bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Feasibility and Acceptability of a Multifaceted Observational Protocol to Investigate Lucidity in Advanced Dementia
Authors: Coulson Alison , Benson Clark , Fehland Jess , Dillon Kayla , Mueller Kimberly , Gilmore-Bykovskyi Andrea
Published: April 2024

Objective:

Episodes of lucidity (ELs), characterized by spontaneous, transient recovery of abilities, are reported across neurological conditions, including advanced dementia. Despite the significance of these events, existing research is limited to retrospective reports. Approaches to prospectively capturing and characterizing ELs in dementia are lacking.

Methods:

This pilot study determined the feasibility and acceptability of a multifaceted observational protocol to capture, characterize, and validate ELs in individuals with advanced dementia in hospice. Feasibility was measured through enrollment/retention rates, workload/usability assessment of video observation, and data processing procedures to facilitate the measurement of verbal and nonverbal features for EL characterization. The acceptability of observation and informant validation procedures was qualitatively examined with clinician and family caregiver participants.

Results:

Study procedures were endorsed as highly acceptable among clinician (N = 49) and caregiver (N = 16) participants, demonstrating higher than anticipated thresholds for observation duration. Enrollment and retention rates for patient participants (N = 6) were 100% and 84%, respectively. Workload and usability measures demonstrated low disruptiveness and high ease of use after training.

Discussion:

Longitudinal video observation among individuals with advanced dementia in hospice care for the detection of lucidity was feasible and highly acceptable. Multidimensional, temporal coding of features of ELs is feasible but time-intensive.
Comparison of the ScreenFire and Xpert HPV assays for the detection of human papillomavirus and cervical precancer among women living with HIV in Malawi
Authors: Mungo Chemtai , Guliam Anagha , Chinula Lameck , Inturrisi Federica , Msowoya Lizzie , Mkochi Tawonga , Jawadu Siniya , de Sanjosé Silvia , Schiffman Mark , Tang Jennifer H. , Smith Jennifer S.
Published: April 2024

Background

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends human papillomavirus (HPV) testing for primary cervical cancer screening, including among women living with HIV (WLWH). Low-and-middle-income countries (LMICs) account for 85% of the cervical cancer burden globally, yet have limited access to HPV-based screening, largely due to cost. This study aims to compare the performance of a rapid, isothermal amplification HPV assay (ScreenFire) to that of the Xpert HPV assay for the detection of HPV and cervical precancer among WLWH in Malawi.

Methods

We utilized stored self- and provider-collected specimens from a prospective cohort study of WLWH in Malawi from July 2020 to February 2022. Specimens were tested with both Xpert and ScreenFire HPV assays. The overall and within-channel non-hierarchical agreement between ScreenFire and Xpert was determined for both self- and provider-collected specimens. Hierarchical ScreenFire HPV positivity by channel was compared to Xpert for each histological diagnosis - cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 or worse (CIN2+) compared to <CIN2.

Results

315 matched self- and provider-collected specimens had valid results from both Xpert and ScreenFire testing and were included in analyses. Of these, 245 (78%) had normal pathology, 21 CIN1 (7%), 14 CIN2 (4%), and 35 CIN3 (11%). Among provider-collected specimens, the assays had 80% agreement on overall HPV positivity (unweighted kappa 0.59, 95% 0.50-0.69). ScreenFire was HPV-positive in 90% of self-collected specimens that were HPV-positive on Xpert. Channel agreement between the assays was high for both self- and provider-collected specimens, but slightly lower for HPV18/45. In hierarchical analysis, ScreenFire demonstrated high concordance with Xpert testing for detecting CIN2+ cases in all channels, missing no HPV 16 or HPV 18/45 positive CIN2+ case that was positive on Xpert, in both self- and provider-collected specimens.

Conclusion

In this study of stored specimens, the ScreenFire HPV assay performed well in the detection of HPV and CIN2+ among WLWH compared to the Xpert HPV assay. If supported by larger validation studies, ScreenFire could be an affordable alternative point-of-care HPV assay for use in LMICs.
Exploration of the link between COVID-19 and gastric cancer from the perspective of bioinformatics and systems biology
Authors: Ma Xiao , Huang Tengda , Li Xiaoquan , Zhou Xinyi , Pan Hongyuan , Du Ao , Zeng Yong , Yuan Kefei , Wang Zhen
Published: April 2024

Background

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), an infectious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), has caused a global pandemic. Gastric cancer (GC) poses a great threat to people’s health, which is a high- risk factor for COVID-19. Previous studies have found some associations between GC and COVID-19, whereas the underlying molecular mechanisms are not well understood.

Methods

We used a bioinformatics and systems biology approach to investigate the relationship between GC and COVID-19. The gene expression profiles of COVID-19 (GSE196822) and GC (GSE179252) were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. After identifying the shared differentially expressed genes (DEGs) for GC and COVID-19, functional annotation, protein-protein interaction (PPI) network, hub genes, transcriptional regulatory networks and candidate drugs were analyzed.

Results

A total of 209 shared DEGs were identified to explore the linkages between COVID-19 and GC. Functional analyses showed that Immune-related pathway collectively participated in the development and progression of COVID-19 and GC. In addition, there are selected 10 hub genes includingCDK1,KIF20A,TPX2,UBE2C,HJURP,CENPA,PLK1,MKI67,IFI6, andIFIT2. The transcription factor/gene and miRNA/gene interaction networks identified 38 transcription factors (TFs) and 234 miRNAs. More importantly, we identified ten potential therapeutic agents, including ciclopirox, resveratrol, etoposide, methotrexate, trifluridine, enterolactone, troglitazone, calcitriol, dasatinib and deferoxamine, some of which have been reported to improve and treat GC and COVID-19. This study also provides insight into the diseases most associated with mutual DEGs, which may provide new ideas for research on the treatment of COVID-19.

Conclusions

This research has the possibility to be contributed to effective therapeutic in COVID-19 and GC.
Development and tissue specific expression of RAPGEF1 (C3G) transcripts having exons encoding disordered segments with predicted regulatory function
Authors: Verma Archana , Goel Abhishek , Koner Niladri , Gunasekaran Gowthaman , Radha Vegesna
Published: April 2024

The ubiquitously expressed RAPGEF1(C3G), regulates differentiation, and is essential for development of mouse embryos. While multiple transcripts have been predicted, evidence of their expression and function is scarce. We demonstrate tissue and development specific expression of novel transcripts with exons 12-14 in various combinations, in the mouse. These exons encode an intrinsically disordered serine-rich polypeptide, that undergoes phosphorylation. Isoform switching occurred during differentiation of myoblasts and mouse embryonic stem cells. In silico structure and docking studies indicated that the additional exons alter intra-molecular interactions keeping it in a closed confirmation, and interaction with its target, RAP1A. Our results demonstrate the expression of novel RAPGEF1 isoforms, and suggest cassette exon inclusion as an additional means of regulating RAPGEF1 activity during differentiation.
Promoter share pledging and dividend payouts in India: does family involvement matters?
Authors: Kalia Ankita
Published: April 2024

Purpose

This study aims to explore the relationship between promoter share pledging and the company’s dividend payout policy in India. Furthermore, this study also analyses the moderating impact of family involvement in business on the association between share pledging and dividend payout.

Design/methodology/approach

A sample of 236 companies from the S&P Bombay Stock Exchange Sensitive (BSE) 500 Index (2014–2023) has been analysed through fixed-effects panel data regression. For additional testing, robustness checks include alternative measures of dividend payout and promoter share pledging, as well as alternative methodologies such as Bayesian regression. Lastly, to address potential endogeneity, instrumental variables with a two-stage least squares (IV-2SLS) methodology have been implemented.

Findings

Upholding the agency perspective, a significantly negative impact of promoter share pledging on corporate dividend payouts in India has been uncovered. Moreover, family involvement in business moderates this relationship, highlighting that the negative association between promoter share pledging and dividend payouts is more pronounced in family companies. The findings are consistent throughout the robustness testing.

Originality/value

The present study represents a pioneering endeavour to empirically analyse the link between promoter share pledging and dividend payouts in India. It enhances the theoretical underpinnings of the agency relationship, particularly by substantiating the existence of Type II agency conflicts between majority and minority shareholders. The findings of this research bear significant implications for investors, researchers and policymakers, particularly in light of the widespread prevalence of promoter-controlled entities in India.
The influence of XBRL technology on the quality of financial reporting: exploring mediating variables in the Indian context
Authors: N. Abhishek , Divyashree M.S. , Rahiman Habeeb Ur , Kulal Abhinandan , Kulal Meghashree
Published: April 2024

Purpose

This study aims to examine the impact of extensible business reporting language (XBRL) technology and its functionality on various aspects of financial reporting and its overall quality.

Design/methodology/approach

To conduct this study, data was collected from a variety of professionals, including accountants, auditors, tax advisors and others. A structured research instrument was developed, and the collected data were analysed using structural equation modelling and mediation analysis techniques.

Findings

The study’s results showed that XBRL technology and its functionality have a noteworthy impact on different aspects of financial reporting. Moreover, the various aspects of financial reporting positively affect the overall quality of financial reporting.

Research limitations/implications

This study solely relied on the opinions of various professionals regarding the current issue under investigation and did not empirically assess the reporting practices of companies by examining their XBRL-based reports. Additionally, it concentrated solely on financial reporting aspects and did not account for non-financial aspects. The main theoretical contributions of this paper to technology in financial reporting, XBRL and accounting literature are that it sheds light on the influence of the use of technologies in the business reporting process and their influence on various aspects of business reporting, which has only received confined focus from earlier studies so far.

Practical implications

This study’s findings could provide valuable insights to the managerial teams of organizations seeking to digitize their business reporting practices, specifically in areas such as regulatory compliance, integrated reporting and timely dissemination of reports in a sustainable way. Furthermore, it could help these teams reap the benefits of technology for various regulatory compliance matters.

Originality/value

This study could assist business organizations and regulatory authorities in adopting and implementing technology such as XBRL for accounting and business reporting. Furthermore, the study’s findings can aid in enhancing financial reporting practices by considering emerging aspects such as ESG and sustainability aspects.
Dynamics of male makeup artists in Indonesia: navigating entrepreneurship in the middle hegemonic masculinity
Authors: Haryono Cosmas Gatot , Hartanto Louisa Christine
Published: April 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to explore how Indonesian males who are entrepreneurs in make-up artists navigate their businesses in a society that relies on hegemonic masculinity. This goal is reached by concentrating on male make-up artist entrepreneurs in five Indonesian provinces and investigating how they actively rewrite their gender and inherent vocations by societal norms.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper adopts a qualitative phenomenological approach with methods. In-depth interviews and observations were conducted with 28 informants in five provinces of Indonesia.

Findings

These findings show that, aside from self-concept, family support is the most crucial determining factor that pushes men make-up artists to become businesses in the face of so many rejections. Persistence in battling for their fate is also critical in efforts to erase themselves, who are constantly subjected to hegemonic masculinity. Aside from that, it appears that the government's role in attempts to promote gender equality in all fields of business in Indonesia remains limited.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the gender and entrepreneurship literature by providing a broader exploration of male entrepreneurs working in the field of female make-up artists in a society that still adheres to hegemonic masculinity.
Eco-dynamic capability: A surest way to sustainability performance of SMEs?
Authors: Asumah Sampson , Antwi-Boateng Cosmos , Benneh Florence
Published: April 2024

Purpose

To endure and cope in the rapidly changing environment, it is required of firms to gain a deeper acquisition of knowledge on market dynamics and subsequently concentrate on corporations' capacity to create, restructure and integrate their internal and external competences. Hence, the objective of this study is to investigate the influence of eco-dynamic capability (EDC) on the sustainability performance of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Design/methodology/approach

Structured questionnaires were used to obtain primary data. The data were solicited from 500 employees and owner-managers of SMEs. The study’s hypotheses were tested using standard multiple regression through IBM SPSS Statistics (version 24).

Findings

The study revealed that EDC has a substantial positive effect on the economic, social and environmental sustainability performance dimensions.

Originality/value

The focus of this study is on EDC. Thus, although dynamic capability has been the subject of substantial study, little is known regarding the effect of EDC on the economic sustainability performance (ESP) (financial), environmental sustainability performance (ENSP) and social sustainability performance (SSP) of SMEs, predominantly amongst SMEs in emerging economies.
Factors affecting innovation resistance of fast-food employees’ usage intention of robots: an integrative perspective
Authors: Khan Salman , Mehmood Shafaqat
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Robots have been adopted in numerous tourism and hospitality sectors, including restaurants. This study aims to investigate fast-food employees' use of service robots (SRs) in Pakistan.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used a conceptual model based on innovation resistance theory (IRT). By employing structural equation modeling (SEM) in Smart-PLS 3.2.8, we evaluated data from 247 valid respondents.

Findings

The findings demonstrated that drivers of robot adaptation significantly influenced image barriers, risk barriers, traditional barriers, usage barriers and value barriers. The results also revealed that usage, image and traditional barriers significantly affect usage intention.

Originality/value

This study enhances the research on robotics acceptance in tourism and hospitality and subsequently aids in the planning for post-COVID-19 resumption. This study offers several practical and theoretical insights for further investigation.
The possibilities of resilience for service organisations
Authors: Hall Colin Michael , Naderi Koupaei Sara
Published: April 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to provide an examination of the use of the concept of resilience and its use in service organisation, ecosystem-related literature and the wider social sciences.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper provides a critical review and commentary on the resilience literature in the social and business sciences and its relevance to service organisations.

Findings

Two main approaches towards resilience are identified (engineering and socio-ecological resilience) with each having different assumptions about the nature of resilience with corresponding implications for policymaking, indicator selection and application in a service context. These approaches operate at different scales and possess different properties with respect to the likelihood of enacting transformative service marketing.

Practical implications

Different conceptualisations of resilience have profound implications for resilience-related policymaking as well as understanding change and adaptation in service ecosystems and organisations.

Social implications

The transformative possibilities of resilience are connected to the active enhancement and construction of social capacity by service organisations and the persistent resilience of the resilience concept.

Originality/value

This paper highlights the importance of clearly defining the resilience concept and its implications for research and transformative service organisations.
Outside the field, inside the home: lessons learned from adapting qualitative research strategies during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Craig Christy , Oertling Emily , Hill Twyla , Clawson Cheyla
Published: April 2024

Purpose

This collaborative paper presents three case studies on four scholars' experiences with remote data collection. The authors highlight the challenges and strengths of online qualitative research across three disparate projects: an interdisciplinary exploration of matrilineal heritage, an examination of Irish women's sexual identity and an investigation of dress practices among Tz'utujil-Maya.

Design/methodology/approach

Qualitative researchers traditionally go into the field to explore and understand social phenomena. At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, while people faced the daily realities of a worldwide crisis from within their homes, remote data collection became a necessary strategy to pursue knowledge. As a result, researchers adapted to unknowns regarding recruiting, scheduling, technology, interviewing and analysis.

Findings

Participant and researcher experiences during the adaptation to remote interviewing yielded important lessons on research strategies.

Originality/value

Outcomes from these studies highlight the potential value of online data collection alongside the necessity for flexibility in designing and conducting qualitative research.
Tree diversity reduces variability in sapling survival under drought
Authors: Blondeel Haben , Guillemot Joannès , Martin‐StPaul Nicolas , Druel Arsène , Bilodeau‐Gauthier Simon , Bauhus Jürgen , Grossiord Charlotte , Hector Andrew , Jactel Hervé , Jensen Joel , Messier Christian , Muys Bart , Serrano‐León Hernán , Auge Harald , Barsoum Nadia , Birhane Emiru , Bruelheide Helge , Cavender‐Bares Jeannine , Chu Chengjin , Cumming Jonathan R. , Damtew Abebe , Eisenhauer Nico , Ferlian Olga , Fiedler Sebastian , Ganade Gislene , Godbold Douglas L. , Gravel Dominique , Hall Jefferson S. , Hölscher Dirk , Hulvey Kristin B. , Koricheva Julia , Kreft Holger , Lapadat Cathleen , Liang Jingjing , Liu Xiaojuan , Meredieu Céline , Mereu Simone , Montgomery Rebecca , Morillas Lourdes , Nock Charles , Paquette Alain , Parker John D. , Parker William C. , Paterno Gustavo B. , Perring Michael P. , Ponette Quentin , Potvin Catherine , Reich Peter B. , Rentch James , Rewald Boris , Sandén Hans , Sinacore Katherine , Standish Rachel J. , Stefanski Artur , Tobin Patrick C. , van Breugel Michiel , Fagundes Marina Vergara , Weih Martin , Williams Laura J. , Zhou Mo , Scherer‐Lorenzen Michael , Verheyen Kris , Baeten Lander
Published: April 2024

Enhancing tree diversity may be important to fostering resilience to drought‐related climate extremes. So far, little attention has been given to whether tree diversity can increase the survival of trees and reduce its variability in young forest plantations.

We conducted an analysis of seedling and sapling survival from 34 globally distributed tree diversity experiments (363,167 trees, 168 species, 3744 plots, 7 biomes) to answer two questions: (1) Do drought and tree diversity alter the mean and variability in plot‐level tree survival, with higher and less variable survival as diversity increases? and (2) Do species that survive poorly in monocultures survive better in mixtures and do specific functional traits explain monoculture survival?

Tree species richness reduced variability in plot‐level survival, while functional diversity (Rao's Q entropy) increased survival and also reduced its variability. Importantly, the reduction in survival variability became stronger as drought severity increased. We found that species with low survival in monocultures survived comparatively better in mixtures when under drought. Species survival in monoculture was positively associated with drought resistance (indicated by hydraulic traits such as turgor loss point), plant height and conservative resource‐acquisition traits (e.g. low leaf nitrogen concentration and small leaf size).

Synthesis. The findings highlight: (1) The effectiveness of tree diversity for decreasing the variability in seedling and sapling survival under drought; and (2) the importance of drought resistance and associated traits to explain altered tree species survival in response to tree diversity and drought. From an ecological perspective, we recommend mixing be considered to stabilize tree survival, particularly when functionally diverse forests with drought‐resistant species also promote high survival of drought‐sensitive species.
NPAS2, transcriptionally activated by ARRB1, promotes the malignant behaviours of lung adenocarcinoma cells and regulates the reprogramming of glucose metabolism
Authors: Wang Shenglan , Huang Chunhong , Zheng Yanbin , Wu Xinjie , Zhong Yutong
Published: April 2024

Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is a serious threat to public health and is accompanied by increased morbidity and mortality worldwide. Neuronal PAS domain protein2 (NPAS2) has been confirmed as an oncogene in LUAD; however, little is known about its molecular mechanism. Here, the expression level of NPAS2 was detected in LUAD cell lines and 16HBE cells. Gain‐ and loss‐of‐function experiments were performed. Cell Counting Kit‐8, colony formation, flow cytometry, wound‐healing and Transwell assays were conducted to assess cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration and invasion, respectively. Reprogramming of glucose metabolism was evaluated via oxygen consumption rate (OCR), complexes activities, lactic production and glucose consumption. The expression of critical proteins was examined by western blot. We demonstrated aberrant upregulation of NPAS2 and β‐arrestin‐1 (ARRB1) in LUAD cell lines. ARRB1 was found to be a critical transcription factor of NPAS2 with binding sites within the promoter region of NPAS2, thereby causing its transcriptional activation. Functional experiments revealed that NPAS2 depletion significantly inhibited the malignant behaviours of A549 cells by suppressing cell proliferation, migration, invasion and epithelial‐mesenchymal transition and promoting cell apoptosis. Meanwhile, NPAS2 depletion increased OCR and activities of complexes (I, II, III and V), and reduced lactic acid production and glucose uptake in A549 cells, indicating that NPAS2 depletion inhibited aerobic glycolysis, accompanied by reduced expression of glycolytic enzymes. However, the changes caused by NPAS2 knockdown were partly restored by ARRB1 overexpression. In conclusion, our study suggests that ARRB1 could transcriptionally activate NPAS2, facilitating malignant activities and glycolysis, and ultimately promoting the progression of LUAD, proving a novel therapeutic strategy for the treatment of LUAD.
Byers v Saudi National Bank: What's the Wrong in Knowing Receipt?
Authors: Gregson Rory , Pilkington Timothy
Published: April 2024

In Byers v Saudi National Bank, the Supreme Court held that where a right is transferred in breach of trust and the beneficiary's beneficial interest in the right is extinguished by the transfer, a personal claim for knowing receipt is not available against the recipient. Lord Briggs and Lord Burrows offered different reasons for this conclusion. This note argues that their approaches, while superficially similar, could lead to divergent results in future cases. It argues that Lord Briggs’ analysis is to be preferred, and is best understood to mean that a personal claim for knowing receipt is one for breach of a restorative duty or a custodial duty. Whilst Lord Briggs did not offer a justification for these duties, this note argues that these duties, and therefore the personal claim for knowing receipt, are justified by a third party knowingly depriving the beneficiary of the performance of their trustee's duties.
Politics, ecologies and professional regulation: The case of British Columbia's Professional Governance Act
Authors: Adams Tracey L.
Published: April 2024

A variety of theories have been proposed to explain why states pass legislation to regulate professional groups, and why, more recently, they have acted to curtail professional privileges. While these theories have drawn attention to the importance of power dynamics and public protection, among other factors, the role of political interests has been downplayed. This article builds on ecological theory to argue that, with some modifications, the theory illuminates the centrality of state‐profession relations and politics to regulatory change. The theory is applied to a case study of regulatory change in British Columbia, Canada impacting resources‐sector professions, with particular attention to the controversies and political considerations that shaped reform. The case study suggests that when the political and professions ecologies are overlapping and symbiotic, as they were in BC, a challenge in the political ecology can implicate professions, prompting a solution that brings change within both ecologies.
Prescribing practices in opioid agonist treatment and changes in compliance to clinical dosing guidelines in British Columbia, Canada
Authors: Guerra‐Alejos Brenda Carolina , Yan Youwei , Kurz Megan , Mudalige Nishan , Min Jeong Eun , Homayra Fahmida , Nosyk Bohdan
Published: April 2024

Background and aim

In British Columbia, Canada, clinical guidelines for the treatment of opioid use disorders (OUD) were updated in 2017, during a period in which the potency and composition of the illicit drug supply changed rapidly. We aimed to describe changes in opioid agonist treatment (OAT) prescribing practices at the population level in a setting in which fentanyl and its analogs have become the primary illicit opioid of use.

Design, setting and participants

This was a population‐based retrospective cohort study using three linked health administrative databases in British Columbia (BC), Canada. All individuals with at least one OAT dispensation in BC between 1 January 2014 and 31 August 2021 took part.

Measurements

To assess changes in OAT prescribing practices over time, we calculated initiation doses, dose titration intervals, maintenance doses and take‐home dosing intervals stratified by medication [methadone, buprenorphine–naloxone and slow‐release oral morphine (SROM)] according to recommended guidelines.

Findings

A total of 265 410 OAT episodes (57.5% on methadone, 34.5% on buprenorphine–naloxone and 8.0% on SROM) were initiated during the study period. Compared with the guideline recommendation, observed initiation doses were higher among all medications from 2014 (2017 for SROM) to 2021 (buprenorphine–naloxone: 14–29%; methadone: 53–66%; SROM: 26–55%). Titration intervals were shorter for all medications, consistent with guidelines for buprenorphine–naloxone (26–49%), but shorter than recommended for methadone or SROM (28–51% and 12–41%, respectively). Higher maintenance dosing was observed for methadone (68–78%) and SROM (3–21%). Take‐home allowances extending beyond the recommended guideline length increased across medications (buprenorphine–naloxone: 18–35%; methadone: 50–64%; SROM: 34–39%). Changes in prescribing patterns were similar for first‐time OAT initiators.

Conclusion

In British Columbia, Canada, from 2014 to 2021, prescribers of opioid agonist treatment (OAT) appeared to initiate both new and experienced OAT clients at higher doses than guideline recommendations, titrate them more rapidly and maintain clients at higher doses. Take‐home dose allowances also gradually increased.
Efficacy and safety of tralokinumab in the treatment of head and neck pattern atopic dermatitis: A multicentre study of 12 patients
Authors: Navarro‐Triviño Francisco José , Salazar‐Nievas María , Sanz‐Cabanillas Juan Luis , Arjona‐Aguilera Cintia
Published: April 2024

Background/Objectives

The evaluation of the efficacy and safety of new molecules for atopic dermatitis (AD) in real clinical practice is very important to obtain information that clinical trials (EECC) lack. The pattern of AD in the head and neck (H&N) continues to be a challenge in treatment today, despite the new molecules, and real‐life data on the use of tralokinumab is still missing. This is the first daily practice study of tralokinumab treatment in patients with H&N AD pattern. The objective is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of tralokinumab in the short term (16 weeks) in patients with AD with H&N pattern, for the first time.

Methods

A multicentre prospective observational study was conducted, including patients with moderate‐severe AD and H&N pattern who started tralokinumab treatment in four hospitals in Andalusia. Values of severity and quality of life scales, as well as patient‐reported outcomes (PROs), were collected at baseline and at Weeks 4 and 16. Safety events were also recorded.

Results

Twelve patients were included. An improvement was observed in all efficacy and quality of life parameters evaluated at 16 weeks with respect to the baseline. No serious adverse events were recorded.

Conclusions

In real clinical practice, tralokinumab is demonstrated to be an effective and safe treatment for patients with AD and H&N pattern at short term.
Spatial Sovereignties in Squatted “Excess Spaces”
Authors: Jones Ali
Published: April 2024

This paper proposes the concept of “spatial sovereignties” to understand the governance of squatted spaces, using the case study of Hamburg's autonomous Rote Flora. Referring very loosely to theories of the “excess flesh” of the homo sacer in the state of exception, the paper then inverts these classic theories by instead interrogating a situation where non‐state actors establish their own states of banishment and political exception. These “excess spaces” are not created when the “excess flesh” of the banned subject is stripped of sovereignty, but rather when radical actors, possessing full agency and privilege, intentionally establish their own biopolitical self‐administration. This ultimately constitutes what I posit as a new form of “spatial sovereignty”, wherein self‐banned subjects refuse the social contract to instead carve out alternative forms of sovereignty grounded in squatted excess spaces, which ultimately also develop autonomous forms of self‐governance, justice, and self‐surveillance within sites of alternative citizenship.
Effects of sex and hydration status on kappa opioid receptor‐mediated diuresis in rats
Authors: Lalji Hasnain M. , Bailey Christopher P. , Husbands Stephen M. , Bailey Sarah J.
Published: April 2024

Understanding the function of the kappa opioid receptor (KOP) is crucial for the development of novel therapeutic interventions that target KOP for the treatment of pain, stress‐related disorders and other indications. Activation of KOP produces diuretic effects in rodents and man. Sex is a vital factor to consider when assessing drug response in pre‐clinical and clinical studies. In this study, the diuretic effect of the KOP agonist, U50488 (1–10 mg/kg), was investigated in both adult female and male Wistar rats that were either normally hydrated or water‐loaded. The KOP antagonist norbinaltorphimine (norBNI, 10 mg/kg) was administered 24 h prior to U50488 to confirm the involvement of KOP. U50488 elicited a significant diuretic response at doses ≥ 3 mg/kg in both female and male rats independent of hydration status. U50488 diuretic effects were inhibited by norBNI pre‐administration. Water‐loading reduced data variability for urine volume in males, but not in females, compared with normally hydrated rats. Sex differences were also evident in U50488 eliciting a significant increase in sodium and potassium ion excretion only in males. This may suggest different mechanisms of U50488 diuretic action in males where renal excretion mechanisms are directly affected more than in females.
Introducing and validating a single‐item measure of identity leadership: The visual identity leadership scale (VILS)
Authors: Steffens Niklas K. , Tatachari Srinivasan , Haslam S. Alexander , Wilson‐Lemoine Jérémy E. , Maskor Mazlan , van Dick Rolf , Kratzer Benedikt E. , Christensen Julia , Kerschreiter Rudolf
Published: April 2024

In the present research, we introduce and validate a single‐item measure of identity leadership—the visual identity leadership scale (VILS). The VILS uses Venn diagrams of sets of overlapping circles to denote different degrees of alignment between a leader's characteristics and behaviours and a group's values and goals. Key advantages of the VILS over other existing multi‐item scales are that it provides a holistic assessment of identity leadership, is short, and can be adapted to address novel research questions that are impractical to address with existing scales (e.g. in diary studies, assessing multiple comparisons of many leaders or groups). Data from three studies (conducted in India, the United States and Germany) provide evidence of the VILS' construct reliability and validity. Results also showcase the instrument's capacity to be adapted to assess variations of identity leadership—for example, by assessing a leader's convergence with descriptive and ideal notions of collective self (i.e. with ‘who we are’ and ‘who we want to be’). We discuss the value of including the VILS in the toolbox that researchers and practitioners can utilize to expand our understanding of identity processes in leadership and group behaviour.
Mitochondria‐associated endoplasmic reticulum membranes tethering protein VAPB‐PTPIP51 protects against ischemic stroke through inhibiting the activation of autophagy
Authors: Li Mingyang , Zhang Yonggang , Yu Guixiang , Gu Lijuan , Zhu Hua , Feng Shi , Xiong Xiaoxing , Jian Zhihong
Published: April 2024

Aims

Mitochondria‐associated endoplasmic reticulum membranes (MAMs) serve as a crucial bridge connecting the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and mitochondria within cells. Vesicle‐associated membrane protein‐associated protein B (VAPB) and protein tyrosine phosphatase interacting protein 51 (PTPIP51) are responsible for the formation and stability of MAMs, which have been implicated in the pathogenesis of various diseases. However, the role of MAMs in ischemic stroke (IS) remains unclear. We aimed to investigate the role of MAMs tethering protein VAPB‐PTPIP51 in experimental cerebral ischemia.

Methods

We simulated cerebral ischemia–reperfusion injury (CIRI) by using a mouse middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model.

Results

We observed a decrease in VAPB‐PTPIP51 expression in the brain tissue. Our findings suggested compromised MAMs after MCAO, as a decreased mitochondria–ER contact (MERC) coverage and an increased distance were observed through the transmission electron microscope (TEM). Upon VAPB or PTPIP51 knockdown, the damage to MAMs was exacerbated, accompanied by excessive autophagy activation and increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, resulting in an enlarged infarct area and exacerbated neurological deficits. Notably, we observed that this damage was concomitant with the inhibition of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway and was successfully mitigated by the treatment with the PI3K activator.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that the downregulation of VAPB‐PTPIP51 expression after IS mediates structural damage to MAMs. This may exacerbate CIRI by inhibiting the PI3K pathway and activating autophagy, thus providing new therapeutic targets for IS.
The impact of EGFR T790M mutation status following the development of Osimertinib resistance on the efficacy of Osimertinib in non‐small cell lung cancer: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Guo Liuxian , Zhou Guojin , Huang Min , Tang Kejing , Xu Jing , Chen Jie
Published: April 2024

Background

Previous studies have suggested that loss of the EGFR T790M gene mutation may contribute to the development of resistance to Osimertinib in non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Aims

This study aims to assess the relationship between the clinical effectiveness of Osimertinib in NSCLC patients and the T790M mutation status following resistance to Osimertinib and examine differences between plasma and tissue tests and between Asian and non‐Asian groups.

Methods

The PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane, and EMBASE databases were comprehensively searched for studies on the association between T790M mutation status and the efficacy of Osimertinib between January 2014 and November 2023. Meta‐analysis was carried out using Review Manager 5.4 software.

Results

After evaluating 2727 articles, a total of 14 studies were included in the final analysis. Positive correlations between EGFR T790M mutation status after Osimertinib resistance and longer PFS (HR: 0.44, 95% CI: 0.30–0.66), longer OS (HR: 0.3, 95% CI: 0.10–0.86), longer TTD (HR: 0.69, 95% CI: 0.45–1.07), and improved clinical outcomes including PFS and TTD subgroups (HR: 0.58, 95% CI: 0.47–0.73) were observed. Subgroup analysis revealed that, compared with the blood tests, the results of the T790M mutation tests by the tissue are more significant (HR: 0.24, 95% CI: 0.11–0.52 for tissue tests; HR: 0.47, 95% CI: 0.22–1.00 for plasma tests), and the PFS of Osimertinib were similar for Asian and non‐Asian patients (HR: 0.46, 95% CI: 0.31–0.68 for Asians; HR: 0.12, 95% CI: 0.01–1.27 for non‐Asians).

Conclusions

Persistence of the T790M gene mutation after the development of Osimertinib resistance is associated with higher therapeutic benefits of Osimertinib in NSCLC patients. The results of tissue detection are more significant than those of plasma detection.
The propaganda war in Iran among the former allies, 1945–1949: The Soviet perspective as seen through Soviet documents
Authors: Shahvar Soli
Published: April 2024

This article gives an interesting picture of how the Soviets viewed the propaganda war in Iran during the second half of the 1940s. It is mainly based on documents from the USSR's Ministry of Interior, the use of which is considered an innovation in the existing literature on the subject. Most of the attention of the Soviet sources discussed concerns the propaganda war, which began in 1943 between the three Allied powers that had invaded Iran during WWII, taking on the character of a combined struggle when the competition for Iranian oil was woven into the mix. To a large extent, this continued well into the years after WWII when, toward its end, it became even more intense. The main promoter of pro‐Soviet propaganda was the Tudeh party, and it was very successful in promoting the Soviet agenda in Iran, at least until the middle of 1946, mainly at the expense of British interests. In the remaining years until the end of the 1940s, the USA began to prevail in the struggle, and this was quite clear to all, including the Soviets, who admit to this openly in their situational assessment from the beginning of 1950.
The influence of sociodemographic and health‐related factors, clinical education status, and sleep quality on work‐related quality of life among dental students
Authors: Sezer Berkant , Sıddıkoğlu Duygu , Doğan İlkay , Taşdemir Mehmet Can , Ateş Gizem
Published: April 2024

Introduction

With the premise that the demanding educational process and associated factors could influence the work‐related quality of life (WRQoL) of dental students, this study aimed to investigate the influence of diverse sociodemographic and health‐related factors, clinical education status, and sleep quality on the WRQoL of dental students.

Materials and Methods

A three‐part questionnaire was administered to a group of preclinical and clinical dental students studying in different classes. The first part of the questionnaire included various sociodemographic and health‐related questions. In the second part, the multidimensional 23‐item WRQoL scale, with established validity and reliability, was applied to evaluate the WRQoL of the students. The last part of the questionnaire included the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, comprising 19 items. General linear models were created to predict subscale scores using sociodemographic and health‐related characteristics, as well as univariate significant independent variables.

Results

It was observed that the majority of the participants (78.2%) had poor sleep quality. Being clinical dental students had a significant and positive effect on the stress at work domain of WRQoL (p = .006), while it had a significant and negative effect on the home‐work interface domain (p < .001). The decrease in sleep quality had a significant and negative effect on all domains of WRQoL (p < .05) except for the stress at work domain.

Conclusions

Clinical education status, regular smoking, and sleep quality significantly affect different domains of dental students' WRQoL. Changes in these factors should be considered in approaches to increasing students' WRQoL.
The paradox of research and development productivity and firm growth: Empirical evidence from publicly listed firms in the United Kingdom
Authors: Abed Alaa
Published: April 2024

This research aims to investigate the intricate association between research and development (R&D) productivity, specifically assessed through Total Factor Productivity (TFP), and various dimensions of firm growth. Our analysis provides a comprehensive examination of different aspects of growth, including sales, productivity, and employment growth. In addition, we investigate the role of R&D investment in conjunction with R&D productivity to provide clear insights into this multifaceted relationship. Although conventional wisdom suggests a positive relationship between R&D and firm growth, our empirical exploration reveals a more intricate reality. Using 164 non‐financial firms listed on the FTSE 350, our findings indicate that while R&D indeed contributes significantly to firm growth, the nature of this influence is contingent upon the specific dimension of growth under consideration and the adopted empirical models. For example, our baseline model shows a positive relationship between R&D productivity and sales and productivity growth. However, this result does not hold for employment growth. This study makes a substantial contribution to the existing body of research on R&D by illuminating the indirect intricacies of this relationship, offering practical insights for both scholars and industry professionals navigating the complex landscape of R&D‐induced growth within the economic milieu.
Basil of Caesarea and Gregory of Nazianzus on the Role of the Devil in Problems of Evil and Suffering
Authors: Thomas Gabrielle
Published: April 2024

The aim of this essay is to reconsider the way scholarship conceives the role of the devil in early Christian approaches to evil and suffering, using as a case study theological reflection on this theme by Basil of Caesarea and Gregory of Nazianzus. Through a close reading of three texts concerned with the origins of evil, suffering, and the continued presence of the devil on earth after Christ's victory, I propose the devil's existence contributes to the mystery of evil for Basil and Gregory. Put simply, the devil does not serve as a strategy to solve problems of evil and suffering. The devil himself is a problem.
Breaking the Chain: Strategies to Stem Adenovirus Spread in Pakistan
Authors: Vaid Rayyan , Sohail Afra , Kumar Raam , Fareed Areeba
Published: April 2024

Adenovirus, a common respiratory pathogen, has witnessed a notable rise in incidence rates across various regions in Pakistan. Utilizing epidemiological data and climate records, this research discerns a potential linkage between the burgeoning adenovirus cases and alterations in regional climate patterns. Through statistical analysis and modeling techniques, the study aims to elucidate the relationship between climatic variables, such as temperature, humidity, and precipitation, and the prevalence of adenovirus infections. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for developing effective public health interventions and preparedness strategies to mitigate the impact of adenovirus outbreaks in Pakistan. Furthermore, this research contributes to the broader discourse on the intersection of infectious diseases and climate change, highlighting the need for comprehensive adaptive measures to address emerging health challenges in a changing environment.
Surgical treatment and outcomes of acute and chronic ulcers on the penis following injection of foreign substances
Authors: Dunev Vladislav Rosenov
Published: April 2024

In this paper, we present our experience with acute and chronic penile ulcers resulting from injection of an exogenous substance and their surgical treatment.
Dividend cuts and a firm's investment opportunity set
Authors: Das Somnath , Dhole Sandip
Published: April 2024

This paper re‐examines corporate dividend payout policy by focusing on how investors evaluate dividend cuts. Our focus is to understand why despite the documented on average negative market response, many dividend‐cutting firms experience a positive market response. We juxtapose a well‐established literature on corporate payout policies with the literature on the role of prior information in investor evaluation of newly arrived information and document that the market responds positively to dividend cuts when firms have positive investment opportunity sets. Our results support the primary thesis that not all dividend cuts are bad news—it depends. We validate this result by documenting that firms cutting dividends in the presence of investment opportunities do make significant investments such as capital expenditures and merger and acquisition activities in future years. Furthermore, we also find that future operating profitability is higher for dividend‐cutting firms with relatively higher investment opportunities. We also document that among dividend‐cutting firms, there is a statistically significant difference in the buy‐and‐hold returns for up to 2 years, between firms with high versus low investment opportunities. This provides support for the economic significance of our results. These results provide new evidence on how investors interpret corporate payout policies to distinguish among dividend cuts.