bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Entrepreneurial opportunities and difficulties under COVID-19 for women entrepreneurs in Asia and Europe
Authors: Sörensson Anna , Ghannad Navid
Published: August 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to explore and gain a greater understanding of women's entrepreneurship during the COVID-19 pandemic. How have women entrepreneurs changed their entrepreneurship during the COVID-19 pandemic? What dimensions are highlighted by women entrepreneurs for a sustainable entrepreneurship during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Design/methodology/approach

This study was conducted with a qualitative design where multiple case studies were conducted with 30 women. Data were collected through qualitative interviews with the women entrepreneurs in Asia and Europe.

Findings

The results from this study show that women entrepreneurs have mainly focused on financial resources. Economic sustainability is required for companies to survive a crisis in the form of a pandemic. This study has shown what lessons women have from the pandemic where the four D’s model constitute a first step to a theoretical contribution. For women, it is about dollars (e g economic sustainability), demand from customers, the role that digitization has played and distribution both to customers and from suppliers.

Practical implications

Practical implications from this study are that women entrepreneurs need to be prepared for economic crises to a larger extent. The economic sustainability plays a key role in sustainable businesses for women entrepreneurs in any kind of context.

Social implications

Women's entrepreneurship looks different, and more knowledge is needed about their conditions. It contributes to increased social sustainability.

Originality/value

This study contributes to an increased understanding of how women's entrepreneurship has been affected during a global crisis.
Responsibilization during uncontrollable events: understanding how consumers assign and accept responsibility for service employee welfare
Authors: Moran Nora , Shepherd Steven , Alvarado Janice
Published: August 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study how individuals assess responsibility during an uncontrollable event requiring collective action, using crises affecting service workers as contexts. Specifically, the authors examine what parties consumers hold responsible for ensuring service worker welfare following an uncontrollable event and determine what factors make customers more open to accepting responsibility for ensuring worker welfare themselves.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors surveyed a nationally representative sample of US consumers regarding their attitudes toward protecting service workers during COVID-19 and used regression analysis to identify factors that predict attributions of responsibility to customers. The authors also conducted an experiment (using a new crisis context) to determine whether certain key factors impact customer perceptions of their own responsibility for helping employees during an uncontrollable event.

Findings

The survey results show US consumers hold firms most responsible for worker welfare, followed by customers and, finally, government. When examining factors that drive attributions of responsibility for customers, perceptions of how sincere firms are in their efforts to help employees predict higher responsibility attributions, and experimental results confirm that higher perceived firm sincerity increases consumers’ own sense of responsibility toward workers.

Social implications

This research identifies factors that affect consumer support for efforts to help service employees and collective action problems more generally.

Originality/value

This research highlights an under-studied crisis context – uncontrollable events that require collective action – and shows how consumers make assessments about their own responsibility (in addition to the responsibility of the service firm) in these contexts.
Breviscapine reverses doxorubicin resistance in breast cancer and its related mechanisms
Authors: Fu Weijiang , Song Jie , Li Haiying
Published: August 2023

Background

Based on the effect of breviscapine (BRE) on reversing drug resistance of human breast cancer cell line MCF‐7/doxorubicin (Dox), the mechanism was preliminarily explored.

Methods

The methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) method was introduced to detect inhibitory effect of Dox alone or in combination with BRE on MCF‐7 (M) and MCF‐7/Dox (MD) cells, and the inhibitory concentration (IC50) was obtained. Cell apoptosis and Dox concentration was assessed by flow cytometry. The drug resistance multiple and reversal fold were calculated. Western blot was performed to evaluate the expression of Bcl‐2, Bax, EGFR, p‐EGFR, P‐gp, caspase‐3, and cleaved‐caspase‐3 protein in cells. The efflux of Rho‐123 was measured by flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy.

Results

The IC50 of Dox on MD and M cells was 16.67 and 0.71 μg/mL, respectively, with a drug resistance ratio of 23.48 times. The IC50 of Dox combined with BRE on MD cells was 5.62 μg/mL, with a reversal ratio of 2.97 times. BRE greatly enhanced Dox‐induced apoptosis of MD cells. Bax and cleaved‐caspase‐3 (proapoptotic protein) expression were obviously increased, while Bcl‐2 (antiapoptotic protein) expression was significantly decreased after BRE treatment. BRE inhibited EGFR activation and P‐gp expression. BRE increased the intracellular accumulation of Dox in MD cells by P‐gp.

Conclusion

BRE could increase the MD sensitivity to Dox via increasing Bax and cleaved‐caspase‐3 expression and inhibiting Bcl‐2 expression, thereby promoting cell apoptosis. BRE reversed Dox resistance of MD cells by increasing Dox intracellular accumulation through inhibiting P‐gp expression via EGFR.
The importance of audit partners' risk tolerance to audit quality
Authors: Pittman Jeffrey , Stein Sarah E. , Valentine Delia F.
Published: August 2023

Relying on their history of legal infractions to measure individuals' risk tolerance, we examine the association between engagement partners' risk appetites and audit quality in the United States. Criminology and economics research links infraction activity with enduring personality traits that capture an individual's risk tolerance. Our evidence supports the prediction that partners known to engage in risky off‐the‐job behaviors conduct lower quality audits. Specifically, we find that clients of partners with prior legal infractions exhibit a higher likelihood of material misstatements revealed through subsequent restatements, greater propensity to misstate based on the F‐score, more instances of “missed” material weaknesses, and less timely loss recognition, while also paying lower audit fees. In cross‐sectional results consistent with expectations, we generally find that the impact of partners' risk tolerance on audit quality is more heavily concentrated in clients of non–Big 4 firms and offices without industry expertise. Collectively, our analysis contributes to emerging research on the role that individual partner characteristics play in shaping audit outcomes.
Care coordination for children with a disability or developmental difficulty: Empowers families and reduces the burden on staff supporting them
Authors: Myers Sarah , Collins Bethan , Maguire Sabine
Published: August 2023

Background

Almost half of all children and young people with a disability or developmental difficulty (DDD) have complex disability and are likely to require multidisciplinary care. Care coordination (CC) aims to provide a single point of contact and a coordinated service, thereby improving care experiences, meeting unmet needs and empowering families. The impact of CC for children with DDD was evaluated.

Method

Between May and August 2020, an in‐depth evaluation of CC in Gwent, South Wales was conducted. Of 284 families who accessed CC, 38 were approached, as well as 177 health and social care professionals based at Serennu, Nevill Hall and Caerphilly Children's Centres. Nine families and 14 professionals completed semi‐structured interviews. Interview transcripts were analysed using thematic analysis.

Results

This evaluation found perceived improvements in families' abilities to navigate, organize and understand care and increased parental engagement. Professionals observed fewer missed appointments, and both professionals and families described CC as a source of holistic support, including practical advice regarding housing, finances and emotional support. Professionals commented on CC easing pressure on their service. Potential limitations included restricted staff capacity and the role not being defined clearly for families and professionals.

Conclusions

At a time of increased stress for families of children with DDD, and scarce resources to support them, care coordinators play a vital role in assisting families to engage with health services, while feeling supported and empowered. CC reduces the burden on professionals, while enhancing relationships with families.
Clinical and patient‐reported outcomes from the first 4 years of a Psoriasis Biologics Registry in Singapore
Authors: Koh Xuan Qi , Oon Hazel H. , Chong Wei‐Sheng , Lee Bernett , Zhao Xiahong , Tan Eugene S. T.
Published: August 2023

Interim analysis of the National Skin Centre Singapore Psoriasis Biologics Registry (SINGPSOR) from August 2017 to May 2021, in which 58 patients were analysed, showing that those receiving biologic treatment had significantly more severe psoriasis based on PASI (Psoriasis Area and Severity Index), BSA (body surface area) and PGA (Physician Global Assessment) measures at baseline, demonstrated a statistically non‐significant trend towards greater improvement with treatment, and had a lower percentage of adverse events compared to those receiving conventional systemic therapy. Future analyses of SINGPSOR, with larger sample size and longer follow‐up, will be invaluable to further characterize these patients and their treatment outcomes.
Forever young: Relative age effects in Belgian political selection
Authors: Al Yussef Alan , Heyndels Bruno , Le Boulaire Pauline
Published: August 2023

Political selection is crucial for the functioning of democracy. However, the practice—in education and sports contexts—of artificially dividing school‐age children into different age groups leads to a considerable bias in this selection. The probability of becoming a (successful) politician depends on individuals' relative age. Being born shortly after the cut‐off date significantly increases the probability that an individual will be politically successful later in life. Using a regression discontinuity design, we find strong evidence of such relative age effect (RAE) among a large sample of Belgian federal parliamentarians over the period 1950–2019 (N = 4032), but not among municipal councillors (N = 7387), nor among municipal candidates (N = 36,740) in the 2018 election. The estimated overrepresentation of federal members of the parliament (MPs) born immediately after the cut‐off date is up to 90% compared to politicians born just before the cut‐off date. The overrepresentation is observed over the whole period and thus seems to be deeply rooted in the political system. We find the RAE to have a gendered dimension: The effect is driven by early‐born male politicians' overrepresentation. No significant RAE was found among female politicians.
Linking stress to the emergence of relational turbulence in marriage
Authors: Brisini Kellie St. Cyr , Solomon Denise Haunani , Brinberg Miriam
Published: August 2023

The assumption that stress negatively impacts marital relationships is widely accepted; however, the majority of research has focused on marital satisfaction as the outcome of interest. Relational turbulence is a quality of romantic associations on par with—but distinct from—satisfaction, in which partners conceptualize their relationship as chaotic or tumultuous. This paper draws on relational turbulence theory (RTT) and stress spillover research to propose that day‐to‐day stress corresponds with perceptions of relational uncertainty and interdependence, which contributes to increases in relational turbulence. We evaluated these assumptions using data from 64 heterosexual married partners who experienced work‐related disruptions due to the COVID‐19 pandemic. Spouses completed a pre‐test survey, 10 weekly surveys, and a post‐test survey over 12 weeks from June to August 2020. Results from longitudinal actor‐partner interdependence models indicated that (a) wives' weekly stress corresponded positively with their own partner uncertainty, relationship uncertainty, and perceptions of partner interference, and (b) the magnitude of wives' stress spillover and husbands' change in relational turbulence were positively associated. Implications for RTT and research on stress spillover are discussed.
Transient Thermal Analysis of a Double Duct Solar Roof Chimney Coupled With a Scaled Room
Authors: Navarro J. M. A. , Vázquez-Ruiz A. , Hinojosa J. F. , Moreno S. , Maytorena V. M.
Published: August 2023

This research presents a detailed transient experimental and computational study of heat transfer and airflow in a scaled room linked with a double-duct vertical roof solar chimney (SC). The analysis was made in the coupled system, varying the heat flux supplied to the roof SC absorber during the day. Experimental temperature profiles were obtained at six different depths and heights, the empirical heat transfer coefficient was computed for the SC absorber, and the variation of air changes per hour was determined. A good agreement between experimental and numerical temperature profiles and average Nusselt number (Nut) is shown in the latter of average difference of 3.41%. The validated computational model was used to analyze the effect of the transient heating of the SC on temperature fields and flow patterns in the thermal system. Almost symmetrical temperature and y-velocity profiles are formed in the ducts at different hours of the day, with thermal boundary layers of about 4 mm. Correlations of the Nusselt number and air changes per hour (ACH) are provided as a function of the modified Rayleigh number.
Effect of Dehydroxylation on Tribological Performances of Synthetic Magnesium Silicate Hydroxide as Lubricant Additive
Authors: Zhang Hao , Zhang Chenhui
Published: August 2023

The heat-treated nanoparticle heat-treated magnesium silicate hydroxide (MSHH) was obtained based on the synthesis of lamellar nanoparticle magnesium silicate hydroxide (MSH) and analysis of thermal stability, and the morphology, phase composition, and chemical groups of nanoparticles were subsequently characterized. The heat treatment process induces partial dehydroxylation of MSHH, while preserving the layered structure. Compared with MSH, the tribological performances of MSHH as a lubricant additive have been greatly improved. The mechanical properties of MSH and MSHH are analyzed by calculation of elastic constants using density functional theory (DFT). The interactions among dispersant oleic acid (OA), nanoparticles (MSH and MSHH), and Fe tribopairs were investigated by simulations of classical molecular dynamics (CMD) from the views of adsorption energy and confined shear. The tribological mechanism of MSHH as a lubricant additive is proposed based on the decreased shear strength and weakened agglomeration.
A flexible omnidirectional rotating magnetic array for MRI-safe transdermal wireless energy harvesting through flexible electronics
Authors: Zhou Mingxing , Mao Sui , Wu Ziyue , Li Ya , Yang Zhen , Liu Xinyu , Ling Wei , Li Jiameng , Cui Bixiao , Guo Yu , Guo Rui , Huo Wenxing , Huang Xian
Published: August 2023

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)–safe implantable wireless energy harvester offers substantial benefits to patients suffering from brain disorders, hearing impairment, and arrhythmias. However, rigid magnets in cutting-edge systems with limited numbers of rotation axis impose high risk of device dislodgement and magnet failure. Here, a flexible omnidirectional rotating magnetic array (FORMA) and a flexible MRI-safe implantable wireless energy-harvesting system have been developed. Miniaturized flexible magnetic balls 1 millimeter in diameter achieved by molding three-dimensional printed templates can rotate freely in elastomer cavities and supply a magnetic force of 2.14 Newtons at a distance of 1 millimeter between an implantable receiver and a wearable transceiver. The system can work stably under an acceleration of 9
g
and obtain a power output of 15.62 decibel milliwatts at a transmission frequency of 8 megahertz. The development of the FORMA may lead to life-long flexible and batteryless implantable systems and offers the potential to promote techniques for monitoring and treating acute and chronic diseases.
Versatile multicontact planning and control for legged loco-manipulation
Authors: Sleiman Jean-Pierre , Farshidian Farbod , Hutter Marco
Published: August 2023

Loco-manipulation planning skills are pivotal for expanding the utility of robots in everyday environments. These skills can be assessed on the basis of a system’s ability to coordinate complex holistic movements and multiple contact interactions when solving different tasks. However, existing approaches have been merely able to shape such behaviors with hand-crafted state machines, densely engineered rewards, or prerecorded expert demonstrations. Here, we propose a minimally guided framework that automatically discovers whole-body trajectories jointly with contact schedules for solving general loco-manipulation tasks in premodeled environments. The key insight is that multimodal problems of this nature can be formulated and treated within the context of integrated task and motion planning (TAMP). An effective bilevel search strategy was achieved by incorporating domain-specific rules and adequately combining the strengths of different planning techniques: trajectory optimization and informed graph search coupled with sampling-based planning. We showcase emergent behaviors for a quadrupedal mobile manipulator exploiting both prehensile and nonprehensile interactions to perform real-world tasks such as opening/closing heavy dishwashers and traversing spring-loaded doors. These behaviors were also deployed on the real system using a two-layer whole-body tracking controller.
Phosphoproteomics of patient-derived xenografts identifies targets and markers associated with sensitivity and resistance to EGFR blockade in colorectal cancer
Authors: Beekhof Robin , Bertotti Andrea , Böttger Franziska , Vurchio Valentina , Cottino Francesca , Zanella Eugenia R. , Migliardi Giorgia , Viviani Marco , Grassi Elena , Lupo Barbara , Henneman Alex A. , Knol Jaco C. , Pham Thang V. , de Goeij-de Haas Richard , Piersma Sander R. , Labots Mariette , Verheul Henk M.W. , Trusolino Livio , Jimenez Connie R.
Published: August 2023

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is a well-exploited therapeutic target in metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). Unfortunately, not all patients benefit from current EGFR inhibitors. Mass spectrometry–based proteomics and phosphoproteomics were performed on 30 genomically and pharmacologically characterized mCRC patient–derived xenografts (PDXs) to investigate the molecular basis of response to EGFR blockade and identify alternative drug targets to overcome resistance. Both the tyrosine and global phosphoproteome as well as the proteome harbored distinctive response signatures. We found that increased pathway activity related to mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) inhibition and abundant tyrosine phosphorylation of cell junction proteins, such as CXADR and CLDN1/3, in sensitive tumors, whereas epithelial-mesenchymal transition and increased MAPK and AKT signaling were more prevalent in resistant tumors. Furthermore, the ranking of kinase activities in single samples confirmed the driver activity of ERBB2, EGFR, and MET in cetuximab-resistant tumors. This analysis also revealed high kinase activity of several members of the Src and ephrin kinase family in 2 CRC PDX models with genomically unexplained resistance. Inhibition of these hyperactive kinases, alone or in combination with cetuximab, resulted in growth inhibition of ex vivo PDX-derived organoids and in vivo PDXs. Together, these findings highlight the potential value of phosphoproteomics to improve our understanding of anti-EGFR treatment and response prediction in mCRC and bring to the forefront alternative drug targets in cetuximab-resistant tumors.
Post-rift magmatism controlled by detachment faults in a microplate, northwestern South China Sea
Authors: Wang Chang , Sun Qiliang , Morley Christopher K. , Huang Haibo
Published: August 2023

Post-rift magmatism along continental margins is usually focused on highly stretched basins or aborted rifts. Adjacent microplates with relatively thick lithosphere are not expected to exhibit intense post-rift magmatism. This study identifies 20 mounded structures and associated pathways using two-dimensional, multichannel seismic data and ocean bottom seismometer (OBS) data across the southeastern Xisha Massif of the northwestern South China Sea. This massif is a relatively thick (>20 km) region of crust that forms a microplate between two rift branches. The mounded structures are interpreted as volcanoes, based on their seismic reflections and morphological characteristics. Detachment faults that extend into the middle crust captured the magma and provided pathways for vertical migration. During the rise of magma into the sedimentary stratum, detachment faults still served as the main channels of magmatic migration. The rigidity differences between the basement and the overlying sediments, as well as the stress field, facilitated subordinate pathways for magmatic migration, particularly at the depocenters and flanks of half-grabens. Consequently, larger volcanoes are present above the basement highs, while smaller volcanoes are located in the centers of half-grabens. This study provides criteria for identifying submarine mounded structures of different origins that are applicable beyond the study area. Moreover, this study highlights that detachment faults play a key role in the volcanic systems of the relatively rigid microplates of heterogeneous crustal structure. It also promotes our understanding of post-rift magmatism and the dynamic evolution of continental margins, and the results could be applicable to other areas with similar geological settings.
Supplemental Material: The eight architectural zones of nonmarine basins
Authors: Loughney Katharine M. , Holland Steven M.
Published: August 2023

Animations S1–S14: Trajectories of the Dead Sea Basin (S1), Death Valley (S2), Owens Valley (S3), Lake Malawi Basin (S4), Lake Tanganyika Basin (S5), Lake Turkana Basin (S6), Lake Lahontan Basin (S7), Lake Bonneville Basin (S8), Lake Baikal Basin (S9), Española Basin (S10), Paso del Sapo Basin (S11), Greater Green River Basin (S12), Hanna Basin (S13), and Rock Springs Basin (S14). Table S1: Data used for hypothetical basin trajectories in Figure 8. Table S2: Sediment-accumulation rates (SAR) for each division of the basins in Figures 9–12, Animations S1–S16, and Table 3. Table S3: Subsidence rates for each division of the basins in Figures 9–12, Animations S1–S16, and Table 3. Accommodation calculated with Backstripper (Holland, 2021). Table S4: Water balance estimates from lake level and outcrop area for each division of basins in Figures 9–12, Animations S1–S16, and Table 3. Table S5. Data used to calculate sediment-accumulation rates (SAR) and subsidence rates for stratigraphic columns in Figure 13. References Cited: Literature sources used to compile information in Tables S2–S4. Item S1: R code to transform data, code to plot Figures 9, 10, 12, 13, and Animations S1–S16. Item S2: Data file of basin names, sedimentation rates, subsidence rates, and water balance estimates used to make Figures 9, 10, 12, 13, and Animations S1–S16. Item S3: Data file of hypothetical basin type, sedimentation rates, subsidence rates, and water balance estimates used to make Figure 8. Item S4: Data file of columns, sedimentation rates, and subsidence rates used to make Figure 13. 
Detection bias in open-label trials of anticancer drugs: a meta-epidemiological study
Authors: Funada Satoshi , Luo Yan , Kataoka Yuki , Yoshioka Takashi , Fujita Yusuke , Yoshida Shinya , Katsura Morihiro , Tada Masafumi , Nishioka Norihiro , Nakamura Yoshiaki , Ueno Kentaro , Uozumi Ryuji , Furukawa Toshi A
Published: August 2023

Objectives

In anticancer clinical trials, particularly open-label trials, central reviewers are recommended to evaluate progression-free survival (PFS) and objective response rate (ORR) to avoid detection bias of local investigators. However, it is not clear whether the bias has been adequately identified, or to what extent it consistently distorts the results. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the detection bias in oncological open-label trials by confirming whether local investigators overestimate the PFS and ORR compared with the findings of central reviewers.

Design

Meta-epidemiological study.

Data sources

MEDLINE via PubMed from 1 January 2010 to 30 June 2021.

Eligibility criteria for selecting studies

Open-label, parallel-group superiority, randomised trials of anticancer drugs that adjudicated PFS or ORR by both central reviewers and local investigators.

Review methods

We assessed the values for the same outcome (PFS and ORR) adjudicated by both central reviewers and local investigators. A random-effects model was used to estimate the ratio of HR (RHR) for PFS and the ratio of OR (ROR) for ORR between central reviewers and local investigators. An RHR lower than 1 and an ROR higher than 1 indicated an overestimation of the effect estimated by local investigators.

Results

We retrieved 1197 records of oncological open-label trials after full-text screening. We identified 171 records (PFS: 149 records, ORR: 136 records) in which both central reviewers and local investigators were used, and included 114 records (PFS: 92 records, ORR: 74 records) for meta-analyses. While the RHR for PFS was 0.95 (95% CI 0.91 to 0.98), the ROR of ORR was 1.00 (95% CI 0.91 to 1.09). The results remained unchanged in the prespecified sensitivity analysis.

Conclusions

This meta-epidemiological study found that overestimation of local investigators has a small impact on evaluating PFS and ORR in oncological open-label trials. However, a limitation of this study is that it did not include data from all trials; hence, the results may not fully evaluate detection bias. The necessity of central reviewers in oncological open-label trials needs to be assessed by further studies that overcome this limitation.

Trial registration number

CTR-UMIN000044623.
Spiritual and religious aspects influence mental health and viral load: a quantitative study among young people living with HIV in Zimbabwe
Authors: Wüthrich-Grossenbacher Ursula , Mutsinze Abigail , Wolf Ursula , Maponga Charles Chiedza , Midzi Nicholas , Mutsaka-Makuvaza Masceline Jenipher , Merten Sonja
Published: August 2023

Introduction

The role of religion and spirituality as social determinants of health has been widely discussed. Studies among people living with HIV describe positive and negative influences of religion and spirituality on health outcomes. With a HIV prevalence of 14.8% for females and 8.6% for males, and 22 000 AIDS-related deaths in 2020, HIV infection remains a life-threatening condition in Zimbabwe, especially in young people. The aim of this research was to measure the influence of religion and spirituality on the health outcomes of young people living with HIV in Zimbabwe.

Methods

A quantitative questionnaire with three different validated measures of religion and spirituality (Belief into Action Scale, Brief Religious Coping Index, Religious and Spiritual Struggles Scale), demographic, cultural, behavioural and health questions was administered to 804 young Zvandiri programme clients in rural, urban and peri-urban Zimbabwe between July and October 2021. Regression analysis established significant relations between the result of the three different measures and mental health and viral load results.

Results

Religious coping significantly reduced the probability of common mental disorder, while high religious activity increased the risk. The Religious and Spiritual Struggles Scale proved to be a reliable indicator of higher viral loads, risk for treatment failure and the probability of common mental disorder.

Conclusions

All three measures of religion and spirituality related to health outcomes. More research is needed to generalise and further explore these findings. Because the Religious and Spiritual Struggles Scale was a strong indicator for both, higher viral loads and common mental disorder, we suggest that it should be used and validated in other sub-Saharan contexts. It could serve as a new diagnostic tool for the early detection and prevention of treatment failure as well as of common mental disorder.
Ten-year real-world outcomes of antivascular endothelial growth factor therapy in neovascular age-related macular degeneration using pro re nata regimen
Authors: Hujanen Pekko , Ruha Heikki , Lehtonen Eemil , Pirinen Inka , Huhtala Heini , Vaajanen Anu , Syvänen Ulla , Tuulonen Anja , Uusitalo-Järvinen Hannele
Published: August 2023

Background/aims

To analyse long-term outcomes of antivascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) therapy for the treatment of neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) using pro re nata (PRN) regimen in a single-centre clinical practice.

Methods

All patients receiving intravitreal injection (IVI) for nAMD between 1 January 2008 and 31 December 2020 were searched from electronic medical records. All 3844 treatment-naïve eyes of 3008 patients were included with a total of 50 146 IVIs (87% bevacizumab) administered. Main outcome measures were mean change in visual acuity (VA) from baseline, proportion of eyes within 15 letters of baseline, proportion of eyes with VA ≥20/40 Snellen and ≤20/200 Snellen, number of annual visits and number of annual IVIs.

Results

The mean baseline VA was 55 Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) letters and the mean change in VA from baseline was +2, +2, ±0, –2, −2 and −4 ETDRS letters at year 1, 2, 3, 5, 7 and 10, respectively. Proportions of eyes within 15 letters of baseline were 88%, 87%, 82%, 80%, 76% and 72% at the end of years 1, 2, 3, 5, 7 and 10, respectively. The median number of annual IVI was 6 at years 1–7 and 5 at year 10. The median number of annual total visits was 10 at year 1, 9 at years 2–7 and 8 at year 10, respectively.

Conclusions

VA was maintained short-term and long-term with anti-VEGF therapy using PRN treatment regimen.
Prevalence and impact of recreational drug use in patients with acute cardiovascular events
Authors: Pezel Théo , Dillinger Jean-Guillaume , Trimaille Antonin , Delmas Clément , Piliero Nicolas , Bouleti Claire , Pommier Thibaut , El Ouahidi Amine , Andrieu Stéphane , Lattuca Benoit , Rossanaly Vasram Reza , Fard Damien , Noirclerc Nathalie , Bonnet Guillaume , Goralski Marc , Elbaz Meyer , Deney Antoine , Schurtz Guillaume , Docq Clemence , Roubille Francois , Fauvel Charles , Bochaton Thomas , Aboyans Victor , Boccara Franck , Puymirat Etienne , Batisse Anne , Steg Gabriel , Vicaut Eric , Henry Patrick
Published: August 2023

Objective

While recreational drug use is a risk factor for cardiovascular events, its exact prevalence and prognostic impact in patients admitted for these events are not established. We aimed to assess the prevalence of recreational drug use and its association with in-hospital major adverse events (MAEs) in patients admitted to intensive cardiac care units (ICCU).

Methods

In the Addiction in Intensive Cardiac Care Units (ADDICT-ICCU) study, systematic screening for recreational drugs was performed by prospective urinary testing all patients admitted to ICCU in 39 French centres from 7 to 22 April 2021. The primary outcome was prevalence of recreational drug detection. In-hospital MAEs were defined by death, resuscitated cardiac arrest, or haemodynamic shock.

Results

Of 1499 consecutive patients (63±15 years, 70% male), 161 (11%) had a positive test for recreational drugs (cannabis 9.1%, opioids 2.1%, cocaine 1.7%, amphetamines 0.7%, 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) 0.6%). Only 57% of these patients declared recreational drug use. Patients who used recreational drugs exhibited a higher MAE rate than others (13% vs 3%, respectively, p<0.001). Recreational drugs were associated with a higher rate of in-hospital MAEs after adjustment for comorbidities (OR 8.84, 95% CI 4.68 to 16.7, p<0.001). After adjustment, cannabis, cocaine, and MDMA, assessed separately, were independently associated with in-hospital MAEs. Multiple drug detection was frequent (28% of positive patients) and associated with an even higher incidence of MAEs (OR 12.7, 95% CI 4.80 to 35.6, p<0.001).

Conclusion

The prevalence of recreational drug use in patients hospitalised in ICCU was 11%. Recreational drug detection was independently associated with worse in-hospital outcomes.

Clinical trial registration

NCT05063097.
Material-specific interpretation of the state parameter from drained cone penetration test
Authors: Mozaffari Mohammad , Ghafghazi Mason
Published: August 2023

The Cone Penetration Test (CPT) is a widely used site investigation tool due to its accuracy and wealth of data at a relatively low cost. Virtually all CPT interpretations explicitly or implicitly depend on how the in-situ state parameter is correlated to the tip resistance. Accurate interpretation of the state parameter from CPT is the basis for evaluating strength and liquefaction susceptibility of granular soils. The handful of interpretation methods used in the industry range between empirical and semi-empirical. As is the case for all empirical methods, extrapolating these methods outside of the original database, especially to significantly different soils such as silt-rich tailings, brings about significant risk. This paper presents a new method of interpreting the state parameter from a fully validated model of the cone penetration in sand. The method has no empirical elements and produces soil-specific correlations between the tip resistance and the state parameter. It can be easily implemented in a spreadsheet and does not require complicated analyses. The method differentiates among soils through calibration of a critical state based constitutive model, Norsand, through triaxial compression tests. The potential errors induced by not measuring soil properties are quantified.
Sonification of a juggling performance using spatial audio
Authors: Leischner Vojtěch , Husa Pavel
Published: August 2023

We developed a new musical instrument by equipping juggling balls with accelerometers, gyroscopes, and WiFi sensors. The system measures acceleration and rotation, allowing us to distinguish between ball movement and static states. We can determine the direction of each throw based on the acceleration data.

A movement-driven instrument animates the virtual audio source position based on the throw direction. A different synthesizer is assigned to each ball, resulting in a synesthetic experience. The system integrates the juggling patterns simulator with OSC and MIDI API, allowing real-time rhythm generation and composition.
Fine Motor Skills
Authors: Elran Sharan R. , Harel Yuval , Zoran Amit R.
Published: August 2023

Our concept of a digital spirit refers to the agency of technology in the creative process and the potential to use it as an autonomous agent that both influences and participates in the artistic process. By attributing a digital spirit, we are able to have a more collaborative and interactive relationship with technology, where the role of the artist is to guide and direct the design rather than fully control it. In this work, we extend the autonomy of this spirit to allow the machine and the material to interact freely and generate forms independently from our will. In this new approach to digital fabrication, we transform a deterministic mechanical procedure into a creative exploration. Rather than designing traditional machine operations, we propose machine-material operations tailored for a specific material context. As a test case, we show a digital agent that manipulates clay while allowing the material's internal dynamics to play a dominant role in the finalization of the design. Through this machine-material interaction, we are able to generate an abundance of forms and complexity that would be impossible to create by hand or through traditional programming. It exposes an untapped expressive potential of digital tools that is made possible by operating digital machines outside the paradigm of tight control.
Missing Participants, Missing Markets, and the Social Discount Rate: Borrowing Constraints, Intergenerational Transfers, Altruism, and the Desire for Legacy
Authors: Caplin Andrew , Leahy John
Published: August 2023

Market interest rates reflect the preferences of market participants. When market participants are missing, the average discount rate in the population may therefore differ from the market rate. Missing current market participants, such as constrained borrowers, tends to imply an average discount rate that is above the market rate, whereas missing future market participants, such as future generations, tends to imply an average rate below the market rate. Nonetheless, a government with the ability to transfer wealth intratemporally across agents will generally wish to use the market interest rate as a guide to policy. One robust argument for the use of a lower social discount rate is intrapersonal: Future selves discount the past, whereas current selves discount the future. Legacy utility may also justify a low social discount rate.
Targeting Efferocytosis in Inflammaging
Authors: Poon Ivan K.H. , Ravichandran Kodi S.
Published: August 2023

Rapid removal of apoptotic cells by phagocytes, a process known as efferocytosis, is key for the maintenance of tissue homeostasis, the resolution of inflammation, and tissue repair. However, impaired efferocytosis can result in the accumulation of apoptotic cells, subsequently triggering sterile inflammation through the release of endogenous factors such as DNA and nuclear proteins from membrane permeabilized dying cells. Here, we review the molecular basis of the three key phases of efferocytosis, that is, the detection, uptake, and degradation of apoptotic materials by phagocytes. We also discuss how defects in efferocytosis due to the alteration of phagocytes and dying cells can contribute to the low-grade chronic inflammation that occurs during aging, described as inflammaging. Lastly, we explore opportunities in targeting and harnessing the efferocytic machinery to limit aging-associated inflammatory diseases.
Understanding the Structural Properties and the Stability of the Solid Electrolyte Material Li4PS4I with First-Principles Simulations
Authors: Al-Qawasmeh Ahmad , Benchafia El mostafa , Abedrabbo Sufian
Published: August 2023

In this study, First-Principles simulations were utilized to investigate the structural characteristics and address some of the stability issues of the solid electrolyte material Li4PS4I. The computational results indicate that unlike most ion-conducting systems, Li4PS4I does not exhibit a fully ordered phase that is stable at ambient conditions. Instead, the material prefers a disordered configuration at room temperature, and the configurational entropy arising from the disordered nature of the material plays a critical role in stabilizing the material. Additionally, a plausible metastable fully ordered phase of the material was identified, which was used to examine the structural properties and interface stability with Li anode of the material. Our analysis of the interface stability revealed that Li4PS4I is likely to react with Li anode, but the reaction is limited to the surface layers of the material. Furthermore, the comparison of the idealized interfaces with Li anode of Li4PS4I with the analogue γ − Li3PS4 suggests that less P-S bonds are broken for Li4PS4I, which is attributed to the presence of Iodine on the surface. This finding supports the argument that the incorporation of Lithium iodine into sulfide-based electrolytes enhances their stability when in contact with a Li anode.
Multiple Sclerosis and Suicide Attempts: A Review including a Meta-Analysis of Prevalence
Authors: d’Andrade Trine Banke , Larsen Christina Petrea , Stenager Egon , Stenager Elsebeth Nylev , Christiansen Erik
Published: August 2023

Background. Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune inflammatory demyelinating disorder, and persons diagnosed with multiple sclerosis have a shorter life expectancy than the general population. Recent meta-analyses have examined the association between MS and suicide and between MS and suicidal ideation. The objective of the present review was to examine if MS is associated with a higher risk of suicide attempt. We hypothesised that MS patients were at increased risk of suicide attempts. Methods. Four databases (PubMed including MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, and PsycINFO) were searched systematically for studies assessing the risk of attempted suicide in people with MS. Eligibility criteria were studies designed as cohort, case-control, or cross-sectional studies with attempted suicide as the outcome and published in English. Lifetime prevalence of suicide attempt was calculated through a meta-analysis, and the results were presented as a forest plot. Sensitivity analyses were used to investigate the heterogeneity among studies. Results. 13 studies were identified from 533 records, providing a total population of 50,004 participants of whom 599 had attempted suicide. The weighted overall prevalence of suicide attempts among people with MS was 0.04 (95% CI 0.02-0.06) with a Cochran’s

Q

value of 591.05, which rejected the null hypothesis of homogeneous studies. The performed sensitivity analysis resulted in an

I

2

of 81% as the lowest possible value, which still indicated a high level of heterogeneity. Conclusion. To our knowledge, this is the first study to examine the association between MS and suicide attempts in a meta-analysis. The results suggest a significant association between MS and suicide attempts. However, the small number of the included studies and the heterogeneous nature of these studies indicate a need for more studies based on more homogeneous samples.
Colquhounia Root Tablet Promotes Autophagy and Inhibits Apoptosis in Diabetic Nephropathy by Suppressing CD36 Expression In Vivo and In Vitro
Authors: Li Han , Wang Baiju , Wu Changbao , Xie Dandan , Li Jizhen , Wang Na , Chen Hanwen , Liu Lei
Published: August 2023

Background/Aims. Accumulating clinical evidence suggests that Colquhounia root tablet (CRT) has the potential to alleviate diabetic nephropathy (DN); however, the exact mechanism of action remains unclear. Here, we report the effects of CRT administration on apoptosis and autophagy and attempt to elucidate the underlying mechanisms in vivo and in vitro. Methods. Rat models of DN were established using streptozotocin (STZ). The primary metabolic parameters were assessed. The pathological changes of the rat kidney were investigated, and RNA sequencing was performed for each group. Renal tissue apoptosis was detected using the TUNEL assay. In rats and high glucose- (Hg-) induced HK-2 cells, RT-qPCR and western blot were used to analyze the expression of related genes and proteins. Hg medium was used to establish the diabetic kidney environment. The CCK-8 assay and flow cytometry were used to assess cell viability and apoptosis, respectively. Transmission electron microscopy was used to evaluate autophagy in vitro. Results. CRT treatment significantly reduced albuminuria and renal tissue damage in DN rats. Furthermore, CRT administration inhibited apoptosis and promoted autophagy in DN rat kidney tissues. CRT downregulated CD36 expression and activated the adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling pathway in DN rat kidney tissues. CRT intervention inhibited Hg-induced apoptosis and reversed autophagy in HK-2 cells. Moreover, overexpression of CD36 suppressed the beneficial effects of CRT. Conclusions. Our study is the first to report that CRT inhibited apoptosis and promoted autophagy in vivo and in vitro, which was achieved by reducing CD36 expression and activating the AMPK pathway. Therefore, CRT may be an effective drug to treat DN.
Impact of Nurse Manager Leadership Styles on Work Engagement: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Alluhaybi Amal , Wilson Amanda , Usher Kim , Durkin Joanne
Published: August 2023

Aims. This systematic review aimed to identify, evaluate, and synthesise the results of the studies that examine the relationship between nurse managers’ leadership practices and staff nurses’ work engagement in hospital settings and to provide recommendations for improvement and further research. Background. A lack of supportive leadership is identified as one of the most common reasons nurses leave employment. To meet the global shortage of nurses, nurse managers need to maximise staff retention and work engagement. Evaluation. A systematic review was conducted to identify research published between 2010 and 2021 and registered in PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Embase, EMCare, and Eric databases. The methodology guidelines outlined in the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Methodology for Systematic Reviews were followed, and the results were reported using the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. The review protocol was registered with PROSPERO (ID CRD42021277463). Key Issue. Eleven (11) studies from 12 articles were included in this review. Three main leadership style themes were identified, and these showed statistically significant direct and indirect relationships with nurses’ work engagement: relationally focused, task-focused, and lack of leadership. Work engagement was mainly assessed in terms of dedication, absorption, and vigour. The effects of leadership styles on work engagement were found to be mediated by trust in the leader, environmental resources such as structural empowerment, six work-life areas (workload, control, values, community, rewards, and fairness), person-job fit, organisational support, leader-member exchange, and personal resources such as self-efficacy and decision authority. Conclusion. This review found a significant correlation between positive nurse manager leadership style and the work engagement of registered nurses. Implications for Nursing Management. The results of this review suggest that nursing work engagement can be improved by implementing relational leadership behaviours. The findings of this review will be useful for developing appropriate nurse leaders’ leadership styles, improving their workplace environments, and planning leadership training. It is essential to acknowledge the indirect effects of nurse leaders’ leadership styles and their mediating factors on work engagement while developing interventions for staff nurses.