bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Green as the new status symbol: Examining green signaling effects among Gen Z and Millennial consumers
Authors: (Yeeun) Huh Jennifer , Kim Naeun Lauren
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Green signaling refers to the notion that environmentally friendly purchases signal consumers' prosociality and willingness to pay more, thus enhancing their social status. This study investigated the green signaling effect among Gen Z and Millennial consumers on social media by adopting costly signaling theory.

Design/methodology/approach

A series of experimental studies were conducted to test the hypotheses. Thus, a 2 (organic vs. nonorganic) × 2 (luxury vs. non-luxury) between-subjects design was used in Study 1 (150 participants) and a 2 (organic vs. nonorganic) × 2 (high vs. low brand authenticity) between-subjects design was employed in Study 2 (148 participants).

Findings

The results of Studies 1 and 2 confirmed the mediating role of perceived status in the relationship between apparel greenness and purchase intention. However, brand label and authenticity did not have a moderating influence. The overall findings confirmed the green signaling effect of organic apparel in the social media marketing context.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the existing literature by suggesting a cultural capital perspective for promoting green products among Gen Z and Millennial consumers. It also encourages marketers to implement green messaging on social media, highlighting the amount of resources and efforts invested in sustainable production.

Research limitations/implications

This study adopted existing brands to test the hypotheses, using images of female influencers.
Regina Jonas: a life of aspiration and inspiration
Authors: Wooten Zachary , Pierlott Matthew , Gittleson Elizabeth
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Leadership educators have the responsibility to help students hear the stories of those who may otherwise be forgotten. There is great value to unearthing the stories of those who have been cast aside due to neglect or malice, both historically and in contemporary society. Given the interdisciplinary nature of leadership education, we benefit from a historical lens which helps us to understand who we are and where we come from. One transformative leader whose story impacts us immensely and whose story we believe would benefit leadership educators to learn about is the story of Rabbi Regina Jonas, the first woman to be ordained as a Rabbi.

Design/methodology/approach

The article offers a rich narrative account of experiences, people and lessons learned when considering an impactful leader.

Findings

The often untold story of the first known woman rabbi shifts the male dominated narrative of leadership, particularly leadership in religious communities.

Originality/value

Though we have never met Regina Jonas, her story has shaped our study and practice of leadership and her triumphs live on in the spirits of women who lead with resilience, tenacity and fortitude today.
Digital leadership and innovative work behavior: impact of LMX, learning orientation and innovation capabilities
Authors: Ahmed Farooq , Naqshbandi M. Muzamil , Waheed Mehwish , Ain Noor ul
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Grounded in the Social Exchange theory, this study focuses on the perception of digital leadership and innovative work behaviors. It also examines the complex effects of leader-member exchange, learning orientation, and innovation capabilities.

Design/methodology/approach

We undertake a quantitative approach using a two-wave longitudinal field survey of 440 employees and managers from various backgrounds working in the automobile industry in France.

Findings

The findings based on Structural Equation Modeling reveal that the perception of digital leadership leads to innovative work behavior while leader-member exchange moderates between the perception of digital leadership and learning orientation. The findings also support the mediating roles of learning orientation and innovation capabilities.

Originality/value

The study contributes important policy suggestions, raises queries for additional investigation, and suggests theoretical and practical implications for leadership and organizational environmental factors to foster innovative work behaviors in organizations.
Enhancing infrastructure project delivery through lean construction: opportunities, challenges and implementation strategies
Authors: Moshood Taofeeq Durojaye , Rotimi James O.B. , Shahzad Wajiha , Salimon Maruf Gbadebo
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Over the past two decades, the construction sector has experienced a surge in projects fueled by substantial government investment in infrastructure. However, amid this growth, the industry grapples with persistent challenges. Meeting project deadlines and budgets remains a struggle, impacting the industry’s credibility. Therefore, this research intends to investigate the idea of lean construction in the construction sector and look at the obstacles facing the construction industry in implementing lean construction strategies.

Design/methodology/approach

The insights presented here result from content analysis performed on 206 articles, while the metadata analysis is based on 891 publications.

Findings

This study highlights numerous important characteristics that influence an organization’s capacity to accomplish lean construction using a systematic literature review approach.

Research limitations/implications

For forthcoming research seeking validation, utilizing a mixed-method approach could prove advantageous. Yet, it is crucial to recognize the constraints of the present study, primarily centered on the scope of the literature review.

Practical implications

This assessment will enhance comprehension of the lean construction concept, potentially encouraging the adopting of lean construction practices. Moreover, it could provide insights into effectively applying these methods in practice.

Originality/value

The literature review highlights the necessity for organizations to identify and address potential challenges they might encounter in implementing lean construction. An essential step in overcoming these obstacles involves exploring the concept of lean construction within the sector and assessing the hurdles constraining the implementation of lean construction strategies in the construction industry.
Commentary on: an evaluation of a speech and language therapy eating, drinking, and swallowing service for adults with intellectual disability (Crocker et al., 2024)
Authors: Stewart Kitty , Heckelmann Nina , Roos Alida
Published: May 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to expand upon some of the issues raised in “An evaluation of a speech and language therapy eating, drinking and swallowing service for adults with intellectual disability” (Crocker et al., 2024).

Design/methodology/approach

This commentary outlines considerations for multidisciplinary team working and professional roles both within and beyond the community learning disability team. It discusses models of service delivery and competency frameworks relating to eating, drinking and swallowing services.

Findings

Services should be integrated, include a broad multidisciplinary team and aim to increase competency in all contexts supporting people with eating, drinking and swallowing needs. Outcomes of service provision need to be measured outside of individualised care.

Originality/value

This paper broadens the discussion of quality of eating, drinking and swallowing services beyond speech and language therapy and considers a whole systems approach.
Risk factors associated with Rohingya refugee girls' education in Bangladesh: A multilevel analysis of survey data
Authors: Hossain Mobarak
Published: May 2024

In Bangladesh, the world's largest refugee settlement currently shelters approximately one million Rohingya refugees who fled Myanmar to escape military persecution. Educating a significant number of young Rohingya, roughly half of whom are female, presents a significant challenge. Despite the presence of learning centres (LCs) across refugee camps, Rohingya girls may encounter specific barriers to accessing education due to exposure to various risks, such as violence, child marriage, and trauma stemming from past military oppression. This paper investigates the association between these risk factors and Rohingya girls' likelihood of attending LCs, and how this association may vary across refugee camps. Using survey data and employing three‐level multilevel logistic regression models, I find that girls are less likely to attend LCs if they are at risk of encountering sexual abuse, child marriage, and psychological distress or trauma. These factors explain considerable variation in girls' LC attendance between camps and between households. In addition to providing more schooling opportunities to Rohingya children, prioritising girls' safety, protecting them from forced and child marriage, and supporting their psychological well‐being require increased policy attention.
In utero aspirin exposure and child neurocognitive development: A propensity score‐matched analysis
Authors: Zhu Jing , Gan Yuexin , Yang Cuiping , Gu Wei , Wang Yanlin , Zhang Jun , Liu Zhiwei
Published: May 2024

Objective

To evaluate the association between a short‐period, high‐dose in utero aspirin exposure and child neurocognitive development.

Design

A propensity score‐matched analysis of a multicentre prospective cohort study.

Setting

The US Collaborative Perinatal Project (1959–1976).

Population

A total of 50 565 singleton live births with maternal information.

Methods

We performed a propensity score matching to balance maternal characteristics between women with and without aspirin exposure. Inverse probability‐weighted marginal structural models were used to estimate associations between aspirin exposure and child neurocognitive assessments.

Main outcome measures

Child neurocognitive development was assessed using the Bayley Scales at 8 months, the Stanford Binet Intelligence Scale at 4 years, and the Wechsler Intelligence Scale and Wide‐Range Achievement Test (WRAT) at 7 years.

Results

Children exposed to aspirin in utero were associated with an 8%–16% reduced risk of having suspect/abnormal or below‐average scores in most neurocognitive assessments. A trend of lower risks of having suspect/abnormal or below‐average scores was further observed in children with in utero aspirin exposure for more than 7 days, particularly on Bayley Mental (relative risk [RR] 0.82, 95% CI 0.74–0.92), WRAT Reading (RR 0.88, 95% CI 0.78–0.98) and WRAT Arithmetic tests (RR 0.76, 95% CI 0.66–0.86). This association was mainly observed in the second trimester of pregnancy.

Conclusions

In utero aspirin exposure was associated with improved child neurocognitive development in a prospective cohort study. Further studies are warranted to evaluate the impact of long‐period and low‐dose in utero aspirin exposure on child short‐ and long‐term neurodevelopment.
‘Vitamin B17’: Killing more than cancer
Authors: Berling Ingrid , Brown Jared , Toy Brendan
Published: May 2024

Objective

Vitamin B17 tablets are sold (online) as an alternative cancer therapy medication. Its use however is not benign, given that it is metabolised into hydrogen cyanide. We aimed to measure the number of calls received by the New South Wales Poisons Information Centre (NSW PIC) regarding Amygdalin exposures.

Methods

A retrospective review of all amygdalin/cyanogenic glycoside product ingestion exposure calls to NSW PIC between 2015 and 2022.

Results

There were 120 unique exposure calls. Eighty‐two (68%) were regarding minor exposures, with the remaining 38 (32%) of calls involving patients who had either a signifcant history or symptoms to prompt referral to hospital or were already seeking advice from a treating hospital clinican.

Conclusion

There is a significant burden of concern generated from the misuse of cyanogenic glycoside products for cancer prevention and treatment, which can result in hospital admission carrying significant health risk and expenditure.
Firm‐level political risk and bank loan contracting
Authors: Saffar Walid , Wang Yang , Wei K. C. John
Published: May 2024

We investigate the impact of firm‐level political risk on loan contracting. We find that firm‐level political risk is positively associated with bank loan cost and that this effect is stronger for firms experiencing increased operational uncertainty and higher default risks. Firm‐level political risk also leads to more unfavorable non‐pricing loan terms. To alleviate endogeneity concerns, we use an instrumental variable approach and placebo tests. We further find that political connections and relationship‐based borrowing can attenuate the adverse effect of firm‐level political risk on loan contracting.
A new robust covariance matrix estimation for high‐dimensional microbiome data
Authors: Wang Jiyang , Liang Wanfeng , Li Lijie , Wu Yue , Ma Xiaoyan
Published: May 2024

Microbiome data typically lie in a high‐dimensional simplex. One of the key questions in metagenomic analysis is to exploit the covariance structure for this kind of data. In this paper, a framework called approximate‐estimate‐threshold (AET) is developed for the robust basis covariance estimation for high‐dimensional microbiome data. To be specific, we first construct a proxy matrix , which is almost indistinguishable from the real basis covariance matrix . Then, any estimator satisfying some conditions can be used to estimate . Finally, we impose a thresholding step on to obtain the final estimator . In particular, this paper applies a Huber‐type estimator , and achieves robustness by only requiring the boundedness of 2+ moments for some . We derive the convergence rate of under the spectral norm, and provide theoretical guarantees on support recovery. Extensive simulations and a real example are used to illustrate the empirical performance of our method.
Early ophthalmic growth deficits in preterm‐born children are not compensated for during later development
Authors: Fledelius Hans C.
Published: May 2024

The renewed focus on eye growth in preterm‐born children was primarily triggered by Danish cohort studies, including the Copenhagen Project, which focused on children born from 1959–1961. The retinotoxic effects of excessive oxygen on premature neonates had long been clarified and therapeutically adjusted for. Later, ultrasound oculometry and keratometry established that ocular size deficits, linked to development, also occurred in normally developing children, not just frail outliers. This indicated that general catch‐up had not been achieved. This paper discusses whether one early segment of eye development does not occur in preterm, and here even in more robust neonates, without later compensation.
Socio‐economic association of alcohol use disorder and cardiovascular and alcohol‐associated liver disease from 2010 to 2019
Authors: Danpanichkul Pojsakorn , Chen Vincent L. , Chaiyakunapruk Nathorn , Auttapracha Thanida , Kongarin Siwanart , Ng Cheng Han , Duangsonk Kwanjit , Muthiah Mark D. , Sukphutanan Banthoon , Sim Benedix , Huang Daniel Q. , Seko Yuya , Lee Brian P. , Takahashi Hirokazu , Noureddin Mazen , Lazarus Jeffrey V. , Díaz Luis Antonio , Arab Juan Pablo , Mellinger Jessica Leigh , Liangpunsakul Suthat , Wijarnpreecha Karn
Published: May 2024

Backgrounds and Aims

Alcohol use leads to disabilities and deaths worldwide. It not only harms the liver but also causes alcohol use disorder (AUD) and heart disease. Additionally, alcohol consumption contributes to health disparities among different socio‐economic groups.

Methods

We estimated global and regional trends in the burden of AUD, liver disease, and cardiovascular disease from alcohol using the methodology of the Global Burden of Disease study.

Results

In 2019, the highest disability‐adjusted life years rate per 100,000 population was due to AUD (207.31 [95% Uncertainty interval (UI) 163.71–261.66]), followed by alcohol‐associated liver disease (ALD) (133.31 [95% UI 112.68–156.17]). The prevalence rate decreased for AUD (APC [annual percentage change] −0.38%) and alcohol‐induced cardiomyopathy (APC −1.85%) but increased for ALD (APC 0.44%) and liver cancer (APC 0.53%). Although the mortality rate for liver cancer from alcohol increased (APC 0.30%), mortality rates from other diseases decreased. Between 2010 and 2019, the burden of alcohol‐associated complications increased in countries with low and low‐middle sociodemographic index (SDI), contributing more significantly to the global burden.

Conclusion

The global burden of AUD, liver, and cardiovascular disease has been high and increasing over the past decade, particularly for liver complications. Lower SDI countries are contributing more to this global burden. There is a pressing need for effective strategies to address this escalating burden.
Is mechanical bowel preparation necessary to reduce surgical site infection following colon surgery? Protocol for a multicentre Canadian randomized controlled trial
Authors: Ghuman Amandeep , Schmocker Selina , Brar Mantaj S. , Kennedy Erin D.
Published: May 2024

Aim

There is significant practice variation with respect to the use of bowel preparation to reduce surgical site infection (SSI) following colon surgery. Although intravenous antibiotics + mechanical bowel preparation + oral antibiotics (IVA + MBP + OA) has been shown to be superior to IVA + MBP and IVA, there are insufficient high‐quality data from randomized controlled trails (RCTs) that directly compare these options. This is an important question, because if IVA + OA has similar effectiveness to IVA + MBP + OA, mechanical bowel preparation can be safely omitted, and the associated side effects avoided. The aim of this work is to compare rates of SSI following IVA + OA + MBP (MBP) versus IVA + OA (OA) for elective colon surgery.

Method

This is a multicentre, parallel, two‐arm, noninferiority RCT comparing IVA + OA + MBP versus IVA + OA. The primary outcome is the overall rate of SSI 30 days following surgery. Secondary outcomes are length of stay and 30‐day emergency room visit and readmission rates. The planned sample size is 1062 subjects with four participating high‐volume centres. Overall SSI rates 30 days following surgery between the treatment groups will be compared using a general linear model. Secondary outcomes will be analysed with linear regression for continuous outcomes, logistic regression for binary outcomes and modified Poisson regression for count data.

Conclusion

It is expected that IVA + OA will work similarly to IVA + MBP + OA and that this work will provide definitive evidence showing that MBP is not necessary to reduce SSI. This is highly relevant to both patients and physicians as it will have the potential to significantly change practice and outcomes following colon surgery in Canada and beyond.
Effects of a perioperative educational pathway on ostomy self‐care, level of independence and need for visiting nurse services: a comparative observational cohort study
Authors: van Pelt Kirsten A. A. J. , van Loon Yu Ting , Schots Judith P. M. , Ketelaers Stijn H. J. , Zimmerman David D. E. , Nieuwenhuijzen Grard A. P. , Rutten Harm J. T. , Burger Jacobus W. A. , Bloemen Johanne G.
Published: May 2024

Aim

Most new ostomy patients are not able to manage ostomy self‐care when they are discharged and rely on visiting nurse services for ostomy care. The aim of this study was to determine if a perioperative ostomy educational pathway increases the level of independence and decreases the need for visiting nurse services in new ostomy patients.

Method

A prospective longitudinal study was conducted between July 2018 and February 2020. Patients who received a colostomy or ileostomy and were treated on the surgery ward were included. Patients who followed a perioperative ostomy educational pathway were compared to a historical control group. The primary outcome measure was the level of independence in ostomy care and the need for visiting nurse services.

Results

After discharge, 67.6% of patients in the intervention group (n = 244) were able to independently perform ostomy care and were therefore not relying on visiting nurse services, compared to 15.2% of the patients in the control group (n = 33). The need for visiting nurse services was higher in patients aged ≥70 years (OR 3.20, P < 0.001), those who did not attend the preoperative practice session (OR 3.02, P = 0.002), those with a history of transient ischaemic attack (OR 10.22, P = 0.045) and those with mild cognitive impairment (OR 28.98, P = 0.002).

Conclusion

A perioperative ostomy educational pathway effectively increased the level of independence and decreased the need for visiting nurse services in new ostomy patients.
Population pharmacokinetics and CD20 binding dynamics for mosunetuzumab in relapsed/refractory B‐cell non‐Hodgkin lymphoma
Authors: Bender Brendan , Li Chi‐Chung , Marchand Mathilde , Turner David C. , Li Feifei , Vadhavkar Shweta , Wang Bei , Deng Rong , Lu James , Jin Jin , Li Chunze , Yin Shen , Wei Michael , Chanu Pascal
Published: May 2024

Mosunetuzumab (Mosun) is a CD20xCD3 T‐cell engaging bispecific antibody that redirects T cells to eliminate malignant B cells. The approved step‐up dose regimen of 1/2/60/30 mg IV is designed to mitigate cytokine release syndrome (CRS) and maximize efficacy in early cycles. A population pharmacokinetic (popPK) model was developed from 439 patients with relapsed/refractory B‐Cell Non‐Hodgkin lymphoma receiving Mosun IV monotherapy, including fixed dosing (0.05–2.8 mg IV every 3 weeks (q3w)) and Cycle 1 step‐up dosing groups (0.4/1/2.8–1/2/60/30 mg IV q3w). Prior to Mosun treatment, ~50% of patients had residual levels of anti‐CD20 drugs (e.g., rituximab or obinutuzumab) from prior treatment. CD20 receptor binding dynamics and rituximab/obinutuzumab PK were incorporated into the model to calculate the Mosun CD20 receptor occupancy percentage (RO%) over time. A two‐compartment model with time‐dependent clearance (CL) best described the data. The typical patient had an initial CL of 1.08 L/day, transitioning to a steady‐state CL of 0.584 L/day. Statistically relevant covariates on PK parameters included body weight, albumin, sex, tumor burden, and baseline anti‐CD20 drug concentration; no covariate was found to have a clinically relevant impact on exposure at the approved dose. Mosun CD20 RO% was highly variable, attributed to the large variability in residual baseline anti‐CD20 drug concentration (median = 10 μg/mL). The 60 mg loading doses increased Mosun CD20 RO% in Cycle 1, providing efficacious exposures in the presence of the competing anti‐CD20 drugs. PopPK model simulations, investigating Mosun dose delays, informed treatment resumption protocols to ensure CRS mitigation.
Associations of cold‐inducible RNA‐binding protein with bacterial load, proinflammatory cytokines and mortality from pneumonia
Authors: Guo Qi , Li Hai‐yan , Zeng Chao , Lü Zhong‐dong , Jiang Mei
Published: May 2024

Cold‐inducible RNA‐binding protein (CIRP) is a damage‐associated molecular pattern that plays a critical role in triggering inflammatory responses. It remains unknown whether CIRP is strongly associated with bacterial load, inflammatory response, and mortality in sepsis model. Pneumonia was induced in specific pathogen‐free 8–9‐week old male rats by injecting bacteria via puncture of the tracheal cartilage. The expressions of CIRP and proinflammatory cytokines [tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) and IL‐1β] in lung tissues, alveolar macrophages (AMs), plasma, and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were determined by reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction, western blotting, and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. The numbers of bacteria recovered from the lungs were correlated with the bacterial loads injected and mortality. The expressions of CIRP increased sharply as the bacterial loads increased in the lung tissues and AMs. The amounts of TNF‐α, IL‐6 and IL‐1β proteins synthesized were dependent on the bacterial load in the lung tissues. Releases of CIRP, TNF‐α, IL‐6, and IL‐1β increased with the bacterial load in the blood plasma. The proteins confirmed similar patterns in the BALF. CIRP was strongly associated with the releases of TNF‐α, IL‐6, and IL‐1β in the lung tissues, blood plasma, and BALF, and showed a close correlation with mortality. CIRP demonstrated a strong association with bacterial load, which is new evidence, and close correlations with proinflammatory cytokines and mortality of pneumonia in rats, suggesting that it might be an interesting pneumonic biomarker for monitoring host response and predicting mortality, and a promising target for immunotherapy.
Nuclear long diameter as a new criterion to distinguish high‐grade urothelial carcinoma cells from benign reactive cells
Authors: Sakumo Kazuma , Tamura Juri , Nakamura Akihiro , Nukaya Takuhisa , Sofue Tadashi , Haba Reiji , Itoh Tomoo , Kamoshida Shingo , Ohsaki Hiroyuki
Published: May 2024

Objective

Recently, the nuclear area has attracted attention as a morphological parameter to differentiate high‐grade urothelial carcinoma (HGUC) cells from benign reactive cells. The nuclear long diameter (NLD) strongly correlates with the nuclear area and is easy to subjectively estimate. Therefore, this study examined the usefulness of the NLD‐to‐neutrophil diameter ratio for detecting HGUC cells in urine cytology.

Methods

This study included 29, 26 and 18 patients with HGUC, glomerular disease and urolithiasis respectively. An image analysis system was used to measure the NLD of HGUC and benign reactive cells (reactive renal tubular cells and reactive urothelial cells) and the neutrophil diameter that appeared in the voided urine in these cases. The NLD index was calculated using the NLD‐to‐neutrophil diameter ratio. We subsequently compared HGUC and benign reactive cells with respect to NLD and NLD indices. In addition, the HGUC cell group and benign reactive cell group were compared by selecting the five cells with the largest NLD and NLD index on each slide.

Results

The NLD and NLD indices of HGUC cells were significantly higher than those of benign reactive cells in all cells and in the five cells with the largest NLD and NLD indices. The cut‐off value of the NLD index for detecting HGUC cells was 1.25 in all cells and 1.80 in the five cells with the largest NLD index.

Conclusions

The NLD index is a useful parameter that can be introduced into routine microscopic examinations to differentiate HGUC cells from benign reactive cells.
Consequences of domestication in eastern oyster: Insights from whole genomic analyses
Authors: Zhao Honggang , Guo Ximing , Wang Wenlu , Wang Zhenwei , Rawson Paul , Wilbur Ami , Hare Matthew
Published: May 2024

Selective breeding for production traits has yielded relatively rapid successes with high‐fecundity aquaculture species. Discovering the genetic changes associated with selection is an important goal for understanding adaptation and can also facilitate better predictions about the likely fitness of selected strains if they escape aquaculture farms. Here, we hypothesize domestication as a genetic change induced by inadvertent selection in culture. Our premise is that standardized culture protocols generate parallel domestication effects across independent strains. Using eastern oyster as a model and a newly developed 600K SNP array, this study tested for parallel domestication effects in multiple independent selection lines compared with their progenitor wild populations. A single contrast was made between pooled selected strains (1–17 generations in culture) and all wild progenitor samples combined. Population structure analysis indicated rank order levels of differentiation as [wild − wild] < [wild − cultured] < [cultured − cultured]. A genome scan for parallel adaptation to the captive environment applied two methodologically distinct outlier tests to the wild versus selected strain contrast and identified a total of 1174 candidate SNPs. Contrasting wild versus selected strains revealed the early evolutionary consequences of domestication in terms of genomic differentiation, standing genetic diversity, effective population size, relatedness, runs of homozygosity profiles, and genome‐wide linkage disequilibrium patterns. Random Forest was used to identify 37 outlier SNPs that had the greatest discriminatory power between bulked wild and selected oysters. The outlier SNPs were in genes enriched for cytoskeletal functions, hinting at possible traits under inadvertent selection during larval culture or pediveliger setting at high density. This study documents rapid genomic changes stemming from hatchery‐based cultivation of eastern oysters, identifies candidate loci responding to domestication in parallel among independent aquaculture strains, and provides potentially useful genomic resources for monitoring interbreeding between farm and wild oysters.
Spermine and spermidine inhibit or induce programmed cell death in Arabidopsis thaliana in vitro and in vivo in a dose‐dependent manner
Authors: Burke Rory , Nicotra Daniele , Phelan Jim , Downey Frances , McCabe Paul F. , Kacprzyk Joanna
Published: May 2024

Polyamines are ubiquitous biomolecules with a number of established functions in eukaryotic cells. In plant cells, polyamines have previously been linked to abiotic and biotic stress tolerance, as well as to the modulation of programmed cell death (PCD), with contrasting reports on their pro‐PCD and pro‐survival effects. Here, we used two well‐established platforms for the study of plant PCD, Arabidopsis thaliana suspension cultures cells and the root hair assay, to examine the roles of the polyamines spermine and spermidine in the regulation of PCD. Using these systems for precise quantification of cell death rates, we demonstrate that both polyamines can trigger PCD when applied exogenously at higher doses, whereas at lower concentrations they inhibit PCD induced by both biotic and abiotic stimuli. Furthermore, we show that concentrations of polyamines resulting in inhibition of PCD generated a transient ROS burst in our experimental system, and activated the expression of oxidative stress‐ and pathogen response‐associated genes. Finally, we examined PCD responses in existing Arabidopsis polyamine synthesis mutants, and identified a subtle PCD phenotype in Arabidopsis seedlings deficient in thermo‐spermine. The presented data show that polyamines can have a role in PCD regulation; however, that role is dose‐dependent and consequently they may act as either inhibitors, or inducers, of PCD in Arabidopsis.
Managerial focus and investment efficiency: Evidence from spin‐offs
Authors: Choi Yoon K. , Kim Yong H. , Lee Suin , Park Jung Chul
Published: May 2024

We explore investment efficiency before and after a spin‐off to assess whether post‐spinoff managerial structure helps maintain investment efficiency. Our findings reveal that the investment efficiency of parent firms remains significant when there is a clear separation of management between the parent and spun‐off firms. However, a considerable decline in efficiency is observed after the spin‐off in cases where there is overlapping management. This decrease in efficiency is particularly pronounced when the parent and spun‐off firms operate in different industries and are geographically distant from each other. Furthermore, we show that inefficient alignment of incentives for the overlapped management exacerbates this decline in investment efficiency.
Thermomechanical and physicochemical evolution of meat‐analogue based fried foods
Authors: Bhuiyan Md. Hafizur Rahman , Ngadi Michael
Published: May 2024

This study aimed to get mechanistic insights on the evolution of major quality attributes of meat‐analogue (MA) based batter‐coated fried products. Wheat and rice flour‐based batter systems were used to coat a MA. The products were deep‐fried at 180°C for 4 min in canola oil and their post‐fry quality changes at room environment (RE, 25°C) and under IR‐heating (65 °C) were investigated. Results showed that in addition to moisture‐fat profile, batter coating substantially (P < 0.05) influenced the development of thermal, textural, colour and microstructural traits of MA. Post‐fry colour changes (ΔE value: 3.1 to 10.4) in MA‐based coated product continued under IR‐heating (65 °C). Evolution of the thermal, textural and colour attributes of MA‐based coated products were significantly (P < 0.05) influenced by the formulation of outer batter coatings. Moisture migration occurred from high moisture (ranged from 1.07 to 1.25 g g−1 dry matter) containing core to dry (moisture ranged from 0.15 to 0.59 g g−1 dry matter) crust region of MA‐based coated fried product, where the moisture migration was interlaced with batter formulations. Holding environment and duration substantially (P < 0.05) impacted the textural properties (hardness, brittleness and crispiness) of MA‐based coated fried product. Glass transition temperature (Tg) of coated fried products were ranged between −20.4 to −23.0 °C, that explains quality changes at RE and under IR‐heating. Scanning electron microscopic image analysis (surface openings: 5.7 to 27.31%; fractal dimension: 2.555 to 2.702) revealed the impact of surface microstructure and mass‐transfer modulated textural development in MA‐based coated products. FTIR spectroscopy revealed surface chemical profile in relation to colour evolution of MA‐based fried products. Principal component analysis outcome (PC1: 52.9.% and PC2: 25.8%) revealed varying extent of correlation between studied thermomechanical and physicochemical attributes.
Low‐level elevations in high‐sensitivity cardiac troponin predict obstructive coronary artery disease and revascularisation in rural patients with non‐ST‐elevation myocardial infarction referred for coronary angiography
Authors: Lan Nick S. R. , Goh Angela , Dwivedi Girish , Hillis Graham S. , Rankin James M. , Chew Derek P. , Ihdayhid Abdul Rahman
Published: May 2024

Rural patients with non‐ST‐elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) are transferred to metropolitan hospitals for invasive coronary angiography (ICA). Yet, many do not have obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD). In this analysis of rural Western Australian patients transferred for ICA for NSTEMI, low‐level elevations in high‐sensitivity cardiac troponin (≤5× upper reference limit) were associated with less obstructive CAD and revascularisation. Along with other factors, this may help identify rural patients not requiring transfer for ICA.
Nursing students’ self‐esteem levels and attitudes toward the nursing profession
Authors: Yeşilyurt Sude , Kendirkiran Gülcan
Published: May 2024

Aim

This study aimed to examine nursing students’ self‐esteem levels and attitudes toward the nursing profession.

Background

Although it is important to choose a profession that will make the person happy in many aspects such as one's abilities, interests, values, attitudes, personal goals, and social expectations, it has an important place, especially in a profession such as nursing, which involves intense emotional and physical load.

Methods

The study population was 390 nursing students at a foundation university in Istanbul, while the sample included 202 students. Data were collected between January 16, 2023, and February 15, 2023, with the Demographic Data Collection Tool, Coopersmith Self‐Esteem Inventory, and the Attitude Scale for Nursing Profession. The data were analyzed using the SPSS 27.0 program. The STROBE checklist was used to report the study.

Results

The mean age of the participants was 20.79 ± 1.72 (years), among which 65.3% were in the 20–22 age range, 76.7% were female, and 29.7% were in the first grade. A positive but very weak relationship was found between the Coopersmith Self‐Esteem Inventory and the Attitude Scale for Nursing Profession scores (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

The results show that professionalization and socialization processes greatly affect nursing students’ self‐esteem. Considering the extended period that students spend in academic institutions under the guidance of faculty members, this matter deserves greater attention.

Implications for nursing

While developing the curriculum and education process, factors that support the development of self‐esteem in nursing students should be taken into account and initiatives should be planned to increase positive attitudes toward the profession. Nursing students can gain different perspectives by spending more time with nurses in hospitals.
Modeling the cost‐effectiveness of school‐based supervised toothbrushing program in reducing the dental caries burden in India
Authors: Sharda Shweta , Gupta Arpit , Jyani Gaurav , Prinja Shankar , Goyal Ashima
Published: May 2024

Background

Supervised toothbrushing (STB) significantly reduces the incidence and progression of dental caries. School years present a favorable age for introducing such healthy habits for a lifetime.

Aim

To estimate the cost‐effectiveness of implementing a STB program in India in preventing dental caries incidence.

Design

An operational framework of a national STB program was devised. A mathematical model was then developed to evaluate this program's clinical effectiveness and economic impact in the Indian scenario. This study considered a hypothetical cohort of the Indian population aged from 6 to 75 years. Two groups were compared: no intervention and STB in government schools. The health outcomes assessed were a number of tooth caries incidences averted and quality‐adjusted life years gained.

Results

The STB program in the government schools of India would prevent at least one tooth from developing caries in an individual's lifetime. Considering the current treatment‐seeking behavior, the STB program saves INR 153 (US$ 1.95) per carious tooth incidence averted and INR 22 202 (US$ 283) per QALY gained.

Conclusion

In India, the school‐based STB program is expected to be a cost‐effective strategy for reducing the dental caries burden and its associated treatment costs.
Desiring support on a winding road with challenging intersections: Social and professional support for sexual minority forced migrant men
Authors: Carlsson Tommy , Isaac Rummage , Ainembabazi Ronah , Eldebo Anna , Yasin Sumera , Gottvall Maria
Published: May 2024

Aim

To explore experiences of social and health professional support among sexual minority forced migrant men.

Design

Exploratory qualitative study.

Methods

Individual semi‐structured interviews were conducted in 2023 with 15 participants recruited through convenience, purposive and snowball sampling. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed and analysed with systematic text condensation in a collaborative process between researchers and experts by lived experience.

Results

The first category was ‘desiring support along a road with challenging intersections’. Participants encountered a harsh reality and dangers in the host country. They sought social connections and communicated with others whilst in a social labyrinth within a new and reserved society. Although social support was desired and highly appreciated, the process involved a spectrum of both belonging and exclusion. The second category was ‘navigating uncharted waters when seeking affirming health services’. A range of barriers to health services were encountered in a complex health system. Participants emphasized the importance of safe and affirming spaces that accommodate the vulnerability of disclosure.

Conclusion

Ensuring respectful and affirming support for sexual minority forced migrants is essential. Barriers in accessing health services need to be addressed, including informing about rights and ensuring safety.

Implication for the Professional and Patient Care

Nurses and other health professionals can consider social support as a potentially valuable resource for health promotion. However, there is a need for more research investigating its mental health effects.

Impact

The intersectional disadvantages and discrimination encountered by sexual minority forced migrants call attention to the need for further advancements in inclusion health and affirming care.

Reporting Method

This study adhered to the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research.

Patient or Public Contribution

Three sexual minority forced migrants were members of the research team. They were involved in the data collection, analysis and reporting in close collaboration with researchers.
Social group membership and biomarkers of health
Authors: McMahon Grace , Howard Siobhán , Manunta Efisio , Griffin Siobhán , Bradshaw Daragh , Nightingale Alastair , Muldoon Orla T.
Published: May 2024

The benefits of group membership for self‐reported measures of health are well documented; however, the processes by which they can influence biological health outcomes via cardiovascular and neuroendocrine responses to stress, remains under explored. In the present study, we aim to address this gap by examining if belonging to a social group affects cardiovascular (systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and heart rate) and cortisol reactivity to stress. Using secondary data from the Pittsburgh Cold Study, 213 healthy adults (123 men, 90 women; Mage = 30.13, SD = 10.85) underwent a standardized laboratory stress‐testing session. During the 2.25 h session, participants completed psychometric measures including the Social Network Index (Cohen, 1997), while biological measurements were assessed noninvasively using the Critikon Dynamap Monitor. Results showed that participants who belonged to a social group demonstrated enhanced patterns of cardiovascular adaptation to stress (i.e., peak responding at initial stress exposure, then gradual decline). This suggests that those who belong to a group have greater physiological stress tolerance, thus indicating the benefits of group membership for biomarkers of health in the long term.
Conservative Interventions for Urinary Incontinence on Postpartum Women: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Chen Lixia , Han Ying , Wang Liang , Zhang Han , Zheng Yanan , Zhang Rui , Meng Ge , Zhang Yin‐Ping , Ji Daihong
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Urinary incontinence (UI) is common in postpartum women and can lead to a reduced quality of life and withdrawal from fitness and exercise activities. Conservative management interventions such as pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT), use of vaginal cones, and biofeedback have been recommended as first‐line treatment. We aimed to explore the effects of conservative interventions on UI rate, severity, and incontinence‐specific quality of life in postpartum women with UI.

Methods

Nine databases were searched from inception to August 2022: PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, CINAHL, Wanfang, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, China Biological Medicine, and VIP Journal Integration Platform. Randomized controlled trials examining the effects of conservative interventions on postpartum UI were included.

Results

Initial searches produced 1839 results, of which 17 studies were eligible. All included studies had a low to moderate risk of bias. Supervised PFMT and use of a vaginal cone were more effective than individual PFMT in decreasing rates of UI (odds ratio, 0.29; 95% CI, 0.14‐0.61). Individual PFMT combined with acupuncture (mean difference, −1.91; 95% CI, −2.46 to −1.37) or electroacupuncture and supervised PFMT combined with moxibustion were more effective than individual supervised PFMT alone in improving the severity of symptoms. Furthermore, electrical stimulation and biofeedback combined with acupoint stimulation or core training were more effective than electrical stimulation and biofeedback alone. For improving the incontinence‐specific quality of life, supervised PFMT was more efficacious than individual PFMT; electrical stimulation and biofeedback plus core training were more beneficial than electrical stimulation and biofeedback alone.

Discussion

Supervised PFMT and use of a vaginal cone were more beneficial in decreasing rates of UI compared with individual PFMT. Superior effects in decreasing UI severity may be achieved by combining PFMT or electrical simulation and biofeedback with other therapies. Electrical stimulation and biofeedback plus core training, as well as supervised PFMT, are most effective in improving incontinence‐specific quality of life. Further research is required to provide more evidence on the efficacy of these therapies.
A relational perspective on how and when follower attachment style impacts job performance: The moderating role of leader neuroticism
Authors: Lee Allan , Lyubovnikova Joanne , Thomas Geoff , Schwarz Gary , Cao Jie
Published: May 2024

We integrate insights from attachment theory and relational leadership to develop a novel interpersonal explanation of why, how and when followers' attachment anxiety and avoidance impact performance. Drawing on the attachment system dynamics model, we posit that attachment avoidance will be negatively related to LMX quality, whereas attachment anxiety will be positively related to LMX ambivalence. Furthermore, we predict that followers' anxious (and avoidant) attachment styles will interact with leader neuroticism leading to a hyperactivation (deactivation) of the attachment system, manifesting in greater LMX ambivalence (and lower LMX quality). Across three studies, we found consistent evidence for a positive relationship between follower attachment anxiety and LMX ambivalence, as well as an indirect effect between attachment anxiety and job performance. Leader neuroticism was especially likely to induce LMX ambivalence and, in turn, undermine job performance in anxiously attached followers. Attachment avoidance, although unaffected by leader neuroticism, was negatively related to LMX quality across all three studies and demonstrated an indirect effect on job performance in Study 3. Overall, our findings shed light on the unique explanatory power of relational mechanisms, beyond previously examined intrapersonal mechanisms, for understanding the attachment style–performance relationship as well as the role that leader characteristics play in triggering the attachment system in anxious followers.
Who believes in a just world? A multilevel latent profile analysis of Justice Capital using the European Social Survey
Authors: Bartholomaeus Jonathan
Published: May 2024

Objective

Justice Capital provides a theoretical framework for explaining individual differences in the belief in a just world (BJW). However, this framework has yet to receive empirical validation.

Method

Using Round 9 of the European Social Survey, a large (n = 43,209) multi‐country (N = 29) sample, I conduct multilevel latent profile analysis and multilevel multinomial logistic regression to determine the latent profiles that emerge at a population level and map the demographic and experiential covariates of these profiles.

Results

Incorporating measures of general BJW, distributive and procedural justice, and the belief in equality of opportunity, I find three latent profiles: meritocrats, moderates, and egalitarians. Compared with egalitarians, meritocrats (strong just world believers) are more likely to be male; younger; have a higher income; have attained more years of education; to be politically conservative; and have no recent experience of discrimination or crime. Meritocrats were overrepresented in countries with a higher Human Development Index.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates the feasibility of Justice Capital for understanding individual variation in general BJW and related justice beliefs; discussion centers on anomalous findings and extension of this theoretical framework.