bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Utilitarianism
Authors: Gardner Catherine Villanueva
Published: July 2023

The chapter explores the utilitarian thinking of a diverse range of nineteenth-century women philosophers from Britain and America, including Harriet Taylor, Catharine Beecher, Frances Wright, Anna Doyle Wheeler, and Frances E. W. Harper. The latter three—Wright, Wheeler, and Harper—are less recognized, and the chapter offers the opportunity to aid their retrieval for the canon. The utilitarianism of these thinkers was no one thing, but it ranged from the conservative ideas of Beecher, to Wright’s radical call for race and gender justice, to Harper’s goal of racial uplift, to the ideal socialist society proposed by Wheeler, and to Taylor’s argument for women to be financially independent.
From the French Revolution to Nineteenth Century America
Authors: Bergès Sandrine
Published: July 2023

The works of French Revolution–era philosopher Germaine de Staël were popular in nineteenth-century America. Her conception of human perfectibility and her views about how women might contribute to it were particularly influential. This chapter traces her influence in the works of two American women: Louisa May Alcott and Anna Julia Cooper. Louisa May Alcott mentions Staël in a novel about women’s emancipation and influence on human progress, Work. Anna Julia Cooper, who cites Staël in A Voice from the South, embraces Staël’s account of human progress and her essentialism about womanhood but transforms these into a thesis on the necessity of women, Black men, and, especially, Black women’s participation in progress.
Sexual Politics and Ethics
Authors: Regard Frédéric
Published: July 2023

When the first Contagious Diseases Act was passed in the British Parliament in 1864, the official explanation was that the army had to be protected from syphilis. Josephine Butler launched a crusade against these acts, arguing that a double standard had presided over their conception. For her, the hidden ambition of the new legislation was to sanitize extramarital sex. Butler’s speeches and pamphlets called to arms a new class of citizens concerned about growing state control over the individual, which she denounced as the “despotism of the future.” The philosophical weapons with which she waged her war, drawing on the Bible and tapping the resources of the Nonconformist tradition, may explain why Butler was neglected in the history of feminism. But the image she fashioned for herself was quite revolutionary: a sociologist, an investigative journalist, and an activist at the same time; Butler was most certainly pioneering the feminism of the future.
Understanding and Working with Adults with NSSI
Authors: Andover Margaret , Kim Hae-Joon , Corcoran Vincent , Hiner Michelle , Rabasco Ana , DeSon Joshua
Published: July 2023

This chapter elaborates on the prevalence of nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) among adults. NSSI severity can be characterized in different ways, including increased versatility, increased frequency, need for medical attention due to the physical harm caused by NSSI, or self-reported subjective severity. Moreover, NSSI commonly co-occurs with other psychiatric disorders. According to NSSI research focused on adult samples, the functions of NSSI primarily reduce unwanted negative emotions, which is similar to other age groups. The chapter clarifies how critical it is to recognize that NSSI is not limited to the youth so prevention and intervention must be accessible to people of all ages.
Transcriptomic and physiological comparison of Shatangju (Citrus reticulata) and its late-maturing mutant provides insights into auxin regulation of citrus fruit maturation
Authors: Lv Yuanda , Ren Shuang , Wu Bo , Jiang Caizhong , Jiang Bo , Zhou Birong , Zhong Guangyan , Zhong Yun , Yan Huaxue
Published: July 2023

Previous studies have shown that abscisic acid (ABA) and ethylene are involved in pulp maturation and peel coloration in the nonclimacteric citrus fruits. There are also signs indicating that other plant hormones may play some roles in citrus fruit ripening. In this study, we compared profiles of genome-wide gene expression and changes in hormones and peel pigments between fruits of Shatangju mandarin (Citrus reticulata Blanco, designated WT) and its natural mutant, Yuenongwanju (designated MT). The MT fruit matures ~2 months later than the WT fruit. Significant differences in fruit diameter, total soluble solids, titratable acid content, chlorophylls and carotenoids were detected between the fruits of the two genotypes at the sampled time points. Genome-wide transcriptome profiling showed that many genes involved in auxin and ABA metabolism and/or signaling pathways were differentially expressed between the MT and the WT fruits. Importantly, the expression of CrYUCCA8 was significantly lower and the expression of CrNCED5 was significantly higher in WT than in MT fruits at 230 and 250 DPA, respectively. In addition, the indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) level in the MT fruit was significantly higher than that in the WT counterpart, whereas a significantly lower level of ABA was detected in the mutant. Treatment of the WT fruit with exogenous IAA significantly delayed fruit maturation. Our results provide experimental evidence supporting the notion that auxin is a negative regulator of fruit maturation in citrus.
SIRT6: A potential therapeutic target for diabetic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Wu Tao , Qu Yiwei , Xu Shengjie , Wang Yong , Liu Xue , Ma Dufang
Published: July 2023

The abnormal lipid metabolism in diabetic cardiomyopathy can cause myocardial mitochondrial dysfunction, lipotoxicity, abnormal death of myocardial cells, and myocardial remodeling. Mitochondrial homeostasis and normal lipid metabolism can effectively slow down the development of diabetic cardiomyopathy. Recent studies have shown that SIRT6 may play an important role in the pathological changes of diabetic cardiomyopathy such as myocardial cell death, myocardial hypertrophy, and myocardial fibrosis by regulating mitochondrial oxidative stress and glucose and lipid metabolism. Therefore, understanding the function of SIRT6 and its role in the pathogenesis of diabetic cardiomyopathy is of great significance for exploring and developing new targets and drugs for the treatment of diabetic cardiomyopathy. This article reviews the latest findings of SIRT6 in the pathogenesis of diabetic cardiomyopathy, focusing on the regulation of mitochondria and lipid metabolism by SIRT6 to explore potential clinical treatments.
rvTWAS: identifying gene-trait association using sequences by utilizing transcriptome-directed feature selection
Authors: He Jingni , Li Qing , Zhang Qingrun
Published: July 2023

Towards the identification of genetic basis of complex traits, transcriptome-wide association study (TWAS) is successful in integrating transcriptome data. However, TWAS is only applicable for common variants, excluding rare variants in exome or whole genome sequences. This is partly because of the inherent limitation of TWAS protocols that rely on predicting gene expressions. Briefly, a typical TWAS protocol has two steps: it trains an expression prediction model in a reference dataset containing gene expressions and genotype, and then applies this prediction model to a genotype-phenotype dataset to “impute” the unobserved expression (that is called GReX) to be associated to the phenotype. In this procedure, rare variants are not used due to its low power in predicting expressions. Our previous research has revealed the insight into TWAS: the two steps are essentially genetic feature selection and aggregations that do not have to involve predictions. Based on this insight disentangling TWAS, rare variants’ inability of predicting expression traits is no longer an obstacle. Herein, we developed “rare variant TWAS”, or rvTWAS, that first uses a Bayesian model to conduct expression-directed feature selection and then use a kernel machine to carry out feature aggregation, forming a model leveraging expressions for association mapping including rare variants. We demonstrated the performance of rvTWAS by thorough simulations and real data analysis in three psychiatric disorders, namely schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and autism spectrum disorder. rvTWAS will open a door for sequence-based association mappings integrating gene expressions.
Safety and immunogenicity of a heterologous booster with an RBD virus-like particle vaccine following two- or three-dose inactivated COVID-19 vaccine
Authors: Yong Xiaolan , Liu Jun , Zeng Ying , Nie Jing , Cui Xuelian , Wang Tao , Wang Yilin , Chen Yiyong , Kang Wei , Yang Zhonghua , Liu Yan
Published: July 2023

Background

Reduced protection against COVID-19 due to the waning vaccine-induced immunity over time and emergence of immune-evading SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOCs) indicate the need for vaccine boosters. LYB001 is an innovative recombinant SARS-CoV-2 vaccine which displays a repetitive array of the Spike glycoprotein’s receptor binding domain (RBD) on a virus-like particle (VLP) vector to boost the immune system, produced using a Covalink plug-and-display protein binding technology.

Methods

The safety and immunogenicity of LYB001 as a heterologous booster at an interval of 6-12 months was assessed in 119 participants receiving a booster with (1) 30μg LYB001 ((I-I-30L) or CoronaVac (I-I-C), (2) escalated dose of 60μg LYB001 (I-I-60L) or CoronaVac in a ratio of 2:1 after two-dose primary series of inactivated COVID-19 vaccine in part 1 of this study, or (3) 30μg LYB001 (I-I-I-30L) after three-dose primary series of inactivated COVID-19 vaccine in part 2 of this study.

Results

A well-tolerated reactogenicity profile was observed for LYB001 as a heterologous booster, with adverse reactions predominantly being mild in severity and transient. The peak neutralizing antibody response was observed at 28 days after booster, with GMT (95%CI) against prototype SARS-CoV-2 being 1237.8 (747.2, 2050.6), 554.3 (374.6, 820.2), 181.9 (107.6, 307.6) and 1200.2 (831.5, 1732.3) in the I-I-30L, I-I-60L, I-I-C, and I-I-I-30L groups, respectively. LYB001 also elicited a cross-neutralizing antibody response against the BA.4/5 strain, dominant during the study period, with GMT being 201.1 (102.7, 393.7), 63.0 (35.1, 113.1), 29.2 (16.9, 50.3) and 115.3 (63.9, 208.1) at 28 days after booster in the I-I-30L, I-I-60L, I-I-C, and I-I-I-30L groups, respectively. Additionally, RBD-specific IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-4 secreting T cells, as measured by ELISpot assay, dramatically increased (more than 10 times versus baseline) at 14 days after a single LYB001 booster.

Conclusions

Our data confirm the favorable safety and immunogenicity profile of the LYB001 vaccine when used as a heterologous booster, and support the continued clinical development of this promising candidate that utilize VLP platform to provide protection against COVID-19.

Trial registration

https://www.clinicaltrials.gov(No.NCT05928455,https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05928455)
Understanding customer attitude toward advergames: an extended TAM approach
Authors: Jami Pour Mona , Kazemi Zohre , Moeini Hossein
Published: July 2023

Purpose

Advergames have attracted the attention of scholars and practitioners as a new way of increasing customer engagement and advertising effectiveness. Gamified ads provide an exciting and persuasive environment for customers rather than non-gamified advertisements. Despite the growing spending on advergames projects, the understanding of customer attitude regarding advergames has received less attention and there are not enough studies about advergames. Therefore, the purpose of the current study is to design a novel TAM-based model of determinants of customer attitudes toward advergames to enhance customer engagement and purchase intention.

Design/methodology/approach

To obtain this end, the mixed method was applied. In the first step, the main determinants of customer attitude towards advergames were identified by a literature review as well as semi-structured interviews. In the second step, the proposed technology acceptance model (TAM)-based model was validated by survey method through players of advergames. A total of 15 interviews were conducted in the qualitative phase and 102 completed questionnaires were analyzed in the survey method.

Findings

The results of the qualitative approach indicate that the main determinants of attitude towards advertisements can be classified into three categories, which are added to TAM as external variables. The results of the survey approach reveal that advertising content and game-related factors have a significant positive effect on perceived ease of use (PEOU). The advertising content and player-related factors also significantly affect perceived usefulness (PU). PU and PEOU also positively and significantly affect customer attitude. The findings show that the new TAM-based model can be considered as a robust model for explaining customer attitude toward advergame acceptance.

Research limitations/implications

The research findings can assist digital marketers to have a big picture of customer attitudes regarding advergames and implement these innovative digital-enabled advertising strategies successfully. The findings further suggest considering marketing/advertising aspects and game-related aspects as well as individual factors to design advergames.

Originality/value

Advergames have become one of the priorities for digital marketers to enhance brand awareness and customer engagement, yet there is no study identifying determinants of attitude by considering multi-aspects of advergames. The most important theoretical contribution of the current study is to design a new extended TAM-based model which integrates behavioral variables (PEOU and PU) with factors related to the advergames context.
Supersonic combustion of n-Heptane droplets with cavity-based fuel injection
Authors: Mohamadi Mehdi , Tahsini AmirMahdi
Published: July 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the combustion of the n-Heptane droplets in the supersonic combustor with a cavity-based fuel injection configuration. The focus is on the impacts of the droplet size on combustion efficiency.

Design/methodology/approach

The finite volume solver is developed to simulate the two-phase reacting turbulent compressible flow using a single step reaction mechanism as finite rate chemistry. Three different fuel injection settings are studied for the considered physical geometry and flow conditions: the gas fuel injection, small droplet liquid fuel injection and big droplet fuel. The fuel is injected as a slot wall jet from the bottom of the cavity.

Findings

The results show that using the small droplet size, the complete fuel consumption and combustion efficiency can be achieved but using the big droplet sizes, most fuel exit the combustor in the liquid phase and gasified unburned fuel. It is also demonstrated that the cavity's temperature distribution of the liquid fuel case is different from the gas fuel, and two flame branches are observed there due to the droplet evaporation and combustion in the cavity.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is performed for the first time on the combustion of the n-Heptane fuel droplets in scramjet configuration, which is promising propulsion system for the future economic flights.
Investigation of architecture and architectural engineering online education; educator experience, self-efficacy and success
Authors: Mosier Rachel , Adhikari Sanjeev , Langar Sandeep
Published: July 2023

Purpose

Those who believe they excel at architecture or engineering education are more likely to succeed based on self-efficacy principles. To investigate educator self-efficacy and success in the Online Learning Environment (OLE), a set of relationships are observed which describe correlations between experience and potential.

Design/methodology/approach

An online survey instrument was distributed the fall after COVID-19 university closures. Respondents were asked to reflect on their level of experience teaching and their ability to teach online. All analyzed data were subjected to descriptive and inferential statistics using the SPSS 22.0 statistical software package. The compatibility of the variables with normal distribution was tested using the Kolmogorov–Smirnov and Shapiro–Wilk methods. Variables comparisons were performed using non-parametric tests (Kruskal Wallis test, Mann Whitney U test). The relationships between quantitative variables were examined using the Spearman Rank Correlation and comparisons formed from the qualitative variables were tested using the Pearson Chi-Square and Fisher Exact methods.

Findings

Educator self-efficacy was determined throughout the COVID-19 transition. Possessing online teaching experience is related to the perceptions that architectural education can be delivered entirely online. A relationship was found for educators who previously taught using OLE and who had experience with delivering and developing OLE.

Practical implications

It is incumbent on educators and administrators to continue to learn how to best accommodate student learning. The strong relationship for R1: Total teaching experience (IV) and perceptions of whether AEC education can be delivered completely online, points to having educators with a depth of experience and being open to change. The strong relationship shown for R2: Have you ever taught using an online method before January 2020 and Experience in developing online materials demonstrates that a variety of experience will also support educators in a time of change. These relationships illustrate how educator efficacy can provide support for educators during times of crisis.

Originality/value

U.S. Architectural and Architectural Engineering educator pandemic OLE self-efficacy has not been previously been a focus of research efforts. This research adds to the body of knowledge by demonstrating how relationships between teaching experience and OLE can encourage educator self-efficacy during a crisis. Statistical analyses found a strong relationship between total teaching experience and perceptions that AEC education can be delivered completely online. A strong relationship was found between online teaching experience and positive experiences in developing online materials.
Sustainable HRM, training for employability and organizational outcomes: the moderating role of competitive intensity
Authors: Martini Mattia , Riva Egidio , Marafioti Elisabetta
Published: July 2023

Purpose

The present study connects the literature on sustainable HRM with that on employability to investigate the relationship between sustainability-oriented human resource actions and organizational outcomes. More specifically, this study explores how training for employability affects the employer–employee relationship and employee retention. Furthermore, this study considers competitive intensity as a potential moderator in these relationships.

Design/methodology/approach

The analyses draw on the fourth European Company Survey (ECS 2019) with a sample of 21?869 firms with more than ten employees. Two separate logistic regression models were used to test the hypothesis.

Findings

The results show that training for employability contributes to improving the employer–employee relationship and that competitive intensity positively shapes this relationship. Contextually, training for employability reduces the overall employee retention of the firm.

Originality/value

Although this study supports the potential win–win nature of employability support, especially for companies that operate in competitive markets and an uncertain environment, it also highlights the existence of paradoxical sustainability tensions that should be managed by employers.
The role of institutional efficiency in achieving the SDGs: evidence from Africa
Authors: Musah Alhassan
Published: July 2023

Purpose

The objective of this study is to analyze the influence of institutional quality on the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) using a data set comprising 45 African nations during the timeframe 2000 to 2020.

Design/methodology/approach

The data are divided into two periods, with the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) data covering the years 2000–2015 and the SDGs data spanning from 2015 to 2020. Controlling for other factors, the researcher employs an index of institutional quality and applies the generalized method of moments (GMM) method to analyze the data.

Findings

The findings demonstrate a noteworthy inverse relationship between institutional quality and the achievement of both the MDGs and SDGs. The findings reveal a significant and positive link between economic growth and the achievement of the MDGs, while the impact on the SDGs is shown to be insignificant. Population growth significantly drives the SDGs. The results further reveal that trade openness and industrialization contribute positively to the achievement of both the MDGs and SDGs.

Practical implications

The findings emphasize the importance of improving institutional quality, promoting economic growth and supporting trade openness and industrialization for sustainable development in African countries.

Originality/value

The contribution of the study is twofold. Firstly and to the best of the author’s understanding, this research marks an initial endeavor to empirically investigate the nexus between institutional quality and the SDGs in the context of Africa. Secondly, it adds novelty to the literature by examining how institutional quality influences both the SDGs and their precursor the MDGs, providing insights into the actual contribution of institutions to development within the framework of these two major global compacts.
Multi-tier sustainable supply chain management: a case study of a global food retailer
Authors: Oyedijo Adegboyega , Kusi-Sarpong Simonov , Mubarik Muhammad Shujaat , Khan Sharfuddin Ahmed , Utulu Kome
Published: July 2023

Purpose

Implementing sustainable practices in multi-tier supply chains (MTSCs) is a difficult task. This study aims to investigate why such endeavours fail and how MTSC partners can address them.

Design/methodology/approach

A single-case study of a global food retail company was used in this study. Semi-structured interviews with the case firm and its first- and second-tier suppliers were used to collect data, which were then qualitatively analysed using thematic analysis.

Findings

Major barriers impeding the implementation of sustainability in multi-tier food supply chains were revealed such as the cost of sustainability, knowledge gap, lack of infrastructure and supply chain complexity. Furthermore, the findings reveal five possible solutions such as multi-tier collaboration and partnership, diffusion of innovation along the chain, supply chain mapping, sustainability performance measurement and capacity building, all of which can aid in the improvement of sustainability practices.

Research limitations/implications

Future research should investigate how specific barriers and drivers affect specific aspects of sustainability, pointing practitioners to specific links between the variables that can aid in tailoring sustainability oriented investment.

Practical implications

This research supports managerial comprehension of MTSC sustainability, pointing out ways to improve sustainability performance despite the complex multi-tier system of food supply chains.

Originality/value

The research on MTSC sustainability is still growing, and this research contributes to the debate about how MTSCs can become more sustainable from the perspective of the triple bottom line, particularly food supply chains which face significant sustainability challenges.
Activation of inflammasomes and mechanisms for intracellular recognition of Listeria monocytogenes
Authors: Matsuda Yasuyuki , Yamauchi Hajime , Hara Hideki
Published: July 2023

The high mortality rate associated with Listeria monocytogenes can be attributed to its ability to invade the body systemically and to activate inflammasomes. Both of these processes are facilitated by expressing a major virulence factor known as listeriolysin O, a 56 kDa pore‐forming protein encoded by the hly gene. Listeriolysin O plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of the bacterium by facilitating the escape of the pathogen from the phagosome into the cytosol. This process is essential for the successful establishment of infection. In addition, listeriolysin O is known as an immunomodulator that activates host signal transduction. In addition to listeriolysin O, Listeria expresses a variety of bacterial ligands, such as lipoteichoic acid, nucleotide, and flagellin, that are recognized by host intracellular pattern‐recognition receptors including Nod‐like receptors, AIM2‐like receptors, and RIG‐I‐like receptors. This review introduces intracellular recognition of Listeria monocytogenes since recent studies have revealed that the activation of inflammasome exacerbates Gram‐positive bacteria infection.
Recourse as shadow equity: Evidence from commercial real estate loans
Authors: Glancy David , Kurtzman Robert , Loewenstein Lara , Nichols Joseph
Published: July 2023

We study the role that recourse plays in the commercial real estate loan contracts of the largest U.S. banks. We find that recourse is valued by lenders as a substitute for conventional equity. At origination, recourse loans have rate spreads that are about 20 basis points lower and loan‐to‐value ratios that are almost 3 percentage points higher than nonrecourse loans. Dynamically, recourse affects loan modification negotiations by providing additional bargaining power to the lender. Recourse loans were half as likely to receive accommodation during the COVID‐19 pandemic, and the modifications that did occur entailed a relatively smaller reduction in payments.
The effect of double filtration plasmapheresis and corticosteroids on patients with anti‐dipeptidyl‐peptidase‐like protein 6 encephalitis
Authors: Wan Wenbin , Pan Yuanmei , Chen Ying , Bai Shuwei , Yao Xiaoying , Lin Yan , Wu Jun , Ni Liping , Mei Yufang , Qiu Huiying , Zhou Yan , Hao Yong , Guan Yangtai
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Anti‐dipeptidyl‐peptidase‐like protein 6 (DPPX) encephalitis is a rare condition with varied symptoms including gastrointestinal issues, weight loss, cognitive and mental dysfunction, and hyperexcitability of the central nervous system.

Methods

We studied five patients with anti‐DPPX encephalitis who received immunotherapy, specifically DFPP, at our hospital. We analyzed their clinical symptoms, lab results, electrophysiological and imaging findings, and outcomes with immunotherapy.

Results

Patients presented with cognitive dysfunction, tremor, seizures, psychiatric disturbances, and cerebellar and brainstem dysfunction. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed brain abnormalities in one patient and elevated cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) protein levels in two patients. Antibodies against DPPX were detected in all patients and in CSF in two patients. One patient had antibodies against anti‐CV2/contactin response mediator protein 5 (CRMP5). All patients responded well to DFPP and corticosteroids.

Conclusion

DFPP may be an effective treatment for anti‐DPPX encephalitis. Further research is needed to understand disease progression and evaluate immunotherapy efficacy.
Chinese expert consensus on the diagnosis and treatment of malignant pleural mesothelioma
Authors: Wang Qian , Xu Chunwei , Wang Wenxian , Zhang Yongchang , Li Ziming , Song Zhengbo , Wang Jiandong , Yu Jinpu , Liu Jingjing , Zhang Shirong , Cai Xiuyu , Li Wen , Zhan Ping , Liu Hongbing , Lv Tangfeng , Miao Liyun , Min Lingfeng , Li Jiancheng , Liu Baogang , Yuan Jingping , Jiang Zhansheng , Lin Gen , Chen Xiaohui , Pu Xingxiang , Rao Chuangzhou , Lv Dongqing , Yu Zongyang , Li Xiaoyan , Tang Chuanhao , Zhou Chengzhi , Zhang Junping , Guo Hui , Chu Qian , Meng Rui , Liu Xuewen , Wu Jingxun , Hu Xiao , Zhou Jin , Zhu Zhengfei , Chen Xiaofeng , Pan Weiwei , Pang Fei , Zhang Wenpan , Jian Qijie , Wang Kai , Wang Liping , Zhu Youcai , Yang Guocai , Lin Xinqing , Cai Jing , Feng Huijing , Wang Lin , Du Yingying , Yao Wang , Shi Xuefei , Niu Xiaomin , Yuan Dongmei , Yao Yanwen , Huang Jianhui , Wang Xiaomin , Zhang Yinbin , Sun Pingli , Wang Hong , Ye Mingxiang , Wang Dong , Wang Zhaofeng , Hao Yue , Wang Zhen , Wan Bing , Lv Donglai , Yu Jianwei , Kang Jin , Zhang Jiatao , Zhang Chao , Wu Lixin , Shi Lin , Ye Leiguang , Wang Gaoming , Wang Yina , Gao Feng , Huang Jianfei , Wang Guifang , Wei Jianguo , Huang Long , Li Bihui , Zhang Zhang , Li Zhongwu , Liu Yueping , Li Yuan , Liu Zhefeng , Yang Nong , Wu Lin , Wang Qiming , Huang Wenbin , Hong Zhuan , Wang Guansong , Qu Fengli , Fang Meiyu , Fang Yong , Zhu Xixu , Du Kaiqi , Ji Jiansong , Shen Yi , Chen Jing , Zhang Yiping , Ma Shenglin , Lu Yuanzhi , Song Yong , Liu Anwen , Zhong Wenzhao , Fang Wenfeng
Published: July 2023

Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a malignant tumor originating from the pleura, and its incidence has been increasing in recent years. Due to the insidious onset and strong local invasiveness of MPM, most patients are diagnosed in the late stage and early screening and treatment for high‐risk populations are crucial. The treatment of MPM mainly includes surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. Immunotherapy and electric field therapy have also been applied, leading to further improvements in patient survival. The Mesothelioma Group of the Yangtze River Delta Lung Cancer Cooperation Group (East China LUng caNcer Group, ECLUNG; Youth Committee) developed a national consensus on the clinical diagnosis and treatment of MPM based on existing clinical research evidence and the opinions of national experts. This consensus aims to promote the homogenization and standardization of MPM diagnosis and treatment in China, covering epidemiology, diagnosis, treatment, and follow‐up.
Production similarity and the cross‐section of stock returns: A machine learning approach
Authors: Ge Yao , Qiao Zheng , Shen Zhe , Zhang Zhiyu
Published: July 2023

This paper employs a machine learning approach to capture firm‐pair production similarity, which depicts how firms' production processes resemble each other using textual data in corporate MD&As. We show that production‐linked firms' average return has strong predictive power on focal firm's future stock return. A hedging portfolio yields an annualised return of 11.69%, which cannot be subsumed by existing factor models. For mechanism tests, we find that the main findings are stronger in firms with higher information asymmetry and higher costs of arbitrage. The production‐linkage measure also predicts future unexpected earnings, suggesting it possibly includes valuable information on firm fundamentals.
Robot‐assisted versus three‐dimensional laparoscopic radical prostatectomy: 12‐month outcomes of a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Haapiainen Henry , Murtola Teemu J. , Koskimäki Juha , Riikonen Jarno , Pakarainen Tomi , Haney Caelán M. , Raitanen Mika , Kaipia Antti
Published: July 2023

Objectives

To compare functional and oncological outcomes of robot‐assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (RALP) to three‐dimensional laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (3D‐LRP) at 12 months after surgery.

Patients and methods

Prospective randomised single‐centre study of 145 consecutive men referred to radical prostatectomy in a tertiary referral centre in Finland. Patients were randomised 1:1 to the RALP (N = 75) and 3D‐LRP (N = 70) groups. The primary outcome was urinary continence evaluated with the Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite 26‐item version (EPIC‐26) incontinence domain score at 12 months after surgery. Secondary outcomes included the use of protective pads at 12 months after surgery, EPIC‐26 domain scores of irritative/obstructive, bowel, sexual and hormonal symptoms, positive surgical margin (PSM) rate, and biochemical recurrence (BCR). Complication frequency within the 3‐month period after surgery was evaluated according to Clavien–Dindo classification. Statistical significance between groups was analysed using Mann–Whitney, chi‐square and Fisher's exact tests. The trial was terminated after interim analysis based on no statistically significant difference in EPIC‐26 urinary incontinence domain scores. Altogether 145 patients of the target accrual of 280 patients were recruited.

Results

Postoperative continence at 12 months after surgery according to the EPIC‐26 incontinence domain was 79.25 in both groups (P = 0.4). Between group difference was −5.8 (95% confidence interval –15.2 to 3.6). There was no statistically significant difference in the rates of PSM or BCR between the two surgical modality groups.

Conclusion

We were unable to demonstrate a difference between the RALP and 3D‐LRP groups for functional and oncological outcomes at 12 months after surgery.
International Society of Urological Pathology (ISUP) Gleason Grade Groups stratify outcomes in the CHHiP Phase 3 prostate radiotherapy trial
Authors: Dearnaley David , Griffin Clare L. , Silva Pedro , Wilkins Anna , Stuttle Christine , Syndikus Isabel , Hassan Shama , Pugh Julia , Cruickshank Clare , Hall Emma , Corbishley Catherine M.
Published: July 2023

Objectives

To compare the results of Gleason Grade Group (GGG) classification following central pathology review with previous local pathology assessment, and to examine the difference between using overall and worst GGG in a large patient cohort treated with radiotherapy and short‐course hormone therapy.

Patients and Methods

Patients with low‐ to high‐risk localized prostate cancer were randomized into the multicentre CHHiP fractionation trial between 2002 and 2011. Patients received short‐course hormone therapy (≤6 month) and radical intensity‐modulated radiotherapy (IMRT). Of 2749 consented patients, 1875 had adequate diagnostic biopsy tissue for blinded central pathology review. The median follow‐up was 9.3 years. Agreement between local pathology and central pathology‐derived GGG and between central pathology‐derived overall and worst GGG was assessed using kappa (κ) statistics. Multivariate Cox regression and Kaplan–Meier methods were used to compare the biochemical/clinical failure (BCF) and distant metastases (DM) outcomes of patients with GGG 1–5.

Results

There was poor agreement between local pathology‐ and central pathology‐derived GGG (κ = 0.19) but good agreement between overall and worst GGG on central pathology review (κ = 0.89). Central pathology‐derived GGG stratified BCF and DM outcomes better than local pathology, while overall and worst GGG on central pathology review performed similarly. GGG 3 segregated with GGG 4 for BCF, with BCF‐free rates of 90%, 82%, 74%, 71% and 58% for GGGs 1–5, respectively, at 8 years when assessed using overall GGG. There was a progressive decrease in DM‐free rates from 98%, 96%, 92%, 88% and 83% for GGGs 1–5, respectively, at 8 years with overall GGG. Patients (n = 57) who were upgraded from GGG 2–3 using worst GS had BCF‐free and DM‐free rates of 74% and 92% at 8 years. CHHiP eligibility criteria limit the interpretation of these results.

Conclusion

Contemporary review of International Society of Urological Pathology GGG successfully stratified patients treated with short‐course hormone therapy and IMRT with regard to both BCF‐free and DM‐free outcomes. Patients upgraded from GGG 2 to GGG 3 using worst biopsy GS segregate with GGG 3 on long‐term follow‐up. We recommend that both overall and worst GS be used to derive GGG.
Novel Tu translation elongation factor, mitochondrial (TUFM) homozygous variant in a consanguineous family with premature ovarian insufficiency
Authors: Zhang Jun , Zhou Xing‐Yu , Wang Ao , Lai Yun‐Hui , Zhang Xiao‐Fei , Liu Xiao‐Tong , Wang Zhe , Liu Yu‐Dong , Tang Shu‐Yan , Chen Shi‐Ling
Published: July 2023

Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) is a clinical syndrome of ovarian dysfunction characterized by cessation of menstruation occurring before the age of 40 years. The genetic causes of idiopathic POI remain unclear. Here we recruited a POI patient from a consanguineous family to screen for potential pathogenic variants associated with POI. Genetic variants of the pedigree were screened using whole‐exome sequencing analysis and validated through direct Sanger sequencing. A homozygous variant in TUFM (c.524G>C: p.Gly175Ala) was identified in this family. TUFM (Tu translation elongation factor, mitochondrial) is a nuclear‐encoded mitochondrial protein translation elongation factor that plays a critical role in maintaining normal mitochondrial function. The variant position was highly conserved among species and predicted to be disease causing. Our in vitro functional studies demonstrated that this variant causes decreased TUFM protein expression, leading to mitochondrial dysfunction and impaired autophagy activation. Moreover, we found that mice with targeted Tufm variant recapitulated the phenotypes of human POI. Thus, this is the first report of a homozygous pathogenic TUFM variant in POI. Our findings highlighted the essential role of mitochondrial genes in folliculogenesis and ovarian function maintenance.
The clinical efficacy of autogenous dentin blocks prepared chairside for alveolar ridge augmentation: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Mahardawi Basel , Kyaw Thiha Tin , Mattheos Nikos , Pimkhaokham Atiphan
Published: July 2023

Objectives

This systematic review aimed to evaluate the current evidence on the effectiveness of autogenous dentin block graft prepared chairside for alveolar ridge augmentation and compare its clinical outcomes to the main available grafting materials and techniques.

Materials and Methods

Three databases were screened, including prospective clinical studies, utilizing autogenous dentin blocks for ridge augmentation, with at least 3 months of postoperative follow‐up.

Results

Eight articles were included, and four of them were meta‐analyzed. Dentin blocks demonstrated similar vertical bone gain and significantly higher width gain, compared to bone blocks (WMD = 0.03, 95% CI −0.51 to 0.57, p = .92 and WMD = 1.34, 95% CI 0.57 to 2.12, p = .0007, respectively). Vertical and horizontal resorption were similar between the two groups (WMD = −0.36, 95% CI −0.91 to 0.18, p = .19, and WMD = −0.47, 95% CI −1.05 to 0.11, p = .11, respectively). Dentin blocks showed more incidences of postoperative complications, however, with no statistical significance (RR = 4.30, 95% CI 0.97 to 18.96, p = .054). The need for additional augmentation upon implant placement was also similar between both grafts (RR = 0.95, 95% CI 0.39 to 2.28, p = .90). Recorded incidences of graft exposure were low (2.27%), and no study stated surgical site infection.

Conclusion

Within its limitations, this study indicates that the autogenous dentin blocks prepared chairside could be a possible alternative to the other established bone augmentation techniques for staged ridge augmentation. Nevertheless, future studies are needed to confirm its efficacy and implant success/survival in sites grafted with this material.
Wheat‐dependent exercise‐induced anaphylaxis: subtypes, diagnosis, and management
Authors: Faihs Valentina , Kugler Claudia , Schmalhofer Viktoria , Scherf Katharina Anne , Lexhaller Barbara , Mortz Charlotte G , Bindslev‐Jensen Carsten , Biedermann Tilo , Brockow Knut
Published: July 2023

Wheat‐dependent exercise‐induced anaphylaxis (WDEIA) is an IgE‐mediated food allergy with allergic symptoms ranging from intermittent urticaria to severe anaphylaxis that occurs when wheat ingestion is combined with augmenting cofactors such as exercise, non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs, or alcohol. In most cases, patients are identified by sensitization to ω5‐gliadins in the gluten fraction of wheat. ω5‐gliadin‐negative subtypes of WDEIA are often difficult to diagnose and may be caused by Tri a 14 (wheat lipid transfer protein), after percutaneous sensitization with hydrolyzed wheat proteins, or, in rare cases, by cross‐reactivity to grass pollen. Diagnosis is established based on the patients’ history in combination with serum IgE profile, skin testing, basophil activation tests, and challenge tests with cofactors. Individual dietary counselling remains the central pillar in the management of WDEIA patients. A completely wheat‐free diet is a possible option. However, this appears to promote tolerance less than continued regular consumption of gluten‐containing cereals in the absence of cofactors. All patients should have an emergency set for self‐treatment including an adrenaline autoinjector and receive adequate instruction. More data are needed on sublingual immunotherapy for WDEIA, a potentially promising therapeutic prospect. This article provides an overview of current knowledge on the diagnosis and management of WDEIA including an optimized challenge protocol using wheat gluten and cofactors.
Ethics and professionalism among community health workers in Tamil Nadu, India: A qualitative study
Authors: Gopichandran Vijayaprasad , Subramaniam Sudharshini , Palanisamy Balasubramanian , Chidambaram Priyadarshini
Published: July 2023

Community health workers (CHW) are the backbone of the public health system in developing countries. Little is known about the practice of ethics and professionalism in their work. This study was conducted to explore the experiential wisdom of ethics and professionalism among CHWs in Tamil Nadu. We conducted a qualitative study among 125 CHWs in six districts of Tamil Nadu. We found that the CHWs went beyond the call of their duty to do good to the community. Their conceptualization of autonomy ranged from shared to full paternalistic decision making. The CHWs were sensitive to issues of privacy and confidentiality, but the discussion on these topics were limited. They reflected the societal norms of gender, class, and caste hierarchies in their work. They had to work amidst difficult power struggles and had their own innovative strategies to subvert power. In conclusion, there is a need for framing a code of ethics and professionalism for CHWs and training in ethics and professionalism for them to help them effectively deliberate on ethical issues.
From objects of study to worldmaking beings: The history of botany at the corner of the plant turn
Authors: Gutierrez Kathleen Cruz
Published: July 2023

The “plant turn” of recent years has surfaced as an interdisciplinary position that sees plants as more than inert, passive objects subject to the whims of humans and of more charismatic animal life. Recent research in STEM, the social sciences, and the humanities, alongside scholarly publishing pursuits, have opened a field in which a small yet expanding community of scholars are proposing the worldmaking and agential capacities of plants. While the field of environmental history has already spent decades centering vegetal life and its profound impact on human societies, this essay considers what the plant turn might look like for the history of science and more specifically, the history of botany. What might it mean for plants to transform from objects of study to worldmaking beings in histories of the science? Drawing on two brief historical case studies from the Philippines, the essay invites consideration of plant worldmaking, understood in tandem with alternative ontologies, and of theorizing with plants. Though it may be much too soon to draw conclusions about what the plant turn may portend for the history of science (and the writing that may come from it), historians may have something to offer the plant turn—in discipline and method—in order to make this promising bed of scholarship rigorous and accessible.
Design process knowledge for crisis‐driven information systems solutions: Insights on building digital resilience from an action design research study
Authors: Tim Yenni , Chiew Thiam Kian , Lim Hooi Min , Teo Chin Hai , Ng Chirk Jenn
Published: July 2023

As global disruptions escalate, digital resilience (DR)—the capacity to anticipate, absorb, and adapt to external shocks by leveraging Information Systems (IS)—has become crucial for individuals and organisations confronting and managing unprecedented crises. This research advances understanding on how to develop DR, drawing on insights from an Action Design Research (ADR) study conducted during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Our research explores a particular facet of DR: the capacity to manage exogenous shocks through the design  of new IS solutions. We introduce the ADAPT framework, comprising five key enablers—Agility, Designation, Alignment, Participation, and Trust—recommended to support design teams developing IS solutions during and for crises. Our ADR project, which resulted in the creation of a telemonitoring system used by over 115 frontline healthcare workers to monitor the symptoms of more than 1000 COVID‐19 patients, demonstrates the instrumental role these five enablers play in supporting a crisis‐propelled IS design process that is urgent, resource‐limited, and multi‐partite. By presenting new design process knowledge and practical recommendations that guide crisis‐driven IS design, we aim to equip design teams with the understanding they need to effectively navigate similar challenges in the future. We also hope to inspire and support IS researchers to apply their expertise in the design, deployment, and use of IS solutions to contribute to crisis‐driven design endeavours that tackle the pressing and urgent challenges of our time.
Synthesis of new lead‐containing MAX phases of Zr3PbC2 and Hf3PbC2
Authors: Zhang Qiqiang , Wen Bo , Luo Jia , Zhou Yanchun , San Xingyuan , Bao Yiwang , Chu Longsheng , Feng Qingguo , Grasso Salvatore , Hu Chunfeng
Published: July 2023

In this work, two new 312 MAX phases of Zr3PbC2 and Hf3PbC2 were successfully synthesized by spark plasma sintering. It is the first discovery of lead‐containing 312 MAX phases, which together with M2PbC (M = Ti, Zr, Hf) form the lead‐containing MAX phase family. Considering the extremely low electrical conductivity of Hf2PbC, these two new compounds are of great research value. Based on the Rietveld refinement results, their lattice parameters and atomic positions were well determined, as a = 3.3771(5) Å, c = 20.0070(9) Å for Zr3PbC2 and a = 3.3357(1) Å, c = 19.7659(8) Å for Hf3PbC2, where M atoms are located at (0, 0, 0) and (1/3, 2/3, 0.1258(6)[Zr]; 0.1255(2)[Hf]), Pb atoms are located at (0, 0, 1/4), and C atoms are located at (1/3, 2/3, 0.0663(2)[Zr]; 0.0641(3)[Hf]), respectively. Additionally, the typical laminar microstructure of Zr3PbC2 and Hf3PbC2 grains was observed.
Space‐confined growth of CsPbBr3 nanocrystals in mesoporous KIT‐6 and application in LEDs
Authors: Zhu Mengmeng , Liu Yunpeng , Ding Haojie , Zhang Shulan , Qu Mujing , Xuan Tongtong , Li Huili
Published: July 2023

All‐inorganic CsPbX3 (X = Cl, Br, and I) perovskite nanocrystals (NCs) have great application prospects in many fields due to their excellent photoelectric properties. However, CsPbX3 NCs are extremely sensitive to water, heat, light, and oxygen, which leads to dramatic photoluminescence quenching and seriously restricts their future commercial applications. Herein, a novel, simple one‐step solution strategy for synthesizing high‐quality CsPbBr3 NCs was reported. By the combination of the hot‐injection process with the mesoporous template confinement effect of the KIT‐6 matrix, the space‐confined growth of NCs was precisely achieved. The CsPbBr3 NCs encapsulated by KIT‐6 (CsPbBr3@KIT‐6 composite) exhibited a uniform size, a high photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) of up to 82%, and a narrow full width at half‐maximum (FWHM) of 24 nm. Most importantly, CsPbBr3@KIT‐6 powder composites had dramatically enhanced light, thermal and water stability in comparison with colloidal CsPbBr3 NCs due to the dual protection of organic ligands and matrix templates. Ultimately, a white light‐emitting diode (LED) device was successfully fabricated by encapsulating a mixture of green‐emitting CsPbBr3@KIT‐6 composite and red‐emitting K2SiF6:Mn4+ phosphor onto a blue‐emitting InGaN LED chip. A color coordinate of (0.327, 0.337) and a wide color gamut of 128% NTSC well demonstrate their potential applications in lighting and display.