bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Artificial intelligence (AI) and ChatGPT involvement in scientific and medical writing, a new concern for researchers. A scoping review
Authors: Khalifa Ahmed A. , Ibrahim Mariam A.
Published: January 2024

Purpose

The study aims to evaluate PubMed publications on ChatGPT or artificial intelligence (AI) involvement in scientific or medical writing and investigate whether ChatGPT or AI was used to create these articles or listed as authors.

Design/methodology/approach

This scoping review was conducted according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines. A PubMed database search was performed for articles published between January 1 and November 29, 2023, using appropriate search terms; both authors performed screening and selection independently.

Findings

From the initial search results of 127 articles, 41 were eligible for final analysis. Articles were published in 34 journals. Editorials were the most common article type, with 15 (36.6%) articles. Authors originated from 27 countries, and authors from the USA contributed the most, with 14 (34.1%) articles. The most discussed topic was AI tools and writing capabilities in 19 (46.3%) articles. AI or ChatGPT was involved in manuscript preparation in 31 (75.6%) articles. None of the articles listed AI or ChatGPT as an author, and in 19 (46.3%) articles, the authors acknowledged utilizing AI or ChatGPT.

Practical implications

Researchers worldwide are concerned with AI or ChatGPT involvement in scientific research, specifically the writing process. The authors believe that precise and mature regulations will be developed soon by journals, publishers and editors, which will pave the way for the best usage of these tools.

Originality/value

This scoping review expressed data published on using AI or ChatGPT in various scientific research and writing aspects, besides alluding to the advantages, disadvantages and implications of their usage.
High street banking on the app: branding strategies of traditionally-driven neobanks
Authors: Mogaji Emmanuel , Nguyen Nguyen Phong
Published: January 2024

Purpose

Several high street retail banks are extending their brands into digital banking through fully digital, app-only neobanks, which have been described as traditionally-driven neobanks (TDNBs). These TDNBs are considered a form of brand extension, representing the increased complexity of branding banks and financial institutions. This study explicitly addresses the branding strategies employed by TDNBs.

Design/methodology/approach

This study has adopted a case study research design, using a multi-stage data collection strategy. Initially, interviews were conducted with bank managers, followed by interviews with customers. Later, user-generated content was extracted through verified reviews from the app store. Subsequently, these three strands of data were thematically analysed and triangulated, in order to gain a holistic understanding of the branding strategies used by TDNBs.

Findings

Three key themes emerged regarding the branding strategies of the TDNBs: aligning with the parent brand, reinforcing the digital experience, and enhancing the brand image.

Research limitations/implications

This study contributed to the growing body of research on marketing, branding, and digital transformation of bank services. As more traditional banks are exploring opportunities to pivot and explore other fintech options, this study offers significant insights that will help in managing brand experience and promotion across customer journeys in the banking sector.

Practical implications

This study contributes to the growing body of research on marketing, branding, and digital transformation of bank services. Even as more traditional banks explore opportunities to pivot as well as other fintech options, this study offers significant insights to help manage brand experience and promotion across customer journeys in the banking sector.

Originality/value

While previous studies on banking and financial services have concentrated on traditional retail and high street banks, there is a need for a greater understanding of the brand positioning of digital banks, especially those created by traditional banks.
Technology-mediated lesson study: a step-by-step guide
Authors: Hudson Michelle , Leary Heather , Longhurst Max , Stowers Joshua , Poulsen Tracy , Smith Clara , Sansom Rebecca L.
Published: January 2024

Purpose

The authors are developing a model for rural science teacher professional development, building teacher expertise and collaboration and creating high-quality science lessons: technology-mediated lesson study (TMLS).

Design/methodology/approach

TMLS provided the means for geographically distributed teachers to collaborate, develop, implement and improve lessons. TMLS uses technology to capture lesson implementation and collaborate on lesson iterations.

Findings

This paper describes the seven steps of the TMLS process with examples, showing how teachers develop their content and pedagogical knowledge while building relationships.

Originality/value

The TMLS approach provides an innovative option for teachers to collaborate across distances and form strong, lasting relationships with others.
Digitalisation and internationalisation in SMEs: a systematic review and research agenda
Authors: Bargoni Augusto , Ferraris Alberto , Vilamová Šárka , Wan Hussain Wan Mohd Hirwani
Published: January 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide an integrative picture of the state of the art of the literature on digitalisation of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) as an enabler for their internationalisation process and as a comprehensive view of the specific domains impacted by digital technologies as well as their repercussions on the international outreach.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic review which leverages a descriptive analysis of extant literature and an axial coding technique has been conducted to shed light on the current knowledge and to identify primary research areas and future research lines.

Findings

The research indicates that digitalisation impacts the internationalisation of SMEs in three specific domains: (1) internationalisation through the adoption of information and communication technologies (ICT) technologies and e-commerce platforms; (2) international expansion through the digitalisation of value chain activities and (3) international outreach through knowledge acquisition on digital platforms.

Originality/value

The value of this study is threefold. First, the authors attempt to systematically review the literature on SMEs digitalisation and internationalisation and provide a holistic perspective on the intertwining of these two research streams. Second, the authors propose a novel conceptualisation on the dimensions of SMEs digitalisation as enablers to internationalisation. Third, the authors put forward promising future lines of research.

Highlights

 

Digitalisation represents a pivotal strategy that allows companies to build new strategic capabilities and is a propeller for SMEs internationalisation.

Through e-commerce, SMEs could compete at the same level of multinational companies but enduring lower costs of expansion.

Digital platforms allow SMEs to enhance the learning processes about international markets through an immediate access to relevant information.

Digital entrepreneurship has enabled SMEs to develop new configurations of value chain activities, evolving their business model or reaching new markets.

SMEs are changing the “business as usual” paradigm offering digital tools to build modular architectures that are scalable and agile in their evolution ability.
Using data visualizations as information communication tools during a crisis: a critical review
Authors: Mathaisel Dennis
Published: January 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to review and critically assess the role that data visualizations played as communication media tools to help society during a worldwide crisis. This paper re-creates and analyzes several visualizations, critically and ethically assesses their strengths and limitations and provides a set of best practices that are informative, accurate, ethical and engaging at each stage in a reader’s interest.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper bases its methodology on the construct of “The Network Society” (Van Dijk, 2006; Castells, 2000, 2006) by creating a series of social networked visualizations, identifying the challenges and pitfalls associated with this communication approach and suggesting best practices in information communication technology. The case study is COVID-19.

Findings

The research in this study found that visual data dashboards and interactive Web-based charts did play a significant role in helping society understand COVID-19’s impact to make better informed decisions about society’s health and safety.

Research limitations/implications

Visual expositions of data do have strengths and weaknesses depending on how they are designed, how they communicate the story and how they are ethically deployed. Best practices are provided to help mitigate these limitations.

Practical implications

Visualizations are certainly not new, but the technology for rapidly developing and sharing them is new. Visual expositions provide an effective media for communicating complex information to a networked society.

Social implications

Visual expositions provide an effective media for communicating complex information to a networked society.

Originality/value

This paper highlights the significance of the need to understand complex data in a crisis in a visual format and to communicate the information quickly, persuasively, effectively and ethically to a networked audience.
Spare parts management in industry 4.0 era: a literature review
Authors: Kulshrestha Nishant , Agrawal Saurabh , Shree Deep
Published: January 2024

Purpose

Spare Parts Management (SPM) and Industry 4.0 has proven their importance. However, employment of Industry 4.0 solutions for SPM is at emerging stage. To address the issue, this article is aimed toward a systematic literature review on SPM in Industry 4.0 era and identification of research gaps in the field with prospects.

Design/methodology/approach

Research articles were reviewed and analyzed through a content-based analysis using four step process model. The proposed framework consists of five categories such as Inventory Management, Types of Spares, Circularity based on 6Rs, Performance Indicators and Strategic and Operational. Based on these categories, a total of 118 research articles published between 1998 and 2022 were reviewed.

Findings

The technological solutions of Industry 4.0 concepts have provided numerous opportunities for SPM. Industry 4.0 hi-tech solutions can enhance agility, operational efficiency, quality of product and service, customer satisfaction, sustainability and profitability.

Research limitations/implications

The review of articles provides an integrated framework which recognizes implementation issues and challenges in the field. The proposed framework will support academia and practitioners toward implementation of technological solutions of Industry 4.0 in SPM. Implementation of Industry 4.0 in SPM may help in improving the triple bottom line aspect of sustainability which can make significant contribution to academia, practitioners and society.

Originality/value

The examination uncovered a scarcity of research in the intersection of SPM and Industry 4.0 concepts, suggesting a significant opportunity for additional investigative efforts.
Modification of dehydrated bacterial cellulose with glycerol and succinic acid by using padding method for textile applications
Authors: Phan Hung Ngoc , Okubayashi Satoko
Published: January 2024

Purpose

Dehydrated bacterial cellulose’s (BC) intrinsic rigidity constrains applicability across textiles, leather, health care and other sectors. This study aims to yield a novel BC modification method using glycerol and succinic acid with catalyst and heat, applied via an industrially scalable padding method to tackle BC’s stiffness drawbacks and enhance BC properties.

Design/methodology/approach

Fabric-like BC is generated via mechanical dehydration and then finished by using padding method with glycerol, succinic acid, catalyst and heat. Comprehensive material characterizations, including international testing standards for stiffness, bending properties (cantilever method), tensile properties, moisture vapor transmission rate, moisture content and regain, washing, thermal gravimetric analysis, derivative thermogravimetry, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and colorimetric measurement, are used.

Findings

The combination of BC/glycerol/succinic acid dramatically enhanced porous structure, elongation (27.40 ± 6.39%), flexibility (flexural rigidity of 21.46 ± 4.01 µN m; bending modulus of 97.45 ± 18.20 MPa) and moisture management (moisture vapor transmission rate of 961.07 ± 86.16 g/m2/24 h; moisture content of 27.43 ± 2.50%; and moisture regain of 37.94 ± 4.73%). This softening process modified the thermal stability of BC. Besides, this study alleviated the drawbacks for washing (five cycles) of BC and glycerol caused by the ineffective affinity between glycerol and cellulose by adding succinic acid with catalyst and heat.

Originality/value

The study yields an effective padding process for BC softening and a unique modified BC to contribute added value to textile and leather industries as a sustainable alternative to existing materials and a premise for future research on BC functionalization by using doable technologies in mass production as padding.
Contributions of plant‐ and microbial‐derived residuals to mangrove soil carbon stocks: Implications for blue carbon sequestration
Authors: Qin Guoming , He Weijun , Sanders Christian J. , Zhang Jingfan , Zhou Jinge , Wu Jingtao , Lu Zhe , Yu Mengxiao , Li Yingwen , Li Yongxing , Lambers Hans , Li Zhian , Wang Faming
Published: January 2024

Coastal blue carbon ecosystems, particularly mangroves, are becoming increasingly recognised for their importance in mitigating climate change. Still, the specific patterns and drivers of plant lignin components and microbial necromass accumulation in these ecosystems are unclear.

In response, we carried out a study along a 40‐year mangrove restoration chronosequence, measuring lignin phenol and amino sugar concentrations in soil profiles (0–100 cm) as indicators of plant‐based and microbial‐derived residues, respectively.

Our results showed that restoration significantly increased plant lignin phenol and amino sugar concentrations, with mature mangroves having much higher concentrations than tidal flats. During restoration, the fungal necromass was greater than the bacterial necromass. The factors influencing the lignin phenols were tree biomass, total nitrogen, pH and salinity, while those influencing the formation of amino sugars were total biomass, soil C: N ratio and pH. While the amino sugars decreased, the lignin phenols increased with the content of SOC, providing evidence of the important role lignin phenol components play in the formation of SOC in mangrove.

Synthesis: By separating soil carbon into plant‐based and microbial‐derived components, our results demonstrate that the carbon stock in mangrove sediments is vulnerable to disturbances and that changes from anaerobic to aerobic conditions cause significant carbon mineralisation. The precise identification of soil carbon sources in blue carbon ecosystems could aid in elucidating the mechanisms of soil carbon sequestration and their responses to environmental changes.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Developing crown width model for mixed forests using soil, climate and stand factors
Authors: Tian Dongyuan , He Pei , Jiang Lichun , Gaire Damodar
Published: January 2024

The tree crown is a useful measure of tree vigour and is highly relevant to a tree's environmental adaptability. Crown allometry depends on environmental and stand conditions. Several studies have focussed on the effects of climate change and competitive intensity on the crown, but the regulatory role of soil resources and diversity on crown allometry and carbon allocation has been neglected.

Data from 20,994 trees in 232 mixed forests collected between 2011 and 2019 were located near four major mountain ranges in northeast China. The proposed crown width model includes the stand developmental stage, soil, climate, competition intensity, species mixture, species diversity, structural diversity and their interactions.

We observed that the cross‐species allometric scaling exponent does not conform to the universal scaling law. Our results showed that crown width increased with increasing soil bulk density, quadratic mean diameter and coefficient of diameter variation but decreased with increasing de Martonne aridity index, basal area, Simpson index and species mixture. The interaction between quadratic mean diameter and soil bulk density had a significant negative effect on crown width. The influence of a particular factor within the interaction term on crown width was modulated by the gradients of other factors. Furthermore, soil bulk density contributed more to crown width modelling than the aridity index, and structural diversity had a greater effect on crown width than species diversity.

Synthesis. Our results provide new insights into the environmental variability of crown allometry in mixed forests under global change, which is critical for improving regional and global estimates of forest biomass and carbon stocks.
Problematic alcohol use: A relational illness
Authors: Carlisle Roxana
Published: January 2024

Problematic alcohol use (PAU) has been a marginalised subject within the systemic field. The present article brings PAU into focus and discusses the conceptualisation of PAU. Reflected in the dominance of individually orientated treatment approaches, PAU is widely seen as an individual condition with aetiology and maintenance attributed to individual pathology and behaviour. Pathologising and stigmatising dominant discourses surrounding PAU also appear to perpetuate this individual conceptualisation, the implications of which are discussed in this article. The present article maintains PAU is a relational illness, with relational aetiology and maintenance, thus with relational implications for treatment. Implications for the systemic field, including clinical practice, are highlighted.
Moving toward community preparedness efficacy: Uncovering barriers in communities disproportionately impacted by flooding
Authors: Xu Yifan , Stephens Keri K. , Carlson Nancy H. , Lieberknecht Katherine E. , Leite Fernanda
Published: January 2024

Disasters can have devastating impacts on communities particularly when they are disproportionately impacted by flooding. Despite the presence of governmental programs implemented to increase community preparedness for flooding, communities may still struggle. Currently, we have limited holistic knowledge of barriers that stifle community preparedness. To address this gap, we conducted 32 in‐depth interviews with stakeholders including community members, leaders, and city employees in a community subject to flood risk. The findings suggest that preparedness is not overcome simply by providing knowledge, and people do not necessarily embrace preparedness after participating in training programs. Rather, community preparedness is entwined with addressing chronic stressors, increasing community participation, and attending to social justice and broken trust due to historical mistreatment of the community. We hereby introduce the notion of community preparedness efficacy—defined as the barriers needed to be overcome for communities to be able to prepare for disasters—that considers chronic stressors, community participation, social justice, and equity to move underserved communities forward.
Distinct metabolic responses to thermal stress between invasive freshwater turtle Trachemys scripta elegans and native freshwater turtles in China
Authors: JIANG Shufen , ZHANG Changyi , PAN Xiao , STOREY Kenneth B. , ZHANG Wenyi
Published: January 2024

Different responses or tolerance to thermal stress between invasive and native species can affect the outcome of interactions between climate change and biological invasion. However, knowledge about the physiological mechanisms that modulate the interspecific differences in thermal tolerance is limited. The present study analyzes the metabolic responses to thermal stress by the globally invasive turtle, Trachemys scripta elegans, as compared with two co‐occurring native turtle species in China, Pelodiscus sinensis and Mauremys reevesii. Changes in metabolite contents and the expression or enzyme activities of genes involved in energy sensing, glucose metabolism, lipid metabolism, and tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle after exposure to gradient temperatures were assessed in turtle juveniles. Invasive and native turtles showed distinct metabolic responses to thermal stress. T. scripta elegans showed greater transcriptional regulation of energy sensors than the native turtles. Enhanced anaerobic metabolism was needed by all three species under extreme heat conditions, but phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase and lactate dehydrogenase in the invader showed stronger upregulation or stable responses than the native species, which showed inhibition by high temperatures. These contrasts were pronounced in the muscles of the three species. Regulation of lipid metabolism was observed in both T. scripta elegans and P. sinensis but not in M. reevesii under thermal stress. Thermal stress did not inhibit the TCA cycle in turtles. Different metabolic responses to thermal stress may contribute to interspecific differences in thermal tolerance. Overall, our study further suggested the potential role of physiological differences in mediating interactions between climate change and biological invasion.
A novel simple disposition index (SPINA‐DI) from fasting insulin and glucose concentration as a robust measure of carbohydrate homeostasis
Authors: Dietrich Johannes W. , Abood Assjana , Dasgupta Riddhi , Anoop Shajith , Jebasingh Felix K. , Spurgeon R. , Thomas Nihal , Boehm Bernhard O.
Published: January 2024

Aims

The widely used dynamic disposition index, derived from oral glucose tolerance testing, is an integrative measure of the homeostatic performance of the insulin‐glucose feedback control. Its collection is, however, time consuming and expensive. We, therefore, pursued the question if such a measure can be calculated at baseline/fasting conditions using plasma concentrations of insulin and glucose.

Methods

A new fasting‐based disposition index (structure parameter inference approach‐disposition index [SPINA‐DI]) was calculated as the product of the reconstructed insulin receptor gain (SPINA‐GR) times the secretory capacity of pancreatic beta cells (SPINA‐GBeta). The novel index was evaluated in computer simulations and in three independent, multiethnic cohorts. The objectives were distribution in various populations, diagnostic performance, reliability and correlation to established physiological biomarkers of carbohydrate metabolism.

Results

Mathematical and in‐silico analysis demonstrated SPINA‐DI to mirror the hyperbolic relationship between insulin sensitivity and beta‐cell function and to represent an optimum of the homeostatic control. It significantly correlates to the oral glucose tolerance test based disposition index and other important physiological parameters. Furthermore, it revealed higher discriminatory power for the diagnosis of (pre)diabetes and superior retest reliability than other static and dynamic function tests of glucose homeostasis.

Conclusions

SPINA‐DI is a novel simple reliable and inexpensive marker of insulin‐glucose homeostasis suitable for screening purposes and a wider clinical application.

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For the penile length—how shall we choose the straightening procedures in hypospadias repair?
Authors: Liang Yan , Lyu Yiqing , Huang Yichen , Wu Min , Li Xiaoxi , Xie Hua , Chen Fang
Published: January 2024

Objective

To define the appropriate penile straightening procedures corresponding to the specific penile curvature by comparing the penile length resulting from various straightening procedures in hypospadias repair.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed hypospadias patients between 2017 and 2019. Patients were divided into three groups based on the penile curvature after degloving: <30°, 30°–45°, and >45°. The penile straightening procedures include dorsal plication (DP), simple urethral plate (UP) transection, and UP transection with ventral lengthening (VL). The paired t‐test was conducted for the penile length after fully straightening in each group, simultaneously calculating the length changes (∆T). In addition, the penile length changes among these procedures were compared using Spearman analysis to show the correlation between the penile curvature and the length.

Results

The penile length changed significantly after fully straightening in all groups. The length decreased mildly after DP, while increased in the other procedures. The penile curvature after degloving was positively correlated with the absolute change in the penile length (P < 0.001, r = 0.424) and the ratio of ∆T in the original length (P < 0.001, r = 0.433).

Conclusion

For hypospadias, the 30° after degloving may serve as the cut‐off for the selection of the straightening method from the perspective of the penile length. For those with < 30°, methods such as DP or UP transection can either be selected. In patients with > 30°, DP should be used with caution because of the potential risk to shorten the penis. In contrast, UP transection effectively corrects the penile curvature and increases the penile length concurrently, which should be primarily recommended in those patients.
Inhibiting pathogenicity of vaginal Candida albicans by lactic acid bacteria and MS analysis of their extracellular compounds
Authors: Das Shreaya , Konwar Bolin Kumar
Published: January 2024

Maintaining healthy vaginal microflora post‐puberty is critical. In this study we explore the potential of vaginal lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and their extracellular metabolites against the pathogenicity of Candida albicans. The probiotic culture free supernatant (PCFS) from Lactobacillus crispatus, L. gasseri, and L. vaginalis exhibit an inhibitory effect on budding, hyphae, and biofilm formation of C. albicans. LGPCFS manifested the best potential among the LAB PCFS, inhibiting budding for 24 h and restricting hyphae formation post‐stimulation. LGPCFS also pre‐eminently inhibited biofilm formation. Furthermore, L. gasseri itself grew under RPMI 1640 stimulation suppressing the biofilm formation of C. albicans. The PCFS from the LAB downregulated the hyphal genes of C. albicans, inhibiting the yeast transformation to fungi. Hyphal cell wall proteins HWP1, ALS3, ECE1, and HYR1 and transcription factors BCR1 and CPH1 were downregulated by the metabolites from LAB. Finally, the extracellular metabolome of the LAB was studied by LC–MS/MS analysis. L.gasseri produced the highest antifungal compounds and antibiotics, supporting its best activity against C. albicans. Vaginal LAB and their extracellular metabolites perpetuate C. albicans at an avirulent state. The metabolites produced by these LAB in vitro have been identified, and can be further exploited as a preventive measure against vaginal candidiasis.
Review article: Current status and future directions of ingestible electronic devices in gastroenterology
Authors: Thwaites Phoebe A. , Yao Chu K. , Halmos Emma P. , Muir Jane G. , Burgell Rebecca E. , Berean Kyle J. , Kalantar‐zadeh Kourosh , Gibson Peter R.
Published: January 2024

Background

Advances in microelectronics have greatly expanded the capabilities and clinical potential of ingestible electronic devices.

Aim

To provide an overview of the structure and potential impact of ingestible devices in development that are relevant to the gastrointestinal tract.

Methods

We performed a detailed literature search to inform this narrative review.

Results

Technical success of ingestible electronic devices relies on the ability to miniaturise the microelectronic circuits, sensors and components for interventional functions while being sufficiently powered to fulfil the intended function. These devices offer the advantages of being convenient and minimally invasive, with real‐time assessment often possible and with minimal interference to normal physiology. Safety has not been a limitation, but defining and controlling device location in the gastrointestinal tract remains challenging. The success of capsule endoscopy has buoyed enthusiasm for the concepts, but few ingestible devices have reached clinical practice to date, partly due to the novelty of the information they provide and also due to the challenges of adding this novel technology to established clinical paradigms. Nonetheless, with ongoing technological advancement and as understanding of their potential impact emerges, acceptance of such technology will grow. These devices have the capacity to provide unique insight into gastrointestinal physiology and pathophysiology. Interventional functions, such as sampling of tissue or luminal contents and delivery of therapies, may further enhance their ability to sharpen gastroenterological diagnoses, monitoring and treatment.

Conclusions

The development of miniaturised ingestible microelectronic‐based devices offers exciting prospects for enhancing gastroenterological research and the delivery of personalised, point‐of‐care medicine.
Usefulness of three‐dimensional imaging in a flexible endoscopic surgery platform with multi‐degrees‐of‐freedom articulating devices
Authors: Yokoyama Kosuke , Nakadate Ryu , Takao Toshitatsu , Motomura Douglas , Muragaki Yoshihiro , Yokokohji Yasuyoshi
Published: January 2024

Background and Aims

Recent studies on endoscopic submucosal dissection have aimed to reduce the difficulty of the procedure by using multi‐degrees‐of‐freedom articulating devices. In this study, we evaluated the usefulness of adding three‐dimensional (3D) video imaging into simulated endoscopic submucosal dissection tasks using multi‐degrees‐of‐freedom devices.

Methods

We designed an endoscopic platform with a 3D camera and two multi‐degrees‐of‐freedom devices. Four ex vivo bench tasks were created, and a crossover study comparing 2D and 3D conditions was conducted on 15 volunteers. In each task, performance such as procedure time and accuracy were objectively evaluated. Additionally, a comprehensive visual analogue scale questionnaire was conducted.

Results

In the tasks simulating submucosal flap grasping, marking, and full‐area incision, the use of 3D imaging significantly improved the speed and accuracy of the multi‐degrees‐of‐freedom device manipulation (p < .01). No significant differences were observed in the task that simulated the dissection procedure. Furthermore, it appears that the accuracy of recognizing curved surfaces may be reduced in the 3D environment. Operators reported subjective increases in recognizability and operability with the 3D camera, along with an increase in asthenopia (p < .01).

Conclusions

3D vision improves the technical accuracy of certain simulated multi‐degrees‐of‐freedom endoscopic submucosal dissection tasks and subjectively improved operating conditions, at the cost of increased eye strain.
Outcomes after ventral hernia repair using the extended totally extraperitoneal approach: Initial experience from the Philippines
Authors: Yap Ralph Victor , Buenafe Alfred Allen , Bejasa Monica Maria , Calayag Glenford , Tankiatsy James , Mahani Ismael Naghizadeh , Baguilat Johan Abraham
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Newer extraperitoneal techniques of laparoscopic ventral/incisional hernia repair (LVIHR) have been continually introduced since the popularity of the laparoscopic intraperitoneal onlay mesh technique began in 1993. One of which is the extended totally extraperitoneal (eTEP) approach allowing wide mesh augmentation, concurrent repair of diastasis recti, and performance of transversus abdominis release (TAR) for large/complex hernias. However, minimally invasive/laparoendoscopic ventral hernia repair is not yet widely adopted in the Philippines. We aim to share our preliminary experience with LVIHR using the eTEP approach.

Methods

This was a retrospective review of all consecutive eTEP repairs for ventral hernia between January 2019 and September 2023. The clinical profiles of all patients were gathered. Hernia characteristics, operative profile, and postoperative outcomes were reported.

Results

Thirty‐five patients were included in the study with a mean age of 54.7; 60% were incisional hernias, and the most common hernia location was the umbilical area. A defect size between 4 and 10 cm was reported in 54.3%. eTEP‐TAR was necessary in 12 patients. At a median follow‐up of 16 months, two patients developed seroma, one hematoma, and two surgical site infections. All were successfully managed conservatively. Only one patient developed recurrence.

Conclusion

eTEP approach is safe and feasible for repairing ventral hernias. Our preliminary experience showed acceptable outcomes similar to the published literature. Surgeons interested in this technique should be familiar with the abdominal wall anatomy, carefully select patients during preoperative planning, and undergo mentorship with hernia surgeons experienced with the technique to shorten the learning curve.
Adoptive therapy with cytomegalovirus‐specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes for refractory cytomegalovirus DNAemia and disease after allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Jiang Zhonghui , Fan Zhiping , Zhang Tian , Lin Ren , Xu Hui , Xu Na , Huang Fen , Chi Peiru , Ou Xueying , Wang Zhixiang , Liu Hui , Zhao Ke , Jiang Ling , Yu Sijian , Sun Jing , Liu Qifa , Xuan Li
Published: January 2024

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) DNAemia and disease are common complications in patients undergoing allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo‐HSCT). Few studies have compared the efficacy and safety of the HSCT donor and third‐party CMV‐specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CMV‐CTLs) in the treatment of CMV DNAemia and disease. In this study, we retrospectively compared the efficacy and safety of HSCT donor and third‐party CMV‐CTLs in patients with refractory CMV DNAemia or disease after allo‐HSCT at our centre from January 2017 to September 2021. Fifty‐three patients who received CMV‐CTL therapy were enrolled, including 40 in the donor group and 13 in the third‐party group, and they were adults aged 18 years or older. Within 6 weeks of treatment, 26 (65.0%) and 9 (69.2%) patients achieved complete response in the donor and third‐party groups (p = 1.000). The 2‐year overall survival was 59.6% (95% CI 46.1%–77.1%) and 53.8% (32.6%–89.1%) in the donor and third‐party groups (p = 0.860). Four (10.0%) patients in the donor group and two (15.4%) patients in the third‐party group developed acute graft‐versus‐host disease within 3 months after CMV‐CTL infusions. In conclusion, our data suggest that donor and third‐party CMV‐CTLs have comparable efficacy and safety for refractory CMV DNAemia and disease.
Successful management of refractory immune‐mediated thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura during pregnancy and delivery using the anti‐VWF nanobody caplacizumab
Authors: Schimmer Roman R. , Sutter Tabea , Bachofner Adrian , Ranieri Elisabetta , Rodewald Ann‐Kathrin , Kremer Hovinga Johanna A. , Kimmich Nina , Trinchero Alice , Studt Jan‐Dirk
Published: January 2024

Pregnancy is a potential trigger of acute thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP). The management of pregnancy‐associated immune‐mediated TTP (iTTP) can be challenging, especially when it is refractory to standard treatment. Caplacizumab, a nanobody to von Willebrand factor (VWF) blocking its A1 domain, is a valuable new therapeutic option. Its use is, however, not approved during pregnancy and breastfeeding. We describe the successful off‐label administration of caplacizumab during pregnancy and delivery in a patient with refractory iTTP. The favourable outcome without significant thrombotic or haemorrhagic complications indicates that caplacizumab may be an effective and safe treatment option in refractory iTTP during pregnancy.
Human aggression in everyday life: An empirical test of the general aggression model
Authors: Kersten Riccarda , Greitemeyer Tobias
Published: January 2024

With the general aggression model (GAM), Anderson and Bushman (2002) provided an integrative framework to explain the complex nature of aggression. Based on the GAM, we examined whether personological and situational factors (interactively) have an impact on the person's internal state (consisting of aggressive cognition, affect, and physiological arousal), which in turn is assumed to lead to aggressive behaviour. In a large‐scale experience sampling study, 403 participants answered 7558 questionnaires over a period of 2 weeks. As hypothesized, participants were more likely to exhibit an aggressive internal state the higher they scored on antagonistic personality traits (trait aggression, narcissism, psychopathy, sadism, anger rumination) and the more interpersonal, intrapersonal, and environmental triggers they experienced. Aggressive behaviour was positively related to trait aggression, psychopathy, sadism, anger rumination, and all situational triggers. Furthermore, the impact of antagonistic personality traits and situational triggers on aggressive behaviour was considerably reduced when the aggressive internal state was taken into account. Contrary to predictions, the relationship between antagonistic personality traits and the aggressive internal state was most pronounced when situational triggers were low. Overall, however, the process by which personal and situational variables predict aggression in daily life can be well explained by the GAM.
Anaphylaxis mortality in the perioperative setting: Epidemiology, elicitors, risk factors and knowledge gaps
Authors: Pouessel Guillaume , Tacquard Charles , Tanno Luciana Kase , Mertes Paul Michel , Lezmi Guillaume
Published: January 2024

Perioperative anaphylaxis (PA) is a severe condition that can be fatal, but data on PA mortality are scarce. The aim of this article is to review the epidemiology, elicitors and risk factors for PA mortality and identify knowledge gaps and areas for improvement regarding the management of severe PA. PA affects about 100 cases per million procedures. Mortality is rare, estimated at 3 to 5 cases per million procedures, but the PA mortality rate is higher than for other anaphylaxis aetiologies, at 1.4% to 4.8%. However, the data are incomplete. Published data mention neuromuscular blocking agents and antibiotics, mainly penicillin and cefazolin, as the main causes of fatal PA. Reported risk factors for fatal PA vary in different countries. Most frequently occurring comorbidities are obesity, male gender, cardiovascular diseases and ongoing treatment with beta‐blockers. However, there are no clues about how these factors interact and the impact of individual risk factors. The pathophysiology of fatal PA is still not completely known. Genetic factors such as deficiency in PAF‐acetyl hydrolase and hereditary alpha‐tryptasemia, have been reported as modulators of severe anaphylaxis and possible targets for specific treatments. Our review underlines unmet needs in the field of fatal PA. Although we confirmed the need for timely administration of an adequate dose of adrenaline and the proper infusion of fluids, there is no evidence‐based data on the proper dose of intravenous titrated adrenaline and which clinical manifestations would flag the need for fluid therapy. There are no large clinical studies supporting the administration of alternative vasopressors, such as glucagon and methylene blue. Further research on pathophysiological mechanisms of PA and its severity may address these issues and help clinicians to define new therapeutic approaches.
Evaluation of measurement errors in the Patient‐Oriented Eczema Measure (POEM) outcome
Authors: Duverdier Ariane , Hurault Guillem , Thomas Kim S. , Custovic Adnan , Tanaka Reiko J.
Published: January 2024

Background

The Patient‐Oriented Eczema Measure (POEM) is the recommended core outcome instrument for atopic dermatitis (AD) symptoms. POEM is reported by recalling the presence/absence of seven symptoms in the last 7 days.

Objective

To evaluate measurement errors in POEM recordings due to imperfect recall.

Methods

Using data from a clinical trial of 247 AD patients aged 12–65 years, we analysed the reported POEM score (r‐POEM) and the POEM derived from the corresponding daily scores for the same seven symptoms without weekly recall (d‐POEM). We quantified recall error by comparing the r‐POEM and d‐POEM for 777 patient‐weeks collected from 207 patients, and estimated two components of recall error: (1) recall bias due to systematic errors in measurements and (2) recall noise due to random errors in measurements, using a bespoke statistical model.

Results

POEM scores have a relatively low recall bias, but a high recall noise. Recall bias was estimated at 1.2 points lower for the r‐POEM on average than the d‐POEM, with a recall noise of 5.7 points. For example, a patient with a recall‐free POEM of 11 (moderate) could report their POEM score anywhere from 5 to 14 (with 95% probability) because of recall error. Model estimates suggested that patients tend to recall itch and dryness more often than experienced (positive bias of less than 1 day), but less often for the other symptoms (bleeding, cracking, flaking, oozing/weeping and sleep disturbance; negative bias ranging 1–4 days).

Conclusions

In this clinical trial data set, we found that patients tended to slightly underestimate their symptoms when reporting POEM, with significant variation in how well they were able to recall the frequency of their symptoms every time they reported POEM. A large recall noise should be taken into consideration when interpreting POEM scores.
Exploring moral injury among parents with children in out‐of‐home care
Authors: Wissö Therése , Melke Anna , Josephson Irene
Published: January 2024

This article brings together the experiences of parents whose children are placed in out‐of‐home care (OHC) with the theoretical concept of moral injury. The findings are based on empirical data from a research and development project conducted in seven Swedish municipalities with the aim of developing support for such parents. This article draws on a data set of qualitative interviews with 40 parents, 30 mothers and 10 fathers, with children in OHC. The interview transcripts were analysed thematically, with an abductive approach to theories and the empirical data. The findings illustrate how parents of children in OHC experience moral injury in relation to seven aspects: professionals' morally problematic and distressing behaviour, problematic services, an adversarial system, systemic bias, parent's actions, children's withdrawal and feeling excluded. The injuries are related to events in several periods—prior to the child's removal, during the execution of removal and during OHC—and tend to last for many years. These findings stress that the social services must be aware of the injuries parents experience and must minimize the possible harm and moral injury. We also suggest that parents of children in OHC should have an appointed social worker as a means of support.
Influence of sterilization on the retention forces of lithium disilicate and polymer‐infiltrated ceramic‐network crowns bonded to titanium base abutments: An in‐vitro study
Authors: Laforì Andreina , Sailer Irena , Fehmer Vincent , Mojon Philippe , Burkhardt Felix , Pitta João
Published: January 2024

Objectives

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of sterilization on the retention forces of lithium disilicate (LD) and polymer‐infiltrated ceramic network (PICN) crowns bonded to titanium base (Ti‐base) abutments.

Materials and methods

Forty LD and 40 PICN crowns were milled and then bonded to 80 Ti‐bases with two resin composite cements: Multilink Hybrid Abutment (mh) and Panavia V5 (pv) for a total of 8 groups (n = 10). Half of the specimens (test) underwent an autoclaving protocol (pressure 1.1 bar, 121°C, 20.5 min) and the other half not (control). Restorations were screw‐retained to implants, and retention forces (N) were measured with a pull‐off testing machine. The surfaces of the Ti‐bases and the crowns were inspected for the analysis of the integrity of the marginal bonding interface and failure mode. Student's t‐test, chi‐square test, and univariate linear regression model were performed to analyze the data (α = 0.05).

Results

The mean pull‐off retention forces ranged from 487.7 ± 73.4 N to 742.2 ± 150.3 N. Sterilized groups showed statistically significant overall higher maximum retention forces (p < .05), except for one combination (LD + mh). Sterilization led to an increased presence of marginal gaps and deformities compared to no‐sterilization (p < .001), while no statistically significant relationship was found between failure mode and sterilization (p > .05).

Conclusions

Sterilization may have a beneficial effect on the retention forces of LD and PICN crowns bonded to titanium base abutments, although it may negatively influence the integrity of the marginal bonding interface.
Fatigue strength of steel–aluminum alloy dissimilar lap joints fabricated by dimple spot welding for automotive application
Authors: Sakaguchi Motoki , Kurokawa Yu , Nakamura Fuminori , Hashimura Toru
Published: January 2024

Recently, a new dissimilar mechanical joining method, dimple spot welding (DSW), has been developed for joining steel sheets and aluminum alloys. In this study, tensile shear tests and fatigue tests were conducted on four types of dissimilar lap joints, with two types of steel sheets and two types of Al alloys joined by DSW. Both the tensile shear strength and fatigue strength of DSW joints were found equal to or greater than those of a self‐piercing riveting (SPR) joint. In all four types of DSW joints, fatigue cracks were initiated from the Al alloy and were associated with fretting induced by repeated contact and friction. A finite element analysis showed that the tangential stress was mainly governed by the friction coefficient and also affected by the steel sheet strength. Higher‐strength steel led to lower tangential stress, resulting in a longer fatigue life for the DSW joint.
Acoustic seal deterrents in mitigation of human–wildlife conflicts in the whitefish fishery of the River Iijoki in the northern Baltic Sea area
Authors: Veneranta Lari , Lehtonen Topi K. , Lehtonen Esa , Suuronen Petri
Published: January 2024

Recovery of many seal populations has intensified seal‐fishery conflicts. Acoustic deterrent devices (ADDs), designed to deter seals while minimising collateral harm, provide a potential solution. We investigated feasibility of ADDs to protect a European whitefish (Coregonus lavaretus) fishery in the River Iijoki, Finland, which enters the Baltic Sea. A sound barrier produced by a line of ADDs across the river efficiently prevented grey (Halichoerus grypus) and ringed (Pusa hispida) seals from passing the barrier line, thereby increasing catches, decreasing damage to fishing gear and catch and resulting in fewer seal sightings in the area safeguarded by ADDs. Hence, blocking access of seals to a river or its section by ADDs during a critical fishing period is a promising method for reducing seal‐induced catch losses. However, long‐term assessments of impacts of ADDs are still needed to verify the overall effectiveness.