bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Challenging diagnosis of sarcomatoid hepatic mesothelioma: a case report with review of literature
Authors: Mehta Kahan , Mehta Samir , Joshi Maurya , Bharadwaj Hareesha R. , Ardeshana Ghanshyam , Tenkorang Pearl O.
Published: August 2023

Introduction:

Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive cancer that is primarily caused by asbestos exposure. However, cases of mesothelioma without asbestos exposure suggest the involvement of other risk factors. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma, which is characterized by spindle-shaped cells, is a particularly aggressive subtype with limited treatment options.

Case presentation:

The authors present a case of a 72-year-old man with no history of asbestos exposure who presented with abdominal pain, fatigue, and weight loss. Imaging revealed a large cystic mass in the liver. A Liver biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of sarcomatoid mesothelioma. Immunohistochemistry results further supported this diagnosis. Due to the advanced stage and tumor size, surgical resection was not feasible. Palliative chemotherapy was initiated, but the patient’s condition deteriorated rapidly, leading to his demise.

Conclusion:

This case highlights the complexity of mesothelioma and the need for further research to identify the nonasbestos-related risk factors. Understanding alternative causative agents and mechanisms is crucial for the early detection, the development of targeted therapies, and improving patient outcomes. The presented case contributes to the existing literature and aligns with the Surgical CAse REport (SCARE) Criteria.
Long-Term Outcomes following Hybrid Breast Reconstruction
Authors: Silverstein Max L. , Momeni Arash
Published: August 2023

Background:

Hybrid breast reconstruction combines free tissue transfer with implant placement. Various mesh products have been successfully used to secure the implant position in these reconstructions. In this study, the authors investigate the impact of mesh type on long-term outcomes following hybrid breast reconstruction.

Methods:

A retrospective analysis of all patients with at least 24 months of follow-up after immediate bilateral prepectoral hybrid breast reconstruction was performed. Univariate and multivariable regression analyses were used to evaluate long-term outcomes and compare breasts reconstructed with polyglactin mesh versus acellular dermal matrix (ADM).

Results:

Thirty-nine patients (78 breasts) who underwent hybrid breast reconstruction with an average follow-up period of 50.4 months (range, 27 to 73 months) were included in the study. Postoperative complications included hematoma (n = 2 [2.6%]), mastectomy skin necrosis (n = 12 [15.4%]), and fat necrosis (n = 6 [7.7%]). There were no instances of implant infection, implant exposure, or flap failure. Polyglactin mesh and ADM were used in 24 breasts and 54 breasts, respectively. Implant malposition and capsular contracture occurred more frequently in the polyglactin cohort leading to 10 (41.7%) instances of reoperation for implant replacement compared with only 1 (1.9%) in the ADM cohort (P < 0.001). On multivariable regression analysis, polyglactin mesh was associated with a 36-fold greater probability of requiring implant replacement compared with ADM (P = 0.006).

Conclusion:

ADM (versus polyglactin mesh) is associated with lower rates of capsular contracture and implant malposition in the context of hybrid breast reconstruction.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:

Therapeutic, III.
18F-FES Uptake in Radiation Pneumonitis
Authors: Mahalik Aparna , Chaudhary Beena , Kumar Rakesh , Tripathi Madhavi , Bal Chandrasekhar
Published: August 2023

18F-FDG uptake in radiation pneumonitis is well documented; however, the same is less so for 18F-floroestradiol (FES), which specifically binds to the estrogen receptors in vivo. We observed increased FES uptake in the right lung of an estrogen receptor positive breast cancer patient who had undergone right modified radical mastectomy followed by radiation therapy to chest wall. The possibility of FES uptake in radiation pneumonitis must therefore be kept in mind while interpreting FES PET.
Young Healthcare Workers’ Employment Status and Mental Distress over SARS-CoV-2 in Bolivia
Authors: John Lea , Solís-Soto María Teresa , Mühlhäusser Mira , Radon Katja
Published: August 2023

Background

Healthcare workers (HCW) have been particularly affected by the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic as it influenced employment conditions and unemployment/insecure employment. Their deterioration is associated with mental distress.

Objective

The aim of the study was to assess the trajectory of mental distress among HCW graduates during the COVID-19 pandemic in relation to their employment status.

Methods

We compared the change in mental distress over time among recent HCW graduates who were formally employed, to those who were unemployed/insecurely employed during the pandemic. In 2018 and 2022, we prospectively surveyed HCW who were in their final year of study in 2018 in Bolivia. Information was collected on socio-demographic characteristics, employment status, and mental distress. Mental distress was assessed using the 12-item General Health Questionnaire. Generalized Estimating Equations were implemented to examine changes in mental distress over time and the role of employment status in this development. Of the 663 HCW at baseline, 116 could be followed up.

Findings

Over the course of the pandemic, formal employment after graduation did not change the odds of mental distress (odds ratio (OR)=0.93 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.13−6.83]). In contrast, unemployment/insecure employment statistically significantly increased the odds of mental distress (OR=2.10 [CI 1.05−4.24]) over time.

Conclusions

Especially in countries with limited social support for unemployed/insecurely employed citizens, interventions and policies to prevent mental distress among newly graduated HCW are important. This is particularly relevant in the face of crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
Design and dynamic analysis of alpha solar rotary mechanism for China Space Station
Authors: Zhu Jinyao , Niu Cong , Chen Jinbao , Wang Chen , Liu Dianfu , Yang Decai
Published: August 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to describe the proposed alpha solar rotary mechanism (ASRM) and how it is used to accurately modify the solar array of the China Space Station (CSS) in orbit to maintain continuous tracking of the sun to provide power. It also highlights the need to evaluate the performance of the ASRM and predict potential failure modes in various extreme scenarios.

Design/methodology/approach

To evaluate the performance of the ASRM, a dynamic model was created and tested under normal and faulty conditions. In addition, a multidirectional stiffness test was conducted on the prototype to verify the accuracy of the ASRM's dynamic model. The high-precision ASRM model was then used to predict potential failure modes and damaged parts in various extreme scenarios.

Findings

The simulation results were in good agreement with the test results, with a maximum error of less than 8.85%. The high-precision ASRM's model was able to accurately predict potential failure modes and damaged parts in extreme scenarios, demonstrating the effectiveness of the proposed model and simulation evaluation test.

Originality/value

The proposed high-precision ASRM model and simulation evaluation test provide an effective way to evaluate the structural safety and optimize the design of the spacecraft. This information can be used to improve the performance and reliability of the CSS's solar array and ensure continuous power supply to the station.
Optimal strategies for a multi-channel recycling supply chain in the clothing industry: considering consumer types
Authors: Huang He , Wang Weining , Yin Yujie
Published: August 2023

Purpose

This study aims to focus on the clothing recycling supply chain and aims to provide optimal decisions and managerial insights into supply chain strategies, thereby facilitating the sustainable development of the clothing industry.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on previous single- and dual-channel studies, game theory was employed to analyze multiple recycling channels. Concurrently, clothing consumer types were integrated into the analytical models to observe their impact on supply chain strategies. Three market scenarios were modeled for comparative analysis, and numerical experiments were conducted.

Findings

The intervention of fashion retailers in the clothing recycling market has intensified competition across the entire market. The proportions of various consumer types, their preferences for online platforms and their preference for the retailer’s channel influence the optimal decisions and profits of supply chain members. The diversity of recycling channels may enhance the recycling volume of clothes; however, it should meet certain conditions.

Originality/value

This study extends the existing theory from a channel dimension by exploring multiple channels. Furthermore, by investigating the classifications of clothing consumers and their influence on supply chain strategies, the theory is enhanced from the consumer perspective.
Systematic review of religiosity and social responsibility
Authors: Amer Mahmoud
Published: August 2023

Purpose

The objective of this study is to establish a link between religiosity and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) by conducting a systematic literature review in the field of CSR and religiosity. This will be achieved by screening all available electronic databases.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is a literature review paper using the systematic review – Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) approach, with a practical focus on empirical research to summarize the total effect or outcome of these empirical findings. The methodology includes inclusion and exclusion criteria for the final selection of articles.

Findings

In this paper, 31 articles published in well-known CSR journals after the year 2015 were included. The majority of the literature confirms a positive direct/indirect relationship between religiosity and CSR.

Research limitations/implications

This paper is limited to the considered databases and the identified searching protocols. Changes in the referred databases or search protocols may affect the results, as results outside these limitations were not considered in this study.

Practical implications

This study can serve as a guide for researchers in applying the PRISMA approach. Furthermore, it contributes to the field of religiosity and CSR by offering a comprehensive review of the most recent related publications.

Originality/value

This article is unique as it applies the PRISMA framework to conduct the literature review. It is also the first literature study in the field of religiosity and CSR.
Business model (BM) diagram in integrated reports, a graphic or an infographic? A study in the Indian context
Authors: Malya Sapna
Published: August 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to study the efficacy of the business model (BM) diagram in the companies’ integrated reports. Diagrams and graphics are an effective way of communicating the complex processes of a business. However, these diagrams should have complete and appropriate content in a gist for easy understanding.

Design/methodology/approach

A study of BM diagrams published in the integrated reports of 65 Indian listed companies was carried out. The contents of these diagrams were compared to the requirement of BM as per the international  framework.

Findings

While companies presented the BM diagram, there seemed to be a lack of clarity in the definitions of input, output and outcome capitals. Measurable metrics that give a clear understanding regarding the use and generation of resources were missing. The diagram was presented with some information because it had to be, but the purpose of the BM, which is the core of , was not conveyed. Also, the diagram did not display value creation or erosion effectively.

Originality/value

To the best of the author’s knowledge, this is one of the first studies on the BM diagram in the  space. It emphasises that the diagram can capture the value-creation aspect of the . Thus, the BM diagram can be used as an effective and concise communication tool for the users of this report.
Perspectives of two competing manufacturers: customer rebate vs. contract mechanism
Authors: Majumder Sani , Nielsen Izabela , Maity Susanta , Saha Subrata
Published: August 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to analyze the potentials of dynamic, commitment and revenue-sharing contracts; that a nonrebate offering manufacturer can use to safeguard his profit while his competitor offers customer rebates in a supply chain consisting of two manufacturers and a common retailer.

Design/methodology/approach

We consider a two-period supply chain model to explore optimal decisions under eight possible scenarios based on the contract and rebate offering decisions. Because the manufacturers are selling substitutable products, therefore, a customer rebate on one of the products negatively impacts the selling quantity of other. Optimal price, rebate, and quantities are examined and compared to explore the strategic choice for both the rebate offering and non-rebate offering manufacturer. Comparative evaluation is conducted to pinpoint how the parameters such as contract parameters and its nature affect the members.

Findings

The results demonstrate that all these contracts instigate the rebate offering manufacturer to provide a higher rebate, but do not ensure a higher profit. If the revenue sharing contract is offered to the common retailer, the effectiveness of the rebate program might reduce significantly, and the rebate offering manufacturer might receives lower profits. A non-rebate offering manufacturer might use a commitment contract to ensure higher profits for all the members and make sure the common retailer continues the product.

Originality/value

The effect of customer rebate vs. supply chain contract under competition has not yet been explored comprehensively. Therefore, the study contributes to the literature regarding interplay among pricing decision, contract choice and rebate promotion in a two-period setting. The conceptual and managerial insights contribute to a better understanding of strategic decision-making for both competing manufacturers under consumer rebates.
The needs of digital scholarship services at Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City
Authors: Ninh Thi Kim Thoa , Ngo Thi Huyen , Nguyen Hong Sinh
Published: August 2023

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to investigate the needs of lecturers and learners for digital scholarship services (DSS) and to suggest recommendations for the development of DSS at Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City (VNU-HCM).

Design/methodology/approach

The research employed a mixed method approach, comprising a paper questionnaire with 360 respondents to collect quantitative data and in-depth interviews with 18 participants, including lecturers (L), postgraduate students (P), and undergraduate students (U), to gather qualitative data.

Findings

The findings indicate that lecturers and students have diverse needs for various DSS services, with digital information resources and institutional repositories being the most common, followed by new and workable digital technology infrastructure, training courses in using digital tools and methods, and ongoing advice and support at different stages of the research process.

Research limitations/implications

The limitations of this study indicate that further research is necessary to obtain a more comprehensive understanding of the DSS needs in higher education institutions in Vietnam of various sizes and characteristics.

Practical implications

This research provides a practical basis for the development and provision of appropriate support to the development of DSS at VNU-HCM.

Originality/value

The originality of this paper and its value lies in the contribution to the understanding of the needs of DSS in a context of the digital transformation and the improvement of the quality of education and research in the higher education sector in Vietnam.
Grassroots involvement on Global South policy narratives and deliberative action on climate change loss and damage
Authors: Sacramento Noe John
Published: August 2023

Purpose

This paper investigates how power and narratives among actors relate to the process of agenda-setting and deliberation in the context of climate change loss and damage. The focus is to understand how grassroots voices manifest their concerns on intensifying economic and non-economic impacts of climate change loss and damage which affect them.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is based on the case of the Southeast Asia climate change loss and damage workshop in Bohol, Philippines in August 2022. It utilizes lesson drawing as a critical approach by thematic analysis in making sense of the data gathered from the perspectives of participant observers and facilitators.

Findings

There are different levels of power and dominant narratives actors in a deliberative process propel in taking a stance over a particular issue towards agenda-setting and policy framing. The power and narratives help actors to maintain and emphasize their position, exercise authority, and to some point, suppress weak voices. Narratives associated with emotions, sentiments, ideologies, and value systems of the grassroots, community leaders, and climate justice movements tend to be devalued by those in a high level of power and authority.

Originality/value

Techno-authoritarian domination explicitly hampers a genuine grassroots involvement in the policy process, especially towards agenda-setting of immediate concerns about climate change loss and damage which affect the public. Critiquing actors’ power and narratives are productive in identifying and propagating the type of deliberative spaces that speak truth to power.
Mental health and expatriate psychological adjustment post-COVID: towards a new framework
Authors: Derksen Donna , Patel Parth , Mohyuddin Syed M. , Prikshat Verma , Shahid Sehrish
Published: August 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to propose an expatriate psychological adjustment model that postulates expatriate mental health as an antecedent to psychological adjustment. It presents novel predeparture and post-arrival international human resource management (IHRM) expatriate management mental health supportive interventions.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper critically reviews theoretical frameworks in the IHRM domain around expatriate psychological adjustments such as the U-Curve Adjustment Theory (Lysgaard, 1995), the Framework of International Adjustment (Black et al., 1991), the Dimensions of Expatriate Adjustment (Haslberger et al., 2013) and the Stress Outcome Model (Bader and Berg, 2014), in a quest to develop a new conceptual framework. This study presents a new conceptual framework along with propositions to take into consideration the relationship between mental health and expatriates' psychological adjustment.

Findings

The findings suggest that mental health is an antecedent paramount to psychological adjustment. The paper proposes mental health-supportive IHRM expatriate management interventions to address the potential failure of expatriates' psychological adjustment. The authors elaborate on the IHRM expatriate management policies and practices at the home and host country to ensure the mental health of company-assigned expatriates sent on international assignments.

Originality/value

The novel conceptual framework underpins mental health as the antecedent paramount to expatriate adjustment, taking into consid eration the elevated stress of situational events such as COVID-19, which had previously not received substantive formal consideration by research scholars in the IHRM domain. The conceptual framework encourages the inclusion of mental health as an antecedent in future research.
Special education's zombies and their consequences
Authors: Hornby Garry , Kauffman James M.
Published: August 2023

Zombies are defined as ideas or persistent myths that should have died out but have not. Special education's biggest zombie is that only full inclusion brings about true social justice and the most effective education for students with disabilities. Three examples of specific zombies about full inclusion are presented. First, that full inclusion has been internationally accepted policy since the Salamanca Statement in 1994. Second, that the feasibility of full inclusion has been demonstrated in some countries. Third, that there is extensive evidence that inclusion is more effective that special education. Six strategies that have been used to promote these inclusion zombies to the general public and legislators in various countries around the world are discussed. These are: reframing the problem; denying its reality; portraying special education as something of which most people disapprove; presenting full inclusion as something most people want; making the distinction between the two maximally stark; casting all challenges to the zombie as addressing the wrong question or relying on flawed research and demanding unthinking belief in full inclusion. It is concluded that special education's zombies related to full inclusion must be exposed, challenged and finally eradicated so that future education provision for children with disabilities can focus on achievable goals and evidence of effectiveness rather than placement.

Key points

Special education's biggest zombie is that only full inclusion will bring true social justice to schooling because special education is essentially an inappropriate way of dealing with diversity; is a relic of the last century, unfairly discriminatory and exclusionary.

Three inclusion zombies are: that full inclusion was recommended by the Salamanca Framework; that full inclusion has been shown to be a feasible approach to meeting all special needs; and that there is convincing research evidence that inclusion is more effective than special education. All three zombies are false but widely disseminated.

Six strategies are used to promote full inclusion zombies: reframe the nature of the problem; deny the reality of the situation; portray special education as something generally disapproved of; present inclusion as something most people want; make a stark distinction between the two; cast all challenges to the zombie as flawed.

Full inclusion zombies must be exposed, challenged, and eradicated, so that continued development of theory, research and practice in the education of young people with special needs can once again be the main focus of educators in this field.
The Anthropocene narrative and Amerindian lifeworlds: anthropos, agency, and personhood
Authors: Rosengren Dan , Permanto Stefan , Burman Anders
Published: August 2023

Based on the observation that the Anthropocene narrative signifies a departure from the Cartesian nature/culture division dominant within modernist science, this article explores notions of personhood and agency among Amerindian peoples in the Amazon, the Andes, and Mesoamerica in comparison to the corresponding notions in modernist discourses. We discuss the differences in conceptualizations in relation to diverging understandings of climate change and the Anthropocene, focusing on perspectives on agentivity both within our respective ethnographical fields and in modernist social sciences. This leads us to stress the significance of new materialists’ disregard for intentionality in relation to agency and the consequences this neglect has for understanding animist perspectives. We examine the different views in relation to their effects on morality and to perceived forms of accountability. In accordance, the modernist ‘global we’, prominent in the Anthropocene debate stressing the role of humanity as a species, is contrasted with what we call a ‘universal we’, which includes both human and other‐than‐human persons, in conformance with Amerindian animist perspectives on the world. This approach to the issue does not only mean that we challenge the obvious iniquity in blaming all of humanity for climate change but also that we point to the coloniality of reality implicit in the Anthropocene narrative.
Is there a Kuznets curve for cropland use? The evidence from international panel data
Authors: Trofimov Ivan D.
Published: August 2023

The environmental Kuznets curve (EKC) hypothesis assumes the nonlinear relationship between production and its environmental effects, suggesting that the negative effect of production on the natural environment is reversed at higher levels of development. In contrast to the majority of the studies, this paper considers the possibility of non‐linear effects of per capita output on agricultural land use (cropland), as one of the natural resource stocks, and additionally examines the influence of demographic and productivity variables on the agricultural land use. The study draws on panel data from 143 economies over the 1990–2019 period and employs a series of panel econometrics techniques (including panel unit root and cointegration tests, panel ordinary least squares, generalized method of moments, and panel quantile models). The results unequivocally indicate the inverted U‐shaped relationship between the GDP per capita and cropland use, as per EKC hypothesis. The results are robust with respect to employing different techniques, the identified turning points correspond to low and low‐middle‐income levels, and the effects of agricultural productivity and population density on land use are respectively negative and positive.
A survey of non‐USGS continuous streamflow gaging networks in the Pacific Northwest
Authors: Kaiser Kendra E. , Blasch Kyle , Hall Mcallister
Published: August 2023

Extensive streamflow data sources exist beyond the largest streamflow data provider in the United States, the U.S. Geological Survey. We developed and distributed a survey to about 300 individuals and organizations that collect streamflow data across the Pacific Northwest (Idaho, Oregon, Washington). We received 100 responses with 56% of those sufficiently complete to include in the analysis. From these responses, there are about 2000 streamflow monitoring locations in the region beyond the USGS monitoring network. The duration of record for gages is related to the size of the streamflow gaging network, with small and large networks generally operating monitoring locations for less than 5 years and more than 10 years, respectively. Quality assurance and quality control are variable across organizations, with 41% of respondents having at least two review steps and 13% that audit their data for long‐term consistency. Results of this survey begin to establish the differing capabilities of large and small stream gaging networks and highlight how supporting the overall quality streamflow data collection and management within the water resources community will improve our ability to harmonize these datasets in the future.
A rare case of IgG4‐associated disease caused by COVID‐19: Case report and literature review
Authors: Xu Ying‐Ge , Zheng Yueliang , Qiu You‐You
Published: August 2023

An increasing number of cases have reported that coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) can lead to immune system dysregulation and induce autoimmune diseases, but the mechanism is unclear. We treated a patient who presented with an unknown fever after infection with the novel coronavirus, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) in 2023. After excluding the possibility of infection, malignancy, and other connective tissue diseases, we considered the diagnosis of IgG4‐related disease in consideration of the patient's pathology and clinical findings. In this article, we summarize our diagnostic experience and summarize the case reports of IgG4‐related diseases associated with SARS‐CoV‐2 infections since the COVID‐19 pandemic.
Stress and recurrent abdominal pain
Authors: Alfvén Gösta , Andersson Eva
Published: August 2023

We discuss the aetiology of recurrent abdominal pain of non‐organic origin, according to the Rome Criteria for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders and a psychogenic hypothesis. Stress activates the brain–gut axis, which is important for local gut symptoms, such as abdominal pain, but it also causes pain in other areas, including the head, back and chest. Our research has indicated that the startle reflex plays a dominant role in this stress‐induced pain pattern, which is manifested in the whole body. Localised abdominal pain can be part of a general negative stress reaction that causes multiple pains in other areas of the body.
Trial‐related blood sampling and red blood cell transfusions in preterm infants
Authors: Lewis Anna Elisabet , Kappel Susanne S. , Hussain Samya , Sangild Per T. , Zachariassen Gitte , Aunsholt Lise
Published: August 2023

Aim

To determine if trial‐related blood sampling increases the risk of later red blood cell (RBC) transfusion in very preterm infants, we compared the volume of clinical‐ and trial‐related blood samples, in a specific trial and correlated to subsequent RBC transfusion.

Methods

For 193 very preterm infants, participating in the FortiColos trial (NCT03537365), trial‐related blood volume drawn was in accordance with ethical considerations established by the European Commission. Medical records were reviewed to assess the number and accumulated volume (mL/kg) of blood samples (both clinical‐ and trial‐related). Data were compared with the need of RBC transfusions during the first 28 days of life.

Results

Mean (SD) gestational age and birth weight was 28 ± 1 weeks and 1168 ± 301 g. In total, 11% of total blood volume was drawn for sampling (8.1 ± 5.1 mL/kg) and trial‐related sampling accounted for 1.6 ± 0.6 mL/kg. Trial‐related blood sampling had no impact on RBC transfusion (p = 0.9).

Conclusion

Clinical blood sampling in very preterm infants is associated with blood loss and subsequent need for RBC transfusions. In a specific trial requiring blood samples, we found no additional burden of trial‐related blood sampling. The study suggests that trial‐related sampling is safe if European criteria are followed.
ARNTL inhibits the malignant behaviors of oral cancer by regulating autophagy in an AKT/mTOR pathway‐dependent manner
Authors: Chen KuiChi , Li HanXue , Li YueHeng , Yang ZhengYan , Luo Jun , Zhou Zhi
Published: August 2023

Current studies have shown that ARNTL, an important clock gene, plays an anticancer role and is downregulated in certain types of cancer. However, the biological functions and mechanisms of ARNTL in tumors remain largely unknown. This study aimed to elucidate how ARNTL‐induced autophagy impacts the biological properties of tongue squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC) cells and the mechanisms by which ARNTL expression activates autophagy. ARNTL was stably overexpressed in TSCC cells to investigate its functions in vitro and in vivo. We found that activation of autophagy induced by ARNTL decreases cell proliferation, enhances cell death, and hinders the migratory ability of TSCC cells. Moreover, ARNTL antagonizes the AKT/mTOR pathway, which potentiates autophagy induction. The manipulation of Akt activation cancels the effects of ARNTL overexpression on the biological behaviors of TSCC cells. Furthermore, after the addition of SC79, the upregulated BAX expression due to ARNTL overexpression and downregulated expressions of BCL‐2 and MMP2 were remarkably rescued. In vivo tumorigenicity assays and immunohistochemistry also confirmed that ARNTL overexpression suppresses tumor development. Our study found for the first time that ARNTL inhibits the malignant behaviors of oral cancer cells by regulating autophagy in an AKT/mTOR pathway‐dependent manner, which provides a novel theoretical basis for the potential future application of ARNTL to treat patients with oral cancer.
Online support group for patients with inflammatory eye disease: Characterisation of members and assessment of benefits
Authors: Ostrovsky Michael , Rosenblatt Amir , Hollander Nadine , Habot‐Wilner Zohar
Published: August 2023

Background

Support groups in ophthalmology may be of utmost importance for patients and caregivers. We aimed to characterise members of an online support group for patients and parents of children with inflammatory eye disease and assess the members' expectations and perceived benefits.

Methods

A survey based on a voluntary, anonymous web questionnaire was distributed to the members of the ‘Lirot’ association online support group. The questionnaire included demographic, ocular and systemic information, functional and psychosocial data, support group use patterns, expectations and perceived benefits. Analysis was done for patients and parents.

Results

Out of 67 respondents, 43 (64%) were patients, and 24 (36%) were parents. Fifty‐eight (88%) were women. The mean age of respondents was 42.9 ± 1.34 years. Anterior uveitis was the most common, and most patients had good visual acuity (<0.3 logMAR). Parents reported higher anxiety levels (p = 0.044) and a more significant effect of their child's disease on their general function (p = 0.005). Most members sought several experts' opinions, psychological treatments and alternative medicine. All members used the WhatsApp group, while only approximately half used Facebook (p < 0.001). Members' expectations were fulfilled for social support, a sense of shared experience and being able to help others, but not for receiving information (p < 0.001). All members reported being willing to recommend the group to others.

Conclusions

Support group participation benefited group members. We suggest that ophthalmologists encourage their inflammatory eye disease patients to use online support groups, which may significantly improve their well‐being.
Attention And Positional Encoding Are (Almost) All You Need For Shape Matching
Authors: Raganato Alessandro , Pasi Gabriella , Melzi Simone
Published: August 2023

The fast development of novel approaches derived from the Transformers architecture has led to outstanding performance in different scenarios, from Natural Language Processing to Computer Vision. Recently, they achieved impressive results even in the challenging task ofnon‐rigid shape matching. However, little is known about the capability of the Transformer‐encoder architecture for the shape matching task, and its performances still remained largely unexplored. In this paper, we step back and investigate the contribution made by the Transformer‐encoder architecture compared to its more recent alternatives, focusing on why and how it works on this specific task. Thanks to the versatility of our implementation, we can harness the bi‐directional structure of the correspondence problem, making it more interpretable. Furthermore, we prove that positional encodings are essential for processing unordered point clouds. Through a comprehensive set of experiments, we find thatattention and positional encoding are (almost) all you needfor shape matching. The simple Transformer‐encoder architecture, coupled with relative position encoding in the attention mechanism, is able to obtain strong improvements, reaching the current state‐of‐the‐art.
International standardization and optimization group for intersphincteric resection (ISOG‐ISR): modified Delphi consensus on anatomy, definition, indication, surgical technique, specimen description and functional outcome
Authors: Piozzi Guglielmo Niccolò , Khobragade Krunal , Aliyev Vusal , Asoglu Oktar , Bianchi Paolo Pietro , Butiurca Vlad‐Olimpiu , Chen William Tzu‐Liang , Cheong Ju Yong , Choi Gyu‐Seog , Coratti Andrea , Denost Quentin , Fukunaga Yosuke , Gorgun Emre , Guerra Francesco , Ito Masaaki , Khan Jim S. , Kim Hye Jin , Kim Jin Cheon , Kinugasa Yusuke , Konishi Tsuyoshi , Kuo Li‐Jen , Kuzu Mehmet Ayhan , Lefevre Jeremie H. , Liang Jin‐Tung , Marks John , Molnar Călin , Panis Yves , Rouanet Philippe , Rullier Eric , Saklani Avanish , Spinelli Antonino , Tsarkov Petr , Tsukamoto Shunsuke , Weiser Martin , Kim Seon Hahn
Published: August 2023

Aim

Intersphincteric resection (ISR) is an oncologically complex operation for very low‐lying rectal cancers. Yet, definition, anatomical description, operative indications and operative approaches to ISR are not standardized. The aim of this study was to standardize the definition of ISR by reaching international consensus from the experts in the field. This standardization will allow meaningful comparison in the literature in the future.

Method

A modified Delphi approach with three rounds of questionnaire was adopted. A total of 29 international experts from 11 countries were recruited for this study. Six domains with a total of 37 statements were examined, including anatomical definition; definition of intersphincteric dissection, intersphincteric resection (ISR) and ultra‐low anterior resection (uLAR); indication for ISR; surgical technique of ISR; specimen description of ISR; and functional outcome assessment protocol.

Results

Three rounds of questionnaire were performed (response rate 100%, 89.6%, 89.6%). Agreement (≥80%) reached standardization on 36 statements.

Conclusion

This study provides an international expert consensus‐based definition and standardization of ISR. This is the first study standardizing terminology and definition of deep pelvis/anal canal anatomy from a surgical point of view. Intersphincteric dissection, ISR and uLAR were specifically defined for precise surgical description. Indication for ISR was determined by the rectal tumour's maximal radial infiltration (T stage) below the levator ani. A new surgical definition of T3isp was reached by consensus to define T3 low rectal tumours infiltrating the intersphincteric plane. A practical flowchart for surgical indication for uLAR/ISR/abdominoperineal resection was developed. A standardized ISR surgical technique and functional outcome assessment protocol was defined.
Development and validation of a Chinese Drinking Expectancies Questionnaire for young adults: A Hong Kong study
Authors: Chan Rufina H. W. , Dong Dong , Chong Ka‐Chun , Kim Jean H.
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Drinking expectancies, the perceived consequences of alcohol consumption, are noted to predict drinking behaviours. However, there is comparatively little research of drinking expectancies in non‐Western populations. This study aimed to develop and validate a Chinese Drinking Expectancy Questionnaire (CDEQ‐Adult) for Chinese young adults.

Methods

Face and content validity were first assessed of items generated from literature review and previously conducted focus groups. Exploratory (EFA) and confirmatory factor analyses (CFA) were conducted with split‐half samples from a random telephone survey that was conducted on Hong Kong Chinese adults between the ages of 18–34 (n = 675). The instrument's convergent validity and internal reliability were also examined.

Results

The preliminary instrument items showed good content validity (Item Content Validity Index range: 0.8–1.0). The EFA yielded a 31‐item, five‐factor model consisting of five domains: Negative Consequences, Interpersonal Benefits, Increased Confidence, Health Benefits and Tension/Stress Reduction (variance explained 63.7%). The CFA revealed that the fit indices for the five‐factor model using diagonal weighted least squares estimator were χ2 (256, N = 338) = 394.04, p < 0.001, comparative fit index 0.97, SRMR 0.07, RMSEA 0.06 (95% confidence interval 0.06, 0.08), suggesting a good fit of the model. The Cronbach's α coefficients were 0.94, 0.90, 0.86, 0.77 and 0.57, respectively for each of the five domains (n = 675). Significant associations with past month drinking behaviours and future drinking intentions give strong support for convergent validity.

Discussion and Conclusions

The CDEQ‐Adult is a culturally relevant instrument for assessing drinking expectancies in Chinese young adults for use in future studies.
Patterns and purposes in the uses and misuses of the term ‘critical thinking’ in the social sciences
Authors: Bregvadze Tamar , Medjad Karim
Published: August 2023

This article analyses the uses and representations of the term “critical thinking” in the social science literature, based on a qualitative content analysis of titles, abstracts and keywords retrieved from the SCOPUS database for Germany, France and Russia over the last two decades. Our analysis focuses on how the use of the term “critical thinking” has increased over time, in which contexts the term is used and in which part of article texts it is used. Our findings are counterintuitive on several levels. First, the term “critical thinking” is seldom used in a pluri‐disciplinary context. More commonly, it is used within specific discourses—notably education. Second, we found that it is mainly used instrumentally, rather than analytically. Third, most of the articles that use the term do not engage in actual critical analysis. There are also important geographic variation in the use of the term. In articles from Germany and Russia the term is used in similar ways—and differently in France. These nuances are difficult to analyse however, due to the different topics addressed, as well as author preferences. The use of the term “critical thinking” is diverse; indeed, at times weak and paradoxical. Finally, we discuss how editorial policy in academic journals possibly influences the discourse on critical thinking.
Efficacy and safety of pharmacological treatments for Lyme neuroborreliosis: An updated systematic review
Authors: Dersch Rick , Rauer Sebastian
Published: August 2023

Background

Evidence‐based recommendations for treatment of Lyme neuroborreliosis (LNB) should rely on the available literature. As new data emerges, close review and evaluation of the recent literature is needed to build evidence‐based recommendations to inform clinical practice and management of LNB. We performed an update of a previous systematic review on treatment of LNB.

Methods

A systematic literature search of Medline and CENTRAL was performed for published studies from 2015 to 2023 to update a previous systematic review. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and non‐randomized studies (NRS) were evaluated. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias tools for RCTs; NRS were assessed using the ROBINS‐I‐tool. Quality of the evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. Data were integrated into an existing meta‐analysis of the available literature.

Results

After screening 1530 records, two RCTs and five NRS with new and relevant data were additionally identified. Meta‐analysis showed no statistically significant difference between doxycycline and beta‐lactam antibiotics regarding residual neurological symptoms after 12 months. Meta‐analysis showed no benefit of extended antibiotic treatment of LNB. Three NRS show no benefit for additional steroid use in LNB with facial palsy.

Discussion

Additional incorporated recent research corroborates existing guideline recommendations for treatment of LNB. New RCTs add to the certainty of previous analysis showing similar efficacy for doxycycline and beta‐lactam antibiotics in LNB. Available evidence shows no benefit for extended antibiotic treatment in LNB. NRS do not suggest a role for steroids in facial palsy due to LNB.
Prophecy or empiricism? Clinical value of predicting versus determining genetic variant functions
Authors: Brunklaus Andreas , George Alfred L. , Lal Dennis , Heinzen Erin L. , Goldman Alica M.
Published: August 2023

The recent explosion of epilepsy genetic testing has created challenges for interpretation of gene variants. Assessments of the functional consequences of genetic variants either by predictive or experimental strategies can contribute to estimating pathogenicity, but there is no consensus on which approach is best. The Special Interest Group on Epilepsy Genetics hosted a session during the Annual American Epilepsy Society Meeting in December 2022 to discuss this topic. The session featured a debate of the relative advantages and limitations of predicting (prophecy) versus experimentally determining (empiricism) variant function using ion channel gene variants as examples. This commentary summarizes these discussions.
Improved nursing home end‐stage renal disease patient participation in physical therapy with onsite, more frequent dialysis
Authors: Bellin Eran Y. , Markis William T. , Hellebrand Alice M. , Busby Christine M. , Wane Katy A. , Jordan Camille R. , Ledvina Jordan G. , Kaplan Steven M. , Metzroth Todd R. , Williams Greg S. , Nazir Arif , Levin Nathan W. , Kaufman Allen M.
Published: August 2023

Introduction

For end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) patients residing in skilled nursing facilities (SNFs), the logistics and physical exhaustion of life‐saving hemodialysis therapy often conflict with rehabilitation goals. Integration of dialysis care with rehabilitation programs in a scalable and cost‐efficient manner has been a significant challenge. SNF‐resident ESRD patients receiving onsite, more frequent hemodialysis (MFD) have reported rapid post‐dialysis recovery. We examined whether such patients have improved Physical Therapy (PT) participation.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective electronic medical records review of SNF‐resident PT participation rates within a multistate provider of SNF rehabilitation care from January 1, 2022 to June 1, 2022. We compared three groups: ESRD patients receiving onsite MFD (Onsite‐MFD), ESRD patients receiving offsite, conventional 3×/week dialysis (Offsite‐Conventional‐HD), and the general non‐ESRD SNF rehabilitation population (Non‐ESRD). We evaluated physical therapy participation rates based on a predefined metric of missed or shortened (<15 min) therapy days. Baseline demographics and functional status were assessed.

Findings

Ninety‐two Onsite‐MFD had 2084 PT sessions scheduled, 12,916 Non‐ESRD had 225,496 PT sessions scheduled, and 562 Offsite‐Conventional‐HD had 9082 PT sessions scheduled. In mixed model logistic regression, Onsite‐MFD achieved higher PT participation rates than Offsite‐Conventional‐HD (odds ratio: 1.8, CI: 1.1–3.0; p < 0.03), and Onsite‐MFD achieved equivalent PT participation rates to Non‐ESRD (odds ratio: 1.2, CI: 0.3–1.9; p < 0.46). Baseline mean ± SD Charlson Comorbidity score was significantly higher in Onsite‐MFD (4.9 ± 2.0) and Offsite‐Conventional‐HD (4.9 ± 1.8) versus Non‐ESRD (2.6 ± 2.0; p < 0.001). Baseline mean self‐care and mobility scores were significantly lower in Onsite‐MFD versus Non‐ESRD or Offsite‐Conventional‐HD.

Discussion

SNF‐resident ESRD patients receiving MFD colocated with rehabilitation had higher PT participation rates than those conventionally dialyzed offsite and equivalent PT participation rates to the non‐ESRD SNF‐rehabilitation general population, despite being sicker, less independent, and less mobile. We report a scalable program integrating dialysis and rehabilitation care as a potential solution for ESRD patients recovering from acute hospitalization.