bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effect of IFRS 8 on segments disclosure practices in South East Asia
Authors: Ashfaq Khurram , Rehman Shafique Ur , Nguyen Nhat Tan , Riaz Adil
Published: April 2022

Purpose

This paper analyzes and compares segments disclosure practices of listed companies of Pakistan and Bangladesh under International Financial Reporting Standard (IFRS) 8 with companies from India under Accounting Standard 17 over three-year period from 2013 to 2015. Furthermore, the purpose of this paper was to investigate that how the selection of chief operating decision-maker (CODM) by management, industry type, governance and firm characteristics affects segments disclosure practices in South East Asia. Finally, how the relationship among segment disclosure, firm characteristics and corporate governance is moderated through the big 4 audit firm.

Design/methodology/approach

To achieve these objectives, data were collected from annual reports of the top 100 companies of each country and selected based on market capitalization for three years period 2013–2015.

Findings

Results state that majority of companies in South East Asia are using business class for defining operating/primary segments. Regarding reporting of operating/primary segments and geographic/secondary segments along with geographic fineness score, Indian companies are continuously on the lower side as compared to companies from Pakistan and Bangladesh. Furthermore, it was found that industry type and selection of CODM have a highly significant effect on segments disclosure practices. Finally, results of regression analysis found that the application of IFRS 8 in Pakistan and Bangladesh has a significant positive effect on disclosure of operating/primary as well as geographic/secondary segments as compared to India. Further, the role of corporate governance mechanism in influencing segments disclosure was found as least in South East Asia. Further appointment of big 4 audit firm as external auditor has only significant positive effect on disclosure of segments items. Finally, based on additional analysis, it was found that big 4 auditor moderates the relationship only in the case of reporting of operating/primary segments.

Research limitations/implications

Based on these results, the performance of Indian companies regarding disclosure of operating/primary segments, geographic/secondary segments along geographic fineness score is quite low despite the fastest growing economy in the world. This raises concerns about the quality of segment reporting in India, the world’s fastest expanding economy.

Originality/value

These results imply that there is a need of an effective role by the external auditor to improve the quality of segment reporting in developing countries, which is principle based.
Climate change and pro-environmental behaviours: the significant environmental challenges of livelihoods
Authors: Abdelwahed Nadia A. Abdelmegeed , Soomro Bahadur Ali , Shah Naimatullah
Published: April 2022

Purpose

The study investigates the intention to adopt climate change and the pro-environmental behaviours among the residents of a developing country (Pakistan) through the theory of planned behaviour (TPB).

Design/methodology/approach

This is a quantitative designed study and uses a questionnaire to collect cross-sectional data. The authors distributed about 1,600 questionnaires, of which 980 were returned; this represented a 61% response rate.

Findings

From applying the PLS-SEM 3.0 technique, the findings highlight the positive and significant impact of attitudes towards climate change (ATCC) and subjective norms (SN) on the intention to adopt climate change (ITCC). On the other hand, perceived behavioural control (PBC) has an insignificant effect on ITCC. Moreover, the ITCC is a significant predictor of pro-environmental behaviour (PEB). Finally, ITCC has a positive effect in mediating the relationship between TPB constructs (ATCC, SN and PBC) and PEB.

Practical implications

This study's findings assist policymakers in designing policies and better plans to enrich the individuals' vision and attitudes towards creating a conducive and healthy environment. Further, this study's findings encourage the promotion of widespread intentions to overcome the environmental challenges of climate change.

Originality/value

In the context of Pakistan, this study's findings offer empirical confirmation of TPB, climate change and PEB.
COVID-19 pandemic impact on mental health and quality of life among general population in Pakistan
Authors: Asif Hafiz Muhammad , Hashmi Hafiz Abdul Sattar , Zahid Rabia , Ahmad Khalil , Nazar Halima
Published: April 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the psychosocial impact during the current epidemic situation of COVID-19 in Pakistan.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 1,149 respondents were recruited in the study. Mental health status and psychological impact of COVID-19 outbreak were measured by impact of events scale–revised (IES-R) instrument and depression, anxiety and stress scales (DASS-21), respectively.

Findings

Results of IES-R revealed moderate or severe psychological impact in 13.05% respondents (score > 33). DAAS score revealed that severe and extremely severe depression (score: 21–42), anxiety (score: 15–42) and stress (score: 27–42) were reported in 6.35%, 6.87% and 2.78% respondents, respectively. Higher levels of stress, anxiety and depression were recorded in female gender, student, medical professionals, farmer and daily wages employed, exhibiting significant (p < 0.05) association with psychological impact of the COVID-19 outbreak. Majority of respondents received increased support, shared feeling and family care.

Originality/value

Mild to moderate psychological impact on mental health status was recorded in this study, which enables further planning and opportunities for health authorities to design psychological interventions for the improvement of negative psychological impact of COVID-19 epidemic in vulnerable groups.
Viable system model: a tool for managing sustainable development holistically
Authors: Chaudhry Iffat Sabir
Published: April 2022

Purpose

United Arab Emirates’ (UAEs) commitment to sustainable development is well reflected in its Vision-2021, 2030 and the Green Economy Strategy for Sustainable Development, followed by several initiatives at federal and local level. However, out of seven Emirates, the governments of Abu Dhabi and Dubai are adopting and rigorously implementing green initiatives for conserving energy, minimizing resources wastage and becoming zero-carbon ecology, leaving behind the other five emirates. To promote the implementation of government’s sustainability agenda holistically (including all the emirates), it is important to adopt a systems thinking to diagnose the complex social arrangements and their interactive relations with the larger systems and the environment at each and all recursive levels.

Design/methodology/approach

This viewpoint proposes that Viable System Model (VSM) framework can support sustainable planning and configuration evaluation holistically, by diagnosing the region (system-in-focus) together with the present and future environment, at multiple recursive levels of city, emirates and country-wide. To demonstrate the relative strength of the VSM structural framework and its principles to replicate/implement the green initiatives country-wide, the study provides supporting evidence and multiple examples of its application in other parts of the world for managing sustainability-related issues from smallest (town/city) to largest (national) levels in the United Arab Emirates.

Findings

The VSM framework has been adopted by several scholars for fruitful utilization of its structural, connectivity, recursivity and complexity principles in the context of sustainability at the organizational, territory and national levels. The discussion has been made on the suitability of VSM framework for implementing sustainable development initiatives county-wide by viewing it in totality and at multiple levels of administration and governance.

Research limitations/implications

It has implications for leaders, policy-setters and regulators of United Arab Emirates as well as Gulf region inclusive of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait and Oman.

Originality/value

No prior work exists in Arab region where VSM has been proposed for the holistic management of sustainable initiatives. It has implications for leaders, policy-setters and regulators of United Arab Emirates as well as Gulf region inclusive of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait and Oman.
Development of a safe food handling knowledge questionnaire: psychometric properties and acceptability among consumers
Authors: Charlesworth Jessica , Mullan Barbara , Preece David
Published: April 2022

Purpose

Foodborne illness remains high globally, with the majority of cases occurring in the domestic environment. Research in the safe food-handling domain is limited by the absence of an up-to-date and suitable measure of safe food-handling knowledge for use among consumers, with previous measures limited by questionnaire design features that increase participant burden and burnout and a lack of alignment with current safe food-handling guidelines. The purpose of this study is to develop a safe food-handling knowledge measure to capture a comprehensive understanding of consumers’ safe food-handling knowledge while minimising participant burden and burnout.

Design/methodology/approach

Items were developed and evaluated prior to administering them to participants. Data was collected among 277 participants who completed the measure online.

Findings

Results indicated that the measure had good acceptability among participants in the sample (mean = 5.44, SD = 0.77, range = 2.42–7) and that the measure had acceptable reliability (Cronbach’s α = 0.60), item discrimination and item difficulty. These findings suggest that the safe food-handling knowledge measure would be suitable for use in future studies examining consumer safe food-handling.

Originality/value

This study provides an updated, acceptable and suitable safe food-handling knowledge measure for use among consumers to better understand consumers’ understanding of safe food-handling practices. Use of this measure in future research can improve the measurement of consumer safe food-handling knowledge to allow for better tailoring of future interventions and health campaigns for safe food-handling among consumers.
Quantifying the risk of non‐native conifer establishment across heterogeneous landscapes
Authors: Wyse Sarah V. , Etherington Thomas R. , Hulme Philip E.
Published: April 2022

Pines (genus Pinus) are cultivated extensively for forestry purposes, particularly in regions that are outside the genus' native range. The most common forestry species are also typically those most likely to escape cultivation and spread rapidly, and thus pines constitute a substantial weed problem in many regions. However, there is limited knowledge of the factors underlying the spread of pines from plantations. Assessments across heterogeneous landscapes are required to provide rigorous data to support management tools and policies aiming to protect vulnerable ecosystems from pine invasions.

We examined the spread of Pinus radiata from forestry plantations over a ~9,000 km2 landscape on Banks Peninsula, New Zealand. We used ground‐based surveys from a set of viewpoints to determine tree locations, coupled with geographical information system (GIS) viewsheds to define the area surveyed. We used boosted regression trees to build a habitat model for P. radiata establishment on Banks Peninsula.

We surveyed an area approximately 107 km2, recording 470 naturally established P. radiata individuals. Our habitat models suggested that proximity to the nearest plantation forest was the most important variable predicting P. radiata establishment, with individuals most likely to establish within 150 m of a plantation. Individuals were also most likely to establish in early successional shrub communities, proximate to roads, and on steeper topography. Highly grazed habitats were least vulnerable to P. radiata establishment.

The slope and aspect of the source plantation influenced the distances from the plantation at which P. radiata individuals were recorded, with individuals recorded furthest away likely to have originated from plantations that were south‐facing or on steeper slopes, and therefore most exposed to strong winds.

Synthesis and applications. Our findings on distances from plantations at which individuals established, vulnerable habitats, and the interactions we detected among our predictor variables, can be extended to aid management of non‐native conifer plantings elsewhere in the Southern Hemisphere. These data can be used to contribute to improvements of decision support systems that assess likely spread risk from non‐native conifer plantings. Such tools can reduce the likelihood of future pine establishment, potentially preventing biological invasions.
Delivering language intervention at scale: promises and pitfalls
Authors: Snowling Margaret J. , West Gillian , Fricke Silke , Bowyer‐Crane Claudine , Dilnot Julia , Cripps Denise , Nash Marysia , Hulme Charles
Published: April 2022

Background

There is now substantial evidence that language interventions delivered to small groups can be effective for improving language skills and hence strengthening the foundation for formal schooling. However, there are remaining challenges when delivering such interventions in naturalistic environments at scale.

Method

We reflect on three randomised trials designed to evaluate the impact of an early years language programme, prior to the implementation of a large effectiveness trial, delivered in partnership with speech and language professionals. We consider findings within a framework from implementation science.

Results

We found that, in contrast to policy‐led interventions for reading and mathematics, language interventions are not prioritised in mainstream settings. Aside from this, other obstacles to delivery were the time taken to prepare and to timetable sessions, lack of communication about the requirements of delivery and the need for language screening. Crucial to success was the support from the class teacher of teaching assistants delivering the intervention. However, feedback was largely positive from most stakeholders, and the intervention was found to have a positive impact on children's language with preliminary evidence for effects on behaviour and on reading comprehension.

Conclusions

While many educators recognise the importance of language for communication, the benefits of oral language interventions are only recently becoming prioritised by policy‐makers. We propose that challenges to successful delivery and adoption of evidence‐based language interventions in mainstream settings can be remedied through better communication with stakeholders and collaboration between researchers and professional colleagues including senior leaders, teachers, teaching assistants, speech and language therapists and psychologists. It is imperative to take account of issues of implementation when designing an intervention and to do this successfully is a multidisciplinary enterprise.
Information shock of disaster and hazard: Impact of Kaohsiung gas explosions and risk disclosure on the equalizing difference in the housing market
Authors: Liao Wen‐Chi , Luo Yilan , Sun Yajie
Published: April 2022

Disasters damaged economies and markets. Many studies inquired how calamities affected household risk perception and home value to understand the hazards’ influences on expected utility. A remaining challenge is identifying equalizing difference, a necessary spatial equilibrium condition, keeping households indifferent among properties with different disaster risks. We fill this gap, analyzing a quasi‐natural experiment with two events: the 2014 Kaohsiung Gas Explosions and subsequent disclosure of underground petrochemical pipelines. A spatial model with prospective reference theory predicts home‐value changes after each event for areas with different risks and distinguishes the equalizing difference from price changes induced by risk adjustments. Difference‐in‐differences (DD) analyses uncover an equalizing difference worth 2.6% home value compensating for households’ exposure to the petrochemical hazard, besides risk‐adjustment price changes concerned by existing DD studies. The equalizing difference shrank with distance to hazard and time. Also, the neighborhood struck by the disaster has regained energy, a finding with implications for urban resilience.
Safety and efficacy of ethanol ablation for benign thyroid cystic nodules: A single centre experience
Authors: Lee Henry Ho Yin , Chan Peter Wing Hong , Hui Joseph Sheung Kit
Published: April 2022

Objective

To evaluate and audit the safety and efficacy of ultrasound guided ethanol ablation for the treatment of benign thyroid cystic nodules with pressure and cosmetic symptoms.

Methods

Retrospective case series from November 2018 to March 2021 with patients presented with symptomatic benign cystic thyroid nodules and treated with ethanol ablation. The major clinical outcomes were 6‐month volume reduction rate and improvement in pressure symptom score and cosmetic symptom score. All complications were evaluated.

Results

We studied thirty‐seven consecutive cases with symptomatic benign thyroid cystic nodules. All cystic nodules were confirmed by FNAC to be benign. Seven out of thirty‐seven cases received two sessions of ethanol ablation. The initial mean volume of cystic nodules was 17.93 ml (range 1.11 ml–60.01 ml). The mean volume of ethanol injected was 3.54 ml (range 0.5 ml–10.0 ml). The mean volume at 6‐month post ablation was 4.48 ml (range 0 ml–60.15 ml). The mean volume reduction rate at 6‐month post ablation was 80.46%. The median procedure time was 15 minutes. Adverse events were noted in three cases including transient pain and haematoma. The mean pressure symptom score improved from 4.48 (pre‐ablation)(range 0–10) to 1.20 (post‐ablation)(range 0–5). The mean cosmetic symptom score improved from 3.45 (pre‐ablation) (range 1–4) to 1.37 (post‐ablation)(range 1–3). There was one case with salvage hemithyroidectomy arranged.

Conclusion

Ultrasound guided ethanol ablation is a safe and feasible treatment for symptomatic benign thyroid cystic nodules in terms of volume reduction and symptomatic relief, it serves as an alternative to surgical resection.
Geographical variation of the acoustic signals in the spot‐legged treefrog (Polypedates megacephalus) of Hainan Island
Authors: ZHAO Longhui , LIU Qiucheng , QIN Yuanyu , ZHAI Xiaofei , TU Feiyun , WANG Tongliang , WANG Jichao
Published: April 2022

Geographical divergence in acoustic signals is often affected by multiple selective pressures. Environmental factors are expected to shape signals by adjusting for greater propagation efficiency. Nevertheless, such habitat‐driven hypotheses have not been well‐examined with multi‐signal and multi‐habitat types included simultaneously. In this study, we evaluated call similarity of the spot‐legged treefrog (Polypedates megacephalus), characterized by multiple call types, from 11 geographic populations across Hainan Island. We also examined multiple factors (i.e. body mass, temperature, altitude, and vegetation) among different acoustical geographic clusters, and tested whether the variation in acoustic length and frequency among different habitats was in accordance with the prediction derived from the acoustic adaptation hypothesis. We showed that P. megacephalus from Hainan Island included 3 acoustic geographic clusters: the northeastern flatlands, the southwest mountains, and the hills around the mountains. We also showed that environmental factors (i.e. altitude and vegetation) varied across these 3 acoustically distinct areas. Moreover, the duration of the different call types supported the hypothesis that they should have optimal transmission in their own habitats. Thus, our results reveal the roles of ecological selection in the geographical divergence of anuran acoustic signals.
A setback into a success: What can batch effects tell us about best practices in genomics?
Authors: Dallaire Xavier , Mérot Claire
Published: April 2022

The increasing access to high‐throughput sequencing is certainly one of the major changes that molecular ecology has gone through over the last decade. With the positive trend towards more open science, most sequencing data sets are now available on public databases, which holds amazing potential, but also risks of introducing batch effects in studies combining data sets. In this issue of Molecular Ecology Resources, Lou and Therkildsen (2022) offer a timely discussion on the matter by analyzing an imperfect low‐coverage Whole Genome Sequencing data set, in which they test the effects of differences in sequencing choices, DNA degradation, and read depth on routine population genomics analyses. Through a series of diagnostic tools, they uncover multiple factors producing technical artefacts that can bias estimates of genetic diversity, inference of population structure, and selection scans. For each confounding factor, they demonstrate the effectiveness of mitigation approaches and suggest other avenues to deal with the issue. In this perspective, we highlight considerations regarding (1) effects that arise from differences between batches of sequencing; (2) unavoidable heterogeneity within data sets; and (3) more general concerns around the use of next‐generation sequencing in population genomics. Altogether, by exploring what may have appeared at first glimpse as a “failed” sequencing project, Lou and Therkildsen (2022) end up setting a standard of best practices to make the most of heterogeneous whole‐genome sequences, opening a promising avenue towards efficient reuse of published data sets.
Applying computer vision to digitised natural history collections for climate change research: Temperature‐size responses in British butterflies
Authors: Wilson Rebecca J. , de Siqueira Alexandre Fioravante , Brooks Stephen J. , Price Benjamin W. , Simon Lea M. , van der Walt Stéfan J. , Fenberg Phillip B.
Published: April 2022

Natural history collections are invaluable resources for understanding biotic response to global change. Museums around the world are currently imaging specimens, capturing specimen data and making them freely available online. In parallel to the digitisation effort, there have been great advancements in computer vision: the computer trained automated recognition/detection, and measurement of features in digital images. Applying computer vision to digitised natural history collections has the potential to greatly accelerate the use of these collections for biotic response to global change research. In this paper, we apply computer vision to a very large, digitised collection to test hypotheses in an established area of biotic response to climate change research: temperature‐size responses.

We develop a computer vision pipeline (Mothra) and apply it to the NHM collection of British butterflies (>180,000 imaged specimens). Mothra automatically detects the specimen and other objects in the image, sets the scale, measures wing features (e.g. forewing length), determines the orientation of the specimen (pinned ventrally or dorsally) and identifies the sex. We pair these measurements and specimen collection data with temperature records for 17,726 specimens across a subset of 24 species to test how adult size varies with temperature during the immature stages of species. We also assess patterns of sexual size dimorphism across species and families for 32 species trained for automated sex ID.

Mothra accurately measures the forewing lengths of butterfly specimens compared to manual measurements and accurately determines the sex of specimens, with females as the larger sex in most species. An increase in adult body size with warmer monthly temperatures during the late larval stages is the most common temperature‐size response. These results confirm suspected patterns and support hypotheses based on recent studies using a smaller dataset of manually measured specimens.

We show that computer vision can be a powerful tool to efficiently and accurately extract phenotypic data from a very large collection of digital natural history collections. In the future, computer vision will become widely applied to digital collections to advance ecological and evolutionary research and to accelerate their use to investigate biotic response to global change.
Modeling and optimizing the beef supply chain in the Northeastern U.S.
Authors: Ge Houtian , Gómez Miguel , Peters Christian
Published: April 2022

Seasonality of beef cattle supplies raises supply coordination challenges. In the Northeastern U.S., for example, producers often argue that lack of access to slaughter and processing facilities limits expansion potential, whereas slaughterers and processors posit that there is not enough supply to keep plants fully utilized. We develop an optimization model to determine whether the existing slaughter and processing infrastructure in the region meets producers’ demand for these services. The model allows us to identify the minimum‐cost solution to efficiently utilize those facilities and to assess relative costs associated with product handling. The analysis explores the spatial structure of the Northeast beef cattle assembly, slaughter, processing, and distribution system that might result if these supply chain activities were regionally coordinated. We find that a consolidated network that allows for coordination of the regional beef supply chain system can address possible bottlenecks of plant capacity. This study sheds light on ways to establish and improve regional coordination mechanisms to enhance efficiency in regional food systems.
The burden of peripheral intravenous catheters in older hospital inpatients: A national cross‐sectional study part of the ONE MILLION GLOBAL PERIPHERAL INTRAVENOUS CATHETERS COLLABORATION
Authors: Ní Chróinín Danielle , Ray‐Barruel Gillian , Carr Peter J. , Frost Steven A. , Rickard Claire M. , Mifflin Nicholas , McManus Craig , Alexandrou Evan
Published: April 2022

Objectives

To investigate the burden of peripheral intravenous catheters (PIVCs) in older hospitalised patients.

Methods

A cross‐sectional prospective observational study (2014/2015) to describe the characteristics, indications and outcomes of PIVCs among patients aged ≥65 from 65 Australian hospitals.

Results

Amongst 2179 individual PIVCs (in 2041 patients, mean age 77.6 years, 45% female, 58% in NSW), 43% were inserted by doctors and 74% used that day, meaning 25% were ‘idle’. Overall, 18% (393/2179) exhibited signs of PIVC‐related complications. Most commonly exhibited PIVC‐related complications were tenderness (4.1%) and local redness (1.8%). Nearly one in three (29.1%) dressings was soiled, loosened or had come off, and only 36.8% had the time and date documented on the dressing. Both infusing IV medications (aOR 1.74, 95% CI 1.28–2.38, p < 0.001) and inserting the PIVC in a non‐upper limb vein (aOR 3.40 compared to forearm [reference site], 95% CI 1.62–7.17, p < 0.001) were independently associated with PIVC failure. Phlebitis was exhibited in 7% (154) of the patients. Only infusing intravenous medications increased the likelihood of developing symptoms of phlebitis (aOR 1.61, 95% CI 1.01–2.57, p = 0.05). Increasing age was inversely associated with symptoms of phlebitis. Among the 1575 patients (79%) who rated their PIVC experience using the Likert scale 0–10 (where 10 = ‘best possible’), the median score was 8 (IQR 6–10). Age in highest quartile (>84 years) was independently associated with lower likelihood of a high score (aOR 0.71, 95% CI 0.54–0.94, p = 0.02).

Conclusions

Given 1 in 5 PIVCs were identified with having complications, further research should focus on optimising PIVC use in older patients.
“I feel reassured, but there is no guarantee.” How do women with a future childbearing desire respond to active surveillance of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2? A qualitative study
Authors: Hansen Joan , Kirkegaard Pia , Folmann Birgitte , Bungum Helle Folge , Hammer Anne
Published: April 2022

Introduction

In Denmark, women with a future childbearing desire diagnosed with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 (CIN2) are recommended active surveillance instead of excisional treatment. However, we have limited and contradictory knowledge about how active surveillance of CIN2 may affect women emotionally. The aim of this study was to explore thoughts and emotional responses in women undergoing active surveillance of CIN2 and to explore how active surveillance may affect women’s future childbearing desire.

Material and methods

This qualitative study was conducted in the gynecological outpatient clinic, the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Gødstrup Hospital, Denmark. Women of childbearing age undergoing active surveillance with colposcopy, biopsy and smear every 6 months due to CIN2 were eligible for enrollment. In‐depth semi‐structured interviews were conducted. The interviews were audiotaped and transcribed verbatim. A thematic analysis was performed using a phenomenological approach.

Results

A total of 20 women were included. All women experienced nervousness and anxiety when they were diagnosed with CIN2 initially. Their main concern was whether they had cancer. Most women carried on with their everyday lives with only minor occasional worries about CIN2, often prompted just before check‐up. However, some women were particularly nervous and found the period between check‐ups frustrating and challenging. Women did not want to postpone their plans for pregnancy because of CIN2, but experienced the worries and check‐ups associated with active surveillance as disruptive elements in their family planning. Women preparing for fertility treatment had their startup unnecessarily delayed due to active surveillance of CIN2, as clinical guidelines were inconsistent across subspecialties. Various factors influenced women’s emotional well‐being: life circumstances, information needs, and mental and physical discomfort during colposcopic examination.

Conclusions

Women felt that worries and check‐ups due to active surveillance of CIN2 were disrupting elements in their family planning, although they did not affect their every‐day life. Some women, however, were particularly anxious, demonstrating the importance of including women’s experiences and preferences in clinical counseling. The fact that fertility treatment was delayed due inconsistent guidelines across subspecialties, suggests a need for a revision of current guidelines.
Endothelial cells promote smooth muscle cell resilience to H2O2‐induced cell death in mouse cerebral arteries
Authors: Norton Charles E. , Shaw Rebecca L. , Mittler Ron , Segal Steven S.
Published: April 2022

Aim

Brain injury produces reactive oxygen species (ROS). However, little is known of how acute oxidative stress affects cell survival in the cerebral vascular supply. We hypothesized that endothelial cells (ECs) are more resilient to H2O2 and protect vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs) during acute oxidative stress.

Methods

Mouse posterior cerebral arteries (PCAs; diameter, ~80 µm) were exposed to H2O2 (200 µM, 50 min, 37°C). Nuclear staining identified dead and live cells of intact and endothelium‐disrupted vessels. SMC [Ca2+]i was assessed with Fura‐2 fluorescence, and superoxide production was assessed by dihydroethidium and MitoSOX fluorescence.

Results

In response to H2O2: SMC death (21%) exceeded EC death (5%) and increased following endothelial disruption (to 48%) with a corresponding increase in SMC Ca2+ entry through transient receptor potential (TRP) channels. Whereas pharmacological inhibition of TRPV4 channels prevented SMC death and reduced Ca2+ entry for intact vessels, both remained elevated following endothelial disruption. In contrast, pharmacological inhibition or genetic deletion of TRPC3 prevented SMC death and attenuated Ca2+ entry for both intact and endothelium‐disrupted vessels. Inhibiting gap junctions increased EC death (to 22%) while SMC death and [Ca2+]i responses were attenuated by inhibiting nitric oxide synthesis or scavenging superoxide/peroxynitrite. Inhibiting NADPH oxidases also prevented SMC Ca2+ entry and death. H2O2 increased mitochondrial ROS production while scavenging mitochondria‐derived superoxide prevented SMC death but not Ca2+ entry.

Conclusions

During acute exposure of cerebral arteries to acute oxidative stress, ECs are more resilient than SMCs and the endothelium may protect SMCs by reducing Ca2+ entry through TRPC3 channels.
The impact of a gratitude intervention on mental well‐being during COVID‐19: A quasi‐experimental study of university students
Authors: Geier Michael T. , Morris Jermaine
Published: April 2022

Previous research suggest that gratitude interventions are effective in improving mental well‐being, which might be beneficial to university students during the COVID‐19 pandemic. This quasi‐experimental study sought to investigate if a gratitude intervention will lead to higher mental well‐being of university students during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Participants (N = 47) mental well‐being was assessed before and after 10 weekly gratitude reflection journals and statistically compared with a control group (N = 40). An analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was used to analyze the data. The treatment group showed significantly higher well‐being after the gratitude intervention compared with the control group (Cohen's d = 0.74). The treatment group significantly increased (Cohen's d = 0.35) and the control group significantly decreased (Cohen's d = −0.41). Gratitude interventions may be effective in improving the mental well‐being of university students even during a crisis such as the COVID‐19 pandemic. Gratitude interventions seem suitable for improving mental well‐being for temporary mental challenges of university students such as a pandemic or other forms of crisis.
Effect of probiotic supplementation on the expression of tight junction proteins, innate immunity‐associated genes, and microbiota composition of broilers subjected to cyclic heat stress
Authors: Li Qiufen , Ouyang Jingxin , Zhou Hua , You Jinming , Li Guanhong
Published: April 2022

This study investigated the effects of probiotic on intestinal innate immunity‐associated gene expression and cecal microbiota in heat‐stressed broilers. A total of 180 21‐day‐old male broilers were randomly assigned to three treatment groups with four replicates per group. The thermoneutral group (TN) (23 ± 1°C) received a basal diet, and another two heat‐stressed groups (28–35–28°C for 12 h daily) were fed the basal diet (HS) or the basal diet supplemented with probiotic at a dose of 1.5 × 108 CFU/kg (HS_Pro) for 21 consecutive days. Compared with the TN group, the abundance of beneficial bacteria was decreased (p < 0.05) in the caecum of heat‐stressed broilers. Heat stress downregulated (p < 0.05) the expression of Toll‐like receptor (TLR)2 and upregulated (p < 0.05) the expressions of TLR5, TLR15, avian β‐defensin (AvBD)4, AvBD8, and AvBD14 in the ileum as compared with the TN group. Dietary supplementation of probiotic upregulated (p < 0.05) the occludin expression in the ileum, improved the microbiota balance in the caecum, and decreased (p < 0.05) the gene expressions of TLR5 and TLR15 in the ileum of heat‐stressed broilers. Collectively, dietary probiotic supplementation could promote intestinal barrier function via improving gut microbiota community and regulating innate immunity‐associated gene expressions in heat‐stressed broilers.
Accounting as Technical, Social and Moral Practice: The Monetary Valuation of Public Cultural, Heritage and Scientific Collections in Financial Reports
Authors: Carnegie Garry D. , Ferri Paolo , Parker Lee D. , Sidaway Shannon I. L. , Tsahuridu Eva E.
Published: April 2022

The International Public Sector Accounting Standards Board of the International Federation of Accountants issued exposure draft ED78Property Plant and Equipment in April 2021. It proposes valuing ‘heritage items’ for recognition as ‘heritage assets’ in statements of financial position. This proposed requirement for global application casts the spotlight on a highly controversial topic in regulated financial reporting. The monetary valuation of cultural, heritage and scientific collections of public not‐for‐profit museums, art galleries and similar repositories has been subject to considerable discussion and debate for the past three decades. Our purpose is to critically examine this perennial financial reporting controversary, in the context of the three conceptions of accounting: accounting as technical practice, social practice and moral practice as articulated in the definition of accounting proposed by Carnegie et al. (2021a, 2021b) for discussion, debate and potential adoption in the accounting profession, including by accounting standard setters in all sectors. This article is intended to challenge accounting to enhanced self‐awareness in reaching its full potential.
Multi‐modality imaging of aggressive submural neoplasia of the hoof in two horses
Authors: Nagel H , Lang H , Sole Guitart A , Lean N , Allavena R , Sprohnle‐Barrera C , Young A
Published: April 2022

This case series presents a 20‐year‐old Quarter horse gelding and a 10‐year‐old Thoroughbred gelding with a histologic diagnosis of aggressive submural neoplasia, including an anaplastic sarcoma and a squamous cell carcinoma respectively. The current case series describes these neoplasias with radiography, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging and histopathology with immunohistochemistry. The purpose of this case series is to identify the clinical pattern of chronic reoccurring lameness in these cases and highlight the appearance of expansile osteolytic pathology of the distal phalanx with adjacent hoof wall abnormalities. Advanced imaging has the potential to assist with a differential diagnosis list and surgical planning in patients such as these however obtaining a cellular sample for histopathological examination remains necessary for definitive diagnosis.
Management of combined oral antithrombotic therapy by an antithrombotic stewardship program: A prospective study
Authors: Zhang Zhu Xian , Schroeder‐Tanka Jutta , Stooker Wim , Wissen Sanne , Khorsand Nakisa
Published: April 2022

Aims

Antithrombotic management initiatives could prevent inappropriate prescribing and improve patient outcomes especially in patients on combined antithrombotic therapy. To investigate this, a multidisciplinary antithrombotic stewardship program (ASP) was implemented in our hospital. The primary aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of this ASP by assessing the number of patients on combined antithrombotic therapy for whom one or more interventions were needed.

Methods

A prospective cohort study in a large teaching hospital was conducted. Hospitalized patients were included who received combined antithrombotic therapy in which an oral anticoagulant was combined with one (double therapy) or two (triple therapy) platelet aggregation inhibitors. The ASP proactively evaluated the appropriateness of this combined antithrombotic therapy. If needed, ASP improved the concerned therapy. Each improvement measurement recommended by the ASP was counted as one intervention.

Results

A total of 460 patients were included over a period of 12 months. Of these, 251 (54.6%) patients required at least one intervention from the ASP. The most common interventions were: (1) to define and document the maximum duration of the combined antithrombotic therapy needed instead of lifetime use of the combination (65.5%), (2) to discontinue antithrombotic therapy as the proper indication was lacking (19.4%), and (3) to adjust the dosage (8.1%).

Conclusion

An intervention was needed in more than half of the patients on combined antithrombotic therapy. Implementation of a dedicated ASP evaluating combined antithrombotic therapy improves the use and safety of antithrombotic medication.
Anti‐human platelet antigen‐5b antibodies and fetal and neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia; incidental association or cause and effect?
Authors: Alm Julia , Duong Yalin , Wienzek‐Lischka Sandra , Cooper Nina , Santoso Sentot , Sachs Ulrich J. , Kiefel Volker , Bein Gregor
Published: April 2022

Most cases of fetal and neonatal thrombocytopenia (FNAIT) are caused by maternal anti‐human platelet antigen‐1a antibodies (anti‐HPA‐1a). Anti‐HPA‐5b antibodies are the second most common antibodies in suspected FNAIT cases. Given the high prevalence of anti‐HPA‐5b antibodies in pregnant women delivering healthy newborns, the association with FNAIT may be coincidental. This review of the literature related to FNAIT using the MEDLINE database was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines. A retrospective analysis of a single‐centre cohort of 817 suspected FNAIT cases was conducted. The pooled prevalence of anti‐HPA‐5b antibodies in unselected pregnant women of European descent was 1.96% (n = 3113), compared with 3.4% (n = 5003) in women with suspected FNAIT. We found weak evidence that a small proportion of pregnant women presenting with anti‐HPA‐5b antibodies will give birth to a newborn with mild thrombocytopenia. The neonatal platelet counts were not different between suspected FNAIT cases (n = 817) with and without maternal anti‐HPA‐5b antibodies. The prevalence of maternal anti‐HPA‐5b antibodies was not different between neonates with intracranial haemorrhage and healthy controls. The current experimental and epidemiological evidence does not support the hypothesis that anti‐HPA‐5b antibodies cause severe thrombocytopenia or bleeding complications in the fetus or newborn.
Comparison of the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of an immunologically targeted low-dose rituximab protocol with the conventional rheumatoid arthritis protocol in severe pemphigus
Authors: Singh Namrata , Handa Sanjeev , Mahajan Rahul , Sachdeva Naresh , De Dipankar
Published: April 2022

Background

Various dosing protocols of rituximab have been used in pemphigus. B-cell repopulation following rituximab treatment can be considered a forerunner of clinical relapse. Immunologically guided dosing may remove the need for fixed timepoint maintenance dosing, hence being more cost-effective and perhaps safer.

Aim

To compare the overall efficacy and cost-effectiveness of a low-dose rituximab regimen (500 mg, 2 weeks apart) with immunologically guided, ultralow-dose (200 mg) top-up infusions on immunological relapse vs. the use of a rheumatoid arthritis (RA) protocol with rituximab 500 mg repeat infusion to treat clinical relapse in severe pemphigus, over a 1-year period,

Methods

In total, 23 patients with severe pemphigus were randomized into Group A (RA protocol: 1000 mg given as two doses, 2 weeks apart) and Group B (low-dose rituximab 500 mg given as two doses, 2 weeks apart). Both groups also received short-term oral corticosteroids, and underwent clinical and immunological (3-monthly flow cytometry assessments of B-cell subtypes) monitoring. Group A received a top-up dose of rituximab 500 mg upon clinical relapse, while Group B received an ultralow top-up dose (200 mg) following detection of B-cell repopulation, which was intended to prevent clinical relapse. Outcome parameters [complete remission off treatment (CROT), relapse (clinical and immunological), total corticosteroid dose and direct cost of therapy] were compared.

Results

The mean ± SD time to CROT (Group A, 27.1 ± 1.6 weeks; Group B, 26 ± 1.2 weeks, P = 0.09) and the cumulative prednisolone dose (P = 0.28) were comparable between the two groups. In Group A, 3 of 9 (33.3%) patients had clinical relapse (mean ± SD time of 9.3 ± 0.4 months). In Group B, B-cell repopulation was seen in 10 of 11 (90.9%) patients within a mean time of 8.4 ± 2.4 months, and a single top-up dose of 200 mg successfully prevented clinical relapse. The overall cost of therapy was 37.4% cheaper in Group B.

Conclusion

An immunologically guided low-dose rituximab regimen can be an equally effective but more affordable alternative to conventional rituximab regimens in pemphigus.
Relationship between growth hormone deficiency and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in patients with pituitary stalk interruption syndrome
Authors: Huang Qibin , Xu Hongli , Wang Xi , Mao Jiangfeng , Yu Bingqing , Zhu Yiyi , Zhang Rui , Sun Bang , Zhang Junyi , Ji Wen , Ma Wanlu , Nie Min , Wu Xueyan
Published: April 2022

Background

Pituitary stalk interruption syndrome (PSIS), characterized by thinning or disappearance of the pituitary stalk, hypoplasia of the anterior pituitary, and an ectopic posterior pituitary, can lead to congenital combined pituitary hormone deficiency. There is a high prevalence of various metabolic disorders, including nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), in this population.

Objective

To investigate the characteristics of NAFLD in Chinese adult patients with PSIS and its association with growth hormone deficiency.

Design

Retrospective cross‐sectional study in a tertiary referral center of China.

Patients

Adult patients with PSIS diagnosed, followed up between September 2019 and August 2021, were consecutively enrolled.

Measurements

Abdominal ultrasonography images were evaluated and noninvasive fibrosis scores were determined to assess the severity of NAFLD. Anthropometric, clinical, and biochemical parameters were compared between patients with and without NAFLD. Logistic regression was performed to assess the independent effects of insulin‐like growth factor‐1 (IGF‐1) on NAFLD.

Results

A total of 93 patients (77 men, 16 women, mean age: 29.6 ± 7.1 years) were included. The prevalence of NAFLD and advanced fibrosis/cirrhosis was 50.5% and 4.3%, respectively. Insufficient hormone therapy and prominent metabolic disorders, including central obesity, dyslipidemia, insulin resistance, and metabolic syndrome, were more common in the NAFLD (+) group. After adjusting for multiple variables, IGF‐1 <−2 standard deviation score (SDS) was found to be associated with an increased prevalence of NAFLD (odds ratio [OR]: 4.92, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.21–24.55, p = .035). Per 1 SDS increase in IGF‐1 was associated with a 27% lower risk of NAFLD (OR: 0.73, 95% CI: 0.52–0.97, p = .042).

Conclusion

NAFLD is a frequent comorbidity among Chinese adult patients with PSIS and is strongly associated with lower IGF‐1 levels. Timely and appropriate hormone replacement, particularly growth hormone may contribute to decreasing the risk of NAFLD in these patients.
Low rates of motor‐related healthcare for 5‐year children born extremely preterm with movement difficulty: Where to next?
Authors: Cameron Kate L.
Published: April 2022

This commentary is on the original article by Costa et al. on pages 1131–1144 of this issue.