bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Corporate social irresponsibility: a contingent social media crisis management perspective
Authors: Ma Yongyuan , Xue Liguo
Published: October 2023

Purpose

Today's business world has been tarnished with numerous corporate irresponsible behaviors. It is thus of great importance for firms to carry out crisis management on the condition of corporate social irresponsibility (CSI). Taking a contingent social media crisis management perspective, the authors aim to investigate the relation between CSI and firm value while also examining the moderating effects of being known in social media and generalized favorability in social media on this relation.

Design/methodology/approach

The empirical analysis conducted in the authors' research is based on a sample of 203 CSI events that occurred within publicly listed firms in China between 2011 and 2015. During the process of the authors' data collection, the authors initially verified the occurrence of CSI events in publicly listed firms by reviewing reports from reputable sources such as the 21st Century Business Herald and China Securities Journal. Subsequently, the authors collected the information pertaining to media coverage of these CSI events from the China Core Newspapers Full-text Database (CCND). Additionally, the authors obtained the remaining data from reliable sources such as Guba, the China Stock Market and Accounting Research Database (CSMAR) and the Chinese News Analytics Database (CNAD). To test the authors' hypotheses, the event study and multiple-regression analysis methods are adopted.

Findings

The authors find CSI generates a negative impact on firm value. Moreover, while being known in social media strengthens the negative relation between CSI and firm value, generalized favorability in social media weakens such relation.

Research limitations/implications

There are two streams of limitations that present promising avenues for future studies. Theoretically, the authors explore the mechanisms of CSI affecting firm value from a contingent social media crisis management perspective. Consequently, the authors' study does not encompass other potential mechanisms that may exist in the CSI–firm value linkage. In terms of empirical analysis, three issues arise that provide opportunities for further investigation. First, the authors have not accounted for all potential factors that could influence the link between CSI and firm value. Second, the authors' data are subject to limitation since it comes from manual collection. At last, because the authors confirm the sample based on the actual CSI events of publicly listed firms in China, the authors' sample size is small.

Originality/value

The authors' findings contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the relation between CSI and firm value, as well as effective strategies for responding to CSI through the utilization of social media. Consequently, the authors' results have the potential to stimulate further research on the implications of CSI and the management of corporate crises through social media platforms.
The impact of the Market Abuse Directive on illegal insider trading: evidence from three Southern European stock markets
Authors: Lobão Júlio , Baptista Sofia P.
Published: October 2023

Purpose

This study aims to examine the deterrent effect of the Market Abuse Directive (MAD) introduced in the European Union in 2003. The purpose is to evaluate whether the Directive has resulted in significant changes in pre-bid stock price run-ups observed in mergers and acquisitions within the Portuguese, Spanish and Greek stock markets.

Design/methodology/approach

The study analyzes a sample of 199 mergers and acquisitions in the aforementioned stock markets. The magnitude of pre-bid stock price run-ups is investigated as an indicator of illegal insider trading. The effects of the MAD, toehold positions of bidders and industry similarity between firms involved in the deals are assessed using statistical analysis.

Findings

The study’s findings indicate that the MAD has been ineffective in deterring investors from trading on non-public information. Pre-announcement price run-ups remain significant, suggesting ongoing illegal insider trading practices. Additionally, the research reveals that pre-bid stock price run-ups tend to be lower when bidders have established a larger toehold position in the target and when the firms involved in the deal belong to the same industry.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the existing literature by providing empirical evidence on the ineffectiveness of the MAD in deterring illegal insider trading. The findings highlight the limitations of increasing penalties without an effective monitoring system in place. Furthermore, the study identifies additional factors, such as toehold positions and industry similarity, that influence the magnitude of pre-announcement price run-ups in mergers and acquisitions.
Metaverse tourism and Gen-Z and Gen-Y’s motivation: “will you, or won’t you travel virtually?”
Authors: Zhang Jiale , Quoquab Farzana , Mohammad Jihad
Published: October 2023

Purpose

Guided by the self-determination theory and theory of planned behaviour, this study aims to examine the determinants of participating in metaverse tourism for Gen Z and Gen Y.

Design/methodology/approach

The cross-sectional method was used to collect data from 248 respondents from Gen Z and Gen Y tourists. The research model was evaluated using the partial least squares-structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM).

Findings

The PLS-SEM results supported the positive effect of attitude and perceived behavioural control on tourists’ intention to participate in the metaverse tourism. In addition, the crucial role of intrinsic motivation in raising individuals’ cognitive beliefs about metaverse tourism was confirmed.

Originality/value

In addition to the theoretical contributions, the findings provide several managerial implications for tourism practitioners, scholars and metaverse developers to help them make insightful decisions and promote the development of metaverse tourism.
Biogeography of microbial communities in high‐latitude ecosystems: Contrasting drivers for methanogens, methanotrophs and global prokaryotes
Authors: Seppey Christophe V. W. , Cabrol Léa , Thalasso Frederic , Gandois Laure , Lavergne Céline , Martinez‐Cruz Karla , Sepulveda‐Jauregui Armando , Aguilar‐Muñoz Polette , Astorga‐España María Soledad , Chamy Rolando , Dellagnezze Bruna Martins , Etchebehere Claudia , Fochesatto Gilberto J. , Gerardo‐Nieto Oscar , Mansilla Andrés , Murray Alison , Sweetlove Maxime , Tananaev Nikita , Teisserenc Roman , Tveit Alexander T. , Van de Putte Anton , Svenning Mette M. , Barret Maialen
Published: October 2023

Methane‐cycling is becoming more important in high‐latitude ecosystems as global warming makes permafrost organic carbon increasingly available. We explored 387 samples from three high‐latitudes regions (Siberia, Alaska and Patagonia) focusing on mineral/organic soils (wetlands, peatlands, forest), lake/pond sediment and water. Physicochemical, climatic and geographic variables were integrated with 16S rDNA amplicon sequences to determine the structure of the overall microbial communities and of specific methanogenic and methanotrophic guilds. Physicochemistry (especially pH) explained the largest proportion of variation in guild composition, confirming species sorting (i.e., environmental filtering) as a key mechanism in microbial assembly. Geographic distance impacted more strongly beta diversity for (i) methanogens and methanotrophs than the overall prokaryotes and, (ii) the sediment habitat, suggesting that dispersal limitation contributed to shape the communities of methane‐cycling microorganisms. Bioindicator taxa characterising different ecological niches (i.e., specific combinations of geographic, climatic and physicochemical variables) were identified, highlighting the importance of Methanoregula as generalist methanogens. Methylocystis and Methylocapsa were key methanotrophs in low pH niches while Methylobacter and Methylomonadaceae in neutral environments. This work gives insight into the present and projected distribution of methane‐cycling microbes at high latitudes under climate change predictions, which is crucial for constraining their impact on greenhouse gas budgets.
Doing and undoing transgender health care: The ordering of ‘gender dysphoria’ in clinical practice
Authors: de Boer Wolter , Molewijk Bert C. , Bremmer Marijke A. , Kreukels Baudewijntje P. C. , Moyer Eileen M. , Gerritse Karl
Published: October 2023

A formal Gender Dysphoria classification— as outlined in the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders— is a prerequisite for the reimbursement of both gender‐affirming medical care and transgender mental health care in the Netherlands. Gender Dysphoria and its conceptual precursors have always been moving targets: moving due to research, policy, care practices and activism both within and outside of medicine. This raises the question of what Gender Dysphoria is exactly. To elucidate this question, we turn to the people who use the concept in clinical practice to come to a diagnosis and treatment indication: mental health professionals working in gender‐affirming medical care and transgender mental health care. Using a material semiotics approach, we reflect upon how Gender Dysphoria is done in clinical practice. Based on an analysis of seventeen practice‐based interviews with clinicians as well as an examination of clinical guidelines and texts, we describe four modes in which Gender Dysphoria is ordered. These modes of ordering illustrate that Gender Dysphoria is not one, but multiple. We illustrate how in the mode of isolating, Gender Dysphoria is something which is carefully isolated from mental disorders, while in the modes doing the future and narrating, Gender Dysphoria is done as a continuous and predictable object of care. Such orderings of Gender Dysphoria potentially conflict with a fourth mode of ordering: the doing of diversity in transgender health care. The study’s findings provide empirical insights into how transgender health care is currently done in The Netherlands and provide a foundation on which ethical debates on what good transgender health care should entail.
Inhibition of broomrape germination by 2,4‐diacetylphloroglucinol produced by environmental Pseudomonas
Authors: Lurthy Tristan , Perot Ségolène , Gerin‐Eveillard Florence , Rey Marjolaine , Wisniewski‐Dyé Florence , Vacheron Jordan , Prigent‐Combaret Claire
Published: October 2023

Parasitic weeds such as broomrapes (Phelipanche ramosa and Orobanche cumana) cause severe damage to crops and their development must be controlled. Given that phloroglucinol compounds (PGCs) produced by environmental Pseudomonas could be toxic towards certain plants, we assessed the potential herbicidal effect of the bacterial model Pseudomonas ogarae F113, a PGCs‐producing bacterium, on parasitic weed. By combining the use of a mutagenesis approach and of pure PGCs, we evaluated the in vitro effect of PGC‐produced by P. ogarae F113 on broomrape germination and assessed the protective activity of a PGC‐producing bacteria on oilseed rape (Brassica napus) against P. ramosa in non‐sterile soils. We showed that the inhibition of the germination depends on the PGCs molecular structure and their concentrations as well as the broomrape species and pathovars. This inhibition caused by the PGCs is irreversible, causing a brown coloration of the broomrape seeds. The inoculation of PGCs‐producing bacteria limited the broomrape infection of P. ramosa, without affecting the host growth. Moreover, elemental profiling analysis of oilseed rape revealed that neither F113 nor applied PGCs affected the nutrition capacity of the oilseed rape host. Our study expands the knowledge on plant‐beneficial Pseudomonas as weed biocontrol agents and opens new avenues for the development of natural bioherbicides to enhance crop yield.
Present‐day Upper‐crustal Strain Rate Field in Southeastern Tibet and its Geodynamic Implications: Constraints from GPS Measurements with ABIC Method
Authors: YANG Shaohua , PAN Jiawei , LI Haibing , SHI Yaolin
Published: October 2023

The Earth's surface kinematics and deformation are fundamental to understanding crustal evolution. An effective research approach is to estimate regional motion field and deformation fields based on modern geodetic networks. If the discrete observed velocity field is obtained, the velocity related fields, such as dilatation rate and maximum shear strain rate, can be estimated by applying varied mathematical approaches. This study applied Akaike's Bayesian Information Criterion (ABIC) method to calculate strain rate fields constrained by GPS observations in the southeast Tibetan Plateau. Comparison with results derived from other three methods revealed that our ABIC‐derived strain rate fields were more precise. The maximum shear strain rate highlighted the Xianshuihe–Xiaojiang fault system as the main boundary for the outward migration of material in southeastern Tibet, indicating rotation of eastern Tibet material around the eastern Himalaya rather than whole extrusion along a fixed channel. Additionally, distinct dilatation rate patterns in the northeast and southwest regions of the fault system were observed. The northeast region, represented by the Longmenshan area, exhibited negative dilatational anomalies; while the southwest region, represented by the Jinsha River area north of 29°N, displayed positive dilatational anomalies. This indicates compression in the former and extension in the latter. Combined with deep geophysical observations, we believe that the upper and lower crusts of the Jinsha River area north of 29°N are in an entire expanding state, probably caused by the escape‐drag effect of material. The presence of a large, low‐viscosity region south of 29°N may not enable the entire escape of the crust, but instead result in a differential escape of the lower crust faster than the upper crust.
Hydrochemical Characteristics and Evolution of Underground Brine in Lop Nur, Northwestern China
Authors: BO Ying , LIU Chenglin , JIAO Pengcheng , LÜ Fenglin , ZHANG Hua
Published: October 2023

Lop Nur is located at the eastmost end of the Tarim Basin in Xinjiang, Northwestern China. This study reviews the hydrochemical characteristics and evolution of underground brine in Lop Nur, based on analytical data from 429 water samples (mainly brine). It is found that in the NE–SW direction, from the periphery to the Luobei sub‐depression, while the hydrochemical type varies from the sodium sulfate subtype (S) to the magnesium sulfate subtype (M), the corresponding brine in the phase diagram transfers from the thenardite phase (Then) area, through the bloedite phase (Blo), epsomite phase (Eps), picromerite phase (Picro), finally reaching the sylvite phase (Syl) area. As for the degree of evolution, the sequence is the periphery < Luobei horizontally and the overlying glauberite brine < the underlying clastic brine vertically. It is concluded that the oxygen and hydrogen isotopic compositions of the brine have evidently been affected through the effects of evaporation and altitude, as well as the changes in local water circulation in recent years. Boron and chloride isotopic compositions show that the glauberite brine is formed under more arid conditions than the clastic one. The strontium isotopic composition indicates that the Lop Nur brine primarily originates from surface water; however, deep recharge may also be involved in the evolution of the brine, according to previous noble gas studies. It is confirmed that the brine in Lop Nur has become enriched with potassium prior to halite precipitation over the full course of the salt lake's evolution. Based on chemical compositions of brine from drillhole LDK01 and previous lithological studies, the evolution of the salt lake can be divided into three stages and it is inferred that the brine in Lop Nur may have undergone at least two significant concentration‐dilution periods.
Apatite Fission Track Thermochronology of Granite from the Xiazhuang Uranium Ore Field, South China: Implications for Exhumation History and Ore Preservation
Authors: SUN Yue , CHEN Zhengle , PAN Jiayong , HUO Hailong , LI Haidong , SUN Junjie , XU Guangchun
Published: October 2023

Xiazhuang uranium ore field, located in the southern part of the Nanling Metallogenic Belt, is considered one of the largest granite‐related U regions in South China. In this paper, we contribute new apatite fission track data and thermal history modeling to constrain the exhumation history and evaluate preservation potential of the Xiazhuang Uranium ore field. Nine Triassic outcrop granite samples collected from different locations of Xiazhuang Uranium ore field yield AFT ages ranging from 43 to 24 Ma with similar mean confined fission track lengths ranging from 11.8 ± 2.0 to 12.9 ± 1.9 μm and Dpar values between 1.01 and 1.51 μm. The robustness time‐temperature reconstructions of samples from the hanging wall of Huangpi fault show that the Xiazhuang Uranium ore field experienced a time of monotonous and slow cooling starting from middle Paleocene to middle Miocene (∼60–10 Ma), followed by relatively rapid exhumation in the late Miocene (∼10–5 Ma) and nearly thermal stability in the Pliocene–Quaternary (∼5–0 Ma). The amount of exhumation after U mineralization since the Middle Paleogene was estimated as ∼4.3 ± 1.8 km according to the integrated thermal history model. Previous studies indicate that the ore‐forming ages of U deposits in the Xiazhuang ore field are mainly before Middle Paleocene and the mineralization depths are more than 4.4 ± 1.2 km. Therefore, the exhumation history since middle Paleocene plays important roles in the preservation of the Xiazhuang Uranium ore field.
Early Cretaceous Metasomatized Lithospheric Mantle beneath the Central Jiangnan Orogen in South China: Geochemical and Sr‐Nd Isotope Evidence from the Tuanshanbei Dolerite
Authors: WANG Cheng , WEI Hantao , LIU Qingquan , YANG Zhao
Published: October 2023

It is well established that Cretaceous magmatism in the South China Block (SCB) is related to the Paleo‐Pacific subduction. However, the starting time and the associated deep crust‐mantle processes are still debatable. Mafic dike swarms carry important information on the deep earth (including mantle) geodynamics and geochemical evolution. In the Jiangnan Orogen (South China), there is no information on whether the Mesozoic magmatic activities in this region are also directly related to the Pacific subduction or not. In this study, we present detailed zircon U‐Pb geochronological, whole‐rock element and Sr‐Nd isotope data for Early Cretaceous Tuanshanbei dolerite dikes, and provide new constraints on the condition of the lithospheric mantle and mantle dynamics of the SCB during that time. LA‐ICP‐MS zircon U‐Pb dating suggests that this dolerite erupted in the Early Cretaceous (∼145 Ma). All samples have alkaline geochemical affinities with K2O + Na2O = 3.11–4.04 wt%, K2O/Na2O = 0.50–0.72, and Mg# = 62.24–65.13. They are enriched in LILE but depleted in HFSE with higher initial 87Sr/86Sr ratio (0.706896–0.714743) and lower εNd(t) (–2.61 to –1.67). They have high Nb/U, Nb/La, La/Sm and Rb/Sr, and low La/Nb, La/Ta, Ce/Pb, Ba/Rb, Tb/Yb and Gd/Yb ratios. Such geochemical signatures suggest that the fractional crystallization is obvious but crustal contamination play a negligible role during magmatic evolution. Tuanshanbei dolerite were most likely derived from low‐degree (2%–5%) partial melting of a phlogopite‐bearing mantle material consisted of ∼85% spinel peridotite and ∼15% garnet peridotite previously metasomatized by asthenosphere‐derived fluids/melts with minor subduction‐derived fluids/melts. Slab‐rollback generally lead to the upwelling of the hot asthenosphere. The upwelling of asthenosphere consuming the lithospheric mantle by thermo‐mechanical‐chemical erosion. The lithospheric mantle may have partially melted due to the heating by the upwelling asthenosphere and lithospheric extension. It is inferred that the Tuanshanbei dolerite might be associated with the initial slab rollback and corresponding lithospheric extension occurred potentially at ca. 145 Ma.
Health insurance menu design for large employers
Authors: Ho Kate , Lee Robin S.
Published: October 2023

We provide a framework for large employers designing a menu of health plan offerings that differ on both financial and nonfinancial dimensions. Using administrative data from Harvard University, we estimate a model of plan choice and utilization, and evaluate the benefits of cost sharing and plan variety. For this population of consumers, and a single plan with a generous out‐of‐pocket maximum and zero deductible, modest cost sharing of approximately 30% maximizes average employee surplus. Gains from offering choice are meaningful only if financial differentiation is paired with differentiation along other dimensions where consumer preferences are correlated with efficient coverage levels.
Data‐enabled learning, network effects, and competitive advantage
Authors: Hagiu Andrei , Wright Julian
Published: October 2023

We model dynamic competition between firms which improve their products through learning from customer data, either by pooling different customers' data (across‐user learning) or by learning from repeated usage of the same customers (within‐user learning). We show how a firm's competitive advantage is affected by the shape of firms' learning functions, asymmetries between their learning functions, the extent of data accumulation, and customer beliefs. We also explore how public policies toward data sharing, user privacy, and killer data acquisitions affect competitive dynamics and efficiency. Finally, we show conditions under which a consumer coordination problem arises endogenously from data‐enabled learning.
Localising aid: Urban displacement, contested public authority and legitimacy in Jordan and Lebanon
Authors: te Lintelo Dolf J. H. , Liptrot Tim
Published: October 2023

Globally, tens of millions of forcibly displaced people live in informal urban neighbourhoods. Although critical sites for humanitarian and development intervention, municipal authorities may have only a limited presence. Especially in conflict and post‐conflict settings, other non‐state actors emerge to compete for public authority. While the localisation agenda of international donors seeks to better engage local governance actors, little is known about how aid donors take account of non‐state public authority actors as they seek to achieve stability, state building, security and refugee resilience objectives. Accordingly, this study adopts a qualitative methodology to analyse how, why and to what effect donors conceive of and seek to address the legitimacy of state and non‐state urban public authority actors in their response to urban displacement. Analysis of the Syrian refugee crisis in Jordan and Lebanon shows that municipalities remain the focus, as donors hold three key assumptions that inform their interventions. Adopting sophisticated tools for understanding non‐state actors' pursuit of public authority, donor interventions seek to undergird, shift, work around, blank or ban their legitimacy‐making practices. We conclude that while donors embrace empirical legitimacy approaches, development and humanitarian responses to urban protracted displacement in marginal urban neighbourhoods are restricted by powerful normative legitimacy approaches rooted in foreign policy objectives.
Taking the hunch out of the crunch: A framework to improve variable selection in models to detect financial statement fraud
Authors: Gepp Adrian , Kumar Kuldeep , Bhattacharya Sukanto
Published: October 2023

Financial statement fraud is a costly problem for society. Detection models can help, but a framework to guide variable selection for such models is lacking. A novel Fraud Detection Triangle (FDT) framework is proposed specifically for this purpose. Extending the well‐known Fraud Triangle, the FDT framework can facilitate improved detection models. Using Benford's law, we demonstrate the posited framework's utility in aiding variable selection via the element of surprise evoked by suspicious information latent in the data. We call for more research into variables that measure rationalisations for fraud and suspicious phenomena arising as unintended consequences of financial statement fraud.
Trypauchen vagina (Bloch & Schneider, 1801) a new established species in the Southwestern Atlantic
Authors: Trevisan João Pedro , Caires Rodrigo Antunes , Rodrigues Bruna Delfin Ferreira , Rotundo Matheus Marcos , Alves Douglas Fernandes Rodrigues , da Silva Alexandre Ribeiro
Published: October 2023

Trypauchen vagina (Bloch & Schneider, 1801) is a goby that lives burrowed into the substrata feeding on small invertebrates. It is native to the Indo‐pacific region, ranging from Kuwait to China. Recently, this fish has been reported outside the original range of distribution, being found in the Mediterranean Sea, and more recently in the northeastern Brazilian coast. The Mediterranean reports are usually associated with Lessepsian migration, while the reports from Brazil are possibly related to ballast water transportation. In the present work, we provide eight new records from southeastern Brazilian coast, all made in São Paulo state, far from the first record. These additional records raised concern since the presence of an alien species could implicate in environmental and economic losses. Thus, we decide to model the environmental suitability for this goby in the Brazilian coast, specially focusing on major ports, usually places with high ballast water propagule pressure. In addition, an analysis of the suitability in the Red Sea was also made, to verify the hypothesis of Lessepsian migration. The results revealed that temperature and primary productivity are among the most important parameters for the presence of T. vagina, also indicating a high environmental suitability for this species in the Red Sea and Brazilian coast, especially in southeastern region, where the new records were made. Due to the number of collected individuals, it is hard to affirm that this taxon presents a self‐sustaining population in Brazilian waters, but the several registers, in different locations and different life stages point to an establishment of the species in this new region. This population status allied with a high environmental suitability is alarming and should motivate new studies concerning T. vagina in Brazilian waters.
Species richness, occurrence and rarity of bats in Brazilian caves
Authors: Barros Jennifer S. , Bernard Enrico
Published: October 2023

Caves are among the most important roosts of hundreds of bat species worldwide. However, caves can be formed in different lithologies. Cave structure and characteristics, which are shaped by lithology, can, in turn, influence roost preferences for different bat species. Therefore, cave lithology and characteristics can help us to better understand why some bat species may be rare in some caves and common in others. Brazil is a continental country, rich in bat species (181 spp.), lithologies and caves (>23 000). However, only a small fraction of the known caves has been sampled for bats so far, with no emphasis on the role lithology may have. Based on a literature review and using data on bat occurrence, in this study, we investigated the influence of lithology on bat species richness and rarity in Brazilian caves. We evaluated 117 studies, including data from 552 caves, and updated the number of bat species occurring in Brazilian caves to 81. Species richness differed between lithologies: carbonate caves had higher species richness, whereas iron caves had lower species richness. Richness was positively related to carbonate caves and with cave size: the bigger the cave, the more species‐rich it tends to be. Overall, caves in the Cerrado had the highest species richness, followed by Atlantic Forest, Caatinga caves and Amazonian caves. Thirteen species can be considered as primarily cave‐dwelling species, recorded in 10%–20% of the caves. Rarity was common among primarily cave‐dwelling species. Nearly 22% of the sampled caves harboured endangered species, reaching 53% of the species‐richest caves. Our analysis provides a comprehensive baseline for bat fauna in different types of caves in Brazil. Even so, we strongly recommend the establishment of long‐term monitoring of population trends for bats in Brazilian caves, which is necessary information but almost non‐existing for the country.
Modelling the potential distribution of the common impala (Aepyceros melampus melampus) across Africa's changing climate
Authors: Mutematemi Simbai , Ndaimani Henry , Muvengwi Justice
Published: October 2023

The common impala (Aepyceros melampus melampus), a medium‐sized herbivore in Eastern and Southern African savannahs, faces challenges from climate change. Using a species distribution model, we found temperature of the driest quarter (30.32%) and wettest month precipitation (20.36%) as the most influential factors. Surprisingly, land cover change had less impact (0.25%). Projections suggest a significant habitat reduction for impalas by 2050, with estimated losses of 18.12% (SSP‐126) and 25.62% (SSP‐585). These findings highlight climate change and land cover alterations as potential threats to impala survival, impacting crucial resources like forage and water. This research guides conservation efforts for common impala.
Treatments for hyperemesis gravidarum: A systematic review
Authors: Vinnars Marie‐Therese , Forslund Maria , Claesson Ing‐Marie , Hedman Annicka , Peira Nathalie , Olofsson Hanna , Wernersson Emma , Ulfsdottir Hanna
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Hyperemesis gravidarum affects 0.3%–3% of pregnant women each year and is the leading cause of hospitalization in early pregnancy. Previous systematic reviews of available treatments have found a lack of consistent evidence, and few studies of high quality. Since 2016, no systematic review has been conducted and an up‐to date review is requested. In a recent James Lind Alliance collaboration, it was clear that research on effective treatments is a high priority for both patients and clinicians.

Material and methods

Searches without time limits were performed in the AMED, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, Medline, PsycINFO, and Scopus databases until June 26, 2023. Studies published before October 1, 2014 were identified from the review by O'Donnell et al., 2016. Selection criteria were randomized clinical trials and non‐randomized studies of interventions comparing treatment of hyperemesis gravidarum with another treatment or placebo. Outcome variables included were: degree of nausea; vomiting; inability to tolerate oral fluids or food; hospital treatment; health‐related quality of life, small‐for‐gestational‐age infant; and preterm birth. Abstracts and full texts were screened, and risk of bias of the studies was assessed independently by two authors. Synthesis without meta‐analysis was performed, and certainty of evidence was assessed using the GRADE approach. PROSPERO (CRD42022303150).

Results

Twenty treatments were included in 25 studies with low or moderate risk of bias. The certainty of evidence was very low for all treatments except for acupressure in addition to standard care, which showed a possible moderate decrease in nausea and vomiting, with low certainty of evidence.

Conclusions

Several scientific knowledge gaps were identified. Studies on treatments for hyperemesis gravidarum are few, and the certainty of evidence for different treatments is either low or very low. To establish more robust evidence, it is essential to use validated scoring systems, the recently established diagnostic criteria, clear descriptions and measurements of core outcomes and to perform larger studies.
Association of aEEG and brain injury severity on MRI at term‐equivalent age in preterm infants
Authors: Griesmaier Elke , Schreiner Christina , Winkler Ira , Posod Anna , Sappler Maria , Kiechl‐Kohlendorfer Ursula , Neubauer Vera
Published: October 2023

Aim

Measures to detect and monitor brain injury in preterm infants are amplitude‐integrated electroencephalography (aEEG) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). To investigate the association between aEEG and MRI in a large cohort of preterm infants. Five hundred and twenty‐three preterm infants were included in the study.

Methods

AEEG was interpreted for the total maturation score (TMS) according to Burdjalov. Cerebral MRI was evaluated using a validated scoring system by Kidokoro.

Results

One hundred and forty‐six infants (27.9%) showed some form of brain injury, with 111 infants (21.2%) showing mild injury and 35 (6.7%) showing severe injury. TMS were significantly higher in infants without injury compared to severe injury. When comparing infants with isolated intraventricular haemorrhage  to infants without brain injury, TMS were significantly lower.

Conclusion

Prediction of adverse outcome is an important aspect of neonatal care. The combination of diagnostic measures evaluating brain injury might enhance our abilities in neonatal care to provide accurate information about later outcome. Early aEEG is predictive for the severity of brain injury detected by MRI at term‐equivalent age. Whether aEEG is also predictive for neurodevelopmental outcome needs to be further investigated in relation to the various patterns of preterm brain injury.
Epidemiological surveillance of drug safety using cumulative sequential analysis in electronic healthcare data
Authors: Aakjær Mia , De Bruin Marie Louise , Andersen Morten
Published: October 2023

Background

Methods for safety signal detection in electronic healthcare data analysing data sequentially are being developed to meet the limitations of spontaneous reporting systems.

Objectives

This study aims to provide an overview of the literature on sequential analysis of electronic healthcare data and describe the development and testing of a novel epidemiological surveillance system.

Methods

We searched Medline, Embase, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library applying similar in‐ and exclusion criteria as those of a previous systematic review. The proposed system consisted of repeated cohort studies and was tested in an emulated prospective setting. Two signal evaluations were performed with several sensitivity analyses and a target trial emulation.

Findings

In the literature, 11 studies analysed the data sequentially of which two applied traditional epidemiological methods. Epidemiological surveillance of several exposures and outcomes can be successfully conducted with the newly proposed sequential analysis of electronic healthcare data. Signal evaluation studies confirmed the results of the system.

Conclusions

Very few studies in the literature analysed data at multiple time points, although this seems to be a prerequisite for testing the methods in a realistic setting. We demonstrated the feasibility of a sequential surveillance system using electronic healthcare data.
Focal therapy with high‐intensity focused ultrasound for prostate cancer: 3‐year outcomes from a prospective trial
Authors: Kaufmann Basil , Raess Elisa , Schmid Florian A. , Bieri Uwe , Scherer Thomas P. , Elleisy Moustafa , Donati Olivio F. , Rupp Niels J. , Moch Holger , Gorin Michael A. , Mortezavi Ashkan , Eberli Daniel
Published: October 2023

Objective

To assess the oncological and functional outcomes of focal high‐intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) in treating localised prostate cancer (PCa), a 3‐year prospective study was undertaken using periodic post‐ablation saturation biopsies.

Patients and Methods

Men with two or fewer lesions of grade group (GG) ≤3 PCa were eligible for participation. Additional criteria included a prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) level of ≤15 ng/mL, clinical T1c‐T2, and a life expectancy of ≥10 years. The primary endpoint was failure‐free survival (FFS), defined as absence of clinically significant PCa (csPCa) in‐ or out‐of‐field on protocol‐mandated saturation biopsy, no whole‐gland or systemic salvage treatment, PCa metastasis, or PCa‐related death. Results are reported using two distinct definitions of csPCa: (i) the presence of any GG ≥2 and (ii) any GG ≥3 or core involvement of ≥6 mm. Secondary endpoints were functional patient‐reported outcome measures addressing urinary, sexual, and bowel function.

Results

A total of 91 patients were included: six (7%) with GG1 and 85 (93%) with GG ≥2. In all, 83 (91%) underwent at least one follow‐up biopsy. Biopsy attendance at 6, 12, and 36 months was 84%, 67%, and 51%, respectively. The FFS at these time points for any GG ≥2 PCa was 79% (95% confidence interval [CI] 80–88%), 57% (95% CI 48–69%) and 44% (95% CI 34–56%), respectively. Using the second definition, FFS were 88% (95% CI 81–95%), 70% (95% CI 61–81%) and 65% (95% CI 55–77%), respectively. The 3‐year cancer‐specific survival was 100%, and freedom from metastasis was 99%. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) (negative predictive value of up to 89%, 95% CI 84–93%) and relative decrease of PSA values (P = 0.4) performed poorly in detecting residual disease. Urinary and bowel assessment returned to baseline questionnaire scores within 3 months. In all, 17 (21%) patients reported meaningful worsening in erectile function. A significant decrease of PCa related anxiety was observed.

Conclusions

Focal HIFU treatment for localised PCa shows excellent functional outcomes with half of the patients remaining cancer‐free after 3 years. Whole‐gland treatment was avoided in 81%. Early follow‐up biopsies are crucial to change or continue the treatment modality at the right time, while the use of MRI and PSA in detecting PCa recurrence is uncertain.
Family leadership among Israeli families of children with disabilities during the 2019 coronavirus disease pandemic
Authors: Gur Ayelet , Hindi Tali‐Noy , Krisi‐Kadosh Lilach
Published: October 2023

The objective of this study was to investigate family leadership in family centres for families of children with disabilities in Israel amid the 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID‐19) pandemic. The study focuses on mapping family leadership activities within these family centres during the COVID‐19 pandemic and explores potential associations between participation in family leadership groups and family outcomes. Thirty‐five parents who were involved in family leadership groups and 42 parents of a control group completed an online survey. The survey included the Family Leadership Activity Measure, the Sense of Community Index, the Emergency Families Centre Services Index, the Sense of Sharing Index, the Brief Family Distress Scale and the Beach Center Family Quality of Life Scale. Significant differences were found among groups with regard to barriers to services usage, family centre services usage, family's satisfaction with services, sense of community with the family centre and sense of sharing. Parents who were involved in family leadership groups demonstrated favourable outcomes. No significant differences were found between the groups in family quality of life and distress. It is determined that in times of local or national crises, family leadership may promote more family‐centred supports.
Surgeon factors but not hospital factors associated with length of stay after colorectal surgery – A population based study
Authors: Bayat Zubair , Kennedy Erin D. , Victor J. Charles , Govindarajan Anand
Published: October 2023

Aim

Length of stay (LOS) after colorectal surgery (CRS) is a significant driver of healthcare utilization and adverse patient outcomes. To date, there is little high‐quality evidence in the literature examining how individual surgeon and hospital factors independently impact LOS. We aimed to identify and quantify the independent impact of surgeon and hospital factors on LOS after CRS.

Methods

A retrospective population‐based cohort study was conducted using validated health administrative databases, encompassing all patients from the province of Ontario, Canada. All patients from 121 hospitals in Ontario who underwent elective CRS between 2008 and 2019 in Ontario were included, and factors pertaining to these patients and their treating surgeon and hospital were assessed. A negative binomial regression model was used to assess the independent effect of surgeon and hospital factors on LOS, accounting for a comprehensive collection of determinants of LOS. To minimize unmeasured confounding, the analysis was repeated in a subgroup comprising patients undergoing lower‐complexity CRS without postoperative complications.

Results

A total of 90,517 CRS patients were analysed. Independent of patient and procedural factors, low surgeon volume (lowest volume quartile) was associated with a 20% increase in LOS (95% CI: 12–29, p < 0.0001) compared to high surgeon volume (highest volume quartile). In the 22,639 patients undergoing uncomplicated lower‐complexity surgeries, a 43% longer LOS was seen in the lowest volume surgeon quartile (95% CI: 26–61, p < 0.0001). In both models, more years‐in‐practice was associated with a small increase in LOS (RR 1.02, 95% CI: 1.02–1.03, p < 0.0001). Hospital factors were not significantly associated with increased LOS.

Conclusions

Surgeon factors, including low surgeon volume and increasing years‐in‐practice, were strongly and independently associated with longer LOS, whereas hospital factors did not have an independent impact. This suggests that LOS is driven primarily by surgeon‐mediated care processes and may provide actionable targets for provider‐level interventions to reduce LOS after CRS.
Outcomes of liver transplantation for hepatopulmonary syndrome in patients with concomitant respiratory disease
Authors: Koc Özgür M. , Aslan Devrim , Kramer Matthijs , Verbeek Jef , Van Malenstein Hannah , van der Merwe Schalk , Monbaliu Diethard , Vos Robin , Verleden Geert M. , Pirenne Jacques , Nevens Frederik
Published: October 2023

Background & aims

Concomitant respiratory disease is a common finding in patients with hepatopulmonary syndrome (HPS). Among patients who underwent liver transplantation (LT) for HPS, we compared characteristics and outcome of patients with versus without concomitant respiratory disease.

Methods

This single center retrospective observational study included patients with HPS who underwent LT between 1999 and 2020.

Results

During the study period, 32 patients with HPS received a LT; nine (28%) with concomitant respiratory disease of whom one required a combined lung‐liver transplantation. Patients with concomitant respiratory disease had higher PaCO2 (38 vs. 33 mm Hg, p = .031). The 30‐day postoperative mortality was comparable, but the estimated cumulative probability of resolution of oxygen therapy after LT in HPS patients with versus those without concomitant respiratory disease was lower: 63% versus 91% at 12 months and 63% versus 100% at 18 months (HR 95% CI .140–.995, p = .040). In addition to the presence of concomitant respiratory disease (p = .040), history of smoking (p = .012), and high baseline 99mTcMAA shunt fraction (≥20%) (p = .050) were significantly associated with persistent need of oxygen therapy. The 5‐year estimated cumulative probability of mortality in patients with concomitant respiratory disease was worse: 50% versus 23% (HR 95% CI .416–6.867, p = .463).

Conclusions

The presence of a concomitant respiratory disease did not increase the short‐term postoperative mortality after LT in patients with HPS. However, it resulted in a longer need for oxygen therapy.
Heterogeneity of cancer stem cell‐related marker expression is associated with three‐dimensional structures in malignant pleural effusion produced by lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Lin Yen‐Yu , Lin Yueh‐Shen , Liang Cher‐Wei
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Cancer stem cells have been described in lung adenocarcinoma‐associated malignant pleural effusion. They show clinically important features, including the ability to initiate new tumours and resistance to treatments. However, their correlation with the three‐dimensional tumour structures in the effusion is not well understood.

Methods

Cell blocks produced from lung adenocarcinoma patients' pleural effusion were examined for cancer stem cell‐related markers Nanog and CD133 using immunocytochemistry. The three‐dimensional cancer cell structures and CD133 expression patterns were visualized with tissue‐clearing technology. The expression patterns were correlated with tumour cell structures, genetic variants and clinical outcomes.

Results

Thirty‐nine patients were analysed. Moderate‐to‐strong Nanog expression was detected in 27 cases (69%), while CD133 was expressed by more than 1% of cancer cells in 11 cases (28%). Nanog expression was more homogenous within individual specimens, while CD133 expression was detected in single tumour cells or cells within small clusters instead of larger structures in 8 of the 11 positive cases (73%). Although no statistically significant correlation between the markers and tumour genetic variants or patient survival was observed, we recorded seven cases with follow‐up specimens after cancer treatment, and four (57%) showed a change in stem cell‐related marker expression corresponding to treatment response.

Conclusions

Lung adenocarcinoma cells in the pleural effusion show variable expression of cancer stem cell‐related markers, some showing a correlation with the size of cell clusters. Their expression level is potentially correlated with cancer treatment effects.
Cytological features of hyaline fibromatosis syndrome: A case report with summary of prior published cases
Authors: Mohin Md , Lakra Niva , Jain Parul , Datta Supratim , Chatterjee Uttara
Published: October 2023

Cytological diagnosis of hyaline fibromatosis syndrome can be challenging. The main features on cytology are the presence of abundant acellular, bright pink‐purple matrix within which groups of bland spindle cells are embedded. Cytological features of a case of hyaline fibromatosis syndrome is described here along with the cytological differentials.