bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Turbulent wave-balance exchanges in the ocean
Authors: Thomas Jim
Published: August 2023

Oceanic flows are turbulent and multi-scale in nature, and are composed of fast internal waves and slowly evolving balanced eddies. Contrary to conventional wisdom in physical oceanography, the past two decades ofin situ, satellite altimeter and realistically forced global scale ocean model outputs have revealed that internal gravity waves can have comparable or higher energy levels than geostrophically balanced flows at 10–100 km scales in different parts of the world’s oceans. These relatively recent findings have fuelled a wide range of research activities aimed at understanding how fast internal gravity waves interact with slowly evolving balanced flows, particularly with the goal of deducing whether internal waves can form an energy sink for oceanic balanced flows. In this paper, we comprehensively review theoretical, numerical and observational investigations undertaken to study internal wave-balance flow exchanges. Theoretical calculations, inspired by different wave-balance regimes seen in observational and global ocean model outputs, are used to point out that internal waves can affect balanced flow dynamics. The theoretical results are followed up by a detailed discussion of numerical results on wave-balance interactions in a broad set of parameter regimes. The numerical results reveal how different kinds of waves exchange energy with balance flow, affect energy flux across scales of balanced flow and facilitate the generation of small-scale dissipative balanced flow structures. The numerical simulation results and global internal wave energy and balanced energy maps are used to conjecture that out of the 0.8 TW of power going to balanced flow kinetic energy in the ocean, at least 0.1 TW could be dissipated by internal gravity waves. We therefore hypothesize that internal waves can form a non-negligible energy sink for balanced flow in the world’s oceans.
A simple PCR assay for the identification of the novel Streptococcus pneumoniae serotype 7D
Authors: Maruhn Karsten , Itzek Andreas , Imoehl Matthias , van der Linden Mark
Published: August 2023

The identification of the novel pneumococcal serotype 7D by Neufeld quellung reaction requires significant expertise. To circumvent this, we developed a simple serotype-specific PCR method to discriminate serotype 7D from the closely related serotypes 7C, 7B and 40. The established PCR was validated with the strain collection of the German National Reference Center for Streptococci (GNRCS). However, no isolate initially assigned as serotype 7B, 7C or 40 was identified as serotype 7D.
Changes in local immune status in tonsillopharyngitis under pathogenic therapy with the BNO 1030 extract: a randomized, comparative, parallel-group, single-center study
Authors: Savlevich Elena L. , Kozlov Vladimir S. , Gaponov Andrey M. , Gerasimov Andrey N. , Markus Petr V. , Yakushenko Elena V. , Doroshchenko Natalia E. , Kozlov Ivan G.
Published: August 2023

Aim of study

The present study aimed to evaluate anti-inflammatory and immunomodulating properties of BNO 1030 (Tonsilgon® N) and its direct effect on the indicators of the local immunity of oropharyngeal mucosa in patients with acute tonsillopharyngitis (TP) or exacerbation of chronic TP without evident systemic inflammatory syndrome.

Materials and methods

A total of 60 adult patients with acute TP or exacerbation of chronic TP without severe systemic inflammatory syndrome were randomly divided into 2 groups: Group 1 L 30 patients took BNO 1030 (Tonsilgon® N), Group 2 L 30 patients took sage tablets according to the summary of product characteristics during 7 days. During 3 visits (day 1, day 3, day 7) symptoms and oropharyngeal mucosa condition were evaluated using a 10-point visual analogue scale (VAS). Local immunity parameters of oropharyngeal mucosa (cytokines: IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-17, TNF-α, and lysozyme, lactoferrin, sIgA) were determined by ELISA and by real time polymerase chain reaction.

Results

Reduction of the main symptoms was significantly faster under BNO 1030 therapy than under sage therapy. In BNO 1030 group reduction of clinical symptoms correlated with the onset of action and the local immunological parameters. During BNO 1030 treatment IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-8 mRNA levels decreased below the levels in healthy controls, while, the immune factors lysozyme, lactoferrin and sIgA increased. Therapy with sage tablets did not affect local immunity parameters.

Conclusion

Both treatment regimens resulted in elimination of clinical signs and mucosal pharyngeal barrier regeneration. In contrast to the sage tablets, BNO 1030 can also affect local mucosal immunity via regulating the balance of pro- and anti-inflammatory factors.

Study highlights

This study can answer the question regarding influence on main local immunity parameters of subjects with tonsillitis

The one of main task of this study is to evaluate what local immune parameters of oral cavity are most changeable

Tonsilgon N usage is not decrease main local immunity parameters such as IL-1β, IL-8, lysozyme and lactoferrin

This study evaluated the functional condition of mucosal immunity of oral cavity in subjects with tonsillopharingitis
The heme exporter FLVCR regulates mitochondrial biogenesis and redox balance in the hematophagous insectRhodnius prolixus
Authors: Walter-Nuno Ana Beatriz , Taracena-Agarwal Mabel , Oliveira Matheus P. , Oliveira Marcus F. , Oliveira Pedro L. , Paiva-Silva Gabriela O.
Published: August 2023

Heme is a prosthetic group of proteins involved in vital physiological processes in aerobic organisms. It participates in redox reactions crucial for cell metabolism due to the variable oxidation state of its central iron atom. However, excessive heme can be cytotoxic due to its prooxidant properties. Therefore, the control of intracellular heme levels ensures the survival of organisms, especially those that deal with high concentrations of heme during their lives, such as hematophagous insects. The feline leukemia virus C receptor (FLVCR) is a membrane protein responsible for heme transport in mammalian cells. In our study, we found that RpFLVCR serves as a heme exporter in the midgut of the hematophagous insectRhodnius prolixus, a vector for Chagas disease. Silencing RpFLVCR decreased hemolymphatic heme levels and increased the levels of intracellular dicysteinyl-biliverdin, a product ofR. prolixusheme degradation, indicating heme retention inside midgut cells. FLVCR silencing led to increased expression of heme oxygenase (HO), ferritin, and mitoferrin mRNAs while downregulating the iron importers Malvolio 1 and 2. In contrast, HO gene silencing increased FLVCR and Malvolio expression and downregulated ferritin, revealing crosstalk between heme degradation/export and iron transport/storage pathways. Furthermore, RpFLVCR silencing strongly increased oxidant production and lipid peroxidation, reduced cytochrome c oxidase activity and activated mitochondrial biogenesis, effects not observed in RpHO-silenced insects. These data support FLVCR function as a heme exporter, playing a pivotal role in heme/iron metabolism and maintenance of redox balance, especially in an organism adapted to face extremely high concentrations of heme.
DNA Nanostructure-Guided Assembly of Proteins into Programmable Shapes
Authors: Lu Qinyi , Xu Yang , Poppleton Erik , Zhou Kun , Sulc Petr , Stephanopoulos Nicholas , Ke Yonggang
Published: August 2023

The development of methods to synthesize protein oligomers with precisely controlled number and configuration of components will enable artificial protein complexes and nanostructures with diverse biological and medical applications. Using DNA hybridization to link protein-DNA conjugates provides for a programmability that can be difficult to achieve with other methods, such as engineering multiple orthogonal protein-protein interfaces. However, it is still difficult to construct well-defined protein assemblies, and the challenge is magnified if only a single type of building block is used. To overcome this hurdle, we use a DNA origami as an “assembler” to guide the linking of protein-DNA conjugates using a series of oligonucleotide hybridization and displacement operations. We constructed several isomeric protein nanostructures on a DNA origami platform by using a C3-symmetric building block comprised of a protein trimer modified with DNA handles. By changing the number of protein-DNA building blocks attached to the origami, and the sequence of the linking and displacement strands added, we were able to produce dimers, two types of trimer structures, and three types of tetramer assemblies. Our approach expands the scope for the precise design and assembly of protein-based nanostructures, and will enable the formulation of functional protein complexes with stoichiometric and geometric control.
Accountability for responsibility: a case study of a more intelligent enactment of accountability
Authors: Helle Grete , Roberts John
Published: August 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore how hierarchical accountability can be enacted and accounting control systems mobilized in a way that promotes a sense of felt responsibility.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper draws on interviews, shadowing and observations to explore the implementation of a strategy for “increasing accountability” in a Norwegian Oil Company. The case provided an opportunity to explore the dynamics of hierarchical accountability and felt responsibility, and in particular Roberts (2009) concept of “intelligent accountability”, in an empirical context.

Findings

The case study explores how the strategy of increasing accountability at OilCo was enacted around three operational issues; the control of costs, roles and relationships in the complex matrix structure, and the operation of the management system. It traces how the long history of Beyond Budgeting practices and philosophy in OilCo resulted both in an explicit recognition of the incompleteness of accounting numbers, and trust-based practices which avoided many of the dysfunctional individual and organizational effects typically associated with the exercise of hierarchical control.

Originality/value

The paper explores empirically how OilCo’s embrace of Beyond Budgeting practices and philosophy had created the conditions under which a more intelligent form of accountability could emerge. As a European case study, it calls into question the Anglo-American tradition of accounting research which suggests that externally imposed accountability within a hierarchy mitigates against employees’ felt responsibility.
Faculty members’ perceptions of internationalization of curriculum: globalization and localization, a comparative study
Authors: Zahid Gulnaz , Neary Siobhan
Published: August 2023

Purpose

This study explores faculty members’ (FMs’) perceptions of the internationalization of curriculum (IoC) at the undergraduate level through the collection of data from two countries: Pakistan and the UK. The similarities and differences in internationalization strategies were explored. Historical and existing educational ties between the two contexts and an equally emerging focus on internationalization at home (IaH) provided a major cornerstone for this study.

Design/methodology/approach

Quantitative data were collected from two universities using a cross-sectional and comparative research design by employing a reliable and valid scale with three subscales: curriculum embedded in labor market information, curriculum embedded in employability skills and curriculum embedded in global citizenship (CGC). A comparison between the perceptions of these two universities, by taking perceptions of FMs across their disciplines, and experienced and less experienced FMs was made.

Findings

The findings indicate a global influence on the local context for IaH and the importance of experienced FM. Various disciplines in these universities are congruent with respect to these three subscales, except for one, the CGC for engineering and design. The findings reveal the global influences on the local contexts in the internationalization of curriculum and the relevance of experienced FMs in terms of curriculum and labor market experiences rather than years of service. The findings examine the importance of IaH in both contexts. Since the study was quantitative in nature, an in-depth understanding of FMs’ experiences could not be obtained.

Practical implications

Globalization and intercultural ties have led to IaH, as intercultural ties and connections seem to contribute to IoC. Context- and discipline-related differences provide implications for IoC, considering sociocultural and institutional factors.

Originality/value

This study provides a new perspective to help understand the influence of globalization on internationalizing higher education.
Effect of electromagnetic stirring on the transient flow, solidification and inclusion movements in the continuous casting slab mold
Authors: Kumar Rajneesh , Jha Pradeep Kumar
Published: August 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to explore how a time-varying electromagnetic stirring (EMS) affects the fluid flow and solidification behavior in a slab caster continuous casting mold. Further, the study of inclusion movements in the mold is carried out under the effect of a time-varying electromagnetic field.

Design/methodology/approach

A three-dimensional coupled numerical model of solidification and magnetohydrodynamics has been developed for slab caster mold to investigate the inclusions transport by discrete phase model with the use of user-defined functions. Enthalpy porosity and the Lagrangian approach are applied to analyze the behavior of solidification and inclusion.

Findings

The study shows that the magnetic field density distribution has a radial symmetry in relation to the stirrer’s center. As the EMS current intensity increases, the strength of the lower recirculation zone gradually decreases and nearly disappears at higher intensities. Additionally, the area of localized remelting zone expands in the solidification front with rising current intensity. The morphology of inclusions and EMS current intensity have a significant impact on the behavior and movement of inclusions within the molten steel.

Practical implications

By using the model, one can optimize the EMS parameter to enhance the quality of steel casting through the elimination of impurities and by improving the microstructure of cast that mainly depend on solidification and flow patterns of molten steel.

Originality/value

Until now, the use of time-varying EMS in the slab caster mold to study solidification and inclusion behavior has not been explored.
The trend of Japanese pop culture and its differentiating approach through event tourism
Authors: Severino Filipe Segurado , Silva Francisco
Published: August 2023

Purpose

This study focuses on analysing Japanese pop culture events to determine whether they may be useful marketing tools for a location with a distinctive culture from where they are organized. It also examines how the popular culture events differ from other events and what impacts they have on these destinations.

Design/methodology/approach

A mixed-method approach is used to analyse data from a questionnaire provided to 364 participants from these events and seven semi-structured interviews with event organizers or their representatives from events on this topic in Portugal, France, Spain, Denmark and North America.

Findings

According to the research, these events are regarded as unique and unusual from the perspective of the customer due to the variety of activities they offer, the use of imagination they inspire and the engaged fan participation. These occasions have been found to strengthen and propagate Japanese popular culture outside of its place of origin and arouse interest in it.

Originality/value

Several studies have examined the appeal of Japanese pop culture, but few have investigated the impact of events to enhance the destination's image where they are held, as well as their potential outside of Japan. With already over a hundred official events of this theme held annually, with a sizable number of participants, a study of this paradigm exposes its potential for promoting a culture that is growing in popularity outside of its place of origin and understanding the effects it has on these various regions.
Exploring job preferences of business and economics students from Colombia, Ecuador and Spain: a discrete choice experiment
Authors: Morejón Cabrera Gabriela , Mariel Petr
Published: August 2023

Purpose

This study analyses the future job characteristics that are preferred by economics and business administration students in three specific regions of Spain, Colombia and Ecuador, and estimates their willingness to accept each.

Design/methodology/approach

A discrete choice experiment (DCE) is carried out in these three regions. The econometric approach is based on the Random Parameter Logit model, which accounts for both the observed and unobserved heterogeneity by the use of socio-demographic variables and correlated random parameters.

Findings

The main conclusions indicate that the most important job characteristic for students in all three countries is the long-term career prospects at the company, while a permanent contract is one of the least important job attributes. Regarding the more specific conclusions related to each country, the Ecuadorian students seem to have a higher preference for training opportunities, given the strong relationship between the level of education and the job category. The Spanish students seem to value their commuting time more highly than the South American students.

Originality/value

To authors’ best knowledge, this is the first DCE-based study of economics and business administration students’ preferences for future jobs that has been conducted simultaneously in three countries on two different continents. Furthermore, this study presents fresh cross-country data that allow authors to compare student choices between South American and European countries. As a result, by focusing on the DCE approach, this study estimated the monetary amount that students from each country are willing to accept for each of the analysed job characteristics. Thus, this research fills a vacuum in the literature on student job preferences between three Latin speaking countries.
The paradox of supplier development in technology-based luxury supply chains
Authors: Barbieri Paolo , Dattée Brice , Mahapatra Santosh K.
Published: August 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to examine how collaborative supplier development (SD) activities, supplier capabilities and buyer–supplier relationship interrelate in technology-based, luxury product business contexts characterized by small volumes, difficult targets and resource constraints relative to those targets.

Design/methodology/approach

Using inductive case research method, the authors investigate multiple embedded cases involving six dyadic buyer–supplier relationships of two luxury product manufacturers in the motorcycle and automotive industries. Each dyad represents an important sub-system for which the buying firm committed significant SD efforts to help the supplier successfully achieve difficult targets.

Findings

The analysis reveals how paradoxical tensions might emerge as the firms engage in successful SD activities, which could lead to decreasing relationship commitment ultimately resulting in the termination of the relationship. The authors utilize the “value co-creation and value capture” paradox framework to understand the SD and relationship dynamic and characterize it as developing-leveraging paradox to explain its dualities, i.e. commitment-based SD efforts (increasing value co-creation), and unilateral leveraging of the newly acquired capabilities (increasing value capture) by both the buyer and the supplier. Overemphasis on value capture by one of the exchange partners spurs a detrimental vicious cycle leading to the decline of the relationship.

Research limitations/implications

The study explains the paradoxical dynamics that may emerge in SD activities of innovative, technologically complex, luxury product firms. The findings contribute to the SD literature by highlighting how learnings from SD activities could contribute to the dark sides of buyer–supplier relationship. The technologically complex, luxury product contextual characteristics of the study may limit the generalizability of the study findings.

Originality/value

The study provides novel insights into the emergence and management of paradoxes in buyer–supplier relationships, in terms of virtuous and vicious dynamics of developing-leveraging.
Pay-for-performance in healthcare provision: the role of discretion in policy implementation in Turkey
Authors: Aktas Puren , Hammond Jonathan , Richardson Liz
Published: August 2023

Purpose

New Public Management-informed pay-for-performance policies are common in public sectors internationally but can be controversial with delivery agents. More attention is needed on contingent forms of bottom-up implementation of challenging policies, in emerging market economies, for professionals who face tensions between policies and their codes of practice. Street-level bureaucrats (SLBs) mediate policy implementation through discretionary practices; health professionals have enhanced space for discretion based on autonomy derived from professional status. The authors explore policy implementation, adaptation and resistance by physicians, focusing on payments for health workers in Turkey.

Design/methodology/approach

The researchers conducted semi-structured qualitative interviews with 12 physicians in Turkish hospitals and thematic analysis of interview transcripts, using a blended (deductive and inductive) approach.

Findings

The policy fostered discretionary behaviours such as cherry-picking (high volume, low risk procedures) and pro-social rule-breaking (e.g. “upcoding”), highlighting clinical autonomy to navigate within policy restrictions. Respondents described damage to relationships with patients and colleagues, and dissonance between professional practice and perverse policy incentives, sometimes leading to disengagement from clinical work. Policymakers were perceived to be detached from the realities experienced by SLBs. Tensions between the policy and professional values risked alienating physicians.

Research limitations/implications

This study utilises participant self-reported perceptions of discretionary behaviours. Further work may adopt alternative methods to explore the relationship between self-reporting and observed practice.

Originality/value

The authors contribute to research on differentiated, contingent roles of groups with high scope for discretion in bottom-up implementation, pointing to the potential for policy-professional role conflicts between top-down P4P policies, and the values and codes of practice of professional SLBs.
Comparative analysis of responses to COVID-19 in UNESCO Landscapes and World Heritage sites from Southern Europe and America
Authors: López-Urbaneja Aida , Escribano-Ruiz Sergio , Cortés-Avizanda Ainara , Gutierrez Ilabaca Álvaro , Aramburu Lasa Juan José , Garai Lopez Mikel , Castro Ortiz de Pinedo Kepa , García Porras Alberto , Azkarate Garai-Olaun Agustin
Published: August 2023

Purpose

Due to the global COVID-19 pandemic, UNESCO Landscapes and World Heritage sites have faced unstable situations. Both at the sites themselves and in the research centres, universities and even the homes of the people involved, they have acted and responded to the best of their ability. In this context, the aim of the comparative analysis of different cases carried out here is to understand the main effects of the pandemic in the short term. On the one hand, the purpose is to determine what the general response trends have been and, on the other, to measure the resilience capacity in each case.

Design/methodology/approach

Up to eight cases studies representing different and diverse kinds of Heritage and Protected Natural sites from Southern Europe and America are compared.

Findings

In a context of uncertainty, new responses, unique opportunities and hitherto unseen weaknesses have arisen in research and management of natural and cultural heritage. In general terms, the dialogue between officials, technicians and researchers that have put together this article underlines the need to work towards a governance model that engages everyone in dialogue. Discrepancies between overlapping strategies and plans, which is the main conflict detected, should be avoided while a decentralisation of policies could be more operational. In this sense, situated knowledge may be of help in configuring practical management tools.

Originality/value

This paper compares and contrasts for first time the effects of the pandemic in Europe and Latin America. This exercise has provided a valuable diagnostic for present and future heritage management.
Paradox and family business: a perspective article
Authors: Roth Steffen
Published: August 2023

Purpose

This perspective article provides an overview of current research on paradoxes within family business settings and outlines emerging trends and potential avenues for future research in this field.

Design/methodology/approach

This article is inspired by a systems-theoretical approach to business family paradoxes.

Findings

The article suggests that increasing research interest in more-than and neither-nor approaches to paradox could propel the digital transformation of paradox theory and facilitate the strategic management of family business paradoxes in multi-stakeholder environments.

Originality/value

This article synthesises the state of the arts in the field of research on family business paradoxes and proposes future research agendas.
Recombinant collagen-like protein: ethical policy and consumers’ likelihood to consume
Authors: Duasa Jarita , Zainan Nazri Nurul Jannah , Fatah Yasin Raudlotul Firdaus
Published: August 2023

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the tendency that Malaysian consumers will choose the recombinant collagen-like protein (RCLP) from bacteria as an alternative source of collagen in their consumption and the determinants of the consumer acceptance.

Design/methodology/approach

Quantitative approach is adopted in the study. Descriptive analysis and logistic regression are used to analyze primary data collected from a survey.

Findings

The likelihood of consumers choosing RCLP as an alternative source of collagen is higher among elderly and females. The choice is significantly influenced by the idea that the collagen should support maqasid al-syariah, approved by national Islamic body, should clear on the ingredients used and could boost local economic activities in the future.

Research limitations/implications

An ethical halal policy should be outlined as the guiding principles to the potential producers of RCLP.

Originality/value

An alternative source of collagen using bacteria as proposed is not yet being introduced in Malaysian industry, and the analysis on probability that consumers will accept this new sourced collagen product is using primary data from survey.
Libraries in the metaverse: the need for metaliteracy for digital librarians and digital age library users
Authors: Tella Adeyinka , Ajani Yusuf Ayodeji , Ailaku Ugonna Vivian
Published: August 2023

Purpose

As the metaverse gains popularity, libraries have the potential to play a vital role in this virtual world. However, digital librarians and digital age library users need to develop metaliteracy skills to effectively navigate and evaluate digital information in the metaverse. The main purpose of this paper is to explore the link between libraries and the metaverse, define metaliteracy and highlight its importance for librarians and library users. The challenges of developing metaliteracy skills in the metaverse are discussed, as well as the need for ongoing training and support. This paper also explores the role of libraries and librarians in the metaverse and provides recommendations for enhancing metaliteracy skills.

Design/methodology/approach

Through a review of the literature, this paper analyzes various library websites and consulting literature relating to the link between libraries and the metaverse, metaliteracy and its importance for librarians and library users and the challenges of developing metaliteracy skills in the metaverse.

Findings

As the metaverse continues to evolve, libraries and librarians must adapt and develop the necessary skills to continue providing valuable resources and services to their communities in virtual environments.

Originality/value

To the best of authors’ knowledge, this paper is the original idea that highlights the importance of metaliteracy for librarians and library users. The challenges of developing metaliteracy skills in the metaverse.
Major postpartum haemorrhage after frozen embryo transfer: A population‐based study
Authors: Al‐Khatib Amélie , Sagot Paul , Cottenet Jonathan , Aroun Massinissa , Quantin Catherine , Desplanches Thomas
Published: August 2023

Objective

To investigate the effect on major postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) of mode of conception, differentiating between naturally conceived pregnancies, fresh embryo in vitro fertilisation (fresh‐IVF) and frozen embryo transfer (frozen‐IVF).

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

The French Burgundy Perinatal Network database, including all deliveries from 2006 to 2020, was linked to the regional blood centre database.

Population or sample

In all, 244 336 women were included, of whom 240 259 (98.3%) were singleton pregnancies.

Methods

The main analyses were conducted in singleton pregnancies, including 237 608 naturally conceived, 1773 fresh‐IVF and 878 frozen‐IVF pregnancies. Multivariate logistic regression models adjusted on maternal age, body mass index, smoking, parity, induction of labour, hypertensive disorders, diabetes, placenta praevia and/or accreta, history of caesarean section, mode of delivery, birthweight, birth place and year of delivery, were used.

Main outcome measures

Major PPH was defined as PPH requiring blood transfusion and/or emergency surgery and/or interventional radiology.

Results

The prevalence of major PPH was 0.74% (n = 1749) in naturally conceived pregnancies, 1.92% (n = 34) in fresh‐IVF pregnancies, and 3.30% (n = 29) in frozen‐IVF pregnancies. The risk of major PPH was higher in frozen‐IVF pregnancies than in both naturally conceived pregnancies (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 2.63, 95% CI 1.68–4.10) and fresh‐IVF pregnancies (aOR 2.78, 95% CI 1.44–5.35).

Conclusions

We found that frozen‐IVF pregnancies have a higher risk of major PPH and they should be subject to increased vigilance in the delivery room.
Paracetamol use and risk of epithelial ovarian cancer: A nationwide nested case–control study
Authors: Zheng Guoqiao , Faber Mette Tuxen , Baandrup Louise , Kjær Susanne K.
Published: August 2023

Objective

To investigate whether paracetamol use is associated with a reduced risk of epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC).

Design

A nationwide nested case–control study.

Setting

Danish female population.

Population

A total of 9589 EOC cases diagnosed from 2000 to 2019 were age‐matched with 383 549 randomly selected female controls using risk set sampling.

Methods

Paracetamol use, reproductive history, history of medication and history of surgery were retrieved from Danish national registers. Paracetamol use was defined as at least two prescriptions for up to 1 year before the index date, and was further classified according to recency, duration, cumulative dose and intensity of dose.

Main outcome measures

Conditional logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals for the association between paracetamol and EOC risk, overall and by histological subtypes.

Results

‘Ever’ use of paracetamol was associated with a reduced EOC risk after adjusting for potential confounding factors (OR 0.92, 95% CI 0.87–0.97). The association was only significant among recent users (OR 0.89, 95% CI 0.84–0.95). The risk declined further with the increasing level of cumulative dose and intensity; women from the group with a high cumulative dose and a high intensity had a 13% (OR 0.87, 95% CI 0.80–0.94) and 14% (OR 0.86, 95% CI 0.79–0.93) reduced risk, respectively. In the histological subtype analysis, reduced risk with ‘ever’ use was most pronounced for serous and clear cell tumours.

Conclusions

Paracetamol use was associated with a decreased risk of EOC in a dose–response manner. Future studies are needed to validate the findings and investigate the mechanisms behind the association.
Ethnic Minority Analysts’ Participation in Public Earnings Conference Calls
Authors: FLAM RACHEL W. , GREEN JEREMIAH , LEE JOSHUA A. , SHARP NATHAN Y.
Published: August 2023

We investigate ethnic minority and nonminority sell‐side analysts’ participation in public earnings conference calls. We find that minority analysts are underrepresented in conference call Q&A sessions, and minority analysts who do participate on the calls experience lower levels of prioritization than do nonminority analysts. Minority analysts’ lower participation rates are partially but not fully mediated by characteristics such as experience, work environment, and stock rating favorability. Additionally, firm and conference call fixed effects mediate approximately half the magnitude of lower minority participation rates. Extroverted minority analysts participate at higher rates, but the negative association between minority status and conference call participation is exacerbated when calls are more time constrained, when executive teams are less diverse, and when analysts are from less prestigious brokerage houses. Overall, we document the underrepresentation of minority analysts on earnings conference calls and provide evidence suggesting both analysts’ and managers’ choices influence minority analysts’ participation rates.
Clinical characteristics of moderate or severe COVID‐19 infection in patients with rheumatic diseases and analysis of risk factors leading to severe disease
Authors: Wang Wen , Sun Xiang , Fan Ran , Xu Ling‐xiao , Tang Jian‐ping
Published: August 2023

Objective

To explore the clinical characteristics of rheumatic disease (RD) patients who suffered from moderate or severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) infection and to evaluate risk factors of COVID‐19 infection in RD patients.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was conducted on 148 moderate or severe COVID‐19 patients admitted to the First People's Hospital of Suqian Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University, including 74 RD patients and 74 non‐RD patients. Clinical data were collected including clinical characteristics and laboratory tests.

Results

The RD group showed a higher proportion of females with a higher incidence of interstitial lung disease and kidney disease than the non‐RD group. Also, the incidence of fatigue, olfactory dysfunction and musculoskeletal pain was higher in the RD group, but the incidence of cough, wheezing, and fever was lower compared with non‐RD patients. The hospitalized course of the RD group (12.7 days ± 6.55) was significantly longer than that in the non‐RD group (8.07 days ± 3.40). Also, patients in the RD group had higher levels of erythrocyte sedimentation rate, interleukin (IL)‐2, and IL‐4 than the non‐RD group. The logistic regression analysis showed that dizziness and headache, C‐reactive protein (CRP) > 8 mg/L and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) > 248 μ/L were independent risk factors for severe COVID‐19 infections of RD patients.

Conclusion

RD patients who suffered from moderate or severe COVID‐19 infections have a higher risk of comorbidities, higher levels of inflammation, and longer hospitalized course. Dizziness and headache, CRP > 8 mg/L and LDH > 248 μ/L are risk factors for severe COVID‐19 infections in RD patients.
Spotlighting the imbalance: Gender disparities among speakers and awardees at pediatric emergency medicine conferences
Authors: Reichard Kathleen G. , Levine Deborah A. , Reed Jennifer , Barrick‐Groskopf Lindsey , Bechtel Kirsten , Cooper Gena , Hall Jeannine E. , White Marjorie L. , Langhan Melissa L.
Published: August 2023

Background

There are wide variations in the gender makeup of speakers at national pediatric emergency medicine (PEM) conferences with no significant change in recent years.

Objective

Gender disparities exist among national speakers and award recipients. PEM represents the intersection of pediatrics, a female‐dominated specialty with approximately 58% women, and emergency medicine, a male‐dominated specialty. We describe the proportion of women speakers and award recipients at two national PEM conferences, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Section on Emergency Medicine (SOEM) and the Advanced PEM Assembly (APEMA), to the AAP National Conference & Exhibition (NCE), a national pediatric conference.

Methods

Data from SOEM and APEMA, obtained from 2016 to 2021 were compared to the 2021 NCE. Invited speakers, abstract presenters, and award recipients were identified. Gender was determined by searching each individual's name for self‐identification. Gender proportions were compared across conferences, speaker type, and year.

Results

Compared to the NCE, a significantly smaller proportion of women were invited speakers at APEMA (NCE 59.9% vs. APEMA 38.8%, p < 0.001), but similar proportions of women were invited speakers (53.9%, p = 0.178) and awardees at SOEM (50% vs. 50%, p = 1.0). A larger number of women were SOEM abstract presenters than invited speakers (63.3% vs. 53.9%, p = 0.041). Between 2016 and 2021, the proportion of women invited speakers (SOEM, p = 0.744; APEMA, p = 0.947) or abstract presenters (SOEM, p = 0.632) did not significantly change.

Conclusions

Compared to NCE, women are underrepresented as speakers at APEMA, but not at SOEM. Abstract presenters are more likely to be women compared to invited speakers. While awards appear equally distributed, recipients do not mirror the proportion of women in PEM. Conference organizers and leaders in PEM should ensure gender equity in national recognition.
Meta‐ and subpopulation estimation with disparate data: coconut crabs in the Western Indian Ocean
Authors: Caro T. , Rashid R. S. , Zeltman J. , Gierse L.‐M. , Sollmann R.
Published: August 2023

Widely dispersed fragmented populations are a challenge to monitor because subpopulation sizes may be very small, difficult to access and time consuming to sample regularly. We use the coconut crab (Birgus latro) on Pemba, United Republic of Zanzibar as a case study for estimating highly fragmented populations and metapopulation sizes. The species is a very large terrestrial decapod threatened by exploitation and habitat alteration and now classified as vulnerable. We developed an integrated model to analyse capture‐mark‐recapture (CMR) data from five sites jointly with count data from 24 sites to estimate site‐level densities and population sizes, predicted total population size across the Pemba archipelago, and investigated the effect of six predictors of human influence on density. We fitted separate models to test the effect of the same predictors on raw counts and individual body mass. We estimate the total population of coconut crabs on the Pemba archipelago to bec. 6700 terrestrial individuals. We show that government protection generally affects crabs positively, whereas presence of agriculture negatively affects their densities. This study highlights that time‐consuming CMR data can be leveraged to estimate densities on less visited sites, and that fully protected islands are critical for maintaining relatively high population densities. Our overall population estimate suggests that Pemba still hosts a viable coconut crab population in a part of its range where the species is otherwise in steep decline.
“Dancing with Spirits”—Spirit art and spirit‐guided experiential ethnographic techniques
Authors: Moody Gary
Published: August 2023

Spiritualist mediums are sought out from a variety of cultures for their advanced spirit communication healing techniques. Otherworldly spirits use mediums to create spirit art, which guides an individual to discover their authentic self and work through self‐limiting beliefs. To serve as a bridge for the spirit world, the medium develops an ability to enter an altered state of consciousness and use a multisensory embodied language to communicate with spirits. I describe this language as “dancing with spirits.” To investigate this language, I use my own spirit art as an innovative experiential ethnographic tool that blends auto‐ethnographic perceptions of spirits with sensory and artistic ethnography, and cultural healing techniques. I provide three case studies of how my spirit art provides unique insights into the less explored experiential dimensions of spirit communication. I layer my experimental ethnographic approach with Deleuze and Guattari's “rhizome” to show that spirit communication overcomes limitations of normal linguistic models. The spirit language serves as a rupture for unconscious forces to offer individually tailored healing and insight to a recipient through heightened sensory and physiological phenomena. Art, altered states of consciousness, and anomalous sensory experiences may offer insights to address a pressing global challenge, mental ill‐health.
Impact of a family‐centred clinical care programme on short‐term outcomes of very low‐birth weight infants
Authors: Pricoco Rafael , Mayer‐Huber Sandra , Paulick Johannes , Benstetter Franz , Zeller Michael , Keller Matthias
Published: August 2023

Aim

We evaluated the effects of a family‐centred clinical care pathway and case management programme on short‐term clinical outcome in a cohort of very low‐birth weight (VLBW) infants.

Methods

The programme, named NeoPAss, was developed at the Department of Neonatology Children's hospital Passau in 2013. Short‐term outcomes of infants were compared to matched controls from the Bavarian neonatology surveillance database before (n = 111; 2008–2012) and after implementation (n = 170; 2014–2017).

Results

After implementation the rate of late‐onset sepsis was significantly lower (2.5% vs. 10.7%, p = 0.005) and the length of stay was significantly shorter (VLBW 28 to 31 weeks' gestational age (GA) 47.5 vs. 53.1 days, p = 0.047; <28 weeks' GA 79.4 vs. 91.9 days, p = 0.007) in the intervention group compared to controls. Infants were discharged with significantly lower weight (mean 2351 vs. 2539 g, p = 0.013). There was no statistically significant difference in the rate of intraventricular haemorrhage (3.7% vs. 8.2%), necrotizing enterocolitis (0.6% vs. 1.9%) and bronchopulmonary dysplasia (0% vs. 6.9%).

Conclusion

Our data confirm that of other studies demonstrating a beneficial effect of family‐centred care programmes and provides evidence that structured parental involvement is not associated with increased risk of infection in a VLBW cohort.
Carbon dioxide embolism during transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy: A case report and literature review
Authors: Yap Ralph Victor , Buenafe Alfred Allen , Tankiatsy James , Bejasa Monica Maria , Mahani Ismael Naghizadeh , Calayag Glenford
Published: August 2023

The creation of the surgical space in transoral endoscopic thyroid surgery may put the anterior jugular vein at risk for injury and possibly lead to carbon dioxide (CO2) embolism. Although rare, CO2 embolism is potentially fatal. We report a case of a 67‐year‐old female who underwent transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy vestibular approach (TOETVA) for a benign thyroid disease. Intraoperatively, the anterior jugular vein was inadvertently lacerated. The end‐tidal (Et)CO2, O2 saturation, heart rate, and blood pressure suddenly decreased. The patient eventually became asystole. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation was performed with a return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC). We successfully ligated the injured vessel and terminated the procedure. A literature review of CO2 embolism during transoral thyroid surgery is presented, focusing on presentation, management, and prevention. Since TOETVA is still in preliminary clinical application, especially in developing countries, CO2 embolism may not be uncommon during the initial phase of the learning curve. Surgeons and anesthesiologist should be aware of this possibility.
Peripheral macrophages drive CNS disease in the Ndufs4(−/−) model of Leigh syndrome
Authors: Hanaford Allison R. , Khanna Asheema , Truong Vivian , James Katerina , Chen Yihan , Mulholland Michael , Kayser Bernhard , Liao Ryan W. , Sedensky Margaret , Morgan Phil , Baertsch Nathan Andrew , Kalia Vandana , Sarkar Surojit , Johnson Simon C.
Published: August 2023

Subacute necrotizing encephalopathy, or Leigh syndrome (LS), is the most common pediatric presentation of genetic mitochondrial disease. LS is a multi‐system disorder with severe neurologic, metabolic, and musculoskeletal symptoms. The presence of progressive, symmetric, and necrotizing lesions in the brainstem are a defining feature of the disease, and the major cause of morbidity and mortality, but the mechanisms underlying their pathogenesis have been elusive. Recently, we demonstrated that high‐dose pexidartinib, a CSF1R inhibitor, prevents LS CNS lesions and systemic disease in the Ndufs4(−/−) mouse model of LS. While the dose–response in this study implicated peripheral immune cells, the immune populations involved have not yet been elucidated. Here, we used a targeted genetic tool, deletion of the colony‐stimulating Factor 1 receptor (CSF1R) macrophage super‐enhancer FIRE (Csf1rΔFIRE), to specifically deplete microglia and define the role of microglia in the pathogenesis of LS. Homozygosity for the Csf1rΔFIRE allele ablates microglia in both control and Ndufs4(−/−) animals, but onset of CNS lesions and sequalae in the Ndufs4(−/−), including mortality, are only marginally impacted by microglia depletion. The overall development of necrotizing CNS lesions is not altered, though microglia remain absent. Finally, histologic analysis of brainstem lesions provides direct evidence of a causal role for peripheral macrophages in the characteristic CNS lesions. These data demonstrate that peripheral macrophages play a key role in the pathogenesis of disease in the Ndufs4(−/−) model.
‘If my parents find out, I will not see my phone anymore’: Who do children choose to disclose online sexual solicitation to?
Authors: Gemara Netanel , Mishna Faye , Katz Carmit
Published: August 2023

Child online sexual solicitation has become a significant form of child sexual abuse. Disclosure of online sexual solicitation is a multifaceted and complex process. The role of the disclosure recipient is crucial in the disclosure process, with respect to the initiation of the disclosure, how much children disclose, recantations and the children's well‐being. The current study aimed to explore children's experiences, perceptions, challenges and obstacles regarding disclosing online sexual solicitation as revealed in their forensic interviews. The sample, obtained from the Service of Forensic Interviews with Children in Israel, included 32 Israeli children who were sexually solicited online and participated in forensic interviews. A thematic qualitative methodology was used to analyse the children's narratives. The findings demonstrated that children tend to disclose online sexual solicitation to their peers and not to their parents. The children provided three main reasons for this tendency: sexuality, technology and the recipient's response. The current study's findings highlight the important role of peers in the disclosure process of online sexual solicitation. Moreover, the findings reveal children's difficulties disclosing online sexual solicitation to their parents. Practical implications of children's online sexual solicitation disclosure, future recommendations and study limitations are discussed.