bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Elections and financial markets puzzle: Malaysian evidence
Authors: Mohamad Azhar 
Published: October 2022

PurposeThis paper aims to explore the election cycle and financial markets puzzle in a unique emerging market like Malaysia.Design/methodology/approachBy employing an event-study methodology and wavelet analyses, the author tests for uncertain information hypothesis by examining the reactions of the Kuala Lumpur Composite Index (KLCI) and ringgit surrounding Malaysian general elections, spanning from GE5 (1978) to GE14 (2018). This paper also explores the relationship between KLCI and ringgit.FindingsWhile the author does not find support for the uncertain information hypothesis, the author uncovers that KLCI tends to overreact following elections, regardless of the winning coalition. The author also records no relationship between KLCI and ringgit in the short run, but the author observes that ringgit leads KLCI in the long run.Practical implicationsThe study’s findings bear implications for investors' disposition in the Malaysian equity market. Investors should square off their positions before the general elections to avoid equity market overreactions and potential losses.Originality/valueBefore Malaysia GE14 (2018) general election, Barisan Nasional carried the reputation as one of the longest-serving ruling coalitions in the world since Malaya independence in 1957. However, the ruling coalition was voted out in GE14 (2018), and the Malaysian equity has since dropped.
Increasing the willingness to stay – a novel and comprehensive member satisfaction index (MSI) model tested in a leading German tennis club
Authors: Kölbl Kathrin , Blank Cornelia , Schobersberger Wolfgang , Peters Mike 
Published: October 2022

PurposeThis study aims to address customer focus as an important component of total quality management (TQM) and explore the key drivers of member satisfaction in tennis clubs via a novel theory-based member satisfaction index (MSI) model with high explanatory and predictive power. Furthermore, the study aims to investigate the relationship between satisfaction and behavioral intentions (willingness to stay; WTS) with consideration of the mediating effect of identification with the club.Design/methodology/approachThis study uses variance-based partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) to estimate the MSI model, which was tested in a leading tennis club in Germany (n = 185).FindingsThe results reveal that club atmosphere, club facilities and the price/quality ratio of the membership fee are the most important drivers of member satisfaction in tennis clubs. Member satisfaction has a large influence on the WTS of tennis club members. Identification with the club, when included as a mediator in the model, increases the variance explained in WTS considerably.Research limitations/implicationsThe small sample limits the generalizability of findings, and further research is recommended.Practical implicationsThe MSI model is a useful benchmark tool for club managers who want to quantify the satisfaction and WTS of their club members. In addition, because of the integrated formative measurement models, the PLS-SEM results show which indicators can be used to positively impact satisfaction with each of the service quality dimensions, overall member satisfaction and WTS. The most important of these results are discussed in an importance-performance map analysis.Originality/valueThe MSI model is a multi-attribute index model through which members' evaluations of various dimensions of service and value are derived through multivariable linear function with each dimension weighted according to its importance in one holistic model. The model shows the strong impact of satisfaction on WTS of sports club members and reveals that findings of previous research on the relationship between fan and spectator identification and loyalty are transferable to sports club members. The MSI represents a new contribution to the literature; it was applied here to tennis clubs but is also suitable for application to other sports clubs.
Rituximab therapy for intractable pemphigus: A multicenter, open‐label, single‐arm, prospective study of 20 Japanese patients
Authors: Yamagami Jun , Kurihara Yuichi , Funakoshi Takeru , Saito Yasuko , Tanaka Ryo , Takahashi Hayato , Ujiie Hideyuki , Iwata Hiroaki , Hirai Yoji , Iwatsuki Keiji , Ishii Norito , Sakurai Jun , Abe Takayuki , Takemura Ryo , Mashino Naomi , Abe Masahiro , Amagai Masayuki 
Published: October 2022

AbstractThis was a multicenter clinical trial of rituximab, a chimeric monoclonal IgG antibody directed against CD20, for the treatment of refractory pemphigus vulgaris and pemphigus foliaceus. In total, 20 patients were treated with two doses of rituximab (1000 mg; 2 weeks apart) on days 0 and 14. The primary end point was the proportion of patients who achieved complete or partial remission on day 168 following the first rituximab dose. Of the 20 enrolled patients, 11 (55%) and four (20%) achieved complete and partial remission, respectively; therefore, remission was achieved in a total of 15 patients (75.0% [95% confidence interval, 50.9%–91.3%]). It was demonstrated that the remission rate was greater than the prespecified threshold (5%). In addition, a significant improvement in clinical score (Pemphigus Disease Area Index) and decrease in serum anti‐desmoglein antibody level were observed over time. Four serious adverse events (heart failure, pneumonia, radial fracture, and osteonecrosis) were recorded in two patients, of which only pneumonia was considered causally related with rituximab. The level of peripheral blood CD19‐positive B lymphocytes was decreased on day 28 after rituximab treatment and remained low throughout the study period until day 168. Our results confirm the efficacy and safety of rituximab therapy for refractory pemphigus in Japanese patients.
Using individual‐based models to develop invasive species risk assessments by predicting species habitat suitability
Authors: Coulter David P. , Feiner Zachary S. , Coulter Alison A. , Diebel Matthew W. 
Published: October 2022

Abstract

Preventing invasive species establishment is a global conservation priority, yet limited management resources oftentimes restrict sites to target for prevention or monitoring. Risk assessments based on habitat suitability can identify sites most vulnerable to invasion that should be prioritized for preventative actions. Since habitat suitability is the result of interactions between environmental and organismal attributes, analyses should incorporate individual variability in demographics expected in an invasive population. Individual‐based models (IBMs) can predict habitat suitability by accounting for interactions between environmental conditions and individual‐level variability.

We developed an IBM to predict suitability of rivers in the northern United States to the invasive fishes silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) and bighead carp (H. nobilis) and explored the projected effects of climate change on habitat suitability.

All rivers supported adult survival, although complete survival of all adult demographics and positive growth only occurred in approximately 45% (17 of 38) of rivers for silver carp and 26% (10 of 38) of rivers for bighead carp. Only the largest individuals at the time of introduction survived in rivers where adult mortality occurred. Most rivers were unsuitable for young‐of‐year (89% and 92% of rivers for silver carp and bighead carp respectively).

Climate change simulations had relatively little effect on adult habitat suitability but resulted in up to four times the number of rivers being suitable for young‐of‐year by the late‐21st century and greatly extended the viable spawning season by up to an additional 65 days for silver carp and 77 days for bighead carp.

Synthesis and applications. Our approach of using individual‐based models as a risk assessment tool informs proactive conservation planning by identifying sites for invasive species early detection monitoring, promoting the development of contingency response plans and allowing for proactive prevention efforts. Model predictions also provide specific management guidance regarding the size and life stages to target for monitoring efforts, which capture gears to use, and the most effective time to sample for early detection monitoring.
Assessment of bone quality of apical periodontitis treated with MTA plug and regenerative endodontic techniques
Authors: Aricioglu Banu , Gunacar Dilara Nil , Kosar Tugba , Sanal Cikman Ahter , Pertek Hatipoglu Fatma , Maras Edanur 
Published: October 2022

AbstractFractal analysis (FA) is a quantitative, objective and non‐invasive method that facilitates the characterisation of the tissue architecture. This study aims to compare the periapical healing at 1‐year follow‐up by evaluating newly generated trabecular bone with FA after Mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) plug and regenerative endodontic treatment (RET). A total of 55 asymptomatic teeth with a single‐canal, open apex and periapical lesion, treated with MTA plug or RET, were evaluated retrospectively. After considering the inclusion/exclusion criteria, FA was conducted on 30 periapical images using the box‐counting method. In both groups, a significant decrease was observed in the periapical lesion size at 1‐year follow‐up (p < 0.01). However, there was no significant difference between the MTA plug and RET (p > 0.01). Significantly higher fractal dimension values were detected at 1‐year follow‐up in both MTA plug and RET cases (p < 0.01). However, the difference was not significant between the groups (p > 0.01). Both procedures seem to improve periapical healing with a new resistant bone of similar density and complexity.
Stimulation of naïve B cells with a fusion protein consisting of FlaA and Bet v 1 induces regulatory B cells ex vivo
Authors: Goretzki Alexandra , Lin Yen‐Ju , Meier Clara , Dorn Britta , Wolfheimer Sonja , Jamin Annette , Schott Maike , Wangorsch Andrea , Vieths Stefan , Jakob Thilo , Scheurer Stephan , Schülke Stefan 
Published: October 2022

AbstractBackgroundThe experimental fusion protein rFlaA:Betv1 was shown to efficiently suppress allergen‐specific sensitization in mice. However, the detailed mechanism of rFlaA:Betv1‐mediated immune modulation is not fully understood. In this study, we investigated the effect of rFlaA:Betv1 on naïve murine B cells.MethodsImmune modulating capacity of rFlaA:Betv1 was screened in IL‐10 reporter mice. B cells were isolated from spleens of naïve C57Bl/6, TLR5−/−, or MyD88−/− mice, stimulated with rFlaA:Betv1 and controls, and monitored for the expression of the regulatory B cell markers CD1d, CD24, CD38, and surface IgM by flow cytometry. Secreted cytokines, antibodies, and reactivity of the induced antibodies were investigated by ELISA and intracellular flow cytometry. Suppressive capacity of rFlaA:Betv1‐stimulated B cells was tested in mDC:CD4+ T cell:B cell triple cultures.ResultsUpon in vivo application of rFlaA:Betv1 into IL‐10‐GFP reporter mice, CD19+ B cells were shown to produce anti‐inflammatory IL‐10, suggesting B cells to contribute to the immune‐modulatory properties of rFlaA:Betv1. rFlaA:Betv1‐induced IL‐10 secretion was confirmed in human B cells isolated from buffy coats. In vitro stimulation of naïve murine B cells with rFlaA:Betv1 resulted in an mTOR‐ and MyD88‐dependent production of IL‐10 and rFlaA:Betv1 induced Bet v 1‐reactive IgG production, which was not observed for IgA. rFlaA:Betv1‐stimulated B cells formed a CD19+CD24+CD1d+IgM+CD38+ Breg subpopulation capable of suppressing Bet v 1‐induced TH2 cytokine secretion in vitro.ConclusionrFlaA:Betv1 can act as a thymus‐independent B cell antigen, stimulating the mTOR‐ and MyD88‐dependent differentiation of B cells displaying a regulatory phenotype, IL‐10 secretion, antigen‐binding antibody production, and a suppressive capacity in vitro.
Neutrophil‐lymphocyte ratio and platelet‐lymphocyte ratio use in detecting bowel ischaemia in adhesional small bowel obstruction
Authors: Woodford Evangeline Phoebe , Woodford Hannah Mercy , Hort Amy Rose , Pang Tony Chun , Lam Vincent Wai To , Nahm Christopher Bahdah 
Published: October 2022

AbstractBackgroundBowel ischaemia significantly increases morbidity and mortality from adhesional small bowel obstruction. Current biomarkers and clinical parameters have poor predictive value for ischaemia. Our study investigated whether neutrophil‐lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet‐lymphocyte ratio (PLR) could be used to predict bowel ischaemia in adhesional small bowel obstruction.MethodsThis single‐centre retrospective study collected clinical, biochemical and radiological data from patients with adhesional small bowel obstruction between 2017 and 2020 who underwent operative management. The presence or absence of bowel ischaemia/infarction was used to distinguish two populations. Biochemical markers on admission and immediately prior to operation were collected to give platelet‐lymphocyte ratio (PLR0 and PLRPRE‐OP, respectively) and neutrophil‐lymphocyte ratio (NLR0 and NLRPRE‐OP, respectively). SAS 9.4 (SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC) software was used for data analysis with Mann–Whitney U testing for continuous variables and Pearson Chi‐square test for categorical variables. Sensitivity and specificity for PLR and NLR were calculated by means of receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis.ResultsTwenty‐seven patients had intra‐operative bowel ischaemia whilst the remaining 73 had no evidence of bowel ischaemia. Both median PLRPRE‐OP and NLRPRE‐OP were significantly higher in patients with bowel ischaemia compared to those without (PLRPRE‐OP 272 [IQR 224–433] and 231 [IQR 146–295] respectively, P = 0.027; NLRPRE‐OP 12.5 [IQR 8.6–21.3] v. 5.5 [IQR 3.5–10.2] respectively, P ≤ 0.001). Area under the receiver operator characteristic curve (AUC) was 0.762 for NLRPRE‐OP, with a sensitivity of 85.1% and specificity of 63% for NLR 7.4.ConclusionRaised NLR is predictive of bowel ischaemia in patients with adhesional small bowel obstruction.
Deloyers procedure compared to ileorectal anastomosis as restoration techniques of bowel continuity after extended left colon resection
Authors: Carpinteyro‐Espín Paulina , Santes Oscar , Moctezuma‐Velazquez Paulina , Navarro‐Iñiguez Julio A. , Navarro‐Navarro Adolfo , Salgado‐Nesme Noel 
Published: October 2022

AbstractBackgroundRestoration of bowel continuity after left extended colectomy may be challenging because the remaining colon may not reach the rectal stump without tension to perform a safe anastomosis. Performing a total colectomy with ileorectal anastomosis (IRA) is an option, but the quality of life can be significantly impaired due to loose stools and an increase in bowel frequency. In contrast, the preservation of the right colon and ileocaecal valve in the Deloyers procedure (DP) might ensure a better stool consistency and bowel transit, and therefore a superior quality of life.Materials and MethodsA transverse study comparing patients that underwent DP versus patients with an IRA was performed. Postoperative morbidity, mortality, functional outcomes, and quality of life were analysed between groups. Quality of life after the surgical procedure was assessed with the SF‐36 V2® health survey.ResultsA total of 16 patients with DP and 32 with IRA were included. The groups had similar demographic characteristics concerning age, sex, body mass index, ASA classification, diagnosis and Charlson comorbidity index. The median follow‐up was 55 months for DP and 99 months for IRA. Postoperative complications were similar in both groups. Patients in the DP group had fewer bowel movements (P = 0.01), tenesmus (P = 0.04) and use of loperamide (P = 0.03). DP patients achieved better scores in physical pain (P = 0.02) and general health (P < 0.01) than IRA patients.ConclusionsDP for intestinal continuity restoration after extended left colon resection is a safe and feasible alternative, possibly achieving better functional outcomes and quality‐of‐life compared to IRA.
Labour Geography of the National Question in Times of Decolonisation: Sharecropper Politics in Western Punjab, c. 1945–1953
Authors: Tirmizey Kasim Ali 
Published: October 2022

AbstractThis article examines the labour geographies of nationalism through sharecropper “articulations” of anti‐colonialism. I study the Punjab Kisan (peasant) Committee at the eve and dawn of Pakistan’s independence from British colonialism. I analyse their actions and claims through newsletters, activist memoirs, and colonial reports. I situate them in relation to other social and political forces: the state, landlords, and Muslim nationalists. Whereas labour geography has often ignored nationalism, I outline an approach for the sub‐field to address this gap. First, subaltern nationalisms re‐articulate labour, land, gender, and religion in place‐specific ways. Second, exclusionary and liberatory nationalisms are variegated responses to the dynamics of being integrated to an imperialist world‐economy. This study found these multi‐religious peasant committees articulated sovereignty over labour, land, and social reproduction with the national question. Further, this article contributes to the subaltern and labour historiography of Pakistan.
Treatment adaptations and outcomes of patients experiencing inflammatory bowel disease flares during the early COVID‐19 pandemic: the PREPARE‐IBD multicentre cohort study
Authors: Saifuddin Aamir , Kent Alexandra J. , Mehta Shameer J. , Hicks Lucy C. , Gonzalez Haidee A. , Segal Jonathan P. , Brookes Matthew J. , Subramanian Sreedhar , Bhala Neeraj , Conley Thomas E. , Patel Kamal V. ,   PREPARE‐IBD Collaborators, Lamb Christopher A. , Walker Gareth J. , Kennedy Nicholas A. , Sebastian Shaji 
Published: October 2022

SummaryBackgroundThe COVID‐19 pandemic offered a unique opportunity to understand inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) management during unexpected disruption. This could help to guide practice overall.AimsTo compare prescribing behaviour for IBD flares and outcomes during the early pandemic with pre‐pandemic findingsMethodsWe performed an observational cohort study comprising patients who contacted IBD teams for symptomatic flares between March and June 2020 in 60 National Health Service trusts in the United Kingdom. Data were compared with a pre‐pandemic cohort after propensity‐matching for age and physician global assessment of disease activity.ResultsWe included 1864 patients in each of the pandemic and pre‐pandemic cohorts. The principal findings were reduced systemic corticosteroid prescription during the pandemic in Crohn's disease (prednisolone: pandemic 26.5% vs. 37.1%; p < 0.001) and ulcerative colitis (UC) (prednisolone: pandemic 33.5% vs. 40.7%, p < 0.001), with increases in poorly bioavailable oral corticosteroids in Crohn's (pandemic 15.6% vs. 6.8%; p < 0.001) and UC (pandemic 11.8% vs. 5.2%; p < 0.001). Ustekinumab (Crohn's and UC) and vedolizumab (UC) treatment also significantly increased. Three‐month steroid‐free remission in each period was similar in Crohn's (pandemic 28.4% vs. 32.1%; p = 0.17) and UC (pandemic 36.4% vs. 40.2%; p = 0.095). Patients experiencing a flare and suspected COVID‐19 were more likely to have moderately‐to‐severely active disease at 3 months than those with a flare alone.ConclusionsDespite treatment adaptations during the pandemic, steroid‐free outcomes were comparable with pre‐pandemic levels, although concurrent flare and suspected COVID‐19 caused worse outcomes. These findings have implications for IBD management during future pandemics and for standard practice.
Healthcare burden and outcomes of hepatorenal syndrome among cirrhosis‐related hospitalisations in the US
Authors: Singal Ashwani K. , Kuo Yong‐Fang , Reddy K. Rajender , Bataller Ramon , Kwo Paul 
Published: October 2022

SummaryBackgroundHepatorenal syndrome (HRS) contributes to significant morbidity and mortality in hospitalised patients with cirrhosis.AimsTo examine recent trends, magnitude and outcomes of HRS in the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) databaseMethodsAmong the NIS database on cirrhosis hospitalisations (2016–2019) due to alcohol (ALD), chronic viral hepatitis (CVH), or NASH and complicated by acute kidney injury (AKI) were analyzed.ResultsOf 113,454 hospitalisations, 18,735 (16.5%) had HRS (mean age 56 years, 36% females, 68% whites, 80% ALD, 7% NASH) with a stable trend over time. Among 1:1 propensity‐matched 36,090 hospitalisations, the odds of HRS were 12% higher in NASH versus CVH. Based on weighted national estimates, there were 27,180 (8.3 per 100,000 US population) HRS hospitalisations in 2019, with economic burden of $4.2 billion USD. Mean hospitalisation and total charges (ALD vs. CVH vs. NASH) were 11 versus 10.8 versus 9.2 days and 151,000 versus 157,000 versus 120,000 USD, respectively; p < 0.001. In‐hospital mortality was 18.9%, higher in HRS (25.8 vs. 12%, p < 0.001), and decreased by 15% annually. Survivors were more likely to be discharged to short‐ or long‐term care facilities (HRS vs. non‐HRS [42 vs. 27%, p < 0.001]); only 28.7% received palliative care.ConclusionHRS was the cause of AKI in 16.5% of patients hospitalised with cirrhosis and conferred significant healthcare burden with 27,180 HRS hospitalisations in 2019 and requiring an estimated 4.2 billion USD for hospital care. While there has been a decrease in in‐hospital mortality over time, it remained high at 23.7% in 2019 in those with HRS.
Which is more predictive: Domain‐ or task‐specific self‐efficacy in teaching and outcomes?
Authors: Lu Hong , Chen Xin , Qi Chunxia 
Published: October 2022

AbstractBackgroundStudents' academic performance and learning experiences are crucial in school education, yet their relationships with instructional characteristics remain an open question.AimsThe present study examined how cognitive activation and teacher support were associated with students' academic emotions and achievement in math classrooms via domain‐ and task‐specific self‐efficacy.SampleIn total, 5388 eighth graders from central China participated in this study.MethodsCognitive activation, teacher support, math‐related enjoyment and anxiety, and domain‐ and task‐specific self‐efficacy were measured with self‐reported student questionnaires. The math achievement was measured with a standardized test.ResultsOur findings showed that the two instructional characteristics were positively related to math achievement and enjoyment but negatively related to math anxiety, with the mediation effects of task‐ and domain‐specific self‐efficacy. In detail, cognitive activation had a stronger relationship with math anxiety through task‐specific self‐efficacy than domain‐specific self‐efficacy. Whereas, cognitive activation had a greater linkage with math enjoyment through domain‐specific self‐efficacy than task‐specific self‐efficacy. In addition, teacher support had a greater association with learning outcomes through domain‐specific self‐efficacy than task‐specific self‐efficacy.ConclusionsThe relational mechanism of cognitive activation and teacher support on math achievement and academic emotions were differentially mediated by task‐ and domain‐specific self‐efficacy in Chinese math classrooms.