bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cooperation and innovation under production risk: evidence from a lab-in-the-field experiment
Authors: Gómez Karoll , Arango Aramburo Santiago , Restrepo Soto Daniel
Published: February 2023

Purpose

This study analyzes the role of cooperative behavior in facing the risk of encouraging innovative agricultural production projects by small-scale farmers in the context of farmers in developing countries.

Design/methodology/approach

A within-subjects field experiment was conducted with small-scale Colombian panela cane farmers. The authors used the collected data to run the regression analyses.

Findings

The results suggest that when small farmers can follow cooperative behavior by joining a group and pooling resources to face risk, they are more willing to invest in a novel and profitable alternative, albeit riskier. However, the possibility of cooperating with a group to invest in a novel production project depends on its expected risk level.

Research limitations/implications

These results will help develop agricultural policies for sustainable development. Establishing informal networks for small-scale farmers to deal with unpredictable risks may aid in developing innovative systems.

Social implications

Agriculture is highly vulnerable to climatic impacts, which, combined with the inherent risk of innovation, may reduce small farmers' willingness to adopt innovation. Cooperation appears to be a mechanism for pooling resources and facing risk.

Originality/value

Research has focused on experimentally testing the effect of cooperative behavior when facing risk. The authors contribute to the literature by demonstrating the impact of the ability of small-scale farmers in rural areas to collectively manage risk on investment in innovative projects.
Integrating Industry 4.0 and agile new product development practices to evaluate the penetration of sustainable development goals in manufacturing industries
Authors: Palsodkar Manoj , Yadav Gunjan , Nagare Madhukar R.
Published: February 2023

Purpose

The United Nations member countries adopted a set of 17 sustainable development goals (SDGs) to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all. It encourages the use of sustainable practices during new product development (NPD). Competitiveness has put pressure on organizations to maintain their market share and look for new approaches related to NPD. The current study aims to focus on creating a framework that can help to achieve the SDGs by adopting agile new product development (ANPD) practices and Industry 4.0 technologies.

Design/methodology/approach

From the literature, various ANPD practices, Industry 4.0 technologies, performance metrics, their interconnection and their contribution toward achieving SDGs are extracted. The weights of selected Industry 4.0–ANPD practices are computed by robust best worst method (RBWM), and the Fuzzy-VIKOR method is used to rank the selected performance metrics. To test the robustness of the developed framework, sensitivity analysis is also performed.

Findings

The results show that among the various Industry 4.0–ANPD practices “Multi-skilled employees” have the highest weight followed by “Customer requirement analysis and prioritization.” Whereas for performance metrics, “The number of innovative products launched per year” is ranked first, with the “Average time between two launches” at second place.

Practical implications

This research contributes to the adoption of ANPD practices and Industry 4.0 technologies for the achievement of the business SDGs. The shortlisted Industry 4.0–ANPD practices will help in resolving the social and environmental issues. The set of performance metrics will help practitioners and managers to evaluate the performance of ANPD in the context of business SDGs.

Originality/value

This study adds to the understanding related to Industry 4.0–ANPD practices adoption. And to the best of the authors’ knowledge, it is believed that no similar work has been done previously and by using industry insights into technology components, this work contributes to valuable insights into the subject.
Spurring entrepreneurship with public venture capital in developing industries – evidence from Hungary
Authors: Becsky-Nagy Patrícia , Fazekas Balázs
Published: February 2023

Purpose

Venture capital (VC) is an essential element in healthy entrepreneurial environments; therefore, many countries in developing entrepreneurial economies support the industry via direct or indirect government interventions. The purpose of this study is to examine through the example of the Hungarian market, whether direct or hybrid state involvement has contributed more to the growth of the invested enterprises. The findings are relevant in the design of government VC schemes and in the contracts mitigating the moral hazards inherent in government funding.

Design/methodology/approach

The basis of empirical research is a unique hand-collected database covering Hungarian government-backed VC (GVC) investments. Based on the financial data of investee firms, the authors investigate whether firms financed by hybrid VC involving market participants are able to outperform firms that receive pure public financing using panel regression.

Findings

Based on Hungarian evidence, hybrid VC-backed firms generated lower growth and employment than their purely government-backed peers. Both schemes showed meagre innovation activity. The conclusion is that because of the conflict of private and economic policy objectives in hybrid financing, the exposure of hybrid risk capital to moral hazard is higher than that of pure public financing. Private interests in hybrid funds can only improve investment efficiency if they are structured along the lines of market-based independent financial intermediation and the contracts imitate the ones existing amongst limited and general partners in private schemes.

Research limitations/implications

The research covers the data of Hungarian government-backed firms by tracking the full range of 86 investments made in the purely government scheme and 340 firms that received funding in the hybrid scheme. The research focuses on two government initiatives, and the results are influenced by the specific regulation of the programs; therefore, the results cannot be generalized for all government agendas; they are indicative in the designs of the agendas.

Originality/value

There is a limited number of empirical studies investigating the impact of VC in developing markets, especially in the Central and Eastern Europe region. This firm-level research on the impact of public VC can help improve the effectiveness of development policies. By analysing the entirety of investments of a VC program that is near to its completion, the authors provide new insight into the efficiency and prospects of GVC schemes in the region.
Lessons on employees' digital resilience from COVID-19-induced transitions to remote work – a mixed methods study
Authors: Kohn Vanessa , Frank Muriel , Holten Roland
Published: February 2023

Purpose

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, many employees had to switch to remote work. While some adjusted successfully to this transition, others have struggled. Leveraging information systems (IS) to adjust to major exogenous shocks is called digital resilience. The purpose of this paper is to understand what we can learn about employees' digital resilience from externally enforced transitions to remote work.

Design/methodology/approach

As digital resilience is challenging to measure, this study uses an embedded mixed methods approach. The authors conducted a qualitative analysis of 40 employees' statements on their remote work experience during the first six months of the pandemic and complemented these findings with scale-based digital resilience scores.

Findings

The authors find that employees' digital resilience largely depends on the amount of technical equipment and support they receive from their organizations as well as their ability and willingness to learn how to adequately use and communicate through information and communication technologies. Being self-disciplined and self-responsible positively affects digital resilience, while social isolation threatens it. Organizations can foster digital resilience building by encouraging digital networking, building a digital culture and netiquette, and treating digital resilience as a sociotechnical phenomenon.

Originality/value

This is one of the first empirical studies of digital resilience on a human level. It sheds light on the missing link between IS-enabled resilience and transitions to remote work. Specifically, it provides original insights into its development and manifestation in a remote work context during the COVID-19 pandemic. For researchers, it provides novel guidance on choosing appropriate measurement instruments to capture digital resilience.
The moderating and mediating effects of corporate governance and capital structure on firm performance: empirical evidence from an emerging market
Authors: Ronoowah Rishi Kapoor , Seetanah Boopen
Published: February 2023

Purpose

This study aims to focus on the direct, mediating and moderating effects of corporate governance (CG) and capital structure (CS) in their relationships with firm performance (FP).

Design/methodology/approach

Multivariate panel data regression techniques are employed to analyse the direct, mediating and moderating impacts of the CG and CS on FP of 38 listed Mauritian non-financial companies from 2009 to 2019.

Findings

This study shows that CG has a positive but insignificant influence on return on equity (ROE) and Tobin's Q. CS has a significant negative impact on both ROE and Tobin's Q and supports the pecking order theory (POT). The interaction of CG and CS influences FP, but the strength of the moderating effects depends on the performance measure being used. Both CS and CG have no mediation effects in their relationship with FP measured by ROE and Tobin's Q.

Practical implications

The results indicate that the combination of the high leverage ratio and good governance practices of companies can improve FP and increases investor confidence resulting in a positive reaction on their market share prices.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the CG and CS literature by introducing a more precise and comprehensive research approach and is the first to attempt to extend CG and CS in their associations with FP by incorporating both CG and CS as profound moderator and mediator variables simultaneously in the same study.
Levelling Up the UK: If not the Conservatives, will Labour Learn the Lessons from Past Policy Failings?
Authors: Diamond Patrick , Richards David , Sanders Anna , Westwood Andy
Published: February 2023

This article considers the levelling‐up agenda in the UK, examining the Johnson government's original proposals to tackle regional and local inequality and its continuation under new Prime Minister Rishi Sunak following the short‐lived premiership of Liz Truss. The 2022 Levelling Up in the United Kingdom White Paper is notable for the frank and wholesale critique it provides of previous governments’—both Tory and Labour—efforts to address the pressing issue of geographic inequality. The assessment was that a pattern of ad hoc and incoherent reforms needed to be replaced by a stable, long term and system‐wide approach to change. Yet, under Johnson, Truss and now Sunak, policy churn is continuing, with an approach that falls short in following the lessons set out in the White Paper. We provide a detailed analysis of the government's critique of past reforms, the lessons it has set out and why its reform programme is likely to repeat past failings. Crucially, the approach leaves the structure of central government almost untouched, with substantive reforms instead focussed at the local governance level. We argue the government's programme perpetuates the ‘power‐hoarding’ tendencies of the Westminster model, a key bulwark against meaningfully addressing the UK's spatial inequality problem. We conclude that the levelling‐up agenda, missions and targets are unlikely to be met under Rishi Sunak, reflecting the endemic nature of short‐termism and centralisation of power in the UK's public policy approach. We then consider the approach of Starmer's Labour Party to levelling up and the issues it needs to confront if it forms the next government.
Superheated steam processing of cereals and cereal products: A review
Authors: Liu Yuanxiao , Li Mengmeng , Jiang Di , Guan Erqi , Bian Ke , Zhang Yingquan
Published: February 2023

The concept of superheated steam (SS) was proposed over a century ago and has been widely studied as a drying method. SS processing of cereals and cereal products has been extensively studied in recent years for its advantages of higher drying rates above the inversion temperature, oxygen‐free environment, energy conservation, and environmental protection. This review provides a brief introduction to the history, principles, and classification of SS. The applications of SS processing in the drying, enzymatic inactivation, sterilization, mycotoxin degradation, roasting, and cooking of cereals and cereal products are summarized and discussed. Moreover, the effects of SS processing on the physicochemical properties of cereals and the qualities of cereal foods are reviewed and discussed. The applications of SS for cereal processing and its effects on cereal properties have been extensively studied; however, issues such as the browning of cereal foods, thermal damage of starch, protein denaturation, and nutrition loss have not been comprehensively studied. Therefore, further studies are required to better understand the mechanism of the quality changes caused by SS processing and to expand the fields of application of SS in the cereal processing industry. This review enhances the understanding of SS processing and presents theoretical suggestions for promoting SS processing to improve the safety and quality of cereals and cereal products.
α‐Dicarbonyl compounds in food products: Comprehensively understanding their occurrence, analysis, and control
Authors: Yan Sha , Wu Liming , Xue Xiaofeng
Published: February 2023

α‐Dicarbonyl compounds (α‐DCs) are readily produced during the heating and storage of foods, mainly through the Maillard reaction, caramelization, lipid‐peroxidation, and enzymatic reaction. They contribute to both the organoleptic properties (i.e., aroma, taste, and color) and deterioration of foods and are potential indicators of food quality. α‐DCs are also important precursors to hazardous substances, such as acrylamide, furan, advanced lipoxidation end products, and advanced glycation end products, which are genotoxic, neurotoxic, and linked to several diseases. Recent studies have indicated that dietary α‐DCs can elevate plasma α‐DC levels and lead to “dicarbonyl stress.” To accurately assess their health risks, quantifying α‐DCs in food products is crucial. Considering their low volatility, inability to absorb ultraviolet light, and high reactivity, the analysis of α‐DCs in complex food systems is a challenge. In this review, we comprehensively cover the development of scientific approaches, from extraction, enrichment, and derivatization, to sophisticated detection techniques, which are necessary for quantifying α‐DCs in different foods. Exposure to α‐DCs is inevitable because they exist in most foods. Recently, novel strategies for reducing α‐DC levels in foods have become a hot research topic. These strategies include the use of new processing technologies, formula modification, and supplementation with α‐DC scavengers (e.g., phenolic compounds). For each strategy, it is important to consider the potential mechanisms underlying the formation and removal of process contaminants. Future studies are needed to develop techniques to control α‐DC formation during food processing, and standardized approaches are needed to quantify and compare α‐DCs in different foods.
Designing liquefaction and saccharification processes of highly concentrated starch slurry: Challenges and recent advances
Authors: Li Zexi , Kong Haocun , Li Zhaofeng , Gu Zhengbiao , Ban Xiaofeng , Hong Yan , Cheng Li , Li Caiming
Published: February 2023

Starch‐based sugars are an important group of starch derivatives used in food, medicine, chemistry, and other fields. The production of starch sugars involves starch liquefaction and saccharification processes. The production cost of starch sugars can be reduced by increasing the initial concentration of starch slurry. However, the usage of the highly concentrated starch slurry is characterized by challenges such as low reaction efficiency and poor product performance during the liquefaction and saccharification processes. In this study, we endeavored to provide a reference guide for improving high‐concentration starch sugar production. Thus, we reviewed the effects of substrate concentration on the starch sugar production process and summarized several potential strategies. These regulation strategies, such as physical field pretreatment, complex enzyme‐assisted, and temperature control, can significantly increase the starch concentration and mitigate the challenges of using highly concentrated starch slurry. We believe that highly concentrated starch sugar production will achieve a qualitative leap in the future. This review provides theoretical guidance and highlights the importance of high concentration in starch‐based sugar production. Further studies are needed to explore the fine structure and enzyme attack mode during the liquefaction and saccharification processes to regulate the production of more targeted products.
A psychological contract perspective on how and when employees' promotive voice enhances promotability
Authors: Li Chenwei , Wu Chia‐Huei , Dong Yuntao , Weisman Hannah , Sun Li‐Yun
Published: February 2023

While promotive voice is conventionally considered a favourable work behaviour to the organisation, whether engaging in promotive voice will help employees move up the career ladder is inconclusive across a handful of studies. Drawing on a psychological contract perspective, this study aims to understand why and when employees' promotive voice can contribute to supervisor‐rated employees' promotability. We propose that employees' engagement in promotive voice will strengthen supervisor‐sponsored balanced psychological contract with the employees and thus employees' promotability, and these effects will be stronger when the employees and supervisors have higher versus lower quality of leader‐member exchange (LMX) relationship. Results of a three‐wave field study with 281 employees and their 59 supervisors supported our hypotheses. We conclude by discussing the important implications of these findings for theory and practice.
Radiology and radiation oncology considerations for transgender and intersex patients: A qualitative study
Authors: Pratt‐Chapman Mandi L , Astorino Joseph , Goyal Sharad , Schmit Berndt , Yap Mei Ling , Bajaj Shiv , Angiulo Emily
Published: February 2023

Introduction

In this qualitative study, we explored experiences of radiologists and radiation oncologists in providing clinical care to transgender, gender diverse (TGD), and intersex patients by asking about comfort level, relevant past training and training gaps, and clinical recommendations for TGD and intersex patient care.

Methods

A purposive sample of radiology and radiation oncology professionals (n = 16) from diverse practice settings were interviewed on a videoconferencing platform. Transcripts were auto‐populated and checked manually for accuracy. Two coders used a mix of deductive and inductive coding to identify key themes. Member checking was conducted with interviewees.

Results

Participants reported major gaps in training, knowledge, and confidence related to all aspects of TGD and intersex patient care. Recommendations for improvements included training that encompassed key terminology, how to conduct a physical exam on TGD and intersex patients, radiology and radiation oncology adaptations for TGD and intersex patients, and care coordination among multi‐disciplinary oncology team members and gender affirming care providers. Exposure to diverse TGD and intersex persons in personal and professional life contributed to higher levels of comfort among providers in caring for TGD and intersex patients.

Conclusion

Gaps in knowledge and limited confidence characterized the sample. Training at all levels is needed to improve radiology and radiation oncology care for TGD and intersex patients.
Association between serum uric acid levels of patients with gout and their complications and examination fees: A cross‐sectional analysis
Authors: Dang Wantai , Zhao Ling , Wang Jing , Xu Dan , Liu Jian , You Lanlan
Published: February 2023

Objective

Correlation influence factor analysis of gout patients' serum uric acid (SUA) levels, their examination fees, and various complications were explored.

Methods

From January 2017 to December 2021, 17 666 patients with gout were obtained. Conduct quartile grouping according to gout patients' SUA levels was used to compare the differences between groups in terms of examination fees and complications. Kernel density estimation method was adopted to analyze the data distribution, Spearman and Mantel‐Haenszel χ2 tests were used to analyze the correlation between SUA levels and examination fees and complications. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the correlation influence factor between SUA levels and complications.

Results

Of the 17 666 gout cases, 85.46% were male. Among them, 7637 (43.23%) were inpatients and 10 029 (56.77%) were outpatients. Compared with outpatients, age, SUA levels, and examination fees were significantly higher, and there were more complications among inpatients (P < 0.05). Correlation analysis revealed that outpatients and SUA levels of patients with gout were positively correlated with examination fees, cardiovascular diseases, pulmonary diseases, liver diseases, and kidney diseases (P < 0.01). Binary logistic regression analysis showed that SUA level is an independent influence factor for cardiovascular diseases, pulmonary diseases, liver diseases, and kidney diseases (odds ratio [95% confidence interval]: 1.002 [1.002‐1.002], 1.001 [1.000‐1.001], 1.003 [1.002‐1.003], and 1.001 [1.001‐1.002], respectively).

Conclusions

As SUA levels increased, examination fees, cardiovascular disease, pulmonary disease, liver disease, and kidney disease complications increased. SUA level is an independent influence factor for the combination of gout with cardiovascular diseases, pulmonary diseases, liver diseases, and kidney diseases.
CU06‐1004 alleviates vascular hyperpermeability in a murine model of hereditary angioedema by protecting the endothelium
Authors: Lee Sunghye , Kim Yeomyeong , Kim Ye‐Seul , Zhang Haiying , Noh Minyoung , Kwon Young‐Guen
Published: February 2023

Background

Over‐release of the vasoactive peptide bradykinin (BK) due to mutation in the SERPING1 gene is the leading cause of hereditary angioedema (HAE). BK directly activates endothelial cells and increases vascular permeability by disrupting the endothelial barrier, leading to angioedema affecting face, lips, extremities, gastrointestinal tract, and larynx. Although various pharmacological treatment options for HAE became available during the last decade, they are presently limited and pose a major economic burden on patients. To identify additional therapeutic options for HAE, we evaluated the effect of CU06‐1004, an endothelial dysfunction blocker, on BK‐induced vascular hyperpermeability and the HAE murine model.

Methods

To investigate the effect of CU06‐1004 on BK‐induced vascular hyperpermeability in vivo, we pre‐administrated WT mice with the drug and then induced vascular leakage through intravenous injection of BK and observed vascular alternation. Then, SERPING1 deficient mice were used for a HAE murine model. For an in vitro model, the HUVEC monolayer was pre‐treated with CU06‐1004 and then stimulated with BK.

Results

Bradykinin disrupted the endothelial barrier and formed interendothelial cell gaps, leading to hyperpermeability in vivo and in vitro. However, CU06‐1004 treatment protected the endothelial barrier by suppressing Src and myosin light chain activation via BK and alleviated hyperpermeability.

Conclusion

Our study shows that CU06‐1004 oral administration significantly reduced vascular hyperpermeability in the HAE murine model by protecting the endothelial barrier function against BK stimulation. Therefore, protecting endothelium against BK with CU06‐1004 could serve as a potential prophylactic/therapeutic approach for HAE patients.
Guiding safer risperidone prescribing in Alzheimer's disease with therapeutic drug monitoring
Authors: Roughley Matthew , Mena Carlos , Howard Robert , Reeves Suzanne , Bertrand Julie
Published: February 2023

Previous analysis of pharmacokinetic data on risperidone‐treated patients with dementia predicted that 20% had concentration‐to‐dose (C/D) ratios of the active moiety (risperidone and 9‐hydroxy(OH)‐risperidone) above 14 ng/mL per mg/day, which were in turn associated with a greater risk of extrapyramidal side effects. This study aimed to further explore risperidone pharmacokinetics in a second dataset. Nonlinear mixed effects modelling, using a Bayesian approach, was applied to data from a randomized controlled trial of risperidone in people with dementia. Covariates included age and glomerular filtration rate (GFR). Age had a significant effect on risperidone clearance (β = −1.5) and GFR on 9‐OH‐risperidone clearance (β = 0.2). The model predicted that 26.2% (95% confidence interval 18.6‐32.6%) had C/D ratios above 14 ng/mL per mg/day. These findings confirm the importance of age‐related risperidone dose adjustments and argue strongly for therapeutic drug monitoring in the initial stages of treatment to identify those at greatest risk of toxicity.
Cav1.3‐selective inhibitors of voltage‐gated L‐type Ca2+ channels: Fact or (still) fiction?
Authors: Filippini Ludovica , Ortner Nadine J. , Kaserer Teresa , Striessnig Jörg
Published: February 2023

Voltage‐gated L‐type Ca2+‐channels (LTCCs) are the target of Ca2+‐channel blockers (CCBs), which are in clinical use for the evidence‐based treatment of hypertension and angina. Their cardiovascular effects are largely mediated by the Cav1.2‐subtype. However, based on our current understanding of their physiological and pathophysiological roles, Cav1.3 LTCCs also appear as attractive drug targets for the therapy of various diseases, including treatment‐resistant hypertension, spasticity after spinal cord injury and neuroprotection in Parkinson's disease. Since CCBs inhibit both Cav1.2 and Cav1.3, Cav1.3‐selective inhibitors would be valuable tools to validate the therapeutic potential of Cav1.3 channel inhibition in preclinical models. Despite a number of publications reporting the discovery of Cav1.3‐selective blockers, their selectivity remains controversial. We conclude that at present no pharmacological tools exist that are suitable to confirm or refute a role of Cav1.3 channels in cellular responses. We also suggest essential criteria for a small molecule to be considered Cav1.3‐selective.
Evidence for acoustic niche partitioning depends on the temporal scale in two sympatric Bornean hornbill species
Authors: Kennedy Amy G. , Ahmad Abdul Hamid , Klinck Holger , Johnson Lynn M. , Clink Dena J.
Published: February 2023

Understanding niche partitioning of closely related sympatric species is a fundamental goal in ecology. Acoustic communication space can be considered a resource, and the acoustic niche hypothesis posits that competition between species may lead to partitioning of communication space. Here, we compare the calling behavior of two sympatric Bornean hornbill species—the rhinoceros hornbill (Buceros rhinoceros) and the helmeted hornbill (Rhinoplax vigil)—to test for evidence of acoustic niche partitioning. Both hornbill species emit calls heard over many kilometers and have similar habitat preferences which is predicted to result in interspecific competition. We collected acoustic data on sympatric populations of both hornbill species using 10 autonomous recording units in Danum Valley Conservation Area, Sabah, Malaysia. We found that there was substantial spectral overlap between the calls of the two species, indicating the potential for competition for acoustic space. To test for evidence of acoustic niche partitioning, we investigated spatial and temporal patterns of calling in each species. Both hornbills were strictly diurnal and called throughout the day, and we were equally likely to detect both species at each of our recorders. We did not find evidence of temporal acoustic avoidance at a relatively coarse timescale when we divided our dataset into 1 h bins, but we did find evidence of temporal acoustic avoidance at a finer timescale when we used null models to compare the observed duration of overlapping calls to the expected amount of overlap due to chance.

Abstract in Malay is available with online material.
Clinical, microbiological and biochemical impact of a supportive care protocol with an air‐polishing device, after surgical treatment of peri‐implantitis: Randomized clinical trial
Authors: Luengo Fernando , Sanz‐Esporrín Javier , Sanz‐Sánchez Ignacio , Solonko Myroslav , Herrera David , Sanz Mariano
Published: February 2023

Objectives

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of a supportive peri‐implant care (SPIC) protocol after surgical therapy of peri‐implantitis, combining ultrasonic mechanical debridement and glycine powder air polishing.

Materials and Methods

Thirty subjects diagnosed with peri‐implantitis and treated by means of access flap were randomized 6 months later into two different SPIC groups: the test group combined a piezoelectric ultrasonic instrumentation with a specific implant PEEK tip and glycine powder air polishing, while control group received the same ultrasonic instrumentation together with a rubber cup and a polishing paste. Patients were followed for 12 months, with intermediate SPIC visits every 3 months. Clinical, radiological, microbiological and biochemical outcome variables were registered and calculated.

Results

After 12 months of SPIC, probing depths (PD) showed a mean reduction of 0.33 ± 0.11 mm, with significant differences (p < .001) between the test (−0.84 ± 0.43 mm) and the control group (+0.18 ± 0.73 mm). Healthy peri‐implant tissues defined by PD <5 mm, absence of BoP (or in only one site around the implant), and no additional bone loss (<0.5 mm), were observed at the final visit in 83% of the implants (87% in the test group and 80% in the control group, p = .255). No adverse events were reported by the subjects participating in the study.

Conclusions

The SPIC protocol including mechanical ultrasonic debridement and glycine powder air‐polishing demonstrated significantly better efficacy in terms of PD reductions. A strict SPIC protocol can maintain for 1 year, or even improve, the results obtained after surgical treatment of peri‐implantitis.
Management of epistaxis associated with oral antithrombotic drugs in emergency department and impact on prescription thereafter
Authors: Bouget Jacques , Balusson Frédéric , Roy Pierre‐Marie , Viglino Damien , Pavageau Laure , Lacut Karine , Oger Emmanuel
Published: February 2023

Objectives

To describe management, and to assess factors associated with antithrombotic prescription thereafter in patients who had epistaxis referred to emergency department (ED).

Design

Prospective cohort study. From EDs, clinical, biological and hospital data were collected. The clinical database was linked to the French Health Insurance Database where we retrieved antithrombotic drug deliveries in a 3‐month period before and after referral.

Setting

Multicentric population‐based cohort study within five well‐defined areas.

Participants

We considered 306 patients referred for epistaxis with a stable oral antithrombotic regimen before referral.

Main Outcome Measures

We considered management, hospital outcome and case fatality. Antithrombotic prescription in a 3‐month follow‐up period was categorised into three classes: no change, class change, or discontinuation. During follow‐up, hospitalisation for epistaxis or ischaemic events was searched.

Results

Among 306 adult individuals (mean age: 76 years), 166 took oral anticoagulant and 140 an antiplatelet drug. Blood transfusion was needed in 13.7% of patients and anterior packing alone in 61%. Half of the patients were hospitalised; 301 were discharged alive. Considering antithrombotic prescription thereafter we observed no change in 219 patients (72.8%), class changes in 47 patients (15.6%) and discontinuation in 35 patients (11.6%). We identified four independent predictors for antithrombotic prescription: hospitalisation (vs. returning home, p = .05), age (p = .03), haemoglobin level (p = .03) and oral anticoagulant (vs. antiplatelet agent, p < .001). During the 3 months following discharge, 2 thrombotic and 15 bleeding events were identified.

Conclusions

Epistaxis referred to emergency department had an impact on subsequent antithrombotic prescription.

Clinical Trial Registration

Clinical Trials.gov identifier: NCT02886533.
Ambulatory laparoscopic colectomies: a systematic review
Authors: Siragusa Leandro , Pellino Gianluca , Sensi Bruno , Panis Yves , Bellato Vittoria , Khan Jim , Sica Giuseppe S.
Published: February 2023

Aim

Ambulatory laparoscopic colectomy (ALC), meaning discharge within 24 h of surgical colonic resection, has recently been proposed in a few, selected patients. This systematic review was performed with the aim of reviewing protocols for ALC and assessing feasibility, safety and outcomes after ALC.

Method

A PRISMA‐compliant systematic review and pooled analysis was performed searching all English studies published until October 2022 in PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science (PROSPERO, CRD42022334463). Inclusion criteria were original articles including patients undergoing ALC, specifying at least one outcome of interest. Exclusion criteria were articles reporting a robotic‐assisted procedure; unable to retrieve patient data from articles; the same patient series included in different studies. Primary outcomes were success, overall complications and readmission rates. Secondary outcomes included mortality and specific complications such us surgical site infection, anastomotic leak, ileus, bleeding, rate of ALC acceptance, and unscheduled consultation and reoperation rate.

Results

Among 1087 studies imported for screening, 11 were included (1296 patients). The success rate was 47% with an overall morbidity of 14%. Readmission and reoperation rates were 5% and 1%, respectively. No mortality was recorded. Protocols of ALC differ significantly among published studies.

Conclusions

Overall, ALC appears to be safe and feasible in selected cases with an acceptable success rate and a low risk of readmission after hospital discharge. Future studies should evaluate patients' benefits and discharge criteria, as well as uniformity and standardization of eligibility criteria. This systematic review may help inform on ALC adoption in clinical practice.
The percentage of mesorectal infiltration as a prognostic factor after curative surgery for pT3 rectal cancer
Authors: Sancho‐Muriel Jorge , Giner Francisco , Cholewa Hanna , Garcia‐Granero Álvaro , Roselló Susana , Flor‐Lorente Blas , Cervantes Andres , Garcia‐Granero Eduardo , Frasson Matteo
Published: February 2023

Aim

The aim of this study is to evaluate the prognostic value of a novel variable – the percentage of mesorectal infiltration (PMI) – in pT3 rectal cancer.

Method

A cohort of 241 patients with pT3 rectal adenocarcinoma, operated on between February 2002 and May 2019, was selected for the analysis. Data concerning patient, treatment and tumour characteristics were collected. The depth of mesorectal infiltration (DMI) and the distance between the deepest invasion and the circumferential resection margin (CRM) were measured. The PMI was calculated using a formula combining these parameters.

Results

Neoadjuvant therapy was administered in 33.2% of cases. A complete mesorectal excision was achieved in 74% of patients. The CRM was affected in 24 patients (9.9%). The 5‐year actuarial local recurrence (LR), overall recurrence (OR) and overall survival (OS) rates were 7.5%, 22.9% and 72.4%, respectively. The PMI was significantly associated with worse oncological outcomes regarding LR (p = 0.009), OR (p = 0.001) and OS (p = 0.016) rates. A cut‐off value of PMI >60% had the highest specificity (80%) for LR (p = 0.026), OR (p = 0.04) and OS (p = 0.07).

Conclusion

The PMI has an adverse prognostic impact on the oncological results following surgery for pT3 rectal cancer. It allows prediction of the risk of both LR and distant recurrence with higher accuracy than the DMI or the distance to the CRM. A PMI >60% may be used as a cut off value while subclassifying pT3 rectal tumours. It may influence decision‐making while establishing adjuvant treatment and the follow‐up schedule.
Microsecretory adenocarcinoma of the skin, a novel type of sweat gland carcinoma: Report of three additional cases
Authors: Bogiatzi Sofia , Estenaga Angela , Louveau Baptiste , Osio Amélie , Deschamps Lydia , Mourah Samia , Poirot Brigitte , Lehmann‐Che Jacqueline , Cribier Bernard , Battistella Maxime
Published: February 2023

Microsecretory adenocarcinoma (MSA) is a newly described salivary gland tumor harboring a characteristic balanced chromosomal translocation resulting in MEF2C::SS18 gene fusion. Six primary cutaneous MSA cases have been recently described. We report three additional cases confirming the relevance of this recently identified entity of primary cutaneous adnexal tumor. Three patients aged 53‐, 64‐ and 78‐year‐old were retrospectively diagnosed with MSA of the skin (MSAS) as consultation cases of the CARADERM (CAncers RAres DERMatologiques) national network. The clinical presentation was an indolent nodule on the upper extremities. There was no history of salivary gland tumor. Histopathologically, the tumors presented as dermal nodular proliferation with slightly infiltrative borders, composed of cribriform and microcystic structures with abundant myxoid intraluminal secretion embedded in a fibromyxoid stroma. They diffusely expressed cytokeratin 8 and SOX10, focally p63 and heterogeneously smooth muscle actin. All tumors harbored the MEF2C::SS18 gene fusion. A complete surgical excision was performed. No local recurrence or distant metastases were observed so far (follow‐up: 17, 38, and 45 months). MSAS is the cutaneous homologue of MSA of the salivary gland, a low‐grade adnexal neoplasm whose prognosis seems to be excellent once the complete removal of the tumor is assured.
Fine needle aspiration cytology of metastatic tumours to the thyroid
Authors: Saini Tarunpreet , Gupta Parikshaa , Gupta Nalini , Srinivasan Radhika , Saikia Uma Nahar , Dey Pranab
Published: February 2023

Background

Metastasis to the thyroid gland from non‐thyroid sites is relatively rare and often poses a diagnostic difficulty on fine‐needle aspiration cytology, as it often mimics primary thyroid neoplasms.

Methods

All cases of fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) of metastasis to the thyroid gland (2014‐2022) were selected from the pathology database. The detailed cytopathological features and histopathology of the cases were studied.

Results

There was a total of 18 cases of secondary tumours of the thyroid. All cases had confirmed histopathological data. The most common primary tumours in our study were squamous cell carcinoma of the oesophagus (nine cases) followed by infiltrating ductal carcinoma of the breast (four cases), and one case each of renal cell carcinoma, neuroendocrine carcinoma of the lung, adenocarcinoma stomach and malignant melanoma and squamous cell carcinoma from vallecula.

Conclusion

Metastasis to thyroid carcinoma is relatively uncommon. A history of malignancy, the presence of malignant cells amid benign thyroid follicular cells, unusual malignancy in a FNAC smear and immunocytochemistry are helpful in diagnosing such cases.
Context dependency in interference competition among birds in an endangered woodland ecosystem
Authors: Lindenmayer D. B. , Blanchard W. , Evans M. J. , Beggs R. , Lavery T. , Florance D. , Crane C. , Smith D. , Siegrist A. , Lang E. , Scheele B. C.
Published: February 2023

Aim

Much research has quantified species responses to human‐modified ecosystems. However, there is limited work on how human‐modified ecosystems may reshape competitive interactions between species. Using a 19‐year study across 3 million ha, we aimed to answer the question: Are levels of interference competition between bird species context dependent and influenced by habitat structure and productivity? We focussed on the hyper‐aggressive behaviour of the Noisy Miner (Manorina melanocephala), which is recognized as a key threatening process for other woodland bird species in Australia. Whether environmental conditions such as amount of forest cover and net primary productivity (NPP) mediate the Noisy Miners' impact remains untested at large spatiotemporal scales.

Location

Temperate woodlands of south‐eastern Australia.

Methods

We gathered data on bird site occupancy from repeated surveys of field sites and assembled satellite data on tree cover and NPP. We constructed Bayesian multi‐species occupancy/detection models of bird species in woodland patches and tested the fixed and interactive effects of Noisy Miner presence, the amount of tree cover, NPP, and time. We quantified the responses of 31 species, many with known interactions with the Noisy Miner documented previously at fine spatial scales.

Results

We identified negative associations between the Noisy Miner and 18 bird species, including, unexpectedly, both small and large bodied taxa. Site occupancy in some species was influenced by interactions between Noisy Miner presence and increasing amounts of tree cover or productivity. For some species, interference competition by the Noisy Miner is context‐dependent and mitigated by increasing tree cover and/or increasing NPP.

Main Conclusions

Our analyses revealed that woodland bird conservation in our study region will be promoted by protecting refugia characterized by areas of high NPP and high tree cover. Preventing vegetation clearing that reduces tree cover could reduce interference competition by the Noisy Miner on parts of the remaining woodland bird community, including species of conservation concern.
Real‐world performance of the MiniMed 780G advanced hybrid closed loop system in Latin America: Substantial improvement in glycaemic control with each technology iteration of the MiniMed automated insulin delivery system
Authors: Grassi Bruno , Gómez Ana Maria , Calliari Luis Eduardo , Franco Denise , Raggio Marcela , Riera Francisca , Castro Matias , McVean Jennifer , van den Heuvel Tim , Arrieta Arcelia , Castañeda Javier , Cohen Ohad
Published: February 2023

Aim

We studied real‐world performance of MiniMed (MM) 780G system users from Argentina, Brazil, Colombia and Chile (geographical analysis), and the effect of each technology iteration of the MM system on glycaemic control (technology iteration analysis).

Materials and Methods

CareLink data from August 2020 to September 2022 were extracted. Endpoints included continuous glucose monitoring metrics. For the geographical analysis, aggregated endpoints for MM780G system users were calculated. For the technology iteration analysis, MM780G system user outcomes were compared with outcomes when the same individuals were still using the MM640G or MM670G system.

Results

On average, 1025 MM780G system users from the geographical analysis were followed for 136 (SD 135) days, spent 91.5 (14.3)% in advanced hybrid closed loop, showed a glucose management indicator (GMI) of 6.7 (0.3)%, a time in range between 70 and 180 mg/dl (TIR) of 76.5 (9.0)%, and a time below range 70 mg/dl (TBR) of 2.7 (2.1)%. The percentage of users reaching targets of GMI <7%, TIR >70% and TBR <4% was 80.8%, 78.1% and 80.1%, respectively. The technology iteration analysis on users transitioning from MM640G to MM780G system (N = 381) showed 0.4% decrease in GMI (7.1% to 6.7%, p < .0001), 10.7% increase in TIR (65.9% to 76.6%, p < .0001), while TBR remained. The percentage of insulin delivered automatically increased as well (47.5%‐57.7%, p < .0001). Users transitioning from MM670G system (N = 78) showed a similar but less pronounced pattern.

Conclusions

Real‐world Latin American MM780G users on average showed good glucose control, achieving international targets. Glycaemic control increased with every technology iteration of the MM system, providing more automation each time.
Network‐based appointments and board diversity
Authors: Lalanne Marie
Published: February 2023

This paper investigates the occurrence of network‐based appointments and its impact on board diversity. I use data on independent board appointments between 2006 and 2012 in large publicly listed firms in the USA, and exploit directors' CVs to uncover past social connections between candidates and current directors along various dimensions—from employment, education, army and social activities. I first estimate the probability of obtaining a board seat when being socially connected to members of the recruiting board. Using different assumptions to recreate the unobserved pool of candidates, I find that being socially connected to someone on the board increases the chances of obtaining the board seat between 35.8 and 41.1 percentage points, after controlling for a large set of firm and director characteristics together with firm and director fixed effects. I then study the change in board diversity following these appointments. While appointments of new independent directors affect board diversity positively, those that are made through networks are not significantly different. However, this is likely the result of appointing directors from a significantly homogeneous sample of individuals, whether connected or not, and suggests that in order to increase board diversity, efforts should be directed towards increasing diversity in the pool of candidates.
The effect of type 2 diabetes mellitus on multiple obstructive coronary artery disease
Authors: Jiang Luying , Liu Jingbo , Yang Zhenjia , Zhang Chunran , Wang Jianyu , Ke Wenkai , Zuo Houjuan , Wang Li
Published: February 2023

Background

Although type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) individuals easily develop three‐vessel disease (3VD) coronary artery disease (CAD), there is very little information available about their left ventricle (LV) functions. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the LV function using two‐dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (2‐D STE) in T2DM patients with 3VD.

Methods

One hundred and three consecutive patients with confirmed 3VD CAD were enrolled and divided into two groups, while 53 patients with DM and 50 patients without. The control group was composed of 30 age‐ and sex‐matched healthy individuals. All patients underwent 2‐D STE and standard echocardiograms. The durations of DM and the level of HbA1c were also recorded.

Result

Between the 3VD‐DM and 3VD‐non‐DM groups, normal echocardiography did not reveal any appreciable differences. However, patients with 3VD‐DM had significantly lower global longitudinal strain (GLS) than those with 3VD‐non‐DM (15.87 ± 2.51 vs.17.56 ± 2.72, p < .05) by 2‐D STE strain measurement. Besides, patients whose duration of DM excess 5 years showed significant lower GLS than those with less than 5 years duration (14.25 ± 2.31 vs. 16.65 ± 1.96, p = .007). However, there was no difference in GLS between the 3VD‐DM patients with HbA1c ≥ 7% and HbA1c < 7%.

Conclusions

Compared to patients with 3VD alone, those with 3VD‐DM have a lower cardiac function. In 3VD‐DM patients, the duration of DM is a significant factor that contributes to cardiac function deterioration, whereas, the glucose control state has limited influence.