bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How has entrepreneurship opportunity formation amongst immigrants been influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic?
Authors: Osaghae Osa-Godwin , Cooney Thomas M.
Published: August 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate how entrepreneurship opportunity formation amongst immigrants has been influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic, given that environmental changes and irregularity can contribute to entrepreneurship opportunity formation in the immigrant set-up.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employed a comparative narrative analysis of literature relating to entrepreneurship opportunity formation, immigrant entrepreneurship, environmental change (e.g. COVID-19 pandemic) and demand expansion (e.g. market extension resulting from environmental changes) and primary dataset from 11 semi-structured interviews.

Findings

The triangulation of the literature from these diverse topics leads to the conclusion that environmental changes and irregularity creates demand expansion that can drive entrepreneurship in any climate.

Research limitations/implications

The limitation to the present study is the inability to use more than 11 primary dataset for this study, so future research on this topic should ensure the use of more primary dataset to validate the literature review.

Originality/value

This article contributes to existing knowledge by suggesting that irregular events within the environment (not stable economic growth alone) can positively influence entrepreneurship opportunity formation amongst immigrants.
Apprentices’ perspectives of the tripartite collaboration at the heart of degree apprenticeships: a longitudinal study
Authors: Taylor-Smith Ella , Smith Sally , Fabian Khristin , Bratton Andrew
Published: August 2023

Purpose

The partnership which underpins degree apprenticeships is a tripartite collaboration between apprentices, employers and universities. This study aims to investigate the lived experiences and reflections of the apprentices at the centre, to inform effective collaboration.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative, longitudinal study, spanning four years, in which 13 apprentices studying apprenticeship degrees at a Scottish University were interviewed in their first and final years about their experiences of the apprenticeship (26 interviews). Data was analysed via a framework matrix, which focussed on the collaborations between the apprentice, employer and university, also surfacing changes between the apprentices’ first and final year.

Findings

The tripartite collaboration is not only logistical but also, like learning, social. Apprentices require interest and support from their employers and colleagues to promote meaningful integration between their work and studies. Further, collaboration between apprentices extends from peer support into meaningful friendships and feeds into their work, as well as their studies. The university plays a key role in facilitating these essential connections.

Practical implications

Apprenticeships can be highly effective in upskilling the workforce and sharing knowledge and skills between academia and the workplace in both directions, while specifically enabling workers to gain degree qualifications relevant to their roles. Recommendations for future work practices, including collaborations, are made.

Originality/value

While the tripartite collaboration has been discussed theoretically in the literature, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first longitudinal investigation based on the lived experience of cohorts of apprentices, from the start of their degree to the final six months.
Residents' satisfaction of property management mobile applications: a study in the context of strata property in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Authors: Basit Abdul , Nizam Ismail , Goh Rosalind , Sethumadhavan Sharmila , Hanif Noor Rosly , Hassan Zubair , Mohd Aini Ainoriza
Published: August 2023

Purpose

Property management companies in residential properties are increasingly using ICT and specific property management software applications to conduct daily property management tasks. However, the benefits of using specific software applications and how it can add value to property management companies are largely unexplored. The present study examines the impact of property management mobile applications usage features on strata property residents' satisfaction in Kuala Lumpur.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 205 residents from 3 strata residential buildings in Kuala Lumpur using property management applications were surveyed. The study employed structural equation modelling using SPSS Amos software.

Findings

The findings suggest that visitor management and security management via software applications positively influence the residents' satisfaction. However, facility management via software application was found to be negatively affecting residents' satisfaction.

Originality/value

The study highlighted the benefit of property managers adopting property management software to achieve increased residents' satisfaction in strata residential properties.
Sustainable purchase intentions towards organic food during Covid-19 pandemic: an exploratory study on Indian consumers
Authors: Raj Vijay Amrit , Rai Siddharth Shankar , Jasrotia Sahil Singh
Published: August 2023

Purpose

This study aims to determine the factors influencing consumers’ organic food purchase intention during Covid-19 and how Covid-19 impacted these factors. Understanding these factors will assist marketers in making strategic decisions on how to market their products during a crisis.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used a quantitative approach. Data were collected online from 278 organic food consumers based in India. The partial least squares-path modelling method was used for data analysis.

Findings

The results revealed that Covid-19 has substantially impacted consumers' health consciousness, environmental concern, availability, price and intention to buy organic food. This study also revealed that health consciousness, environmental concerns and availability of organic food affect consumers’ purchase intention even during the Covid-19. However, it has been found that price consciousness does not influence consumers’ purchase intention during Covid-19.

Practical implications

Marketers should come up with innovative promotional strategies. Providing information related to quality checks on packages, expanding online sales channels, boosting promotional activities and emphasising the long-term benefits of organic food items should be the go-to marketing strategy of organic food.

Originality/value

The study adds value to the extant literature by examining consumers' purchase intention towards organic food using more customised and thorough constructs that appear to be more practical during the challenging times of Covid-19 and whose findings are not restricted by some pre-established theoretical assumptions.
Systematic literature review of machine learning for manufacturing supply chain
Authors: Ganjare Smita Abhijit , Satao Sunil M. , Narwane Vaibhav
Published: August 2023

Purpose

In today's fast developing era, the volume of data is increasing day by day. The traditional methods are lagging for efficiently managing the huge amount of data. The adoption of machine learning techniques helps in efficient management of data and draws relevant patterns from that data. The main aim of this research paper is to provide brief information about the proposed adoption of machine learning techniques in different sectors of manufacturing supply chain.

Design/methodology/approach

This research paper has done rigorous systematic literature review of adoption of machine learning techniques in manufacturing supply chain from year 2015 to 2023. Out of 511 papers, 74 papers are shortlisted for detailed analysis.

Findings

The papers are subcategorised into 8 sections which helps in scrutinizing the work done in manufacturing supply chain. This paper helps in finding out the contribution of application of machine learning techniques in manufacturing field mostly in automotive sector.

Practical implications

The research is limited to papers published from year 2015 to year 2023. The limitation of the current research that book chapters, unpublished work, white papers and conference papers are not considered for study. Only English language articles and review papers are studied in brief. This study helps in adoption of machine learning techniques in manufacturing supply chain.

Originality/value

This study is one of the few studies which investigate machine learning techniques in manufacturing sector and supply chain through systematic literature survey.

Highlights

A comprehensive understanding of Machine Learning techniques is presented.

The state of art of adoption of Machine Learning techniques are investigated.

The methodology of (SLR) is proposed.

An innovative study of Machine Learning techniques in manufacturing supply chain.
Climate, weather and child health in Burkina Faso
Authors: Dasgupta Shouro , Robinson Elizabeth J. Z.
Published: August 2023

It is now clear that anthropogenic climate change is having a negative impact on human health. In this paper, we provide the first comprehensive assessment of the impact of climatic stressors on child health in Burkina Faso. We undertake a rigorous empirical analysis of the impact of climate and weather shocks on mortality, stunting (height‐for‐age Z‐score) and wasting (weight‐for‐age Z‐score), using Demographic and Health Surveys, combined with high‐resolution meteorological data, controlling for household and individual covariates. We find robust evidence that both lifetime and short‐term exposure to high temperatures and droughts have a negative impact on child health, as do increased temperature anomalies during crop seasons, suggesting a link between climate and health through domestic food production. Income and household wealth, access to electricity, sanitation and a health facility for childbirth negate some adverse impacts of climate change. Combining our econometric estimates with updated CMIP6 scenarios, we compute policy‐relevant projections of future child health. Our results show that future warming is projected to significantly increase child mortality, and share of underweight and stunted children, in all but the Paris Agreement scenario. Given the links between health, a key element of human capital, and economic growth, our findings and projections provide yet more evidence of the importance of a rapid reduction in global emissions combined with adaptation funding, if lower‐income countries are to achieve poverty reduction and increasing prosperity.
Risk attitude, risky behaviour and price determination in the sex market: A case study of Yangon, Myanmar
Authors: Yamada Hiroyuki , Kanayama Yuki , Yoshikawa Kanako , Aung Kyaw Wai
Published: August 2023

Commercial sex is a prevalent but risky profession in many countries, including Myanmar. Although risk attitude is a potentially important factor in determining risky behaviour of female sex workers (FSWs), few studies have explicitly investigated the issue. This is one of the first studies to elicit the risk attitude of FSWs using a simple risk game. We conducted the risk game with FSWs in Yangon, Myanmar, where the average GDP per capita is very low, to study how risk attitude is related with observable characteristics and with risky behaviour related to the use of condoms in the commercial sex market. We found that risk attitude is relatively independent of observable characteristics and the decision to use a condom. However, transaction prices were directly associated with risk attitude.
Efficacy and safety of immune checkpoint inhibitor rechallenge in non‐small cell lung cancer: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Feng Yu , Tao Yunxia , Chen Haizhu , Zhou Yu , Tang Le , Liu Chenwei , Hu Xingsheng , Shi Yuankai
Published: August 2023

Background

The aim of the study was to explore the efficacy and safety of immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) rechallenge in patients with non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Methods

Studies that enrolled NSCLC patients treated with two lines of ICIs were included using four databases. The initial line (1L‐) and subsequent lines (2L‐) of ICIs were defined as 1L‐ICI and 2L‐ICI, respectively.

Results

A total of 17 studies involving 2100 patients were included. The pooled objective response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR), median progression‐free survival (mPFS), and median overall survival (mOS) for 2L‐ICIs were 10%, 50%, 3.0 months, and 13.1 months, respectively. The 2L‐ICI discontinuation rates caused by toxicities ranged from 0% to 23.5%. Original data were extracted from six studies, covering 89 patients. Patients in whom 1L‐ICIs were discontinued following clinical decision (the mPFS of 2L‐ICIs was not reach) achieved a more prolonged mPFS of 2L‐ICIs than those due to toxicity (5.2 months) and progressive disease (2.1 months) (p < 0.0001). Patients' 1L‐PFS for more than 2‐years had preferable 2L‐ORR (35.0% vs. 9.8%, p = 0.03), 2L‐DCR (85.0% vs. 49.0%, p = 0.007), and 2L‐mPFS (12.4 vs. 3.0 months, p < 0.0001) than those less than 1‐year. Patients administered the same drugs achieved a significantly prolonged mPFS compared with the remaining patients (5.4 vs. 2.3 months, p = 0.0004), and those who did not accept antitumor treatments during the intervals of two lines of ICIs achieved a prolonged mPFS compared to those patients who did accept treatments (7.6 vs. 1.9 months, p < 0.0001).

Conclusions

ICI rechallenge is a useful therapeutic strategy for NSCLC patients, especially suitable for those who achieve long‐term tumor remission for more than 2‐years under 1L‐ICIs.
Perineal tear and childbirth‐related posttraumatic stress: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Baumann Sophie , Staudt Andreas , Horesh Danny , Eberhard‐Gran Malin , Garthus‐Niegel Susan , Horsch Antje
Published: August 2023

Objective

Quantitative studies examining the occurrence of childbirth‐related posttraumatic stress disorder (CB‐PTSD) following severe perineal rupture are lacking. The objective of this population‐based study was to investigate the prospective associations between the degree of perineal tear during childbirth and CB‐PTSD symptoms, when adjusting for known covariates (maternal age, years of school education, premature birth, and parity). We hypothesized that women with different degrees of perineal tear will differ regarding (1) the level of CB‐PTSD symptoms at 8 weeks and 2 years postpartum and (2) the rate of change in CB‐PTSD symptoms from 8 weeks to 2 years postpartum.

Method

Secondary data analysis from the Akershus Birth Cohort, a large population‐based prospective cohort study using self‐report questionnaires and hospital record data.

Results

The degree of perineal tear was significantly associated with CB‐PTSD symptoms at 8 weeks and 2 years postpartum. However, the degree of perineal tear was not significantly associated with the change in CB‐PTSD symptoms over time. Similar patterns were found for both total CB‐PTSD symptoms as well as for avoidance and intrusion symptoms only.

Conclusion

Results seem to support a dose–response model, suggesting that the higher the severity of the perineal tear, the higher the posttraumatic morbidity.
Neurobehavioral symptoms in children born extremely preterm: A Swedish National Study
Authors: Serenius Fredrik , Kaul Ylva Fredriksson , Källén Karin , Hafström Maria , Ådén Ulrika , Stjernqvist Karin , Farooqi Aijaz ,   for the EXPRESS Study Group
Published: August 2023

Aim

To determine the prevalence of neurobehavioral symptoms at 6.5 years in children born extremely preterm (EPT, <27 weeks' gestation).

Methods

Population‐based cohort study of infants born EPT in Sweden from 2004 to 2007. Of 486 survivors 375 were assessed and compared with 369 matched term‐born controls. EPT children free from neurosensory and intellectual disabilities (neurodevelopmental disabilities [NDD]‐free, n = 236) were compared separately. Standardised questionnaires were used to assess parental ratings of hyperactivity and attention, emotional, peer‐relation, conduct and social problems; and deficits in perception, language and memory.

Results

EPT children had more reported problems in all assessed neurobehavioral domains than controls, with more than three times greater odds for most outcomes. Except for conduct problems, increased problems were identified also in NDD–free children. The odds of having neurobehavioral problems in ≥3 co‐occurring domains were five (whole EPT group) and three (NDD‐free group) times higher than in controls.

Conclusion

EPT children with or without NDD have more neurobehavioral problems in multiple domains than term peers. Ongoing assessments of behaviour until school age or beyond should recognise early symptoms of attention, everyday social problems, perceptual, emotional or language difficulties.
Protecting the future child: Foetal alcohol spectrum disorder, easy rescue and the regulation of maternal behaviour
Authors: Mills Catherine
Published: August 2023

This paper argues that social contexts of inequality are crucial to understanding the ethics of gestational harm and responsibility. Recent debates on gestational harm have largely ignored the social context of gestators, including contexts of inequality and injustice. This can reinforce existing social injustices arising from colonialism, socio‐economic inequality and racism, for example, through increased regulation of maternal behaviour. To demonstrate this, I focus on the related notions of the ‘future child’ and an obligation of easy rescue, which have been used to discuss the ethics of gestational harm in the context of alcohol consumption during gestation and foetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD). I use a feminist perspective to evaluate these ideas and conclude that anyone concerned with remediation of social injustice has good reason to be suspicious of the notion of the future child in the context of gestational harm.
New insights into the crustal architecture and tectonic evolution of the Eastern Gulf of Mexico
Authors: Vasileiou Athanasia , Gouiza Mohamed , Mortimer Estelle , Paton Douglas , Nanfito Aleece , Lewis David
Published: August 2023

The Gulf of Mexico is an intraplate oceanic basin where rifting commenced in the Late Triassic, leading to drifting and ensuing oceanic accretion by Middle‐Late Jurassic, which ceased by the Early Cretaceous. Its tectonic evolution encompasses multiple rifting phases dominated by orthogonal extension, variable magmatism and salt deposition. This complex tectonic history is recorded within the rifted margins of the Gulf of Mexico, including along the eastern part of the basin, where considerable uncertainty remains regarding the tectonic evolution and resulting crustal configuration. This study presents new insights into the crustal types and an updated tectonic framework for the Florida margin. An integrated analysis of seismic and potential field data allows us to characterize the nature of the crust, which shows wide zones of hyperextended continental crust, seaward dipping reflection (SDR) packages, exhumed mantle and magmatic crust. Our results propose elements that could improve the plate model of the Gulf of Mexico, by accounting for the polyphase nature of rifting, the counter‐clockwise rotation of the Yucatan block and the observed increase in magmatic supply.
Joint inversion of temperature, vitrinite reflectance and fission tracks in apatite with examples from the eastern North Sea area—Discussion
Authors: Japsen Peter , Green Paul F.
Published: August 2023

Nielsen and Balling (2022) studied the thermo‐tectonic history of the eastern North Sea Basin from inversion of temperature, vitrinite reflectance and apatite fission tracks in boreholes, and found no evidence of Neogene exhumation. This contrasts with previous studies that reported the removal of 500–950 m of Cenozoic sediments during Neogene exhumation, partly based on velocity‐depth data in the Upper Cretaceous—Danian Chalk Group. Their result led Nielsen and Balling (2022) to ‘question the accuracy and precision of the sonic velocity method’. We submit that the use of velocity‐depth data to measure exhumation is a reliable method, and that the interruption of Cenozoic burial in the eastern North Sea Basin by Neogene exhumation is a well‐established geological fact. We suggest that the failure of Balling and Nielsen (2022) to detect Neogene exhumation is diagnostic of problems with their own methods, rather than reflecting on the reliability of the sonic velocity method.
Gene therapy of adeno‐associated virus (AAV) vectors in preclinical models of ischemic stroke
Authors: Wang Jing , Zhu Mengna , Sun Jingyi , Feng Lina , Yang Mingfeng , Sun Baoliang , Mao Leilei
Published: August 2023

Stroke has been associated with devastating clinical outcomes, with current treatment strategies proving largely ineffective. Therefore, there is a need to explore alternative treatment options for addressing post‐stroke functional deficits. Gene therapy utilizing adeno‐associated viruses (AAVs) as a critical gene vector delivering genes to the central nervous system (CNS) gene delivery has emerged as a promising approach for treating various CNS diseases. This review aims to provide an overview of the biological characteristics of AAV vectors and the therapeutic advancements observed in preclinical models of ischemic stroke. The study further investigates the potential of manipulating AAV vectors in preclinical applications, emphasizing the challenges and prospects in the selection of viral vectors, drug delivery strategies, immune reactions, and clinical translation.
Clinical features and outcome of eight patients with Chlamydia psittaci pneumonia diagnosed by targeted next generation sequencing
Authors: Zhang Yanping , Jiang Xiangsen , Ye Wei , Sun Jinlin
Published: August 2023

Introduction

The clinical symptoms of Chlamydia psittaci pneumonia are still poorly understood. This study was designed to summarize the clinical features and outcome of eight C. psittaci pneumonia patients diagnosed by targeted next generation sequencing (tNGS).

Methods

We included eight C. psittaci pneumonia patients admitted to our hospital from January 2021 to July 2022. The tNGS was performed to the samples collected from bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of each patient. Their clinical data were analysed, including baseline features, clinical symptoms, chest radiographic findings and laboratory examinations.

Results

The tNGS sequence number for C. psittaci was in a range of 10 to 1722. The radiographic characteristics were mainly featured by patchy consolidation shadows, ground‐glass density shadows, air bronchogram and slight pleural effusion. Within 1–3 days after hospitalization, most patients showed increased neutrophil ratio, C‐reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and decreased lymphocyte count, total protein, albumin and prealbumin. Some patients showed increased glutamic‐pyruvic transaminase, glutamic‐oxaloacetic transaminase and lactate dehydrogenase levels. Three critically ill patients showed increased creatine kinase, creatine kinase isoenzyme and high‐sensitivity troponin T (hs‐TnT) levels.

Conclusions

A poultry or bird contact history, typical flu‐like symptoms, patchy consolidation, ground‐glass density shadow and air bronchogram may contribute to the diagnosis and treatment of C. psittaci pneumonia. Increase in creatine kinase, creatine kinase isoenzyme and hs‐TnT may indicate a severe condition. Moxifloxacin and minocycline were effective in the management of C. psittaci pneumonia.
Labisia pumila standardized extract (SKF7®) reduces percentage of waist circumference and waist‐to‐height ratio in individuals with obesity
Authors: Swarna Nantha Yogarabindranath , Vijayasingham Shalini , Adam Noor Lita , Vengadasalam Paranthaman , Ismail Mastura , Ali Norsiah , Chang Li Cheng , Ling Lena Yeap Lay , Tee Thiam‐Tsui , Cheah Yew‐Hoong
Published: August 2023

Aim

Evidence from the literature points towards a viable choice of utilizing Labisia pumila to improve the metabolic profile in animal studies. To that end, this prospective study was designed to assess the health impact of the consumption of L. pumila standardized extract (SKF7®) on key parameters of obesity in humans such as body weight (BW), body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC) and waist‐to‐height ratio (WHtR).

Materials and Methods

A dose‐ranging analysis using SKF7® was conducted through a randomized, double‐blind, multicentre, placebo‐controlled, phase 2 clinical trial involving individuals with obesity (N = 133) between January 2020 and April 2021. The potential percentage of change was assessed in relation to BW, BMI, WC and WHtR.

Results

Average treatment effect estimates (treatment group vs. placebo) show a statistically significant reduction in the percentage of change for BW (mean = −2.915; CI: −4.546, −1.285), BMI (−2.921; CI: −4.551, −1.291), WC (mean = −2.187; CI: −3.784, −0.589) and WHtR (mean = −2.294, CI: −3.908, −0.681) in the group with a total of 750 mg of SKF7® (p < .01). An incremental reduction in WC and WHtR was consistent with the gradual increase in the total daily concentration of SKF7® from 375 to 750 mg. WC and WHtR had higher effect size (f 2 = 0.11 and f 2 = 0.13 respectively) in comparison with BW and BMI.

Conclusions

SKF7® is potentially a novel therapeutic treatment for obesity, reflected by reductions in BW, BMI, WC and WHtR. The use of SKF7® suggests a dose‐dependent reduction in abdominal obesity, exemplified by a decline in WC and WHtR.
A randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled phase 2 study to assess safety, tolerability, and efficacy of RT001 in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Weemering Daphne N. , Midei Mark , Milner Peter , Gopalakrishnan Vidhya , Kumar Anil , Dannenberg Andrew J. , Bunte Tommy M. , Foucher Juliette , Ingre Caroline , Ķēniņa Viktorija , Rallmann Karin , van den Berg Leonard H. , van Eijk Ruben P. A.
Published: August 2023

Background and purpose

RT001 is a deuterated synthetic homologue of linoleic acid, which makes membrane polyunsaturated fatty acids resistant to lipid peroxidation, a process involved in motor neuron degeneration in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

Methods

We conducted a randomized, multicenter, placebo‐controlled clinical trial. Patients with ALS were randomly allocated to receive either RT001 or placebo for 24 weeks. After the double‐blind period, all patients received RT001 during an open‐label phase for 24 weeks. The primary outcome measures were safety and tolerability. Key efficacy outcomes included the ALS Functional Rating Scale (ALSFRS‐R), percent predicted slow vital capacity, and plasma neurofilament light chain concentration.

Results

In total, 43 patients (RT001 = 21; placebo = 22) were randomized. RT001 was well tolerated; one patient required dose reduction due to adverse events (AEs). Numerically, there were more AEs in the RT001 group compared to the placebo group (71% versus 55%, p = 0.35), with gastrointestinal symptoms being the most common (43% in RT001, 27% in placebo, p = 0.35). Two patients in the RT001 group experienced a serious AE, though unrelated to treatment. The least‐squares mean difference in ALSFRS‐R total score at week 24 of treatment was 1.90 (95% confidence interval = −1.39 to 5.19) in favor of RT001 (p = 0.25). The directions of other efficacy outcomes favored RT001 compared to placebo, although no inferential statistics were performed.

Conclusions

Initial data indicate that RT001 is safe and well tolerated. Given the exploratory nature of the study, a larger clinical trial is required to evaluate its efficacy.
Ten‐year cross‐sectional and longitudinal assessment and factors associated with unfavourable self‐rated oral health in older adults in the United States
Authors: Tembhe Amrita , Preisser John S. , Batorsky Anna , Weintraub Jane A.
Published: August 2023

Objective

To investigate the association of demographic and socio‐economic characteristics with self‐reported oral health (SROH) among older adults who participated in the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) in 2008, 2018, or both, and to describe temporal changes.

Methods

Data were from the University of Michigan's Health and Retirement Study (HRS), a nationally representative longitudinal survey of Americans aged 51 and older. Responses from participants who completed the Core HRS survey and Dental Module (DM) in 2008 (n = 1310), 2018 (n = 1330), and the “common group” at both timepoints (n = 559) were analysed. Using the common group, the outcome measure was 2018 self‐rated oral health (Favourable vs Unfavourable). Potential explanatory variables included 2008 self‐rated oral health (SROH), sociodemographic, and dental utilisation‐related factors. Survey logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors that were associated with unfavourable 2018 SROH in 2018.

Results

Unfavourable SROH prevalence was 28.5% and 31.6% in 2008 and 2018, respectively. Among the common, longitudinal group, the unfavourable prevalence remained the same, 26.1% at both timepoints. A positive association was seen between 2018 unfavourable SROH and baseline variables of 2008 unfavourable SROH, male gender, less education, and lower levels of wealth.

Conclusions

Over a quarter of participants reported unfavourable SROH. There was little change in SROH during this period. Sociodemographic factors influence the SROH of the older population. Policies and programs to promote and protect the oral health of older adults should be designed and implemented to reduce social inequalities and improve the SROH of disadvantaged older adults.
Counter‐powers. The daily life of transitional justice: Women, songs and resistance in Bellavista, Bojayá
Authors: Buchely Lina , Pinzón Manuel
Published: August 2023

This article reconstructs the lives of women under transitional justice by narrating their history in Bojayá, in the Colombian Pacific, where one hundred children and adults were killed in clashes between the FARC guerilla and the paramilitary in May 2002. The stories reveal how the women, through games, social construction of the territory, and alabaos (funeral dirges), construct a fundamental counter‐power through which to understand transitional justice. Using photographs of post‐conflict realities in Colombia and ethnographic work carried out since May 2016 in the area, we argue that these sub powers build a kind of infrapolitics that collaborates, challenges, and reconstructs the power of the State as a nodal agent of the “transition” in Colombia. In this sense, the women use and endure the suffering, their condition as victims, and the reality created for them by transitional justice, as a new means by which to bargain conditions of citizenship in precarious contexts.
Myeloid/lymphoid neoplasms with eosinophilia and tyrosine kinase fusion genes: A workshop report with focus on novel entities and a literature review including paediatric cases
Authors: Saft Leonie , Kvasnicka Hans M , Boudova Ludmila , Gianelli Umberto , Lazzi Stefano , Rozman Maria
Published: August 2023

Myeloid/lymphoid neoplasms with eosinophilia (M/LN‐eo) and tyrosine kinase (TK) gene fusions are a rare group of haematopoietic neoplasms with a broad range of clinical and morphological presentations. Paediatric cases have increasingly been recognised. Importantly, not all appear as a chronic myeloid neoplasm and eosinophilia is not always present. In addition, standard cytogenetic and molecular methods may not be sufficient to diagnose M/LN‐eo due to cytogenetically cryptic aberrations. Therefore, additional evaluation with fluorescence in‐situ hybridisation and other molecular genetic techniques (array‐based comparative genomic hybridisation, RNA sequencing) are recommended for the identification of specific TK gene fusions. M/LN‐eo with JAK2 and FLT3‐rearrangements and ETV6::ABL1 fusion were recently added as a formal member to this category in the International Consensus Classification (ICC) and the 5th edition of the WHO classification (WHO‐HAEM5). In addition, other less common defined genetic alterations involving TK genes have been described. This study is an update on M/LN‐eo with TK gene fusions with focus on novel entities, as illustrated by cases submitted to the Bone Marrow Workshop, organised by the European Bone Marrow Working Group (EBMWG) within the frame of the 21st European Association for Haematopathology congress (EAHP‐SH) in Florence 2022. A literature review was performed including paediatric cases of M/LN‐eo with TK gene fusions.
The management of non‐culprit vessel(s) in patients with unstable angina/non‐ST elevation myocardial infarction and chronic kidney dysfunction
Authors: Liao Guang‐zhi , Li Yi‐ming , Liu Ting , Bai Lin , Chen Xue‐feng , Ye Yu‐yang , Chai Hua , Peng Yong
Published: August 2023

Background and Aims

The clinical effects of multivessel interventions in patients with unstable angina/non‐ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction (UA/NSTEMI), multivessel disease (MVD) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) remain uncertain. This study aimed to investigate the safety and effectiveness of intervention in non‐culprit lession(s) among this cohort.

Methods

We consecutively included patients diagnosed with UA/NSTEMI, MVD and CKD between January 2008 and December 2018 at our centre. After successful percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), we compared 48‐month overall mortality between those undergoing multivessel PCI (MV‐PCI) through a single‐procedure or staged‐procedure approach and culprit vessel‐only PCI (CV‐PCI) after 1:1 propensity score matching. We conducted stratified analyses and tests for interaction to investigate the modifying effects of critical covariates. Additionally, we recorded the incidence of contrast‐induced nephropathy (CIN) to assess the perioperative safety of the two treatment strategies.

Results

Of the 749 eligible patients, 271 pairs were successfully matched. Those undergoing MV‐PCI had reduced all‐cause mortality (hazard ratio (HR): 0.67, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.48–0.67). Subgroup analysis showed that those with advanced CKD (estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) ≤ 30 mL/min/1.73 m2) could not benefit from MV‐PCI (P = 0.250), and the survival advantage also tended to diminish in diabetes (P interaction < 0.01; HR = 0.95, 95% CI = 0.65–1.45). Although the staged‐procedure approach (N = 157) failed to bring additional survival benefits compared to single‐procedure MV‐PCI (N = 290) (P = 0.460), it showed a tendency to decrease the death risk. CIN risks in MV‐PCI and CV‐PCI groups were not significantly different (risk ratio = 1.60, 95% CI = 0.94–2.73).

Conclusion

Among patients with UA/NSTEMI and non‐diabetic CKD and an eGFR > 30 mL/min/1.73 m2, MV‐PCI was associated with a reduced risk of long‐term death but did not increase the incidence of CIN during the management of MVD compared to CV‐PCI. And staged procedures might be a preferable option over single‐procedure MV‐PCI.
Early social referencing predicts object mastery motivation in infancy: Social antecedents of object mastery motivation
Authors: Yanchik Amelia , Gardner Judith M. , Karmel Bernard Z. , Vietze Peter
Published: August 2023

The researchers sought to understand the typical development of social referencing and object mastery motivation in infancy and to determine the relationship between social referencing and object mastery behaviors in infants from 7 to 22 months of age. The study included 36 infants who were followed as part of a longitudinal study of at‐risk infants but were not determined to need care in the neonatal intesive care unit at birth. Both mastery behaviors of persistence and success showed a statistically significant effect of age, while social behaviors remained stable from 7 to 22 months. Social behaviors at 7 and 10 months were correlated with persistence at 22 months and success at 16 to 22 months demonstrating that early social referencing predicts object mastery behaviors in later infancy. Further research should determine if this trend extends to early childhood.
A cross‐sectional study on social determinants of mental health during COVID‐19 among adults in California
Authors: Tolentino Dante Anthony , Ajuwon Abidemi Mary
Published: August 2023

Aim

To explore the impact of structural and intermediary social determinants of health (SDoH) on Californian adults' mental health during the early phase of the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Design

This cross‐sectional study used data from the 2020 cycle of the California Health Interview Survey, the largest US state‐level population health survey.

Methods

Descriptive statistics and logistic regression were used to analyse the data. Using a general social determinant of health framework, we operationalized different survey questions to measure structural and intermediary determinants of mental health.

Results

Mental health during the early phase of COVID‐19 among adults in California was associated with age, gender, health conditions, delayed care, employment status (loss of job or reduced income) and discrimination. People in higher social strata were more likely to have better mental health for many of these factors.

Conclusion

This study supports the assertion that material circumstances (such as employment status) and discrimination are associated with experiencing mental health issues among adults in California during COVID‐19. Racism is a public health issue, and as nurses, addressing racism is critical. In addition, much work is needed to address SDoH to improve health outcomes, especially among marginalized populations.

Impact

This study addressed the knowledge gap concerning the social determinants of mental health among Californian adults during the early phase of the COVID‐19 pandemic. Those who had reduced income and those who lost their jobs during the COVID‐19 pandemic were 46% and 56%, respectively, more likely to report mental health problems. Those who experienced discrimination in healthcare were 304% more likely to report mental health issues. This research will increase the understanding of the social determinants of health, particularly for those with chronic illnesses and mental health issues during the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution, as we used an existing US state dataset. However, California Health Interview Survey is the largest state health survey in the United States and interviews more than 20,000 households each year representing the health care needs of Californians.
PLPPR4 haploinsufficiency causes neurodevelopmental disorders by disrupting synaptic plasticity via mTOR signalling
Authors: Li Huanzheng , Zhang Qian , Wan Ru , Zhou Lili , Xu Xueqin , Xu Chenyang , Yu Yuan , Xu Yunzhi , Xiang Yanbao , Tang Shaohua
Published: August 2023

Phospholipid phosphatase related 4 (PLPPR4), a neuron‐specific membrane protein located at the postsynaptic density of glutamatergic synapses, is a putative regulator of neuronal plasticity. However, PLPPR4 dysfunction has not been linked to genetic disorders. In this study, we report three unrelated patients with intellectual disability (ID) or autism spectrum disorder (ASD) who harbour a de novo heterozygous copy number loss of PLPPR4 in 1p21.2p21.3, a heterozygous nonsense mutation in PLPPR4 (NM_014839, c.4C > T, p.Gln2*) and a homozygous splice mutation in PLPPR4 (NM_014839: c.408 + 2 T > C), respectively. Bionano single‐molecule optical mapping confirmed PLPPR4 deletion contains no additional pathogenic genes. Our results suggested that the loss of function of PLPPR4 is associated with neurodevelopmental disorders. To test the pathogenesis of PLPPR4, peripheral blood mononuclear cells obtained from the patient with heterozygous deletion of PLPPR4 were induced to specific iPSCs (CHWi001‐A) and then differentiated into neurons. The neurons carrying the deletion of PLPPR4 displayed the reduced density of dendritic protrusions, shorter neurites and reduced axon length, suggesting the causal role of PLPPR4 in neurodevelopmental disorders. As the mTOR signalling pathway was essential for regulating the axon maturation and function, we found that mTOR signalling was inhibited with a higher level of p‐AKT, p‐mTOR and p‐ERK1/2, decreased p‐PI3K in PLPPR4‐iPSCs neurons. Additionally, we found silencing PLPPR4 disturbed the mTOR signalling pathway. Our results suggested PLPPR4 modulates neurodevelopment by affecting the plasticity of neurons via the mTOR signalling pathway.
A pancancer analysis of the oncogenic role of ZNRF2 in human tumours
Authors: Shi Fujie , Wu Yunfei , Wang Kai , Wang Jiafan , Liu Minghui , Sun Xinlei
Published: August 2023

Finding effective treatments for cancer requires a thorough understanding of how it develops and progresses. Recent research has revealed the crucial role that Zinc and ring finger 2 (ZNRF2) play in the progression of non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) by controlling cell growth and death. However, a comprehensive analysis of ZNRF2's role in cancer as a whole has yet to be conducted. Our study sought to investigate the impact of ZNRF2 on diverse human tumours, as well as the molecular pathways involved, using databases such as TCGA (The Cancer Genome Atlas), GEO (Gene Expression Omnibus) and the Human Protein Atlas (HPA), as well as several bioinformatic tools. Our findings indicate that ZNRF2 is generally expressed at higher levels in tumours than in normal tissues, and in some cancers, its levels correlate positively with disease stage, potentially predicting a poor prognosis for patients. We also discovered genetic changes in ZNRF2 among cancer patients, as well as its relationship with cancer‐related fibroblasts, endothelial cells and immune cell infiltration. Additionally, we explored potential molecular mechanisms of ZNRF2 in tumours, finding that it increases in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tissues and that inhibiting its expression through ZNRF2 siRNA can limit HepG2 cell proliferation. Overall, our study provides a comprehensive overview of ZNRF2's oncogenic roles across various cancers.
Association between hemoglobin glycation index and non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease in the patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Wang Meng , Li Shiwei , Zhang Xinxin , Li Xin , Cui Jingqiu
Published: August 2023

Aims/Introduction

The hemoglobin glycation index (HGI) represent the disparity between actual glycated hemoglobin measurements and predicted HbA1c. It serves as a proxy for the degree of non‐enzymatic glycation of hemoglobin, which has been found to be positively correlated with diabetic comorbidities. In this study, we investigated the relationship between HGI and non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), along with other relevant biological markers in patients with diabetes.

Materials and Methods

This cross‐sectional study consisted of 3,191 adults diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus. We calculated the predicted glycated hemoglobin levels based on fasting blood glucose levels. Multivariate binary logistic regression analysis was conducted to examine the correlation between the HGI and NAFLD. Hepatic steatosis was diagnosed using ultrasonography.

Results

Among all participants, 1,784 (55.91%) were diagnosed with NAFLD. Participants with confirmed NAFLD showed elevated body mass index, diastolic blood pressure, liver enzyme, total cholesterol, triglyceride, low‐density lipoprotein and uric acid levels compared with those without NAFLD. In the unadjusted model, participants in the last tertile of HGI were 1.40‐fold more likely to develop NAFLD than those in the first tertile (95% confidence interval 1.18–1.66; P < 0.001). In the fully adjusted model, those in the last tertile of HGI had a 39% increased risk of liver steatosis compared with confidence interval in the first tertile of HGI (95% confidence interval 1.12–1.74; P < 0.001).

Conclusions

A higher HGI suggests an elevated risk of developing NAFLD in patients with type 2 diabetes.
Rainbow smelt (Osmerus mordax) influence on walleye (Sander vitreus) recruitment decline: mtDNA evidence supporting the predation hypothesis
Authors: Lepak Jesse M. , Hansen Adam G. , Cristan Erik T. , Williams Demetra A. , Pate William M.
Published: August 2023

Rainbow smelt (Osmerus mordax) have been introduced widely but are associated with declines in walleye (Sander vitreus) recruitment. A primary hypothesis for these declines is that O. mordax consume larval S. vitreus. We confirmed overlapping spatial–temporal distributions of larval S. vitreus and O. mordax in our study system and used mtDNA analyses to determine if O. mordax stomach contents contained S. vitreus. Approximately 20% of O. mordax composite stomach samples were considered positive for S. vitreus consumption. These findings support the predation hypothesis and have S. vitreus management/stocking implications.
Surgery of primary lung carcinoid tumors at metastatic stage: A national study from the French Group of Endocrine Tumors (GTE) and ENDOCAN‐RENATEN network
Authors: Duponchelle Lucie , Baudin Eric , Subtil Fabien , Do Cao Christine , Dansin Eric , Perrier Marine , Teissier Marie‐Pierre , Haissaguerre Magalie , Cansouline Xavier , Hadoux Julien , Jepiral Galina , Lombard‐Bohas Catherine , Mercier Olaf , Tronc François , Walter Thomas
Published: August 2023

The outcome following surgery for patients with primary lung neuroendocrine tumors at metastatic stage remains poorly characterized. We conducted a retrospective national study including patients with metastatic lung neuroendocrine tumors at diagnosis. We performed a safety study to evaluate major morbidity and mortality of surgical resection of the primary tumor and compared patients in the operative to the nonoperative group. A total of 155 patients were included: 41 in the operative group and 114 in the nonoperative group, median age was 64 years. Metastases were mainly located in the liver (74.2%) and the bone (49.7%). The primary endpoint was met as the rate of major complications was 4.9% and there was no postoperative mortality. In the operative group 42.5% of patients had improvement of their pulmonary symptoms versus 14.4% in the nonoperative group. The median overall survival was not reached in the operative group and was 4.3 years (95% CI [3.5;4.9]) in the nonoperative group (univariate analysis, HR = 0.42 95% CI [0.23–0.77], p = .002). After multivariate analysis, only an ECOG‐PS ≥1 (vs. 0, HR = 2.44, 95% CI [1.46;4.07], p = .001) and >1 metastatic site (vs. 1; HR = 1.83, 95% CI [1.06;3.16], p = .030) remained significantly associated with overall survival. The resection of the primary tumor was not significantly associated with overall survival (HR = 0.63, 95% CI [0.32;1.24], p = .183). In conclusion, surgery of primary lung neuroendocrine tumors at metastatic stage is a safe option that should be considered in selected patients in order to improve symptoms with a view to improving their quality of life. Larger studies are warranted to evaluate the impact of surgery on survival.
Initial Efficacy of a Fraction–Vocabulary Intervention for Students Experiencing Mathematics Difficulty in Grade 4
Authors: Lin Xin , Powell Sarah R.
Published: August 2023

This quasi–experimental study was designed to investigate the initial efficacy of a fraction–vocabulary intervention for Grade 4 students with mathematics difficulty (MD) and to explore its impact on relevant fraction competencies. Thirty–three students were assigned to either the intervention condition ( n = 16) or a business–as–usual comparison condition ( n = 17). The intervention occurred 3 sessions per week for 4 weeks, for a total of 11 sessions. Results indicated the main effect of the fraction–vocabulary intervention was significant for fraction–vocabulary posttest and one fraction competency—fraction arithmetic. That is, students with MD can successfully learn fraction vocabulary via a brief intervention, and improved fraction–vocabulary knowledge may positively affect their fraction competencies.