bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
BOD characteristics and their impact on the link between ESG disclosure and integrated reporting disclosure quality: a study of Egyptian non-financial firms
Authors: Abdelmoneim Zakia , El-Deeb Mohamed Samy 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThis study examines the impact of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) disclosure on integrated reporting disclosure quality (IRDQ) and the moderating role of board of directors (BOD) characteristics. Prior research on ESG disclosure and IRDQ has been limited, especially in emerging economies like Egypt. Furthermore, the influence of BOD attributes has been underexplored. This study aims to address these gaps. A sample of 34 Egyptian non-financial companies under ESG disclosure mandates from 2015 to 2021 is analyzed using regression analysis. The results show a significant positive association between ESG disclosure and IRDQ. Furthermore, BOD gender diversity and size are found to positively moderate the ESG–IRDQ relationship. These findings highlight that appointing more women on boards and increasing board size can improve IRDQ when firms engage in ESG disclosure. However, the small sample size of ESG-mandated companies and inherent limitations in constructing disclosure indices constrain the generalizability of results. Overall, this study provides timely empirical evidence on ESG adoption within the unique Egyptian context and its influence on integrated reporting (IR). It contributes to literature by identifying specific BOD characteristics that enhance IRDQ. The results offer practical insights into how companies, regulators, and stakeholders can leverage board diversity and size as well as ESG disclosure to improve IRDQ.
Association between irisin and vascular complications of type 2 diabetic patients: a prospective case–control study
Authors: Kahla Hala , Hussein Mai Abdel Karim , Taha Noha , Hany Ayman Mohamed , Youssry Mona 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background
Diabetes vascular complications are classified as either macrovascular (cardiovascular disease) or microvascular (nephropathy). These complications considerably raise the risk of morbidity and death. Irisin is a myokine that has been linked to metabolic disorders and cardiovascular disease. The purpose of this study was to look at the relationship between irisin and vascular complications among type 2 diabetic (T2DM) individuals. In this case–control study, the patients were put into four groups based on the occurrence of a diabetic cardiovascular complications and the presence of diabetic nephropathy into group 1: twenty T2DM cases without complications, group 2: twenty T2DM cases with diabetic nephropathy, group 3: twenty T2DM cases with cardiovascular complications, and group 4: thirty controls. History was taken, and clinical examination was done. Laboratory investigations (fasting blood glucose, 2-h postprandial blood glucose, HbA1C, cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL-C and LDL-C, serum urea and creatinine, albumin/creatinine ratio, eGFR, serum irisin) were analyzed.

Results
Serum level of irisin was significantly lower in T2DM patients than in control. Also, irisin level was significantly lower in diabetic cases with vascular complications versus those without complications. Irisin level had a negative correlation to BMI and lipid profile in diabetic cases and had a positive correlation to eGFR in diabetic patients with cardiovascular complications.

Conclusions
Irisin level was significantly lower in T2DM patients than control and in diabetic patients with vascular complications than patients without complications. So, irisin may have a role as a marker of vascular complications in T2DM.
Predicting Recurrence-Free and Overall Survival for Patients With Stage II Melanoma: The MIA Calculator
Authors: Varey Alexander H.R. , Li Isabel , El Sharouni Mary-Ann , Simon Julie , Dedeilia Aikaterini , Ch'ng Sydney , Saw Robyn P.M. , Spillane Andrew J. , Shannon Kerwin F. , Pennington Thomas E. , Rtshiladze Michael , Stretch Jonathan R. , Nieweg Omgo E. , van Akkooi Alexander , Sullivan Ryan J. , Boland Genevieve M. , Gershenwald Jeffrey E. , van Diest Paul J. , Scolyer Richard A. , Long Georgina V. , Thompson John F. , Lo Serigne N. 
Published: February 2024

PURPOSE Improvements in recurrence-free survival (RFS) were demonstrated in two recent randomized trials for patients with sentinel node (SN)–negative stage IIB or IIC melanoma receiving adjuvant systemic therapy (pembrolizumab/nivolumab). However, adverse events also occurred. Accurate individualized prognostic estimates of RFS and overall survival (OS) would allow patients to more accurately weigh the risks and benefits of adjuvant therapy. Since the current American Joint Committee on Cancer eighth edition (AJCC-8) melanoma staging system focuses on melanoma-specific survival, we developed a multivariable risk prediction calculator that provides estimates of 5- and 10-year RFS and OS for these patients. METHODS Data were extracted from the Melanoma Institute Australia (MIA) database for patients diagnosed with stage II (clinical or pathological) melanoma (n = 3,220). Survival prediction models were developed using multivariable Cox regression analyses (MIA models) and externally validated twice using data sets from the United States and the Netherlands. Each model's performance was assessed using C-statistics and calibration plots and compared with Cox models on the basis of AJCC-8 staging (stage models). RESULTS The 5-year and 10-year RFS C-statistics were 0.70 and 0.73 (MIA-model) versus 0.61 and 0.60 (stage-model), respectively. For OS, the 5-year and 10-year C-statistics were 0.71 and 0.75 (MIA-model) compared with 0.62 and 0.61 (stage-model), respectively. The MIA models were well calibrated and externally validated. CONCLUSION The MIA models offer accurate and personalized estimates of both RFS and OS in patients with stage II melanoma even in the absence of pathological staging with SN biopsy. These models were robust on external validations and may be used in everyday practice both with (ideally) and without performing SN biopsy to identify high-risk patients for further management strategies. An online tool will be available at the MIA website (Risk Prediction Tools).
Exploring the effects of learning from excellence: a qualitative study of staff perspectives
Authors: Malone Claire , Hooker Samantha , Todman Ed , Mohabir Anne , Jones Dan JW 
Published: February 2024

Background/Aims Learning from excellence is a non-hierarchical system for staff to report episodes of good practice that they observe in the workplace, aiming to share learning from good practice, in line with the Safety-II approach. This study aimed to analyse staff perspectives of the impact of a learning from excellence system in place at a hospital in the south east of England. Methods A qualitative investigation was conducted using semi-structured focus groups with individuals from five departments at the hospital. Focus group guides were developed using existing literature about learning from excellence. The focus groups were recorded and transcribed verbatim. The dataset was thematically analysed using Braun and Clarke's guide to NVivo 12 software. Results Findings were triangulated across three main themes: positive impact of learning from excellence on individuals and teams; problems with learning from excellence; and learning from the reports. Conclusions Perspectives on the impact of learning from excellence were generally positive, particularly regarding the benefits for staff morale and motivation. Future studies should consider using an experimental design to compare the impact of the learning from excellence system to that of traditional incident reporting.
Use of outcome measures by UK allied health professionals: a cross-sectional online survey
Authors: Young Joshua , Bowers Roy 
Published: February 2024

Background/Aims Outcome measures are key tool for assessing the effects of healthcare on health status, but little is currently known about their use by allied health professionals in the UK. This study aims to explore the use of outcome measures by allied health professionals, with a view to informing future research and developing clinical training resources. Methods An online survey regarding use of outcome measure was developed, including 28 questions covering demographic and professional characteristics, frequency of use of outcome measures, perceptions of and barriers to use and confidence in use. The survey was distributed to UK allied health professionals by contacting relevant professional bodies and using social media. Comparisons between groups were made with the Mann-Whitney U test, Chi square or comparisons of column means. Significance was set at 0.05. Results Responses from 107 allied health professionals were analysed, representing 13 of the 14 allied health professional groups across the UK. Most respondents (85%) used outcome measures, with 37% reporting frequency of use as ‘always’ and 33% as ‘often’. Most respondents (75%) used informal approaches to interpret outcome measure data, while 17% used normative data and 15% used minimal clinically important difference values. The most commonly reported barriers were lack of time (70%), administrative support (47%), resources (41%) and training (35%). Levels of pre-registration and post-registration training in outcome measures were low (28% and 56% respectively). Postgraduate training in outcome measures was significantly associated with frequent use of outcome measures (P=0.010). Conclusions Most UK allied health professionals use outcome measures regularly, but few use formal approaches to interpret the data collected. This study highlights a need for training for pre-registration and post-registration allied health professionals in the use of outcome measures.
Factors that influence child conveyance decisions made by prehospital clinicians
Authors: Blake-Barnard Alex , Whitley Gregory Adam 
Published: February 2024

Introduction: The decision to convey children to emergency departments is complex. This study aimed to identify barriers and enablers to making appropriate decisions, along with areas of disparity in this decision-making process by ambulance clinicians. Methods: A rapid evidence review was conducted. MEDLINE, CINAHL and PubMed were searched from 2012 to July 2023. Critical appraisal and thematic synthesis were performed. Results: Three studies were identified, which highlights the lack of research in this area. Five themes were identified: provision of care; equipment and protocols; exposure, experience and confidence; emotional and social circumstances; and education or skill set. Findings: Enhanced paediatric education is required before and after registration to ensure appropriate conveyance and address clinicians' lack of exposure, experience and confidence. Protocols and guidelines should be drawn up to support decision-making for lower-acuity child patients. Specialist paediatric roles are required in ambulance services to support clinicians and provide advanced patient-centred care. Conclusions: The findings of this review provide a basis for discussion and clinical practice improvement. Research to determine the clinical and cost effectiveness of implementing prehospital specialist paediatric roles is required.
Transcriptomic analyses and machine-learning methods reveal dysregulated key genes and potential pathogenesis in human osteoarthritic cartilage
Authors: Zhao Di , Zeng Ling-feng , Liang Gui-hong , Luo Ming-hui , Pan Jian-ke , Dou Yao-xing , Lin Fang-zheng , Huang He-tao , Yang Wei-yi , Liu Jun 
Published: February 2024

AimsThis study aimed to explore the biological and clinical importance of dysregulated key genes in osteoarthritis (OA) patients at the cartilage level to find potential biomarkers and targets for diagnosing and treating OA.MethodsSix sets of gene expression profiles were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. Differential expression analysis, weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA), and multiple machine-learning algorithms were used to screen crucial genes in osteoarthritic cartilage, and genome enrichment and functional annotation analyses were used to decipher the related categories of gene function. Single-sample gene set enrichment analysis was performed to analyze immune cell infiltration. Correlation analysis was used to explore the relationship among the hub genes and immune cells, as well as markers related to articular cartilage degradation and bone mineralization.ResultsA total of 46 genes were obtained from the intersection of significantly upregulated genes in osteoarthritic cartilage and the key module genes screened by WGCNA. Functional annotation analysis revealed that these genes were closely related to pathological responses associated with OA, such as inflammation and immunity. Four key dysregulated genes (cartilage acidic protein 1 (CRTAC1), iodothyronine deiodinase 2 (DIO2), angiopoietin-related protein 2 (ANGPTL2), and MAGE family member D1 (MAGED1)) were identified after using machine-learning algorithms. These genes had high diagnostic value in both the training cohort and external validation cohort (receiver operating characteristic > 0.8). The upregulated expression of these hub genes in osteoarthritic cartilage signified higher levels of immune infiltration as well as the expression of metalloproteinases and mineralization markers, suggesting harmful biological alterations and indicating that these hub genes play an important role in the pathogenesis of OA. A competing endogenous RNA network was constructed to reveal the underlying post-transcriptional regulatory mechanisms.ConclusionThe current study explores and validates a dysregulated key gene set in osteoarthritic cartilage that is capable of accurately diagnosing OA and characterizing the biological alterations in osteoarthritic cartilage; this may become a promising indicator in clinical decision-making. This study indicates that dysregulated key genes play an important role in the development and progression of OA, and may be potential therapeutic targets.Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2024;13(2):66–82.
Comparative anatomical characters of the genus Aerides Lour. (Orchidaceae) in Thailand
Authors: TOKAEW WORACHAT , KRUBKRATOKE DUANGMANEE , PAYAKDET SAOWALAK , PHROMPRASIT PHUTSADEE 
Published: February 2024

Abstract. Tokaew W, Krubkratoke D, Payakdet S, Phromprasit P. 2023. Comparative anatomical characters of the genus Aerides Lour. (Orchidaceae) in Thailand. Biodiversitas 24: 6641-6651. The genus Aerides Lour. belonging to the subfamily Epidendroideae (Orchidaceae), which are ornamental plants in Thailand. The identification of Thai Aerides is mostly based on the flower morphology which is a short period. The vegetative parts of Aerides species have similar characters. The anatomical data are also helpful for the identification of the Aerides species. Therefore, this study aimed to observe the vegetative stages (leaf and root) of seven species of Aerides in Thailand. Permanent slides of the leaf epidermis were prepared by epidermal peeling and stained with safranin. Transverse sections of leaf lamina and root were prepared using the paraffin method with a rotary microtome. They were then stained with safranin and fast green, examined using a light microscope, and their anatomical characteristics were described. The results showed that certain anatomical characteristics can be used for species identification, including distribution of stomata, presence of crystals, types of crystals, xylem arches in the root, shapes of the midrib and margin, and presence of starch grains. The key to species of Aerides species in Thailand based on anatomy characters is constructed. Anatomical features can be used for taxonomically important data and provide more information on the anatomical properties of Thai Aerides.
Bone growth evaluation in collagen-hydroxyapatite implant locations using digital radiography: an animal model
Authors: Sari Laela , Julia Siti , Lubis Lukmanda Evan , Sihono Dwi Seno Kuncoro , Sari Yessie Widya , Soejoko Djarwani Soeharso 
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND Digital radiography has been used to evaluate the progress of bone growth with a collagen-hydroxyapatite implant in rabbit tibias. This study aimed to introduce digital radiography methods that provide comprehensive data availability for continuous information retrieval from the implant preparation to the cultivation period.
METHODS 38 digital radiographs were divided into 3 treatment groups, namely a single defect without implant (control), single-implant, and three-implant. Radiographic acquisitions were performed at preparation time and post-implantation from 0 to 56 days. Observations were concentrated on the implantation site, followed by creating a lateral profile. The prediction of implantation growth was determined using relative bone density (RBD) percentage.
RESULTS Based on the profile, the recovery process consisted of implant absorption and new bone tissue deposition. The absorption process was highly influenced by the defect size. In the control and single-implant groups, regardless of the different recovery processes, similar recovery results were observed 56 days post-implantation, with an RBD value of approximately 90%. Meanwhile, the three-implant group only had an RBD value of 62%.
CONCLUSIONS Radiography can evaluate absorption and new bone growth during implantation in New Zealand white rabbits. Radiographs, which can be obtained at any time during cultivation, offered more information on the recovery implantation process than the other method that relies on data obtained after sacrificing the animals.
Comparative evaluation of iStent versus iStent inject W combined with phacoemulsification in open angle glaucoma
Authors: Morita Shuu , Sakanishi Yoshihito , Riyu Ikari , Watanabe Satoshi , Ebihara Nobuyuki 
Published: February 2024

Purpose
The study aimed to compare the 12-month post-operative outcomes of iStent and iStent inject W (inject W), and the factors associated with their success in open-angle glaucoma.

Methods
This single-center, retrospective comparative case series evaluated the medical records of patients who underwent iStent (comprising 1 stent) or inject W (comprising 2 stents) implantation with cataract surgery for primary open-angle glaucoma and normal tension glaucoma between January 2019 and March 2022. The 12-month post-operative efficacy outcomes included intraocular pressure (IOP), glaucoma medications, and survival analysis of the probability of success. “Failure” was defined as any of the following conditions compared to baseline: 1) IOP elevation, 2) increased glaucoma medication, or 3) IOP decline not exceeding 20% when glaucoma medication scores were comparable, and 4) need for additional glaucoma surgery. The safety outcomes included intra- and post-operative adverse events and changes in the best-corrected visual acuity and visual field.

Results
The study comprised 55 eyes in the iStent and 105 in the inject W groups. At 12 months, treatment success was achieved in 66.0% of iStent and 78.4% of inject W eyes. The mean IOP was lower, and the percent reduction from baseline was equal in iStent-treated eyes (8.0% reduction, 14.8 mmHg to 13.7 mmHg, P<0.01) and inject W-treated eyes (11.9% reduction, 15.0 mmHg to 13.8 mmHg, P<0.01) (between-group comparison, P = 0.23). The mean medication burden decreased significantly from 2.5 to 1.1 for iStent (55.0% reduction, P<0.01) and 2.9 to 1.7 for iStent inject (46.8% reduction, P<0.01), with no significant differences between the two groups (P = 0.17). Both devices exhibited excellent safety.

Conclusions
Both devices significantly reduced IOP and glaucoma medication 12 months post-operatively. The outcome measures did not differ significantly between the two groups, and lower baseline IOP was predictive of surgical failure.
High Prevalence of Elevated Alanine Aminotransferase in American Indian Children Seen in a Pediatric Weight Management Clinic
Authors: Parashette Kalyan Ray , Coakley Kathryn E. , Kong Alberta S. , Jimenez Elizabeth Y. , Negrete Sylvia 
Published: February 2024

INTRODUCTION:
Elevated alanine aminotransferase (ALT) can indicate risk of metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease. However, there is little data about the prevalence of elevated ALT in American Indian (AI) children.

METHODS:
Baseline data from children attending the pediatric weight management clinic were used to describe the prevalence of elevated ALT, stratified by race and ethnicity.

RESULTS:
The prevalence of elevated ALT was higher among children who were male, were older, had higher body mass index Z scores, and were non-Hispanic and AI.

DISCUSSION:
In this clinic, AI children with overweight and obesity had a disproportionately high prevalence of elevated ALT; root causes of this disparity should be identified.
Perbandingan Nilai Indeks Kesehatan Ekosistem Lamun antara Perairan di Pantai Prawean Bandengan dengan Pulau Panjang
Authors: Nashih Muhammad Dhiaulhaq Fakhruddin , Pratikto Ibnu , Riniatsih Ita 
Published: February 2024

Ekosistem lamun memegang peranan penting sebagai produsen primer, tempat pemijahan, tempat tinggal biota perangkap sedimen, serta penahan erosi. Kondisi kesehatan lamun menjadi penting berdasarkan perannya tersebut. Indeks kesehatan lamun dapat memberikan informasi yang merepresentasikan kondisi ekosistem lamun yang meliputi komposisi spesies lamun, tutupan lamun, tutupan makroalga, tutupan epifit, dan intensitas cahaya perairan. Tujuan dilakukannya penelitian ini sebagai informasi perbandingan kondisi indeks kesehatan lamun yang ada pada perairan Pantai Prawean dengan Pulau Panjang. Teknik sampling pada penelitian ini dilakukan dengan metode transek garis yang pada pelaksanaannya menggunakan transek kuadran berukuran 50 x 50 cm yang dilakukan pada dua stasiun di setiap lokasinya dan terdapat tiga line transek pada setiap stasiunnya. Beberapa spesies lamun yang terlihat di lokasi adalah Enhalus acoroides, Oceana serrulata, Thalassia hemprichii, dan Cymodocea rotundata. Hasil dari penelitian ini yaitu nilai indeks kesehatan ekosistem lamun di Pulau Panjang adalah 0,62 dengan kategori sedang dan di Pantai Prawean adalah 0,5 dengan kategori buruk. The seagrass ecosystem plays an important role as a primary producer, a spawning ground, a habitat for sediment-trapping biota, and erosion control. The health condition of seagrass is crucial based on its roles. The seagrass health index can provide information representing the condition of the seagrass ecosystem in the area. The purpose of this study is to compare the seagrass health index values between the waters of Pantai Prawean and Pulau Panjang. The sampling technique in this study was conducted using the LIPI line transect method, which used 50 x 50 cm quadrat transects at two stations in each location, and there were three line transects at each station. Some seagrass species observed at the location were Enhalus acoroides, Oceana serrulata, Thalassia hemprichii, and Cymodocea rotundata. The required variable data for calculating the seagrass health index value are the number of seagrass species, seagrass coverage, macroalgae coverage, epiphyte coverage, and water clarity. The results of this study showed that the seagrass ecological quality index (SEQI) in Pulau Panjang was 0.62 with a moderate category, while in Pantai Prawean, it was 0.5 with a poor category.