bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Keeping them honest? Exploring the impact of labor unions on CSR
Authors: Dawkins Cedric E. , Youm Yoo Na
Published: April 2024

Purpose

The role of labor unions in relation to corporate social responsibility (CSR) remains both ambiguous and crucial for union members and business leaders. Given the complex relationship between labor unions and corporations, this study aims to address whether labor unions keep corporations honest (by monitoring CSR activities) or potentially render CSR initiatives less necessary.

Design/methodology/approach

Using data from the MSCI Kinder, Lydenberg, Domini Database for firms in the Russell 1000 Index, this study examines the link between labor unions and CSR in U.S. companies over a six year period. Generalized least squares models were used to test the hypotheses for 3,937 firm-year observations.

Findings

The findings show that unionized companies generally pay less attention to CSR compared to nonunionized ones. The presence of labor unions and positive union-management relations both show a significant negative impact on CSR ratings, where positive union-management relations negatively affect CSR ratings more than just the presence of labor unions. Further, when considering the environmental, social and governance aspects of CSR separately, the results are more complex, suggesting that the relationship between labor unions and CSR varies depending on specific ESG dimensions.

Originality/value

CSR, a well-researched area, rarely addresses the companies' relationships with labor unions. Studies in South Korea and the UK have touched on the impact of labor unions on CSR, but in the USA it remains unexplored. This study extends this line of work by examining U.S. companies.
Quantification of the dark fungal taxon Cryptomycota using qPCR
Authors: Stüer‐Patowsky Katrin , Lilje Osu , Wurzbacher Christian
Published: April 2024

Fungi are present in a wide variety of natural environments, and in the last years, various studies have shown that they are quite abundant in aquatic ecosystems. In addition, a whole new highly diverse phylum, the Cryptomycota, was discovered. Nevertheless, research on aquatic fungi and a detailed evaluation of their functions and distribution are still sparse. One of the main reasons is a limitation in reliable identification and quantification methods. To bridge part of the research gap, this study aims to implement a quantitative PCR method to detect and quantify the newly discovered phylum. We developed and validated a Cryptomycota‐specific qPCR primer pair targeting the 5.8S region that detects the majority of Cryptomycota, but Microsporidia. The resulting amplicon is 102 bp long. We used different environmental samples to evaluate the primer pair, various fungal sequences as negative control and positive control sequences. Obtained amplicons were sequenced using Illumina, and the obtained ASVs were all classified as Cryptomycota. The qPCR method works reliably and specifically for the quantification of Cryptomycota in environmental samples.
Relationship between human epididymal protein 4 and depth of tumor invasion, postoperative recurrence, and metastasis of epithelial epithelial ovarian cancer
Authors: Li Yan , Yu Chunxiang , Li Hui , Feng Yan , Fan Panhong , Chen Xiaohui
Published: April 2024

This study aimed to analyze the relationship between human epididymal protein 4 (HE4) and infiltration depth, postoperative recurrence, and metastasis of epithelial ovarian cancer (OVCA). Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expression level of HE4 in cancer tissues and adjacent tissues of 90 patients with epithelial OVCA admitted to our hospital from May 2017 to January 2018. Cox regression was used to analyze the factors affecting the prognosis of epithelial OVCA. The relationship between HE4 and the prognosis of epithelial OVCA was analyzed by the receiver operating characteristic curve and Kaplan‐Meier survival curve. The positive expression rate of HE4 in epithelial OVCA was 85.56%, which was higher than 34.44% in adjacent tissues (p < 0.01). The International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics stage, infiltration depth, lymph node metastasis, postoperative recurrence and metastasis, and HE4 positivity were independent risk factors for the prognosis, and platinum‐based chemotherapy sensitivity was an independent protective factor for the prognosis of patients with epithelial OVCA (p < 0.05). The area under the curve of HE4 in diagnosing epithelial OVCA and predicting recurrence was 0.863 and 0.700, the sensitivity was 91.60% and 85.60%, and the specificity was 90.20% and 65.60%. The median progression‐free survival and overall survival were 26.1 and 30.2 months in HE4‐positive epithelial OVCA patients, while these were 31.4 and 35.6 months in HE4‐negative epithelial OVCA patients (p < 0.05). In conclusion, HE4 was highly expressed in epithelial OVCA tissues. Its expression level was related to the depth of tumor invasion, postoperative recurrence and metastasis, and other clinicopathological characteristics of patients with epithelial OVCA.
Why do people always want more? Perceived economic inequality leads people to be greedy by enhancing relative deprivation
Authors: Liu Zhenzhen , Sun Xiaomin , Bao Ruiji , Ma Rongzi
Published: April 2024

Greedy phenomena have dramatically increased in societies. However, despite the universality of greedy behaviour, empirical research on the causes of greed is scarce. In this context, we propose that perceived economic inequality may be an important factor influencing greed. Study 1 provided primary evidence of a positive relationship between perceived economic inequality and greed, based on data from a large‐scale social survey (CFPS 2018, N = 14,317). Employing well‐established questionnaires, Study 2A (N = 200) and Study 2B (N = 399) revealed that perceived economic inequality positively predicts greed, with relative deprivation playing a mediating role. Study 3A (N = 200) and Study 3B (N = 200) manipulated perceived economic inequality to provide causal evidence of its effects on greed and to replicate the mediating effect of relative deprivation. Finally, Study 4 (N = 372), using a blockage manipulation design, showed that the effect of perceived economic inequality on greed significantly decreases when relative deprivation is suppressed. In summary, the results of these six studies consistently suggest that perceived economic inequality positively affects greed and that this effect is mediated by relative deprivation.
The promotion‐like effect of the M1‐STN hyperdirect pathway induced by ccPAS enhanced balance performances: From the perspective of brain connectivity
Authors: Li Yu‐Lin , Wu Jia‐Jia , Hua Xu‐Yun , Zheng Mou‐Xiong , Xu Jian‐Guang
Published: April 2024

Aims

The present study aimed to explore the effect of cortico‐cortical paired‐associative stimulation (ccPAS) in modulating hyperdirect pathway and its influence on balance performance.

Methods

Forty healthy participants were randomly allocated to the active ccPAS group (n = 20) or the sham ccPAS group (n = 20). The primary motor cortex and subthalamic nucleus were stimulated sequentially with ccPAS. Unlike the active ccPAS group, one wing of coil was tilted to form a 90° angle with scalp of stimulation locations for the sham ccPAS group. Magnetic resonance imaging, functional reach test (FRT), timed up and go (TUG) test, and limit of stability (LOS) test were performed, and correlation between them was also analyzed.

Results

Three participants in the sham ccPAS group were excluded because of poor quality of NIfTI images. The active group had strengthened hyperdirect pathway, increased functional connectivity (FC) between orbital part of frontal cortex and bilateral precuneus, and decreased FC among basal ganglia (all p < 0.05). Regional network properties of triangular and orbital parts of IFG, middle cingulate cortex, and hippocampus increased. The active group performed better in FRT and LOS (all p < 0.05). FRT positively correlated with FC of the hyperdirect pathway (r = 0.439, p = 0.007) and FCs between orbital part of frontal cortex and bilateral precuneus (all p < 0.05).

Conclusion

The ccPAS enhanced balance performance by promotion‐like plasticity mechanisms through the hyperdirect pathway.
Brain white matter changes and their associations with non‐motor dysfunction in orthostatic hypotension in α‐synucleinopathy: A NODDI study
Authors: Lin Lin , Huang Peilin , Cheng Yingzhe , Jiang Shaofan , Zhang Jiejun , Li Man , Zheng Jiahao , Pan Xiaodong , Wang Yanping
Published: April 2024

Background

The specific non‐motor symptoms associated with α‐synucleinopathies, including orthostatic hypotension (OH), cognitive impairment, and emotional abnormalities, have been a subject of ongoing controversy over the mechanisms underlying the development of a vicious cycle among them. The distinct structural alterations in white matter (WM) in patients with α‐synucleinopathies experiencing OH, alongside their association with other non‐motor symptoms, remain unexplored. This study employs axial diffusivity and density imaging (NODDI) to investigate WM damage specific to α‐synucleinopathies with concurrent OH, delivering fresh evidence to supplement our understanding of the pathogenic mechanisms and pathological rationales behind the occurrence of a spectrum of non‐motor functional impairments in α‐synucleinopathies.

Methods

This study recruited 49 individuals diagnosed with α‐synucleinopathies, stratified into an α‐OH group (n = 24) and an α‐NOH group (without OH, n = 25). Additionally, 17 healthy controls were included for supine and standing blood pressure data collection, as well as neuropsychological assessments. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was utilized for the calculation of NODDI parameters, and tract‐based spatial statistics (TBSS) were employed to explore differential clusters. The fibers covered by these clusters were defined as regions of interest (ROI) for the extraction of NODDI parameter values and the analysis of their correlation with neuropsychological scores.

Results

The TBSS analysis unveiled specific cerebral regions exhibiting disparities within the α‐OH group as compared to both the α‐NOH group and the healthy controls. These differences were evident in clusters that indicated a decrease in the acquisition of the neurite density index (NDI), a reduction in the orientation dispersion index (ODI), and an increase in the isotropic volume fraction (FISO) (p < 0.05). The extracted values from these ROIs demonstrated significant correlations with clinically assessed differences in supine and standing blood pressure, overall cognitive scores, and anxiety‐depression ratings (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Patients with α‐synucleinopathies experiencing OH exhibit distinctive patterns of microstructural damage in the WM as revealed by the NODDI model, and there is a correlation with the onset and progression of non‐motor functional impairments.
Novel α‐amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐methyl‐4‐isoxazole‐propionic acid receptor (AMPAR) potentiator LT‐102: A promising therapeutic agent for treating cognitive impairment associated with schizophrenia
Authors: Qi Xueyu , Yu Xueli , Wei Long , Jiang Han , Dong Jiangwen , Li Hongxing , Wei Yingying , Zhao Liansheng , Deng Wei , Guo Wanjun , Hu Xun , Li Tao
Published: April 2024

Aims

We aimed to evaluate the potential of a novel selective α‐amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐methyl‐4‐isoxazole‐propionic acid receptor (AMPAR) potentiator, LT‐102, in treating cognitive impairments associated with schizophrenia (CIAS) and elucidating its mechanism of action.

Methods

The activity of LT‐102 was examined by Ca2+ influx assays and patch‐clamp in rat primary hippocampal neurons. The structure of the complex was determined by X‐ray crystallography. The selectivity of LT‐102 was evaluated by hERG tail current recording and kinase‐inhibition assays. The electrophysiological characterization of LT‐102 was characterized by patch‐clamp recording in mouse hippocampal slices. The expression and phosphorylation levels of proteins were examined by Western blotting. Cognitive function was assessed using the Morris water maze and novel object recognition tests.

Results

LT‐102 is a novel and selective AMPAR potentiator with little agonistic effect, which binds to the allosteric site formed by the intradimer interface of AMPAR's GluA2 subunit. Treatment with LT‐102 facilitated long‐term potentiation in mouse hippocampal slices and reversed cognitive deficits in a phencyclidine‐induced mouse model. Additionally, LT‐102 treatment increased the protein level of brain‐derived neurotrophic factor and the phosphorylation of GluA1 in primary neurons and hippocampal tissues.

Conclusion

We conclude that LT‐102 ameliorates cognitive impairments in a phencyclidine‐induced model of schizophrenia by enhancing synaptic function, which could make it a potential therapeutic candidate for CIAS.
Metabolomics of cerebrospinal fluid reveals candidate diagnostic biomarkers to distinguish between spinal muscular atrophy type II and type III
Authors: Lu Mengnan , Wang Xueying , Sun Na , Huang Shaoping , Yang Lin , Li Dan
Published: April 2024

Aims

Classification of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is associated with the clinical prognosis; however, objective classification markers are scarce. This study aimed to identify metabolic markers in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of children with SMA types II and III.

Methods

CSF samples were collected from 40 patients with SMA (27 with type II and 13 with type III) and analyzed for metabolites.

Results

We identified 135 metabolites associated with SMA types II and III. These were associated with lysine degradation and arginine, proline, and tyrosine metabolism. We identified seven metabolites associated with the Hammersmith Functional Motor Scale: 4‐chlorophenylacetic acid, adb‐chminaca,(+/−)‐, dodecyl benzenesulfonic acid, norethindrone acetate, 4‐(undecan‐5‐yl) benzene‐1‐sulfonic acid, dihydromaleimide beta‐d‐glucoside, and cinobufagin. Potential typing biomarkers, N‐cyclohexylformamide, cinobufagin, cotinine glucuronide, N‐myristoyl arginine, 4‐chlorophenylacetic acid, geranic acid, 4‐(undecan‐5‐yl) benzene, and 7,8‐diamino pelargonate, showed good predictive performance. Among these, N‐myristoyl arginine was unaffected by the gene phenotype.

Conclusion

This study identified metabolic markers are promising candidate prognostic factors for SMA. We also identified the metabolic pathways associated with the severity of SMA. These assessments can help predict the outcomes of screening SMA classification biomarkers.
Astragaloside IV combined with ligustrazine ameliorates abnormal mitochondrial dynamics via Drp1 SUMO/deSUMOylation in cerebral ischemia–reperfusion injury
Authors: Chen Xiangyu , Yang Tong , Zhou Yue , Mei Zhigang , Zhang Wenli
Published: April 2024

Objectives

Astragaloside IV (AST IV) and ligustrazine (Lig), the main ingredients of Astragali Radix and Chuanxiong Rhizoma respectively, have demonstrated significant benefits in treatment of cerebral ischemia ‐reperfusion injury (CIRI); however, the mechanisms underlying its benificial effects remain unclear. SUMO‐1ylation and deSUMO‐2/3ylation of dynamin‐related protein 1 (Drp1) results in mitochondrial homeostasis imbalance following CIRI, which subsequently aggravates cell damage. This study investigates the mechanisms by which AST IV combined with Lig protects against CIRI, focusing on the involvement of SUMOylation in mitochondrial dynamics.

Methods

Rats were administrated AST IV and Lig for 7 days, and middle cerebral artery occlusion was established to mimic CIRI. Neural function, cerebral infarction volume, cerebral blood flow, cognitive function, cortical pathological lesions, and mitochondrial morphology were measured. SH‐SY5Y cells were subjected to oxygen–glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) injury. Mitochondrial membrane potential and lactic dehydrogenase (LDH), reactive oxygen species (ROS), and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels were assessed with commercial kits. Moreover, co‐immunoprecipitation (Co‐IP) was used to detect the binding of SUMO1 and SUMO2/3 to Drp1. The protein expressions of Drp1, Fis1, MFF, OPA1, Mfn1, Mfn2, SUMO1, SUMO2/3, SENP1, SENP2, SENP3, SENP5, and SENP6 were measured using western blot.

Results

In rats with CIRI, AST IV and Lig improved neurological and cognitive functions, restored CBF, reduced brain infarct volume, and alleviated cortical neuron and mitochondrial damage. Moreover, in SH‐SY5Y cells, the combination of AST IV and Lig enhanced cellular viability, decreased release of LDH and ROS, increased ATP content, and improved mitochondrial membrane potential. Furthermore, AST IV combined with Lig reduced the binding of Drp1 with SUMO1, increased the binding of Drp1 with SUMO2/3, suppressed the expressions of Drp1, Fis1, MFF, and SENP3, and increased the expressions of OPA1, Mfn1, Mfn2, SENP1, SENP2, and SENP5. SUMO1 overexpression promoted mitochondrial fission and inhibited mitochondrial fusion, whereas SUMO2/3 overexpression suppressed mitochondrial fission. AST IV combined with Lig could reverse the effects of SUMO1 overexpression while enhancing those of SUMO2/3 overexpression.

Conclusions

This study posits that the combination of AST IV and Lig has the potential to reduce the SUMO‐1ylation of Drp1, augment the SUMO‐2/3ylation of Drp1, and thereby exert a protective effect against CIRI.
Efficient customer behaviour prediction in Indian metropolitan cities for E‐commerce applications
Authors: Suresh B. S. , Suresh M.
Published: April 2024

The primary objective of this manuscript is to find the service quality factors, which influence customer satisfaction, promotional efforts taken by the retailer, and the perception of customers towards the organized retail sector. This investigation uses both offline and online retail sales datasets. Particularly, in the case of the offline retail sale dataset, an energy‐efficient analysis is conducted to collect scalable, accurate, and real‐time data. The collected data is used in enhancing several aspects of e‐commerce operations, including customer experience optimization and inventory management, which results in better decision‐making with increased efficiency. After data collection, the outliers are eliminated by implementing the z‐score technique. The removal of outliers increases the variability of collected data which reduces statistical power. The statistically sufficient data are given to the Randomized Grasshopper Optimization Algorithm (RGOA) for optimal instance selection. Finally, the selected optimal instances are given to the deep neural network (DNN) model for future customer behaviour prediction. The efficacy of the RGOA‐DNN model is analysed by using evaluation measures like mean squared error (MSE), root mean squared error (RMSE), mean absolute error (MAE), mean percentage error (MPE) and mean absolute percentage error (MAPE). The numerical analysis states that the RGOA‐DNN model obtained a minimal error rate with MSE of 0.09 and 0.10, RMSE of 0.13 and 0.14, MAE of 0.12 and 0.16, MPE of 0.10 and 0.11 and MAPE of 0.08 and 0.10 on the offline and online retail sales datasets. The RGOA‐DNN model has a minimal error rate in future customer behaviour prediction related to the conventional regression models. Furthermore, the elimination of inactive instances or selection of optimal instances reduces the model complexity to linear and computational time to 22.10 and 23.12 s on the offline and online retail sales datasets.
Local representation‐based neighbourhood for robust classification
Authors: Yao Zihan , Qu Yanpeng , Yang Longzhi , Tan Yi , Shang Changjing , Chao Fei , Shen Qiang
Published: April 2024

Representation‐based classification (RC) is an effective gauge of data similarity between a single instance and the whole dataset, which extends traditional individual‐wise distance metrics using representation coefficients. These coefficients show remarkable discrimination nature via various regularisation terms, but the interference from potentially uncorrelated objects involved in this single‐to‐global relation can degrade the effectiveness of the coefficients. In order to filter out those unproductive, or even counter‐productive, information from the decision making processes, this paper proposes a local representation‐based classification (LRC) algorithm to improve the classification accuracy or the RC approach. LRC uses a single‐to‐local relation induced by the local representation‐based neighbourhood (LRN) of each object, rather than the single‐to‐global relationship used by RC. Thanks to LRN, a compact and relevant dataset can be formed by selecting the most relevant data instances in the original dataset, to render a robust representation of a query. LRC was applied to multiple publicly available datasets, and the experimental results demonstrate the superiority of the proposed LRC algorithm as evidenced by the higher classification accuracy and more noise‐tolerant capability in reference to alternative RC approaches. Moreover, the sampling ability of LRN is also verified via a comparative study.
A reconstructed genome‐scale metabolic model of Helicobacter pylori for predicting putative drug targets in clarithromycin and rifampicin resistance conditions
Authors: Mofidifar Sepideh , Yadegar Abbas , Karimi‐Jafari Mohammad Hossein
Published: April 2024

Background

Helicobacter pylori is considered a true human pathogen for which rising drug resistance constitutes a drastic concern globally. The present study aimed to reconstruct a genome‐scale metabolic model (GSMM) to decipher the metabolic capability of H. pylori strains in response to clarithromycin and rifampicin along with identification of novel drug targets.

Materials and Methods

The iIT341 model of H. pylori was updated based on genome annotation data, and biochemical knowledge from literature and databases. Context‐specific models were generated by integrating the transcriptomic data of clarithromycin and rifampicin resistance into the model. Flux balance analysis was employed for identifying essential genes in each strain, which were further prioritized upon being nonhomologs to humans, virulence factor analysis, druggability, and broad‐spectrum analysis. Additionally, metabolic differences between sensitive and resistant strains were also investigated based on flux variability analysis and pathway enrichment analysis of transcriptomic data.

Results

The reconstructed GSMM was named as HpM485 model. Pathway enrichment and flux variability analyses demonstrated reduced activity in the ribosomal pathway in both clarithromycin‐ and rifampicin‐resistant strains. Also, a significant decrease was detected in the activity of metabolic pathways of clarithromycin‐resistant strain. Moreover, 23 and 16 essential genes were exclusively detected in clarithromycin‐ and rifampicin‐resistant strains, respectively. Based on prioritization analysis, cyclopropane fatty acid synthase and phosphoenolpyruvate synthase were identified as putative drug targets in clarithromycin‐ and rifampicin‐resistant strains, respectively.

Conclusions

We present a robust and reliable metabolic model of H. pylori. This model can predict novel drug targets to combat drug resistance and explore the metabolic capability of H. pylori in various conditions.
Comparative structural study of Al2O3–SiO2 glasses and amorphous thin films
Authors: Khemis Sirine Ben , Cormier Laurent , Burov Ekaterina , Montigaud Hervé , Baptiste Benoit , Nowak Sophie
Published: April 2024

We compared the impact of alumina doping on the structure of Al2O3–SiO2 amorphous thin films and bulk glasses using Raman spectroscopy and x‐ray diffraction. In both thin films and bulk glasses, the addition of Al2O3 is accompanied by an increase in the mean Si–O–T angle and an evolution of the ring statistics with a decrease in the proportion of small rings. We evidenced structural differences between sputtered films and fused bulk glasses. Sputtered Al2O3–SiO2 thin films are about 6%–7% denser than their equivalent Al2O3–SiO2 bulk glasses. This difference is mainly due to a change in ring statistics with the formation of small rings within the sputtered thin films. These structural differences in atomic structural organization highlight the impact of the synthesis conditions and open the door to further investigation of the structure–functional property relationships in sputtered Al2O3–SiO2 thin films.
Linear indurated plaque over the neck
Authors: K Shreya , Thakur Vishal , Sethy Madhusmita , Sahu Deepak K. , Behera Biswanath
Published: April 2024

Isolated cutaneous swelling can have varied etiologies. The clinical diagnosis is usually difficult, and a correct diagnosis always requires a pathological examination. Hereby, we report a case of linear keloidal morphea on the neck of an 18‐year‐old male who presented with an asymptomatic, firm lesion for 6 months. Histopathological examination was consistent with morphea. This case highlights the uncommon form of morphea in an unusual location, which can be misdiagnosed for numerous neoplastic conditions and for which simple histopathological evaluation can clinch the diagnosis.
Real‐world short‐term outcomes of prostate urethral lift in Japan: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Kato Yuki , Kamatani Aya , Shigehara Kazuyoshi , Mizokami Atsushi
Published: April 2024

Objectives

We report the first prospective trial of prostatic urethral lift for the treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia in Japan.

Methods

This prospective study was conducted at a single institution and included patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia who underwent prostatic urethral lift based on the Japanese surgical indication. The primary efficacy endpoint was reduced international prostatic symptoms score in the early postoperative period after prostatic urethral lift. To assess efficacy, international prostatic symptoms score, quality of life, sexual health inventory for men, and uroflowmetry were evaluated 2 weeks before, 2 weeks after, and 6 weeks after surgery.

Results

We enrolled 120 elderly men. The patients experienced significantly reduced international prostatic symptoms scores from 15 at the baseline to 13 at 2 weeks, and to 10 at 6 weeks, respectively. The peak flow rates did not change significantly at any time point. Three patients had serious adverse events of grade 3a in the Clavien–Dindo classification. Four patients were evaluated for sexual function, and none had ejaculatory dysfunction.

Conclusion

In the Japanese population, prostatic urethral lift is reliably performed under local anesthesia and rapidly improves symptoms.
Multicenter evaluation of the safety and efficacy of selective internal radiation therapy with yttrium‐90 resin microspheres in Taiwan: data from the RESIN registry
Authors: Lee Rheun‐Chuan , Liang Po‐Chin , Liang Huei‐Lung , Chen Yung‐Fang , Yu Chun‐Yen , Cheng Pin‐Nan , Hung Chien‐Fu , Hsia Cheng‐Yuan , Lai Hsueh‐Chou , Ho Ming‐Chih , Cheng Yu‐Fan , Liu Yi‐Sheng , Chao Yee , Chen Chien‐Hung
Published: April 2024

Background and Aim

The REgistry of Selective Internal radiation therapy in AsiaNs (RESIN) was a multicenter, single‐arm, prospective, observational study of 90Y resin microspheres in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) or metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) from Taiwan. RESIN is the first real‐life clinical study of this therapy in an Asian cohort. Study objectives were to evaluate the safety and efficacy of 90Y resin microspheres.

Methods

Adults with HCC or mCRC scheduled to receive SIRT with 90Y resin microspheres were included. Primary endpoints were best overall response rate (ORR), adverse events, and changes from baseline in liver function. Secondary efficacy endpoints included overall survival (OS).

Results

Of 107 enrolled patients, 83 had HCC, and 24 had mCRC. ORR was 55.41% (HCC) and 33.33% (mCRC). Of 58 HCC patients with 6‐month post‐SIRT data, 13.79% (n = 8) had resection, transplantation, transarterial chemoembolization, or radiofrequency ablation as the result of down‐staging or down‐sizing of their lesions. One hundred and ten treatment emergent adverse events (TEAEs) were reported in 51 patients, and five serious adverse events (SAEs) were reported in five patients. The most frequent TEAEs were abdominal pain, nausea and decreased appetite (HCC), and abdominal pain, decreased appetite, fatigue, and vomiting (mCRC). Two deaths due to SAEs (probably related to SIRT) were reported, both in patients with extensive HCC, active hepatitis infection, and other comorbidities. Median OS was 24.07 (HCC) and 12.66 (mCRC) months.

Conclusions

Safety and efficacy outcomes with the routine use of SIRT with 90Y resin microspheres in Taiwan are consistent with published data.
Characterizing nursing time with patients using computer vision
Authors: Sun Carolyn , Fu Caroline , Cato Kenrick
Published: April 2024

Background

Compared to other providers, nurses spend more time with patients, but the exact quantity and nature of those interactions remain largely unknown. The purpose of this study was to characterize the interactions of nurses at the bedside using continuous surveillance over a year long period.

Methods

Nurses' time and activity at the bedside were characterized using a device that integrates the use of obfuscated computer vision in combination with a Bluetooth beacon on the nurses' identification badge to track nurses' activities at the bedside. The surveillance device (AUGi) was installed over 37 patient beds in two medical/surgical units in a major urban hospital. Forty‐nine nurse users were tracked using the beacon. Data were collected 4/15/19–3/15/20. Statistics were performed to describe nurses' time and activity at the bedside.

Results

A total of n = 408,588 interactions were analyzed over 670 shifts, with >1.5 times more interactions during day shifts (n = 247,273) compared to night shifts (n = 161,315); the mean interaction time was 3.34 s longer during nights than days (p < 0.0001). Each nurse had an average of 7.86 (standard deviation [SD] = 10.13) interactions per bed each shift and a mean total interaction time per bed of 9.39 min (SD = 14.16). On average, nurses covered 7.43 beds (SD = 4.03) per shift (day: mean = 7.80 beds/nurse/shift, SD = 3.87; night: mean = 7.07/nurse/shift, SD = 4.17). The mean time per hourly rounding (HR) was 69.5 s (SD = 98.07) and 50.1 s (SD = 56.58) for bedside shift report.

Discussion

As far as we are aware, this is the first study to provide continuous surveillance of nurse activities at the bedside over a year long period, 24 h/day, 7 days/week. We detected that nurses spend less than 1 min giving report at the bedside, and this is only completed 20.7% of the time. Additionally, hourly rounding was completed only 52.9% of the time and nurses spent only 9 min total with each patient per shift. Further study is needed to detect whether there is an optimal timing or duration of interactions to improve patient outcomes.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing time with the patient has been shown to improve patient outcomes but precise information about how much time nurses spend with patients has been heretofore unknown. By understanding minute‐by‐minute activities at the bedside over a full year, we provide a full picture of nursing activity; this can be used in the future to determine how these activities affect patient outcomes.
Theories of market selection
Authors: Fontanelli Luca
Published: April 2024

We provide a survey of the main mechanisms of market selection used in economics. We categorize existing theories into three broad classes—evolutionary selection, reduced form selection, and rational equilibrium—based on their adopted selection mechanisms. Each paradigm is explored in terms of underlying laws of selection, searching for elements of convergence and divergence in epistemological approaches, hypotheses, and results. The comparison of these paradigms reveals convergences in research directions, particularly in replicating empirical patterns related to firm heterogeneity and acknowledging the role of increasing returns. However, these paradigms diverge in key assumptions and results, including emphasis on model outcomes, sources of increasing returns, mechanisms generating firm heterogeneity, and assumptions regarding firm rationality. The discussion highlights that these differences stem from the epistemological foundations of paradigms. The survey contributes to a nuanced understanding of market selection mechanisms within diverse theoretical frameworks, emphasizing both areas of convergence and divergence among them.
Effects of extraoral storage time on autologous gingival graft early healing: A split‐mouth randomized study
Authors: Zaiger James , Leblebicioglu Binnaz , Meirelles Luiz , Lu Wei‐En , Schumacher Fernanda L. , Tatakis Dimitris N.
Published: April 2024

Aims

Despite the established use of palatal tissue grafts for mucogingival procedures, there are no studies on the effect of extraoral storage time on graft outcomes. This prospective split‐mouth randomized experimental clinical trial aimed to assess whether gingival graft extraoral storage time affects graft healing.

Methods

Standardized grafts were harvested from the palate and stored extraorally for 2 (Control) or 40 (Test) minutes before being placed at recipient beds. Intraoral scans, clinical photographs, and tissue blood perfusion were obtained preoperatively, postoperatively, and at follow‐up visits (Days 2 (PO2), 3 (PO3), 7 (PO7), and 14 (PO14)). Healing Score Index (HSI) and wound fluid (WF) biomarkers (angiogenin, IL‐6, IL‐8 (CXCL8), IL‐33, VEGF‐A, and ENA‐78 (CXCL5)) were also assessed.

Results

Twenty‐three participants completed all study visits. Extraoral storage time was 2.3 ± 1.1 min and 42.8 ± 3.4 min for C and T grafts, respectively (p < .0001). Recipient beds remained open for 21.4 ± 1.7 min. No graft underwent necrosis or failed to heal by PO14. Minimal volumetric changes were observed, without significant intergroup differences (p ≥ .11). Graft perfusion initially decreased post‐harvesting before peaking on PO7 for both C and T grafts, with no significant intergroup differences (p ≥ .14). HSI values progressively increased, with no significant intergroup differences (p ≥ .22). WF analysis revealed detectable levels for all biomarkers tested, without significant intergroup differences (p ≥ .23).

Conclusion

Extraoral storage time of 40 min has neither statistically significant nor clinically discernible effects on autologous graft revascularization, early healing, or survival, as determined by physiological, wound healing, and molecular parameters.
Effects of circadian variation of dietary protein sources on growth performance, carcass composition and intestinal enzyme activity in beluga, Huso huso
Authors: Najafi Zeinab , Ouraji Hossein , Yeganeh Sakineh , Farhadi Ayoub
Published: April 2024

The main cost in aquaculture production is feed, so management practices and feeding strategies aim to optimize both feed intake and efficiency. This study aimed to evaluate the growth performance of beluga, Huso huso, affected by periodic changes in dietary protein sources and hence identify possible innovative feeding strategies toward more efficient use of dietary protein. This study was designed with two experimental diets, namely fish meal (diet A) and plant protein blend (diet B) (protein 40%, fat 16%), which were used in different food schedules for feeding beluga (initial weight 82.08 ± 4.1 g) during 8 weeks. The experimental treatments included: continuously feeding a fish meal diet (A); continuously feeding a plant protein diet (B); alternating between diet A in the morning and diet B in the afternoon (A am/B pm); alternating between diet B in the morning and diet A in the afternoon (B am/A pm); and alternating between diet A for one day and diet B for one day (1A/1B). At the end of the eight‐week trial, superior growth performance and feed utilization were respectively observed in fish receiving A, Bam/Apm, and Aam/Bpm diets compared with the remaining treatments. The specific activity of trypsin and chymotrypsin was significantly high in fish fed Aam/Bpm and Bam/Apm. Feeding the fish‐meal‐based diet (A) continuously, led to decreased protein and increased fat deposition in the carcass. Among the mixed feeding schedules, the highest cost‐saving was recorded with the Aam/Bpm and Bam/Apm schedules. Based on economic analysis, applying Aam/Bpm and Bam/Apm schedules led to the reduced cost of beluga production compared with the other treatments. Therefore, the optimal feeding schedules for beluga are Aam/Bpm and Bam/Apm, which should be used as a practical feeding guideline for H. huso production.
Effect of orthodontic space closure on dental pulp sensitivity. Prospective clinical trial
Authors: Golež Aljaž , Ovsenik Maja , Cankar Ksenija
Published: April 2024

Background

Orthodontic tooth movement (OTM) is a biological process that can influence the function of the pulp, including its innervation. The excitability of the nerve fibres of the pulp may be altered by forces exerted on the nerve fibres or by reduced blood flow to the pulp. The aim of this clinical study was to evaluate the sensitivity of the dental pulp during levelling and during the phase of space closure, to assess the role of certain controlled risk factors.

Methods

Twenty‐two adolescent participants requiring orthodontic space closure in transcanine sector were enrolled in a prospective clinical study. Patients were observed before OTM, after levelling and 1 month during active space closure. The sensitivity threshold of the pulp was measured using the electric pulp test (EPT). Dental models were obtained using an intraoral scanner, allowing measurement of interdental distances and calculation of OTM speed. The teeth were categorized according to position and tooth type.

Results

The EPT values increased significantly during orthodontic treatment (one‐way RM‐ANOVA, P = .014). There was a significant difference in EPT values between the tooth categories. Teeth with a single root adjacent to the residual space had the highest EPT thresholds (two‐way RM‐ANOVA, P < .001; Holm‐Sidak, P < .05).

Conclusions

OTM reduced pulpal sensitivity. Pulpal sensitivity during active space closure was similar to sensitivity during the levelling phase. The pulpal sensitivity of molars was less affected by OTM than that of single‐rooted teeth, while teeth closer to the gap had a significantly higher pulpal sensitivity threshold during active OTM.
Elucidating the modulatory effect of melatonin on enzyme activity and oxidative stress in wheat: a global meta‐analysis
Authors: Muhammad Ihsan , Khan Ahmad , Mustafa Abd El‐Zaher M. A. , Elshikh Mohamed S. , Shen Weijun
Published: April 2024

In our comprehensive meta‐analysis, we initially collected 177 publications focusing on the impact of melatonin on wheat. After meticulous screening, 40 published studies were selected, encompassing 558 observations for antioxidant enzymes, 312 for reactive oxygen species (ROS), and 92 for soluble biomolecules (soluble sugar and protein). This analysis revealed significant heterogeneity across studies (I2 > 99% for enzymes, ROS, and soluble biomolecules) and notable publication bias, indicating the complexity and variability in the research field. Melatonin application generally increased antioxidant enzyme activities [superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), catalase (CAT), and ascorbate peroxidase (APX)] in wheat, particularly under stress conditions, such as high temperature and heavy‐metal exposure. Compared to control, melatonin application increased SOD, POD, CAT, and APX activities by 29.5, 16.96, 35.98, and 171.64%, respectively. Moreover, oxidative stress markers like hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), superoxide anion (O2), and malondialdehyde (MDA) decreased with melatonin by 23.73, 13.64, and 21.91%, respectively, suggesting a reduction in oxidative stress. The analysis also highlighted melatonin's role in improving carbohydrate metabolism and antioxidant defenses. Melatonin showed an overall increase of 12.77% in soluble sugar content, and 22.76% in glutathione peroxidase (GPX) activity compared to the control. However, the effects varied across different wheat varieties, environmental conditions, and application methods. Our study also uncovered complex relationships between antioxidant enzyme activities and H2O2 levels, indicating a nuanced regulatory role of melatonin in oxidative stress responses. Our meta‐analysis demonstrates the significant role of melatonin in increasing wheat resilience to abiotic stressors, potentially through its regulatory impact on antioxidant defense systems and stress response.
Cognitive conflict does not always mean high effort: Task difficulty's moderating effect on cardiac response
Authors: Bouzidi Yann S. , Gendolla Guido H. E.
Published: April 2024

This article presents an experiment (N = 127 university students) testing whether the previously found impact of conflict primes on effort‐related cardiac response is moderated by objective task difficulty. Recently, it has been shown that primed cognitive conflict increases cardiac pre‐ejection period (PEP) reactivity—an index of effort intensity—during the performance of relatively easy tasks. This effect could be attributed to conflict‐related negative affect. Consequently, as it has been shown for other types of negative affect, we expected conflict primes' effect to be task‐context dependent and thus to be moderated by objective task difficulty. In a between‐persons design, we manipulated conflict via embedded pictures of conflict‐related vs. non‐conflict‐related Stroop items in a memory task. We expected primed conflict to increase effort in a relatively easy version of the task but to lead to disengagement when task difficulty was objectively high. PEP reactivity corroborated our predictions. Rather than always increasing effort, cognitive conflict's effect on resource mobilization was context‐dependent and resulted in weak responses in a difficult task.
Widowhood and multidimensional poverty: Evidence from Nigeria
Authors: Aderemi Taiwo , Ogebe Joseph
Published: April 2024

Poverty among widows has received little empirical attention in Africa despite women's severe vulnerability to death shock. We provided empirical evidence on widow households' transition in and out of poverty and factors influencing their probability of being in poverty. The Markov transition probabilities show moderate but increasing positive transitions for severely poor widows. Non‐poor widows are stayers who primarily sustain their non‐poor class. The ordered logit estimation shows that higher dependency ratio increases the chances of a widow being severely poor. Being an older widow and having literacy skills reduced the probability that a widow household will be severely poor. Household size and dependency ratio are noted to play important roles in the probability of transitions across poverty classes as shown by the estimated multinomial logit model. These findings are robust to alternative poverty measure, estimation method and different set of weights. Generally, the results echo the need for social safety nets to cushion widows' financial strains. Life insurance policy for spouses, increased sensitization of widows of their rights and adult education programmes targeted at widows could mitigate the negative impact of widowhood on women.
“Director General Review” as a Viable Mechanism to Safeguard Malaysia’s Revenue Through Tax Justice
Authors: Ahmad Kamal Rizal , Yusof Muhammad Fathi
Published: April 2024

The Revised Kyoto Convention (RKC) serves as a guide for Customs procedures in the modern era, and Malaysia has signed on as a participating country. One crucial element of the RKC, outlined in Chapter 10 of the text of the convention, is the requirement for national legislation to include a right of appeal in Customs matters. Subsection 143(1) of the Customs Act 1967 empowers the Director General (DG) of Customs to review his own previous decisions, and the Royal Customs Malaysian Department (RMCD) has devised a systematic process referred to in this research as the "DG review." This provision was enacted to comply with the RKC's standards. Subsection 143(1) was amended in 2020 to allow aggrieved parties to submit their applications for “DG review” within 30 days from any DG decisions in the indirect taxes. Despite the amendment, no prior research has been conducted on its effectiveness. This study aims to evaluate the viability of the DG review mechanism in promoting fair and efficient tax implementation. The research employs both doctrinal legal analysis and qualitative methods to scrutinize the laws and regulations governing the right of appeal for indirect tax in Malaysia, as well as the fairness of the DG review process for taxpayers. The outcome of this study is pivotal in proposing legal solutions and validating the amended mechanism outlined in subsection 143(1) of the Customs Act 1967.
Observation or Insight? Unraveling the Impact of Characters' Image on Interpersonal Communication in Contemporary Chinese TV Series
Authors: Dai Haocheng , Kasimon Diyana Nawar , Ang Lay Hoon
Published: April 2024

A salient determinant of effective interpersonal communication resides in the cultivation of a positive personal image. The intricate interplay between self-image, individual behaviors, and communication abilities highlights the far-reaching influence of personal perception on social interactions. In the contemporary landscape of Chinese television series, exemplified by the production ‘Nothing but Thirty’, a deliberate effort is made to depict characters that embody the evolving roles of women in modern society. Drawing from relevant literature, this study conducts a comprehensive analysis of characters’ image in ‘Nothing but Thirty’, examining content such as appearance, language, non-verbal cues (body language), and varied scene settings. Adopting a rigorous qualitative case study methodology and leveraging content analysis grounded in the coordinated management of meaning theory and social exchange theory, the research aims to dissect the nuanced dynamics of interpersonal communication as portrayed in the series. The findings illuminate that the dynamic characterizations in contemporary Chinese TV series function as reflective mirrors, capturing the intricate layers of modern interpersonal communication and societal intricacies. This narrative analysis extends beyond the purview of conventional storytelling, offering a scholarly exploration of the intricate fabric of human interaction.
On the role of dysferlin in striated muscle: membrane repair, t‐tubules and Ca2+ handling
Authors: Quinn C. J. , Cartwright E. J. , Trafford A. W. , Dibb K. M.
Published: April 2024

Dysferlin is a 237 kDa membrane‐associated protein characterised by multiple C2 domains with a diverse role in skeletal and cardiac muscle physiology. Mutations in DYSF are known to cause various types of human muscular dystrophies, known collectively as dysferlinopathies, with some patients developing cardiomyopathy. A myriad of in vitro membrane repair studies suggest that dysferlin plays an integral role in the membrane repair complex in skeletal muscle. In comparison, less is known about dysferlin in the heart, but mounting evidence suggests that dysferlin's role is similar in both muscle types. Recent findings have shown that dysferlin regulates Ca2+ handling in striated muscle via multiple mechanisms and that this becomes more important in conditions of stress. Maintenance of the transverse (t)‐tubule network and the tight coordination of excitation–contraction coupling are essential for muscle contractility. Dysferlin regulates the maintenance and repair of t‐tubules, and it is suspected that dysferlin regulates t‐tubules and sarcolemmal repair through a similar mechanism. This review focuses on the emerging complexity of dysferlin's activity in striated muscle. Such insights will progress our understanding of the proteins and pathways that regulate basic heart and skeletal muscle function and help guide research into striated muscle pathology, especially that which arises due to dysferlin dysfunction.

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