages inhabiting remnants of natural habitat (savanna and semi‐deciduous forest) with those found in cattle pastures, soy fields orEucalyptusplantations.

Species richness was markedly higher in natural habitats for ants and birds but not for dung beetles. Effects on functional alpha diversity were taxon specific and there was not such a contrast between natural and anthropogenic habitats. Patterns of functional beta diversity were correlated with patterns of taxonomic beta diversity and were also taxon specific. For dung beetles, site‐to‐site variation in taxonomic and functional composition was greatest in forests, whereas birds tended to present greater spatial turnover and ants greater nestedeness in the anthropogenic than in the natural habitats. Among the three anthropogenic land uses, tree plantations presented the most similar composition to natural habitat for all taxa. Overall, similarity in taxonomic and functional composition between natural and anthropogenic habitats was greater for savanna than forest.

Synthesis and applications. The responses of ant, dung beetle and bird assemblages to land‐use change in theCerradowere highly variable. Nonetheless, results indicate that the extent of impacts on biodiversity reflects the extent of habitat transformation and that impacts at a landscape scale may be reduced by a mix of land uses. We showed that effects were more severe from a taxonomic than from a functional perspective, for the forest than for the savanna‐associated fauna, for the ant and bird than for the dung beetle fauna, and often in lands devoted to intensive agriculture rather than to pastoralism or plantation forestry. Our findings can help guide the selection and assessment of indicator taxa and the interpretation of exactly what they are indicating.
Sweetpotato chip texture and fat content: Effects of enzymatic modification of cell wall polymers
Authors: Allan Matthew C. , Johanningsmeier Suzanne D.
Published: August 2022

Impacts of cell wall polymers on sweetpotato chip texture and fat content were investigated through enzymatic modification. Covington sweetpotato slices were treated with cellulase, hemicellulase, pectinase, pectin methyl esterase, protease, the enzyme blend Viscozyme, or no enzymes (control) at 40–45°C for 0.5–2 h. Treated slices were blanched, dried, and fried in triplicate per experimental condition. Breaking forces of 20 chips per frying replicate were measured followed by chip fat, moisture, sugar, alcohol insoluble solids, glass transition temperature, and color analyses. Untreated slices from each batch (daily check) were fried and analyzed to account for starting material variability. Viscozyme and protease‐treated chips had the greatest reduction in breaking force from untreated chips (−30.9% and −23.7%, respectively), while pectin methyl esterase‐treated chips had the lowest reduction in breaking force (−9.0%). Chips treated with Viscozyme for 2 h were 6.7‐6.3 percentiles lower in fat than the control. Principal component analysis elucidated that chip breaking force was associated with unfried slice puncture force, alcohol insoluble solids, and chip color, and chip fat content was inversely associated with maltose content and glass transition temperature. Breaking down multiple cell wall polysaccharides or structural proteins weakened chip textures, while strengthening the pectic fraction resulted in harder chips. Chip fat reduction also occurred when multiple cell wall polysaccharides were broken down. Therefore, cell wall polymers impact sweetpotato chip texture and fat contents, and their attributes should be considered when selecting cultivars and processes for sweetpotato chips.

Practical Application

Sweetpotato chips are an increasingly popular snack, but there is little understanding how cell wall polymers impact chip textures and fat contents. Raw sweetpotato slices were enzymatically treated to selectively modify cell wall polymers before frying. Chip breaking forces were lowered by protease or Viscozyme (cell wall enzyme blend) treatments, while breaking forces were increased with pectin methyl esterase. In addition, chip fat contents were reduced by the Viscozyme treatment. Since cell wall modifications could impact chip texture and fat content, cell wall polymer attributes should be considered in selection and processing of sweetpotatoes for chip manufacturing.
An Evaluation of Indices of Biotic Integrity for Algal and BMI Assemblages in Streams of the Los Angeles Region
Authors: Simons Ariel Levi , Bozone Sophia , DePrima Cella , Diaz Lester , Lu Veronica , Manson Colbert , Mack Ayahna , Wong Corisa
Published: August 2022

The Los Angeles region contains a number of heavily altered watersheds, resulting in the degradation of both water and habitat quality along numerous streams. Assessing the impacts of these anthropogenic stressors on biological communities has primarily focused on the California Stream Condition Index (CSCI), a measure of the biotic integrity of benthic macroinvertebrate assemblages. To complement the CSCI an Algal Stream Condition Index (ASCI) was developed to assess the biotic integrity of both soft‐bodied and diatomaceous algal assemblages. Using random forest modeling, we evaluated the performances of the CSCI, the ASCI for diatom assemblages (D_ASCI), and the ASCI for hybrid assemblages containing both diatoms and soft‐bodied algae (H_ASCI). We found that our models of the D_ASCI and H_ASCI could account for approximately 77% and 78% of their observation variation across the watersheds of the Los Angeles region, nearly as high as the 82% accounted for by the CSCI. This indicates the future potential of using indices of biotic integrity based on, or in part, diatom assemblages for streams in this region as additional forms of bioassessment.
Impact of ventricular arrhythmia on LVAD implantation admission outcomes
Authors: Ruge Max , Kochar Kirpal , Ullah Waqas , Hajduczok Alexander , Tchantchaleishvili Vakhtang , Rame J. Eduardo , Alvarez Rene , Brailovsky Yevgeniy , Rajapreyar Indranee
Published: August 2022

Introduction

Ventricular arrhythmias (VAs) are common after left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation though data are mixed on whether these events have an impact on mortality.

Methods

The National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database from 2002–2019 was queried for LVAD implantation admissions. Secondary ICD codes were analyzed to assess for the occurrence of VAs during this admission. Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to control for confounding variables between those with versus without VAs.

Results

The NIS database from 2002–2019 contained 43 936 admissions with LVAD implantation. VAs occurred in 19 985 (45.4%) patients. After PSM, the study cohort consisted of 39 989 patients, 19 985 (50.0%) of which had a secondary diagnosis of VA during the admission. When compared to those without VA, those with VA were at no higher risk for in‐hospital mortality (adjusted odds ratio 1.011, 99.9% CI 0.956–1.069, p = 0.699). Those with a VA were at higher risk for cardiogenic shock and requiring mechanical ventilation, tracheostomy, and percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy placement. Patients with a VA were also at lower risk for device thrombosis. Conversely, the VA group was at no higher risk for stroke. In comparing trends from 2002 to 2019, the incidence of VAs has increased, while the mortality rate of those with and without VAs has decreased during this same period.

Conclusion

In this retrospective study of the NIS database, VAs were common (45.4%) during the LVAD implantation admission. However, the occurrence of VAs during the implantation admission did not alter in‐hospital mortality. More longitudinal studies are required to assess the long‐term impact of VAs on mortality. In comparing trends from 2002–2019, the incidence of VAs has increased, while the mortality rate of those with and without VAs has decreased.
Impact of structured physical therapy protocol among heart transplant recipients while on intra‐aortic balloon pump in the pretransplant period
Authors: Patnaik Soumya , Nathan Sriram , Bui Amanda , Kar Biswajit , Gregoric Igor D. , Gilley Christa Bauer
Published: August 2022

Background

Use of prolonged femoral intra‐aortic balloon pump support limits the mobility of patients awaiting heart transplant. We assessed the safety and outcomes of a structured, tilting physical therapy protocol in patients supported by intra‐aortic balloon pumps while awaiting transplant.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed five years of transplant patients. Eighteen patients received femoral intra‐aortic balloon support, a heart transplant, and met all eligibility criteria. We compared complications and outcomes between patients who received the structured, tilting physical therapy (Protocol Group) and those that received standard of care (Control Group).

Results

Complications were not significantly different between groups. The majority of the Protocol Group were discharged to home (10/12), while half (3/6) of the Control Group were discharged to a rehabilitation facility. Post‐transplant length of stay was significantly less in the Protocol Group (median 16 vs. 28 days, p = 0.03).

Conclusion

Despite the small number analyzed, the data indicates that the structured, tilting physical therapy protocol led to a significantly reduced length of stay post‐transplantation. Importantly, use of the protocol did not result in access site complications, thrombosis, or arrhythmias in the majority of the patients.
Editorial: Percutaneous placement of a permanent tunnelled catheter for patients with non‐malignant ascites—Is it safe?
Authors: Gluud Lise Lotte , Kimer Nina , Møller Søren
Published: August 2022

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Tergast et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16831 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17157
Letter: to switch or not to switch, that is the question
Authors: Bresteau Clément , Martin Antoine , Amiot Aurelien
Published: August 2022

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Bergqvist et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16927 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17147
Editorial: progress towards more comprehensively understanding the sources of corticosteroids for patients with IBD
Authors: Haydek John P. , Scott Frank I.
Published: August 2022

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Rosiou et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17039 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17140
Editorial: changes in renal function and bone mineral density after switching from tenofovir disoproxil fumarate to tenofovir alafenamide in chronic hepatitis B patients—author's reply
Authors: Papatheodoridis George V.
Published: August 2022

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Papatheodoridis et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17093 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17117
Systematic review and meta‐analysis: efficacy of peppermint oil in irritable bowel syndrome
Authors: Ingrosso Maria Rosa , Ianiro Gianluca , Nee Judy , Lembo Anthony J. , Moayyedi Paul , Black Christopher J. , Ford Alexander C.
Published: August 2022

Background

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is one of the most common disorders of gut‐brain interaction, with a complex pathophysiology. Antispasmodics are prescribed as first‐line therapy because of their action on gut dysmotility. In this regard, peppermint oil also has antispasmodic properties.

Aim

To update our previous meta‐analysis to assess efficacy and safety of peppermint oil, particularly as recent studies have cast doubt on its role in the treatment of IBS

Methods

We searched the medical literature up to 2nd April 2022 to identify randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of peppermint oil in IBS. Efficacy and safety were judged using dichotomous assessments of effect on global IBS symptoms or abdominal pain, and occurrence of any adverse event or of gastro‐oesophageal reflux. Data were pooled using a random effects model, with efficacy and safety reported as pooled relative risks (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results

We identified 10 eligible RCTs (1030 patients). Peppermint oil was more efficacious than placebo for global IBS symptoms (RR of not improving = 0.65; 95% CI 0.43–0.98, number needed to treat [NNT] = 4; 95% CI 2.5–71), and abdominal pain (RR of abdominal pain not improving = 0.76; 95% CI 0.62–0.93, NNT = 7; 95% CI 4–24). Adverse event rates were significantly higher with peppermint oil (RR of any adverse event = 1.57; 95% CI 1.04–2.37).

Conclusions

Peppermint oil was superior to placebo for the treatment of IBS, but adverse events were more frequent, and quality of evidence was very low. Adequately powered RCTs of peppermint oil as first‐line treatment for IBS are needed.
Randomised clinical trial and meta‐analysis: mesalazine treatment in irritable bowel syndrome—effects on gastrointestinal symptoms and rectal biomarkers of immune activity
Authors: Castro Tejera Valeria , Öhman Lena , Aabakken Lars , Fellström Bengt , Hausken Trygve , Hovde Øistein , Hreinsson Johann P. , Lindberg Greger , Venge Per , Simrén Magnus , Törnblom Hans
Published: August 2022

Background

Low‐grade immune activation in the gut is a potential treatment target in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Aims

To determine improvement in IBS symptoms after mesalazine treatment, and the utility of measures of immune activity in the rectal mucosa

Methods

This was a randomised, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, parallel‐arm, multicentre trial in subjects with IBS (Rome III criteria), with an eight‐week treatment period of mesalazine 2400 mg or plcebo once‐daily. The primary endpoint was the global assessment of satisfactory relief of IBS symptoms in ≥50% of weeks during intervention. IBS symptoms were also measured with the IBS severity scoring system; immune activity was measured by mucosal patch technology. A post hoc meta‐analysis of randomised placebo‐controlled trials of mesalazine in IBS was added.

Results

Of 181 included patients, 91 received mesalazine and 90 received placebo. The primary endpoint was met by 32 (36%) patients after mesalazine and 27 (30%) after placebo (p = 0.40). There were no differences in response rates related to IBS subtype or post‐infection symptom onset. More reduction of abdominal bloating was noted in the mesalazine group (p = 0.02). The meta‐analysis showed no effect of mesalazine on IBS symptoms. No mucosal patch technology measure could predict response to mesalazine, and found no differences in the effects of intervention on levels of immune markers.

Conclusions

Mesalazine is ineffective in reducing IBS symptoms. Rectal measures of immune activity by the mucosal patch technology cannot predict a higher chance of response to mesalazine.
Precision therapy with quinidine of KCNT1‐related epileptic disorders: A systematic review
Authors: Xu Da , Chen Shuang , Yang Jun , Wang Xiufeng , Fang Zhi , Li Man
Published: August 2022

Aims

Despite numerous studies on quinidine therapies for epilepsies associated with KCNT1 gene mutations, there is no consensus on its clinical utility. Thus, we reviewed studies evaluating the efficacy and safety of quinidine in KCNT1‐related epileptic disorders.

Methods

Electronic databases were queried for in vivo and in vitro studies on quinidine therapy in KCNT1‐related epilepsies published on or before 1 May 2022. The evaluation of evidence was done as per the American Academy of Neurology's classification scheme. Identification of significant factors that possibly influenced therapeutic effects of quinidine were performed using χ2 tests.

Results

Twenty‐seven studies containing 82 patient records were reviewed. Records of 80 patients with 33 KCNT1 mutations were analysed, of which 20 patients had gained ≥50% seizure reduction due to quinidine therapy. However, quinidine therapy often had different effects on patients with the same KCNT1 mutation. Age, genotypes of KCNT1 mutations, seizure types and brain MRI did not significantly influence the therapeutic effect of quinidine. Prolonged QTc was the most common among all adverse events with quinidine. Notably, results of in vitro quinidine tests did not correspond with in vivo tests.

Conclusions

Therapeutic effects of quinidine on KCNT1‐related epilepsies remained indefinite as contradictory results were detected in similar patients. Age, seizure types, genotypes of KCNT1 mutations and brain MRI did not influence the therapeutic effects of quinidine. Insensitivity to quinidine by a certain Kcnt1 genotype in molecular tests is predictive of its inefficacy in human populations of the respective mutation.
Do board subcommittees boost European firm value? The moderating role of gender diversity on boards
Authors: Grau Alfredo , Bel Inmaculada
Published: August 2022

The main objective of this study is to analyse the moderating effect of corporate board gender diversity on firm value for 1490 European listed companies between 2016 and 2018. The aim is to investigate whether companies that have different subcommittees (Audit, Corporate Governance, Nomination and Compensation), or that have financial expertise on the audit committee, see increases or decreases in firm value due to the moderating effect of gender diversity. The most striking evidence reveals that the effect of gender diversity on corporate boards, considering all countries in the European sample, could positively impact firm value by moderating the corporate governance and compensation committees. In contrast, when grouped by governance structure, only in the case of one‐tier boards is the moderating effect on the governance committee determinant. Likewise, this moderating effect on the compensation committee may increase firm value, but only in countries with two‐tier corporate boards. On the other hand, our results suggest that the moderating role of women directors on the audit committee with financial expertise and on the nomination committee, while not increasing firm value, could prevent its further decline by acting as a shield for the Nordic and two‐tier groups, respectively. Our findings have important implications for company managers, as these subcommittees could exert a positive influence on the decision‐making process, such as reducing information asymmetries and agency costs.
Core outcome domains for capillary malformations and current methodological challenges
Authors: Rönsch Henriette , Kottner Jan
Published: August 2022

Linked Article:  Langbroek et al. Br J Dermatol 2022; 187:730–742.
Broad‐scale climate variation drives the dynamics of animal populations: a global multi‐taxa analysis
Authors: Wan Xinru , Holyoak Marcel , Yan Chuan , Le Maho Yvon , Dirzo Rodolfo , Krebs Charles J. , Stenseth Nils Chr. , Zhang Zhibin
Published: August 2022

Climate is a major extrinsic factor affecting the population dynamics of many organisms. The Broad‐Scale Climate Hypothesis (BSCH) was proposed by Elton to explain the large‐scale synchronous population cycles of animals, but the extent of support and whether it differs among taxa and geographical regions is unclear. We reviewed publications examining the relationship between the population dynamics of multiple taxa worldwide and the two most commonly used broad‐scale climate indices, El Niño‐Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO). Our review and synthesis (based on 561 species from 221 papers) reveals that population changes of mammals, birds and insects are strongly affected by major oceanic shifts or irregular oceanic changes, particularly in ENSO‐ and NAO‐influenced regions (Pacific and Atlantic, respectively), providing clear evidence supporting Elton's BSCH. Mammal and insect populations tended to increase during positive ENSO phases. Bird populations tended to increase in positive NAO phases. Some species showed dual associations with both positive and negative phases of the same climate index (ENSO or NAO). These findings indicate that some taxa or regions are more or less vulnerable to climate fluctuations and that some geographical areas show multiple weather effects related to ENSO or NAO phases. Beyond confirming that animal populations are influenced by broad‐scale climate variation, we document extensive patterns of variation among taxa and observe that the direct biotic and abiotic mechanisms for these broad‐scale climate factors affecting animal populations are very poorly understood. A practical implication of our research is that changes in ENSO or NAO can be used as early signals for pest management and wildlife conservation. We advocate integrative studies at both broad and local scales to unravel the omnipresent effects of climate on animal populations to help address the challenge of conserving biodiversity in this era of accelerated climate change.
Impact of topical emollient, steroids alone or combined with calcipotriol, on the immune infiltrate and clinical outcome in psoriasis
Authors: Heim Marjorie , Irondelle Marie , Duteil Luc , Cardot‐Leccia Nathalie , Rocchi Stéphane , Passeron Thierry , Tulic Meri K.
Published: August 2022

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease whereby long‐term disease control remains a challenge for the patients. Latest evidence suggests that combined topical treatment with steroids and vitamin D analogue foam (Calcipotriol/Betamethasone) is efficient in long‐term management of the disease and reducing the number of relapses. Its effects on cellular inflammation and cytokine production remain to be explored. We set out to examine the effect of topical therapies on cellular infiltrate and cytokine profile in the lesional skin of psoriasis patients. This was a monocentric, double‐blind, randomized trial with 30 patients. Patients were treated with the combined Calcipotriol/Betamethasone foam, Betamethasone foam alone, Clobetasol Propionate ointment or placebo. 4 mm skin biopsies from lesional and non‐lesional sites were taken before and 4 weeks after treatment. Cellular infiltrate, IFNγ and IL‐17 were studied by immunofluorescence. Each patient was their own control. Evolution in skin inflammation was studied in parallel with changes in patient's epidermal thickness and their tPASI clinical score. Lesional skin was characterized by increased epidermal thickness, increased number of IL‐17 and IFNγ producing CD8+ T cells, NK cells and neutrophils. All treatment reduced epidermal thickness and improved patients tPASI scores. Only the combined Calcipotriol/Betamethasone foam completely abolished epidermal and dermal influx of CD8+ T cells, reduced number of CD8 + IFNγ+ cells (but not CD8 + IL‐17+ cells) and significantly reduced the number of MPO+ neutrophils which were predominantly IL‐17+. None of the treatments had effect on NK cells. We have shown the combined topical treatment with Calcipotriol/Betamethasone foam to be effective in reducing cellular influx into lesional skin of psoriasis patients and this effect to be superior to emollient or Betamethasone alone. Its previously described efficacy in the clinic may be attributed to its unique and rapid ability to inhibit both adaptive CD8+ T cell and innate immune neutrophilia influx into the skin, which was not observed for the other treatments.
SENP1‐KLF4 signalling regulates LPS‐induced macrophage M1 polarization
Authors: Wang Kezhou , Xiong Jie , Lu Yiwen , Wang Lifeng , Tian Tian
Published: August 2022

Macrophages are very important immune cells and play critical roles in tumour immunity. Macrophage subtypes can be divided into classical polarization (M1 macrophages) and alternative polarization (M2 macrophages) under different microenvironments. Krüppel‐like factor 4 (KLF4) is an essential transcription factor for macrophage polarization. Our previous study has shown that KLF4 SUMOylation plays an important role in macrophage M2 polarization. In the present study, small ubiquitin‐like modifier (SUMO) specific peptidase (SENP)1 was identified as a specific protease for KLF4 de‐SUMOylation, with the SENP1‐KLF4 axis playing a vital role in M1 macrophage polarization by affecting the nuclear factor kappa B signalling pathway. Additionally, the activity of tumour cells was weakened by KLF4 SUMOylation deficient macrophages. Hence, the SENP1‐KLF4 axis is considered to play a crucial role in regulating lipopolysaccharide‐induced macrophage M1 polarization, thereby affecting the activity of tumour cells. Therefore, the SENP1‐KLF4 axis has therapeutic potential as a target in cancer therapy.
Zooplankton assemblage structure and diversity since pre‐industrial times in relation to land use
Authors: Paquette Cindy , Griffiths Katherine , Gregory‐Eaves Irene , Beisner Beatrix E.
Published: August 2022

Aim

While it is now well accepted that human activities are having pronounced effects on natural ecosystems, regional variation in the rate and magnitude of various human impacts is unclear. Moreover, the effects of land use change on natural aquatic communities have only relatively recently begun to be explored. Our goal was to understand how and where assemblages of a central food web component of freshwater lakes have changed over the course of industrialization in relation to land use.

Location

Canada.

Time period

Pre‐1880 AD to present.

Major taxa studied

Cladoceran zooplankton.

Methods

As part of the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) Canadian Lake Pulse Network, we selected 101 lakes across Canada along a gradient of human impact to analyse subfossil cladoceran assemblages from sediment cores. We examined relationships between taxonomic and functional indicators of cladoceran assemblage change among lakes and through time.

Results

Contemporary assemblages were taxonomically and functionally less diverse locally relative to pre‐industrial assemblages (α‐diversity) and were structured by the degree of human impact in watersheds. Local α‐diversity losses were greatest in highly impacted lakes where agriculture and pasture are prevalent. While spatial homogenization (spatial β‐diversity) did not increase since pre‐industrial times as expected, temporal turnover (temporal β‐diversity) showed a non‐significant but increasing trend in highly impacted lakes, especially in urbanized watersheds.

Main conclusions

Cladoceran assemblages have changed significantly over the course of the Industrial period, and especially in more highly impacted watersheds, underscoring the important role of watershed land use in shaping diversity. However, indicators of cladoceran function have remained relatively conserved over time and land use change showed little impact on β‐diversity, despite important environmental variation. Overall, this research furthers our understanding of the health status of Canadian lakes and the consequences of human activities, especially agriculture and urbanization, on lake zooplankton.
Divergent responses of autumn vegetation phenology to climate extremes over northern middle and high latitudes
Authors: Wang Mei , Li Peng , Peng Changhui , Xiao Jingfeng , Zhou Xiaolu , Luo Yunpeng , Zhang Cicheng
Published: August 2022

Aim

Compared with gradual climate change, extreme climatic events have more direct and dramatic impacts on vegetation growth. However, the influence of climate extremes on important phenological periods, such as the end of the growing season (EOS), remains unclear. Here, we investigate the temporal trends of EOS across different biomes and quantify the response of EOS to multiple climate extreme indices (CEIs).

Location

Northern middle and high latitudes.

Time period

2000–2020.

Major taxa studied

Plants.

Methods

Three phenology extraction methods were used to compute EOS from satellite, FLUXNET and Pan European Phenology Project PEP725 phenological datasets. Different stress states of cold, hot, dry and wet extremes were represented by 12 CEIs. Partial correlation and ridge regression analysis were used to quantify the response of EOS to climate extremes across latitudinal and biome scales.

Results

Our study showed a delayed EOS in boreal biomes, but a significantly advanced EOS in temperate biomes. The advanced EOS induced by cold stress was observed for c. 80% of the vegetated pixels. The warm‐related CEIs delayed the EOS in high latitudes, and the delayed effect weakened or even reversed with decreasing latitude. In contrast, EOS exhibited opposite response patterns to dry days and wet‐related CEIs. Overall, EOS exhibited higher sensitivity to extreme temperature in boreal biomes than in temperate biomes. Specifically, continuous drought and high heat stress induced an earlier EOS in some temperate forest biomes, whereas moderate heat stress delayed the EOS in most study biomes. In contrast, EOS was not sensitive to extreme drought in water‐restricted biomes.

Main conclusions

EOS exhibited divergent responses to various climate extremes with different intensities and frequencies. Moreover, the response of EOS to extreme climate stress was dependent on the biome and latitude. These findings emphasize the importance of incorporating the divergent extreme climate effects into vegetation phenological models and Earth system models.
Oral health and oral health‐related quality of life among older adults receiving home health care services: A scoping review
Authors: Henni Silje Havrevold , Skudutyte‐Rysstad Rasa , Ansteinsson Vibeke , Hellesø Ragnhild , Hovden Ewa A. Szyszko
Published: August 2022

Objective

To map the literature on subjective and objective oral health indicators and oral health‐related quality of life (OHRQoL) in older adults receiving home health care services (HHCS).

Background

The proportion of older adults in need of HHCS will increase in the coming years. Previous studies indicate that frail and dependent older adults are at increased risk for oral diseases, due to challenges with daily oral hygiene and regular access to dental services.

Materials and methods

Four databases were searched in November 2020 for relevant literature. Search terms included a comprehensive list of terms for adults 65 years or older receiving HHCS, clinical and subjective oral health indicators, and OHRQoL. The literature was reviewed based on inclusion and exclusion criteria.

Results

Of the 3114 sources identified, 18 were included. Data on oral diseases and symptoms among older adults receiving HHCS were limited and heterogeneous. Overall, older adults often lacked some of their natural teeth and often had removable dentures that needed repair. In addition, plaque, caries, xerostomia, and chewing and swallowing problems were common among the population group. Data on OHRQoL were scarce and indicated a positive association with a higher number of present teeth, while decayed teeth, root remnants, and dry mouth had substantial negative impacts on the daily activities of older adults receiving HHCS.

Conclusion

This scoping review show that older adults above 65 years receiving HHCS generally have poor oral health status and that there is a knowledge gap regarding their OHRQoL.
“They wouldn't get away with it at McDonalds”: Decriminalization, work, and disciplinary power in New Zealand brothels
Authors: Weinhold Claire , Abel Gillian , Thompson Lee
Published: August 2022

New Zealand decriminalized sex work in 2004 with the passage of the Prostitution Reform Act (2003), which sets an explicit intention to prevent exploitation of sex workers and improve their welfare. This has demonstrably improved conditions for sex workers and provides a necessary context for addressing exploitation. However, little research has looked at how this works for brothel‐based sex workers in New Zealand. This paper responds to that gap by examining how brothel operators in New Zealand exercise power and control and how sex workers experience that. The study draws on in‐depth interviews conducted across New Zealand with 33 participants. These include staff from the New Zealand Sex Workers' Collective (2), brothel‐based sex workers (18), operators (8), and sex worker/operators (5). We use a Foucauldian framework and Foucauldian Discourse Analysis to examine how disciplinary power informs brothel management, prompting the production of normative discourses of work that destabilize sex workers' safety at work. We conclude that decriminalization nevertheless provides an essential framework by which sex workers are able to resist disciplinary control (W/C 171).