bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Choosing annuities for a home reversion: the case of the French viager market
Authors: Coulomb Jean-Baptiste , Larceneux Fabrice , Simon Arnaud
Published: September 2023

Purpose

The authors analyzed annuitization preferences when retired people extract cash from their homes. Based on 2,608 viager (home reversion) transactions, the authors study the relations between annuitization, negotiation, cash extraction, age, gender and marital status.

Design/methodology/approach

A database comprising 2,608 transactions is used. The three-stage least squares (3SLS) and moderation models are implemented, with a focus on potential adverse selection issues.

Findings

The authors found that difficulties in selling a property generally result in increased annuitization. The single men's group endures gender inequality, suffering from limitations in their possibility to extract wealth and annuitize, as well as an additional price discount during negotiation. Young single men, as compared to young single women and young couples, must consent to a substantial price reduction if they prefer a high down payment and limited price reductions if they prefer annuities. Elderly single men, as compared to young single men, have less capacity to negotiate, a concern that is reinforced when they prefer annuities.

Originality/value

Among the home equity conversion products, the academic real estate literature has intensely analyzed the reverse mortgage. The viager is distinct from a mortgage in that it consists of the true sale of a property without bank involvement. This product deserves reinforced attention in an aging continental Europe. It exists in numerous countries (France, Belgium, Germany, Italy, Spain, etc.).
The effect of economic complexities and green economy on financial statements fraud
Authors: Ahmadi Zainab , Salehi Mahdi , Rahmani Mahmoud
Published: September 2023

Purpose

This study aims to address the relationship between economic complexities (EC) and the green economy (GE) with fraud in the listed companies on the Tehran stock exchange. The authors study whether EC and GE increase the detection of financial statement fraud.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors used a multiple regression model based on the panel data method and fixed effect model to test hypotheses. The sample includes 1,351 companies listed on the Iranian stock exchange from 2014 to 2021.

Findings

The results show a negative and significant relationship between EC and GE with financial statement fraud.

Originality/value

Since this research is the first to address the mentioned topic in emerging markets, it provides helpful insights for financial statement users, analysts and legal entities. The study fills the literature gap and promotes knowledge regarding its relevant literature.
Multi-level analysis on determinants of sustainability disclosure: a survey of academic literature
Authors: Ali Waris , Wilson Jeffrey
Published: September 2023

Purpose

This study uses a multi-level framework to systematically summarize and synthesize the empirical literature on determinants of sustainability disclosure.

Design/methodology/approach

This review study is based on 159 empirical studies examining determinants of sustainability disclosure and published in Charted Association of Business Schools (CABS) ranked journals over the last 40 years.

Findings

Companies are experiencing multi-level pressures for sustainability disclosure. Macro-level variables include political, legal, social-cultural and international pressures. Meso-level factors include customers' concerns, shareholders’ and investors' demands, industry-level variables and media coverage. Micro-level factors include the firm-level governance mechanisms, executives' reporting attitude and role of sustainability promoting institutions. Unlike in developed markets, companies in developing markets feel minimal public pressure for sustainability disclosure but rather are influenced by international NGOs, the media and international buyers. Multi-level and multitude of pressures for sustainability disclosure explains the widely observed differences between studies.

Originality/value

This research presents the most extensive systematic review of the extant sustainability disclosure literature and is the first study to group determinants into micro-, meso- and macro-level components using multi-level analysis.
…And (epistemic) justice for all: a cautionary tale of knowledge inequality in participatory research
Authors: Fletcher Andrew
Published: September 2023

Purpose

Significant funding has been made available in the UK for social, behavioural and design research that aims to improve health and wellbeing for older adults. The growing importance and use of participatory and co-creative approaches in this field not only reflects a general turn in social research but also seeks to redress power imbalances between researchers and researched. This paper aims to use Miranda Fricker’s concept of “epistemic injustice” as a lens to describe the author’s experience with one such project, and highlight the cautions and considerations that must be made when navigating, handling and amalgamating “other people’s knowledge”.

Design/methodology/approach

Personal and theoretical reflection. Primary data for this paper consists of first-hand insider observations on how different forms of knowledge were treated in an interdisciplinary, intersectoral participatory research context.

Findings

Some participatory studies are hampered by insufficient consideration for a range of ways of thinking, including between researchers and participants, younger and older adults, different academic disciplines or academia and industry. This can harm project integrity and outcomes, potentially eroding trust in academic research.

Originality/value

By reflecting on a recent participatory study in healthy ageing, this paper outlines a theoretical basis to increase the benefits of working with different stakeholders across health and care, design, business and academia. It concludes by suggesting ways that researchers might address epistemic injustice, and so recognise and properly value the range of knowledge types encountered in participatory research.
Path analytic investigation of the intention to adopt open government data in Qatar (TAM revisited)
Authors: El-Kassem Rima Charbaji , Al-Kubaisi Ali
Published: September 2023

Purpose

This study aims to examine the factors that influence end users’ intention to adopt open government data (OGD) portals, envisioning this relationship through a path causal model.

Design/methodology/approach

The study surveyed 696 Qataris and 730 white-collar expatriates using a questionnaire. The Kaiser–Meyer–Olkin measure of sample adequacy and Bartlett’s test of sphericity were used to determine the questionnaire’s construct validity.

Findings

The multiple regression analysis revealed that previous experience in using OGD portals, perceived usefulness and ease of use of OGD portals, marital status, age and attitude toward using OGD portals significantly predicted the intention to adopt OGD portals. Moreover, age and marital status significantly affected the intention to adopt OGD portals. The outcomes of the path causal model show that the direct effects of each explanatory variable are enhanced by the effects of the other independent variables in the causal model.

Practical implications

The study pioneers the application of the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) to analyze motivating factors for Qatari residents to adopt OGD portals. Using this framework can help policymakers build strategies to boost the use of OGD portals in Qatar.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, the TAM has never been examined in the Qatari setting to analyze the adoption of OGD portals. The present study fills knowledge gaps about and offers a clearer understanding of the elements influencing the adoption of OGD portals.
Podoplanin‐positive cells located in the basal layer of Bowen disease include tumor cells with cancer stem cell properties
Authors: Murao Kazutoshi , Kubo Yoshiaki
Published: September 2023

Podoplanin (PDPN) is widely used as a marker of lymphatic endothelial cells. PDPN is also involved in tumor progression, and upregulated PDPN expression is often found in various cancers. In this study, we first immunohistochemically examined PDPN expression in 87 cases of Bowen disease. Positive expression was detected in 64.4% of Bowen disease specimens, and the positive cells were exclusively located in the basal layer and corresponded to palisaded basal cells (PBCs). PBCs have been considered to be residual normal keratinocytes so far, but PDPN expression in cancers is generally associated with poor clinical outcomes. We also examined PDPN expression in 27 cases of Bowen carcinoma. Diffuse and strong PDPN expression was detected in 22.2% of Bowen carcinoma specimens, and another 22.2% showed PDPN expression at the leading edges of tumor nests. These results prompted us to determine whether PDPN‐positive cells are more tumorigenic than PDPN‐negative cells. We cultured Bowen disease cells using a three‐dimensional (3D) cell culture system and examined PDPN expression. In the cultured Bowen disease tissue, PDPN expression was again detected in the basal layer. Then, we isolated 1.2 × 105 PDPN‐positive and ‐negative cells from the 3D organotypic culture of Bowen disease by fluorescence‐activated cell sorting analysis and compared their tumorigenicity using 3D culture. The PDPN‐positive tumor cells were able to regenerate Bowen disease tissue, but the PDPN‐negative tumor cells were not. In addition, the regenerated Bowen disease tissue derived from the PDPN‐positive cells exhibited PDPN expression in its basal layer, as the parental Bowen disease tissue did. These results indicate that PDPN‐positive cells include tumor cells with cancer stem cell properties. Although the precise mechanism through which PDPN expression is involved in the pathogenesis of Bowen disease needs to be determined, PDPN may be a novel druggable target for Bowen disease.
‘CandidatusTisiphia’ is a widespread Rickettsiaceae symbiont in the mosquito Anopheles plumbeus (Diptera: Culicidae)
Authors: Davison Helen R. , Crozier Jessica , Pirro Stacy , Kampen Helge , Werner Doreen , Hurst Gregory D. D.
Published: September 2023

Symbiotic bacteria can alter host biology by providing protection from natural enemies, or alter reproduction or vectoral competence. Symbiont‐linked control of vector‐borne disease in Anopheles has been hampered by a lack of symbioses that can establish stable vertical transmission in the host. Previous screening found the symbiont ‘Candidatus Tisiphia’ in Anopheles plumbeus, an aggressive biter and potential secondary vector of malaria parasites and West Nile virus. We screened samples collected over 10‐years across Germany and used climate databases to assess environmental influence on incidence. We observed a 95% infection rate, and that the frequency of infection did not fluctuate with broad environmental factors. Maternal inheritance is indicated by presence in the ovaries through FISH microscopy. Finally, we assembled a high‐quality 1.6 Mbp draft genome of ‘Ca. Tisiphia’ to explore its phylogeny and potential metabolic competence. The infection is closely related to strains found in Culicoides biting midges and shows similar patterns of metabolism, providing no evidence of the capacity to synthesize B‐vitamins. This infection offers avenues for onward research in anopheline mosquito symbioses. Additionally, it provides future opportunity to study the impact of ‘Ca. Tisiphia’ on natural and transinfected hosts, especially in relation to reproductive fitness and vectorial competence and capacity.
Ecology theory disentangles microbial dichotomies
Authors: Couso Luciana L. , Soler‐Bistué Alfonso , Aptekmann Ariel A. , Sánchez Ignacio E.
Published: September 2023

Microbes are often discussed in terms of dichotomies such as copiotrophic/oligotrophic and fast/slow‐growing microbes, defined using the characterisation of microbial growth in isolated cultures. The dichotomies are usually qualitative and/or study‐specific, sometimes precluding clear‐cut results interpretation. We can unravel microbial dichotomies as life history strategies by combining ecology theory with Monod curves, a laboratory mathematical tool of bacterial physiology that relates the specific growth rate of a microbe with the concentration of a limiting nutrient. Fitting of Monod curves provides quantities that directly correspond to key parameters in ecological theories addressing species coexistence and diversity, such as r/K selection theory, resource competition and community structure theory and the CSR triangle of life strategies. The resulting model allows us to reconcile the copiotrophic/oligotrophic and fast/slow‐growing dichotomies as different subsamples of a life history strategy triangle that also includes r/K strategists. We also used the number of known carbon sources together with community structure theory to partially explain the diversity of heterotrophic microbes observed in metagenomics experiments. In sum, we propose a theoretical framework for the study of natural microbial communities that unifies several existing proposals. Its application would require the integration of metagenomics, metametabolomics, Monod curves and carbon source data.
The Story of Miss C.’s Seduction of Young Women. A Methodological Quest into Female Same‐Sex Relations at the Turn of the Twentieth Century
Authors: Andreassen Rikke
Published: September 2023

This article explores a series of newspaper articles from 1908, describing Miss C. – a Copenhagen woman who, apparently, hosted carnal orgies in which she ‘converted’ young women into sapphism. While most historical sources only hint at female same‐sex relationships or describe women's romantic (platonic) feelings for one another, these articles are explicit in their descriptions of lust and carnal sex. For this reason, they add nuance to our historical perceptions of (Western) female same‐sex relations during the turn of the twentieth century. Methodologically, I use my renovation of a Copenhagen flat as an entry point into the articles. I see both projects (the renovation and the analysis) through the lens of a palimpsest, understanding the surface to hide deeper layers of meaning. Thus, the renovation serves as an allegory of my search for knowledge about Miss C. and her lovers, which I attempt to uncover by engaging in reparative readings. As I develop the analysis, I reflect upon my longing to find historical characters who mirror my own identity, as well as the challenge faced by historians researching sexuality in their attempts to write about the past in ways that respect subjects without castrating them or depriving them of agency.
GEOGRAPHIES OF EXCLUSION: Reproducing Dispossession and Erasure within a Waste Picker Organization in Mumbai
Authors: Sharma Sneha
Published: September 2023

A rich seam of waste scholarship already addresses the exclusion faced by informal waste workers as cities in the global South undergo spatial transformations to become ‘world class’. However, less attention has been paid to how state practices have reproduced inequalities within and across waste picker communities. Drawing upon eleven months of ethnographic research at Mumbai's Deonar dump site, this article maps the practices through which waste workers have responded to their exclusion following a massive fire in 2016. It demonstrates that social exclusion is experienced differently by different members of the community and calls for a greater focus on heterogeneity amongst waste workers. Multi‐dimensional vulnerabilities manifest through these workers’ deal‐making strategies, while simultaneously mirroring the conditions of marginality produced by the state. The article contributes to debates on marginality by employing the lens of erasure to show how exclusion relies on the optics of visibility and invisibility. By unpicking the hierarchical structure within one waste worker organization, the article argues that the state‐led mandate for garbage‐free cities in India disproportionately affects those located at the margins of marginalized groups.
The most consistent finding in forensic science is inconsistency
Authors: Dror Itiel E.
Published: September 2023

The most consistent finding in many forensic science domains is inconsistency (i.e., lack of reliability, reproducibility, repeatability, and replicability). The lack of consistency is a major problem, both from a scientific and a criminal justice point of view. Examining forensic conclusion data, from across many forensic domains, highlights the underlying cognitive issues and offers a better understanding of the issues and challenges. Such insights enable the development of ways to minimize these inconsistencies and move forward. The aim is to highlight the problem, so that it can be minimized and the reliability of forensic science evidence can be improved.
Correlation of fruit tree rhizosphere soils with entomopathogenic fungi
Authors: Kim Seulki , Hwang Dong Young , Shin Tae Young , Kwak Jin‐Hyeob
Published: September 2023

Entomopathogenic fungi are microorganisms that control the density of host insects in nature; they are being studied as environmentally friendly alternatives to chemical insecticides for controlling insect pests. The main habitat of entomopathogenic fungi is soil, and the correlation between the distribution of entomopathogenic fungi and the physicochemical characteristics of soils planted with different trees, including vine (outdoor, greenhouse, and greenhouse shine musket), apple, peach, and pear, were analyzed. The entomopathogenic fungi of the generaBeauveria,Metarhizium, andPurpureocilliuminvestigated in this study were all found in soil samples from vine‐greenhouse, apple, and peach trees.PurpureocilliumandBeauveriaabundances were positively correlated with soil properties; however,Metarhiziumabundances were not correlated with soil properties. TheMetarhiziumisolates discovered in this study showed pathogenicity to cotton aphids (an agricultural pest) and can be employed as sources for biological studies in the future. This study provides data on the diversity and abundance of entomopathogenic fungi related with soil properties, as well as the molecular, biological, and insecticidal characteristics ofMetarhiziumisolates.
Plasma mitochondrial DNA is elevated in maternal serum at first trimester and may serve as a biomarker for prediction of gestational diabetes mellitus
Authors: Sahu Dushyant Kumar , Abraham Jessy
Published: September 2023

Background

We evaluated whether an abundance of first‐trimester plasma mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) fragments could predict the risk for the development of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) by the late second or early third trimester.

Methods

It was a prospective study wherein we enrolled 150 women in their first trimester of gestation. Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was administered both in the first and second trimesters to diagnose GDM.

Results

Among our cohort, 23 women were diagnosed with GDM in the first trimester and excluded from the study. Of the remaining 127, 29 women were diagnosed with GDM in the second trimester, and 98 women who did not develop GDM served as controls. We amplified blood drawn from each participant during the first trimester for three distinct mtDNA gene sequences: COX, ND4, and D‐loop. An abundance of each mtDNA sequence, estimated by the ΔCt method between mtDNA and 18S rRNA, correlated with GDM occurrence in the late second or early third trimester. There was a significant difference in ΔCt COX between controls and those with GDM occurrence in the second trimester (p = .006). These levels were not associated with age or fasting plasma glucose levels in the first trimester. ΔCt COX could predict GDM with a sensitivity of 90% and a specificity of 40%. Though ΔCt ND4 was higher in the GDM‐positive group, the levels did not reach statistical significance. ΔCt D‐loop was similar in GDM‐positive cases and controls who did not develop GDM during pregnancy.

Conclusions

These results were in plasma samples collected 3 to 4 months before overt hyperglycemia diagnosis suggestive of GDM. The abundance of plasma mtDNA fragments represents a promising cost‐effective, convenient early‐stage biomarker for predicting GDM development. Importantly, it can be administered irrespective of the fasting status of the subject. Further assessment of the predictive capacity of these biomarkers within large, diverse populations is needed for effective clinical utility.
Lung adenocarcinoma with micropapillary and solid patterns: Recurrence rate and trends
Authors: Takeno Naoki , Tarumi Shintaro , Abe Masahiro , Suzuki Yasuhiro , Kinoshita Ichiro , Kato Tatsuya
Published: September 2023

Background

Lung adenocarcinomas with micropapillary pattern (MP) or solid pattern (SP) have poor prognosis with frequent postoperative recurrence. However, treatment strategies for these histological subtypes have not been established. This study examined the recurrence rates and patterns in patients with these histological subtypes.

Methods

Overall, 238 patients with lung adenocarcinoma who underwent radical resection were included. According to the histological subtypes, the patients were classified into three groups: neither MP nor SP (MP−/SP−), MP (MP+), and SP (SP+). The clinical and pathological characteristics and recurrence‐free survival (RFS) were examined in each group. In addition, univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to investigate the recurrence factors. The site of recurrence, PD‐L1 expression, and driver mutations were examined in patients with postoperative recurrence.

Results

The recurrence rates were significantly higher in the MP+ and SP+ groups (p = 0.01). The RFS was significantly shorter in the MP+ and SP+ groups (p < 0.001) than in the MP−/SP− group, especially in pStage 1A (p = 0.001). The relationship between recurrence and pathologic factors was significant for pleural, lymphatic, and vascular invasion, as well as MP in univariate analysis and only for MP in multivariate analysis. Most recurrences were distant metastases in the MP+ and SP+ groups. PD‐L1 was highly expressed in recurrent SP+ cases.

Conclusions

Early‐stage lung adenocarcinoma with MP or SP frequently has postoperative recurrence. Prevention of distant metastases is important in these patients to improve prognosis, and aggressive postoperative chemotherapy may be considered.
Autopsy study of alcohol‐associated unnatural deaths in Thailand, 2007–2019
Authors: Sribanditmongkol Pongruk , Junkuy Anongphan , Homkham Nontiya , Worasuwannarak Wisarn , Hess Jeffrey A.
Published: September 2023

Background

To date, there have been no major studies of alcohol‐associated unnatural deaths in Thailand or South East Asia. Thailand leads South East Asia in per capita alcohol consumption. The objectives of this study were to determine the incidence of alcohol‐associated unnatural deaths in Thailand and their relation to post‐mortem blood alcohol concentration (BAC); to investigate correlations between BAC and selected demographic variables; and to evaluate the incidence of co‐use of alcohol and illicit substances.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective register‐based study of alcohol‐investigated unnatural deaths in Thailand for the period 2007–2019. The core study sample (n = 77,006) was derived from a Thai government computerized database of unnatural‐death autopsies.

Results

Of the total autopsy sample 32.49% was alcohol positive (BAC ≥0.20 g/L). The rate at which male autopsy cases were alcohol positive (35.52%) was approximately twice that of female autopsy cases (16.62%), with males having significantly higher median BAC levels, 1.64 and 1.31 g/L, respectively. The incidence of female alcohol‐positive cases with extremely high BACs (≥3.50 g/L) was comparable to that of male alcohol‐positive autopsies. The rates at which victims of accidents, homicides, and suicides were alcohol positive were 42.44%, 38.81%, and 33.25%, respectively. Drowning fatalities had the highest rate of alcohol detection (49.12%) and the highest median BAC (2.47 g/L). The next highest rate (48.47%) was among road traffic fatalities (RTFs, BAC 1.92 g/L), which accounted for about one‐half of all RTFs and one‐third of all alcohol‐positive autopsies. Of the total alcohol‐positive population, 8.33% tested positive for illicit substances, most commonly methamphetamine/amphetamine.

Conclusions

BAC results for the majority of male and female alcohol‐positive victims exceeded the generally accepted threshold for Heavy Episodic Drinking (0.8 g/L) and provided a rare BAC‐documented (≥3.50 g/L) example of gender parity in the incidence of heavy alcohol consumption. The median BAC value for alcohol‐positive RTFs (1.92 g/L) was about 10% higher than in studies in most other countries and about four times greater the Thai legal limit for motor‐vehicle operation (0.50 g/L).
Records of the land planarian Polycladus gayi (Tricladida, Geoplanidae) preying on black snails Macrocyclis peruvianus (Gastropoda, Macrocyclidae)
Authors: Boll Piter K. , Lloncón Yerko , Almendras Diego
Published: September 2023

Polycladus gayi is a colourful and easily recognizable land planarian native to the temperate to cold rainforests of the west coast of southern South America, in Chile and Argentina; however, its ecology is poorly understood. Here, we describe the first records of P. gayi preying on a black snail Macrocyclis peruvianus in the wild. Two events were recorded, the first in a healthy forest in Llancahue Alto, Panguipulli, Chile, during the austral summer of 2023, and the second in a mature evergreen forest in the coastal range of La Union, Chile. These records expand our knowledge of the feeding habits and behaviour of P. gayi and add M. peruvianus to its prey list.
Consumers’ valuation of a biofortified crop: Evidence from a laboratory experiment
Authors: Meerza Syed Imran Ali , Mottaleb Khondoker , Dsouza Alwin , Rahaman Md. Shajedur , Sarkar Md. Abdur Rouf
Published: September 2023

Malnutrition among women of reproductive age and children remains one of the major issues in developing countries, particularly zinc deficiency. Zinc deficiency hinders cognitive and physical development in children as well as adults. This study utilized a non‐hypothetical laboratory valuation experiment to analyze whether positive information about biofortified rice affects consumers’ valuations of biofortified as well as non‐biofortified rice. Specifically, we designed a within‐subject experiment based on Becker‐DeGroot‐Marschak (BDM) auction mechanism to compare consumers’ valuations of zinc‐biofortified and popular non‐biofortified rice varieties before and after exposure to information about the health benefits of zinc‐biofortified rice. We conducted our experiments in randomly selected four districts of Bangladesh, and a total of 134 consumers participated in our study. Results reveal that consumers assign a significant premium to zinc‐biofortified rice when they receive information about zinc‐biofortified rice and its health benefits. Intriguingly, positive information about zinc‐biofortified rice negatively affects the valuation of non‐biofortified rice varieties, suggesting negative spillover effects. Moreover, our results also identify that both the information provision and labeling are important to increase consumer demand for zinc‐biofortified rice.
Do you see what I see? Variation in detection, identification and enumeration of mammals during transect surveys
Authors: Goodenough Anne E. , Berry Danielle L. , Carpenter William S. , Dawson Melissa , Furlong Natasha , Lamb Rachel J. , MacTavish Lynne , O'Reilly Niall , Toms Hannah , Whitehead Lauren H. , Hart Adam G.
Published: September 2023

Effective monitoring, management and conservation of wildlife axiomatically depend on accurate data but causes of variation, including inter‐observer variation, are rarely explicitly quantified. Here, under controlled conditions, we demonstrate considerable variation in detection, identification and enumeration of (theoretically) readily identifiable African mammals at a reserve with a known species assemblage. Detection: 97.8% of sightings were missed by ≥1 observer; frequency of detection was affected by observer ID, detection distance, visibility and animal group size. Identification: just 3/14 species were identified consistently at all sightings. Enumeration: lack of consensus for 60.5% of sightings; consensus likelihood was affected by visibility and group size.
Left ventricular noncompaction cardiomyopathy and short QT syndrome due to primary carnitine deficiency
Authors: Hanington Oliver P. , Armstrong Catherine , Pierre Germaine , Stuart Graham , Hancox Jules C.
Published: September 2023

We report the case of a 13‐year‐old female patient presenting with presyncope and palpitations. Her electrocardiogram revealed an abbreviation of the rate‐corrected QT interval with imaging showing significant left ventricular dysfunction. Carnitine levels were measured as part of her diagnostic workup, discovering a rare, reversible cause of short QT syndrome (SQTS) and associated cardiomyopathy—primary carnitine deficiency (PCD) caused by a homozygous mutation in the SLC22A5 gene, leading to an in‐frame deletion mutation (NP_003051.1:p.Phe23del) affecting the organic cation transporter 2 (OCTN2) protein. Following the treatment with oral carnitine supplementation, her QT interval returned to within the normal range with significant improvement in left ventricular function.
Initial experience with laparoscopic gastric bypass in an Australian general foregut surgery unit
Authors: Zimmerman Andrew , Bhimani Nazim , Chan Priscilla , Mitchell David , Leibman Steven , Smith Garett
Published: September 2023

Background

Laparoscopic gastric bypass (LGB) is an increasingly utilized approach to bariatric surgery in Australia. A high proportion of those procedures are revisional due to Australia's legacy of laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB), which is not the case internationally. The aim of this study was to compare post‐operative outcomes in an Australian general foregut surgery unit against benchmarks published in the literature.

Methods

This is retrospective cohort study of morbidly obese patients undergoing primary or revisional laparoscopic Roux‐en‐Y gastric bypass (RYGB) or laparoscopic one anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB) with the two senior authors between 5 May 2015 and 27 June 2019. Perioperative data for the unit's first 100 cases were collected prospectively, stored on a unit database and analysed. Post‐operative complications at 30 days, 90 days, mortality, length of hospital stay, and Defined Adverse Events were chosen as indicators of the perioperative outcome (as defined in the Monash Bariatric Surgery Registry).

Results

In this cohort, 35% of procedures were RYGB and 65% were OAGB. The majority (58%) were revisional procedures. Most patients (74%) were female. The median age was 50. The comorbidity profile of the population was similar to those published internationally. The median hospital stay was 4 days. There was no mortality. Early complications occurred in 9% of patients, with 3% occurring late.

Conclusion

Outcomes of our first 100 cases are comparable with those recorded in the literature, notwithstanding a much higher proportion of revisional cases. LGB can be safely introduced in Australian general foregut surgery units by experienced laparoscopic surgeons.
Prognosis of pancreaticoduodenectomy in octogenarians for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma with propensity score matched analysis
Authors: Jeong HyeJeong , Lim Soo Yeun , Jeon Hyun Jeong , Yoon So Jeong , Kim Hongbeom , Han In Woong , Heo Jin Seok , Shin Sang Hyun
Published: September 2023

Background

This retrospective study investigates factors affecting surgical and oncological outcome after performing pancreaticoduodenectomy in octogenarian patients diagnosed with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.

Methods

From January 2009 to December 2018, patients who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma were included. Data were analysed by comparing clinicopathological characteristics, complications, survival, recurrence, adjuvant treatment between octogenarians and the younger group. Propensity score matched analysis was performed due to the small size of the octogenarian group.

Results

A total of 666 patients were included in this study and 24 (3.6%) were included in the octogenarian group. Short term complication rates (P = 0.119) and hospital stay (P = 0.839) did not differ between two groups. Overall survival between the two groups showed significant difference (<80 median 25 months versus ≥80 median 13 months, P = 0.045). However, after propensity score matched analysis, the two groups did not differ in overall survival (<80 median 18 months versus ≥80 median survival 16 months, P = 0.565) or disease‐free survival (P = 0.471). Among the octogenarians, six patients survived longer than 24 months even without satisfying all favourable prognostic factors.

Conclusion

Considering the general condition of octogenarians diagnosed with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, select patients should be treated more aggressively for the best chance of receiving curative treatment.
Antithrombin III supplementation during neonatal and pediatric extracorporeal membrane oxygenation
Authors: Meshulami Noy , Green Robert , Kaushik Shubhi
Published: September 2023

Background

Bleeding and thrombosis are common extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) complications associated with increased mortality. Heparin is the most commonly used ECMO anticoagulant, employed in 94% of cases. Reduced antithrombin III (AT3) levels could decrease heparin effectiveness. Neonates have inherently lower levels of AT3 than adults, and pediatric patients on ECMO can develop AT3 deficiency. One potential approach for patients on ECMO with AT3 deficiency is exogenous AT3 supplementation. However, there is conflicting data concerning the use of AT3 for pediatric and neonatal patients on ECMO.

Methods

We analyzed the Bleeding and Thrombosis during ECMO database of 514 neonatal and pediatric patients on ECMO. We constructed daily regression models to determine the association between AT3 supplementation and rates of bleeding and thrombosis. Given the physiological differences between pediatric patients and neonates, we constructed separate models for each.

Results

AT3 administration was associated with increased rates of daily bleeding among pediatric (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.59, p < 0.01) and neonatal (aOR 1.37, p = 0.04) patients. AT3 supplementation did not reduce the rate of thrombosis for either pediatric or neonatal patients.

Conclusion

AT3 administration was associated with increased rates of daily bleeding, a hypothesized potential complication of AT3 supplementation. In addition, AT3 supplementation did not result in lower rates of thrombosis. We recommend clinicians utilize caution when considering supplementing patients on ECMO with exogenous AT3.
Editorial: liver biopsy in alcoholic hepatitis—more clarity on when it may be needed
Authors: Haiar Jacob , Singal Ashwani K.
Published: September 2023

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Forrest et al paper. To view this article, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16157
Similar 5‐year HCC occurrence in Tenofovir‐ and Entecavir‐treated HBV chronic infection in the French AFEF/ANRS CO22 Hepather cohort
Authors: Pol Stanislas ,   ANRS/AFEF study group
Published: September 2023

Background

Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection results in a high risk of cirrhosis and its complications, cirrhosis decompensation (DC), hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), liver transplantation (LT), death or any of these outcomes (composite endpoint [CE]). Nucleos(t)ide analogues (NUCs) such as tenofovir or entecavir are associated with a reduction in these complications.

Aim

To compare the impact of tenofovir and entecavir on these outcomes in patients treated for HBV infection and included in the prospective Hepather cohort.

Methods

All patients with HBV infection who had received tenofovir or entecavir for more than 6 months at or after entry in the ANRS CO22 cohort were selected. Patients with HDV and HCV co‐infection or prior liver event were excluded. Incidence rates of events were compared using inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPW).

Results

The cohort included 1800 patients (986 tenofovir and 814 entecavir). Median follow‐up was 4.2 years. The incidences of HCC, DC, LT, ACD, LRD and CE were not different between tenofovir‐ (1.8 (0.9; 3.2), 0.6 (0.2; 1.6), 0.2 (0.0; 0.8), 1.7 (0.8; 3.0), 0.8 (0.2, 1.8) and 4.1 (3.0; 5.4) per 1000 person‐years) and entecavir‐treated patients (1.6 (0.7; 3.0), 0.7 (0.2; 1.8), 0.2 (0.0; 1.0), 3.0 (1.7, 4.8), 0.5 (0.1; 1.5) and 5.0 (3.3; 7.2)) per 1000 person‐years, respectively.

Conclusion

The risk of liver‐related events or death was not different between tenofovir‐ and entecavir‐treated patients in this large prospective cohort of predominantly non‐cirrhotic French patients.

Trial registration number: NCT019553458.
Editorial: non‐selective beta blockers—in and out of circulation
Authors: Kimer Nina , Mortensen Christian , Hobolth Lise
Published: September 2023

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Sasso & Rockey papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16156 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16242
Editorial: anti‐TNF agents against vedolizumab as a second‐line treatment? Not surprising tie game
Authors: Roblin Xavier , Paul Stéphane , Nancey Stéphane
Published: September 2023

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Rundquist et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16193 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16241
Editorial: Beta blockers and cirrhosis—more than just portal hypertension?
Authors: TTL Tjwa Eric
Published: September 2023

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to McDowell et al paper. To view this article, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16189
Editorial: defining a microbial signature to predict non‐response to a FODMAP diet—a step closer or is it?
Authors: Halmos Emma P.
Published: September 2023

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Chumpitazi et al and Chumpitazi & Shulman papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16024 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16244
Editorial: will clusters for anxiety, depression, sleep disturbance and fatigue symptoms predict treatment outcomes in functional dyspepsia?
Authors: Veldhuyzen Van Zanten Sander
Published: September 2023

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Barberio et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16184 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16247
Editorial: towards an understanding of increased mortality in coeliac disease
Authors: Anderson Robert P.
Published: September 2023

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Schneider et al and Schneider & Strnad papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16206 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16246
Letter: how frequently does COVID‐19 mimic an IBD flare when community transmission of SARS‐CoV‐2 is active?
Authors: O’Morain Neil , Coe Carolann , Mallon Patrick , Twomey Patrick , De Gascun Cillian F. , Doherty Glen A.
Published: September 2023

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Taxonera et al paper. To view this article, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15804
Editorial: non‐selective beta blockers—in and out of circulation. Authors' reply
Authors: Sasso Roula , Rockey Don
Published: September 2023

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Sasso & Rockey and Kimer et al. papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16156 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16199
Editorial: time trends in colectomy rates for ulcerative colitis in England—mixed methods brings mixed messages?
Authors: Bodger Keith
Published: September 2023

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Worley et al and Worley & Faiz papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16202 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16256
Editorial: proton pump inhibitor use in cirrhosis—a piece of the puzzle
Authors: Celsa Ciro , Cammà Calogero
Published: September 2023

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Rocco et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16239 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16254
Editorial: is hyperbaric oxygen a therapeutic opportunity for refractory perianal Crohn's disease?
Authors: McCurdy Jeffrey , Boet Sylvain , Rosenfeld Greg
Published: September 2023

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Lansdrop et al paper. To view this article, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16228
Letter: the improvement of sarcopaenia after TIPSS might result from survivor bias
Authors: Chen Ruanqin , Gao Yuan , Li Xiaolou
Published: September 2023

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Artru et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16080 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16274
Letter: liver involvement and mortality in COVID‐19—the role of anti‐viral therapy should be considered
Authors: Boglione Lucio , Rostagno Roberto , Poletti Federica , Moglia Roberta , Bianchi Bianca , Esposito Maria , Biffi Stefano , Borrè Silvio
Published: September 2023

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Ponziani et al paper. To view this article, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15996
Cross‐linkage between bacterial taxonomy and gene functions: a study of metagenome‐assembled genomes of gut microbiota in adult non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Canivet Clemence M. , David Norma , Pailhoriès Helene , Briand Martial , Guy Cynthia D. , Bouchez Olivier , Hunault Gilles , Fizanne Lionel , Lannes Adrien , Oberti Frederic , Fouchard Isabelle , Calès Paul , Diehl Anna Mae , Barret Matthieu , Boursier Jerome
Published: September 2023

Background

The reconstruction of metagenome‐assembled genomes (MAGs) has emerged as a powerful approach for combining the taxonomic and functional content of microbial populations.

Aim

To use this new approach to highlight mechanisms linking gut microbiota to NAFLD severity

Methods

Stool samples were collected from 96 NAFLD patients on the day of liver biopsy. Shotgun DNA sequencing of the gut microbiota was performed on an Illumina HiSeq3000 system. Contigs were binned into MAGs according to their co‐abundances and tetranucleotide frequencies using Metabat v.0.32.4. Predicted protein‐coding genes were clustered in orthologous groups (OGs) with DIAMOND against the EggNOG v4.5 database. Liver biopsies were read in accordance with the NASH CRN classification.

Results

Fifty‐four patients had NASH and 44 had significant fibrosis (F ≥ 2). Sequencing of DNA extracted from stools resulted in 13.8 + 3.2 million paired‐end reads per sample. Of the 4,000 reconstructed MAGs, 220 in NASH patients, 192 in non‐NASH patients, 203 in F ≥ 2 patients and 230 in F0‐1 patients had > 70% completeness and < 5% contamination. Within these MAGs, 28 OGs were associated with NASH, 33 with significant fibrosis, and seven with both NASH and significant fibrosis. The study of MAGs showed associations between NAFLD severity and some gut bacteria with microbiota functions related to hydrogen sulfide production, citrate transport, hemicellulose degradation, aldehyde production and vitamin B12 synthesis.

Conclusion

Using new metagenomics methods, our study unveils potential mechanisms by which certain bacteria from the gut microbiota could protect or contribute to the development of NASH and liver fibrosis in NAFLD.
Letter: serum hepatitis B virus DNA and risk of hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with chronic hepatitis B
Authors: Huang Rui , Liu Jiacheng , Wang Jian , Yan Xiaomin , Wu Chao
Published: September 2023

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Kim et al and Kin & Lim papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15725 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16278
Editorial: an expert consensus to standardise the assessment of histologic disease activity in Crohn's disease clinical trials—a missing link
Authors: Mantzaris Gerassimos J. , Bamias Giorgos
Published: September 2023

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Almradi et al paper. To view this article, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16248
Editorial: vitamin K antagonists versus direct oral anticoagulants in upper gastrointestinal bleeding
Authors: Hussain Nadeen , Shung Dennis L.
Published: September 2023

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Gouriou et al paper. To view this article, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16236
Letter: the improvement of sarcopenia after TIPSS might result from the survivor bias—authors' reply
Authors: Artru Florent , Labreuche Julien , Duhamel Alain , Louvet Alexandre
Published: September 2023

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Artru et al and Chen et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16080 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16255
Editorial: is enteral nutrition back in acute severe ulcerative colitis? Authors' reply
Authors: Sahu Pabitra , Kedia Saurabh , Kumar Vuyyuru Sudheer , Travis Simon , Ahuja Vineet
Published: September 2023

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Sahu et al and Laharie papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16249 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16260
Editorial: metagenome‐assembled genomes in non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Chan Wah Kheong , Wong Vincent Wai‐Sun
Published: September 2023

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Canivet et al paper. To view this article, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16262
The long non‐coding RNA maternally expressed 3‐micorRNA‐15a‐5p axis is modulated by melatonin and prevents nucleus pulposus cell inflammation and apoptosis
Authors: Zhang Chengyuan , Qiu Yongjia , Yuan Feng
Published: September 2023

Nucleus pulposus (NP) cell apoptosis is regarded as a critical risk factor for intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD). Melatonin exerts a protective role on NP cells. The study concentrates on the role and mechanism of lncRNA MEG3 in melatonin‐mediated effects on NP cells. An in vitro IVDD model was constructed using IL‐1β on human NP cells. qRT‐PCR investigated MEG3, miR‐15a‐5p and PGC‐1α mRNA levels in tissues and NP cells. IL‐1β‐treated NP cells subsequent to transfection, followed by melatonin treatment. NP cell proliferation, viability, apoptosis and inflammatory reactions were assayed. Western blot checked the profiles of PGC‐1α, SIRT1 and NF‐κB p65. Student's t‐test or one‐way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Tukey's test was used for statistical tests. As indicated by the data, melatonin weakened NP cell inflammation and apoptosis and enhanced MEG3 expression. MEG3 expression was attenuated in IVDD tissues. MEG3 knockdown impaired the function of melatonin, which was, however, strengthened by miR‐15a‐5p knockdown. MEG3 targeted miR‐15a‐5p, which targeted PGC‐1α and repressed the PGC‐1α/SIRT1 pathway. Collectively, this study has disclosed that the MEG3‐miR‐15a‐5p‐PGC‐1α/SIRT1 pathway modulated by melatonin can hamper NP cell apoptosis and inflammation elicited by IL‐1β.