bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluating Diversity Promotion on Integrated Plastic Surgery Residency Program Websites and Instagram Accounts
Authors: He Waverley Y. , Pinni Sai L. , Karius Alex , Chen Jonlin , Landford Wilmina N. , Kraenzlin Franca , Cooney Carisa M. , Broderick Kristen P.
Published: October 2023

Background

Medical students applying to residency, including those from underrepresented groups, strongly value cultural fit and program diversity. Program websites and social media are thus an influential information source for prospective applicants and recruitment tool for residencies. We evaluated whether and how integrated plastic surgery residency program websites and social media display commitments to diversity online.

Methods

We evaluated program websites for 8 predetermined diversity elements, (1) nondiscrimination and (2) diversity statements, (3) community resources, (4) faculty and (5) resident biographies, (6) faculty and (7) resident photographs, and (8) resident resources, and assessed Instagram accounts for diversity-related images, captions, and hashtags. Our analysis used Mann-Whitney U, chi-squared, and t tests; significance level was P < 0.05.

Results

We reviewed 82 program websites with a mean of 3.4 ± 1.4 diversity elements. Resident (n = 76, 92.7%) and faculty photographs (n = 65, 79.3%) and resident biographies (n = 43, 52.4%) were the most common. Seventy programs (85.4%) had Instagram accounts, the majority of which (n = 41, 58.6%) shared content related to diversity in race, ethnicity, gender, and/or sexual orientation. Programs located in smaller cities were more likely to have ≥4 website diversity elements (P = 0.014) and mention diversity on Instagram (P = 0.0037). Programs with women chairs/chiefs were more likely to mention diversity on Instagram (P = 0.007).

Conclusions

In the age of virtual recruitment, program websites and social media should provide sufficient information, described in our diversity element checklist, to help prospective applicants determine fit from a diversity perspective. Residents, who often contribute to program social media, and women chairs/chiefs may be critical to driving diversity promotion.
Hemostatic Efficacy of Oxidized Regenerated Cellulose Powder in Le Fort 1 Osteotomy
Authors: Seguchi Noriko , Sakamoto Yoshiaki , Kikuchi Akira , Kishi Kazuo
Published: October 2023

A challenging aspect of Le Fort I osteotomy is bleeding control. Osteotomy techniques, devices, drugs, and anesthetic management have been reported to reduce bleeding; however, there are no reports on the use of hemostatic agents. We aimed to evaluate the hemostatic efficacy of a new topical absorbent hemostatic agent, Surgicel Powder, consisting of oxidized regenerated cellulose (ORC). We reviewed the records of 40 patients who underwent Le Fort I surgery for jaw deformities, with or without cleft lip and palate. Twenty of the 40 patients did not have cleft lips or cleft palates (CLCP); the remaining 20 had CLCP. In each group, an absorbent hemostatic agent was used in 10 patients but not in the other 10. Total blood loss and operative time for each group were evaluated. In the jaw deformity without CLCP group, the amount of bleeding with or without ORC was 112.0±33.8 and 158.6±75.3 mL, respectively, with a significant difference between groups (P<0.05). Operative time with or without ORC was 206.4±31.3 and 238.3±42.5 minutes, respectively, with a significant difference observed between groups (P<0.05). In the jaw deformity with CLCP group, the amount of bleeding with or without ORC was 199.7±64.6 and 476.8±104.8 mL, respectively, with a significant difference between groups (P<0.05). Operative time with or without ORC was 213.7±27.6 and 220.8±41.5 minutes, respectively, with no significant difference between groups (P=0.329). In conclusion, oxidized regenerated cellulose powder may be a beneficial hemostatic agent for reducing blood loss during Le Fort I osteotomy.
Infratemporal Abscess: A Rare Complication of a Common Procedure
Authors: Kotagiri Rajesh , Repp Matthew Leonard , Kim Michael , Stipho Faissal
Published: October 2023

The infratemporal fossa (ITF) is an anatomically complex cavity that houses a variety of muscular and neurovascular structures at the base of the skull. Infections involving the ITF, though uncommon, can be fatal due to the difficulties of accessing this anatomical space and its proclivity to evolve into a cavernous venous thrombosis (CVT). As a result, a multi-disciplinary approach involving several surgical and medical subspecialists is often warranted. We present a case of an infratemporal fossa abscess (IFA) after wisdom tooth extraction with a very complicated clinical course and a distinct microbiologic profile.
Myeloperoxidase activity predicts atherosclerotic plaque disruption and atherothrombosis
Authors: Nadel James , Wang Xiaoying , Saha Prakash , Bongers André , Tumanov Sergey , Giannotti Nicola , Chen Weiyu , Vigder Niv , Chowdhury Mohammed M. , Lima da Cruz Gastao , Velasco Carlos , Prieto Claudia , Jabbour Andrew , Botnar René M. , Stocker Roland , Phinikaridou Alkystis
Published: October 2023

Background

Unstable atherosclerotic plaque is characterized by increased myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity. As unstable plaque is vulnerable to disruption and ensuing thrombosis, we examined whether plaque MPO activity predicts atherothrombosis in a pre-clinical model and correlates with ruptured human atheroma.

Methods

To assess if plaque MPO activity predicts atherothrombosis, rabbits were subjected to aortic endothelial denudation, cholesterol feeding,in vivomagnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of MPO activity using MPO-Gd (gadolinium), followed by pharmacological triggering of atherothrombosis, histology, and MPO activity determined by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MSMS) by quantifying the MPO-specific product of hydroethidine, 2-chloroethidium. To correlate plaque MPO activity to ruptured human atheroma,ex vivodetermination of MPO activity by MPO-Gd retention in carotid endarterectomy (CEA) specimens was correlated within vivoMRI plaque phenotyping in patients, histology, and MPO activity determined by LC-MSMS.

Results

In rabbits, pre-triggerin vivoMPO activity, validated by LC-MSMS and histology, was higher in thrombosis-prone than thrombosis-resistant plaques and lesion-free segments (R1 relaxation rate = 2.2 ± 0.4 versus 1.6 ± 0.2 and 1.5 ± 0.2 s-1, respectively, p<0.0001), and it predicted atherothrombosis. In CEA specimens, MPO-Gd retention was greater in histologic and MRI-graded American Heart Association (AHA) type VI than types III, IV and V plaques (ΔR1 relaxation rate from baseline = 48 ± 6 versus 16 ± 7, 17 ± 8 and 23 ± 8%, respectively, p<0.0001). This association was confirmed by comparing AHA grade to MPO activity determined by LC-MSMS (277 ± 338 versus 7 ± 6, 11 ± 12 and 42 ± 39 pmol 2-chloroethidium/mg protein for type VI versus type III-V plaques, respectively, p=0.0008).

Conclusions

MPO activity is elevated in thrombosis-prone rabbit and ruptured human atheroma. Non-invasive molecular imaging of MPO activity predicts atherothrombosis, highlighting the potential of arterial MPO activity to detect vulnerable, destabilized atherosclerosis.
Progression Subtypes in Parkinson’s Disease: A Data-driven Multi-Cohort Analysis
Authors: Hähnel Tom , Raschka Tamara , Sapienza Stefano , Klucken Jochen , Glaab Enrico , Corvol Jean-Christophe , Falkenburger Björn , Fröhlich Holger
Published: October 2023

Background

The progression of Parkinson’s disease (PD) is heterogeneous across patients. This heterogeneity complicates patients counseling and inflates the number of patients needed to test potential neuroprotective treatments. Moreover, disease subtypes might require different therapies. This work uses a data-driven approach to investigate how observed heterogeneity in PD can be explained by the existence of distinct PD progression subtypes.

Methods

To derive stable PD progression subtypes in an unbiased manner, we analyzed multimodal longitudinal data from three large PD cohorts. A latent time joint mixed-effects model (LTJMM) was used to align patients on a common disease timescale. Progression subtypes were identified by variational deep embedding with recurrence (VaDER). These subtypes were then characterized across the three cohorts using clinical scores, DaTSCAN imaging and digital gait biomarkers. To assign patients to progression subtypes from baseline data, we developed predictive models and performed extensive cross-cohort validation.

Results

In each cohort, we identified a fast-progressing and a slow-progressing subtype. These subtypes were reflected by different patterns of motor and non-motor symptoms progression, survival rates, treatment response and features extracted from DaTSCAN imaging and digital gait assessments. Predictive models achieved robust performance with ROC-AUC up to 0.79 for subtype identification. Simulations demonstrated that enriching clinical trials with fast-progressing patients based on predictions from baseline can reduce the required cohort size by 43%.

Conclusion

Our results show that heterogeneity in PD can be explained by two distinct subtypes of PD progression that are stable across cohorts and can be predicted from baseline data. These subtypes align with the brain-first vs. body-first concept, which potentially provides a biological explanation for subtype differences. The predictive models will enable clinical trials with significantly lower sample sizes by enriching fast-progressing patients.
Overweight and its Associated Risk Factors among Students in Tertiary Institutions of Learning in Mongu District of Western Province, Zambia; A cross-sectional Survey
Authors: Mooka Larry L. , Funduluka Priscilla , Nawa Mukumbuta
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Overweight and obesity are key public health issues in many high-income countries and have become a major public health concern affecting all ages, including adolescents in low-income and middle-income countries. This study determined the prevalence of overweight and obesity and their associated factors among undergraduate students at colleges and universities in the Mongu district of the Western Province of Zambia.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional study. Undergraduate students aged 18 to 26 years were sampled from two colleges and one university in Mongu. Data was collected electronically by trained research assistants using a structured questionnaire using Kobo Collect software. Data was analysed using Stata version 14 software. The analysis included descriptive statistics, using counts, frequencies, percentages, means and medians depending on the distribution of the data. Chi-squared tests of association, bivariate, and multivariate logistic regression were done to test for association between overweight and independent variables. A p-value less than 0.05 was considered significant.

Results

A total of 330 students were captured in the survey; over half of the respondents were female students 214 (64.85%), while 116 (35.15%) were male respondents. Body Mass Index (BMI) showed that 21 (6.8%) were underweight, 208 (63.0%) had normal weight, 76 (23.0%) were overweight, and 25 (7.6%) were obese. Factors associated with overweight and obesity included female sex aOR 1.68 (95%CI 1.02 – 2.76), age and alcohol intake.

Conclusions

A third of the students were either overweight or obese. Sex, age and alcohol intake were significantly associated with overweight and obesity among students. The prevalence of overweight and obesity is high among young adults, and this calls for early interventions in learning institutions to combat obesity.
A Data Driven Approach for Choosing a Wearable Sleep Tracker
Authors: Ong Ju Lynn , Golkashani Hosein Aghayan , Ghorbani Shohreh , Wong Kian F , Chee Nicholas IYN , Willoughby Adrian R , Chee Michael WL
Published: October 2023

Goal and Aims

To evaluate the performance of 6 wearable devices across 4 device classes (research-grade EEG-based headband, research-grade actigraphy, high-end consumer tracker, low-cost consumer tracker) over 3 age-groups (young: 18-30y, middle-aged: 31-50y and older adults: 51-70y).

Focus Technology

Dreem 3 headband, Actigraph GT9X, Oura ring Gen3 running the latest sleep staging algorithm (OSSA 2.0), Fitbit Sense, Xiaomi Mi Band 7, Axtro Fit3.

Reference Technology

In-lab polysomnography (PSG) with consensus sleep scoring.

Sample

60 participants (26 males) across 3 age groups (young: N=21, middle-aged: N=23 and older adults: N=16).

Design

Participants slept overnight in a sleep laboratory from their habitual sleep time to wake time, wearing 5 devices concurrently.

Core Analytics

Discrepancy and epoch-by-epoch analyses for sleep/wake (2-stage) and sleep-stage (4-stage; wake/light/deep/REM) classification (devices vs. PSG). Mixed model ANOVAs for comparisons of biases across devices (within-subject), and age and sex (between-subjects).

Core Outcomes

The EEG-based Dreem headband outperformed the other wearables in terms of 2-stage (kappa = .76) and 4-stage (kappa = .76-.86) classification but was not tolerated by at least 25% of participants. This was followed by the high-end, validated consumer trackers: Oura (2-stage kappa = .64, 4-stage kappa = .55-.70) and Fitbit (2-stage kappa = .58, 4-stage kappa = .45-.60). Next was the accelerometry-based research-grade Actigraph which only provided 2-stage classification (kappa = .47), and finally the low-cost consumer trackers which had very low kappa values overall (2-stage kappa < .31, 4-stage kappa < .33).

Important Additional Outcomes

Proportional biases were driven by nights with poorer sleep (i.e., longer sleep onset latencies [SOL] and wake after sleep onset [WASO]). For those nights with sleep efficiency ≥85%, the large majority of sleep measure estimates from Dreem, Oura, Fitbit and Actigraph were within clinically acceptable limits of 30 mins. Biases for total sleep time [TST] and WASO were also largest in older participants who tended to have poorer sleep.

Core Conclusion

The Dreem band is recommended for highest accuracy sleep tracking, but it has price, comfort and ease of use trade-offs. The high-end consumer sleep trackers (Oura, Fitbit) balance classification accuracy with cost, comfort and ease of use and are recommended for large-scale population studies where sleep is mostly normal. The low-cost trackers, despite poor wake detection could have some utility for logging time in bed.
The ability of the LIMD1 and TRIP6 LIM domains to bind to f-actin under strain is critical for their tension dependent localization to adherens junctions and association with the Hippo pathway kinase LATS1
Authors: Ray Samriddha , DeSilva Chamika , Dasgupta Ishani , Mana-Capelli Sebastian , Cruz-Calderon Natasha , McCollum Dannel
Published: October 2023

A key step in regulation of Hippo pathway signaling in response to mechanical tension is recruitment of the LIM domain proteins TRIP6 and LIMD1 to adherens junctions. Mechanical tension also triggers TRIP6 and LIMD1 to bind and inhibit the Hippo pathway kinase LATS1. How TRIP6 and LIMD1 are recruited to adherens junctions in response to tension is not clear, but previous studies suggested that they could be regulated by the known mechanosensory proteinsα-catenin and vinculin at adherens junctions. We found that the three LIM domains of TRIP6 and LIMD1 are necessary and sufficient for tension-dependent localization to adherens junctions. The LIM domains of TRIP6, LIMD1, and certain other LIM domain proteins have been shown to bind to actin networks under strain/tension. Consistent with this, we show that TRIP6 and LIMD1 colocalize with the ends of actin fibers at adherens junctions. Point mutations in a key conserved residue in each LIM domain that are predicted to impair binding to f-actin under strain inhibits TRIP6 and LIMD1 localization to adherens junctions and their ability to bind to and recruit LATS1 to adherens junctions. Together these results show that the ability of TRIP6 and LIMD1 to bind to strained actin underlies their ability to localize to adherens junctions and regulate LATS1 in response to mechanical tension.
Brainstem premotor mechanisms underlying vocal production and vocal-respiratory coordination
Authors: Park Jaehong , Choi Seonmi , Takatoh Jun , Zhao Shengli , Harrahill Andrew , Han Bao-Xia , Wang Fan
Published: October 2023

Speech generation critically depends on precise controls of laryngeal muscles and coordination with ongoing respiratory activity. However, the neural mechanisms governing these processes remain unknown. Here, we mapped laryngeal premotor circuitry in adult mice and viral-genetically identified excitatory vocal premotor neurons located in the retroambiguus nucleus (RAmVOC) as both necessary and sufficient for driving vocal-cord closure and eliciting mouse ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs). The duration of RAmVOCactivation determines the lengths of USV syllables and post-inspiration phases. RAmVOC-neurons receive inhibitory inputs from the preBötzinger complex, and inspiration needs can override RAmVOC-mediated vocal-cord closure. Ablating inhibitory synapses in RAmVOC-neurons compromised this inspiration gating of laryngeal adduction, resulting in de-coupling of vocalization and respiration. Our study revealed the hitherto unknown circuits for vocal pattern generation and vocal-respiratory coupling.

One-Sentence Summary

Identification of RAmVOCneurons as the critical node for vocal pattern generation and vocal-respiratory coupling.
Could Metformin use reduce abdominal aortic aneurysm risk? A Mendelian randomisation study using known Metformin targets
Authors: Saxby Katie L , Dudbridge Frank , Samani Nilesh J , Bown Matthew J , Nelson Christopher P
Published: October 2023

Introduction

An abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a swelling of the main artery in the body estimated to affect 0.92% of adults (aged 30-79) worldwide. Rupture is often fatal and surgical intervention may be offered if the risk of rupture is high. There is no treatment to prevent AAA or to slow aneurysm growth aside from dietary and lifestyle recommendations. Metformin, a drug prescribed to treat type 2 diabetes, has previously been associated with a potential reduction in AAA disease risk but no causal link has been shown. Here we investigate the causal link between Metformin and AAA risk through Mendelian randomisation (MR).

Methods

We conducted a two-sample MR analysis using genetic variants associated with gene expression of five Metformin drug targets that also show a genetic association with decreased glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) levels. Effect sizes are obtained from within UK Biobank for HbA1c, and within AAAgen for AAA risk, a multi-ancestry meta-GWAS analysis of 39,221 cases and 1,086,107 controls.

Results

We identified statistically significant evidence of a causal association between a genetic proxy for Metformin action and a decrease in AAA risk, OR=0.58 (95%CI: 0.37-0.90 p=0.015). We estimate that on average a one standard deviation decrease in HbA1c, measured via Metformin gene targets, reduces AAA risk by over 40%.

Conclusion

Metformin use in those at increased risk of AAA may reduce incidence of disease. Clinical trials are required to assess the efficacy of Metformin in reducing disease risk.
CORRELATIVE STUDY ON BODY MASS INDEX AND BLOOD PRESSURE IN THE UNITED KINGDOM: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF CURRENT EVIDENCE
Authors: Innocent David Chinaecherem , Vasavada Advait , Kumar Ramesh , Andani Rupesh , Ezejindu Cosmas Nnadozie , Siddiq Mohammad Arham , Innocent Rejoicing Chijindum , Dike Ihuoma Chimdimma , Lounis Mohamed
Published: October 2023

Background

A few studies have found a connection between body mass index (BMI) and blood pressure (BP), which may contribute to people’s health issues. A person who has a BMI greater than what is considered healthy for their height to weight ratio is more likely to have high blood pressure, which increases their risk for conditions including type 2 diabetes, gallstones, respiratory issues, and some types of cancer. Understanding the relationship between blood pressure and body mass index is crucial.

Aim

The overall goal of this review is to provide evidence on a correlative study of blood pressure and BMI in the United Kingdom.

Methods

A literature search was conducted on PsycINFO, PubMed, Web of Science, Science Direct, and Cochrane Library to identify studies addressing the primary research question. The participants for this study were individuals in the United Kingdom aged 18 years and above. The study considered studies published from 2000–2022 and quantitative studies as well as mixed-method studies. The critical appraisal risk of bias tool was used to determine the quality assessment of the studies included in this systematic review.

Results

27,322 participants were involved from a total of seven eligible studies were identified from the hits. The overall pooled correlation of body mass index and blood pressure in the United Kingdom was 0.6, demonstrating that there is a correlation between the variables. From three of the studies, a correlation between body mass index (Kg/m2) and systolic blood pressure (mmHg) across the participants was noted (n = 27,322, SD: 21.4; r = 0.6, p>0.000).

Conclusion

Body mass index and blood pressure are strongly correlated in both the general population and tens of thousands of subgroups, suggesting that almost all demographic groups in the UK are affected by the growth in hypertension prevalence. In light of the estimates of the potential associations between body mass index, stroke, and ischemic heart disease based on the current pattern of treatment in this population, the UK and other nations going through a similar epidemiologic transition should be persuaded to address the rising prevalence of hypertension as a national priority.
E-commerce participation, digital finance and farmers' income
Authors: Yi Famin , Yao Lihao , Sun Yucheng , Cai Yi
Published: October 2023

Purpose

It is imperative to achieve sustainable growth in farmers' earnings to sustain poverty alleviation efforts and achieve rural revitalization goals. The authors investigated the nature of the non-linear relationship between farmers' e-commerce participation and income growth, analyzed the rationale behind this correlation and examined the moderating effect of digital finance on this relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conducted an empirical investigation using rural household data from the China Household Finance Survey and the regional digital finance index compiled by Peking University. The authors employed a fixed-effect model and a moderating effect model to identify the non-linear influences of e-commerce participation on farmers' income and to analyze the positive synergies of digital finance. The authors used identification and estimation techniques to mitigate the endogeneity problem, specifically employing heteroscedasticity-based instruments.

Findings

There is an inverted U-shaped relationship between e-commerce participation and farmers' income. Digital finance reduces the declining trend in the marginal effects of e-commerce and increases marginal values. Furthermore, the synergistic effect can promote the quality and efficiency of business activities by easing credit constraints, reducing risk aversion and stimulating innovative activities, which in turn can lead to sustained revenue growth.

Originality/value

Few studies have focused on the non-linear relationship between e-commerce and farmers' income. This implies that achieving sustained income growth using e-commerce alone is difficult. The synergy between e-commerce and digital finance is a feasible path for achieving this goal.
Fostering healthy ageing through understanding food coping strategies
Authors: Dyen Margot , Gourmelen Andréa , Guillemot Samuel , Malas Ziad , Tamaro Annick
Published: October 2023

Purpose

Preventative public health policies often rely on objective criteria to identify people in vulnerable situations. Age is one of the criteria when investigating the risk of malnutrition associated with ageing. By looking at changes in the food practices of individuals as they age, this study aims to seek to contribute to more precise targeting of older adults in view of the dynamic nature of ageing.

Design/methodology/approach

From a theoretical perspective, this research is based on the life course paradigm. Data were collected from 42 semi-structured interviews with retirees aged 60 and over.

Findings

The results show that some ageing events lead to immense reconfigurations of individuals’ lives, implying changes as prior food practices are extensively replaced by new ones (“rebuilding after a tsunami”). Other more diffuse and gradual effects of ageing lead to adaptations of previous food practices and, in a more localised way, areas that can be targeted by healthy eating campaigns (“plugging the gaps”). Lastly, this study shows that a normative perspective can help endorse a new social role (“getting into character”), and that relying on their human capital (“it’s a matter of perspective”) can help people cope with new age-related mindsets.

Research limitations/implications

The sample did not include individuals with serious physical or mental health problems at the time of the interviews.

Practical implications

The study identifies social, biological and psychological events related to ageing that have an impact on food practices, as well as moments and milestones for developing public policy campaigns to promote healthy eating.

Originality/value

The study gives insights into the place of food in the process of coping with ageing, showing that food can be either a problem to solve or a resource to help cope with social or psychological imbalances. The holistic view adopted contributes to identifying other events that impact food practices (and consequently health) during the ageing process.
Public health promotion of COVID-19 vaccination to rural consumers: synthesising the role of social media and religious belief systems
Authors: Jaravaza Divaries Cosmas , Risiro Joshua , Mukucha Paul , Jaravaza Nomuhle
Published: October 2023

Purpose

The main purpose of the study was to synthesise the role of COVID-19 social media messages and indigenous religious beliefs on public health promotion initiatives among rural consumers in Zimbabwe.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative approach was adopted. Population consisting of 15 interviews and six focus groups was purposively sampled from Manicaland, Mashonaland Central and Masvingo provinces in Zimbabwe. A thematic approach was used to present and analyse the data.

Findings

Rural consumers believed WhatsApp messages posted by people whom they know or influential personnel like health workers. Credibility of WhatsApp messages was enhanced through its ability to send videos and audios. Teachings and indoctrination by indigenous churches and misinformation were found to be an impediment in believing COVID-19 WhatsApp messages and vaccination by rural consumers. Faith healers in indigenous churches used various practices and artefacts like holy water, stone pebbles, clay pots, flags and wooden rods to pray and treat patients suffering from COVID-19 and other ailments.

Practical implications

Social media messages, religious teachings and indoctrination may be a hindrance to rural consumers in adopting government public health promotion initiatives; hence, public health professionals need prior emic understanding and co-option of local leadership in vaccination campaigns.

Originality/value

This study outstretches the theoretical landscape in consumer behaviour and also practical contribution to health practitioners and marketers on breaking indigenous religious barriers and social media misconceptions on vaccination uptake through promotional strategies earmarked for rural consumers.
Decent work and subjective well-being in Mexico
Authors: Briseño Hugo , Maisterrena Lourdes , Soto-Pérez Manuel
Published: October 2023

Purpose

This research aims to find which components of Decent Work are associated with Subjective Well-Being.

Design/methodology/approach

With data from 2021 from the states of Mexico, econometric models are carried out.

Findings

It is found that disposable income and satisfaction with leisure time have a significant positive relationship with employees' Subjective Well-Being. Likewise, the rate of critical occupancy conditions and informality rate have a significant negative relationship with Subjective Well-Being. The research suggests that influencing the Decent Work conditions of the population in Mexico could favour their Subjective Well-Being.

Social implications

Share guidelines that enable employers and governments to establish strategies and policies that promote Decent Work to increase the Subjective Well-being of employees.

Originality/value

This article evaluates different variables that make up the Decent Work construct in their level of influence on Subjective Well-being. These relationships and variables considered have not been identified in previous studies as a whole.
Research collaboration among library and information science professionals in Nigerian universities
Authors: Adekoya Clement Ola
Published: October 2023

Purpose

The necessity for continuous advancement in library education and practice requires research collaboration among library professionals. This study aims to investigate research collaboration among lecturers in the department of library and information science (LIS) and librarians in university libraries in Nigeria.

Design/methodology/approach

A descriptive survey research design was used for the study. The quantitative study employed a close-ended questionnaire for data collection. The study covered all the librarians in academic libraries and lecturers in the department of LIS (LIS professionals) in public universities in Ekiti, Ondo and Osun States, Nigeria. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for data analysis. The criterion mean of 2.50–2.99 was used for the research questions.

Findings

It was found that librarians in academic libraries and lecturers in Nigeria rarely engage in research collaboration. The reasons for the research collaboration are to increase the quality of research in the library profession, make research in the library profession more in-depth and cross-fertilize ideas for generating novel insights.

Practical implications

It is the engagement of librarians in academic libraries and the lecturers in the LIS department in the exchange of knowledge at national and international levels through research collaboration that can enhance the quality of research that emanates from the library profession.

Social implications

Promotion of the library profession requires the integrated effort of library professionals in academic libraries and lecturers in the department of LIS through research collaboration.

Originality/value

Promotion of the library profession requires the integrated effort of library professionals in academic libraries and lecturers in the department of LIS through research collaboration.
An agenda for tourism: priorities for action
Authors: Costa Jorge , Montenegro Mónica , Gomes João
Published: October 2023

Purpose

The purpose of the article is to present an innovative tool to support tourism managers and professionals in their decision-making process: the strategic agenda for tourism and the priorities for action.

Design/methodology/approach

In this article, the authors explain a process for developing a strategic agenda for tourism, how the themes were selected through a survey with a list of senior executives and later discussed and prioritized during the annual tourism conference convened by IPDT – Institute of Tourism.

Findings

The key findings were the top 10 themes/priorities for tourism planning and development as seen by the most senior tourism executives operating in Portugal, and how those themes can be explored to anticipate opportunities for companies and destinations.

Originality/value

This is the first agenda for tourism produced in Portugal with such a large group of senior executives from the tourism sector as the contributors. The project was deeply rooted in the experience and views of senior professionals operating in the tourism value chain, making it a reliable and up-to-date tool to support their decision-making processes.
Where is tourism going and how will it impact people and planet?
Authors: Costa Jorge , Montenegro Mónica , Gomes João
Published: October 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to critically review the contributions made by the global trends issue participants on how tourism will impact people and planet and so provide answers to the strategic question defined for this global trends issue.

Design/methodology/approach

A content analysis of the papers selected was performed to identify the most significant ideas and proposals and how they may contribute to knowledge and/or professional practice.

Findings

As the tourism industry prepares to reach new records, there is a clear need to rethink tourism in the post COVID-19 era. The option of following a traditional pre-pandemic model of tourism development and growth is no longer productive, instead organizations and destinations must take the opportunity to develop a model where society takes center stage, the resources are used in a sustainable way and the results are distributed amongst all those involved in the tourism value chain.

Originality/value

In this concluding article the authors, supported by the views and proposals of the entire writing team, provide answers to the strategic question, thus demonstrating how tourism will affect people and planet in the short and medium terms.
Clinically relevant improvements in adults and adolescents with atopic dermatitis who did not achieve Investigator's Global Assessment treatment success following 8 weeks of ruxolitinib cream monotherapy
Authors: Simpson Eric L. , Kircik Leon , Blauvelt Andrew , Kallender Howard , Kuo Yutzu , Ren Haobo , Sturm Daniel , Eichenfield Lawrence F.
Published: October 2023

Ruxolitinib cream is a topical formulation of ruxolitinib, a selective inhibitor of Janus kinase (JAK) 1 and JAK2. In two phase 3 studies in adults and adolescents (aged ≥12 years) with atopic dermatitis (AD; TRuE‐AD1/TRuE‐AD2), significantly more patients who applied ruxolitinib cream versus vehicle cream achieved Investigator's Global Assessment treatment success (IGA‐TS; IGA score of 0/1 with ≥2‐point improvement from baseline) at week 8 (primary endpoint). This post hoc analysis evaluated the efficacy, safety, and disease control of ruxolitinib cream in patients with AD who did not achieve IGA‐TS at week 8. Patients in TRuE‐AD1/TRuE‐AD2 (N = 1249) were randomized 2:2:1 to apply twice‐daily 0.75% ruxolitinib cream, 1.5% ruxolitinib cream, or vehicle cream for 8 weeks followed by a long‐term safety period in which patients applied ruxolitinib cream as needed. In this pooled analysis, clinically meaningful response thresholds included ≥50% improvement in the Eczema Area and Severity Index, ≥2‐point reduction in the Itch Numerical Rating Scale, ≥4‐point improvement in the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) or ≥6‐point improvement in Children's DLQI, and ≥1‐point reduction in IGA from baseline. Among patients who did not achieve IGA‐TS at week 8 (n = 584), significantly more patients who applied either strength ruxolitinib cream versus vehicle achieved each response threshold at week 8. A response in ≥1 clinically meaningful endpoint was achieved in significantly more patients who applied ruxolitinib cream (93.4%/90.9% for 0.75%/1.5% ruxolitinib cream, respectively) versus vehicle (69.0%, both P < 0.0001). Progressive improvements in disease control were observed, with many patients achieving IGA‐TS by week 52 (55.2%/56.3% for 0.75%/1.5% ruxolitinib cream, respectively). Ruxolitinib cream was well tolerated during the 52‐week study in this patient population. Taken together, these results demonstrate that most patients with AD who did not achieve IGA‐TS at week 8 have clinically meaningful responses to ruxolitinib cream, and continued therapy beyond 8 weeks could result in additional benefit.
Digitalization, Resource Mobilization and Firm Growth in Emerging Industries
Authors: Audretsch David B. , Belitski Maksim
Published: October 2023

While most firms do not grow, a small number of firms grow and enhance their equity and debt capital intensity. Researchers, managers and policymakers question the role that digital technologies play in propelling firm growth and resource mobilization. Using a longitudinal dataset from emerging industries in the United Kingdom during 2010–2019, we distinguish three types of firms and examine their growth and resource mobilization. First, we find that digitally advanced firms grow faster and enhance equity capital intensity while reducing debt capital intensity. Second, we find that the relationship between digitally advanced firms and firm growth is mediated by equity capital intensity. Third, firm size positively moderates the effect of digitally advanced firms on firm growth. Firm age does not moderate this relationship. Other firm‐level characteristics, such as number of digital tools, firm productivity, accelerator experience and stage of growth, may either impede or facilitate a firm's growth and resource mobilization. This study helps policymakers and firm managers in emerging industries better understand the role of digitalization and resources in firm growth.
Construction of learning environments: A multiple case study in special education settings
Authors: Hansson Susanne , Bengtsson Karin , Lindqvist Gunilla , Klang Nina , Göransson Kerstin
Published: October 2023

Education in segregated settings for pupils with intellectual disability (ID) has often been portrayed as a unified form of schooling. There is a risk of providing a simplified picture of these settings and of what pupils with ID need to learn. This is generally stipulated in policy documents, leaving room for staff in school to interpret curricula and form learning environments. The aim of this study is to explore how four different learning environments are constructed in segregated settings where pupils with ID are educated in Sweden. The study was conducted as a multiple case study, using observations and interviews with teachers and pupils in four special classes for pupils with ID (SCIDs). Drawing on curriculum theory, the four learning environments, in the results named as Alpha, Beta, Gamma and Delta class, respectively, appeared to be characterized by different ideas of schooling, labelled as knowledge‐mediating, socializing, functional life skills and caring as well as teacher‐centred classrooms. The study contributes to a deepened understanding of the complexity of education for pupils with ID in segregated settings.
Neoadjuvant chemotherapy versus upfront surgery for resectable colorectal liver metastases: A systemic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Burasakarn Pipit , Hongjinda Sermsak , Fuengfoo Pusit , Thienhiran Anuparp
Published: October 2023

Aim

To compare the differences between neoadjuvant chemotherapy with resection and upfront surgery for patients with resectable colorectal cancer with liver metastases.

Patients and Methods

The following electronic databases were searched for systematic literature: PubMed, Cochrane Library and Google Scholar. Studies fulfilling the following criteria were included in the analysis: compared neoadjuvant chemotherapy and upfront surgery; included patients with resectable metastases at the time of presentation; reported the long‐term results, including overall survival (OS) and disease‐free survival (DFS); and identified early adverse postoperative events, including 30‐day mortality and overall postoperative complications.

Results

Over 24 studies with 8700 patients were analysed. Patients were divided into the neoadjuvant chemotherapy group (n = 3490, 40.1%) and the upfront surgery group (n = 5172, 59.4%). The meta‐analysis showed no statistically significant difference in terms of overall morbidities [odds ratio (OR) 1.19, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.84‐1.67] and mortality (OR 1.48, 95% CI 0.75‐2.92) between the neoadjuvant chemotherapy and upfront surgery groups. However, the meta‐analysis showed a favourable OS in the upfront surgery group (OR 1.21, 95% CI 1.06‐1.38) and favourable DFS in the upfront surgery group (OR 1.71, 95% CI 1.38‐2.12), including the subgroups of 1‐, 3‐, 5‐year DFS (OR 1.38, 95% CI 1.06‐1.8; OR 2.06, 95% CI 1.35‐3.14 and OR 1.65, 95% CI 1.18‐2.29, respectively).

Conclusion

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy has no benefit for resectable colorectal cancer with liver metastases; therefore, upfront surgery should be considered as the treatment of choice.
Livestock grazing is associated with the gut microbiota and antibiotic resistance genes in sympatric plateau pika (Ochotona curzoniae)
Authors: ZHAO Jidong , FENG Tuo , AN Xiaolei , CHEN Xiaoning , HAN Ning , WANG Jing , CHANG Gang , HOU Xiang
Published: October 2023

With the overuse of antibiotics in health care and animal husbandry, antibiotic resistance becomes a serious threat to public health. Antibiotic residues from veterinary medicine have increased the dissemination of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) by horizontal gene transfer globally, leading to the enrichment of ARGs in wildlife. Plateau pika (Ochotona curzoniae) is a small herbivore endemic to the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau. Previous studies reveal that pika evolves a coprophagy behavior toward cohabitated yak, which makes the pika population a potential reservoir of ARGs. Yet, little is known about the resistome of pika under different grazing intensities. Here, we sampled the cecum content of pika from three different grazing intensity areas in the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau to evaluate the effect of grazing on its gut microbiota and resistome. By using the 16S full‐length amplicon and metagenomic sequencing, our study revealed that livestock grazing significantly altered the gut microbial community of plateau pika as compared to prohibited grazing areas. We found bacterial lineage Prevotellaceae, Lachnospirales, and RF39 increased in grazing areas. Analysis of the resistome revealed that pika from continuous grazing areas enriched a higher abundance of colistin (MCR) and streptogramin (vat) resistance genes. Moreover, we observed significant correlations between the gut microbial community, ARGs, and mobile genetic element profiles, hinting that pika gut microbiota was an important shaping force of the resistome. In future studies, the continuous monitoring of wildlife gut resistome and environmental antibiotic residues is imperative for a better understanding and for tackling the horizontal gene transfer of ARGs across the wildlife–livestock interface.
Trends in prehospital cervical collar utilization in trauma patients: Closer, but not there yet
Authors: Muzyka Logan , Bradford James M. , Teixeira Pedro G. , DuBose Joseph , Cardenas Tatiana C. P. , Bach Michelle , Ali Sadia , Robert Michelle , Brown Carlos V. R.
Published: October 2023

Objective

This study aims to assess the change in cervical spine (C‐spine) immobilization frequency in trauma patients over time. We hypothesize that the frequency of unnecessary C‐spine immobilization has decreased.

Methods

A retrospective chart review of adult trauma patients transported to our American College of Surgeons–verified Level I trauma center from January 1, 2014, to December 31, 2021, was performed. Emergency medical services documentation was manually reviewed to record prehospital physiology and the application of a prehospital cervical collar (c‐collar). C‐spine injuries were defined as cervical vertebral fractures and/or spinal cord injuries. Univariate and year‐by‐year trend analyses were used to assess changes in C‐spine injury and immobilization frequency.

Results

Among 2906 patients meeting inclusion criteria, 12% sustained C‐spine injuries, while 88% did not. Patients with C‐spine injuries were more likely to experience blunt trauma (95% vs. 68%, p < 0.001), were older (46 years vs. 41 years, p < 0.001), and had higher Injury Severity Scores (31 vs. 18, p < 0.001). They also exhibited lower initial systolic blood pressures (108 mm Hg vs. 119 mm Hg, p < 0.001), lower heart rates (92 beats/min vs. 97 beats/min, p < 0.05), and lower Glasgow Coma Scale scores (9 vs. 11, p < 0.001). In blunt trauma, c‐collars were applied to 83% of patients with C‐spine injuries and 75% without; for penetrating trauma, c‐collars were applied to 50% of patients with C‐spine injuries and only 8% without. Among penetrating trauma patients with C‐spine injury, all patients either arrived quadriplegic or did not require emergent neurosurgical intervention. The proportion of patients receiving a c‐collar decreased in both blunt and penetrating traumas from 2014 to 2021 (blunt—82% in 2014 to 68% in 2021; penetrating—24% in 2014 to 6% in 2021).

Conclusions

Unnecessary C‐spine stabilization has decreased from 2014 to 2021. However, c‐collars are still being applied to patients who do not need them, both in blunt and in penetrating trauma cases, while not being applied to patients who would benefit from them.
Editorial: Faecal microbiota transplantation in IBS—Moving closer or away from success?
Authors: Lesmana Elvira , Grover Madhusudan
Published: October 2023

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Yau et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17703 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17729
Editorial: Faecal microbiota transplantation inIBS—Moving closer or away from success? Authors' reply
Authors: Su Qi , Yau Yuk K. , Ng Siew C.
Published: October 2023

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Yau et al papers. To view these articles, visithttps://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17703andhttps://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17724
Footprint of the Baltic Ice Stream: geomorphic evidence for shifting ice stream pathways
Authors: Greenwood Sarah L. , Avery Rachael S. , Gyllencreutz Richard , Regnéll Carl , Tylmann Karol
Published: October 2023

The Baltic Ice Stream, a large fast‐flowing sector of the last Fennoscandian Ice Sheet that occupied the present‐day Baltic Sea basin, was first conceptualized in the earliest days of glacial geological research in Scandinavia. Landform and sedimentological evidence from the terrestrial margins support the concept and numerical ice‐sheet models demonstrate its existence and possible evolution. However, with evidence for the Baltic Ice Stream thus far limited to the terrestrial periphery, its true form, scale, function, and role in deglaciation have proven enigmatic. Here we present geomorphological evidence directly from the Baltic seabed that confirms the existence of and sheds light on the behaviour of the Baltic Ice Stream. Based on an extensive collection of high‐, moderate‐ and low‐resolution bathymetric terrain models covering a large proportion of the Baltic Sea floor, and complemented by LiDAR‐data for the Baltic islands, we have identified and mapped >20 000 individual subglacial bedforms, meltwater landforms and grounding line landforms. We reconstruct a six‐stage sequence of ice flow and retreat, finding that streaming was persistent in the Baltic but that pathways were variable in extent, timing and duration: different sectors of the Baltic exhibit asynchronous streaming and out‐of‐phase grounding line changes. During deglaciation, grounding line re‐advances occurred in both the southwestern and the northern Baltic Proper, and, while abundant iceberg ploughmarks attest to calving as a significant ice loss mechanism, lobate margins suggest supply to the Baltic catchment was consistently high. Our reconstruction is limited by a fragmentary geomorphic record. Here we put forward a first hypothesis for how the Baltic Ice Stream evolved, and hope it stimulates new geomorphic, stratigraphical and core data collection to extend the landform record, provide insights into subglacial and grounding line processes, and constrain the chronology for Baltic Ice Stream flow and retreat.